South Beach By Angeline M. Bishop

Join me in welcoming fellow author, Angeline M. Bishop, to my blog today! Angeline is on a virtual book tour and introducing us to her novel – SOUTH BEACH. Let’s check it out!

 

 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published by: Soul Mate Publishing

Release Date: February 10, 2014

Length: 238 Pages

 

Blurb:

In SOUTH BEACH, Laila Sheridan, a successful fashionista who attracts male interest with an effortless strut of her stiletto heels, has ended a rocky relationship with Malcolm Khalid, a captivating lothario with a passion for shirking adult responsibilities. She believes partying in glamorous South Beach with her former college roommates is the prescription for getting her swagger back.

When her vacation becomes a media circus that draws Malcolm back into her life and her handsome Psyche marketing colleague, Gray Ryley, arrives on the scene to tame her antics, Laila is determined to make the men play by her rules. Gray finds himself torn between anguish and ecstasy when another Lalia-sitting assignment is placed in his hands; he’s asked to hinder Malcolm’s advances and subdue the paparazzi, while wrestling with his smoldering desire to get Laila in his bed. Will this assignment cause him to disclose feelings that may sever their friendship and jeopardize his career?

Excerpt:

For the first time in months, I’m going to forget everything and everyone in New Jersey, Laila Sheridan thought as she strolled from her cab toward the Falconiere Grace Miami Beach hotel lobby. She willed herself to stop thinking about her failed relationship with Malcolm Khalid, a gifted writer with an inflated sense of what the world owed him. Earlier that afternoon, she resolved to leave her past heartaches before she took her first-class seat, but glimpses of the past started to drift into her mind during her flight to Florida. Now, as she inhaled the warm, citrus-scented air, thoughts of chilly New Jersey and its inhabitants loosened their hold and moved from her memory, like a faded Prada purse relegated to the back of her bedroom closet.

Entering the luminous hotel, she enjoyed the gentle embrace of an ocean breeze as it whipped the hem of her lilac Valentino cocktail dress. The fabric’s movement exaggerated the normal sway of her hips, and made each step more feminine and peppy. A little after 8 PM, Laila approached the front desk, showed her reservation confirmation, and in her most alluring voice inquired, “Which way to my femencation?” She made her voice sound tempting, like a tall glass of iced coffee on a balmy day morning. Smooth and satisfying. Rich, too, with the faintest Jersey accent reserved for the likes of Keyshia Knight Pullam and Anne Hathaway. She knew her voice would instantly cause a male reaction when she turned up her throaty timbre with potent Sheridan flare. This vacation was about relishing in her womanhood. Toying with a few males would be a safe amusement, emphasis on safe because she had no intention of dealing with any strong male egos.

The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of the mouth of the Latino clerk before he located her information in the hotel computer. “Your party is now scheduled to enjoy the ocean view terrace of our Sapienti restaurant for dinner. We can take your coat and belongings to the La Baie Presidential suite so you can join them.”

She inclined her head in a small gesture of thanks then flashed her ID, and watched as he moved a form forward for her signature as he simultaneously placed her room key on the counter. Laila took in the slight gleam in his eye and grinned, her mind too busy with thoughts of her friends to think too heavily about the open adoration. An Italian meal after a long flight was all that she needed. Well, as long as an inviting glass of Pinot Grigio accompanied it.

She took her electronic key and placed them into her Chloè bag. “That’s fine, just point me in the right direction.” She loved being the woman that put the ‘fem’ in Femencationer. It was a word she came up with to define any group of female friends whose ties go back as far as childhood or college that seek a high-end, luxury getaway experience. A vacation with all the feminine delights women dream of enjoying. This year’s femencation united three alumnus of the University of Florida and marked the start of the year to forget old sorrows and usher in new adventures.

As Laila strolled toward the Sapienti restaurant, she stopped when her shiny complexion caught her attention in a mirror that hung in the side hall corridor. She looked good for thirty-one but preferred to say she was in her late twenties when vacationing because no one over thirty, in their right mind, would party the way she planned to. She blotted her face and secretly wished she was meeting her friends under better circumstances but with Sofìa’s pending divorce from the famous sports announcer Sean Vega, they all needed a break from reality. This trip was the perfect reason to release stress.

When Laila arrived at the restaurant, several male heads turned in appreciation as she silently commanded the wait staff’s attention. “I’m with the Vega/Sheridan/Carter party,” she announced as she surveyed the room.

“Your party has already been seated. John will you escort Mrs. . . .?”

“Ms. Sheridan,” she corrected, before pretending to lose her balance to mask her reason for placing a hand around John’s bicep. She tried to suppress a giggle that threatened to expose the disingenuous nature of her performance. “Please excuse me,” she said, wobbling toward him, “I had a long flight. Johnny, could you show me the way?”

*

Ms. Laila Sheridan sounds like she’s going to be a handful!

Get Your Copy Today!  Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Angeline is also giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card! Here’s how to enter:  Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find Angeline on line:  Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google +| Pinterest

About the Author:

Inspired by the volunteers of a local community center, Angeline wrote North Star, her debut novel and the first book in her Sheridan series for Soul Mate Publishing. Angeline drew on her ten years of work experience in academics to transport romance readers from their stressful lives by providing contemporary love stories that feature captivating characters with strong family values.

Angeline was born in Washington, D. C., but lived most of her life in New Jersey and considers the “Garden State” her home. Her childhood passion for writing led to a degree in English Literature and a membership in Romance Writers of America. She is the Vice President of the Cultural, Interracial, and Multicultural Special Interest Chapter of Romance Writers of America and enjoys providing aspiring writers with writing resources to help them strengthen their craft. Angeline loves to hear from her readers. You can contact her through her Website.

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Book Spotlight – A Temporary Woman

Join me in welcoming fellow author, Libra Rajani, to my blog today! Libra is introducing us to her latest release, A TEMPORARY WOMAN. Check it out!

 

Blurb

Staff Assistant of Chicago Midtown Shelter, Giselle Warner, didn’t have an ideal childhood, but she worked hard, she beat the odds, and she is next in line to get a promotion. Thanks to Columbus, she’s on the right track to open a shelter of her own. That is until the morning she finds out that Gina, her impressionable sister, may be adopted by the wealthy couple who raised her. In a panic, and in order to halt the couple’s efforts, Giselle calls the Queen of the South, Alberta Warner, and works for her as an escort. While doing so, Giselle gets caught up in a downward spiral of deception, risking her steamy relationship with Columbus Dunbar, and the self-respect she cherishes.

Firing Giselle was a difficult decision to make, but Giselle has problems she won’t reveal. What was Columbus supposed to do? He’s a Dunbar, and he will do anything to protect his family and maintain the reputation of the family name. It is expected. What he doesn’t expect, is his attraction to Giselle to turn into a steamy relationship that he craves. Her persona is an enigma at best, but it doesn’t deter him, He only craves her more… until he discovers her secret identity, Missy. Will Columbus protect the reputation of his family or will he throw his pride to the wind and give into his desires for Giselle?

 

Excerpt

Missy walked to the small table in the center of the room and picked up a single rose. She inhaled the fragrance. It had been two weeks since she left Darrell in the hotel, and her life had quickly changed for the better.

John, the man who presently commanded her attention, assumed that roses were her favorite, but they weren’t. Lilacs were. That personal fact and everything else she considered sacred remained confidential. It had to be. Otherwise, her alter ego would smash right into Giselle and the consequences would be devastating.

She smiled and lifted the cup of coffee to her lips as she stood in front of the window of her private bedroom. She looked out on to the grounds of John’s estate and shook her head in amazement. She’d seen beautiful homes such as this one in magazines and on television, but his was unlike any she’d ever perceived.

John’s large estate rested on Peach Tree Road, sat on five acres in Barrington Hills, a posh suburb of Chicago, and included a tennis court and a horse ranch. The home featured six luxurious bedrooms, eight bathrooms and anything else a woman such as her desired.

Her bedroom, which was white and powder blue, had a king sized bed and a small sectional that sat in front of oversized windows. She raised the cup again and frowned when she realized it was empty. Like a queen, she strolled down the staircase into a copper and brown chef’s kitchen that was off to the right. She refilled her cup with the dark sweet liquid and her lips widened into a sinful smile when she felt him approach her.

He kissed the side of her neck. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look in this gown?”

The gown was black, sheer, and barely covered the curve of her ass. “You did, and even though you made sure that there wasn’t much of it, I love it.”

He nuzzled his nose into her neck, kissed it, and gave her a little tickle.

Missy giggled and thought about the previous night. It was their first intimate time together. After he meticulously undressed her, he led her to his candle lit bathroom that featured an oval-shaped Jacuzzi tub. He filled it with bubbles and those rose petals.

He chuckled along with her. “Umm, your body still smells of those expensive roses I bought. Did you enjoy the bath?”

She blushed. “Yes, and you increased my pleasure when you joined me.”

He pulled her closer, and she guided his erection between the cheeks of her ass. He slid his hands beneath her gown. The tips of his fingers felt cool and they refreshed her as he fingered his way between the moist folds of skin nestled between her legs. She tilted her head and released a soft moan.

He chuckled. “Still swollen.”

Their sexual rendezvous, which ended only two hours before, had been enjoyable enough, but now, even the smallest task of walking down the stairs caused her discomfort. Painful sex became a nuisance, but it was something else that required an adjustment. “Yes, and you like that, don’t you, John?”

“Indeed I do. It means I’ve done my job.”

Missy grinned. John was another client who preferred The Girlfriend Experience. So that there was no further misunderstanding, Missy had asked Queen to give her a detailed explanation. Instead, Queen handed her the Spicy Temp Handbook.

It read that while a temp was with a client, and for as long as the client wanted, Missy, at the specified price, was the girlfriend he desired. She provided intellectual conversations, cuddled, took long walks, had protected intercourse, and she wouldn’t leave the minute it was over. Missy made the client feel desired, as if, he were the only man in the world.

*

Buy your copy today!  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo

Connect with Libra Online:  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest 

Book Spotlight and Interview – Unexpected

I’m honored to have author Aja and her co-author Roy Glenn, hang out on my blog today! I had the pleasure of meeting Aja at the Romance Slam Jam conference in NOLA back in May 2014 and was excited when her and Roy agreed to stop by and introduce us to their recent release, Unexpected.

But fiirst, let’s get to know Aja and Roy a little better.

Me: What made the two of you decide to write the story, and what was your process in writing it jointly? 

Aja: Roy and I have been working together for a while now. He has mentored me in writing and in harnessing my creativity and passion in my writing to create something longer than the short story ideas I have. You might notice I blogged a lot and shared some short works there but would never take it to the next step.

Due to encouragement from a friend, Deloris Harper, I went to Roy with a character (Maya) and a scene I saw her in. Deloris thought it should be developed into a story and he agreed but because I had trouble picturing the “hero”, if you could call Roman one, he created him and wrote Roman’s POV.

Roy: Our process involved creating a synopsis, drafting an outline and then writing our designated chapters. We often had to collaborate because both of the characters would be involved in the same scene.

 

Me: Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

Aja: The intended audience for Unexpected is any adult who enjoys reading a real romance. If you want to read a story about two people experiencing the woes that most of us experience while on a journey to find and keep love, then Unexpected is for you.

 

Me: Which came first – the characters or the idea for the novel? Or what was the first seed of an idea for the book?

Aja: Maya came to me first. She was actually in the driveway of her beau’s home, getting ready to surprise him. That whole scene played out like a movie in my mind. So what became the ending for the novella actually came to me first.

I knew that this unannounced, unexpected visit meant so much to her in her development as a person/character. And I also knew that the unidentified man was taking a big step in indulging her when she showed up.

 

Me: If the two of you could have an author roundtable discussion with any authors, who would you invite? Why?

Aja: That’s a tough one. I admire so many and would probably say just about everyone because there is so much to learn from them all.

Roy: Walter Mosley, James Patterson, and Valerie Wilson Wesley

 

Me: I know Unexpected was recently released. Are you working on any new projects that you’d care to tell us about? If so, a little tease would be great!

Aja: I am working on I Am Yours and because it’s an erotic romance, I’ll stay away from teasing anyone here but if you read Unexpected, there is a teaser at the end.

Roy: I am wrapping up my next novel titled It’s A New Day. It will be released this September. After I finish, I will work on my next project, a romance suspense novel titled She Was the One. Aja and I also have project we are working on together titled The Pursuit. It will come out next year some time.

 

Please tell readers about – Unexpected.

Maya Taylor has been left stung by the arrow of love one too many times for her liking. Swearing off heartache she decides that the staid and boring life is just fine for her. But a well-meaning friend points out that she isn’t really living at all and helps Maya embark on a journey with a new attitude. This leads to a chance encounter with a handsome gentleman that is all about living in the moment.

Roman Newsome has constantly been on the search for the perfect woman. She needs to look beautiful, have something to talk about other than herself and be able to keep up with his prowess in bed. But having found out that most women pretend to have it all only to reveal their true unappealing colors, he’s decided the perfect woman must not exist. Until he meets Maya. . .

Can these two fundamentally different people make their romance work? Will he settle his spirit long enough to realize that “perfect” really just means, perfect for him? And will Maya accept that she has to take a chance at love in order to truly live her life.

What happens between them may just be . . . unexpected.

 

Me: Is there a scene in the book that you particularly enjoyed writing? Tell us about it and why it’s one of your favorites. 

Aja: I enjoyed the following scene because in it, you can get a good glimpse at how challenging they’d be as a couple. There is no violin playing in the background and they are not seeing stars. Actually they kind of rub each other wrong but there was a glimmer of hope and potential there for them to grab and they reached for it.

Excerpt:

This thing was being hosted by the Pine Haven Community Center where Stacy lived. The community was known for its progressive residents. The majority of which had good paying jobs, owned their homes and yes, most were married. So a single’s mixer was not so popular. But apparently these men came from far and wide to see what Pine Haven had to offer.

Just as I had given up hope that there would be any good music to help me get through the evening, Curtis’s Mayfield’s “Give Me Your Love” started flowing from the speakers. The smooth intro had me swaying and breaking into a smile.

Good music. Real music, at last.

I closed my eyes for a moment, tuning out the glittery atmosphere, and allowed the mellow jam to take over and wash away the past musical garbage that’d been playing. When I opened my eyes it was only to find a pair of dark ones staring into mine from across the room.

Damn, how had I missed him?

He sat near the back of the room on a high back stool; where he found it would remain a mystery. One foot was bent sitting on the footrest, the other on the floor like he wanted to bounce in any moment, but his relaxed stance said otherwise. He seemed out of place, like a Titan, in a room full of human males.

Tall, dark and handsome. Virile. Broad shouldered and long legs. My gaze drifted to his thighs that looked strong as in kept in time with the beat of the music. He was enjoying the good music too. I looked back up to his eyes and he smirked. He was also confident.

Something about him said powerful and not the type to need a mixer to help him meet a woman. I’m pretty sure he had them eating out of his hand so that made me curious. Why would he be here? A sudden movement to the left of him, told me why. And then I knew my assumption had been correct.

A tall slender, leggy, brown skinned woman leaned into him and those eyes that had been focused on me shifted with his conversation and he nodded a few times to her and then gave her a smile. They seemed familiar with each other. And I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the interruption and didn’t like that he had company with him.

This was a single’s event dammit!

It was irrational to be jealous of this woman who stole this fine man’s attention away from me, but his brief dark brown gaze warmed places that hadn’t been touched in years.

You hear me? Years.

Who was this chick?

“I’m going to the bathroom,” Stacy said over Curtis Mayfield. “Be right back.”

I barely heard her, but apparently my subconscious did because I mumbled something that resembled, okay. But I never took my eyes off of Mr. Amazing and Ms. Legs. I should call her Ms. Stilts because there was absolutely no shape to them.

When she walked away, his gaze caught mine again and I immediately felt our connection again. This time he shook his head as if he couldn’t believe I was still there. And then to my horror he unfolded himself from the stool and started to approach me. He had to move through a few different uncomfortable looking mixer discussions to get to me, seemingly unrushed, but once he and his wonderful smelling cologne arrived, I was all nerves.

I had to tilt my head back; he was that tall, maybe 6’3.

“Why are you here?”

The question was out of my mouth before I could take it back. He laughed and it was a deep rumble that made my toes curl instinctively.

“Why are you here?” he asked, throwing my question back at me.

“I was dragged here, kicking and screaming, trust me.”

He nodded like he could see me doing that. Interesting. Maybe I was giving off a snotty vibe to the whole room.

“You still didn’t answer my question. Why are you here? ”I inquired.

“I can’t come to mingle with other single people?

“You can but I didn’t see you mingling. You only talked to the one with the legs.”

Once again a nod like he was confirming something about me.

He moved in closer and once again his cologne reached out me. It was overpowering, not in strength, but in tone. It made me yearn to lean in closer to him, and nuzzle his strong neck to get a better whiff. But that would be rude, not to mention weird.

“The one with the legs is my sister. She invited me to come and because I try to do almost everything she asks of me since she recently won her battle with breast cancer, I agreed to come. She organized this thing. My other sister, Anita, is around here somewhere.”

I hoped he couldn’t see the foot that was now inserted in my mouth. Scrambling for a follow up, I said with all the sincerity I felt, “She sounds like an amazing woman to be thinking of others when she’s been through so much. And you’re an amazing brother for supporting her by coming. You don’t look like you need the help of a mixer.”

He slid his hands into his pants pockets looking even more relaxed. One thick brow rose, “How do you know what I need?”

“I don’t; not really. Sorry for my presumptions.”

“Lighten up—what’s your name?”

“Maya.”

“Nice name, Maya. My name is Roman Newsome.”

“Nice to meet you, Roman.”

“Very nice to meet you too, Maya.” He shifted him weight from one leg to another and then he leaned closer to me. “But like I was saying; you think too much. Anyone ever tell you that?”

I smiled. “Yes, but I have a brain. That’s what it’s there for. Thinking”

“Yes, but you also have a heart. And it’s there for feeling. Use it and give your brain a chance to rest.”

*

Get your copy today!  Amazon |  B&N  |  Smashwords

Aja and Roy, thank you both for taking the time for me to interview you!

About the Authors:

Aja

Aja likes to consider herself a multi-genre fiction writer but those that have read her stories would say she has a gift for writing erotic romance. Not ready to fall into that category permanently, she’s working on several projects; one of which might stun those that have been following her work, but it still needs time. I Am Yours will be her first solo full-length book, slated for release in fall 2014.

Connect with Aja online:  Website/Blog  |  Email

Roy

Known as the master of urban suspense, Roy Glenn is the author of I Came to Bring The Pain, Treat Me Nice, Wanda’s Reign, and Is It a Crime, which became a best seller and gave birth to the popular character, Mike Black. Other novels in The Mike Black Saga include;The Indictment of Mike Black, Misunderstood, A Tale of Three Women, Out of Control, and Secrets of War. Roy is also the co-author of Unexpected, a romantic novella with Aja.

Roy was born and raised in The Bronx and currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he is working on several projects including, the next installments in The Mike Black Saga: It’s A New Dayand I Used to Love You.

Connect with Roy online:  Facebook

Celebration Time – Truth or Consequences!

Since I’m celebrating my birthday this weekend (Woo hoo), I thought it would be cool to put one of my books on sale! For those of you who still haven’t purchased your copy of TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, book 3 of the Reunited Series – now is your chance! TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES is on sale for  $0.99! This price won’t last forever! So don’t delay. Get your copy today!

Hospital Chief of Staff Natasha Lockham’s life has been all about work and no play. That is until a one-night stand with a man who lives his life on the edge, turns her sexual fantasies into reality. She never expects to see him again, but their paths cross when Natasha suspects an esteemed doctor of committing an unspeakable crime against his patients and danger lands at her doorstep. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she realizes she’s not prepared for the truth – or the consequences.

Former Navy SEAL, Malik Lewis, will always remember the night he spent with Natasha. It was the single most amazing night of his life. So when Natasha narrowly escapes a brutal attempt on her life, Malik stops at nothing to protect her, including hunting a man whose skills match his. Can Malik and Natasha outsmart a vicious assassin who has nothing to lose? And will they ever get to explore the sizzling passion between them that neither can deny?

Get your copy today!  Amazon

Click here for an excerpt from TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

And if you’re not familiar with the Reunited Series (romantic suspense), here’s a good place to start –  Secret Rendezvous is still FREE!

Former Navy SEAL, Quinn Hamilton, has been secretly dating CIA counter-intelligence officer, Alandra Pargas, for the past eight months. She’s brilliant, captivated by danger, and the sexiest woman he’s ever known. Together they are a force to be reckoned with – in and outside of the bedroom. But while Alandra is on assignment in Guerrero, Mexico, she’s captured by the most dangerous drug cartel in the country, and Quinn sets out on a black op of his own to save the woman he can’t live without.

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |   Smashwords

Check it out – Just My Type

Please join me in welcoming back my author friend, Synithia Williams, to my blog!! Synithia has a new release, JUST MY TYPE, and she’s sharing a few details about the story and her exciting new series! Take it away Synithia!

JUST MY TYPE

By: Synithia Williams

Hi, Sharon! Thank you so much for featuring Just My Type on your blog today! It’s the start of a new series – the Henderson Family. There are three brothers and, Janiyah, the heroine in Just My Type, who’s the only girl and the baby. I really had fun writing Janiyah’s story. In the beginning, you see her completely in the role of darling little girl. But she quickly realizes that her indulgence in being the baby has resulted in her family wondering how responsible she really is. As she sets out to prove to them she doesn’t need them to look after her, she seeks the help of her brother’s best friend, Fredrick Jenkins, the man she’s been crazy about since she was seventeen.

I like Janiyah because she isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, and when she learns that Fredrick wants her, she sets out to prove to him that they’re perfect together. She’s a fun, sexy, confident character that I hope readers will connect with and enjoy watching her and Fredrick fall in love.

Here’s Just My Type:

 

Blurb:

Janiyah Henderson may be an adult, but her dad doesn’t see it that way. Granted, she’s enjoying her post-college life of little-to-no responsibility, but when her dad announces at a family meeting that she can’t handle working a “real job”, there’s only one thing to do: land a desk job and prove him wrong. When her brother’s best friend, Fredrick Jenkins, needs a new assistant, she knows she’s the perfect candidate. So what if she’s had a crush on the conservative accountant since she was nine? She’s the last woman Freddy would fall for.

But Fredrick is far from impervious to Janiyah’s charms. Though he can’t help but be attracted to her, he knows Janiyah is more interested in eating his cereal and teasing him than viewing him as more than the good guy next door. When he offers her the job, he can’t imagine her giving up her late mornings and colorful outfits for 8:00 a.m. meetings and pantyhose for too long. But as Janiyah excels as his employee, he fears he’s in danger of falling hard for a woman he shouldn’t care for.

Pretty soon the attraction they’ve tried to ignore boils to the surface. And after Fredrick shows Janiyah the man behind the numbers, she’s ready to show him that she’s just the type of woman he needs.

Excerpt:

Janiyah tossed the dress on the bed, still covered in the pink and green comforter she’d had as a teenager, and crossed the room to the adjoining bathroom. There was a knock on the bedroom door soon after she took her clothes off in the bathroom.

“Janiyah, hurry up, your father is waiting,” her mom’s voice called.

“I’ll only be a minute,” she called from the bathroom.

“I don’t understand you kids. Your dad calls a family meeting and none of you are showing any type of interest.”

With a sigh, Janiyah hurried to get dressed. She opened the door and met her mom’s frustrated gaze. “I’ve just got to put on makeup.”

Loretta Henderson looked regal in a deep purple wrap shirt and black slacks. The frown on Janiyah’s mom’s heart-shaped face didn’t take away from her poise and beauty. The complete opposite of Janiyah, Loretta was rarely ruffled, arranged tasteful dinner parties, and remembered to send a thank you card to the mail man at Christmas.

Her mom’s expression became pensive. “Do you have another date?”

“No, I’m meeting Liz for a party.”

Her mom didn’t relax. “Well, that’s not much better.”

“You see, most mothers want their daughters to date.” She came out of the bathroom and grabbed her makeup bag off the bed.

“I would if I thought you were doing it seriously and not for fun.”

“I’m not dating for fun. There’s nothing wrong with going to dinner or a movie with an interesting guy when he asks,” Janiyah said, though she’d repeated this to her mom a hundred times. “Besides, casual dating does not mean casual sex.”

“Oh, Janiyah, please,” Loretta said, waving her hands as if to shoo the words away.

“Well, it’s true. You’ll be happy to know most guys don’t make it past one date.”

“Maybe they would, if you dated some really nice guys,” Loretta said. “Like that music teacher. I liked him, but all of a sudden he was out of the picture.”

“Out of the picture because he thought I was only good for one thing.” You’re a joke, Janiyah. The words he’d uttered right before they broke up played in her mind. She pushed them aside.

Loretta grunted and scowled. “To hell with him then.”

Janiyah grinned and kissed her mother’s cheek. Loretta didn’t play when it came to someone disrespecting her kids. “My words exactly.”

“Enough of this,” Loretta said, effectively changing the conversation away from Janiyah’s dating life. “I’d better see you heading down those stairs in five minutes.

Janiyah hurried back into the bathroom. “I’ll be there in four. Promise.”

Her mom’s “What am I going to do with you?” came through the door.

“Love me,” she called back.

Fifteen minutes later, she’d put on makeup, teased the riot of curls she’d forced her shoulder length hair into, and donned her dress. When she came downstairs, her dad was pacing the length of the family room. Kareem still sketched, David was checking his watch, and Aaron tapped his finger on his cell phone.

“Ready to grace us with your presence?” her mom said with a raised eyebrow.

Janiyah smiled and walked over to lean against the edge of the couch Aaron sat on. “I told you to get started.”

“What are you dressed up for?” Aaron asked.

“The young professionals mixer.”

“And you’re wearing a red dress?” She couldn’t tell if there was admiration or disbelief in his voice. She decided to go with admiration.

Janiyah straightened and brushed the edges of her outfit. The off shoulder cotton dress fit her upper body like a glove and flared out into a mini skirt. The instant she’d seen it at a consignment store the week before she knew she had to buy it.

“Red is bold,” she said.

“And bright,” David said from across the room.

Her dad held up his hands. “That’s enough. I didn’t call you all here to waste time talking about Janiyah’s dress.”

“Do you like my dress, Daddy?”

“You shouldn’t wear red to a professional event,” he said.

Not surprising. Roger was old school through and through. To him, work meant getting up every day and going to an actual location. Which meant he thought Janiyah’s job as a virtual assistant was a real as Super Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom.

*

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About the author:

Synithia Williams has loved romance novels since reading her first one at the age of 13. It was only natural that she would begin penning her own romances soon after. When she isn’t writing, this local government gal balances the needs of her husband and two sons. Find Synithia Williams atwww.synithiawilliams.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/synithiarwilliams.com, and on Twitter @SynithiaW.

The Power of Words

If you follow my blog on a regular, you know that every now and then I have these Just Thinking moments. This month has felt busier than usual, especially since I’ve been trying to scratch some things off my master to-do-list. As I worked on one of my many projects, I started thinking about the genres that I write: romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and I’ve dabbled in a cross between sweet romance and women’s fiction. During this Just Thinking moment, I thought about the number of times people have asked – Which genre do you prefer writing? I’m not sure if I’ve ever given a solid answer…though in my mind I think I know which I prefer. But what I realize is – the genre I choose to write, is not as important as writing the story that’s in my head, and writing it well.

So during this Just Thinking moment, I’ve decided that it’s not so much about my preferred genre to write. My focus is (and should be) on writing an enjoyable story. A story that provides readers an opportunity to step away from their day-to-day obligations and snuggle up with a good book that provides them entertainment. I love that we as writers have the ability to string a few words together, connect some sentences, and create paragraphs that ultimately turn into novels.

*She puts elbows on the desk and releases a contented sigh*

Oh and for those of you who have asked me which genre I prefer writing…well, it depends on the day. Some days I feel like stirring up drama, blowing up stuff, or killing someone off (of course only on paper). Other days I slip on my rose colored glasses and write fluffy, eye-rolling, and yeah-right over the top romances. Either way – I enjoy what I do – deadlines and all.

All right, enough about my Just Thinking moment…back to writing.

Book Spotlight: Her Perfect Candidate

A HUGE congratulations to my author friend, Candace Shaw, on her latest release! HER PERFECT CANDIDATE, which is Candace’s Harlequin Kimani Romance debut novel, is now available!! Candace is sharing an excerpt. Check it out! Isn’t the cover gorgeous?

 

Blurb

Co-owner of an up-and-coming interior-decorating firm, Megan Chase loves being a single woman on the fast track to success. But everything changes when a flat tire brings Georgia senator Steven Monroe into her life. The sinfully sexy politician needs the right woman to clean up his image. And with Megan’s fine eye for detail, she just may be the woman for the job.

Steven’s reputation as a player could cost him his chance at a U.S. senate seat. But when the cameras catch him and Megan in a kiss that’s all too real, it’s not only his future candidacy in jeopardy. As the lines between politics and desire begin to blur, how much will he risk to transform their passionate pretense into a landslide for love.

Excerpt

At exactly seven that evening, Megan’s phone rang. She was sitting on the floor brushing Percy, a weekly ritual that he hated. She glanced at the caller ID and saw Steven’s name. He was in a meeting earlier when she called him with her decision. They agreed to talk that evening, and he was punctually calling at the time she’d suggested.

She stood up to grab her notepad that she had earlier jotted some general questions in to ask Steven. Free from Megan’s hands, Percy darted out of the bedroom to escape the brushing ritual.

“Hello?” Megan plopped down on the bed.

“Hey, it’s Steven. How are you doing this evening?”

“Fine, Stevo. And how are you?”

“Stevo?” he asked taken aback.

“Well, I figured you need a pet name for me to call you. You don’t like Stevo?”

“No, it reminds me of my days in high school when the nerds would call me Stevo or worse Stevster.”

“I see. Well, I guess we’ll think of something else. In the meantime, I have some questions that every girlfriend should know,” Megan said getting her pen ready.

“Yes, I have big feet and great hands to give body massages with,” he joked.

Megan felt her face getting hot at the thought of his great hands giving her a body massage with hot oil. A man with big feet could only mean one thing, at least most of the time. She smiled at the thought.

“I already have my list of questions.”

“That’s fine. How was your day?”

“It was good, and yours?”

“I spent most of the day reviewing a possible campaign budget with Shawn just in case I receive the nomination. I need to do some fund-raising if I’m to have a successful campaign.”

“I thought all you needed was a great platform and a speech,” Megan said, sounding a little naive on that subject. She was never one for keeping up with politics.

He chuckled softly before answering her.

“That’s part of it, but I also have to rent the headquarters, pay people to work there or find volunteers, buy materials, pay for advertisements, but that’s not my biggest dilemma at the moment. The community center that I started and help fund is losing one of its grants, therefore losing about ten college students that would normally assist with events with the children during the summer camp.”

“Can you do a fund-raiser?”

“Yes, I’m considering hosting a fund-raiser party and then writing a check to match whatever is raised. The grant funded quite a bit.”

“Well, maybe I can help.” Megan was always one for volunteering her services or expertise if the need arose. “I’m the assistant graduate advisor for one of the undergrad chapters for my sorority. I’ll check to see if some of the girls would like to volunteer their services this summer. A lot of them are education majors so they need the experience of working with children,” she said, taking notes. The undergrads were having their last meeting of the semester the following evening, and she could approach the ones that were staying in Atlanta for the summer.

“That is very thoughtful and supportive of you.”

“No problem. Also, I have a few clients and friends that could possibly give a donation. And I’m sure Braxton won’t mind you using the mezzanine level at his restaurant. Let me make some phone calls tomorrow and work my magic, that’s if you want me to.” She hoped she wasn’t overstepping her bounds. Though she was only supposed to play the make-believe girlfriend, planning and organizing were her specialties.

“No, that’s wonderful. Thank you,” he said in amazement.

“No problem. Isn’t that what girlfriends are for?” she asked jokingly.

“Yes, they are. There’re some other things girlfriends are good for, as well,” Steven said in a sexy tone.

“If you’re going to continue talking like that, the deal is off. Now on to my list of questions,” she said getting back to the real business at hand. As much as she liked Steven, Megan knew that sex was one road she couldn’t travel with him. For if she did, she’d never want to let him go.

Over the next hour, Megan learned that Steven liked to fish, and listen to jazz, classical, R&B and hip-hop. He played the guitar and gave lessons to the children during the summer camp. He was a running back during his freshman year of college but got hurt and decided not to play anymore. He never wanted to go professional, but he enjoyed football. His parents were relieved he could no longer play, especially his father who wanted him to follow in his footsteps and go into politics. He loved seafood especially shrimp, and he liked Bruce Lee movies. His pet peeve was people who complained about issues but did nothing to make a change. It was also the reason he decided to go into politics and not become a practicing attorney like Bryce. He had a brownstone in Washington, D.C., that he shared with his brother and a townhome in historic Savannah.

“Do you feel that you really know me now?” he asked in a low, deep voice that sent goose bumps down her arms. This man was driving her insane, and she didn’t know how much longer she could stand having his voice in her ear.

“Overall.” She put down her pen and notepad as Percy jumped into her lap. “I’m sure I’ll learn more in the months to come. But I just thought of something else. When I was online looking at pictures of you, I only saw you with a bunch of females. There were only a few family pictures and some of you giving speeches during your last campaign. However, there was nothing with you and the good you do for the communities in your district such as the center and the gardens. Why is that?”

“Well one reason is that all the media and gossip blogs tend to care about is who I’m dating. Plus, I do what I do for my community because it’s my passion. I’m not doing it for the publicity. I do it because I care, and I’m in the position to make a change. Everyone wasn’t born wealthy like me, but it doesn’t mean they can’t have the same advantages. There’re some articles out there though, about some of the things I’ve done, but unfortunately my past lifestyle outweighs the good.”

“We’re going to change that, Steven. It’ll help with cleaning up your image. They need to see you playing the guitar with the children and getting dirty in the community garden. They need to see your philanthropy side not the philandering one. I have a reporter friend at one of the local news stations. I’ll see if she can come to the fund-raiser.”

He laughed. “Wow. Are you an interior decorator or an image consultant?”

“I’m the woman who believes in you and what you stand for.”

“Thank you. That truly means a lot to me. Out of all of the women I’ve dated, including my ex-wife, you’ve been the only one to say that, and you’re not even my real girlfriend. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you when this ends. Promise me we’ll always be friends.”

“Of course.” A lump formed in her throat. She didn’t want to think about the end.

*

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Candace Shaw’s Bio

Candace Shaw was born and raised under the sunny skies of northwest Florida and knew she wanted to become a writer after reading Little Women in fourth grade. Once graduating from the University of West Florida with a degree in elementary education, Candace began teaching and put her dream of becoming a writer on hold until one summer vacation she started writing again and hasn’t stopped.

When Candace is not writing or researching for a book, she’s reading, shopping, learning how to cook a new dish or spending time with her loving husband and their loyal, overprotective Weimaraner, Ali. Candace is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance novel.

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