Book picks similar to
Welfare Grind by Kendall Banks


urban-books
betrayal
kelai
african-american-fiction

From Mistress to Wifey


Erica Hilton - 2011
    Jasmine was always overlooked for her brains and praised for her beauty until she met Nico, the educated hoodlum with a sexier, smarter, and even prettier wifey on his arm. His main chick, Mia, is a force to be reckoned with a quiet storm who will ride or die for the love of her life.Frustrated and caught between a fledgling video-vixen career and dysfunctional friends, Jasmine wants to be upgraded from Nico's mistress to his wifey. But Jasmine soon finds out that the glitz and glamour of huge diamonds and fancy cars come with an even heavier ransom drug deals and murder.Meanwhile, Mia's not willing to let go of her man so easily. She digs up dirt on Jasmine that can destroy her, but Mia can't even imagine what lengths Jasmine will go to, to keep her secret under wraps.

Dice


T.N. Baker - 2007
    Rollin' dice is an everyday hustle for Wasuan, and he's one of the best the hood has ever seen. No one can defeat him. That is, until he stumbles across a dude from the same hood named Tone who has just as much confidence, a little too much mouth, lots of cash to back it up, and a strong desire for Wasuan's girl. When Wasuan is challenged and the stakes grow high, he finds himself caught out in deeper waters than he can swim in, with Tone dangling three options: pay up, take your last breath, or sacrifice something much greater...his girl, Enychi. But when Enychi agrees to spend one night with Tone in order to save her man's life, she finds herself caught up in an unwilling love triangle like the streets have never known. Love, betrayal, lies, sex and money are just the beginning in this scandalous tale, where loyalties are put to the ultimate test. In this new novel, T. N. Baker takes the term "sheisty" to a whole new level.

Material Girl


Keisha Ervin - 2006
    From the bestselling author of "Me & My Boyfriend" comes a sophisticated lovestory filled with laughter, witty banter, and excessive shopping.

Man Swappers


Cairo - 2012
    By day, bombshell sisters Porsha, Persia, and Paris do everything together. They work hard, travel far, and are always on the prowl for their next relationship. And getting the attention from the opposite sex has never been a problem for these vixens. In fact, they’ve had more than their share of men vying for their attention. But there’s a catch: You date one sister, you date them all.But what happens when two of them break the rules of engagement and want one of the men all to themselves? And what happens when they find out it’s the same man? A titillating story of sibling rivalry gone haywire, Man Swappers will thrill readers to a whole new level of satisfaction.

Restricted


Takerra Allen - 2001
    Reigning king of the streets Julez Payne traded in his banger for the briefcase, and couldn't be more content. And when he puts a ring on the pretty little finger of the irresistible Noelle, life seems to be perfect. Sounds too good to be true? That's because it is. Noelle's far from the ideal housewife and Julez secretly has his own battle of temptation that he's fighting in the dark. So when the mansion walls come tumbling down, all of the skeletons lurking in the closets come spilling out for all to see! And who's there to witness? Enter scene Slim and Jordin. This couple's had their share of rough times and things don't seem to be looking up. Fresh out of prison, Slim struggles to stay on the straight and narrow while Jordin deals with her own insecurities and a hidden desire for the passion that Slim leaves her lacking. Praying for a miracle, Jordin hopes to live a life as lurid and luxurious as her gorgeous best friend Noelle and wealthy husband Julez. But when suppressed desires from the past resurface, Jordin finds out in a Restricted world, everyone has ulterior motives, even her! This sophisticated novel gives you your own personal magnifying glass, allowing you to take a close look into the lives of four dynamic heroines who are all bound by their lies, restricted by desires, and freed by indulgence...The soaps have been revamped and brought to life in the pages of this love thriller! Warning: Proceed with caution, you are now Unrestricted!

Victoria's Secret (the Cartel Publications Presents)


Jason Poole - 2008
    She goes through a tragic childhood only to be found by a love she never knew existed. Babyface, the love of her life, changes her whole perspective of living by saving her from a world of turmoil only to walk her into a Hell of his own. Victoria s Secret is the most realistic story of today s new age pimping with a classy-thuggish style. It takes you on a journey through some of the harshest slums of our nation s capitol, Washington, D.C., and rushes you to some of the most talked about flamboyant night clubs in Atlanta, Georgia! Just when you thought it couldn t get any better, you ll travel through the gang infested streets of Chicago only to land a spot in the heart of one of the biggest Pimp Cities of the world, Memphis, Tennessee...the home of the infamous, Playa s Ball where every pimp dreams of becoming Pimp Of The Year . Victoria s Secret will command you as you read her story all through the pages of her diary. You ll go through mood swings of pain, joy, sadness, happiness, love and hate. You ll also fall in love with characters so real...they ll materialize right before your eyes only to leave you begging for more. The Skillful Pens Of Donald Goines & Iceberg Slim Have Arisen!

Gangsta Luv 2: 'Til Death Do Us Part


Jazmyne - 2013
    Even if that means killing anyone and anything standing in her way.Once again these two couples try weathering the storm they call Gangsta Luv.

In Love with A Dope Boy


Treasure Bee - 2014
    At a young age, Tyler was forced to grow up and become the man of his family. Always the protector and provider for his sister, Tyler turned to the streets early on in order to survive. Despite her beauty, Skyler is insecure and unsure of herself. With no one to turn to except her brother, she often feels lost in Tyler’s crazy lifestyle. Tori is Tyler’s ride or die, but like most young girls involved with a street nigga Tori is struggling to hold on to her sanity while trying to deal with all the b.s. and drama that comes with being Tyler’s leading lady, as well as dealing with her own demons. Friends will turn into enemies. Secrets will be revealed and love will be tested. Only the strong survive, so who will be left standing?

Juicy Deception


Ivy - 2011
    He and his crew run the streets of Cleveland, he has an abundance of money, plus all the women love him. But can things get any better for him or can one life changing event turn his entire world into a living nightmare?Juicy is one bad chick. She has the body of a goddess and has enough street smarts to run an entire Drug Empire on her own. She also loves playing Black’s loyal ride-or-die. But when she has had enough what outs does she take to let go before her past shows up and shows out?Tiffany is young and the streets arouses her. She love everything about them, plus she loves being the chosen and known girlfriend of Black. But she quickly learns how hard the street life can be and has to make fast decision, either jump aboard or die. Which will she make?

Trust No Bitch


Ca$h - 2013
    A deadly warning directs his course as he strives to carry out his orders.Complications set in when his mentor's beautiful, sexy, and rebellious daughter Lissha, who is as comfortable carrying a gun as she is carrying a Gucci bag, forces Kiam to decide between his sizzling desire for her and his immense loyalty to big Zo.Amidst the torrid but unspoken passion that builds between Kiam and Lissha like a blazing inferno, lies hidden alliances and deceit that threaten to explode at every turn.With sex, money, murder and dark secrets lurking around every corner and a team of beautiful yet dangerous women he is forced to work with, who will ultimately be the Bitch he can’t trust.

Blinded


KaShamba Williams - 2003
    Being the first person in her family to gain a high school diploma, she has set the tone for greatness. But her prominent future becomes so nebulous that she turns to the streets for guidance and support. She soon realizes that the ''life'' of fast money and frivolous behaviors has not only plagued her, but other family members as well, suffering the same issues that were handed down for generations. In spite of her failed attempts to overcome her problems, she's determined to triumph once again.

The Arrangement


Shay Gray - 2013
    Being granted only a few months to live, he constructs an idea on how to care for his four children in the event of his death. He comes up with an idea he calls, "The Arrangement". The only problem is convincing his wife and the two mothers’ of his children of his idea. "The Arrangement", is all three women must agree to move into one house for six months with their kids in order to receive any money from his will. When Terrance’s wife, Tanya learns the details of "The Arrangement" she is disgusted. She has basically put her life on hold after becoming pregnant to take care of her husband. She finds herself emotionally drawn to her husband’s best friend for comfort, as her husband’s illness takes a toll on her. Eventually,she finds herself facing her own demise and loses everything she has come to love Portia Jackson is the mother of two of Terrance’s children. She owns her own hair salon, drinks like a fish, and stays in brand name clothing. She is a rude, no nonsense, type of woman who makes it her business to let everyone know what she feels, or thinks, no matter whose feelings get hurt in the process. After a secret she has held on to for years threatens her inclusion in "The Arrangement", her world begins to crumble around her. Afraid of losing the glamorous life she is accustomed to having, she will stop at nothing to keep it.Amber Sykowski is the mother of Terrance’s oldest son. She comes from a long line of money and has always been ridiculed by her racist mother for having a bi-racial child. She feels the only way to escape her mother's disapproval is to go against everything she was taught, and make her own rules. When it almost costs her life, Amber has to make a hard decision that could turn her entire world upside down.In several unexpected events all three women eventually come to depend on each other forming a unique and unexpected bond. Will "The Arrangement' help them all to learn the value of forgiveness, love, and friendship?

Hood Misfits (Volume 3)


Brick - 2013
    Dame is dead, so they’re safe right? What’s going to happen when Trigga and Diamond find out that Every Nigga Gotta Agenda, even those closest to you? Ride with them through the streets of Hackney, one of the most dangerous boroughs in London, as the ENGA crew try to stay alive long enough to make it out.

Meesh, Myself, and I


Shelli Marie - 2013
    She is raised by her mother in an urban neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. Although it is known as the City of Roses, Me'Shellay manages to get stuck by many thorns of tragedy. Once she becomes of age and is able to get a grip on life, she begins her quest to seek out what she has been hungering for her whole life... love.This is when she meets the handsome and talented Kerron Suarez. What begins as a fairytale romance, turns out to be less than what Me'Shellay expects. When his close friend Sanders Torres is added into the equation, she finds herself in the middle of a crazy love triangle that lands her with an unexpected surprise.In this first book of the Repercussions of Love series, Me'Shellay exposes herself to the fullest. If it's from hustling in the streets to bustling in the sheets, she is in it. If it's from dangerous love making to cold blooded life taking, she is with it.Come along and share a portion of Me'Shellay's world, one that will leave you wanting more...

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?