Craving A Thug's Love

by Asia Monique

You're cordially invited to the wedding of Sheldon Black and Monroe Harper.

Him

I was in love with my fiance—the woman I was marrying in six weeks' time and she had no idea.

Her

I was marrying the love of my life, only he didn't see me in the same way. Falling for my fiance hadn't been the plan, but when did things ever go as planned?

They were promised to one another before birth. Their marriage will solidify an alliance more than a decade in the making. Neither expected for love to find its way into their hearts well before they said I do. She craved his heart and he was more than willing to give it.

Contains mature themes.

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Audiobook, Urban

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 4, 2021

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Craving A Thug's Love. It had the suspense and criminal element I was looking for in Love & Law. I loved, loved, loved Monroe and Sheldon. They were the perfect crime boss power couple. Their love journey started out very unconventional with an arranged marriage. In order to keep a years long deal in place and bring two of the largest crime families together to form an alliance, Monroe and Sheldon were promised to each other before they were even born. While they didn't spend a lot of time together growing up, they still managed to maintain a friendship that progressed over the years and secretly fall in love with each other. It was sweet and frustrating watching Monroe and Sheldon tip toe around each other because, they were too afraid to admit their feelings. I loved how Sheldon was desperate enough to go to Amina for advice on how to get Monroe to fall in love with him. Since they didn’t have a typical courtship, I loved how the author gave us a backstory on this couple to show us how their relationship developed and how Monroe and Sheldon were able to get to know each other over the years leading up to their wedding. Monroe had absolutely no problem coming into her own as the new head of the Harper crime family. Honey, she let it be know right from the start she was NOT the one to be played with. And for those who felt froggy enough to test her gangsta, they got dealt with accordingly. I'm glad we got an update on the Edward, Black, and King families. Nice to see to merging of the cop and crime families is still going strong. Craving A Thug's Love was a really good read. Arranged marriages are quickly becoming my new favorite troupe. I enjoyed reading about Monroe and Sheldon getting past the business deal their families made and finding their way to true love. Now, if we can just get a book on Seven and Jamir, all would be right in my world.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

An arranged marriage hates to see me coming ... but Sheldon and Monroe was a force to be reckoned with. I loved their story.

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect power couple and seeing them realize that they loved each other was beautiful. Im a sucker for black love and would like a book 2 to see how they navigate running 2 empires and a baby.

[KaliaJoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

now this was a story.

arranged marriage little mafia . little romance. always loved each other but never told each other. respected and supported each other from a distance until it was time to take over . all women mc gang as your bodyguard. men who fear you. this was what i needed .

5 stars all around

[Shalana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

I'm a sucker for an arranged marriage, crime families and an Asia Monique story. I loved seeing Sheldon and Monroe admit to themselves that they were in love and then finally admitting it to each other. Toss in them both managing their crime families and supporting each other through it and you've got a winner.

[kk.grce · Rating 1 out of 5]

non, vraiment pas, j'ai lu des chroniques Wattpad écrites par des petites de 13 ans, mieux que ça ...

[Shades N Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I need you to know something before we do this. We aren’t fifteen-year-old kids anymore. What we agreed to back then doesn’t hold the same weight today.”

I really enjoyed reading Craving, A Thugs Love: An arranged Marriage. This is a spin-off of the Love and Law series . From the beginning, I was intrigued and decided that I would not put this book down. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about an arranged marriage between two Black prominent crime families?

Sheldon and Monroe have misgivings with the arrangement, but they follow through and secretly fall in love with one another. Their love story is surprisingly soft and romantic with urban undertones. Sheldon and Monroe had a dedicated and respectful friendship that progressed over the years. When it transitioned into marriage, I loved how sweet it was. Sheldon knew his mistake affected Monroe, so seeing him fight for her love with actions was sexy.

Now, my girl Monroe, is that BITCH! Period. Full stop. I loved seeing a Black woman doing boss shit. She is about that life and has no time for bullshit. I felt empowered through her strength. A major highlight in the story for me was seeing Sheldon step back as Monroe rightfully took her place in the family business. He demanded respect from his peers and didn’t underestimate her because she is a woman. I also enjoyed the introduction of an all black woman Motorcycle Club .

For me, I found the pacing of the book a bit fast, so unfortunately, a lot of details aren’t fleshed out as much as I would have liked. We don’t get sufficient backstory on the crime families, their territories or the criminal activities they perform. Also, with a storyline involving crime families and an arranged marriage, we didn’t get any drama, tension or savage behavior. I thought Sheldon was too tame for a crime lord. I kept waiting for him to turn up but it never happened.

I loved sweet Sheldon but Savage Sheldon would have been the icing on the cake. I needed more out of the urban undertones of the book. Overall, there were elements of this story that I enjoyed, but I felt the book needed to be longer and more descriptive to vividly bring the story to life. Kuddos to the author. I look forward to what she puts out next. I’m hoping it’s about Seven, my bikerbae.

[Q. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew that these two were going to fall head over heels in love with each other. They were around each other way too much to the point they practically grew up together. I feel like their fathers did it on purpose. It was ironic how similar Monroe is to Sheldon. They are female and male version of each other. My favorite part in this novel is when Matteo got disgusted after Monrie had to take care of some business. Matteo couldn't believe how affectionate, she and Sheldon were afterwards you would think in his line of work he wouldn't have bothered him.

This is another great read by Ms. Monique. If you haven't read any of her books, what are you waiting for. She is a magnificent writer and you will enjoy every page from start to finish. In this book she made sure to include all the friends and their significant others. She also included Amina's wedding in this book. You will not be disappointed, so just download and go for it.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this "thug light" love story. Monroe and Sheldon have been promised to each other since before they were born. Their arranged marriage will merge two crime families. The difference that I appreciated in this story is that Monroe is a Bad Bish all on her own. Too often in these stories, the female characters can't hold their own or need rescuing. These thugs need rescuing from Monroe because she doesn't play! She is the only child of a legendarily ruthless crime boss, and she has known her whole life how tough she'll have to be to take over as head of the family. Monroe has a major chip on her shoulder and her new husband finds that incredibly sexy.

[Janielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo GOOD!!!!!

OMG, this was so good!!!! I loved everything about this book! The progression through Monroe and Sheldon's youth, then early adulthood. I love how they developed a friendship that grew into love. I'm not a huge urban lit fan, so I enjoyed that this was just enough into their lifestyle without being too much or losing the romance between the two. They were a super boss couple and I loved every minute of it! Such a good book!!!! 5 ⭐️ Stars!!!!

[Kami Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️

Awwww! This was pretty much me throughout the whole book. Love is a powerful thing and it was quite a journey following Monroe & Sheldon. Their connection was everything and I loved how Monroe bossed up in her new role. We read alot of storylines with Male bosses so it was refreshing. I love them ❤️

[Kimberly Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I just read the cutest Mafia Romance ever… Maybe

I was not expecting to read such a tender, love story with this a gritty, underworld backdrop. But that’s what I got.

That is good man Savannah (Monroe)

This book is filled with a host of characters which can be overwhelming, but it was cool to see faces from previous books .

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Loved it! So good! Happy that I read Love & Law first because if I didn’t, I’d be “who dis be?” with some of the characters. lol All in all, loved this couple separately and together. It was a great ride and to see how their relationship when from business transaction to full on obsessive love.

[Carolyn King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love It

I love Sheldon and Monroe. Even though their marriage was arranged since birth they fell in love with each other. This family is the truth. I would love to get updates on them. Maybe we can stories about the kids as adults. Very good book.

[Ice Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting dynamic between Monroe and Sheldon and very nice too. Love how everything is being put to making the wedding preparations. I feel like they just fell in love immediately after they hid it.

[Christy Tahula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better than the Love and Law
Their love is absolutely cute.

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I liked this book. I listened to the audio version and I enjoyed the narration. Overall good book.

[It's Me - Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why such a low rating, you ask. I was expecting a LOT more grit. There were hardly any horrific scenes for this to be a gangsta book. These were the nicest gangsta’s I’ve ever been introduced to so it was a bit disappointing.

Also, and this has nothing to do with the author, the recording wasn’t that great. Sometimes the voices would be so loud that I’d have to turn the sound down. This happened throughout. And if I wasn’t turning down the sound I had to turn it up because I couldn’t hear what was being said.

[Melanin Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Black family

Sheldon Black and Monroe Harper have been promised to each other before they were even born. Their union was business, to bring two of the largest crime families together only at some point they fell in love with each other but didn’t know how the other person felt.

This was hot. Every since I read Love and Law I have been eagerly waiting for Harper and Sheldon’s story. Lawd Sheldon was so intense and aggressive, he was a boss and I loved it. I knew from Love and Law that Sheldon didn’t play about his family and whew he did not play about his wife y’all. Monroe was a bad bitch and I was so here for it. I mean she was a straight street boss, everyone underestimated her but soon saw how crazy she really was. She wasn’t the sheltered princess I thought she would be. Mo played no games and Sheldon’s reaction to her crazy was hot.

I liked how Asia gave us a little history on Sheldon and Mo. Since they didn’t have a typical courtship it was nice to see how they developed and got to know each other over the years. I do feel like the story was a bit rushed at times and I found myself wanting a little more of then before they were married but it didn’t take away from the actual story itself. I don’t feel like anything was missing but I would not have been disappointed if more was added.

Of course we got an update on the Edward, Black, and King families. If you read my review on Love and Law (link to that review below) then you know I loved these families so any update on them will always make me happy. I loved how the Edwards embraced their cousin and made her feel comfortable with being apart of their lives even though her occupation was on the opposite side of the law that they were on.

This was a really good read, I enjoyed reading about Sheldon and Monroe finding their way past a business alignment their fathers made and in love with each other.

[Tiersa Burgess · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I hated this book. And it’s just a perspective thing. The writing & grammar were fine & the supporting cast was great. However the way the relationship worked was a crock-of-crap. Regardless of where you stand on the battle of the sexes the truth is that NO relationship is a one way street. The fact that Sheldon did all the giving is totally unrealistic. Here he is bending over backwards for Monroe & she gave what. So because she was hurt by some dude in college Sheldon has to jump thru hoops which he does from jump to prove that he’s for her & all she does is walk around trying to prove that she’s badass like her daddy. I mean it was totally unrealistic & silly. One minute she’s blasting dudes heads off but the next she’s being a brat cause she’s scared to love the man she’s been in love with cause something might happen to him because they all a bunch of killers. Really?

I think the biggest problem I had was I didn’t believe Monroe. For starters if you are a badass you just are you don’t have to prove it or put on a show to prove it. Then one minute we’re reading the story of Billy Badass & the next minute it’s some sappy Hallmark movie of the week.

[Readaholic Running Realtor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I have to say—she’s off to a great start. I loved the character development and the storyline. Most of all, I appreciated how the male lead is secure enough in himself to fully support his woman stepping into her leadership role without feeling intimidated. That kind of dynamic is everything! And let’s not forget—when Winston James is the narrator, you already know you can’t go wrong.

SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up—my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:

5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything—the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge—likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.

[Ella Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Monroe and Sheldon wasted so much time

Monroe and Sheldon wasted so much time behind the facade of it was only business that it ruined my love story of them. I absolutely love this author but I could not find anymore stars to give for this one. It was absolutely Monroe's character, she kept reminding you that I'm a woman but tough. I will not even entertain the fact that Seven and her biker chick's were her backup!! I'm sorry but I have alot of biker friends and even though the guys are tough they are no where near killers or mafia type scenarios this just kills the image for me. I absolutely love Sheldon's character but the two only really vibed and brought the chemistry home for me in the end when she cried and ran to him!! A good read but all the other characters is what made me keep reading.

[whatbreeread · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

i don’t do urban romance like that but i rly enjoyed this one

the way sheldon asserted monroe’s power when she showed signs of doubt. he was not letting her forget that she’s that girl and he was not gonna undermine her role as a boss and i loved that

i loved mo and shel as a couple but i loved them as individuals. they were written so well- having actual distinct personalities and character arcs, and chemistry and tension between them that was just excellent

i also rly loved the way they loved each other. they were doing a lot of tough shit in the streets but the love between them was so pure i just loved it. like reading abt two people who live in a world like that coming home to comfort and a partner who loved every single thing abt them was just- ugh anyway😩😭🥹🫶🏾

i loved all the supporting characters as well. it got a bit convoluted at times cause it’s so many of them😭 but i loved the found family dynamic and how they were ride or dies for each other through and through

on a real this is probably my favourite marriage of convenience novel that i’ve ever read. it was just too good

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yass Asia! I was so excited to learn the backstory of Sheldon and Monroe, and it was everything I thought it would be and more! I enjoyed the slow burn of them becoming best friends and learning each other, to falling and afraid to admit their feelings. The love that they felt for each other was so powerful, that you knew that anyone who crossed them would have hell to pay! I knew that Monroe would be a force, being Monty Harper's daughter, but damn she was a badass for real, for real! It was nice catching a glimpse of the other couples as well. Hope we hear from all of them soon. Great job! 👍👍👍

[Alvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Love

Man, look...when I say this was Delectable, believe me😏. I usually am not drawn to any title that has "Thug" in it, yet after reading 'Law and Love', I was intrigued by Sheldon Black and Monroe Harper and I'm glad I took the dive into their story. While it had some elements of street life, it was purely about the love or struggle to get to love, of these two characters.

I won't get too into there story, yet I will say I loved all the family ties and friendships and bonds being formed. Getting updates on all the Black, King, Edwards and Harper families was fun to read and I hope these crews pop up in other stories as well.

I surely need an update on Monroe and Sheldon. The way Sheldon dove head first, pun intended 😜, into showing His Mo' that he was all in and loved her, was mesmerizing. These two love birds are a couple I see being so fierce on the streets, yet a cozy loving family at home. I'm so excited for what the future holds for them.

One thing Asia Monique is quickly doing is winning me over in these author streets and I'm not mad about it😉.

Highly, Highly, Highly recommend this book. Geez, that was good.

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful rollercoaster

So.. this book. Is incredibly cute. And misleading
From the title to the synopsis, I expected something way different from what I got (in a good way)!!

I do advise that you read the other book before this one coz the names had me dizzy and confused. BUT! Sheldon & Monroe are so cute and lovely for each other!!

Their names are very unique (and not what I expected for black characters but duh, it’s Asia. Of course it’ll be different every time) and their love is even more special for it

I’m not gonna give too many spoilers, but please read this book to the end!!!

[Tameka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooooo good

I never thought an arranged marriage novel would be this amazing. I’m so happy you released Monroe and Sheldon story, I’ve been looking forward to this since I read love and law. This is a wonderful read and I love how you kept it as a romance novel even with the lifestyle of the two characters. I don’t usually read books like this from other authors but from Asia I knew it would be romantic and good. This story was everything I expected and more. Keep up the great work Asia. Hopefully you have room to give an update on Seven. 😊😊

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it🔥🔥

I love all of Asia Monique’s books. All of them. This one was just another 5 Star read filled with people I love to catch up with. It was great seeing our gang from Love and Law. Now Sheldon and Mo..these two..loved the progression of their engagement and marriage. I enjoyed watching them fall in love. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Read it, you won’t be sorry😜. Thanks Asia, you rock😉💃🏽💃🏽🙏🏽❤️

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this story. Very well written. After reading Love and Law, I wanted to know more about Sheldon Black. He just seemed too quiet to me while his siblings lives were thriving with love interests. What I loved about Sheldon and Monroe was that their feelings were always there since their teenage years but it was up to them as adults to finally act on them and put the business union aside. Although an arranged marriage, it was definitely a true friends to lovers story.

[ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. 3.65

This was a good complete storyline and I enjoyed the edginess of "thug side" having a softer side shown and the development of love... however the story took a moment to get going and the repeated dialog around. "We were promised to one another before birth. Our marriage solidified an alliance more than a decade in the making" I am sure this was referenced in every chapter...but I did enjoy it and I hope we a story on Seven.