Book picks similar to
Dear Bella by Mercy B.


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5-star-reads
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Neva Seen a Thug Cry


Tamala Cornish - 2015
    She lacked confidence and often shied away from everyone in the world except her grandmother and best friend, Noelle. The only time Simone isn’t afraid to shine is on the basketball court. Simone didn’t know the hidden beauty she possessed and probably never would have until she met Que. Que, a big-time drug dealer in the heart of Atlanta, had it made. He was handsome, wealthy and every nigga wanted to be him and every female wanted him. When he notices Simone, he makes up his mind that he has to have her. He brings out the best in Simone, all while keeping her a secret afraid of her interfering with his reputation. Will the unlikely pair find true love or will it lead to a devastating heartbreak?

Running from Love


Natisha Raynor - 2015
    Being a part of a dysfunctional family has left him with deep emotional scars and when it comes to women he loves them and leaves them...until he meets Serenity. Serenity is nursing a broken heart when she meets Intellect and her gut tells her not to get involved but her heart tells her otherwise. From the beginning they have a love hate relationship and have mastered the art of making up to break up. Will Intellect finally let down his guard and be the man that Serenity deserves or will she give up on him and move on with her life?

Kaine and Karma 3: Luvin' A Savage


Sha Jones - 2017
    With her dangerous outbursts and inability to let go of Kaine, she puts a new spin on the phrase "baby mama from hell!" Once she finds out that Karma is now expecting a child with Kaine, she turns up the heat on the beef that she has with Karma and wreaks havoc! Her level of rage is at an all time high, and she's now digging her cat claws deeper into Karma's flesh. In the midst of the drama, Kaine desperately tries to hold on to the undying love that he has for Karma while trying to keep Tameka under control, which seems almost impossible. After many intricate blocks and obstacles in Kaine and Karma's relationship, things start to get better, but their happiness comes to a screeching halt when the events cause abrupt changes in their lives. Secrets and lies pour out, and when an unexpected event bumrushes Karma like a speeding freight train, it hits Kaine where it hurts, sending him into a frenzy. The new beginning that Kaine and Karma planned together becomes a life and death situation, and with the odds stacked against him, Kaine has to make an unfortunate decision that will finally end all of the drama. In this last installment to Kaine and Karma's love story, there will be more scandal and infamy that will leave you gasping for air!

Adored By A New York Drug Lord


Tya Marie - 2018
    An endless bankroll, access to the latest designer clothes, and the envy of every chick on the block are all part of her fantasies when she meets Ward, an up and coming dope boy. When Ward stakes a claim to the beautiful Normani, she accepts without hesitation, a decision she makes without considering the consequences that comes with dating a dope boy. The lifestyle Ward provides is as lavish as Normani expects, but she soon pays the price for being a thug’s solace when she’s the victim of a botched murder-suicide. Unable to return home, Normani is sent to live with her estranged aunt in Brooklyn. It is there that Normani lays eyes on a shiny red Lamborghini with no idea that its owner was going to change her life for better and worse. Uriah “Urban” Mackenzie has always been held in a high esteem throughout the streets, and not because of his charismatic charm, deep chocolate eyes, and politician’s smile. Urban is the head of “The Trust,” a prestigious crime organization known for running guns, human trafficking, and funneling millions of dollars in cocaine throughout the East Coast. Urban leads The Trust with an iron fist, refusing to allow anyone to one up him lest they deal with his wrath. He has New York City in the palm of his hand, with everyone bending to his will, except a bold and brazen Normani. Love has never been on Urban’s radar—even with a longtime girlfriend on his arm—but Normani’s beautiful eyes and damaged smile pulls him in. Soon Urban finds that he's willing to risk the life and legacy he’s built to see if the grass is truly greener on the other side.

She Got A Thing For A Dope Boy 2


Tay Mo'Nae - 2018
    Josie should have listened. At the end of part one, she finally finds out J-Rocs secret. Feeling heartbroken and betrayed Josie decides it’s best to leave him alone and move on, but will it be that easy? J-Roc refuses to let her leave him and must try to get a handle on things before he loses Josie for good. Kyleigh’s left knocking on death's door after a horrible accident. Ice is stressed trying to be there for Kyleigh and trying to find the person who harmed her. He tries to change his ways but when situations out his control cause him to revert back to his dog ways, he has to decide if it’s worth it. Levi and Neveah can’t seem to get it right. Levi is battling the cops off him as well as his feelings for Neveah. With her family against her, Neveah has no one but Kyleigh to turn too. Levi’s hot and cold behavior pushes her into the arms of another man but will Levi allow her to be happy with someone other than him? The Feds are closing in, relationships are failing, and death is in the air. How will these couples survive the obstacles thrown their way?

She Gave Her Heart to The Realest


Yanni - 2017
    So when you find it you should keep it. Sometimes your knight in shining armor is wearing Timbs and some sweats. After finally graduating from high school and being accepted to the college of her dreams, Céline "Lala" Nixon, wasn't looking for love as much as she was looking for someone that she could trust. All she wanted besides success, was someone to be in her corner the way she'd always been for everyone else. That was until she met Kenzo. Constantly being showered with gifts, Lala thought Kenzo had changed her life for the better, but everything came with a price. Was Lala really prepared for the changes Kenzo brought to her life? Kenzo Chun was a well-known, well-respected businessman that wanted to have his cake and eat it too. His love for women began to cause turmoil in his life as he found himself in love with two women. Will his lies finally catch up with him and leave him alone? Nirvana was the true definition of a "ride or die" chick. Knowing that her fiancé was cheating on her, she still held him down. Her love for him and the lifestyle that he provided her motivated her to stick with him through it all. She was determined to one day be his wife and bare his children. To her, those other women didn't mean a thing since she was the one rocking the ring. But how much is too much for her to take when she learns that someone else has captivated her man's heart? Follow Lala in this twisted love story as she finally gives her heart to one of the "Realest" people she's ever met, or so she thought. Will she get that fairytale ending or will she be left broken hearted? Find out in this first installment of She Gave Her Heart To The Realest...

Happily Never After: A Forsaken Love


Genesis - 2018
    The lives of Kamden, Rocco, Madison and Taylor are forever changed the moment Rocco Washington and Madison Adams first laid eyes on one another. Rocco was instantly mesmerized by Madison’s beauty and there was no way he was going to leave without knowing her. Fully aware that Madison is the daughter of his uncle’s nemesis, nothing could deter him from her. Taylor Kinney has been hurt before and has every intention on treating men the way they treat women. Taking a break from her demanding job, she goes home to Dallas in search of a much needed break. With her rotation of men in tact, Taylor is looking for nothing more than fun. After her sister gets involved with Rocco Washington. she comes in contact with the handsome and slick talking Kamden Washington. Is Kamden the man that can tame the savage in Taylor? Kamden Washington is the son of Kenny Washington, a notorious drug dealer in the city of Dallas. Trying to step out of his father’s shadow and get away from the family business, Kamden becomes part owner of Club TRU; one of the hottest nightclubs in Dallas. Kamden has his own issues when it comes to women. He’s never been disrespectful but no woman has ever been on his level to make him want to settle down; that is until he comes in contact with the mysterious, dark beauty Taylor Kinney. Witness the moments in time which lead four individuals on a roller-coaster ride. What will happen when the children of enemies come together? Can a union of that sort bring two warring families together? Or will family secrets threaten to tear them apart? Find out in, Happily Never After.

I Can Only Love A Thug 3


Antoinette Sherell - 2019
    With a house full of innocent bystanders, and a daughter who she's more than willing to risk her life for, she has no choice but to deal with the man who changed her life and plagued her thoughts for years. Kiru is placed in a sticky situation when his kind heart lands him with Amanda possibility dead in his home. Unbeknownst to him, she is the least of his worries, and he still has someone around who's plotting to take him down. Indonesia's world is rocked when he learns the truth about his son. Luckily, he has Shreya to get him through the treacherous truth. However, when he finds out Shreya has a secret of her own, he's left wondering if love is worth the hurt that comes with it. Follow these couples as they work diligently toward the happily ever after that they're determined to have. With so many obstacles in their way, the road will be rough, but these men are more than willing to show their ladies why they can only love a thug such as themselves.

Chosen: A Street King's Obsession


Sunny Giovanni - 2016
    But one thing Ramone knows is that a hustler is nothing without a woman by his side, so he pushes him to find a rider to make his wife before he can take his place as a leader in the streets. Diego agrees for the sake of earning the position that he was born to take on but when he meets a certain woman, things don't quite turn out the way he planned it. Christina isn’t the least bit glamorous and doesn’t give money so much as a second glance. The only thing on her agenda is caring for her elderly mother and working to provide for them both without any help. Unfortunately, Ramone isn’t the only parent who wants the best for his child. Regina, Christina’s mother, urges her to try to win Diego's heart in order to solidify their happiness. Christina isn't having it but she later agrees but her mother's plan backfires. When Christina discovers that she's not the only one fighting to be by Diego's side, will she fight or will she fold? Can she make him see the good in having less and not too much? Or will Diego throw away any intention of marrying to stay the bachelor that he loves being? Though these questions are answered, there are just too many people who hold knives, ready to either stab Diego in the back for his money… or slit Christina’s throat for the title she’s striving to earn.

Put Me Back Together Again 2


Karma Monae - 2017
    At what point, do you walk away and realize that you want better for yourself, and if and when you do leave, how do you deal with the loss of that person who was supposed to be your best friend? Ashleigh and Matt are at a crossroads in their relationship; At witts end Ash stakes claim on her life refusing to allow Matt to continue his doggish ways, not with her at least. And even though Matt is content on making her life a living hell for leaving him, Ashleigh doesn’t let that stand in the way of her and the sexy Dr. Ryan from taking things to the next level. Janay and Insane just can’t seem to get it right. While dealing with the loss of her ex, Janay suffers a series of emotions in which Insane can’t seem to handle. With his pride in the way of his true feelings Insane puts his feelings in a bag, focusing on his money completely abandoning Nay, or so she felt. Nay finds herself, fighting against herself, and the one person who happens save her is the least she expected. In this much-anticipated sequel love and pride seems to constantly be battle, resulting in shattered promises. Do let the pieces lay, or are they able to ‘Put them back together again?

My Trap King Promised Me Forever 3


Ebony Diamonds - 2019
    Their mother, Heather, has done the unthinkable to their father, and the siblings must find a way to move on and keep their family together. Things have finally settled down for Princess and Priest, and they both look forward to a lifetime of bliss together. Through modern medicine, Princess finally has hope of becoming a mom, but when things don't work out as they'd hoped, the disappointment threatens to tear them apart. Now that Delasia and Vibe have found their way back to each other, their bond is stronger than ever but not without challenges. Eve is currently out of the picture, but she has skipped town with Vibe's daughter, and he will stop at nothing to get her back. Delasia's mother is back in her life, and she wants to make up for lost time, but everything isn't as it seems. Wessie continues to enjoy the life of a young boss filled with fast money and even faster women. Newly single, he has no plans to settle down until he encounters a young Queen who matches his boss status and player ways. Queen is like no woman Wessie has ever met, and she just might be too much.

From the Projects to a Rich Thug's Mansion 3


Sonovia Alexander - 2017
    Her love for Finesse is challenged along with her cohorts' loyalties and trust. Betrayal shows its ugly head from the ones she holds dear. She finally crosses paths with her mother and her vengeful stepfather, and now she is stuck with determining if she even wants her mother in her life and how far she wants to allow a relationship with her father. Swiss has managed to redirect the police and their investigation to another– but her enemies are still trying to bring her down. How much more is she willing to take before she explodes, seeks her quiet revenge, and retaliate in the most extreme manner? Best-selling author, Sonovia Alexander, keeps you on the edge of your seat as she comes to the end of this gripping series. Find out now if Swiss will meet her goals and survive the mayhem, betrayal, chaos, thug's rampage, and the bitchness that is at the forefront of her life!

Wifed Up by A cold Hearted Hustla


Khadijah J. - 2018
    Finally deciding enough is enough after losing the only person she held near her heart, she decided to leave her old life behind. Heading back to her hometown with her best friend, she finishes her career goals and celebrates a night out with her best friend in hopes to try something spontaneous. Only she got more than she bargained for. Tall, dark, handsome, and paid. Kojo was every woman’s dream and had been since he’d been in the streets. Putting them behind him, he ventures out to do something he’s always wanted to do, produce music. Not only does he start to produce, but he becomes a popular producer in the music industry. With more popularity, more women that flock, and the ones closest betray him, but he handles it accordingly. Thinking all women are the same, until he runs into a striking beauty at the club. Taking each other for a surprise, they both tried something out of their element only to yearn for the feelings they felt that night. Finally acting on what they feel for each other, they decide to take a step further than what was supposed to be a one-time thing. Only problem is, just when Janai thought her life was going great, a blast from the past decide to wreak havoc on her new journey. Kojo is no stranger to drama, so when chaos ignites, he goes back in guns blazing. Bodies will drop, blood will shed, and family will turn to foe and they will be left with one question, will Kojo and Tajanai’s love remain the same after the dust settles?

The Beautii Behind Magic: An Original Love Story


Kyoshi - 2015
    Beautii is left to fend for herself after her parents die, and her brother Jordin is sent to prison. With a baby to take care of and no one to depend on but herself, she starts working at a strip club. Lauren Green is Beautii’s best friend and one of the only people that she can count on. But Lauren has her own sordid past that has turned her heart cold. Disowned by her parent’s after revealing a scandalous secret, the only person she has to turn to is Beautii. Javian “Teach” McKnight is the head boss on the streets of Miami, and is as ruthless as they come. A night out with his home boys unexpectedly leaves him infatuated with Lauren. Never one to have been in love, he doesn’t know what to make of his feelings. Will they be good for each other? Or, is this relationship doomed from the start? Carter “Magic” McKnight is new to the Miami area, just moving there from Texas to be closer to his brother Teach. Left to raise his daughter on his own when his girlfriend disappeared without a trace, Miami is a good move for him. His first day in town he meets Beautii and is momentarily left speechless. Their lives are entangled and these four form bonds that can’t be broken. But things change when Beautii’s brother is released from prison. Someone is out to get Magic, but who? For Beautii things aren’t as they seem and a blast from the past is lurking in the shadows. Lies, deceit, secrets, murder and more come to light. Will bonds be broken or will these couples be able to stand the test of time?

Us Against Everybody: A Detroit Love Tale


Miss Candice - 2015
    Without notice, it creeps up on you and takes over every rational decision you make. Without thought, you’re willing to do whatever necessary to be with the one who’s stolen your heart. Even if that means risking your life, and being cut off from family in the process. And for Vice, that was a loss Storm was willing to take. After giving up on finding true love, the handsome and captivating, Vice crosses the threshold of Storm’s heart. As destiny would have it, the couple contributes glee and cherishing moments to each other lives –putting an end to the doubts surrounding their union. Nonetheless, naysayers and skeptics couldn’t be more furious of the doting couple. While the two are building one another up, their enemies are plotting to tear them down. Death, disloyalty, and animosity fuels the schemes against Storm and Vice, but the two aren’t going down without a fight.