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A Hood Savage & A Good Girl: An African American Romance

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Aura Ellis knows the pain of Hood Love all too well. A tragic event in her hometown of Vine Grove, Kansas, left her guarded and deeply focused on her career, her only escape from the heartbreak of her past. But one night, pushed by her best friend, Aura steps out of her routine, unknowingly walking straight into the arms of a man who could change everything.

That man is Gianni “Grim” Kennedy—mysterious, magnetic, and with a street reputation as strong as his resolve to stay unattached. A true hood savage, Grim avoids commitments like the plague, especially with single women who come with baggage. But when Aura’s beauty and quiet strength cross his path, he finds himself captivated in ways he never expected. What begins as one passionate night leaves an imprint neither can ignore, even when they walk away thinking they’ll never meet again.

Yet fate has a way of throwing them back together, pulling them into each other’s lives as if by design. Grim’s wealth and reputation only make Aura more hesitant, and the secrets he guards could shatter everything they’re building. As Grim’s possessive side starts to surface, Aura questions whether she can trust him with her heart—and the shadows of her own past.

Meanwhile, Styx Wade is trying to rebuild her life after a humiliating breakup. Convinced love isn’t in the cards, until Spencer Moore shows up. He’s got the charm and looks to make any woman drop her guard, but Styx has been hurt before, and she’s not about to let anyone in easily. But as Spencer shows her what it means to be loved with patience and respect, Styx begins to wonder if he’s worth the risk.

With emotions high and secrets lurking, both couples must confront the ghosts of their pasts to create a future together. "A Hood Savage & A Good Girl" by S.L. Partee is a Black romance filled with rich men, resilient women, raw passion, and drama that keeps you hooked. If you’re drawn to stories of second chances, hood love, and unbreakable bonds, this one’s for you.

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

567 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

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S.L. Partee

53 books54 followers

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5 stars
540 (73%)
4 stars
119 (16%)
3 stars
61 (8%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,248 reviews
February 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another new to me author discovered via an IG review. Because of that review I went in with high expectations. I loved the story features two couples, however, the interactions between the main couple has been sparse. The relationship between Styxe and Spencer had more details and on page interactions.

Whereas, Aura and Grim has been more off page development. And the remainder has been focused on the drama surrounding everyone. Now I’m here for the drama, but I also would love to see them building a connection on page.

Also, the secret spilled at the end- was very obvious. Slightly disappointed I wasn’t gagged, I guess I was hoping for another gag worthy secret.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,531 reviews11 followers
November 10, 2024
A Five Star Read

Once you start this book it ain't no stopping because you're gonna keep wanting more. Man my mind is blown right now and I don't know how Gianni is gonna handle the information he's over heard. He and Aura is already in a complex situation being that he need any type of commitment in the dark world he's in and a one night stand with the introvert Aura has lead to a life being created. Gianni is all in when it comes to his seed though. The question is, how will this secret impact their future? Aura's best friend Styx has found her one. Spencer is everything any woman would want in a man. Everything but a bitter baby mama. Or is it an estranged wife? I really hope Kionna is lying about that part. With what he's dealing with right now Kionna might wanna go find her something safe to do cause no matter what he ain't letting Styx go.💘💘
Profile Image for Breeana.
624 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2024
I knew it!

I just had the wrong person. I thought for sure the grandpa was the one who did it not Gypsy the man's momma. But I'm confused because both twins were on the ground meaning they both were shot but they weren't the target so why did Gyspy shoot them? Also I don't understand Gianni going so hard for Emmy to where he went and took out a whole crew for her when he knew she was her own worse enemy is kinda of crazy and now he's in a predicament where Aura is a now a target make it make sense. I'm not used to reading S.L. in doses, since I've become a fan I've had all the books lined up to read so this is hard for me the waiting for the next book. I don't like this 😕 😞. It's a five out of five for me sis you did that.
269 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2024
enjoy

The way Anthony was acting when he first saw Aura to Gypsy reaction to seeing Aura at house i knew something was up then. Aura was dealing with the loss of her sister and all of her focus was on her career.am glad Styx was there to give her the push she needed.Gianni found out what his's mother did.i wonder if he going to keep what he heard to himself all tell aura.i hope kionna is lying about Spencer being her husband. I can't wait to read part 2
67 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2024
🔥🔥🔥

Page turner I can’t wait for part 2 my speculation of what’s to come:
Grim and Spencer will definitely take care of business…. Emmy will live but cause trouble … The Ellis family will forgive Gypsy or they may never find out the truth … Spencer will have some ass kissing to do due to being married to his bm… Styx will become pregnant … Anthony will love on Aura and the baby more than anyone else
Profile Image for Tiffany Monique.
217 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2024
Damn This Was Good

Aura & Ananda Ellis were twins who were like night and day. This all changed the night they were shopping dresses to a dance with their mother Jackie she lost her twin and her life changed forever. Ananda was always telling her sister to get out and enjoy life. Her friend Styx was trying to get her to go out and she finally does, even being a successful graphic designer her time was spent burying herself in work. They go out to a club and have a good time with one another until the opposite sex is involved. Bray’s friends Pike and Mix pissed me all the way off with their antics. Gianni aka Grim is a man of lil words and in his line of work it’s easy to see why. You can call him a hired hand but it’s a family business that’s very lucrative is many ways. One night after a job he comes across Aura at a diner & one thing leads to another. Thinking he would never see her again he lets it be what it is even though he can’t get her off his mind. The two run into each other in the most unexpected way and boy is it crazy. His grandfather tells him he can’t be involved with her and her vice versa. I love Styx and Bray did her so wrong. Meeting Spencer definitely gave her a new outlook on men but he has baggage meaning a baby mama named Kionna who can’t seem to let go. I was wondering why she was still hung up on him til she told Styx exactly why. Grandpa Anthony knows why he feels some type of way around Aura but it’s guilt that’s eating away at him for more than one reason. What will happen after Gianni tells them her overheard his grandparents talking and became privy to some information he was never supposed to know? Gianni is definitely Bae and for multiple reasons and I see why Emmy was falling for him. Wanna who all the major ppl are in this first installment dig in ASAP. S.L. Partee didn’t disappoint at all 😊
Profile Image for Miss Read A lot .
747 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2025
DNF
Forced drama. Forced anger. I can’t get with the angry Black woman trope. I really don’t even know why Aura is angry. She’s been rude to Grim for no reason, and he’s actually been a great guy to her. Being mad that you’re pregnant when you were a willing participant is crazy. She made the book hard to read.
Then came the forced drama. Emmy, a woman Grim had no feelings for, tells him that she and her friend basically schemed some men, and now those men want payback. Instead of telling her she’s wrong and staying out of it, Grim goes and kills the men, adding more unnecessary chaos to his life. If that’s not forced drama, I don’t know what is.
The storyline just doesn’t make sense. I don’t know why Aura’s angry. I don’t know why Grim inserted himself in Emmy’s mess. This is my second time trying to read one of this author’s books, and I’m realizing she just doesn’t let the story flow. Everything feels like it’s there just to stir up drama not build it naturally. So I’m assuming that’s the main “drama” of the book. If it had been something involving Aura, I could’ve understood. But he inserted himself into Emmy’s situation when she was the one in the wrong. 😑 And it was off-page.

I like drama, but not the kind that doesn’t make sense or that I can’t connect with.
Profile Image for I'ya Bailey.
101 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2024
Aura and grim have this undeniable attraction to each other and unknowingly they have something that ties them together and that something could break Aura down and not to mention this is a one night stand trope resulting in a pregnancy! Grim finds out at the end of the book but we dk how he responds (cliffhanger)!! Styx and Spencer I’m digging their relationship but unfortunately for Spence he has a bitter bm who decides she wants to over share with Styx now I personally don’t think it’s that deep but the principal of the situation is a bit testy smh !! I enjoyed this story a lot can’t wait for book 2!
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
817 reviews32 followers
August 24, 2025
The book isn't focused on who's Top Billing. Aura has this interesting beginning (told in 3rd person) which was confusing to figure out who the focus would be on. After that beginning, the FMC's best friend & potential love story has more pages than her. The FMC and the MMC spend more on page time apart than together or building their romance, and then there are time jumps, "5 weeks later", "2 weeks later". The story feels unfocused and confusing with lots of focus on side characters and side situations. I DNFd at 53% because I wanted to skip everyone else to only read Aura and Ghost but that left large parts of the book unread
Profile Image for Anniee Bee.
Author 52 books18 followers
November 8, 2024
Woah!

Hold on hold on hold on! First off I'm kish like Aura... introvert and woulda fell head over heels for Grim too! One and done 🫢 okay but nope...life always got a trick for you.. and the world just keeps getting smaller.. Aura best friend is dating Grims 'brother"... A two for two cus I want um both 😭😂 anyway... I loved the instant connections with both relationships.. the twists and turns had me locked in the book and devoured in a day!

The plot twist 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯... If y'all don't go download this book today... Baby S.L. Partee did her big one with this one!
775 reviews2 followers
December 2, 2024
So much for finding love

This book is amazing and very well worth the read. It starts off with a cliffhanger because why Aura twin had to get killed in the mist of living her best high school life. Now Grim years later takes Aura on a one night stand after her best friend persuaded her to go out and live her life. Only for them to remain bonded for life, however guess what I’m not going to say who killed Aura twin but let’s just say book 2 is demanded asap because I need all the tea.
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
669 reviews13 followers
February 25, 2025
So when it comes to Grim that’s bae. He’s this broody, nonchalant protector of a man who had no reason to be tied down. Given his profession the last thing he wanted was vulnerabilities. That’s until he met Aura. One time turned it all around for him. Fate made sure to keep them in eachother’s path and had him reconsidering a different life. Everything came full circle so I wonder how these two will survive the trials. Ends on a cliff hanger. I’m enjoying Aura and Grim. As well as Styx and Spencer. There is ex and baby mama drama. Pregnancy and step parent. A plot twist. I recommend reading.
408 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2024
Just keeps getting better!

You are pulled in from the very first page! S.L. Partee always snatches you up and leaves you wanting more. All the secrets that can out in the end were crazy. I love Styks and Spencer, so I really hope that his ex is just a lying, hating, bitter bih trying to sabotage their relationship. I can't wait to see how Grim handles the secret concerning Aura's sister. I can't wait to read part two
1,217 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2025
Loved it

I loved the story from start to finish! Grim was complex, but Aura was chipping away at his heart! Styx and Spence are so good together, however baby mama drama becomes an issue! Grim will protect Aura at all cost, in spite of what she may think! Grim's grandpa is trifling, hut he has the right wife to bet him together! Secrets exposed, posed difficulties for both families! I'm sure the finale will be everything and more
Profile Image for Macy Allen-Lowery .
167 reviews
November 7, 2024
So Ready For The Next Part

.Aura is going through it, baby, with missing her twin sister. But as she tries to pull herself out of her mundane life. She mets someone who is going to have her doing things she never imagined . Now that she is well, I won't say anymore. Let's just see how this goes once all the cards fall to the table.
932 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2024
A Must Read!!!!

Wow that ending left me speechless but I kind of figured that was why Anthony had such an issue with Aura. Things have just gotten so complicated and I don’t know what that means for Aura and Gianni but I hope they are able to overcome the obstacles in their way to get their forever, because they are perfect for each other.
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
4,007 reviews
November 7, 2024
see now

This ain’t gonna work. I’m sick of Kionna just miserable. So now that he done really moved on. Now she got an issue goodnight ma’am! Ain’t nobody got time for you! And his raggedy grandpa need to gone on somewhere to the nerve and audaciton! He is a whole grown ssa man! Done got me hot! But it’s Gionni energy for me! Ohhhh where part 2 at!
Profile Image for Bo'Tina Jackson.
1,082 reviews8 followers
November 11, 2024
😱😱😱😱😱😱

Wow I kinda saw that because when his grandfather first met her he was stand-off with her I hate how this is going to cause a lot of pain within both families maybe it will also mend their pain and hurt because I don’t know how her mother is going to take it when she finds out and his mother has been carrying this pain and guilt with her also
133 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2024
Wow

Omg so good I can't wait for part 2. I love Grim and Spencer Styx is my girl Aura cool she just worked my nerves. Just like that Anthony . don't want to spoil it for other readers just know to get this book and read it. It's a page turner. Again Miss ma'am Partee your pen game is on fire. Come on part 2.
390 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2024
And the Plot Thickens!!!

It was crazy how things came about between Gianni(Grim) and Aura…I wonder how she’s going to feel once she finds out who killed her sister and what about the baby?? However the heart wants what the heart wants…My my my Styx fell for Spencer fast and it seems like it’s going to end even faster…Impatiently waiting for Part 2
102 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2024
Excellent!!!!!!

I have been looking for a good book to read that would keep my attention and mouth hung wide open!
S.L Partee did exactly that, this book was so good like OMG. I need part 2 like now. It’s about to be mayhem because so much is going on right now. This book is beyond a 5⭐️.
Profile Image for Margie.
395 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2025
Very good read

I must say I'm loving Grimm, Aura, Stynx and most of all that hilarious Spence and last but lease Colin that little boy is just like his daddy, and I can't wait to read part two and know I'm not giving away nothing all I can say is get this book asap you will not regret it at all even with the very few spelling errors, great job S.L. Partee
Profile Image for Ashanti Joi.
46 reviews
November 8, 2024
omg

Starting off so good, grim and aura are in for some problems. I love Spence for Styx, I also hate, a hating ass baby mama. Let that man go, he don’t want you, and you don’t want him, you just don’t want to see him happy. Can not wait for the second part.
Profile Image for Q Owens.
2,561 reviews30 followers
November 11, 2024
A MUST READ!!!!

This is exactly why you’re one of my favorites.
You never disappoint me. I absolutely loved this book. I’m loving me some Grim and Spencer and the girls. This is most definitely a must read. I can’t wait to read part 2…
229 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2024
Enthralled!

This is my 4th or 5th SL Partee book and she has another hit. This book was a page turner from start to finish. I cannot wait for the second installment. There is FAR too much that is about to happen. Can my heart take it? I’ll be waiting.
Profile Image for Brianka Jenkins.
83 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2024
Aura and Grim. Lord I don’t know. I love them. I gotta be honest I hate pregnancy tropes. Like let the girl have a life before she get knocked up lol.
Stuck and Spencer. That cliffhanger is sending me. Join a better come correct bout her.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
359 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2025
Good

This was a great read!! It healed my attention from the beginning till the end. Grim was dark but had a good heart. Aura was a beautiful girl that had been through some hurtful things. Spencer was big di*k energy and Styx was his match made in heaven.
1,033 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2025
Grim Reaper

Aura met Grim while in search of food after clubbing with her bestie. Totally out of character for her, she had a wild night with a total stranger, thinking she would never see him again. Fate had other plans.
Profile Image for Ashley Thomas.
368 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2025
This book was YUMMY

Omg from the title I expected a TOTALLY different story than what I got. And I must say I’m not disappointed. That cliffhanger….omg can’t wait to get to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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