One night when Zoe's cousin invites her out to stop moping, live a little, and have some fun; fate steps in with both feet and offers up a remedy. West Jameson is a typical ladies man, who is out for a good time, has no clue what it means to be in a relationship or in love. But one memorable one night stand, for both good and bad reasons, sends Zoe and West down a spiraling path neither one of them has anticipated. Take this journey with these two as they discover that love isn't always easy but it's worth it. Chances are never given, they're taken...& sometimes love happens purely...By Chance

    Always declared the odd one, she makes it her mission to be noticed by anyone who will pay attention. Reality starts to settle in when she realizes life isn t always peaches and cream. After witnessing the rape of her best friend, and then the death of one of her classmates, she starts to believe life isn t what she thought it would be. Sex, drugs, catering to her new demons, and hanging out with the older crowd become her escape and not even her high school sweetheart can steer her straight. It isn t until she realizes everyone around her is not who they seem to be when she decides to change her life. But when she experiences an unwanted pregnancy and the death of her mother, Cookie is left to wonder if this is the way her life will always be. Based on a true story, Cookie is a gripping tale of a teen girl who had to grow up sooner than later. Taking place in one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Fort Worth, witness the life of Cookie and her quest to be loved, appreciated, and wanted. You will soon discover life is never what it seems.

    Just when she thinks the nightmare can’t get any worse, her father is charged with the crime. Rachel will do anything to prove his innocence, but her loyalty is tested to the limits when she crosses paths with Nicholas Hunter, the ruthless prosecutor bent on sending her father to prison… Nick Hunter is thirsty for justice, a man made cynical by the horrors he experienced in childhood. He shows mercy to no one…until he encounters Rachel Calloway, the first woman ever to make him question his convictions. From the moment they meet, a forbidden attraction sizzles between them that neither can ignore.As danger lurks in the shadows, Rachel soon finds herself in the biggest fight for her heart…and her life.Ghosts of Fire is a 97,000 word romantic suspense novel that was originally published in 2002.Praise for the Romantic Suspense Novels of Maureen Smith“…a haunting, suspenseful story that documents Maureen Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability” — Midwest Book Review on Ghosts of Fire “Few authors pen work that is so thoroughly engrossing the characters leave a lasting impression” — Romantic Times on With Every Breath“…keeps you guessing and hoping that these two will get together and find the perpetrators responsible…one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve read in a long time” — The Romance Readers Connection on A Heartbeat Away“With a deft touch and solid cast of characters, Smith gives equal credence to spicy romance and nail-biting suspense on her way to an explosive conclusion” — Publishers Weekly on Whisper My Name“Smith weaves a captivating tale of mayhem and murder…a romantic suspense thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the final page” — San Antonio Express-News on Whisper My Name“…a tense page-turner that will further enhance Smith’s reputation in the romantic suspense genre—a reputation that is well deserved” — Romantic Times on Like No One Else

    Shaniqua feels since she's his fiancee it's up to her to take care of him and she refuses to turn her back because of his condition. But will she be able to handle Ronny's mood swings? When she learns who her ex-fiance cousin is she debates if she should tell Ronny or not. She does and it's hell to pay for him! Brooke and Bino is sitting on cloud nine and nothing can bring them down. That is until Amber comes back with a banger that can possibly tear these two love birds apart. She has a secret and is threatening to share it with Brooke. But will her secret comes back and bite her in her own ass? Since Cornell has moved on with his life and started a new relationship with Kandi, Star finally realize everything that glitter isn't gold and leaving Cornell wasn't the best thing to do after all.."

    He’s a man that’s never had to take no for an answer, who gets what he wants, when he wants it, no questions asked. Until he meets Celise Markam. In the midst of searching for the person responsible for sabotaging his hotel, in walks the first woman to tame Jason’s burning need.Celise Markam may be a spoiled and pampered heiress on the surface, but beneath that media created facade lies a passion desperate to break free. Her surge to independence comes when she breaks her engagement and moves to Monterey, California to venture into the restaurant business. She has a plan for her future, one she’s not willing to let anyone—fiancé or relative—change. Her life is her own and she’s ready to do whatever is necessary to make her dreams come true. Then she spends the night with Jason Carrington and everything Celise thought she knew about love disintegrates in the flames of their desire. Inexplicably drawn to each other, Celise and Jason ignite a fire bound to burn until someone gets hurt.

    Launching an investigation that plunges her deep into a world of police corruption, she's about to nail a suspect when stolen goods and several kilos of cocaine are discovered in her house. Certain the killer is setting her up to take the fall, Jaclyn turns to her old partner's best friend, FBI special agent Brad Williams—a man who ignites passion beyond her wildest dreams.or desire? Brad Williams has worked for years to infiltrate the group responsible for the death of Jaclyn's partner. Knowing just how ruthless and lethal the organization is, Brad tries to keep Jaclyn out of harm's way. But this headstrong woman isn't about to accept protection from a man—even if he's as sinfully seductive as Brad. So when Jaclyn's fragile trust in him is shattered by a lie, he will have to do everything in his power to convince her that true love is all about forgiving….

    Prince is a man that’s been bred from a different type of cloth. It’s the type of cloth that makes a woman want to always be wrapped up in it. From the moment Charm crossed paths with Prince she knew it was meant to be. Charm has been through more in her short life than anyone can imagine. Never in her wildest dreams did she think a “Prince” could love someone like her. On the other hand, Prince has fears of not being able to love her due to her past. Every hood has a love story but Prince and Charm’s is different. They come from two different worlds. He’s Hood Royalty and she has no idea what it’s like to be loved Royally. Follow Prince as he shows Charm love like a real hood nigga should. In the process she’ll learn this isn’t the typical Fairytale that starts in the Hood.

    Even if that means killing anyone and anything standing in her way.Once again these two couples try weathering the storm they call Gangsta Luv.

    is about all she can handle. But when circumstances throw them back together, Mallory's about to learn that the "P" in P.I. stands for playa...but even the baddest boys around can be tamed.

    When one problem seems to be resolved, another one follows. Latavia discovers the truth about Kenjay, and he is not the man that he claimed to be. And just when she thinks that he is done with the streets, the problems follows them everywhere they go. But, Latavia has secrets of her own that might claim her life. Kenjay stumbles across some devastating news. The man that he looked up to has an agenda of his own. In this action-packed fast paced read you will discover that no one is to be trusted. Everyone wants the spot on the throne. With lies, murder, deceit, and secrets, welcome to Kenjay's Takeover.

    So she wants no part of it.Yet, one Sunday evening as she’s sitting on her front porch, sipping sweet tea with her grandmother, the sound of loud rap music blasting through the neighborhood precedes the arrival of Amir Savage, who is moving in with his granny next door.He was tall and tatted and unlike anything the sheltered, church-going Wren had ever laid eyes on. And she fell in love with him on sight without even knowing it.But can a love between two people who are so vastly different ever survive?She’s all sweetness and innocence. He is violence personified; born and bred in the grit and grime of the bitter streets of New York. He is more accustomed to having people begging for forgiveness than getting down on his knees and praying for it.Though he does have a soft spot for the country girl, and no matter how much he tries to push her away, he can't seem to get her out of his mind.However, he knows that they don’t fit into each other’s worlds.But Wren knows that she loves Amir, and is willing to fight to be by his side.He’s the one who keeps lingering in her heart. Of all the boys she used to love.This is a Full Length, Standalone Novel.

    As a world renowned artist, Shelby’s paintings traveled the globe, landing in museums and homes across the nation. But what she couldn’t seem to get under control was her love life. Her mother insisted it was because of her best friend, Sebastian Cartwright. They’ve known each other for years. Sebastian and Shelby shared everything; embarrassing moments, secrets, dating tips, affection, and even an explosive kiss during one tipsy night on Shelby’s birthday. But, when Shelby’s current boyfriend asks for her hand in marriage she should be excited, dancing, ready… but she isn’t. In fact, Shelby can’t stop thinking about the kiss she shared with Sebastian. It had to be a fluke, right? A simple, delicious, fiery kiss that pulled at her loins and caused her heartbeat to slam against her ribcage. Honestly, it rocked her world and thoughts of what could be played like piano keys in her head. But their friendship was too important to mix with the uncertainty of a relationship. Even worse, what if Sebastian didn’t feel the same way? It could ruin everything. Should Shelby accept the marriage proposal, or shed her fears and open up to her best friend? Find out in Everything I Always Wanted.

    Forced by events that leave her to fend for herself as a teenager, she evolves into a money-hungry vixen as an adult. Using her physical attributes to lead a suspect lifestyle, Honey treats men like toys—good for a while, but always disposable.That is until she meets handsome and charismatic Khalil Graves, an up-and-coming filmmaker who's desperately trying to escape the demons of his painful childhood. Already engaged, Khalil can't seem to shake his attraction to Honey. What he doesn't realize is that he's a pawn in Honey's plan for revenge.Honey's attempt at vengeance quickly unravels, complicated by her possible involvement in a murder and a devious plot to score a payday lucrative enough to free her from her unsavory lifestyle.In A Taste of Honey, Essence bestselling author Darren Coleman delivers another sizzling, drama-filled tale that is sure to take his reputation for delivering page-turners to another level.

    Cuffed by Candlelight is four erotic tales of women bound to uphold the law and obey the rules. But when desire and the rules clash, love and passion ignite with some handcuffs and a little candlelight.

    One week later, as a favor, she attends a wedding with a friend as his date and is shocked when she sees Roarke again. Roarke Hawthorne despises cheating. Cheating tore apart his family years ago. When the physics professor sees the woman he spent the night with show up at his sister’s wedding on the arm of his brother, he knows he should keep his distance. But because of the night they set fire to the sheets in his hotel room, he can’t resist the urge to be close to her–nor can he resist the temptation to have her back in his bed.A HARD MAN TO LOVE Hating him is easy. Loving him is hard. Derrick Hoffman never quite got over not having a relationship with his biological father. The woman he was seeing is pregnant, and there’s no way he’s going to let her raise his child without him–even if it means coercing her into marriage. Eva Jacob made the mistake of falling in love with Derrick, a man she knows is incapable of love. After their breakup, she discovers she’s pregnant. When she agrees to a loveless marriage, she tries to shield her heart from further pain. But she soon discovers that the heart wants what the heart wants, and her heart wants Derrick’s love.HERE COMES TROUBLE Who doesn’t love a bad boy? Lorena Vega knows better than to have anything else to do with Matthew Hawthorne. Then he comes to her and asks for her help in writing a proposal for a grant to benefit the community center where he volunteers. She agrees to do the work, but she has her guard up, because having Matthew in her life again is a problem she doesn’t need. Matthew still carries some guilt from when he hurt Lorena. Seeing her again for the first time in months makes him realize what a huge mistake he made, and he wants another chance to be the kind of man she deserves. He’s determined to win her back and prove he’s not the player he used to be, and nothing will stand in his way. Not even the new man in her life.FOR BETTER OR WORSE Will her actions save her marriage or destroy it? As a publicist for professional athletes, Antonio Vega is used to solving problems and spinning stories to the benefit of his clients. Yet he can’t seem to convince his wife that he has been and always will be faithful, and her lack of trust tests the limits of his patience. Cassidy Hawthorne-Vega grew up in a home rocked by infidelity. When she suspects her husband is hiding something from her, she takes drastic steps to uncover the truth. Her actions result in a confrontation that threatens the bond of their marriage. It’s only when she reveals a painful secret from the past that Cassidy learns to accept the love her husband freely gives.