In this unforgettable collection of
interconnected novellas from four of today’s
hottest African-American authors, four
young, hip, beautiful women in a Harlem
brownstone discover they have more in common
than their address.
Dior is a woman with a taste for the finer
things in life. So far she’s got the job and
the apartment. Now she needs the man, and
she hopes she’s met him on the Internet.
She’ll find out on Valentine’s Day. Party
promoter Tamara is opening a hot new
club—and hoping to break her family’s
tradition of failed marriages. But is dating
three different men the best strategy? Cloe
is a BAP on the career track. But just as
she’s up for a big promotion, her boyfriend
gives her an ultimatum. And casting director
Mona-Lisa avoids relationships.
But when a tragedy changes her attitude,
she’s compelled to spend a special day with
a man from her past. Yet she’s overlooked
some crucial details.
As these women come together at a local club
on Valentine’s Day, secrets are revealed
that will forever change their lives.
“Four talented authors create one story with
four parts that flow effortlessly
together...quite memorable, and there’s a
lot of laughter.” —RT Book Reviews on
Diamond Playgirls
“The voice of a new generation.” —Karen
Quinones Miller on Daaimah S. Poole
Daaimah S. Poole was born and raised in
Philadelphia and graduated from Temple
University with a degree in journalism. She
wrote her first novel, Yo Yo Love which
became an Essence® bestseller, at the age of
19.
Miasha worked as a fashion model before
graduating from Temple University with a
degree in Communications.
Deja King is the author of the highly
successful Bitch series and also writes
under the name Joy King.
T. Styles was raised in Houston, Texas. She
learned about street life the hard way—she
lived it—and now pours her experience into
her writing. She now lives in Maryland.
Niobia Bryant will have readers on the
edge of their seats with this sexy and
provocative novel about a group of women who
have one thing in common—their husbands’
betrayal.
Jaime, Renee, and Aria reside with their
spouses in the affluent gated community of
Richmond Hills, New Jersey, where they are
best friends with their sexy, single
neighbor Jessa. Trouble is, Jessa has just
sent them a text message telling them that
she has run away with one of their husbands.
That message opens the door to each of the
women’s unspoken insecurities about their
marriages, as they recall incidents that
hint that their husband is the one.
Loosely based on the classic movie A Letter
to Three Wives, but with plenty of sass and
surprises, Message From a Mistress will keep
readers hooked to the very last page.
PRAISE FOR NIOBIA BRYANT
“The dialogue is credible, the struggles are
emotional and empowering, and the storyline
is memorable and entertaining. Niobia Bryant
has enthralled her readers with another
fast-paced poignant tale…” —Urban Reviews on
Show and Tell
“Live and Learn is a drama-filled,
action-packed, page-turning novel…” —The
RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Niobia Bryant is the national bestselling
and award-winning author of a dozen “Sexy,
Funny & Oh So Real” novels. Currently she
writes full time, splitting her time between
New Jersey and South Carolina.
Kira’s quiet life in the islands is
interrupted when she’s called back to
Virginia to attend her cousin Nikki’s
funeral. Reluctantly, Kira plans a short,
incognito trip to do just that. However, her
plans are derailed when news of her arrival
spreads.
Now there’s a bounty on her head, and
several snakes are ready to cash in. Behind
enemy lines in her own hometown, Kira is
faced with yet another battle to stay alive
as she finds out once again, that she’s
living on borrowed time. Will she be able to
cheat death again, or will death snatch her
from behind in part five of the Wifey
series?
Kiki Swinson was born and raised in
Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her
flair for writing after completing her first
novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a
five-year sentence at a federal prison.
After being released, Kiki self-published
Mad Shambles. Her passion for writing didn’t
stop there. Writing feverishly into the wee
hours of the night, she completed her second
novel, Wifey, which was published by
Melodrama Publishing. After the success of
Wifey, Kiki penned the sequels I’m Still
Wifey, Life After Wifey, and Still Wifey
Material. Taking a break from the series,
Kiki also wrote A Sticky Situation, The
Candy Shop, Playing Dirty, and Notorious, as
well as the novella “Keeping My Enemies
Close” alongside a novella by Wahida Clark
in the collection Sleeping with the Enemy.
Staying true to the Wifey brand that made
her readers love her, Ms. Swinson has
returned to pen Wifey 4 Life, part 5 in the
highly acclaimed Wifey series.
Dante Weston finds the love of his life, but
his reality falls just a tad short of his
dreams.
His friends warn him against opening his
home to an unfamiliar woman. But the trouble
and pain they predict, instead, become love
and passion. He has no intention of falling
in love. It wasn’t even close to being on
his list of things to do. But when Leslie
waltzes into his life, her grace, beauty and
intelligence hold him captive, leaving him
no desire to be set free. After wooing her
with his sensuous charm, they spend their
nights embracing the fiery, sultry, erotic
romance that would become their life.
Cruising their newly found love is
effortless until the emotional baggage they
each bring to the party interrupts their
passion and tranquility. Seductive intimacy
is forced to bow to pain and heartache as
the unthinkable happens and each pay a price
too great to endure.
Kelly Zimmerman-Green is a native of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who attended
Temple University. She graduated with a BA
in psychology and used her degree to work in
the social service field for fifteen years.
In the summer of 2005, Kelly moved to the
Atlanta area with her husband and two
children. Since that time, she was a staff
writer for a nationally televised sitcom.
Currently, Kelly continues writing for
television on a freelance basis and is a
member of the Writer’s Guild of America. She
is also crafting her next manuscript.
The first book in the new series of
children's early-reader chapter books. Tales
from the Mapmaker: Imagia and the Magic
Pearls is about a place called Trillow, a
world of color. This captivating story
teaches children about one of their most
powerful gifts--imagination (their pearl).
In this fun adventure, experienced
storyteller, author, and illustrator, Monroe
S Tarver, brings the most adorable creatures
to life. There are also several full-page
color illustrations in the back, which show
the true beauty of his fantasy world.
Through this series, parents and teachers
can encourage kids to use their own gift of
imagination to realize their dreams and
achieve whatever they want to be. The easy
vocabulary and sentences make it fun reading
for school-aged children. Pre-schoolers will
also enjoy it for storytime.
“A child’s imagination is much like a pearl.
At first it is small and not powerful at
all. Most children don't even realize they
have this pearl. But with parents',
teachers' and others' help, a child's pearl
can be shaped and made to become powerful
and magical.” —Monroe S Tarver
The Divas takes you behind the scenes into the exciting world of four
beautiful friends, all married to music industry heavy-hitters.
Deena: The twenty-four year old wife of JaySmooth, The best
selling rapper on the East Coast. She put her life and dreams on hold
to be his ride-or-die chick, only to be discarded when he falls in love
with a gorgeous, blonde, singer.
Chrystal: Thirty-two year old wife of Corey Banks, legendary
hip-hop mogul and entrepreneur. She has endured hardship and pain during
her twelve year marriage, as she watched her husband chase one woman
after the other. Although she enjoys her lavish lifestyle, she vows to
never be betrayed by him again.
Nicole: Twenty-one year old wife of Julian Jackson and the former
lead singer of the R&B group Miracle. As time goes by she discovers
that he is not the man that she thought she married. She discovers his
secret that could not only shatter their marriage, but ruin his career.
Renee: The twenty-four year-old wife of Atlanta based rapper
Armani (Twist) Stokes. Renee used street intellect to transform a chance
meeting into marriage and hits pay-dirt when she marries her young
ambitious and multi-talented husband. She will stop at nothing to help
him achieve the superstar status that he so rightfully deserves. Renee
is fighting to keep her marriage intact when scandalous secrets from her
past come back to haunt her. Not only could she lose her man, but she
could face jail time for the sins she has committed.
From lavish lunches, fabulous parties, extravagant shopping sprees, and
soothing spa dates, The Divas takes you through the heartache, betrayal
and broken marriages of four women whose quest for love, money, and
status nearly destroys them all.
Imagine a mother leaving her two year old daughter in the front yard,
frightened and alone, only to return years later. In the interim, the
child’s Dad, notorious in his own way, becomes the responsible parent.
This was the beginning of life for Sharon D. Johnson. Needless to say,
she grew up on the fast track, dropped out of school and became a mother
at age thirteen.
Fast forward ten years to Sharon as the single mother three little
girls. With limited resources and no place to live, she ended up at the
home of the mother that left her in the yard. One day she went to work
and left her daughters with her Mother only to return home and find the
girls on the front porch because she had locked them out of the house.
From there Sharon found her way to the local Family Shelter.
Time spent at the shelter had a profound impact on Sharon Johnson’s
life. She learned how to survive and appreciated the safe haven provided
to women and children in need.
Fast forward again, twenty years, to a mature, successful Sharon D.
Johnson; published author, business owner and friend to women in
transition. She is now founder of YOU TOO, a support group for abused
women in shelters. Determined to convince women in despair change is
possible for YOU TOO; new life is possible for YOU TOO; GOD loves YOU
TOO and the future belongs to YOU TOO. She meets weekly at the local
shelter and leads discussions on various topics such as surviving abuse;
moving forward after a breakup and she also provides them with valuable
resource information. She can relate. She understands their problems and
their need to be heard.
The future is bright for Sharon D. Johnson. Her first book has taken her
to unbelievable heights and experiences. Once you read this incredible
story – you will understand and respect the impact of this achievement.
Wretched Saints is a jarring collection of fiction
short stories authored by Poet/Author Marc Lacy and Assuanta Fay Howard.
This unique book forces readers to choose sides and to escape the
lukewarm lifestyle.
Between these covers may be your spark to eternal life or a ticket to
everlasting confusion...depending on how you look at it. For we all have
the greatest intentions at heart regardless of whatever we may desire to
accomplish. Our faith provides energy and focus during the lifelong
scamper down the path of righteousness. However, one thing that poses
the greatest challenge is the fact that no human being can escape being
human...’til death do us part. Temptation lies behind each exit off of
Heaven’s highways. Detours become more alluring as construction takes
place within the most crucial times of our lives -- in turn, potentially
providing a next day delivery service to hell’s doorstep.
Wretched Saints provides a literary window through which we may possibly
see traits of ourselves within one or more of the characters as they
learn the hard way to listen when God is talking. Thus His signal, when
digested properly allows suppression of sinful urges opening up the
door, for spiritual growth.
Are you a Wretched Saint? Open the covers...and see.
Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom’s Neighborhood, but
it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have
the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us
“witnessing.” However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the
righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn
lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we
still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us
further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused
shovels.
The Inspiring Story of One Man's Service to His Country--and How It
Saved His Life
Growing up
poor and black in the segregated South, Robert knew he had to do
something with his life if he was to avoid an eternal prison of poverty.
Like so many others, he found an escape hatch in the United States Army.
But then he got a whole lot more than he bargained for. Robbobell
chronicles Robert's remarkable journey from messed-up kid to GI, drill
instructor and finally, educator. This candid and often humorous memoir
takes readers behind the scenes of black life in the 1950s South, when
saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could earn a potentially
dangerous rebuke. From there, the narrative moves to Robert's Army
experiences as he yearns for a better life. Through boot camp, jump
school and service in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Robert
learns the core values in wartime; staying alive and looking out for
your buddies; don't include anything about race. What follows is an
edge-of-your-seat narrative of survival spiced with the realities of
drug use in the military during the 1970's and 80's. But with help from
the Lord and Robert's beloved soul mate, Jackie, he builds an
impressive, globetrotting military career; while never forgetting how to
have a good time. Robbobell: The Scars of a Painful but Wonderful Past,
is an unsanitized, enlightening look at the challenges faced by
millions of African Americans during segregation. It is the story of how
the Army molded a young man to withstand the enormous pitfalls of his
time. And it is about an important period of American history that we
simply cannot afford to ignore.
So, who is
Dr. Robert Hill?
He grew up in the rural South, riding stick horses through the woods. He
was forever day-dreaming of far off exotic places. Spiderman and
Dare-Devil were his childhood heroes. After deciding that working on the
farm or a life of fishing to support oneself was boring, he departed for
the U. S. Army, with a tour in Vietnam. He has a love for the Lord,
antique cars, a good debate, and beautiful beaches. He truly believes in
a loving and sharing relationship with the one love of his life, Jackie.
He married his high school sweetheart and from what seems to be an
unending love affair, came two sons. When Robert is not laboring away
teaching his students in the classroom, he and his lovely wife Jackie,
enjoy relaxing at the beach. He finds the beach a place of comfort, and
relaxation, especially during the winter months. In addition, he has
gospel and golden oldies on the same play list on his MP-3 Player.
A Fictional Novel of Social Significance Set During the Turbulent 1970s
Checkered Fences is a novel of remarkable insight and a tribute to our
world’s changing social and political climate.
Author Alma Hudson’s novel brings racial issues to the forefront with
delicate balance and thoughtful compassion.
Diane Jones, an African-American 18-year old honors student takes a job
as a nanny to a prestigious white family, Jerry and Ann Shaw, before
entering college. It’s the late 1970s in California and while racial
issues are coming to the forefront, Diane comes face to face with those
issues. She quickly becomes a respected friend and member of their
blended family, paying special attention to their eight-year old son,
Chad, Ann’s son from a previous marriage. The Shaw’s eldest son, David
returns home for the summer and an immediate attraction sparks between
Diane and David. They began a secretive love affair.
Can Diane’s proud, traditional family accept a white man as Diane’s love
interest? Will the Shaw family value her as David’s potential partner?
As their love affair blossoms, Diane and David make their relationship
public.
This story of an interracial love during the turbulent 70s deftly
explores the ugly racism that propelled our nation’s conscious to change
toward a more diversified culture. Written with sophisticated realism,
Hudson’s novel stands out as a literary piece of significance during our
present-day political climate.
About the Author
Alma Hudson works in legal management and is actively involved in
community and environmental issues. Ms. Hudson has an Associate’s and
Bachelor of Arts Degree and lives with her two children and husband,
Eugene in Lancaster, California. Checkered Fences is her first novel.
Momma’s Scarlet Soul is the continued sequel
regarding the life of Cassey Jenkins. On Christmas Eve and at the age of
23, Cassey survived an attempted murder within the city streets of
Chicago. Consequently, she lost her left eye, all of her fingers, and
all of her toes. The disabling attack forced her to endure a lengthy
in-patient rehabilitation program prior to being released home with her
four children (Chian, Donatello, Caramella, and Koran). Meanwhile, the
attempt to pursue justice against the unknown suspect has been deemed
impossible by local law enforcement officials...
NOTE: The Struggle, Momma’s Story is the beginning saga of this true
life story. This title has also been written by Penelope Write and has
been made available to order.
Xavier Preston is tall, dark and handsome and the problem is that he
knows it. He's a best-selling author who is accustomed to adoring
female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing
themselves shamelessly at him and trying to get between more than
the covers of his novels. And he has always been more than willing
to accommodate their needs and desires. However, his womanizing days
have finally ended. . . he's engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall,
and he's decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?
From outside appearances, the very stunning Pilar has it all---a
great career, a beautiful home and a trust fund that keeps her
financially secure. However, looks can be deceiving. All that
glitters isn't gold. Pilar is searching for her one, perfect
soulmate. And she thinks she has found him in Xavier. She believes
in going after what she wants with a vengeance. . . and she wants
Xavier. And that is not negotiable.
When Xavier meets his fanatical fan, Pilar, who declares herself his
#1 fan, he gets much more than he bargained for. What starts out as
a one-night stand quickly spirals out of control and into a
dangerous game of obsession and pain with both parties playing to
win.
Think you know what goes on behind the literary scene? Think again.
When you read the Washington D.C. tabloids, you might
surmise that Teco Jackson was slain by a delusional killer, The Paradox.
However, Federal Agents are not convinced. A crime spree in Atlanta, Georgia
is strikingly similar to that of the Washington, D.C. G-String murders.
Atlanta Detective Paul Yeomans tries to keep the south’s "Phoenix City" safe but
is forced to seek help from Washington, D.C.'s quick-witted and statuesque
Detective Hanae Troop. Never realizing, until it's too late, the
multi-jurisdiction operation is eventually forced into a propitious government
mission with international appeal.
Atlanta resident Gail Indigo Que (GQ), a former Strictly Business (SB) drug crew
member, attempts to achieve legitimate riches by virtue of rags with her
signature clothing line. However, The Paradox feels double-crossed and elevates
his deadly game to a new level by trying to sabotage GQ's fashion career and
draw her back into the streets. All in the name of lady justice, The Paradox
has spread his vigilantly game across the entire metro-Atlanta area.
Several weeks after investigating the case, the multi-jurisdiction law
enforcement team solicits the assistance of an unlikely bodyguard to
take GQ into protective custody. Regardless, GQ is determined to
succeed in fashion despite the odds. Leaving the street life, is it
rags or riches?
In his New York Times bestselling novel Something on the Side, Carl
Weber introduced readers to the scandalous world of the Big Girls
Book Club. In this fast-paced follow-up to that smash hit, the BGBC
has a new chapter in Richmond, Virginia, but the biggest drama isn’t
between the pages, it’s between the members themselves…
Welcome to the Big Girls Book Club, where only one rule applies:
Members must be at least a size 14. Sisters and original BGBC
members Isis and Egypt have left New York for Richmond, where Isis
is happily married and living in the lap of luxury. Her sister Egypt
has moved in to get away from her past, which isn’t easy when her ex
is Isis’s husband, Rashid. Then Isis asks Egypt to make a giant
sacrifice—to become a surrogate and carry her and Rashid’s baby. . .
New BGBC member Loraine Farrow is one of Richmond’s most successful
women, but she has a secret that she feels could ruin her. Jerome is
Loraine’s personal secretary and the only male member of the BGBC.
He’s openly gay and never had a problem with it, until Loraine asks
him to do a favor that will change his life. . .
PRAISE FOR CARL WEBER
“Something on the Side will surprise you over and over again with
plot twists, character curves and stunners all over the place.” —The
Observer
“You’ll fall in love with the members of the Big Girls Book Club…As
he did in previous page-turners, Weber keeps the action moving while
giving us some surprisingly touching moments that will make you
pause just long enough to reach for a tissue.” —Essence® on
Something on the Side
“Weber keeps things tight and funny; readers with a bent for the
bootylicious will certainly want to pick this one up.” —Publishers
Weekly on Something on the Side
“Weber delivers a soap opera-style cautionary tale of promiscuity
and lust . . . twisty and entertaining. This trashy page-turner
should give fans what they want.” —Publishers Weekly on Up to No
Good
“His writing always brings heat—along with multilayered characters,
unexpected twists and a gripping ending. The characters are better
than any soap opera.” —Romantic Times on Up to No Good
Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling author of Up to No
Good, Something on the Side, The First Lady, So You Call Yourself A
Man, The Preacher’s Son, Player Haters, Lookin’ for Luv, Married
Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He lives in New York.
The Duchess of Street Lit, De’nesha Diamond, Essence® bestselling
author Erick S. Gray, and rising star Nichelle Walker team up for a
gritty, compelling three-novella collection about women who are
dead-set on getting everything they want. . .
DE’NESHA DIAMOND Slippin’
Ex-convict Delvon Jackson is sure there’s no way a high-rolling
woman like Sabrina Walker would give him the time of day. But Delvon
is exactly what Sabrina needs. . .
ERICK S. GRAY Put ‘Em in Their Place
Young, beautiful Cha knows her drug lord father was set up by his
right-hand man, Ya-Ya. And when she spots him at the club where she
dances, she finally has an opportunity to avenge his death. . .
NICHELLE WALKER Kandy Girlz
When Kandie, the daughter of a notorious street hustler, meets model
scout Misty, she becomes the number one video girl. But soon she
wants what Misty has—even if it means taking Misty down. . .
De’nesha Diamond is the award-winning, national bestselling author
of more than twenty previous novels. She lives in Georgia.
Erick S. Gray is the Essence® bestselling author of the popular
urban sex-comedy Bootycall *69. His other novels include Ghetto
Heaven, Money, Power, Respect, Nasty Girls, and It’s Like Candy. He
is also the owner/founder of Triple G Publishing. Erick was born and
raised in Jamaica, Queens.
Nichelle Walker hails from Chicago, Illinois. While on a three-week
break from school, she wrote Doing His Time, which she released
under her publishing company, NWHoodTales Publishing.
From the author of Love Like Hallelujah, Sex in the Sanctuary, and A
Preacher’s Passion comes another irresistible read rich in church
drama, wicked humor, scandalous exploits, and faith.
Nathaniel “Nate” Thicke is a preaching prodigy. At only twenty-four,
he’s become the senior pastor of The Gospel Truth Church, a sister
church to Kingdom Citizen. Nate’s great grandfather, grandfather and
his own father have all been pastors at the church. Nate has also
kept another Long tradition alive: he believes it is his pastoral
duty and spiritual right to spread love “whenever and wherever the
Spirit leads.”
The problem is, Nate’s urges have led him to three women from the
same family—the Noble women. And when Nate decides he’s going to
become a one-woman man, the other ladies don’t want to let him go,
which is going to make Sunday church service a whole lot more
interesting. . .
PRAISE FOR LUTISHIA LOVELY
“The scintillating brew of sex, faith and sharp humor will have
Lovely’s fans breathless for more.” —Publishers Weekly on A
Preacher’s Passion
“A spell-binding tale with some hilarious and righteous characters.
While this story is heartfelt and at times dire, nothing compares to
its laugh-out-loud moments.” —The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers on Sex in the
Sanctuary
Lutishia Lovely is an actress, poet, spoken word artist, and former
radio and television talk show host. She lives in Manhattan Beach,
California.
The civil rights and black power movements expanded popular
awareness of the history and culture of African Americans. But, as
Stephen Hall observes, African American authors, intellectuals,
ministers, and abolitionists had been writing the history of the
black experience since the 1800s. With this book, Hall recaptures
and reconstructs a rich but largely overlooked tradition of
historical writing by African Americans.
Hall charts the origins, meanings, methods, evolution, and
maturation of African American historical writing from the period of
the Early Republic to the twentieth-century professionalization of
the field of historical study. He demonstrates how these works
borrowed from and engaged with mainstream intellectual movements
including the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism.
Hall also explores the creation of discursive spaces that
simultaneously reinforced and offered counternarratives to more
mainstream historical discourse. He sheds fresh light on the
influence of the African Diaspora on the development of historical
study. In so doing, he provides a holistic portrait of African
American history informed by developments within and outside the
African American community.
Lena Spencer appears to have it all: a rich
husband, two wonderful children and a life
of luxury. Though she seems to have
everything, she is missing one important
thing…happiness. Drawing strength from Tina
Turner’s real-life story, SEARCHING FOR TINA
TURNER is Lena’s struggle on the way to
finding herself after twenty-five years of
belonging to her family. Refusing to neglect
herself any longer, what she stumbles upon
could be a brand new beginning for all
involved.
Jacqueline E. Luckett is a former sales
representative for Xerox. After leaving the
corporate world, Jacqueline took a creative
writing class on a dare (from herself) and
began writing short stories and poetry and
never looked back. Jacqueline loves living
in Oakland, but travels frequently to
nurture her passion for photography and
learning to cook exotic foods. She is
currently hard at work on her next novel.
“Fans of Terry McMillan’s insightful
dissections of love and life will appreciate
debut novelist Luckett’s similar writing
style.” –Library Journal
“A fierce, beautiful novel…a heroine for the
ages…Luckett is a writer to watch and
admirer.” –ZZ Packer in O Magazine
Growing up in Washington, DC hasn’t been easy for Camille Logan. After being
sexually and emotionally abused by her foster parents, she turns to the one
person she can trust—her boyfriend Chu. Even though he’s a mid-level drug
dealer, she finds safety and comfort with him. Finally, life starts looking
up for her…until Chu is murdered. Feeling helpless and refusing to return to
the system, Camille finds herself living with a group of women in a tiny
run-down apartment building. This is hardly an ideal situation, mainly
because she has to work for Nut, a deranged pimp, but this apartment is a
place that she can, at least, call home. Eventually, Camille becomes fed up
with this ‘so-called’ life. She is forced to right her wrongs and slowly
learns that her past does not solely determine her future.
DAMAGED is a page-turning, emotional ride. Readers will become engrossed in
this heart-wrenching, coming-of-age tale, rooting for Camille’s iron will
until the very last page.
Kia DuPree, a former assistant editor at St. Martin’s Press, received the
2005 Fiction Honor Book Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library
Association for her debut, self-published novel Robbing Peter. Kia's short
story, Lost One, was included in #1 Essence bestselling anthology HOOD 2
HOOD (2008). Kia holds a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and
an M.A. in English from Old Dominion University. She lives in Washington,
DC.
“…knockout of
a story…raw, gritty, uncompromising realism, telling like it is honestly and
well. Dupree is an author to watch.” –Library Journal
“Dupree displays an excellent ear for the dialogue, thinking, music and
world views of her young characters and a talent for setting…far above
standard street lit…” –Publishers Weekly
Author D.V. Hent, a native of Northeast Ohio, currently resides in
the Houston, TX area. Though his career path in college led him
towards Pre-Med, he has always had a passion for writing and reading
books and prose. His first submission to a well known erotica
website quickly earned him an editor's pick which further fueled his
passion for telling stories.
Perfecting his talent for crafting realistic characters in steamy
situations, D.V. Hent self published his debut novel, If You Don't
Tell. Evolving from sexy, sultry short stories to his first full
novel, the journey has been an exciting and new learning experience,
one that has birthed Naughty Ink Press, his own imprint.
What do you want Naughty Ink Press to stand for in your own words?
"The goal is to bring the intimacy back to urban erotic and romantic
fiction with relatable characters, and a solid, sexy story. We want
our readers to laugh, learn and indulge a little. We don't want to
blend in to the urban fiction genre, but to set a standard for
fiction writing that remains fresh and pushes the limits of
"typical" urban fiction. We want to explore the alternative and less
traveled paths in literature and really take our readers on a
journey."
D.V. loves reading and writing, (of course) and spending time with
his family. Valentine, his second novel is currently in the works,
due out in late Spring, 2010.
Mistress of manipulation Diamond Reed always
gets what she wants. As a single mother to
her teenaged son, Diamond transforms into a
vicious cougar with an insatiable appetite
for men less than half her age. She preys on
her son’s friends for sex, molding them into
a team of young men who line her
ever-growing pocketbook with the spoils of
crimes they commit under her leadership.
Dante Reed, although always against his
mother’s promiscuous and conniving ways,
somehow gets pulled into her web of deceit
under the pretense of motherly love. But
when Diamond and Dante are busted for a plan
gone wrong, their lives hang in the balance
as they face life in prison. The stakes are
high, there are too many loose ends, and
Dante begins to doubt the flawless love his
mother has hypnotized him with for so many
years. What will it take to turn blood
against blood, friend against friend,
brother against brother? What will it take
to shatter the veneer of the Diamond
Syndicate?
Now available in paperback—Carl Weber, the
New York Times bestselling author of
Something on the Side and The First Lady,
introduces a deliciously dysfunctional
family in a straight-up novel with just the
right blend of intrigue, sex, and humor.
There is always a man around the corner.
Church trustee James Black should know—he’s
usually that very man, carrying on affairs
with married women and sleeping with one
conquest after another. But when he suddenly
finds himself in love, his relationship
generates a ripple effect of shocking
proportions.
His daughter intends to dismantle his
relationship. And James’s son decides to
follow in his father’s womanizing footsteps
after catching his fiancée cheating. James
may have been the one to unleash this
maelstrom of events, but stopping will mean
facing hard truths. . .
PRAISE FOR UP TO NO GOOD “In Up to No Good, Carl Weber reforms
James Black, a minor player in the writer’s
previous works who his own shine in this
charming tale.” —Essence®
“This page-turning drama keeps readers in
suspense until the very last page.” —Upscale
Magazine
“Weber delivers a soap opera-style
cautionary tale of promiscuity and lust . .
. twisty and entertaining. This trashy
page-turner should give fans what they
want.” —Publishers Weekly
Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling
author of Something on the Side, The First
Lady, So You Call Yourself A Man, The
Preacher’s Son, Player Haters, Lookin’ for
Luv, Married Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He
lives in New York.
In a sparkling debut that evokes the best of
Candice Dow and Daaimah Poole, Michele Grant
weaves a fresh, engaging urban love story
about been-burned-before singles finding
love where they least expected it.
Jewel Campbell is a borderline Black
American Princess from the “safe” north side
of Dallas. The only thing she knows about
“the hood” comes from television and movies.
Her best friend, gold-digging Renee, is
determined to hook her up and shake her out
of her comfort zone.
Roman Montgomery is a street smart Southside
homeboy with a ghetto-fabulous clingy
ex-wife and an engaging five-year old son.
Tired of the games and the drama, Roman is
looking for a classy lady with no hidden
agenda. He and Jewel have nothing in common
except for an instantaneous attraction. But
can these opposites get past the drama,
ignore the advice from friends and frenemies,
and reconcile their differences?
Michele Grant lives in Plano, Texas, where
she is hard at work on her next novel.
Now available in mass market, here is
drama-filled page-turner from Kiki Swinson,
an Essence® bestselling author and one of
the reigning stars of “urban lit.”
Faith Simmons used to live the good life
with a loving husband and daughter, a
successful career as a school assistant
principal, and a fancy house. Now she’s
spending her days with her best friend
Teresa and looking forward to her next fix.
Unlike T., there are some things Faith won’t
do for candy, and she thinks she’s got her
addiction under control. But as Faith is
about to find out, once you get a taste for
street candy, there’s no turning back.
Praise for Kiki Swinson and Her Novels “Kiki captures the heat of the
streets.”—Wahida Clark
“Kiki Swinson is unstoppable…Kiki always
delivers a sizzling read.”—Essence®
bestselling author Crystal Lacey Winslow
“After reading The Candy Shop, all I could
say was scandalous!”—K’wan, bestselling
author of Gutter and Still Hood
Kiki Swinson was born and raised in
Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her
flair for writing twelve years ago after
completing her first novel, Mad Shambles,
while serving a five-year sentence at a
federal prison.
The love story of MELLO & JUNE is a
musical romance soundtrack novel which chapters include some of R&B
classic recording artists song titles as song chapters, such as the late
Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Michael
McDonald and the late Rick James, just to name a few.
The number one romance novelist didn’t become one by accident, it was by
circumstance. When she receives a mysterious letter from her lost love,
Mello, who she assumed was dead, she immediately becomes anxious.
Seventy-four year old June Summers, begins to rewind the movie reel in
her mind’s eyes, while reflecting on their stormy relationship that
spans over 50 years. She has a huge decision to make. After all, Mello
broke her heart and destroyed her trust in men. It was that pain which
fueled her passion for writing.
What is the number one romance novelist to do? Only time will tell—and
that time is quickly running out!
Kimberly Ranee Hicks, Author of MELLO & JUNE, a Musical Romance
Soundtrack Novel
Office
romances were always taboo to Charisma, but
lately she’s finding herself attracted to
her new boss. Is it because the sensual,
honey-brown man could easily become a guilty
pleasure, or is it just because Charisma is
determined not to let her competitive
co-worker have him?
Tangie has a
history of picking men who are hot in bed
and cold on commitment—until she meets an
FBI agent who may just be her Nubian
prince.
Desperate to get rid of her
“body by Haagen Dazs,”
Heather is willing to do just about
anything. When a former classmate offers her
some powerful diet pills, she’s tempted. But
is the thing her friend is asking for in
return too high a price to pay?
As best
friends Charisma, Tangie, and Heather deal
with issues of race, relationships, and body
image, each is reminded that “behind
every successful woman is herself!”
“I swear all men must read
from the same manual. Like momma use to say
the pages are long and the book is thick
‘cause a man has got a lot of tricks.”
Deidre Collins can’t help but
compare her fourteen year old son, DeAndre,
to his father and her estranged ex-boyfriend
who walked out of their lives eight years
previous. Even after rededicating herself to
the Lord, she’s having a hard time forgiving
and forgetting.
After the sudden lost of his
own absentee father, Andre Hicks resurfaces
in Deidre and DeAndre’s life with a
determination to compensate for the time
lost with his son. Reluctant to see him as
the answer to her prayers, Deidre finally
must yield her reservations about their
troubled relationship to let DeAndre stay
with his father during his suspension from
school.
DeAndre Hicks, their son,
keeps one foot in church and the other foot
in trouble. In his last year of middle
school he finds himself divided between
following the lead of his two best friends,
the Dempsey twins, experiencing the novelty
of first love with girlfriend, Kenya and
toting the line at home with his mother. Can
his parents keep him from making the same
mistakes they did in the past? Can they
reconcile their past to secure his future?
Who said there isn’t a manual
for life, relationships and raising kids?
“Find a comfortable chair and plan to stay up late. Highly recommended.”
--Sheldon Siegel, N.Y. Times Bestselling Author of Judgment Day
In her newest legal thriller Buying Time, Pamela Samuels Young presents
another scandalous tale of blackmail, romance and murder, evoking John Grisham
with a dash of Terry McMillan.
Attorney Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer who lends a helping
hand to terminally ill patients by helping them sell their insurance policies
for upfront cash. Waverly gets a commission on every sale and the money
is pouring in.
The stakes get higher when Waverly brokers the policy of the cancer-stricken
wife of Lawrence Erickson, a high-powered lawyer who’s bucking to become
the next U.S. Attorney General. But Waverly’s clients suddenly start dying
sooner than they should and he is unwittingly drawn into a perilous web
of greed and murder with ties to Washington.
Federal prosecutor Angela Evans is determined to bring Waverly down. Her
own life begins to unravel, however, after she calls off her wedding and
her angry fiancé turns violent. For solace, Angela turns to a Dre, a bad
boy with a dark past.
As their lives dangerously intersect, Waverly, Angela and Dre are soon on
the run. And this time, the price is on their heads.
Pamela Samuels Young is a Los Angeles attorney and the author of four legal
thrillers. A former journalist, Pamela is the Fiction Expert for BizyMoms.com
and is on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery
Writers of America. She is a graduate of USC, Northwestern University and
UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law.
Spread the Word, Black Men’s Legacies Must Be Read and Heard!
“Our Black Fathers: Brave, Bold and Beautiful! is simply a magnificent
compilation of some of the most absorbing and readable stories of Black
fathers on the planet.” Richard A. Rowe, president and founder,
African-American Male Leadership Institute)
This compelling 363 page anthology heralds the true lives and legacies
of patriarchs of African descent and screams out. . . Read me. . . hear this
truth! Loving, caring Black fathers have been present since the advent
of time! Created by Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool and Anita Royston, Our
Black Fathers inspires and impacts, regardless of race, nationality,
marital status or social station. It touches readers who root for the
unfairly disenfranchised, disrespected, disregarded and marginalized.
Sixty-one positive and empowering stories and poems by amazing
contributors throughout the United States and Africa chronicle the
triumphant march of Black fathers despite racial oppression, human
frailties, hardships and setbacks. No other book of this scope and
magnitude documents the positive influence of Black fatherhood and
refutes the false stereotype assigned to Black fathers as absent and
unaccountable. Our Black fathers also explodes such hackneyed myths in
page after page of simple, powerful, poignant, raw and real truths that
humanize Black patriarchs and salutes their love and commitment to their
children. This book is an inside look at the reality long neglected and
a ‘must read’ for all interested in a balanced understanding of the
incalculable contributions Black Fathers provide to their children and
communities.
The Inspiring Story of One Man's Service to His Country--and How It
Saved His Life
Growing up
poor and black in the segregated South, Robert knew he had to do
something with his life if he was to avoid an eternal prison of poverty.
Like so many others, he found an escape hatch in the United States Army.
But then he got a whole lot more than he bargained for. Robbobell
chronicles Robert's remarkable journey from messed-up kid to GI, drill
instructor and finally, educator. This candid and often humorous memoir
takes readers behind the scenes of black life in the 1950s South, when
saying the wrong thing to the wrong person could earn a potentially
dangerous rebuke. From there, the narrative moves to Robert's Army
experiences as he yearns for a better life. Through boot camp, jump
school and service in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Robert
learns the core values in wartime; staying alive and looking out for
your buddies; don't include anything about race. What follows is an
edge-of-your-seat narrative of survival spiced with the realities of
drug use in the military during the 1970's and 80's. But with help from
the Lord and Robert's beloved soul mate, Jackie, he builds an
impressive, globetrotting military career; while never forgetting how to
have a good time. Robbobell: The Scars of a Painful but Wonderful Past,
is an unsanitized, enlightening look at the challenges faced by
millions of African Americans during segregation. It is the story of how
the Army molded a young man to withstand the enormous pitfalls of his
time. And it is about an important period of American history that we
simply cannot afford to ignore.
Known as the master of urban suspense, Roy Glenn is the author of Is It
a Crime, which became a best seller and gave birth to the popular
character, Mike Black.
The novels that followed which include, MOB, Drug Related, Payback,
Outlaw and In A Cold Sweat, No More Tears in the End, as well as the
recently released and Commit To Violence the eighth installment in The
Mike Saga.
In this tale of intrigue and betrayal, Mike Black is confronted by the
murder of another old friend. When Kenny Lucas is assassinated in the
street along with two of his associates, Mike Black orders Nick Simmons,
who now runs his organization, to find the killers. And maybe Black and
his partner, Bobby Ray will ask a few questions of their own, and you
know how they did it.
But Nick has problems of his own when he finds that Rain Robinson
betrayed his trust and has set up a drug operation behind his back. When
several of her dealers began getting robbed and murdered execution
style, Rain had no choice; she had to go to Nick for help. Now that the
police are on the case, Nick knows that he has to crush this before the
cops tie the drug and the murders to Rain and do it before Black finds
out what he's doing.
Roy is also a contributing author of Girls From da Hood and Around the
Way Girls 4 and Gigolos Get Lonely Too. His other novels include Crime
of Passion, Body of Evidence and Ulterior Motive feature the character,
attorney Marcus Douglas.
Roy was born and raised in The Bronx and currently lives in
Jacksonville, Florida where he is working on several projects including
Killing Them Softly, an erotic tale of murder and Beneath the Surface,
the next book in the Mike Black Saga.
PRAISE FOR ROY GLENN
"I have four words to describe Roy Glenn's
masterfully written crime novels. Mystery!
Intrigue! Drama! Wow!" ~Jihad~ Author of MVP
"Hot enough to take even my breath away."
The Queen of Drama ®Essence Best Selling
Author La Jill Hunt Author of Say It Ain't
So
The streets of Newark have never been as cutthroat as in Endy’s third
installment of her In My Hood epic.
Just when the hood seems at momentary peace, the emergence of an
enigmatic hit-woman known as the Black Widow jolts everyone back to
attention when she marks one of the hood’s dignitaries as her target.
But she’s not done. She’s on the hunt, out for blood, and relentless in
her pursuit to right the wrongs committed against her family.
Ishmael and Desiree’s teenaged son Nyeem is trying to step out of his
father’s shadow and avoid becoming another casualty of the hustle.
Escaping from his heritage becomes especially troublesome, however, when
his world is shaken to its core by an extraordinary turn of events.
The fall of the head hustler in town conjures up droves of backstabbers,
small-timers on the come-up, and young Nyeem facing a grown man's
decision just to survive.
Beginning December 1, 2009 is National Hood Holiday. In honor of Endy,
the first 300 customers to order Endy's latest novel, In My Hood 3, will
receive a FREE "Hood" hat courtesy of Melodrama Publishing. Details are
posted on our website.
BIO
Endy was born in Newark, NJ. Like most
inner city children she was fascinated by the noise of the busy streets
in the ’hood. Raised in a two parent home with her younger brother, her
parents knew the harsh reality of living in the city. With her mother
being robbed several times at gun point while operating the clothing
store they owned, her father carted his family away to the suburbs of
Linden, NJ. Endy’s father wanted to give his family a better home and a
solid foundation. Little did he know his daughter would be drawn back
to the mean streets in which he tried to desperately keep her away
from. Read more...
What are the effects of the long held traditions of self-hatred,
self-destruction, and self-medication among African Americans?
Read the revealing new novel: MY SISTER’S VEIL , by K.C. Marshall; and
witness the strength and courage of three phenomenal African American
women, facing tragic loss and insurmountable odds.
MY SISTER’S VEIL unfolds through the harsh, ironic, love and life
lessons of three young African American women, at the mercy of their
perilous ghetto streets. Their only saving grace is a gifted veil which
teaches them each a revealing lesson about their community and their
circumstances.
Abandoned by her alcoholic mother, at an early age, Tina Douglas
searches for love in all the wrong places. When she meets with scorn and
prejudice from her real teacher- the streets on which she is raised; she
finds her true power in a life altering lesson from the veil.
When Terri McDaniels suddenly falls from her position of affluence and
privilege, she lands in the arms of C.J, a well known street and drug
hustler. As she struggles to fit into his world, she comes face to face
with the uncontrolled black genocide, in the “hood.” Her lesson from the
veil helps her to find the true passion and wealth in her life.
Toni Patterson rises from her life filled with uncertainty and fear,
into a fast life of expensive cars, clothes, and jewels, only to find
that she is still broken and unfulfilled. Her lesson from the veil
teaches her that true healing comes from uniting broken families.
Open the pages of MY SISTER’S VEIL and journey to the edge of emotion,
as these three women reach for their crowning moment!
From the award-winning author of the Blessed Trinity trilogy comes the
second in a powerful series dealing with contemporary themes in a
Christian setting.
Gabrielle Mercedes Booker could dance before she learned to walk. It’s
what she was put on this earth to do. But when she’s practically
orphaned after the death of her mother and her Aunt Cee Cee reluctantly
takes her in, she doesn’t get a chance to pursue her dreams to dance
professionally. Settling for much less, Gabrielle tried to make a life
for herself but can’t get over the feeling that there’s a void in her
life.
Everything changes for Gabrielle when she attends Pastor Landis’s church
and give her life to Christ. She joins the church’s dance ministry and
her life soars. She also meets Zachary Wayne Morgan, a doctor who
becomes romantically interested in her. But soon murmurs of her past
life begin to circulate, threatening to derail her status in the dance
ministry as well as many of the relationships she’s formed in church.
Will Gabrielle have to pay for her sins even after she’s been saved?
PRAISE FOR VANESSA DAVIS GRIGGS “This inspirational novel leaves the reader eager to know what
Griggs plans next for this spiritual family.” —Publishers Weekly
“Outstanding.” —Library Journal on On Wings of Grace
Vanessa Davis Griggs is a motivational speaker and author. The recipient
of several awards (including the Arts and Letters Award from Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority Birmingham Alumnae Chapter and The Greater Birmingham
Millennium Section National Council of Negro Women Inspiration Award),
she is a married mother with three grown sons.
In this sizzling tale of secrets, faith, and love by the author of
Diamond Revelation, Chocolate Star, and A Chocolate Affair, a group of
Los Angeles friends learn the true meaning of being single, saved—and
scandalous.
Tiffany is used to planning Los Angeles’ biggest, glitziest weddings,
but her own love life is pretty nonexistent. A God-fearing,
thirty-two-year-old virgin, Tiffany has had her eye on Myles, her
church’s sexiest bachelor, but his obsession with the superficial proves
problematic.
When flyers for a new Christian singles website are handed out,
Tiffany’s younger sister, Shay, secretly posts Tiffany’s profile online.
Before long Shay is using the site to get dates for herself—even though
she has a boyfriend and two small children at home. Deborah, Tiffany’s
successful, beautiful best friend, gets in on the action too. Now these
three dazzling women will have to make their own miracles happen when
dreams come true, illusions shatter, and their lives are changed
forever.
PRAISE FOR SHEILA COPELAND “Fascinating. . . sexy. . . very funny.” —Romantic Times on A
Chocolate Affair
“A Chocolate Affair is a treat you don’t want to miss.” —Jamie Foster
Brown, Publisher, Sister2Sister magazine
Sheila Copeland is a graduate of the University of Southern California
School of Journalism and has a background in public relations. She lives
in Los Angeles.
In Phaire’s new novel, Blind Delusion, things are not what they appear
to be in this multi-layered psychological thriller. Mystery plus romance
align to continue the tale of a lonely clinical psychologist who
realizes it can be more frightening to reveal her soul than to face
death.
This is the story of one woman’s odyssey in search of her own power and
strength. By witnessing another woman’s triumph from tragedy, Dr. Renee
Hayes learns how to not only survive but how to gain the courage to go
after what she wants without shame or regret.
In
Book 1 of Phaire’s mystery/romantic series, Murder and the Masquerade
opens up the details of an intense love triangle, woven around a murder
plot that is anything but typical. Set under the backdrop of our
nation’s capital, Dr. Renee Hayes is suspected of involvement in a
murder case and becomes conflicted about her ethical oath as a
psychologist. Torn between her professional loyalty to a patient and her
young lover, who is investigating the case, Renee is forced to do
whatever it takes to clear her own name and rethink her purpose in life.
But the most shocking secret of all is unlocked in the end, and will
change all their lives forever.
Murder and the Masquerade and Blind Delusion are for readers who want to
be swept away in the lives of characters that seem so real you can
almost hear and see them. It is a book for readers looking for suspense,
excitement, and real-life experiences as portrayed by characters you
won't want to let go even after the book ends. If you are a reader who
wants stories that offer hope, new discoveries, and new beginnings, you
will want to plunge into the stories of Dorothy Phaire’s Romantic
Mystery Series.
Dorothy Phaire author/playwright/educator
novels: Murder and the Masquerade (Book1);
Blind Delusion (Book2)
Visit Author at website for more information:
www.dorothyphaire.com
Here is Roland S. Jefferson’s long awaited, highly anticipated saga of a
1960’s black America at a pivotal time in history when Motown, jazz and
the civil rights movement defined an entire generation . . .and four young
people are plunged into the center of a raging conflict between
political idealism and the relentless preoccupation about color, class
and romantic entitlement.
Raised in the protective cocoon of African American middle-class
affluence, three life-long friends come of age in early 1960’s Los
Angeles. At the center is September Jackson, an exceptionally bright,
hauntingly beautiful green-eyed, dark-skinned adolescent girl planning
on a career as a nurse. Her suitors, both planning on careers in
medicine, are the suave, handsome, athletic but color-struck womanizer
Perry Mott and his best friend, the principled, quiet, reserved,
laid-back Benjamin ‘Bennyboy’ Jones, September’s first love.
Over the course of the next four years the three friends cross paths
sporadically. Bennyboy and September had vowed to keep in touch,
planning on marriage after graduation. But time and distance interfere.
Bennyboy becomes so absorbed in his medical studies he becomes
inattentive and unresponsive. And September’s college years are so
filled with participation in the civil rights movement—forays into the
deep south on Freedom Rides and voter registration where she is spat
upon, physically beaten, burned and jailed—that she and Bennyboy just
drift apart. During a stop-off in D.C. to see if there is any hope to
rekindle her romance with Bennyboy, September finds he has become
engaged to a very attractive but vain and pretentious social climber
Aiyana Crawford who is obsessed with marrying a doctor, even though she
doesn’t love him. It’s what the medical students call White Coat Fever.
And this one time meeting between rivals unleashes one woman’s campaign
of obsessive love beyond anything one could have ever imagined.
But obsessions, even noble ones, can sometimes go terribly awry. . .
Booklist hailed Janine Morris’s debut, Diva Diaries, as “reminiscent of
Waiting to Exhale.” In this vibrant and compelling novel, she gives
readers an irresistible glimpse into the lives of three women caught up
in the glamour, grit, and grime of the entertainment industry.
Naomi is an executive assistant to one of the music business’ top
executives, Sereeta is an assistant road manager for an NBA player, and
Madison is the Music Director at one of New York’s top radio stations.
All three are living in a world of VIP passes and velvet ropes,
surrounded by celebrities, wealth, and illicit temptations. But with
their jobs come challenges they never expected. Naomi, once shy and
hard-working, grows deeply ambitious, willing to do anything to get what
she wants. Sereeta has become successful by always granting her
employer’s wishes, no matter how outrageous—but how far will she go to
keep others happy? And as Madison falls for one of hip hop’s biggest
artists, she finds herself at risk of losing everything.
An eye-opening look into the reality of the fast life, Drama 99 FM is
daring, insightful, page-turning entertainment at its best.
PRAISE FOR DIVA DIARIES “Seriously, I couldn't put the book down … every one of us knows one
of these woman or we are one of these woman…you should probably keep
this book away from your man, because we never want them to know this
much.” —Angie Martinez, HOT 97 FM Personality
Janine A. Morris is a Program Coordinator at Emmis Communications, which
operates the #1 Hip-Hop station in New York, Hot 97, as well as 98.7
Kiss FM and CD 101.9 (New York’s #1 Jazz station), the home of Michael
Baisden’s nationally syndicated program, “Love, Lust and Lies.” Janine
graduated from Hofstra University with a B.A. in Communications and has
been writing since junior high school. She has written for magazines
such as XXL, The Source, Don Diva, Platinum Plus, and more. Janine lives
in Queens, New York.
From the fresh new talent behind After the Dance comes a sparkling novel
with charm, wit, and a side dish of Southern hospitality—a real treat
for fans of Pearl Cleage and Mary Monroe.
Aliesha is a dark-skinned beauty who seems to have it all—a prestigious
academic job, a respected role at church and an adoring boyfriend. All
she thinks she needs when she lands in Dante’s barber’s chair is someone
capable of handling her natural, unchemically-treated hair. But her
encounter with the handsome barber forces her to confront what’s been
missing from her life all along.
Dante is a laid-back brother who isn’t easily rattled. But everything
about Aliesha—from her big-city attitude to her wild, defiant hair—begs
his attention. His offer to work his magic on her hair sends both of
their worlds into a tailspin. But does Dante really have what it takes
to finish what he’s started?
PRAISE FOR LORI JOHNSON “Johnson's humor, control of voice and down-to-earth characters will
likely capture the hearts of readers...” —Publishers Weekly
“A fast-paced delight with dialogue and characters so real, I had to
keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction. I was hooked from the
first page to the last.” —Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author
Lori Johnson has a master’s degree in Urban Anthropology from the
University of Memphis. Her stories and essays have appeared in Upscale
Magazine and Obsidian II: Black Literature in Review. She lives in
Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family.
Your marriage can be strong, healthy,
happy, and blessed. Marriage coach Jewell Powell shows you how in this
8-week plan for marital success. She reveals how God's truths can
transform two individuals into the union he desires.
Laying a spiritual foundation is crucial to your marriage. In
Marriage 101, you will discover God's purpose for marriage, how to
develop godly character, how to communicate effectively, and much more.
With biblical examples, study questions, and Scripture meditations
perfect for individuals or couples, you will be challenged to examine
areas in your life that may need change so that your marriage can
thrive.
Endorsements
"Jewell Powell knows firsthand what can go wrong in a marriage--and she
can help you find your own happily ever after."--Dr. Kevin Leman, author
of Turn Up the Heat
"Powell is amazingly vulnerable, truly insightful, and deeply grounded.
Every Christian couple will find help in this easy read."--Drs. Les and
Leslie Parrott, authors of Love Talk
"For those seeking biblical guidance to enrich or even save their
marriages, Marriage 101 is a gift! Be prepared to underline,
highlight, and take notes."--Joseph Malinak and Sarah Elizabeth Malinak,
MDiv, authors of Getting Back to Love
The path
from boys to men is paved with obstacles...with prison rates soaring,
graduation rates dropping and the streets claiming a growing number of
young black men, only the strong can survive. Now, there's help to
navigate the turbulent path to manhood. It's called The Survival Bible,
an easy-to-read, inspirational, page-turning book, full of true-to-life
essays that creatively attack the heart of problems that so many young
men of color face growing up in today's society. Not just stocked with
problems, The Survival Bible is filled with solutions. Each essay is
designed to spark discussion to help young men make better decisions,
motivate them to strive for more, and propel them to a lifetime of
success.
In her riveting new novel, The Skin I’m In, Jenelle uses
fictional characters to highlight an issue within the black
community: skin tone.
Asia Washington is a dark-skinned black girl growing up in
Brooklyn, N.Y. When she graduates high school, she moves in with
her aunt, Lonnie, who is more like a sister to her because of
their proximity in age. Trying to escape her father’s strict
rules, Asia settles in with Lonnie and begins to make a life for
herself.
When Asia meets jazz musician Arthur Greer, she falls in love
instantly and the couple move in together after a year of
dating. After several months, Asia becomes pregnant. She’s
ecstatic and fervently hopes for a son. Unfortunately, she has a
daughter and is not pleased – to say the least. Jenelle writes:
The problem was that Asia didn’t particularly care for little
girls. She didn’t hate them, she just couldn’t relate to them.
When the doctor told her that she’d given birth to a beautiful
seven pound two ounce baby girl, Asia looked as if she’d just
been told she had the plague. And when she first held her,
looking down at this beautiful little girl with the light skin
and the curly black hair, Asia cried for hours. As a matter of
fact she cried for damn near two weeks after she came home from
the hospital.
Naming the little girl Imani, Asia assumes that the child’s
light skin will darken as she grows older. Much to her dismay,
this never happens and over time Asia pays less and less
attention to her beautiful daughter, harboring a strong
resentment over her light skin. Every time she looks at Imani,
all Asia can see is a reminder of all the people who had picked
on her and harassed her for her dark skin, particularly in high
school.
The Skin I’m In follows Asia, Imani and Lonnie throughout the
years. Jenelle weaves the details of their lives with a social
commentary on racial disparities within the black community.
Readers will identify with a relatable cast of supporting
characters and find themselves drawn in by their stories. Follow
them as they learn to love themselves for who they are in the
pages of The Skin I’m In.
Jenelle is the youngest of five children and was born and raised
in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1988, she relocated to Silver Spring, Md.,
where she still resides today. Jenelle works as an accounts
payable assistant for a major newspaper. The Skin I’m In is her
first book, and she is currently at work on Sylvia’s Boys, to be
released in summer 2010. And Words And Music, to be released in
spring of 2011.
DIAMOND
PLAYGIRLS 
Wifey
4 Life
Tender
Love
Tales
from the Mapmaker: Imagia and the Magic
Pearls
The
Divas
The Struggle of
Love
Wretched
Saints
Robbobell:
Scars of a Painful but Wonderful Past
Checkered
Fences
Momma’s
Scarlet Soul
Searching
for Tina Turner
Damaged
If You Don't
Tell
Diamond
Syndicate
Up
To No Good
Heard
It All Before 
The
Candy Shop 
Cheesecake
and Teardrops
The
Manual
Buying
Time
Robbobell:
Scars of a Painful but Wonderful Past
In
My Hood 3
My Sister's Veil
Goodness and Mercy
Blind
Delusion
Drama 99FM 
A Natural Woman
Marriage
101: Building a Life Together by Faith
The Survival
Bible: 16 Life Lessons for Young Black Men
The
Skin I’m In
