Book picks similar to
Too Good To Be True by Shakela James


african-american
african-american-romance
urban-fiction
5-star-reads

An Unexpected Love: Jay's Story


Nicole Black - 2015
    She knows what she wants and won’t settle for anything less than that. After receiving mind blowing news from a past lover Jay decides it’s time for a change. Little does he know someone from his past isn’t ready to let him go. Kamari feels as if his love life is missing something. After meeting a woman he believes can fill the void, he thinks he has it all. Kamari’s world quickly comes crumbling down after a secret is revealed and he makes a mistake that may cost him his life. Lies are told, secrets are revealed, worlds collide, and love blooms in An Unexpected Love: Jay’s Story.

Give her Love. Give her Power. (Hussle & Heart Book 1)


Grey Huffington - 2019
     The Hussle and Heart series, dedicated to the late Nipsey Hussle, travels to the slums of Channing City and places a magnifying glass on the lives of the biggest hustlers with the biggest hearts.

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.

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?

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 Saving Grace


Kyoshi - 2015
    A mother who hates her, a father she never knew and trying to raise her 1 yr old sister Jezya; nothing for Xyla was easy. Determined not to become a product of her environment, Xyla does all she can to graduate with a full scholarship and leave Maryland behind her. A twisted night of events leads Xyla to Taej McCoy. Trying her hardest to fight the strong attraction between the two, it isn't long before she falls hard for him. Take this emotional ride with Xyla and Taej as their love is tested in more ways than one.

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!

The King Brothers: Rise Of An Empire


Dream - 2017
    They were known around the slums of Chicago as The King Brothers. Love and loyalty was the foundation they stood on top of. The King Brothers raised each other while watching their mother finesse the streets. Vice, the oldest brother only valued two things out of life, his family and his money. As he grew older he realized that there was more to life than hustling, kicking it with his trigger finger soldiers and training his pit bulls. He now desired something of substance…a woman… that could become his wife. Boosie was what you would refer to as “more than what meets the eye”. It wasn’t a secret that he loved the streets and the streets loved him back. But once his daughter is born he’s ready to wrap up the fast life for the sake of being around to see his baby girl grow older. Coming home from a five year bid Angelo only had one thing on his mind and that was money. Money ruled everything in his small world even while he was locked down. Whereas the other brothers are itching for retirement, Angelo is just getting started with rebuilding the King’s empire. Vidal, the baby of the bunch is also the troubled child. Picking up his first gun at eight years old everyone around him saw that he was headed for self-destruction…except his brothers. New-comer author, Dream is hitting the ground running with this explosive, mind-blowing page turning series that is guaranteed to grasp your attention. The King’s Brothers are a group of hustlers like no other. When the blood is no longer thick and loyalty is being tested what do they do? Their mother’s past comes back to haunt them and leaves the lives of the ones closest to them in jeopardy. Will the King brothers ever be able to look at their precious mother the same? Will Vidal take heed to his brothers advice and slow down in the fast lane? Will Angelo fall in line and stay out of trouble? Boosie’s only concern is his daughter so will he be able to balance business and being a father? Vice is who makes the decisions but with someone new in his life he’s ready to be done with the game.

Rise of a Kingpin's Wife


Vivian Blue - 2015
    Also known as Andrea Johnson, inmate number 194340. Shade was just released from a federal penitentiary, and headed back to St. Louis. She only has two things on her mind, getting back on top of the game. And, getting back the person who put her in that cage. There’s fire in her soul, because her ex-boyfriend Jefferson was the one who put her there since she wouldn’t tell on her best friend Mike. Shade’s loyalty to the code of the streets, and the love of her friend didn’t give her any other option, but to go to prison. Now faced with putting her life back together, and reconnecting with friends, Shade quickly sees that her best friend Tia, which happens to be Mike’s fiancée, doesn’t share the same sentiment, which was evident when Shade was locked up. And, her other two best friends Cali and Renee know that there’s an underlined envy that Tia carries around against Shade. But, when the truth comes out about why Shade went to jail, Mike’s lust for Shade begins to surface. And, Tia sees it from a mile away. While out celebrating Shade’s release, she meets a handsome Jamaican man named Kingston. He’s captivated by Shade’s beauty, but when he finds out she’s just released from jail, his intrigue and obsession begins. They exchange numbers with the possibility of hooking up later. The only interest Shade has in a man right now, is to use him for what’s in between his legs. Because, she’s on a mission, and a man would only complicate things. But what she doesn’t know is that her life is about to change forever.

Flexin' On My Ex with A Boss


Jenica Johnson - 2018
    While she’s holdin’ it down, is her man really grindin’ or cheatin’? Yahria aka Yah-Yah was a hood chick that didn’t mind fighting for what she loved. Growing up without both of her parents, she was a product her environment. She was raised by her grandmother and was the girlfriend to the newest up and coming dopeboy. Putting her life on hold, Yahria made sure her man’s needs came first while she lagged behind with his promises to make sure she was straight. After one drunken night, she discovers her intuition was right all along. Subashtian aka Bash isn’t your average dude. He dresses different, he acts different, and he spends his money different. To the human eye, he’s not a boss but the people close to him know what and who he is. Bash took a big loss, and it made him hide in a shell. He promised to never open up to anyone else besides his family. He thought he had everything planned out until destiny linked him with his opposite. Bash likes his women calm and lady-like until he meets Yah-Yah. Can opposites attract or will they clash because they are from two different worlds?

His Streets & My Heart


K.C. Mills - 2015
    That was until he laid eyes on Kenzie. From the second he saw her face he knew that she was going to be his.The only problem was that he wasn't sure if his life was something she could handle. Only time would tell, but as far as Dre was concerned, they would have to figure it out because Kenzie was already his.Gun sales and family secrets play a role in their fate but Kenzie and Dre are determined to find a way.

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!

His Baby Mama (Groupies Inc): An Urban Tale


Kayenne - 2011
    

Greek and Fiona 2


Pebbles Starr - 2016
    Falling for an immediate member of the Konkwo Mafia Family has its privileges as well as its downfalls--for example an over controlling, power hungry father-in-law. Mazi will do any and everything to tear their union apart, even if it means spilling a little blood. Will Fiona and Greek be able to overcome the many obstacles laid before them? Or will they succumb to the forces fighting to keep them apart? Tyler was always looking for the love in the wrong places, and she found it in a smooth talking, sexy Honduran by the name of Cruz. But everything that glitters isn't gold and Cruz is holding a deep, dark secret. Can Tyler make it out alive, and will she ever find the true love she feels she deserves?

A Thug's Love 3


Jessica N. Watkins - 2016
    Who knew that he had been keeping such a secret from me? Just my luck, as I hid from him to gather my thoughts and deal with the pain, yet another crushing blow to my happiness was revealed. I then realized that I could no longer live for King; it was time to live for Kennedy. Little did I know, Jada was suffering the same heartbreak that I was. Dolla had torn her heart into two. My girl was miserable, but she didn’t run as I did; she was trying her best to inflict the same pain on Dolla as he had on her. Meanwhile, King, Meech and Dolla were constructing a plan to permanently get rid of the squad’s enemies. But will it work? Will the squad make it through this storm of deception and lies to continue ruling the streets of Chi? Some secrets should never be kept and some secrets should never be told because, either way, we were all about to suffer the consequences of secrets both revealed and untold.