Alyssa Burdick spends her days teaching middle-school and her nights battling the psychological oppression of a misogynist husband. He was her knight in shining armor from the day she met him up until the end of their wedding reception.Now she's humiliated by what goes on behind closed doors. At least at school she can be herself. And after school, behind her closed classroom door ... well, she's humbled, confused, hopeful even, as her department head, Connor, mentors her. Slowly, very slowly, she opens her heart and soul to him. Just when she's brave enough to leave her husband something inconceivable happens. Followed by the unimaginable. ★★★★★ "One of those books that grabs your emotions and plays them against each other. You'll cry at the ending, then smile, maybe even laugh."  ★★★★★ "Part thriller, part psychological warfare, part romance. Is there a category for literary/chick lit/suspense?  ★★★★★ Misogynist men are attractive and persuasive, but marry one and the mask comes off. A psychological thriller like no other.  ★★★★★ "I finished the book the first night. Stayed up way too late because it kept me riveted. I admire how the author tastefully handled a tough subject like abuse." --Norma Rudolph, author  ★★★★★ A thrill ride from page one  ★★★★★ ECHO OF ESCAPE is an adult suspense thriller that follows a young married woman on a daunting emotional journey through spousal abuse, kidnapping, tragedy, and forbidden love.  ★★★★★ Alyssa is a well-drawn character. Readers are inside her head from the first sentence. I liked the "detached observer" showing that the real Alyssa -- the one before Trevor beat her down -- is still there and can come back to the surface.  ★★★★★ Just because Alyssa's husband calls her a stupid, brainless woman doesn't mean she is one. But she believes it for now. It'll take being kidnapped, struggling to escape, and facing something far worse to learn that she's worthy of a truer love than her husband can give her.  ★★★★★ This contemporary women's fiction exposes a husband's misogyny and shows how an oppressed woman can find her strength again.

    But when I rescue Beth Johnson from a blazing inferno, I know she's the one. And I fall head over heels in love with her at first sight. I can't focus on my work, and I can't think about anything except her. She's consumed my mind, and she's not letting go. I've got to have this girl in order to calm down. I've got to make her mine. I'm going to keep this curvy girl forever. I'm going to make her my curvy bride. Beth: When Vince rescues me from the burning apartment building, I fall head over heels in love with him. And to think that I had given up on love until I saw him. He's everything I ever wanted in a man. He's my dream guy. Tall, muscular, and so alpha that it's almost unbelievable. And yet, he's such a gentleman as well, always holding the door for me and making sure I'm happy. I want him more than I've ever wanted anything in life. And I'm going to do everything I can to get him. I'm going to make Vince Stanton my forever man. Firefighter's Curvy Bride is an instant-love, happy-ever-after steamy alpha BBW romance story, featuring an older alpha male with a younger BBW. This is a standalone story.

    Mia Symone classifies herself as being the baddest chick around Austin, Texas. Her swag, dangerous curves, and boss chick attitude has men scheming, pillow talking and treating her as if she is wifey. She wants who she wants, when she wants them and Jaceyon Tomas is no different. There is just one problem she can't shake; her BBW cousin, Ceanna. Not one for competition especially with a big chick, she finds herself losing control. How far is she willing to go to become Jaceyon's leading lady? Jaceyon loves Ceanna but is turned off by her weight. Surrounded by Texas stallions, thick thighs, big booty Judys and beautiful women, he can't fully commit to one woman. He enjoys the feel of new womanhood, but finds himself hooked like bait on Mia Symone. When late night pillow talking, shopping sprees and tricking gives Mia Symone ideas that he will leave Ceanna, he realizes the mistake he has made by opening Pandora's box. Is it too late? Will Mia Symone play her position as his sideline? Or will her fantasies ruin everything that he has built with Ceanna? Ceanna notices the shade her cousin Mia Symone is throwing, but doesn't address it. She has her own issues going on. The more she gives in her relationship with Jaceyon the more he takes her for granted. She begins to question her place in his heart and realizes maybe he isn't the one. Slowly she finds herself falling for an unexpected love. Will she act on her lustful desires or choose to be loyal to Jaceyon?

    The lack of attachments to anything other than the money that he liked to spend, unapologetically, assisted him in reaching his pinnacle. Women were a commodity that he frequently indulged in, but he never stayed too long or afforded them with too much attention. With an empire under his fingertips, his money and time are valued more than any aspect of his hectic life. The lone night, the one that fate leads him to the shared location with lowered lids and an elevated state due to the influence of marijuana, begins to decompose his perspective on the forbidden emotion. Gauge Morrison is simply looking for her forever, impatiently waiting for Mr. Right to show face. She’s gotten his occupation, demeanor, and beliefs figured out in that pretty little head of hers, yet she never expected her knight to wear red religiously, find comfort in his lonesome, avoid attachment, run a lucrative drug empire, tote a gun or two, or be one willing to risk anything for both his freedom and paper. She hadn’t imagined him being so lawless. She hadn’t fathomed he’d be Sosa Law. Happiness is accompanied by pain, and joy is the next of kin to sorrow. The venture to acquiring love for Sosa and Gauge is unmatched, undeniable, and unlawful. Gauge is forced to accommodate Sosa’s ruthlessness, as it begins to affect her personal life, while Sosa questions her loyalty and everything they are trying to obtain.

    After finding out about a possible adultery between his wife and best friend, Big Nate goes into a violent rage, seeking answers from his supposedly loyal wife. One thing leads to another during the midst of the quarrel, Big Nate ends up murdering his wife in front of his two young daughters, Summer and Serena, and then eventually turns the gun on himself. Witnessing the bloody murder-suicide before their young eyes proves to be extremely traumatic to the girls, especially Summer, the eldest. She quickly realizes that after her parents’ death, her and sister will be going off into an unknown, dark future and they have no one else to support them other than themselves. Relying on each other for love and comfort, the girls suddenly are thrown into the complicated and unsympathetic Illinois foster care system, hoping perhaps someone would come and rescue them. After months of praying, finally a generous, loving white family comes to the girl’s rescue. Summer who is reluctant at first, eventually gives in to the idea of being reared by white people. Months pass, and the two sisters seem to be adjusting well to their new life until one day out of the blue, their mysterious grandfather, Granddaddy Rev. Luther Gaines, suddenly comes to take his granddaughters out of the foster care system and brings them back to the inner city where now the girls are forced to adjust to a completely new reality – Grand Boulevard Towers, the most dangerous housing project in the entire city of Chicago. Summer, who’s all out defiant, initially tries to fight against the abrupt change, but finds herself going up against a formidable, dark, oppressive foe – her strict, religious and overpowering grandfather. After using his brute force to discipline the girl into submission, Summer caves in and now is forced to adapt to this new hellish ghetto reality. She has to adjust to a new school, meet new friends and also deal with the tribulations of bullying, sexual harassment and other woes plaguing her surroundings. Summer, looking for a way out, eventually gets keen to her surroundings and has a plan to leave the projects. One event leads to another, Summer eventually discovers a deep and dark hidden secret about her so-called religious grandfather that eventually changes her perception about her life. This secret uproots everything she assumed to be true about her mother and father. Now armed with information regarding the bizarre circumstances surrounding her parents’ death, Summer goes on a mission to exact revenge. However, the mission will try her in so many ways that it even threatens to change her completely into a person she’d never thought she’d become -- a coldblooded, ruthless killer. Read more about Summer’s coming of age story in “The Hottest Summer Ever”.

    When she is thrown into a dysfunctional homemade family, it’s like nothing she could have ever dreamed of. Going from an orphan to feeling like she has a place, a home and family; she grows from an adolescent young girl trying to find her place in the world. But when her relationship changes with her best friend, she quickly realizes that some things can never go back to how they were. Growing pains and other circumstances threaten their bond. And like the old saying goes, if you love something let it go… What happens when that theory is put to the test? Omri “Gage” Wilds is a smooth, cool, player type. His own past casts this dark shadow over his life that only few know about. Meeting and knowing Marley has been the one thing that has kept him sane over the years. At first, he can’t fight his feelings for her, and when he finally gives in, he begins to wonder if this relationship is healthy for either of them. In between, there is heartache and their journey seemingly comes to an end. Will they be able to leap the hurdles that obstruct their path to their hood fairy tale? Find out in this Standalone!

    She had to grow up fast and learn how to use what she had to get what she wanted. As the young protégé of her mother figure and boss, Trinity Daniels, she finds out early on the power of what she has between her legs. Ren has been doing things her way and on her own ever since the one person she trusted let her down. Therefore, when she has an encounter with a real “Boss” she doesn’t know what to do or how to handle it. She does all she can to avoid him and put off the connection that they both feel. Due to the curve balls thrown in her life, she has no clue what love really is until she’s pursued by a man who doesn’t take no for an answer. Everything about Bryan “Boss” Stephens screams money, power, and respect. Anything Boss wants, he gets, and right now, what Boss wants is the beautiful, sexy, intelligent, Ren Wright. Even though they meet in a way that’s not likely for most, they hit it off immediately, and he knows right away that he has to have her. The only problem seems to be that Ren doesn’t know her worth and is truly putting up a fight against allowing him into her life. Will Ren allow her past issues and present lifestyle to keep her from being with Boss? Can she be the woman Boss needs in his life or will she cause him more harm than good? Boss will have to step his game up to show Ren what it is to be with a real man. Lies and secrets come to light when these two decide to hook up. Are they ready to face the consequences of being together? Can they survive the storms? Let’s take a ride with Ren and Boss as they travel down the rocky road to love... Boss may be just what Ren needs in her life.

    

    Private schools, designer clothes and rarely hearing the word ‘no’ is how she was raised. With her best friend by her side, she’s out in the NYC living her best life or what she thinks is her best life. With an old relationship coming to an end, a new flame gets ignited. Phyre is ultimately caught off guard by the new flame until she realizes it’s exactly what she been waiting for to set her soul on fire. Having both a mother and father growing up is a luxury most kids from the hood don’t have. Supreme Young was lucky in someways to have both his parents but when it came to those not so lucky ways, Supreme had to step up and be the responsible adult. With both of his parents addicted to drugs, Supreme did what needed to be done for his sister. His parents failed to give his sister the world, so he made it his mission to do pick up the slack. Hustling, providing a future for Mirage and running through hoes was his life and not once did he think there was anything wrong. A few run ins with Phyre, has Supreme ready to add her as another notch on his belt. Not one to take no as an answer he continues to pursue her & eventually finds himself trying to change his doggish ways. Old habits seem to die hard when it comes to Preme & from he outside looking in, it doesn’t seem like love is a new trick to teach an old dog. Everyone knows love is an indescribable feeling that tingles between your toes, gives you butterflies in your stomach, makes your heart beat double time, and causes you to lose all common sense when it comes to the one who owns your heart. If all of that happens when you simply love someone, what do you think happens when you add a trill a** hood n***a to the equation?

    He was her first and will be her last if she doesn’t have some type of fun before they get married next year. The college life has done nothing but torment her of everything she’s missing sexually because Amari is an old fashion lover. When he leaves for a weekend business trip, Tiffany decides to let her hair down and fulfill those sexual desires/fantasies. Little does Tiffany know, her desires will also bring secret crushes to surface and this very well may be the weekend secret to take to her grave.

    When she meets Gavin he thinks he’s found his queen, but months after getting married, he realized that Genesis has been keeping a darker side from him. As the two go through the motions of married life, Gavin hopes that whatever is going on with his wife will eventually fade away. When the problems persist, he finds himself crossing a line that should never be crossed. What happens when the man of the house is also a victim of domestic violence? Society doesn’t look at the situation the same as when a woman is being abused. Will Genesis get the help she needs to save her troubled marriage before its too late? Will Gavin stand by his woman through it all? Or will he find someone else to give him what he deserves? If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, contact the Domestic Abuse Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.

    In her prime, she has everything she's ever wanted; money, cars, clothes, and every man that looks her way. When it comes to handling her business affairs, Ava is one of the best to ever do it. The only thing not on the same accord is her love life. Living in the shadows of her tainted upbringing, Ava avoids any matters of the heart. Roman Morris knows all too well about money and power. For him, love is foreign as well. Heartbreak and disappointment seem to come hand-in-hand. One track minded and set on protecting his sanity, he finds himself content with having women in steady rotation. That is, until he crosses accidental paths with "the one who got away". Together, Ava and Roman both learn that love will always express its self though actions and not words. Showing compassion is something they both lack as individuals, but as a unit they realize emotional intimacy is what they truly long for. Ava and Roman have all the right elements of true love. However, they must overcome their fear of commitment, put their trust and belief in one another and become each other’s strength. They say love is supposed to heal, but for these two, that notion has been proved illusory their entire lives.

    How will she overcome the depressing thoughts of knowing she will die? Diamond finally got rid of Jay and has moved on in life. She has found love but will it cost her more then she bargain for? Tip is still missing in action. Who is the father of her baby? Is she alive? Diamond, Tracy, Tip, and Brandy are back in this page turner with more drama than ever! The turn of events get wild and crazy and they all have to get over the obstacles of life. Who will come out on top?

    A city with Southern roots and a Midwestern vibe. Even the grimiest of people are in search of their next come-up. Where most fail, a select few prosper. Born and raised in the city, Santiago has it all; money, power and free reign over the city’s drug trade. With his wife, Marley by his side, he built his empire from the ground up and strives to achieve more. There’s only one problem… Amaya. She’s more than just a pretty face and her ‘assets’ are enough to ensure Santiago’s demise. Tired of waiting for her time to shine, she takes matters into her own hands. With Santiago in her sight, no one, including his wife, is going to stand in her way. Everything that glitters isn’t gold. For Marley, loving Santiago is no easy task. When his late nights and constant excuses become too much to handle, she learns that loyalty means nothing in the streets. Friends turn to enemies and life as she knows it will never be the same again. While everyone else is out for self, Marley is determined to find happiness in the mist of chaos. Cashmere has one thing on his mind- money. He supplied the city with the best product around, and earned mad respect along the way. The only thing constant in his life is his little sister Kensley. Determined to seclude her from the grit and grime of the city, he kept his guard up. His no-nonsense approach allowed him to amass his empire, but being on top can be lonely. He wasn’t looking for love, it found him. Even the hardest of hearts can be softened. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Maybe you’ll fall for a Louisville savage too. Are you ready?

    Skye is an urban love story elicits so many emotions as you dive into the lives of Elizabeth “Liz” and Cedric Harvey. ***** “What happens when you go from main chick to mistress status? Elizabeth Pearson found herself submerged in these reversed roles, and after fifteen years of marriage and one year of divorce, Cedric Harvey delivered the devastating news that he was now married to the woman he cheated on Liz with, Felicia. Feeling distraught, Liz unleashed all the rage she felt for Cedric and ended up in the one place they never had problems, the bedroom. After their sexual rendezvous, Cedric noticed the fire and desire that Liz emitted and wondered what had gotten into the woman he used to know. This new side of her had him intrigued, entranced, and full of jealousy. Even though he was married, Cedric couldn’t stay away from her, even though he tried. During their affair, Cedric realized that he had everything he wanted in Liz, but his cheating ways cost him the love of his life. He vowed to make Liz his main chick again, but one little thing was standing in their way, his marriage to Felicia. Will Felicia accept that Cedric wants to return to Liz, or will she fight for her young marriage? Liz started out with revenge on the agenda, but what happens when the games turn into more than just revenge? When Liz realizes that she still has strong feelings for Cedric their situation turns into a case of emotional warfare. Liz thinks Cedric is the love of her life, but is he? Can she fully trust Cedric after all the lies that he told her before, or is there someone lurking in the background that knows her true value? Liz is confident in her relationship with Cedric this time, but, is it forever the second time around? Lies revealed. Secrets uncovered. Relationships tested. Will a happy ending be in sight for anyone? Or will the second time around be just as catastrophic as the first?