Yet her ill-fated attempts at running away only deepen the abuse. Guilt and shame press in, pushing away her real friends and reinforcing her own criminal tendencies. Tessa yearns for freedom - and something else. Then a neighbor introduces her to God and salvation through Christ. But will faith be enough? Can she overcome the forces that bind her before it's too late?

    When the other 20 percent is too tempting to turn down, do you decide to go with your family life, or do you take advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity? Simone, Te'Nae and Shay are picture perfect wives and career women. All three juggle prestigious jobs, motherhood and wifely duties with ease, but they share a dark secret that, if exposed, could ruin everything they've worked hard to maintain. They only get one chance to decide if their marriages are worth more than the risks they take.

    Then the way to fame was leading him toward a mistake that could send him straight to hell...She never looked back.Lies, drugs, too many men-- golden skinned singer Topaz Black would do anything to get a hit to the top of the charts, even walk away from her friends and family. But surrounded by greed and lust, the love the longed for seemed to be slipping away forever.He broke all the rules.Brought up in South Central L.A., movie producer Gunther Lawrence learned early how to get the wealth and women he wanted-- and to turn his back on his roots. Now, blinded by Hollywood's glitter, his illusions may shatter when he discovers who really controls his career.As their lives touch, ignite, and explode, three talented African-Americans pursue fame at any cost...and the price may be their happiness...or their lives..An alternate selection of the Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club

    She seems to have it all together all the time until a seductive client topples her self-control. Then there’s Jermane, a devout Catholic who met her husband in law school and has never been with another man. But now her workaholic marriage is threatened by temptation.Angel, on the other hand, sees men merely as a means to sex. Her scorn for love of all kinds—godly or otherwise—is challenged by a serious health scare. Meanwhile, Jewel bases her dating choices on the size of a man’s bank account until she meets a new flame who causes her to reconsider her requirements. Finally, there’s Lexi, the link between the ladies, who provides sage advice while praying for Mr. Right. But what happens when depression hits hard? Through conversation and consolation, these dynamic characters provide one another with divine inspiration—encouraging readers to root for them along the way.

     Stephanie London thought she’d heard from God when she moved to Hope Springs, N.C. But a tragedy in that small town left her soul desolate. Now her husband’s inattentiveness has pushed her over the edge. Bereft of hope, she travels home to St. Louis as a women’s ministry conference kicks off. Though less than enthused to attend, new friendships offer strength and light. But what happens when the weekend ends and real life begins again? Treva Langston grieves still the loss of her husband of twenty-two years. Now, two years later, her heart is breaking again as her oldest daughter’s travails come to light. Traveling from DC to St. Louis for a women’s conference seems the last thing she should do, given the circumstances. But in St. Louis her path crosses with someone new—and her world turns upside down. Will it only lead to more heartbreak? Jillian Mason can’t wait to attend the Living Word women’s conference. She’s done their Bible studies for years and expects God to show up in an amazing way. But the weekend delivers something unexpected—a discovery about her husband. As the state of her marriage hangs in the balance, Jillian is suddenly anxious about returning home. Faith Langston has always been a girl after God’s heart. She loves Living Word studies and registered early for the conference. But at the end of her college sophomore year, she finds herself in circumstances she never imagined—with a heart that has strayed from God. She makes it to St. Louis nonetheless, with her boyfriend in tow—but how will she find her way back to God? Four women in different seasons of life converge at a women’s conference—with a theme that charges them to run “in hot pursuit” for Christ. But how do they run when challenges seem insurmountable? And can they help one another navigate the difficult terrain?

    And I’m still snatching wigs on these hoes left and right. Me and my boo Adrian are finally building our life together. And guess what? We bout to have us a lil crumb snatcher!The only problem is these birds out here can’t stand to see another sister on the come up. Well they asses can fall back and have a stadium full of seats if they think a bitch like me will back down.I got my man, my new home, and bout to have a new baby. That should let you know I won’t let nothing stand in the way of our happiness. Yeah… I got a few issues I need to deal with but in the words of Kevin Hart “They gon learn today!” Pebbles is NOT to be fucked with!ATTENTION: This is a short story 19,860 words

    A constant battle to sustain his hustle in the streets of seven cities becomes a more complex task, as a new hustler from Florida orchestrates a low-key takeover. Lust, betrayal, disloyalty, selfishness, and greed all fuel an imminent explosion as these events unfold—setting the stage for A RUMBLE IN VA!

    It centers around two sets of best friends who succumb to true love after overcoming a series of obstacles to their relationships. Desiree Hagan is a voluptuous counselor whose ex-husband left her because she gained weight. She spends her days comforting clients but all that comforts her is the remote control as she cuddles up with a series of romance novels. Does someone finally bring her comfort? Brandon Hughes life is too busy for commitments. The only commitment he is willing to make is to his career as a security analyst. Climbing the corporate ladder, and not romance, is his number one priority. Is he willing to change?Sparkle Mason's aggressive style and independence wards off the bravest of men. Professionally, she is very successful, but her personal life leaves a trail of failed relationships. Does she meet her knight in shining armor? Eric Lawson, a casualty of a long, draining relationship is looking forward to bachelor hood. The last thing he wants is another woman trying to pressure him into marriage. Will he be a lifelong bachelor or will the right woman change his mind?This is the reissued version with a new cover for Kindle.

    The first two months were perfect until her past came back to haunt her. On top of that, dead bodies of drained human men are popping up around the city and has Syren wondering if she has turned into a killer. Alpha and Omega Duvall thought they had found the woman, that they would share their lives with until another man claimed to be her mate. Now, they are left wondering should they fight for their mate? Or move on? Dark forces are working hard to keep this triad from happiness, and to destroy the Demon Realm along with the Underworld. Can Syren, Alpha, and Omega come out whole? Find out in this D-City Underworld Spin-Off Saga.

    The plan sounded like a good idea until she realizes their personalities crash harder than a drunken driver with his eyes closed. As the mission continues, Yvonna s rapidly deteriorating health threatens success. Will she complete what she set out to achieve, or turn against the people who swore to help her? Does she make it out alive? Or will she finally succumb to death? For the first time in the HISTORY of urban literature, the choice is yours. Choose wisely as this is, Shyt List 5: The Finale.

    Two small time hoodlums turned big time entrepreneurs, these Cali boys are just trying to get it at any and all costs. But when greed, betrayal, and a plan gone wrong comes into play, these two friends' very foundation is shaken. Can they stay afloat in spite of it all, or will they lose what they worked so hard to build together. Shayla Edwards is a spoiled little rich girl who's always walked the path that was chosen by her wealthy successful parents. However, things become a whole lot interesting when she meets a sexy D-boy that changes her entire life forever. Romeo is everything Shayla's ever wanted in a man, but will she be able to tolerate the dangerous life he lives? Kimberlyn Lopez was used to living the lavish life before her fiancee Cool was locked up on drug charges, leaving her to take care of their 2 year old son. If things aren't bad enough already, they really become complicated when Desmond, an old flame, comes back into the picture. With his smooth, charismatic appeal, Desmond has always held a part of her heart even while they were apart. But will Kimberlyn be able to tolerate his career choice--and the possibility of losing him as well? If things are complicated enough, they really heat up when Cool gets the early release he was anticipating. <"Flawless" will take you on an emotional roller coaster, that'll surely have you questioning just how far you'll go for love.

    Jasmine was always overlooked for her brains and praised for her beauty until she met Nico, the educated hoodlum with a sexier, smarter, and even prettier wifey on his arm. His main chick, Mia, is a force to be reckoned with a quiet storm who will ride or die for the love of her life.Frustrated and caught between a fledgling video-vixen career and dysfunctional friends, Jasmine wants to be upgraded from Nico's mistress to his wifey. But Jasmine soon finds out that the glitz and glamour of huge diamonds and fancy cars come with an even heavier ransom drug deals and murder.Meanwhile, Mia's not willing to let go of her man so easily. She digs up dirt on Jasmine that can destroy her, but Mia can't even imagine what lengths Jasmine will go to, to keep her secret under wraps.

    The chance meeting of Capo turns things from upside down to good all around. Take a ride with Jonnae as she realizes your first love isn't always real love & that hood love can be a good love.

    This Essence bestseller from an author to watch takes an unforgettable look at love, lust, and secrets that can break hearts--and destroy homes.

    She is married to a successful, loving husband but somehow she requires more attention than this fine upstanding man can offer. She plays hard; in fact she is a playa in her own right. But Grace forgets that Game recognizes Game when she runs into Sonia, her husband’s best friend. This is the tale of Grace’s extra-marital love affair, love and support of good friends, and lessons learned along the way.