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A THUG HAS FEELINGS TOO: GATAH & YAYA'S HOOD LOVE STORY

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***PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS IS A RE-RELEASE***

Being a military brat, Olivia Harris has only known rules and boundaries. In an effort to break away from that, she decides to venture out on her own. She moved to a new town and started all the way over. In her adventure for independence, Olivia will find herself in the middle of a battle that she can’t win alone. But will her stubbornness of staying independent get the best of her or will she learn to let someone else take control? Shaun “Gatah” Smith is the head of his family business and everyone on the streets knows he is not the one to play with. Every move he makes is for the betterment of his family and that’s how it will stay. With no thoughts of settling down and no desire to promote any of his bedmates, Shaun finds simplicity in his “stick and move” philosophy. That was until a tragic accident put him and the beautiful Olivia in each other’s presence. Things quickly changed for the two and they found themselves on a rollercoaster of love and trust. Will Olivia give up and let Gatah in or Will Gatah give her no choice but to love him and never leave him? After all, A Thug Has Feelings Too!

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

193 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

M. Monique

47 books379 followers

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5 stars
274 (63%)
4 stars
123 (28%)
3 stars
31 (7%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Tams Reading Nook.
57 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️’s

This book brings two people, Gatah and Olivia, into each other’s lives after a tragedy. Sparks fly, and things move fast. An insta-attraction setup with a protective MMC and a growing emotional bond. It’s a quick, drama-filled urban romance that kept me entertained from start to finish.

Shaun “Gatah” Smith is protective, loyal, and once he locks in on Olivia (aka Yaya), he’s all in. I wouldn’t call him a personal book bae, but I definitely appreciated how he moved when it came to the people he cared about.

Now Olivia, sis had me frustrated a few times. But the truth is, not every character is going to make decisions we agree with, and that’s part of what made the story feel real.

The ending didn’t wow me, but it wrapped things up enough to leave me curious about the next book, especially Stephan’s story. He really intrigued me.

If you enjoy fast-paced urban romance with a strong male lead, loyalty, and just enough heat, this is a solid pick. I’ve read M. Monique’s Summers series (still my favorite by her), but I’m glad I circled back to this one because this series definitely has potential.
Profile Image for perfectlyamberb.
627 reviews29 followers
November 10, 2024
Good

Every M. Monique book hits and this re-release is no different. Loved this read and I especially loved Gatah and the way he put that thug love on Yaya!
Profile Image for &#x1f496;&#x1f4da;BOOKZAMILLION&#x1f4d6;&#x1f498;.
1,390 reviews96 followers
April 7, 2025
Let me start by saying: I came in expecting bullets and baby mamas. I left with feelings and future baby names.

This book right here? This book had me clutching my imaginary pearls and laughing out loud like I was eavesdropping on the family drama at the BBQ. You ever pick up a book thinking it’s about to be your typical “he a thug, she a square, they toxic and pregnant by chapter three”… but then BOOM—feelings? Actual emotional depth? I wasn’t ready.

Let’s talk about Olivia, aka Yaya. Sis ran away from military discipline like it was an unpaid bill. She said “no ma’am” to folding her socks in a roll and “yes indeed” to living like she on an episode of The Wire. She wanted freedom. What she got was Gatah. And ma’am… I ain’t mad at her.

Now enter Shaun “Gatah” Smith. First of all, I need to ask M. Monique if this man is real and if he has cousins because whew. Gatah got the name of a man who doesn’t smile unless he’s counting money or catching bodies—but somehow, he still manages to have the vibe of a man who’ll rub your feet while you watch Love & Hip Hop. The audacity of this thug to be out here… catching feelings? Not just catching them—he’s out here filleting his emotional fish and serving it hot with a side of street justice. I’m confused and attracted.

One of my favorite parts? Gatah’s stick and move policy gets thrown straight into the dumpster like it never existed. As soon as he meets Olivia, that man’s inner Drake activated. One minute he’s “I don’t do relationships,” the next he’s “what we not gon’ do is disrespect my queen.” Whew. Growth. Therapy who? Gatah got healing through hood love.

And let me just say this: the chemistry? It was giving “Netflix and parole.” It was giving “I’ll set it off in this Whole Foods for you.” The way they argued like they been married for 17 years, then made up like they were getting paid per kiss? I had to keep fanning myself. Not from the heat, but from the stress of wondering, “Girl, are you gonna let him love you or not?!”

Plot-wise, M. Monique was not playing with us. This ain’t no sweet little picnic romance. No, ma’am. It’s obstacles. Tragedy. Secrets. And enough plot twists to make Tyler Perry call and say, “Now wait a minute.” I was stressed and sipping tea I didn’t even brew.

And don’t get me started on the supporting characters. I ain’t gon’ say too much, but I’m definitely side-eyeing a few people like I’m at the cookout and I saw them put raisins in the potato salad. I know we got future books in this Smith family series, and I am absolutely nosy enough to be there for every one of them.

Final verdict? This book was messy in the best way, romantic without being corny, and Gatah was the thug therapist I didn’t know I needed. Five outta five stars. And a bonus star for using the phrase “a thug has feelings too” with a straight face.

Would I recommend it?
Only if you like street lit with heart, heat, hood drama, and a thug who might just cry in your mouth a little.







Total Book Experience 10/10

Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10





If you’re wondering whether or not you should read… THE ANSWER IS YES‼️‼️















M Monique Books (In order by her fantasticfiction.com page)


Baller Has Feelings Too
1. A Baller Has Feelings Too: Stephan & Mariah's Hood Love Story (2020)

Hitta Has Feelings Too
1. Dallas and Chloe's Hood Love Story (2020)
2. Dallas and Chloe's Hood Love Story 2 (2020)

Summers
1. Uncovering Love (2021)
2. Blu (2021)
3. Kingston (2021)
Summers (2024)
4. August (2024)

Shot Clock (with A J Davidson)
1. Love is a Beautiful Game: Naomi & Sin's Story (2022)
2. Love is a Beautiful Game: PJ & Zoo's Story (2022)
3. Love is a Beautiful Game: Bronx & Brooklyn's Story (2022)

Steele Waters
Steele Waters (2024)
Steele Waters: The Finale (2024)

Novels
A Thug Has Feelings Too (2020)
Heart of a Champion; Soul of a Boss (2020)
The Illest (2020)
Anything Necessary For Her (2020)
Falling For His Savage Ways (2021)
Painlessly in Love (2021)
Healing a gangsta's Heart (2021) (with A J Davidson)
Friend U Can Keep (2021)
Whisper A Promise (2021)
A Goon for Christmas (2021)
The Bridge (2022)
Sneakin & Freakin with My Professor (2022)
The Body Hunter (2023)
Double The Love (2024)

Novellas and Short Stories
The Hood Flower Girl (2024)
The Unhinged Best Man (2024)

Series contributed to
Tis the Season
Tis the Season for Passion (2022)

Love Scars
8. A Widow's Scars (2024)

Snowman
13. Kidnapped by the Snowman (2024)
Profile Image for Ashanti Burton.
653 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2024
4.5⭐️. I loved everything about Shaun and Yaya. He was down bad from the first time laying eyes on her and she accepted full force. Short read but entertaining. I was invested. Especially when Olivia finally got her hands on Shayla. That beat down was well deserved. Can’t wait to read about the other characters.
Profile Image for Monique.
450 reviews20 followers
May 20, 2025
(3.5⭐️) If you’re a fan of instalove stories, YN crash outs, a splash of toxicity and a little bit of suspenseful shenanigans….you’ll enjoy this. Gatah was something else lol. I thought this was gonna be a nice little love story…nope, lots of secrets, betrayal, bullets. lol
Profile Image for Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_).
419 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2024
Gatah + Yaya

"Thug Has Feelings Too" by M. Monique intricately weaves the journey of Olivia Harris, a military brat seeking independence. The storyline delves into her struggle with breaking free from rules and her eventual encounter with Shaun "Gatah" Smith, a formidable figure in the streets. The plot unfolds as Olivia finds herself in a battle that challenges her independence.
The narrative explores the contrast between Olivia's desire for autonomy and Gatah's role as the head of his family business. Their lives intertwine after a tragic accident, leading them on a rollercoaster of love and trust. The story skillfully examines the complexities of letting go of independence for the sake of love and the emotional journey both characters undergo.
Themes of love, trust, and the struggle between independence and connection are interwoven, offering readers a poignant exploration of human emotions. The title itself, "A Thug Has Feelings Too," hints at the depth of emotional vulnerability in characters typically perceived differently. Overall, M. Monique crafts a compelling narrative that challenges stereotypes and explores the universal themes of love and self-discovery.
Profile Image for KB’s Book Chronicles .
264 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2025
This one was hard to rate. If I had to rate it I’d give it 2.5 ⭐️. I read M Monique’s Summer series and loved it so I was looking forward to this one. The story started out simple enough, man gets shot woman saves man maybe they’ll fall in love…..but then we throw in a sex trafficking cop, a drug dealing family, an absent girlfriend, a twin brother who falls instantly, and a WHOLE host of other random ppl and the story line neat became a lot. There was no real reason as to why Megan the absent gf couldn’t leave her father to go be with the boyfriend, there was no rhyme or reason as to how one of the sex trafficked girls family was able to find the ppl in ATL all the way from Cali (it just so happens this that it the other) and it really made no sense that as well put together as MFC was she just following behind the MMC. It seemed like just a lot of ideas thrown together. I finished it bc I really just wanted to see how all these ideas came together.
Profile Image for bookingvibes.
30 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2024
read

This book hooked me right from the Prologue. I had to know who Mr. Anonymous was! And let me tell you, everyone got exactly what was coming to them. After diving into a string of Christmas and cozy reads, I was craving something with a bit more edge, and this story delivered.
I loved the established FMC, and Olivia was everything I could have asked for. The storytelling was captivating, especially the way Olivia’s journey intertwined with Shaun’s🖊️it was so well done. Their chemistry felt authentic, and I appreciated their honesty with each other.
Profile Image for Aiesha Cannon.
58 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2024
yassss

Like always my girl M.MONIQUE delivered on a good read I finished this within an three hours lol. It's a page turner definitely get the book ladies and to my girl Yaya baby you can't be messed with and Megan count your days I hope they get you lol buffey the body having girl lol. Y'all read the book and see why I said that about Megan skittles head self
Profile Image for Cat E..
Author 3 books65 followers
February 6, 2025
Still Enjoy It

I’m diving back into this book and just as captivated as the first time! The Smiths are fantastic! Gatah is a total badass, and I can’t get enough of him. Yaya is the perfect match for his savage ways. I’m thrilled to keep going with the rest of this fantastic series that I've adored! Let's do this!
Profile Image for Geri.
1,203 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2025
Second time around

I read this years ago and ended up buying it again. It was just as good today as the first time I read it. I loved Shaun (Gatah) Smith and his old insta-love falling tail. He and Olivia made a great couple. They easily matched each others energy and both had a bit of crazy to em.
1,295 reviews
August 22, 2025
Awesome

I'm looking forward to reading about
Rest of this family...

Gatah and Yaya are very cute couple Gatah ain't playing no games about his lady

I'm looking forward to them getting married new bundle of joy....

I'm looking forward to read about Stephan and Mariah is about to get herself a Goon

I can't wait see Megan get her issues too
Profile Image for Jite.
1,318 reviews73 followers
September 8, 2025
I liked it…

Gatah was not the best communicator or the most mature person in the world especially compared to Olivia/Yaya but I overall really liked them together and liked the plotting of this sexy, dark, instalove romance and enjoyed the Smith family enough that I’m looking forward to really getting immersed in this series.
16 reviews
November 8, 2024
GATAH & OLIVIA

🤣 GATAH really gave that girl a completely different name! That’s my favorite part of the book! I’m so Happy GATAH is back on the streets of Amazon!!! Can’t wait to read Steph story!!
316 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2024
Great short story

I don't know how M Monique can make a short story feel long but she did it. I loved every minute of it. I liked the mystery, love, loyalty, and friendship with a sprinkle of hood in it. She's a great author. Enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
443 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2024
Baaaaabyyyyy this book was sooo good!!!! If you see Shaun/Gatah send him my way please & thank you!!! This book is filled with romance & suspense. It’s equal parts plot & spice. I loved the sneak peak into Stephan’s book. This was sooo good.
Profile Image for Breeana.
607 reviews7 followers
November 24, 2024
Oliva was kinda of stupid....

How was she going to identify someone she didn't see? She should have known the Detective was lying, he called at midnight too like make it make sense! Human trafficking is crazy please be careful out here!
Profile Image for Kim Knight.
483 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2024
I love this thug’s feelings

I absolutely loved this roller coaster ride of a read! I loved me an alpha man and Gatah didn’t disappoint. I’m glad to be back in Pensacola. Can’t wait to re-read the other Smith books.
Profile Image for Kay.
17 reviews
December 28, 2024
a must read

As always Monique’s pen never misses this was truly a good read. I really enjoyed the banter between Gatah and all the characters in the book. I can’t believe Megan!!… I hope the get her sooner than later because I can not. And I hope Dallas finds love too.
Profile Image for Kia.
1,157 reviews
May 15, 2025
Gutah and Yaya

Man that fool Gutah is certified but he loved his family and girl hard. Now I still need Megan to get hers with her crazy self so I can’t wait to read the next part in this series. Overall great read
Profile Image for LaChante Anderson.
514 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2025
An Easy 5 Stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
The story line and plot were amazing! Instantly this book will grab and hold your attention. I haven’t really read a M. Monique book I didn’t like! 🤷🏽‍♀️ This author really write amazing books that I can confidently recommend to others! 💖
Profile Image for Madonia Scruggs.
3 reviews
January 1, 2026
Team Gatah and Yaya

This book was good from beginning to end. It's a fast paced love story but a hoodie goodie! I'm definitely excited to binge read the other 8 books in this series, happy reading!
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
745 reviews18 followers
November 13, 2024
Gatah is that Guy!!

I always love the men written in the M. Monique universe. They are very loving men, but the crazy quotient is HIGH!
22 reviews
November 23, 2024
Gatah and Ya

This was oh so good!!! I definitely enjoyed YaYa and Gatah so much 🫶🏾 i cant wait for Steph and Mariah’s story!
Profile Image for Lia.
271 reviews6 followers
April 3, 2025
My first time reading anything from M Monique. And it was an easy quick read. It flowed really well. It wasn't as realistic as I'd like but it was extremely entertaining! I laughed a lot.
Profile Image for Keisha Renny.
273 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️. I normally don’t care for a bunch of POVS but it worked for this story, it flow effortlessly. Shaun and “YAYA” were too cute! Can’t wait to read Steph’s story
Profile Image for Janiese.
62 reviews9 followers
October 7, 2025
Good

On to the next book in this series and I hope there are some reveals and resolutions about Megan. 😊
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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