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Igniting a Hustler’s Heart

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Tempess Perkins is the youngest of four sisters. Yet, she’s up on her game as much as the rest of them. Sweet or sassy, she plays her part and gets what she wants. The mark she claims as boyfriend is none the wiser… until a setup to rob him goes left and leaves her facing a bullet with him behind the trigger. A survivor by nature, Tempess manages to escape death and swear her sisters to secrecy. A new life is in order and where better than California? Truth Price has his home state on lock. Whether it makes money or takes money, he knows when it’s moving and how to get his hands on it. His head is always where it’s supposed to be, especially when it comes to women. None get closer than arm's length, including his mother. But when a chance meeting draws him into the eyes of Tempess, an out-of-towner, letting someone in becomes… tempting. Tempess and her Truth embark on a friendship soaked in passion and loyalty. However, when the past comes looking for its due, betrayal and the search for blood spills over into the new. Now Tempess and Truth must decide who and what is worth fighting for.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2022

66 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Courtney Irving

14 books39 followers

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5 stars
139 (67%)
4 stars
40 (19%)
3 stars
25 (12%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,860 reviews
September 17, 2022
💙

Two hurting souls find solace in each other. Truth & Tempess never anticipated they’d fall for each other the way that they did but it was written in the cards for them. Tempess is running from her past, merely escaping an abusive relationship. And Truth literally has an icebox where his heart should be. Truth has this mysterious demeanor but I couldn’t help but silently cheer for him to let Temp in. I did not expect for him to fall in love so quickly but happiness looked good on him. I liked that both characters had their own baggage and history. It almost seemed like they bonded on heartbreak and horrible mothers. But, it was so clear on the pages that these two were meant for each other. Those Price brothers love hard and they don’t play- and I appreciate that!!! I loved how the siblings went to war behind each other and had this unbreakable bond- it was a great touch to the story. I loved the character development and the spice was whew 🔥. Courtney does a great job mixing street and romance in her books. Truth is such a loving man but in the streets, he is a menace!! I loved everything! That last 20% had me stressed out! Good work!
Profile Image for Mika Verrett.
233 reviews72 followers
July 1, 2023
✨Book Review✨

This is a love story of two broken soul finding a home in each other.

Tempess Perkins hasn’t had it easy to say the least, she is the youngest of four daughters. Temp is on the run from an abusive relationship, one that almost cost her her life. Starting over in California, she is focused on healing and taking care of her daughter.

Truth Pride is now the Plug and running the city! His focus his making sure he makes it home every night to his daughter. Love is something that hasn’t come easy for him and after losing his daughters mother he decides to never open his heart up again. That is until Tempess breaks through his harden shell.

These twos first encounter wasn’t ideal 😂 I mean they were going off on one another 😂.

Courtney really did a good job at writing a story about two broken people finding solace in one another. The way these two were showing up for each other, affirming each other, and loving each other was so beautiful.

Temp was holding onto the reason that made her leave Georgia in the first place, and I just wanted her to tell Truth, the real reason before he found out. Listen, I know the news was shocking to him, but he definitely overreacted. That scene broke my heart for Tempess, in that moment her greatest fear was realized.

Truth is a good one though, I love me a man who will do anything just to see me smile. 🥰
Profile Image for Tisha.
1,239 reviews
March 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my second read by this author and the second time where I find myself torn about her work. On the one hand, this read like a copy and paste of book 1 of the series. Again, it started out strong… the first few pages quickly captured my attention. While this didn’t spin as far out of control as book 1. It did spin enough.

There were such obvious crumbs being laid… i.e., Dr Wright. That were unnecessary and obvious flutters to the story. I wish the plot of Boon/ Tempess/ Truth would’ve been more interwoven. Maybe Boon suffering more from seeing her shine, in spite of what he tried to crush. I feel like the author makes her antagonists these horrible people. And then we never really experience the protagonists reaping the sweet taste of revenge against them. In both books they (Boon and previously Tristan) didn’t see the women they tried to ruin shine. To me they got off too easy. But maybe that’s the petty in me😏.

Either way, I would love to read about Arielle and Christian. And of course Tarzan and Sol.

The author is a solid writer, which is why in spite of my critiques. This was still a 3 star read, but it could’ve been a 5 star and that’s frustrating.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,486 reviews22 followers
February 12, 2024
TRUTH AND TEMPESS

I loved this story. Truth and Tempess lived in different states, but their backgrounds were so similar. They were both dealing with rejection from their mothers and the loss of their true love. Tempess did get on my nerves a little when she still kept holding back with Truth. He finally started opening up to her, but her lack of communication and secret revelation is what set them back. I'm glad they were both seeking therapy individually as well as together. This book will have you on an emotional rollercoaster, but through it all, Tempess had the love and support of her sisters while finding love with Truth.
Profile Image for DeNae Sheree.
1,108 reviews21 followers
May 12, 2022
Great story

This was such a great well written story. I loved how much in common Truth and Tempess had. They both lost their kids other parent in tragic circumstances and terrible mothers. I loved how they bonded through their shared trauma and utilized therapy to make sure their relationship was successful.
Profile Image for Tina.
959 reviews157 followers
June 19, 2023
4.5 😋😳😍🔪

I really enjoyed this story; I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Check Content warnings


Trope: Black Love, criminal organization, single parent,

Enjoyment: 4 ⭐

Character development: 4 ⭐

Emotional: 3.5 ⭐

Sweet: 3 ⭐

Romance: 3 ⭐

Heat\steam: 3.5 ⭐

Intrigue: 4 ⭐

Action: 3 ⭐

Violence: 4 ⭐

Story\plot: 4 ⭐

World Building: 4 ⭐

Enjoy!!!

Profile Image for Kieana Mainor.
80 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2022
MAAM!

First off YES YES YES

🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 SMUT IS TOO TIER.

The plot was twisting and turning every minute / it was so intense and beautifully written!

I’m in love with this novel girl!
Profile Image for Ashley.
413 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2022
I love a gritty love, so this was right up my alley! Just a beautiful book about two broken people that were absolutely meant for each other. Loved it!!
231 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2022
great

I enjoyed True and Temps story. She was working my nerves though bc why? You with Killa?! Open your mouth and say sum! Lol. Looking forward to the next release.
Profile Image for Doris Smith.
122 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2025
This was almost a 5 star until Truth did what he did. I would never went back to him
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
968 reviews39 followers
May 26, 2022
Two broken souls....

Ms. Irving, you are keeping this family coming with the 🔥, and I am here for it all. I thought Wisdom and Sunny went through lots of trials and tribulations but ba-by Truth and Tempess. Truth and Tempess were in a league of their own. By the way, Truth and Tempess lived up to their names. This book touched on so many issues from child molestation to domestic violence. Unfortunately, I also feel like Boon got what he deserved. I am still side-eyeing Queenie and Jamila. They both were poor excuses to be a mother. You were still able to take two broken souls and merge them into whole loving humans again which was genius. Truth's soul spoke to Tempess and vice versa. They both had a sketchy past but with the life, they were handed it was more of survival mode versus a fairy tale childhood. It was invigorating when Truth finally started to come around and open up. He had to face his demons and get clinical support for it. He also had to accept all of Tempess including her past. Tempess made him work for her towards the end but I love that. She didn't just bow and run back to him. She made sure he knew her worth.

This is a magnificent masterpiece, I don't want to give away too many spoilers. Mrs. Irving put her all into this family. She started with "Write Your Name" and I get the feeling we haven't heard the last of this family. I will be ready to indulge when the next book releases. If you haven't had the chance to get to know this family here is your chance. You will be highly captivated.
Profile Image for Eat. Sleep. Read. .
144 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2023
Ms. Gworllll

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Ms. Ma'am! I know you didn't do a copy-and-paste and make me like it! I know 3 stars doesn't seem like it, but I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.

But seriously, it was c&p from Sinister falling to the floor crying, Aunt Justice's "advice," buying the building (which I think may have been an error), and many more instances. Then, there were the errors throughout the book, like timeline inconsistencies that took away from the story.

*However* c&p and edits be damned, I STILL liked the book!! Ms. Courtney is a talented writer with tons of potential. With a great editor on her team, I think she'd reach 5-⭐️ status. If the author is able to tighten up the storylines, have less repetition and unnecessary descriptive details (oufits, long silky hair, & jewelry), and shorten the pages down to less than 300, she'd easily become one of my faves.

I did like that Truth & Tempess didn't have as much back and forth as Wisdom & Sunny. The friendship and loyalty amongst the crew is always admirable. The little hints about Chris and Ari fit in nicely. I ended up reading these two because the chatter in my reading group was mostly positive about the author's latest book. I'm about to read it now, so🤞🏼.
Profile Image for Krystal Barnes.
392 reviews14 followers
February 15, 2023
Tempess and Truth endured quite a bit of trauma as children and into adulthood which caused them to be able to relate to one another and bond with one another. Tempess was in a deadbeat relationship with Boon and only got involved with him because he had money and could take care of her and her daughter Bryleigh. She knew she would no longer have to struggle, however things slowly changed when he became abusive and she had enough and attempted to leave when he found out of her going in his safe he came back home and shot her numerous times and beat her so badly that she almost did not make it. When she came too her sisters planned for her to leave and go to California to start a new where on the way in Truth’s private jet she met Truth. No one would have expected the two to even get involved because when they first met they argued. However, Truth saw her working at Majesty’s club as a bottle girl and it was over from there. Truth was attracted to her and from there he aggressively pushed his way through but they also bonded with one another tearing each others walls down. Truth became her protector and knight and shining armor.
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
793 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2022
Loyalty!!

Kadence told Tempess don't fall for the mark. Which she did, Boon was the devil in disguise. She loved that he put her though school and her daughter the clothes, and everything came with a price. Boon had everybody fooled. Arielle had enough sense to stop messing with him. Manuela she was loyal to a fault. Tempess should have to Truth the about the situation with Boon before hand. Justice scared her. Wisdom had her investigated. Truth let go of Sinister and Passion because they were both clingy. Queenie lied and told Truth she needed money for chemo. She needed it for nose candy. Jamila is the worst parent to have besides Queenie. Jamila was blackmailing Tempess. Maine is sensitive about Jamila. Jamila played her. Jamila had to die. Truth stumped ole boy. Truth lied to himself about he didn't do relationships. It took Tempess to get him out of his shell just like Wisdom and Sunny. I'm looking forward to Tarzan and Solana.
45 reviews
July 29, 2022
almost but not quite

This book had soo much potential. I loved the beginning of it. The storytelling and characters were spot on. It lost its steam about 50 percent in. Some of the transitions were choppy. We started getting scenes from Boon, which was fine but I felt we spent soo much time on what was going on with him that the author lost sight of the main characters. The ending was totally rushed. I hate when authors use time lapses to conclude the drama in the story. We spent the whole book on pins and needles wondering when the other shoe was going to drop with Temp and her past life. That when it did, it was rushed and we got a chapter of a few months later and another 6 months later. I just thought that was a lazy ending. The 1st part of the book was really good, but I gave it a 3 because the 2nd half was rushed and lackluster.
Profile Image for Justred.
168 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2022
My heartstrings

I absolutely loved this thug love! It wasn’t over the top ghetto in the least. Story flowed at a natural pace. Two people do hurt people but they can find love in the midst of all that. That’s what Tempest and Truth did.
I didn’t feel the story dragged at all. Lose ends were wrapped up but I’d love to have witnessed a more brutal end for the bs Temp and Truth suffered.
Honestly the end I don’t know if I would have been able to forgive True for what he did if I was in Temp position. I’d definitely have PTSD and a whole lot of hate. But love overcomes many trials and that wasn’t mine but Temps.
Minor grammatical errors in a few spots overall I recommend.
Profile Image for B.
487 reviews
April 26, 2022
not for me

The transitions from scene to scene was not on the page. For ex. Tempess was drinking with her boss then the next sentence she was in a completely different establishment. This happened several other times. Editing needs a lot of work. I didn’t like the way the first girl talked to Killah if her never opened up to her why do she think she can say those things accurately to him. Sx is not report. If it was just sx how/when did they have so much fun together? Very confusing to me. It seemed like we were supposed to know these people already very weird.
5 reviews
May 6, 2022
And ANOTHER ONE!!

This book was well worth the wait! Tempess and Truth took Me through all different kinds of emotions but I loved that they found their happily ever after in each other. I see Queenie still was sh## and Jamila got what she deserved. Nice to see appearances from Sunny, Jewel and Majesty! You even brought my book Bae in for a few lines. (Wisdom) 10/10!! Congratulations on another great book!
Profile Image for Girl Truss Me.
468 reviews25 followers
June 15, 2022
🥰🥰🥰

Truth and Tempess story was amazing, I will say both Truth and Tempess was wrong communicating and being honest should have been forefront. This book will have you engrossed from beginning till the end, it did feel drawn out and Truth is the man lol. This is my first book for Courtney and it will not be the last. Now I am going to read Wisdoms story!
180 reviews
July 15, 2022
awwww i loved this. they were just 2 tortured soul who needed each other to heal!! maybe Truth and Tempress has my heart😩 i loved everything about this book! the plot! the smut! the love!! bruh juss everything! maynee idk what to rt i’ve been in a review slump but this book was hands down good and funny ash too😂😂
Profile Image for Sunshine.
228 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2022
A lot of good drama

Whew, Truth and Tempest. This was an interesting story. There was a lot of action , good sex and drama. Truth was a special kind of everything. The story was a bit chopping in some areas and there were some editing needed; maybe something a test/beta reader would help. I enjoyed the read. I’m looking forward to the next story.
1,714 reviews7 followers
May 24, 2023
T-N-T =🧨🧨🧨🧨🧨

I'm glad that these books can be read in any order because I'm all over the place. Truth and Tempess, I really like their story. Once they started talking, their similarities started to show. I like that he is truly about that life. Tempess did what she felt she had to do. Yes, it's a must-read. It's an absolute pleasure reading your books. 🥰
4 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2022
good read

This book was such a good read and very well written. This is the first book I read from this author and I’m looking forward to seeing what other books she has. I loved this story.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,443 reviews26 followers
May 19, 2022
hustler’s ♥️

Whew Temp really had a tough time thawing the ice around Truths ❤️. She and her sisters didn’t have it easy. Cairo was such a good man to Lee it was inspiring. I was happy to see more of Sunny and Wise too!
827 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2022
TNT

Man where do you start. First of all this book is really good. From the moment I opened it to the end I was hooked. That dang on Tempess and Truth are really like TNT dynamite. Fireworks, excitement, hood, drama, and love all in one.
Profile Image for Candace.
860 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2023
Great read!

Yasss I loved this read! I loved all of the sisters, the characters from the 1st read and the storyline was dope! Truth and Tempess definitely took me on a crazy journey. Great read!
Profile Image for Camisha Crisp.
745 reviews18 followers
May 13, 2022
I’m a hustler baby…

Tempess and Truth will take you through every emotion when reading this book . But the emotional roller coaster is worth every bump, twist and turn. You definitely will not forget these two, and to be honest you won’t want to!!
Profile Image for Kwastina Jackson.
649 reviews6 followers
March 22, 2023
Yes!!!

I enjoyed reading this book. Truth and Tempess pulled at the heart strings! The author did a great job of building their lives and then twining them together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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