They were the eldest of the James/Santos offspring who were all either siblings or cousins and ranged in age from infants to early teens. But, now that the three boys were older, they had to face real life issues and responsibility. Lil Q’s name had already been run through the system due to the parents of his first puppy love, Jyla. Now the majority of his summer vacation was spent going back and forth to the courthouse trying to clear his name. Cons’ vacation was spent on his new career, but he later finds himself walking the footsteps of his father. Cons was a go-getter and had been that way since he could comprehend that people catered to children. Once Cons’ career blew up, he also figured out how much it brought attention from his peers, be it good or bad. Now that Cee saw how much drama had come into his family from his little brother and cousin, he chose to keep his feelings for his best friend at bay, not knowing that she liked him too. Cee, Cons, and Lil Q all knew the rules of the James and Santos family. Now that they were older, their parents felt they needed a little more freedom, but would it all be taken away after their parents learned just how much chaos surrounded their children?

    School is her get away, and her safe haven, because at home, she suffers through an abusive relationship with her boyfriend William.Due to the stress of life and school, Amelia loses her job, but quickly bounces back and finds a better opportunity, and with a new job on the horizon, she falls into the arms of the owner of the business, Ceedric.Ceedric is a savage street king who goes legit and leaves his past behind, opening a construction company.The chemistry between these two is real and raw, but what will she do about William? With the fear of leaving William, and falling into something new with Ceedric, hearts and lives are on the line and in the way.Can Ceedric use his tru savage ways to hold on to his woman, or will she slip through his fingers, and stick to what she knows, abandoning her chance at happiness?

    To Fire, that’s equivalent to blowing his brains out. He’s not standing for that; no matter what. He let it be known to Pure, that there is no out, and they’re in it for the long haul. Pure thought she saw it all when it comes to Fire, but she hasn’t seen nothing yet. He’s desperate not to lose his family, and is willing to go all out before he does. Zoni comes to her senses and realize she isn’t ready to completely throw away what her and Yurey have. She’s madly in love, and in this case, she feels love conquers all. But showing up to Yurey’s place unannounced, reveals something she wasn’t quite ready for. Something that a little more than love, is needed to fix things. Trouble finds himself battling with his feelings towards Jumma. He’s not sure what he’s feeling but the one thing he does know, is he wants her to remain in his life. He also knows Jumma wants more, and tired of being in the friend zone. But, it isn’t easy being committed to one woman, for Trouble. And Jumma refuses to waste time on a man who doesn’t know what he wants. Seeing that Jumma means business, Trouble has to decide whether the countless amount of women, is worth losing the one woman he’s ever really cared about. In the end, only the couples who love is truly Bona Fide, will remain standing after all they’re about to face.

    Who will come out on top? “Family isn’t everything; it’s the only thing,” has been the code Tyrik Anderson, aka, Tye has lived by since his first child came into the world and breathed his first breath twenty-one years ago. However, just because Tyrik lives by codes and morals, that doesn’t mean his son Shy does. When Tye’s connect Carlos is viciously robbed, Carlos vows vengeance against all involved. Circumstances causes Tye to exit the game, however, he soon learns that he’s more involved now than ever before. Tye has no idea what’s going on around him, but he’ll soon find out that the same person he’s willing to take a bullet for, also happens to be the same one behind the gun. Although raised by one of the city’s most respected drug dealers, Shy just can’t seem to stop fucking up. Cars, clothes, and trust funds aren’t enough to an ungrateful Shy, who seems to would rather trade the streets over his comfortable lifestyle. Instead of listening to his father, Shy chooses to embrace the streets with his two friends Drama and Rum. Up to no good, and with ill intentions, they soon begin what will ultimately be a bloody war in the streets. Tye’s daughter Tasha seems to be doing it all right, and to her, it’s finally paying off. Enrolled in college and successfully running her dad’s business, she still finds time to make room for love. Rich is like a dream come true to a naive Tasha. However, just like her father and brother, he’s tied to the streets in more ways than one. More titles coming soon from UPTOWN BOOKS. If you enjoy reading titles by MESSIAH RAYE, check out his colleague SHONTAIYE

    This time, enemies are coming full force, not caring who’s in their way. In this final installment to I Choose You, relationships will be tested and some loyalty will be broken along the way. Part one and two, we took a ride with Tyrone and Ka’lani and Tisha and Otis, well joining us this go round is none other than Tamika and Pat, as well as Cevon and Kyla being in the midst of the drama, while it unfolds right before your eyes.Come take a ride with the hood’s hottest couples. Will these couples be able to handle all the curves that are thrown their way? Will things become too much and have them ready to walk away? Will Tisha be able to handle the constant drama that continues to come at her? Or will she be forced to leave Otis and call of the whole wedding off?

    

    Zyrie finds herself starting over, after ending a bad relationship. She’s back at her mom’s, figuring out what direction she wants to take her life. All plans go awry when Mike enters the picture. Coming fully equipped with a slick tongue and a big bank roll, Zyrie’s mother feels that she’s snagged a winner. Zye entertains the notion, until she lays eyes on Amir, Mike’s cousin. Amir is everything Mike isn’t, but in Zyrie’s eyes he’s forbidden fruit. Still, temptation proves too much for Zyrie as she does the unthinkable.Sit back and take a ride with Zyrie, Amir, and Mike. Get an up-close and personal glimpse of just how down and dirty everyone can truly get. It’s a dog eat dog kind of world, and everyone knows that you just can’t trust these bitches.

    Watkins, have collaborated to bring to life for readers the collection of hit songs, "House In Virginia". Money is the root of all evil. It’s the thirst and hunger for money that is the origin of the ills of this world. It’s where our desperate thoughts and shameful actions are buried. Yet, when we are broke is when we have the most diabolical thoughts; when we are willing to break hearts, destroy relationships… and even ruin our own lives. ​ Meet Karen Dunlap and Jovan “Jo” Saint: a young, loving couple living the way that many in their mid-twenties are in hoods of New Jersey. Karen is working a minimum wage job, while Jo hustles on the block with his right-hand, Pop. For the five years that Jo and Karen have been together, Karen has been by Jo’s side no matter his struggle because she sees and believes in her man’s potential. Yet, Karen cannot deny that she wants more, to leave the hood, and live a comfortable life of ease. Jo is desperate to come up in the game, not only for his own comfort but for Karen as well. However, before Jo has the chance to sweep his woman off of her feet, a boss, Kway, easily gains Karen’s attention with the glitz and glam of his lifestyle. However, everything that glitters isn’t gold, and Kway is a dull and ugly, cancerous individual that affects the lives of every woman he touches with his negligence and deceit. ​ Though Karen soon comes to her senses, re-dedicating herself to her man just in time to experience Jo’s long-awaited come up, her decision to step out on her relationship will haunt her forever, proving to be the worst mistake she has ever made. Yet, will it cause her to lose the love of her life for good? Jo is blind to the deceit hovering around him as he and Pop begin the construction of their own empire. He is blindly happy in his newfound riches. Yet, “the more money we come across, the more problems we see”. The rise of Jo and Pop is laced with mayhem, murder, and infidelities that lead to heartbreaking disaster, the loss of lives, and the introduction of new love. Join Tsu Surf, National Bestselling Author, Jessica N. Watkins, and a host of entertaining characters on this mind-boggling, roller coaster ride of a street love story.

    Her insecurities play a major role in the poor decisions she continually make. Her first love, Savion Santiago, breaks her heart. In return, she leaves him only to find herself jumping from one bad relationship to another. After being physically abused and taunted, suicidal thoughts began to plague her mind. As Tara loses hope, a handsome new man enters her life seemingly accepting her flaws and all. However, Savion still lurks in the shadows, regretting the day he ever hurt her. Will he fight to get her back or has Tara found true happiness with her new beau? When a woman scorned is deeply distressed, drinking Champagne for the Pain becomes the key to solving all of her problems OR it will either lead her down a very destructive path of no return.

    It wasn’t long after she cut herself off from all of her family and friends that Keon revealed his true abusive nature. Ashley quickly went from being the target of his affection to the target of his strikes and stomps. It’s not until Keon’s big move into the drug game goes tragically awry that he realizes the usefulness for Ashley again. The problem is, if he can’t get his plan to work, they all could end up dead.

    Feeling like what they have is real, Canary’s more than willing to go however many rounds necessary with Kalena to get her point across. Just when Canary thinks things have settled down, Laxton hits her with another curveball: baby talk. Still scarred from her prior miscarriage, the thought of parenthood scares Canary, but Laxton just might be the one to help her overcome her fear. Canary is like a breath of fresh air to Laxton and his family, and the only thing that could make life better is Canary saying she’s ready to call Houston home. With his eye on the prize, Laxton is focused on the future and putting a few babies up in Canary, but his past won’t let him be great. No matter how much he pushes her away, Kalena is the ultimate headache for Laxton and refuses to let the next chick replace her. Kalena says nothing but death can keep her from Laxton, but the question is, whose life will be lost when it’s all said and done? Kenji and Silk may seem like the most unlikely couple, but when she agrees to stick by his side after finding out just how he makes his money, he knows he’s got a real one for sure. Kenji’s heart tells her that Silk is the one, and when he introduces her to his family, he knows Kenji is all he’ll ever need. When they least expect it, a bomb that Makiyah drops threatens to shatter the love Kenji and Silk think they’re building together. Will he be able to love Kenji past her flaws, or will their perfect love story end before they can make it to the altar? On top of that, Silk learns some shocking news that has him out for blood. Determined to destroy all that threatens his mission to uncover the truth, Silk just might sacrifice someone in his inner circle. Makiyah is hit with the ultimate betrayal when she learns the truth about her sister, Maleeah, and Ali. Through it all, the one thing that’s kept her smiling is knowing her mother will be released from prison soon. Maleeah has other plans, though, and when she shows up to steal her sister’s thunder yet again, Makiyah is faced with a hard decision: stay true to her love for Ali, or make him and Maleeah pay for their betrayal. Which path will she choose? Get ready to jump right back to the thick of things with Canary, Laxton, Kenji, Silk, Makiyah, and Keylon as they all fight to win the same thing: the heart of a real one.

    Betrayal, lust, lies, murder, and love all come into play in this urban love story.The Alton brothers run the Detroit drug game, and it was a long time coming! Now these boys have their act together and plan on going all the way letting nothing or no one get in their way.When Sacario, the second youngest of the four, fall for an insecure waitress in the men’s popular hot spot- things get hectic.Will they stand the test of time or will the game of love prove to be just too Hard?

    Being the good girl that she was, she had never smoked, drank, or done any drugs a day in her life. She had never even had a boyfriend, nor a first kiss. Pilar never found anyone worthy until one eventful night where she ran into one of the most sought-after men in her town. Legacy Powers came from an unstable household and had to practically raise himself and the adults around him. Known for his striking looks and charming demeanor, he kept three women in rotation and ran from commitment. That was until he ran into a rare beauty that set a fire in his once cold heart. Despite these two being total opposites, they find themselves incredibly drawn to each other like a magnet. After the first mishap on the first night they met, time quickly passes as they try to forget each other. However, what’s meant to be will be, despite what the journey throws at them. Could Pilar handle Legacy’s lifestyle and was Legacy ready to let his past life go? Will these two figure it out together or end up going their separate ways after the chaos ceases?

    Tammy, Falisha, Kim and Lisa are all back and with new issues as old relationships threaten each lady’s happiness. Tammy finds herself deeply in love with her new man Darious, but when a secret is revealed, will it destroy her now seemingly perfect world? Lisa and Ralphy, still hospitalize, are forced to evaluate what they mean to each other. Will this near death experience convince them that love can conquer all? Lamar finally got up the nerve to pop the big question to Kim, but is Falisha all the way out of his heart? Speaking of Falisha, will the news of Lamar and Kim run her back into Fox's arms?

    Even all the way in California, no one’s safe. In the 5th installment of the Coke Dreams series, all your favorite couples are back and once again they are racing the clock to fight for love in this ever gripping tale where nothing is what it appears to be. Lines are crossed and battle lines are drawn. Who will come out on top and who will pay the ultimate price with their life?