College isn't an option, so he decides to get a job. Just when Mayhem thinks that no one will hire him, two Russian brothers decide to put him on at their construction company. Mayhem isn't a big fan of the long hours and hard work, but he is determined to hang on. One day, his boss, Adrik, offers him the deal of a lifetime. The very life that Mayhem tried to avoid is placed at his feet, and he isn't sure if he wants to walk away from it. Tia wants to be successful, and unlike the other females in her life, she doesn't want to be a dumb female for the wrong man. Almost daily, she sees the negative effects of a dysfunctional relationship, and she tries to steer clear of that. Mayhem wins her over with his charming smile and his determination to get a job and build a decent life for himself. When her man starts spoiling her and coming up, she knows it's not from a legal job. By this time, she's in love with Mayhem, and not willing to leave him. The very things she wanted to avoid all seem to come into play as she realizes that she's in love with the city's newest plug.

    Wolf's father always told him if anything happened he would be the man of the house. Unfortunately, the tragedy forced him to be that and to make sure his siblings were always safe. Journey was finishing her Masters degree and excited to start her endeavor into the world. However, she meets Colby who she swore would never be the kind of man for her. He was too thuggish and rough around the edges. That is until they end up at the same party with a mutual friend. Sparks fly but Journey won't give him the time of day because of his girlfriend. Unbeknownst to her Colby has his own agenda and will stop at nothing to get her. At the age of fifteen Jax gets hit with a five year bid that keeps him away from his sister that he and Wolf go to great lengths to protect. He doesn't allow her to visit so when he is released the homecoming is bittersweet. He does find love behind those bars and will do anything to make her believe he wasn't just giving her jail talk. Wolf could care less about love. All he wanted to do was protect his family and make money. However, his past will catch up to him, which puts everyone he loves in danger. Will he find the person causing all this hurt in their lives or will it be too late?

     Amazon bestselling authors Twyla T. and J. Dominique bring the anticipated conclusion of this urban fiction hood love series about revenge and unfinished business. Mercedes is the definition of a survivor. Beautiful. Stronger. Wiser. After suffering torment for years from Maine, Mercedes finds what real love is from Duke. She’s living life better than she thought until Maine puts a stop to it. He is not going quietly into the night, and Mercedes shows him that she’s not that weakling anymore. Survival is the name of the game, and Mercedes stops at nothing to keep her head above water. Duke can’t believe that he’s fallen for Mercedes and her son, but that is exactly the position he finds himself. After learning what her ex did to her for years, he vows to protect Mercedes at all costs. Duke’s vows are quickly tested when he learns how strategic Maine is to get Mercedes back under his control. Duke learns that there are no stones that he wouldn’t turn over to keep Mercedes and her son safe. Kiyah is the definition of a ride or die. Loyal. Trusting. Beautiful. Falling in love was not in the game plan for her until Major entered into her life and turned it upside down. Kiyah didn’t know love could feel so good, but she just wishes that her parents would understand her position and accept Major into her life. However, tragedy occurs before amendments can be made. Major has fallen head over heels for Kiyah, and he won’t let anyone interfere with what they have. Having unfinished street business along with his ex claiming him as her baby’s father is threatening the one person that he can’t bear to let go of. In order for Major to really get out of the game, he has to deal with obstacles that threaten to demolish the piece of happiness, love, and peace that he has acquired. He will not rest until all threats are eliminated.

    Most women see the expensive clothes, cars, jewelry, and houses, but never the dark side of it all. Brevin Williamson, or the King of Cleveland as he likes to be called is handsome, rich, crazy, and feels he can do whatever he wants, when he wants no matter who it hurts. Tatiana, being pregnant, feels trapped in a life with Brevin that she so badly wishes she could be out of. She wants so much more out of life, and feels it’s nearly impossible… until she meets Teflon. Teflon isn’t as rich as Brevin, nor does he hold the imaginary keys to the city of Cleveland like him, but when Tatiana meets him, she becomes immediately smitten with the beyond good looking and very charming man. Teflon’s relationship track record isn’t as dirty as Brevin’s but it’s definitely not squeaky clean. However Tatiana makes him rethink everything about the way he’s been living his romantic life. Will Tatiana go for what she wants, despite the danger it may bring to her? Or will she turn her back on real love, letting the life she currently lives kill her slowly from within.

    Being a natural born hustler with a winning streak on the track has put him on a pedestal. Fast cars, money and beautiful women are just some of the things that comes easy. However, an unintentional wrong turn leads to a three-year prison stint and puts his entire life on pause for a while. Cashmere Lux is Jabari’s ride or die girlfriend that holds him down throughout his bid. She’s not slow when it comes to getting what she wants and plays that card to her advantage while her man is away. When Jabari returns home, he finds that everything is the same, but his feelings have suddenly changed. Is Cashmere really the woman he thought she was? Tiana Thomas is someone Jabari has crushed on since his high school days. With a life of her own, she can barely find time for herself. However, after exchanging numbers, and a few by chance encounters, she finds herself becoming more and more attracted to the bad boy. Knowing he has a woman that’s with all the drama and nonsense, will Tiana be able to slip out of Jabari’s tangled web? Or, will she apprehensively find herself Fallin’ In Love With The Greatest Of All Time?

     With a body that can make a blind man see and a tongue slicker than oil, Kaci can easily bring a grown man to his knees and talk him right out of his pockets like a crooked preacher standing in the congregation. After her father’s untimely death when Kaci was just a little girl, Kaci, her brother Rodrick, and mother, Karen, are left to figure their lives out without the man that has always led the way and provided for them. With Karen’s new boyfriend J-Lo in the house, beating her silly, Kaci feels as though she’s living a nightmare, and the only outlet is sex, drugs, and money. She builds up strong resentment towards her mother and turns to the most dangerous streets of Houston. No longer having a father to teach her how to love herself, Kaci makes up her own rules and develops her own beliefs in how a woman is supposed to conduct herself. With a heart as cold as ice and a mind made of Teflon, Kaci lives life on the edge, that is until she finally meet her match, Kody. Not only is Kody paid, but he’s sexy and smart as hell. He also has a mind that’s just as tough as Kaci, and when their worlds collide, Kaci finds herself being swept off her feet. Kody is nothing like the men that Kaci is used to. He challenges her, makes her feel worthy, but he also plays hard to get, which only makes her want him even more. However, Kody isn’t as perfect as he seems. With Kody having a crazy baby mama straight out of hell, Kaci is now caught up in something that she never in a million years thought she would be caught up in. The rule that Kaci always taught herself was to never love a man, but now that Kody is so deep in her mind, she’s unsure of herself. Kaci has to make a decision; go back to what she knows or stick it out with Kody, knowing he comes with baggage. Find out what happened in another one of Sha Jones’ love story.

    Having witnessed crime, poverty, death and much more at such a young age; Harlem learned to make a way when there was no way. Due to unfortunate circumstances, and fear for her family, Harlem’s mother packs them up and relocates to a shelter away from everyone and everything she’s accustomed to. Opting to make the best of her situation, Harlem finds solace in the presence of the young and handsome Enzo Maverick. As much of a mystery as he is to Harlem, Enzo prefers to keep it that way. With an impeccably rude demeanor and crass decorum, mostly everyone stays clear from him. Everyone except his mother’s boyfriend, Khalil. When the two come to blows and Enzo almost gets arrested, his mother is forced to make a decision that lands Enzo in the same place as Harlem, where their blossoming, yet rocky friendship begins. Hesitant to trust anyone, Enzo and Harlem both quickly learn that allowing one another into their world may be just what they need to find peace. When tragedy and triumph strikes, the two are abruptly detached. After years pass, Harlem is no longer the curious 17-year-old Enzo first encountered. In fact, she’s just as ruthless and cold-hearted as he is. In this gritty tale of money, love, lust and betrayal, Harlem is reminded that everything in life worth fighting for comes with a struggle. Even love; a feeling she desperate yearns for.

    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.

    Growing up without a father was nothing new but growing up without a mother turned Karma cold. Money over everything was the mentality of this cold-hearted thug. Love was a foreign language and nonexistent until he runs across the infamous Butta. Royce is newly single after leaving her no good, cheating boyfriend Addison. She makes a promise to herself to take some time to find herself again. Instead of finding herself, she finds a new love that has her head gone. The beautiful songstress falls heart first for Karma without giving it a second thought. Royce and Karma both have things to work on as individuals, but when they come together magic happens, at least for them anyway. It seems like when these two find love the rest of the people in their life find, greed, jealousy and disappointment. Jump into this fairy-tale love story that will leave you teary eyed & surprised as you learn a whole new meaning to being in your feelings.

    She's craving it from the man that knows her inside and out, a man that think he knows her, and the best friend who doesn’t know her so well. Mica left a hectic lifestyle in hopes that the grass was greener on the other side, only to find out its just as dark. Mike is the first love of her life. Wes is the love of her life. What to do when you have two wrongs that both feel right? Both are south siders, but which one really has her heart? Will either of them change for her? Are they even worthy of her love? At the same time, she has a messed-up view of what love should really be. In this book of love, lies, and deceit, find out what Mica's next move will be! Maybe there’s no hope for love on the southside of Chicago. Or will she ruin her only chance at love?

    Instead of going away to college or turning up every weekend, she spent her days behind the counter at McDonalds. With a mother fighting Lupus and bills that had to be paid, Azuri put her life on hold to be whatever her mother needed her to be. A night working the late shift changed her life. It was the day she met Kashmir “Gotti” Banks. Gotti is an arrogant, smart mouthed boss from Harlem and used to getting everything he wanted, that is until he met Azuri. Love ‘em and leave ‘em had been his way of life for the past twenty five years. Chasing women was never his style and being caught, had never been Azuri’s style. The chemistry between the two was far more than either of them could ever imagine. Not sure if Gotti is good for her, Azuri built a wall up that he was determined to tear down. A day at the Rucker started a whirlwind romance between the two, but will they have a happily ever after? Lies, drama, murder, sex and deceit threaten to destroy the union the two have built. Will their love stand the test of time? Or will too many lines being crossed, tear the two apart? Find out in this juicy tale, unlike anything you’ve ever read...

    Being determined to care for those that she loves draws her to a new city. Luckily for her, she ends up scoring a win by getting a position at the Alcatraz of the South - Angola, Louisiana State Penitentiary. What seems like a promising job, turns out to be something that she has never experienced. She gets sucked in by a force she never knew existed. He's domineering, dangerous, powerful, and of course a thug that you just can't get enough of. This romance will pull you in from the very first page, and will have you wanting more Casanova... find out how Cassidy copes with this possessive force in Casanova & Cassidy: Thug Relationship Goals.

    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

     Once the crew finds out who the victim is, complete mayhem begins to unfold and the tangled web of messy drama starts to weave. Trust is damaged, bonds are broken, and love disintegrates into hate. Now that Capone knows who Capri's past consists of, he feels as if he has been sleeping with the other side and walks away from her for good with spews of hateful words and threats that Capri perceives as unforgivable. He tries to ignore the aching in his heart by turning it into the rage that he needs to find Shug and complete his vengeance once and for all. Capone's pain triggers the savage that Capri had managed to put to sleep with her unconditional love. He returns to the beast that he used to be, and wreaks havoc on everything and everyone in his path. Capri can't believe that she fell so hard and so fast that before she knew it, she wound up disrespected, hurt and alone. All she wants to do is focus on her children and put her life back together again. However, both Capone and Capri can not deny that despite the efforts that they put into moving on, the heart wants what the heart wants. But sometimes what the heart wants can get you hurt, killed, or both. With new bae's coming into the picture, more drama, and more mayhem, will Capone and Capri's love concur all?

     Raised in the heart of the hoods of Brooklyn, 18-year-old LeTavia was the oldest of two children looked after by their grandmother after their mother ran out on them. Built with a strong sense of responsibility, it was this trait that pushed her to protect Deshaun Banks, aka Gunplay, the very first time she laid eyes on him. Gunplay, a born hustler, ducked into a local food spot, hoping to dodge the police that were searching for him but what he found inside ended up being more than he expected. When LeTavia immediately assisted him by attempting to hide him from the cops, he not only avoided being placed in prison for the rest of his life but he found the one woman who he would learn is loyal to him from Day 1. Or is she really? Five years later, Gunplay is released from prison and runs into the person whom he owes his freedom to. Now 23 years old, LeTavia is a full grown woman and just as desirable to him as she was the day they'd first met. Immediately, Gunplay sets his mind on making her his but Quisha, the chick who held him down for five years of lock up, isn't having that. Cutta was the king of the Harlem streets before Gunplay was locked up and, after his release, he's even more powerful. When he hears that Gunplay has been released, he has one goal in mind and that's to end Gunplay's life for a betrayal he blamed Gunplay for years ago. But when fate brings him into contact with LeTavia, his plans take a turn that even he didn't expect and the result threatens to tear down everything that LeTavia and Gunplay have built. Is real love always loyal love? When the rules of the streets are mired by the desires of the heart, the results can be treacherous and, oftentimes, deadly.