Monthly Archives: February 2011

Intimate Conversation with Danette Majette

by edc1creations

Intimate Conversation with Danette Majette

Danette Majette  was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and moved to Norfolk, Virginia when she was five. After graduating from high school and going into the U.S. Marine Corps, Danette’s love for fashion led her to Nordstrom where she worked as a manager. It was there that she was advised be a friend and co-worker to write her first novel “I Shoulda Seen It Comin” which debuted in 2005. She followed this success two years later with her second novel ‘Deep” which successfully made the Essence Magazine bestseller list in 2008. She released her third novel “Good Girl Gone Bad’ in April 2009.

After years of living in Washington D.C., Danette decided to move to Raleigh, N.C., with her two children, Bryan Majette and Marketa Salley. Marketa is a featured author in LCB’S Teenage Bluez; a series of urban short stories written for and by teens. Danette’s fourth novel ‘Bitter’ is set to be released in February 2011.

Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ

 

BPM: Tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
My passion comes from the deep interest I have in things going on in my community. I always have issues going on around me so I take those issues and turn them into a book, with added spice of course. To be honest, I love to write entertaining novels!!
I think people are so consumed with the trivial things in life that they don’t realize that there are people out here with serious issues and problems going on in their lives. There are people that are homeless, hungry, dealing with bad relationships, and fighting for their lives everyday. I hope my stories will effect someone in a positive manner.

BPM: Finish this sentence- “Our writing offers the following legacy to future readers…”I hope to show people that you can come from nothing and make something of yourself. I don’t want my life to be measured by what I accumulated but instead on how I used a gift from God to spread the word about issues affecting our society. I want to be remembered for putting out quality material and always conveying positive messages in my books to help the next generation. I hope long after my death, my legacy will continue with the lives I’ve touched with my writings.

BPM: Introduce us to your latest novel, Bitter.
Reese Kennedy, is a controversial radio talk-show host who was on top of the world when she was married and living the glamorous life. That is until her husband Eric, a former NBA player, leaves for her for a much younger woman. After a nasty divorce, Reese takes her frustration out on every man by bashing them on her show and soon becomes the most hated woman in Dallas. Just when Reese thinks she s completely fed up with men, a handsome and charismatic investor named Xavier walks into her life. Trying her best to adjust to love again, Reese finally puts her guards down until she suddenly finds herself on death s door. The phrase keep your enemies close will take on a new meaning when an awful truth is revealed and Reese quickly learns that she s not the only one who s bitter.

BPM: Who are the main characters of Bitter. What are two major events taking place?
The first major event is Reese is being stalked. Then there is Joi and Lavar who have a very explosive relationship which turns deadly for one of them.

My main characters are Reese, Joi, Julian, Lavar and Xavier. Reese is a radio host who loses her husband to a young white girl so she’s very bitter about that. She later finds love but at what cost. Joi is Reese’s best friend and co-host who is in a volatile relationship with Lavar a big time hustler who is the epitome of evil.

Julian is Reese’s producer who is obsessed with her but keeps it a secret until she meets Xavier. He then starts to unravel right before Reese’s eyes showing his bitter side as well. Xavier is Reese’s new love who has a few secrets of his own. 

BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
Joi is my favorite. In a lot of ways she reminds me of myself. She’s funny, loves shopping, tells it like it is, and she’s not afraid to stand up to Lavar, even though everyone else is. She knows he’s dangerous but she checks him when he gets out of bounds with her.

BPM: Were there things from “your world” incorporated into this storyline?
Absolutely! There are few scenes between Joi and Lavar that were really things that happened to me so it was really surreal writing them. When things happen to me I don’t think about how crazy they are until I write them in my books. I then look back and think to myself ‘wow’. Some of them have me laughing. Some of them make me wonder how I even allowed myself to get in that situation. I think we are all still learning from our mistakes and will continue to make mistakes because that’s a part of life. Nobody is perfect and life isn’t always going to go the way we want it to. With that said…I’ll never run out of stuff to write about because my life is just that colorful! The good and the bad!

BPM: What compelled you to write Bitter? What are some of the issues discussed in the book?
Domestic violence, stalking, and how to handle baby mama drama are some of the issues addressed in my new book. I read something about Wendy Williams and how she was the radio talk show host everyone loved to hate, my own personal relationships with people, and then just things I see everyday when I leave my home. I can go to a Walmart and see the craziest stuff, come back home, write it down and have a storyline for a book. LOL.

BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
Everyone…because everyone is bitter about something or has been bitter at one time. We put our whole lives out there for the world to see. We get on Facebook and other media outlets and put our exact locations at that moment. We let people know where we work, where we live, we post our children’s pictures, and photos of our home and cars. Well if someone wanted to hurt you…they would know where to find you.
I think we’re also very trusting of people we don’t really know. We go out on a date with someone and the next thing you know they know where we live, what we do, and they’ve met the children. Then we find out their not the person we thought they were we get mad. Well we didn’t really get to know them did we? Yet we’re soooo surprised when it happens.

BPM: How will reading your book shape the reader’s life?
It’s going to make the readers re-evaluate a lot of things they normally do. Hopefully they’ll become a little more cautious and tread with open ears.

BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want them to gain a sense of self-worth. If you don’t love and protect yourself…you can’t expect anyone else to.

BPM: What makes your book different from others on the same subject?
I think each of my scenes suggest some kind of mystery and romance. Each chapter is going to arouse curiosity and tantalize readers.

BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
I can be reached at: theliteraryconnection.net   or www.facebook.com/danette.majette

Purchase Bitter by Danette Majette
ISBN-10: 1934230278; Urban Lit
http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-Danette-Majette/dp/1934230278

The Dirty Divorce 2 by Miss KP

by edc1creations

Excerpt The Dirty Divorce 2 by Miss KP

The Dirty Divorce 2: Introduction
The most anticipated sequel…has readers drooling from the mouth! In The Dirty Divorce-Part 1 the Sanchez family ended with a bang. Lisa, Rich, and Denie all fought treacherously to escape a harsh death sentence. Only time will tell who had the heart to survive.

Dirty Divorce Part 2 starts off with drama and violence as Rich learns of his son, Juan dominating an industry where he used to be top dog. After grinding all his life, the fast money and numerous women land Rich in a place where his only son has turned against him. For the first time in Rich’s life, money can’t solve the problem….and it certainly can’t keep the ruthless, Renzo off his ass. Just when Rich thinks Lisa will take all in their final Divorce proceeding, his life may soon be ending too…Beware!!

WARNING: this excerpt is geared toward adult readers. The content is provocative and leads to a very mature discussion.

Excerpt: The Dirty Divorce by Miss KP
My husband was the finest thing in the city. His father was Columbian and his mother was Black, but with more of his father’s features, he was just the right mix. His tall stature and his lean but muscular build gave him power when he entered any room. His warm, brown complexion and thick, curly hair had many people mistaking him for a Dominican, and women were definitely weak for his dimples. He was definitely the type of man that you had to keep interested. Rich was “The Man” in D.C., with plenty of money and clout in the eighties and nineties. An entrepreneur at heart, Rich owned t-shirt stores, Laundromats, a few small car lots, but where most of his legal money came from was his bar, Bottom’s Up. Rich had old money, but his swagger still gave the young dudes a run for their money. We were definitely financially stable. He was the most wanted man in the streets by both the Feds and the chicks. That was just how it had always been. Many had tried, but none had succeeded.

After finally getting out of the tub, I wrapped myself in a towel, then waltzed to my dresser and pulled out my red lace La Perla bra and thong set. Our wedding photo on the dresser always made me smile anytime I started to feel insecure. With naughty thoughts on my mind, I figured I would give Rich a night cap after the birthday festivities. That’s if he didn’t reject me. He was known for doing that from time to time. His excuse, which sounded like a broken record, was that he was tired or had a stressful day. I wasn’t sure why he thought I believed that mess. Every woman knows that men never turned down a trip to the honey pot, not unless they were gay of course. Rich definitely wasn’t gay, but he was a cheater. Someone who’d been caught a countless number of times; so many times that I’d lost count.

Feeling refreshed, I put on my white terry cloth Juicy Couture robe and went back in the bathroom to do my hair. I’d been debating on cutting my hair forever because it was so long, falling past my breasts. However, the thought of how Rich would feel about me with a bob or a short pixie cut made me erase that thought immediately. He’d told me on countless occasions how women with short hair weren’t attractive. The last thing I needed right now was for him to think I wasn’t sexy. Pulling my hair up into a sleek ponytail with my custom-made, Tiffany diamond barrette Rich bought me years ago, I played with a few loose strands before I was finally satisfied.

Looking at myself in the mirror, my hazel eyes stared back at me. My high cheek bones and honey brown skin used to give me confidence, but now my self-esteem was low. I thought my beauty and innocence was enough that Rich would never cheat on me. Boy, did I have myself fooled.

I leaned over the sink then began washing my face with my Dr. Perricone facial cleanser when suddenly I heard a strange noise. I quickly stood up even though I couldn’t see anything, trying to figure out what it was. Maybe Denie and Rich came back, I thought.

“Rich!” I yelled out. When he didn’t respond, I called out his name again. “Rich!” There was complete silence. “Maybe I’m tripping,” I told myself.

Bending back down, I began rinsing my face with water then stood back up to grab a hand towel off the rack. After patting my face in several different areas, I finally looked in the mirror, and gasped at what I saw. My heart thumped. Chest pounded. Immediately, my brain told me it was really an extra set of eyes staring back at me. A shock of terror shot through my body. Who was this man with these big eyes filled with lust and what was he doing in my home? I didn’t even have time to scream before he put his left hand over my mouth and shoved a knife toward my throat.

“I always wondered how it would feel to hump Rich’s girl. Ummm, you smell so damn good,” he whispered in my ear in a seductive yet powerful tone. He smelled like a pack of Newports mixed with Armani cologne.

“What do you want from me?” I muffled through his black glove.

“Bitch, I want to destroy your husband’s life like he destroyed mine, and you’re gonna help me do it,” the intruder replied in a forceful, yet calm tone. “Now, cooperate with me and I’ll make this as easy for you as possible.”

Tears immediately streamed from my face. I was paralyzed with fear and couldn’t move. He pressed his body against me, squeezing my stomach against the porcelain sink. It felt as if he wanted to cut off my circulation. I began squirming, trying to get loose when he flung my body around to face him and then…he struck me…hard. So hard, I instantly fell to the floor. Hitting my head on the black and white ceramic tile was all I remembered, until…

####

© 2010 The Dirty Divorce. Excerpt Reprinted by Permission. All rights reserved. This is an abridged version of the original excerpt from The Dirty Divorce 2 by Miss KP. Do not repost or use without author’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.

The Dirty Divorce 2 by Miss KP
ISBN-10: 1934230774
ISBN-13: 978-1934230770

Check out the newly released novels The Dirty Divorce 1 and 2 written by Miss KP at Life Changing Books ( L.C.B): http://www.lifechangingbooks.net/images/lcb_bookstore.html

About the Author
Miss KP began writing in high school as an outlet to express her emotions as a teenager. She would write poetry and has even written unpublished songs. However, after feeling as if she had much more to say, she decided to purchase a laptop and began working on her first novel, which we now know as The Dirty Divorce, Part 1.

Just months after a good friend introduced her to publisher, Azarel; Miss KP’s dreams came true. She became a published author with the Life Changing Books (L.C.B) family with a #1 hit behind her name. Along with being an author, Miss KP works in the fashion industry as a Merchandise Manager in prominent department store. A native Washingtonian, Miss KP currently resides in Maryland with her eight year old daughter, and is awaiting the release of her second and most anticipated novel of 2010, The Dirty Divorce- Part 2, ISBN-10: 1934230774.

For more information on Miss KP or her books, visit her website at: http://www.misskp.com.

One Night Stand by Kendall Banks

by edc1creations

One Night Stand by Kendall Banks

Have you ever been played? Most will say, yes, and just take the defeat on the chin, but not Zaria Hopkins. Life had already dealt her a bad hand landing her in a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate who thought she was a nut-case, and who desperately tried to get away from both her odd behavior and controlling ways. As luck would have it Zaria hooked up with Hardy, a sexy, suave piece of eye candy who laughed her out of her panties the first night then tried to tell her to forget it ever happened the next day. 

Unfortunately, Hardy wasn’ t aware of her past and that the woman he’d slept with wasn’t the forgiving type. Before long, his wife is in danger and Hardy s secrets are exposed . Zaria wants revenge and decides she deserves everything she’s always been missing; money, power, and respect. With Zaria’s over the top personality and tricks up her sleeve this book is a cross between the modern day fatal attraction and single black female…but with an incredible twist. Beware! 

WARNING: this excerpt is geared toward adult readers. The content is provocative and leads to a very mature discussion.

Excerpt from One Night Stand by Kendall Banks

Clubs were never really my thing. The act of being in an overcrowded room smooched between hundreds of people like sardines as germs hover over both myself and my drink has never really got me off. But tonight I chose to make an exception. I refused to allow my roommate, Milan to out-do me.

Some kind of new age retro music poured from the club’s speakers as skinny model types and preppy looking men, black and white pranced around, danced , and talked loudly over every song the DJ threw on the turntable. Not one single true hip hop song would get any airplay up in here as far as I could tell. There was no way in hell I could ever see myself getting used to this futuristic sounding crap.

My eyes scoured the entire club from the dance floor to the bar repeatedly as I made my way throughout hundreds of people for nearly half an hour until I finally saw Milan standing at the bar with her friends. I walked up behind her and tapped her on the back. As she turned I could see Jazmine choke on her drink when she got a look at the dress I was wearing while Mia only eyed me silently from head to toe.

“Zaria,” Milan said, with surprise. Her eyes quickly ran from my weave to my heels.

Jazmine whispered something to Mia and they both begin to laugh. It was probably something slick, but I was a hard-core girl and would beat them both at the same time if needed. I ignored their ignorance with everything inside me, though I just wanna spaz out on both of their prissy asses. Undoubtedly I looked fabulous. And they hated me for it. That’s all.

“What are you doing here?” Milan asked, still surprised.

“A girl can’t go out sometimes?” I countered, smiling.

“Of course. I just didn’t know you were coming.”

“Yeah, cause you left me, purposely” I spat, then took a step back and placed my hands on my thick rounded hips. 

Both Jazmine and Mia began laughing again. 

Milan smiled and hit me with phony talk, “You…You look great.”

Suddenly a handsome guy walked over. “Milan, I didn’t know you had a sister,” he said out of the blue. Milan introduced me to her date.

“Marcus, this is Zaria.” 

Marcus extended his hand and shook mine. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zaria.”

“You too,” I returned with a smile.

“So you guys are sisters?” he asked, assuming we were because I’d decided to wear the same dress that Milan wore. She was obviously irked by it. Her girls thought it was super funny. 

Jazmine and Mia laughed again in my face trying to clown me.

Inside, I pondered ways to torture and kill them both.

“No,” Milan said quickly. “We’re just roommates.”

Why couldn’t she lie? Was she trying to say I wasn’t cute enough to be her sister? I had to admit, my feelings were a little hurt. My brown skin had always made me feel ugly no matter how hard I tried to front. Some folks considered me to be light-skinned, and just a little bronzed but not me. I wanted that skin like Milan, almost white. “Are you here with someone, Zaria?” Marcus asked me.

“No. I’m not,” I spat, obviously heated.

“I think I can fix that.”

I watched Marcus wave someone over to the bar. Within a few seconds a man even more handsome than him walks over. 

“Damon, this is Zaria… Zaria, Damon.”

“Hey, Zaria,” Damon greeted with a bright smile and extended hand. “How are you?”

“I’m good now” I returned with major sex appeal. With the heavy flirting, my anger at Milan disappeared for a moment.

He chuckled. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“A Corona would be nice. I’m not a heavy drinker.”

“That’s no problem.” Damon softly placed his left hand on my arm. He waved for the bartender and ordered my drink. 

I couldn’t help but give him a few sly once-over. He was gorgeous: Goatee, pearly white teeth, well dressed, well spoken, muscular, and chocolate like a Hershey bar.

“Do you mind if we sit at a table?” Damon asked after I got my drink. “I’ve been on my feet at the office all day.” 

He has a job. Shyt! That’s always a plus.

“Sure,” I responded softly.

Before I knew it the two of us were bunned up at a booth in the corner of the club trapped in conversation like we were the only two people in the club. I loved the feeling even though I hadn’t planned on meeting a man tonight. I simply didn’t want to be at home alone just in case there was another break-in in our apartment. 

Within just a few hours I felt his body wanting me. And I wanted everything about him to be mine: his smile, the soft touch of his hand when it brushed against my own, and the smell of his cologne. I could feel it. And I didn’t need months or years to realize it like most women.

I was so deep into Damon that I didn’t notice him wave to a passing waitress. “Could you please bring her another Corona, please?” 

My eyes caught her give him a lightning fast inspection, thinking that I hadn’t seen her. “I can’t believe this heifer.” I said in disbelief. Letting her get away with that shit was not an option.

“I don’t appreciate that,” I stood and said sharply.

“Excuse me?” she responded sassily, like I was some fool.

“Zaria, what’s wrong?” Damon asked me with creases in his forehead.

“She knows what’s wrong,” I said lunging forward. I looked the big breast waitress directly in her eyes. “That was very disrespectful, hoe!”

“Miss, what are you talking about?”

Damon stepped between us just as Milan rushed over.

“What’s going on?” Milan asked, followed by Jazmine, Mia, and their dates.

“This hussy right here!” I shouted, pointing my finger in the waitress’ face. “She just tried to make a pass at my man!”

Several club goers turned to see what had kicked off.

“Trick, do you think I’m a freakin’ joke?” I asked, anxious to show her I was not the broad to test. Before I knew it, I’d kicked my heels off.

The waitress was still trying to lie, “I never said…”

Before she could say another word I grabbed Damon’s glass from the table and slung Vodka in her face. 

Just like that, the DJ cut the music and shouted for security, turning the entire Club’s attention in my direction.

The waitress lunged at me attempting to retaliate. 

I ducked her lousy punch. Little did she know I had a past where I always had to fight. “Don’t lie about it!” I screamed. “Be a woman, not a mouse! Admit what you did!”

“Zaria, Calm down,” Damon said, with his eyes beyond wide.

I got even more pissed. Why was he protecting her? Were they fooling around before I got to the club? I’ll bet she sucked his dick in the bathroom stall just before he came and talked to me. I’m nobody’s fool. I grab the empty Corona bottle by the neck, intending to tear his head off. But before I could swing, security had me by my arms and drug me outside while I kicked and screamed like a lunatic.

Dumped onto the street, I see people outside pointing fingers and wondering why I got thrown out, but then reality disappears in an instant. The club is gone. The bouncers are no longer carrying me. Everyone around me is gone. 

I found myself standing outside on a very dark night holding a bag full of my clothes with rain pouring from the sky, drenching my body, lightning and thunder nearly deafening me. Why am I here? Where is everyone?

Footsteps come quickly from the distance, splashing water underneath them. They’re getting closer and closer quickly with each step. Something inside me knows they’re coming for me. Something inside me knows they’re coming to hurt me. I look into the night to see a tall shadowy figure dashing up the street towards me, the sight of him scaring me more than the site of the devil himself.

I run to the nearest house and begin to beat on the door, feeling that I belong there. I’ve been there before hundreds of times. I can feel it. It feels like home. Someone here will protect me for sure.

“Please let me in!” I scream, turning to see the stranger quickly getting closer. “Please help me! I have no place else to go and I need help!”

Tears fall from my eyes. Why won’t they help me? Even over the rattling of thunder and lightning their voices can be heard inside. Why are they ignoring me? Why don’t they love me anymore? What did I do to make them leave me out here to die? 

The stranger’s hand grab’s my shoulder. 

“Zaria!” Milan shouted, snapping me from my daze. 

Current reality surrounds me again just as quickly as it disappeared before. I’m outside the club with the bouncer standing in front of me. 

“Sweetheart, you might’ve had a little too much to drink,” he said. “You really need to go home before I call the police.”

“Hit him!” Hit him now.” That voice was back and he wouldn’t stop. “You’re such a punk, Zaria. Either hit him or go home.”

“Zaria!” Milan called out again. She got close enough to touch me and offered some encouraging words. 

I turned away from her and the bouncer and hopefully that annoying voice. With the quickness, I stormed to my car, with one shoe in my hand , and the other lost. I hurried into my car and slammed the door, hard.

“Zaria!” Milan yelled again, hoping to catch me before I started my Honda.

It was too late… nothing left for her to see now but my tail lights and the invisible horns on my head. 

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© 2011 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of publisher, Life Changing Books. This is an abridged version of the original excerpt. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you really like this.

About the Author
Kendall Banks, author of bestselling author of Rich Girls (2009) and the soon to be released One Night Stand (March, 2011), is offering the reader a glimpse at the consequences of cheating. In addition, after reading One Night Stand you’ll realize that sleeping with someone you don’t really know can have a life changing effect. Check out excerpts from her books on the publisher’s website at: http://www.lifechangingbooks.net.  

Kendall Banks
One Night StandISBN: 193423026X

The Available Wife Excerpt

by edc1creations

The Available Wife Excerpt
by Carla S. Pennington


WARNING: this excerpt is geared toward adult readers. The content is provocative and leads to a very mature discussion.

I sighed when the cab driver drove through the gates of my neatly manicured Houston subdivision nearly four hours after I was expected to arrive home. As I coasted through the neighborhood, I stared at each brick single family home and the families that were outside horsing around or tending to their yards. I wondered why I couldn’t be that happy or why my mouth could never form a smile. The only time that it did was when I was with him; Kingston. In the seven months that we’d known each other, he’d swept me off my feet and filled my world with nothing but excitement.

I wasn’t ready to return to reality, but as the cabbie drove closer to my home, I knew that I had no other choice. I took a deep breath and reached inside my leather, Alma Louis Vuitton bag and pulled out a twenty dollar bill to pay the fare. Seconds later, we pulled into my yard. I instantly frowned when I saw my mama’s car in the driveway.

What the hell is she doing here, I thought. I certainly wasn’t in the mood to deal with her ass at the moment.

However, my scowl instantly faded when I watched the enjoyment on my four-year-old son’s face as he did cartwheels on the front lawn. When he spotted me, he made a mad dash toward the yellow cab. I gave him a huge smile as he patted on the window for me to hurry up and get out. I had to get myself together. I desperately had to jump back into my role as mother and wife. Even though I couldn’t get Kingston off or out of my mind, I had to regroup for my boys’ sake.

“Hey, Mommy!” Jonathan yelled as he jumped all over me when I stepped out of the cab.

I didn’t show any painful emotion when he excitedly stepped on my foot.

“Whew, you smell like a wet dog,” I playfully frowned as I gave him several kisses and hugs. “I see you got your hair cut.” I rubbed my hand over his nearly bald head.

“Unhuh,” he smiled with those perfect, beautiful, white teeth that I hoped would look the same once they fell out and the permanent ones came.

“Where’s your daddy?” I asked nonchalantly.

Before he could answer, I heard the front door open. I looked up and saw my husband, Germaine, standing in the threshold of the door holding our five-month-old son, Nathan in his arms. I took a deep breath as I stared at him wishing, for a brief moment, he was Kingston, but I knew that he could never amount up to my lover.

“Why are you so late?” he asked as soon as I made it to the steps.

“Because I am,” I replied in an irritable and defensive tone.

“Why didn’t you call and tell me that you’d be late?”

“Because I didn’t need to,” I snarled. “Why all of the fucking questions? Damn!”

“I thought something may have happened to you Nikki…that’s all. Besides, I left you four messages.”

“I know,” I replied nonchalantly.

“Well, why didn’t you return any of them?”

“Germaine are we really gonna do this now?” I huffed and pouted. I placed my right hand on my hip and shifted my weight to let him know that I wasn’t in the mood. “I just got off the freaking plane.”

When Germaine realized that he wasn’t going to get any straight answers out of me, he dropped the whole interrogation.

“So, how was the trip?” he asked.

“Tiring.”

If only he knew just how tiring it was. As my husband leaned down to kiss me, I turned my head slightly so that his kiss landed on my cheek. I, in turn, planted my lips on my bundle of joys chubby cheeks. Germaine said nothing as I walked past him and into my 4,800 square foot house which, to my surprise, was still clean. Normally when I went out of town I came back to complete chaos…a bachelor’s pad, but nothing could’ve upset me at that moment. I was still on cloud nine.

“You smell nice,” Germaine complimented as he and Nathan joined me inside the house.

“Thanks,” I replied dryly. “Where’s my mother?”

He pointed toward the kitchen before continuing. “Is it new?”

“Why?” I asked then sucked my teeth.

“Because it doesn’t smell like any of the other perfumes you wear.”

Damn, does he pay that much attention to me? I thought. Kingston often told me that he loved the perfumes I wore, so I normally poured it on a little thick when we were together. “It’s the new perfume by Beyonce’,” I replied.

“Well, it smells nice.”

I made a mental note to put it in the drawer until I was with Kingston again. I didn’t want Germaine enjoying it. It was for Kingston’s enjoyment only.

“I made reservations at seven o’clock at that hibachi restaurant that you and John John love so much,” Germaine spoke as he rested his hands on my bare shoulders.

Using Jonathan was his way of getting me to say yes, but I wasn’t in the mood to go out. I wanted to escape into my tub filled with hot, bubbly water to dream and reminisce about my time with Kingston.

“Let me ask you a question?” I addressed him. “How in the hell can you make reservations to a restaurant when you don’t have any money?”

He gave me an uncomfortable look. “I thought maybe you wouldn’t mind…”

“Spending my damn money?” I finished his statement. “You have a lot of freaking nerve. Isn’t there something boxed in the freezer that you can throw in the microwave? Better yet, since you’re Mr. Mom, can’t you just throw some stuff together like you’ve been doing?”

He gave me another uncomfortable look, cradled Nathan in his arms a little tighter and walked toward the door. “I’m happy you’re home, Nikki,” he replied before moping back outside.

(continue)

Order The Available Wife today!

ISBN-10: 1934230170
ISBN-13: 978-1934230176
Life Changing Books – http://www.lifechangingbooks.net

Available today on Amazon Online

© 2011 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the publisher, Life Changing Books. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. This is an abridged version of the original excerpt. Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you really like this sample from The Available Wife.

Meet Author Carla S. Pennington

Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she continues to reside with her family. In 1996, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the years, the disease has halted her, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is currently working on a number of other projects that she plans to have published in the near future.

In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in journalism from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. After graduation, Carla decided not to pursue her career in journalism. Her heart and mind were elsewhere. She wanted to write fiction novels and short stories, something that she had been doing since she was a young girl.

In 2005, Carla published her first novel, Fling and from there several short stories which appeared in anthologies across the country. Finally, she landed a book deal with Life Changing Books which released the wildly anticipated novel, the Available Wife in January 2011. Readers can reach Carla S. Pennington on FaceBook and Twitter as: carlapennington. Email address: carlapennington@hotmail.com

SNITCH by VegasClarke

by edc1creations

  
SNITCH  by VegasClarke 

Snitch is a sexy urban tale that will make you think twice about who you can trust. It all begins with Ces’ar Lopez aka Drape, a savvy street hustler who thinks he’s on top of the world. He has no plans of relinquishing his crown as King Pen of the Streets; but the love of his life Diona has a different agenda.

The drug game becomes a gamble when fast money, sex, and violence all collide and the chips fall hard. In comes Shorty, a gangsta chick with a bodacious body ready to betray anyone who threatens her livelihood. Love, trust, and loyalty are tested in this wild tale of sex and deception.

Eventually, Drape’s back is against the wall and classified information gets exposed. Soon, no one know what side they’re on …but best believe they’ll pay a hefty price; jail time or death. Who will be this hustler’s downfall?

Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ
Praise for SNITCH
“If you’re looking for the ultimate betrayal, this is the one.  When it comes to real life snitches…this is as true as it gets. Newcomers, VegasClarke really brought the heat in this one!”
— Tiphani- best selling author of The Millionaire Mistress Series
Chapter Excerpt: SNITCH by VegasClarke 

WARNING: this excerpt is geared toward adult readers. The content is provocative and leads to a very mature discussion.
7:30 am, Drape’s Motorola vibrated on the nightstand loudly.

“What’s the business?” he answered groggily.

“Drape, I have some bad news,” Mr. Goldstein, his lawyer uttered.

He instantly hopped out of bed, lowered the volume on his phone and then walked into the bathroom, caressing himself through his boxers. He didn’t want Diona to hear what was about to be said.  Little did he know, she’d opened one eye as he walked away from the bed.

“What’s da bad news?” Drape asked as butterflies filled his stomach.

“The Feds picked up your case.”

“Don’t tell me dat. Mannnnn, I just got out. How dat happen so fast?”

“They’re here at my office right now.”

“What! Who you workin’ for, ‘dem or me? I can’t believe dis shyt is happenin’!”

Mr. Goldstein assured him that he wouldn’t be arrested if he came to his office, but if he didn’t, a federal arrest warrant would be issued. Drape took a deep breath as he pondered the thought of what could happen when he got there.

“F***  it, I’m on my way,” he said hanging up.

He came out of the bathroom and got dressed quietly as Diona laid in the bed with her eyes closed pretending to be sleep. Once he was dressed, he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and left. She was barely speaking to him and he was trying his hardest not to upset her anymore.

Drape drove his low-key Honda Accord to his lawyer’s office playing out different scenarios in his head the entire ride. Once he arrived, he drove a block away from Mr. Goldstein’s and parked. He thought it was best to walk the rest of the way just in case they tried to arrest him; knowing he would make a run for it.  As soon as he  walked into Mr. Goldstein’s plush office, his secretary was in the foyer area sitting at her desk. She escorted Drape to the conference room where Mr. Goldstein was expecting him.   

“How are you Ce’sar?” he greeted. “This is Detective Burns from the Second District Police Department. I think you two met before,” Mr. Goldstein announced. 
 
Drape’s thick eyebrows crinkled. Detective Burns looked like the young detective who’d  jumped out of the ambulance on him days before. Drape looked at the ugly keloid scar on Detective Burns’ cheek and thought how demented it made his face look. Burns was a frail looking guy appearing to be in his early twenties. He wondered what could’ve happened to someone so young to make their appearance so abnormal. Drape chuckled inside at the thought of Burns, a rookie, who was way too inexperienced to be dealing with him.
 
“And I’m Agent Lewis from the F.B.I,” another man said, introducing himself. Agent Lewis looked like a hillbilly with blonde hair and blue eyes. “I’m gonna be working with Detective Burns on this case. Mr. Lopez, can I call you Drape?” Lewis asked with a toothpick lodged in between his teeth.

“Yeah, it’s cool.” Drape anxiously waited to hear what the agent had to say.

“By the way, why do they call you Drape?”

Drape smiled. “Because I stay draped in some fly shyt. Now what can I help you with?” 

“That’s funny,” Lewis chuckled, then looked at Burns hoping to get a laugh out of him. He got nothing but a straight face.

 “I’m going to get straight to the point. Help us help you. We got wire taps and surveillance of you at Malik Howard’s house selling him 500 grams of cocaine base crack,” he said.

Agent Lewis exposed Malik to Drape at ease because he knew there was nothing he could do about it. There was no way he could hurt or intimidate him because he was currently in protective custody. They’d taken extra precautions to keep him safe. Without Malik, the dope and the wiretaps weren’t enough to convict Drape. Agent Lewis informed him that he and three of his best friends AKA the Scrilla Boys had been under investigation for the past three months, and they intended on getting them all. 

Drape cursed under his breath, then focused back on his situation. Even though he was sure he could pay off some people to say it wasn’t him, the Feds were good in coercing witnesses.

Drape crossed his arms on the table and let out a sigh as he laid his head down on his muscular arms. He thought silently to himself for a second then raised his head. “What da f*** do y’all want me to do?” he asked as if he’d lost the war.
 
“We want the Scrilla Boys off the streets and we want you to make control buys from them on wire. I don’t care who the drugs get sold to as long as it’s on wire,” Agent Lewis said firmly, and then took a sip of water from the cup in front of him.

Drape’s heart sank. He couldn’t believe they wanted him to rat on his own friends; his boys that he’d known since childhood. The crew who always had his back. He sighed then let out a sign of disgust.

“Naw! I’on think I’ma be able to do dat.’  I can’t be a Snitch!”  He gazed off to the side and fell into a frenzied daze.

Lewis played around with his toothpick again. “Call me after you’ve thought for a couple of days. Your lawyer will inform you on how much time you’re facing.” Agent Lewis handed Drape his card, and then headed for the door with Detective Burns in tow. “You know it’s you or them,” he added.
Instead of responding, Drape turned away.

Mr. Goldstein escorted them to the door as Drape sat defeated, in deep thought. He came back into his office within seconds, and pulled a chair next to him.  “Drape, these charges carry a mandatory minimum of twenty years and a maximum of life in prison. The Feds have a ninety-eight percent conviction rate and with your record, we don’t stand a chance in trial. A plea would still get you at least twenty years or more. It’s your choice. The balls in your court,”  Mr. Goldstein said in a matter of fact tone.
Drape half-listened as he day-dreamed. Finally, he turned his head to his attorney and said, “I’ll call and let you know what I’m gonna do.” 
Mr. Goldstein sighed  “Fine with me. It’s your life.”

(CONTINUES)

 
Purchase Snitch from Life Changing Books
http://www.lifechangingbooks.net

 

Snitch by VegasClarke 
ISBN-10: 1934230766
ISBN-13: 978-1934230763
http://www.amazon.com/Snitch-VegasClarke/dp/1934230766
© 2010 All rights reserved. Book Excerpt Reprinted by Permission of Publisher, Life Changing Books. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author’s written permission. Copyright infringement is a serious offense. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only. Share a link to this page or the author’s website if you really like this sample from SNITCH.
About VegasClarke 
Authors, VegasClarke demonstrate that opposites attract.  Vegas entered a life of crime beginning at the age of 13.  Selling drugs was all he came to know which finally landed him a 78-month sentence in the Federal Prison System.  During his incarceration, he was able to cope with his time and mature through writing.  He put his heart into manifesting urban tales, poetry, and songs. He is currently pursuing his degree in Business Administration and working on the sequel to Snitch.  Vegas believes that it is never too late to change his life.  On the other hand, in order to change, one has to be willing to change he often tells his fan base.

Clarke developed a passion for writing while becoming an avid reader of all kinds of fiction.  Once Vegas and Clarke were reunited, they were able to combine Vegas’ street smarts and Clarke’s school smarts, creating literary magic while focusing on real-life realities.  Clarke graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Communications Studies with a minor in Pan-African Studies.  Since then she has changed fields and works in Corporate America, where she is working on a Masters in Business Administration. 
VegasClarke spends their time working on future novels while residing in Cleveland, Ohio with their two children.

Readers can contact VegasClarke at: facebook/vegasclarkeauthors, twitter/vegsclarke, website: www.vegasclarke.com and email: vegasclarke@vegasclarke.com or vegasclarke@rocketmail.com.