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Carrying A Thug’s Heart
She only wanted the money.
He only wanted an heir.
But when Khadoja Perry agrees to become a surrogate for Canyon “Cannon” Kross—a cold hearted, fine-as-hell, hood-rich thug with no interest in love—everything starts to unravel.
What was supposed to be a contractual, nine-month transaction turns complicated fast. Between Doja’s ex stirring the pot, her smart mouth, Cannon’s low tolerance and heated moments of thug passion, a bond forms that neither of them saw coming.
He only wanted an heir.
But when Khadoja Perry agrees to become a surrogate for Canyon “Cannon” Kross—a cold hearted, fine-as-hell, hood-rich thug with no interest in love—everything starts to unravel.
What was supposed to be a contractual, nine-month transaction turns complicated fast. Between Doja’s ex stirring the pot, her smart mouth, Cannon’s low tolerance and heated moments of thug passion, a bond forms that neither of them saw coming.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
254 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 15, 2025
Cannon was pure power and conviction. He knew he wanted to be a father and he was ready to tackle that on his own.
Khadoja was a beautiful mess, stuck in a toxic relationship and constantly down on her luck. The opportunity to carry Cannons baby was one she could pass up. The money was too good…
Baby Cannon said, carry my baby, follow my rules and don’t catch no fucking feelings! He was ruthless in that aspect, just cold hearted. I swear I couldn’t see a HEA for these two. The spot fire in Khadojah was such a turn on for him and she completely knocked him off his square!!
These two were a beautiful mess and I really enjoyed this story.
Khadoja was a beautiful mess, stuck in a toxic relationship and constantly down on her luck. The opportunity to carry Cannons baby was one she could pass up. The money was too good…
Baby Cannon said, carry my baby, follow my rules and don’t catch no fucking feelings! He was ruthless in that aspect, just cold hearted. I swear I couldn’t see a HEA for these two. The spot fire in Khadojah was such a turn on for him and she completely knocked him off his square!!
These two were a beautiful mess and I really enjoyed this story.
April 24, 2025
Oh my, I have tears in my eyes. This was so beautiful I honestly didn't want it to end. Their love story was so sweet and so authentic. We were pulled in from page one! I couldn't stop reading. This story flowed so well. Such a strong plot, amazing characters that leapt off the pages. Khadoja and her best friend at the Lamize class sign up was hilarious! I think that was one of my favourite scenes. There were plenty quote worthy moments in this book. And the ending was so precious and beautiful. I love stories with great fathers and Cannon was an incredible book bae. Highly recommend!
May 12, 2025
She only wanted the money. He only wanted an heir. Yeah okayyyyyyyy lol. I loveeeeeeeee seeing a man get beat at his own game lol. A contract, a baby, some money and that’s it! Khadoja was a survivor who overcame everything that came her way.
Cannon heart may have been a little cold but I knew he would fold. Cannon folded like fresh laundry on a Sunday morning. The contract was cute, but the intimacy and beautiful connection was better.
Sometimes when you stop operating out of pain, blessings get a chance to come down. Khadoja and Cannon were a blessing to each other. The twins are going to give them a run for their money. I enjoyed this story.
“You don't want them growin' up seein' you treat love like somethin' to survive instead of somethin' to honor."
Cannon heart may have been a little cold but I knew he would fold. Cannon folded like fresh laundry on a Sunday morning. The contract was cute, but the intimacy and beautiful connection was better.
Sometimes when you stop operating out of pain, blessings get a chance to come down. Khadoja and Cannon were a blessing to each other. The twins are going to give them a run for their money. I enjoyed this story.
“You don't want them growin' up seein' you treat love like somethin' to survive instead of somethin' to honor."
April 27, 2025
This was a really good read! And I’m so glad this freed us from the third act breakup shackles. Whew!
Canon’s and Doja’s character development was perfect! I loved every bit of it
Canon’s and Doja’s character development was perfect! I loved every bit of it
April 10, 2025
Quote: “This ain’t personal. I just need to change my life. Once the baby’s out, I’m out too.”
I was so excited for this drop. As soon as it went live,I ate it up in one day. I believe this is my second read from this author and I literally just fell in love 😂. Like head over heels! DISCLAIMER: 95% of the things I read have a trigger warning and I love it. Protect your peace and mental health at all cost!!!
Like all of my reviews, I won’t spoil it for you, but what I can say that it did not disappoint! I loved reading about our FMC Khadoja “Doja 🐈” and her strong resilient personality. You want to read about a strong FMC with a mouthpiece just as crazy as the MMC, than this is for you. Our retired from the street life MMC Canyon “Cannon” is set on being a father even without love. Our MMC is on the straight and narrow, but still has that itch for the streets. When he meets our FMC at the surrogacy office, she gives him a run for his money literally and figuratively. The banter between the characters in this book is hilarious. The supporting characters are also very well written.
You will love this book if you love grumpy gangsta love, plot, spice, and of course this genre Urban Fiction.IYKYK! Again, check your trigger warnings. Happy reading!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️ 🌶️🌶️.5(based on my own delu lu scale)
I was so excited for this drop. As soon as it went live,I ate it up in one day. I believe this is my second read from this author and I literally just fell in love 😂. Like head over heels! DISCLAIMER: 95% of the things I read have a trigger warning and I love it. Protect your peace and mental health at all cost!!!
Like all of my reviews, I won’t spoil it for you, but what I can say that it did not disappoint! I loved reading about our FMC Khadoja “Doja 🐈” and her strong resilient personality. You want to read about a strong FMC with a mouthpiece just as crazy as the MMC, than this is for you. Our retired from the street life MMC Canyon “Cannon” is set on being a father even without love. Our MMC is on the straight and narrow, but still has that itch for the streets. When he meets our FMC at the surrogacy office, she gives him a run for his money literally and figuratively. The banter between the characters in this book is hilarious. The supporting characters are also very well written.
You will love this book if you love grumpy gangsta love, plot, spice, and of course this genre Urban Fiction.IYKYK! Again, check your trigger warnings. Happy reading!
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️ 🌶️🌶️.5(based on my own delu lu scale)
May 13, 2025
Doja x Cannon
Half on a baby….
Cannon was ready to become a father and continue his legacy, but he didn’t want what came with that….a relationship, love, feelings, drama. He decided that the surrogate route was best and made it clear that the mother would have no ties to the baby after birth. Doja was struggling and looking for a quick come up. She decided that becoming a surrogate would be her pay day. What started out as a contract turned into some thug passion!
This was a cute, quick read. While it was a little predictable, it was still entertaining. Some parts seemed a bit rushed, leaving a few loose ends. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable read.
Half on a baby….
Cannon was ready to become a father and continue his legacy, but he didn’t want what came with that….a relationship, love, feelings, drama. He decided that the surrogate route was best and made it clear that the mother would have no ties to the baby after birth. Doja was struggling and looking for a quick come up. She decided that becoming a surrogate would be her pay day. What started out as a contract turned into some thug passion!
This was a cute, quick read. While it was a little predictable, it was still entertaining. Some parts seemed a bit rushed, leaving a few loose ends. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable read.
April 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book was so good; I read it in a day. I think this is maybe my third or fourth book by this author, and she doesn't disappoint. I loved Cannon and Doja! Cannon's heart was ice-cold, but once Doja stepped into his life, we really got to see that change and that protective side of him. I loved the overall storyline of this book, and I hadn't read anything like it. I highly recommend checking it out!
This book was so good; I read it in a day. I think this is maybe my third or fourth book by this author, and she doesn't disappoint. I loved Cannon and Doja! Cannon's heart was ice-cold, but once Doja stepped into his life, we really got to see that change and that protective side of him. I loved the overall storyline of this book, and I hadn't read anything like it. I highly recommend checking it out!
April 13, 2025
my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it. Fake dating turns into real love. Hadn't seen this trope and enjoyed it.
April 9, 2025
A Thug’s 💜
I’m loving these books where the men want babies without the drama. The plot twist sets this apart. Cannon and Doja were fun to watch. Her feistiness cracked me up and his protectiveness was attractive.
I’m loving these books where the men want babies without the drama. The plot twist sets this apart. Cannon and Doja were fun to watch. Her feistiness cracked me up and his protectiveness was attractive.
April 23, 2025
Cannon was not the one to mess with he protected Khadoja fiercely, held things down, and made sure she felt loved and valued, especially during her pregnancy. I absolutely adored them together.
October 22, 2025
the plot was good although it was mid. &&’ not a meh mid it actually made me cry a teeny bit &’ laughed ALOT but that’s it. I didn’t stop to throw my phone or none of that so it gets a cool 6.5/10. Finished it in abt 12 hours because every time i started—i stopped but nonetheless it was a good book💘.
April 24, 2025
DNF
The book is predictable, but that’s not why I didn’t finish. Doja’s whiny attitude was annoying. She keeps playing victim. You signed up to be a surrogate for him. How are you always mad at him for not showing feelings when that was included in the contract. It was also something she initially wrote in her profile. Before she even met him. I don’t understand the attitude all the time. He should be turned off, not falling for her. There was nothing special I saw for him to still want her besides it actually being written. Then as grown as she is, speak up. If you want more speak up. She wanted more, but expressed it through having an attitude the whole book.
The book is predictable, but that’s not why I didn’t finish. Doja’s whiny attitude was annoying. She keeps playing victim. You signed up to be a surrogate for him. How are you always mad at him for not showing feelings when that was included in the contract. It was also something she initially wrote in her profile. Before she even met him. I don’t understand the attitude all the time. He should be turned off, not falling for her. There was nothing special I saw for him to still want her besides it actually being written. Then as grown as she is, speak up. If you want more speak up. She wanted more, but expressed it through having an attitude the whole book.
October 12, 2025
I LOVED this! This author writes her male characters exactly the way I like - mature, quiet, intentional, deadly. I’m not on all this rah rah posturing and neither was Cannon. Like he told Doja, I don’t need to raise my voice. I loved that Cannon checked Doja early on, and showed her who he was. Even though he joked about her mouth the rest of the book, she never came at him crazy again after he checked her hard that day in the car. She cursed and was grumpy throughout her pregnancy but she was never disrespectful to him like she tried to be in the beginning.
I LOVED how their relationship progressed. I LOVED them realizing what was happening between them and using their words. The first time Cannon said ‘You good, baby?’ Instead of just, ‘You good?’ I damn near melted. I loved how he always took care of her, and reassured her.
I loved that the author didn’t make a ridiculous show of ostentatious ‘thug’ wealth, but had Cannon provide in a real, meaningful way, and have real, legit businesses. I also love that even though Cannon had legit businesses he was not afraid to step back to the streets and handle his business when need be, and that he considered Doja in now he dealt with things.
I love that Cannon’s mother was real with him without being preachy and she embraced Doja and the babies.
This author, being who she is, we knew there was going to be a twist but I was ok with this one.
This book just gave me everything I didn’t even know I needed. I loved that it had a street vibe without being over the top and ridiculous, and that the characters were able to express their love to each other without things getting flowery, sappy, and lame. Great job.
I LOVED how their relationship progressed. I LOVED them realizing what was happening between them and using their words. The first time Cannon said ‘You good, baby?’ Instead of just, ‘You good?’ I damn near melted. I loved how he always took care of her, and reassured her.
I loved that the author didn’t make a ridiculous show of ostentatious ‘thug’ wealth, but had Cannon provide in a real, meaningful way, and have real, legit businesses. I also love that even though Cannon had legit businesses he was not afraid to step back to the streets and handle his business when need be, and that he considered Doja in now he dealt with things.
I love that Cannon’s mother was real with him without being preachy and she embraced Doja and the babies.
This author, being who she is, we knew there was going to be a twist but I was ok with this one.
This book just gave me everything I didn’t even know I needed. I loved that it had a street vibe without being over the top and ridiculous, and that the characters were able to express their love to each other without things getting flowery, sappy, and lame. Great job.
April 17, 2025
Not gunna lie. I dnf’d.
Signing up for something & putting out a specific contract then going against it isn’t a trope I like.
He’s doing exactly what is in the contract you signed but you’re acting funny & catching feelings.
Signing up for something & putting out a specific contract then going against it isn’t a trope I like.
He’s doing exactly what is in the contract you signed but you’re acting funny & catching feelings.
July 9, 2025
Love Contract!!
Doja was a hustler from the beginning making it any possible. Auja her bestfriend saw the way she was struggling and came up surrogacy. Cannon is a formed thug who went legit. He thought all was lost for a family when his first love died. His mama and his friends thought he was crazy when he was going the surrogacy route. Cannon wanted nothing to do with feelings, love or commitment. All he wanted is baby. Doja shook his world up, made him feel thing. Now he wanted feelings, love and commitment but only with Doja. Now that changed they having twins and engaged to be married.
Doja was a hustler from the beginning making it any possible. Auja her bestfriend saw the way she was struggling and came up surrogacy. Cannon is a formed thug who went legit. He thought all was lost for a family when his first love died. His mama and his friends thought he was crazy when he was going the surrogacy route. Cannon wanted nothing to do with feelings, love or commitment. All he wanted is baby. Doja shook his world up, made him feel thing. Now he wanted feelings, love and commitment but only with Doja. Now that changed they having twins and engaged to be married.
May 24, 2025
Just OK
The plausibility of Doja- as she was described- being a suitable surrogate for a reputable agency made me almost immediately detatch from this storyline. Canyon had the typical boss BDE, which was predictable but sexy nonetheless. Then the banter between Doja and Canyon right from the start went from haha to too much after a couple pages. Next there was an unaliving and BOOM, there was a love story and some babies. Overall, the storyline was OK, but it was riddled with grammatical errors that made me start skimming pages just to finish.
The plausibility of Doja- as she was described- being a suitable surrogate for a reputable agency made me almost immediately detatch from this storyline. Canyon had the typical boss BDE, which was predictable but sexy nonetheless. Then the banter between Doja and Canyon right from the start went from haha to too much after a couple pages. Next there was an unaliving and BOOM, there was a love story and some babies. Overall, the storyline was OK, but it was riddled with grammatical errors that made me start skimming pages just to finish.
May 31, 2025
Amazing
I just gotta say, Carrying a Thug’s Heart had me in a chokehold from the very first page! I’m so in love with their love—it was deep, real, and had that ride-or-die energy I live for. The passion between them was unmatched, and I felt every emotion like I was right there living it. This book gave everything it was supposed to give—drama, loyalty, love, and heat! I couldn’t put it down, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. I loved everything about it. If you know, you know… and if you don’t, go read it ASAP. 10/10, for me FSFS!!!
I just gotta say, Carrying a Thug’s Heart had me in a chokehold from the very first page! I’m so in love with their love—it was deep, real, and had that ride-or-die energy I live for. The passion between them was unmatched, and I felt every emotion like I was right there living it. This book gave everything it was supposed to give—drama, loyalty, love, and heat! I couldn’t put it down, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. I loved everything about it. If you know, you know… and if you don’t, go read it ASAP. 10/10, for me FSFS!!!
June 23, 2025
😍
This was good! Different! I had a feeling Doja wouldn’t be able to just take the money and leave her baby behind. She made that decision so fast. I also knew Cannon wasn’t going to be able to keep his feelings at bay. When he decided to meet Doja and became over protective I knew that was a wrap. It took them a min to both give in. Cannon faught all he knew how because of his past and Doja was so fussy with her smart mouth. In the end, they were double blessed and everything from the delivery to the wedding was beautiful.
This was good! Different! I had a feeling Doja wouldn’t be able to just take the money and leave her baby behind. She made that decision so fast. I also knew Cannon wasn’t going to be able to keep his feelings at bay. When he decided to meet Doja and became over protective I knew that was a wrap. It took them a min to both give in. Cannon faught all he knew how because of his past and Doja was so fussy with her smart mouth. In the end, they were double blessed and everything from the delivery to the wedding was beautiful.
July 22, 2025
Good read that kept me entertained
Carrying A Thug’s Heart centered around Cannon, an entrepreneur and hustler who was ready to put down roots and solidify his legacy by having a child. Khadoja was down on her luck, barely making it and in a dead in situationship with a total loser. What starts as a means to a child for Cannon and financial stability for Khadoja, quickly eclipses into more due to their connection and chemistry. I loved Khadoja’s slick mouth and the fact that she never backed down from speaking her mind. These two were a good fit for each other.
Carrying A Thug’s Heart centered around Cannon, an entrepreneur and hustler who was ready to put down roots and solidify his legacy by having a child. Khadoja was down on her luck, barely making it and in a dead in situationship with a total loser. What starts as a means to a child for Cannon and financial stability for Khadoja, quickly eclipses into more due to their connection and chemistry. I loved Khadoja’s slick mouth and the fact that she never backed down from speaking her mind. These two were a good fit for each other.
January 23, 2026
Dang That Was So Good
Knowing the author I knew this would be a great book..she never fails.
But when I say it exceeded my expectations, I mean it.
The title gives me ruff, raw with drama. I mean, it kinda was but it made the story flow and gave the characters grit.
Life literally had Doja on the ropes beating her down. Just when she thought there was no hope, an opportunity of a lifetime enters with locs and swag.
I loved this story and I just loved how Cannon always came through..dude didn’t play. No unnecessary drama needed.
Knowing the author I knew this would be a great book..she never fails.
But when I say it exceeded my expectations, I mean it.
The title gives me ruff, raw with drama. I mean, it kinda was but it made the story flow and gave the characters grit.
Life literally had Doja on the ropes beating her down. Just when she thought there was no hope, an opportunity of a lifetime enters with locs and swag.
I loved this story and I just loved how Cannon always came through..dude didn’t play. No unnecessary drama needed.
April 30, 2025
enjoyed the storyline
This book was not what I was expecting. First read from this author and it didn’t disappoint. Doja went from working two jobs barely making ends meet to agreeing to be Canyon’s surrogate. I knew the way he looked at her that he would eventually fall in love with her. Canyon leveled her up in the best way. But Doja broke ex deserved what he got for putting his hands on her. I hope we get to read about Doja friend Auja next.
This book was not what I was expecting. First read from this author and it didn’t disappoint. Doja went from working two jobs barely making ends meet to agreeing to be Canyon’s surrogate. I knew the way he looked at her that he would eventually fall in love with her. Canyon leveled her up in the best way. But Doja broke ex deserved what he got for putting his hands on her. I hope we get to read about Doja friend Auja next.
May 28, 2025
Had to DNF!!!!!
Doja was annoying af. I can never understand how women can write such insufferable FMCs. I do not understand what all of her whining and attitude toward cannon was about. Like wtf? And in the first 20% of the book. How are you mad at him for not showing you any romantic feelings when that was something both of you agreed on in the contract before even meeting. Constantly whining about the procedure when you LITERALLY signed up to be a surrogate. Smtttttt🙃🙃🙃😕😕😕
Doja was annoying af. I can never understand how women can write such insufferable FMCs. I do not understand what all of her whining and attitude toward cannon was about. Like wtf? And in the first 20% of the book. How are you mad at him for not showing you any romantic feelings when that was something both of you agreed on in the contract before even meeting. Constantly whining about the procedure when you LITERALLY signed up to be a surrogate. Smtttttt🙃🙃🙃😕😕😕
June 2, 2025
Cannon and Doja
I liked the storyline. It really flowed. I loved me some Cannon. I did not like Doja’s attitude! Omg from the moment she met Cannon up until she was pushing babies out she was mean and rude. Ugh. I get it, there’s this thing where us black women have to be strong and not let a man run over us but it’s a difference with being strong and independent and being nasty and having an attitude all of the time. That is not cute at all. Also, there were too many typos and mistakes.
I liked the storyline. It really flowed. I loved me some Cannon. I did not like Doja’s attitude! Omg from the moment she met Cannon up until she was pushing babies out she was mean and rude. Ugh. I get it, there’s this thing where us black women have to be strong and not let a man run over us but it’s a difference with being strong and independent and being nasty and having an attitude all of the time. That is not cute at all. Also, there were too many typos and mistakes.
January 6, 2026
Interesting premise. Not a fan of FMC at first and can't imagine why she'd be the one to pick as a surrogate, but she never really had love so I feel like her negative qualities really come from a lack of nurturing vs her nature. You can see her change after experiencing someone actually showing care/ concern for her. 4.5 stars. Will definitely be a re-read/ re-listen. Wish it could have been longer. We know time passed and the affection developed over time but I wish we'd gotten to see that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
So good
Oooooh this was so good!!!!!! Doja broke him downnnnnnnn.
Cannon wasn’t looking for love. Just looking for someone to carry his baby and get on.
Doja wasn’t looking for love either. Just to grab this $250K bag and move along.
Neither of them planned for what happened. But it was so good. 😊
Oooooh this was so good!!!!!! Doja broke him downnnnnnnn.
Cannon wasn’t looking for love. Just looking for someone to carry his baby and get on.
Doja wasn’t looking for love either. Just to grab this $250K bag and move along.
Neither of them planned for what happened. But it was so good. 😊
April 10, 2025
They were so cute
I knew he was going to fall for her his rules and mean says disappeared very quickly lol she just was afraid of being treated good and loved genuinely. I'm glad his mom was able to talk to him and get him to open up to her more and make him see what he could have missed out on.
I knew he was going to fall for her his rules and mean says disappeared very quickly lol she just was afraid of being treated good and loved genuinely. I'm glad his mom was able to talk to him and get him to open up to her more and make him see what he could have missed out on.
April 10, 2025
Canyon and Khadoja
Cannon,Cannon,Cannon..he is definitely on my list for favorite MMC. Doja was a piece of work with her smart mouth, had me shaking my head a couple of times. I love how they came together and received 2 blessings. Thee Tasha Marie awesome job on writing their story.
Cannon,Cannon,Cannon..he is definitely on my list for favorite MMC. Doja was a piece of work with her smart mouth, had me shaking my head a couple of times. I love how they came together and received 2 blessings. Thee Tasha Marie awesome job on writing their story.
April 12, 2025
Contract to love
This was a quick good read (got me out of a slump) Doja needed money and Cannon needed to open his heart ❤️ after a loss…neither knew what they were in for…Cannon didn’t play about Doja and her smart mouth but she let home girl know she wasn’t playing about Cannon,….loved the friend friend dynamic
This was a quick good read (got me out of a slump) Doja needed money and Cannon needed to open his heart ❤️ after a loss…neither knew what they were in for…Cannon didn’t play about Doja and her smart mouth but she let home girl know she wasn’t playing about Cannon,….loved the friend friend dynamic
April 13, 2025
Cute with an edge. 3.75 good
This storyline was cute but with a dash of thug and splash of hood. The pace was great, and it was entertaining... a guy wants a baby, but he gets love... the typos really ran all over, and the missed name of the main character was a bit much, but the story was good.
This storyline was cute but with a dash of thug and splash of hood. The pace was great, and it was entertaining... a guy wants a baby, but he gets love... the typos really ran all over, and the missed name of the main character was a bit much, but the story was good.
May 25, 2025
The Author Never Disappoints
Doja and Cannon 4ever. I’m sooo happy for both they were just existing not living and I’m so happy Richie dead he was a moocher bum . I loved how doja turned him into a love struck fool lol lol I would love to see these characters again 10 stars a must read
Doja and Cannon 4ever. I’m sooo happy for both they were just existing not living and I’m so happy Richie dead he was a moocher bum . I loved how doja turned him into a love struck fool lol lol I would love to see these characters again 10 stars a must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews