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.

    His life runs on a neat, orderly schedule until he re-unites with Allison Worthy. She was just a kid when Thurman left for life on the high seas. Now, she’s a vivacious and beautiful woman who threatens to turn his world upside-down. And the worst thing is…he has to work with her. Allison, cruise director on the ship’s maiden voyage, takes one look at grown up Thurman Swain and swoons. He’s become exactly what she’s looking for in a man, except he might be a little too concerned about what others think. The intimate confines of a ship at sea soon brew a romance between the captain and the cruise director. They conduct a clandestine love affair until Allison wants to bring their love out into the bright southern sun. When former lovers meet again on a holiday cruise, are they ready to face their past and their future... Murphy Gilbert has few regrets. His family owns a luxurious small cruise ship line, and he’s on the maiden voyage of the newest ship doing what he loves. As the company photographer and digital media specialist, the Christmas cruise on the Grand Islander should be just the right combination of work and play. However, as the ship leaves Charleston, he discovers a woman from his past on board. Losing her is one of his few regrets, but resisting her on a two-week cruise may be wonderfully impossible. After graduating from college with an art degree, Cecelia took off to Europe to study with the masters. She left behind her best friend Murphy, but not before a passionate but unwise fling with him the week before graduation. Now four years later, her work takes her aboard the Grand Islander and into the path of the dark-eyed man she hasn’t been able to forget. Letting herself fall for him means revealing a secret that will hurt them both, and Cecelia must risk everything before New Year’s Eve.

    Even if it meant striking a deal with the surly, and devilishly handsome, mountain man to do it. More lives than just her own depended upon it… She was the type he swore never to fall for again…He was a complication she could ill afford…Together they will discover love is worth the risk, no matter the cost…Lady Ann Dunneroy finds herself in a desperate situation and her search for the man responsible leads her on a perilous journey to the American West. Relying solely on her wit and resourcefulness to survive, she strikes a deal with a rugged mountain man by the name of Grayson Stone. The more time Ann spends with Grayson, the less certain she is of the original mission she embarked upon. Determined to do what is right, Ann must make a difficult decision; one that may break her heart and perhaps cost her very life as well as the lives of those she loves most…Grayson Stone is the leader of the wagon train and it’s his job to ensure everyone arrives safely; a duty made aggravatingly more challenging when he agrees to escort a reckless, young woman along the way. A hard man, as rugged and imposing as the mountains he calls home, Grayson wants only to live a peaceful life of solitude. But something about the tenacious Lady Ann makes him yearn for more… A story of love and loss on the Santa Fe Trail! Follow the hoyden daughter of an earl, from the ballrooms of London to America’s wild frontier; where she must choose between her heart and her honor. Excerpt from Ann’s Valley: “Nothing has changed.” Grayson’s words were direct and curt. Ann stiffened, feeling her anger with him return, “I hadn’t been under the impression they had.”“Do not confront me again on the matter. I will not change my mind. No woman or child allowed on the trail unless accompanied by a guardian. Is that understood?”“Perfectly.” She leveled him with her most imperious stare. Then added impertinently, “And do you own the trail, then?”His jaw clenched in irritable fashion, fastening her with a menacing glower, “Don’t even think about following on your own.”“You can’t stop me.”

    

    

    The women on the station turned away with tears, images of their husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and boyfriends disappearing through the smoke. Dorothy stood there alone, until every trace of smoke from the train engine had dissipated. She suddenly felt cold and alone. She finally turned and followed the other women down the metal steps, off the station and back to Edward Street. 1927. The poverty-stricken streets of Neck End in England’s industrial midlands, were a lonely and miserable place for a little girl. Abandoned by her mother, Dorothy clings to the memory of her father, who lives in the capital city. London seems an entire world away, as she hopes for the day when he might send for her and she can finally get out. Twelve years later, the country is plunged into war with Germany and Dorothy’s world is thrown into chaos. Can she have a life in London with her father despite the dangers of war or will a chance encounter with a dashing soldier change her path for good?  Torn between loyalty to her father and the possibility of love, Dorothy struggles with the greatest decision of her young life. A decision influenced by war and the love of two strong, yet vastly different, men.

    What could be more elemental than Phire and Ice? Sapphire Henson and Isaiah Harrison had been riding together since childhood. She held him down through his days in the game and his thot-filled nights. But Phire had grown tired of Ice’s arrogance and when he crosses one bridge too many, is there a way for this couple to bounce back… especially when a sexy arms dealer known as Bleu is waiting in the wings to make her his own “Sapphire Bleu?” Elijah Harrison, II, can’t understand the back and forth nature of his brother Ice’s relationship with Phire. He’s convinced that Ice should be more like him and avoid drama by dodging relationships altogether… that is, till a wounded angel crosses his path one night. Ariana Alexander makes Jah throw away all his no-attachment rules. But will she allow her past to destroy any chance of their future? Joshua (Jace) Taylor was supposed to get his family out the hood the legitimate way—with his phenomenal basketball talent. His best friends, Ice and Jah, work hard to keep him out of the game and Jace works just as hard to keep up his college kid façade. Meeting the beautiful Laila MacNamara stirs his darkest desires, bringing out the side of him he wants to keep under wraps. Her heated responses to his dominance make it unlikely that the bad boy in him will stay hidden. Just as they begin to explore the limits of their passion, the intoxicating world of professional basketball, with its endless excesses, pulls at him. At twenty-one, can Jace stay strong enough to be true to Laila? Join these childhood friends from the East Side of San Antonio as they struggle to figure out where life—and love—will take them.

    

    So being bad for him was never on her agenda... right? Running away from her father’s house to live a life with her boyfriend of four years was supposed to be her perfect fairy tale ending. Until six months later, he kicked her out, forcing her to live on the streets of Detroit. Vowing to only focus on what matters, Zoerina Banks bounces back, grinds her butt off, and stacks her paper. However, it becomes easier said than done when the biggest distraction hits Ms. Banks—sending her life on a wild, uncontrollable rollercoaster. It’s his way or no way. That’s the number one rule Khadarious ‘KD’ Dixon has always stuck by and been successful with. He’s ruthless on the streets, ruthless to his enemies, and even ruthless with his women. Even with his heavy past influence in the streets, he’s always been specific on wanting to be low-key. But being low-key when your name is always in everyone’s mouths is much easier said than done. Those that know who he is, either love him, fear him, or loathe him. And the streets always know how to lure him back in, one way or another. He’s arrogant, spoiled, and everything she shouldn’t want in a man—everything she should be running far away from. But her attraction toward him is undeniable, undeniable and dangerous. She convinces herself that she doesn’t want anything to do with him. But who is she trying to kid? He’s never been one with commitment. She’s never been one without it. A new hood love. An irresistible chemistry. A perfect match. But could Zoerina’s biggest enemy, turn out to be the dangerous man she’s fallen in love with?

    My father, Quincy, alongside his twin brother Quintin is known to the world as the leaders of the Taylor Cartel. Expensive cars, designer bags, shoes, and clothes, don’t excite me. That’s probably why I haven’t met a man yet who could hold my attention. Most think because I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth that I’m one of those prissy broads. But I’m far from it! I just so happen to run two of the most lucrative businesses, Daddy’s Girl, a Gentleman’s Club, and Taylor Made Constructions. Life is good, but it hasn’t always been sweet for me. I’m no different from the rest of the women in the world when it comes to these men and their games. Pierre was my first everything, he was my first love, and my first heartbreak. Even though I lost at the game of love, I still won a prize, and her name is Harmony Taylor. That’s right, the first time I had sex at the tender age of fourteen, I got pregnant. I know it sounds bad, but it is what is. I made a vow to myself to never fall in love again until I met a man that could live up to my father’s standards… JA I got the typical hood story. Grew up with a single mom. My pops died in a shootout when I was young. Word is, he was the toughest man alive and the right-hand man to the Taylor Twins. After my pops were long and gone, the twins looked out for us, they practically raised me and they are the reason I’m a young, ruthless, and rich now. Growing up protecting my OG and little sister Skylar, you’d think I’d be better with women, but the truth is told, it’s the opposite. I’m emotionless and simply unlovable, or so I thought… In this Urban Fiction Romance, you’ll take a ride with Princess and JA through the world of love, heartbreak, and broken promises.

    With the life style her father lives, she made it her business to branch off. Even though her beauty was evident, men wanted her more because of her last name. The Banks name carried weight in the streets and for once Air wanted her own life. She moved out of the city and focused on herself. One encounter at a restaurant led her into the arms of a man that was just as heavy in the dope game as her father. Not knowing of his way of life, she started falling for his charm. Ghoul has always been a cool, calm, and collective guy. He’s very calculated and knows how to keep it together even in the toughest situations. But sometimes, that’s easier said than done. Ghoul has been a Dope Boy for years and one thing he knew how to do was keep the street life and home life separated. Besides making sure his money was stacking up, his only other concern is taking care of his dying mother. Who knew by him doing something so drastic one night, would have him shift his energy to Air. Air was sassy, sexy and had a spark to her that made him want her even more. Ghoul laid all of his cards on the table for her in the beginning. There was nothing she didn’t know but Air had one secret she kept away from him, for a reason. With secrets being kept and enemies plotting, once the two collide, lives may be destroyed. Will these two have a chance of survival once Air finally reveal her secret? Will Ghoul have to constantly fight for Air’s attention to get her to see that even, Dope Boys Need Love too? Secrets will be told, love will be lost and only the strong will survive.

    It also swallows her voice.Who could ever love a mute and broken girl like Olivia? Franklin Slater wants nothing more, but society slays his advances and Olivia is forced to flee once again.It seems that even the prayers of the voiceless fall on deaf ears.Is there no voice to speak up for this hidden heroine of the dark, Victorian streets?Can Franklin muster courage to find the woman he once desired and forsake his fears and family? And does the mysterious veiled lady he meets hold secrets that will lead him back to the heart of his one true love?If you love historical Victorian sagas that celebrate the resilience of the human heart in the face of insurmountable challenges you will love the deep and moving story of the Workhouse Girl and The Veiled Lady.

    Unfortunately, her father forces her to find a suitable match. A fortuitous meeting at a ball leads her to make an elaborate plan with Lord Cavendish to convince everyone that they are courting. Dejected and heartbroken, Anthony Cavendish agrees to be part of Elizabeth's scheme, as he views it as an opportunity to make his lost love crawl back to him. What happens though when their scheme paves the way for true feelings to start blossoming? Will they both realise that their goals, as well as their hearts, are perfectly aligned?A Beauty for the Scarred DukeWhen the Earl of Upperton sells off his daughter Isabella as a bride for the disfigured Elliot Covington, Isabella feels terrified. Due to marrying a man she never met and whom she believed to be a monster, she truly believes her life is over. What she has yet to discover though, is that beneath the scars, there is a caring and kind gentleman. The moment they both realise they are meant to be together, outside powers will try to tear them apart forever. Will the Duke be able to let go of the pain and guilt that has swallowed him whole?A Charming Lady for the Intriguing BaronetIf Selina had her way, she would marry a commoner and live in happiness. Her encounter with Alexander, reinforces her belief that the life she has dreamed of could be in front of her. The experience is similar for Alexander, Baronet of Chesterfield, as he is convinced that Selina will be the woman who will bring hope into his life. When the beautiful woman discovers his true identity, she will reject him for the very reason that makes him the most eligible bachelor. Can the charming Baronet compensate for a rocky start and earn Selina’s trust?A Governess for the Brooding DukeWhen Georgette is left penniless after her father's sudden death, she becomes the governess of the orphan nieces of the Duke of Draycott. Soon, she finds her heart entrapped by her employer's presence, and yet she knows that she should suppress her emotions and compromise with her lower status. Little did she know that the Duke would see the light her caring presence has brought to his shadowy estate. Spiteful persons will threaten to keep Georgette away from his life forever. Will they find the courage to claim their feelings for each other?For the Love of a DuchessEngaged to be married to the handsome Miles Gainsborough, Eliza Ashton, could never imagine how easily happiness can turn into disaster. When her father confesses that she is the only hope of saving them from financial ruin, she finds herself set to marry the unbearable Duke of Lytton and Miles is nowhere to be seen. Her life will take an unexpected turn though when she meets Daniel Winchester, an accomplished attorney who will manage to break through the wall of thorns Eliza has started to build around her heart. Will Daniel win Eliza’s wounded trust?Kind Ella and the Charming DukeAfter her father’s death, Ella is left devastated. Her mother marries the Earl of Dandridge, a cold hearted father of two spoiled young ladies in search of a suitor. When Rufus is reported to be searching for a suitable bride, the Earl will plot the most appalling schemes to hide Ella away. Ella’s rebellious heart makes her defy the orders to abstain from the Duke’s masquerade ball. A defiance that will act in her favour, as that is where she will meet charming Rufus. Little did he know though that claiming her heart will be the most difficult mission in his life.If you love clean Regency romances that feature dynamic and inspiring women of the era and determined, yet charming, male protagonists, then you will love this collection!

    Two years after becoming a widow, Naomi Tisdale is determined to make a new life for herself in Oregon. She is not interested in marriage. In fact, she really just wants to be left alone. But when she meets her new neighbor, she is no longer interested in solitude, and she's determined to gain more than just his friendship.Aidan McKenzie knows immediately that Naomi is the woman he wants for a wife. With her beauty, charm, intelligence and willingness to work hard, she embodies everything he has been searching for. But scars from her first marriage remain, and Aidan wonders whether he can convince her to take a second chance on love.Publisher's Note: This historical western romance contains steamy, graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.