Desperate Housewife by Cydney Rax
Carmen Foster thinks she has it all—a perfect house, kids, and
marriage. Until she stumbles upon racy texts from her husband,
Forrest, to his baby mama, Toni—who desperately wants Forrest
back. Carmen is devastated and decides she can forgive Forrest
if she just has an affair of her own. But when a scheming Toni
gets involved and threatens to reveal Carmen’s secret, revenge
takes an unexpected and explosive turn…
Sinful by Niobia Bryant
A psychologist specializing in addiction, Brie Bailey is
surprised to find that her work is affecting her personal life
in unexpected ways. For the first time, she has something to
hide. And when her impulsive actions lead her into a web of
danger, Brie finds herself losing control of everything…
L.A. Confidential by Grace Octavia
Stevie Silver, Black Hollywood’s sitcom sweetheart, is in for a
run of very bad luck. Her conniving assistant, Kristine, has her
sights on Stevie’s career—and on her T.V. producer husband.
Kristine will do whatever it takes to win, from blackmail to
seduction. But when a series of lies and betrayals comes to a
head in the canyons behind the Hollywood sign, more than stardom
is at stake…
What happens when beautiful, twenty-year-old petty thief and
ex-stripper Mink LaRue finds out she’s a dead ringer for the
age-progressed photo of the missing oil heiress Sable Dominion?
Harlem-born Mink LaRue makes a
beeline to Dallas, Texas, pretending to be the Dominions’
long-lost daughter, Sable. She knows she’s hit the jackpot when
she and her super ghetto partner in crime, Bowlegged Bunni, are
admitted into the Dominions’ 20-room mansion, complete with all
the trimmings of a luxurious family estate. But it’s not long
before Mink’s newfound siblings grow suspicious of the ghetto
princess, who has a rap sheet a mile long. If Mink is to worm
her way into their pockets and get her hands on their dough,
then she must tell enough lies to convince everyone that she
really is the precious daughter who was stolen from their fold.
But with a DNA test standing between her and a hefty
inheritance, how long can Mink’s bag of lies keep her rolling in
the Dominions’ riches?
“Noire is a force to be reckoned with in the urban erotic
genre.” —Urban Reviews
Essence® Bestselling Author, NOIRE
“Urban Erotica has never been
hotter!” —Nikki Turner
“Noire is Dickens for the age of dojah, donuts and dawgs.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A great new taste in the literary
world.” —Carl Weber
Lutishia Lovely cooks up a riveting portrait of a trailblazing
family expanding their booming soul food dynasty.
After a long bout of misfortune, betrayal, and broken hearts,
the Livingstons and their soul food empire are thriving.
Toussaint Livingston is the Food Network darling, Malcolm
Livingston’s BBQ Soul Smoker is still the toast of QVC, and
Bianca Livingston’s brainchild TOSTS—Taste Of Soul Tapas
Style—is a sizzling sensation on L.A.’s Sunset Strip. It seems
that nothing can stop the progress of this third
generation—until a dish called trouble gets added to the menu.
Jefferson Livingston is the only sibling who feels he hasn’t
made his mark, a fact for which he partly blames Toussaint. But
with a recent promotion and a sexy new assistant, Jefferson is
ready to show his cousin just how big a mistake he made. Then a
fire breaks out, an old enemy rears his ugly head, and a
stranger threatens the family’s legacy. Jefferson and Toussaint
must now work together to keep the dynasty from falling apart.
Can they put their differences aside long enough to take care of
business? There’s only one way to find out.
It’s a town of heartthrobs, drama queens, and bullies. Now two
teens who are new to LA are about to get a crash course in it
all—and learn that getting the guy isn’t always what it’s
cracked up to be.
Kassidy Maddox has everything—beauty, brains, and confidence to
spare. Fresh off the New York A-list, she knows what she wants:
Brent, Romero, and Carsen, three extremely fine, must-have boys.
And she isn’t about to choose between them—until she meets
Diggs. He’s a hot property—and he doesn’t like to share. Will
Kassidy finally have to give up the spotlight?
Jacobi Swanson is a late bloomer with a major crush on two guys.
There’s Shooby from the old neighborhood, the guy she can’t let
go of and, seemingly, can’t have, and then there’s Malone, the
guy next door who’s got a serious case of the perfects—perfectly
popular, perfectly smart, and perfectly rich. Determined to
break out of her shell and into the heart of the guy who’s right
for her, Jacobi turns to Kassidy for beauty and boy tips. But
when Jacobi finally captures the right one’s attention, she’ll
have to figure out whether he’s for real—along with everything
else in La-La Land.
“An amazing tale that is sure to delight, teach, and intrigue
teens everywhere!” —Ni-Ni Simone on Boyfriend Season
“Keep your eyes on Sasha
Campbell!” —Brenda Hampton, author of the Naughty series
Learning to trust can be the hardest lesson of all…
Newly divorced single mom Monica Houston needs to find a job.
When her best friend suggests she answer an ad seeking exotic
dancers, they both laugh. But with no work in sight, it’s no
joke. Soon, Monica is dancing at Scandalous, and the money is
flowing. But to hold on to her children, and her heart, she’ll
have to keep it a secret from both her ex and her new man. Too
bad someone in her life has other ideas.
The baddest dancer at Scandalous, Robin Douglas a.k.a. Treasure
lives for herself and trusts no one. The last thing she wants is
to take in her estranged sister Deena’s little boy, Kyle. But
with Deena arrested for murder, she has no choice. There’s just
one condition: Kyle’s hot, “big brother” Trey has to babysit.
With a man and a child in her life, Treasure’s heart opens. Soon
she’s in love—and determined to prove Deena’s innocence—though
it means the greatest risk of all.
“These characters leap off the page and make you want to join
in.” —Lutishia Lovely on Confessions
“Drama, drama and more drama! It’s a good juicy read you won’t
want to put down.” —RT Book Reviews on Confessions
Acquitted of murder, Tamia Luke is on a mission to reclaim all she’s
lost, including her ex, Brandon, who saved her life. Brandon’s about to
get married, but Tamia’s determined, even if it means resorting to
deception—a family habit. Her sister, Fiona, betrayed Tamia to save her
own skin. Now the two share a scandalous secret that may destroy both
their plans to start over…
Fiona’s hoping her new job will help her score a rich husband. It’s
looking good, until the night she’s seduced by the one man who is truly
unattainable. And both sisters will have to steer clear of someone who
knows too much, and wants them to pay—with their lives…
Praise for Naomi Chase’s Exposed
“An ultra-sexy page-turner.” --De’nesha Diamond, author of Street Divas
“Sexy, scandalous, and suspenseful. I enjoyed the drama-filled ride and
didn’t want it to end.” --Meesha Mink, author of Real Wifeys: Get Money
Atlanta reporter Toni Shields will do
whatever it takes to get a good story. So when she’s arrested for
sneaking around the mayor’s house, she’s prepared. What she’s not
prepared for is getting demoted—or her run-in with stubborn Adam Bayne,
director of the local young men’s rehab center…
The first time Adam saw Toni, she was wrangling with the cops. Now she’s
looking for a scoop at Jacob House. Adam has no intention of letting her
near his boys—yet as usual, her pushiness wins. And when she genuinely
helps a teen in trouble, Adam sees a side of her that cares about more
than just a headline. Soon, they become close—their attraction growing.
But there’s more to both their lives than meets the eye. Toni has a
haunting family secret, one that is taking a great toll on her. And when
she uncovers that Adam has a devastating past of his own, not only their
relationship, but their futures, and their faith, lie in the balance.
Praise for Man Enough for Me
“A sweet Christian romance.” –Publishers Weekly
“Enough drama, romance, and faith that keeps you turning pages.”
--Tiffany L. Warren, Essence® bestselling author
Sunday Tolliver has a mega-smash album up for major awards—and her first
few months as a college freshman are everything she hoped for. But
juggling all this and her long-distance romance with boyfriend Sam is
taking drama to mad-crazy levels. Hot up-and-coming video star DeShawn
isn’t letting Sunday’s relationship keep him from getting close. And
relentless online gossip is seriously shaking Sunday’s trust in Sam. On
top of that, her jealous diva cousin, Dreya, just won’t stay out of
Sunday’s face—especially now that she’s in the running for the same
music awards. The only way Sunday can stop the madness and get back on
track is to trust her instincts--and get a little help from her friends…
Praise for Nikki Carter
“…plenty of reality show-type drama.” --Romantic Times on Doing My Own
Thing
“Nikki Carter is a fresh, new voice.” --ReShonda Tate Billingsley,
Essence® bestselling author
ERIN…
After having my heart broken by my ex, I was all about
friends-with-benefits and having a good time. The last thing I wanted
was something heavy with my new neighbor, Joel. So my roommate Kenya and
I decided to have a little fun with him. But Joel’s sensual, romantic
side is sparking a hunger in me for something much more than sex with no
strings attached…
KENYA…
With all the players out there, Erin and I always joked that if either
of us ever found a good man we’d share him. And that’s exactly what we
did when Erin told me about Joel’s skills in the bedroom. The only
problem now is that I want him to myself…
AND JOEL…
I thought Erin was the only woman for me. But her friend Kenya was just
as appealing. When they proposed that we become a threesome, my hottest
fantasy became reality. And before I knew what was happening, I found
myself falling hard—for both of them.
“An erotic tale with a bit of a twist… For a fun, sensual book with an
added flair, this is one to get.” —The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
ALEX HAIRSTON was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a former
U.S. Naval Hospital Corpsman and a graduate of the Johnston School of
Practical Nursing. Alex is the author of the novels She Creeps, If Only
You Knew, and Love Don’t Come Easy. He resides in Randallstown,
Maryland, with his wife and three kids.
Some secrets set you free. Some destroy
your world.
After six years of marriage, Victoria and Ted are the ultimate power
couple. She’s a beautiful, business savvy sister who owns one of
Atlanta’s hottest event planning companies. He’s a blue-eyed CEO who
knows how to take care of business in and out of the boardroom. But
their happy life quickly begins to unravel when long held desires and
decades-old secrets come back to haunt them.
It starts when Parker Brightwood re-enters Victoria’s life. She thought
she’d gotten over the handsome surgeon who once stole her heart, but
unusual circumstances bring the ebony prince back on the scene—and this
time he’s determined to win her at any cost. Ted’s undoing begins with
his mother’s sudden death and a mysterious secret—one that will lead to
a truth so shocking it threatens the life and marriage he holds dear.
Facing a road filled with uncertainty, Victoria and Ted must confront
their deepest, most hidden fears. Can they repair the damage done by
secrets and lies before it’s too late?
Praise for Trice Hickman’s Unexpected Interruptions
“Hickman hits all the high notes in this charming modern romance where
love and loyalty trump race.” –Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“There’s a good dose of humor and steamy romance that makes this novel
soar.”—Urban Reviews
New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe presents an unforgettable
tale featuring the rebellious early years of Mama Ruby, the indomitable
heroine of her acclaimed novel The Upper Room.
Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ruby Jean Upshaw is the kind of
girl who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. By the time she’s
fifteen, Ruby has a taste for fast men and cheap liquor, and not even
her preacher daddy can set her straight. Only Othella Mae Cartier,
daughter of the town tramp, understands what makes Ruby tick.
When Ruby discovers she’s in the family way, she’s scared for the first
time in her life. After hiding her growing belly, Ruby secretly gives
birth to a baby girl at Othella’s house. Othella talks Ruby into giving
the child away—and with the help of a shocking revelation, convinces
Ruby to run off with her to New Orleans.
But nothing can erase Ruby’s memories of her child—or quell her
simmering rage at Othella for persuading her to let her precious baby
go. Someday there will be a reckoning. And Othella will learn that no
one knows how to exact revenge quite like Ruby Jean Upshaw…
MARY MONROE, the daughter of sharecroppers, is the author of the
award-winning and New York Times bestselling God series that includes
God Don’t Like Ugly and God Ain’t Blind, among other novels. The winner
of the PEN/Oakland Josephine Miles Award, Mary Monroe currently lives in
Oakland, California, and loves to hear from her readers via e-mail at
AuthorAuthor5409@aol.com.
“I absolutely love Vanessa’s unique writing style. She is one of a
kind.” —Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author
When one woman is caught in the act of her greatest transgression, it’s
the beginning of her greatest transformation…
It started innocently: a coincidental meeting between old high school
friends—first loves—at Butterfly’s business, The Painted Lady Flower
Shop. Then came lunch, then confessions of unhappy marriages,
loneliness. It went on that way for years between Butterfly and Ethan.
That’s how they built the soul tie—the bond that, despite their devotion
to God, has now led to adultery. And as with all things done in secret,
they’ve been found out. Well, Butterfly has.
As a leader in her church, Butterfly is suddenly cast into the
spotlight. But she soon realizes she’s being used as a pawn to bring
down a new pastor—a young man who is upsetting tradition by preaching
about real-life issues real people deal with. People like Butterfly. And
as she faces a challenging search for truth, forgiveness, and the real
meaning of love, she may finally break out of her cocoon…
“There are enough tears, hugs, and lessons learned before summer's over
to appease readers, young and adult, who like a good dose of faith with
their fiction.” —Publishers Weekly on Ray of Hope
“Griggs address[es] the challenges of living by Biblical rules with
homespun humor. Fans will be pleased.” —Publishers Weekly on The Truth
Is the Light
“A smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away
from—divorce—with frank realism.”—Library Journal on Practicing What You
Preach
“Vanessa’s rich stories of faith in action always hit the writing
trifecta—they make you laugh, cry, and yearn for more.” —Angela Benson,
National bestselling author
New York Times bestselling author Carl
Weber takes readers back to church, where preaching isn’t always enough,
nothing goes better with the Word than a song—and it’s time for some
hard-earned lessons in love, brotherhood, and betrayal.
Bishop T.K. Wilson has done all he can to make First Jamaica Ministries
a success. But with his last choir director getting caught in a scandal,
attendance and cash flow are down. To fill the pews and collection
plates, Bishop is counting on a new choir director, the charismatic
Aaron Mackie, to revive the church.
Aaron Mackie had been waiting his entire life for the opportunity to
prove that he has what it takes to be a big-time choir director like
Kirk Franklin. But while Aaron is more than up to the challenge, his
ways around women, both past and present, could cost him more than his
job.
Simone Wilcox is just one of the women who’s caught Aaron’s attention.
She’s smart, beautiful and sexy, along with being a highly respected
church trustee. She’s got her eye on the new choir director, with the
intention of having a lot more on him, and she doesn’t plan on letting
anyone get in her way.
First Lady Monique Wilson is far from being the typical first lady. She
does and says what she wants, and doesn’t subscribe to church politics.
Despite her shortcomings and a past rumored to include a long list of
men, she’s willing to do just about anything to protect the Bishop.
The members of First Jamaica Ministries are also keeping the Bishop busy
with choir in-fighting, romantic jealousies, and personal vendettas.
You’d think the Bishop was being tested enough, but a final piece of the
puzzle has yet to be revealed: Someone has been robbing the church
blind. Someone whose connection to the Bishop is far too close for
comfort. . . .
CARL WEBER is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen
novels and short stories. A life-long reader, Weber wanted to write
stories about ordinary people who have crazy things happen in their
lives. Now, when he’s not connecting with readers through his books and
his two book store chains, Urban Knowledge and Beach Reads, Weber is
finding new talent for his publishing company, Urban Books. He graduated
from Virginia State University with a bachelor’s in accounting and has
an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia. Readers can visit
Carl’s website, www.carlweber.net, and e-mail him at
urbanbooks@hotmail.com.
Zuri Day spins a captivating and sexy tale of taking charge, letting
loose, and playing for keeps…
With her curvaceous full figure and a mega-successful magazine career,
Dominique Clark is finally large-and-in-charge of her life. The last
thing she needs is romantic drama—especially in the form of her son’s
football coach, Jake McDonald, a man who’s used to calling the shots.
Yet when their instant attraction leads to a sizzling all-night sexual
marathon, they agree that several rematches are in order just to get
each other out of their systems. The loving is good, but their
differences of opinion have Dominique’s head screaming time out. Her
heart, however, wants to stay in the game…
“A completely entertaining love story...Day’s use of humor and good
sense creates a completely readable novel.”—RT Book Club on Body By
Night
“Day spins an erotic...tale of love in unexpected places.” —Publishers
Weekly on Lessons From A Younger Lover
“The pages of Body By Night are dripping with fire and desire.” —The
RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
“Day writes with zest and sensual appeal. The descriptions of food edge
the bedroom scenes, but not by much.”—Publishers Weekly on What Love
Tastes Like
Essence® bestselling author Victor McGlothin delivers a stirring novel
about a player who’s down on his luck only to receive help from the most
unlikely source—the very women whose hearts he broke...
The year is 1947, and Ms. Etta’s Fast House is the hottest nightclub
this side of Chicago. The city’s slickest street hustlers rub elbows
here with the rich and famous, and anyone with enough cash can drink
like a king and dance the night away. Life is good—until a stranger
named Baltimore Floyd strolls into town…
Baltimore is a handsome, charismatic hustler with a talent for stirring
up trouble. Everyone adores him—including Ms. Etta herself. But before
he can imagine settling down with one woman, Baltimore is up for a
little action, which is how he hooks up with a corrupt cop’s wife—and
finds himself on trial for a crime he didn’t commit. Now, to keep him
from hanging, the patrons of Ms. Etta’s Fast House will need to heal
their heartache and come together before the world beyond the Ville’s
borders tears them apart…
“A captivating and enjoyable read that takes you on a unique journey
into the past.”
--Urban Reviews
National bestselling authors Kiki Swinson and Noire double down in these
sizzling novellas about sex, money, and too much of a good thing…
Shamelessly Rich
KIKI SWINSON Exclusive parties, high-end rides, designer everything—for Virginia
Beach heiress Megan Rich, it’s just an ordinary day. And one taste of
Eric Chambers’ thug loving has her spending like crazy to keep him
primed, hot, ’n ready. But when her parents cut off the cash flow, this
poor little bad girl makes a dangerous, life-changing choice. . .
Puttin’ Shame in the Game
NOIRE Zsa Zsa, Malisha, and Kiki will do anything for a man who’ll pay
their bills and keep them in the style every trophy wife deserves. These
gorgeous sistahs are using every lie, trick, and scheme in the book to
seduce wealthy NYC police officer Noble into making one of them his one
and only. But sometimes the only way to win is to know when to walk
away…
"Kiki captures the heat of the streets." --Wahida Clark
"Noire is Dickens for the age of dojah, donuts and dawgs." --Publishers
Weekly on Hood
Brilliant and beautiful Laura Caldwell is ready to begin a second
chapter in her life with her new spouse in a Cayman Islands paradise,
free from the enemies of the past—or so she thinks...
From avenging her father’s death to bringing down Philadelphia’s most
corrupt families, gutsy financial genius Laura Caldwell has finally
found the tranquil life she’s long been seeking. Ensconced in a
luxurious island villa, newlyweds Laura and James have retired from the
business of ridding the world of violence and deceit. With their enemies
either behind bars or dead, and Laura’s bank account in the millions,
their days are now filled with love, family, and leisure. But when they
get a tip about a brutal killing back home in Philly, they know it is a
matter of time before their enemies come after them for revenge…
PRAISE FOR THE TRUST SERIES
“Banks concludes her Trust series with a bang, giving her fans a
tension-filled, sensuous thriller and a dynamic and savvy African
American heroine who is as tough as she is stylish.” —Booklist on No
Trust
“No matter what genre Leslie Esdaile Banks writes in, she is a master
storyteller. Her stories are compelling, gripping and destined to leave
you wanting more, anxiously awaiting her next release.” —The RAWSISTAZ
Reviewers on Blind Trust
“Diamond tells it like it is.” —Publishers Weekly
In De’nesha Diamond’s explosive series, the fiercest ride-or-die
chicks in Memphis are battling alongside—and against—their ruthless
men, to be the last diva standing ...
On these Dirty South streets, revenge is sweet opportunity. Now the
women who help rule the hood are out to take ultimate control.
Merciless lieutenant Lucifer drops as many bodies as she can to
avenge a devastating shooting and consolidate her new power. Loyal
gang member Essence discovers friendship has lethal limits when she
falls for her best friend’s man. Ever-ambitious Yolanda is angling
hard to go from a king hustler’s baby mama to his one and only. But
Queen G LeShelle will betray any trust and take out any obstacle to
make the game hers alone. And when these four women push their
vendettas past the point of no return, it’s a war only the most
deadly diva will survive …
Praise for Hustlin’ Divas
“A nonstop, hard-hitting page-turner.” —Tu-Shonda L. Whitaker
“Diamond’s ear for street talk comes across loud and clear … a
violent and profane tale, which launches a gritty new series. The
divas here are realistic characters, and the pacing zooms . . . one
of the best constructed street lit stories of 2010.” —Library
Journal
National bestselling author DE’NESHA DIAMOND burst onto the scene as
the co-author of the gritty Desperate Hoodwives tales. The Essence®
magazine recommended series has taken the street-lit game by storm
and paved a brand-new path for the edgy Memphis native.
Understanding that there is a fine line between glorifying thug life
and telling it like it is, De’nesha Diamond spins cautionary tales
inspired by personal experience and the heartbreaking stories that
make our nightly news. In the end, she aims to deliver hope, even if
sometimes there are no rides in the golden sunset. Visit De’nesha
online at
www.DeneshaDiamond.com.
“Octavia pens a great tale.”--The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Essence® Bestselling Author
When your dreams come crashing down, what’s next? In Essence®
bestselling author Grace Octavia’s moving new novel, one woman must
begin again when betrayal shatters the life she knew…
Dawn Johnson’s sorority sisters thought she made a big mistake
marrying blue-collar Reginald. But thanks to hard work and belief in
each other, Dawn and Reginald left the big city and made their own
happiness, complete with a comfortable home and two lively children.
Dawn can’t wait to show everyone just how perfect her choices
were—especially when her mega-successful best friend, Sasha, shows
up to visit. But she never expected Sasha would like Reginald so
much she’d steal him for herself…or that Reginald would see Sasha as
a second chance to pursue hopes he never fulfilled.
With her perfect life now in shambles, Dawn will do whatever it
takes to regain what she’s lost. But the road back will mean facing
the hardest of truths, even tougher choices—and risking more than
she ever imagined to discover what her life could really be.
“Wonderful . . . holds your attention from beginning to end.”
—Romantic Times on Something She Can Feel
“Funny and sexy.” —Essence® on Take Her Man
Grace Octavia is a native of Westbury, New York. Her writing has
appeared in Sisterfriends by Michele Agins and Julia Chance and Rolling
Out magazine, where she was Editor-in-Chief. She is currently working on
her Ph.D. at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Visit her online at
www.graceoctavia.com.
Reckless
Natural
Born Liar
Taking
Care of Business
Boyfriend
Season: Cali Boys
Scandals
Deception
One Way Or Another
On
the Flip Side
For Lovers Only
Keeping Secrets
Telling Lies
Mama Ruby
Forever Soul
Ties
The Choir Director
Love
in Play
Ms.
Etta's Fast House
Lifestyles
of the Rich and Shameless
Shattered
Trust
Street
Divas
Should
Have Known Better 