Book picks similar to
The Justus Girls by Evelyn Lambright


african-american
strong-women
aaa-adult-books
lit-fiction

B-More Careful: Meow Meow Productions Presents


Shannon Holmes - 2001
    Fatherless and with an addict mother, Netta, the leader of the Pussy Pound, relies on her body and her wiles to survive the harsh streets of Baltimore, but finds there is more to life after her heartbroken lover Black swears revenge on her.

Fortunate Son


Walter Mosley - 2006
    Eric, a Nordic Adonis, is graced by a seemingly endless supply of good fortune. Tommy is a lame black boy, cursed with health problems, yet he remains optimistic and strong.After tragedy rips their makeshift family apart, the lives of these boys diverge astonishingly: Eric, the golden youth, is given everything but trusts nothing; Tommy, motherless and impoverished, has nothing, but feels lucky every day of his life. In a riveting story of modern-day resilience and redemption, the two confront separate challenges, and when circumstances reunite them years later, they draw on their extraordinary natures to confront a common enemy and, ultimately, save their lives.

Uptown


Virginia DeBerry - 2010
    . . where money rulesUptown . . . where ambition trumps traditionUptown . . . where politics come before everythingUptown . . . where a family’s secrets will bring them together—or downAfter twenty years away, Avery Lyons returns to New York when her mother and uncle suffer a serious car accident. The tragedy brings the family together, but Avery is not happy about the impromptu reunion. She no longer recognizes the Harlem of her childhood, but the same old family dynamics and secrets are all too familiar . . . Heir to a real estate empire, Dwight is willing to do anything to realize his aging and demanding father’s dream: Dixon Plaza, a luxury high-rise development on Central Park North that will change the face of Harlem forever. There’s only one thing in his way: his cousin Avery has inherited a share of the property. She’s more than willing to sell until a reporter uncovers the truth behind the rumored shady dealings . . . In Uptown a prominent Harlem family is strained to the breaking point by the high-stakes world of the Manhattan real estate industry, and one woman searches for her identity and the will to forgive. Steamy, provocative, and sexy, Uptown is a turbulent and triumphant read.

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat


Edward Kelsey Moore - 2013
    Proud, talented Clarice is struggling to keep up appearances as she deals with her husband’s humiliating infidelities; beautiful Barbara Jean is rocked by the tragic reverberations of a youthful love affair; and fearless Odette is about to embark on the most terrifying battle of her life. With wit, style and sublime talent, Edward Kelsey Moore brings together three devoted allies in a warmhearted novel that celebrates female friendship and second chances.

A Hood Nigga Fetish 3


Johnazia Gray - 2015
    Even though the ladies have been through hell and back with their boyfriends, they’ve always stood by their men.Hennessey and Desmond tried so hard to let go of the Hood life, but thirsty women and money hungry niggas would not let them fully leave the streets. They both are now on a haunting spree to find Stacy who is on the run after shooting Jessica and leaving her for dead. The surprises that come with Stacy will have the men questioning if touching her in any way is even possible.Keice is keeping a horrible secret from her sister while trying her best to live with it, and not sell her boyfriend out. If she tells Tara that Hennessey killed Ricky the entire family would go down for good. However, here is just one question…Is Keice more loyal to her sister or her man?”Things seem to be crumbling right before their eyes. Will Hennessey move on, or will he try to work it out with the girl who has stuck it out with him through all the BS?This juicy finale is filled with so much drama, action, betrayal, love, and lust. Will things stay the same or will love eventually prevail?

Cookie and Meeko: A B-Town Luv Story


La'Tonya West - 2015
    After doing so much dirt in the streets of Atlanta the only option left for the twenty-six year old dope boy is to leave or end up in an early grave but everyone knows that relocating doesn’t change who you are. Being a hustler at heart, it was nothing for Meeko to come to the country and quickly have everything on lock. Him, his brother, and their new team have money flowing in like water and with the money comes women, willing and ready to do anything for a chance at being the main chic of a well-paid dope boy. Problem is Meeko only has eyes for one woman... Cookie. Cookie’s the complete opposite of all of the women that Meeko’s dealt with since arriving in Boykins, including his baby mama Shy. Quiet, hardworking, intelligent, and simply determined to have more than what her non-supportive family envisioned for her. She’s also been able to stay away from the BS of the small town. That is until her and Meeko’s paths cross… she’s exactly what Meeko feels he needs in his life but his fast paced, chaotic lifestyle isn’t what she wants or needs, which causes her to initially ignore all of his attempts to pursue her. After trying her best to deny and fight the chemistry that she and Meeko obviously have, Cookie finally falls victim to his southern charm. The two couldn’t be a more perfect match but when the town starts talking and word gets out that Cookie is the new lady in Meeko’s life, she will have to endure his ratchet baby mama and what seems like never ending drama in order to hold the title of ‘wifey’ and it won’t be easy. With everything and everyone against them, can love really conquer all?

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.

The Warmest December


Bernice L. McFadden - 2001
    Moving fluidly between the past and the present - between a young girl choosing which belt she'll be whipped with each night and her older self at the bedside of her dying father - it is an ultimately cathartic tale of hope, healing and forgiveness.

The Beautii Behind Magic: An Original Love Story


Kyoshi - 2015
    Beautii is left to fend for herself after her parents die, and her brother Jordin is sent to prison. With a baby to take care of and no one to depend on but herself, she starts working at a strip club. Lauren Green is Beautii’s best friend and one of the only people that she can count on. But Lauren has her own sordid past that has turned her heart cold. Disowned by her parent’s after revealing a scandalous secret, the only person she has to turn to is Beautii. Javian “Teach” McKnight is the head boss on the streets of Miami, and is as ruthless as they come. A night out with his home boys unexpectedly leaves him infatuated with Lauren. Never one to have been in love, he doesn’t know what to make of his feelings. Will they be good for each other? Or, is this relationship doomed from the start? Carter “Magic” McKnight is new to the Miami area, just moving there from Texas to be closer to his brother Teach. Left to raise his daughter on his own when his girlfriend disappeared without a trace, Miami is a good move for him. His first day in town he meets Beautii and is momentarily left speechless. Their lives are entangled and these four form bonds that can’t be broken. But things change when Beautii’s brother is released from prison. Someone is out to get Magic, but who? For Beautii things aren’t as they seem and a blast from the past is lurking in the shadows. Lies, deceit, secrets, murder and more come to light. Will bonds be broken or will these couples be able to stand the test of time?

The Black Effect 2


Charae Lewis - 2020
    Nadir and Amai are sworn enemies now that he has caught her in a compromising position. They both declare war and are willing to give up on what was once a captivating union. Things become even more complicated once bonds are severed and new people enter the picture. Amai is aggrieved and Nadir is incensed. Put those two together and you’ll get a beautiful catastrophe.

Secrets of A Housewife


J. Tremble - 2006
     A successful career. A beautiful wife and children...and his pick of the sexiest women in town. It seems Tarron has the best of both worlds as he manages to indulge in wild nights out with his lover and quiet nights at home with his family. But the party is about to end...When Tarron's cheating ways are revealed, his cool-headed wife, Secret, handles it like a pro. That's partly because, true to her name, Secret is hiding some bad behavior of her own. And now, as Secret starts to really live out her own fantasies, neither she nor Tarron may be ready for the explosive consequences... "A fascinating debut novel... There are so many exciting twists and turns to this story that you'll be begging for more once you read the very last page." --Urban-Reviews.com

Soul Food Sisterhood


Aisha Washington - 2013
    So follow the Jefferson girls as they try to navigate the choppy waters of the Atlanta dating scene.

The Preacher's Wifey


DiShan Washington - 2013
    From athletes to politicians, she's been with them all. When Byran Ward, a wealthy pastor, enters the scene, Allyson could not be more excited. Never one to pass up an opportunity, she turns on her charm and soon finds herself sharing his bed and swiping his Platinum American Express card. Beyond his physical attraction to her, Byran has his own agenda. He's vying to become the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, a ten-thousand-member congregation that is sure to give him more of the prestige and notoriety he craves. He matches all of their qualifications except for one: he needs a wife. Knowing that Allyson is a certified gold digger, he makes her an offer she can't refuse. She can have the life of luxury she desires, an instant social circle of well-known pastors' wives, and anything else she needs to act the part. The only stipulation is she must always remember it's just an arrangement. It's a facade; it's not about love.No one is more surprised than Allyson when she discovers the material perks are not enough to satisfy her. She develops real feelings for her new husband, and she soon wants more attention and affection than Byran is willing to give her. Allyson is left with a decision. Does she give it all up for true love, or does she stick it out and try to prove that money can buy you happiness? The Preacher's Wifey is a well-written, page-turning, intense drama that will stay with you long after you read the last page.A wonderful story of growing faith and learning how to rely on God, this novel is full of messages of God's love and forgiveness. This is DiShan Washington's best work yet. Bravo! --Essence bestselling author Victoria Christopher Murray"

All or Nothing: What Wouldn't You Do to Get Ahead?


Blake Karrington - 2006
    Lead character Shantell Byrant has lived the hard knock life, blessed with a gorgeous figure and good looks, Shantell decides to use what she got to get what she wants

In the Midst of It All


Tiffany L. Warren - 2010
    Between her schizophrenic mother and their tough neighborhood, her life has never been even remotely near normal. When the Brethren of the Sacrifice Church offers them acceptance and a chance at stability, even skeptical Zee can’t resist. Especially when Tristan, a handsome, fervent young member, acts like he wants her to be his one-and-only…and his wry older brother Justin reveals he’s more interested in Zee than he pretends. But when she falls hard for Emil, the Brethren’s outspoken rebel, her belief in mercy and tolerance puts her at odds with the Brethren, her new life—and her mother. Now Zee must come to terms with betrayal, deceit, and false faith. As she fights to grow spiritually and live on her own terms, she will discover how love, forgiveness, and God’s guidance can bring the most unexpected blessings.