For years she’s given up on her dreams to keep peace within her family, but now she’s ready to pursue the life she wants. With one small window of opportunity she’s given room to do just that, however, not everyone is happy for her. Facing the repercussions of her decision from her family and a surprising diagnosis that’s threatening everything she’s been working for leaves Melanie wondering if her dreams were ever supposed to be anything more than a dream. Then enters Kamali James – a natural born nurturer and a man who has been a giver and lover all of his life… until he crosses paths with the beautiful Melanie Moore. Melanie doesn’t have time for a relationship, let alone the emotional strength to deal with everything she’s going through. Will she let Kamali in to be the rock that she needs and continue pursuing her dreams, or will she give up on everything... including him?

    They’re in the bed, or on the couch, or maybe the counter… and will definitely have a good morning.Elsy’s sad because her work husband disappeared. He pops back up, and the weather isn’t the only thing churning.

    Unfortunately, shooting her shot didn't exactly go as planned and she's been trying to find anything to blame the dismissal on but rejection. The brushing off of her comments and never-ending jokes are merely enough to shut her up and she continues to poke the sleeping beast until he wakes. As fate would have it, the universe shifted in Rain's favor but she's completely speechless when her open threats are finally put to the test and her boss is dinging her doorbell.

    She knows it, fights with its reality and has come to terms with her lot in life. Devin, on the other hand, does not accept her reality. The man even challenges her thinking to the point where she kicks him out of her house. Who did he think he was dealing with?This is a short, standalone, IR story with a BBW as the main character. Next story - Strut: In Her Shoes

    If you are opposed to any of these elements, this is not the read for you.

    At 16, she hoped he'd be her Valentine...just as he announced his love - for someone else. Now grown-up, gorgeous Kimara doesn't need or want the playboy heir. But he has other things in mind.3 hours and 51 minutes

    She is what some may calla simple beauty but can be hardcore if pushed, sweet on the inside with hard shell on the outside. She is kind and generally enjoys pleasing those around her whom she cares for. Although Nicole has the qualities to be considered as wife material, she has no love interest and not many opportunities knocking at her door. Broderick “Brock” Walker is a 32-year-old complex thuggish pretty boy if ever there was one. He is not the typical thug; he takes pride in his appearance so no sagging, slouching, and grimy look for him. Just by his appearance, he is the epitome of the saying; there is more to this book than just the cover. Because of a messy break-up recently from a long-term girlfriend, who does not know when to give up, he is not interested in another relationship at the moment.

     As a former college phenom turned Bronx Ballers’ shooting guard, Jaleel Gordon hasn’t reached his level of success doing the bare minimum for his struggling team. He’s been grinding and grinding hard, but success doesn’t come easily or without its share of sacrifices. For Jaleel, his biggest sacrifice was his relationship with his soon-to-be ex-wife Eva. Business owner, Eva Gordon is so through with her soon-to-be ex-husband, Jaleel. She’s no stranger to hard work but even she knows when to work hard and to play harder. After patiently waiting for her husband to tap into that philosophy she’s given up on him altogether. Which is why six months ago, after yet another explosive argument with Jaleel, Eva demanded a divorce... even though her heart is taking a bit longer to catch up to her demand. This Christmas, Eva and Jaleel’s son isn’t asking Santa for a new bike or video game. On the contrary, what baby boy wants won’t be able to fit underneath the tree at all. His one and only wish this Christmas is to spend the holiday with his separated parents... under one roof. So, Jaleel is coming home for Christmas... but can Eva and Jaleel put aside their differences to make it through the holiday intact and in one piece? *This is a holiday short story.

    

    She didn't count on sharing this secluded wonderland with her business rival, Cole Nichols. But the sexy tech billionaire just might be the one to make all Jamie's winter wishes come true… Be Mine for Christmas by Sheryl Lister After her dream Christmas wedding is canceled, Maya Brooks aims to revive her spirits with a little holiday fling. Ian Jeffries finds the gorgeous bakery owner as luscious as her desserts—and wants more of both. But Maya's trust is shattered when she discovers that Ian's real-estate firm is trying to buy out her shop. Can he prove his passion isn't a ruse and that her love's the only gift he will need forever?

    But the day he meets Ameenah, he becomes consumed by an entirely different and more attractive distraction--his bold, beautiful, sexy neighbor with the "glorious hips" and a penchant for ice cream. Ameenah Porter, daughter of successful New York restaurateurs, moves to the beach town of Black Diamond to fulfill her dream of opening a smoothie shop. She doesn't need the distraction of a new man but the tall, dark and handsome Wade, who's staying in the giant sized home at the end of her block, is irresistible. Ameenah's days at Tikis & Cream are spent cooling off her customers with her gourmet smoothie blends. Her nights on the shores of Black Diamond Bay are enchanting and romantic, and soon Wade and Ameenah find themselves in the middle of a Beach Thing... a fun, meaningless tryst that will end when the summer is over. Or will it? Wade is returning to Brooklyn at the end of the summer. Ameenah lives on Black Diamond. Neither want this Beach Thing to end... so is this fling really a fling or is it the beginning of something real... and will they realize it in time?Indulge in a fun, steamy #beachyblackromance and join me on Black Diamond.

    He’s suave, alpha, handsome, and wealthy. Mekhi craves control, and he likes everything to go his way. As the founder of For The People multimedia company, Mekhi is determined to put out quality content for his African American culture. So when BaddieBookBabe, an infamously tough book reviewer, gives a one star review to Mekhi’s most popular and highest paid author, he is determined to get her to remove the review… or join his team. Because it’s best to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right? Jacintha Freeman, or the BaddieBookBabe as the literary industry knows her, is tough on books and even tougher on the authors that write them. She’s determined to make sure that Black people are portrayed in the brightest light and highest high in the books that are supposed to represent them. When she is recommended a book by Stone, a male author who stands for the complete opposite of what she believes in, Jacintha refuses to promote him as a noteworthy author – no matter how much Mekhi tries to get her to. Because it’s best to stand firm on your values than fall for a handsome face, right? When Mekhi offers Jacintha a job as his Top Critic, she is skeptical to accept, but does so with the intent of making the industry she loves better. As time progresses, enemies become lovers who turn to enemies and lovers all over again. Promises are made, secrets are kept, and reputations are destroyed. It comes as no surprise to anyone when their professional relationship turns personal, but will their love be able to stand when it wasn’t meant for each other to begin with?

    They married and created a picture-perfect family. But, after only a few years of love and happiness, Selina discovers a horrible secret about her Mr. Right's past. It was hidden in the most unexpected place, his Bible.

    Returning to their hometown where they’d been branded the “bad boys” wasn’t part of their plan, but now that they’re back, they’re determined to prove everyone in town wrong. For Ethan, that means making amends with the girl who’s heart he’d unintentionally broken during high school.Portia Merin left Providence and the awkward life she’d led there behind long ago. After a messy breakup and her retaliation leads to her unintended stardom as a sex instructor on YouTube, she decided to roll with it—despite her lack of actual experience on the subject—and is now on tour to promote her first instructional book. Life’s looking pretty good for Portia right now, until the weather and the sale of her godmother's house leave her stranded in Providence and her old high school crush shows up with a copy of her book.

    But who's to say that's the only one? A trip to sin city for a Halloween-themed joint bachelor-bachelorette party is all it takes for Savannah and Lincoln to learn this the... not so hard way. ;) A Tale of Two Cities Collection: Cute & Sweet Millennial Meets Over a Holiday, All With One Thing In Common; Cities. Note: This is a short novella with a happy-for-now ending. If you prefer your stories longer, I'd recommend checking out another Alexandra Warren project. :)