Her trust issues have made her vow to swear off relationships completely, but deep down she knows her heart is in need of a good man. 
 The once perfect relationship Keyon Jones shared with his ex-girlfriend changed dramatically overnight and left him with a broken heart and a promise to be a player for the rest of his days, but whether he wants to admit it or not, deep down he knows he is in need of a woman who will love him and never leave. 
 Sounds like they’re the perfect match, doesn’t it? 
Too bad getting together won’t be an easy task for the two. 
Bria and Keyon’s broken hearts and trust issues limit their wills to love again and leave them with the choice to love or to lose each other. Which one will they choose?

    Growing up without a father was nothing new but growing up without a mother turned Karma cold. Money over everything was the mentality of this cold-hearted thug. Love was a foreign language and nonexistent until he runs across the infamous Butta. Royce is newly single after leaving her no good, cheating boyfriend Addison. She makes a promise to herself to take some time to find herself again. Instead of finding herself, she finds a new love that has her head gone. The beautiful songstress falls heart first for Karma without giving it a second thought. Royce and Karma both have things to work on as individuals, but when they come together magic happens, at least for them anyway. It seems like when these two find love the rest of the people in their life find, greed, jealousy and disappointment. Jump into this fairy-tale love story that will leave you teary eyed & surprised as you learn a whole new meaning to being in your feelings.

    When they finally hook up, her lust turned love consumes her thoughts and all that she can think about is being with him. The dilemma…Keva has a man and doesn’t know how to tell him that she’d rather be with someone else. Damarion Sanders is the ultimate bachelor and in no rush to settle down. He’s been in a situationship for several months but only because he can’t have who he really desires. But after succumbing to his attraction to Keva, his best friend’s sister, making her his forever is the only thing on his mind, except…he promised his best friend that he’d stay away from Keva. Will Keva and Damarion find a way to be together? Will Keva risk her relationship and take a chance on giving Damarion all of her love? Will Damarion break the promise he made to his best friend and risk eighteen years of friendship for the woman he’s come to love?

    Losing her parents taught her that she should never get too comfortable with any situation. So, falling head over heels in love with Calvin and playing the fool for many years, has her questioning if she was ever worthy of genuinely being loved. Amira is not a big fan of being a one man’s girl. She’s hell bent on believing that men only wants one thing until she runs into a guy name Larry. A seriously disturbing past consisting of abuse and molestation has made her heart ice cold, but Larry shows her that all men are not the same. Will Amira change for her new man or will her past interfere with the new her?Jazmine has always loved her husband, Tevin. She has done everything in her power to prove to him that she’s the picture perfect wife. However, Jazmine isn’t the trophy wife of the year. Her sneaky ways has always made people question her loyalty and her love. With drama between the two unfolding, will it be too late to save her marriage?Lines will be crossed, hearts will be shattered and the darkest of secrets will come to the light leaving everyone with one question. How Deep Is Your Love?

     This is a brief "glimpse" into the lives of Prototype singer/guitarist Zay Broussard and bassist Jersey Kincaid following the events in their book, 'Happiness In Jersey' —Book 1 of The Prototype Series. *This short story is best read only after you've completed The Prototype Series in its entirety. (The Prototype Series reading order: Happiness In Jersey, Finding Kennedy, Keeping Willow, and Loving Cassie).

    Feeling like he's all alone in being betrayed by people who were expected to be loyal to him, Ricky soon realizes that the person who can understand his situation completely has been right by his side all along. Draylah too has her own troubles to face, the main one dealing with someone she thought she'd lost but has been able to reunite with. However, there is a big block in her road to bliss, and Draylah is beyond ready to take it out. Will the couple be able to continue to keep that undying flame of love burning, despite their hefty issues? Or will things finally be too much for the troubled beauty and her heartless gangsta? Also back for the final round are the other couples who are no strangers to difficulties and betrayal. With one couple seeking the ultimate revenge on those they feel have wronged them, another coming to an unfortunate and unforeseeable end, and the last finally realizing just what they have in one another, these unions will surely be tested one last time.

    The idea of falling in love is inconceivable. The Phoenix Aldridge walks into his fire station. Phoenix has always gone after what she wants, and from the moment she meets Noah, she knows he'll be hers. Can she tear down the walls he's built up and show him what real love can feel like?

    She went against the code of the hood, and now she is paying for it. One loyal yet twisted decision leads to Keisha hiding in a closet, in desperate need of help. Ryan sends the help she needs, but when she sees that help, she's mesmerized. From that moment on, Keisha doesn't want to imagine life without him, and she doesn't even know his name yet. Sheppard Andrews has only been in love once. That love was reserved for the mother of his daughter. When she was killed in Iraq, Sheppard entered a depression that no one could seem to pull him out of. Doing his best to walk a straight line comes to a screeching halt when he receives a call from long-time friend, Ryan, to save a chick named Keisha Landry. He doesn't know her, but if Ryan thinks she's worth saving, then that's all that matters. The moment he sees her, he knows that she possesses the power to have him groveling at her feet. So many obstacles stand in the way of Sheppard and Keisha's connection. He vows to take care of her and protect her from her not so over drama, but after blasting his way to her, they both realize that her troubles are following her wherever they go.

    She had escaped an abusive relationship and was in the process of reinventing herself. The climax of this "self renewal" took place on the night of her dazzling comeback performance. The lovely dancer had reclaimed her passion and proved that she was ready for anything. Anything, except another relationship.Kantey Swift was captivated the moment he spotted Zelda on stage. The gorgeous producer had a healthy, well-known appetite for women. Unfortunately, Zelda was tougher than anyone he had ever met. Though she couldn't help but be drawn to Kantey's sexy, dark features, Zelda had no desire to encourage him. After spending three years in a living nightmare, she’d decided a romantic involvement was not in her best interest. Kantey had made a decision as well: Zelda Drummond was far too beautiful to keep herself locked away. Her staunch refusals to his advances were met with fiery persuasion. After a while, his sensuous spell had worked its magic.The "magic" however, was threatened when Zelda's ex-flame Gary Stewart surfaced with vengeful intentions. The man became an unwelcomed fixture in Kantey and Zelda's lives, appearing where and when he was least expected. In spite of such intense obstacles; not to mention Kantey and Zelda’s own stubborn personalities, they managed to develop a powerful union. They would come to rely on every aspect of its strength to overcome the darkness threatening it.

    Just when she thinks the nightmare can’t get any worse, her father is charged with the crime. Rachel will do anything to prove his innocence, but her loyalty is tested to the limits when she crosses paths with Nicholas Hunter, the ruthless prosecutor bent on sending her father to prison… Nick Hunter is thirsty for justice, a man made cynical by the horrors he experienced in childhood. He shows mercy to no one…until he encounters Rachel Calloway, the first woman ever to make him question his convictions. From the moment they meet, a forbidden attraction sizzles between them that neither can ignore.As danger lurks in the shadows, Rachel soon finds herself in the biggest fight for her heart…and her life.Ghosts of Fire is a 97,000 word romantic suspense novel that was originally published in 2002.Praise for the Romantic Suspense Novels of Maureen Smith“…a haunting, suspenseful story that documents Maureen Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability” — Midwest Book Review on Ghosts of Fire “Few authors pen work that is so thoroughly engrossing the characters leave a lasting impression” — Romantic Times on With Every Breath“…keeps you guessing and hoping that these two will get together and find the perpetrators responsible…one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve read in a long time” — The Romance Readers Connection on A Heartbeat Away“With a deft touch and solid cast of characters, Smith gives equal credence to spicy romance and nail-biting suspense on her way to an explosive conclusion” — Publishers Weekly on Whisper My Name“Smith weaves a captivating tale of mayhem and murder…a romantic suspense thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the final page” — San Antonio Express-News on Whisper My Name“…a tense page-turner that will further enhance Smith’s reputation in the romantic suspense genre—a reputation that is well deserved” — Romantic Times on Like No One Else

    In fact, the hopeless romantic has been in love with the idea of love since she became a witness to the unmeasurable lengths her father dedicated to giving her mother a fairytale love every day. Yazlyn's infatuation with love guided her to become one of the most sought out Matchmakers in South Florida. Not only is she the go-to woman for all things love, but she has her own fairytale love story with the man that whisked her off her feet six years ago. The two have lived in such a bubble of bliss and utopia, that not even Yazlyn was prepared for the hurricane storm that tore down her veil of perfection. Now, she's faced with a tough decision - Do I stay, or do I go? What do you call a man that is wise above his years, strong-minded, determined, and sculpted in perfect chocolate? You call that man Kaalan Walker - a twenty-six-year-old who is returning back to his hometown after spending a year in Jamaica to handle some personal issues. Before he left the sunshine state, Kaalan was doing everything that young men his age do. Party, travel, and sow his wild oats. Now that he's back, he's ready to pick up where he left off, however, what he didn't intend to pick up was strong feelings that immersed themselves within his heart for a burgundy locs matchmaker. When it comes to Yazlyn, all is fair in love and war, and Kaalan stands by that oath. Regardless of the obstacles determined to keep them apart, Yazlyn and everyone else involved will quickly learn that when a man wants something, there is nothing or no one that can stop him from getting it.

    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?

    Being a librarian and a self-made entrepreneur is what she lives for. Her parents and boyfriend Roland of four years however, aren’t as supportive of her dreams. When Roland does the unthinkable, Nykee is left with just the clothes on her back and is forced into a dilemma that her feisty mouth and alluring looks can’t save her from. Handsome and business-savvy Cuban native, Thiago ‘Phresh’ Avila, 30, is focused on one thing only: making money. In a bind with one of the biggest Cartels, he and his brother Santino are grinding hand over fist to clear their family's name. When Nykee runs into Phresh, he willingly offers help in exchange for her to keep quiet about a secret she that she becomes privy of. Though Phresh and Nykee cross paths by accident, their attraction to one another is undeniable, and their chemistry is off the Richter scale. What was meant to be strictly business turns into much more and they find themselves almost completely open for one another. They’ll both soon learn that being too nice comes with sacrifices neither of them are willing or ready to hand over.

    College isn't an option, so he decides to get a job. Just when Mayhem thinks that no one will hire him, two Russian brothers decide to put him on at their construction company. Mayhem isn't a big fan of the long hours and hard work, but he is determined to hang on. One day, his boss, Adrik, offers him the deal of a lifetime. The very life that Mayhem tried to avoid is placed at his feet, and he isn't sure if he wants to walk away from it. Tia wants to be successful, and unlike the other females in her life, she doesn't want to be a dumb female for the wrong man. Almost daily, she sees the negative effects of a dysfunctional relationship, and she tries to steer clear of that. Mayhem wins her over with his charming smile and his determination to get a job and build a decent life for himself. When her man starts spoiling her and coming up, she knows it's not from a legal job. By this time, she's in love with Mayhem, and not willing to leave him. The very things she wanted to avoid all seem to come into play as she realizes that she's in love with the city's newest plug.

    The three stories are all interconnected. SWEET SUNRISE: Sometimes life has a way of teaching lessons whether you’re ready to learn them or not… The last place on earth Will Layton wants to be is Indigo Bay, but his younger sister, Whitney, needs him. He’s never been able to say no to her. But she left out a few details… like their father staying with her and the girl who dumped him years ago is living right next door. The last person Dr. Ashley Harden thought she’d see in Indigo Bay is Will Layton, but he’s back in town and just as irresistible as when they were young. Seeing Will again is a complication that isn’t on her carefully mapped out life plan. In spite of Ashley’s best intentions, she starts falling for Will again, but nothing has changed. She’s still focused on getting the townspeople to accept her and see her as more than the girl from the wrong side of town, while Will is determined to guard his heart at any cost. Not the easiest road to true love… especially when secrets from the past are revealed and history threatens to repeat itself. SWEET HOLIDAY MEMORIES: (a short holiday story) Sometimes a surprise from the past changes the future forever… Meredith Snowden — who by some strange twist of fate has the nickname Merry — avoids everything to do with the holidays. Everything. Her best friend, Whitney, has given up trying to change Merry's ways. Except… This year Merry’s in charge of the holiday bake sale. Not the best way to avoid Christmas. Then Austin Sullivan returns to town and literally runs into Merry sprawled on the sidewalk among boxes of smashed cookies. Austin is all about Christmas and offers help with the baking and the sale. Merry’s carefully hidden memories of Christmas past begin to resurface. Will Austin’s love of the holidays and a single lost ornament bring the magic of Christmas back into Merry’s life? SWEET STARLIGHT: Sometimes worlds collide and sparks fly and things don’t turn out as planned... Whitney Layton doesn’t recognize the actor who comes into her shop and commissions a custom jewelry piece for his grandmother’s birthday gala. Rick Nichols doesn’t know if he’s upset or thankful that Whitney doesn’t recognize him. While he longs to become more well known so his family will finally think he’s made a success of himself, he enjoys hiding out anonymously and being just an everyday normal guy. As Rick’s best-laid plans for his grandmother’s party fall apart, Whitney steps in to help him. But as things heat up between them and the press catches wind of their relationship, their photo is splashed all over social media. Whitney wants nothing of the limelight nor does she believe Rick will ever be happy with a small-town businesswoman who wants nothing more than to live out her life in Indigo Bay. She doesn’t need to add one more name to the list of people she’s cared about who have left her.