Books like 'Bending The Rules'
Readers who enjoyed Bending The Rules by Christina C. Jones also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary african-american single-father friends to lovers black-mc m-f first-person-pov dual-pov small town competent heroine
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The Cartel by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman
The port of Miami brings in millions of dollars worth of cocaine every year, and The Cartel controls eighty percent of it. The Diamond family is a force to be reckoned with, but all hell breaks loose when they lose their leader. The most ruthless gangster Miami has ever seen, Carter Diamond leaves behind a wife, twin sons, a daughter, and a secret. The secret is his illegitimate son, Carter Jones... -
Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Amerie Cross and Arnold Hightower.And now a toast from the maid of honor, Janelle Cross!Hi everyone, thank you for being here.Some of you may know me as the sister of the bride.Some of you may know me as the ex-girlfriend of the groom.But I'm willing to bet none of you know me as the woman secretly sleeping with the best man.I am... -
Thugs and the Women Who Love Them by Wahida Clark
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsEssence® bestselling author Wahida Clark is all too familiar with the terrifying truths of ghetto life. The first novel in her gritty, gripping series takes you on into a world where a wrong choice could be the last choice a person ever makes. In a 'hood boiling over with sex, brutality, and crime, three friends are at a turning point... -
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez
Publicly humiliated, Marisa Banks is blindsided by the news that the man she’s been dating for months is married. Being called names she wouldn't wish on anyone in front of a room full of people by her boyfriend’s wife is enough to shake her identity to its foundations. In an attempt to rebuild, she makes a few questionable decisions.Asher Blaine is one of them... -
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The Right of Love by Love Belvin
“After the hot sex comes the real world.” “What was that?” “My therapist once said, ‘after the hot sex comes the real world. Or in wayward love, the drama is sprinkled in between passionate lovemaking’.” “That sounds more like one of them novels you like to read.” “No. Ours is too hilly to be a traditional romance story.” And it is...Categorized as:
friends to lovers black-mc m-f african-american angst alpha male contemporary new adult -
The Burial of a Player by Kimberly Brown
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWalker Jareau prided himself on being a player. Women came a dime a dozen, and he was like a revolving door... until he met the one woman who threatened to swipe his player card—Jorja Sandifer. The beautiful dancer captivated him from the moment he laid eyes on her. It didn’t take long for the friends with benefits to migrate into an unconventional relationship, laced with a bit of toxicity... -
A Love So Good: The Chamber Brothers by K. Renee
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLife for the Chamber Brothers can be described many different ways but easy is a word that can never be used. After the death of their mother, brothers Priest and Nas step up to run their father’s drug empire.A true test of loyalty helps Priest Chamber find out his marriage isn’t really built on unconditional love... -
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Amerie Cross and Arnold Hightower.And now a toast from the maid of honor, Janelle Cross!Hi everyone, thank you for being here.Some of you may know me as the sister of the bride.Some of you may know me as the ex-girlfriend of the groom.But I'm willing to bet none of you know me as the woman secretly sleeping with the best man.I am... -
Wait For U by Shvonne Latrice
Things in life are never for certain, but one thing that will always be a constant is the love between star-crossed Couture and Khari.Couture Yates has always followed life's rules by the book, never once rebelling until she met Khari Compton. The handsome but tortured young boy who immediately stole her heart, only to misuse and abuse it time and time again... -
Ante Up by Christina C. Jones
I know exactly why it turns you on…because you’re messed up too. Asha’s life is no fairytale, by any stretch of the imagination. There was no kind, generous father to care for and protect her from the Vegas that exists beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip. No wise, doting mother to look over and guide her, passing down essential lessons and leading her to the right path... -
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
“Heart-searing, sensual, and life affirming.” ―EMILY HENRY, #1 New York Times bestselling authorSoledad Barnes has her life all planned out. Because, of course, she does. She plans everything. She designs everything. She fixes everything. She’s a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead... -
Sinful Redemption by Asia Monique
Luca Moretti My family was my driving force.Everything I did was to uphold the Moretti name, to prove to my father that he could step down in peace.But I was hiding my true nature behind an easy smile and forced control.Then, I met her and she wanted me whole, not part of me, but all of me.Galina Whitlock hadn’t been what I was searching for, but she was the redemption I never knew I needed...Categorized as:
friends to lovers black-mc m-f dual-pov first-person-pov suspense contemporary mafia -
Diamonds Are Forever by Ashley Antoinette, JaQuavis Coleman
"The Diamond family has survived murder, deceit, and betrayal. Through it all, they're still standing tall, and a new era has begun. After surviving a failed attempt on her life, Breeze has moved into the queen's position by Zyir's side. Zyir has taken over the empire and locked down Miami's streets; the world is in his hands. But there is always new blood ready to overthrow the throne... -
Revive Me, Part One: The Act by J.L. Seegars
MalloryThe first time I kissed Christopher Johnson, I knew he would be my biggest mistake. It didn’t stop me from wanting him though, and when the ghosts from my past came barging into the present, it didn’t stop me from agreeing to let him help...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov black-mc contemporary new adult college age difference african-american -
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A Madaris Bride for Christmas by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHe refuses to get matched, but is about to stumble into his own trap… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson. One by one, Madaris men have surrendered to the matchmaking schemes of Felicia Laverne Madaris, matriarch of the family. But Lee Madaris isn’t letting anyone else control his destiny... -
A Little Dare by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhen Shelly Brockman walked into his office, Sheriff Dare Westmoreland could almost taste the sweet, steamy passion they'd once shared. Then Shelly informed him he was the father of her son, the unruly preteen he'd arrested that day, and his fantasies turned to fury! Shelly had returned to her hometown in Georgia to save her son from the mean streets of Los Angeles...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary african-american bikers bad boys secret child length-medium -
For Your Love by Beverly Jenkins
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsNAACP nominee and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to Henry Adams, Kansas—an unforgettable place that anyone would want to call home—with a story of family, friends, and the powerful forces from our past that can irrevocably shape our future...Categorized as:
small town black-mc m-f contemporary suspense historical multicultural african-american -
When We by K.C. Mills
Publicist.NBA player.Career ending Injury.Family Secrets.Undeniable attraction.“She could have every piece of my soul. Even the ones that were broken and unsure, because I knew she would never mishandle any part of me...Categorized as:
m-f black-mc dual-pov sports explicit-open-door length-medium contemporary grumpy sunshine -
Eternally Yours by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFriends… Attorney Syneda Walters and fellow attorney Clayton Madaris are just friends…the last two people likely to end up as lovers. Syneda holds all men at arm's length because of the father whose name she never knew. Clayton has always been a playboy, and no woman has ever come close to keeping his interest for very long... -
Thorn's Challenge by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThorn Westmoreland was not enough to convince Tara Matthews to risk her heart in love again...or was it? The beautiful pediatrician and the hard-riding motorcycle tycoon mixed like oil and water. Why, then, couldn't Tara burn the sexy racer from her head or the memory of his passionate caresses from her body? Thorn had wanted Tara since the day they'd met...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary multicultural men in uniform african-american length-medium -
Riding The Storm by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWomen called him the perfect storm because he could sweet-talk any woman into his bed, and regularly did so. Firefighter Storm Westmoreland used lovemaking the way other men used a long, hot shower-to blow off steam. Until a torrid weekend with a too-hot-to-handle virgin left a certain legendary player craving something other than mere physical gratification...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary multicultural african-american bad boys men in uniform length-medium -
Mercy by Love Belvin
Ashira, a belle from the suburbs, is the wealthy acting CEO of her father’s booming building firm. That's when she’s not the dancer on the Gram and TikTok, dating the latest Black Hollywood shooting star.To her, Jas, a construction laborer, is a walking conundrum. He’s fruitlessly ambitious yet steadfast in his spiritual convictions. He’s enigmatic, well-read, regimented, and poor...Categorized as:
dual-pov black-mc sassy heroine competent heroine explicit-open-door contemporary slow burn mafia -
Ares by Asia Monique
Ares MitchellThey said my presence changed the atmosphere in any room I entered.According to my mother—it was in my name. According to my twin brother—it was in my soul.But to Nyx Campbell, I was multifaceted.The star gazing beauty forced her away into my heart and opened my eyes to a part of myself I never knew existed.She calmed the chaos... -
Twenty-four Three by K.C. Mills
A shot in the dark.A mistaken identity.A undeniable attraction.An injured hitman finds himself depending on a stranger and for Carter Reed trust is not something he’s willing to extend. Unfortunately when it comes to McKenna Smith, Carter can either allow her to be his saving grace or risk loosing something more precious than trust…his life.Stakes are high... -
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Rhythm's Blues by Kimberly Brown
Being the girlfriend of a successful rapper isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Rhythm Baker, a successful occupational therapist, held it down for Raheem, her boyfriend of three years, without much complaining. After moving across the country to support his career and their relationship, Rhythm has grown increasingly uncomfortable with Raheem's inappropriate behavior and inflated ego...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f dual-pov first-person-pov african-american cheating contemporary other-man-woman -
Inseparable by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsLiving with his best friend is about to kindle a fire… Don’t miss this reader favorite from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson. Living under Reese Madaris’s roof makes LaKenna James the envy of every woman in town. But Reese’s offer of a place to stay is strictly platonic—just until Kenna’s new condo is completed... -
Save Me by Tiffany Patterson
DaeShe saved me on the worst day of my life. Now it’s time to make her mine. I’ve spent ten years recreating myself into a man deserving of Kennedy Townsend. I’m no longer the poor, illegitimate son of a wealthy man who refused to even acknowledge my presence.For years, I’ve watched her from afar, waited, and even manipulated businesses to grant her the career opportunities she deserved... -
Stepping to a New Day by Beverly Jenkins
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to the town of Henry Adams with a story of family, friendship, love, and second chances.In Henry Adams, Kansas, you can’t start over without stirring things up . . .Many a good woman has had to leave a no-good man, but how many of them took a back-seat to his 600-lb...Categorized as:
small town black-mc contemporary african-american multicultural new adult christian length-medium -
Equivalent Exchange (Night Shift) by Christina C. Jones
Keris Bradford is a woman on the brink. Of what? She doesn’t quite know. Her life is shifting, rapidly, and the sudden, captivating intrusion of Laken Kimble isn’t exactly… reassuring. For Keris, Laken is comfort and risk wrapped in one very appealing package. For Laken, Keris is barrier and providence all at once... -
Love Delivered (Waiting to Breathe ) by Love Belvin
His secret is uncovered and motives are disclosed. So now what? Will Stenton get the favorable results he plotted years ago? Or will he have caused his own exile from Zoey’s love? Her life charted an alternate journey because of unexpected circumstances. Now that Zoey has put together the pieces, how will she navigate Stenton’s obstacles? Find out in Love Delivered...Categorized as:
m-f black-mc dual-pov explicit-plentiful length-long contemporary second chances african-american -
The Rhythm of Blues by Love Belvin
Some believe the old adage, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Well, in some instances the smoke is just a coverture for secrets. Dark ones. Ragee is a successful R&B singer, music composer, and actor who shot to fame and celebrity at rocketing speed... -
The Real Thing by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhat happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? Find out in this Westmoreland novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson! No red-blooded man turns down the chance to escort gorgeous Trinity Matthews—and Adrian Westmoreland is definitely red-blooded. For her, he'll pretend to be her man. But keeping his hands to himself? That is impossible...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary african-american fake relationship multicultural length-short -
Never Better... Thanks by Jahquel J., Jay Pen Literary Services
When I envisioned the life that I wanted for myself, I pictured myself sitting in a rocking chair in the nursery me and my husband had spent months designing. I pictured looking down at a baby that resembled the both of us, and thanking God that he chose me to be their mother...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov black-mc length-long explicit-open-door cheating bdsm contemporary -
Let Me Love You by Alexandria House
Trying to put past hurts behind you is hard when your ex is a fool, but buoyed by child support and alimony, Jo Walker is moving forward with her life, pursuing a career, raising her little girl, and trying to live in peace. She believes she has all the bases covered in her world...Categorized as:
single-father black-mc m-f sassy heroine dual-pov competent heroine curvy heroine first-person-pov -
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Stone Cold Surrender by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTwo classic Westmoreland novels from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Brenda JacksonStone Cold SurrenderBestselling thriller writer Stone Westmoreland can think of plenty of ways to describe the stranger he meets on a flight to Montana. Tantalizing. Whip-smart. And completely unaware of how good it feels to give in to your wilder impulses... -
Implied Consent by K.C. Mills
Gray Jordan, former Chargers quarterback and franchise player, learned a lot of tough lessons throughout his career. However, the worst of all was that no amount of money and fame can protect your heart. After a very public scandal, he quietly walked away from the one thing he loved the most: football... -
Rock Chick Reborn by Kristen Ashley
As a Rock Chick, Shirleen Jackson lived through all the kidnappings and explosions. Along the way, she also watched the dramatic love stories that came with those rides unfold. But long ago, Shirleen made her choice. It affected who she was and would always be. She decided to settle for what she had and not want more. She had good friends... -
Heart of Gold by Beverly Jenkins
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNAACP nominee and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to the charming town of Henry Adams, Kansas—a place that always feels like home—in this heartwarming story of family, friendship, and the surprises hidden in our lives. Henry Adams has had its fair share of drama ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town with her divorce settlement...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f contemporary multicultural new adult christian african-american length-medium -
This Bitter Earth by Bernice L. McFadden
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn This Bitter Earth, Sugar Lacey is on her way out of Bigelow, Arkansas, where she’d come to break with the past. With her worn leopard-print suitcase and her head held high, she walks past the prying eyes of its small-minded, cruel-hearted townsfolk, praying for the strength to keep going. She doesn’t stop until she arrives at her childhood home in Short Junction... -
Anonymous Acts (Five Star Enterprises) by Christina C. Jones
What’s done in the dark… Murderer is a title she never expected to wear. Friend? Sure. Boss? Hell yes. But murderer? Never. If only she hadn’t threatened exactly that, just before someone winds up dead, and her fingerprints are all over the murder weapon. Always comes to light… All he wanted was to live a quiet life, without all the danger and darkness of his past...Categorized as:
black-mc dual-pov suspense african-american length-medium explicit-open-door contemporary -
Determining Possession by Christina C. Jones
Good decisions don’t always leave you unscathed. Sometimes, the best choice might be the one that leaves you vulnerable. The one that forces you to face a not-so-distant past that hurts, or go through with something you never thought would come to fruition. The one that makes taking a risk your only viable option. Wilhelmina “Wil” Cunningham is no stranger to pressure... -
Let Me Free You by Alexandria House
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsNeil McClain is the screw-up, the one everyone hopes will win but expects to lose. He wants to live a better life, one that his late mother would be proud of, but his belief in himself is weak. Sage Moniba is in need of a major miracle or she’ll be forced to give up the only life she’s known. Neil is searching for freedom from the demons of his past. Sage is in desperate need of help... -
Behind The Scenes by Christina C. Jones
Perfect.Privileged.Strong.Spoiled.Uptight.Useless.If there’s any one thing Pierre and Logan have in common, it’s their ability to invite snap judgements based on shallow views of who they are.Logan is the privileged only daughter of a respected family whose legacy runs long and deep... -
My Heart's Reflection of You by T'Lyn
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNevaeh Chapel’s life was picture perfect. A loving family, great job, and a doting boyfriend; one would think that she had it all together from the outside looking in. She thought she had it all together too, until she crossed paths with a loose cannon that was the epitome of the phrase.Kaleb “Cannon” Barnes had one belief that he didn’t comprise My life, my rules...Categorized as:
black-mc m-f african-american length-medium contemporary from hate to love humor angst -
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A Risqué Engagement by Stephanie Nicole Norris
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOn the surface, Corinne Thomas has the world at her fingertips. As a stewardess for one of the largest airlines, Corinne travels the globe, gaining a glimpse of what most people only fantasize about. Adventurous by nature, her daring persona allows her the freedom to take risks and live her life, at times, in complete anonymity...Categorized as:
sassy heroine black-mc insta-love african-american contemporary alpha male super rich hero -
Inevitable Conclusions by Christina C. Jones
Friends? Lovers? Both? For Kora and Tariq, those lines have been blurred for a long time. Every time clarity seems to be within reach, something shifts, and in a single moment, focus is lost. Once again, they’re in limbo. Between them, there is only one secret, with the power to permanently alter their relationship...Categorized as:
black-mc dual-pov african-american single-mother length-short explicit-open-door contemporary -
Free Agent by Christina C. Jones
For Rori Mitchell, delulu is decidedly not the solulu.Getting her lick back is.What starts as chance encounter at a sporting event ends up being a perfect distraction from the chaos of a broken heart. Instead of throwing herself into work, she throws herself - for good or bad - into Tatum Wilder.An offensive tackle for the Connecticut Kings, Tatum is used to high-stakes games and intense scrutiny... -
The Chase Is On by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWHAT CHASE WESTMORELAND WANTED... Something sure looked tempting, and Chase knew it wasn't on his restaurant's menu. His new neighbor Jessica Claiborne was as deliciously enticing as the confections she created--so enticing, Chase was finding it difficult to concentrate on anything but the curve of her lips... -
Just Say You Will by K.C. Mills
Kenyon Porter seemingly has it all; money, power, status, and respect. However, having it all is a matter of opinion. Due to family baggage, Kenyon has lived his life in the fast lane, where money and status have allowed him to live without regret. What happens when a thunderous storm of expectations and need filters its way into his life and causes him to reconsider if he really does have it all... -
With Your Permission by Stephanie Nicole Norris
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt was their first encounter that landed them in newfound territory. Up and coming wedding planner Bri St. James is in the height of her career. As the CEO of Building Bridges LLC, Bri is driven by determination for success, and each day makes for new opportunities abound...
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