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To All the Thugs I Loved That Didn't Love Me Back

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Bless has always held his younger brothers down, even when one catches a drug charge and is sentenced to five years in prison. Bless continued to put his feet to the ground and build their empire in his brother’s absence. Bless had love once upon a time ago, and it was snatched away from him. He didn’t think he would find another like Shai... that is until Ace Saffrino comes waltzing into his life. When a video goes viral of Polite rapping in prison, every record label and manager in New York is beating down his door to sign him. At the visiting table with Bless, he makes his older brother promise to get out the game and use their money for good. Five years later, Polite is out of prison and ready for change. The same streets he used to run; he doesn’t feel the same excitement for. He’s also the co-owner of Raw Records, one of the hottest record labels in New York. Ace Saffrino is a blogger from Brooklyn. She started her celebrity blog, Aced, while pregnant with her daughter. With her daughter and a celebrity tattoo baby father that she’s madly in love with, she has her hands full. Now a few years later, she has millions of followers and is making strides in the blogging community. When Ace gets an invite to attend a listening party for one of Raw Record’s artist, she never expects to run into slick-mouthed Bless Callaghan. Sinclair is a wedding planner, who had plans on becoming a singer. When singing didn’t pay the bills, she followed her parents advice, went to college and fell into her career - literally. When she goes with her best friend, Ace to a listening party, she runs into no other than Polite. When their worlds collide, nothing will ever be the same for Sin. Will Polite help her rediscover that love for music? Or will Sinclair continue to play it safe, like she has all her life?

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2019

1627 people are currently reading
420 people want to read

About the author

Jahquel J.

176 books3,259 followers

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5 stars
1,304 (72%)
4 stars
370 (20%)
3 stars
103 (5%)
2 stars
12 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Profile Image for Rein.
217 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2025
Real Slow development

Reading Jaquels latest work then going back and starting to read her past work you can tell she developing her writing style AND maybe even brought in a proofreading team. There are way less errors and as mentioned in the book forward she slowed this down to develop the characters.

I’m excited to see what the next books in this series brings.

Polite - just why? I want to like you but you moving funny.
Bless - I rock with you and your foul mouth. I need the dots connected on that PI info.
Ash - Your grown, stay in the bag. You waited in the wings and that’s what happens when you don’t shoot your shot. Taking that step the way you did only allowed him to treat you like he did anyone after Shai.
Ace - super emotional girl, get your grown woman on and stop making excuses and crying all the damn time.
Sin - Damn, you didn’t deserve that. Keep your head up and continue to be about you. Maybe it’s a good thing you were hesitant to sign.
Niko - Wow; I thought I hated you on behalf of Ace but damn now I hate you on behalf of everyone.
Profile Image for Charmaine Downs.
867 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2019
OMG! A MUST READ!!!

First I love love live this storyline and all the characters. The emotional turmoil that is revealed with each couple's situation is so whew! One click! It's fire!
Profile Image for AlexTRBG.
290 reviews20 followers
September 25, 2025
I might have to go back and read this whole series 😅🙃
Profile Image for Ladii Zig.
1,180 reviews24 followers
December 8, 2019
BANGERRRRRRRRR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jahquel you are a freaking GENIUS!!!!! Why I didn't see that coming, mannnnnnn the twist and turns this story taking it's going to take more then 2 books to tell it all. When I say it's a small world it really is, what are the odds that Yero and Niko are the same person. I just know Ashlee pregnant but I don't know how Bless is going to be feeling about that and what's that going to do for Ace and his growing relationship, Polite and his bougie boo not going to work but the damage had been done because he let him and Sin go too far. I'm really curious about Val I want to know more about her and Prayer. Can't wait for the next book great read I really really enjoyed it
Profile Image for Meleka.
5 reviews
May 24, 2025
Jah is always gonna leave us with a cliff hanger that has mouths dropping open.
Profile Image for Greyson.
582 reviews
November 24, 2025
1⭐️ Naveah (heaven spelled backwards), Bless, Sin, Prayer, Polite, Bishop. WHAT THE FUCK ARE THESE NAMES?
Also, MMCs in urban romances don’t HAVE to be misogynistic. They genuinely don’t. “Bless” is a fucking nightmare.
“Sin” is the only MC I like and all the other characters are either flat or boring.
The continuous use of “seed” to describe a child makes me wanna fuggin gag! And the language is repetitive and in need of an editor. Most of the people in this book SUCK. And just be having relationships all willy-nilly. Unprotected sex, and toxicity! Absolutely not.
And to top it all off, the original opening storyline had NOTHING to do with the rest of this book.
16 reviews
October 22, 2025
Blah

It’s hard to believe this book is from jaquel , if it’s not her Delgato or caselli series her books just don’t hit that great. There was contradictory in this book and it dragged. It just wasn’t a good read to me.
Profile Image for Jessica S..
133 reviews8 followers
December 20, 2025
I ended up rereading this book. Because it was finally my turn for the audiobook for book 2. So I had to dive back into book one.



So glad I did. I love me some Ace & Bless. And poor Sin can’t catch a BREAK. My girl is going through it. And Ace’s baby daddy WHATTTTT!!!!!! 😱😳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Charmy Reads.
425 reviews15 followers
March 25, 2025
I definitely didn't prepare myself enough going into this series. I didn't realize that it was one of four. When I got the end and there was a cliffhanger (I didn't expect anything less) I went to download the next book. I was definitely hit with a surprise that there were three more following this one. Which means I have two more cliffhangers to survive! Thankfully this is a finished series and I don't have to sit on pins and needles to be put out of my misery.

This first book focuses on two brothers (Bless and Polite) and two best friends (Ace and Sin). There are several side characters that are introduced but those four are the MCs of the first book. Of course there is betrayal, drama, situations, lies, and a sprinkling of more to get you wrapped up in the storyline.

I will admit that it took me a little more than I would have liked to grasp the personality of the different characters. I don't mind multiple POVs but for some reason I kept getting them mixed up with who was who and who was supposed to interested in which character. I had to write them down and something memorable about their personality so I could fully enjoy the story. Once I got that down, the situations were making a lot more sense.

I liked the peek into Bless' backstory and giving a hint at how he came to be the person currently in the story. I'm very interested in reading how his character will soften up with the introduction of what he's been missing in his life for so long...someone to love and care about and for him to do the same. I'm a little disappointed in Bless when it came to Ace and Ashlee. I feel like that is going to come back to bite him big time.

In the beginning I really liked Polite but his character came into question once Kamaya's name popped up. Now he's back to square one for me. No matter how much he tries to justify his actions, he's still moving foul. I definitely want to see how he's going to finesse this one to make him look like the victim. Because I have a feeling that's exactly what he's going to do. He's not going to accept full responsibility for his actions and choosing to not be fully transparent with people.

I'm diving straight into the next book because I really want to see how these characters are connected with this cliffhanger.
Profile Image for BarbieTheeReader&#x1f380;&#x1fae6;.
347 reviews18 followers
September 22, 2025
4.75 stars

"I want everything and then some for you."
"You too pretty to have your face baled up like that. Da fuq wrong with you?"
"Secure your bag, but make sure you take time to breathe too."

Big thanks to Libro f.m. for the ALC. WOW! Okay this is my first read by this author, and best believe, it will not be the last!! I will be finishing this series ASAP. This was soooo good. I loved that it was fast paced, even though some parts felt a tiny bit choppy but that is okay, I still ate this up!!! This gave all the Love & Hip Hop, and Empire vibes that I so desperately needed. This was such a quick listen! The voice narrators did a phenomenal job, omg! They were able to change their voices to fit different characters and different POV's as well and it fit just right! I was captivated with Bless and Polite, they are extremely different characters, but they both are truly in some messy and dramatic situations. I loved that there were a few POV's to get to know each character with how they think (it definitely moved the story along and I liked that form of story telling), and to see their vulnerable side as well. Sinclair and Ace definitely matched Bless and Polite's vibe and vulnerability, I liked their connection with them and truly can't wait to see how things develop over the series, it won't be a simple past that's for sure. ALSO THE ENDING???
Profile Image for thedailydiva.
361 reviews
September 17, 2025
Though it hurts my heart to give this woman anything less than 5 stars, it’s warranted. This is one of her earlier works and I love the growth she has had.

This book, I’m not a fan of three stories in one. Each brother and their ladies deserve their own stories. This could also be me being greedy. The first few chapters it took a min to figure out who was who.

But as the story unfolded, the authors storytelling came right on through. The drama, the jaw drop moments. Classic Jahquel J! Love to see it. I appreciate seeing the development of her style. She has reached her stride in her most recent series. This one had bumps and grammar/syntax mistakes. But I’m still grateful for them. They’ve forged the beloved author we now have.

Great start to what I’m sure will be a good story. One to the next.
Profile Image for Stephanie Mclendon.
650 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2019
Fiyahhhhhhhh!!!!!

Lash at aka Ace and her best friend Sinclair aka Sin are 2bosses that are just still figuring out life with these clown azz dudes that are in their lives, well hitting and leaving. Niko does not care about his daughter but wants his cake and pie too. Bless, Polite and Prayer are cool brothers who all have talent. Ace is hired to follow around the starts and Sin runs her wedding event business. Valarie is one of Ace’s friends from way back but they link up. There are existing baggage these people carry but new friendships are budding and the past is going to catch up with Niko and Ace will not be there to save him!!!
2,670 reviews23 followers
December 28, 2019
Just Really Good

What a way to start a story,right out the gate we are hit with all the action and emotion we can stand. The writer gives us a group of people who are struggling to heal and find themselves. All their lives are intertwined with one another,not only because of the business but also mutual things they have in common. This is an entertaining story about adults trying to navigate life. I love that the writer brings us in the story and kinda of places us in some of the predicaments. This was a very good story and I'm sure the next installment is going to be spectacular.
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,232 reviews
February 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Leave it to Jahquel to have you gagging at the end.

Polite truly disappointed me, I knew I would be annoyed with what I knew before the actual bombshell.

Ace really worked my nerves, everyone was trying to tell her. And yet, she continued to be a dummy behind Niko. She sounded real stupid encouraging her friend to meet up with Erin. Sometimes it be your own people🤦🏾‍♀️.

Not sure if I’ll finish the whole series, I’m going to need the story to fully progress in book 2. There’s so much more secrets to be revealed.

I have a feeling Ash is about to be an issue, along with her artist she’s developing.
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
3,989 reviews
December 7, 2019
Yet again

She has done it again. She is clearly not playing around. I’m disappointed in Polite. I’m no longer feeling him at the moment. I can’t get enough of Bless and Ace. Even though he is a whole mess. I’m curious about Val and Prayer and where they can go. Ace was aggravating me because she had a whole real one in her face and was stuck on a f boy! Like girl really. Now part of that twist I saw coming. But that last part bruhhh is you petty for that. Imma need you to come up off of part 2. Sensational job
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
430 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2025
This book here loooorrrdddd the set up for the mess to come. I’ve read sooo many books by Jahquel that I know her formula. Book 1 is an introduction the characters their background & how it relates to the overall plot (typically you won’t know how a particular characters background relates to the plot until the plot twist at the end of book 1). This book did not disappoint. As of now Pilot & Niko is on my hit list. I’m side eyeing Kamaya & Valarie. Ace needs to STAND TF UP!!! Bless is probably my favorite right now.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,511 reviews11 followers
March 14, 2025
Small World

Damn Yero been around all this time dipping and dodging and now he's bout to get what his snake azz been running from. I would have never guessed that Niko was Yero. Bless really about to Bless him.I feel bad for Sin because all that she shared with Polite and he still didn't tell her he was engaged even when she asked him did he have a girlfriend. I really think Ashley gonna be the one to shake up the drama because I think she's pregnant so Bless might as well stand up and kiss his budding romance with Ace goodbye.💘💘
Profile Image for Bonnie's Booked Solid.
79 reviews
December 19, 2025
Libby is throwing my holds at me left and right! Slow down!

This was a short read. Overall, it was cool. Bless’ character reminds me of Quasim’s character(not in every aspect). Some men have nerve. The “some men” I’m referring to in this book is Aaron, Nico and Polite.
-Aaron: How you come to your ex-fiancé to ask her to plan you and your new fiancé’s wedding?
-Polite: How you cozying up with one lady while being engaged to someone else?
-Nico: How you questioning your child’s mother when you got a whole chick?
Profile Image for saleta.
4 reviews
December 9, 2019
Great work!

Jahquel did it again! This book has a different feel and I love it. It’s allowing us to get to know the characters on a deeper level and allowing them to fall in love at a realistic pace. I love Sin and I felt her pain. I can’t wait to see how Ace and Bless move forward after this situation. I really want to get to know Valerie and Prayer more though. Awesome book and can’t wait until part 2!
663 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2019
What ..the ..entire..hell!

I did not see this coming😮😮. O m g! Yet another bad a** read that everyone would love. This cliffhanger left so many unanswered questions..... where is Valarie? Is madam Ashley ?? Niko😮? Yero 😮? Polite? Kamaya?.... My head is spinning!🤯🤯🤯. Okay so you said next week.... next week is right around the corner right?.... right? Okay I think I could wait... 🤯🤯🤯
Profile Image for Breyon Preston.
133 reviews
December 14, 2019
Good read but ...

This was a good read but the story confused me a little. How is it that bless, prayer nor polite knew niko was yero but he was at their party in Miami with emani?
At some points it seemed like things were repetitive like when bless was explaining his issues with women and moving on.
The characters names were mixed up a few times.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, characters and I’m looking forward to part 2.
602 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2019
Streets and the women they leave behind

This book was definitely lit!! The cliffhanger at the end shuts everything you thought was happening down. Yero has many faces and names didn't see that coming. Ace, Sin, and Val are all good girls about that money, but will the men change that? Kamaya is not with her man because in reality his heart has found his soul mate. Great read and can't wait for part two.
Profile Image for Princess.
76 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2019
Truly Confused

The story was okay. I get in my feelings when authors include Nipsey’s legacy into their stories. I think the saying, “imitation is a form of flattery” really isn’t the case at all. I love for authors to be authentic without involving celebrities. I’m from LA and knew Ermias personally I know he would laugh at the way his life accomplishments have been based on characters. But he would always say everyone can’t be their true authentic self.
Profile Image for Siobhan Graham.
783 reviews9 followers
January 5, 2020
Good book

That cliffhanger girl, so Yero is Niko her baby father the same dude that set up Vio to go to jail boy o boy did this book just get good. I know Ace is ready to hurt him but what is he going to do now i can’t wait to find out. Poor Sin she really liked Vio and to find out he is engaged is so wack and i feel for her, Vio should have told her that instead of sleeping with her i can’t wait for part 2.
Profile Image for Nadia Adams.
895 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2019
What are the odds!!!

It’s looks like Niko’s time had finally run out but what I’m trying to figure out is why keep being in their circle when he knows what he did....Polite I’m not sure what’s his angle with Kamaya, they’re like two parallel line.Ace finally let her guard down with Bless but I think Ashlee has a bomb that just might detour them....
Profile Image for STACEY LAWSON.
15 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2019
Patiently waiting for part 2

Where is part 2? I need that like yesterday. I love Ave, Sin and Val and just want them to get their HEA. I just feel like some drama is coming in Part 2 and I can’t wait for it. Jahquel J strikes again with a new series and new characters to love and some to hate. Keep doing your thing!!!
Profile Image for Tatiana Littlejohn.
47 reviews
December 8, 2019
Girl

I knew it started out to good to be true! I hope Bless and Ace works out.Even though her baby daddy is about to get the business. Did old girl just make up the engagement? Where’d that come from? I hope he can salvage that friendship/relationship. I can’t wait for your next one!
694 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2019
No Way That’s Not

Niko is Yero!! What a small world ! Ashley better not be pregnant.. Jah never disappoints she always delivers and keep us want more! Wonderful storyline.. Polite was wrong.. I needed more from Prayer and Val.. Bless and Ace got some baggage but will definitely be good to heal one another .. I need part 2
Profile Image for Chandra Shinholster.
338 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2019
Blessed!!

You have done it again. I am in love with Bless as crazy as he seems. Bruh seems to be 100. That damn Ace is gullible as hell. Polite pissed me off he knew what Sin went through and basically did the same thing to her. I really want to know more about Prayer and Val though. This series started of bomb though!
591 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2019
Whewwww chileeee

Let me say that Ace worked my entire nerves about Niko raggedy self😂😂. I'm soooo disappointed in Polite like come on man. Bless so rude but I absolutely love him. Why did he lie about Ashlee. Ashlee dont try that sick mess cause you dont want those problems. Prayer and Val just disappeared what's their deal. Emami and Kamaya can kick rockssss!!!!
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