Empi Baryeh's Blog
February 14, 2023
A SUITORS & SWEETHEARTS EXCERPT: Most Eligible Bachelor By Empi Baryeh | #AfricanRomance #EmpiBaryeh #Excerpt
EXCERPT FROM MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR BY EMPI BARYEH
“Hi, Lord, uh, Mr. McKenzie, my name is Chantelle Sah. I’m—”
“Hello, Chantelle. What can I do you for?”
His voice possessed a rich timbre, which coupled with his choice of words, evoked images of two bodies intertwined in passionate encounters. An unexpected thrill galloped up her spine.
Whoa, what the hell was that? Clearly, her self-imposed celibacy could use some reinforcement. She forced a smile, taking a second to compose herself.
“You could grant me an interview.” Good girl. Keep your mind on business.
“Did I win something?”
“Well, you were voted Most Eligible Bachelor by readers of Odopa magazine.”
He gave a soft melodious laugh. “I hate that.”
She frowned, taken aback. “You—pardon?”
“Do you know how much trouble you put me in by naming me Most Eligible Bachelor?”
If by ‘trouble’ he meant more girls than he could bed, then yes, she knew. Well, she could only guess.
“Maybe you can clarify things in the interview.”
Silence followed as if he were contemplating her offer. “Tell me, Chantelle Sah, are you single?”
“Yes, but I don’t—”
Why on Earth would she say yes? An embarrassing warmth crept over her cheeks. Thank goodness this conversation wasn’t face-to-face. A flustered image wouldn’t make a good first impression. She should have rehearsed this call. Now she’d given him an upper hand, no matter how remote.
“Great. Why don’t you escort me to Afrodite tonight?”
She frowned. “The nightclub?”
He chuckled. “Yes, the nightclub. I’m having a Valentine’s party there. Surely, you must have heard.”
Yes, she’d heard. For weeks now, Lord McKenzie’s VIP party had dominated both traditional and social media. While technically open to the public, the venue—one of the most exclusive nightclubs in the city—and the ticket price restricted the party to the crème de la crème.
“Well ...”
She didn’t want a date. Particularly not tonight. However, if he was willing to grant her an audience, what choice did she have? She couldn’t let the opportunity slip through her fingers.
________________________________________________________________________
Suitors & Sweethearts limited-edition box set.6 contemporary romance stories celebrating African Joy.Journey from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana, from Curepipe, Mauritius to Las Vegas, USA, and meet swoon-worthy book baes. The happy ending is guaranteed!
This limited-edition box set introduces 6 exciting and heart-warming book series by African authors. Prepare for enthralling stories of passion, love, and African joy!
Tropes: second chance romance, forbidden love, one-night stand, rockstar romance, and billionaires.
Publication date: February 7th, 2023
eBook ISBN: 978-1-914226-30-4
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-914226-31-1
Pages: 1050
Add to Goodreads TBR
BOUND TO FATE by Kiru Taye
All Ike wants to do is to keep out of trouble and get through the one-year internship required for his degree program. But trouble finds him, in the form of the intelligent and brave Lara who turns his world upside down. Falling in love is forbidden. So why does it feel so right? Love like theirs cannot be denied. But catastrophe lies in wait and one-night changes their lives forever.
VEGAS NIGHTS by Unoma Nwankwor
A woman scared of being hurt again is bent on playing it safe.
A man determined to stay focused and never experience poverty again.
One night on the wild side that changes everything.
LOVE AND HIPLIFE by Nana Prah
Blaise is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR by Empi Baryeh
When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, he has more than work on his mind. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction from the moment they met, nor the evening ending with more than just an interview. But now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake... and that not all bachelors are heartbreakers.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Zee Monodee
Eldest sister of the Hemant sibling trio, Lara, returns to Mauritius as a divorcee and she comes across Eric, the man she loved as a teenager and gave up because their interracial relationship would not stand a chance on this island. But here comes a second chance: Eric wants her back in his life, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Will Lara be her own worst enemy and thus end up unhappy ever after?
BITTERSWEET BEGINNING by Nkem Akin
"Efe Sagay grew up and went to school in Nigeria. While attending school she met the love of her life, her soul mate, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with...Kevwe Mukoro. And the feelings were duplicated by Kevwe. As soon as Efe graduated, they would be married. This was the dream and this was the plan. But real life doesn't always see things the way we do. The perfect future can always be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances." ~ Martha A. Cheves, Author.
ORDER YOUR COPY NOWAMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY |
24SYMBOLS
ORDER PAPERBACK
LOVE AFRICA PRESS | WATERSTONES | BOOK DEPOSITORY | AMAZON UK
February 10, 2023
A SUITORS & SWEETHEARTS EXCERT: Vegas Nights By Unoma Nwankwor | #AfricanRomance #UnomaNwankwor #Excerpt
EXCERPT FROM VEGAS NIGHTS BY UNOMA NWANKWOR
“I said no cheese and no onions!”
Darius heard the raspy voice as he walked into the hotel’s restaurant the next morning. His newest luxury hotel had a soft opening two weeks ago, and guests have been arriving by the thousands since then. Later in the evening was the grand opening, so now was not the right time to have dissatisfied customers.
“We’re so sorry about that—”
“That’s what you said the first time you brought me the omelet with cheese. You went back to fix that and now you’re bringing me the omelet with onions. I told you the first time I didn’t want either in my omelet.”
Darius stood against the table in the back as he noticed the two women. He was walking over to diffuse the situation, but something in that sultry tone halted him.
“Safiya, I know you don’t joke about your food, but calm down.” The woman sitting by her laughed.
Darius observed the scene as the chief chef came out and apologized profusely to both women. He then took her plate and hurried back to the kitchen. Darius took in both women. Since they were seated, he couldn’t get a full view. However, the one he now knew as Safiya had him intrigued and his loins tight. The curiosity to see the face that went along with that voice had him sauntering towards their table.
“Good morning, ladies,” Darius greeted.
Both ladies looked up at him, but only one of them showed signs of recognition.
“You are—” the other lady started.
He quickly cut her off. “Darius Gray, pleased to meet you.” He nodded at the pair.
“Ummmm, you’re more than Darius Gray. I have an interview with you later,” Safiya’s friend spoke again.
Darius nodded and smiled, his eyes resting on Safiya, who hadn’t yet said a word. She had briefly acknowledged him with her eyes before refocusing on her food.
“I look forward to it Ms.…”
She stretched out her hand “Assan. Layla Assan.”
Darius shook her hand.
“And this rude one over here is Safiya Nadar.” She nudged her friend with her elbow. Her friend growled back at her.
The sound sent an unfamiliar sensation up Darius’s spine.
“Excuse her. Something about not getting her food right sets her off.”
“Well, I hope the issue has been fixed to your satisfaction.”
Safiya looked up at him. In that moment, the trip over to their table was worth it. The right words to describe her beauty eluded him. The wrong adjective would be a disservice.
“Yes, it has. Thank you,” Safiya said, and immediately went back to scrolling through her phone and eating.
“I’m glad.” Darius turned to Ms. Assan. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours. You ladies enjoy your meal.”
Darius walked away and went straight to guest services. He wanted to know if they were staying in the hotel or if they just came for breakfast. He had an interview with Ms. Assan soon and needed to know how cooperative he’d be based on what he needed her to do.
________________________________________________________________________
Suitors & Sweethearts limited-edition box set.6 contemporary romance stories celebrating African Joy.Journey from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana, from Curepipe, Mauritius to Las Vegas, USA, and meet swoon-worthy book baes. The happy ending is guaranteed!
This limited-edition box set introduces 6 exciting and heart-warming book series by African authors. Prepare for enthralling stories of passion, love, and African joy!
Tropes: second chance romance, forbidden love, one-night stand, rockstar romance, and billionaires.
Publication date: February 7th, 2023
eBook ISBN: 978-1-914226-30-4
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-914226-31-1
Pages: 1050
Add to Goodreads TBR
BOUND TO FATE by Kiru Taye
All Ike wants to do is to keep out of trouble and get through the one-year internship required for his degree program. But trouble finds him, in the form of the intelligent and brave Lara who turns his world upside down. Falling in love is forbidden. So why does it feel so right? Love like theirs cannot be denied. But catastrophe lies in wait and one-night changes their lives forever.
VEGAS NIGHTS by Unoma Nwankwor
A woman scared of being hurt again is bent on playing it safe.
A man determined to stay focused and never experience poverty again.
One night on the wild side that changes everything.
LOVE AND HIPLIFE by Nana Prah
Blaise is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR by Empi Baryeh
When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, he has more than work on his mind. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction from the moment they met, nor the evening ending with more than just an interview. But now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake... and that not all bachelors are heartbreakers.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Zee Monodee
Eldest sister of the Hemant sibling trio, Lara, returns to Mauritius as a divorcee and she comes across Eric, the man she loved as a teenager and gave up because their interracial relationship would not stand a chance on this island. But here comes a second chance: Eric wants her back in his life, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Will Lara be her own worst enemy and thus end up unhappy ever after?
BITTERSWEET BEGINNING by Nkem Akin
"Efe Sagay grew up and went to school in Nigeria. While attending school she met the love of her life, her soul mate, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with...Kevwe Mukoro. And the feelings were duplicated by Kevwe. As soon as Efe graduated, they would be married. This was the dream and this was the plan. But real life doesn't always see things the way we do. The perfect future can always be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances." ~ Martha A. Cheves, Author.
ORDER YOUR COPY NOWAMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY |
24SYMBOLS
ORDER PAPERBACK
LOVE AFRICA PRESS | WATERSTONES | BOOK DEPOSITORY | AMAZON UK
February 9, 2023
A SUITORS & SWEETHEARTS EXCERT: Bound to Fate by Kiru Taye | #AfricanRomance #KiruTaye #Excerpt
EXCERPT FROM BOUND TO FATE BY KIRU TAYE
Have you got two minutes?” Olu poked his head into Ike’s office.
“Sure.” Ike stood up and grabbed his jacket from the back of his leather armchair.
“I was just heading out for a meeting. We can walk and talk.”
“Good,” Olu said as Ike headed towards him and shut the door after he’d exited the room. “I just wanted to let you know we’ve recruited the final member of the Baytown project. I just finished the interview.”
“That’s a quick decision.”
“She is the best of the candidates we’ve seen and will make a good fit to the team. I didn’t see the point in holding off any longer.”
“Great. Well done. I’m keen to get the ball rolling on this project. I presume Jane’s already onto HR about the contract.”
“She is. I told the young lady to wait and pick up the contract. In fact, she’s waiting in Jane’s office. Do you have a sec to meet her?”
“Of course.”
Olu led the way and Ike turned in the direction of Jane’s office.
He saw the girl then. She was dark-skinned, with a heart-shaped face and wide brown eyes. Something in the back of his mind prickled as there was something familiar about her.
In a few seconds, he was standing in Jane’s office in front of the girl and recognition dawned.
It couldn’t be. This person standing in front of him looked so different. For starters, the hair was short and had red streaks in it. The girl he’d know five years ago had long braids and was too conservative and introverted to ever colour her hair such a loud shade. Secondly, the glasses were missing.
“Lara, I wanted you to meet our MD, Ike Thomas” Olu said. “This is Lara Johnson, the new project planner.”
It was her.
He’d banned anyone he knew from mentioning that name for the past five years. After the night that everything changed. He hadn’t wanted to think of her because he knew he would’ve gone looking for her if only to make sure she was okay. And what if she wasn’t? He wouldn’t have been able to live with himself. Seeing her now, she looked okay. In one piece. So it had been a good thing to walk away. She’d survived. He’d survived. The world had moved on. Ike’s muscles went rigid as the breath whooshed out of him. It took him a few heartbeats to recover enough to speak.
“Welcome to Thomas International. We’re looking forward to having you on board.”
He didn’t stretch out his hand to shake hers, afraid of what physical contact with her would do to him.
“Thank you, Mr. Thomas,” she said in a tense tone. “I look forward to working here.”
She smiled but it seemed forced.________________________________________________________________________
Suitors & Sweethearts limited-edition box set.6 contemporary romance stories celebrating African Joy.Journey from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana, from Curepipe, Mauritius to Las Vegas, USA, and meet swoon-worthy book baes. The happy ending is guaranteed!
This limited-edition box set introduces 6 exciting and heart-warming book series by African authors. Prepare for enthralling stories of passion, love, and African joy!
Tropes: second chance romance, forbidden love, one-night stand, rockstar romance, and billionaires.
Publication date: February 7th, 2023
eBook ISBN: 978-1-914226-30-4
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-914226-31-1
Pages: 1050
Add to Goodreads TBR
BOUND TO FATE by Kiru Taye
All Ike wants to do is to keep out of trouble and get through the one-year internship required for his degree program. But trouble finds him, in the form of the intelligent and brave Lara who turns his world upside down. Falling in love is forbidden. So why does it feel so right? Love like theirs cannot be denied. But catastrophe lies in wait and one-night changes their lives forever.
VEGAS NIGHTS by Unoma Nwankwor
A woman scared of being hurt again is bent on playing it safe.
A man determined to stay focused and never experience poverty again.
One night on the wild side that changes everything.
LOVE AND HIPLIFE by Nana Prah
Blaise is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR by Empi Baryeh
When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, he has more than work on his mind. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction from the moment they met, nor the evening ending with more than just an interview. But now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake... and that not all bachelors are heartbreakers.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Zee Monodee
Eldest sister of the Hemant sibling trio, Lara, returns to Mauritius as a divorcee and she comes across Eric, the man she loved as a teenager and gave up because their interracial relationship would not stand a chance on this island. But here comes a second chance: Eric wants her back in his life, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Will Lara be her own worst enemy and thus end up unhappy ever after?
BITTERSWEET BEGINNING by Nkem Akin
"Efe Sagay grew up and went to school in Nigeria. While attending school she met the love of her life, her soul mate, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with...Kevwe Mukoro. And the feelings were duplicated by Kevwe. As soon as Efe graduated, they would be married. This was the dream and this was the plan. But real life doesn't always see things the way we do. The perfect future can always be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances." ~ Martha A. Cheves, Author.
ORDER YOUR COPY NOWAMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | GOOGLE PLAY |
24SYMBOLS
ORDER PAPERBACK
LOVE AFRICA PRESS | WATERSTONES | BOOK DEPOSITORY | AMAZON UK
February 7, 2023
New Release: Suitors & Sweethearts: An African Romance Box Set | #AfricanRomance #Giveaway
Suitors & Sweethearts: An African Romance Box Set
It's here people, it's here! Suitors & Sweethearts: An African Romance Box Set is out today. If you pre-ordered, it's in your e-reader already. If not, grab your copy today. Can you tell, I'm excited? 🤭
PS. Scroll all the way down to enter the giveaway fir a chance to win 1 limited edition paperback of Suitors & Sweethearts!
Publication date: February 7th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Tropes: second chance romance, forbidden love, one-night stand, rockstar romance, and billionaires.
BOUND TO FATE by Kiru Taye
All Ike wants to do is to keep out of trouble and get through the one-year internship required for his degree program. But trouble finds him, in the form of the intelligent and brave Lara who turns his world upside down. Falling in love is forbidden. So why does it feel so right? Love like theirs cannot be denied. But catastrophe lies in wait and one-night changes their lives forever.
VEGAS NIGHTS by Unoma Nwankwor
A woman scared of being hurt again is bent on playing it safe.
A man determined to stay focused and never experience poverty again.
One night on the wild side that changes everything.
LOVE AND HIPLIFE by Nana Prah
Blaise is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR by Empi Baryeh
When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, he has more than work on his mind. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction from the moment they met, nor the evening ending with more than just an interview. But now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake… and that not all bachelors are heartbreakers.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Zee Monodee
Eldest sister of the Hemant sibling trio, Lara, returns to Mauritius as a divorcee and she comes across Eric, the man she loved as a teenager and gave up because their interracial relationship would not stand a chance on this island. But here comes a second chance: Eric wants her back in his life, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Will Lara be her own worst enemy and thus end up unhappy ever after?
BITTERSWEET BEGINNING by Nkem Akin
“Efe Sagay grew up and went to school in Nigeria. While attending school she met the love of her life, her soul mate, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with…Kevwe Mukoro. And the feelings were duplicated by Kevwe. As soon as Efe graduated, they would be married. This was the dream and this was the plan. But real life doesn’t always see things the way we do. The perfect future can always be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances.” ~ Martha A. Cheves, Author.
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LOVE AFRICA PRESS| WATERSTONES | BOOK DEPOSITORY | EXCLUSIVE BOOKS SA
—
ENTER THE GOODREADS GIVEAWAY
We’re giving away 1 limited edition paperback copy of the Suitors & Sweethearts African Romance Box Set featuring 6 contemporary romances by award-winning authors.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
—
December 2, 2022
Cover Reveal: Suitors and Sweethearts Limited Edition #AfricanRomance Box Set
Suitors & Sweethearts limited-edition box set.
I've been sitting on this news for a while. I'm thrilled to (finally) reveal the cover of a very special collaboration I've been working on with 5 other fabulous authors.
Ta-daa!
OUT FEBRUARY 7, 2023
This limited-edition box set introduces 6 exciting and heart-warming book series by African authors. Prepare for enthralling stories of passion, love, and African joy!
Journey from Lagos, Nigeria to Accra, Ghana, from Curepipe, Mauritius to Las Vegas, USA, and meet swoon-worthy book baes. The happy ending is guaranteed!
Pre-order your copy for only 99 cents! The price goes to $3.99 after release.
Tropes: second chance romance, forbidden love, one-night stand, rockstar romance, and billionaires.
BLURBS
BOUND TO FATE by Kiru Taye
All Ike wants to do is to keep out of trouble and get through the one-year internship required for his degree program. But trouble finds him, in the form of the intelligent and brave Lara who turns his world upside down. Falling in love is forbidden. So why does it feel so right? Love like theirs cannot be denied. But catastrophe lies in wait and one-night changes their lives forever.
VEGAS NIGHTS by Unoma Nwankwor
A woman scared of being hurt again is bent on playing it safe.
A man determined to stay focused and never experience poverty again.
One night on the wild side that changes everything.
LOVE AND HIPLIFE by Nana Prah
Blaise is on the verge of taking African Francophone countries by storm with his new style of music. Learning how to sing in French without butchering the beautiful language is harder than he thought. Multi-linguist, Lamisi is the key to his success. When his presence in her life puts her in danger, will he end the budding relationship in order to keep her safe?
MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR by Empi Baryeh
When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, he has more than work on his mind. Yet, even the infamous playboy couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction from the moment they met, nor the evening ending with more than just an interview. But now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake... and that not all bachelors are heartbreakers.
THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY by Zee Monodee
Eldest sister of the Hemant sibling trio, Lara, returns to Mauritius as a divorcee and she comes across Eric, the man she loved as a teenager and gave up because their interracial relationship would not stand a chance on this island. But here comes a second chance: Eric wants her back in his life, and he will stop at nothing to win her back. Will Lara be her own worst enemy and thus end up unhappy ever after?
BITTERSWEET BEGINNING by Nkem Akin
"Efe Sagay grew up and went to school in Nigeria. While attending school she met the love of her life, her soul mate, the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with...Kevwe Mukoro. And the feelings were duplicated by Kevwe. As soon as Efe graduated, they would be married. This was the dream and this was the plan. But real life doesn't always see things the way we do. The perfect future can always be destroyed by unforeseen circumstances." ~ Martha A. Cheves, Author.
PREORDER YOUR COPY NOW
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September 18, 2022
Cover Reveal: Dinner and a Kiss by Empi Baryeh | #DinnerAndAKiss #MenOfDistinction #EmpiBaryeh
It's my birthday! Which makes it the perfect day to share my brand new cover and an exclusive excerpt. I can't wait for you to read this story.
DINNER AND A KISS BY EMPI BARYEH
*
A marriage is anything but convenient for a billionaire bachelor and a single mum wanting more...
Fashion reporter, Abrafi Sarpong must get to Tamale to cover an international pageant, her career depends on it. And her son is depending on her. When a mishap with her flight reservation lands her on the private jet of a handsome billionaire, her life takes an unexpected turn. She isn’t looking for love; but Adonis Aggrey-Finn makes her an offer her heart can’t refuse… even if her head tells her she should.
Business mogul, Adonis Aggrey-Finn has wealth, power and political aspirations… which don’t include tarnishing his name with a scandal. He needs a suitable wife and thinks the beautiful stranger he crossed paths with could be the one. If he’s not careful, spending time getting to know Abrafi could cost him everything, but he can’t deny his attraction to her. When they return home, the illusion is shattered and reality that they are from two different worlds threatens to destroy what could be.
Keep reading for the very first excerpt from Dinner and a Kiss!
The sounds of the party faded from his mind before the doors were shut again. He’d already shifted gears to focus on the woman beside him. Her heels made a rhythmic clickity-clackity sound against the polished marble floors and his pulse seemed to echo the beat.
“Did you have a fruitful evening?” he asked.
He’d never been one to adopt a wait-and-see attitude. If he had the power to take action on anything, he did it without hesitation. Still, he knew the value of strategy, setting the stage. Which is why he didn’t start with a dinner invitation.
“Yes,” she replied.
“What exactly were you doing?”
“Setting appointments for photos and short videos for our blog and social media sites.”
“That explains it then.”
“Explains what?”
“Why I wasn’t on your list”
“Oh yeah,” she said with a chuckle. “I already know what your answer would be.”
“Which is?”
“A resounding no. You hate social media, and everyone knows you never give interviews except in relation to your company.”
“Doesn’t this event qualify under the latter?”
She started to say something, but stopped. “Wait. Are you saying you’d have said yes?”
He shook his head. “Not exactly.”
“Then what?”
“Don’t rely on what you think you know about me. I might surprise you.”
She looked at him, and their gazes held for several seconds. Awareness swirled within him. He could see the same in her eyes.
She did that thing where she shook her head again. It only steeled his determination, but before he could probe, she asked a question of her own.
“What about you? Did you have a fruitful evening?”
Her attempt at changing the subject worked to his advantage as she’d soon discover.
“Not yet,” he answered. “But the evening isn’t over.”
Curiosity claimed her features. “What do you mean?”
“My goal was to secure the company of a beautiful woman for dinner.”
“Then what are you doing out here? You left at least forty-eight of them in there.” She punched her thumb backwards in the direction of the banquet hall.
“I’m not interested in them.”
She paused. Frowned. “You’re not saying—”
“Have dinner with me.”
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May 6, 2022
New Release: One Night Expectations By LaQuette | #OneNightExpectations #LaQuette #HarlequinDesire #HoneyMagnolia
ONE NIGHT EXPECTATIONS BY LAQUETTE
An impulsive one-night stand has unexpected consequences in the latest Devereaux Inc. novel by LaQuette.
For these Brooklyn power players,
one night holds surprises to last a lifetime.
When her grandfather meddles in the billion-dollar development deal she’s closing for the family company, Amara Devereaux-Rodriguez feels betrayed…and rebellious. A chance encounter with Lennox Carlisle is just the kind of trouble she’s looking for. But their night together soon becomes a threat to Amara’s aspirations because the mayoral contender has the power to quash the Devereaux deal. And now Amara’s pregnant with his child. Can she quench the fire for Lennox that could send their lifelong ambitions up in flames?
EXCERPT
Lennox put the beer down on a nearby end table and stared at the woman sitting next to him. Trying hard to remember John’s warning, he fought with himself about what he should say next. Lennox was in no way afraid to talk to a woman as fine as this. But when you were trying to become the mayor of New York City, you had to think twice about what you said as well as did.
He extended his hand to her, “Thank you, Ms.…”
She tilted her head, her sultry gaze sliding down the seated length of him, leaving a fiery burn in its wake. But instead of making him back away like the cautious, levelheaded professional he was supposed to be, it made him lean in closer.
She took his offered hand in a firm grip and smiled. “Angel,” she said. “My name’s Angel.”
“Angel is a lovely name. It’s my pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
She continued to smile at him, holding his hand and letting her thumb pass over his knuckle. It wasn’t necessarily an overt gesture of attraction. But coupled with the flash of fire he saw in her eyes, he was pretty sure they were vibing on the same wavelength.
“Well,” she said, breaking the silence. “I don’t want to interrupt you any further. I suppose if you’re back here and not at the bar, you probably weren’t looking for company.”
She stood up, and he followed suit, stepping closer to her than he probably should have considering he didn’t know anything about her beyond her name.
“I did come back here to get away from the crowd. But that’s not the reason you should leave.”
She folded her arms, pushing her full, round breasts up, and he couldn’t find enough decency anywhere in him to look away.
“I’m not sure I get your meaning,” she responded. “What’s the reason I should leave?”
He hesitated for a moment, pulling his lip between his teeth to keep the words on the tip of his tongue from spilling out of his mouth.
“Aww, don’t get shy now, Len. Speak your peace.”
He nodded, loving the fierceness she wore like a second skin.
“You should leave because I’m tempted to find out if this thing that makes me want to bend you over that desk is mutual. Because if it is, I don’t think I have enough give-a-damn to ignore it.”
There, he’d given her the truth. And if she was smart, she’d take her leave, and this would never become more than a little flirting in the back of a bar.
But when she stepped into his space, so close that all he needed to do was shift slightly and his body would be pressed against hers, he groaned.
“You’d better know what you’re doing, Angel.”
She narrowed her gaze as her full lips curved into a sultry smile. “Is Len short for Leonard?”
Her question seemed out of place, but instead of using that brief moment as an excuse to step away, he shook his head. “No, it’s short for Lennox.”
“Good.” she moved in closer, wrapping her hand around the base of his neck. “I’d like to make sure I’m calling you by your proper name if this ends up being as good as I hope it will be.”
2021 Vivian Award finalist and DEIA activist in the romance industry, LaQuette writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. She crafts dramatic, emotionally epic tales that are deeply pigmented by reality's paintbrush.
This Brooklyn native writes unapologetically bold, character-driven stories. Her novels feature diverse ensemble casts who are confident in their right to appear on the page.
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May 4, 2022
New Release: It's Not the Hookup, It's the Chase by Elle Wright | #ItsNotTheHookupItsTheChase #ElleWright #YoungInLove
Blurb:A long time ago, I helped her. Little tips about what to wear, how to leave a man wanting more, ways to be sexy without being too obvious. The guy she’d wanted was wrong for her, though. Still, she’d wanted him anyway and ended up with a broken heart. But she wasn’t the only one, because even after I’d made my own intentions known, she walked away.
Now, she’s back in town. Still beautiful, still intelligent, still funny, and ready to start over after a bad breakup from someone who never deserved her in the first place.
Want to know when I fell for one of my best friends? I can’t even tell you. Somewhere between eating Superman ice cream in her mom’s backyard and punching the first boy to ever make her cry.
Want to know how I got friend-zoned? She’d have to tell you. My services—Wingman for Hire—help women drive the men they want crazy. Yet, I couldn’t seem to get her to notice me that way.
Want to know what I decided to do about it? The absolute right thing at the wrong time.
Now, everything is different. The past is supposed to be forgotten; the rejection should be in the rear-view mirror. And I’m not asking for much… just forever.
November 26, 2021
OUT NOW: The Illegitimate Prince by Empi Baryeh | Royal House of Saene Book 7 | #RHOSaene #TheIllegitimatePrince #EmpiBaryeh
Financier, Kalahari Asanti, specialises in corporate takeovers, but his next conquest is personal. The Kingdom of Bagumi owes him a great debt, one he intends to collect from King Ibrahim Saene, the father he’s never met and the man he holds responsible for his mother’s death.
Princess Edina Dampare is soon to be engaged and trying to accept the undeniable truth—no man will ever reach her on the same level as the stranger who imprinted on her soul when she wantonly yielded her innocence to him the one forbidden night she allowed herself to put desire before duty.
Kal’s quest for revenge brings him face-to-face with the woman who’s been haunting his dreams for the past eight months. The man who grew up with nothing is determined to reclaim everything the Royal House of Saene took from him…including her.
AVAILABLE ON:AMAZON US | BARNES & NOBLE | AMAZON UK | KOBO OTHER RETAILERS***ADD ON GOODREADS
New Year’s Eve.
8 months earlier …
“You should have been a prince.”
Kalahari ‘Kal’ Asanti stilled at the words—words so similar to those his mother had uttered on several occasions; words he’d learnt at an early age to dismiss as the romanticism of a woman who, despite the hand life had dealt her, had still believed in fairy tales. Unfortunately for his Mamaa, she didn’t get the happily-ever-after she’d never stopped believing in. Even on her death bed when the irrefutable truth had laid bare the lie she’d stubbornly clung to all these years, she’d played her final card and revealed a secret she should have taken to her grave.
The truth had unleashed venom into Kal’s heart and set him on a path of vengeance. Instead of the tearful reunion she’d hoped for, his mother had ensured the downfall of the man she claimed to love.
She had one thing right, though. He was indeed going to meet the Saene family of the kingdom of Bagumi—the first step in his plan to destroy the man he should have called father. King Ibrahim Aziz Saene.
Soft footsteps behind reminded him he wasn’t alone. The Zanzibar Convention Centre brimmed with thousands of guests attending the annual Children’s Foundation Gala, one of the biggest charity events in Africa. Tickets were pegged at a thousand US dollars each, with the proceeds going to several charities across the continent. Like most such events, however, many attendees used it for networking, some to brag about their altruistic deeds, and others for the opportunity to rub shoulders with the rich and mighty.
Normally, he avoided such pomp and pageantry. The way he saw it, there had to be something fundamentally wrong with making a big show of one’s good deeds. He preferred to make anonymous donations to many of the causes he supported. He’d broken protocol this time for one reason only:
To observe the enemy.
As luck would have it, King Ibrahim was the guest of honour this year, a privilege which came with the price tag of a hefty ‘donation’—a gimmick undoubtedly meant to garner some international media attention. An hour into the event, neither the king nor a representative had made an appearance. His absence hadn’t slowed down the festivities, though.
Finding the glitz and glamour strenuous, Kal had stolen out of the massive ballroom and taken refuge on one of several balconies. As it turned out, his escape from the flashlights and idle conversation hadn’t gone unnoticed.
He gritted his teeth, bringing his mind back to the present and the person who’d interrupted his solitude. The last thing he needed was the company of a stargazing woman who’d spent a thousand dollars in hopes of catching the eye of a prince. Someone ought to save her from herself and rip the plaster off that fantasy. He was as good a candidate as any. After all, he might be the son of a king, but he wasn’t Prince Charming. The sooner he made that clear and got rid of her, the better.
“What makes you think I’m not royalty?” He turned, lips pursed to dish out some tough love, yet the words didn’t form.
He found himself entranced by the way the lights from the ballroom played against every rounded curve, awakening something primitive in him. She looked to be about five-foot-six, discounting the extra height afforded by her shoes. Her face remained shrouded in the dimness of the balcony.
Intrigued, he knew he’d pay any price to find out what she looked like. She stepped forward, and suddenly, her face was bathed in a beam of light slicing through the darkness from … he didn’t care to check where.
She held him captive with the most exquisite eyes he’d ever seen. An intense brown, like smoked honey, with a sparkle of gold in the left one where the light reflected off it. Their radiance would have laid his soul bare if he hadn’t been standing in the shadows. With her entire face concealed behind an elaborate tattoo of ethnic make-up designed to give the appearance of a veil, she was mystery personified. She made easy prey of him as desire flared in his being with a fierceness that challenged reason.
Her effect didn’t end at the physical, though. It ran deeper, reached him on an instinctive and spiritual level. Like a soul mate.
He shook away the errant thought, hoping she hadn’t sensed his momentary confusion.
“For one,” she started, “you’re hiding out here instead of basking in the limelight.”
He quirked a brow. Hiding?
Her lush lips curved up, revealing an even row of pearly whites invoking a vision of her nibbling on his earlobe. Somehow, he knew her teeth on his skin would be—
He snapped out of the reverie, forcing his mind to focus. Clearly, his unintended celibacy—the result of focusing too intently on revenge—needed to be rectified. How long had it been? Six months? More?
She mocked him with a chuckle. “I saw you inside. You were the picture of boredom.”
Now he realised it wasn’t her first remark that had snagged his attention, but rather her voice. It had an ethereal quality that seeped through him and did the impossible. He’d always felt restless, had often grappled with a compulsion to move, to do, to be on alert. When she’d spoken, the ever-present static in his mind had quietened. Her voice had stilled the storm within him. The sudden calm slammed into him with such force, he nearly doubled over at the impact.
Empi Baryeh is a Ghanaian author of sweet and sensual African, multicultural and interracial romance and women’s fiction. When she is not writing, she likes to read, listen to music and catch up on TV series.
Empi has won several awards for her novels, including Ufere Awards Book of the Year for Most Eligible Bachelor and Expecting Ty’s Baby, while Chancing Faith won the Ayi Kwei Armah Novel 3rd Prize in the 2018 Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) Literary Awards.
She lives in Accra, Ghana, with her husband and two kids.
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Website: empibaryeh.com
November 23, 2021
Spotlight: Takedown by Evelyn Sola
Mellie
I was not a gambler. No way. I’ve built an existence free of risk and adventure. From my career to a small life with my closest family. I was not going to do anything to jeopardize my heart. But when my neighbor and number one menace to my safe plans showed up in Vegas, I did what every adventurous (not!) woman would do. I got drunk and married the man.
Adam
What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas. Then, I went and married Mellie Dupree. That woman I’ve been chasing for two years is now my wife. She claims she doesn’t remember our wedding, but I was there, and I know she’s not telling the truth. Then again, neither am I.
EXCERPT
CHAPTER 1
MELLIE
The down pillow contours my head, shielding me from the cool air coming from above. The temperature in the room is not only due to the ceiling fan, but to the extremely efficient central air. I sigh happily and cover myself with the white, down comforter, basking between sleep and reality. I don’t remember ever being in a bed so comfortable.
I smile and reach for another pillow to hug, but my hand hits something else. Skin. I think I’m touching a stomach. A very hard and toned stomach, which I think belongs to a man. I touch it again, and whoever the stomach belongs to moans softly. I quickly pull my hand away and wait for things to come into focus.
I might not know where I am, but I know where I’m not. I don’t have a ceiling fan in my room, and the air conditioning in my bedroom at home works well, but not as efficiently as this one. Besides, I live in Boston, and if there’s one thing I don’t need in Boston in January, it’s air conditioning. I’m not in my bedroom at my brother’s two family house, in the first floor apartment where we live. The one I share with him and his family.
I’m in Sin City celebrating my friend’s wedding.
One of my best friends got married yesterday. It was a big group, full of her family and friends. It wasn’t the typical Vegas wedding with Elvis officiating the vows. It was a beautiful formal affair held in the ballroom of the Bellagio hotel. I cried when I watched her father walk her down the aisle, the epitome of happiness with her wide smile and inner glow. I’d wiped my wet cheeks with a tissue I had in my purse, and when I had looked up, it was to find familiar, piercing blue eyes watching me from across the aisle. I normally look away from his stares, but that time, I held it, and even in the big room, the electricity between us sizzled.
My phone buzzes from across the room. Despite not having a headache, I know I must have had some drinks if the dryness in my mouth is any indication. It’s so bad it feels like something died in there days ago. My bedmate moans again, turns over in the bed, and wraps an arm around me, forcing a loud gasp out of me by his sudden movement. He takes it a step further and puts a heavy leg across my thighs, keeping me securely in place. He nuzzles the back of my neck and sighs in contentment.
I stop breathing and my body goes completely still. I close my eyes and squeeze, hoping that when I open them again, I’ll be at home in my bed, and this will have been nothing but a dream.
But that doesn’t happen, and a dooming feeling hits. My stomach drops, and I feel my heart start to accelerate. I don’t want to do this, but I take a deep breath, and I turn my head, refusing to look at him, hoping and praying that it’s not who I think it is. But his scent is a dead giveaway. No one else smells like that, and in this instant, I know I did something I can’t take back. Images of last night start to surface, but I push them back down, refusing to acknowledge the reality of this situation.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been intimate with a man, and I squeeze between my legs. When I feel no soreness, I expel a breath of relief. I know whatever happened in this room does not extend beyond sleeping. Unless whoever that is has a small package. I shouldn’t have doubted it. He never would have done something like that. Besides, he’s wanted me for such a long time that I know he’d want me to remember.
Or maybe it’s not him. The altitude is not the same in Vegas as it is in Boston, and I’m sure more than one man uses this cologne. Maybe I went out and decided to let loose. Leaving behind the January northeastern weather will do that to any girl. I remember telling my sister-in-law about my plans to find a man for a night.
“Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” I had winked at her and nudged her shoulder with mine. She laughed and told me to have fun.
My bedmate lets out a snore, and I push his leg off. Making as little noise as possible, I take a deep breath and turn to face him. The cover is now askew, leaving exposed a long, muscular leg filled with dark hair. I close my eyes and say a short prayer.
Yeah, now you pray, Mellie, you heathen. God ain’t about to listen to you now.
He’s in black boxer briefs, and his morning wood is saluting the ceiling. I swallow involuntarily and do everything in my power to stop myself from wrapping my hand around the steel pipe of a dick that’s just inches away, but I chase the thought out of my dirty mind. Yeah, no way was that thing inside me. It would have ripped me in half. It’s not this particular dick that’s got my mouth watering. It’s the lack of dick in my life that’s making me yearn for this one.
His ribbed white t-shirt has ridden up, and a perfect six pack is on full display just inches away from my greedy hand. I let out a whimper, knowing for sure that the Lord did not in fact hear my prayers. Or maybe he did and decided to ignore me. It would serve my heathen ass right.
I exhale and continue to look past the broad chest. I see the familiar gold chain around his neck with the signature cross, and I know that God has indeed forsaken me. Again.
My hand itches to touch the chiseled chin with about three days worth of stubble. Just like it does every time I see him, but I can’t confirm my worst nightmare. He has a pillow covering his face. I’ve come too far to stop now though. I gently pull the pillow and close my eyes in resignation. I count to ten, and like I’m pulling off a band aid, I open my eyes and learn my fate.
The bottom falls out from under me. It’s my worst nightmare. It’s him.
Adam Flynn. Lying in bed next to me in nothing but a t-shirt and boxer briefs with his eyes closed, looking like a Greek God.
But he’s Irish, Mellie, not Greek.
He’s gorgeous. Always has been. There is no denying it. Perfect skin with just a tinge of pink. He has full lips, and I yearn to run my tongue along them. His thick, dark hair is a mess and sticking out from all sides, and that only makes him look sexier.
I jump off the bed as if I’m on fire and look down at my bare legs. I’m in nothing but my underwear and a white tank top. The one I had on underneath my sheer kimono top. I look around the room like a cornered animal, relieved only when I see my clothes perfectly folded next to the big screen TV. I quickly put on my jeans. Adam moans again, and when I look at him, he shivers and goosebumps spread over his body. I tiptoe to the bed, careful enough not to wake him, gently lift the comforter, and cover that perfect body of his.
This room is much more extravagant than mine. A suite with a couch and minibar. There are two bottles of champagne on the table, one of them still sitting in an ice bucket. I walk over there and pick one up. Some French name I can’t pronounce. I find my phone and do a quick search of that champagne. The price ranges from three to five hundred dollars, and I can only imagine the up charge the Bellagio adds. And he got two. What an idiot. I know he can’t afford this on a middle school vice principal’s salary.
I refuse to give in to my guilt since I didn’t make him buy it. I’m pretty sure I tried to talk him out of it. I don’t even remember any of it.
Liar.
Needing to make my escape before he wakes up, I look around the room for my shoes. I see the black peep-toe wedges underneath the bed, and I get on my knees to reach for them. When I do, something catches the light, a sliver of sun coming through the blinds. I follow the flash, and I blink twice to erase what I’m seeing.
I hold up my hand, and right there, on my left ring finger is a fat, round, and crystal-clear diamond ring. It’s so clear that it must be fake. It’s bigger than the one my brother gave his wife. I could be mistaken, but I think it’s even bigger than the pink diamond ring one of my friends have. And right next to it is a platinum wedding band with small diamonds all around it.
“It can’t be real,” I whisper. I pull the ring off my finger and examine it, unsure of what to look for. A memory from last night hits. Drinks at a bar. Grabbing him and pulling him out of that bar and away from a tall, skinny bitch. There was a dare, but I chase the memory away. He would do this. He would put a wedding ring on my finger as a joke. I put both rings on the nightstand, but there’s an official looking form already there.
Curious, I pick it up. My stomach drops to the floor and the food I ate last night threatens to come up.
Party 1 – Flynn, Adam Finnegan
Party 2 – Dupree, Melanie Elyse
Another memory hits, but I refuse to dwell on it. I do something much worse instead. I look back at the document in my hand. My mouth has gotten drier, and my heart is beating so fast, I’m afraid it’s going to wake my sleeping—I can’t even think of the word to describe him.
My eyes finally land at the top of the form, but I close them before they can focus on the words. I inhale, say another prayer, convinced this time that I will be delivered. And once again, I’m forsaken. Right there in bold, black letters.
Clark County, Nevada. Certificate of Marriage.
A hand flies to my mouth and a sound of despair escapes. The piece of paper slips from my hand, floating in the air conditioned breeze until it lands on the floor. Without a second thought, I grab my shoes and purse and run out of the room, not even sure where I am, but when I step outside the door, I know I’m still in my same hotel, so I sprint to the elevator in my bare feet.
When I get to my room on the twelfth floor, I run to the bathroom, drop to my knees and empty the contents of my stomach. My eyes water and my throat burns. There’s no bitter taste of rancid alcohol or the putrid smell of last night’s dinner. Hardly anything comes up, and I end up gagging for what seems like forever. My body is like a ragdoll’s, hunched over the toilet as if I have no spine to support me. A loud sound escapes, and I realize I’m crying. I don’t remember the last time I cried, but in my Vegas hotel room, with no one there to witness it, I give in and weep.
What the hell have you done now, Melanie?
ABOUT EVELYN SOLA
A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she’s not writing, thinking about writing, you will find her with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she’s been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come.
Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion and humor.
She currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and two daughters.
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