Books like 'The Illegal'
Readers who enjoyed The Illegal by Lawrence Hill also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary dystopia historical-fiction politics sports literary-fiction drama poc-mc family social-commentary
-
The Ones We Leave Behind by Deanna Lynn Sletten
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDiane picked up her mother’s phone. “How do you feel about your mother being let out of prison today after sixty-five years?” the reporter asked. Diane stared at her mother. “My grandmother is alive?” That one phone call hurled shock waves throughout the entire family.1955 – Anna Bergman Craine’s life changes in an instant when she commits a crime of passion and is sentenced to life in prison... -
Beyond Measures by Kimberly Brown
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAriyanna "Ari" Ramirez has had enough of no love. After a two-year relationship filled with more heartbreak than happiness, she is starting over. When she meets handsome, suave, single father, Simeon "Sime" Cartwright, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. Their romance is one for the ages, but nothing worth having comes easy and Ari is paying the ultimate price... -
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city... -
Working Girls by Treasure Hernandez
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWalk with Halleigh and Malek as they introduce you to a new struggle in a new city . . . a place called Flint, Michigan, one of the roughest little cities in America. It's a place where the good die young, loyalty is a rarity, and everybody has a hustle... -
-
The Heart of Him by Iris Bolling
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJames Brooks, the campaign manager for Attorney General hopeful JD Harrison finds himself reluctantly falling for Ashley Harrison, sister to the candidate. As the two become more attracted to each other, their past love interests emerge and threaten to destroy what appears to be a sex-driven relationship. James has hidden his family ties from Ashley and his friends for reasons of his own... -
Diamond by D. Camille
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“He who marries beauty, marries trouble...” ~ Nigerian proverb Diamond Black is the oldest of the Heirs, raised and trained to be elite. Since the day she was born, Diamond has been her own person, and not afraid of anyone or anything. After graduating college and traveling the world for a few years, Diamond is returning home to her family and the newest mission for the group of Heirs... -
Skye by D. Camille
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“To love the king is not bad, but a king who loves you is better.” ~ Wolof proverb Skye Parker is the only daughter of the Sun God and his Moon. She is also a woman of many talents… A Princess, an Heir, a designer, and a beautiful woman who is confident in who she is…and has no problem going after what she wants. Skye finds exactly what she wants in the form of the new U.S... -
Love's Neutral Zone by Love Belvin
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaaz Zyad, number ninety-seven of the Connecticut Kings, wasn’t a big name in his first three seasons in the League. Thanks to his temperamental girlfriend posting and tweeting her every grievance about the League and Kings franchise, Zyad’s become one of the most talked about players in the media.The Kings cut him a contract extension with a huge pay increase under one condition... -
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence... -
No Way Out by Peggy Kern
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBluford High freshman Harold Davis is trapped. Medical bills for his sick grandmother are piling up, and a social worker has threatened to put him in a foster home. Desperate for money, he reluctantly agrees to work for Londell James, a neighborhood drug dealer. The choice leads him into a world of dangerous streets where no one is safe... -
Back to the Streets by Treasure Hernandez
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Romeo and Juliet of the streets are still struggling to find their way back to each other after fate has cruelly separated them.In order to move up in rank on the streets of Flint, Michigan, Malek knows that he’s going to have to deal with some jealous players in the game, but when he’s forced to go up against players on his own team, the rules change... -
Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey, Tom Kitt
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"A brave and breathtaking musical... -
Back to the Hood by Treasure Hernandez
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this latest installment of Treasure Hernandez’s super hot series, the intensity heats up even more—more drama, more sex, more lies . . . more Flint! Ever since fate sent them down separate paths, Halleigh and Malek have been trying to work their way back to the innocent love they once shared... -
Ties That Bind by Brenda Jackson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt all started in college, in the turbulent sixties, when Randolph and Jenna became lovers. Randolph knew the moment he saw Jenna Haywood that he had to make her his. But the path to love is not an easy one. His wealthy Grandmother Julia disapproves of the match and unbeknowst to him, his brother's seemingly docile fiancee has a few plans of her own that she would like to set in motion... -
-
God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn this richly drawn novel set on the streets, porches and in the parlors of 1960s Ohio, Mary Monroe brings to life the bond between two girls from opposite sides of the tracks--and the shattering event that changes their lives forever. At the heart of the story is Annette Goode, a shy, awkward girl who keeps a terrible secret. Mr... -
The Short Novels of John Steinbeck by John Steinbeck
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsCollected here for the first time in a deluxe paperback volume are six of John Steinbeck's most widely read and beloved novels...Categorized as:
drama historical-fiction literary-fiction politics realistic 20th-century anthologies classics -
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime. In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!My brother slips a durag over his locs.Sis swirls her hair in a wrap around her head... -
When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime. Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen... -
Night of Seduction/Heaven's Gate by Iris Bolling
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Night of Seduction can change your outlook on life and open Heaven's Gate. Night of SeductionMusic Executive Jason Davies made a mistake. That result was a gift of love, his daughter Sierra. Accepting his responsibility as a father, he moves the mother of his daughter, Latoya Wright into his home. Expectantly, she wreaks so much havoc in his life he completely gives up on love... -
SINERGY by Iris Bolling
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsXavier Davenport creates homes and communities for underprivileged families. His goal was clear. Make his brother proud by reaching out to help others. Women were for fun, period. That was until he witness the passion of his brothers’ marriage. Xavier wanted the same for himself. His first step into a serious relationship turn out bad with a capital B. The woman, was beautiful, smart and sexy... -
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction poc-mc realistic book children children-books contemporary -
Love Auction: Too Risky to Love Again by Sharon Carter
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDevastated by the death of her husband in a horrific car accident, Sage lives with a protective armor around her heart. Nick, hearbroken after catching his wife cheating on him, has only casual relationships with women untuil he meets Sage at a fundrasier and falls for her immediately. Sageis attracted to the succesful benefactor, Nick, but refuses to allow him in... -
Africa's Child (Dancing Soul Trilogy) by Maria Nhambu
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom the Foreword by Marian Wright Edelman Africa’s Child is an unforgettable and searingly personal book….In the face of repeated obstacles and injustices, Nhambu continued to analyze the world around her with wit and a sharp sense of humor...Categorized as:
drama historical-fiction literary-fiction realistic suspense adult book contemporary -
Official Girl by Charmanie Saquea
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReneice “Neicey” Peake is a hardworking 18 year old that goes to school and works a 9 to 5. Losing her mother at a young age and never knowing who her father was forced her to be raised by her older brother, Ramone. Ramone did the best he could to keep his sister on the straight and narrow but, when he gets locked up, he leaves his sister to fend for herself... -
-
Resurrection by Treasure Hernandez
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMalek and Halleigh were once innocent high-school sweethearts, but their lives changed drastically when they were separated by tragic circumstances and sucked into life on the streets. Now Malek has risen to the top of the drug empire and is running things after Jamaica Joe’s murder. His rival, Sweets, has left town, so Malek has things under control on both the South Side and the North Side... -
Owo: The Consortium Book Two by Dandridge Monroe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMoney is the root of all evil, but only to those who lack it and the ability to govern their emotions. Jealousy and envy are the true root of evil. For those with money, it's simply a tool. A tool to create opportunity for others, or to put down those who threaten them.Yacouba and Jasmine were a pairing destined to happen... -
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow by Francis Ray
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn her mind's eyes, she could see Wes, tall and elegant in his tailored tuxedo with a patterned vest, black tie, and snow white pocket square. Her red Valentino slip gown highlighted her honeyed complexion and chocolate brown eyes. The gown also picked up the red in Wes's vest and the red in the rose in his lapel. They were the perfect couple and it was show time. And she wanted to scream... -
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA four-year-old Mi’kmaq girl goes missing from the blueberry fields of Maine, sparking a tragic mystery that haunts the survivors, unravels a community, and remains unsolved for nearly fifty years.July 1962. A Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Weeks later, four-year-old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes... -
The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe award-winning author of Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self brings her signature voice and insight to the subjects of race, grief, apology, and American history.Danielle Evans is widely acclaimed for her blisteringly smart voice and x-ray insights into complex human relationships...Categorized as:
black-mc family historical-fiction literary-fiction poc-mc politics realistic social-commentary -
Baby Momma Drama (A Man's World Series) by Carl Weber
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo very different women are about to learn that when it comes to sorting out life and love, no sister is perfect… Sensible older sister Jasmine is working hard, saving money, and waiting for Mr. Right. In smooth-talking attorney Derrick, she thinks she’s found him. But it doesn’t take long for Jasmine’s shrewd granny to expose her man as nothing more than a drug-dealing hustler... -
DEADLY DECISIONS by Mimi Renee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDEADLY DECISIONS II is available to download now! Keisha Cones a sexy, independent hustler with a haunting past has dreams of making on top. Keisha endured a dysfunctional home life and tumultuous relationship with her mother. Her screwed up life style and unforeseen family tragedy ushered her into the belly of the beast. Keisha falls headfirst into a game of love and deception... -
Prescription for Desire by Candace Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSince the death of her husband three years ago, Dr. Raven Arrington has found herself in the same mundane routine. Needing a change of scenery, she escapes to a little town outside of Buenos Aries to temporarily work at a medical facility. Raven didn’t realize what prescription for medicine she needed until she meets Chief of Staff, Dr. Armand Phillips... -
Awaken Me by Farrah Rochon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs the baby of his family, Reid Holmes has happily played the role of the Charming, Irresponsible One. But as his 30th birthday approaches, Reid wonders whether he should be doing more with his life than working as a plumber for Holmes Construction... -
Chase Me by Farrah Rochon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Holmes Brothers has always been, by far, my most popular series. I am thrilled to return the my beloved New Orleans and this family of sexy brothers. What was she thinking? The last thing Indina Holmes needs in her life is three days on the open seas with her loving but nosy family... -
-
Trust Me by Farrah Rochon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTrust doesn't always come easy... As the maverick of the New Orleans City Council, Mackenna Arnold has spent the last four years dismantling the council’s “politics as usual” mentality. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Mack now has her sights set on an even bigger prize: the mayor’s office. But only when the time is right... -
All Up In My Business by Lutishia Lovely
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"An exceptional read." --Urban Reviews "Drama, laughter, and a little bit of naughtiness. . .You'll be wanting more." --Urban Reviews Malcolm and Toussaint Livingston, the siblings behind the dynamo restaurant chain Taste of Soul, work hard and play even harder--especially carefree bachelor Toussaint, who loves as much variety in his sexual conquests as he does spices in his sparerib rub... -
You Gotta Sin to Get Saved by J.D. Mason
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCharlotte Rodgers has always wanted too much. Too much love, too much attention, and had too many big dreams. It was how she ended up abandoning her two daughters, Connie and Reesy to chase after a man and the promise of a dream life. But Charlotte never anticipated how her world would be irrevocably changed... -
Pushing Pause by Celeste O. Norfleet
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFifteen-year-old Kenisha Lewis has it all: good friends who also live to dance, a hot boyfriend headed for the NBA, loving parents and a bling-filled home in the burbs. But all that changes when her dad drops a bomb: he wants a divorce—and his pregnant girlfriend is moving in... -
Royal by Tina Martin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoyal St. Claire was drawn to Gemma Jacobsen from the start. It was an instant connection that he’d never had with another woman. When she was on her sickbed, he stayed by her side, helped to nurse her back to health and the two became the best of friends. Then that friendship grew into something deeper. Something Royal, the picky bachelor, couldn’t deny. Something he didn’t want to deny... -
Dutch III: International Gangster by Teri Woods
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt's one month before Dutch's trial for what the media has deemed "the Month of Murder," Roc and Angel are locked up, and Craze is now the commander in charge. After coming into contact with Joseph Odouwo, Kazami's very rich and powerful relative, Craze is immediately on alert. However, Odouwo has other plans that may put all of their lives at risk... -
Her First Palestinian by Saeed Teebi
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElegant, surprising stories about Palestinian immigrants in Canada navigating their identities in circumstances that push them to the emotional brink.Saeed Teebi’s intense, engrossing stories plunge into the lives of characters grappling with their experiences as Palestinian immigrants to Canada... -
Grown Women by Sarai Johnson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this stunning debut novel, four generations of complex Black women contend with motherhood and daughterhood, generational trauma and the deeply ingrained tensions and wounds that divide them as they redefine happiness and healing for themselves. Erudite Evelyn, her cynical daughter Charlotte, and Charlotte’s optimistic daughter Corinna see the world very differently...Categorized as:
historical-fiction family literary-fiction poc-mc black-mc fiction audiobook coming-of-age -
Si Anak Kuat by Tere Liye
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAmelia, si bungsu, anak yang paling kuat. Buku pertama sekaligus terbit terakhir dari Serial Anak-Anak Mamak."Kau anak paling kuat di keluarga ini, Amelia. Bukan kuat secara fisik, tapi kuat dari dalam. Kau adalah anak yang paling teguh hatinya, paling kokoh pemahaman baiknya. Kau menyayangi sekitar, dan sungguh-sungguh mau membantu orang lain... -
I Promise by LeBron James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close... -
-
Burlian by Tere Liye
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBurlian, anak kampung dengan segala keriangan keluarganya. Bercita-cita ingin naik kapal besar keliling dunia. Buku 2, dari Serial Anak2 Mamak. Buku 3, PUKAT terbit Februari 2010, Buku 4, Eliana direncanakan terbit Oktober 2010, Buku 1, Amelia direncanakan terbit Februari 2011... -
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsGrowing up in rural NC, Ray McMillan’s life is already mapped out. If he’s lucky, he’ll get a job at the hospital cafeteria. Extra lucky, he’ll earn more than the minimum wage. But Roy has a gift-he’s determined to become a world class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way... -
Kisses Don't Lie by Tamika Newhouse
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTheres Dean her first love and then theres Keith Mr. Right Now. Kyla struggles with her desires and her past when she makes a rare trip back home to Fort Worth. After leaving ten years ago Kyla comes to terms with the one who got away; Dean and their short lived romance comes into full swing... -
A Family Affair - A Free Preview of the First 7 Chapters by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAward-winning author ReShonda Tate Billingsley, whose bestselling fiction "tackles some of life’s toughest situations" ( The Florida Times-Union ), unravels the secrets in a mother’s past that turn her daughter’s life upside down—by revealing the family she never knew existed... -
Bad Boy Seduction by Zuri Day
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTroy Morgan is at the top of his game in this sexy tale of love, danger--and the one woman who may finally tempt him to change his single status. . . Groomed for success, gorgeous Gabriella Stone is now a #1 pop sensation. She's also her controlling daddy's princess, and when she marries it will be to a man who can expand her empire, not some ordinary guy... -
Daddy Long Stroke by Cairo
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDramatic, bold and racy, Daddy Long Stroke uncovers the shocking and painful reality of some men’s belief systems about women and sex. Cairo offers readers a voyeuristic look into the mind of a womanizer who manipulates and seduces women by using what he’s got—good looks, chiseled physique, charisma, and sexual prowess—to get what he wants without remorse, or regret...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.