Book picks similar to
Own Son by D.E. Eliot


african-american-literature
authors-of-colour
black-books
family-drama

Hoodwinked


Desiree M. Granger - 2019
    Soon to be married off to Percy Hugo Milton to keep money circulating between black families, she realizes she’s stuck in a dead end relationship where he basically, “ain’t shit”. Money matters most, marriage is nothing but a business deal, and love is nonexistent in Percy’s eyes. Not to mention he finds her particularly boring, and uninspiring. Jasmine becomes desperate when she seeks the help of a spiritual guide. An eccentric witch named Delilah Skye who grants her three things she wants in life. Friendship, great sex, and true love. Yet, the reading doesn’t go as planned when Delilah informs Jasmine that everything she wants is hidden in the man she hates the most. Percy. After a wild drunken night in Atlanta a few years ago with some girl he never planned on seeing again, Homer Skye thought he had life figured out. He had the plans laid out to propose to his long time girlfriend Nasia Stewart, move her into a house, and start his family immediately. The all american dream. That is, until he runs into his one night stand, Pia Milton, and their two year old daughter he knew nothing about. With the Moon becoming full almost every night in Atlanta, things start to turn upside down as these two stories collide at the hands of black magic, family ties, and messy drama. Determined to find true love, Jasmine takes matters into her own hands by proposing a deal to her cheating fiancé. Pia has to come to terms with tolerating her child’s father, and the black magic that runs deep in his crazy family. While Homer struggles with the thought of this woman who lied about their daughter for two years, might just be the one he’s meant to be with all along. Fine Print: This story contains a little magic, belief in the impossible, and a few other random things and people that make up the story. Might be some hood shit in here too, I don’t know. I say, just read it.

BEING BARRON 3: TAYLOR & MAX: A Princess Doesn't Follow The Rules–She Makes Them (BEING BARRON TRILOGY)


S.K. Hardy - 2016
    She follows no one’s rules–she makes them. Now, however, it seems as if Lane, her oldest brother and patriarch of the family, wants to rein her in and put an end to her wild ways. Determined to come out on top, she turns to family friend, Maxwell Banks, who also happens to be her brother’s best friend. After several explosive bumps and well constructed roadblocks, they finally come to a breakthrough in the passionate, but complicated, layers of their relationship. Max, however, has secrets of his own that prevent him from being completely honest with Taylor. Any hope of them building on the fragile bond they've formed is shattered once the details of his deception come to light. When the betrayal is discovered, it could cause more than the loss of trust–it could be the end of someone’s life. Being Barron 3 is the third book in the Barron Trilogy. Books 1 and 2 can be found on Amazon as well as other books by S. K. Hardy. Warning: Being Barron 3 contains adult content (language and sexual scenes) not suitable for readers under 18.

Finding Happiness in Spain


Ian Wilfred - 2021
    A few secrets, a little romance and new beginnings, but above all a story about friendships.

Stuck On You (Stoneworths Series, #1)


Michelle Stimpson - 2016
    Yet when they returned to school in the fall, Braxton made a decision that drove Tiffany to transfer schools and never look back.Now, nearly a decade later, they meet again as business experts vying for the same contract at a prestigious school. In addition to their professional competition, tensions mount as Braxton and Tiffany discover that they have two different versions of what happened to their romance so long ago. Can they overcome hard feelings and pick up where they left off? Tiffany’s father passed away a few months ago, just as she was founding her new project management firm. She wonders if her leap of faith was a good move, and her doubts only increase when she learns that someone from the firm she left is trying to undermine her independent efforts…not to mention her possibilities with Braxton.Braxton thought he might follow his father’s footsteps into ministry. His wild fraternity days caught up with him, however, causing Braxton to give up the idea of teaching anyone to follow the faith he so obviously neglected. Can he win back his own self-respect and the heart of the woman he never forgot?Stuck On You is the first book in The Stoneworth Series by bestselling Christian Fiction author Michelle Stimpson. The family history is briefly established, and then readers are off to experience the Stoneworth family's rich legacy of faith and integrity within the context of contemporary romance. Come fall in love with the family!

Fish and Grits


Tina Smith-Brown - 2010
    After the death of her father, fourteen year old Kala, an exceptional student who dreams about the future before it happens, takes on the responsibility of raising three younger brothers and a sister while struggling to survive the "concrete jungle" they call home. Kala, who will do anything to save her siblings from suffering, comes up with a plan to keep them together amidst the challenges of poverty, government interference, and a drug addicted mother. When one of the eight years old twin boys begins to set deadly fires and is saved from the police by their bank robbing neighbor, Kala finds in him a friend and confidante. Their lives continue to unravel after their mother is killed, but Aunt Charlie, their gay, ex-marine corps uncle, arrives just in time to rescue the family and to show Kala that true parental love really does exist.Kevin Hart (comedian, actor, writer), Charles Fuller (Pulitzer Prize winning playwright), and Leslie Esdaile Banks (author of the Vampire Huntress Series), all love – “Fish and Grits” – the first novel by independent publisher and author, Tina Smith-Brown.

Dancing with Destiny


AlTonya Washington - 2011
    She had escaped an abusive relationship and was in the process of reinventing herself. The climax of this "self renewal" took place on the night of her dazzling comeback performance. The lovely dancer had reclaimed her passion and proved that she was ready for anything. Anything, except another relationship.Kantey Swift was captivated the moment he spotted Zelda on stage. The gorgeous producer had a healthy, well-known appetite for women. Unfortunately, Zelda was tougher than anyone he had ever met. Though she couldn't help but be drawn to Kantey's sexy, dark features, Zelda had no desire to encourage him. After spending three years in a living nightmare, she’d decided a romantic involvement was not in her best interest. Kantey had made a decision as well: Zelda Drummond was far too beautiful to keep herself locked away. Her staunch refusals to his advances were met with fiery persuasion. After a while, his sensuous spell had worked its magic.The "magic" however, was threatened when Zelda's ex-flame Gary Stewart surfaced with vengeful intentions. The man became an unwelcomed fixture in Kantey and Zelda's lives, appearing where and when he was least expected. In spite of such intense obstacles; not to mention Kantey and Zelda’s own stubborn personalities, they managed to develop a powerful union. They would come to rely on every aspect of its strength to overcome the darkness threatening it.

One of a Kind


A.N. Boyden - 2022
    The town's testing scores are dismal. In fact, Bluebonnet is ranked the worst in the state of Texas. Tatyana's immediate response was to turn down the position; however, her success could place her as the front runner to be the youngest school superintendent in Texas history.Tatyana accepts the challenge and has one year to drastically improve the school's testing scores and overall academic marks to avoid shutting down the public school. Tatyana is not thrilled to leave the comforts of the big city for the little Podunk town with a population of less than one thousand and prays the rumors she has heard are not true.Keith Bailey is the well-loved and admired sheriff of Bluebonnet. His family established the town of Bluebonnet over one hundred years ago and has always been the governing law of the dilapidated city. The citizens of Bluebonnet, including Keith's family, turn their backs on him as soon as Tatyana Lee brazenly rolls into town with her No Trespassing signs and her double pistols on her hips.Keith is instantly attracted to the dark-skinned woman with the sultry tongue and ego the size of Texas. He is befuddled by the woman's insistence in staying in a town where she truly did not belong and finds himself spending more time protecting Tatyana from the less-than-welcoming town folk and cleaning up after their vandalism.How will Tatyana achieve her goals and deal with being the only Black resident in a predominantly racist town? Join Tatyana and Sheriff Bailey as the pair engage in the spiciest love affair that Bluebonnet has ever witnessed.This novel is a BWWM Interracial story brimming with erotic scenes, derogatory language, and slurs. This book is meant for mature readers.

Mr & Mrs Nambiar


Sudha Nair - 2019
    A cute tale about how a housewife gets her groove back...Indu and Madan Nambiar have lead a well-settled, almost-perfect life for many years — and then, Madan retires.As their seemingly content coexistence is threatened, will they be able to strike a new balance? Will Indu be able to accept this new reality? Or will retirement be a new beginning for both Mr and Mrs Nambiar?Read this funny take on the repercussions of retirement.

Ace and Bleu III: A Dope Boy Love Story


Sol - 2016
    Now not only is taking care of Senior on his to-do list but he has to mold and get to know two new Newsomes. There's also a new leading lady in his life by the name of Kita and she’s determined to keep Ace at all costs. Trying to balance being a boss, brother, father, lover, and friend, all take their toll on Ace but can he get it together or will everyone around him suffer the consequences of his misfortunes? Since day one, Bleu has been everything Ace needed her to be but once a skeleton jumps out of her closet, she is forced to deal with her dark past head on. Ace turns his back on her and she has no one else to run to. The love she thought she had is tested in the worst way and she's left trying to mend her broken heart. No longer having access to the finer things, Bleu struggles with returning to her old life. That’s when she meets a new man, one who who quickly sweeps her off her feet. Just when she's ready to fully move on from Ace, a tragic accident pulls her back in. Follow the dynamic duo as they embark on an emotional journey of heartache and pain. While the limits of their love are tested, they'll quickly learn that all they have is each other. But is that enough when a woman is fed up? Or will secrets, lies, deception and sexual indiscretions tear them apart for good? Find out how deep their love is in Ace and Bleu III.

Little Girl Leaving: A Novel Based on a True Story


Lisa Blume - 2018
    . . enlightening . . . A disturbing and illuminating tale.”—KIRKUS REVIEWSThe 1960s have come to a close—it’s 1972, and America is changing. So is Deidi’s world; she’s seven, and her family is moving. As she packs her room and unearths precious objects from her past, her thoughts begin to stray to the years before—to her first memories in 1968, and all that followed.From these reveries unfolds a story of terrible abuse and incredible survival. We see Deidi grow from a three-year-old whose understanding of the world is just beginning to form to a child whose courage, compassion, and sense of wonder persist despite every obstacle. Through her vivid recollections, the stark landscape of rural America, the political and social turmoil of the era, and the brutal power dynamics of adults come into sharp focus. Deidi’s story reveals the darkness roiling beneath the surface of American life and the way children are forced to confront it themselves, weaponless and alone. For Deidi, whose family continues to fall into deeper and darker cycles of sexual abuse and violence, survival is a matter of clinging desperately to the light in the world around her—no matter how dim it grows.By turns heartbreaking and stunningly beautiful, Little Girl Leaving is a reminder of the incredible power and fragility of a child’s spirit, and a call to action to protect it at all costs.  “Insightful, poignant, and riveting. I believe that everyone living with or around children should read this book.”—Judith Landau, MD, former president, International Family Therapy Association; senior Fulbright scholar; consultant to the UN and World Health Organization"Little Girl Leaving, Lisa Blume's debut novel, is sadly tragic but deeply moving and evocative."—Gabrielle Glaser, New York Times bestselling author, Her Best-Kept Secret; winner of the Award for Excellence in Journalism, American Psychoanalytic Association“An enthralling read, a brilliant read. You will never forget it.”—Mary Dispenza, educator, activist, and national distinguished principal; author, Split: A Child, a Priest, and the Catholic Church“A sensory barrage. A convincing and disturbing narrative. Most wonderful is how variously the child’s goodness of spirit tries to maintain itself. This is a page-turner.”—Sharon Solwitz, author, creative writing professor, Purdue University; winner, Carl Sandburg Prize, Doheny Award, The Center for Fiction“A must-read. A compelling story of a wise girl who tries to do good, no matter how painful and frightening life becomes, with the beauty of her essence always somehow enduring.”—Rocío Chang-Angulo, PsyD, co-director, Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice; steering committee, National Child Traumatic Stress Network"Awake and alive to the unending beauty of the world juxtaposed with its secret horrors—an extraordinarily powerful punch to the heart.”—Katherine Ketcham, author, The Only Life I Could Save, A Memoir and Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption, with William Cope Moyers“As innovative as it is disturbing. The narrative captures elements of child abuse which, all too often, are lost or not understood by justice systems. A skillful portrayal.”—Raymond McMenamin, Shrieval Convener, Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland; former spokesperson, Law Society of Scotland’s vulnerable witness legislation“How does one turn the unfathomable into the believable without sounding vengefulor outrageous—in a voice, even, of great tenderness? This novel has done just that.”—Sally Anderson, editor-in-chief, Strategic News Service, FiReBooks, and FiReFilms

Unbreakable 3


Tynessa - 2014
    Shaniqua feels since she's his fiancee it's up to her to take care of him and she refuses to turn her back because of his condition. But will she be able to handle Ronny's mood swings? When she learns who her ex-fiance cousin is she debates if she should tell Ronny or not. She does and it's hell to pay for him! Brooke and Bino is sitting on cloud nine and nothing can bring them down. That is until Amber comes back with a banger that can possibly tear these two love birds apart. She has a secret and is threatening to share it with Brooke. But will her secret comes back and bite her in her own ass? Since Cornell has moved on with his life and started a new relationship with Kandi, Star finally realize everything that glitter isn't gold and leaving Cornell wasn't the best thing to do after all.."

All I Want For Christmas


Nicole Falls - 2018
     ***T H I S I S A S H O R T S T O R Y*** If shorts aren't your jam, you may want to bypass this one in lieu of forthcoming longer Nicole Falls projects. Also, it helps if you've read sugar butter flour love before venturing into this one.

The Homecoming


Anna Smith - 2004
    Nonetheless in this close community friendships go deep and the pub of an evening is a cheery place, at least until too much drink is taken. Fifteen years ago, Joe McBride left Westerbank under a cloud, and in his absence life has moved on, the secrets he took with him disturbing only occasionally those who were caught up in them. But now Joe McBride is coming home, a changed man, and one who needs to face up to the past before it's too late. The truth about the mysterious death of a young girl fifteen years ago is about to come out, and nothing in Westerbank will ever be quite the same again.

Hood Boyz Fall in Love Too


Shvonne Latrice - 2018
    Not willing to let the hardships drag her down, she presses forward, making herself happy the best way she knows how and by any means necessary. Owen is perfectly happy, or so she thinks, and believes the last thing she needs is a man; especially one as masculine, handsome, bold, yet undeniably sweet as Conquer. But what she soon realizes is there is a vast difference between men and little boys. Conquer, a very important man in the city of Las Vegas, isn't your typical street thug. Being taught since birth that the mafia was always number one, Conquer has a callous, no-nonsense personality. With his smooth ways, intelligence, slightly rude demeanor, and sexy smile, he's irresistible to just about every woman that crosses his path; even ones like... Owen. When the handsome charmer and emotionally scarred beauty meet, the chemistry is immediate and intense, with both parties becoming like a drug to one another. Unfortunately, they both have factors within their lives that make a union seem not only impossible but highly unlikely. Will Owen fall victim to Conquer's spell, despite him not being her type in more ways than one? And will Conquer be willing to go against the grain just to have Owen, or will they both realize that love only suits... 'normal' people. This hood romance is laced with heartbreak, tragedy, lust, and betrayal, but most of all a raw and unexpected love.

The Sweet Spot: A Maple Hills Story (Book 1)


Tay Mo'Nae - 2020