Book picks similar to
The Streets Raised Me by Deyona "Yona" Pearson
goodreads
new-books
urban
The Hottest Summer Ever
Sai'jah St. James - 2017
After finding out about a possible adultery between his wife and best friend, Big Nate goes into a violent rage, seeking answers from his supposedly loyal wife. One thing leads to another during the midst of the quarrel, Big Nate ends up murdering his wife in front of his two young daughters, Summer and Serena, and then eventually turns the gun on himself. Witnessing the bloody murder-suicide before their young eyes proves to be extremely traumatic to the girls, especially Summer, the eldest. She quickly realizes that after her parents’ death, her and sister will be going off into an unknown, dark future and they have no one else to support them other than themselves. Relying on each other for love and comfort, the girls suddenly are thrown into the complicated and unsympathetic Illinois foster care system, hoping perhaps someone would come and rescue them. After months of praying, finally a generous, loving white family comes to the girl’s rescue. Summer who is reluctant at first, eventually gives in to the idea of being reared by white people. Months pass, and the two sisters seem to be adjusting well to their new life until one day out of the blue, their mysterious grandfather, Granddaddy Rev. Luther Gaines, suddenly comes to take his granddaughters out of the foster care system and brings them back to the inner city where now the girls are forced to adjust to a completely new reality – Grand Boulevard Towers, the most dangerous housing project in the entire city of Chicago. Summer, who’s all out defiant, initially tries to fight against the abrupt change, but finds herself going up against a formidable, dark, oppressive foe – her strict, religious and overpowering grandfather. After using his brute force to discipline the girl into submission, Summer caves in and now is forced to adapt to this new hellish ghetto reality. She has to adjust to a new school, meet new friends and also deal with the tribulations of bullying, sexual harassment and other woes plaguing her surroundings. Summer, looking for a way out, eventually gets keen to her surroundings and has a plan to leave the projects. One event leads to another, Summer eventually discovers a deep and dark hidden secret about her so-called religious grandfather that eventually changes her perception about her life. This secret uproots everything she assumed to be true about her mother and father. Now armed with information regarding the bizarre circumstances surrounding her parents’ death, Summer goes on a mission to exact revenge. However, the mission will try her in so many ways that it even threatens to change her completely into a person she’d never thought she’d become -- a coldblooded, ruthless killer. Read more about Summer’s coming of age story in “The Hottest Summer Ever”.
More Than Just His Mistress: An Urban Romance
M. Skye - 2017
Skye is an urban love story elicits so many emotions as you dive into the lives of Elizabeth “Liz” and Cedric Harvey. ***** “What happens when you go from main chick to mistress status? Elizabeth Pearson found herself submerged in these reversed roles, and after fifteen years of marriage and one year of divorce, Cedric Harvey delivered the devastating news that he was now married to the woman he cheated on Liz with, Felicia. Feeling distraught, Liz unleashed all the rage she felt for Cedric and ended up in the one place they never had problems, the bedroom. After their sexual rendezvous, Cedric noticed the fire and desire that Liz emitted and wondered what had gotten into the woman he used to know. This new side of her had him intrigued, entranced, and full of jealousy. Even though he was married, Cedric couldn’t stay away from her, even though he tried. During their affair, Cedric realized that he had everything he wanted in Liz, but his cheating ways cost him the love of his life. He vowed to make Liz his main chick again, but one little thing was standing in their way, his marriage to Felicia. Will Felicia accept that Cedric wants to return to Liz, or will she fight for her young marriage? Liz started out with revenge on the agenda, but what happens when the games turn into more than just revenge? When Liz realizes that she still has strong feelings for Cedric their situation turns into a case of emotional warfare. Liz thinks Cedric is the love of her life, but is he? Can she fully trust Cedric after all the lies that he told her before, or is there someone lurking in the background that knows her true value? Liz is confident in her relationship with Cedric this time, but, is it forever the second time around? Lies revealed. Secrets uncovered. Relationships tested. Will a happy ending be in sight for anyone? Or will the second time around be just as catastrophic as the first?
That's The Way Love Goes 2
Unique . - 2020
With the question of his baby’s paternity in the air, Suny and Kross are at a standstill in what we thought would be their happily ever after. In an attempt to learn what they’re really looking for, both agree to break away from each other in search of their own paths. But will it do more harm than good?
We’ve heard that when someone returns, it means it was meant to be. But how long are you supposed to fight for? What happens when both sides return with baggage? Will they finally give up fighting against the connection they were meant to have from the start? Or will the fact that they belong together scare them away indefinitely?
This Thug Love Got Me Trippin: A Houston Christmas
Anna Black - 2018
A native of Houston, Texas, Zuriah now lives in Chicago and is in her third year of internship to become an anesthesiologist, and things are going perfect. Great loft, awesome career, and a doctor boyfriend, Zuriah has all she needs and falling for another man is not on her Christmas wish list. Jesiah Bowman is single and content with his lifestyle. He tries to be a family man but, when he finds out that the child he'd claimed isn't his, he has no desire to be in a committed relationship with anyone. Busy with work and maintaining his businesses is satisfying enough for Jesiah, until he sees his best friend Zachory’s baby sister, Zuriah, again after several years. Instantly, he is attracted to her and he doesn’t hesitate to let her know, but not only does she have a man, she lives in an entirely different state. They say love conquers all, but will that be enough to bring these two together, or will the distance and commitment to Zuriah’s doctor boyfriend be the reasons why these two lovers toss in the towel?
Blazing For His Love
Vaneecia - 2016
At such a young age she has a vision. She wants to be a fashion designer and own her own string of boutiques. The only thing is Bella is sheltered. She is the youngest of four and the only girl so the outside world isn’t something that she has ever had to deal with alone. She’s never had a date and never been kissed. But that’s fine she has her ambition to keep her warm at night. In walks Blaze. At the age of 26 he has a string of clubs and real estate that afford him and his wife Shanice a life of luxury. The only problem seems to be that Shanice is only worried about the money. She doesn’t seem to give a rats ass about her husband or their marriage. Until Blaze’s focus is pulled by Bella who is beautiful inside and out. With all these obstacles Blaze and Bella could never be. Or can they make it work?
I'm Falling For A Louisville Savage
Keisha Elle - 2017
A city with Southern roots and a Midwestern vibe. Even the grimiest of people are in search of their next come-up. Where most fail, a select few prosper. Born and raised in the city, Santiago has it all; money, power and free reign over the city’s drug trade. With his wife, Marley by his side, he built his empire from the ground up and strives to achieve more. There’s only one problem… Amaya. She’s more than just a pretty face and her ‘assets’ are enough to ensure Santiago’s demise. Tired of waiting for her time to shine, she takes matters into her own hands. With Santiago in her sight, no one, including his wife, is going to stand in her way. Everything that glitters isn’t gold. For Marley, loving Santiago is no easy task. When his late nights and constant excuses become too much to handle, she learns that loyalty means nothing in the streets. Friends turn to enemies and life as she knows it will never be the same again. While everyone else is out for self, Marley is determined to find happiness in the mist of chaos. Cashmere has one thing on his mind- money. He supplied the city with the best product around, and earned mad respect along the way. The only thing constant in his life is his little sister Kensley. Determined to seclude her from the grit and grime of the city, he kept his guard up. His no-nonsense approach allowed him to amass his empire, but being on top can be lonely. He wasn’t looking for love, it found him. Even the hardest of hearts can be softened. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Maybe you’ll fall for a Louisville savage too. Are you ready?
She Took My Heart and Went Crazy 2
A'zayler - 2018
He’d assumed East was different and that she would be the one to heal his brokenness, but marrying one of his best friends most definitely wasn’t the way to make that happen. Going into a new relationship still bleeding from their past hurts was a recipe for disaster from the beginning, but they’d both been crazy enough to assume they wouldn’t bleed on the other. Unfortunately, for them, they’d been terribly wrong. Assuming they’re too damaged to repair, what is the couple to do? Calling it quits would be the easiest, but whoever said real love was easy? Ready to work and determined to find their happily ever after, Killian and East partner up to mend every piece of their broken hearts.
Rhythm & Hood (A STAND ALONE NOVEL): A Dope Boy's Heartbeat
Niqua Nakell - 2016
Young and sassy, Rhythm's only concern is graduating high school and having some fun. Raised by her hard working mother, Rhythm learned early on to love herself first and not to believe every boy's lies. Everything her mother has taught her get's put to the test when she constantly runs into the hood's most infamous bad boy that just so happens to go by the name, Hood.Hood is beyond rude, but to most that's part of his charm. With a sex appeal that is too strong for her faint hear, Rhythm ends up giving into his advances even though something is telling her she is destined for heartbreak.Hood lives by the saying cash rules everything around me, and is motivated by the drugs and fast life. Life for him is no longer the same when his heart starts beating to a different tune after Rhythm catches his eye. His desire for Rhythm brings out foreign emotions that he's just not ready for.Hood and Rhythm explore the possibilities between them and find out head first that love can be a dangerous game. With both of their hearts being involved, death and tragedy comes crashing in causing the two down a lonely highway. Follow the sound of Hood's heart beat in this hood love story to see just how Rhythm became a dope boy's heartbeat.
Hoodwives & Rich Thugs of Chicago
Tina Marie - 2018
Linking up with his cousin Nicco so they can expand their business money was the name of the game. After only a few weeks he has managed to find new hoes, terrorize the town and threaten most of his cousins workers. And experiencing the one thing that wasn’t a part of the plan, falling for a girl named Cayane. Cayane Thomas was smart, cute and funny. But most of all she was a dedicated single mother. Due to her tragic relationship with her sons father, she saw men and stayed completely out of the way. So, when she meets a very rude Chaos, she planned to do the same with him. However, due to circumstances their paths keep crossing and fighting her attraction for him becomes impossible. Nicco, street king of and family man, is the bond to all those he love and that love him. The choice’s he’s made has created some enemies and has put a strain on his relationship with his father, yet he still does what he wants and has to do. He is Ashlee's everything and since they were teens they have had a bond that's never been broken. Things are perfect for him and business is booming, but things are not for her. The one thing she wants to give him, she can't and she has no idea that the person that is closest to her is desperate to take the most important thing she has. All is fair in love, war and the streets and the lives of this host of characters are on an unpredictable path. See how the drama unfolds and see who will ultimately win in the end!
His Rib, Her Rider: An Urban Love Story
Saja Jay - 2017
But neither knew their carefree natures would lead to Seven being pregnant at the young age of sixteen. Despite the love and connection that Jamal's mother shared with her son while in her tummy, somehow after birth, baby Jamal was lost through the system. The minute his young feet landed on the front steps of the home of his new foster mother, Jamal didn't stand a chance. On an everyday basis he was teased, bullied, and made fun of by his peers. His foster mother was abusive and neglectful, only seeming to care about her biological son, Marquise, and no one seemed to care. Only one person had Jamal's back from the day they met. Tyra Smith was one of the prettiest girls that Jamal had ever laid eyes on. What made her even more special was that she didn't care about the way Jamal dressed or how big his clothes were. His matted down unkempt hair didn't faze her a bit because Tyra saw Jamal for who he really was inside. From the day the two first met, she never passed judgement. But how could she when even her life wasn't as perfect as people on the outside assumed? Living in a home with an abusive stepfather and a mother who didn't seem to care, Jamal was all that Tyra had. After forced Jamal to make a decision that would forever change him and Tyra lives, they were pulled out of the jam by Wali, who noticed Jamal and took a sudden interest in the young savage. Everything about Jamal reminded Wali of himself at that age, even the way he had love for Tyra was all too familiar to Wali. This caused him to become immediately intrigued. Taking Jamal under his wing, Wali allowed his wife, Fallon, and sister Yaya to mentor the pretty Tyra. Wali and Asim showed Jamal the ins and outs to surviving this cold world. But when Wali and Asim’s past comes back lurking around the cut, everything starts to get chaotic. Now the trio is determined to end whatever old beef and drama that's threatening to come into their life and shake things up. But that's easier said than done, and if the crew thought it was going to be a walk in the park, well they were wrong. Come take a journey with these new and old characters, but let me warn you… it won't be sweet.
The Plug Next Door 6
Sol - 2017
The DeLeneau brothers have been through a lot but they’re ready to pull the plug. They’re looking forward to getting their happily ever afters with the women who love them, but sometimes fairytales don’t come true. You’ve probably been asking yourself if God lived after that elevator incident with his father? If so, will him and Reese make it down the aisle? Or will Sloan swoop in and ruin everything? Will Young and Alexa’s marriage survive the many women who walked into his life when they were apart? What happens when Nas is released from prison? Will Loso and Summer stay together forever? Find out the answers to all of your questions now in the finale!
Finessed By A Detroit Boss
Londyn Lenz - 2018
However, the tight bond between the two lead them to the same destination. As top drug distributors in Detroit, with expanding on the horizon, both young bosses are on the rise for more. Kritikal's childhood was everything but what it should have been. With crack addicted parents he basically raised himself, despite his auntie, Sire’s mom, eventually stepping in. Neglect and the lack of love from his parents turned his heart cold which was bad for relationships but perfect for the streets. Sire was raised in a single parent household, after losing his father to cancer. His cocky demeanor and looks has made him popular with the ladies but also gets him in trouble. And Saxx, the mother of his daughter Queen is the root of that trouble. Justice and Bronze are cousins who have been like sisters since Bronze mother took Justice in at the age of three. Justice has no idea who her father is and has a crack addicted mother. Luckily, her chances of a normal childhood were saved by her aunt. Justice lives a normal life for the most part but things get interesting when she decides to leave her cheating boyfriend Gio, and crosses paths with Kritikal. Bronze's wild and free spirited ways leads her into a messy love triangle with Sire and his baby mama Saxx. With crazy exes who won’t let go, set ups, lies and family drama will Justice and Bronze regret being Finessed by these Detroit bosses?