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The architecture of self-help communities: The first International competition for the urban environment of developing countries by Michael Y. Seelig
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Dear Santa, All I Want For Christmas Is A Real Man
Melissa Monae - 2018
That’s how Jameleah feels once everything starts to go wrong. It’s close to holidays, and all she wants is to give her son the best Christmas. She’s your average single mother, striving to provide a better life for her son. With no help from his dad, she is facing some pretty tough times. Finally, at her breaking point, she’s about to give up, until she runs into Winter. Galico Winters is your everyday business man, trying to keep his nose clean. His businesses are doing great, and he has his woman, Lacey, by his side. Nothing could get any better than that, or so he thought. Then a blizzard comes in and shakes his whole world upside down. Jameleah has given him a different insight that causes him to reevaluate things. Will Lacey let her come in and spread some holiday cheer? Will Jameleah’s wish for Santa to send her a real man show up and save Christmas? Or will she accept defeat, and the let the Grinch steal Christmas?
Mesmerized by A Certified Thug
Sephiri J - 2018
For as long as she could remember, she’s relied only on herself after living through a devastating experience when she was only sixteen years old. She’s done everything she can in her adult life to fend for herself and run from the demons of her past. But late one night when she witnesses a horrible crime, she sees yet again how quickly life can be turned upside down at the hands of someone else. Her fearless instincts drive her to come to the aid of the unsuspecting victim, and from that point forward, her life will never be the same. Noah Briggz has run the streets with his three best friends all his life. The only thing he’s ever cared about was stacking his money, protecting his mother and sister, and being loyal to the friends around him who he sees as brothers. But on the night he finds out his sister has been the victim of a horrific crime, the only thing he has on his mind is revenge. When he meets Tiana, the only person who came to his sister's defense, Noah is immediately drawn to her compassion and courage. And Tiana can’t deny the attraction she feels for Noah’s rude-boy swagger and thuggish ways. But when secrets from the past that Tiana tried so hard to get away from rear their ugly head, will their love story end before it can even begin? And will Noah be able to find those responsible for hurting his sister without risking the lives of himself and everyone who he cares about the most?
Torn Between The Plug And A Savage 2
Karma Monae - 2018
After Cane's revelation on the depths of her husband's betrayal, she finds her self battling how to handle the truth without allowing it to fully break her. With Hoodsta by her side, Cane knows she can do almost anything, but how does that work when she's pregnant with his child, and still running one of the most lucrative Crip organizations in New Jersey? While Hoodsta’s ready to retire the game completely, Cane’s just getting started. Can Hoodsta stand to the left of his woman, or, does her unending love for the streets ultimately tear them apart ? Awakening in the hospital, after a tragic crash, Sanai is forced to face her reality along with a mean backlash from Saint. The two find themselves at odds carrying out selfish tactics to get the others attention, even though all they really want, is to be together. But how is that possible when Gerald is still lingering in her past and Mecia just doesn't seem to go away? Not to mention, Saint's new responsibility as the GMC's Vice President. With more of Gerald's skeletons falling out the closet, Sanai soon finds herself conflicted and torn between loving the once plug , and loving a young savage. However, is Saint still willing to take on her and her baggage? Or better yet, is Sanai willing to accept all of his.... For ten long years, All Havoc wanted to do was come claim his hood back after tucking his tail and doing his time. 'Wins come with losses' is his motto, and now that he's linked back up with his girls Tru and Cane, he just knows they are about to take things to a whole different level. While everything seems to be falling in place on the streets, there's still that one thing in his life lacking... soon Havoc sees maybe the person or thing he’s been searching for, has been right in front of him. Question is, will she be ready to reciprocate the love back or is he simply infatuated with the idea of finally being in love ? Cuz and Nika are your typical hood couple, trying to stack money, take care of their son, and live life to the fullest. Unfortunately, all of Cuz’s past wrongs seem to always knock them back to square one, making it hard for Nika to fully trust him. With Jahmara constantly using little Carson as a ploy to reel Cuz back in, Nika begins to question whether or not her and Cuz are truly meant to be. Giving up would be so much easier than the unknown , but the only issue with that is neither of them are prepared to live their lives without each other.... In this hood tale, we take a closer look into the lives of the crew and the people closest to them. With Gucc looming in the background stirring up beefs, stakes slithering their way inside the circle, who can really be trusted? Not everyone can hang with the Gang, and only the real understands!
We Both Can't Be Bae 2
Twyla T - 2017
She was successful with not getting caught up; until she carelessly sent photos to Phebe and they got back to her husband, Malcolm. Once he got news of her infidelity, he rushed home and tried to kill her. Was he successful in his attempt? Keith has been Cameron’s secret lover for some time now. However, his fiancé Phebe is tired of playing house with him and wants a ring. Will he marry her or will he dump her and play second to Malcolm forever? Charlotte, Cameron’s sister has always been envious of her and never really knew why until Malcolm helped her put pieces of her life together. How long will this love triangle last before someone gets hurt? Secrets and lies keep spilling and it’s another crazy, sexy, and dangerous roller coaster ride that will either make or break Cameron.
Second to No One 2
Keysha - 2015
After finding out about Jaz communicating with Dread, Rayshawn starts having problems trusting her fully. Though he’s trying to make things work, but there are a few people trying to slide through the cracks; they have been put into their relationship by Jaz’s lies. Destiny and Dee are going strong. With Portia out of the picture and them having full custody of D.J., everything should be just fine. Right? When you are having a complicated pregnancy and a crazy sister who seems set on destroying everything you hold dear, how can Dee prove to Destiny that their family will be fine and things will turn out okay? Jeremy and Kandy are trying to build a new relationship, but Jeremy’s ex-jump off, Lexi, and Kira’s baby daddy, Melo, refuse to allow that to happen without a fight. All the couples are tested and the lines are crossed as everyone sets out to prove to each other that, in their relationship, their partner will never come second to no one.
A Thug's Worth
Barbie Scott - 2017
She lives the typical (wife life) with out much excitement. The only thing that keeps her hip, is her best friend Dajah. Dajah is the ordinary round the way chick who tries to keep her friend on her ten toes; as she calls it. Yanese refuses to indulge in Dajah’s thugged out life style and would never dare to cross that path. Yanese hated everything about a thug, from the saggy pants to the music, until she meets Boss “Major” Banks. Major is one of New York's Notorious kingpins who vows to never trust a bitch or fall in love. After laying eyes on Yanese Berkeley, she left him in a trance. With one look at her beauty, he was instantly drawn in. Her innocence is was captivated him the most and he was sure to have her; or so he thought. After every encounter between the two, Yanese gave him nothing but attitude and it only made him want her more. After spending many years with her husband, Sebastian, Yanese found out the truth behind his hidden affair. Beyond hurt, Yanese couldn't fathom the feeling of being second to a man she thought was her world. Defeated, Yanese decided to give the thug a try. Stepping up to the plate, Major showed her that a thug is not what people made them out to be. He caters to her every need and loves her like no man could ever. She now learns that a Thug is Worth more than- lies, deceit and betrayal. Take a ride with Major and Yanese on their twisted love tale, and find out will it take a turn for better or worst?
This Thug Love Got Me Trippin: A Houston Christmas
Anna Black - 2018
A native of Houston, Texas, Zuriah now lives in Chicago and is in her third year of internship to become an anesthesiologist, and things are going perfect. Great loft, awesome career, and a doctor boyfriend, Zuriah has all she needs and falling for another man is not on her Christmas wish list. Jesiah Bowman is single and content with his lifestyle. He tries to be a family man but, when he finds out that the child he'd claimed isn't his, he has no desire to be in a committed relationship with anyone. Busy with work and maintaining his businesses is satisfying enough for Jesiah, until he sees his best friend Zachory’s baby sister, Zuriah, again after several years. Instantly, he is attracted to her and he doesn’t hesitate to let her know, but not only does she have a man, she lives in an entirely different state. They say love conquers all, but will that be enough to bring these two together, or will the distance and commitment to Zuriah’s doctor boyfriend be the reasons why these two lovers toss in the towel?
Married To An East Cleveland Bully 3
Keisha Elle - 2019
Since meeting and marrying Chevron, she’s seenenough to last a lifetime. She’s no longer the ‘goody-two-shoes’ that she was known to be. Life is different; even unbearable at times. Sadness, guilt, anddepression loomeverywhere she turns, but she is Chevron’s rib; anything that affects him, affects her. Pregnant or not, she’s determined to seek justice for her mother and help eliminate Chevron’s new archnemesis, Ro. Coming face-to-face with the devil himself, Roxie’s past comes back to haunt her. Ambria continues to distance herself from Jaren. He may have been her long-lost love, but his commitment to another woman proves that he’s not the man for her. Reconciling with Roxie, she’s pulled into her sister’s crazy scheme for revenge. Trying to be the peacemaker, Ambria agreesbut soon realizes that they are in way over their heads. Everything in Jonah’s life isn’t good for him. His loyalty to Cicely has resulted in a sleuth of bad decisions that put his entire operation with Chevron in jeopardy. Those decisions cost him money, and that’s something Jonah doesn’t play about. Vowing that Ro’s days are numbered, Jonah contemplates what to do about the woman who used to share his bed. Cicely will always have a piece of Jonah’s heart, but someone he least expects slowly moves in to take that spot. His guard is up, but she’s loyal – a trait he’s never been able to find in another woman. Romaine continues to cause trouble all over Cleveland. He hates Jonah and Chevron with a passion, but his number one mission is to get rid of Cicely for good. After kidnapping her from Jonah’s spot, he takes her on a wild ride that results in Cicely’s life hanging in the balance. His cockiness, invincible persona, and unexpected luck runs out when his greediness leads him right into the lion’s den. Will he be able to use his wit and quick thinking to get away once again? Or, will his reign of terror finally come to an end? Find out the answers to these questions and more in the third installment of Married to an East Cleveland Bully!
Red and Ricko : A Dope Boy Original: A Urban Fiction Romance
J. Dominique - 2017
In fact, that was the last thing she wanted. However, a chance encounter with Jericko Cook, A.K.A. Ricko, might just change her mind. Then again, it might prove why she’s steered clear of bad boys in the first place. Between shoot outs, other women vying for his attention and a long list of deceptive characters lurking, Arianna might not be able to handle being a dope boy’s woman, or she could find out there’s a lot more thug in her than she thought. Ricko was living life and enjoying the fruits of his labor. As the man in charge, cars, money, hoes and clothes weren’t just a saying to him; it was his everyday reality. He didn’t realize that real love was the only thing he had been lacking, but it could be just what he needed. Mia had it easy. She got all the perks of a relationship except a title. Getting Ricko to commit to her was proving harder than she thought. When he pushes her to the side for what she thought was just the new flavor of the week, she realizes that Arianna isn’t going anywhere. But, Mia will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even if that means making sure no one else can have him. Sophia is Arianna’s best friend, and she is always down to ride. She’s no stranger to the street life like her friend, so when she gets the chance to get with a certified thug in Ricko’s brother, Jabari Cook, she jumps at the chance to be the Bonnie to his Clyde. Will she be prepared for the ride this young thug has in store for her, or will she have to give up? Jabari Cook is looking to get to the money, everything else is irrelevant. He is on a mission to take what he believes is rightfully his and will stop at nothing to claim his throne. Jabari will remove whoever or whatever is in the way of his money; family or not. Sophia wants to be his ride or die, but will she be used as a pawn to get him where he wants to be, or will he finally meet his match? Come take this ride through the streets of Chicago with these two brothers as they build their empire while juggling deception and love.
Making Good Love to a Bad Boy
Breana Morgen - 2018
Power. Respect. All the things twenty-six-year-old self-made mogul Domino Black possesses, along with good looks and a huge dick to complement. As a young man who’s had to suffer more heartache than a little bit, the last thing he’s looking for is love. All Domino wants from women is what they’re good for – sex. Life has taught him that relationships aren’t worth the time or energy, and that in the words of Chris Brown, “these hoes ain’t loyal.” That is, until crossing paths with twenty-one-year-old Bailee Rodgers, who catches his eye from their first encounter. Will this bad boy turn good for the one girl who’s willing to show him that not all women are the same? Bailee Rodgers feels that life has dealt her some bad hands, starting with the death of a loved one. Coping with the loss she suffered led her to the arms of Tyler, who she soon realizes is not the man she wants or needs in her life. Bailee’s desire is to focus on healing her on broken heart, but when she meets the infamous Domino Black, she wonders if he could be the one to take her pain away. Bailee soon finds that Domino is two notches shy of crazy, but Domino may have met his match in her, because Bailee immediately proves to Domino that she’s not weak and insecure like the women he’s used to. Making good love to this bad boy is fun and exciting, but with lies, secrets, and drama lurking in the background, Bailee often wonders if it’s worth it… In this crazy, hood, love story, will Columbia’s biggest player be willing to change in order to win the heart of the sweet, innocent, broken-hearted girl, or will he add to her hurt and pain by being exactly who everybody makes him out to be?
Enticed by a Thug Love 2
Kelly Marie - 2019
The couple finds themselves at a roadblock and both have families who will stop at nothing to tear them apart. Do they allow it or is love enough to keep them together against the odds? However, most importantly, was Dior helping her dad all along? A’Moya was hit with a truth she never saw coming - Legion killed his mom! Was he right when he said that he was a damaged monster? Does A’Moya run for the hills or is she ready for the heavy burden Legion dropped on her? Wrath and Kanada could no longer fight the inevitable - they belong together. After all that she’s been through, it seems that Kanada has finally found her knight in shining armor, and life starts to get better for her. But is her past really behind her? She soon finds out that it’s not, and one mistake may cost her everything. Her returning baby father doesn’t seem to help matters. These women had no idea what was going to happen when they crossed paths with the Ramsey men. In part two, secrets, lies and exes come out of the shadows. Which couples will survive? Plus, we find out who Guns’ love really is!
Issa Hood Love Story: Jade & Apollo
Angie Hayes - 2018
She is beautiful, independent, attended college, and has her own. But scratching beneath the surface, no one knows that not only is she a stripper by night, but that she also is the side chick of her married lover, who happens to be her best friend’s father. How long will Jade be able to keep this part of her life a secret, or will everything she is doing in the dark will finally come to light? Shamea is Jade’s best friend and also secretly stripping at the club with her as well. Although Shamea has her fair share of drama when it comes to her own relationship with her lying, cheating boyfriend, she would have never guessed that Jade is secretly having an affair with her father behind her back. Once the truth is revealed, will Shamea walk away from her friendship with Jade, or will their friendship be strong enough for the test? Apollo is known as the boss in the streets, who is now looking to retire from the game and settle down. The last person he expects to fall for is Jade, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Apollo knows Jade comes with baggage, he has no idea how heavy it is. Once he finds out the truth, will it be too much for him to want to deal with, or will he decide that Jade is worth the effort? Sit back and enjoy this roller coaster of drama, lies, and betrayal right out of the hood with: ISSA HOOD LOVE STORY: JADE AND APOLLO
I Got A Thang for A Street King 2
Trenae - 2018
To describe her heart as broken would be an insult of its own because she was long past that word. Left to pick up the pieces in the wake of Knight’s absence, Charde can’t seem to get back to the girl she once was. Grief, anger and betrayal fills her heart and without her only friend at her side, there doesn’t seem to be a rainbow showing up after all of this rain. Leaving the streets behind was always the plan for Knight, but what happens when the streets refuse to stay a thing of the past? With so many issues calling for Knight’s attention, it’s hard to decide what takes priority. While he knows that he just wants to be happy with Charde at his side, Knight is also aware that a pregnant Ainsley won’t just go away. Add to that the fact that she seems to have a closet full of secrets that are constantly spilling out, Knight will soon realize that the life he’s been living has been a lie. Trapped in her own form of prison, Ju-Ju is in full survival mode as key players are exposed in Gemini’s twisted plans for her group of friends. Playing the role of the beautiful wife to an abusive kingpin is a hard job but Ju-Ju knows that her life depends on making it believable. With outside help, she gains hope that she will make it out of her situation alive. But, what is she returning home to? With her relationship with her and Gunna in the balance, Ju-Ju is left unsure on if they will ever get back to each other’s heart. In fact, she isn’t even sure that she wants to get back to what they had after the dust settles. In the finale of this explosive series, lines are drawn and crossed countless times by both friends and foe. Family ties are tested, and some bonds are better left broken. It’s been said that nobody wins when the family feuds, but the question remains, will there be anything left standing of the Bentley clan when the dust settles?
Luvin' A Real Jersey Savage
Shonda Lanae - 2019
School is her get away, and her safe haven, because at home, she suffers through an abusive relationship with her boyfriend William.Due to the stress of life and school, Amelia loses her job, but quickly bounces back and finds a better opportunity, and with a new job on the horizon, she falls into the arms of the owner of the business, Ceedric.Ceedric is a savage street king who goes legit and leaves his past behind, opening a construction company.The chemistry between these two is real and raw, but what will she do about William? With the fear of leaving William, and falling into something new with Ceedric, hearts and lives are on the line and in the way.Can Ceedric use his tru savage ways to hold on to his woman, or will she slip through his fingers, and stick to what she knows, abandoning her chance at happiness?
Gemini
Denetria Gibson - 2014
Although they work on opposite sides of the law; their lives are perfect. Until a case which involves Patricia leads her down a road that she thought she would never see again..in the mind of a Gemini.