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.

    But to the Mercer's, it's known as home. Urban Tales is a series created by Mercy B that depicts the lives of four brothers - Nieem, Navee, Nylam, and Lodie - who reigns supreme from corner to corner of their poverty infested projects. Southside is where they sold their first piece of stolen goods, hit their first piece of pussy, and even caught their first body. No deed goes undone, no stone unturned, and not a thing is deemed off limits when the Mercer's are involved -with the exception of their most beautiful treasure, Laitleigh. Laitleigh is the younger sister of four overbearing brothers who are set on her success. While she's grateful for their leadership and protection, she yearns to seek the benefits and misfortunes of Southside with her own eyes. Determined to spread her wings, she embarks on a life of independency and sworn secrecy. Laitleigh breaks the barriers of involuntary confinement and uncovers a life of sex, drugs, and money that she's too enthralled with to return to the fairytale life that was designed for her at the hands of her brothers. Urban Tales is a riveting yet comforting story based in the mid-90s that will touch the depths of your soul and keep the brim of your brain buzzing.

    His main focus is getting back on his feet and taking care of his son that is until he lays eyes on Nicole, a person from his past. She immediately becomes a priority in his life but at what cost? Nicole is a month away from graduation and her escape from chaos also known as Jaekwon her sons father. Everything seems to be falling in to place until a blast from the past sweeps in and shakes things up. Will the connection between Bishop and Nicole be able to overcome the drama that it brings? Major is the biggest player that Charleston has ever seen but he's willing to give it all up for Tranae only thing is Nae has a boyfriend of two years and she not trying to choose. Can Major handle being a side dude or will things hit the fan? Tranae is stuck in a love triangle and she's not trying to give it up. She has the best of both worlds but when her hand is forced to choose, will she make the right choice? With egos, pride, and drama standing in the forefront will these couples find peace and happiness?

    They’ve reached the top and are proving that they deserve to be there, even if life hasn’t been as picturesque as they imagined that it would be. The ups and downs of the streets, marriage, and family have presented them with lessons they never thought they needed to learn. Through it all, one thing remains consistent, and that's the bonds and loyalty that they share with one another. As they struggle to keep their Hood Legacy intact, the Karsens, Grants, and Masters journey into adulthood on a mission to succeed. Will the Young Royals survive Valentine’s Day with their legacy intact? Only one way to find out... **This book is not a continuation of Hood Legacy. It's simply a holiday themed short in which I provide an update to let you know how life played out for the Young Royals. Thanks for your support and enjoy!**

    She’s lost her mother, her father, and her first love, all before the age of thirty. Kola was raised to be tough and self-assured by her father, and when she met Anthony, her first love, he taught her how to be a boss. Now that Anthony and her father are no longer around to guide her, Kola must make some power moves of her own while she nurses her broken heart. Money becomes her only love, and she is content with her new normal until a blue-eyed, dreadlocked cop steps on the scene and shakes everything up. Jayson Wells is a cop by day and the plug by night. He runs the streets of LA from behind the scenes, using his younger brother as the face of his organization. When a newcomer by the name of Guap starts to make noise in the streets, Jayson uses his role within the LAPD to shut them down. But, he gets more than he bargained for when he comes face to face with the beautiful Kola, also known as Guap. The attraction between Kola and Jayson is immediate and intense. Although Kola wants nothing to do with a pig, Jayson is determined to make her his own. The odds are stacked against them, but how does one walk away from something that feels so right? That hood love is all she ever wanted, but it doesn’t come easy.

    Devastated that Shanice was kidnapped, will she be able to make it out alive? While Truth is trying to rescue his love, Shanice, trouble halts his search and he is now in for the fight of his life. Will he make it out to save Shanice, or is he facing a life sentence in jail? Only time will tell. Gabe and Gia never saw the enemy lurking until gunfire erupted on their car. Gia gets shot in the process will she be strong enough to pull through, and grow old with Gabe? She has a secret to tell Gabe that would change their life. Will she be able to reveal her secret and make Gabe a very happy man? In the end, everyone will have to make hard decisions that they never saw coming. Shanice and Gia will be forced to admit that they fell for a real one but is that a good or bad thing?

    But like so many dogs before him, he was never meant to leave. After all, he’s just another project to the humans, worth little more than the results he gives them. Even his name is just a serial number, tattooed inside his ear for identification. Things are changing, though. Strange humans have started visiting the lab in the dark of the night, humans that couldn’t be more different from the researchers. These new humans wear cameras and big white suits. They offer treats to EK-230 and his siblings. Best of all, they come with promises of rescue. Only time will tell whether or not they can be trusted. Humans are humans, and as much as EK-230 wants to love them, humans are rarely good news for a dog like him. The Incredible Story of a Rescued Research Dog This new novel from Aris Austin, "An Author for the Animals," is sure to have you hugging your dog tight. Told from the point of view of a dog being used in a research lab, Echo explores important themes of animal testing, animal care, and open rescue. An instant classic for both animal lovers and fans of LGBTQ+ fiction, this story of a Beagle and his rescuers is sure to earn an honored place in your heart and on your bookshelf. Companion Novel to Shadow Be sure to check out Aris Austin's companion novel to Echo, Shadow! Before there was Echo, there was Shadow. Learn about Annie’s past and the story of the shelter dog she loved so much. Available for Kindle and in print.

    Skye is an urban love story elicits so many emotions as you dive into the lives of Elizabeth “Liz” and Cedric Harvey. ***** “What happens when you go from main chick to mistress status? Elizabeth Pearson found herself submerged in these reversed roles, and after fifteen years of marriage and one year of divorce, Cedric Harvey delivered the devastating news that he was now married to the woman he cheated on Liz with, Felicia. Feeling distraught, Liz unleashed all the rage she felt for Cedric and ended up in the one place they never had problems, the bedroom. After their sexual rendezvous, Cedric noticed the fire and desire that Liz emitted and wondered what had gotten into the woman he used to know. This new side of her had him intrigued, entranced, and full of jealousy. Even though he was married, Cedric couldn’t stay away from her, even though he tried. During their affair, Cedric realized that he had everything he wanted in Liz, but his cheating ways cost him the love of his life. He vowed to make Liz his main chick again, but one little thing was standing in their way, his marriage to Felicia. Will Felicia accept that Cedric wants to return to Liz, or will she fight for her young marriage? Liz started out with revenge on the agenda, but what happens when the games turn into more than just revenge? When Liz realizes that she still has strong feelings for Cedric their situation turns into a case of emotional warfare. Liz thinks Cedric is the love of her life, but is he? Can she fully trust Cedric after all the lies that he told her before, or is there someone lurking in the background that knows her true value? Liz is confident in her relationship with Cedric this time, but, is it forever the second time around? Lies revealed. Secrets uncovered. Relationships tested. Will a happy ending be in sight for anyone? Or will the second time around be just as catastrophic as the first?

    Their love for one another is strong and their sex life is incredibly hot and adventurous. Their bond seems impenetrable. But what will happen when Wes' scorned ex pops up, determined to cause strife in the couple's lives? Will her shenanigans expose a chink in love's armor? Or will Wes suffocate in all attempts to break up his happy home? While anticipating the arrival of their first child, the happily married couple’s world is about to get turned upside. Will the love Justice and Wes share survive the infidelity, deception, and all the craziness that comes along with it? Or will all hell break loose because the other woman is looking to be PAID IN KARMA?

    The past is bringing every deceit to the forefront, and it’s hard for Kolyon, Dortch, Ivy, and Gin to weed every snake from the grass. With Chris meeting his demise, their troubles seem over, but unfortunately, they have another threat right under their nose—mainly Ivy. When she’s taken by her own man, it’s up to Kolyon to get her and Legacy back safely. While Ivy is in danger, Gin and Dortch weave their own web of troubles that they may not live to tell. When Gin wakes up with a gun to her head, she’s certain that her secret affair has come full circle to bite her. With all their troubles brewing, no one has yet to figure out Chris’ killer. That one person is steady making moves without their knowledge, and just may be the match to ignite everyone’s lives up in flames. Will everyone make it through the fire unscathed? In this final installment, these two groups of friends will realize who is really for and against them... including each other.

    Gaining his trust took time and patience. Now, all that they have accomplished together, may be the end after she’s caught with the enemy, unknowingly. Fire is not only pissed off but hurt as well. Against his own will, he has caught feelings for Pure. The last thing he wanted to happen, but it did. Witnessing her with one of the accomplices who robbed him, put a bad taste in Fire’s mouth. It’s only one way he knows how to handle snakes...death. Zoni is left devastated, after finding out she and her sister, had been sharing the same man; without either of their knowledge. Talking about a tough pill to swallow. She’s conflicted between her love for Yurey and her loyalty to her sister. Do love conquers all? Or will she be forced to leave what her and Yurey once had in the past; even though it’s painful to do so?

    After earning her degree in Psychology, Bernie’s life purpose was to help women suffering with depression as best she could, while being a mother to her niece Simone; the child her sister Bianca left behind. When a rash of murder/suicides of mothers and their children began, and with little to no assistance from the police, Bernie begin to dig deeper into the strange occurrences. Finding a common factor amongst the victims, which she also shares, the possibility of sharing the same fate as her sister and other women consumes her as she races against the clock to save herself and the life of young Simone.

     After Cane's revelation on the depths of her husband's betrayal, she finds her self battling how to handle the truth without allowing it to fully break her. With Hoodsta by her side, Cane knows she can do almost anything, but how does that work when she's pregnant with his child, and still running one of the most lucrative Crip organizations in New Jersey? While Hoodsta’s ready to retire the game completely, Cane’s just getting started. Can Hoodsta stand to the left of his woman, or, does her unending love for the streets ultimately tear them apart ? Awakening in the hospital, after a tragic crash, Sanai is forced to face her reality along with a mean backlash from Saint. The two find themselves at odds carrying out selfish tactics to get the others attention, even though all they really want, is to be together. But how is that possible when Gerald is still lingering in her past and Mecia just doesn't seem to go away? Not to mention, Saint's new responsibility as the GMC's Vice President. With more of Gerald's skeletons falling out the closet, Sanai soon finds herself conflicted and torn between loving the once plug , and loving a young savage. However, is Saint still willing to take on her and her baggage? Or better yet, is Sanai willing to accept all of his.... For ten long years, All Havoc wanted to do was come claim his hood back after tucking his tail and doing his time. 'Wins come with losses' is his motto, and now that he's linked back up with his girls Tru and Cane, he just knows they are about to take things to a whole different level. While everything seems to be falling in place on the streets, there's still that one thing in his life lacking... soon Havoc sees maybe the person or thing he’s been searching for, has been right in front of him. Question is, will she be ready to reciprocate the love back or is he simply infatuated with the idea of finally being in love ? Cuz and Nika are your typical hood couple, trying to stack money, take care of their son, and live life to the fullest. Unfortunately, all of Cuz’s past wrongs seem to always knock them back to square one, making it hard for Nika to fully trust him. With Jahmara constantly using little Carson as a ploy to reel Cuz back in, Nika begins to question whether or not her and Cuz are truly meant to be. Giving up would be so much easier than the unknown , but the only issue with that is neither of them are prepared to live their lives without each other.... In this hood tale, we take a closer look into the lives of the crew and the people closest to them. With Gucc looming in the background stirring up beefs, stakes slithering their way inside the circle, who can really be trusted? Not everyone can hang with the Gang, and only the real understands!

    A young lost soul that is rescued by her Prince Charming after torment from her past life. Let’s meet our guest. 18 year old Blake Bailee who was abandoned by her mother and giving up to a pimp at the age of 15, is here to tell her story. Blake can you give us more details on your story and how did your love affair come about? “Well my mother traded me in for drugs when I was 15. I was giving to a pimp name Lenox. For years I sold my body until I was arrested. I did 2 years in jail so when I came home Lenox felt It was best I dance in a club. So I began dancing and on one of my many nights, a known rapper by the name of Yung Baby came to the club. Yung Baby was the hottest rapper in Cali and let’s not forget how sexy he is. Every girl in the club wanted him. I think every girl that crosses his path is smitten with him. Of course I felt I didn’t stand a chance, so when he summonsed me to his VIP I declined. Not giving up, Baby wouldn’t leave me alone and eventually I fell putty into his hands. One night in the studio Olivia Luv, his artist, couldn’t get her melody together so I called myself helping her. Yung Baby was blown away by my voice so he kept me on the track. Which is our hit song Ghetto Cinderella. Everything began to move so fast and It’s like I had become a celebrity over night. But, of course all good things must come to an end. Secrets about my life started surfacing and in a matter of one social media post my world crumbled down on me.

    Cherish loves her daughter, but she knew once she had a child, life would change for her. Gone were the days of traveling with Dion everywhere that he went and attending every party. He's suddenly finding reasons to leave her behind, calling less, and being photographed with Instagram thots more. Cherish loves him, but she's no fool. Packing all of her expensive material possessions, she takes her daughter and leaves Young God...headed back to a regular life. Cherish is devastated, but she hides the pain well. She missed being around genuine, regular people, and though she's not ready for another relationship, there's something about Kenyon 'Problem' Artis that has her intrigued. He's a regular guy with a regular job, and as handsome as he is, he's intimidated by Cherish. He thinks she would never take him seriously because he's broke, but he couldn't be more wrong. Cherish actually appreciates the fact that the things he has to offer can't be bought. When she suffers a devastating loss, and comes across something that could change Problem's life forever, she gives it to him with no hesitation. Problem becomes the man almost overnight. His mediocre life turns into a lavish one and he keeps Cherish by his side, the one that rode with him when he had nothing. It's impossible to become rich and remain the same, and Cherish starts to feel that Problem is turning into the very thing that she liked him for not being. The old saying is true, more money more problems and it may be the thing to ruin the love story that was once perfect.