Just a few months after their wedding, and a few weeks after running a 10K, a rare autoimmune disease landed Joclyn in the hospital with a failing heart. Enduring four open heart surgeries, rounds of experimental chemotherapy, a punctured lung, a lost voice, a pacemaker, an unsympathetic nurse, bedpans, and legitimately gruesome hospital food, it seemed the bad news would never end. But with the help of a top-notch medical team, supportive and loving friends and family, courage, a will to live, and a desire to just go home, they learned the true value of love, hope and life. Joclyn, an occupational therapist, Jeremy, a public school administrator, live in Sacramento, California with their dog, Ramsay. Their experience received national attention and helped facilitate legislative reform surrounding “surprise medical bills,” out-of-network bills received when a patient has done everything he possibly can to remain in-network.

    

    That night with Lexus was one of the best nights of my entire life. I was gonna look for a place of my own today so we wouldn’t have to keep disrespecting her folks under their roof. I know if I had a daughter I wouldn’t want her disrespecting my house and I would kill the nigga who fucked around with her to make her do that. I called Prince to ask if he knew a good real estate agent and he was happy that I was moving out on my own. He congratulated me for coming as far as I had over the past six months and I was happy that he was proud of me. He did say him and his dad needed to meet with us concerning the Nigerian dealings so I said I was on my way. I showered, got dressed and headed upstairs. I was hoping to see Lexus before I left but after the dick down I gave her last night, it didn’t surprise me that she was still asleep. I did speak to her mom before I left about me possibly moving out and although surprised she said she understood. I made it over to the warehouse at 11 that morning and headed inside. The meeting lasted for about 30 minutes and then I got with Prince so he could give me information on some possible realtors. Big Jim tapped me on the shoulder and said, “My real estate agent Angie is really good. She helped us find the brownstone that we live in now and she is in the process of helping me find an estate property.” “Wow! An estate huh?” I said. “Yea I think it’s time I moved my girls out of that brownstone. I’m hoping to move within the next couple of weeks. I’d offer you the brownstone but I know you aren’t looking for anything that big,” he said. “Naw, it’s just me so something smaller would be better for me,” I said. “Well let me know if you want Angie’s information,” he said. “Aiight, thanks Big Jim,” I said. Big Jim had turned out to be a really cool dude. He was like the father I never had and I was thankful for him and Prince taking me in the way they did. I really felt like part of the family. Hopefully that would weigh in my favor when I told them about my love for Lexus. “Well I gotta go. I got some business to do at the bank and then I’m headed home. I think I might surprise Yvonne and take her out to dinner tonight,” he said as he smiled. “Sounds good Dad, y’all have fun,” Prince said. “See y’all later,” Big Jim said. Big Jim exited the warehouse and soon after we heard gunshots. We grabbed our weapons and headed outside to see what the commotion was about. All we heard when we made it out were tires screeching. When we finally looked around we saw Big Jim lying on the ground covered in blood. He was gagging on his blood as me and Prince went to see if we could help him. Someone must have called 911 because a few minutes later we heard sirens in the distance but by then it was too late. “Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhh!” Prince screamed. “Big Jim! Big Jim!” I cried but he was already dead. The police arrived at the scene but they were cops that did business with Big Jim so they already knew how to handle the scene. Big Jim had several cops, detectives and even a district attorney on his side. The ambulance came and took Big Jim to the hospital even though he was already pronounced dead. The EMT’s said it would be a while before the medical examiner would be able to come and they didn’t want to leave Big Jim just lying on the ground. Everyone in this city had a lot of respect for Big Jim.I was in a fog because I couldn’t believe this had happened. Who would wanna kill Big Jim? He was a businessman but he was smart about how he did business; he didn’t make enemies.

    Ethic and Gunna believe just that until they are hit with the inevitable. Enemies are still lurking, waiting to snatch everything that they have worked so hard for. Charisma is in a better head space than she has ever been. With graduation coming up and Ethic in her corner, everything seems perfect. When tragedy hits, Charisma steps in to care for her little brother with the help of Ethic. Harmony is definitely a work in progress, but she is determined to beat the battles she’s faced with on an everyday basis. Gunna has been by her side and doesn’t plan to go anywhere. In this finale, can these couples overcome the disadvantages that life constantly throws at them or will they succumb to it all?

    Unable to care for him any longer, and wanting to hide the fact that she was dying from cancer, his mama sent him away, hoping to save her son from a life of trouble. Determined to get back to his mother, Khaution deals with the abuse he faces in foster care, but when his mother dies before he can get back to her, he turns to a life of crime to survive. Not knowing who his father was, Khaution hits the streets as Savage, and it’s not long before he ends up in jail. During a ten-year bid, he is suddenly released early from jail by none other than his father! Things between the two start off strained after not having him around in his life, but eventually, the two create a bond. A bond that enables them to take over the city of New York. But it comes with a price that Khaution wasn’t ready to pay, nor did he know he had to pay! With a queen on his arm that he doesn’t want, Khaution meets the mysterious, Autumn Kennedy. Never being in love before, he wants nothing more than to smash and walk away. However, Autumn pulls him in a way he didn’t see, and he finds himself in love for the first time. But Sybil is not going to let the empire and her king go so easily, and she gives him an ultimatum that he agrees to in order to spare Autumn. But what Sybil failed to remember was they called him Savage for a reason! In the end, she pushes him into making a decision that sends him on a path of truth that he wasn’t expecting. Savage by name and savage by nature. Follow this man as he embarks on a world of love and lies; some more devastating than others!

    

    My job wasn’t quite done, yet. I still had to make Luchi and Luna something to eat before it was time for us to call it a night. I had worked a twelve-hour shift at Thornton’s. I was thankful when seven o’clock hit. Thanks to my sister and granny, I had a great support system for the twins. Their father hasn’t been much of any help since I got pregnant at seventeen. I wasn’t pressuring my kids’ father Lance to help too much with them, because anytime he came around, he was a huge pain in my ass. The only good thing that came out of me and Lance’s relationship were Luchi and Luna. I was a single mother, struggling, but by the grace of God, I always found a way to get by. I lived in a three-bedroom house, thanks to being on section 8, I got a decent amount in food stamps, although I worked like a slave at Thornton’s, and I’ve had the same Blue Toyota Camry since I was seventeen, but it was getting me and my babies where we needed to go, so I couldn’t complain. “Are you tired, mama?” Luna asked, climbing in my bed. My eyes were getting heavy, but I needed to make sure my babies were straight before I could close them. “Yes, my Luna, my feet are killing me, but it’s all worth it knowing, I can buy you everything you need.” I tickled Luna’s belly. “Mama, while you're in here playing with Luna, I’m in the other room hungry.” Luchi said, walking into my room. It was clear to me he had an attitude. “Luchi, your hot dogs are on the stove now.” I explained to my child, as if he was my parent and not the other way around. “Hot dogs? You’re not going to fry me some chicken?” “No, Luchi, I’ve been standing on my feet all day. I’m tired. I’m off tomorrow. I promise to make you a nice meal. Tonight, it’s chili dogs on the menu.” “Man, okay.” Luchi climbed into my bed with an attitude. “Mama, can we watch Home?” Luna asked, curling up under me, resting her head on my breasts. “Naw, man, I’m tired of watching that movie. That’s all you want to watch.” Luchi yawned, curling under me as well. “Sorry, Luna, I agree with your brother. Let’s give Home a rest tonight.” “Okay.” Luna pouted. Kissing her forehead, I took in my kids’ features, and my babies looked nothing like me. Everything about them screamed Lance. My skin was the color of a Hershey bar, but the twins inherited their daddy's light-skinned complexion. Luna had long curly hair that I often styled in a bun on the top of her head. My baby had the most beautiful smile that could melt even the coldest heart. My Luchi was the most handsome little boy I had ever laid eyes on. I knew he would break many of hearts one day. Although I struggled day-to-day, I made sure my kids never went without, and I made sure their wardrobe was the latest. At six, Luchi already thought he was a trendsetter. I kept his curly fro tapered on the side. My handsome baby rocked a big diamond in his ear. Luchi's vision wasn’t quite a hundred percent, so he wore glasses. At first, he hated the thought of wearing glasses until I bought him a pair of Ray Bans. I didn’t have much in this world, but my twins were everything to me. Watching the twins sleep peacefully under me, my eyes slowly closed. Sliding myself and the twins under my cover, I tried to get as comfortable as possible in my bed, the best way I could with my two little tiny monsters glued to me.

     When a Russian trawler is mysteriously wrecked off Guernsey in the Channel Islands, British Intelligence wants to investigate because one of their agents was on board. However, the investigation could prove embarrassing since their agent was planning to defect with the trawler and Madam Anna Cantelna, Nobel Prize-winning marine biologist. Agent Jonathan Anders is called in to do some skin-diving around the wreck. A routine assignment? Not for Jon, who promptly finds himself entangled in an international misadventure—with the Russians trying to exterminate him and the British police pursuing him for murder! Praise for Christopher Nicole: “An exciting story… action-filled and unpredictable” - Publishers Weekly “Told with smooth authenticity” - Publishers Weekly “Will appeal to squadrons of readers” - Library Journal Christopher Nicole’s novels have been read by millions all over the world. Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, he later attended colleges in Guyana and in Barbados. In his long prolific career, Nicole has published over 200 novels and non-fiction works.

    

    It's a place where folks embrace what matters most in life -- love, family, community.... Christmas to the Rescue! Librarian Becca James, on the mend from a tragic loss, finds hope -- and the promise of romance -- when an adorable rescue dog leads her on the Christmas adventure of a lifetime! A Very Cookie Christmas Busy, overworked Clara Cane finds her organizing skills put to the test when her most demanding client shows up in town -- and her high-school crush stirs up feelings she thought she'd long since moved past.... Sweet Apple Christmas Cafe owner Holly Snow makes the best scones in town and accepts her single status -- until a handsome orchard owner walks in and sparks begin to fly.... Christmas Romance in Heartsprings Valley: Holiday Collection, Books 1-3 This special Christmas box set includes the first three books in the Heartsprings Valley Sweet Romance series:Christmas to the Rescue! (Book 1)A Very Cookie Christmas (Book 2)Sweet Apple Christmas (Book 3) It's Always Christmas in Heartsprings Valley!

    Commissioned by the United States Government to do what other units cannot, existing both above and outside the law. A new recruit, Corporal Chris Jordon, has just been delivered, but before he can call himself Steel, he must pass every physical and mental test Mic throws at him. Orders for a mission have come down and Mic must train Jordon faster than ever. Their team is thrown into a desperate mission to rescue an undercover operative in the heart of Columbia. Forced to take down the head of the Fernando Cartel and the mysterious Frenchie, their mission is complicated when Mic and Jordon are lost to their team. Digging deep within herself, Mic will need every ounce of her strength to save both her team, and herself. Hardened by Steel- Book Two It’s been two months since our team mate was killed in front of us. Two months of training and waiting. Time is up and another new recruit is due to arrive any minute; the cousin of the man who betrayed us all. The guys aren’t going to like it, but Jackson has overridden my protests. Just when I didn’t think things could get any worse, my contact with Aunt Beatrice is discovered and my actions have put her in mortal danger. A hit was ordered from a cartel in Mexico. Led by the cousin of Diego Fernando’s widow, the Vega Cartel has a blood debt to settle and they have come to collect. Jordon is becoming more attractive to me by the day; as my feelings for him continue to grow, our situation becomes even more complicated when our connection is discovered by one of the team. Events spiral out of my control, forcing me to face my demons and darkest fears. I find myself teetering on the edge of good and evil, poised to fall. A sinister message has me racing to Mexico, trying to beat the dawn. What I find waiting for me there may spell the end of my life and Steel Corps itself. I must decide; am I hard enough to make this choice? Is my soul a big enough sacrifice for the lives of innocents? There is no question. I am Staff Sergeant Michaels and I am Steel. Forged by Steel- Book Three I’m Staff Sergeant Michaels, the leader of Steel Corps. We’re the best America has to offer and we’ve been dealt a heavy blow. I’m fighting to recover; struggling to be the leader my men expect me to be – need me to be. It’s been five days. Five days since my men rescued me from that basement in Mexico. My body is healing and I’m stronger than ever - eager to go to Russia and end this terror haunting me. Secrets burden our team like lead weights around our necks. We must strip them free and bind ourselves together anew. These revelations have the power to rip us apart, forever changing Steel. Will it be for the better? Or will Steel Corps burn? I can’t decide our future alone, but Chris Jordon is at my side, watching my back – chasing the shadows away, whether I want him to or not. An unexpected visitor forces our hands and sends Steel on a mission from which we may not return. I may get my way, but at what price? Only one way to find out…

    Biography

    He was madly in love with his fiancée, but she died from a mysterious illness, and he couldn’t save her. He couldn’t save his parents, either, when they were injured in the crossfire during a bank robbery. Now he is alone, except for his sister Allie, who is about to marry and move to Montana. Juliet Monroe works in a dead-end, hateful factory job in Boston. She knows midwifery and herbal healing, but she was lured to the factory job with false promises of good money and golden opportunities. Allie doesn’t want to leave her brother alone in Colorado, so she secretly places an advert to get him a Mail Order Bride. Juliet answers the ad only to discover Tyler is completely in the dark about their impending marriage. Juliet fears she’s just traded one unbearable situation for something even worse…

    What will happen with Tru and the baby? Will she tell Sincere about their daughter or will he find out on his own? With new significant others in the picture and drama in the streets, will Tru and Sincere finally get it together? Or will they keep running away from the love that they both share? Follow them as they struggle with love and trust.

    Chiseled abs, fake marriages, and hot single dads will keep you awake at night… and have you burning for more!Book 1: Dragon Assassin Protector Saving Annie should’ve been the end of it. Falling in love with her wasn’t part of the plan. I’m an assassin for a Special Ops group. I’ve been using Annie to get the enemy off the throne. The end of this mission will change things. And then, I’ll have an impossible choice to make. Book 2: Dragon Assassin Single Daddy She has to see my real face. She has to see the dragon I have to become to save her. Jana is the love of my life. I could kill her abusive husband for laying a finger on her. She deserves a life with me, and my son. But can I protect her before giving her the world? Book 3: Dragon Assassin Fake Bride He vowed to save my life. But instead, he put me in more danger than I could’ve imagined. John is the Alpha of F.I.R.E. A fact that I didn’t know when I agreed to be his fake wife. He also never told me that I was forbidden to bear children. Well, it’s too late now. I’m already pregnant, and John will lose his family. Unless… Book 4: Dragon Assassin’s Nanny I’m the most powerful dragon assassin in the world. Every woman is fair game. Every woman but her. My daughter’s nanny. The ultimate distraction from my job. Lianne has become my obsession. And I need to keep her close. She has a little secret, and a wolf is after her life. There’s no one in the world I can’t defeat. The enemy will pay if he comes anywhere near her. I’ll make him regret ever being born. Note: Adults Only!