Book picks similar to
Thuggz Valentine by Wahida Clark


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Kiss the Ring: An Urban Tale


Meesha Mink - 2014
    From the death of her parents when she was just eleven years old to when she found herself pregnant and alone at sixteen, Naeema has had to make her own way in the world. She gave up her son for adoption and became an apprentice at a barber shop, making just enough money to pay the bills and get high. She tried being a wife, but ultimately found that she and Tank, now her ex-husband, are better friends and occasional lovers than partners. Naeema prefers to be on her own; no responsibilities, no rules.But the sudden and brutal murder of Brandon, the son she never knew, forces Naeema to reconsider the way she has lived her life. Brandon was involved with a notorious band of Newark bank robbers, and Naeema is convinced his gang life was her fault. Desperate to avenge her son's death and determined to take justice into her own hands, Naeema becomes "Queen" as she infiltrates the gang to discover her boy's killer. But when she starts to fall for the leader of the crew, will she still have the resolve to do what must be done?Filled with gritty realism and unexpected plot twists, this page-turner will keep you guessing as Naeema struggles to do whatever it takes to right her wrongs.

Dead on Arrival


Kiki Swinson - 2018
    Now she detonates an explosive tale about a couple who can’t get enough—and a risk that will exact a merciless price . . .   Nobody will get hurt Dawn and Reese Spencer just can’t get ahead. Between her desperate desire to start a family  and his gambling debts, they barely keep afloat, even with well-paying Norfolk International port jobs. But their calculating co-worker has the perfect plan: help him smuggle containers of precious, illegal—human—cargo past U.S. Customs.   Nobody will know For Dawn, risking the innocent lives of undocumented immigrants is unthinkable. But Reese persuades her that no one will get hurt. And once things proceed without a hitch and a fortune starts rolling in, the Spencers are sure their dreams are about to come true . . .   Nobody will live to tell Until several immigrants turn up dead on arrival. Until Reese bets more than he can ever repay. Now the Feds and cold-blooded loan sharks are closing in . . . as the real brains behind the operation start killing off loose ends. And between love, lies, and revenge, it’s every betrayer for themselves—no matter how lethal the cost.

The Letter


Trae Macklin - 2011
    The Apology Letter written by Trae Macklin to his wife Tasha Macklin from the Thug Series by Wahida Clark

Guarding His Fake Family


Katie Knight - 2021
    Alisha Lewis, the sister of one of his squad mates, could be his key to his next bestseller—if their smoldering chemistry doesn’t get in the way. She’s sexy, smart and just happens to be an investigative reporter working on what might be the perfect story. After the adrenaline rush of a stakeout-gone-bad, they share a night of passion—one they both agree was a mistake. But that one night has lasting consequences when Alisha learns she’s pregnant.Alisha didn’t expect Simon to insist on staying near to keep her and the baby safe. But when an abduction happens on their doorstep, she's glad the towering SEAL is there to protect her, and their unborn child. Soon, they’re up to their necks in crooked cops, kidnappers, and the kidnap victim’s abandoned baby. Not to mention the red-hot passion that continues to flare between them.Worse yet? As they work to solve the mystery, Alisha realizes she’s starting to fall hard for the sexy SEAL. But will they be able to survive long enough to fall in love?

Treat Me Like Somebody


Nikki Simms - 2015
    In Jazmyn's case the bad outweighed the good .This isn't your ordinary love story. Jazmyn was in love with her boyfriend Prince of four years, but after the constant cheating and being his human punching bag, she is finally fed up. The only problem is she is too scared to leave. Prince is your average pretty boy type. The kind that thinks he can have any woman he wants just with the lick of his lips. He is deadly in love with Jazmyn and won't let nothing or no one get in his way or try to take his girl. That is until Justice Carter comes into the picture. Fresh out the pin and back home to claim what is rightfully his, Justice is a force to be reckoned with. While serving a four year bid, he left to his best friend Diesel who tried to take him for everything he made a name for. But with the help of his brother Harlem they make Diesel wish he never crossed him. Harlem is handling his business and locking down his brothers territory. He has another side to him that nobody wants to meet. After years in therapy, he learns how to control his anger. He is in love with a chick he thinks is too scared to love. But after realizing she's not the woman he thought she was, things get deadly. Samya and Jazmyn are best friends. With a mother as a crack head and a dead beat for a father, Jaz's mother Tuesday takes her in and raises her as her own. She is hard working and don't take no shit but is far from perfect herself. She has secrets and skeletons in her closet so big that she is to scared to tell anyone including Jaz. She is in love with Harlem but even he don't know about her past. Treat me like somebody is filled with drama and suspense. Secrets will be revealed and love will be tested. Will friendship get in the way or will love conquer all?

Unexpected Marriage: A Marriage Mistake Romance


Beverly Evans - 2020
    The worse part? I can’t even remember the night it happened. Weddings are supposed to bring people closer together. But for me, it ended with a breakup. I thought I was prepared for the unexpected. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. That was until my brother’s best friend walked back into my life. Beck, with his captivating blue eyes, and his tall military sculpted body. The most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. He's a self-made billionaire, that will do anything to keep me safe. Finding my marriage certificate in the mail, Then news of my pregnancy on the same day? I feel like I’m living in some crazy romance novel... If only I knew how to tell him about us and our baby. And if only things didn’t take a more terrible and unexpected turn. Now, I’m here being held hostage. Asking myself questions, wishing I had made different choices. Like… Why didn't I just listen to Beck? Or...Will Beck be able to rescue me before it’s too late?

The Diary of Nancy Grace


Starlette Summers - 2013
    Emotionally, physically and sexually abused by the hands of her own mother, revenge is looking bitter sweet as Nancy faces her own inner demons, one being her best friend.

Best Kept Secrets


Shelly Ellis - 2015
    But he should be most concerned about the scandalous affair Clarisse is having right under his nose—with his half-brother. Evan’s being pushed to the edge, and no one knows that better than Leila Hawkins…   Leila is back in Chesterton, divorced, penniless, and desperate enough to do anything to save her mother’s home from foreclosure—including turning to Evan, her former best friend. But Evan isn’t interested in friendship. Instead he makes Leila a shocking indecent proposal…   Meanwhile, Evan’s newlywed sister, Paulette, wants to be the perfect wife. But a blackmailing bad boy ex has reappeared in her life—and he’s threatening to reveal her most painful secret...   The scandals just won’t quit—and for everyone involved, desire, betrayal, and lies are all in a day’s work…

Her Secret Life


Tiffany L. Warren - 2017
    Warren novel I know I'm going to get two things--a riveting story and a faith boost!" -ReShonda Tate BillingsleyScarred by poverty and life with a crackhead mother, Onika Lewis had a rough start. Still, thanks to her sharp mind, and hard work, she graduated with honors from a prestigious college. But her achievements weren't enough to earn her the elite status she craved. So she leveraged her gorgeous looks to become a rich man's trophy...and was eventually dumped her for a younger model. Now Onika is unemployed, broke--and homeless. She's making a fresh start through a unique women's shelter, but when she meets Graham, a kind-hearted commuter with whom she has an instant connection, she can't bring herself to tell him her secret...Suddenly Onika has someone who cares about who she is beyond her looks. Graham's unselfish love gives her the kind of hope she's never had. But when Onika's wealthy ex wants her back, she plays one deception too many trying to have it all. Now present lies and past secrets are tearing her world apart. And Onika will need to educate herself once more--to learn what really matters, find faith, forgiveness--and build a life she truly deserves.Praise for Tiffany L. Warren's novels"Filled with love, betrayal, heartbreak and forgiveness." --Kimberla Lawson Roby on The Favorite Son"Highly entertaining. Captivating and compelling. Great book club option." --USAToday.com on The Replacement Wife"In a fine blend of suspense and inspirational fiction, Warren spins an entertaining tale about folks misbehaving behind the pulpit in a modern African American church." --Library Journal on The Pastor's Husband

Pretty Bright


Mimi Renee - 2011
    Playing on the hearts of bosses, ballers and shot callers, Bright doesn't hold back any punches to get what she feels is owed to her. She's beautiful on the outside, yet inside she reeks of pretty poison and hidden pain. Back-stabbing, lying, and conniving is her game plan for survival. But when life leaves her hanging on by a short rope, will anyone from her team be there to catch her before she falls? Or will they use the knife she left in their backs to sever all ties?

Wild Cherry


K'wan - 2013
    When Gina and Princess meet and realize that they share a common problem, they sent into motion an unforgettable plot that will solve all their problems…

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS HOUSE


ALEIA LATAY - 2017
    Joy, Jasmine and Jackson all endured some of the most twisted and wickedest things inside of their home. Growing up in a small town in the south by the name of Canton, Mississippi. There was a saying that kept the secrets hidden for years. When sudden death comes upon their father Jack. The three siblings reunite and all of the dark secrets finally comes to the light. The old saying goes What happens in this house stays in this house.

Lipstick Dom


T. Styles - 2014
    But when her younger sister discovers her in an uncompromising position, she uses the information as blackmail, making her world a living hell. Her burden grows when she falls in love with her best friend who is all about money, which Echo doesn’t have. After being rejected from her mother and first love, Echo goes away to find herself, resurfacing years later as a powerful drug boss with an insatiable sexual drive. Before long her BFF returns, married to a dangerous man with ulterior motives. Soon old feelings from the past bubble to the surface and Echo finds herself caught between two loves. One who is passive aggressive and the other who would do anything to maintain Echo’s heart, including kill. Lipstick Dom is for ladies who love ladies and T. Styles’ fans who appreciate a drama filled love story.

BLACKBONE


Caryn Lee - 2014
    Growing up for seventeen year old Ciara was hard. Dealing with a alcoholic Mother who physically, mentally, and verbally abused her. Being sent to live in a group home was only the beginning of another nightmare. That is until she meets Eric aka Smooth and he turns her life from shit to sugar. It's all good until the sweet turns bitter. Growing up to fast and living in the streets was fine with Jasmine. She didn't want to listen to anyone and loved to break rules. She later found out in life that all rules aren't meant to be broken. Stick and stones don't break her bones. Kelly was a small girl from the block who wasn't to be played with. She did what she had to do to survive. She meets Ant and he chills her heart. Things get hot and heavy when she has to deal with the consequences that comes with the lifestyle.

Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right


Brenda Hampton - 2007
    The search to find his fiances killer leads one man into a labyrinth of lies and deception in this pulse-pounding thriller.