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Hard Lovin' Straight Thuggin' 3

A few years later, the whole crew's world is crumbling and life isn’t letting up as the hits keep coming.

Bre’Yhana "Bambi" Williams is drowning in grief over the death of her unborn baby’s father, only to get hit with a brutal truth… he might not have even been the real father. With her head spinning and emotions on ten, Bambi’s trying to be a solid mother while dealing with a past she never asked for and a present that won’t let her breathe.

Turquoise "Qui" Carter has crossed a line Gu might not forgive. Their marriage is hanging by a thread, and she’s scrambling to fix what she broke, hoping he’s still standing by the time she gets her act right.

Brielle "Bari" Carter is spiraling, throwing wild accusations at the two people who mean the most to her. But it ain’t paranoia if the past is really out to haunt you. With the skeletons in her closet banging loud, Bari’s scared she’s about to pay in blood for her old sins, despite everything she did to rise up and leave that life behind.

Messiah Gu’ Carter is still the top dog, and still running things. But with whispers in the streets about trouble at home, he’s torn between keeping his queen or living fast, reckless, and free.

In this explosive spin-off finale to books 1 & 2, loyalty gets tested, secrets unravel, and every decision comes with a price. Ain’t no clean endings here just survival, heartbreak, and the raw truth.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2025

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S. Yvonne

109 books412 followers

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5 stars
1,009 (77%)
4 stars
217 (16%)
3 stars
66 (5%)
2 stars
10 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Shon F.
91 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2025
I liked the first two installments

I don't feel like this book was necessary. The storyline was just too farfetched, and the plot didn't draw me in. Not after everything we learned about the characters in the first two installments.

1 First thing first - O positive IS NOT a rare blood type. It's actually the most common of the all! That said, there's no way possible Rasun was a match for Sue but her actual children weren't. (That portion of the book simply wasn't filly thought out and it could've been left off.)

2. Do you really expect readers to believe Bambi was interacting with her mother for months without realizing it was her? The woman left when she was a teenager, not 2. Again, unbelievable.

3. Bambi and Bari literally told each other EVERYTHING!!! Bam knew her secret and held it as though it was her own. She was the definition of a ride or die!!! She was literally her backbone and was ready to take on who and whatever for her friend. So WHY would Bam switch up and have Bari second guessing everything about their relationship?

4. EVERYTHING regarding Gu and Qui could've been left out. EVERYTHING! They served their purpose. They had a happily ever after. If anything they should've been added as supporting characters who helped the other couples through their woes. Why create a scenario that was so severe it would've for sure led to the ruin of ANY marriage? After everything they've overcome together? This book made no sense. It made Turquoise look selfish, childish, and inconsiderate. All of which are a stark contrast to who she was in the first two books and the reason Gu chose to be with her?

5. What was the purpose of Nessy going to Bari to talk about Gu and their father? I honestly can't think of a single reason why that was beneficial. Especially after she went to that mans home and disrespected him and his wife.

I just don't think this was a well thought out storyline due to the poor execution. Most of it made no sense or served any purpose.
Profile Image for Dee.
279 reviews5 followers
April 27, 2026
Qui and Bambi worked my nerves in this finale, no shade, lol. This one didn't give me my 5-star vibe like the first two books in the series, but I liked that closure was found with Sue.
Profile Image for Lia.
355 reviews10 followers
April 23, 2025
This was well-done! I am impressed. Book 3 wrapped everything up perfectly. It was so beautiful! At first I thought it was going to be repetitive because it was rehashing everything we already knew but then it started picking up halfway through with all the plot twists. I absolutely loved the ending. I loved how Beans stood by Bambi. I loved the family dynamic. I loved their Grandma she truly was a blessing and the glue. I loved Hulk's character. He was hilarious. I really enjoyed all of these characters. It was sad to see the story end! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Latasha Pennix.
96 reviews6 followers
Read
August 23, 2026
Hood Lovin’ Straight Thuggin’ was a great introduction to S. Yvonne for me. Messiah’s loyalty and that family-over-everything mentality really stood out throughout the series. He loved hard, protected even harder, and made it clear that disrespect toward his family was never going unanswered. I really enjoyed this series, and after this being my first experience with S. Yvonne’s writing, I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books! 🔥💜📖
1,800 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2020
Best binge reading ever 😍

When I say a hot mess I mean a hot mess and these are young people. I haven't put this book down since the first book it really is good. You find yourself wondering what's next with these characters really great job to S. Yvonne.
203 reviews2 followers
March 26, 2025
Great Read

This was one helluva ride with these characters. Dallas death broke Bambi. I felt sorry for her because Bambi really had no family of her own and it seems like the people she loved left but one thing I've always respected and loved was how Gu and Bari family looked at Bambi as if she was their blood. Being pregnant and grieving was rough on her. Beans stepped in and made sure he was there for her through it all. I wasn't surprised that Dallas mother blamed Bambi for his death and wouldn't allow her to come to his funeral. Although she had absolutely nothing to do with Dallas murder. Dorinda was a boujie b***h and didn't want to believe her son was in the street's. It wasn't hard to figure out who the homeless lady was by the dumpster Bambi was giving food to either. I've always liked Beans. I wished he would've had his own voice in this series because I wanted to hear his story from his own perspective. Especially after what he went through with Monica and Cortez in part one and two. Beans was actually a good dude. Bambi was surprised that he was able to relate to what she was going through. However I could tell he had feelings for Bambi as well but wanted to do right by Karesha. Learning he could've possibly been the father of Bambi child took this book to another level. Year's later Bari was still trying to fix her relationship with Sue after everything that happened. Sue was still struggling with her feelings for Tuff dead pedophile ass. Bari and Gu knew their mother was trying to hide her still grieving. During their mother and daughter counseling. Sue had to here the dirty details on how Tuff really preyed on Bari but it was a start to the mother and daughter healing and unpacking the trauma. Now Bari low-key pissed me off accusing Pete and Bambi of creeping around. Yes Pete sneaking out and going to Bambi house all times of day and night didn't seem right but she knows her man and best friend character. They don't even have snake in their blood. Qui needed to realize that Gu isn't her boyfriend. He is her husband. What she did behind his back was wrong as hell. She saw him at his lowest when he lost his son. For her to go behind his back and make the decision that she made without talking to Gu was scandalous. She also should've told him that she found out her mother was on drug's since the death of her sister Rain and how her father was acting. Instead she hid it all and when the truth came out. Gu was beyond hurt and pissed tf off. Hennessy was still the same bitter, childish, messy ass baby momma. She was still in her feelings all these year's later because Gu left her alone and married Qui. Hennessy put her hand's on Qui and found out real quick that Qui wasn't the timid and quiet type. Then Hennessy turned around and started messing with the Opp. I was so sick of her silly acting ass. I believe Hennessy thought when Qui and Gu was having problems. It was her chance to slide back in his life but that didn't happen.
Profile Image for LaTanya Garry.
2,037 reviews42 followers
January 9, 2023
Damn!!!

Monica and Cortez was wrong as hell. Cortez crossed the line in his friendship with Beans. He knew how Beans was going to act after finding out the truth. I believe what hurt Beans more was finding out who Cortez really was to him. Monica should've known Gu was going to come after her after she got Beans cased up. Bari was a child manipulated and brainwashed by Tuff. If Sue was a mother and had been there emotionally for her child. She would've saw the sign's of her man who was supposed to be a father figure to her daughter taking advantage of her. I lost all respect for Sue. She jumped on Bari after finding out she was pregnant instead of hugging her and encouraging her to get the help she needed. Pete was a stand up young man. Finding out Bari lied about the paternity of the baby hurt him but he was still there to have her back. Rain was truly sick in the head. Her jealousy of Turquoise was disturbing. Even after her father told the truth about a family secret. Rain was still hateful towards Turquoise when she had no reason to be. Turquoise was truly a sweetheart. She has forgiven Rain for all the horrible thing's she had done to her. I can understand why Gu fell in love with her. Through all of the chaos. Turquoise is his peace. Hennessey became the baby momma from hell. Trying to use her and Gu daughter as ammunition because he didn't want her anymore. RaRa was scandalous for how she trapped Gu. She thought a baby was going to make him want a relationship but all he saw was a snake. RaRa couldn't handle Gu not wanting to be a family with her and their son. It lead her to betray her best friend Tricia. The way this ended. Tricia seems to want some revenge and Gu although tried to help watched as Rara and possibly their son life was in danger.
Profile Image for Miss Read A lot.
1,063 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2025
Ummm I didn’t really like book 3 like that. All the women were unlikable this time around, trifling, messy, and exhausting. Qui was the worst. She clearly has no idea what it means to be married, he needs to divorce her. If she can do something that major behind his back, he’s in for a long ride. And she just kept hiding things, then tried to “fix” it by giving him what he wanted like a “here, damn” moment just to shut him up instead of actually addressing their issues.

Sometimes when a series stretches on too long, the storyline starts to fall apart, and that’s what happened here. The couples from books 1 and 2 were stronger and more grounded. Here, almost everybody fell off.

Bari been messed up since book 1…she’s selfish as hell. And when you know you did people dirty, sit down and wait for your karma, don’t start assuming everybody around you is operating on the same grimy level as you.

Then Nessy showing up at Bari’s door talking about their father… and I’m like, what was the point of that. I had to reread the passage because I thought I skimmed too fast. But nope. There was no gahdamn purpose. It felt like something that was supposed to be removed from the book entirely.

Qui and Bambi weren’t bad before, and somehow in this book they became just as unlikable.

Bambi was acting like she didn’t know how pregnancy works. She kept excluding Beans as a possible father had me calling her a dumb bitch in my head more than once. Forget denial, only the truth mattered, and she avoided it every chance she got. Then Beans played in Karesha’s face twice. She literally gave him the chance to be honest, and he still lied and went after Bambi.

Bambi was very annoying in this book. The whole book just didn’t hit the way the first two did. The storyline felt stretched, the characters fell off, and the drama didn’t feel earned. Not terrible, but definitely not a favorite.
386 reviews
September 22, 2026
While this was a finale - I swear I could take another book of these characters! When I tell you I didn’t see the Beans & Bambi storyline. The facts that he was there the entire pregnancy without knowing that was his baby was so crazy! As in love as Bambi was with Dallas- how you slipped up on Bean’s peen?? And Beans after how Monica did you why did you sleep with Bambi?? I hate what happened to Dallas. And I wonder how he truly felt knowing that the baby wasn’t his! Like why are you hustling when you knew it wasn’t your kid!

Beans- I swear Resha should’ve put hands and feet on you for playing with her! I mean she knew in her gut that something wasn’t right and she should’ve walked away! I hate that she kept trying! When you saw Bambi with that bodyyyyy honey- your heart went to your butt lol!! I love how Bambi played you on that date lol!

Qui- I get why you hold things in but you were wrong to not tell him about your mom! Like I know he would’ve made you have that baby but you should’ve told him! Gu also could’ve just asked!! All that game playing pissed me off! And Nessi- she pissed me off. Dang she was bird! I see why Qui was made at him lol!

Sue- girl you’re a raggedy ass mess! You knew who your kids father was and you still lied to them and him! Then the way you still held hate for Bari secretly!

Bari & Pete- I was with Bari on why is creeping around at Bambi’s house and lying. You were wrong Pete and then you hold the baby from here because she didn’t do what you wanted her to do!

Messiah- now Gu I like you but you were wrong now! You could’ve just asked her what was going on. Don’t forget you weren’t around!! She calls- you don’t answer! She felt alone! She didnt want to bring another baby into that!

Not the mama getting hooked on drugs! Didn’t see that coming! Love me some Beca, Granna, Hulk and Rashun!
Profile Image for Cris Criss.
488 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2025
Great finale.

Two things can be true at the same time. This was the case in all of their scenarios. Lack of communication caused so much unnecessary rukus.

Ricky and Benita didn’t handle the loss of their daughter well, and Qui was just on the outside drowning. She didn’t communicate with Gu because she felt like he wasn’t there in her time of need.

Pete and Bambi didn’t talk to Bari, so when she assumed the worst a relationship and a friendship was on the line.

Sue just keeps secrets from everybody until she couldn’t anymore.

…and Bambi didn’t want yo face the fact that grief was causing her to miss out on what was right in front of her face the entire time.

This book wrapped up so much.
2,670 reviews23 followers
July 7, 2021
WOW!!

The writer takes us on a neck of a journey, we are now getting the backstory on just about everyone. The relationships in this story,some would say are quite toxic but you get this when young adults are involved. I love the fact that Messiah has sat down some rules and standing by them,also like the fact that Qui is coming into her on and knowing her worth. The writer gives us some really serious subjects that a lot families deal with and or ignore. The writer handles them not only with so much class but so realistically. This was not only good but there are going to be some tragic events they leave you gasping.
535 reviews
September 20, 2025
So the ending of this series was wrapped up nicely. I love how beans got his Bambi and he didn’t have to fight or hide his feelings anymore. Baby when they made it clear as day no one could say shit. I would love more of Beans he was sold from day one. I needed more on the whole Beans and Cortez story. Then the momma was watching her and knew the whole time. I cried like a baby for that. Sue and Bari, I swear sue needed help and it was hard to see how she was treating her daughter knowing what was going on. Heck Grammy was not getting through to her daughter, but I loved how everyone else was being there and supportive to the healing and fixing of the family. Now Gu still was dealing with stuff and still being there for everyone was weighing this man down, but he never let that stop him. Gu deserved the world, and everyone better be 10 toes down behind him. Que knows she was wrong keeping secrets even if her man was stressed and acting off to her. Baby girl only made things worse. Que was starting to put her self in the same box as Hennessy to me because sis was not thinking at all in this book until she was forced to sit alone with her though and seen Gu was done with the BS. So is there a pt. 4 👀?
Profile Image for Ladii Zig.
1,276 reviews26 followers
April 10, 2025
This was good

Why do I feel like it was more that could have been told in this read. Like I wanted to hear more from Bambi and Beans, even Pete and Bari. I believed that Dallas knew Bambi wasn't pregnant with his child, and that's the reason he didn't fight to stay alive. After he squeezed her hand, he just let go and let God. I felt bad that Bambi had to go through something like that again because she didn't deserve that, but she did get a real lover out of Beans. Qui and Gi were crazy and they really deserved each other. I enjoyed this
363 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2025
Awesome finale

Man… what a roller coaster this series was. I loved the way it ended. Everyone got therapy and the help they needed. I’m glad Beans was there the whole time with Bambi. I knew it was his baby. I knew that trash lady was Bam’s mother. She got to finally have a family. It hurt me with her losing Dallas though. Qui was all over the place. It was so much she was going through, but they made it. I hate to end this one. Job well done!
587 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2025
Well I’ll Be Dang’d

Y’all this dang book had me up til 3am CST, and have to be up at 6am CST to adult! It was a dang rollercoaster ride and it was worth it! I won’t be telling any juicy details you have to excuse the same anxiety and anxiousness that I had.

This was a crazy but well worth the stress and grey hairs that I have now since reading this dang series. Highly recommend, but have yo joint or drank by standby 😆!
1,343 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2025
Loved it

I love how everything cams.together
Family is family! Love is love! Gu and Qui thought young they were truly meant.for.ine another. Pete was a young with an old soul.Bati was lucky to.ha d him. Bambi and Beans, I didn't see that coming
The families we t through some.teiala.anx tribulations. However, with a praying granny, life be manageable and healing came over time, and happy endings occurred to those that deserved it!
Profile Image for MagicKalUniKorn.
63 reviews
August 23, 2026
Today I spent my last day is THEE GHETTO and I had a good time!

This book was filled with just as much mess and drama as the first 2. Reading the growth of the characters of the years was amazing. I personally don’t believe Bari deserved Pete after lying to him about the baby but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.

And shout out Hulk and 3 Bloods and 2 Crips because his shenanigans were definitely needed with all the drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
377 reviews
December 24, 2020
Excellent

Author S.Yvonne is on it in this series! I am so happy this series is completed so I may continue to read to the end. Gu has his hands full but he is dealing with it. A bunch of women with a lot of evil stuff going on in their minds. Bari seems to have gotten the help she needed. Pete is turning out to be pretty awesome. Ready for Part 4. This is so good!
236 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2021
We got action

Pete is a stand up guy, I love how he’s still there for Bardi. Bardi’s best friend is a definition of a true friend. RaRa is a thot and was dead wrong for sleeping with her best friend’s boyfriend.
If Monica didn’t tell on Beans who did🤔.
Good book just a lot of bra errors.
Profile Image for Angela Taylor.
1,147 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2021
Omg

Wow this series is off the chain and so lit. Gu is going through a lot. I pray Bria be good on this time and it would be good if her and Pete get back together. I hope RaRa is ok and I pray MJ made it out good. Ur doing so good with ur books and I enjoy reading them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and eating popcorn while waiting on the next book to read
446 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2024
Dang it!!!

You can’t do dirt and expect for it not to come back to you…It’s called KARMA…When it comes it comes back 10 times faster and harder…RaRa didn’t expect for her aka try na to come back with her son being in the car…Poor Gu had to watch the whole scene unfold…Maybe this could be his Karma as well…I hope RaRa and the baby survived
Profile Image for Tika_Reads.
267 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2025
Well Rounded Ending

It was a very good book. Book one and two a lot of action and very detailed spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️. The way book 2 ended ,you would’ve thought that ,that was it because it ended good. Book 3 just kind of wrapped it up and gave a different perspective from another character. Great drama overall definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Stephanie June.
104 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2025
I love a good family story with unhinged men lol

Man this one was better than the last (lol I said that book 2 also). Hulk is still a fav. Was so surprised at the baby announcement. Granna...a true prayer warrior. This dysfunctional family can be anyone's family and that's why I grew to love the next book better than the last.
Profile Image for Tarro Stokes-Funches.
1,887 reviews
November 18, 2020
Wow!

So much to even take in. Rain was crazy as crap. She was selfish asf as well. I hate what happened to MJ and for Gu to see it. He has so much coming at him at one time. My poor baby.
225 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2020
Omg

Can't believe that girl would do that to that baby. Sometimes women give men to much power of their happiness. I just couldn't imagine loving someone that much that I would take a life. No no
Profile Image for B. Knox.
Author 16 books47 followers
February 18, 2021
Must Read

Wow, just wow! Rara is so trifling. I love Pete and hope one day he decides to give Bari another chance. That ending almost took my out, but I got my fingers cross for a got outcome.
332 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2021
Wooooooooooo Weeees 😳

Okay, I gotta stop and take a regrouping nap !! Dudes and Dudettes this Book 3 is a no sleep reading...What the heck did she think...jumping on a dong that didn't belong....
Profile Image for Twigi718.
1,131 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2021
I wanna scream

I dunno what to say… the review I leave will wb to just download and read this series…….I can’t at enough To just. Download and read I’m not giving any dets besides download and start reading

Happy reading
849 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2022
Baby moma’s drama

Hennessy and Racare pitiful and don’t deserve to be mothers especially since they’re only using the kids as ponds. Gu has had a hard time and his family but time heals. Thus book is great can’t wait for the next part.
Profile Image for Natalie.
97 reviews
July 26, 2022
Heat

And the drama continues in the projects. Will they ever catch a break. Guh is the man who holds it all together. Love it and ready for the next part. This was 🔥🔥 my girl never disappoints.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews