Book picks similar to
A Thug's Love by Jessica N. Watkins


urban-fiction
urban
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Danity & Kayne: A Street Love In Miami


Antronette - 2016
    She's the owner of a booming private school in Miami, her relationship with her man Mitchell is promising and life couldn't be any better. Or so she thought. A chance encounter with one of her students' father turned her world upside down. She never expected to fall for the King of the streets.Single father, Kayne Grant is feared by many and wears his title as Florida's Connect proudly. He rules the state with an iron fist like any Jamaican Rude Bwoy would. Nothing moves period, without his approval. He has a lot of money, power and respect. He also has his fair share of women. But when he meets the beautiful, complicated and feisty Danity, who also happens to be the owner of his daughters’ private school, she gives him a run for his money.Follow Danity and Kayne on their roller coaster ride of a relationship. What happens when a good girl falls for a Rude Bwoy? Will she be able to tame the beast in him? Or will his many women and ties to the streets tear apart their perfect fairytale?

Promising My Love to a Boss


Käixo - 2016
    With nowhere to hide, Fatima endures eleven years of abuse at the hands of her bitter mother. Her escape ironically comes by the hands of her mother as well... when she's kicked out of the house and ends up living in her car. But anything is better than living in hell at Jewel's house. With her mind messed up but made up, Fatima thinks she's alone in the Windy city, born into this world to fend for herself, not knowing everything that was beaten into her was a lie. Also in Chicago is Torin Taylor, the youngest brother of four boys who were given away by their mother at birth. One-by-one, each boy leaves the nest to run the streets with only one goal: getting rich. Only thing is, Torin was born rich, he just doesn't know it. With the truth somewhere out there, Torin has no idea he's a wanted man... not by the FBI but one of the richest people in the world. After being caught up in a shootout orchestrated by Torin and his brothers, Fatima falls into Torin's life. Once a loner with no care in the world, Fatima melts the ice around his heart and becomes an important part of his life. There's just one thing: his brothers think she's dead and Torin can't bring himself to tell them he secretly hid her away to protect her from them. Death brings them together but will it also tear them apart?

Gunplay & LeTavia : Shawty Want a Thug


Leo Sullivan - 2017
     Raised in the heart of the hoods of Brooklyn, 18-year-old LeTavia was the oldest of two children looked after by their grandmother after their mother ran out on them. Built with a strong sense of responsibility, it was this trait that pushed her to protect Deshaun Banks, aka Gunplay, the very first time she laid eyes on him. Gunplay, a born hustler, ducked into a local food spot, hoping to dodge the police that were searching for him but what he found inside ended up being more than he expected. When LeTavia immediately assisted him by attempting to hide him from the cops, he not only avoided being placed in prison for the rest of his life but he found the one woman who he would learn is loyal to him from Day 1. Or is she really? Five years later, Gunplay is released from prison and runs into the person whom he owes his freedom to. Now 23 years old, LeTavia is a full grown woman and just as desirable to him as she was the day they'd first met. Immediately, Gunplay sets his mind on making her his but Quisha, the chick who held him down for five years of lock up, isn't having that. Cutta was the king of the Harlem streets before Gunplay was locked up and, after his release, he's even more powerful. When he hears that Gunplay has been released, he has one goal in mind and that's to end Gunplay's life for a betrayal he blamed Gunplay for years ago. But when fate brings him into contact with LeTavia, his plans take a turn that even he didn't expect and the result threatens to tear down everything that LeTavia and Gunplay have built. Is real love always loyal love? When the rules of the streets are mired by the desires of the heart, the results can be treacherous and, oftentimes, deadly.

A Thug's Charm


Mercy B. - 2015
    Growing up in the streets of North Memphis, they've all vowed to make something of themselves. Bianca can't seem to shake her ex, Tay. After all the games he has played in the past, she has finally had enough. Tay, on the other hand, refuses to let go. A familiar hood superstar by the name of Q comes along and effortlessly steals her attention. However, she can't help but wonder if he will be the real thing. Afraid that this Q is just another Tay, Bianca tries to escape his grasp. But, is it too late? Tee has been through more than the average person could even imagine. With a heroin addicted mother and a molester for a father, she was destined for failure. However, with the help of Bianca and Kara she came out of her situation on top. No one knows what she does in her spare time except the two people who accompanies her on every mission. With time, though, everything will be revealed. And one mission will hit too close to home. Kara, the life of the party, has had her own share of loss and grief. But things really become interesting when a random trip to the gas station lands her in the arms of a rich and powerful drug dealer. Jamison, the best friend of Q, sweeps Kara off of her feet. Being broken for so long, she finally feels complete—until one perfect night turns deadly… When jealousy is taken to the extreme and lives hang in the balance, who will be left to settle scores?

I Was Never Supposed To Love You: Meechi & Erica's Story


BriAnn Danae - 2018
    Her past relationship with David, better known as D-Rock, her boyfriend of six months, is one she wishes she could erase from her life all together. With a half-guarded heart and fear of letting Meechi completely in, she begins to second guess the love she has for him. Mellow and copacetic, Meechi takes things slow with Erica. Aware of the hurt and agony her ex has caused, he becomes the man she needs. Seemingly set in his ways, Meechi had never been the idea candidate for partnership, but once meeting Erica he became a romantic thug. After he laid his charm on thick, Erica is like putty in his hands –or so he thought. With as many losses as he has taken from her ex man, Meechi was certain that this won’t be classified as another. But, as it’s been told, “The heart wants what it wants.” In this page turning spin-off from “Speechless: When Love Hurts,” series, BriAnn reintroduces the beloved couple. With both parties dealing with situations from their past, trust becomes the missing component in their relationship. The two worlds that were brought together accidentally flourish into something beautiful. Can the so called “enemies” overcome their threatening pastimes, or will they allow the guilt of their reunion compromise what could be the greatest love story ever told?

Hold You Down 3


Dominique Thomas - 2015
    After the loss of his father, Ameer is seeing red and ready to get revenge on Mason. His thoughts are also consumed with taking down Floyd who has kidnapped Sophie, and is now holding her hostage. Things are never what they appear to be. Ameer soon learns that sometimes, even family can’t be trusted. Ameer has to find a way to get rid of his enemies, along with getting Sophie back and custody of his son, while still running the family business. Sophie has been through more things than she could have imagined, but instead of cowering and waiting for Ameer to save her, she has finally found her inner strength to save herself. Not only will she question if Ameer is the man for her, but she will also begin to put the pieces together as to why her father killed her mother and himself. The secrets that she uncovers just might be enough for her to tell Ameer and his family goodbye forever. In this thrilling conclusion to the Hold You Down series, see if your favorite couple can make it through the biggest storm of all untouched, or if they’re finally calling it quits. Secrets will be revealed, questions will be answered and a new brother will be crowned King of the family business. Take this last journey with Sophie and Ameer and see if this last storm brings them together or tears them apart.

One Week


Tiye Love - 2019
     Nia Winston, a young high school principal, stands in a fan line at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, hoping to get Justin Ray, the hottest R&B singer, to donate to her non-profit. When they meet sparks fly, or maybe it was just Nia's imagination. Until Nia has a surprise meeting with Justin, a month later while she is in Atlanta and Justin asks her to spend one week with him no strings attached. Wanting to escape her own problems back at home, she agrees and has the most passionate time of her life. As real love develops inexplicably between Nia and Justin, she can no longer hide the truth. And when her truth threatens to harm Justin's white-hot career, she leaves him one night with only a goodbye text. Two years later, Justin unexpectedly comes back in her life, demanding answers. All of her emotions come rushing back, but is she ready to give up everything she cherishes for a man she knew for only one week and a world she never wanted?

Hard


Anjela Day - 2013
    Betrayal, lust, lies, murder, and love all come into play in this urban love story.The Alton brothers run the Detroit drug game, and it was a long time coming! Now these boys have their act together and plan on going all the way letting nothing or no one get in their way.When Sacario, the second youngest of the four, fall for an insecure waitress in the men’s popular hot spot- things get hectic.Will they stand the test of time or will the game of love prove to be just too Hard?

Heartbeat of the Block: A Street King's Love


A'zayler - 2016
    Thriving off the respect of others while enjoying the perks of being hood rich, the pair effortlessly dominate any and everything they’re a part of. Though they’re nothing more than friends, the inner fire that burns on the inside of them both for the other, is starting to become unbearable. Lu is well known in the streets for being Brasi’s first lady, and because of this, things between her and her longtime boyfriend are diminishing. Loving Brasi with everything in her, but still drawing the line at their friendship, Lu’s able to balance it all out, until Brasi presents his truest feelings to her. A young street king and a self-made boss in his own right, Brasi Gibson is living the life. He’s got money, women, and anything materialistic at the tip of his fingers, but all of that means nothing to him without true love. Having always known that Lu was indeed made for him, Brasi doesn’t stress her personal life until it starts to get in his way. Accustomed to getting anything he wants, he feels as if Lu is no different and disregards everything in his way of having her. Breon is Lu’s younger sister and has pretty much been along for the ride. Never challenging Lu or getting involved in anything that has to do with the streets, Breon lives a pretty peaceful life. However, all of that is quickly dismissed once Brasi’s right hand man, Wren Moore, starts to pursue her. Street and as hood as they come, Wren is fearless and sees no boundaries when it comes to the things he wants. The only problem with that is, the one thing he really wants, he can’t have. Breon seems to fight him at every turn, but being the persistent young hustler that he is, he weakens her and quickly captures her heart. Find out just how far these men will go to obtain the heartbeat of their blocks.

Dirty Laundry


Cherie Briggins - 2014
    Miami is usually a place people go to have a vacation, but to choice its pure hell. Choice is a young beautiful girl, who tries to make a bad situation a little better for her and her little sister Kyree, but that seems futile with crackheads for parents. Things change when she lays eyes on Supreme. David Givens aka Supreme is from New York, he's fresh outta prison. He moves to Miami to be close to family. With some of his friends following him from New York to Miami, Supreme makes a name for him and his crew selling drugs and running an underground dog fighting business called Da Cage. Supreme is also a lady's man and he vows to never settle down until he meets Choice. Everything is not what it always seems and sometimes family is foe. The word loyal doesn't exist and in some cases the word mother doesn't either.

Don't Cry, Cheat Back


Linette King - 2017
    Sometimes when it happens, we ask ourselves why our significant other cheated on us. Sometimes we sit around mad at the world until we make up. Sometimes we realize enough is enough and send them packing on their merry little way, but not Tiffany Bevier. After finding out that her long term boyfriend James, cheated on her again for the umpteenth time, she decides to go out and have a little fun herself. What started off as innocent fun turns out to be her cheating on him just like he was cheating on her. Tiffany was tired of crying so she decided to cheat back

What Hurts the Most


Tynessa - 2015
    Being in a relationship with ladies' man, Jay'vion, Asia is ready to throw in the towel. Jay'vion is the true definition of the song 'Can't Raise a Man.' Having a hard time being faithful and committing himself to Asia, he finds himself alone and lonesome. The last woman has approached Asia for the last time, and though letting go might be the hardest thing she's ever had to endure, she knows it's something she has to do. What hurts the most is falling for another man when you already have one of your own. Tangela has always lived by the rule of loyalty, even if her man is serving a five-year sentence. When she meets irresistible, fresh out of prison Quintez, she knows to stay far away from his kind. Little does she know, whatever Quintez wants, he gets. That includes her. Will Tangela continue to be loyal to her man, or will Quintez be one temptation she will not be able to fight? This is one rollercoaster ride you don't want to miss.

XYZ


Kimille - 2019
    Mastering life’s principal and hellacious course of Hard Knock Life 101 was nothing to eXavier and eZekiel Yarbrough at an early age. Their wisdom and fearless innocence allocated them guardian angels over baby cousin, iYanna. Drug addictions, immorality, abuse, and evil are all cycles that these three have a vivid familiarity with, yet out of the wicked mentalities that assaulted them grew love, loyalty, hope, tenacity and nobility. Despite the licks they gave, as well as took, they found a safe haven in an old head called Diego. A man that knew the streets and the streets respected him. This family has an abundance of dysfunction, but their devotion to each other is unrestricted and immovable! Friends for life. Life has not been particularly kind to Najia Kennedy. She's had to sacrifice more than she's wanted and taken more L's than wins. But somehow, she's managed to stay on her feet with her head held high, all the while searching for where broken hearts go. Love remains elusive as her son's father pops in and out of their lives with empty promises and leftover lies. Najia's friendship with iYanna has withstood the test of time and her shenanigans, as she factors into the equation that is XYZ. Love forever. The streets don't owe him anything. He's taken everything he's wanted by omission or commission. Kreed is a new breed of boss, college educated and street smart. He's the boogeyman in a suit, encompassed in a mystical aura of strength and power that leaves many starstruck. He's so immune to the world around him that he's stunned at the foreign emotions caused by the feather-like thundering of a miniature storm called iYanna. He envisions her as his future, but her family views him as a catastrophic danger to all that they've invested in her. Love and hurt, joy and pain, good times and bad, take all as prisoners. When you have everything you want, is there room for more? When you have nothing, will you accept anything? XYZ is a spicy urban romance with charismatic characters, life altering situations and breathtaking moments that will fascinate you from beginning to end.

Remy and Rose


Mz. Lady P. - 2015
    Nothing seems bright after taking a charge for her daughter's father Ace Black. He left her high and dry, rotting in a prison cell and pregnant with a daughter he doesn't even know exists.Being released back into society is hard with a prison record. Who wants to hire a Felon? Then enters the handsome yet mysterious Remy Ramirez. He's young, black, and rich. Not to mention a businessman and entrepreneur. Remy has a heart of gold and loves helping those in need. A chance encounter causes Remy and Rose' to cross paths.Rose' can't deny her attraction to Remy. At the same time, she's running scared from Ace. Remy is right there to protect her and Heaven. Remy is giving Rose' a life she never thought possible. The death of Remy's father sends him to Mexico and pushes him right into his father's position as Head of the Mexican Drug Cartel.Rose' is thrusted into a family full of deceit and treachery. She has to adjust to being the wife of a King Pin. At the same time fighting his mother who despises her and ex's that won't let go.Remy and Rose' are living a Hood Fairytale, but will they get their happy ending.

Diary Of A Broken Doll


Tatum James - 2018
    Life may not start out all peaches and cream for Courtney...but with a little savvy and a lot of determination she might just turn it all around. Join her on a journey from innocence to independence. Determined not to be consumed by life's struggles, Courtney learns to take advantage of the obstacles she faces. Will she self-destruct or burn bright?