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A Thug's Love
"If angels wear Vicki's and the devil wears Prada, I guess I was a taste of heaven & hell back then, because King had completely turned daddy's little angel into a hell of a rider..." My name is Kennedy Desiree Carter. I met the love of my life, Damion "King" Carter, five years ago. Back then, you would not have been able to convince me of the way that he would change my life, in good ways and bad. I was a good girl; on my way to college with a high GPA and big dreams of becoming a Child Psychologist. Yet, as soon as I met King, I also dreamed of being the best rider that any street nigga had ever seen. I was a good girl with a bad boy fetish, and King was the ultimate bad boy that came to love me in ways that I had never felt before. They say ride or die is the highest level of loyalty that you will find in a person, and King had found that in me; even though it eventually meant my own suffering. Yet, the suffering never fazed me because I knew that we loved each other. Some would say too much, and I couldn't argue with that because loving him sent me to a place that I thought I would never be, all because he put his trust in the wrong people. Every dope boy needs to realize that sometimes the realest person on his team is his girl, and King found that out the hard way.
318 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2015
1726 people are currently reading
1079 people want to read
About the author
Jessica N. Watkins
82 books1,144 followersAuthor of Urban Chick Lit, Erotica, and Contemporary Urban Fiction... Jessica N. Watkins was born April 1st in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained a Bachelors of Arts with Focus in Psychology from DePaul University and Masters of Applied Professional Studies with focus in Business Administration from the like institution. Working in Hospital Administration for the majority of her career, Watkins has also been an author of fiction literature since the young age of nine. Eventually she used writing as an outlet during her freshmen year of high school as a single parent: “In the third grade I entered a short story contest with a fiction tale of an apple tree that refused to grow despite the efforts of the darling main character. My writing evolved from apple trees to my seventh and eighth grade classmates paying me to read novels I had written about kids our age living the lives our parents wouldn’t dare let us”. At the age of twenty-eight, Watkins’ chronicles have matured into steamy, humorous, and realistic tales of women's literature. She hopes that The Epitome of Femistry series will successfully emulate ideal femininity while tackling stereotypes, familiar heartache, and relatable distress in a humorous, sophisticated, and erotic fashion.
Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops or book signings. Email her for more information at Jessica@femistrypress.net.
Additional information can be found at www.jessica-n-watkins.com.
Follow Jessica on Twitter - @authorjwatkins.
Follow Jessica on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/authorjwatkins
Jessica N. Watkins is available for talks, workshops or book signings. Email her for more information at Jessica@femistrypress.net.
Additional information can be found at www.jessica-n-watkins.com.
Follow Jessica on Twitter - @authorjwatkins.
Follow Jessica on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/authorjwatkins
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 22, 2016
Okay so here is the deal... From the moment is was revealed that **This person** was sleeping with ** That person**... yeah I already knew what the hell the deal was... it wasn't actually hard to put together... I mean in your head you kinda thought it when you found out but when the truth actually comes out you are like " I KNEW IT, I FREAKING KNEW IT" and then what you thought you knew... slowly but surely starts to add up... SOOO element of surprise... NOT that much.
However I did enjoy learning about the characters, Kennedy has been through A LOT and her "ride or die" attitude is real. I don't know many people who would do the same and I don't know if it made me think she was dumb or mature (Jury still out on that one)... Now I am interested to see how all these little pieces shake foundations... because I am sure that it is going to be one hell of an earthquake.
Now normally I would be "off to read book 2" However..I am not really sure I am that invested. I mean I could totally deal with the "the end" at this point... I mean the only thing that hasn't been "told" is really not that big of a deal to me. and then I am hearing that after part 2 there is a part 3... nah.. I am good on that.
I soo have to start finding urban books that do not have a series of books. DANG and we just get one completely freaking book!
Signing off "After reading this book.. I can say without a doubt I am NO ride or die chick lol"
However I did enjoy learning about the characters, Kennedy has been through A LOT and her "ride or die" attitude is real. I don't know many people who would do the same and I don't know if it made me think she was dumb or mature (Jury still out on that one)... Now I am interested to see how all these little pieces shake foundations... because I am sure that it is going to be one hell of an earthquake.
Now normally I would be "off to read book 2" However..I am not really sure I am that invested. I mean I could totally deal with the "the end" at this point... I mean the only thing that hasn't been "told" is really not that big of a deal to me. and then I am hearing that after part 2 there is a part 3... nah.. I am good on that.
I soo have to start finding urban books that do not have a series of books. DANG and we just get one completely freaking book!
Signing off "After reading this book.. I can say without a doubt I am NO ride or die chick lol"
August 1, 2015
Kennedy Carter is a young girl who was raised by her father and lived a very strict lifestyle. Although he dad was on teaching her and trying to prepare her for the real world nothing could stop her love for thugs. After getting her first heartbreak she decides its time for a change and moves with her mother.Vowing to never give her heart away again she turns down the man that every girl wants King,but little do Kennedy know that what King want King gets. Deciding to take a chance they become a couple and things are great until one incident changes everything.
Jessica Watkins has done it again with her new book.I love the characters and the raw emotion that they show. I cant wait to see how this series turns out good job.
Jessica Watkins has done it again with her new book.I love the characters and the raw emotion that they show. I cant wait to see how this series turns out good job.
November 18, 2015
5 AMAZING STARS
Loved how the author transitioned from the past and the present with obvious transition clues. This book had more than just what the title promises "thug love", it also had betrayal versus loyalty between friends.
A must read!!!
Ready for book 2
Loved how the author transitioned from the past and the present with obvious transition clues. This book had more than just what the title promises "thug love", it also had betrayal versus loyalty between friends.
A must read!!!
Ready for book 2
August 5, 2025
So this was cute but also goofy? Extremely predictable. I mean soon as you learn who messing with who you learn the plot twist I mean doesn’t take much to put 2 and 2 together. However I still had fun reading this and I really like Kennedy and King. The dialogue was a little forced and cringe at times but you know. I also feel like I can guess the rest of the series and I don’t really need to keep reading if I’m being real. But you know it was a cute read. Wish it was spicer but that’s a total personal preference thing. We’ll give her a 3.75 because the audiobook was dual narration
July 14, 2017
I thought this would be a good read but Kennedy was just too gullible for me to even really get into. I get the back and forth but it really didn’t help you understand the connection she had with King. From Jada’s initial intro I knew that she was funny, her reaction when Kennedy was released told it all. The guys were too spooked about Terry; they’d be the first one snitching if they were brought in. For them to be into all the dirty mess they were in they came off soft when it was time to man up for what they’d done. Then ending is the only thing that really makes you want to read what’s next.
August 2, 2015
Captivating story as a new set of well developed characters emerge. The storyline kept my attention as Kennedy was a true rider for King. I thought they made a great couple as they showed their love for each other...Jada is good to have around..Siren was the ultimate snake...Ready for part 2 as this book read like the beginning of another great series by Jessica Watkins!
January 25, 2016
OUTSTANDING
This book captured your attention from first page....Wow the things people do to get a brother that don't want them .... My God the things this chart co has been doing has backfired on her every time I feel so sorry for the queen had to go to jail for nothing glad KARMA caught that bish......
OUTSTANDING
This book captured your attention from first page....Wow the things people do to get a brother that don't want them .... My God the things this chart co has been doing has backfired on her every time I feel so sorry for the queen had to go to jail for nothing glad KARMA caught that bish......
OUTSTANDING
July 24, 2015
A Thug's Love
I don't understand how these jump-off catch feelings for a man she is sleeping with. He don't show you no love but you want the perks and when he doesn't return them you want to bring him down.....
I don't understand how these jump-off catch feelings for a man she is sleeping with. He don't show you no love but you want the perks and when he doesn't return them you want to bring him down.....
November 3, 2015
This was another dope read by Miss Watkins. I absolutely love books that draw you in from beginning to end. She has the uncanny ability to make you love and hate her characters with ease and no regret.
I love King! When love a mans man. A man that goes from hood to business, polite to rude in a blink of an eye. I loved Kennedy for King even though I didn't too much care for her at first. I love Meech and Dolla too. The men display of brotherhood and love is nice. Jada is the ride or die every girl wishes to have. Siren gets no love from me. BYE!!!!!!!!!! I liked Kennedy character was dealing with multiple realistic and relatable issues. The bond and love that she and King shared was very strong.
I loved the style of writing in this book. The transition from past to present were smooth and easy enough for the simplest reader to grasp. The drama and anticipation levels keep me reading nonstop. There was only a handful of errors but no enough to deter me from reading. I will be nervous about part 2 because more than likely all the secrets will be revealed. I'm not sure if the family will be able to survive all the bombs that are going to drop. I truly hope so.
I love King! When love a mans man. A man that goes from hood to business, polite to rude in a blink of an eye. I loved Kennedy for King even though I didn't too much care for her at first. I love Meech and Dolla too. The men display of brotherhood and love is nice. Jada is the ride or die every girl wishes to have. Siren gets no love from me. BYE!!!!!!!!!! I liked Kennedy character was dealing with multiple realistic and relatable issues. The bond and love that she and King shared was very strong.
I loved the style of writing in this book. The transition from past to present were smooth and easy enough for the simplest reader to grasp. The drama and anticipation levels keep me reading nonstop. There was only a handful of errors but no enough to deter me from reading. I will be nervous about part 2 because more than likely all the secrets will be revealed. I'm not sure if the family will be able to survive all the bombs that are going to drop. I truly hope so.
September 6, 2015
Very good book!
I love King he does what he has to for his lady...I salute Kennedy for taking that time so her man wouldn't be gone forever. I like Jada,Dolla, and Meech also but that Siren is spiteful,trifling and delusional chic...She should have told King about Elijah she tries to make everything seems like it King's fault...
I love King he does what he has to for his lady...I salute Kennedy for taking that time so her man wouldn't be gone forever. I like Jada,Dolla, and Meech also but that Siren is spiteful,trifling and delusional chic...She should have told King about Elijah she tries to make everything seems like it King's fault...
August 8, 2015
I Love Me Some King
King and Kennedy is a true ride or die couple. They would do anything for each other. They and their crew are family. I hope Siren is dead. She was wrong for what she did. It's gonna be hell when the truth about the father of Siren son Elijah comes out.
King and Kennedy is a true ride or die couple. They would do anything for each other. They and their crew are family. I hope Siren is dead. She was wrong for what she did. It's gonna be hell when the truth about the father of Siren son Elijah comes out.
August 18, 2015
Good read!
The storyline was good! I knew Siren couldn't be trusted from the very beginning. There's something about a one sided love that'll do it every time! I eager to see how this story ends!
The storyline was good! I knew Siren couldn't be trusted from the very beginning. There's something about a one sided love that'll do it every time! I eager to see how this story ends!
December 4, 2015
Wowwwwwww.... i can't wait to get into part 2.... i just hope King and Kennedy world does not implode....
August 13, 2015
Final Rating 4 Stars
December 17, 2018
Good reading
Sometime being with someone older is a good thing. We have King who finds his queen who is younger but have her head on & knows what she wants. She also knows that King loves her & will do all he can to protect her. Kennedy is hated by one which is Siren all because she has the man she wants. Sometimes when u make yourself available when ever &/however u get looked over as being a future for someone m It never hurts to say no or play hard to get. Also make sure when u out to get someone for yourself make sure they feel the same way. It's a lot when the crew been together all these years now there are issues everywhere. How will it all end? How do you overcome being a snitch & a jealous one at that.? Will there be a happy ending for Kennedy & King or will more pain come. Book is full with twists & turns that will have you like what or my. Good book.
Sometime being with someone older is a good thing. We have King who finds his queen who is younger but have her head on & knows what she wants. She also knows that King loves her & will do all he can to protect her. Kennedy is hated by one which is Siren all because she has the man she wants. Sometimes when u make yourself available when ever &/however u get looked over as being a future for someone m It never hurts to say no or play hard to get. Also make sure when u out to get someone for yourself make sure they feel the same way. It's a lot when the crew been together all these years now there are issues everywhere. How will it all end? How do you overcome being a snitch & a jealous one at that.? Will there be a happy ending for Kennedy & King or will more pain come. Book is full with twists & turns that will have you like what or my. Good book.
February 8, 2024
This is classic Jessica Watkins! This book had so much drama. She did a great job laying the foundation for all the drama to come. And unlike some of her other books, this one didn't have too many characters.
I just knew Siren ass had something to do with Kennedy's arrest! Listening to the narrator as Kennedy got arrested was such a good scene. I completely felt like I was there watching the arrest take place. Her fear was tangible. King's pain was so real. And when Kennedy pled, King's pain WAS SO REAL. DAMN. I felt that sh*t!
I gotta read the next book bc I need to know what happens and if all these secrets come out.
I just knew Siren ass had something to do with Kennedy's arrest! Listening to the narrator as Kennedy got arrested was such a good scene. I completely felt like I was there watching the arrest take place. Her fear was tangible. King's pain was so real. And when Kennedy pled, King's pain WAS SO REAL. DAMN. I felt that sh*t!
I gotta read the next book bc I need to know what happens and if all these secrets come out.
July 6, 2017
This Is My Favorite Couple...
...in a really, really long time. I love this genre of books that I've been reading lately, but I'm stuck on the chronically cheating millionaire dudes, who magically recover after meeting The Magic One. King was so different. A really, realistically solid guy. Not that he didn't have any faults, but he was perfectly human in so may regards. And Kennedy...his perfect match. I am dying to read the next in the series. 🙌🏾 Ms. Watkins, you knocked this one out of the box!
...in a really, really long time. I love this genre of books that I've been reading lately, but I'm stuck on the chronically cheating millionaire dudes, who magically recover after meeting The Magic One. King was so different. A really, realistically solid guy. Not that he didn't have any faults, but he was perfectly human in so may regards. And Kennedy...his perfect match. I am dying to read the next in the series. 🙌🏾 Ms. Watkins, you knocked this one out of the box!
November 30, 2019
A Thug's Love
Good, fast paced story. Nice storyline. Likeable characters. All except for Siren. I gave this 4/5 stars only because it had a few grammatical errors. Not a lot. And the fact that they couldn't keep Kennedy's name straight in the book. So her maiden name was Mitchell and King's name is Damien "King" Carter but the majority of the story she was called Kennedy King. Not Kennedy Carter. But overall I liked the book and will get part 2.
Good, fast paced story. Nice storyline. Likeable characters. All except for Siren. I gave this 4/5 stars only because it had a few grammatical errors. Not a lot. And the fact that they couldn't keep Kennedy's name straight in the book. So her maiden name was Mitchell and King's name is Damien "King" Carter but the majority of the story she was called Kennedy King. Not Kennedy Carter. But overall I liked the book and will get part 2.
September 25, 2023
In all honesty, Urban Fiction is a genre that speaks to my soul. It speaks to the deepest parts of me yet shatters my heart with each and every single word as I move through the many stories. A Thug’s Love was a great story with characters I instantly fell in love with. The story and writing was so good that I quickly purchased the second book. I commend the writer for writing such an emotional and thought invoking story, and for keeping me thoroughly entertained every step of the way.
October 24, 2023
Page Turner!!
Jessica has a beautiful imagination! Her stories seems like real life and I love how she incorporates real music with these stories. She should write series, Tyler Perry, B.E.T should sign her! I know I would watch them. The books I've read so far are page turners for sure. Siren was a sick minded lady. The black love between Kennedy and King was inspiring!! Relationship Goals
Jessica has a beautiful imagination! Her stories seems like real life and I love how she incorporates real music with these stories. She should write series, Tyler Perry, B.E.T should sign her! I know I would watch them. The books I've read so far are page turners for sure. Siren was a sick minded lady. The black love between Kennedy and King was inspiring!! Relationship Goals
January 22, 2019
Good beginning
I’ve tossed and tossed but I finally read this book, I must say I was feeling Dejavu feeling like I’ve read this book already but unfortunately I can’t remember. So far the story is kool the leading lady is annoying as hell let’s see if I can find something I like about her in book 2
Happy reading
I’ve tossed and tossed but I finally read this book, I must say I was feeling Dejavu feeling like I’ve read this book already but unfortunately I can’t remember. So far the story is kool the leading lady is annoying as hell let’s see if I can find something I like about her in book 2
Happy reading
May 18, 2023
Speechless
This book is amazing. I’m just trying to figure out. Why can you be so in love with a man that don’t love you back that you actually have a whole baby from him and try to set him up. Siren is pitiful but Dolla, Meech and King is about loyalty. So far jade and her cousin are in the dark but this book is great waiting on book 2
This book is amazing. I’m just trying to figure out. Why can you be so in love with a man that don’t love you back that you actually have a whole baby from him and try to set him up. Siren is pitiful but Dolla, Meech and King is about loyalty. So far jade and her cousin are in the dark but this book is great waiting on book 2
January 24, 2017
Very good book
I enjoyed this book. This is a 3 part book so I hope it ends well. Kennedy and King are a cute couple. I was a little thrown off with the back and forth with past and present dialog but i got used to it. Great read.
I enjoyed this book. This is a 3 part book so I hope it ends well. Kennedy and King are a cute couple. I was a little thrown off with the back and forth with past and present dialog but i got used to it. Great read.
June 25, 2017
Really Good
This was just one story from the word go takes you and never let go.The writer weaves such a really good story and feels it with all the emotions that you are going to love.So I suggest that you get a front row seat and see how a A Thug's Love really goes down.
This was just one story from the word go takes you and never let go.The writer weaves such a really good story and feels it with all the emotions that you are going to love.So I suggest that you get a front row seat and see how a A Thug's Love really goes down.
September 30, 2017
Predictable but Good
Good story. However, after 15 minutes in, I knew Siren was the snitch. I guess Merch will never tell King the truth. And Dolla and Jada will keep their secret. So many damn secrets. Pretty sure this crew is about to fall apart.
Good story. However, after 15 minutes in, I knew Siren was the snitch. I guess Merch will never tell King the truth. And Dolla and Jada will keep their secret. So many damn secrets. Pretty sure this crew is about to fall apart.
November 26, 2017
I was engulfed in the story from the beginning to cliffhanger ending. I figured out that ol' girl was the one that snitched because her demeanor showed it. I'm glad King has grown from the type of man he was before Kennedy. Looking forward to the next installment.
December 5, 2017
Thug Love review
I truly enjoyed this book! The characters were realistic and the storyline was easy to relate to. Siren was a nasty snake! I love the love between King and Kennedy and I'm glad Kennedy made the effort with her Dad!
I truly enjoyed this book! The characters were realistic and the storyline was easy to relate to. Siren was a nasty snake! I love the love between King and Kennedy and I'm glad Kennedy made the effort with her Dad!
January 14, 2018
Very good read!
I had passed overtures book a couple of times, but it turned out to be one of the best books I read this month. The plot,, the twist, the turns, OMG the ending! Great read! You won't be disappointed!
I had passed overtures book a couple of times, but it turned out to be one of the best books I read this month. The plot,, the twist, the turns, OMG the ending! Great read! You won't be disappointed!
January 17, 2018
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love this Author since Secrets of a Side Bitch. You can always get a popping story from her. This book was very entertaining, nice flow, great storyline and of course we alway love a hot couple King and Kennedy! Another great one Jessica N. Watkins
I love this Author since Secrets of a Side Bitch. You can always get a popping story from her. This book was very entertaining, nice flow, great storyline and of course we alway love a hot couple King and Kennedy! Another great one Jessica N. Watkins
July 17, 2018
so good
really really good book I kinda figured out who was the villain in the beginning but the book still kept me entertained throughout the whole book. i loved how Kennedy character wasn't your typical thug girlfriend. she wasn't your regular ghetto girl a good read
really really good book I kinda figured out who was the villain in the beginning but the book still kept me entertained throughout the whole book. i loved how Kennedy character wasn't your typical thug girlfriend. she wasn't your regular ghetto girl a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews