Book picks similar to
The Ties That Bind by Electa Rome Parks


fiction
books-i-have
african-american
electa-rome-parks

Reserve My Curves: Your Husband Chose Me


B.M. Hardin - 2015
    Out of options, and out of time, she accepts an indecent proposal in hopes of a little financial stability. Her money-making body and mesmerizing curves, takes her to the top of the game in no time and Envy starts to make more money than she could count or that she knew what to do with. But everybody knows that more money, equals more problems and soon Envy realizes that she'd bitten off more than she could chew. She finds herself caught up in a world full of money, sex, lies and deceit. Even murder seems to be on the menu. Envy learns the hard way that all attention ain't good attention; especially when it's unwanted... or when it's married.

It's a Thin Line


Kimberla Lawson Roby - 2001
    Responsible eldest sister Sydney has a sexy husband, an adorable daughter, and fulfilling work. But, little by little, the demands of her writing career have mounted, leaving her little time or energy for family life. Meanwhile proud middle sister Gina is struggling to raise her eight-year-old twins--and protect them from the increasing fury of their volatile father. Impulsive brother Rick, the baby of the family, is living the high life--dodging commitment with his longtime girlfriend and wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else.When their beloved mother Delores suffers a debilitating stroke, all three suddenly find the tenuous threads of their individual lives at a breaking point. A dark childhood secret threatens Sydney's secure world; Gina is swept into a maelstrom of domestic violence; and Rick comes to a dramatic crossroads in his relationship. Worst of all, the burden of caring for a parent is tearing the siblings apart, shattering their faith in one another. Now as Sydney, Gina, and Rick struggle to overcome daunting obstacles and rebuild their lives, they will discover something they've never let themselves believe: that their most stable--and most cherished--relationships have always been with each other.

Erotic City


Pynk - 2008
    It is a grand, three-story sexual mecca where the uninhibited freaks come out four nights a week to get their ultimate groove on without fear of reprisal or judgment, yet judgment from the outside world threatens all that the club's owner, Milan Kennedy, has worked so hard to achieve. Pynk brings us a fast-paced, sexy ride through a world of having sex in public, bribery, judgments, and suspense that sheds light on family, churchgoers, relationships, revenge, and the amazing sex-filled world of those who swing.

SEDUCTION'S GAME (Seductions Game Book 1)


K.C. Blaze - 2015
    They test their friendship with their wickedly fun Seduction Game. Each woman implores the use of a different method of seduction in hopes of proving they are the better catch. The only problem is they practice their game on ONE very lucky man. Things get sticky when feelings get involved and backstabbing and foul play are sure to muddy the playing field. Is their friendship strong enough to survive? Or will they find out that matters of the heart are better left unplayed?

A Lover's Shame


AlTonya Washington - 2011
    Sabella’s shame over a horrific discovery wreaked havoc on her mind and body. The darkness in Isak’s life had manifested in a more sinister fashion. He was no longer the even tempered peacemaker of his volatile family. While Sabella blamed herself for his brutal transformation, she believed he was better off away from her maybe…hating her. Isak however, harbored no such feelings. In his mind, Sabella was still his wife and he had every intention of getting her back. Explanations would be required and Belle knew she could never share what she’d learned about herself and the ugly truth of her existence.

Ride or Die Chick: The Story of Treacherous and Teflon


J.M. Benjamin - 2007
    Never having the opportunity to know his biological mother, he was raised by his father, who happened to be a notorious gangster. Deprived of a normal childhood, his father educated him on what awaited him on the streets of Virginia. When the time comes for Treacherous to make some sudden decisions, he has no idea they will land him in the very place that he is trying to avoid. Teflon Jackson is a beautiful woman who is the end result of a horrible union. Having a loving mother who was a prostitute and a pimp for a father, Teflon's childhood was far from a fairytale. Bearing witness to the abusive relationship between her parents, Teflon was determined not to follow her mothers footsteps. Tragedy strikes and Teflon finds herself having to utilize all of the tricks that her mother taught her after she is forced into the streets to fend for herself. Years later, Treacherous and Teflon's paths cross. What starts out as a potentially bad situation genuinely blossoms into a bond that becomes unbreakable. Ride or Die Chick: The Story of Treacherous and Teflon is about two people who come from nothing and are willing to sacrifice anything to gain everything. This is a modern day tale of Bonnie & Clyde and built on a love that is stronger than that of Romeo and Juliet. A bonafide gangster, Treacherous is confident that he can't lose, as long as he has his Ride or Die Chick!

Rozalyn 3


Shan - 2012
    After Tamar damn near killed Rozalyn a little over a year ago; the couple decided to cut their losses and move on. Rozalyn does her best to become a better, independent woman being she no longer has Tamar to depend on. She goes to school, opens her own beauty shop, and is even thinking of starting her own clothing line. Everything is going good especially when she meets Messiah; he sweeps her off her feet and shows her what true love is. Tamar feels since he's gotten rid of all of his enemies he's ready to jump back in the game. With a new lady on his arm, things are looking up and of course the cash is flowing nicely. That is until Messiah comes home and looks to reclaim his spot as the King of Miami. Messiah is messing with Tamar's paper and his woman. With the two men fighting for the crown and the girl; things will get rather ugly. Who will Rozalyn choose in the end? The guy that she bared three kids with and has gone through hell and back with, or the guy that treats her better than royalty? A choice must be made, but will that choice be a deadly one? This is the end and endings aren't always happily ever after.

When Love Calls, You Better Answer


Bertice Berry - 2005
    Now she turns her eye to matters of the heart, with an endearing main character who can’t seem to keep bad men out of her life. Bernita Brown is a quick-thinking, tireless social worker who is good at practically everything—except love. Her first marriage ends in divorce, a painful experience Bernita refuses to think about. Instead, she dives into a series of sad relationships and overwhelming commitments to community and church. But not even church can keep her from being courted by dogs; Bernita’s married pastor begins making passes at her, then blames her for his backsliding. Along the way, the ghost of Bernita’s aunt Babe weighs in with plenty of advice (after all, Aunt Babe says, “You don’t need to be alive to tell folks how to live”). When a marvelous man finally enters Bernita’s life, only time can tell whether she will be able to trust him. Written with Berry’s signature warmth and reliance on African-American ancestors who deliver homespun healing, When Love Calls, You Better Answer addresses a host of powerful topics, from abusive relationships to corrupt church leaders. Ultimately, Bernita’s story will inspire readers to find the love they need, especially the love that can only come from within.

Midnight


Sister Souljah - 2007
    In her bestselling novel, The Coldest Winter Ever, Sister Souljah introduced the world to Midnight, a brave but humble lieutenant to a prominent underworld businessman. Now, in a highly anticipated follow-up to her million-selling masterpiece, she brings readers into the life and dangerously close to the heart of this silent, fearless young man. Raised in a wealthy, influential, Islamic African family, Midnight enjoys a life of comfort, confidence, and protection. Midnight's father provides him with a veil of privilege and deep, devoted love, but he never hides the truth about the fierce challenges of the world outside of his estate. So when Midnight's father's empire is attacked, he sends Midnight with his mother to the United States. In the streets of Brooklyn, a young Midnight uses his Islamic mind-set and African intelligence to protect the ones he loves, build a business, reclaim his wealth and status, and remain true to his beliefs. Midnight, a handsome and passionate young man, attracts many women. How he interacts and deals with them is a unique adventure. This is a highly sensual and tremendous love story about what a man is willing to risk and give to the women he loves most. Midnight will remain in your mind and beat in your heart for a lifetime. Her "raw and true voice" (Publishers Weekly) will both soothe and arouse you. In a beautifully written and masterfully woven story, Sister Souljah has given us Midnight, and solidified her presence as the mother of all contemporary urban literature.

Addicted to My Thug


Miss Jenesequa - 2015
    Naomi Evans, the ordinary kindergarten teacher, a devoted mother of two and wife to her loving husband, Tyree, never would have imagined falling for a fine ass street king.Naomi and Tyree have been together since their freshman year in college and he is all that she knows. Three years of marriage to the love of her life seemed perfect… At first. She made the money, he stayed at home with the kids. To many it seems that they are living the New American Dream and to Naomi there is no greater feeling than being with her family.However, that all suddenly changes once she meets a sexy thug named Marquise who desires Naomi from the very moment he lays eyes on her. With just the flash of that million-dollar smile, his cocky attitude and irresistible lips, Naomi becomes intoxicated in Marquise and lets him seduce her on the very first night of their meeting. Ashamed and guilty for stepping out on her husband, Naomi tries her best to forget her encounter with Marquise, but as life continues to throw him in her path, she finds him harder and harder to resist. Marquise suddenly opens Naomi’s eyes to a world of pure ecstasy that she never knew existed, as he pushes her beyond her limits. Limits that Tyree could never dare to reach. Naomi is now torn between the only life that she’s ever known and the life that she has now become so addicted to. And to make matters worse, she begins to drift away from her family in order to get her daily fix with her new addiction. But that isn’t even the best part… Her new addiction has no idea about his competition waiting for Naomi to come home every night. So how will he react to finding out that Naomi Evans isn’t the sweet, single, innocent but freaky girl she made herself out to be?Only time will tell…

The King Cartel: Love & War


Frank Gresham - 2014
    DAMAR KING, the heir to the throne, is a young, brash leader who is intent on solving the riddle of his brother's murder and taking the organization to new heights. And whoever opposes him will be eliminated with no regard as he searches for the enemy from within his own crew.When the hidden opposition becomes strong, Damar becomes stronger, and the gunplay becomes fierce. However, the treachery that surrounds him is just as lethal as Damar's gun.To avoid the snakes that slither in his garden, Damar learns he must use brain over brawn as loyalties are forged and broken to remain on top.Will Damar learn that lesson in time? Or will his enemies bring him down to his knees? Will the burgeoning love that sprouts amiss all of the bloodshed become Damar's strength or his ultimate weakness? The only thing that's certain is that nothing is sacred in Love and War, and that Damar will go to any means to protect THE KING CARTEL.

A Staten Island Love Letter 2: The Forgotten Borough


Jahquel J. - 2019
    Wanting Ghost's position in the street, they're willing to do whatever to get it, including killing whoever means the most to him. When Zeek makes a call that he thought would end Ghost, but could possible end him too... what happens?Ghost wants to know, who would try him and his family this way? Tearing Staten Island apart to find answers that may lie in the hands of Liberty, who heard a one-sided conversation that Zeek had previous to Staten and Summer being gunned down. Liberty has her own fair share of skeletons, but once those skeletons start to fall out the closet, she has no choice but to come clean to her sister and mother. Freedom knows she needs to talk to her twins about their father, but fights hard trying to figure out how. With Mama Rae in her ear, she realizes that she has no choice, but to tell her children that she has lied to them their entire life. Zoe isn't willing to leave Freedom alone. He's willing to do anything to get back in her good graces, that even includes trying to end Ghost.You don't mention Staten Island without mentioning the Garibaldi family. Ghost and the Garibaldi family go back for years. When chaos erupts on Staten Island, Messiah laces up her Timbs and gets ready to go to war. This time she's not alone... her daughters are joining her. Kiss' paternity of her child is still a mystery to Priest. The person who actually fathers his niece's child is the last person he expects. Juggling his own personal life and trying to raise three girls, Priest might reach his breaking point, especially when Justice breaks his heart for the final time. Y'all were sleep on the forgotten borough, but it's safe to assume you're wide awake and ready for the explosive sequel to this series. Pay your toll, sit back and welcome to Staten Island!

A Hood Affair


Shmel Carter - 2013
    Shaneice, bka Neicee and her boyfriend Quentin, known as Q takes you on a whirlwind of surprises. Q loves Neicee with everything in him, but he can't remain faithful. Neicee is from the hood and she grew up the only girl of 6 kids. She was determined to never have to go back to the hood. Despite where she is from, she graduated from law school and has built the reputation as the baddest hood lawyer to ever grace the streets of Charlotte. Now, someone is out to kill Neicee. Could it be one of Q's sideline hoes? Unbeknownst to Q, Neicee has her own secret. Will Q lose Neicee or will she remain his ride or die chick?

The Itch


Benilde Little - 1998
    She leads a charmed life—having attended all the right schools, married the right man, and started a successful film production company with her best friend, Natasha Coleman—and seems like an ambassador from the world of perfection. It is only when her impeccable marriage turns suddenly shaky that her utopia is left in pieces…

What's Really Hood!: A Collection of Tales from the Streets


Wahida Clark - 2010
    WHAT'S REALLY HOOD!Black Is Blue by Victor L. Martin delves into the life of a corporate woman who falls in love with a thug and finds out just how easy it is to stray from the straight and narrow. Eighteen and hungry Wiz's only addiction to drugs is the money it made. But Crystal changed all of that and shows him just how powerful a woman can be in The P is Free by LaShonda Teague. In The LastLaugh by Bonta, Bobo, a member of the infamous Eight-Trey street gang, learns that gang life isn't all it's cracked up to be as "street wars" take on a whole new meaning. Shawn "Jihad" Trump tells the story of loyalty, love and honor, when The Point Blank Mob is brought to its knees leaving the crew fighting for their lives and freedom in All for Nothing. And New York Times bestselling author, Wahida Clark, introduces Nina, a woman tired of being disrespected by men who takes revenge to the ultimate level in Makin' Endz Meet.