An unexpected temptation. And stakes so high no one will walk away unscathed…   Gorgeous Nicole is about to get everything she's hustled for. She's having her rich, married lover Rashad's baby. And a lucky break has made her a media heroine—and the perfect new wife material. With one more deception here, a couple more little seductions there, she'll finally push Rashad's wife, Kiara, completely out of his life. With her formidable competition gone, Nicole will lock down Rashad's ever-wandering interest, and be the next Mrs. Eason for sure… But there are some temptations even this sexy schemer finds tough to pass up. Especially her first love, ex-con Ajalon, who's just walked back into her life. His intense hunger, chiseled body, and mind-blowing endurance are throwing Nicole off her game and reigniting emotions way too hot to control—or resist. But he’s also handed Kiara, and another interested ex, the perfect ammo to expose Nicole and blow her world apart once and for all. Now the only guarantee for all involved is shattering scandal—and mutually assured destruction…Praise for the novels of Cydney Rax   “The book we can’t put down.”--Essence® on My Husband’s Girlfriend   “Fascinating, witty, and thought-provoking.” –Zane on My Daughter’s Boyfriend   “Filled with family drama.”--APOOO Book Club on My Sister’s Ex

    Lavished with expensive jewelry, exotic getaways, and, most important, her first love, Blossom's life is transformed. But her fairy tale is quickly ended when a murder occurs -- meant for the two lovers -- and Dude's emotional pain and controlling temper cause him to change his attitude toward Blossom. Soon deceit casts a dark shadow over their relationship, and Blossom is left feeling abandoned and betrayed -- but still hopelessly in love. A portrait of life in urban black America, Blossom takes us on the rocky journey of falling in love with a street hustler, where tomorrow is never guaranteed -- even for Blossom, a woman full of such life and promise.

    To everyone else — welcome to New Orleans — to be more specific — welcome to the Ninth Ward. They Don’t Mind Dying is an intense psychological thriller that chronicles in explicit detail, the inner workings of an inner city drug organization from its violent rise to power on through to its ultimate demise. Forced out of his home and onto the streets by his aunt at the age of fifteen, Ben Holland meets two youths, Manny and Oscar, who would change his life forever when they introduce him to a life of crime. They Don’t Mind Dying tells the story of Ben Holland and how he and his friends rose to the top of the drug game and the violent lifestyle the gang’s members had become accustomed to. When events within the organization begin to unravel the gang’s solidarity, however, no amount of money in their possession, nor the police on the crew’s payroll, could stop the wheels of retribution from rolling in their direction. Ben Holland and his crew fight to remain atop the city’s drug trade, but the price of success is starting to exceed the effort; retirement is looking more and more appealing. Can Ben Holland and his crew stay alive long enough to exit the game? Or will fate have a say so in matters? They Don’t Mind Dying is the first installment in The Holland Family Saga, a saga that will chronicle the Holland Family’s history along with the people who would shape their lives over many years. Starting with They Don’t Mind Dying, the creed in which Ben Holland and his cohorts live by throughout their violent reign, and traversing forward, the saga will reveal over time, the Holland Family’s struggles, injustices and inner demons as their lives come full circle and many secrets are revealed. The Holland Family Saga is more than fiction…It is real life in print.

    Still having male organs, Candy is housed with strong, masculine, handsome male inmates who haven't been around or touched a woman in years. Candy soon finds herself being caught in several love affairs with men with families, girlfriends and wives at home--waiting for them to be released. But Candy doesn't kiss and tell; she understands the code of silence: what happens in prison stays in prison... . CONVICT'S CANDY deals with sexual identity, prostitution and homosexuality within the prison system, the interactions and relationships between the inmates and officers, infidelity and most importantly, explains how the HIV virus spreads rampantly within the prison. It also reveals how the dangerous and deadly disease is transmitted within society, when infected inmates are released to go home.

    Ramon again finds himself amongst his loyal crew of thieves, who hold him down while mobbing his way to the top of one of Kansas City s most lucrative empires. But two women have their own agendas for Ramon. Yawni, a 38-year-old diva with intentions of becoming wifey and Jayde, a 22-year-old sack-chaser whose seductive ploys weigh heavy on Ramon s pockets and wellbeing. After repeatedly neglecting the loyalty of his friends in pursuit of youth, fortune and fame, Ramon finds that even thieves must honor the code of the streets or pay the piper. When old friends turn to enemies and the streets greed comes calling, will Ramon realize if there is still honor Amongst Thieves?

    With households to maintain, families to take care of, and men to seduce it’s a wonder how these ladies find time to piece together a scheme of all schemes to put them in a position of power. But when the real mastermind flips the script on the ladies, it will risk their lives and test their friendship…THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF SECTION 8

    Her loving parents were gunned down right in front of her eight year old eyes, leaving her alone and an unwanted child of the state of New York. The hot bullets that ushered her parents to heaven left her with a scar on her beautiful face and a broken heart. With the help of her new found brother Shabazz, Tiana managed to survive the group home for parentless children and reach her eighteenth birthday.Now all grown up, Tiana finds herself in new territory with new choices to make which will shape her bright future. On the surface, she’s the picture of poise and grace. However underneath her pretty exterior dwells a murderous spirit fueled by a thirst for blood and violence. Miss Brantz is destined for greatness, but, the question is…what will she be great at, breaking every law on the streets or enforcing the law in the courtroom as a talented attorney? The answer is both. Tiana takes no prisoners and shows no mercy in court or on the corner. She’s rich, fine, loyal, and intelligent. Along with Shabazz, the two of them set out to make a killing in the drug world rolling over anybody in their way.Most women wouldn’t dare get their nails dirty. Most women would back down from confrontation. Most women would avoid death at any cost. But, Tiana isn’t like most women. She’s a beast. She’s a monster. She’s built for the street life. Tiana Brantz is LADY SCARFACE!LADY SCARFACE 2 Coming soon!LADY SCARFACE by Divine Ortiz is presented to you by Shareef Jaudon, the author of the best selling TYCE series.

    She’s a beautiful independent woman with a great career and a good man by her side. Brian, the new man in her life, is every woman’s dream. He’s fine, established, and paid. There is just one problem . . . Savannah isn’t over her ex. She still struggles with the wounds left by her first love, Brandon. Even though love has knocked her down once she is willing to give it another try if only her heart and her best friend Roxie will let her. Roxie holds no bars back when it comes to Savannah. Her love goes deeper than friendship, but the feelings aren’t reciprocated. Roxie isn’t thrilled about her best friend’s new man. She’s played this game before and she’s playing for keeps. While Savannah is convinced that Brian is a good guy, Roxie isn’t buying into Brian’s good boy persona. The more Roxie presses the issue the more she pushes Savannah away. Will Roxie’s over protective nature push Savannah away for good? Or, will Savannah find out some unsavory things about her new man? Find out as friendships are tested, and sanity is questioned. How will Roxie handle her best friend’s man?

    At a young age, being adopted by people the complete opposite of her complexion, she had a hard time growing up. Milani didn’t want for anything, yet, she felt empty inside, she was searching for answers, because nothing made sense to her. Until something changes her life drastically, causing her to be uprooted once again, and placed in the home of an unfamiliar face. Kaiszer Karter was the son of the infamous Kason Karter. He had been through a lot, and seen a lot at a young age, which made him numb to life. Being groomed for the family business since age thirteen, he never got to live a normal life. Growing up, he was always the relax, quiet, chill brother, who no one really paid attention too. After stepping up and providing for his family the only way he knew how, he starts to really get to know himself, and his aura completely changes. This is no ordinary love story, this is a story that can only be understood through taking a moment to walk in each character’s shoes. This is a story of two couples from completely different backgrounds falling for each other. You’ll get to know Milani, her best friend Toriyah but also the Karter Brothers, Kaizon and Kaiszer. How can two people, with completely different upbringings, have so much in common? The only answer to that question is that they were destined to be together, despite the wrath they encounter. But when it goes and gets tough, who’s willing to keep their feet planted and fight for the relationship? Will they be standing alone after the dust settles, or will they walk away from all the drama together?

    Everything the legendary duo has built is on the line due to the jealously of past loves, friends and even family. Obtaining money, power, and respect is never easy, but The Alton’s prove it that holding on to it is even harder.

    Blue returns with a gritty against-all-odds urban fairy tale set in the same unforgiving neighborhood as that of his breakout debut novel Harlem Girl Lost. Desire was born on the streets of Harlem–literally. Her mom, a crack-addicted prostitute, delivered her on a bitter winter’s night after turning a trick and being brutally beaten by the john. Taken from her mother by the state, Desire grows up unwelcoming foster homes, until a local Good Samaritan takes her in. With Miss Hattie Mae’s love and Christian guidance, Desire gains confidence, joins the church choir, and discovers that she’s got a set of pipes–which soon attract the attention of hip-hop’s biggest exec. But the road to superstardom is paved with dangers and temptations: drugged-out, violent rappers, untrustworthy pro athletes promising romance, and vicious drugs. Despite her phenomenal success and Miss Hattie Mae’s kindness, Desire seems destined for a fall from the top that will slam her back onto the pavement where her mama left her–until an unexpected angel picks her back up. . . .

    This fast pace book picks up where the last begin, highlighting the young lady, Autumn as she tries to get to the border and escape the feds. Keisha Ervin delivers a sure fire classic.

    Rock's a reclusive hitman and "cleaner" who's been in service to Candy's father for years. He takes her in, and together they vow to avenge the murders. When she turns eighteen, her plans go into effect as she knocks off all her father's enemies, one by one, going up against some of the most dangerous killers in the game. But has she put her trust in the right hands? Or is she destined to face the same grisly fate as the rest of her family?

    Essence Bestselling Author Brenda Hampton presents Don't Even Go There, the story of Chase Jenkins, a troublemaking, backstabbing diva, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even going after her boss's husband.

    All of these women are vying for one thing – an opportunity to live a luxurious, lavish lifestyle by snagging a rich and famous singer, rapper or athlete. But being drop-dead gorgeous and super fly are only pieces of what it takes to catch one of these wealthy and highly sought after young millionaires. Where luck, timing and persistence can be determining factors on the surface – deceit, lies and manipulation are what it really takes to have a chance at catching their men. Betty Blaise, or Fly Betty to those who truly know her, was not in it to be a wife or even the baby momma of a wealthy public figure – she had her sights set higher, much higher. While most of these women use sex as their weapon of choice, Betty, a senior majoring in psychology, has developed a weapon that proves much more powerful. Up until now Betty has lived her life according to her own strict rules and standards, refusing to compromise for anyone, even if it potentially meant shielding herself from true love. But when she encounters a man that she would never have anticipated falling for in a million years, soon, the very rules Betty once lived and died by are going to be put to the test. The very tools she used so effectively against wealthy men begin to turn against her – and deadly consequences are sure to follow.