Book picks similar to
No Better Love: Hennessy and Santana by Diamond D. Johnson
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My Love Ain't Meant For A Thug : The Beginning Of Us
A'zayler - 2015
He’s been living his life on the grind for as long as he could remember. Dominating the streets, and every other small time hustler in quest of his position at the top. Showing no mercy to the men and disregarding the women Congo was on a power trip until the murder of his oldest brother. Everything he’d worked for came to a screeching halt and he’s left with nothing. Now he’s forced to live a regular life working a regular job. The dope game having always been his first love, he now has nothing left that’s appeasing to his heart. A unique beauty dumbed down to nothing more than an extra source of income, Honey, is desperate and lost. She desires a way out of her current situation but with the only family she has locked away forever, she’s all alone. Getting to the money day in and day out, Honey shuts herself away from any and everything not aiding in her success. Having been used and taken for granted in her past relationship, she’s a little more resistant to the advances of the handsome young thug that’s captivated her truest feelings. She’s determined to ignore him and his efforts until there’s no more reasons to run. Here in the moment with this totally perfect stranger Honey decides to give it a chance. Both needing security and someone in their corner they embark on this new journey together. Struggling but determined to make it, Congo and Honey stick side by side, loving one another past their current situation. Believing in the visions he has for them and the passion filled relationship they’ve started, Honey promises to stay down until he makes it. Congo’s life was going nowhere fast until his heart took to Honey, so now that he has her he’s going above and beyond to show her that as much as she believes that it isn’t, her love is indeed meant for a thug.
She Gotta Be The Dopest To Ride With The Coldest
Kyoshi - 2016
Instead of going away to college or turning up every weekend, she spent her days behind the counter at McDonalds. With a mother fighting Lupus and bills that had to be paid, Azuri put her life on hold to be whatever her mother needed her to be. A night working the late shift changed her life. It was the day she met Kashmir “Gotti” Banks. Gotti is an arrogant, smart mouthed boss from Harlem and used to getting everything he wanted, that is until he met Azuri. Love ‘em and leave ‘em had been his way of life for the past twenty five years. Chasing women was never his style and being caught, had never been Azuri’s style. The chemistry between the two was far more than either of them could ever imagine. Not sure if Gotti is good for her, Azuri built a wall up that he was determined to tear down. A day at the Rucker started a whirlwind romance between the two, but will they have a happily ever after? Lies, drama, murder, sex and deceit threaten to destroy the union the two have built. Will their love stand the test of time? Or will too many lines being crossed, tear the two apart? Find out in this juicy tale, unlike anything you’ve ever read...
A Player's Prayer: Baltimore's Most Wanted
Kellz Kimberly - 2016
Thou shall not hit these clubs. Every night of the week lookin for some groupie love. Thou shall respect your heart. Thou shall not play you hard. Growing up with a mother who firmly believes that love will get you killed is something that has stuck with Chicago all of his life. The word love is foreign to him. He runs through chicks the same way that bosses run up checks. He was loving life in the fast lane & for a while that was okay for him, until he realized he wanted more than meaningless sex. Kapri is Chicago's best friend and one true love. However, she's not up for the games that Chicago plays. After being cheated on once by Chicago, she realizes that they are just better off as friends. Tahiem is Chicago's right hand while Nelly is Kapri's best friend. Both Tahiem & Nelly help their friends realize that they have a deeper connection than they are willing to admit. All the while Nelly & Tahiem form an interesting relationship of their own. Dive into the world of these four friends as they overcome obstacles such as deception, lies, & death. Get a glimpse into how they overcome fear and their insecurities while learning to love whole heartedly.
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.
St. Pierre Boyz 2
Mz. Lady P. - 2016
Pierre, the women are all on a rampage, but for different reasons. With past secrets revealed Leilani finds herself caught up in her emotions, desperately trying to decipher whether Luxe’s feelings for her were genuine or were they all a lie to get at her ex, June. Dynasty, feeling betrayed by Sebastian isn't playing with him by any means. To be with her he has to prove himself as worthy or get from around her. Diamond’s sick of Judah and his childish attitude, and the sweet woman he once knew has left the building. Soon, Judah will learn the hard way that she's not to be messed with. He's brought out a side in Diamond that not even she knew existed, and he doesn't know how to handle it. When it comes to street affairs, getting their hands dirty is something the St. Pierre brothers are no strangers to. With Ava being out of the picture the heat is turned up a few notches and it’s time to prove that they’re not the ones to be played with. In the streets, anyone who dares to cross enemy lines can get it with no holds barred. However, when it comes matters of their heart and the love’s of their lives, that's when the real war begins.
Even When It's Wrong
Nicole Jackson - 2017
When doing the right thing seems to get you nowhere, and you’re tired of life beating you down…what’s the resolution? Faced with this exact dilemma, Mya decides that she’s going to put herself first for a change, and indulge selfishly, even when it’s wrong.
I Got Your Back: Teflon and Tatiana's Love Story
Shvonne Latrice - 2017
Most women see the expensive clothes, cars, jewelry, and houses, but never the dark side of it all. Brevin Williamson, or the King of Cleveland as he likes to be called is handsome, rich, crazy, and feels he can do whatever he wants, when he wants no matter who it hurts. Tatiana, being pregnant, feels trapped in a life with Brevin that she so badly wishes she could be out of. She wants so much more out of life, and feels it’s nearly impossible… until she meets Teflon. Teflon isn’t as rich as Brevin, nor does he hold the imaginary keys to the city of Cleveland like him, but when Tatiana meets him, she becomes immediately smitten with the beyond good looking and very charming man. Teflon’s relationship track record isn’t as dirty as Brevin’s but it’s definitely not squeaky clean. However Tatiana makes him rethink everything about the way he’s been living his romantic life. Will Tatiana go for what she wants, despite the danger it may bring to her? Or will she turn her back on real love, letting the life she currently lives kill her slowly from within.
I'm Down Forever, Your Rider
Tyrecka Liggons - 2016
Instead of spending her senior year preparing for graduation and picking colleges, Harley found herself raising her five-year-old sister, Heidi. Although Frankie was there to make the load easier for the girls while they were dealing with the incarceration of their mother, she made it heavier.As if her home situation wasn't enough, Harley found herself trying to navigate through life's obstacles. Typical high school stuff, mean girls, popular guys, and a demanding course load. Being deaf didn't seem to win her any sympathy points.Just when Harley thought things would be the way they were forever, Barz entered her life. The smooth talking, popular guy who couldn't possibly be interested in Harley, except he was. They say people enter your life for a reason or a season. With outsiders working against them at every corner, Harley and Barz find themselves at a crossroad.Can the young lovers overcome the many obstacles they are faced with, or is their love seasonal
Onyx & Starr: That Forever Kinda Love
Lady Lissa - 2018
Then he met Starr, a cute and sassy eight- year old. He had no idea how much his life would change. With so much in common, the two quickly become best friends. For the next few years, they continue to shoot hoops while building a closer friendship. So, what happens when they start to reach puberty? Over the years, they have built a bond, but when Onyx gets promoted to the sixth grade and transfers to a different school, Starr wonders if their friendship will remain the same. The two continue to bond and nothing changes, that is until Starr begins attending the same school. Mandy, a cheerleader at their middle school, begins to take special interest in Onyx and the two become a couple. Their relationship blossoms and continues until they reach high school, even though Mandy has insecurities concerning Onyx’s relationship with Starr. How far will Mandy go to end Starr and Onyx’s friendship? Will Onyx and Starr’s friendship withstand Mandy’s tactics to keep them apart? Or will their friendship be ruined forever?
I Wanna Love Somebody
Nique Luarks - 2017
Sometimes it just happens. Blaze should know. Her life takes a turn for the best when she bumps into infamous Mehkai aka 'Kai Money'. Street savvy, persistent and down right gorgeous; he's the best thing she never knew she needed. They soon form an unbreakable bond and a genuine friendship that only they can understand. Love, however, is truly unpredictable, and though Kai has his eye on the prize, they do roam from time to time. Kenya is Blaze's wild, fiery, outspoken, and carefree bestie. Being in love with a man that she knows isn't in love with her is a hard pill to swallow. When she finally breaks free, it seems as though her world is falling apart. But leave it up to the flashy, ruthless Cole Campbell to pick up the pieces. Love is definitely in the air, but with Kenya's hot temper and Cole's zero tolerance attitude, they bump heads almost immediately. Sometimes it's not about what the mind wants, but more so what the heart needs. In a battle with their inner beings and their biggest fears, follow these couples in a heartwarming tale of love and war.
In The Arms of a Savage 2
K.L. Hall - 2017
Raquel has always been one to play by the rules, but after her first taste of hood love, she drops her old life without a second thought, including her friends and the ashes of her last failed relationship. When her ex-fiancé, Derrick, comes to Miami in search of answers, she’ll be forced to answer the who, what, when, and why of her new life. What will she do when he asks for a second chance now that she’s already given her heart away to Law? She knows the savage in Law cannot be tamed, and it will only be a matter of time before he’s out for blood. Can she play her new role and hold him down, or will she leave Miami and go back to her old life? The most valuable lesson Law ever learned wasn’t from his parents; it was from the streets: whatever comes your way face it on your feet, come hell or high water. Now he finds himself enraged and in jail with his back against the wall. Law knows his set up was not random, but by design. All roads lead to Shiya. Although he's managed to stay clear of the judicial system thus far, he just may have to clean up the mess his brother created, even if that means doing a bid for a trigger he didn’t pull. As he prepares to beat his case, Law will become a menace on the streets of Miami, and show his enemies exactly why they call him “Law.” He soon becomes the most sought-after man by friends and foes, alike. It’s no secret that the only thing that has Blaze’s heart is the streets. He’s content with living his life on the edge, making sure his family’s empire continues to thrive, and the Calloway name remains respected. Blaze will always be his brother’s keeper, so when he learns of Law’s imprisonment, he sets out on his own path of revenge. Under his reckless exterior, he finds himself yearning for the love his brother shares with Raquel. When a one-night stand results in a positive pregnancy test, he is forced to put his priorities in order. Is he mature enough to wean himself off his fixation with exotic women and money? Just when Shiya thought she was going to become Mrs. Calloway, she experienced the most embarrassing moment of her life when he stood her up at the altar. Now all she’s left with is a million-dollar ring and a scorned heart. With rage as the underlying factor, she plans to settle her debt with the man who broke her heart and the woman she knows he left her for. When she opens Pandora’s Box, her devious plot could put more than just the Calloway family at risk. This love story is dripping with lies, bloodshed, and secrets, some stretching back over twenty years. When lines are blurred, it becomes harder for everyone to see who their true enemies are. After all, love is a strong emotion, but then again, so is hate. In the end, you’ll see if Miami’s new favorite couple can weather the storm.
All I Want is a Thug: A Hood Romance
Porscha Sterling - 2015
With a mother addicted to crack, Kendrik's parents argued constantly, leading him to sneak off to Chellise's house and seek refuge sleeping on her bedroom floor. Although Chellise's parents forbid her to spend time with Kendrik, in her bedroom in the middle of the night, they secretly built a strong friendship. After Kendrik's mother and supplier are murdered by his father, Kendrik pleads guilty to the crime in an effort to save his father, thinking he'll only be charged as a juvenile. Fifteen years later, Chellise is living a dream. She is engaged to Mulah, one of the sexiest businessmen in the area, and life with him can’t get any better. But Mulah is keeping a dark secret that could shake Chellise’s entire world. He has a 7-year-old son with his best friend's sister, Kaletha. Mulah and Kaletha have told everyone else that he belongs to Kaletha's drug dealing boyfriend, and up until now it hasn’t been questioned. But now, Kaletha’s boyfriend has been given a life sentence for murder, causing Kaletha to pressure Mulah to step into his rightful role as father to their son. Kendrik, now grown, has taken to the streets to make his way through life in light of his troubled past. When his team arranges a job, he finds that the very house he is robbing belongs to his childhood friend, Chellise, who he hasn't seen in years. Unable to go on with his life without reconnecting with her, he finally runs into her and all of the feelings, he thought were lost over the years, return. The only problem he has is Gianna, his crazy, pregnant girlfriend who has shown she is not above slashing a tire, setting things on fire or even fighting it out in the streets to keep him in her grasp. In the midst of all the drama, secrets and betrayal, Kendrik and Chellise find themselves rekindling more than just a friendship when they start spending time together. Although Chellise wants to remain loyal to her fiancé, she can't help but be caught up by Kendrik's rough, abrasive and rugged nature. Will she be able to put a cap on her feelings before it's too late?
A Dope Boy Stole My Heart
Heiress - 2016
Drained from the drama, she lets go and embarks on a new job, new friends and maybe a new love interest. When old feelings come back and family secrets are revealed will this push Miaa further away from Cam or will it push her into his arms. Now that he is the Plug of Detroit, Killa Cam's life obstacles have only just begun. Balancing the streets, fatherhood and the love of his life is a challenge but he is prepared to overcome it by any means necessary. With this newfound maturity, will Cam be able to get what his heart desires or will the streets get in the way of his happiness. The story of Miaa and Killa Cam is back. Will they be able to move on from their love triangle drama and give love another try or will they decide that they are better off apart. When threats are made and truths are told, will they fight to be together or just become another unsuccessful love story. Find out in the finale of A Dope Boy Stole My Heart.
Kaine and Karma 2: Luvin' A Savage
Sha Jones - 2017
That is until Kaine's ex fiancé Tameka crashes Karma's birthday party and announce that she's pregnant with his baby and has no plans of getting rid of it. After Tameka's pregnancy is confirmed Kaine makes it very clear to her that Karma still has his heart and he's only there to father their child. Tameka on the other hand isn't taking no for an answer so she kicks the baby mama drama up a notch and wreak havoc on Kaine and Karma's relationship by showing up announced, threatening Karma and just making her pregnancy an inconvenience for them. But with the past coming back to haunt both Kaine and Karma Tameka and her baby bump is the least of their worries. Kaine is hiding a deep, dark secret that he hasn't shared with Karma, and not only will it put the both of their lives in danger, it will change the entire course of their relationship. Karma soon realizes that loving Kaine comes with a serious price to pay......one that money can't buy. In this second installment of Kaine and Karma there will be wild turns, unexpected surprises and a plot twist that no one saw coming!
Loving An American Gangsta
Sol - 2016
Baseem is an American Gangsta and suave player who, to impress a beautiful woman, accepts her challenge to be her "fake boyfriend" for a weekend in Dallas. Penny is the complicated career woman, living in Manhattan who's just about finished with medical school. She's a southern bell at heart who reigns all the way from Texas and she comes from a prominent black family. With a conservative mother who's pushing the "marriage" subject down her throat, Penny comes up with the grandest idea...buying a fake boyfriend as a plus one for her parents 30th anniversary celebration. What started out as a fun, meet the parents weekend in the deep south, quickly became real for the unlikely pair. What happens when you're not looking for love but love is looking for you? Can Perfect Penny finally live for herself and love an American Gangsta like Bass? Or will her deadly secret and high-society family ties tear apart their fairytale?