What do you think?
Rate this book
A Gangsta's Paradise
Most little girls dream of growing up and getting married, having children, and having their dream career, but Rosalyn Kennedy was never a little girl – and all she knew was money. With a mother who glorified finances over peace, Rosalyn runs into adulthood headfirst, believing her pockets were more important than her heart. Rosalyn is a paid escort who works under the name Paradise, and she never lets her feelings get in the way of a dime, until she meets Ishmael SwaeLee, an unlikely love interest who couldn’t care less about what she has for sell and cares more about what her heart has to offer. Ishmael is the perfect mix of gangster and gentleman, who after suffering a loss of his own, finds comfort in Rosalyn’s personality and the time he spends with her. If he could only get her to commit, she’d be the perfect woman for him, but Rosalyn has never been in a relationship, and she doesn’t know if now is the time to start. Going in eyes open, or so Ishmael believes, he accepts Rosalyn’s past of selling herself to the highest bidder–if only that was her only indiscretion. New levels of happiness come with old levels of misery when the secret Rosalyn has been holding surfaces in physical form. Money can’t buy everything, including silence, and Rosalyn’s past is screaming louder than ever before. Rosalyn’s life as she knows it will be at stake if she can’t keep what she buried underground long enough to be the one to tell Ishmael first. Change is inevitable, but how much can one person really change?
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2019
245 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
B. Love
282 books1,422 followersVoted AAMBC's 2018 Romance author of the year, Master storyteller B. Love is the unparalleled self-love teacher. As the powerhouse for modern-day womanhood, she pens contagious content that encourages readers to internalize admiration and intimacy. She allows her most powerful vessel to guide her stories, wholly.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
Since age 12, Love has been spreading self-awareness, care, and appreciation. For over six years, Love has authored over 40 publications centered around heart-piercing, reverence-worthy romance. Her novels not only entertain but challenge the audience to explore love. With a keen eye for passion, desire and dynamism she includes heuristic methods in her beautifully curated accounts of life.
B. Love’s entire persona is spearheaded by her incredible infatuation with the power of love. Contained within each novel, is an edification created for the glorification of self. Her pen bleeds for the souls who need just an inkling of empowerment. Each story is written with the intent to enlighten, engross and enkindle the passion in whoever picks up her book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 9, 2019
Love in Paradise 💜💙
Ishmael and Rosalyn story was AWESOME!!! The way they met was not normal whatsoever but the heart wants what the heart wants. I swear I thought Jeremy was about to really mess up a good thing that both Ishmael and Rosalyn was building but glad he didn't. My favorite part was when Ishmael actually waited to propose to Rosalyn when Willow was there and ALSO gave her a promise ring that literally melted my heart. Great read I enjoyed every minute of it.
Ishmael and Rosalyn story was AWESOME!!! The way they met was not normal whatsoever but the heart wants what the heart wants. I swear I thought Jeremy was about to really mess up a good thing that both Ishmael and Rosalyn was building but glad he didn't. My favorite part was when Ishmael actually waited to propose to Rosalyn when Willow was there and ALSO gave her a promise ring that literally melted my heart. Great read I enjoyed every minute of it.
July 5, 2020
True Love Story
Rosalyn was definitely stuck in her way and she definitely did not have a good role model when she was younger.. But Ishmael came in her life at the right time. Ishmael was a man man and he did not play those games at all.
It was a good romance story but it definitely had some whoa moments..
Rosalyn was definitely stuck in her way and she definitely did not have a good role model when she was younger.. But Ishmael came in her life at the right time. Ishmael was a man man and he did not play those games at all.
It was a good romance story but it definitely had some whoa moments..
December 6, 2019
Loved it
Ismael was everything I was here for him & Roslyan I'm so glad she let him in. Great book 🥰
Ismael was everything I was here for him & Roslyan I'm so glad she let him in. Great book 🥰
December 12, 2019
Ishmael was whom Rosalyn needed in her life. Willow was a doll. Storyline was realistic and touching. Didn't care for Jeremy at all. I was glad he finally came to his senses. Very good read
December 12, 2019
Nope!
This just didn’t sit well with me. It literally read like a diary. And, I just found it BORING😴 The storyline started off, interesting. But, once Roslyn and Ishmael became a couple, you can tell. The author, didn’t know what to do with that.
Instead of focusing on the transition, of an escort into an actual relationship. And, all that would go into that. There is no way, someone who works as an escort, for 10 years! At that.
Could make a smooth transition, like Rosyln. After years of being a sex worker, the emotional damage, alone. One would suffer from. Would definitely, cause issues in any relationship. This subject was clearly, brushed over. And not,thoroughly researched by the author.
Then we get to the”secret” . That wasn’t such a stretch, to be honest. The fact that Rosyln, thought Ishmael would have a issue with her being an absentee mother, was laughable. Like, he’s a drug dealer and fell in love with a escort🙄And, was partially to blame for his fiance’s death.
And everything else, between were just added as page fillers. That didn’t add to the story, at all.Why? Did we need to know.?That Rosyln had no female friends. Was that,even relevant?
The story just did not delve into the mind set of a Escort, falling into a relationship, realistically.
This just didn’t sit well with me. It literally read like a diary. And, I just found it BORING😴 The storyline started off, interesting. But, once Roslyn and Ishmael became a couple, you can tell. The author, didn’t know what to do with that.
Instead of focusing on the transition, of an escort into an actual relationship. And, all that would go into that. There is no way, someone who works as an escort, for 10 years! At that.
Could make a smooth transition, like Rosyln. After years of being a sex worker, the emotional damage, alone. One would suffer from. Would definitely, cause issues in any relationship. This subject was clearly, brushed over. And not,thoroughly researched by the author.
Then we get to the”secret” . That wasn’t such a stretch, to be honest. The fact that Rosyln, thought Ishmael would have a issue with her being an absentee mother, was laughable. Like, he’s a drug dealer and fell in love with a escort🙄And, was partially to blame for his fiance’s death.
And everything else, between were just added as page fillers. That didn’t add to the story, at all.Why? Did we need to know.?That Rosyln had no female friends. Was that,even relevant?
The story just did not delve into the mind set of a Escort, falling into a relationship, realistically.
December 7, 2019
A Force Together
When I read the opening paragraph at the start of the book I had to put my tablet down and massage my temples. Roslyn came in like a beast. I'm like "Wait....what?" Don't let me get started on Mr. Is-mail. He's not Rule, but he's a good runner up. The way this man accepted her just as she was with flaws and all was a whole moment. On top of that the way he supported her by contributing to make her dreams a reality. He made sure to set her up perfectly. He listened to her and made sure to make it happen on her behalf. He made her better. Two songs came to mind at the end of this read: Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" & Fabolous ft. Ne-Yo " Make Me Better". You're talking about someone over here cheesing and ish. Chile you ain't seen nothing yet. Just make sure y'all plan my baby shower. See, this is why B. Love is THE GOAT, B THE BEAST, THE PROLIFIC PEN PUSHER, THE URBAN LEGEND, because she keeps dropping hit after hit after hit! And I'm loving it. On her way 100 she is not slowing down anytime soon!
When I read the opening paragraph at the start of the book I had to put my tablet down and massage my temples. Roslyn came in like a beast. I'm like "Wait....what?" Don't let me get started on Mr. Is-mail. He's not Rule, but he's a good runner up. The way this man accepted her just as she was with flaws and all was a whole moment. On top of that the way he supported her by contributing to make her dreams a reality. He made sure to set her up perfectly. He listened to her and made sure to make it happen on her behalf. He made her better. Two songs came to mind at the end of this read: Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" & Fabolous ft. Ne-Yo " Make Me Better". You're talking about someone over here cheesing and ish. Chile you ain't seen nothing yet. Just make sure y'all plan my baby shower. See, this is why B. Love is THE GOAT, B THE BEAST, THE PROLIFIC PEN PUSHER, THE URBAN LEGEND, because she keeps dropping hit after hit after hit! And I'm loving it. On her way 100 she is not slowing down anytime soon!
December 13, 2019
This one was a little unexpected but I enjoyed every moment of this story
Ismael is everything! Perfect mix of thug and gentleman. He loved Rosalyn regardless of her occupation and saw more than that. As beautiful as she was, Rosalyn was still insecure. Her mother really messed her over a bit but I'm glad she owned up to it. Getting the background of how everyone came to be who they are helped alot too. Lowkey it sounds like Jeremy purposely got Rosalyn drunk so he could get her pregnant and force her to be with him. It's creepy how he was so adamant about t too. I loved how quickly she and Willow connected too. If Willow was older though, it probably would have gone differently. I enjoyed every moment of this love story!!
Ismael is everything! Perfect mix of thug and gentleman. He loved Rosalyn regardless of her occupation and saw more than that. As beautiful as she was, Rosalyn was still insecure. Her mother really messed her over a bit but I'm glad she owned up to it. Getting the background of how everyone came to be who they are helped alot too. Lowkey it sounds like Jeremy purposely got Rosalyn drunk so he could get her pregnant and force her to be with him. It's creepy how he was so adamant about t too. I loved how quickly she and Willow connected too. If Willow was older though, it probably would have gone differently. I enjoyed every moment of this love story!!
December 10, 2019
Rosalyn and Ishmael
I don't know why but I loved these two from the start. They were always so freaking cute in the way they handled each other. Honestly I believe her escort business prepared her for a love like his. He ain't taking no mess from her and she ain't taking any from him. The years leading up to them getting together was definitely good practice. They were themselves around each other and that is definitely important for their building of there relationship. B. Love always leave me filled when I read her books whether their savages falling in love or straight romance. She is definitely a beast with it!!!!
I don't know why but I loved these two from the start. They were always so freaking cute in the way they handled each other. Honestly I believe her escort business prepared her for a love like his. He ain't taking no mess from her and she ain't taking any from him. The years leading up to them getting together was definitely good practice. They were themselves around each other and that is definitely important for their building of there relationship. B. Love always leave me filled when I read her books whether their savages falling in love or straight romance. She is definitely a beast with it!!!!
December 13, 2019
Paradise
Loved it!!! Ros and Ish was a trip. I loved their banter and build of their relationship. Ishmael was open and honest with her from the beginning. When I read the synopsis I wondered what the secret was she was keeping. When it appeared, it showed no matter how much we try to move from out past, is we don’t acknowledge and deal with them head on, it will resurface at the most inoportune time. She didn’t trust her relationship with ish enough to be honest. Bummer!! That guilt is powerful. Glad it worked out.
Loved it!!! Ros and Ish was a trip. I loved their banter and build of their relationship. Ishmael was open and honest with her from the beginning. When I read the synopsis I wondered what the secret was she was keeping. When it appeared, it showed no matter how much we try to move from out past, is we don’t acknowledge and deal with them head on, it will resurface at the most inoportune time. She didn’t trust her relationship with ish enough to be honest. Bummer!! That guilt is powerful. Glad it worked out.
December 15, 2019
A Missed Connection
I loved the idea of this story but... somethings were missing or just didn’t click for me. It was almost as if some of the details (I love details ) were absent or treated in a peripheral manner. Like Kennedy’s relationship with her mother was solved over a single cup of tea; how is Stanley connected; where was Ishmael’s family? Also, Ishmael’s name?
A good story but I was slightly disappointed by where it did it go. I missed that usual B. Love emotional connection.
I loved the idea of this story but... somethings were missing or just didn’t click for me. It was almost as if some of the details (I love details ) were absent or treated in a peripheral manner. Like Kennedy’s relationship with her mother was solved over a single cup of tea; how is Stanley connected; where was Ishmael’s family? Also, Ishmael’s name?
A good story but I was slightly disappointed by where it did it go. I missed that usual B. Love emotional connection.
December 27, 2019
Not a bad read but,
There were a few spots that I had to remind myself that this author has a limited exposure to the “good” life. It is a hood life perspective that doesn’t match the subjects current station in life. A good escort has to be well educated in how to comport her self in every situation. Travel, entertainment, deportment and dress are all part of the game. Then end when she mentions our hero is in his custom gray suit had me laugh out loud. A man of his level of power would have more than one custom made suit. I’m leaving the cognac topic alone.
There were a few spots that I had to remind myself that this author has a limited exposure to the “good” life. It is a hood life perspective that doesn’t match the subjects current station in life. A good escort has to be well educated in how to comport her self in every situation. Travel, entertainment, deportment and dress are all part of the game. Then end when she mentions our hero is in his custom gray suit had me laugh out loud. A man of his level of power would have more than one custom made suit. I’m leaving the cognac topic alone.
January 11, 2020
A G knows his Paradise
Ishmael was not what I expected, not to say he was a soft, but he was a very affectionate gangsta. These are the types of stories I enjoy. In every gangsta story he does have to slapping and cussing, showing how big his balls are. Thugs need love and protection as well. This is what Ros was, a proctetor. Well once she figure her life off. Rod actually had a lot going in her life, she saw the value of what the future held and made some changes. That's growth and that was big on her part.
Ishmael was not what I expected, not to say he was a soft, but he was a very affectionate gangsta. These are the types of stories I enjoy. In every gangsta story he does have to slapping and cussing, showing how big his balls are. Thugs need love and protection as well. This is what Ros was, a proctetor. Well once she figure her life off. Rod actually had a lot going in her life, she saw the value of what the future held and made some changes. That's growth and that was big on her part.
January 13, 2020
Yesssss!
This book took me back to some of your earlier books. This book was so good I couldn't put it down. You can write anything but this form right here just takes me back and I lived it. Ishmael was bae and he didn't play about Rosalyn. He had her back like no other and he definitely was a real one. Her daughter really opened up her heart more to family and love. I love the way she was able to submit to Ishmael and trust him with her heart. I can't wait to read the rest of the books that are to come you are doing your thing and I love it!
This book took me back to some of your earlier books. This book was so good I couldn't put it down. You can write anything but this form right here just takes me back and I lived it. Ishmael was bae and he didn't play about Rosalyn. He had her back like no other and he definitely was a real one. Her daughter really opened up her heart more to family and love. I love the way she was able to submit to Ishmael and trust him with her heart. I can't wait to read the rest of the books that are to come you are doing your thing and I love it!
February 3, 2020
Another Great Love Story
I don't know where to begin with this one. B. Love has managed,yet again, to pull my heart strings and bring me close to tears. No matter how many books she pens, I'm never disappointed. We're not all blessed to come from perfect backgrounds or live perfect lives. Paradise shows us that we can redeem ourselves and become better. True and honest love that Ishmael offers does exist even if we don't like the packaging. I recommend anything by this author. You won't be disappointed! 💙
I don't know where to begin with this one. B. Love has managed,yet again, to pull my heart strings and bring me close to tears. No matter how many books she pens, I'm never disappointed. We're not all blessed to come from perfect backgrounds or live perfect lives. Paradise shows us that we can redeem ourselves and become better. True and honest love that Ishmael offers does exist even if we don't like the packaging. I recommend anything by this author. You won't be disappointed! 💙
December 7, 2019
Ishmael.... 🤤
This story was soooo good but I couldn’t expect anything less from the master storyteller. Ishmael had just the right amount of gangsta in him and Roslyn had a lil Gangsta in her as well. But when the two of them collided, it made for a beautiful love story that I couldn’t get enough of. Then once the secret came out, I couldn’t help but swoon at Ishmael’s sensitivity just when Roslyn needed it most. I loved this story! ♥️♥️
This story was soooo good but I couldn’t expect anything less from the master storyteller. Ishmael had just the right amount of gangsta in him and Roslyn had a lil Gangsta in her as well. But when the two of them collided, it made for a beautiful love story that I couldn’t get enough of. Then once the secret came out, I couldn’t help but swoon at Ishmael’s sensitivity just when Roslyn needed it most. I loved this story! ♥️♥️
December 8, 2019
Amazing Read
JD was a coward for the things he kept trying to do to manipulate Paradise to be with him. Yes, she was wrong for giving her baby up but we all make mistakes. I was glad when Rosalyn's mother told her to find love and be happy. Ishmael was great for Rosalyn and she almost let JD cost her to lose him. This book shows that real love is out there for anyone looking. Job well done, B!
JD was a coward for the things he kept trying to do to manipulate Paradise to be with him. Yes, she was wrong for giving her baby up but we all make mistakes. I was glad when Rosalyn's mother told her to find love and be happy. Ishmael was great for Rosalyn and she almost let JD cost her to lose him. This book shows that real love is out there for anyone looking. Job well done, B!
December 9, 2019
To Be In Paradise With a Gangster
Ishmael & Rosilyn equaled paradise for them both. The author developed the love and trust they had for each other from the beginning to the end. Rosiilyn showed growth in her character with Ishmael supporting her 100%. As usual this can be the beginning of a series or a stand-alone. B! Love always leaves you wanting more.
Ishmael & Rosilyn equaled paradise for them both. The author developed the love and trust they had for each other from the beginning to the end. Rosiilyn showed growth in her character with Ishmael supporting her 100%. As usual this can be the beginning of a series or a stand-alone. B! Love always leaves you wanting more.
December 20, 2019
I Need A Gangsta In My Life
Ishmael can get it anytime. This man was in love with Rosalyn. What started off as him being her client she caught feelings. I can understand why Rosalyn have up custody of her child. The environment she was raised in she didn't feel she was worthy enough of being a mother. When she finally told Ishmael what she did he didn't hold it against her. I am glad they are together. Very good book.
Ishmael can get it anytime. This man was in love with Rosalyn. What started off as him being her client she caught feelings. I can understand why Rosalyn have up custody of her child. The environment she was raised in she didn't feel she was worthy enough of being a mother. When she finally told Ishmael what she did he didn't hold it against her. I am glad they are together. Very good book.
December 8, 2019
Money can’t buy true love
Another great story by a master story teller B love. Rosalyn and Ishmael were an unlikely duo but brought out the best in one another. Goes to show you can’t judge a person just on their perceived lifestyles. I’m glad Jeremy softened his stance and that all in all it was a happily ever after.
Another great story by a master story teller B love. Rosalyn and Ishmael were an unlikely duo but brought out the best in one another. Goes to show you can’t judge a person just on their perceived lifestyles. I’m glad Jeremy softened his stance and that all in all it was a happily ever after.
December 9, 2019
Lovely read
I was captured from the first sentence. Ishmael and Rosalyn were both broken individuals who together became whole. Rosalyn was his safe haven in his time of need and later he was the same for her. Great story! This was my first book by B. Love but it will not be my last.
I was captured from the first sentence. Ishmael and Rosalyn were both broken individuals who together became whole. Rosalyn was his safe haven in his time of need and later he was the same for her. Great story! This was my first book by B. Love but it will not be my last.
December 14, 2019
Ishmael is baeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! The way he loved Rosalyn was beautiful and savage all at the same time. Once her secret was out it made me respect him even more. B. Love you never disappoint and I will forever support. P.S. it would be nice for Candy to have her own story!!!! Can’t wait for the next release!!!!!
December 16, 2019
I had it pause after the big reveal😲
I didn't know in which direction this story was going to play out because of the unorthodox characters. Roslyn's business introduced her to Ishmael, but she thought that she could keep in transactional when her feelings were already involved. Ishmael...plain and simple was.that.dude!😍
I didn't know in which direction this story was going to play out because of the unorthodox characters. Roslyn's business introduced her to Ishmael, but she thought that she could keep in transactional when her feelings were already involved. Ishmael...plain and simple was.that.dude!😍
December 22, 2019
A Gangstas Paradise
She came in she fell she conquered you all often down tried and true relationship step up to the plate we came to warm and date she knows she could be her mother was in a good place she was in a good place all in all she may the love of her life and her daughter back she’s Getting married to a wonderful man and all this is a sweet book
She came in she fell she conquered you all often down tried and true relationship step up to the plate we came to warm and date she knows she could be her mother was in a good place she was in a good place all in all she may the love of her life and her daughter back she’s Getting married to a wonderful man and all this is a sweet book
January 4, 2020
Not what I expected
A Gangsta’s Paradise was a lot different than what I expected. One, for a story about an escort there wasn’t much escorting going on other than Rosalyn’s dealings with Ishmael. Rosalyn was the perfect boss, however Ishmael made her weak, that I wish hadn’t happened, but it was still a great read. I love how Ishmael loved on Rosalyn, that was everything.
A Gangsta’s Paradise was a lot different than what I expected. One, for a story about an escort there wasn’t much escorting going on other than Rosalyn’s dealings with Ishmael. Rosalyn was the perfect boss, however Ishmael made her weak, that I wish hadn’t happened, but it was still a great read. I love how Ishmael loved on Rosalyn, that was everything.
January 11, 2020
I felt this!!!!!
This story was EVERYTHING!!!!! I loved the growth of Rosalyn. I did not know what to expect, but I got way more than I bargained for. Ismael is a dream...HOOD KING!!! Their courtship was so romantic. Their passion was fire! Their past trauma was heartbreaking and made their love an exciting experience.
This story was EVERYTHING!!!!! I loved the growth of Rosalyn. I did not know what to expect, but I got way more than I bargained for. Ismael is a dream...HOOD KING!!! Their courtship was so romantic. Their passion was fire! Their past trauma was heartbreaking and made their love an exciting experience.
January 30, 2022
Powerful
As I read veg this story it pull me in more but I got into 52% and JD came in to the I did what I always do when it take to long for secrets to come I went the last chapter and read the book backwards. Truly enjoy this store first page to last page, oh yes last page to first .
As I read veg this story it pull me in more but I got into 52% and JD came in to the I did what I always do when it take to long for secrets to come I went the last chapter and read the book backwards. Truly enjoy this store first page to last page, oh yes last page to first .
December 7, 2019
Whoo wee
From the very beginning I knew this one would be a hit. Ros and Ish are that couple. She created them perfectly. The highs, the lows, the love all of it hit me right in the heart. This read was perfectly paced, raunchy but real. Another banger B!
From the very beginning I knew this one would be a hit. Ros and Ish are that couple. She created them perfectly. The highs, the lows, the love all of it hit me right in the heart. This read was perfectly paced, raunchy but real. Another banger B!
December 7, 2019
Awwwww!
This is really a gangsta love story! The hardships they both been through and the not so peaches and cream childhoods. But yet, they were able to overcome their past and be there for one and another.
This is really a gangsta love story! The hardships they both been through and the not so peaches and cream childhoods. But yet, they were able to overcome their past and be there for one and another.
December 8, 2019
Beautiful
I am a great fan of B.Love and always excited to read her love stories, as usual this one was beautiful, nicely written with the right amount of heart, love and hood. You will definitely enjoy this story.
I am a great fan of B.Love and always excited to read her love stories, as usual this one was beautiful, nicely written with the right amount of heart, love and hood. You will definitely enjoy this story.
December 8, 2019
Definitely old school B.Love!
Ish is one of those old school B.Love characters. He is that sweet gansta who is so loving and caring but rugged at the same time. I love how he love Rosalyn and how he made sure she never doubted him. Amazing job B!
Ish is one of those old school B.Love characters. He is that sweet gansta who is so loving and caring but rugged at the same time. I love how he love Rosalyn and how he made sure she never doubted him. Amazing job B!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews