Book picks similar to
N.O.L.A by Cion Lee


cion-lee
have-children-or-expecting
urban
black-fiction

Kano & Montana: A Hood Love Story


Genesis - 2019
    He had to grow up at an early age and take on the role of becoming an adult way before his time. Starting off as a dope boy, he soon rises up the ranks before becoming the right-hand man inside of his uncle's drug empire. Kank has it all; money and the women, yet still he feels like his life is not fulfilled. That is until his best friends twin sister Montana comes back into town shaking up his life. Montana Mason has been through a lot in her life. After leaving Dallas for school, she finds herself head over heels for Isaac Thompson and soon she gives him the greatest gift a woman can give a man, her heart and a beautiful daughter. But everything that glitters aint gold and Montana soon realizes that Isaac isn’t all he made himself out to be. Now, Montana finds herself escaping an abusive relationship and ends up back home around the people she loves most. She finds love in the form of a child-hood crush. Kano and Montana are both trying to navigate their newfound relationship while still dealing with the upsides of life. Will they ever get it together or is their love not meant to be?

A Hustler's Promise 3


Jackie Chanel - 2014
    They're experiencing life like they never knew was possible. From the safety of their gated community, their world is copacetic. Until news from home rocks their world. Released early from prison, King's only mission is to regain control of the throne and take care of the people who crossed him. And Washington Heights knows there are only two people who can make that happen. Loyalty is tested, friendships lost, and the strength of Jaicyn and Rayshawn's relationship is questioned. When the smoke clears, who will be left standing?

If I Was Your Best Friend: A Novella


Lucinda John - 2018
    Nothing in life was handed to her, she had to work for it. Although she was smart academically none of that mattered, school wasn't an option, bills had to be paid. Using her doting eyes, alluring smile, and firm back side, Yssa was determined to keep a roof over her head, food in her stomach and clothes on her back. When life takes a sharp right turn she finds herself running into Pierre.Pierre wasn't your typical guy. With a hardworking single mother his priority was school and sports. Being skilled in multiple sports landed him opportunities that would have him set for life, until he meets her. The moment his eyes met Yssa, the hood chick with the 'around the way girl' persona, he falls in love. Determined to help her out of her bind, Pierre goes out of his way to make Yssa see herself for the queen she truly is. He loves her, breathes her, cherishes her; however, in Yssa eyes he's just her best friend.Pierre isn't Yssa typical pick in guys, she was a hood chick that craved that hood love. He was too well mannered, too attentive, too motivating, too good for her tainted soul. Pierre's good boy ways was only enough to earn him a seat in the friend zone, where Yssa felt he was safe. When unfortunate events separate the two Yssa is forced to reevaluate herself and the choices she's made; however, her revaluations may be a little too late.

There’s Still Beauty in This Street Love: Her Fallen Angel


Elle Kayson - 2017
    No Distractions. Ángel Cruz had been chanting those words to himself most of his life, struggling to stay disciplined and dedicated in the crazy, brutal world that surrounded him. His work as an exclusive assassin demanded all his attention. Ángel had no time for relationships… until the day he set eyes and his wandering hands on Tamar Kinsey. For the first time in his life, he was distracted as hell, focused on the Kinsey princess. Ángel was determined to have her laughter, her loyalty, and the one thing he never expected to want: her love. Despite her family’s insistence on sheltering her from everything, Tamar Kinsey had made up her mind to master the underworld as well as her older brothers. Ángel Cruz’s offer to teach her the game was too good to pass up. Tay found Ángel’s dark persona and overprotectiveness both frustrating and alluring. Even as she learns to love her fallen angel, the demons of his unresolved past threaten to destroy any chance they might have in the present. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts, but Briar Rose and Ty Kinsey were still figuring out this relationship business. An up-and-coming surgeon, Briar knew a stellar reputation is crucial to her goal of rising into hospital administration. The appeal of her young dope boy made her want to throw caution to the wind and, for once, just live. Ty vowed to renounce his player ways and rock with her solely. But, as Briar learns the profound importance of family to the Kinseys, she fears that her longest-held secret will keep her and Ty apart forever.

You Ain't Gotta Be Perfect: Currency & Ree’s Love Story


Bianca - 2017
    Adoree wants to be a marine biologist and has every detail of her life planned. Her NFL bound boyfriend, Jerrod, has been in her life since the ninth grade. Jerrod loves Adoree, but when he starts to step out their relationship, does she find out? Does Jerrod do something drastic to keep Adoree in his life? Adoree bumps into a tatted-up stranger, who she knows she needs to stay far away from, but the more she tries to stay away, the more she is drawn to him. Will she allow this sexy man to draw her in even with her boyfriend Jerrod in the picture? Fresh from the concrete jungle, Synovus Lee Jr, is the king of the streets. Hitting the streets and making sure his girlfriend, Zaviana McCoy is well taken care of, is the only thing he knows. Synovus loves photography when he isn’t in the streets. He only knows how to hustle to make money. When he finds out his hobby could make him decent money without the consequence of being arrested, he starts to think about leaving the game. Will Zaviana be accepting, especially when she knows the cash flow might not be the same? Synovus will do anything for Zaviana. That is until Adoree steps into his life. Anyone with eyes can see that Adoree and Synovus are definitely from different sides of the track, but will that stop them from getting to know each other? Will they fall in love, or will gravity keep them in their current relationships?

Tampering With A Thug's Heart 3


Coco Shawnde - 2018
    With either knowing the route to rekindle their love, they grow distant. Israel is taking on fatherhood the best way he knows how, and he encounters more than he wished for. Finding Aubrey is at the top of his list. With his search, more truths are revealed than he expected. Being the man he is, he stands tall with everything coming his way. Even with things changing in his life, the one thing that hasn’t changed is Tiphani being his best friend. Times grow hard, but does that mean all love will be lost? This last installment guarantees to take you on a ride. Will love conquer all, or will it just not be enough to allow love to flourish? Tampering with a thug’s heart doesn’t seem like the right thing to do when your heart is played on right back.

Smoke 'N Gunz: A South Side Love Story


Leondra LeRae - 2019
    That was until Keylon committed the ultimate betrayal and Jalisa finally decided she’d had enough. She swore off trying to be with someone until she met Smoke. Smoke was probably the most gorgeous man she had laid eyes on. After experiencing heartbreak, Jalisa wasn’t sure moving on with Smoke was smart, until she realized she was connected with Smoke long before she laid eyes on him. Cortez ‘Smoke’ Campbell is hood royalty. After experiencing tragedy at a young age, Smoke did what he had to do to take the financial burden off of his Granny. Smoke is hesitant on giving his heart out until he and Jalisa ran into each other... literally. Being crossed by the last person he ever expected, Smoke realizes Jalisa is more for him than he could have ever imagined. Or is she? Even though they both had trust issues and were skeptical at first, Smoke and Gunz decided to give love a chance. Take a ride on this love journey to see if Jalisa is really ready to move on wholeheartedly or will her past destroy the new future she wants so desperately. Some say love conquers all, but does it?

Better Than Your Ex 2: Young and Stony


K.C. Mills - 2018
    The streets taught him to trust no one, and that love was the downfall of every man, so when he opened up to Stony, it was not something that anyone expected. Young fell fast and hard in a way that left him vulnerable. Unfortunately, that was the worst mistake he ever made. When he finds out that the Dorrian family, Stony included, had singlehandedly destroyed his heart and his career, he shuts everyone out. At this point, his only option is to put himself first. Stony had lived her life by her family's expectations and under their control until she met Young. Even though her life was exposed and turned upside down, she realized that she had to grow up and take control. The worst part was that she gained that insight right when her father had potentially ruined her life and destroyed any chance she had of finding forever with Young. Her pride is damaged, and her heart is broken. Ashlyn is falling fast, and Papa is right there with her. She forces him to recognize the fact that his life is not as complete as he thought it was. Because of that, he knows that it's time to leave the streets behind so he can give her all of him without fear or hesitation. Will it be as easy as he thinks, or will he have to walk away and let her live her life until he’s in a position to give her all that he knows she deserves? Even if you find the one who is Better Than Your Ex, the universe might not play nice enough to let you have your happily ever after, but when it's for you, no one can stop you from having it, or can they?

Her Goon, His Eden


Aubreé Pynn - 2020
    After she defies the path that her father wants her to take, she ends up at Paradise, a strip club in the heart of New York City. Paradise fuels the city and is bound to tempt her until she breaks. Rich is a ruthless ruler running New York and has no plans of stopping. With his father ready to step down, Rich is trying to secure all the resources he can while weeding out the weak links in his team. After what appears to be an accidental moment between Zola and Rich, she becomes a marked woman. Rich willing becomes a man captivated with her. With Rich reacting on impulse, Zola is trying to navigate through life and keep Rich at bay. But can budding feelings and an offer of a lifetime finally put them exactly where they’re fated to be? Find out in Her Goon, His Eden.

Love And The Game 2


Johnni Sherri - 2018
    While she ultimately decides to let Derrick sweep her off her feet, Plus’ feelings for her never seem to waver. However, when Derrick gets drafted into the NBA and has to relocate hundreds of miles away, Perri is faced with the decision to either stay in Maryland or leave with her fiancé for good. Now that Plus has completely stepped up as a father, the mere mention of Perri taking Camille away leaves him emotionally shattered. But after everything he’s put Perri through is this now his karma? In addition to this love triangle, Tez and Myesha’s relationship goes through its own struggle of sorts. Both of their pasts come back to haunt them, leaving a huge question mark over the survival of their union. While Jorell and Nika make such a cute couple; him with his ‘bama’ ways and her with her quick-witted nature, will the secrets he has buried tear them apart? Find out how what happens when people really do love hard but aren’t fair when playing the game.

Bella and Braxton: A Hood Love Story


Jan'a Sullivan - 2016
    Hattie and Tommy done had babies again." Growing up in the hood of Covington, KY wasn't so great for sixteen year old Labella Jones. Living in a world where you have to teach your self how to be a woman because your mother's minimum wage job takes all of her time isn't so easy. Fighting everyday to overcome teenage jealousy and bullying because you don't fit in with the "it" crowd was a ritual for young Bella. When a harsh situation brings Bella and Choc, one of the most popular girls in school together, Bella learns how to love herself for who she is even with dirty clothes, nappy hair and all. Waking up everyday knowing that to the world you're nothing but to him you're everything made a big change in Bella's life. Meet Braxton " B", struggling to make it out of the hood but falling victim to the only resource available in the hood "drugs" to survive. B makes it a priority to teach Bella the true meaning of "Love your self first or no one will" while still trying to find himself. Being a black man coming from poverty they expect you to fail and thats exactly what the police is doing even if they have to play dirty to keep there statistics going. When feelings get involved, rumors are spread will Bella and Braxton be able to survive to tell their "hood love story?"

Second to No One


Keysha - 2015
    After learning that the two people she trusted with her life were snakes in the grass, Jazzy decided to move on. Rayshawn a boss in his own right always get what he wants and he always wanted Jazzy. The only thing stopping him was that nigga Jaylin, but things changed. Jaylin has messed up and Rayshawn is gonna do everything in his power to make Jazzy his... Even if he has to hurt a few people in the process.

A New Jersey Love Story 2: I Got Yours, You Got Mine


Myiesha - 2015
    They continue to make enemy after enemy, when all they really want to do is be completely in love with each other. Being with Troy has caused Camilla to step out of her reserved personality and show all other females that she’s about that life and she plays no games when it comes to her man. Camilla has learned that everyone that smiles in your face isn’t your friend. Supreme’s secret obsession with Camilla has stirred up some jealousy within Kitty. After Supreme’s vicious attack on Camilla, she’s determined to get revenge. Once Supreme goes missing, Kitty already knows who had something to do with it and she will not stop until those who are responsible pay. Troy, completely in love with both sides of his sunshine, is willing to jump through all hoops for her and be by her side when shit goes down. He’s the first to pick up on Kitty’s deceitful vibes and does his best to warn Camilla to be careful around her. When Kitty starts to feel that Camilla and her gang are on to her ulterior motives, she expedites her plan that may get her revenge for Supreme once and for all. After Kitty and Keyonna’s sneak attack on Troy and Camilla, lives are left hanging in the balance. Who will survive this unforeseen attack? Will G-Ma have to dust off her gat for her BooBoo?

She From The Gutta


BriAnn Danae - 2018
    Having witnessed crime, poverty, death and much more at such a young age; Harlem learned to make a way when there was no way. Due to unfortunate circumstances, and fear for her family, Harlem’s mother packs them up and relocates to a shelter away from everyone and everything she’s accustomed to. Opting to make the best of her situation, Harlem finds solace in the presence of the young and handsome Enzo Maverick. As much of a mystery as he is to Harlem, Enzo prefers to keep it that way. With an impeccably rude demeanor and crass decorum, mostly everyone stays clear from him. Everyone except his mother’s boyfriend, Khalil. When the two come to blows and Enzo almost gets arrested, his mother is forced to make a decision that lands Enzo in the same place as Harlem, where their blossoming, yet rocky friendship begins. Hesitant to trust anyone, Enzo and Harlem both quickly learn that allowing one another into their world may be just what they need to find peace. When tragedy and triumph strikes, the two are abruptly detached. After years pass, Harlem is no longer the curious 17-year-old Enzo first encountered. In fact, she’s just as ruthless and cold-hearted as he is. In this gritty tale of money, love, lust and betrayal, Harlem is reminded that everything in life worth fighting for comes with a struggle. Even love; a feeling she desperate yearns for.

Flexin' On My Ex with A Boss 2


Jenica Johnson - 2018
    She finally feels that she’s able to move on from her past and fully focus on being with Bash. Her rocky relationship with her mother-in-law is still being tested but, for the sake of her relationship with Bash, Yah-Yah continues to turn the other cheek. With a little help, she’s able to start up her own business and that keeps her occupied so she couldn’t see the obvious. When she finds out what’s been happening in front of her eyes, will she return to the old her or will she remain the woman she worked hard to become? Bash is in love and he can no longer hide the fact that Yahria is going to be his wife. He thought he finally found the right woman after the death of his child’s mother. Yah-Yah helped him get his life back in order but he seems to battle with keeping his woman happy and his mother too. Bash is forced to make some major decisions as it pertains to his personal and love life. Will he choose correctly or will he play it safe? When you fall in fast, it will either crumble or stand strong during a test. Which will it be with this couple?