Book picks similar to
Thickums by Blake Karrington


summer
tbr
urban-ebooks
african-american-fiction

Superstar Billy Graham: Tangled Ropes


Billy Graham - 2006
    Too sweet to be sour!" Despite years of devastating health issues (a long history of drug abuse led to a liver transplant in 2002), the man regarded as one of the most influential professional wrestlers of the past thirty years still flaunts the same optimism that made his interviews as compelling as his matches. In "Tangled Ropes," his autobiography, Graham remembers his victories -- and his setbacks -- on both the wrestling and the evangelism circuits in vibrant detail.At his core, Graham is still Wayne Coleman, the artistic, curious boy who escaped the wrath of his disabled father in post-war Phoenix through painting, sports, and bodybuilding.When his photo appeared in a bodybuilding magazine, the young man caught the attention of a family in Texas who began praying for his soul. Soon, Wayne found religion at a revival meeting, then mortified his parents as he left home to bend steel, rip phone books in half, and preach the Gospel on the back roads of America.Because of his natural athleticism, Wayne held a series of jobs -- from bouncer to boxer, from repo man to football player. However, it was under the training of the "Mentor of Mayhem," Stu Hart, that the wrestler was revealed. Then the fading headliner Dr. Jerry Graham bleached Wayne's hair blond and transformed him into an in-ring "brother." Still reverent of men of faith, Coleman became "Billy Graham," after the preacher. Graham completed the package with his golden tan and enormous "pythons," a succession of color-coordinated outfits and jive-talking -- a persona imitated by countless wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan and Jesse "The Body" Ventura.The Superstar's greatest wrestling achievement came in 1977, when he took the World Wide Wrestling Federation Championship from Bruno Sammartino. He held the prize for nearly a year -- the first wrestling villain to do so. But after he lost the title to wholesome Bob Backlund, Graham fell into a deep depression. He disappeared from the business, squandering his money and losing himself in a haze of drugs.In "Tangled Ropes" -- co-written with Keith Elliot Greenberg -- Superstar Billy Graham tells a story that transcends his life in the wrestling profession, offering candor, nostalgia, inspiration, and humor. Graham's narrative is supplemented by anecdotes from personalities like Vince McMahon, Jesse Ventura, Ivan Koloff, Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

A Life Stolen: My Father's Journey Through Alzheimer's


Vanessa Luther - 2014
    It’s an inside look into the day-to-day challenges facing not only the patient, but also the caregivers. For many years, her father exhibited signs of dementia, eventually becoming too significant to ignore. Everything culminated during an incident one night, after which her father was taken away, never to return to his home again. The disease changed him every day until he was a stranger. Then, it stole his life. Through the initial days at home to hospital stays, living in a memory care unit, rehab stints and eventually hospice care, this book reveals many of the struggles encountered while facing Alzheimer’s in a world not quite ready for it. It is based on actual events depicted exactly as they happened while travelling the heartbreaking and harrowing road through this horrific illness. Its purpose is to give guidance and insight to others caring for loved ones with this terrible affliction, whether it is in providing helpful information, feelings of support or simply words of encouragement. Most importantly, the hope is that it will make the road for others an easier one to travel. May the many tears in this journey be the fortitude that helps others deal with the adversity from this overwhelming disease.

Just Can't Get Enough


Cheris Hodges - 2007
    She gave it all up to gamble on her talent, and found success she'd never imagined as one of New York's hottest painters. But when she returns to her South Carolina hometown to care for her ailing father, she gets an even bigger surprise. That "bow-legged" neighbor's boy she used to play with has grown up into Darius McRae, a lawyer who gave up the D.C. fast-lane to get back to his roots. Now, Darius' dark-chocolate build and slow, easy smile are proving to be just as tempting as any city lights...The last thing Darius was looking for was a relationship. He'd been burned by too many women who put finance over romance--including his conniving ex-girlfriend Cortina. But Celina's sense of humor and unpretentious ways are igniting more than his passions. And when Cortina starts stirring up a mess of trouble, Darius will do whatever it takes to show Celina a home-grown love is a dream worth everything...

Summary and Analysis of A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrik Backman


Leopard Books - 2016
    It tackles hard questions while keeping things light with contemporary humor. Over the course of the story, a reader of any age will grow to like and relate to Ove. Furthermore, the non-linear timeline keeps the plot interesting and suspenseful. PLEASE NOTE: This is a Summary and Analysis of the book and NOT the original book. This companion includes the following: - Book Review - Character List - Summary of the Chapters - Discussion Questions - Analysis of Themes & Symbols This Analysis fills the gap, making you understand more while enhancing your reading experience.

Steps and Exes


Laura Kalpakian - 1999
    At Henry's House on Isadora Island, Celia has created a faux-family homestead, a testament to tradition. Personally, however, Celia's unconventional love life has kept Isadora Island entertained for a generation.Married only once and widowed at twenty-two, Celia has spent a lifetime preaching (and practicing) Unfettered Love, preferring unions free of matrimony, free of the ties that bind -- and can just as easily strangle. Despite all the domestic upheaval, she has acquired a large extended family of children, stepchildren, partners, and ex-partners. Generous and spirited, but notoriously stubborn, Celia nonetheless draws people into her arms and her home.When, much to Celia's dismay, her daughter Bethie announces her engagement, Celia reluctantly agrees to throw a lavish celebration. To this party she must invite everyone in her whole overextended family: her steps and exes, their current partners and starchy in-laws, as well as a host of island eccentrics. As the big day approaches, Celia senses impending disaster. But nothing prepares her for the fallout when the nuclear family explodes and she must reconstruct the past in order to transform the future.

Assassins & Mob Wives: Couples Retreat


Posey Parks - 2020
    One week on the road before we meet our husbands on a romantic retreat.Our husbands have one request...don't kill anyone.Hmm, can we obey and accept our sweet reward in Punta Cana?

Victoria's Secret (the Cartel Publications Presents)


Jason Poole - 2008
    She goes through a tragic childhood only to be found by a love she never knew existed. Babyface, the love of her life, changes her whole perspective of living by saving her from a world of turmoil only to walk her into a Hell of his own. Victoria s Secret is the most realistic story of today s new age pimping with a classy-thuggish style. It takes you on a journey through some of the harshest slums of our nation s capitol, Washington, D.C., and rushes you to some of the most talked about flamboyant night clubs in Atlanta, Georgia! Just when you thought it couldn t get any better, you ll travel through the gang infested streets of Chicago only to land a spot in the heart of one of the biggest Pimp Cities of the world, Memphis, Tennessee...the home of the infamous, Playa s Ball where every pimp dreams of becoming Pimp Of The Year . Victoria s Secret will command you as you read her story all through the pages of her diary. You ll go through mood swings of pain, joy, sadness, happiness, love and hate. You ll also fall in love with characters so real...they ll materialize right before your eyes only to leave you begging for more. The Skillful Pens Of Donald Goines & Iceberg Slim Have Arisen!

Crushed


Ivy Symone - 2018
    May seem inconsolable and difficult to recover from…Heartbroken. While living vicariously through her friends’ enviable relationships, Tanya has grown weary of the single life. After being friend-zoned by every man she grows close to, her son’s father’s sudden interest in her gives her an inkling of hope. Her friends disapprove and say Tyrell doesn’t want her; he only wants the lifestyle Tanya can afford him. Will she see what they see and curve him, or will her insecurities cause her to settle? With the way things stand between her and Eli, Cassie never knows what their status is on a day to day basis. After the birth of their son, Cassie thought things would only improve between them; however, she didn’t expect for her and Eli to end up in a co-parenting situation. They have differences that need to be worked out, but with a little conflict, it doesn’t seem that working things out will be in Cassie’s favor. What’s a girl to do? For the past few years, Jazmin’s world couldn’t be better. With the shameful pain of the past behind her, she has established a wonderful life with her husband, Jah. At this point, nothing strong enough could disrupt their union…Or could it? There’s some shocking news that may disturb the discord of her household if Jah ever decides to reveal it. What’s Jah keeping from his Juicy? You asked for an update, so here they are: the old gang from the Crush series and If You’re Willing. Can’t say that I didn’t warn you, but everything can’t remain peaches and cream forever. Enjoy though!

The Christina Lauren Getaway Collection: The Unhoneymooners, Twice in a Blue Moon, The Honey-Don't List


Christina Lauren - 2020
    She’s especially dreading being forced to spend the day with the best man (and her nemesis), Ethan Thomas. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning—except for Olive and Ethan—her sister’s free Hawaiian honeymoon is up for grabs. Agreeing to a temporary truce, Olive and Ethan head to Maui pretending to be newlyweds…but soon realize that pretending isn’t so hard, after all. In Twice in a Blue Moon, Tate Jones confesses her deepest secret—that she is the hidden child of a famous movie star—to her first love Sam Brandis. But when it becomes clear that her trust was misplaced, her world is shattered. Fourteen years later, Tate, now an up-and-coming actress, walks onto the set of her first big film and is shocked to find Sam there as well. Forced to confront the man who betrayed her, Tate wonders if “once in a lifetime” can come around twice. The Honey-Don’t List follows Carey Duncan—assistant to home remodeling gurus Melissa and Rusty Tripp—as she helps bring her bosses to superstardom with a new TV show and book. The only problem: America’s favorite couple despises each other. Meanwhile, James McCann, recently hired as an engineer for the Tripps, is trapped in a job he hates. Neither Carey nor James can afford to quit, so they agree to work together and keep their bosses’ secret for at least a few more weeks. But if they stop playing along—and start playing for keeps—they may have the chance to build something beautiful together. Charming, witty, and full of heart, this boxed set proves once again that “you can never go wrong with a Christina Lauren novel” (Entertainment Weekly).

Barbie & Benz: A Thug Love Story


Princess Diamond - 2020
    

Everybody Ain't Your Friend: An Urban Romance Thriller


Tanisha Stewart - 2021
    

The Dark Betrayal Trilogy


Nichole Chase - 2012
    All three books of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy combined into one volume.Mortal Obligation (Book 1): Ree will face the darkest form of betrayal before the year is out. Seventeen year old Ree McKenna has three goals: get through high school, convince her crush she is more than his best friend's little sister, and save money for college. Fate, though, has other plans for her. After the untimely death of her older brother, Ree is haunted by dreadful nightmares and terrifying visions. To make matters worse, Ree has started to suspect that something dangerous is stalking her from the shadows.A night full of frightening surprises leaves Ree with unsettling news. Gifted by the gods with unusual powers, she must devote herself to a battle that could very well lead to not only her death, but the demise of everyone she knows and loves. After all, Ree is the only mortal standing between the Earth and utter darkness.Mortal Defiance (Book 2): One short week turned Ree McKenna's life upside down. Not only does she have the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she still has to juggle homework, a job, and a curfew. While Ree tries to find her footing amidst the chaos, the Dark Ones and their champion are busy hunting down any humans that have a touch of the gods running through their veins. Allies have turned into foes, and enemies have become stronger.The world is growing darker, but the passion between Ree and two irresistible guys blazes hotter. Romantic ties from a past life will threaten to break Ree away from the love of her life and will cloud her judgment. In order to follow her heart, Ree will break rules put in place by the gods, risking her life and the lives of her friends in an act of Mortal Defiance.Immortal Grave (Book 3): While darklings ransack the city, Ree and her friends will learn the depth of the gods' manipulations. Unsure of who is really on their side, Ree must accept her destiny and assume the role of leader. The stakes are higher than they've ever been. Death is waiting for them in every shadowy corner. People will die, love will be tested, and the fate of the world will be decided--one way or the other.No more running.No more hiding.The final battle is here.

Short Erotica – Her Husband’s Affair: Erotica Wife (Adult books erotica Book 1)


Candy Girl - 2016
    Check out the details inside!  Book 1 - Her Husband's Affair Every naughty fantasy you have about a housewife has all been caught in this series! Check out some of the hottest wives on the block! They should be helping their kids with their homework but, they would rather work over some young stud! This EXTREME EROTICA SERIES has so much nasty, steamy sex-it is guaranteed to keep you busy! This is a book Contemporary romance collection that contains an explosion of STEAMY and INCREDIBLY SEXY stories sure to get your heart racing. 1. Filthy new series 2. Are you ready for this HOT and JUICY ride? 3. The ladies dirty forbidden secrets revealed He was so innocent—so pure and a freshman in college and off-limits—that all she wanted was to corrupt him. Leave him ruined for other women. But once he gets a taste of her. Once he hears her scream… … There’s nothing in the world that can stop him from making her his. WARNING: This book contains sexual assault (not graphic), strong language, and steamy/graphic sexual scenes. It describes the life and actions of a horny housewife. If any of these issues offend you, please do not read the book. No cliffhangers! The book is intended for readers over the age of 18. Here’s what you get! These ladies will definitely make you howl with delight. Erotica stories of hot backdoor action to get your motor running.  Book 2 - I Must Have Her Insatiable Wanda in her first double penetration scene! Bad Girls Candy explodes with hard pounding lust as Wanda and Laura reveal their naughty nympho obsessions. They go where good girls fear to tread, ready to take on the young, innocent big boy.  The Peeping Tom Here`s your chance to experience one of the hottest young brunettes in the biz! Sarah is at your disposal in this erotica story that features 3 rowdy romping` scenes. That`s 3 scenes of total sex and mayhem that will blow your mind to smithereens! So don`t waste any more time. Come and get a dose of Sarah today!  Book 4 – The Stripper's Stepson If you like them hot, sweet, and tight, then you're going to love what we're bringing to the table. We've got Pam and Tracey at your service and ready to pleasure young men in every way possible. These girls are the hottest stepmothers on your block that you've always wanted to discipline you. Order, "The Stripper's Stepson," They're sexy, they're hot, and they're waiting just for you!

Restraining Order 2: A Tragic Love


Ca$h - 2016
    With a loaded gun in his hand, he threatens to kill her, himself or them both. If Julz is able to escape this frightening nightmare, will she realize that continuing to love her psychotic boyfriend might cost her, her life? It’s been said that love conquers all but the deep rooted problems that haunted Choppa made it much too dangerous for Julz to hold on to that hope. In the past, her heart beat strongly for him and her body craved his touch entirely too much that a RESTRAINING ORDER hadn’t been able to keep them apart. So, what will happen? Will they finally find the happiness they seek with each other? Or will their story turn out to be A TRAGIC LOVE?

Summer Surrender


Sarah Morgan - 2012
    And when she accompanies the magnificent Italian to his Tuscan palazzo, Katie feels like a lamb facing a wolf… Relax in Rome Seeing Bethany Maguire one fateful night in Rome decked in captivating silk, billionaire Cristiano De Angelis indulges in a night of passion with the beauty. But Bethany is not a society heiress, born to a jet-set life…