When My Soul Met A Thug

by Jessica N. Watkins

True never guessed that life would be this hard. Being only twenty-five years old, she should have been being wild, reckless, and having fun, not fighting the hardest battle of her life, alongside a husband who no longer loved her. After their divorce, True wanted to be free and enjoy every day. Falling in love was not in the plan. She most definitely hadn't foreseen falling in love with an arrogant, womanizing hustler like Coop. Yet, she did. However, as soon as True tells him all her truth, he'll revert back to that unbearable goon that wreaked havoc on the streets of Chicago. Coop grew up an orphan, passed from foster home to foster home. A hustler, his right-hand man, was his only family. His love was the game. His side chick was money. Then he met True. She filled gaps in his life that he didn't even know needed filling. Looking at her, being in her presence, was like the first warm, sunny day after a brutal Chicago winter. Being with her felt like being lost in the right direction. Coop had thawed out his icy heart and given it to True... just for her to break it. True was gone, unable to fix what she’d broken, but, lucky for Coop, True found a way. Remi has been with Banks for ten years. She remained loyal through every lie and infidelity in hopes that her patience and understanding will eventually bring her “happily ever after” with her one true love. Finally, Banks gives her what she has always wanted… a ring. However, that ring came with such a devastating blow, leaving Remi unsure how she will ever recover… until she meets True and Coop. Unbeknownst to her, these two strangers will mend her broken heart and cause her life to never, ever be the same again. * This is a heart-wrenching, yet warming, story of broken women who find love in their darkest hours from the most unexpected and hardened hearts.  

Genres: African American Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2018

About the author

Author 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

Reviews

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m convinced I’m a glutton for punishment because despite all of the reviews nothing prepared me for how amazing this book would be! I don’t think I cried this much since reading “Gravity”! This story GUTTED me!!! Do you hear me?! It broke me down and put me back together! I ugly cried a good 85% of this book.

This story is centered around a real love story like I’ve never read. I’m always excited when I get a different storyline unlike others that are out there!

True is a young 24 year old wife and mother of 4 year old Joy who is the light of her life. She lives a very good life until one day her world is completely turned upside down. And if the earth shattering news she’s been given isn’t enough, her husband decided it’s more than he cares to be bothered with and walks out on her.

Coop is THAT N!GG@! He’s married to the streets and after having been raised with zero family and being bounced around from foster home to group home he has no love left to give. If it don’t make dollars then it don’t make sense. He refuses to allow anyone to get close to him.

After her husband leaves her, True decides to grab life by the horns and live each day as if it’s her last. Part of that is regular orgasms with no soul ties. Well when she gets her claws into Coop he falls for her unexpectedly only for her to pull a him on him and not want a relationship. That only makes him want her more until his life is rocked to its core with her reason why.

On the other side of this story is Remi. She’s been in a relationship for 10 years and despite the clear signs that this man does not want her she seems to believe that he will eventually come around. Well we all know how that goes. When his betrayal is exposed, her heart is shattered like no other.

True, Coop and Remi’s paths cross in the most incredibly heartbreaking way and this journey for the three of them is something amazing to witness.

Jessica I’m sold!! I’m a fan! This book!!!! I mean!!!!!!!! Absolutely amazing!! It will stick with you and make you view life differently asking yourself the question “how do you want to be remembered?”

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

DNF at 63% because I’m crying. I do believe the author wrote a beautiful story so I’m still giving it 5 stars. This was too much for me. This was maybe too authentic for me because I wasn't expecting this to come from True. I just had a different result in mind for True. True was a resilient woman who went through a lot but kept going for her loved ones and her child. FUCK CANCER. I'm at a loss for words.

[Nay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fxck Cancer…the way I ugly cried reading this book 😭😭😭

[Ladii Zig · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 phenomenal read

Mannnnnnnnnn this read was beyond AWESOME. As I was reading it's like I felt every emotion in this book, from when True found out she was pregnant, telling Coop about her condition, Coop coming to grips on how he was feeling about True, Rakim getting shot, when True passed away, and until Coop came to reality how he felt for Remi. This book was truly an emotional rollercoaster but I loved every minute of it. I couldn't agree with you more about #FU*KCANCER. Great Standalone

[Book junkie💋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was so freakin good. When I tell you it had me all in my feelings 🤦🏾‍♀️ I mean the emotions this book took me through. I was over here crying my a** off, this story hit home to me. I’m glad that it was somewhat a happy ending.

[BossyLadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yall, this book right here! ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️ this book is a certified tearjerker. Guaranteed to make you snot cry. Please check the trigger warnings. This book contains significant on page descriptions of someone dying of cancer.

This book had me praying for a miracle knowing damn well its fictional. Yall, I forreal wasted Gods time praying that the FMC lives. In my defense, the story was so powerful and touching I couldn't help it. 😢 Jessica stole my tears and my prayers with this one. For the Jessica fans, this story is unlike anything ive read from her. Totally unexpected but beautifully done.

[joan brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Emotional

True is a very strong woman. The things that she went through she never complained. I cried because she had to deal with so much. Jameel ow whatever his name was a 🤬🤬🤬. I love how True melted the ice from around Coop's heart and blessed him with a family that he never had. This is an excellent book. So glad I got the chance to read it.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cancer Sucks

This story was so refreshing so different it had some heartfelt times . I’m so happy with the ending. True was a great soul .

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭

This was a beautiful story- painful nonetheless but there was a message that I felt. The main character, True, story really hit home for me and I was so appreciative of her story and her fight. Now, this book had its moments of drama and even parts that made me laugh- it was a good balance. I teared up one time and I felt that was good for me because I am a crybaby. Lol. Jessica Watkins is a beast with her pen and she continues to show that she is not one dimensional. I loved this story. 💙🥺

[Porsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional read! Anybody that reads it will experience sadness that’s for sure. The book is about 3 people whose lives will connect at some point, the connection is not due to anything good. Smh but 2 of the people try to make something good out of the connection. And that is the source of my anger lbs. I am trying not to give too much away, it is definitely worth reading and I think the takeaways that one can gain from this book is important.

[C. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mannnnn!!!!

This book was the one!! This was the first book I ever read by this author and my oh my I believe that I have a new fav here. The title is so fitting! I love how True broke Coop’s walls down and how Angel had a similar tale with Russell. This book right here speaks to the soul!

[Tamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Before the day I met you, life was so unkind...But you’re the key to my peace of mind…’

True is a young mother, a new divorcee that has taken a gallon of lemonade and master-pieced the fye-est lemonade. She is living life like it’s golden and making no excuses nor looking for any promises. Her ex-husband left her at her lowest, but she found strength and served notice that she is an overcomer! Coop is in the game and he thrives off the hustle and bustle of it all, he’s loyal to one person, his best friend, his homie, his partner in crime, other than that…he ain’t interested. Life has many intersections and these two cross paths and are comfortable with an easy arrangement, meeting the needs and leaving…but at the intersection is also that heifa called complicated…on another corner is that busta called emotions…and at the helm of the crossroads is that ninja deemed love! Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!!
Remi is a lost soul with low self-esteem following heartbreak in the face of her long-time live-in lover, Banks. Praying that he truly loves her and will see her for the jewel she is, despite the weight gain and insecurity…shouldn’t her loyalty and love cover all of that?

When My Soul Met A Thug is an amazing standalone read. I loved it! Jessica Watkins is indeed a vet in the game and she wears her crown with authority…as it has been earned as well as learned. The factors that were pitched in this storyline is memorable as well as intriguing. Mystique, romance, thug love, heart break, disappointment, betrayal, loyalty, devotion and second chances are all characteristics of this 5 star read! The ‘Pow’ was realistic, relatable and emotional, I so applaud Ms. Watkins for addressing something so unfair yet real in today’s world. When some would be singing the saddest love song, how is it even possible for the sweetest melodies to spring forth? The question is how, why, when and why….to capture the essence of it all, you must delve into the depths of a soul loved by a thug. I would highly recommend this read! Kudo’s, job well done!!!
Mos Def 5*****

[ChrisLa'Nee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story was so good!! I couldn't put it down... I felt every emotion the author wrote with in this story... True was indeed a true blessing to everybody she came in contact with. I new favorite book by this author!!!!! Great job and I can't wait to see what you have in store!!!!!

[Shanice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

This is so different...I looovveee this book. I wanted to cry so bad but I’m a G I held it together lol...but overall this book was one of the absolute best books I’ve ever written...it touched on so many issues and I have to say this was the best book you’ve ever written...keep it up!!!

[Alexia Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh what a Beautiful Gem! Absolutely loved When My Soul Met a Thug. This books had me in tears!! Who thought such a tough cookie as Coop could open up to True love. And True she was an absolute gem the amount of lives she changed through her journey. Loved the real issues this book touched on it went deep! Mixed with humour and a good old hood love story

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I find reading books about certain illnesses very tough. However, this book was pretty nicely done. I really enjoyed the storyline and how things played out at the end. There were moments in the book though where I was confused about certain characters and their purpose in the book . I would recommend this book to others.

3.5/4 stars.

[Corinna Ferrier · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like reading about heartache and saddens this is the book for you. The story is well written but the kind of emotional empathy this book sparks is not to my liking. The story is full of depression and heartache.

[Dannie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best books I've ever read/listened to, hands down. I wasn't not expecting what I've got from this book, not by a long shot. I was not expecting to Express anger, fear, frustration, hurt, sorrow, sadness, hope, and most of all, I was not expecting to feel happiness after it was all said and done. There's something to be said about how this author chose to tell this story. How she carefully chose the arc of each of the characters and how they are woven together.
I listened to the story for the very first time and the narrators Ms. Lacy Laurel & Mr. Jakobi Diem did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life.

[Shawn Alexus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica N. Watkins has won me over as a fav author. Urban romance is about to win me over. And urban fiction wasn't one of my favorites, but I guess when it's done with selective taste I'm okay with it. Coop was a mean savage that was True's ticket of escape from her reality. True was a mother battling a fight she didn't think she would conquer. Angel was a grief strickened mother/widower who was trying to hang on and deal everyday with the truth of her daughter's reality. Remi was a young lady trying to hang in there with her 10 yr boyfriend; who faces a major slap that has her questioning if she wants to live. One woman's life who's dangling by a thread causes each individual to take a closer look at their own lives and appreciate it more. I loved this novel. It was a sensitive touching novel.

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remy really made me mad…girl!!! Where is your self-esteem and self worth. It took her too long…then True…😭😭. My heart broke.

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I read the sample I knew the entire story would be nothing short of amazing. Coop & True's love for each other and the ones close to them was evident. There were times my eyes filled with water while True fought her battle. Although Remi had her share of confusion with Banks, the reason was soon revealed. Angel's motherly love was felt throughout the book. Storyline was nicely written with realistic characters and relatable situations. Very good read I highly recommend

[Tia Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear Jerker

Grab a tissue.. this book was one of the best reads I’ve had .. from start to finish it was an easy read... the storyline flowed effortlessly and True had me questioning how I wanted to be remembered
Wish there was a part two for Coop and Remi

[Kina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for me

As good as this book may be it’s not for me. I got to the 36% and had to call it quits. It doesn’t take away from the author though that is the reason for still giving it 5 stars. It was just too heavy emotionally and I couldn’t take it. Not one of the main characters were in a truly happy place in this story. It was too sad and when I read it’s to escape reality and get into a fictional place. Unfortunately this book doesn’t do that for me, it’s too much heartache and realism for me. I don’t wanna think about death when I’m reading or not seeing my babies grow up. This book makes me stay in the real world and I don’t like that. I am gonna read something else by this author though because again my personal preference doesn’t take away from her writing. The book wasn’t bad just too sad and too much to take in from ALLL the main characters. There was not relief from one bad situation to the others.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one here, took me thru a myriad of emotions... I never expected for True to have Brain Tumor. I first thought she had multiple personalities. (sorry... but prior authors works...lol) Loved Coopers' name ^^^^ 5's. But True, lived her best life, no matter what the prognosis she lived. She loved Cooper in her own way, and having that baby showed her unselfishness. Angel finally got to live for herself, and not feel guilty about her past, and her losses, she was that kind of Mama, when she went after Jameel (WHAT AN AZZ) with that knife. Jameel was the typical dummy, worried about the money only and not his own child, to be so disrespectful of True and her illness, he got what he deserved... Remi made me ill, just because she did not know her own worth.. Her self esteem was so low about a MAN, who she honestly knew she needed to be done with, she almost took her life. To even entertain a conversation after all of that?? Banks got his just desserts. Joy Poor baby, but she was loved by so many people. True's death while painful to read, brought about so many feelings but glad her wishes are coming true for Coop & Remi.... Rakim lord help him find a really good woman...

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sample was everything! These characters have a lot of drama in their lives. True's situation was heartbreaking, I hope Coop comes around. Remi definitely received some information she wasn't prepared to hear. Storyline had me caught up as if I knew these characters personally. I'm so ready to read the remainder of this story. Great intro

[Rosereadseverything ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking back over my ratings:

I loved this book…I think the title should have been “Soul ties” though.

[Lizzy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew Chil this one pulled at my heart strings😢 #F**KCANCER

Bay-be, Queen Jessica really poured her all into this heartfelt real feel standalone. Let's be honest we've either been or known a woman like Remi and True. I cried, laughed, wanted to eff some folks up and felt jealous cause a sister needs some🍆😔🤣.
True got felt the worst hand but through it all she was determined to live her life. After that bih of a sorry excuse for a husband Jameel left her and their daughter and never looked back, she lifted life on her terms.
Coop was content with sticking and moving and making his money. Then him and True although they started as friends with benefits, they became sooo much more. Now these two made me wanna eff both of them up with all the things they wasted not healing cause they allowed their pride to get the best of them🙄😒. After she gave birth to their son, he never left her side💕.
Remi was like most women who've devoted so much time and years into a "relationship" that we know we should've be walked away from but still talk ourselves into to starting😔. 10 years of waiting only for that man you love and thought loved you gave everything you deserved to the next bih😒.
That motherfudgesicklestix Banks ain't worth the nut that implanted in the egg that made him. Like if narcissistic f'boy was a person🙄. Like the nerve of his community🍆having ass. He got what he deserved, thinking he upgraded and married a jump off who was just using him🤣. This book pissed me off a lot cause it was so relatable. Like we as women put up with sooo much ish, and have all this self doubt when some ninja who was probably never worth a second look be playing us for the next bih. We really be losing ourselves and then ninjas just been living their life not thinking about us😔. I cried for Remi, but I'm glad she met True and Coop❤.
Then Jameel he was waay way worst than Banks bih ass 😒. That miserable, trifling, sorry excuse for a man. His momma should've swallowed his a**, cause Bay-be 🙄🤬. He most definitely deserved that a** whooping Coop gave him at the funeral🤣🤣🤣. Then he tried being spiteful seeking full custody just so he no longer had to pretty child support, but then they played that voice-mail😭😡.
The message I received from this book was the importance of SELF LOVE AND KNOWING YOUR MOTHERFUDGESICKLESTIX WORTH! That it's ok to walk away from anything and anybody that doesn't bring you peace and add value to your life. Also the importance of having a real support team💕

[Kennosha Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book of the year. And it started off kinda annoying to me and I almost wanted to put it down. The annoying part was me knowing what True was going through before the author announced it. The author kept giving away hints without fully mentioning what was going on but any reader would catch it. It happened almost every other few pages and became annoying quick. I wanted to continue with the book though and I’m glad I did because it was a story like no other and it was full of grief and emotions that had me throwing my iPad down looking for a tissues to wipe my face. I cursed the author out something bad Chile for making me weep. 😂😭 I’ve been a supporter of Jessica Watkins. We’re both from Chicago and both are Aries at that. She did a wonderful job yet again bringing these characters to life and although the year has just begun. I can easily see these characters sticking with me for awhile. And when that happens a book easily become my favorites of the year. Overall besides the repetitive mention or shall I say not mentioning of what True was going through in the beginning. I give this 4.5 Stars. A few typos and here and there but not too many. I would definitely recommend this one y’all.

[Leanna Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Soul Stirring Book

Wow! This book takes you through all kinds of emotions. I usually loved True and Coop's story and how they served to mellow each other. I didn't initially know What ailment True was suffering from, but you could tell it was serious.
Then the story of Remi and Banks is integrated into the book and I'm trying to figure out the connection. OMG, the author does a masterful job of telling the story of these two women, who do not know each other but you eventually see how important they will become to the others life.
Coop is such a Man's man and although he is a gruff street hustler/thug, he is also kind and caring for those he allows to be close.
I didn't get Rem I at first. She was so gullible when it came to Banks. And although Banks was written as an evil person, you could tell he was totally manipulating Rem I and taking advantage of her insecurities and loving nature.
As soon as I realized Remi's occupation, I knew why these two stories were being told.
This book had you angry, happy, sad, so sad and joyful. I'd love to read more about the characters in this book.
Great job!

[Vanetia Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! This book was awesome! It proves that even after heartbreak, grief, anger and betrayal there is still hope and to never give up on love.

My heart broke for True because we knew her fate. I wanted so much for her to find happiness after all she’s been dealt at such a young age. Coop, the gentle giant, that had folks scared at his mere presence deserved happiness. I can’t imagine growing up with not one person to support and love me. Yet, this was his reality that had him believing love just wasn’t in the cards for him.

Remi loved a man for 10 years but hadn’t learned to love herself. Like so many women she gave her all to a man, putting his needs and wants before her own with no promise of forever. Staying after the lies, cheating and betrayal because she felt she couldn’t get or deserve any better than him. What happens to a woman who’s broken, and broken-hearted? Can she ever allow herself to love again?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and truly believe love conquers all.