Cheris Hodges's Blog, page 21

I'm sure Pam Oliver doesn't give a . . . .

Call her the four million dollar woman. But know you, you're probably going to talk about Pam Oliver's hair.

Here we go. Black women who cover sports get no respect. And how do I know? Cause I'm one of them.

I'm not impressed by Pam Oliver's hair, but she doesn't ask dumb ass questions like Suzy Kolber. And her shag haircut is not always impressive on the sidelines either.
Whenever Pam Oliver is on camera she comes across as knowledgeable, informed and trust worthy. But all y'all can talk about is her hair?



Yes. I mean that from the bottom of my heart!

Pam Oliver is a sportscaster for the NFL and NBA who has a net worth of $4 million. Pam Oliver earned her net worth through her years as a news reporter, sportscaster and sideline reporter for FOX, ESPN and TNT. She was born in Dallas, Texas in the U.S on March 10, 1961. She attended Florida A&M University where she was an All-American track star. She graduated in 1984 with a broadcast journalism degree then got her first job at WALB in Albany.

Bettye Griffin shares Secrets & Sins

If you’d like to get the full schedule of where Bettye’s characters are visiting this week, please check her blog.
Secrets & Sins by Bettye Griffin

In this sweeping, 115K-word novel, Bettye Griffin introduces readers to the Cheeks family of Zion, Illinois: Eldest daughter Faye, whose placid, orderly life is about to be disrupted in a way she never could have imagined...middle child and only son Scott, who brings new meaning to the phrase 'midlife crisis'...and youngest daughter Robin, who is divorced from but not exactly rid of her former spouse.
At the center of the story is their mother, Julia Scott Cheeks, who along with her devoted husband Melvin, has tried to keep two scandalous family secrets hidden and has been successful for 55 years...but when Robin mentions the name of the former classmate she has a romantic interest in, Julia fears that the events she has tried so hard and for so long to keep her children from knowing are in danger of being exposed...-------------------------------Bettye would love to give a complimentary download of Secrets & Sins to a reader. To be eligible, all you have to do is leave a comment before midnight Central Time today. There must be at least two comments left for an eBook to be given away, if there is only one there will be no prize. Bettye will post the name of the winner tomorrow morning, so please check back, for she will need to hear from the winner.
And now, today’s character sketch:-------------------------------

Zion, Illinois, January 2010
My name is Melvin Cheeks. I was born in Chicago on November 28, 1930. Incredibly, I’m going to be 80 years old this year.
My dad left us when my brother and I were kids. We were a close-knit family, my mama and brother and me. I learned a strong work ethic from my mother. She did domestic work until the telephone company started hiring black operators. She worked split shifts, but she was so proud to be able to give up having to do housework. She and my brother (who worked for the post office) helped me pay for my college, and I worked, too, on a moving crew to pay my tuition. I taught in Chicago and Waukegan public schools for over 30 years.
Both my mother and brother are gone now. It’s tough to be the last survivor of my birth family. Thank God for my own family. I met my wife, Julia, at a dance in Chicago. I know this sounds corny, but the moment I held her in my arms I knew she was the one. She was beautiful, with a smile that could light up Times Square. Look at any picture of her, and she’s always smiling. We’ll be celebrating 55 years of marriage the end of this year…and she’s still beautiful. We have three children and four grandchildren.
Julia takes great care of me. She tries never to leave me alone for long, although I tell her I’ll be fine. I’ve had a few health issues in recent years. I get confused sometimes—they say I’ve got a very mild dementia—and I also have a neuro disorder, not Parkinson’s, but similar, when I have some involuntary movements, but it’s not constant. I’m just glad I’m still here. I know I’ll die eventually, but God willing, I’ll be living until I die, if you know what I mean. I’m sure I’ll go first, but I know that Julia will be taken care of and watched over by Faye, Scott, and Robin, for the rest of her days.
I used to find it amusing how my mother, in her later years, couldn’t remember what she had for breakfast, but she could recall the end of World War I or that horrible race riot in 1919, but now I understand, because I’m doing the same thing. I remember meeting Julia like it was yesterday. I remember her dress…her smile…even her scent. I remember the first time I told her I loved her. I remember the night I spoke to her father, Roscoe, to ask for her hand. I remember proposing to her. And, of course, I remember the first time we made love (it was the night we got married; no matter how hard I tried, she wouldn’t give in before then).
I also remember why we got married when we did. We’d only been engaged a few weeks in mid-December of ’55 with plans for a spring wedding when Julia came to me in tears one morning. She told me something shocking, and while I was stunned by the news, I immediately suggested we get married between Christmas and New Year’s, during school vacation (and no, she wasn’t pregnant…like I told you, there was no sex until after the wedding).
Speaking of our wedding night, Julia had another bombshell for me, and that one floored me as well. I asked her if she had any other secrets, and she assured me she didn’t. She also promised me on the spot that she’d never keep another secret from me again.
Now that I’m in my last years on earth, I find myself thinking more and more about what’s happened in the past. To this day Jules (I usually call her that) and I have kept our kids in the dark about it, but now I’m wondering if we should continue hiding it. The parties most affected are dead, except for one. Our children are grown; they aren’t going to go around blabbing our family business to anyone. They’ve always known my brother was gay. Don’t they have a right to know all their family history?
I’ve always gone along with Jules because I know how painful the whole thing has been for her. She got caught in the middle of an unhappy situation, and it makes her sad, even now. I haven’t brought it up, but I’m thinking I might try to get her to change her mind.
Then again, these things often have a way of taking care of themselves…----------------------------------Read more about Melvin in Secrets & Sins , out now! Kindle owners can get it at Amazonor at Bettye’s eStore. Readers needing EPUB or PDF formats can get theirs from Bettye’s eStore, where eBooks always cost less, usually $1. You can always whet your appetite by getting the FREE download of the prequel, Sinner Man , which is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at Bettye’s eStore.

Confessions of a Marriage Robin Hood. . .Part Four

Charlotte City Councilman Theo Baxter hated everything that wasn't a republican. Imagine my surprise when I saw him on the site. I didn't even have to use my expensive ass software to know who he was. Bax369 had been his screen name. It made me wonder if he'd actually been trying to hide his cheating ways. Then I began to question why the media hadn't gotten wind of this. After all, this would've been John Edwards love child big — in the city of Charlotte, at least. It took him a while to respond to my sultry messages. I told him in the first message that he looked as if his dick was candy covered and sweet and I could wait to taste it. It was corny and a little much, but the man said in his profile that he wanted a woman who loved oral sex.  I could play that role, because his penis would never ever touch my lips. When I sent my second message, a week later, which was a picture of my lips wrapped around a banana, he responded with a list of demands.Before you suck my dick, I need to see your STD test results, I also need to inspect your mouth to make sure you have all of your teeth. Then, I'd like to see what you can do with a dildo in your mouth.YOU MUST SWALLOW. If you agree to these terms, I will send you further instructions as to where this encounter will take place. Also, you must leave all photographic equipment behind and this includes smartphones. I assure you, no harm will come to you.What an idiot! Then I wondered how many women had he lured under these circumstances? It made sense as to why no one would look for this kind of lewd behavior from Councilman Baxter. With no proof or pictures, who would believe a woman on a site where you signed up to have sex with married men if she said she was Baxter's mistress?That was about to change. The best thing about the padded ass that I wore when I met these married men was the ability to hide cameras, phones, digital recorders and anything else to get proof of their cheating or whatever. I didn't even want Baxter's money, I wanted him ruined and embarrassed, I wanted to strip his power from him and watch his reputation burn. Yep, I was relishing my role as a marriage Robin Hood when I meet the councilman at a Pineville hotel. My recorder was rolling as I walked into the room. "Well," he said as he gave me a slow once over. "You're lovely lady. Very exotic. I approve.""Thank you," I replied coyly, though inside, I wanted to vomit. Glancing at the bed, I saw he had a few pink dildos lined up next to the pillows. Whipped cream, chocolate syrup and fruit flavored condoms. "Open your mouth," he ordered. I did as he commanded. "Perfect," he replied.  "Now, come over here and let's see how you use those lips and tongue." We crossed over to the bed and he handed me a dildo."This is brand new, isn't it?" I asked. He chuckled. "Of course. That's the first time I've ever been asked that.""You do this a lot?""You ask a lot of questions. I guess I need to shove my dick in your mouth and shut you up," he quipped. I had him! "I guess you do, Mr. Baxter."

The Impossible Possible: Guest Blogger Deatri King-Bey

Book Into: The Impossible Possible by Deatri King-Bey


One of the reasons I love romance so much is taking the common themes and doing something completely different with them. My favorite traditional romance theme has always been the baby daddy theme. In it the heroine hides the fact that she’s had the hero’s child from him. Then years later, they meet again and he discovers the secret! Yeah, I love that one. In my new title, The Impossible Possible, I decided to switch it up a bit. This time the hero hides the fact that he’s the heroine’s son’s father. Hmmm, impossible you think? After you read The Impossible Possible, let me know what you think.
The Impossible PossibleBryanna Martin has given up on finding her happily ever after. The only way she’ll fall in love and marry is if God sends her Mr. Right to her door. Since she doesn’t believe that will happen, she devotes her life to her adopted son and career. Then the impossible happens, the perfect man literally shows up at her door. Drawn to the handsome stranger, Bryanna wonders if this is one impossible that can become possible.
Alejandro Montenegro, CEO of a Global 500 corporation, dropped everything to catch a flight and claim a son he didn’t know about. When he arrives, he discovers his child is not in foster care being abused, but in the loving care of a golden goddess. To spare his son from losing the only mother he has ever known, Alejandro decides to remain silent about his son’s paternity and pursue Bryanna, but then the impossible happens. He falls in love and knows she will leave him if she discovers his secret.
Still not convinced? Click hereto read the first chapter.
Purchase your copy today: Print and eBook (Kindle, ePub via Barnes & Noble)
Thank you so much for taking the time to learn a little about The Impossible Possible. For information on all of my titles, visit me online at http://DeatriKingBey.com.
I love to hear from readers. Let me know what you think.
Much Joy, Peace, and LoveDeatri King-Bey

Happy New Year

I want to thank all of my readers for your support in 2013. Now that we are into the second day of 2014, I have to admit that I never ever thought I'd still be writing about eleven years after the release of my first romance novel. 
It's because of your support that I'm still here and I love you all for it. I mean, I love y'all more than I love this Christmas blend from Starbucks that I'm sipping right now. 
This year, I plan to do a lot more writing. I'm even going to get on the ebook train harder. Just to let you know, all of my fiction this year won't be strictly romance. I hope you'll support that as well. I'm excited about this novella I'm wrapping up now. 
It's called Fighting Back. And it was inspired by my day job and a Tweet from one of my favorite people, Shonell Bacon. I'm putting my heroine through hell and I'm not really sure how she's going to get through it. :) 
I don't have any New Year's resolutions or those little lies we tell ourselves every year. I'm just going to try and be a better person and stay out of jail. That's all I can do. 
Happy New Year to you and thank you for being a blessing to me! 

Merry Christmas !!

It's Christmas Day!

I hope you are having the best day ever.



Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Sincerely,

Cheris!

Confessions of a Marriage Robin Hood. . .Part Three

"Why are you doing this to me?" "I'd like to think that I'm doing this for you. The next woman you meet on that site might be crazy."His cold stare said, like you're not. But he had the good sense not to let his mouth repeat it. "What do you want from me?""Let's start with why are you cheating on your wife, who you claim to love so much?""That's none of your damned business!"Tilting my head to the side, I wished I had something to throw at him. "You made it my business when you responded to my message. Again, why are you on that site? Didn't you build a career around your family man reputation?""How do you know these things?" The incredulous look on his face, coupled with him being naked was priceless. I should've snapped a picture. But I just smiled. "Do you see how easy it is to find out what a man has to lose? Yet, you solicit ass online as if you're a single man."He sputter, trying to figure out some retort. "My wife sent you. That bitch is . . .""Those only bitch I see here is you! Put your clothes on, you're making me sick. You look like a side of pork!"He ran back into the bathroom and I started to feel my courage wane. How was I going to get the money? I hadn't set up an off shore account or anything. Before I put my plan on ice, a fully dressed Wendell walked into the room. "There is an ATM downstairs and I have a fifty-thousand dollar withdrawal limit.""That's good for now.""For now?!""There will be a ten thousand dollar fee for every day your profile is on that site.""This is extortion, black mail and I don't . . .""Have a fucking choice unless you want the world to know what a freak you are. Now, be a good little boy and get my money."When he left, I started thinking, what if he came back with the police? What if he came back with a gun So, when the door opened, I thought two things were going to happen — either I was going to get killed or go to jail.Instead, Wendell walked in with my money. "Good job," I said with a confident smile that belied how I really felt. "Make sure you take that profile down tonight, your wife will appreciate that." I slapped his cheek with a gentle force then walked out of the room. That had been too easy and I was sure it would only get easier.So, yes, I trolled the web site, I installed facial recognition software on my computers and when a self righteous son of a bitch popped up, I put on my butt pads and headed to the assigned meeting places. I'd learned from my first encounter with old Wendall, I had an off shore account where my money was wired. I also took incriminating pictures that would end up on social media and mailed to wives in twenty four hours if my money never made it into my account. One fool tried to test me and I enjoyed taking him down. And that is when I knew I had crossed the line.  

The Angie Daniels Collection

Sassy, creative and the owner of one amazing shoe collection, it's no wonder that Angie Daniels is an award winning author. It has to be the shoes and the fact that when she tells a story, you are engulfed in flames because it's so hot. Christmas is right around the corner and if you're in need of a last minute gift for the reader on your list, you can't go wrong with any title by Angie Daniels! 


DAFINA/KENSINGTON PUBLISHING
When It RainsLove UncoveredWhen I First Saw YouIn the Company of My SistahsTrouble Loves CompanyCareful of the Company You KeepFeinin’ (Big Spankable Asses Anthology)
GENESIS PRESS
Intimate IntentionsHart & SoulTime is of the EssenceA Will to Love
HARLEQUIN/KIMANI ROMANCE
Endless EnchantmentDestiny In DisguiseThe Second Time AroundThe Playboy’s PropositionThe Player’s ProposalFor You I DoBefore I Let You Go
CARAMEL KISSES PUBLISHING
In Her Neighbor’s BedTeaseShow MeAny ManWill DoComing for My BabyStrutting in Red Stilettos Running to Love in Pink StilettosSay My NameEvery Second CountsA Beau for ChristmasDo Me BabyNaughty Before Christmas

Confessions of a Marriage Robin Hood . . . Part Two

After he sent me the instructions for how to get into the hotel room and everything, I headed to a wig store and purchased a long black hair piece to cover my auburn afro. I was tempted to get some of those cosmetic contact lenses, but I wasn’t ready to put my eyes in danger for something that might not work. Still, when I'd looked at my checking and savings accounts and saw that I had about enough money to make it through the month, I knew I had to make this scheme work.  Now, I like to think of myself as a shapely woman. I have hips and strong thighs. But my booty. Well, let's just say Bootylicious is not my theme song. And there was no way I could fool Wendell without help. So that's why I called Beth. Let me be clear, Beth had nothing to do with anything I did. All she did was help create my ass. Let me explain, Beth is a costume designer. She's worked on Broadway but when her mother got sick, she moved back to Charlotte to help out. She is innocent.  I lied to her. Told her that I was going to audition for a role in a play that a new Queen City acting troupe was developing. So, she made butt pads and as me to get her a job on the wardrobe crew. And of course, I told her that I would. When I put on the pads, my spandex cat suit and the wig, I barely recognized myself.  This was going to be epic. Heading to the hotel, I had a camera, a ball gag and blindfolds. My plan was simple -- get Mr. Family Values in pictures that he'd pay handsomely to make sure they didn't end up on the Internet. And maybe he'd be smart enough to take his profile off that website. After all, today was going to be a cautionary tale.       The keys were at the front desk as he promised. The desk clerk didn't even give me a second look when she handed me the envelope. I guess this was second nature to her. It made me wonder how many men in Charlotte were actually cheating on their wives in this hotel right now.      Let me be real clear right now,I love love. I believe when people take vows it should be forever. But. . .if you're stupid enough to log on to a website to have an affair then I think you get what you deserve. Someone like me.
   I walked into the room and there was soft jazz, more specifically Kenny G, playing in the background. Really? Kenny. Damn. G! You'd think a man with an ass fetish would've had some 2 Live Crew or Lil Kim going on.     "Hello." I added a husky timbre to my voice. My camera was in my hand and when Wendell walked out of the bathroom -- naked and holding a jar of Vaseline -- I couldn't have been happier.     "What the hell are you doing?" he growled.     "I bet your wife will ask the same thing when she sees these pictures. And the board at the bank. What do you think they're going to say?"   "Who the fuck are you?" he stammered.    "That depends on how much this memory card is worth to you. For the right price and you deleting that profile, I could be a figment of your imagination. But if you don't give me what I want, which is money, not that flabby thing under your belly, them I'm going to be your worse nightmare."      It was that moment when I really became a criminal.

Confessions of a Marriage Robin Hood

                Nobody wants to be a criminal. But sometimes circumstances force you to do things you wouldn’t normally do. That’s not an excuse, that’s the truth. If you’re hungry and there’s food on an unattended plate, you’re a big liar if you say you won’t eat it.                 Well, in the summer of 2013, I was hungry and I had to eat. Crime wasn’t my first choice, but it was certainly my last resort. Honestly, I don’t think what I did was a crime. Sure, people got hurt, but I didn’t kill anyone. Yet, I’m somehow responsible. Whatever.                 Like most things in this digital age, Facebook started all of this. I had been laid off from my job at one of the city’s large banks. While I sat on my sofa uploading my resume to a career web site, this ad popped up on my Internet browser. Married and Dating.                 I wasn’t married, but I was curious. Who were the people on this site? I ignored the ad for a few days, but every time I logged on to my computer, it popped up. Curiosity got the best of me, so I clicked the pop up, signed up for a free account and browsed. The number of married men and women on the site looking for a “discreet hook up,” floored me. Then I saw him, an executive from the very company that fired me.                 Wendell Pearson, bank vice president. He had been Mr. Family Values at work, but here he was looking for a woman who enjoyed anal sex. At first, it was funny. Then a thought crossed my mind, what if I sent him a message. Would he recognize a woman who he’d laid off? Didn’t he realize that he had a lot to lose by being on a site like this? I, on the other hand, had nothing to lose. So, I paid the forty dollars to become a full member of the site and then I sent him a message. Honestly, I didn’t expect a response from him.                 He responded in twenty minutes with one question: Do you like to get fucked in your ass?                Of course, I took a screen shot of the message before replying, yes. I. Do.                I’d done online dating before, the normal kind. This log on for immediate sex was revolting and dangerous in the age of HIV and other sexual transmitted infections. And Mr. Family Values didn’t even say hello.                 His next message asked for a picture – of my ass. Thanks to Google images, I sent him a nice black ass he could get excited about. And it worked because he wanted to meet me that night at a swanky downtown hotel. I agreed.                 And I guess this is where the crime part started.