Anario Anderson is a professional poker player who thrives on taking risks—except when it comes to love. After a messy breakup with his daughter's mother two years ago, he's embraced the bachelor lifestyle and left serious relationships off the table. But everything changes when he meets China Armani, his daughter's intelligent, beautiful, and cautious teacher, at a school open house.

She was the pretty girl from the South whose life had been planned out for her since the age of fourteen, when she had her first boyfriend. She never anticipated that one decision would turn her world upside down. He was a smart kid from the slums who was known for his handsome looks, tantalizing eyes, and smile. He grew up in a dangerous environment, to most, and instead of turning away from danger, he embraced it, using it to his advantage to get where he wanted in life, which was out of the hood.

Calliope "Callie" Palmer is one year fresh out of a relationship with a heartbreaking end. Since deciding to focus on herself and her bakery, the last thing Callie is looking for again is love. When her best friend recruits her for a photoshoot with her fiancé, Callie has a feeling she's being set up. Her initial apprehension is replaced with immediate attraction when she lays eyes on the handsome Thane St. Thomas.

Xander Brown is a skilled surgeon who lives a carefree life. With him being the Chief of Surgery at GHM, his plate is always full. However, he made room for the one woman he couldn't see himself without. Zara Lyles is the hood Barbie; that's all about her family. She does what needs to be done for them to survive, all while keeping a certain elegance. As usual, she has it all together without the help of a man.

Michelle and Kelsie have never had it easy, but the one thing that has remained consistent in each of their lives are each other. Both in their early twenties and with the stress of the world on their shoulders, they both manage to still be there for each other through it all. Michelle's dream is to be a top stylist, well her dream was a reality until she was fired from Naomi's shop because of her boyfriend. Tasheem is all Michelle knows, and that's being physically and mentally abused by the man she has loved since she was younger.