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A Thug in Need of Love: A Novella
Phantom has worked his way up the Armani criminal organization with ease. The past fifteen years have been spent proving his loyalty, honing his craft, and protecting those that have become like family to him. After the death of Creole Armani, a new position opens up, and Phantom is perfect for the job. There’s only one problem—he has to be married.
For the Armani’s, family is everything. For an orphaned thug, family means nothing. If it means appeasing the family and earning a spot higher up the chain, Phantom is willing to take those vows and marry one of the Armani daughters… except… the only one he wants has no interest in him.
One bribe laced with blackmail, one arranged marriage, one family… all under one roof for the Thanksgiving holiday. Will this thug in need of love get his version of a happily ever after that comes with a loveless marriage and promotion, or will he find himself finessed by the plug’s daughter and end up getting something realer than he ever thought was possible?
For the Armani’s, family is everything. For an orphaned thug, family means nothing. If it means appeasing the family and earning a spot higher up the chain, Phantom is willing to take those vows and marry one of the Armani daughters… except… the only one he wants has no interest in him.
One bribe laced with blackmail, one arranged marriage, one family… all under one roof for the Thanksgiving holiday. Will this thug in need of love get his version of a happily ever after that comes with a loveless marriage and promotion, or will he find himself finessed by the plug’s daughter and end up getting something realer than he ever thought was possible?
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2023
111 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
B. Love
280 books1,400 followersVoted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 26, 2023
Love or Power
The story had potential, but didn't quite come together.
Phantom found himself in position to level up as a crime boss, but he had to be married or marry into the family. He had pined after Dominica for years, but she showed no interest, while Desiree yearned for the power couple they would undoubtedly become. He had to decide if he would choose a life of love and family with Dominica or the life as a power couple with Desiree. The premise of the story was interesting, but it really wasn't that believable because he had already clearly chosen a side. I also just expected a little more conflict with this being a crime boss family. Something also just felt off between Dominica and Phantom, I didn't really feel the love she supposedly felt. Phantom was supposed to choose a new life, but to me it was never fully realized as it seemed he was living out Dominica's dream but not his own.
The story had potential, but didn't quite come together.
Phantom found himself in position to level up as a crime boss, but he had to be married or marry into the family. He had pined after Dominica for years, but she showed no interest, while Desiree yearned for the power couple they would undoubtedly become. He had to decide if he would choose a life of love and family with Dominica or the life as a power couple with Desiree. The premise of the story was interesting, but it really wasn't that believable because he had already clearly chosen a side. I also just expected a little more conflict with this being a crime boss family. Something also just felt off between Dominica and Phantom, I didn't really feel the love she supposedly felt. Phantom was supposed to choose a new life, but to me it was never fully realized as it seemed he was living out Dominica's dream but not his own.
March 25, 2023
Phantom has been working with the Armani Organization for the past fifteen years. When a new position opens up, Phantom thinks that he’s the man for the job and he is with one minor exception. In order to be promoted, he has to be married or married into the family. Johnny, the head of the Armani family offers up Desiree, one of his three daughters and the one that he thinks will be the perfect fit for Phantom. Phantom is willing to marry one of the Armani daughters, just not that one. The only one that he wants, Dominica, doesn’t want him. Both women could work for him but in their own different ways. Choosing Dominica means choosing love, real marriage and kids. All the things he never thought he would have. Choosing Desiree means choosing power, respect, hustle and the streets, all the things he knew and expected to have.
I really didn’t get a good sense of Phantom outside of his interactions the Armani Family. The story for the most part occurred inside the Armani household. Phantom knew who and what he wanted from the beginning. He was attracted to Dominica from a very young age and began to flirt with her once grown. He only began to question his choice when Johnny became insistent on Desiree being the right choice for him and the business. Dominica is just as attracted to Phantom however, she dislikes her father, what he does and wants no parts of the family business. Therefore, she doesn’t think it could work between the two. This was a quick and easy read, a little over 100 pages. A good palette cleanser when you need a little break in between your longer books.
I really didn’t get a good sense of Phantom outside of his interactions the Armani Family. The story for the most part occurred inside the Armani household. Phantom knew who and what he wanted from the beginning. He was attracted to Dominica from a very young age and began to flirt with her once grown. He only began to question his choice when Johnny became insistent on Desiree being the right choice for him and the business. Dominica is just as attracted to Phantom however, she dislikes her father, what he does and wants no parts of the family business. Therefore, she doesn’t think it could work between the two. This was a quick and easy read, a little over 100 pages. A good palette cleanser when you need a little break in between your longer books.
March 2, 2024
His Soft Spot
It's been a while since I read a book by B. Love, her books are always on point. This read was quicker than I expected. I wanted more urban within the book. Phantom had the demeanor, attitude, and actions of the urban lifestyle. He also had a soft spot for Dominica, and he was determined to make her his better half. He was willing to let go of the CEO spot with the Armani family. Even though they were the only family he ever knew. It didn't matter what the older men in the family said or tried to threaten he wanted Dominica. He was willing to follow her career dreams and get out of the street life. Now, out of the three sisters, Desiree was the most annoying. I did not care for Desiree at all. She was too aggressive and conniving. She wanted Phantom even when he did not want her. Phantom went with his heart and stood his ground on who he wanted as a wife. He was in love with Dominica, and any other option was off the table.
This is a good read because it hits on family betrayal, manipulation, and power. However, I like how close Dominica and Derrika were. Derrika looked out for Dominica and supported her dreams and life decisions. Dominica was able to also change Phantom's life as well for the better. There was a full circle moment but a win for everyone.
It's been a while since I read a book by B. Love, her books are always on point. This read was quicker than I expected. I wanted more urban within the book. Phantom had the demeanor, attitude, and actions of the urban lifestyle. He also had a soft spot for Dominica, and he was determined to make her his better half. He was willing to let go of the CEO spot with the Armani family. Even though they were the only family he ever knew. It didn't matter what the older men in the family said or tried to threaten he wanted Dominica. He was willing to follow her career dreams and get out of the street life. Now, out of the three sisters, Desiree was the most annoying. I did not care for Desiree at all. She was too aggressive and conniving. She wanted Phantom even when he did not want her. Phantom went with his heart and stood his ground on who he wanted as a wife. He was in love with Dominica, and any other option was off the table.
This is a good read because it hits on family betrayal, manipulation, and power. However, I like how close Dominica and Derrika were. Derrika looked out for Dominica and supported her dreams and life decisions. Dominica was able to also change Phantom's life as well for the better. There was a full circle moment but a win for everyone.
September 15, 2025
SHORT AND SWEET…
THIS BOOK TOUCHED IN BETRAYAL, A WHOLE LOT OF BACKSTABBING, TRUST, ABANDONMENT ISSUES, AND HEALING.
DESIREE WAS THE EPITOME OF A DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET WHAT I WANT. EVEN IF IT SHE GOTTA STAB HER SISTER IN THE BACK TO GET OUT🙄🤬. SHE WAS A SELFISH BIH🤬
MINI WANTED NO PARTS OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS. AFTER FINDING OUT SOME HARSH TRUTHS SHE NEEDED TO ESCAPE IN ORDER TO HEAL AND HAVE SOME PEACE. PHANTOM NEVER KNEW WHAT HAVING A FAMILY OR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FELT LIKE. THEN HE FINALLY GOT HIS CHANCE TO TRULY OPEN UP TO HIS DREAM GIRL. HIM CHOOSING TO WALK AWAY FROM A LIFE HE KNEW TO THE UNKNOWN JUST SHOWED HOW MUCH HE LOVED MINI EVEN IF HE DIDN’T REALIZE IT HIMSELF. THESE TWO NEEDED EACH OTHER MORE THAN THEY REALIZED AND THEY PUT IN THE WORK, SPOKE LIFE INTO EACH OTHER AND SUPPORTED EACH OTHERS HEALING JOURNEY AND DREAMS FOR A BETTER LIFE❤️.
THIS BOOK TOUCHED IN BETRAYAL, A WHOLE LOT OF BACKSTABBING, TRUST, ABANDONMENT ISSUES, AND HEALING.
DESIREE WAS THE EPITOME OF A DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET WHAT I WANT. EVEN IF IT SHE GOTTA STAB HER SISTER IN THE BACK TO GET OUT🙄🤬. SHE WAS A SELFISH BIH🤬
MINI WANTED NO PARTS OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS. AFTER FINDING OUT SOME HARSH TRUTHS SHE NEEDED TO ESCAPE IN ORDER TO HEAL AND HAVE SOME PEACE. PHANTOM NEVER KNEW WHAT HAVING A FAMILY OR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FELT LIKE. THEN HE FINALLY GOT HIS CHANCE TO TRULY OPEN UP TO HIS DREAM GIRL. HIM CHOOSING TO WALK AWAY FROM A LIFE HE KNEW TO THE UNKNOWN JUST SHOWED HOW MUCH HE LOVED MINI EVEN IF HE DIDN’T REALIZE IT HIMSELF. THESE TWO NEEDED EACH OTHER MORE THAN THEY REALIZED AND THEY PUT IN THE WORK, SPOKE LIFE INTO EACH OTHER AND SUPPORTED EACH OTHERS HEALING JOURNEY AND DREAMS FOR A BETTER LIFE❤️.
April 1, 2023
Just Okay
This is the second book by B.Love that I’ve read. The writing style is mature and captivating. While the characters are fleshed out just enough to keep you interested. All those things coupled together still left me with lackluster feelings. The story was serious and initially it held my attention. But, the whole pickings between sisters trope? Wasn’t exactly needed, when it was clearly who he wanted from the beginning. When trying to make urban characters too multidimensional that it comes off as forced. Can deter the reader, there is nothing wrong with a thug. Hence the title, the morality aspect was a “no” for me. He should of picked Desiree, as the story would of been more entertaining.
This is the second book by B.Love that I’ve read. The writing style is mature and captivating. While the characters are fleshed out just enough to keep you interested. All those things coupled together still left me with lackluster feelings. The story was serious and initially it held my attention. But, the whole pickings between sisters trope? Wasn’t exactly needed, when it was clearly who he wanted from the beginning. When trying to make urban characters too multidimensional that it comes off as forced. Can deter the reader, there is nothing wrong with a thug. Hence the title, the morality aspect was a “no” for me. He should of picked Desiree, as the story would of been more entertaining.
April 19, 2025
Loved it
Phantom doesn’t know what real love looks like but he is convinced that Dominica is the answer to experiencing it.
Being a daughter of a drug lord , the last thing Dominica wants, is to be part of the family business or be tied to it.
Phantom being next in line to take the reign for her family business , he has an decision to make , to either follow his heart which is Dominica and cut ties with the only life he knows or to marry her sister Desiree , which her father has offered him and the run the family business as the next kingpin ?
Read the novella to find out!
Phantom doesn’t know what real love looks like but he is convinced that Dominica is the answer to experiencing it.
Being a daughter of a drug lord , the last thing Dominica wants, is to be part of the family business or be tied to it.
Phantom being next in line to take the reign for her family business , he has an decision to make , to either follow his heart which is Dominica and cut ties with the only life he knows or to marry her sister Desiree , which her father has offered him and the run the family business as the next kingpin ?
Read the novella to find out!
July 19, 2023
Just okay
I was kind of disappointed with this one. I felt Phantom had to choose the right daughter to be in a family that he's shown loyalty to only to be told that you only can have the one that doesn't hold your heart. Then Dominica really didn't give off that chemistry to me that she really loved Phantom for who he was but for what he did for her. The sister should not have wanted a man that didn't choose her first. This was crazy to say the least but Phantom had to work too hard when Naz although dead seemed to be Dominicca's real choice.
I was kind of disappointed with this one. I felt Phantom had to choose the right daughter to be in a family that he's shown loyalty to only to be told that you only can have the one that doesn't hold your heart. Then Dominica really didn't give off that chemistry to me that she really loved Phantom for who he was but for what he did for her. The sister should not have wanted a man that didn't choose her first. This was crazy to say the least but Phantom had to work too hard when Naz although dead seemed to be Dominicca's real choice.
December 31, 2023
Good read
This book gave me mixed feelings. I was irritated half of the time and hopeful that things would work out as I anticipated. This is a love story about cartel families. I had to keep an open mind because I imagine things are a bit different than normal. Phantom is trying to advance in the cartel world with the only family he has known. He wants Dominica the youngest daughter of the cartel boss but she is not the daughter offered to him. Dominica wants out of the life but unfortunately the life is holding on tight. She gets involved with a man who uses her to kill her brother. Phantom steps in and saves her but he also learns that she’s not as immune to him as she portrays. Their interaction gives him hope for a chance with the woman he desires; however, her sister wants Phantom. Phantom and Dominica have to decide what’s best for them and not the family.
This was an intriguing story about self discovery and doing what’s best for you. I was rooting for Phantom and Dominica. I’m glad they got their HEA!
This book gave me mixed feelings. I was irritated half of the time and hopeful that things would work out as I anticipated. This is a love story about cartel families. I had to keep an open mind because I imagine things are a bit different than normal. Phantom is trying to advance in the cartel world with the only family he has known. He wants Dominica the youngest daughter of the cartel boss but she is not the daughter offered to him. Dominica wants out of the life but unfortunately the life is holding on tight. She gets involved with a man who uses her to kill her brother. Phantom steps in and saves her but he also learns that she’s not as immune to him as she portrays. Their interaction gives him hope for a chance with the woman he desires; however, her sister wants Phantom. Phantom and Dominica have to decide what’s best for them and not the family.
This was an intriguing story about self discovery and doing what’s best for you. I was rooting for Phantom and Dominica. I’m glad they got their HEA!
November 26, 2023
Giving Up All You Know For Love
B. Love such a great read on true love, loyalty, lust, forgiveness, and true happiness.Phantom was such a good man. With all his trials and turmoil, he had to deal with inside of him he was willing to give up everything he knew for what his heart wanted.
Dominica was such a naive young girl but she didn't want to have the same thing that was mapped out for her.
I loved how she fought for herself and won. So good.🤗🤗🤗
B. Love such a great read on true love, loyalty, lust, forgiveness, and true happiness.Phantom was such a good man. With all his trials and turmoil, he had to deal with inside of him he was willing to give up everything he knew for what his heart wanted.
Dominica was such a naive young girl but she didn't want to have the same thing that was mapped out for her.
I loved how she fought for herself and won. So good.🤗🤗🤗
December 2, 2023
The Power of Love!
In this well written and interesting book, we are introduced to Phantom, Dominica and the Armani Family/Organization. Phatom was an orphan who was groomed by the Armani family and initially wanted to move up in the ranks. Dominica was the crime boss’s daughter who wanted no parts of her family’s crime dealings and wanted to become a lawyer. Without going into detail, the two ended up together and lived happily ever after.
In this well written and interesting book, we are introduced to Phantom, Dominica and the Armani Family/Organization. Phatom was an orphan who was groomed by the Armani family and initially wanted to move up in the ranks. Dominica was the crime boss’s daughter who wanted no parts of her family’s crime dealings and wanted to become a lawyer. Without going into detail, the two ended up together and lived happily ever after.
April 14, 2024
Uncharacteristic Pen
Hmmmm, who’s the B. Love impostor? …who wrote this book? “A Thug in Need of Love: A Novella” was mediocre read. Unfortunately though, this book didn't read like it was written by B. Love. The dialogue between the characters was juvenile, repetitive and or incomplete. I’ve read numerous B. Love stand-alone books, series and novellas yet this short storyline was unfamiliar and ununcharacteristic in comparison to other B. Love projects. 🤷🏾♀️🥴‼️
Hmmmm, who’s the B. Love impostor? …who wrote this book? “A Thug in Need of Love: A Novella” was mediocre read. Unfortunately though, this book didn't read like it was written by B. Love. The dialogue between the characters was juvenile, repetitive and or incomplete. I’ve read numerous B. Love stand-alone books, series and novellas yet this short storyline was unfamiliar and ununcharacteristic in comparison to other B. Love projects. 🤷🏾♀️🥴‼️
March 19, 2023
Nothing Wrong With a Thug
Phantom……every woman’s dream that wants a thug. He will protect you, keep you safe and admit his care in what he does, not necessarily what he says. Dominica wanted him but didn’t. But Phantom was not to be ignored! B. love….a quick short that was on point!
Phantom……every woman’s dream that wants a thug. He will protect you, keep you safe and admit his care in what he does, not necessarily what he says. Dominica wanted him but didn’t. But Phantom was not to be ignored! B. love….a quick short that was on point!
May 2, 2023
Loving You
Phantom and Dominica are so special together. I really expected, A Thug in Need of Love to go totally in a different direction storyline wise. Glad I was wrong. lol
The author has woven a sweet love story infused with the thuggish underworld. Loved it.
Well done, Author B. Love.
Phantom and Dominica are so special together. I really expected, A Thug in Need of Love to go totally in a different direction storyline wise. Glad I was wrong. lol
The author has woven a sweet love story infused with the thuggish underworld. Loved it.
Well done, Author B. Love.
August 20, 2023
Great Read
Phantom and Dominica were perfect for her. I really loved how strong Phantom was and I’m sooooo glad he didn’t marry Desiree. I also don’t trust that she’s changed at her core. I’m comfortable with Dominica loving Desiree from a far. I don’t trust the father either but………
Phantom and Dominica were perfect for her. I really loved how strong Phantom was and I’m sooooo glad he didn’t marry Desiree. I also don’t trust that she’s changed at her core. I’m comfortable with Dominica loving Desiree from a far. I don’t trust the father either but………
March 18, 2023
Phantom Decision
Loved this Novella. Phantom knew who he wanted and eventually made the decision. I loved how he didn’t care bout her situation cause of how he grew up. Great read!!!
Loved this Novella. Phantom knew who he wanted and eventually made the decision. I loved how he didn’t care bout her situation cause of how he grew up. Great read!!!
March 28, 2023
😍😍😍😍
A thug in need of love was off the chain this was a beautiful great adventurous ride I can't put it down of course in between snack 😉breaks 😍😍😍definitely book bae I was so intrigued with the story line yessss the best ❤ definitely a hit you going love it I sure did💯🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
A thug in need of love was off the chain this was a beautiful great adventurous ride I can't put it down of course in between snack 😉breaks 😍😍😍definitely book bae I was so intrigued with the story line yessss the best ❤ definitely a hit you going love it I sure did💯🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
March 31, 2023
Sexy Alpha
Let me just say I loved Phantom. He was everything. Dominica was a lucky girl. Phantom always knew what he wanted. After overcoming some family interference Dominica finally admitted her love for Phantom.
Let me just say I loved Phantom. He was everything. Dominica was a lucky girl. Phantom always knew what he wanted. After overcoming some family interference Dominica finally admitted her love for Phantom.
July 13, 2023
A Thug in Need of Love
B. Love never disappoints. It was a quick read, but it was very detailed. Phantom truly stood on his word no matter how much pressure he had on him to make a decision. I’m glad everyone got their happy ending.
B. Love never disappoints. It was a quick read, but it was very detailed. Phantom truly stood on his word no matter how much pressure he had on him to make a decision. I’m glad everyone got their happy ending.
July 15, 2023
Enjoyed this novella!
I loved Phantom and Dominica together! They had some hurdles to conquer, but in the end they got their HEA! Desiree was a trip as well as their dad Johnny! Phantom was just what Mini needed! In the end the love if family overruled everything else!
I loved Phantom and Dominica together! They had some hurdles to conquer, but in the end they got their HEA! Desiree was a trip as well as their dad Johnny! Phantom was just what Mini needed! In the end the love if family overruled everything else!
November 25, 2023
Phantom deserved all the love he received from Mimi and I’m soooo happy he didn’t settle for Desiree!!!…She was not desirable to him and she was okay that he didn’t love or want her!!!…
I’m glad Mimi and her father were able to repair their relationship!!!…
I’m glad Mimi and her father were able to repair their relationship!!!…
November 26, 2023
Wonderfully written
I'm always happy to see a new book by B.Love, and this is still the case. Phantom didn't have it easy, and Dominica just wanted to escape. I'm very happy for the both of them. As always, it's an absolute pleasure reading your books 🥰.
I'm always happy to see a new book by B.Love, and this is still the case. Phantom didn't have it easy, and Dominica just wanted to escape. I'm very happy for the both of them. As always, it's an absolute pleasure reading your books 🥰.
December 3, 2023
Amazing
Though this story was not very long I enjoyed it very much. I love the fact that phantom stood true to what it was he wanted for himself and who he wanted. I love that he was so selfless and willing to get out of that life for mini.
Though this story was not very long I enjoyed it very much. I love the fact that phantom stood true to what it was he wanted for himself and who he wanted. I love that he was so selfless and willing to get out of that life for mini.
February 15, 2024
Dominica and Phantom
Very good book. It was short and sweet. I’m glad they made it through to the end. I thought he would have changed his mind for power but he stayed on course with his heart. Definitely worth the read!
Very good book. It was short and sweet. I’m glad they made it through to the end. I thought he would have changed his mind for power but he stayed on course with his heart. Definitely worth the read!
March 16, 2024
Just Okay
I didn’t love this book like so many other B. Love books. It was mediocre at best I guess. The storyline just wasn’t good in my opinion. I didn’t like the point of having to pick a sister and the dislike amongst them. It seemed lacking to me.
I didn’t love this book like so many other B. Love books. It was mediocre at best I guess. The storyline just wasn’t good in my opinion. I didn’t like the point of having to pick a sister and the dislike amongst them. It seemed lacking to me.
January 5, 2025
I absolutely loved phantom… I love a man who can be a man and stand on all 10 for himself .I love the passion and affection he gave Dominica even tho he didn’t even know if he could after being abandoned by his parents!!! This was my first B Love book. And I give it a 10/10…
March 18, 2023
great read
I’m so happy for phantom and Dominica. Deserie as selfish and spiteful I really enjoy this authors stories I I
I’m so happy for phantom and Dominica. Deserie as selfish and spiteful I really enjoy this authors stories I I
March 20, 2023
MORE, MORE, MORE!!
I know this was a novella, but Phantom and Mini told me they have more to say. LOVE IT!!!
I know this was a novella, but Phantom and Mini told me they have more to say. LOVE IT!!!
April 14, 2023
Dominica and Phathom
Lovely story. I'm glad that Dominica stood up for herself and Phathom got out the street game. I'm also glad that Phathom chose Dominica.
Lovely story. I'm glad that Dominica stood up for herself and Phathom got out the street game. I'm also glad that Phathom chose Dominica.
May 6, 2023
Great Read
This book was a good read and I’m glad it ended the way it did. I recommend this book you won’t be disappointed.
This book was a good read and I’m glad it ended the way it did. I recommend this book you won’t be disappointed.
July 5, 2023
thugs need love too
I like this story. Having to choose between duty versus love was cool to watch. I’m glad to say I’m happy love won.
I like this story. Having to choose between duty versus love was cool to watch. I’m glad to say I’m happy love won.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews