There were lots of treats in store in October. Check out these black releases.
Still a Lady
Angela Abdur-Rasheed
Andrea Matthews, or Lady A as her husband’s and her church family called her, had it all. She was a doting wife, mother and daughter and a popular ministry leader who dedicated her life to helping marriages heal and helping women heal when marriages or relationships didn’t.
Imagine her surprise when she was greeted with the heartbreaking words from her husband/pastor/boss/best friend that would crush her spirit and cause her to question everything and everyone she’d known, “I care for you, Andrea, but I’m not in love with you. I haven’t been for quite a while. I believe the Lord is leading me to live like Paul. He wants me to be single and focus only on my ministry.”
With those few words, Lady A was changed forever. It was up to her to decide if she would let life get better or succumb to the burning temptation to seek revenge on the man she’d once given her “I Do” to.
Boo’ed Up
Danielle Allen
Returning home to attend my childhood friend’s Halloween party was perfect timing for me. But I didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I agreed to meet up with Hannah and her friends.
When Eve Met Adam
Danielle Allen
Available exclusively on The Book Lovers app.
No Rain, No Flowers,
Tisha Andrews
Rome Betelli is protective and nurturing when it comes to the ones he loves, yet cold-hearted and dismissive when it comes to actually giving that same love to a woman. Scorned and guarded from the woman he’d chosen to give his heart to, Rome has no interest in settling down like his younger brother, Swoon. Instead, he fills his time working tirelessly at his youth community center during the day while prowling between the sheets of different women at night. He’s the perfect candidate for friends with benefits… until his path crosses with the woman that made him remember what it was like to love.
Summer Knowles is a triple threat of a woman. She’s an attorney, runs a nonprofit organization, and recently won a high-profile commissioner’s seat. She’s on top of the world, and the only thing that’s missing in her life is the mate she wants to share it with.
When her new role as commissioner threatens Rome’s community center, Summer struggles when the universe pushes the only man she’s ever loved and betrayed back into her life. Will love be enough to overcome an old family feud that led Summer to choose her family over Rome, or will she listen to her heart and restore what she’d taken away from not only Rome but also herself?
Before I Let You Go
Kimberly Brown
Rhyon Capers has spent her life trying to stay out of both her father and grandfather’s shadows. With both of them being prominent, successful lawyers, she followed in their footsteps and set out to create a name just for herself. Her career has been the forefront of her life, coming before everything, including her once upon a time longtime friend and lover, Emerald Hampton. Their relationship suffered long ago due to her commitment to school and her career and his rising music stardom. Years have passed and Emerald has returned to claim the woman that was always supposed to be his. However, confronting old feelings means confronting old secrets.
Emerald Hampton also known professionally as GEM has had success all over the world with his beautiful vocals. Even with all of his fame and fortune, he still feels like something is missing from his life. That something is Rhyon Capers, the woman he has loved since he was eight years old. After taking some time off from the industry, he ventures home to get his woman. While he knew he would not receive the warmest of welcomes from her, he was prepared to go put in work to make her his again. Will they be able to work through the dormant feelings and past secrets to rekindle a lost love, or will they have to accept that their time has passed?
Before the Beginning
Eva J. Brock
Above the vast span of endless darkness, a brilliant light beams with an iridescent splendor. Streaked with an array of colors, prisms from that marvelous light cascade downward and pierce the blackness. In the midst of that kaleidoscopic glow sits a foursquare city. No variation of darkness plagues the city because its glorious illumination is impenetrable. The city is walled off by twelve pearl sealed gates. Three on each of the city’s four jewel encrusted walls. Within the walls of the city resides a royal throne room. The throne seat is high and lifted up on an altar. It is occupied by the self-existent God. The Alpha and the Omega. The one who is reverently known as The Great I AM.
An Acquired Taste
Kelly Cain
After four years at the country’s top culinary school and several years as head chef in her mother’s restaurant, Rowan Townsend has built a notable reputation. Her farm-to-table collard greens have long been bringing everyone to the yard, but limits on the restaurant’s size have led to long waits. Looking to expand the restaurant, she enters a televised chef competition. The problem? Her infuriatingly-talented nemesis from culinary school also enters.
To the culinary world, Knox Everheart is restaurant royalty. As much as Rowan wants to deny it, he’s a gifted chef. Rowan knows her arrogant arch-nemesis is confident he’ll win—he’s certainly given her a run for her money more times than she’d like to admit. But this time, she’s ready to show him who’s boss.
Their rivalry soon sparks fireworks in the kitchen and, as the competition heats up, so does Rowan’s attraction to Knox. And somewhere between pasta and gumbo, they both need to decide what’s worth fighting for.
Keeping It Real
Paula Chase
Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.
As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.
Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.
Tempted
Sharon C. Cooper
Temptation has a way of complicating things…
Detective Ashton Chambers is ready to quit the police force, but he won’t until he puts the man responsible for his sister’s murder behind bars. No easy task. In fact, the mission is proving to be almost impossible. Though his day job stresses him out, his social life has taken a turn for the better thanks to a sassy bar owner, Dani Eubanks.
After two broken engagements, Dani is not looking for a happily-ever-after. She tried. Twice. Failed. Twice. Won’t try again. She can’t rely on her judgment, and no way will she allow her heart to get crushed a third time. But Ashton is irresistible, and when a dangerous turn of events puts her in the crosshairs of an international gun trafficker, Ashton is the only one she trusts with her life…and her heart.
Book 7 in the Atlanta’s Finest series. All books in this series can be read as a standalone.
The Peephole
Mirika Cornelius
From the author of horror and suspense An Evil Was Born, Inside the Gates of Doons, I Thought I Was Alone Series & Let Me Out is the disturbing thriller & suspense The Peephole!
When a hopeful, widowed mother and her teenage daughter move into a brand new home, they are unaware of the violent, hidden history that took place on the property a long time ago. It is this history that begins to brutally stalk their every movement because it refuses to share a space with any newcomers. If the small family refuses to leave their new residence fast enough, they, too, may mysteriously vanish like those who dared to stay before them.
Saving Grace
Shantel Davis
Atticus and Grace were each others salvation—up until they became the cause of each others pain.
“I gave you a choice, Grace. A chance to redeem yourself and what do you do? You curse me. You threaten me, you hit me. You bite me like a rabid dog. Knowing damn well I wouldn’t hit you back. But I will make your life miserable if you don’t do what I want. You owe me seven years and a chance to watch my child grow inside you. I want everything you robbed me of by running away and keeping my son from me.”
He was crazy.
“Have you completely lost your mind?” I screeched.
“Yes. Because of you,” he chuckled.
I twisted my body, but it was a futile effort. “Let me go or I’m going to scream.”
The cold smile he gave me was unnerving.
“Do it.” He let my throat go. I opened my mouth to do just that, but only a gasp came out because with his now free hand, he lifted my skirt and snatched my panties clean off in one tug.
Using his thick thigh, he forced my legs apart. He let go of my wrist, bent and gripped my right leg and hooked it over his arm. Spreading me open. I was forced to stop fighting against him and grab a hold of his shoulder to keep myself from falling.
“What are—”
“Shut up and scream, Grace. Come on, I’ll do it with you.” he yelled in my face. “My wife is probably right outside the door. You seem to give a fuck about her feelings, but I don’t.”
His voice was so loud I knew if she was outside she’d hear everything he was saying.
“I’d get off on her coming in and finding my dick buried inside you. You don’t know how fucking much I hate that woman.” He confessed.
Heart Stealer
Delaney Diamond
The last thing he wants to do is play bodyguard to the woman who broke his heart.
As the wife of a pioneer in the field of biotechnology, Katherine Stallworth had an up-close view of the ugly underbelly of corporate espionage and the cutthroat nature of competition. When her husband is murdered and her life threatened, she turns to Raheem Miller, the one man she can trust—despite their sordid past.
Years ago, Raheem fell in love with Katherine—older, sophisticated, and way out of his league. And nothing had changed. While he’d rather avoid this assignment, he’ll never forgive himself if anything happened to her. In the middle of conducting an investigation into her husband’s death, he discovers a conspiracy that could rock the very foundation of the United States.
Now he must bring the culprits to justice while keeping Katherine alive and his desire in check. Easier said than done.
Love on the Brain
Shay Davis
There’s nothing more amazing than creating that special bond with your first love. However, there’s nothing more gut-wrenching than your first heartbreak.
Cheyanne Charles experienced both in a blink of an eye. Taping the pieces of her broken heart together, Cheyanne moved through life only focusing on her career. Love had no place in her world after suffering the ultimate betrayal. But the funny thing about tape… that adhesive wears off after a while.
Shemel Jennings, an up-and-coming Neo Soul singer, wants desperately to put the broken pieces of Cheyanne’s heart back together. Only, he’s the one responsible for her heartbreak to begin with. He’s on a quest to seek forgiveness and right his wrongs, but finding love, and keeping it, is never as easy as it seems.
Thrown together after years apart, Cheyanne and Shemel have to figure out how to work with one another. But as tempers flare, and emotions get involved, the close proximity cause volcanic eruptions.
A Kiss at the Mistletoe Rodeo
Kathy Douglass
“One little kiss won’t hurt anything.”
Rodeo superstar Geoff Burris is adored by legions of female fans, but life on the road makes him shun commitment. During a rare hometown visit to Bronco for a holiday competition, he’s sidelined by an injury—and meets Stephanie Brandt. She’s a local nurse who is not dazzled by his fame—and prefers to keep out of the spotlight! Geoff is captivated by the no-nonsense introvert. He’d never planned to put down roots, but when Stephanie is in his arms, all this cowboy can think about is forever…
F*ck Around and Find Out (audiobook)
Nicole Falls
For Ebonée and Floyd, the unexpected is affirming.
With Every Breath
Natasha Frazier
She has nothing to lose, but loving her could cost him everything. Is he willing to risk it all a second time around when she has less than thirty days to live?
Renowned motivational speaker Nina Marie Robinson has received a grim prognosis. With the little time she has left, she’s giving one last commencement speech at her alma mater Jackson State University and taking a well-deserved vacation to the Bahamas. Nina is also determined to show her college sweetheart she’s still in love with him, but can she convince him to drop everything and board that plane with her?
Andrew McCall is one step away from being promoted to professor at Jackson State University. If anything goes wrong, Andrew will find himself in the last place he wants to be—chief executive officer of McCall Resorts as his father’s successor. When Nina comes to town and requests that he accompany her to the Bahamas, will he have to choose between the woman he’s always loved and everything he’s worked for?
Sunflowers and Honey
Olivia Gaines
Symphony Willis wasn’t about to let her big sister have all the fun. Placing a call to Melody, she asked what everyone wanted to know, “where did you meet Lakota?”
Following the directions sent via text, Symphony walked into the offices of Perfect Match to start a journey that opened not only a lot of doors, but her heart to understanding what it truly means to be family.
Saddle up as we head West to a family farm in Oklahoma that specializes in Sunflowers and Honey.
Last Chance for Logan County
Lamar Giles
In this third Legendary Alston Boys adventure from Edgar Award–nominated author Lamar Giles, Otto and Sheed have to team up with the Ellison twins to take down a corporation obsessed with the weirdness of Logan County and that’s turning its residents into Money-Zombies.
Otto and Sheed are back in yet another legendary adventure that just might take all their deduction skills, and a good bit of help from friends and family, to solve.
With the Rorrim Mirror Emporium closed and their adventures through the last mirror on the left behind them, Otto and Sheed are ready for things to get back to normal. But the FixItYall that Sheed took warned of side effects and they quickly come true—starting with a thunderstorm raining frogs. But that’s only the beginning. Teachers begin quitting suddenly, vets leave their animals behind, and a strange goat starts delivering takeout orders. When a suspicious company known as GOO, obsessed with Logan County’s weirdness, shows up and starts buying all the property in town and threatening to take Sheed away after some strange new energy is traced back to him, the Legendary Alston Boys of Logan County, along with Otto’s mom, Sheed’s dad, and the Ellison twins, have to find a way to save their town and keep their family together.
Waiting on Wendy
Tanzania Glover
Love is a dish best served unconditionally
What would you do if you had six months left to live? Initially Kellen Turner plans to live as normally as possible then go peacefully into the night. But when his longtime crush waitress Wendy Bell finally works up the nerve to ask him out, he realizes that he just may have something to live and fight for after all.
As the Wicked Watch
Tamron Hall
The first in a thrilling new series from Emmy Award-winning TV Host and Journalist Tamron Hall, As The Wicked Watch follows a reporter as she unravels the disturbing mystery around the deaths of two young Black women, the work of a serial killer terrorizing Chicago.
When crime reporter Jordan Manning leaves her hometown in Texas to take a job at a television station in Chicago, she’s one step closer to her dream: a coveted anchor chair on a national network.
Jordan is smart and aggressive, with unabashed star-power, and often the only woman of color in the newsroom. Her signature? Arriving first on the scene—in impractical designer stilettos. Armed with a master’s degree in forensic science and impeccable instincts, Jordan has been able to balance her dueling motivations: breaking every big story—and giving a voice to the voiceless.
From her time in Texas, she’s covered the vilest of human behaviors but nothing has prepared her for Chicago. Jordan is that rare breed of a journalist who can navigate a crime scene as well as she can a newsroom—often noticing what others tend to miss. Again and again, she is called to cover the murders of Black women, many of them sexually assaulted, most brutalized, and all of them quickly forgotten.
All until Masey James—the story that Jordan just can’t shake, despite all efforts. A 15-year-old girl whose body was found in an abandoned lot, Masey has come to represent for Jordan all of the frustration and anger that her job often forces her to repress. Putting the rest of her work and her fraying personal life aside, Jordan does everything she can to give the story the coverage it desperately requires, and that a missing Black child would so rarely get.
There’s a serial killer on the loose, Jordan believes, and he’s hiding in plain sight.
Blindsided
Trice Hickman
In this edgy, sexy, page-turning follow-up to award-winning, bestselling author Trice Hickman’s The Other Side, three friends who’ve shared everything—including the same birthday—bond over the triumphs, trials, and unexpected complications surrounding the men they love . . .
Formerly single, D.C. businesswoman Bernadette Gibson is amazed at what a difference a year makes. Now in a committed relationship with a man who cherishes her, the practical fifty-something is thrilled with the laid-back peace and promise of her new southern small-town life. But when she discovers she’s pregnant, complications she never saw coming will cause her to question everything . . .
Fortyish bestselling novelist Testimony “Tess” Sinclair couldn’t be happier with her engagement to successful restaurateur, Maceo Dennis. But he longs to have children, and Tess fears to tell him her real story—she has difficulty conceiving. Once she reveals the truth, will they be strong enough to survive heartbreak they never bargained for? . . .
Married to the almost-perfect love of her life—it’s a dream-come-true for outgoing makeup artist Arizona Mays. She hopes that the deep connection between her and her hot new husband, Chris Pendleton, will lead him to work out his intimacy problems in the bedroom. But when her past and his secrets collide, their happily-ever-after faces irreparable disaster . . .
Now as Bernadette, Tess, and Arizona face the biggest challenges of their lives, these three best friends must rely more than ever on their sisterhood bond—and irrepressible differences—to confront hard truths, handle the damage done, and at last secure the happiness they’ve always wanted . . .
Strictly Confidential
Donna Hill
Turning business into pleasure
could cost them more than their professional partnership.
To save her family business, Lexi Randall joins professional forces with Montgomery Grant, careful to conceal why she desperately needs this project. Fortunately, the real estate developer shares her vision for their Washington, DC, community—but keeping their hands off each other becomes a losing battle. When an unwelcome blast from Monty’s past shows up, Lexi knows it’s only a matter of time before her secret is no longer strictly confidential. Will her choices cost them everything or take their partnership to a whole new level?
You Make It Feel Like Christmas
Donna Hill and Francis Ray
In You Make it Feel Like Christmas, Donna Hill and Francis Ray bring us holiday cheer with two novellas in one volume: Rockin’ Around That Christmas Tree and The Wish.
Rockin’ Around That Christmas Tree by Donna Hill
Denise has always been the faithful wife and dutiful mother for the twenty-plus years she’s been married to Edward. But now, she’s ready to live a few dreams of her own. When Denise drops the bomb at Thanksgiving dinner that she is leaving Edward and selling the house, everyone is stunned, and her announcement opens the door to Morrison Family Dysfunction 101. But Edward is not ready to give up on them. Not only does he plan to be back at home and in their bed, but he also knows that, come Christmas, he and Denise will be rockin’ around that Christmas tree.
The Wish by Francis Ray
Be careful what you wish for. That’s the lesson brokenhearted Nicholas Darling learns when an eccentric old woman grants him a wish for true love—if he doesn’t fail to see it.
Flagrant (audiobook)
Alexandria House
NBA star Paul “Polo” Logan is known for his on-court prowess and his off-court philandering.
Kendra Doll is the main woman in his life, and although their past bonds them together, it also may be what tears them apart.
He’s ready to make a change and truly commit to her, but is it too late?
(Polo and Kendra were first introduced in the novel, Let Me Hold You, by Alexandria House.)
*This story contains content that may be sensitive for some readers.*
The Exhibition
Alexandria House
The Exhibition is a place where a woman’s deepest desires and most debaucherous wishes come true. As our protagonist states:
“I more than hoped for a good time. In this place, I expected it.”
Purchase link at msalexhouse.com
Note: This erotic short first appeared on xoafterglow.com
The Trouble with Gabrielle
Sylvia Hubbard
Alone… Pregnant… And About to be murdered A one night stand with a mysterious man and four months later Gabrielle Payne is in desperate need of money and pregnant. When things are at the worst, she finds out her mysterious man, Oliver Farnsworth, was murdered and very wealthy with no heir to claim the fortune his mother left him. Gabrielle decides to reveal her secret and ask for just “a little help.” She is taken in by Oliver’s step mother, Neema McGee. The old house of Oliver Farnsworth is larger than any place she’s ever been, but she starts to see things are not what they seem. And she starts to find out several things in the two short weeks that she stays there:—Oliver Farnsworth was murdered by poison, but his murderer was never found. He has a twin brother, who lives outside of the state and is on the outs with his family.—The step mother could be greedy and is lying about how happy she is about the Gabrielle’s pregnancy. and lastly….—-The step mother plans to kill her to gain the fortune Oliver Farnsworth left. WITH NO WHERE ELSE TO TURN, WHAT’S A WOMAN TO DO?
Perfectly Fine Christmas
LaJill Hunt
Kendall Freeman is a self-assured, full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer who loves Christmas. Niya Fine, a shy, introverted, plus-size teen, is dealing with the recent loss of her mother. She’s now living with her widowed grandmother, Claudia, an elitist who criticizes Niya’s every move. While Kendall is working hard to make the season bright, planning Christmas parties and whipping up amazing gowns at the boutique where she works, Niya is begging her uncle Reese, the “reprobate” of the family, to spend the holidays with her at his mother’s home. She hopes that will make living there a little less lonely.
A twist of fate leads to a unique friendship between Kendall and Niya, and a quest to pursue some family tradition that seems impossible to achieve. Can Kendall help Niya embrace who she is and help the family rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season? Is there a possibility of finding her own true love in the process?
The Sweetest Remedy
Jane Igharo
When a woman travels to Nigeria to attend the funeral of the father she never knew, she meets her extravagant family for the first time, a new and inspiring love interest, and discovers parts of herself she didn’t know were missing, from Jane Igharo, the acclaimed author of Ties That Tether.
Hannah Bailey has never known her father, the Nigerian entrepreneur who had a brief relationship with her white mother. Because of this, Hannah has always felt uncertain about part of her identity. When her father dies, she’s invited to Nigeria for the funeral. Though she wants to hate the man who abandoned her, she’s curious about who he was and where he was from. Searching for answers, Hannah boards a plane to Lagos, Nigeria.
In Banana Island, one of Nigeria’s most affluent areas, Hannah meets the Jolades, her late father’s prestigious family—some who accept her and some who think she doesn’t belong. The days leading up to the funeral are chaotic, but Hannah is soon shaped by secrets that unfold, a culture she never thought she would understand or appreciate, and a man who steals her heart and helps her to see herself in a new light.
When We Collide
Indigo
It’s said that when you’re not looking for something, that’s when you find everything you ever wanted.
Navy is a young entrepreneur, making waves and creating a name for herself and her business. Having a checkered past with relationships, she’s not focused on love or anything concerning it until…
Jacen’s life seems to be made, and whatever he wants, he goes after. The world is at his fingertips, but a quick-witted woman enters the scene, interesting him almost immediately, keeping herself just outside his grasp.
Despite not searching for it, will they find everything they want after colliding?
Rebound My Heart
Annitia Jackson
Jaylena “Jay” Nelson is a woman who has struggled to let go of her past. After falling for the wrong man, it left her struggling both mentally and financially. Working three jobs and living paycheck to paycheck isn’t what she accustomed to, but Jay is determined to never depend on a man or give him her heart ever again.
Detrick “Dee” Kyle is NBA royalty. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Detrick is one of the most talented players on the court. He has everything any man could ever want, money, a career he loves, a gorgeous fiancée, and a lifestyle others dreamed of.
However, life has a way of changing in the blink of an eye and brings the two into each other’s lives. One incident turns Detrick’s picture-perfect world upside down, while Jay’s past comes back to haunt her. Two separate events bring Jaylena and Detrick into each other’s lives one fateful night.
Find out what happens when two worlds collide in the drama filled Urban Romance, Rebound My Heart.
One Christmas Wish
Brenda Jackson
It’s Christmas in Catalina Cove, a time of promise and second chances. But when you’re starting over, love is the last thing you’re wishing for…
Vaughn Miller’s Wall Street career was abruptly ended by a wrongful conviction and two years in prison. Since then, he’s returned to his hometown, kept his head down and forged a way forward. When he is exonerated and his name cleared, he feels he can hold his head up once again, maybe even talk to the beautiful café owner who sets his blood to simmering.
Sierra Crane escaped a disastrous marriage—barely. She and her six-year-old goddaughter have returned to the only place that feels like home. Determined to make it on her own, Sierra opens a soup café. Complication is the last thing she needs, but the moment Vaughn walks into her café, she can’t keep her eyes off the smoldering loner.
When they give in to their attraction, what Sierra thought would be a onetime thing becomes so much more. Vaughn knows she’s the one. Sierra can’t deny the way Vaughn makes her feel, but she’s been burned before. With Christmas approaching, Vaughn takes a chance to prove his love, and it will be up to Sierra to decide if her one Christmas wish—true happiness—will come true.
Saving Sunflower (audiobook)
Rae Lyse
Dominic DeBlanc is a wayward street hustler and part-time rapper constantly running from a past that haunts him. With a bleak outlook on life, he finds himself teetering between two worlds—a seedy one where he’s not guaranteed to see his twenty-second birthday and a promising one that might bring him recognition for his talent. After a chance encounter with a peculiar waitress, he finds himself engulfed in a friendship he never knew he needed. However, his complex life and reckless decisions challenge their already complicated bond.
The Weekend
Tina Martin
Can you make somebody fall in love with you in ONE weekend?
That’s what Corbin LeBlanc is hoping after recently becoming reacquainted with Davina Lennox – his secret crush from high school years ago. She’s all woman now and still as beautiful as he remembered. However, while he knows the path his life will take, he learns that Davina has no clue what she wants – but she knows one thing for sure – small-town life is not for her.
Corbin has one weekend to convince her to stay in Bryson City, appreciate this beautiful mountain town and make her see the amazing life they could have together.
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching
Kwame Mbalia
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the finale of Kwame Mbalia’s trilogy, in which Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all.
“Imagine if you combined Anansi the Spider, John Henry, and Marvel into, like, one book.”–New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander
After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan’s hometown of Chicago. It’s going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan’s inner strength to deliver justice once and for all.
Shocking twists, glorious triumphs, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this series conclusion as satisfying as it is entertaining.
All They Want
Rhonda McKnight
One betrayal led to another. Will Ethan and Lauren forgive each other and find their way forward?
Lauren Ingram is out of time. The secrets she’s kept and the lies she’s told are unraveling all around her. It doesn’t help that the love of her life, Ethan Bennett, has changed into a shrewd businessman who is determined to have his way no matter who he hurts, including her.
Ethan has always loved Lauren, but when she comes home carrying a secret that breaks his heart, he’s not sure if he can trust her, ever again. Her manipulative ways are revealed over and over. He questions what there really is to love about her, and whether he’s just obsessed with having her because he likes to win.
Lauren denies her love for Ethan. A girl has to protect her heart. She also wonders if anyone, including her sisters, will ever forgive her and more importantly, can she forgive herself and God? When a horrible accident happens, Lauren has to decide if she can risk being vulnerable to discover the happiness she’s always wanted.
This is a novel length Christian/sweet romance.
Love After Temptation
Angelia Vernon Menchan
It was six months since Jeremy Felipe became Deputy Mayor but how—Stefano Bridges is in every Mayor meeting and he’s doing Mayor things but Dr. Pastor Professor Felipe is in those same meetings and isn’t doing Mayor things—he’s the Mayor. And in the midst of mayoring, he’s gotten divorced, very quietly. His ex-wife now known as Fran, is a blond, songstress, backing up the likes of Miko—Miko Brown, that is and Francine isn’t doing the mom thing either. The ‘acting’ mayor is handling that as well with his mini-me, Jeremy II. But Dr., etc doesn’t look pressed because the also newly divorced Aura Brown, no longer Aura Brown Black, seems to have his back— a photo of Jeremy and Aura playing basketball at the auditorium on the east side accompanied the article. She was guarding him as he went up for a basket.
Aura read the paper, a smile playing around her lips. The article failed to say the Mayor’s office was playing for a cause and she and Jeremy slaughtered, Thane and Stefano. It had been three months since her divorce was final and about the same for Jeremy’s but they had not been alone together. They were both busy with mayoral team duties, their personal businesses and more importantly raising their children. They saw each other at public events with the kids and family and texted—a lot. Let em talk. She thought.
They have no idea. Jeremy thought. But they will and soon. The waiting is over and they will have something to talk about.
When We
K.C. Mills
Publicist.
NBA player.
Career ending Injury.
Family Secrets.
Undeniable attraction.
“She could have every piece of my soul. Even the ones that were broken and unsure, because I knew she would never mishandle any part of me.”
—Law and Zori
Love & Law (audiobook)
Asia Monique
Love and Law follows the lives of Jameson, Jaslyn, Jordan, and Josephina Edwards. Known as the first black family in law enforcement, the Edwards stand firm on their beliefs… or so they thought.
What happens when love comes into play and it has these four siblings struggling with what’s right and wrong?
There’s a fine line between upholding law and breaking it. Which side will they end up on?
*Please note, this is a full length standalone novel broken into four parts.
An Unsavory Mess
Tyora Moody
Eugeena Patterson usually doesn’t have a problem putting her nose where it doesn’t belong. After her last mystery busting incident, she’s determined to hang up her amateur sleuth hat. Or at least that’s what she’s telling Amos and her family.
When her long-time friend, Rosemary Gladstone, encourages her to attend their high school reunion, Eugeena decides it wouldn’t hurt. All is well, until Eugeena and Rosemary face off with their number one enemy from high school. What should have been a celebration, hits a sour note when their nemesis is found dead, not too long after a very public disagreement.
There is no rest for the weary as Eugeena dives into another mystery. She doesn’t have a choice since she has to clear her and Rosemary from being considered murder suspects.
Polo Cowboy
G. Neri
How does a Black kid from North Philly wind up playing polo? The much-anticipated sequel to Ghetto Cowboy, now a major motion picture starring Idris Elba and Stranger Things’s Caleb McLaughlin.
When Cole moves in with his dad, Harp, he thinks life will be sweet—just him and his horse, Boo, hanging out with Philadelphia’s urban cowboys. But when Harp says he has to get a job, Cole winds up as a stable hand for the polo team at George Washington Military Academy, where the players are rich, white, and stuck-up—all except Ruthie, the team’s first and only girl, who’s determined to show the others she can beat them at their own game. As Cole and Ruthie become friends—and maybe more—he starts imagining his future, maybe even at the academy. But between long workdays, arrogant polo players, and a cousin trying to pull Cole into his dangerous business, that future seems remote. Will Cole find the courage to stand and be seen in a world determined to keep him out? With striking illustrations by Jesse Joshua Watson, celebrated author G. Neri’s novel weaves themes of tenacity and community into a rousing sports story inspired by Philadelphia’s real-life urban cowboys and polo players.
My Own Terms
Stephanie Nicole Norris
When my closest friends became the objects of my desires, I knew no one man could meet my appetite.
I was brave enough to make them a proposition—confident in myself and what I needed as well as what I could provide. But I didn’t know if their egos would survive my proposal. And I didn’t want it to kill our friendship. However, I was ready to break free, and gone were the days of me holding myself back.
Note:
This is a spin-off of The Heavy On The D series. A Reverse Harem romance involving the owner of the Den—Daniella Armstrong.
All that Is Secret
Patricia Raybon
It’s the winter of 1923 and Professor Annalee Spain―a clever but overworked theologian at a small Chicago Bible college–receives a cryptic telegram calling her home to Denver to solve the murder of her beloved but estranged father.
For a young Black woman, searching for answers in a city ruled by the KKK could mean real danger. Still, with her literary hero Sherlock Holmes as inspiration, Annalee launches her hunt for clues, attracting two surprising allies: Eddie, a relentless young orphan boy searching for his missing father, and Jack, a handsome young pastor who loves nightclub dancing and fast cars–awakening Annalee’s heart to the surprising highs and lows of romance and love.
With their help, Annalee follows clues that land her among Denver’s powerful elite. But when her sleuthing unravels sinister motives and long-buried lies, will clever Annalee become a victim, too?
Love On Repeat
Andrea Renee
Neko Love seemingly has the best life. She has a successful career and is engaged to her NBA player fiancé, Tone Wilson. But after Tone stands her up, it’s clear that things are less than perfect. That is, until her high school sweetheart, Legend Depriest shows up.
Legend wants nothing more than to sweep Neko off her feet again. However, despite their undeniable chemistry and love for one another, a life-changing secret threatens to destroy what could be. Neko wants nothing more than to put the past behind her, but does that include Legend? Between the brewing tension within her family, her toxic relationship with Tone, and juggling her career, Neko is at her wit’s end.
Will Neko find the courage to live life on her own terms and embrace what and who truly makes her happy? Or will she allow convenience, family pressure, and fear to stifle her?
Love on Repeat is a 90s romance story of love, family, friendship, hope, and second chances.
Mistletoe in Juneau
Dahlia Rose
Danni’s a social media influencer who’s way out of her element. She sort-of broke up with her boyfriend-slash-manager, and she escaped her fast-paced life in New York to spend Christmas with an old friend in Juneau, Alaska. Danni takes in the beauty of the scenery and the warmth of the community…and she’s drawn to the local sheriff.
Before Declan was an Alaskan State Trooper, he was in the Army. An IED explosion cost him his leg…and his fiancée, who couldn’t deal with the injury. He knows Danni’s a city girl, while he loves the Alaskan wilderness. Could two very different people find what their hearts are looking for?
Seducing the Seal
Yahrah St. John
Once satisfied with meaningless flings, the combat death of Navy SEAL Cage Mitchell’s best friend prompts him to retire from the military and look for deeper meaning in life. That includes pondering whether he’s ready for a wife and children.
What Cage doesn’t bargain for is falling for his younger brother Cameron’s girlfriend, Monae Williams. Monae, a sincere young woman, is passionate about working with foster children because she grew up in the rough-and-tumble foster system. She’s ready to settle down, but her boyfriend is more interested in seeking an Air Force promotion.
Honor and duty, the core of Cage’s character, prevent him from pursuing Monae; but when her relationship with Cameron ends, Cage tosses duty to his family aside. Usually guarded, Monae has fallen just as hard for Cage.
All sorts of fallouts ensue . . . but Monae has already seduced the SEAL, and there may be no turning back.
Game Time Decision
Patricia Sargeant
At thirty-seven years old, Marlon Burress doesn’t need a game clock to know he’s coming to the end of his NBA playing days. After fifteen years with the Miami Waves, the franchise has traded him to their division rival, the Brooklyn Monarchs. Even worse, his new team signed him to only a one-year contract. But before he walks away from basketball, Marlon needs a new plan. As he considers settling down, his thoughts turn to his greatest challenge yet: winning back his former college sweetheart.
Zerleena Chase spent her entire college career as Marlon’s cheerleader. After he graduated, Marlon made a fast break to his basketball dream, leaving her on the sideline. It took Zerleena years to find her own voice. Now that her satellite radio show is gaining national recognition, Marlon has bounced back into her life, expecting her to play on his team once more. But this time, Zerleena ‘s taking center court. If Marlon wants a second shot at her love, he’s going to have to prove that Zerleena has always been his most valuable partner.
Her Pleasure, His Principles
She’Nell
Kelis Marshall has it all and a five-year plan that will take her to the top of the office food chain. She is her own God. What this self-made queen wants she gets, that is until she meets Hezekiah Washington. Hezekiah, a born-again Christian, respects Kelis’ drive but is wary of a relationship with a nonbeliever. The flesh battles with the spirit and Kelis’ pleasures appear to outweigh Hezekiah’s principles. Kelis gets all she desires, but there is a twist.
Christmas in Rose Bend
Naima Simone
The holidays have never been her thing. But Christmas in Rose Bend has more than one surprise in store…
Grieving ER nurse Nessa Hunt is on a road trip with her sullen teen half sister, Ivy, and still reeling from her mother’s deathbed confession: Nessa’s dad wasn’t really her dad. Seeking answers, they arrive in Rose Bend to find a small town teeming with the kind of Christmas cheer Nessa usually avoids. But then she meets the innkeeper’s ruggedly sexy son, Wolfgang Dennison.
Wolf’s big, boisterous family is like a picture-perfect holiday card. Nessa has too much weighing on her to feel like she fits—even though the heat between her and Wolf is undeniable. And the merriment bringing an overdue smile to Ivy’s face is almost enough to make Nessa believe in the Christmas spirit. But with all her parental baggage, including lingering questions about her birth father, is there room in Nessa’s life for happy holidays and happily-ever-after?
The Fort
Joan Vassar
1864–Fort Independence: When a bloody carriage appears at the front gate, Black’s greatest fear is realized. Mayhem has found its way to his doorstep, forcing him and the people to examine everyday life.
In this fifth installment of The Black Series, the legendary Black is tasked with leading the people to a freer existence. He must also solve a deadly game of cat and mouse, while keeping the people from peril.
Join Joan Vassar, Black and the men as they UNCAGE the people from physical bondage, EMANCIPATE the people’s thoughts and UNSHACKLE the people from fear.
Christmas in Full Bloom
Denise N. Wheatley
This Christmas, can they slow down long enough to smell the roses and fall in love?
When savvy, up-and-coming floral designer Lauren Beal returns home to Maple Valley, Michigan, for her sister’s holiday wedding, she’s determined to be the perfect maid of honor. She didn’t expect the best man to be the college crush she’d reluctantly left behind to pursue her Chicago-based dreams.
Family practice doctor Mel Jennings always knew he’d remain rooted in Maple Valley to work for his father’s clinic. He happily juggles his demanding practice with philanthropic endeavors that connect him to his tight-knit community. Sparks fly when he reunites with Lauren, the one who ran away. As they enjoy Maple Valley’s Christmas festivities, Mel remembers how close they once were. But can they ever have a future?
Lauren finds herself falling for Mel and suspects the feelings are mutual. Yet they’re both pulled in different directions by work and family. Will the pair find a moment alone during the hectic holiday season to figure things out, or will they miss their chance at love once again?
The Piece I Needed
A.S. Wilson
Khaleef and Danai are engaged and madly in love—until Danai finds evidence of betrayal. Khaleef is driving home when she calls to break off the engagement and tell him not to return home. When his car spirals off the road and crashes, leaving him with a brain injury and amnesia, Danai finds herself torn between the love and the pain she feels.
Having put her career on the backburner, Danai sees the opportunity to get back to her old self and the dreams she had before she fell in love, but she puts her dreams on hold again to help Khaleef recover and attempt to restore his memories. Determined not to jeopardize his recovery, Danai vows to wait until he can handle hearing that their relationship is over. However, as they spend time together, trying to recover memories and building new ones along the way, Danai realizes that their relationship might just be the piece she needs to put together the life of her dreams.
Can she forgive and forget, or will she find herself moving on?