Here it is – All You’ll Ever Need!

I’m happy to announce the release of my latest novel, ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED, book 2 of the Jenkins Family Series! Jada (JJ) Jenkins was first introduced in Still the Best Woman for the Job, book 1 of the Jenkins Family Series. You remember her right? Jada – the sassy, I’m-looking-for-a-rich-husband-not-love kind of woman, is one of the youngest members of the Jenkins Clan.

So, without further ado, here’s a snippet from ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED.

 

Blurb

A woman wants what a woman wants…

Quick-witted, sassy, construction worker, Jada (JJ) Jenkins, loves the finer things in life. She’d rather be in designer clothes and stilettos than sporting steel-toe boots and a hard hat. She hates getting dirty and worst, sweating. Jada’s ready to quit her job and marry a wealthy man who’s able to support her shopping addiction and her expensive taste. She’s not looking for love, only a comfortable lifestyle. What she doesn’t expect to find is a blue-eyed hunk with dimples and a disarming ability to throw her off her game.

For professional football player Zack Anderson, its love at first sight when he meets Jada. The fact that she’s a construction worker is even better. He wants a woman who’s not afraid to get down and dirty, someone who enjoys fishing, hiking and the great outdoors. He thinks he’s found that in Jada.

Before he loses his heart, will Zack discover that the last thing on this feisty steel-toe-boot-wearing-beauty’s mind is getting her hands dirty with love?

Excerpt:

He rang the doorbell and seconds later, the door opened. His breath caught in his throat as his gaze traveled the length of her body. He took in her long thick hair, curled at the ends, and hanging just past her shoulders. The sleek red dress that wrapped around her luscious curves and stopped a few inches above her knees screamed take me now. Jada JJ Jenkins was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever met, but tonight the sexy vixen had the blood in his head flowing south at record speed.

Zack released a long, piercing whistle between his lips before he could stop himself. Words escaped him. Watching the way her gaze took in his apparel, appreciation glittering in her eyes was enough to make him want to take her right then, and there.

“Wow!” she finally said and stepped closer. Her hands did a slow glide up his chest, sending his libido into overdrive. Zack knew that if they didn’t leave for the restaurant immediately they weren’t going. Instead, he was going to lift her in his arms and carry her to the nearest bedroom.

“Jada,” he said tightly, warning in his voice.

Ignoring his tone, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Mr. Anderson, I must say, you clean up very nicely. I hope you’re ready for a night you’ll never forget.”

Loving her boldness, he snaked his arms around her tiny waist, pulling her close, wanting her to relish the effect she was having on him. He rubbed his pelvis against her softness. “Any time with you is unforgettable.”

He lowered his head and his mouth covered hers, devouring the tenderness of her lips. A jolt of desire shot through him like a seventy-mile-per-hour tornado taking out everything in its wake. How could one kiss rock his world the way this one was rocking him? The feel of her lips against his felt like home.

His hands had a mind of their own as they slowly glided over her hips and landed on her firm butt. A moan pierced the air and Zack didn’t know if the throaty sigh came from her or him and at the moment, he didn’t care. All he knew was that the combustible yearning roaring through his body bordered on unbearable.

“Uh, you guys need to either bring that inside or take it outside. But whatever you do, close my door,” Christina said from some place nearby. Zack wasn’t sure since he wasn’t ready to end the intense lip-lock. “You’re letting the heat out!”

Both were slow to respond to Christina’s reprimand. Jada eased her grip from around his neck, and he moved his hands up to her waist. “I’m not ready to let you go,” Zack mumbled against her lips.

“And I’m not ready for you to let me go.” She gave him one last kiss before stepping away, giving him a firsthand view of her backless dress and perfectly round ass.

Good Lord!

Jada grabbed her handbag and a Kate Spade jacket from a small table in the foyer. “Maybe we can pick this up in the car or after dinner. Or better yet, why don’t we have a little dinner, go to the theater, and then finish this up at your place tonight.”

He tugged on the handle of her bag, forcing her to him then lowered his head to her ear and whispered. “How is that better? Why don’t we just skip dinner and the theater and just head straight to my place?”

She leaned back, placed her hand on her hip, and batted her long eyelashes. “Sorry, babe, but this dress,” her hand slid from the side of her breast down past her hip, “is meant to be seen.”

*

Get your copy of ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED today and find out if Zack can handle Jada JJ Jenkins!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

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All You’ll Ever Need and Giveaway

Hi All! Guess what’s coming Wednesday, September 24, 2014? Yep, ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED, book 2 of the Jenkins Family Series! Finally! While we wait for the big day, I figured I’d do a giveaway. Gift cards, books and swag!  *Check out the details below. But first, here’s another sneak peek of ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED.

A woman wants what a woman wants…

Quick-witted, sassy, construction worker, Jada (JJ) Jenkins, loves the finer things in life. She’d rather be in designer clothes and stilettos than sporting steel-toe boots and a hard hat. She hates getting dirty and worst, sweating. Jada’s ready to quit her job and marry a wealthy man who’s able to support her shopping addiction and her expensive taste. She’s not looking for love, only a comfortable lifestyle. What she doesn’t expect to find is a blue-eyed hunk with dimples and a disarming ability to throw her off her game.

For professional football player Zack Anderson, its love at first sight when he meets Jada. The fact that she’s a construction worker is even better. He wants a woman who’s not afraid to get down and dirty, someone who enjoys fishing, hiking and the great outdoors. He thinks he’s found that in Jada.

Before he loses his heart, will Zack discover that the last thing on this feisty steel-toe-boot-wearing-beauty’s mind is getting her hands dirty with love?

Excerpt:

Zack reached for her hand and gently pulled her to him. Jada’s heart beat double time. There was something about the ruggedly, handsome man that sent her senses out of control. When he wrapped his strong arms around her waist and held her close, a lust-filled shudder gripped her body. Good, Lord, he’s all muscle.

“I’ve been admiring you from across the room and couldn’t let the evening pass without dancing with you.”

He moved with such fluidity, Jada felt as if she were floating on a cloud, her feet barely touching the floor. She didn’t know much about football, but she remembered her grandfather mentioning that Zack was a star running back. Apparently, his graceful moves served him well on the football field, as well as on the dance floor.

“I still can’t get over you being a sheet metal worker. You definitely don’t look like one.” Zack pulled back slightly to look at her, and his piercing eyes made her miss a step. She loved dancing. Missing a step was unheard of. There was no way she was going to let the mere presence of a man rattle her.

She took a cleansing breath, pasted her most seductive smile on her lips, and glanced up at him. Her breath caught, and again her heart pounded uncontrollably when she met his gaze.

Oh this is ridiculous. He’s just a man, dammit.

Her usual self-talk wasn’t working tonight, and she couldn’t understand why. Sure he had the bluest eyes she had ever stared into. Not that she had ever stared into the eyes of a blue-eyed hottie before, but his were mesmerizing. And it didn’t help that the feel of his hard body rubbed up against hers had the throbbing pulse between her thighs beating a cadence she hadn’t experienced in months. Hell, it’s no wonder I can’t get myself together. The man is like an electric shock to the senses. Forget getting to know him. I need to get away from him.

*

Get your copy of ALL YOU’LL EVER NEED, Wednesday, September 24, 2014!

In the meantime, if you haven’t read book one of the Jenkins Family Series, STILL THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB, check it out.

Ebook –  Amazon |  Barnes and Noble | Smashwords  |  All Romance ebooks

Paperback – Createspace  |  Amazon

 

Okay, now about the giveaway:

Each month I try to do one or two giveaways, but it’s been awhile since I’ve done one on my own blog. So I thought it was time. Since I attended several conferences this year and received a ton of books (some signed by authors), I’ve decided to share some of them. Basically, I’m giving some books away! *Thanks to author Candace Shaw for the idea!

Here’s what I’m giving away (2 prizes):

1^st Prize –One commenter will receive: a $10 Amazon e-gift card AND a conference bag full of books and swag – including a travel coffee mug! NOTE: This prize also includes two (2) of my titles (autographed copies). Some of the other books are by authors: Sylvia Day, Candace Shaw, Karen Rose, Harmony Evans, B.J. Daniels and several others. See photo below. ***To be eligible for this prize, you must be on my mailing list, or a subscriber to this blog, or “Like” my Facebook Fan Page. (Prize open to U.S. commenters only)

 

2nd Prize  – A $5 Amazon e-gift card to one lucky winner. (Prize open to U.S and International commenters)

How to enter to win:

In the comment section below, answer one of the following questions: Which of my books is your favorite and why? Or which one of my characters is your favorite and why? Note: you do not have to leave your email address.

Deadline: This contest starts today – September 18, 2014 and ends on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at 9:00 p.m est.

I will post my winners in the comment section below by Friday, September 26th. Note: The winner will have been contacted via email by this time.

**Two (2) winners will be randomly chosen. Remember – To be eligible for 1st prize, you must be on my mailing list, or a subscriber to this blog, or “Like” my Facebook Fan Page.

Good Luck – I hope you win!

Loved Delayed and Giveaway

Hi All! Did you know author Love Belvin has a new release? Check it out!

What happens when Zoey Barrett, an ingenuous Princeton scholar, meets NBA All-star rocker-boy, Stenton Rogers? Zoey has her life all planned out. She’s working hard at her degree and to help her family stay afloat financially.

Stenton’s at the top of his game on the court, but off, his life is out of bounds. That is until he happens upon Zoey, who represents something that he’s never had—family. Her world is spun completely out of control when they intersect. Could the lengths he decides to go destroy the future Stenton desperately desires to have with Zoey?

Find out in Love Delayed.

Get your copy today! Amazon

Enter Love Belvin’s giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card from #TeamLove! Winners will be selected on October 2nd. Click here to enter (September 16- October 1st!

Employee of the Month

Hi All! Check out author Tracey Rogers’ new release – Employee of the Month!

Employee of the Month by +Tracey Rogers

Genre(s): Contemporary Romance

Digital ISBN: 9781940744414

Length: Category

Publication Date: September 15, 2014

Price: $4.50

Add to Goodreads TBR

Blurb

Some rules are made to be broken…
Rule number 1: No touching

Rule number 2: No kissing

Rule number 3: Never, ever, fall in love

Holly Wilder finds some of those rules pretty difficult to follow during her boss’s visits to present the Employee of the Month award. A relationship between them is prohibited, and even if it wasn’t, Holly has no intention of ever falling in love again. But that doesn’t stop her from craving Max’s touch.

Hotel owner Max Lazzari never expected to break his own rules, especially when they are so important to him. But sexy employee Holly is too hard to resist. Their no-strings, secret arrangement fits in perfectly with his no-commitment plan. A plan to ensure that no woman will ever again have the opportunity to hurt him.

Sizzling nights together mean Holly and Max start looking forward to the monthly visits more and more. Until they are both brought down to earth with a bump—a pregnancy one!

Will rule breaking lead to broken hearts?

Content Warning: contains sensual sex and some strong language

Excerpt

Holly carried a tray holding freshly ground coffee. The plush carpeted corridor absorbed the tension in her legs as she headed to Max Lazzari’s office. Dragging air deep into her lungs, she inhaled the aroma of coffee, allowing it to invigorate her senses.

Must be professional, she reminded her lust-filled brain, though her body’s reactions were refusing to comply.

Balancing the tray on one of her not quite controlled arms, Holly sucked in a breath before knocking on the door.

“Come in.” His deep tone made her tray wobble. She watched with wide eyes as the coffee almost sloshed over the rim of the cup, then watched how the ripples of liquid aftershock mirrored the way her insides felt.

Complete turmoil.

She opened the door and looked at the man with his dark head dipped to the computer screen. “Your coffee, Mr. Lazzari.” The door fell closed behind her. Her brow furrowed when she spotted the full coffee pot plugged into the machine behind him.

His keen green eyes, hooded beneath long lashes, were lifted up at her.

She carried the tray over to set it on the desk. “I believe you wanted to speak to me about an upcoming function. Which function would that be?”

He rose, startling her. Her shaky fingers still gripped the tray, but now her hold whitened her knuckles. The cup rattled.

“This one,” his husky voice said. With a grin he took her chin in his hand and captured her mouth with his. He dropped his hand, bracing both of them on the desk to kiss her more thoroughly, more deeply.

Holly allowed arousal to cascade through her, absorbing the softness and skill of his lips as he teased and swept, offering her the taste she’d been craving. She lifted her hand to thread her fingers through the dark hair at his nape.

God, she’d been waiting for this.

Arching closer, her thighs dug hard into the desk edge. She tilted her head, inviting him deeper. If her darned pencil skirt wasn’t so tight she’d have crawled over the desk by now. She heard a soft groan. Hers.

“Missed me?” Max chuckled as he gave her his now familiar lopsided grin. The one she held in her memory to help her through the weeks.

“I did,” she confirmed, frowning as she mourned the loss of his lips. “There was an extra day in this month.”

She rested her palms over his jaw, covering the dimples in his tanned cheeks. She liked the feel of his smooth, clean shaven skin, the warmth against her needy hands.

“But you broke the rules, Mr. Lazzari. Absolutely no touching at work, remember?”

 *

Get your copy today!  AmazonUK | Amazon.com | Barnes&Noble | Beachwalk Press

Author Bio

Usually found with a pen in my hand, or my head in a book, I’m a contemporary romance author who also thinks fangs and wings are a very attractive accessory.

A devourer of books from an early age, imagination was my best discovery. I spent much of my childhood stepping into wardrobes, searching for that magical snowy world where conversing with animals would be expected. When I wasn’t searching for those worlds, I wrote about them instead. My first step into the world of romance was when I stole sneak peeks into my nana’s books. I’m still in that world and I refuse to leave.

I live in Staffordshire, UK, with my husband and three wonderful children. An avid reader and writer of romance, I strongly believe that words make the world go around. I like nothing more than to be swept away by the words on a page. I hope I can sweep you away too.

You can find Tracey here:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Goodreads | StreetTeam

Making Scandal and Giveaway

Hi All! Check out author Kiru Taye’s new release – MAKING SCANDAL!

 Making Scandal by +Kiru Taye, Author

The Essien Trilogy, Book 2

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural

Add to Goodreads TBR

BLURB

Sassy, successful Faith Brown has earned her place in the boardroom through hard work and sheer ambition. Making family is not on her agenda when there are businesses to develop and competitors to outdo. So when a casual affair with smooth and irresistible tycoon Mark Essien leads to an unplanned pregnancy, she’s determined not to make the mistakes her mother made by living with a man just for the sake of her child.

For Mark, personal matters have no place in the boardroom. Spotting the perfect opportunity, he ruthlessly launches a takeover bid for Faith’s Investment Brokerage firm. Finding out he’ll soon be a father, he knows he can’t let the indomitable and sexy Faith go through with her plans of single parenthood. All gloves are off. He’ll seduce her by any tactic necessary if it means his child doesn’t suffer the same stigma he did as a child.

With the media dogging their affairs in the boardroom and the bedroom, they find that making family is harder than making scandal.

 

BUY LINKS

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

EXCERPT

Faith’s cheeks heated and she half-laughed, half-coughed in a self-conscious manner. Her body still tingled as if it finally woke up from a long sleep. A really long sleep.

“Of course, I wasn’t expecting that finally getting you to loosen up will get me so out of control I was going to explode within seconds like a teenager.”

How could he say that or even expect her to believe it? In the past year, he hadn’t exactly been lonely. Unlike her. He shouldn’t pretend this was more than it was. Sex. Lust. That’s all they had.

She rolled over, trying to cover herself up in a semblance of decency. The thought of him with other women had her heart clenching tightly.

“If I believe that, I’ll believe anything.” She pulled herself up and away from him. “You forget that your pictures have been splashed over the papers with different women hanging on your arms this past year.”

The mattress depressed as he sat on the edge. Tendrils of his heat curled around her. Breathing saturated her lungs with his spice. Need bubbled in her veins. She closed her eyes, hating the tightness in her chest.

Remember, this is just sex. It doesn’t matter how many women he’s been with this past year.

Bullshit. Her hands clenched into fists, tightening on the seams of her clothes.

“Yes, I’ve attended events with women all because you refuse to be seen publicly with me. I would rather have had you as my escort on those occasions.”

Fingers, steel bands, wrapped around her ankles and tugged. Eyes flying open, she gulped in air and slid down the bed on her back until her legs straddled his hips. One by one, he removed her shoes and massaged her bare feet. His fingers worked blissful magic. She purred, to her dismay.

“But I haven’t had sex with another woman since I met you at that conference in Jo’burg.”

 

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA

You can reach her via her blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest

Follow her blog for latest news and giveaways: http://kirutayewrites.blogspot.com

Read book excerpts and free short stories on her website: http://www.kirutaye.com

Link to her Amazon author page

 

GIVEAWAY

Kiru is running a contest during the book tour. She is giving away a $20 Gift card, one Making Scandal T-Shirt, one Essien Trilogy cap and a signed copy of A Valentine Challenge. For your chance to win, complete the rafflecopter entries. This contest is open internationally to eligible entrants over 18 years or as applicable in their country of residence.

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CATCH UP ON THE OTHER ESSIEN TRILOGY BOOK

Keeping Secrets is 99cents /77pence for a limited time only

Have you ever loved someone and didn’t even know it?

That’s the dilemma facing Felix Essien when he wakes from a coma to find he is married to the most beautiful and sensual woman he’s ever known. He cannot remember her or their wedding. He who had sworn never to get married or to give his heart to another. Yet he feels an intense bond with her that he intends to explore fully.

Ebony can’t believe her good fortune when her paper husband wakes not remembering the temporary marriage arrangement with no intimacies he’d proposed but is now the adoring husband she’s always dreamt of. She plans to make the most of the passion blossoming between them. However would he still feel that way when he regains his memory and realises she’s been keeping secrets and their marriage is not what he thinks it is.

 

BUY LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | All Romance | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble

 

Something New – A New Look

My novel, SOMETHING NEW, will always hold a special spot in my heart. It was my debut novel 2 1/2 years ago and I thought it was time for a new look. What do you think of the new book cover? Isn’t it gorgeous? Special thanks to Selestiele Designs (Noelle) for another wonderful creation!

 

For those of you who are not familiar with SOMETHING NEW, the story is a cross between a sweet “edgy” romance and women’s fiction (with a dose of suspense).

Blurb

Entrepreneur, Simone Edwards, did what any intelligent woman with a ticking biological clock would do: she asked her longtime boyfriend to marry her. Devastated when he turns her down, and fed up with dead-end relationships, Simone swears off men … and takes a vow of celibacy. How hard could it be? She soon learns it’s harder than she thinks when the most irresistible man in the world, Tim Hollister, shows up at her job. She hasn’t seen him in over ten years, and quickly realizes he is a temptation she doesn’t want to resist. But isn’t there some rule about dating your friend? Simone must decide if a romance with Tim is worth risking their friendship, and her reclaimed virginity.

Betrayed by his supermodel ex-girlfriend, who happens to be the mother of his child, Tim Hollister has placed a padlock on his heart. But when Simone, an old high school friend falls back into his life, he soon forgets his promise to stay clear of beautiful women. Simone was always like a sister to him, but he discovers that his feelings for her aren’t very brotherly. He’s captivated by the woman she’s become and wants to take their friendship to the next level – despite her resistance. Tim can’t avoid their new-found passion, and sets out to prove he’s the man for her.

Excerpts

Tim glanced at her, soaking up her attractive face and those kissable lips. He suddenly remembered the explicit dream he had of her the night before: the way she felt in his arms, her body molded to his, while his lips devoured hers. His hands had had a mind of their own as they caressed every inch of her delectable body.

What the heck am I doing? He shook his head vigorously. These are definitely not thoughts I should be having about my friend. His focus should be on getting settled in and figuring out a way to deal with Andrea. No way should his mind be trained on another woman, especially if that woman was Simone.

“I have to ask you something.” He lifted his glass and guzzled his water in an effort to extinguish his steamy thoughts. “Why have you been resistant to us hanging out outside of your office?”

With downcast eyes, she used her fork to move her grilled chicken and pasta around on her plate. For a moment, he didn’t think she’d respond, but she said, “Fear.”

“Excuse me?” He leaned forward, not sure if he’d heard her right.

She looked up at him, eyes unsure and shy. “I was afraid. I recently got out of a relationship and had vowed no more men.” She stopped, mumbled a curse, and rubbed her forehead in frustration as if she’d said too much.

“Simone, we were always able to talk freely and just enjoy each other’s company. What changed? I get the feeling you’re uncomfortable with me, but I don’t understand why. I’m still the same person.”

She arched a manicured brow. “You’re kidding, right?”

He shrugged. “What?” He was clueless to what she was referring to.

“Look at you. You’re gorgeous. You were nice looking in high school, but now you…you have muscles poppin’ out all over the place,” she said, pointing at his biceps. “You give a whole new meaning to tall, dark, and handsome.” Apparently seeing his confused look, she continued. “Come on, Tim. You had to notice that every woman we walked past when we first arrived couldn’t take their eyes off of you. And I can’t blame them. Whenever we’re together, I have to remind myself that we’re friends. I shouldn’t be attracted to my friend.”

Tim sat speechless. So that’s what it was? She was attracted to him? That’s not what he expected to hear, and now he wasn’t quite sure how to respond.

He chuckled and shook his head. Apparently, he was having the same effect on her as she was having on him.

“What’s so funny?”

“I appreciate your honesty, and just so you know, I feel the same about you. I still can’t get over your transformation. You look amazing.”

Simone blushed and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you.”

“I hope I haven’t added to your discomfort by staring at you, but it’s like you’re a totally different person. Back in the day, I’d always thought of you as a little sister, but the thoughts I’ve had lately have been anything but brotherly.”

*

SOMETHING NEW – a friends to lovers novel.

Get your copy now!  Amazon |  Barnes & Noble  |  Smashword  |  ARe  |  Kobo

For Keeps by Deatri King-Bey

Hi everyone! Join me in welcoming Deatri King-Bey back to my blog! Deatri is introducing us to her latest release – FOR KEEPS. Take it away Deatri!

In my new romantic suspense, For Keeps, Gina Guy’s daughter has witnessed a murder and the murderer is after the little girl. Child Protective Services is manipulated into the picture, and Jarvis Martin, a manager within the agency, steps in to protect the Guys’ rights. From the moment Gina meets Jarvis, she feels she can depend on him, but life has proven to her that the only person she can count on is Gina. Will they be able to stop the murderer? Can Jarvis earn her trust and love?

Heavy topic for a romance, huh? I’m known for taking nonconventional characters and topics and spinning them into a romance. I like to create dialogue. The moment I released the For Keeps blurb, people started asking me where the idea came from. I’ve often said that I have voices in my head that tell me their stories, then I relay those stories to you though my books. Basically, I put my psychosis to work.

Events usually wake those voices in my head and cause them to start speaking to me. The voices from For Keeps came about as the result of two incidents. A few years back, I noticed more reports of children being murdered down here (Arizona) by abusive parents on the news. This was a very noticeable increase. There was actually an event that correlated to the increase in deaths and abuse. I can’t remember the number, but there were like 2,500 reported cases of abuse that were never investigated during that time period. Big time scandal. Lots of people fired over that.

In incident two, I know someone who was reported to CPS by the hospital she delivered her baby in because there were narcotics in the baby’s system. Actually, hospitals must report when babies are born with drugs in their system. That sounds like a good thing, right?

Well, the hospital neglected to inform CPS that the mother had been a patient in the hospital and administered the narcotic by the nurses. The mother didn’t even realize what they were giving her was a narcotic until after CPS contacted her and told them they’d be taking her child from her for him testing positive for narcotics.  This mother went into a panic. She did everything her CPS case manager asked for, but CPS didn’t do their part. Then the case manager’s boss came into the picture and took steps to take this child away from the mother. It got really ugly.

To make a long story short, the original case manager came back into the picture and stopped the insanity. Had it not been for that case manager, this woman’s child would have been taken from her even though the hospital had supplied the paper work requested by CPS. Sounds crazy, huh? Yeah, I couldn’t believe what was happening as it unfolded.

These incidents breathed life into Gina and Jarvis. There are good parents caught up in the system every day. There are bad parents that children need to be protected from. There are bad case managers and there are good case managers.

I don’t know, this seemed like the perfect backdrop for a romantic suspense. Next thing you know, Gina and Jarvis telling me their story. I hope you enjoy For Keeps.

Here’s a little sample:

CHAPTER ONE

He squinted at the seven-story condominium complex. She thinks by moving into a secured building she can protect you from me. His gaze traveled along the building and settled on the third floor, second unit from the right. Humph, there’s more than one way to skin a cat.

Brenda ran out of the building.

Quickly, he ducked behind a tree. Reveling in a surge of satisfaction, he returned his focus to the third story window. Soon all of my worries will be over. Whistling a happy tune, he walked away.

* * *

The superintendent flipped through his keys, unwilling to select the correct one. “I assure you, she didn’t leave her child. I would know. There must be a mistake. Miss Guy is one of my best tenants. Someone made a prank call.”

Arms folded over her ample chest, Mrs. Clark tapped her foot and waited beside the police officer. “I hope you’re correct, but someone reported a baby being left alone for hours, so we must investigate.”

“Benda!” he heard the voice of a little girl on the opposite side of the door cry. It sounded like Tiara, Miss Guy’s daughter. “Where you at? I ascared.”

“Hurry.” Mrs. Clark pressed herself against the door. “Don’t worry, honey. Someone’s here.”

The superintendent’s fat, fumbly fingers worked the keys double-time to unlock the door. Something wasn’t right. Miss Guy wouldn’t leave Tiara alone. Maybe Miss Guy had fainted or was injured. He opened the door.

Mrs. Clark rushed into the apartment toward the screaming toddler and tumbled over the edge of the coffee table. Tiara stopped screaming, spun around and ran into a bedroom.

The officer helped the social worker stand. “Are you hurt?”

Mrs. Clark rubbed her shin. “It smarts, but I’ll be fine. Thank you.” She limped into the bedroom with the others following close behind.

Tiara was nowhere in sight.

“Come out, honey,” said the social worker.

Silence.

She pointed at the twin-sized princess canopy bed. The officer knelt and lifted the comforter to check under the bed. No little girls.

The small bedroom only contained one other potential hiding place. The case manager searched through the closet, but still no child.

Confused, the superintendent sat on the dresser. It creaked under his weight. “Well, she couldn’t have disappeared.” A faint groan caught his ear. He nodded toward the space between the dresser and the wall. “I think we have mice.”

* * *

Fear raced through Gina’s veins as she dragged Brenda into the back office for privacy. “What do you mean they took her? Who took her? Calm down and tell me where my baby is.”

Shaking her head, Brenda rocked back and forth. “I… I saw the police and panicked. I’m so sorry. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

She grabbed Brenda by the shoulders and shook. “If you do not tell me where my baby is this instant, I swear I’ll kill you.”

* * *

Hollering, Tiara darted for the pile of blocks that sat on the middle of the toddler table in Observation Room three.

Helen Clark shook her head as she lowered herself to the couch. “Play with the blocks like a good girl.”

Jarvis watched the little hellion through the double mirror. Knowing she hadn’t finished yet, he grinned. Her screams when they’d entered the office were what had drawn his attention. This child had a serious set of lungs on her.

Now quiet and calm, Tiara carefully sorted through the blocks. Jarvis was rarely wrong where children were concerned, but it looked as if he’d been wrong this time. Tiara had found something more interesting than screaming her head off. Meticulously, she measured the blocks, then selected the largest one and threw it at the case manager.

Shocked, he rushed for the door as the block soared through the air and slammed square into Helen’s nose.

“Leave me ‘lone you mean o’ crow.”

Holding her nose, Helen cursed the child and stormed out as he entered.

“I hate you, you mean o’ meanie!”

Standing in the doorway, Jarvis remained silent. He’d deal with Helen for cursing in the presence of a child later. Tiara stopped yelling. Her eyes traveled from his shoes, along his legs, torso, then she craned her neck way back to see his face. Over six feet, he knew he was huge to the little girl. Hands shaking, she held up a block.

Arms folded over his chest, he raised a brow. “If you throw that at me, I’ll throw it back.”

She swallowed hard, then dropped the block, crossed her arms over her chest and raised her brow, impersonating his stance. “My mommy gonna get that mean o’ crow.”

“I’m sure she will.” He stifled a grin. “Let’s clean this mess.”

She stood still, blinking away the tears, fighting the oncoming cry. “You find my mommy? She doesn’t know where I’m at. She’ll be ascared.”

“She’ll be afraid.” He lowered himself to her level and held his hand out. “I’ll find your mommy.”

She ran to him, jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. “I like you.”

“I like you, too.” Tired of the neglect, he shook his head. He became a social worker to protect children. To give them the childhood he had in a loving family. All children deserved to be loved. “What’s your name?” He released her. Though he already knew her name, he wanted to continue breaking the ice with her.

She stepped away and curtsied. “Tiawa Wose Guy.”

“Jarvis Neal Martin at your service.” Heart smiling, he placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head slightly. “You may call me Jarvis.” He settled on the floor beside her and helped pile the blocks on the Big Bird toddler table. “Do you know where I can find your mommy?”

Tugging on his arm, she tried to pull him toward the door. “You go get her? She’s at work. With the pancakes.”

Lifting Tiara, he stood and placed her on his hip. “How old are you?”

“Twee. Go get Mommy. She’s at the pancake place.” She pointed at the door. “She doesn’t know I’m here with you. You go get her. I’ll show you. That mean o’ crow took me. My mommy’s gonna get her.”

He walked to the front desk. “Where’s Helen? I need the file on Tiara.”

Mary, the office assistant, smiled at Tiara. “This can’t possibly be the little terror who came in kicking and screaming earlier. Oh no. This young lady is much too beautiful.” Tiara hid her face in the crook of Jarvis’s neck and giggled. “She’s in the process of being told off by,” she nodded toward Tiara, “a certain young lady’s mother. Helen may need to be saved. Room six.” Mary took Tiara from Jarvis.

Just what he needed, another substandard parent who didn’t give a darn about her child until the authorities were brought in. He stopped his train of thought. Just because the overwhelming majority of cases he’d seen of late had been proven cases of neglect and abuse, didn’t mean this one was also.

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Thank you, Sharon, for giving me a chance to introduce For Keeps. I appreciate it and you.

Deatri King-Bey

Rejected But Still Prevailing

BOOK SPOTLIGHT

Rejected but Still Prevailing will entirely change the way you view rejection. It will motivate you in ways you never thought possible. It will also provide some insight on where rejection starts and how to handle rejection from a girlfriend or boyfriend.

Rejection will be shown from a biblical viewpoint also. You will laugh at different chapters seeing yourself in some of my experiences. You will learn and grow and be able to deal with rejection like never before. Your entire perception about dealing with rejection will be changed.

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About the Author:

 

Minister Keith Taylor II is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana and is currently serving as the Youth Pastor at a local church. He received an Associates Degree in Leadership and Ministry from Crossroads Bible College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts in Leadership and Ministry.

Minister Keith Taylor II started preaching at the age of four and was known as “The Little Preacher Boy”. At this young age, he was found to be a young man with a heart after God, preaching and praying for people all over the city of Indianapolis wherever he could. At a young age he was giving the world a preview of what was to come.  God has kept a hand on his life from his youth and gifted him with wisdom, insight and a heart for people.

He became a Youth Pastor at the age of 23. The youth ministry has grown spiritually and numerically since he took it over in 2012. He also mentors at risk youth in his free time. Some of the places God has allowed Keith to minister are juvenile detention centers, prisons, churches, and conferences.

Minister Taylor published his first book called, “Rejected, But Still Prevailing”, and is working on many more encouraging books. Additionally, he is a worshiper, teacher, husband, and world changer. Minister Keith is married to his high school sweetheart, Jasmine Taylor.

Keith has been known to some as, “Mr. Inspiration”, and that is one “mantra” that he lives by.

http://www.inspiringvoices.com/