Book picks similar to
Ashes by Taisha S. Ryan
african-american
hero-has-emotional-baggage
shady
damaged-dark-hero
If You're Willing
Ivy Symone - 2018
Hoping that things would evolve, Cassie gives longtime friend Rock a try. Dealing with baby mama drama, his constant lying, and her own hangups with love have proven to be a challenge. Cassie loses her patience and is ready to give up. Throw in the dysfunction of her family, Cassie needs an outlet as she shuffled through her shitty life. This release she seeks just might be what’s needed to escape her reality, even if it’s just for a minute. However, this situation can make things worse for her emotionally or it can help her face those things about herself she wanted to ignore. Sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride as Cassie tries to figure out her life with the support of her friends and family—the ones she actually can stand. Will she finally confront the tumultuous relationship she has with her mother? Will Rock prove to be the man she needs? Or will the sticky, but oh so very erotic, quandary she finds herself in ruin her journey to love?
Capone and Capri: A Bad Boy Romance
Jessica N. Watkins - 2017
In Capone & Capri, his bad boy swag is tested when death falls at his doorstep, along with the possibilities of love. He had been juggling women all of his life; never a one woman man, with no interest in finding “the one.” But a real man doesn't hesitate when he finds the right woman, even if he wasn't even looking for her, and Capone did not hesitate the moment that he laid his eyes on Capri, a coal-colored beauty, who owned a voluptuous body; the best curve being her smile. Yet, when DBD, Death Before Dishonor, an infamous drug organization in Chicago, which Capone heads, has madness brought to its doorstep, love is placed on the back burner. As Capone avenges the death of one of the most important members of DBD, his focus has to turn to revenge, but he finds peace in the arms of his “Black Beauty.” However, as sweet and kind as Capri is, the black beauty is battling demons of her own. As she is being pursued by Capone, while still being involved with another man and dealing with family drama, her plate is full. From the national bestselling author of the Secrets of a Side Bitch series, Jessica Watkins is back with yet another explosive and suspenseful saga that is guaranteed to leave you wanting more! In Capone & Capri, follow these two love birds’ romance of lust, love, drama and turmoil. If Capri leaves her man, is being with Capone what she really wants? Or is she ready to finally live life as a single woman? And will Capone think that Capri is worth setting aside his player ways for once he finds out that he has been sleeping with the enemy?
Because My Heart Said So
Nia Forrester - 2016
Four Stories. For Love.“Acceptable Losses” by Nia Forrester: Quentin is in the middle of a separation from his wife that seems to have no conclusive end in sight, while Lena is stuck in Single Girl Hell. The only respite either of them have is their regular coffee dates, while working on shared projects at a very demanding job. Sick of hearing about Lena’s semidisastrous attempts to couple-up, Quentin decides to fix her up. With his brother. Seems like a perfect solution; after all, his brother is a decent enough guy and Lena deserves that. Perfect ... until it appears that the fix-up might actually work.“Blind Expectations” by Jacinta Howard: Aristotle once said the only thing constant in life is change. Or was that Confucius? Whatever. People are fluid—they come into your life for a while, and when it’s time for them to float on, Leah has no qualms waving goodbye. The only exception is her neighbor and best friend, Trevor. When all else fails in her crazy world, Trevor is always there, reliable, steady… real. But then one night a heated argument leads to a revelation that shakes Leah to the core. Suddenly, Leah is forced to make a choice. But will her heart survive her decision?“Blackbirds” by Lily Java: Once upon a time Sydney Tarr and Elliott Vance were friends: fast friends, ride or die, pledge of allegiance, take it to the mat, “friends”. And the fact that Sydney loved her friend more than she should didn’t matter until finally... one unusual and spectacular night, it did. It mattered very much. Still, not every story is a fairy tale is it? Friends do part -- sometimes forever -- but, not always.“Blur” by Rae Lamar: Jade Warner is back home. The bad part? Starting over. The best part? Reconnecting with Kyle Malone. Picking up where they left off years ago, it feels just like old times...except for the mutual attraction and questionable feelings, which are all brand new. For Jade and Kyle, it’s unthinkable to hook up given the history of their fail-safe friendship, but anything can happen when you live under the same roof...
Mine Tonight
Christina C. Jones - 2015
This is three sexy stories, about three women, with a focus on how one night of mind-blowing intimacy can change it all. If you’re looking for a sweet, tender love story… this ain’t it. (But I still think you’ll enjoy it! <3 )
In Name Only
Vivian Rose Lee - 2011
Now she was in a name only marriage with a man that hates her. USN Commander Benjamin Smith was floored when he see the beautiful dressmaker sitting at the family table at his sister wedding. He was instantly drawn to her in a way he had never experienced. He wants her to be his at least for a little while. After a night of unbridled passion Ben wasn't sure he could let her go. Until he thinks Sky has betrayed him, forcing him to do something he never wanted, and Benjamin is never forced to do anything he did not want. Now he is married Sky making it clear it the marriage will be in name only. As he and Sky begin to share a home, he begins to wonder was he wrong about her?
Misconceptions
Blu Daniels - 2014
That is, until she discovers she’s pregnant, with quadruplets. When a business merger leaves her jobless and penniless, she has no other choice but to move to Atlanta with Bad Habit, a seductive, callous man she despises due to their rocky past. Desperate to have a picture-perfect life, Alex is convinced she must make Bad Habit fall in love with her, no matter the cost. Misconceptions is a hilarious nine-month chronicle of Alexandria’s doomed quest for a perfect life.
Love's Inconvenient Truth
Love Belvin - 2015
“I don’t believe in fairy tales; only acquainted with reality. I understand there are people who are genetically damaged in the womb. Some of these people, like me, are destined to be alone. We’re too strong willed; our power too potent and can destroy all around if wielded.” Jackson Q. Hunter isn’t your average 26 year old. Forced to be a man before his time by his well-connected, extremely resourceful, and very wealthy father, Jackson is especially conversant on commitment and crowning a woman. “Fairy tales don’t always have to be a forsaken concept. Sometimes it’s a matter of viewing it from the right perspective. Sometimes you have to simply choose a more suitable illustrator. Even we haunted cynics can find liberation in the mendacity of fairy tales. Sounds like your demons would fit nicely in my haunted closet with the rest of my iniquities.” As secrets are unveiled and nightmares illuminated, see what they learn about self-acceptance and self-forgiveness when they find redemption through their mirrored self-exiled darkness.
Blind Expectations
Jacinta Howard
Or was that Confucius? Whatever. People are fluid—they come into your life for a while, and when it’s time for them to float on, Leah has no qualms waving goodbye. The only exception is her neighbor and best friend, Trevor. When all else fails in her crazy world, Trevor is always there, reliable, steady… real. But what happens when friendship blossoms into something more? Can Leah and Trevor's relationship survive the change? Or will the weight of blind expectations cause them to lose the one thing they love—each other?
Director's Cut: Damaged Heart Series
AshleyNicole - 2018
He was unfaithful, and she didn’t know how to love. He couldn’t express his feelings and the ones she did express were hurtful. So, it’s over, right? Not when there’s love involved. Les wants to show Tali that he can be what she needs, but Tali is having a hard time letting him. If they could just get it right, two damaged hearts could be mended.
When Worlds Collide
Millie Belizaire - 2018
With a law professor for a mother, and a state attorney for a father, she has been raised to understand the law down to its most fundamental form. She's what they call, in every sense of the term, a Good Girl. As her father prepares to take on the biggest case of his career--going against Miami's most notorious kingpin, Silas Montgomery--tensions begin to rise, and our Good Girl becomes Silas Montgomery's newest target. Now on the radar of the most dangerous man in Miami, Lauren's perfect world goes up in flames. Everyday becomes a constant battle to stay alive.Kain is about as close to Silas Montgomery as most people can get. Unlike Lauren's world of sheltered ease, his world is dark and dangerous. He's been raised by the code of the streets, hardened by life's harshest lessons. Not many people are out here doing Kain any favors. Especially not the kind of favor he extends to Lauren. Protection--that's what he offers her. Protection from the most dangerous man in Miami.Lauren and Kain's story is tale of love crossing over to the different side of the tracks. Their's is a tale of what happens when worlds collide.Book one is told entirely in Lauren's point of view.
Every Woman Needs a Wife
Naleighna Kai - 2005
Tanya Kaufman has had one shock too many—one minute she's a fiancée, the next she finds out she's been the mistress all along. When Tanya shows up during the surprise anniversary party to take Brandi up on her offer, the women seize the opportunity to teach Vernon that infidelity will no longer come at the expense of the women's time, money, and happiness. Vernon fights back by launching a high-profile court battle that doesn't have a thing to do with splitting the money, keeping the house, or visitation rights. Had any married couple ever fought for custody of...the mistress?
The Realest Ever
Keith Thomas Walker - 2013
He was her protector, the only source of love Kyra knew in her turbulent childhood years. Donovan didn't think he would survive when Kyra was ripped out of his life when they were teenagers. Fifteen years later Kyra returns to Overbrook Meadows, battle-scarred and weary. Donovan was a boy the last time she saw him. Now he's a grown, beautiful and almost married man. Donovan easily resumes his role as Kyra's comforter. She'd be a fool to expect anything more, but Kyra's body still yearns for the one kiss they shared so many years ago...
Love in the Streets
Ashley Nicole - 2017
You fall head over heels in love with him. Dr. Sienna Jameson grew up with a crime boss as a father and is not looking for a man with the same occupation. But Streets is cute… and sweet… and everything in between. How is she supposed to resist his charms while craving everything about him? Streets is just trying to do his job. Hooking up with the boss’s daughter is not in the job description, but after spending some time with Dr. Jameson, he’s not so sure he can stay away; however, the circumstances dictate that he must. What to do?
Love & War
Jackie Chanel - 2013
Raised by her former supermodel mother, Caprice was supposed to follow the path that her mother’s stilettos left. Until a letter from her father, mafia don; Domani Bonatelli, changed the course of her life.Four years later, living in New York City, Caprice abandoned the life she had once cherished and focused solely on obtaining what her father has... power.At 22 and fully engrossed in a life of crime, Caprice has a job to do. Protect the Bonatelli name and family business at all costs...but what exactly will it cost her?
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.