Getting ready to graduate valedictorian, she took pride in her smarts and still holding on to her virginity. She is the oldest of seven children and she was determined not to end up like her mother, whom she hated. When her best friend's brother comes to town for the graduation, she starts rethinking her decision to remain a virgin until she is married. One major factor is their nine year age difference. With only a summer in front of her she tries to get close to him. Will she be able to make him look past her age and let her in? Or will he string her along all summer?

    

    Mac Willis is twenty-five-years-old and he lived by these rules. For appearances, he worked at Chrysler Assembly Plant with his younger brother Sada and his cousin Maine. The three of them were tight and were hired hitmen. If the price was right, they would take care of any problem, rob any enemy or set up anybody. Unfortunately, living by the street code didn’t stop the reckless and unpredictable lifestyle they chose to live to catch up to them. Hazel Monroe is a twenty-year-old- girl that grew up privileged in an suburban area in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Hazel had always been labeled as stuck up and bougie because of her beauty and because of the way she dressed. But those opinions were the furthest thing from the truth. Outside of her family the only person who truly knows her is her best friend Alyssa. Just dumped her cheating ex Kahlil, Hazel moves to Detroit to be closer to Alyssa and to start her new job as junior head chef in at a five-star restaurant. Things are looking good but they get even more interesting when she meets Mac. He is everything that Hazel has never had but in her perfect life she comes to find out that he was just what she needed. In this fiery, page turning novel murder, betrayal, love, lies, and secrets are at an all-time high. Question is, at the end of it all, will Alyssa and Hazel fall hard for their Detroit hitta’s? Or will the guys’ dangerous lifestyles prove to be too much for the young women?

    

    They were taught to get money, not fall in love, so they left a wreckage of broken hearts on their road to getting money. Yet, now, as mature men, they realize that you’re not rich until you have something that money can’t buy. And money certainly cannot buy the women that have stolen these brothers’ hard and stubborn hearts. Taye “City” Savage and Akira White’s love story started in the projects. Ten years ago, they met when Akira was only a young girl and City was a grown man getting his hustle started. City and Akira’s bond was strong, and their fate was inevitable, so they thought. However, before their bound could be sealed, life happened. They were torn apart by unimaginable circumstances, and they never saw one another again until a decade later. Yet, by that time, both City and Akira were involved, but they weren’t so loyal to Nova and Davion that they could ignore the passion in their hearts that they still harbored for one another. The only thing that ever mattered to Keandre “Money” Savage was the hustle. He had never fallen in love, not even with his girlfriend of five years, Zoe Moore. Money and Zoe had the typical hood love that involved lots of fussing, fighting, and other women. Yet, Zoe was the only one in the relationship that was in love. Money only kept her by his side because she was the last woman standing. Along the way, he had ruined Zoe with every woman that he cheated on her with, and every lie he told. Now, Money is finally ready to shed his immature ways and settle down. Yet, Zoe finds herself in a desperate state of mind when she realizes that she is not the woman that Money has chosen to settle down with. Shamar Savages’ only love has been his love for art. When his brothers financed his baby, Savage Ink, his only focus was his tattoo shop. Yet, he soon realizes that despite not even wanting it, he was falling for his friend and frequent dip, Taraji Green. However, Taraji had the same mindset as Shamar. Her only focus was becoming the baddest hair stylist in Chicago; not love. The last thing she wanted was a committed relationship with anyone, not even one of the infamous Savage brothers. Sometimes, the last thing a person wants to do is fall in love, but love sucks them in any way. That is exactly what happens with these Savage brothers and the women that adore them. As life always has it, love ain’t that easy to obtain, especially when loving a man that was raised by the streets and whose first love is the hustle. In yet another urban tale by Jessica N. Watkins, death, sex, and chaos leads to unforeseen tragedy and unexpected love.

     Imagine waking up in your once beautiful mansion, being pampered by housekeepers, and maids, surrounded by people who literally worshipped the ground you walked on...all simply because you were considered 'Hood Royalty.' That had been the life for twenty four year old,Sanai, until it was all suddenly snatched away from her when her fiancé was sentenced to 25 years, leaving her with absolutely nothing but pain and heartache. Sanai had two kids and one on the way, and just with that pressure alone she finds herself at rock bottom, forcing her to move back to the low income section 8 projects where she was born and raised. It doesn't take long for Sanai to see that being a pretty kept chick can only get you so far, especially in a world full of savages, thugs and drug dealers. Growing up in Newark's Southward, life hadn't always been easy for Saint. From birth, he had been thrown into the gang banging lifestyle, following in his mothers footsteps as one of the most vicious Crips throughout New Jersey. Saint and his left hand, Cuz, only have two things on their twenty year old minds: getting money and sleeping with multiple women that loved their lifestyle. Above all things they plan to one day take over the legacy and run things just like their parents. That is, until Saint runs across the sexy single mother that moved into his projects. Kayla and John have been together for eight years. Their relationship transformed from two happy people, into strangers who coexist fearing the idea of being alone. At wits end, Kayla agrees to give their a relationship one last shot by allowing another woman into their bedroom. Just when things start looking up, Kayla meets the rough, straight forward, Havoc, who shows her that real men don't need much in this world to be satisfied. But is Kayla ready to leave a 'grown boy', or is she too focused on the longevity to get her happy ending. Sit back and enjoy the ride as the gang experiences the wins and losses that come along with the game they love. Sometimes you have to lose people in order to make room for those worthy of being in your life... loving the Plug is cool, but it's that Savage that your heart desires.

    Hattie and Tommy done had babies again." Growing up in the hood of Covington, KY wasn't so great for sixteen year old Labella Jones. Living in a world where you have to teach your self how to be a woman because your mother's minimum wage job takes all of her time isn't so easy. Fighting everyday to overcome teenage jealousy and bullying because you don't fit in with the "it" crowd was a ritual for young Bella. When a harsh situation brings Bella and Choc, one of the most popular girls in school together, Bella learns how to love herself for who she is even with dirty clothes, nappy hair and all. Waking up everyday knowing that to the world you're nothing but to him you're everything made a big change in Bella's life. Meet Braxton " B", struggling to make it out of the hood but falling victim to the only resource available in the hood "drugs" to survive. B makes it a priority to teach Bella the true meaning of "Love your self first or no one will" while still trying to find himself. Being a black man coming from poverty they expect you to fail and thats exactly what the police is doing even if they have to play dirty to keep there statistics going. When feelings get involved, rumors are spread will Bella and Braxton be able to survive to tell their "hood love story?"

    He treats her like shit because frankly, she allows herself to be treated like shit. Discover what happens when an abused woman stands up for herself and fights. Take a journey with Judie as she takes on the task of overcoming being naive and weak, and embarks on her own personal journey of empowerment.

     His intentions were pure... His touch was everlasting... He was the first. I never fathomed my best friend’s allure would suffice and fulfill me exceedingly. His embrace was soothing... His kisses were gentle... The best was saved for last. *Please note, When We Love is an introductory novelette for a full story to come on Kaden + Aria.

    Has a life just ended, or will the victim remain among the living. In the first two installments of From the Pole to the Palace, we were introduced to some of the secrets that had been taking place over the years. Now, all of the secrets are out, dark skeletons that have been in the closet for years are coming out as well. This last installment will make your cry, laugh, but most importantly, you will enjoy it. Find out if this book really lives up to its title, or if there’s no such thing as going from the pole to the palace.

    Her best friend, Arnez, provided some protection but when he leaves for college, Lyrica quickly realized she is on her own. When her living situation becomes too much to bare, she seeks an escape in more ways than one. Disconnected from everything and everyone she knows Lyrica turns to drugs to help her cope. When Arnez returns home from college his mind is on one thing, finding Lyrica. Not knowing what happened to her has always plagued his mind. When he finally finds Lyrica will he be acceptive of her new lifestyle or will he turn his back on her like everyone else? There's a snake close to home that will do anything to keep Arnez and Lyrica separated. Will they be able to figure it out before it's too late or has too much happened for them to rekindle their past. Arnez was always able to protect Lyrica but can he save her from herself?

    It was only natural that she pursue a career that allows her to analyze other people's business and get paid for it. The tables turn when she must decide between her job or loyalty when information told to her by one of her patients causes a life or death situation for one of her best friends. Natalie - Natalie and Lewis have been happily married for several years. Aside from his baby mama drama, their life together has been good. That is until Monica decides she wants Lewis for herself. Monica shows herself a viable threat by sabotaging, manipulating, and seducing Lewis. She is determined to get this man. May the best bitch win! Lyn - Three months away from her wedding date all hell breaks loose. The man she thought was her knight in shining armor is showing signs of major deceit. Derrick is staying out all night and behaving suspiciously. Lyn sets out to find out what he's up to. What she finds out turns her world upside down! These three friends cope through lies, betrayal, and continuous DRAMA. Get ready for a sleepless night. The drama is so intense in this page turner that you won't be able to put it down!

    After being forced into teenage parenthood by a brutal rape at the age of 17, she turns to alcohol to numb the pain. Due to her addiction, her life seemed to have completely passed her by, including being a mother to her daughter. But after a health scare, she is forced to face her reality through a sober mind. Davon “Diesel” Jones was the player that had all the women falling to his feet. He’s a hood legend with stylishly good looks, lots of money, and an even bigger ego. But, when his playboy ways catches up to him, it ends in the tragic death of his fiancé and their unborn child. Over 9 years later, he’s still suffering the repercussions. Both Renee and Diesel had pretty much given up on having a normal life, and love even. But after fate brings them together, and submerge them into an explosive love affair there’s no turning back from there. So take a journey with this modern day Bonnie and Clyde. The depths of their relationship is electrifying!

    Integrity wasn't what Boo searched for in a business partner, true enough it was vital but it wasn't the key to the game; the heart was. How ironic is it that Boo's lover is also his business partner? The beautiful and ambitious Samira Harper was every dope boy's dream but she was Boo's reality. Boo could have easily planted his trust into any of the dudes he hung around but they didn't match the criteria of a certified hustler. Before and after every mission and meeting, Boo would tell Samira, "Till death do us part babe" and he meant every single word. Samira played the role of wifey and rider very well. As good as she cooked dinner did she know her way around the trap. Samira and Boo's union wasn't expected to be understood by family or friends. When the couple sacrifices it all for love and hustling what good will come from it? Does greed lead to their downfall or was it friends disguised as haters plotting and preying on their demise? When two bull heads link up someone has to follow the leader but who will it be?

    She had to fend for herself at a young age; life was hard from the get-go, and she must figure out a way to get herself out of the poverty stricken environment. Unlike other girls her age, young Mimi wants more out of life; she wants a way out of the ghetto. Fate intervenes on her behalf when she meets one of New Orleans’ biggest dope boys. She instantly falls in love with this mysterious stranger; everything in her life changes for the better and her future seems brighter. She will soon learn however, that being a hustler’s wife comes with serious consequences. Years later, Mimi decides to move to Atlanta, where she has it all; a beautiful family, fast cars, the finest clothes and everything that she’s ever dreamt about. How can a woman that has so much going for herself be so unhappy? With a man that’s constantly cheating and her past rapidly catching up to her, she must figure out a way to get all these secrets out in the open—without taking a loss. Take a ride on this roller coaster with Amina Washington and uncover the SECRETS OF A KEPT BITCH.