Best of
African-American-Literature

2016

The Family that Lies


Lakisha Johnson - 2016
    With a father who thought the world of them, life was good. Until one day everything changed. While Grayce got love and attention, Merci got all the hell, forcing her to leave home. She never looks back, putting the past behind her until … her sister shows up over a decade later begging for help, bringing all of the forgotten past with her. Merci wasn't the least bit prepared for what was about to happen next. Merci realizes, she’s been a part of something much bigger than she'd ever imagined. Yea, every family has their secrets, hidden truths and ties but Merci had no idea she’d been born into the family that lies.

Black & Blue (#3)


Lady Lissa - 2016
    Thousands of people get killed every year at the hands of someone they love. If you are in a situation where you're being physically, mentally or emotionally abused, please get help before it's too late. The Domestic Violence Hotline is open 24/7 (1-800-799-7233) and will take all calls. Meet Ayesha, a young attractive girl who thinks she has met the man of her dreams in Jai. Jai woos Ayesha until she finally gives her all to him. It doesn't take long for Ayesha to realize her prince charming is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. Unfortunately, by the time she realizes that, it's too late. She's already pregnant. Before she knows it, they're having their second child, and things really go from bad to worse. Feeling fed up with Jai's indiscretions, and abusive behavior, Ayesha decides to leave him.However, leaving Jai won't be as easy as she hopes. Jai turns into the devil himself, putting his hands on Ayesha like it's second nature to him. The beatings become too much for Ayesha to handle, which in turn sends her in the arms of another. Rashad Black comes along at the perfect time, seemingly bringing a little light and hope in Ayesha's life. Although she's a little leery about getting involved with another man after everything Jai has put her through. Rashad still wins her over. After learning of the abuse that Ayesha has suffered, Rashad wants nothing more than to protect her. When Jai and Black meet for the first time, it is bound to be some smoke in the city. Find out who will end up with the beautiful Ayesha as the three become twisted in this triangular roller coaster ride filled with love, hate, and some serious drama.

No More Mr. Nice Guy: A Family Business Novel


Carl Weber - 2016
    Nice Guy, the origin of Niles Monroe, the super-bad hitman who will one day become Paris Duncan’s one true love. Niles has just returned from eight years of serving his country as a Special Forces sniper. He’s looking forward to a consulting job with Dynamic Defense and spending time with his family, including his bi-polar mother, Lorna, and his hard-drinking uncle, Willie. What Niles doesn’t know is that Dynamic Defense is actually a CIA front. He’s not interested in joining them, but they won’t take no for an answer. Bridget St. John is one of the most beautiful women Niles has ever met, and she is also the most deadly. It is her job to recruit Niles to the Dynamic Defense team by any means necessary. When Niles is arrested for a murder he does not commit, Bridget makes him an offer he can’t refuse: working for Dynamic Defense in exchange for his freedom. With Niles on board, Bridget begins to train him in ways he never imagined. Sometimes, however, the student becomes the teacher. Before she realizes what’s happening, Bridget falls in love. When circumstances in his personal life collide with his work, Niles is forced to use his military skills to protect those closest to him. Fans are sure to appreciate this action-packed thriller that delivers love, drama, and suspense with Weber’s trademark flair for unexpected twists and turns.

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Side Chicks


N'Dia Rae - 2016
     Remember when side chicks were undercover and ashamed of the men they slept with? Those days are long gone. Side bitches are bold in their quest to steal husbands and boyfriends without any remorse. But their reign is about to end! Nova is the loving wife of Tyriq. No matter how well he treats her, he can’t help his wandering eye. When his mistress threatens to unravel their perfect life. Nova takes matters into her own hand. Aoki is the self professed queen of the side chicks. Without any guilt she uses married men for money, but it comes at a steep price. Eventually she learns that what she is doing is wrong but will it be too late? Skye is the sister of Nova and the best friend of Aoki. She is trying to follow the example of her sister by being a doting wife. But Aoki’s influence is surely tempting. Follow the lives of these young women as they navigate through betrayal, sex, relationships and purely crazy drama!

This Could Be Us But You Playin'


Cachet - 2016
    With a mother who hated her very existence, and a father who was locked away in prison for the attempted murder of her mother; she just couldn’t catch a break. With a stressful home life, Dominique's only ray of sunshine is her boyfriend, Kaleb. As teens the duo are madly in love, with plans to marry and raise a family together. That is until Kaleb unintentionally breaks her heart. Dominique is crushed, and does the only thing she can think of; and that is to leave. Kaleb realizes that he’s messed up when Dominique moves away and goes off to college; leaving behind no way to contact her. After a few years Kaleb eventually accepts the fact that Dominique is gone forever. By then he has his life on track, and is now a very successful business man with the world at his fingertips. A chance encounter reconnects the two ex-lovers, and Kaleb sees it as a chance to right his wrongdoings, and finally be with the one who captured his heart all those years ago. There’s one problem; not only is Dominique engaged to marry another man, but she is also the mother of his son. To make matters worse, Kaleb himself is involved with a woman who loves him unconditionally. Although faced with a sticky situation, Kaleb refuses to allow Dominique to slip away again. He vows to get her back at any cost; even if it means destroying a home that Dominique doesn't know is damaged to begin with. Will these lovers reconnect, or will they realize that their ships have passed?

War Room Strategies: Developing Effectual Prayers for God's Glory


Michelle Stimpson - 2016
    Are your prayers being answered? Do you even know what to pray? Deep down inside, do you feel that prayer is too passive to really accomplish much? If these questions gave you pause, welcome to a new day! War Room Strategies offers a step-by-step, Bible-based approach to prayer that will revolutionize your prayer life! With the Holy Spirit as your ultimate Guide, you will learn to search the scriptures for wisdom as well as check your heart to address ungodly motives before developing a prayer that honors God and bring His Kingdom to bear on everything that deeply concerns you.

Plug Love: Thoughts of Murda Pain


Danielle Marcus - 2016
    It guides you through the streets of Detroit in the eyes of Murda Pain and takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions until the very last page. The streets of Detroit are a jungle and Murda is just trying to survive the best way he knows how. With a family to feed and a queen by his side, he has no room to fail. However, everyone knows that living the fast life leads to two roads: death or a jail cell. Will he make it out the game with his life and freedom, or will he fall victim to the streets? Carmen has everything that a woman could dream of. She's the successful owner of one of Detroit's hottest hair salons, and she's engaged to a man that spoils her with a life of luxury. However, loving Lorenzo isn't always easy. After dealing with his lies and cheating for so long, she unexpectedly finds solace in the arms of another man. Carmen never meant to fall for Murda. But, now that she has, things are more complicated than ever. One-click your copy today to see how the story unfolds!

This Side of Providence


Rachel M. Harper - 2016
    With three young children, Arcelia follows a rocky path that ultimately leads to prison and an agonizing drug withdrawal. But her real challenge comes when she’s released and must figure out how to stay clean and reunite the family that has unraveled in her absence.Through rotating narrators, we hear from the characters whose lives and futures are inextricably linked with Arcelia’s own uncertain fate: her charming, street-savvy son, Cristo, and brilliant daughter Luz; their idealistic teacher, Miss Valenti´n, who battles her own demons; and the enigmatic Snowman, her landlord and confidante.This powerful story of hope and redemption reveals the un- acknowledged side of one of our oldest American cities, where even the bleakest of realities can’t destroy the bonds between parent and child. Rich in humanity, This Side of Providence is a novel of exceptional force and originality.

The Mothers' Board: Mothers Know Best


Lashaunda K. Jackson-Williams - 2016
     But hold everything! The Mothers’ Board has been quiet for too long, and they refuse to lay down after seeing their beloved pastor vanish. What follows is a rollicking adventure with the mothers sticking their noses in plenty of people’s business and causing a fuss wherever they go—whether it’s breaking and entering a house to search for clues … or investigating the seemingly psycho church secretary. Along the way, the mothers show a heap of God’s love to some hurting folks—and put the smack-down on the devil every chance they get. It’s their church, after all, and mothers know best!

Stuck On You (Stoneworths Series, #1)


Michelle Stimpson - 2016
    Yet when they returned to school in the fall, Braxton made a decision that drove Tiffany to transfer schools and never look back.Now, nearly a decade later, they meet again as business experts vying for the same contract at a prestigious school. In addition to their professional competition, tensions mount as Braxton and Tiffany discover that they have two different versions of what happened to their romance so long ago. Can they overcome hard feelings and pick up where they left off? Tiffany’s father passed away a few months ago, just as she was founding her new project management firm. She wonders if her leap of faith was a good move, and her doubts only increase when she learns that someone from the firm she left is trying to undermine her independent efforts…not to mention her possibilities with Braxton.Braxton thought he might follow his father’s footsteps into ministry. His wild fraternity days caught up with him, however, causing Braxton to give up the idea of teaching anyone to follow the faith he so obviously neglected. Can he win back his own self-respect and the heart of the woman he never forgot?Stuck On You is the first book in The Stoneworth Series by bestselling Christian Fiction author Michelle Stimpson. The family history is briefly established, and then readers are off to experience the Stoneworth family's rich legacy of faith and integrity within the context of contemporary romance. Come fall in love with the family!

Money, Power & Sex: A Love Story


Norian Love - 2016
    Follow this twisting tale, full of romance, action, suspense and drama. Watch each person desperately try to reach their desires and discover why they are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to answer one question. How far are you willing to go for Money, Power and Sex?

All This Love (Stoneworth Series Book 2)


Michelle Stimpson - 2016
    After a night of celebrating his parents’ anniversary, Knox meets a stranger who just might change his mind about his future. Jada is proud to be from “the hood” and can’t relate to Knox’s picture-perfect, God-fearing family. Her life has been anything but easy, and trying to stick to her morals has cost her a good job. Now that she’s had to move in with her sister and shady brother-in-law, Jada thinks that calling it quits in moving back to Memphis is the best option…unless Knox can give her a reason to stay in Texas. This is book 2 of The Stoneworth Series

The TurnOut Queens: With Just One Taste...They'll Have You Sprung!


Fabiola Joseph - 2016
    Beyond the music, bottles, flyers, cages, and V.I.P sections, are the workers who keep the party going on and off the dance floor. Find out what happens once the last records are spun, and the drama follows them home. Sex, betrayal, lies, lust, and love, is never too far behind once these sexy employees clock out. Enter Gomorrah, and sit on the throne with the TurnOut queens. ♀♀♀♀♀ ♀Flip Mode: Dirty With A Twist ♀ By Fabiola Joseph♀ What happens when the queen’s throne has been jeopardized ? You enter the flip mode! Monaco is used to having things her way, in and out of the bedroom. With a loving family and a career as a club promoter, which lends a helping hand to her overactive sex life, things couldn't be peachier. But when the charming, sexy, and challenging, Zora, enters the picture, the intoxicating cat and mouse games begin. Monaco soon finds herself face to face with the reality that her chaotic lifestyle isn't as perfect and fun as it seems. When both family and bedroom secrets are revealed, will she make it out unscathed, or will this turn out queen be dethroned by the flip mode? ♀You Send Me Spinning: The DJ Diaries ♀By Christiana Harrell♀ Jia Lu{a.k.a}DJ Persuasion keeps the sexy ladies on the dance floor while spinning the latest tunes for the hottest club on the East Coast. She seems to have it all together when she steps on the scene, but there are two people who can send her spinning out of control. When a past lover turns her world upside down, and her best friend, who may just be a foe collide, Jia runs the risk of getting caught up in an intricate web of deceit. Will DJ Persuasion be able to spin her way to freedom and head down the road of self-discovery, or will she get caught up in the mix? ♀Cognac: Straight, No Ice ♀ By Raynesha Pittman♀ Coy, Gomorrah's newest cage dancer comes off as straight as the Cognac she sips, and was nicknamed after. Never in a million years did Coy imagine she'd be dancing for lesbian women to make ends meet. But there was no going back to the life she left behind in California. When she realizes she’s becoming the olive in the lesbian Martini, not only does her curiosity grow, but she decides to add a performer named Ice to her glass. Some can't handle Cognac without a chaser, but will Ice be up to chasing her? ♀Maybe: What’s Your Poison? ♀ By Renee Wallace♀ Tattoo artist and Atlanta native, Isabelle Turner, moved to D.C. looking to turn a new leaf. When she finds herself working for Bijou Desirer at club Sodom and Gomorrah, she prays that this new job brings an abundance of new opportunities. Could working the ultra-exclusive V.I.P section at one of the capitals sexiest nightclubs help her get closer to her dreams, and her dream woman? Maybe! ♀Sinful Cindy: Can I Get A Refill? ♀ By Ben Burgess Jr♀ Moving from one state to the next and doing various jobs from stripping to bartending, Cindy knew it was time to leave New York for a fresh start in Washington, D.C. After the last club she worked at was raided by the cops, Cindy's part-time lover, Janai hooks her up with a bartending job at the prestigious nightclub, Sodom and Gomorrah. Cindy hopes to end her nomadic lifestyle but, as her popularity rises in the club, and tension and drama builds, will Cindy finally have a place to call home? Or will she be consumed by her exciting new environment and wear out her welcome?

Just Can't Let Go (The Crystal Series Book 2)


Mary B. Morrison - 2016
    With a ring on her finger from James Wilcox and the woman she loves firmly between her sheets, no one can match Alexis when it comes to scheming. And her duplicity just makes her better at helping her siblings get revenge on the lovers who are doing them wrong . . .   Devereaux Crystal is the producer of TV’s hottest new show, engaged to sexy entrepreneur Phoenix, and will do anything for their adorable two-year-old, Nya. But lately Devereaux is starting to question whether Phoenix will ever make his own success, much less set a wedding date. Soon, his seductive excuses lead her to an unthinkable truth: Ebony, the fiery star of Devereaux’s series, is keeping Phoenix at her beck and call.   With the help of her sisters, Devereaux sets out to blow up Phoenix's house of lies. But the explosion ignites its own chain of devastating consequences. Because no one should mess with the Crystal women without expecting some fierce payback . . .   “Blake and her daughters are sexy, loyal, and quick to have each other’s back.” —Library Journal on Baby, You’re the Best

Pitbulls In A Skirt 5: The Fall From Grace


Mikal Malone - 2016
     Back on top, the Pitbulls have more than just the refugees, Karen and Oscar from the Black Water Klan to worry about. There are new evils that come along with the tenement they now rule. And if they’re not careful, they can lose everything they worked so hard to regain, including their money…power and lives. During one of the worst snowstorms in Washington DC’s history Yvette, Mercedes, Carissa find themselves involved in a battle they didn’t see coming. While making the mistake of letting their guard down they find themselves involved in a takeover for which they are outnumbered. To make things direr, one of the three is sleeping with the enemy. Will the Pitbulls in A Skirt survive?

The Syndicate: presented by Carl Weber


Brick and Storm - 2016
    

Collected Essays & Memoirs: The Omni-Americans / South to a Very Old Place / The Hero and the Blues / Stomping the Blues / The Blue Devils of Nada / From the Briarpatch File / Other Writings


Albert Murray - 2016
    It is a nation of multicolored people. . . . Any fool can see that the white people are not really white, and that black people are not black. They are all interrelated one way or another.” These words, written by Albert Murray at the height of the Black Power movement, cut against the grain of their moment, and announced the arrival of a major new force in American letters. Reviewing Murray’s groundbreaking first book The Omni-Americans in 1970, Walker Percy called it “the most important book on black-white relationships . . . indeed on American culture . . . published in this generation.”Murray’s singular poetic voice, impassioned argument, and pluralistic vision are perhaps more relevant today than ever before. For Murray’s centennial, editors Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Paul Devlin have assembled the definitive edition of his collected nonfiction, including The Omni-Americans and the five brilliant books that followed. The memoir South to a Very Old Place (1971) recounts the author’s return, in his mid-fifties, to the people and places of his Alabama youth, weaving personal encounters with several Southern writers into a richly textured report on the newly integrated South. The Hero and the Blues (1973) is a series of lectures on the trickster-hero figure in world literature and its relation to musical improvisation. Stomping the Blues (1976), a masterpiece of music criticism and perhaps Murray’s most influential work, outlines a history and aesthetics of jazz and the blues that, in the 1980s, became the foundation for programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the “House of Swing” that Murray did so much to establish as a founding board member.The essay collections The Blue Devils of Nada (1996) and From the Briarpatch File (2001) enlarge upon the themes of his previous books, focusing on individual American writers, artists, and musicians. For an out-chorus, Gates and Devlin present eight previously uncollected pieces, early and late, on topics ranging from the Civil Rights movement to the definition and use of such American words as soul, stone, and jazz.

Death's Companion (Malignant Mind Series Book 5)


Monique D. Mensah - 2016
    After what happened in the past, she now has nothing to live for. After all, she’s nothing more than a low-level attorney, scraping by on the dregs of undesirable court-appointed cases. But when a concerned colleague reminds her of the bright and ambitious woman she once was, Kameron puts in a call to a recommended therapist for healing. She is willing to try anything to silence the pains of the past and gain a sliver of normalcy, even her new therapist’s unorthodox treatment. Bridget Garret’s psychotic husband disappeared five years ago and she should be ashamed of her overwhelming desire to have him back, but she’s not ashamed; she’s determined. When she hires a private investigator to track him down and bring him home, she never anticipated having to balance the task of finding her husband with the demands of her new suicidal client, Kameron Peace; nor did she expect that Kameron’s therapy sessions would play a vital role in bringing closure to a five-year-old mystery. As Kameron’s fleeting sanity quenches Bridget’s thirst for answers, they both come to find that what they thought to be a psychological breakthrough was just a shrewd disguise for absolute ruin.

Letters to a Little Black Girl: Letters, Poems, and Stories of Love and Guidance for Every Little Girl


Leila LaceyMidnight Ace Scotty - 2016
    The letters, poems, stories and scriptures were lovingly written by 34 amazing women from all over the country, and from all walks of life. They believe in the motto, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and they have come together, here, to create that village in the hearts of growing girls everywhere. Raising our children to be prepared for anything, and to do it with grace, gratitude and kindness, is difficult in today’s world. In these pages, the women—mothers, daughters, teachers—of the "village" have candidly shared priceless life experience and offer guidance on important issues such as: • Pre-marital sex • Higher education • Single parenthood • Entrepreneurship • Religion • And a host of other topics These life stories have the capacity to give direction and shape children at vulnerable times in their lives. The possibility of who they will become and the heights they will reach is immeasurable. So please share this with those you love and witness your daughters, granddaughters, nieces and friends as they blossom into the strong and capable women you know they can be. Your purchase continues to help others, now and in the future. Seventy percent (70%) of all proceeds from this book’s sales will be donated to various non-profit organizations that benefit the health and well-being of today’s girls.

Soul Serenade: Rhythm, Blues & Coming of Age Through Vinyl


Rashod Ollison - 2016
    After his parents’ volatile marriage ended in divorce, when Rashod was six years old, he retreated into the records his father left behind—discovering that the music of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, and others provided solace and coherence. Soul Serenade is the captivating coming-of-age story of a boy who tries to makes sense of life in central Arkansas in the 1980s and ’90s, his family’s tragic past, and his sexuality, all through empowering soul music.