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Thug Luv #1
Thug Luv
After suffering a tragic loss, Amir “Ace” Johnson gave up his stronghold of the streets and put his guns away. He became the doting father that his twin girls needed and turned his back on everything including love. Out of nowhere, he meets hardworking attorney Aaliyah Bailey who has him feeling a way he never thought he would ever feel again.
Ace gets forced back into the game when he starts receiving notes and pictures that convince him that the original love of his life could still be alive. What is Aaliyah to do now that he might find his love and put his life back together without her?
Is Aaliyah ready to ride or die for her man? Or will it all be for nothing?
Ace gets forced back into the game when he starts receiving notes and pictures that convince him that the original love of his life could still be alive. What is Aaliyah to do now that he might find his love and put his life back together without her?
Is Aaliyah ready to ride or die for her man? Or will it all be for nothing?
- GenresAudiobook
226 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2013
281 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 29, 2013
All I have to say I can't wait for part two. Amir is the man, I hope he makes the right decision. But sure what is up with sunshine if she turned cost on him but something fishy up in these waters. Lol I hope aaliyah gets a chance at live. Love the twins. I'm patiently awaiting part 2 is gonna be good.
June 20, 2025
2.5 ⭐️🌶️🔥 It was not bad at all. I like the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC. It’s just my opinion that I felt like she was a little bit dumb for getting in the mix of all of his drama when he literally was doing all of this to find his wife. This does end in a cliffhanger, which I hate, but I don’t feel like the book was that good for me to read book 2. I really enjoyed this book, surprisingly for a free book on Audible.
March 23, 2023
Audio - Jakobi! Really good narrating which made the book more interesting. I liked his loyalty to his women but I didn’t like him leaving his kids. By the end, I was surely invested and notice that the next book I not in audio ugh.
October 22, 2014
This was a great read never saw something coming r the people involved. The ending has left me at edge if my sit not sure what has happened.
July 16, 2025
THIS was ok i feel like if i read it years ago i would've appreciated it more. However it was good a little predictable
March 15, 2025
This was unexpected. I lived in Newport News and it was funny to read a book in the city where I grow up. The story line its self was good. My biggest con was how the book ended because what the hell. This is not a show and I needed to hear the rest of what was going on. I loved how Aaliyah and Ace came to be. The storyline was super relatable. The way that they flowed into each other’s lives was sweet and supernatural. Both being forced to deal with their separate past at the same time was wild. Amir was a real rear type of dude. Like if he wanted to he would. Because him leaving his past behind and only to be pulled back in strong he still stayed true to what mattered most. Aaliyah was a real one because she took on things that most would run from at the first chance that they got. It’s nothing like someone new coming in a caring for you and your as if they were there all along. She deserves her flowers and I hope like hell he can figure out a way to repay her when he finds Sunshine.
August 3, 2023
3,5⭐ of gangster action and spice
She is a criminal lawyer and he is an ex criminal, they both have extremely shady pasts and the tragedy was not quite what they thought. They meet by chance and fall are and fast for each other. They have to deal with each other baggage, but they stay strong as lies and deceit comes to light.
We get a lot of shoot outs and a ton of spice.
Unfortunately the kindle version (which is on ku) doesn't match the audio book (which is free on catalogue plus Audible). That was a real shame because I prefer to read and listen simultaneously, but there are massive chunks that are not in kindle or that are different. Also, the kindle version needs editing, there are a ton of spelling mistakes on it.
The audio book was beautifully narrated. Jakobi Diem narrates the 💩 out of anything he reads and makes the story even better with his interpretation.
She is a criminal lawyer and he is an ex criminal, they both have extremely shady pasts and the tragedy was not quite what they thought. They meet by chance and fall are and fast for each other. They have to deal with each other baggage, but they stay strong as lies and deceit comes to light.
We get a lot of shoot outs and a ton of spice.
Unfortunately the kindle version (which is on ku) doesn't match the audio book (which is free on catalogue plus Audible). That was a real shame because I prefer to read and listen simultaneously, but there are massive chunks that are not in kindle or that are different. Also, the kindle version needs editing, there are a ton of spelling mistakes on it.
The audio book was beautifully narrated. Jakobi Diem narrates the 💩 out of anything he reads and makes the story even better with his interpretation.
May 15, 2022
Reviewing all three in one.
While I kind of liked the story, it really made no sense. Everyone dies but no one dies, shots fired but never when it would have made sense based on the characters intentions, tears cried but apparently no one ever cries except in that very moment and repeat.
The n word is featured about 10 times every page, holding you down is mentioned every third page.
The two main female characters both state they’re not into thugs because they don’t like the life but in the next paragraphs have always been there to hold their men down.
I clearly liked it enough to read the all three books but I was unimpressed overall.
While I kind of liked the story, it really made no sense. Everyone dies but no one dies, shots fired but never when it would have made sense based on the characters intentions, tears cried but apparently no one ever cries except in that very moment and repeat.
The n word is featured about 10 times every page, holding you down is mentioned every third page.
The two main female characters both state they’re not into thugs because they don’t like the life but in the next paragraphs have always been there to hold their men down.
I clearly liked it enough to read the all three books but I was unimpressed overall.
March 22, 2019
OMG what a crazy ending great will definitely read another book by this author.
Aaliyah and Ace is complicated he has thought for the last 3 years his wife Sunshine was dead. But come to find out she has been held captive to hurt Ace. It so much Betrayal and lies it hard to tell where the truth beings . So much unnecessary pain and grieving over someone who didn't die because street violence. Ace is in love with two women who will he choose after being separated from his wife. Where will this leave the women who love him. So much to get thru without someone getting hurt.
Aaliyah and Ace is complicated he has thought for the last 3 years his wife Sunshine was dead. But come to find out she has been held captive to hurt Ace. It so much Betrayal and lies it hard to tell where the truth beings . So much unnecessary pain and grieving over someone who didn't die because street violence. Ace is in love with two women who will he choose after being separated from his wife. Where will this leave the women who love him. So much to get thru without someone getting hurt.
January 10, 2022
This is a Solomon Grundy tale and I am not a fan on those. I will say, given the "live fast, die young" lifestyle the street afford those who partake in it, I can understand why that was the approach. Unfortunately, this made it hard for me to connect with any of the characters. I couldn't say what was within a character's behavioral trait and what was not. The plot was exciting, because most mysteries are. However, the thrill of not know what was happening was the only thing that kept me through this story.
January 6, 2025
To satisfy my love and enjoyment of “thug” books, I decided to give this one a try because Jakobi Diems’ narration. I throughly enjoyed his voice as always lol.
However, I gave this book a 3 for the story. I’m not sure if the author knows how real life works but no one can just simply tell a police officer that they acted in self defense and the officer just being just okay with that. There definitely needed to be more fleshed out scenarios in the plot. Very rushed but still kept you wondering what will happen in the next chapter. Free female writers from writing stupid female leads….
However, I gave this book a 3 for the story. I’m not sure if the author knows how real life works but no one can just simply tell a police officer that they acted in self defense and the officer just being just okay with that. There definitely needed to be more fleshed out scenarios in the plot. Very rushed but still kept you wondering what will happen in the next chapter. Free female writers from writing stupid female leads….
May 31, 2022
Needs editing
I liked the storyline but my goodness, this book needs editing in the worst way! I didn't know when dates or days changed or where a new chapter should begin. One section said months ago, another said weeks ago and its supposed to be the same timeframe. Wrong words used which messed up my flow when reading because I had to figure out what the author was trying to say.
I'm invested in how this series play out; I just hope the editing got better.
I liked the storyline but my goodness, this book needs editing in the worst way! I didn't know when dates or days changed or where a new chapter should begin. One section said months ago, another said weeks ago and its supposed to be the same timeframe. Wrong words used which messed up my flow when reading because I had to figure out what the author was trying to say.
I'm invested in how this series play out; I just hope the editing got better.
April 3, 2025
Intriguing Story
This was actually a really intriguing story but it was hard to get past the typos and some of the writing style. There were also a few more POVs that I didn’t really care for. I’m going to keep reading the series because I do want to know what happens in all of this and I hope the editing is better. I started this on audio and went back and forth between the two. I honestly can listen to Jakobi Diem read anything which is the other reason I kept reading.
This was actually a really intriguing story but it was hard to get past the typos and some of the writing style. There were also a few more POVs that I didn’t really care for. I’m going to keep reading the series because I do want to know what happens in all of this and I hope the editing is better. I started this on audio and went back and forth between the two. I honestly can listen to Jakobi Diem read anything which is the other reason I kept reading.
October 16, 2020
Ace is the type of guy every woman wants, a gentleman man who knows the streets. The connection that Ahleia and Ace was the only reason that made me want to continue the book. The moment Ace finds out Sunshine is still alive he continues to string Ahleia along. A choice should have been made. And wow ...Ahleia does have a past of her own.
September 9, 2024
Needs work!
The storyline had so much potential, but it wasn't executed well at all and was all over the place. I can't even begin to tell you what went wrong. The grammar was absolutely terrible, and simply just making some of the situations make sense was a struggle. I won't be reading pt 2 because I can't imagine how it'll be dragged along as well.
The storyline had so much potential, but it wasn't executed well at all and was all over the place. I can't even begin to tell you what went wrong. The grammar was absolutely terrible, and simply just making some of the situations make sense was a struggle. I won't be reading pt 2 because I can't imagine how it'll be dragged along as well.
November 8, 2019
A good one
I like the storyline and the characters. Just when you think you figure out something there is another twist. Story keeps you engaged
I like the storyline and the characters. Just when you think you figure out something there is another twist. Story keeps you engaged
January 11, 2020
Urban books are the best
I loooooovvveeeee urban books and this one is a good read. I had to stop myself from finishing it in one day lol.
I loooooovvveeeee urban books and this one is a good read. I had to stop myself from finishing it in one day lol.
December 28, 2022
Ace!!!
Really good storyline, a lot of errors, but over all I really enjoyed the first part. Ace is a good man, but I hope he’s not leading Aaliyah on.
Really good storyline, a lot of errors, but over all I really enjoyed the first part. Ace is a good man, but I hope he’s not leading Aaliyah on.
March 9, 2023
Any story is palatable when Jacobi Diem is narrating
May 10, 2023
thoughts
It was a good read however it felt rushed and so many spelling errors which made you not want to read it.
It was a good read however it felt rushed and so many spelling errors which made you not want to read it.
October 31, 2023
I am floored...where is book 2??!!
November 13, 2023
I enjoyed it, but where's book 2?
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars. Very entertaining. Interesting storyline. Nice pace. Good narrators.
July 4, 2025
DNF AT 40%
January 2, 2026
This book lived up to it's title, definitely grimey
April 18, 2019
Poor Ace! I love me some him though! He handled his business! I don’t know how I would feel about everything if I was Aaliyah. I love the storyline and can’t wait to read on...
September 5, 2013
'Shoot First, Ask Questions Never...'
Ace abandoned the streets and his hustling lifestyle when he became a widower raising his twin daughters, Serenity and Savannah. Stranded on the side of the road is criminal attorney, Aaliyah with a dead cell phone, she meets the chivalrous Ace and he leaves quite an impression. Still bound with feelings of guilt because of his wife's death, Ace has dedicated his life to his children but Aaliyah awakens emotions that he had buried with his grief. Just when the couple feel that their spark of interest is flaming, problems from their pasts resurface and throws salt in the game. Remnants of information is left for Ace indicating the chance that Sunshine may still be alive, while Aaliyah's past lover is out of prison and seeking retribution for her abandonment and money he feels she owes him.
Just when two lovers find happiness, will they allow their past demons to destroy the beautiful bond they've formed as a family unit? Three years free of looking over his shoulder and dodging that jail sentence...Ace has found a peace with fatherhood, and now that he's lucked up on another Bonnie, can he remain 6 feet above ground? Despite Aaliyah's successful career, she understands the street life and isn't afraid to fight for what she wants. But is Aaliyah savvy enough to outwit her evil ex-lover seeking revenge...is she strong enough to battle against a ghost for the heart of the man that's stolen her heart? Thug Luv is an entertaining read with charismatic characters that draw you into their emotions and scenarios. Love, loyalty, hope, rage, betrayal, jealousy, drugs, murder, and mayhem all work together to make this an intriguing read that keeps you in suspense as you try to unravel the pieces to the puzzles. With better editing and a conclusive ending, this could have really been a great read! 3.88
Ace abandoned the streets and his hustling lifestyle when he became a widower raising his twin daughters, Serenity and Savannah. Stranded on the side of the road is criminal attorney, Aaliyah with a dead cell phone, she meets the chivalrous Ace and he leaves quite an impression. Still bound with feelings of guilt because of his wife's death, Ace has dedicated his life to his children but Aaliyah awakens emotions that he had buried with his grief. Just when the couple feel that their spark of interest is flaming, problems from their pasts resurface and throws salt in the game. Remnants of information is left for Ace indicating the chance that Sunshine may still be alive, while Aaliyah's past lover is out of prison and seeking retribution for her abandonment and money he feels she owes him.
Just when two lovers find happiness, will they allow their past demons to destroy the beautiful bond they've formed as a family unit? Three years free of looking over his shoulder and dodging that jail sentence...Ace has found a peace with fatherhood, and now that he's lucked up on another Bonnie, can he remain 6 feet above ground? Despite Aaliyah's successful career, she understands the street life and isn't afraid to fight for what she wants. But is Aaliyah savvy enough to outwit her evil ex-lover seeking revenge...is she strong enough to battle against a ghost for the heart of the man that's stolen her heart? Thug Luv is an entertaining read with charismatic characters that draw you into their emotions and scenarios. Love, loyalty, hope, rage, betrayal, jealousy, drugs, murder, and mayhem all work together to make this an intriguing read that keeps you in suspense as you try to unravel the pieces to the puzzles. With better editing and a conclusive ending, this could have really been a great read! 3.88
September 4, 2014
Love it
When you try to change and do right. Something always happens. This was a great book I'm glad I got it. Ace seem to be the kind of man I want to have or I will say is like my man. You can get a second chance with finding a soul mate. Must get part two. Some people are not true when it comes to loyalty. Great book.
When you try to change and do right. Something always happens. This was a great book I'm glad I got it. Ace seem to be the kind of man I want to have or I will say is like my man. You can get a second chance with finding a soul mate. Must get part two. Some people are not true when it comes to loyalty. Great book.
March 27, 2015
Wow
A powerful and very touching story of love and betrayal. I was caught up in Ace life of finding out who killed his wife. A new love and backstabbing friends have the game twisted. No one is loyal and everybody is snitching. I can't wait to find out what will happen if Ace does find out the truth
A powerful and very touching story of love and betrayal. I was caught up in Ace life of finding out who killed his wife. A new love and backstabbing friends have the game twisted. No one is loyal and everybody is snitching. I can't wait to find out what will happen if Ace does find out the truth
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews