Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 26

March Madness, Eartha...

About Love Changes...
Eartha Watts Hicks is heating up the month of March and adding a bit of spice of her own. Love Changes gives us the story of a young mother torn between two men, her baby's father and her best friend. What is a woman to do?

Tell Eartha how you would handle this hot situation. To be entered into her giveaway, simply leave a comment at the end of this post.
Ten years in the making, the debut novel by Eartha Watts Hicks infuses original poetry, song lyrics from 80's and 90s popular music, and prose in the narrative of Mia Love, a twenty-six year old single mother. Mia Love quits college to support her live-in boyfriend, Spider. When she becomes pregnant, her mother, his mother, and Romell, her handsome and flirtatious best friend, all think she has made a bad decision. Now, Mia cares for both her newborn son and Spider. Tethered to a low wage job to pay the bills, she's urging him make a commitment. Spider, himself underemployed, remains resistant. This causes tension between the two, with arguments getting more and more personal. Meanwhile, "good friend" Romell is offering a shoulder (and a lot more) to lean on. What ensues is a love triangle with a unique twist, two men vying for a lady with a baby.
EXCERPT
I looked back at the doorway of Pookie’s just as Romell came stepping out, hands in the pockets of his black slacks, two plastic bags hanging at his left. Because he works out a lot, his posture’s erect but his swagger seemed looser than ever. Still, I saw tension in his face. No dimples now, he had lockjaw. He looked at me, cockeyed. “No cab? Or did you just realize you left your keys?”

I didn’t answer that, and I didn’t say a word to him in the cab; I tossed my head, flinging my hair back over my shoulder, twisted my body away from him, and crossed my legs. Romell tried to get my attention by whistling Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You.” When that didn’t work, he started pelting my feet with pellets of used chewing gum wrapped in foil, seven pieces in about ten minutes. I figured he was chewing all that gum and spitting it out just to annoy me, but I kept my back to him the entire ride and walked ahead of him into the building. We rode up to the thirty-seventh floor in separate elevators. As soon as he unlocked his door, I bolted into the living room. Even in my slim skirt and croc pumps, I was Flo Jo. My leg banged into his marble cocktail table, sending it spinning around on its axis until the halves formed a circle. I dented my shin, but I wasn’t rubbing my boo-boo. I jumped right on his Slinky sofa, leaned over it, reaching until I snatched my keys up off the rug. Then I made a beeline for the door, hoping I could run right out, but he blocked my exit. When I stepped to the left, he stepped to that side. When I tried to veer to the right, he kept right in front of me. I knew then he would not let me past; I had no choice but to get in his face, “What?”

“You don’t wanna be with me?”

I shook my head.

“You don’t wanna be with me?”

“No, I do not!”

“You show up in stilettos and a little skirt, and you expect me to believe you don’t want me?”

“I did this for Spider.”

“Well, Spider isn’t here now. Is he? And, what about your poem?”

“What about it? I wanted you to know how I feel.”

“Oh, so you admit you have feelings for me?”

“Pah–leese, Romell! That poem is about your situation.”

“My situation, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s the perfect solution.”

“If you think you and I hookin’ up would be the perfect solution, why don’t you just say you want me?”

“Are you mental?”

“How long have you wanted me, Mia? How long?”

“Now, I know you’ve lost it. What makes you think I want you?”

“Your poem! I’ve got it right here.” He patted himself down, pulled a page out of his back pocket and unfolded it in front of me. “There! You say all through this how you’re gonna melt my fears away and how you’re gonna make me feel.”

I looked, reading aloud halfheartedly, “Chocolate Love every day can melt your fears away and have you feeling new. That’s what Chocolate can do.” Then, I shook my head. “And?”

He smacked his baldhead, paced and then, banged the back of it into the wall. “Chocolate, your last name is Love!”

“So? I wrote this to motivate you to embrace black love.”

“Stop it. The only black Love you want me to embrace is you.”

Now, I read the whole thing through. I could see how he could make that assumption. The words “Chocolate” and “Love” were both capitalized all the way through the poem, but I didn’t do that intentionally. That connection didn’t even occur to me when I jotted the lines down; my mind was in a totally different place. I laughed, but he didn’t see humor in this, at all. His face was as stiff as steel.
I tried to explain. “I know how this looks, Romell, but that wasn’t the meaning behind this. I meant chocolate as opposed to vanilla or any other flavor. Chocolate is a metaphor for black, and Love is just love, the emotion. Not my last name. That’s just a coincidence.”

“This ain’t no coinki-dink! I told you once before. You won’t be happy until I’m with a woman who’s your height, your weight, and your complexion. What I should have said is you won’t be happy, until I’m with you. Why won’t you just admit it?” 

“Hello! I am in a relationship with Spider. Remember him? Real tall, kinda goofy, I love him. Seriously, I was not coming on to you.”

He stood, huffing and puffing for a moment, then looked at me hard. “Did you eat any peanuts?”

“No! What the hell kind of question is—” 

I didn’t finish my sentence. The next thing I knew, I felt his warm tongue, stroking mine and tickling the roof of my mouth. I heard the crackling of plastic when Romell’s CD bags hit the carpet. Then, my bag dropped to the carpet, and I backed all the way to the wall, but the lower half of me began to wind as if it had a mind of its own. He grabbed my behind, pulled me into him, and boy oh boy. Now, when I walked in on Romell and Jun Ko, and saw him in those see-through drawers, I knew then: he wasn’t packing peanuts there, either. Now that he was fully hard, I knew he could poke a hole in me if I let him, but still something inside me was aching for it. 

I was so aroused, but it was as if the backs of my hands were glued to the wall. I couldn’t bring myself to wrap my arms around him. To do so would’ve meant I was causing this to happen. As it stood, Romell initiated this. He was kissing me. Everything I was doing was involuntary. I wasn’t stopping this, but I wasn’t causing this, either. Technically, I wasn’t responding. Kissing him back was only a reflex, a natural reaction to the stroke of his tongue, and the taste of spearmint, so he was kissing me. What I was feeling in my stomach I had no control over. This was my logic, and so by virtue of me keeping my hands to that wall and not “touching” him under any circumstances, I was not guilty.

Then, his hands started creeping their way up under my skirt. His lips left mine, traveled down my neck, and back up to my ear. “Chocolate, I need you,” he whispered. I felt a jolt in my stomach—fear—next, my panties slipping off my behind. I opened one eye and saw Spider’s face for a split second. That sent a chill through me, because in that instant, just like in our earlier staring match, Spider’s hazel eyes bore into me. I shut mine tight now, but in my head, I could still hear his voice accusing, “If Romell is not in your bed, he’s definitely on your mind.” 

Romell’s face returned to mine. I felt his warm breath on my lips. He was panting, so was I. There was something in his eyes I’d never seen before. It scared me, because this part of me was supposed to belong to Spider. At Pookie’s Jukebox, between those mirrors, it looked like there was two of me. Now, staring into Romell’s eyes, I wished there were. He closed them and then moved in to kiss again, but I sealed my lips. Still he licked, enticing me to open. He felt so good and smelled so good, but I pressed my lips tighter. I had to. My conscience was taunting me.

Romell backed up. It looked as if his eyes were reading mine. He smirked. I watched his eyes grow wide, him moisten his lips and then, wink. Now, I was totally confused. I had no clue what to expect until I watched his head take a slow descent. I lost my breath and almost suffocated as Romell gave me a gentle nibble where Spider’s mouth had never been. But, if this were to happen, there would be no way I could claim this was involuntary. No, if Romell went down on me, I had to be a willing participant; there was no disputing that. And quite honestly, I was more curious than anything else, especially since I always had this inkling that sexually, Romell would just blow me away. So, deep down inside, there was this secret place in me that always longed for this, even if it were only just once.

This was not Spider, but I always wanted to experience a man’s tongue there. But then again, this wasn’t just any man. This was Romell. He was the one collecting my panties in his teeth. This was Romell dragging them down my thigh. I was already tingling. This was Romell, not Spider. My panties were now at my ankles, and I didn’t know what to do.
About Eartha...
Eartha Watts-Hicks is the founder of Earthatone Publishing and Earthatone Books. Former director of publications for Cultivating Our Sisterhood International Association (COSIA). She is a former mentor to Harlem startups through an organization called Project Enterprise. She is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), and the legendary Harlem Writers Guild. A fiction fellow of the Hurston/Wright Foundation, Center for Black Literature and North Country Institute and Retreat for Writers of Color, Eartha’s writings have appeared in several online publications, including Harlem World Magazine, TheUrbanBookSource.com, and Future Executives.org. Her writing advice has been featured in The Writer’s Guide to 2013. In June of 2013, she received the Just R.E.A.D. “Game Changer” Award in the fiction category from the NYCHA branch of the NAACP and was named New York City literacy ambassador. In 2014, she was featured in the Congressional Black Caucus as part of the Write It Down panel discussion. A PR writer and affiliate of BlackPR.com, she specializes in press releases for entrepreneurs, ministries, and nonprofits. She also leads writing, self-publishing, and publicity workshops for the New York Public Library, The National Writers Union, and The New York City Parks Department. Eartha is now editor-in-chief at Harlem World Magazine.

BUY: Http://Author.to/Earthatone
CONTACT: http://www.earthatone.com/contact.html
CONNECT: @Earthatone
Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, LaShaunda...

Today's March Madness post is all about getting you out there. I believe this is one of the most valuable tools a writer can use. I have used it and I am still finding new nuggets LaShaunda has shared to implement into my marketing plan. It's a green plan that never grows old. What is it? It's all about relationship building.

To be entered into LaShaunda's giveaway, don't forget to reply at the end of this post.
Building Online Relationships – One Reader At A Time.  It's all about learning how to build your readership with step-by-step plans on different things to do to get in front of me readers.
Database/Email List – Mailing List

Creating a database/email list is the third most important thing you do as a writer. You probably started with your email services, saving the  emails you received. This is a good way to  start.

However, eventually you will have to create a spreadsheet or pay a database service to keep all your information. I suggest you do both. You always want to have all your readers’ information.

A few email management systems are free to use for the first five hundred contacts, but will charge a fee for one thousand or more. Do your research and find the one that fits your budget. Ask your writer friends which ones they use. Which one is user friendly?
 
To promote your email list, include a link or form to join your list on your website/blog. You want readers to opt-in instead of you adding them to the list. If you do add them, make sure they know you are adding them to your mailing list. You don’t want them to accuse you of spamming them. You want happy readers.
 
Your mailing list is your #3 promotion tool.

1.  It can introduce you to new readers.
2.  It can keep current readers informed.
3.  You know who your readers are and how to reach them.
4.  You own this list, which is very important.
 
A lot of writers rely on outside sites to gather their readers (Facebook, Twitter,  Goodreads, etc.). These are all necessary sites when it comes to promotion. However, if that site were to shut down tomorrow, how would you get in touch with all your followers?

This is why it is important to have your own mailing list. You want to be able to get in touch with your followers at all times.
 
How you create your mailing list is up to you. Back in the day, I had mine on my Yahoo! email. When my mailing list grew larger, Yahoo! kicked me out of my account because it thought I was spamming.

So I started investigating email management systems. I decided on Constant  Contact.  However, there are many more out there like (icontact, aweber, Mailchimp, or Mad Mimi).
 
This is where your friend, the search engine, comes in handy. Do your research and find the system that fits into your budget. Don’t be intimidated by the various rates. Some offer free services until you build your list. Remember, you’re  not going to start with a list that has one thousand members on it. You begin low and work your way up. Hopefully by the time you have reached ten thousand, you’re making the kind of money to pay for the ten thousand, you services you need.
 
HOW TO USE YOUR MAILING LIST FOR PROMOTION
 
I use my mailing list to introduce readers to writers by sending out eblasts and newsletters. You can do the same thing.
 
1. You can create and send out an eblast to introduce your new book.
2. You can create a monthly newsletter.
3. You can create eblasts for monthly sales.
4. You can host contests.
5. You can host workshops.

Get your copy – http://bit.ly/BORLCH

About LaShaunda...
LaShaunda C. Hoffman took her love for books and turned it into an award winning online magazine, Shades of Romance Magazine.  Her mission in life is to introduce as many books as she can to readers. She’s happily married mother of three who believes in dreams and working hard to achieve them.  She published her first book, Building Online Relationships – One Reader At A Time. It is a part of her coaching program – Virtual Tea With LaShaunda were she teaches writers/businesses how to be consistent with their promotion by helping them create an actionable promotion plan to build online relationships.
 
 Catch her online:  lchwriter@gmail.com SORMAG - http://sormag.blogspot.com, See Ya On The Net, her personal site - http://lashaundahoffman.com , Facebook -facebook.com/lashaunda.hoffman or Twitter – @lashaundaH - @sormag
 
Personal - lchwriter@gmail.com SORMAG – 1sormag@gmail.com
 
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/lashaundahoffma/
 
Instagram – lashaundahoffman
 
Periscope – sormag
 
Click here to receive her weekly promotion newsletter – See Ya On Net

http://bit.ly/1Nul3Xy
 
Freebie - A Social Media Buzz Ad (Book promotion Meme)

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Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
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March Madness, Sheryl...

Smooth. Sensual. Sexy. Sheryl Lister's delivering it all up today on this new edition of March Madness. Take a peek at her novel, Giving My all to You! For a chance to win her giveaway, don't forget to reply to Sheryl at the end of this blog post.
Blurb for Giving My All To You:
 
Faith Alexander’s guardian angel has a body built for sin. Ever since she woke up in the hospital after a car crash, her rescuer, Brandon Gray, has been by her side—chivalrous, caring and oh-so-fine. Faith came to Los Angeles to find her long-lost father, only to learn that he’s a partner in Brandon’s family business. How can she reveal that her inheritance stands in the way of Brandon’s career dreams?

All Brandon’s focus is on his long-coveted role as CEO—until he stops to help a mysterious beauty. With chemistry this irresistible, he’s ready to share a future with Faith, but he feels beyond betrayed to discover what she’s been hiding. If desire and trust can overcome pride, he’ll realize he’s found the perfect partner in the boardroom and the bedroom...

Excerpt:

 
Before she could set the phone down, it rang again. Her smile faded. Brandon. She debated whether to answer or let it go to voice mail like she had done last night. It rang twice more. She heaved a deep sigh and answered.

“I know I’m the last person you want to talk to right now,” Brandon said before she could utter a greeting. “But please don’t hang up, Faith.”

“What can I do for you Brandon?” She tried to remain unmoved by his sincere plea.

“I want to apologize for all the things I said last night. I had no right to take my frustrations out on you. I—”

“No, you did not,” she said bluntly, cutting him off. She had done nothing to deserve his tirade and she wasn’t giving him a pass.

He sighed heavily. “You’re not going to make this easy, are you?”

“Why should I?”

“Faith,” he started again.

“Look, Brandon. I know you’re used to women falling all over you, letting you get away with saying whatever you please, then accepting a half-assed apology. Well, I’m not one of them.”

“No, you’re not,” Brandon said quietly. “And if you’d let me get a word in, I’d like to try to make things right.”

“Go ahead,” she mumbled, slouching down in the chair and folding her arms.

“Thank you. I am truly sorry for my harsh words. Believe me, baby, they were never meant for you. Sometimes—well, all the time if you ask my family,” he added with a wry chuckle, “I tend to speak without thinking. I’m really trying to work on it. Faith, you are unlike any woman I have ever met and I don’t want to mess up what’s happening between us.”

Faith sat up straight. What did he mean by that? There wasn’t anything happening between them, was there? Granted, her feelings for him had been growing from the moment she woke up in the hospital and saw him sitting in the chair, but did he have feelings for her, as well?

“Please forgive me.”

How in the world was she supposed resist when he was playing dirty with that sexy voice and earnest confession? “Okay.”

“I can’t promise I won’t shove my foot in my mouth again, but I will try.” Silence rose between them.
 “So, does this mean we’re still on for tomorrow evening?”

She had forgotten about their date. “Yes, And that surprise better be good. Better than good.”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2g93i2f
About Sheryl...
Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She’s been nominated for an Emma Award and RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author and 2016 Breakout Author and Black Pearls Magazine’s 2017 Author of the Year. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two very special little boys.

Contact info:
 
Website: www.sheryllister.com
Email: sheryllister@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/1Slynne


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Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, LaShawn...

What happens when a woman finds herself in a situation similar to the one that caused her to leave her husband? Does a woman's heart truly belong to the new man, when her spouse was the love of her life? Only time will tell, and reading today's March Madness post.

LaShawn Hewlett Wilson is packing the heat and drama on today's March Madness. Reply to be entered into the giveaway for a copy of Forbidden Fruit and an Amazon gift card!
Book Synopsis
Rayne Armstrong was blissfully married to her childhood sweetheart Rashard and she thought she had it all- perfect career, perfect looks, perfect home, and the perfect husband. So when her marriage came crumbling down due to Rashard's infidelity, she felt her world was turned upside down. Rayne begins to feel her life spiraling out of control, and she is grateful her family and best friend are there to help her pick up the pieces.
 
Devastated by her divorce, Rayne promised herself she would avoid relationships because they were too complicated—until her instant attraction to sexy and handsome Bryce Underwood, a successful Real Estate Broker caught her off guard. Unexpectedly, she finds herself becoming emotionally involved but there is just one problem- he is married.

Rayne finds herself in a vicious love triangle as she struggles with her burning desire for Bryce and still being in love with Rashard. Then there is the wildcard Troy, whom is determined to win her heart which throws her into a whirlwind of pleasure and anguish. All hell breaks loose when secrets are unveiled, and Rayne emotions began to collide. Torn between the world of love and temptation, will Rayne finally realize which man is truly the one…?

Forbidden Fruit Excerpt

The present …
 
Rashard and Rayne were curled up on the floor naked. Tender moans had faded away in the distance and the smell of sweet sex lingered in the air. They were basking in the afterglow of their love-making activities. Rayne was panting as if she had just run a 100 yard dash. Rashard was nibbling on her ear lobes, making trails of kisses on her neck, and repeatedly whispering how much he loved her.
 
Rayne sat up from Rashard’s embrace and looked around the living room that was filled with moving boxes. The sun was streaming through the blinds, giving the dim room lighting. The canyon brown paint on the walls had a somber tone from being bare. Her life was picture perfect. Rashard was a civil engineer and was taking over his father’s engineering company. His father took an extended leave of absence to take care of his ailing wife. Rayne successfully opened up her own real estate company. To put the icing on the cake, she and Rashard were moving into their first home. What more could a woman ask for? Rayne was on cloud nine.
 
Rayne loved her husband more than life itself. In her eyes, he was the perfect package. Besides being so damn fine, he took good care of her financially and sexually. They started dating in high school and off and on throughout college. Rayne started to remember how they were destined to be together from the moment they went on their first date.
 
Her parents promised that when she turned sixteen she could start dating. They didn’t have their first date until their junior year in high school when Rashard got his driver’s license. She would never forget how Rashard was so nervous when he asked her out to the movies.
 
“Would you like to go see that new Eddie Murphy film, Nutty Professor II this weekend?”
 
Rayne was tickled watching Rashard fidget with his hands while she slowly contemplated her answer. She couldn’t believe he had the jitters asking her out on a date.
 
“I don’t know…I have to check my calendar…it depends on if my mom don’t need me around the house. I’ll get back with you later.”
 
“Ok then,” Rashard said sounding so pitiful.
 
Rayne fell out laughing, and finally decided to put him out of his misery and responded, “I would love to go out with you this weekend. I was just kidding.”
 
He rolled his eyes but gave her a cheerful smile. “You love giving me a hard time.”
 
“I do because I know you like it.” Rayne said, batting her eyelashes. She could tell by the way he blushed and stared at her with his soulful eyes.
 
Saturday had finally arrived and Rayne was rummaging through her closet trying to find the hottest, cutest outfit for her first date. She decided on her mini denim skirt, tight pink printed tee, and wedge heel sandals. Her hair was pinned in an up-do, face immaculately done, accessories on point, and her nails and toes were polished in hot pink. She pulled out her strawberry lip gloss from her purse and applied it to her lips. She looked herself over in the mirror, marveling at her stunning look that was sure to make Rashard drool.
 
Rayne’s mother walked into the room, breaking her concentration from the mirror. She stood up and spun around so her mother could see her outfit.
 
“You look beautiful, baby.” Her angelic smile made Rayne feel good. She walked closer to Rayne and gently touched the side of her face. “Too bad your father is not here to share this experience with you. He would be so proud of how his little girl has grown up to be respectful, intelligent, and beautiful.”
 
Six months had passed since the death of her father. His death had briefly put a strain on her relationship with Rashard, not to mention it was hard for her, her mother, and brother to cope with their loss. Tyreke was staying on campus. It was his freshman year at Old Dominion University. It was just Rayne and her mother, but they got to see Tyreke every other weekend, during breaks, and when the campus was closed for holidays.
 
Rayne hugged her mother tightly. “Thank you momma, I love you.”
Thirty minutes later, Rashard arrived at her house. He looked too damn fine in his blue jeans, white tee with the word Converse written across the front, and a fresh pair of all white Chuck Taylor sneakers. 
 
They arrived at the movies where they ran into all their friends. Rayne saw Kenya and Zoey who were hugged up with their boyfriends. They managed to get in five minutes to gloat over their boos and complement each other on how good they looked in their outfits before returning to their dates.
 
The first hour of the movie, Rayne and Rashard watched the movie sharing popcorn and Goobers, laughing hysterically at Eddie Murphy, but the remainder of the movie they were engaged in heavy kissing and necking. The date ended with them going to Byrd Park. A lot of teenagers frequented there because they saw it as a romantic spot to make out in the back seat of their cars. They climbed in the back seat of Rashard’s Nissan Sentra where heavier kissing, necking, and Rashard fingering Rayne took place. The park was closing at nine and although they had thirty minutes, they spent the rest of their time making love. When they finished, Rayne looked deep into Rashard’s eyes and said, “I love you.” Not only did Rashard tell her he loved her back, but he gave her a beautiful customized initial gold necklace. He put the necklace around Rayne’s neck, and tears trickled down her cheeks making her realize he was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with…
 
Links to purchase book: https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Fruit-LaShawn-Hewlett-Wilson/dp/0615610501/
 
Giveaway Items : A free copy of the book with a $10 Amazon gift card.

About LaShawn...
Passion for writing books has always been in LaShawn’s heart.  Her debut novel, Forbidden Fruit” has been described as a “wonderful” love story filled with suspense and drama. La ’Shawn loves writing romance novels because she says it’s nothing like creating a story surrounded by erotica, suspense and drama, which portray characters burning with lust, love, and passion.

LaShawn’s focus is to inspire many readers with novels that will allow them to capture the essence of every sultry, raw, and passionate story, bringing a new, fresh, and exciting outlook to romance writing.  The sequel, Forbidden Fruit 2 was released on September 11, 2015. LaShawn Hewlett-Wilson is CEO/Founder of Bittersweet Publications, LLC., and resides in Richmond, VA  with her husband and three children.


Contact Information:
Facebook Fan Page: Bittersweet Publications
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BittersweetPub
Instagram: Misslala2U
Website: www.lashawnhewlettwilson.com
Email: bittersweetpub@yahoo.com

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Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, K.K...

March Madness is blazing up a trail of fire throughout the month of March. Today's featured author, K.K. Harris is here to show you why.

Leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered into the giveaway.
The name Blaze was known to bring fear into the hearts of many men and made the women from his era scheme to be near. The youngsters that claimed to run things have now made what the streets once admired into a mockery. Although Blaze was finished with the street life, the fact that someone dare bash his name as if it were a joke, bothered him. The originals from the streets knew the deal but the newbies were sadly mistaking kindness and quietness for weakness.

Kay's overwhelming need for riddles in her life to be solved will cause waves to roll all around. The answers that she seeks will ring trouble to their quiet existence. Hard choices will be forced upon her and lines will inevitably be drawn in the sand. Evil intent will be the driving force to disrupt a home built on lies and attempt to throw a monkey wrench into a happy home for the hell of it.

Neither will be too pleased to have their lives called to question; this will be a bitter fight to end all the confusion. How will all parties involved gain resolve when so many lives have been disrupted with bitter truths?

***EXCERPT***



BLAZING THESE STREETS

“Baby breathe, it’s going to be all right.” Blaze consoled. They had just arrived at the restaurant of Kay’s choosing.

“I don’t know why I am so nervous.”

“Me either, what aren’t you telling me?”

“Originally, I invited her over to our house for dinner. After a talk with Nadia and Tiff, they convinced me that probably wasn’t such a wise idea.”

“…” Blaze was silent for a minute before he took a deep breath.

“I know what you are going to say.”

“And what is that love?”

“Kay, what were you thinking inviting that woman to our house?” Kay tried her hand at impersonating Blaze.

“Actually no, that wasn’t what I was thinking at all.” Blaze chuckled at her attempt at reading him. “I was going to say, I understand your hidden need to show her that you made it without her. It’s naturat to want the world to know that they were wrong about you, me, and the thought of an us. No one believed we would survive the tests that center on a marriage; we are living proof that it can be done. No matter how different we are on paper, when it boils down to it, we are two people in love with one another.”

“Aww isn’t that sweet. Just precious,” they heard Geneva speak sarcastically.

“Oh hey mom,” Kay pulled away from Blaze to greet her mother.

“Hey yourself,” was her snide reply. “By all means, don’t let me interrupt. After all you invited me, no need to acknowledge your guest.”

“Mom, you remember Nate don’t you?”

“I thought his name was something else, it starts with a b doesn’t it?”

“Yes ma’am that is my nick name if you must. It’s nice to see you again Miss Geneva.”

“Street name you mean,” she remarked.

“One in the same actually,” Blaze did not bow down.

“How is work mom?” Kay cut in trying to alleviate some of the tension.

“It was work, I’m sure you have forgotten what that is like.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Don’t play stupid with me; I know you are well off. I figured you couldn’t wait to show off that nice big house of yours. What’s the matter, did your man forbid you from having your mother over to his house?”

“Actually no, that’s not the reason I changed the plans at the last minute. I realized I didn’t want to invite evil-ill intent type of folks inside of our house. Those type of people can’t taint our house where we live with our family just in case remnants will linger in the air.” Kay said shocking the mess out of Blaze and Geneva. It was clear no one expected her to check her mother in that fashion.

“I don’t have to sit here and take a verbal lashing from you little girl, remember I gave birth to you not the other way around. You chose to throw the life I gave to you away for this imitation business man.” Geneva made a nasty noise with her throat before centering her hateful gaze on Blaze. “He ain’t nothing but a common thug; a street hoodlum up to no good just like the rest of them.”

“Now you wait just a minute, mother. I will not let you disrespect my husband, MY HUSBAND. He has never disrespected you or me, so you can take your hateful attitude somewhere else. The only reason I asked to meet with you is to find out who my father really is and how do I find him?”

“Why would you want to know anything about that man?”

“Because I have a right to know who I came from,” Kay said with confusion written all over her face. She couldn’t figure out why her mother was so angry and hateful.

“You are gluten for no good men, I see.”

“Are you avoiding the question because you don’t know?”

“I’ll have you know little girl, I didn’t and still don’t sleep around.”

“Then just answer the question, there is no need for all this foolery. Once you give me the information I seek, I will never bother you again.”

“Be careful what you ask for, you may not find favor in the results.” Geneva said cryptically.

“His name is William Gable. William Gable Sr., the faithful pastor of Mt. Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is your dead-beat father.”

“Good luck and good riddance,” Geneva smirked as if it were a private joke that only she was privy to before turning to leave.

Blaze instantly tensed up at the acknowledgement of the name. Kay was shocked and appalled that the man lived nearby all this time. What if he once upon a time wanted a relationship with Kay but Geneva was blocking? She heard the name before but hadn’t met him personally. There was a lot of prep work that needed to be laid. Kay wasn’t even sad to see her mother walk away, she was too busy planning.

https://www.amazon.com/BLAZING-these-STREETS-BLAZE-Book-ebook/dp/B01M1DMXGU

Kanika K. Harris was born and raised in Little Rock, AR. She attended and graduated from the historical Little Rock Central High School in 1999. Kanika is married to her wonderful husband of nearly ten years and mother of three, two boys and one girl.

Writing has always been a passion of hers since middle school. Deciding in 2011 to pursue that dream full-time and turn that dream into a reality, she released her debut release Love Drug. When she isn’t writing she spends the remainder of her time alongside her husband running their catering and janitorial businesses. Love Drug was only the beginning with three additional novels following all through self-publication. This is only the beginning, she looks forward to continuing the dream with future concepts. 

Although she considers herself as an urban fiction novelist she has uncovered her talents in writing in several other types of genres. Currently her work would be labeled as romance, urban, fiction, and street-lit genres. According to the readers that she has reached on wattpad.com, the ages range from 18-40 years of age. The romance of the stories are detailed and in some cases graphic to paint an accurate picture for the reader. The characters are forced to show a deeper connection along with their sexual relations. She aims to connect with her readers through the characters, men and women, by touching on multiple angles of a relationship.

authorkkharris@gmail.com


https://www.facebook.com/authokkharris


https://author-kkharris.com/

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Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, Angelia...

March Madness gears up with the concept most of us are familiar with. Not quite grown enough to be indulging in "grown-folks stuff", but too old to be completely innocent of all we've seen, heard, or thought about. It's called "Womanish!"

Angelia Vernon Menchan is delving into that concept today, and you have the chance to win a signed copy of Young...But Grown...Womanish, journal and #JustLove book bag. Simply reply to be entered to win! Read on... Sara was raised by her mom and aunt. Her mom Sally was never married and her aunt was much older and didn't have children. They all worked cleaning homes of white people but Sara didn't want for anything. She was their princess.

Sara was tall with ebony skin, long thick hair and lean, pretty features with huge white teeth. She was also known for being book smart but not knowing much else. She was my best friend and two years older. I was considered the bold one, because I dressed more hip, was outspoken, played sports and really liked boys though that was the extent of it. However, Sara was convinced I was sexual. I couldn't convince her otherwise because boys really liked me as well. In her mind that meant I had to be screwing.

I recall an incident when I was fourteen and she was sixteen. She decided we were going to walk in our bare feet to the store. It was 1970 and I guess to Sara that felt provocative since it was her idea.

"Where you pretty ladies going?" A deep growly voice asked.

Alonzo Billings stepped in front of us. Alonzo was twenty one or two and had spent a couple years in Vietnam. He was as handsome as could be with velvety dark skin, an Afro and short cut beard. He was also tall and muscular but slim. Rumor was he was on heroin. Many brothers who came back from Vietnam were. Sara ducked her head. Reaching under her chin, he lifted it. "Sara, I asked you a question." He said. I looked on in fascination. Sara wasn't really allowed to date but there was something very familiar going on.

"We going to the store..." she answered.

"Why you not wearing shoes?" Alonzo asked.

"We're expressing our blackness." Sara responded and Alonzo snorted with laughter. That was funny to me too. I mean, we weren't slaves.

"Girl, you're too cute. This your little sister?" He asked.

"Not by blood." Sara said and his eyes raked over me. I stared back. Blinking, he grinned and looked back at Sara.

"She's an innocent but her soul is old. You Sara are a beautiful fake." He said and bopped down the sidewalk.

"Why did he say that?" I asked and Sara shrugged her pointed chin jutted forth.

"He likes bothering me. He thinks I act white and stuff." She said.

It dawned on me the walking barefoot and coming this way was about him. She liked Alonzo. Wow. I bet her mama and aunts didn't know that. They watched her like a hawk but somehow she managed to know him.

A few nights later there was a block party near our homes and Sara asked mom if I could go. I mean I was fourteen but in tenth grade with a job. I had never been out. Mom agreed and I loved it. Streets filled with music and dancing. I loved dancing and danced with everyone who asked. About ten thirty, a fight broke out and people started scattering. A guy actually hit another guy with a mailbox he yanked from the ground. He was another one of those vets. Too old to be hanging with teenagers. I looked around for Sara and she was nowhere to be found. M, our neighbor who was a year older than me offered to walk me home.

I was concerned about Sara but I had to be home by eleven. She was on her own. However, we turned the corner and Alonzo stepped out of the darkness.

"Keep my little sister safe." He said to M.

"Do you know him?" M asked.

"No..." I answered and at that moment Sara raced up behind us, her hair messy and flying. She also looked giddy.

"Where were you? There was a fight." I said.

"I had to pee." She said, smoothing her hair. I glanced at M and he grinned at me. She was lying through her big teeth.

"You might want to get that grass out your hair." M observed and I giggled. Her hand flew to her head.

After M turned into his yard, she walked with me to mine.

"Did you have fun?" She asked.

"Yes. It was fun."

"Good, I think M likes you."

"I think you like Alonzo." Color literally drained from her dark face.

"A, don't say that. He's a grown man. He's not thinking about me and mom and them would kill me."

"Okay." I said and went inside. She was not fooling me. At all. Alonzo was right, she was a fake.

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY NOW!

Angelia Vernon Menchan is wife, mother, nana and mentor. Since January 2006, she has published 17 books and an additional 33 ebooks through her small publishing company, MAMM Productions. She is also the Co-founder of Honorable MENCHAN Media, through which she has published books for other authors. Her personal motto is, ‘There is abundance through God for all of us; we simply have to be open for our blessings.' She resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband and cover designer, Maurice Menchan.
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Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, Chelle...

Day 7 of March Madness has arrived and I'm up again. Yes! Today my birthday celebration continues, as I share my upcoming release: A Woman's Design Afflictions! This book is scheduled for release later this month.

Leave a reply on the post to be entered into the giveaway! I'm giving away an eBook copy of one of the books in The House of BeJeweled series...Your choice.
Ambiance – Loving her husband, building her brand, and being there for her girls are the only things that matter to her. But she’s quickly learning that her love is not enough to build a strong, stable marriage. Surrounded by family, friends and business constituents should be enough; yet, she’s all alone. When her love isn’t enough to suffice her husband’s needs, Ambiance considers stepping beyond the vows and taking matters into her own hands.

Naomi – As a teen she made the decision to be a single mother. Choosing to build her life around her daughter has molded and shaped all the decisions she has made until now. Her relationship with her daughter is highly valued and nothing can shake it, not even her daughter’s attempts to grow up. But when her daughter’s so-called “deceased” father comes back, Naomi’s carefully constructed world may begin to crumble. Her efforts to protect her child may be the one thing that pushes her away, and she must decide if she will open herself up to love again.

Paige- running from her inner demons she struggles to build a life vastly different than her mother and aunt’s. With a mindset of use or be used, she takes the concept of “love ‘em and leave ‘em” to a new level, and her promiscuous lifestyle is a cause of concern for all those who love her. She doesn’t care whose heart she’s breaking or whose life she’s ruining, it’s all about her. Until it no longer is.

Three women are on a journey of self-discovery, as they deal with the fallout from choices made from emotion rather than self-awareness.
A WOMAN'S DESIGN: AFFLICTIONS  EXCERPT

I received a call from Naomi around three that afternoon asking me out to dinner after work. I suggested she come to my place instead. I was still dragging and too tired to put up with people in public. She informed me that Ambiance would be coming along, as well.

I ordered Chinese to be delivered so that no one had to cook. It would be quick and simple. Naomi and Ambiance rode over to my condo together, arriving just before seven.

“Hey girl, did you see your car?” Naomi asked, gesturing over her shoulder to the parking lot behind her.

“What do you mean?” I asked, panicking and feeling as if I couldn’t catch my breath. I ran out the door with my two friends hot on my heels.

When I arrived in the parking lot, tears fell from my eyes. Not because my baby had been attacked, but because of what it represented, hate, evil, anger, and rage.

All four tires had been slashed, and the front driver side window had been bashed in. On the front windshield, $0.02 had been scrawled, and on the back windshield, the word “ho” had been spray-painted.

“Who in the hell did you piss off?” Naomi asked.

“I don’t think it was something she did. It looks like the work of a horny teenager. Paige, which one of those babies on your job you been teasing again?” Ambiance laughed.

I turned tear-filled eyes her way and shot her a venomous look.  I was in no mood for jokes. I knew who had done this, but I had no way to prove it.

“Come on, honey. Let’s go back in the house, and you can call the police to file a report. If for nothing else, at least for insurance purposes,” Naomi coddled. “And you need to take out a restraining order if you know who did this.”

I sniffled and shook my head okay. I was consumed with rage and couldn’t think straight.

After we called the police and filed a report, my next call was to the insurance company. They would send someone out first thing in the morning and also have a rental car delivered to me.

“So, what’s going on, girl?” Ambiance asked, tucking her feet underneath her on the floor where she sat.

We finally had a moment to sit down and dig into our food. I didn’t have much of an appetite and toyed around with it. I would probably have it for my lunch on tomorrow at work.

“David, the guy I met at the conference on workplace safety a year and a half ago…” I began, and then spooned a small bite of food in my mouth.

The ladies nodded their heads, assuring me they remembered him and wanted me to go on.

“Well, I broke things off with him, and he obviously didn’t take it too well.”

“I thought you weren’t in a relationship?” Naomi queried.

“I’m not. It was just one of those things, you know?” I shrugged it off, hoping to leave the subject alone.

“Was he getting attached to you like Vic?” Ambiance questioned.

“Mm-hmm…but he doesn’t even have the right to be jealous. Being a marr—” I cut myself off, realizing what I was about to say. I hadn’t meant to allow that to leak.

“Come on, Paige…don’t tell me he’s married?” Naomi probed, quickly picking up the vein of conversation I had purposely dropped.

I looked all around the room, avoiding the gaze of my two friends. I felt so ashamed, I didn’t know what to do.

“Paige…Paige, look at me. Is he married?” Ambiance demanded.

As I shook my head yes, she let out a deep breath. I knew she was furious, especially knowing she had issues with her husband and his infidelity. I didn’t mean to hurt my best friend. Ambiance stood up and
walked to the bathroom off the hallway.

“Paige, what were you thinking?” Naomi asked me.

“I wasn’t thinking, Naomi. Truthfully, I didn’t care. It’s only been lately that it started to bother me. To be honest, it was one day when we were together that she called him and he forced me to look at her face on his phone while he continued to do it to me. That was the first time I felt any shame,” I revealed.
I sighed deeply, not knowing what my girl was going through. I pointed towards the bathroom. “I never meant to hurt her, either,” I shared.

“She’ll be okay. She’s got her own issues to deal with,” Naomi stated. I shook my head, figuring she was referring to Eric’s affairs.

“Well, I’m glad you learned your lesson. I am assuming you don’t plan to do that again?” she asked.

“No. I’m tired, Naomi. And truth be told, I don’t think it’s over. Now, he has his wife to deal with.”

“What do you mean?” Naomi asked. At that moment, Ambiance walked back into the room. Her eyes were red, and we knew she had been crying. When Naomi moved to comfort her, she put her hand up, stopping her.

“I’m okay. I really am. And it’s not you alone, Paige. Everyone has choices to make, and that man made some poor choices, too. But go ahead with your story.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yeah, I am. Finish telling us what led to this,” Ambiance encouraged.

“Well, he was upset with me, because I got a call about one of my babies who had run away. I had to leave and sent him home.” For some reason, I didn’t share with them what he had done to the mirror in my master bathroom. Maybe because that was too personal. Everyone knew I had been sleeping with the man, but somehow sharing that information was putting it out on a different level.

“Oh, no, is she okay?” Naomi asked. Naomi and Ambiance both knew how much the children I worked with meant to me. Even if they were only around for a short time, they were the most important thing in the world. They were what kept me whole and gave my life any substance, the possibility that I could make a difference and give someone a shot in this thing called life.

“Yes, we found her. All is well with that. But I didn’t get back home until four-thirty this morning. He was calling me no sooner than I got in and then at my door when I refused to answer. He started banging on it and kicking it when I refused to let him in. I threatened him with the police, told him I was packing, and nothing I said would deter him. He acted a fool in the hallway, until some of the men in the building got him out of here.”

“But why did you say you didn’t think it was over, and he has his wife to deal with?” Naomi asked.
I looked at Ambiance. I didn’t want to upset her any more than I already had, and I was sure this next confession might do just that. She sensed my hesitation and pulled her eyes from her lap, where they had been focused, to look at me.

“I’m okay, Paige. Go ahead and tell us what happened,” Ambiance stated.

“Well, in the midst of him acting a fool, I called his wife.”

“How did you get her number?” Naomi asked.

“The day he forced me to look at her picture on his phone while he had sex with me, I saw it, and that number stayed in my head. So anyway, I called her and put her on speaker and turned on the house intercom. She could hear everything he said. I said some things to him to calm him down, and he started talking intimately. Then I got on the phone with her and I told her. Call me selfish, but a part of me felt she needed to know,” I said, attempting to justify my actions.

“Damn!” Ambiance said. She stood up and was rubbing her arms up and down. I knew she was trying to get control of her emotions and thinking of her own troubles with her husband.

“What did she say?” Naomi asked. She was not only worried about Ambiance, but I could tell she was worried about my state of mind, as well.

“You know, she was furious and I could tell that she was hurt. But I swear, I didn’t do it to hurt her. I did it to help her. She needed to know. If she chooses to stay with him, that’s her business. But at least she knows what’s going on in her marriage.”

“Did you use protection?” Ambiance’s voice came out a little shaky.

“Always,” I replied. I didn’t feel as if I owed anybody that explanation, but I knew where her question was coming from. If I could offer anything to ease her pain for what she was going through, I would give that to her.

“I wish someone had told me.” Ambiance muttered that under her breath, and I barely heard her.
Naomi simply nodded her head.

“Look, I know you two look at me one way. We see life in different perspectives, and I don’t judge you about the routes you choose to go. So, I just ask for the same respect,” I shared.

“That’s not fair,” Ambiance began. “You’re always judging me. You talk about how you wouldn’t put up with the stuff that I go through with Eric. You talk about how you’re going to use them up before they use you and you wouldn’t be sitting home at night alone, crying while you know he’s with another woman.”

“And that’s true, I wouldn’t. Hell, but that’s how I feel. I don’t get you, Ambiance. You’ve known that man was sleeping around on you before, but not only did you stay with him, you still put up with his mess. You don’t have a life, because everything is centered on him. If he wants you to stay at home alone…then guess what you do? I won’t be sleeping with a married man again, but I won’t be letting them make a fool out of me, either. And that’s exactly what you do every time you let Eric get away with that. I just wish my sisters would wake up,” I stated matter-of-factly with a simple shrug.
About Chelle:
Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children, where she is an HR Professional by day. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. She is a ghostwriter for romance authors. She also blogs for Liyahmore Publishing and Amore Speaks. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: Author Chelle Ramsey
TWITTER: @ChellesBooks
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: Chelleramseybooks - See more at: http://www.chelleramsey.com/beautiful...
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Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, Happy Birthday, Chelle...

It's the 6th day of March Madness and today is also my 44th birthday! I'm celebrating it with you, all month long, by hosting other authors and their giveaways.

Relationships are a joint effort and commitment of two lives coming together in love and unity. Yet, sometimes the heart of one is still pledged to another, preventing the one from loving the person they're with. In the words of the old O'Jays song, Your Body's Here With Me, but your mind is on the other side of town.

My excerpt from BeJeweled: Standing Strong is just such a case. I'm giving away a signed copy of BeJeweled: Standing Strong and a $25 gift card today.

I just need you to comment on this post to be entered into the giveaway.
BLURB:

Olivia has overcome many challenges and disappointments in her life. Yet, when faced with an unexpected death of a family member, and witnessing the murder of someone she cares for, she isn’t sure she can survive. The losses incurred on this journey may cause her to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

The return of Black and Kianna means the puzzle pieces of Angel’s life are finally locking into place. The picture is different than she envisioned. Angel must determine if uncovering the truth of their past, is worth the sacrifice of her new relationship.

Kianna’s played dirty in the past, but this time the fight is deadly. She’s willing to go all in to expose the truth, which will cause everyone in the game to ante up. Will her sacrifice be more than she bargained for?

Black’s gambled several times in the past, but this time the stakes are high. With his life and those of his family serving as the bargaining chips, it isn’t that easy to fold. To protect those he loves the most, he may have to sacrifice his own life to save theirs.

Angel. Kianna. Black. In the end everyone must bear their cross. And the truth is so explosive, the House will never be the same. One will stand strong and walk away. One will stand strong and make the ultimate sacrifice. And one will stand strong and won’t survive!
EXCERPT (CHAPTER: STILL IN LOVE)

“Are you going back down to the hospital tonight?” Alex asked as he sat on Angel’s patio. They had barely seen one another since Black had been shot. Their weekend trip to the beach had been postponed in light of current events. She had agreed to let him come over for dinner at the last minute.

“Yeah, I had planned on it, why?” she asked as she removed the lemons from the grill and brushed the onions with oil before placing them on the grill.

“Babe…I just wanted to spend some time with you,” he said, standing up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

She flinched slightly as he pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck.

“What’s wrong?” Alex asked.

“Nothing,” she replied, flipping the onions to the other side.

“I touch you and you flinch, and you tell me it’s nothing? Alright, Angel. What’s really going on?” Alex asked.

“I told you, nothing! I’m just trying to grill here and I could’ve burned myself!” she snapped.

“Sure, whatever,” he mumbled, and walked back into the apartment. He didn’t come back out until she had finished with the pork chops.

He set the bowl of avocado and watercress salad on the patio table and went back to grab a couple of plates. After he finished dishing the salad onto them, she placed their grilled pork chops, lemons, and onions on the plates.

Holding hands she led them in a quick prayer to bless their meal.

“You’re awfully quiet tonight,” she observed when they were halfway through their meal.

He shook his head and smirked. “I just don’t get you.”

“What’s there to get?”

“We were getting so close and doing well in our relationship. I respected your right to keep our relationship platonic until after your divorce. Then for the first six months after the divorce we were good friends. After that, we decided to try dating and things have been cool since. I thought we were getting serious. But all of a sudden this situation arises and while I respect the situation for what it is, it seems like there’s no place for me anymore. I’ve been your strength through everything he took you through. I understand you have love and care for this man for who he was and is in your life. But I’m the one you’re supposed to run to, and now it feels like I’m being pushed to the back burner,” Alex explained patiently.

Angel took a sip of water before addressing his concerns. “No, Alex. I am not trying to push you away and I’m sorry if you feel that way. It’s just these last few days have been hectic. Every free moment I have is spent with TJ, you know that,” she rebutted.

“Yeah, but you have no time to talk to me. I call you, and you tell me you’ll call me back and never do. I can’t even kick it with you and TJ…not anymore.”

“Look, TJ’s confused about why his dad didn’t come and pick him up. He hasn’t seen him or spoken to him in a few days. That’s not usual for him and it’s hard, especially when they usually talk every other day. I’m just trying to make him my sole focus when I spend time with him, so he won’t miss his dad so much. He’s too young to understand what’s going on.”

“You’re fooling yourself, Angel. There’s no way that little boy won’t miss his father, I don’t care how much time you spend with him. There’s no way you can make up for what he gets from Black. I told you that in the beginning. I guess one day you’ll finally figure it out.”

“You know what? I’m sorry you don’t understand, but it is what it is at the moment, Alex. I would hope you could support me on this. If not, I don’t know what to tell you.” Angel picked up their empty dishes and took them to the sink.

He followed her inside with the empty serving platters and placed them in the sink. Alex pulled Angel into his arms.

“I want to understand, but I need you to help me. I also need you to understand where I’m coming from, too,” he stated as he tried to kiss her.

She turned her head away at the last minute and pulled from his embrace, walking to the sink.

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now, Alex. I need some time. Just let me have a little breathing room, okay?” she asked, rinsing their plates, preparing to put them in the dishwasher.

“This is bullshit, Angel! And you know it!” he argued, fire flashing in his green eyes.

“What is, Alex? The fact I’m just asking for a little time?” Angel pressed. She stepped away from the dishwasher and faced him.

“No. The fact you want me to sit around waiting on you. I’m supposed to be on hold while you sort out your feelings for your ex-husband. I get that you want the best for him and you care about him. I get that him being shot was major, but what I won’t get is why you feel the need to lie to me,” Alex declared.

“I’m not lying to you about anything,” Angel argued.

“Well, if not to me, then to yourself. Figure out what you want to do, Angel. I’ve got a life to live!” Alex stalked out the kitchen, grabbed his keys off the table near the front door, and left the little apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Angel shook as the vibrations reverberated throughout her apartment. She finally released the tears she held within. Tears of sorrow over a past with Black she had not fully let go of and tears of fear of possibly losing a good thing with Alex.

It wasn’t until she sat in the hospital with Black that she completely realized she had not gotten over her pain from their divorce, or his affair with her former co-worker, Kianna. But the scariest revelation was understanding her relationship with Alex might just be a re-bound thing after all. Something her mother had warned her against. DOWNLOAD THE SERIES

About Chelle...
 
Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and three children, where she is an HR Professional by day. Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in the Almighty God, and belief in themselves. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods.

She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. She is a ghostwriter for romance authors. She also blogs for Liyahmore Publishing and Amore Speaks. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon.
 
LINKS:
WEB: www.chelleramsey.com
EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: Author Chelle Ramsey
TWITTER: @ChellesBooks
PINTEREST: ChellesBooks
INSTAGRAM: Chelleramseybooks Don't forget to reply for a chance to win!

To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner.

For exclusive content, contests, cover reveals, and more join my newsletter.
Undeniably Chelle...
Living Life Beautifully Inspired!

March Madness, Unoma...

We're kicking off the second week of March Madness with my dear author friend and fellow ATL resident, Unoma Nwankwor. Stardom and fame comes with a hefty price, sometimes the cost requires your very soul. What happens when your desires and God's destiny for your future collide?

It's day 5 of March Madness. Leave a reply to be entered into Unoma's giveaway...
He Changed My Name
 
Book Title: He Changed My Name

Publisher: KevStel Group February 12, 2016

ASIN: B01B786XFE

Genre: Christian Fiction Romance

Author: Unoma Nwankwor

About the Book: Eager to escape the hypocrisy of the church and build her singing career, pop sensation, Ayanti “Yanni” Effiong enters and wins The Next World Star. Apart from fulfilling her dream, her move to America offers the perfect opportunity to help young female immigrants. A cause she pursues with a passion until fame takes over. Fifteen years later, broke, dumped and fresh out of jail, she begins to regret the lifestyle and name she created for herself.

Mensah Afortey is on the brink of losing the church he put his heart and soul into for the past seven years. This years’ Valentine Day gala is his last attempt to raise money for the church. Everything is set but they need a big name to pull in donations. Just as he is about to give up, in walks “Yanni.” When he agreed for Ayanti to serve community service under his church he didn’t know she was the same person as the embattled star.

While she pays her debt to society, the last thing she wants to do is perform on a day that left a bitter taste in her mouth. But there is no denying the instant attraction between them. Before he wins her heart, Mensah must win her soul. Over time and in fellowship with the church, Ayanti comes to realize that despite what man calls her, God has the ability to change her name.

Excerpt:
 
The shrill ring of her phone brought her back to the present. She sat up against the headboard. Her heartbeat accelerated as she answered the phone. It was Debby.

“Please give me good news.”

“Hey, chica,” Debby responded. “I hope you’re doing better.”

Earlier, Ayanti had a breakdown. She had screamed and bawled her eyes out, wishing she was back in Calabar, the capital city of her home, Cross Rivers in Nigeria. It seemed like a lifetime ago she won that competition and left the country.

“Yes, I’m fine, but tell me I can be better.”

“Okay, here’s the deal. Charity for Homes had filled up with court ordered volunteers until next month…”

“I can’t wait that long!”

“Lemme finish, girlie. We were able to get you to volunteer with them not as an individual, but under a church group.”

“A church!” Ayanti wiped her hands across her face. She hadn’t been in one of those in years. Did Debby have any idea the kind of judgment that went on in that place? She’d take her chances with the mean police officer until next month.

“Hear me out. The church volunteers with Homes for Charity as a non-sponsor group. You can be part of those volunteers and when they are not volunteering, you can still make up some hours by working in the church. That way, you can get this thing over with faster. Now tell me that doesn’t beat picking up trash in the streets,” Debby finished.

“But those people would have known what I did. Why I’m there...”

“And? Which one of them there hasn’t done anything bad?” Debby asked. “Girl, think about it. Besides, you have nothing else to lose at this point.”

“I guess you’re right.” Ayanti contemplated the whole arrangement.

“Of course I am.” A beat of silence passed between them. “Now get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow. Think about it and let me know what you want to do. You have until the end of the week.”

“What’s the name of the church?”

“Ummm...hold on.”  The shuffling noise of paper could be heard in the background. “It’s called Calvary Is the Way. It’s on Auburn.”

Ayanti remained silent for a few minutes. After a while they disconnected. Ayanti switched off the television and turned to her side. Calvary Is the Way? She rolled her eyes. These new age churches and their names. What ever happened to churches with sensible names? Like Mount something...

© 2016 Unoma Nwankwor
 
Purchase Links
 Amazon: http://amzn.to/23xHqjD

About Unoma...
Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor spent her childhood and early adulthood years in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. She possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Global Management. Her publishing credits include An Unexpected Blessing (2013), The Christmas Ultimatum (2013), When You Let Go (May, 2014), A Scoop of Love (Jan, 2015) and Anchored By Love (Dec 2015). Her work has appeared in Africa Book Club, USA Today HEA blog and The Kenyan E-zine; Wamathai.  Her stories are described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice. Unoma is also the co-owner of KevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband and two children.

Social Links
Website: http://www.unwankwor.com
Blog: http://www.unomanwankwor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/unwankworauthor
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/unwankwor Don't forget to reply for a chance to win!

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March Madness, Suzette...

March Madness is in full spin and we're keeping your weekend going with a dose of love and forgiveness. Today, Suzette is giving away a Kindle copy of both Trembling Hearts and Mended Hearts. All she needs for you to do is comment... Jason Carr and Lezlie Sharpe have overcome devastating relationships, and now are on a journey to building a forever love… or so they think.

When social worker Lezlie Sharpe is accused of the unthinkable, instead of trusting in Jason’s love, she runs away. Realizing she has made a mistake and can’t live without him, she begs for his forgiveness. But, is it too late? Will Jason be able to get over Lezlie walking out on their love? Or will he be there to help her pick up the pieces?

Excerpt of Mended Hearts
 
Lezlie frowned as she gazed at her cell phone. Three days had gone by and she hadn’t heard from Jason. Every time she called him, the call rolled over to voice mail. He wasn’t returning her texts either.

Frustrated, she tossed the phone on the nightstand before going into the bathroom to take a shower. Here it was a Friday night and she was all alone. Turning on the tap, she stepped in, not caring that the water was a tad bit too hot. Tears mingled with the falling water as she replayed their last conversation in her mind. Maybe she shouldn’t have shared with him how her folks felt about their budding romance. But he hadn’t seemed upset with what she told him. If anything, he came off as very supportive.

“What happened?” she wondered aloud. This pain was worse than Earl’s betrayal. She thought she and Jason had connected on so many levels. What was it about her that turned men off?

She thought he was different. She believed him when he said he wouldn’t hurt her.

The running water drowned her sobs as she went on with her nighttime routine.

She shut off the faucet, stepped out the shower and began to dry off. Towel wrapped around her body, she padded to her bedroom. Her eyes were drawn to the cell phone like a magnet to metal. A glutton for punishment, she tried calling again. This time the phone rang several times until it went over to voicemail.

What kind of game was he playing? Whatever it was, she wasn’t having it. Anger replaced sadness as she dialed again. Who did he think he was, treating her this way? No more! She wasn’t letting another man trample over her again!

The chiming doorbell startled her. She looked at the phone in her hand, trying to decide if she should go see who was at the door or cuss Jason out. At the beep, she said, “I’ll get back to you later!”

Blood boiling, she didn’t think to put on a robe as she marched to the front door with nothing on but a towel. Nor did she bother to look through the peephole before yanking the door open.

“What do you—”

With his hands in the pockets of his leather bomber jacket, Jason lifted a thick brow. “Do you always answer the door dressed like that?”

Eyes wide, Lezlie looked down at herself. “Oh my God,” she shrieked, jumping behind the door.

Jason stepped across the threshold, dropped the duffle bag he was carrying, before he closed and locked the door. Staring down at her, he smiled before pulling her to himself. She didn’t fight him as he slanted his mouth over hers, kissing her hard and deep.

Breaking the kiss, she remembered that she was mad at him. She placed her hands against the wall of his chest and pushed him. It didn’t do any good though, because he held on, not budging.

“Jason, get off me.” Her voice broke when she said, “I’ve been trying to call you for three days.”

He hugged her close, hating the hurt in her voice because of him. “Babe, I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind and needed time to think.”

This time, he didn’t hold her when she pushed away. With her chest heaving, she shot back, “That’s no excuse for not answering my calls or texts! You could have at least texted me back saying so.”

He took a few steps to close the distance so he could lean down and nuzzle his nose on her damp, soft curls. He loved the floral fragrant shampoo she used. It was delicate and feminine, like her.

“You’re right. I should have called you back,” he murmured, leaning down further to kiss her neck. Man, she smelled wonderful.

Lezlie’s nipples hardened and she moved closer in hopes of assuaging the sensual ache between her thighs. She shuddered from the thick bulge in his jeans. Goosebumps popped up all over her body when he held her waist and picked her up so that her breasts were at his eye level. She shivered as his cold fingers gently pulled down the towel, exposing a light brown, puckered nipple.

Jason’s tongue circled the tip of her nipple before drawing it between his lips. He took his time savoring her and then moved to the other breast, treating it to the same carnal torture.

She didn’t care that the towel was falling from her body and any second, she’d be in all her naked glory. Slender fingers cradled his head to her breast as she wrapped her legs around his waist. The things he was doing felt so good. She didn’t want him to ever stop.

“Jason, please…”

She didn’t have to finish what she was pleading for because he wanted it just as badly.

She moaned in disappointment when he lifted his head to gaze into her eyes.

“Are you sure about this? Because once I start, I won’t be able to stop.”

She tugged her kiss-swollen bottom lip between her teeth, nodding her consent. She let out a wanton breath. “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”

“Which way is the bedroom?”

She pointed down the hall. “Back there.”

When he turned and began walking with her in his arms, she tried stopping him. “Jason, your leg.”

She didn’t miss the flash of annoyance in his light eyes. She ducked her head, not meaning to question his manhood. “I’m sorry.”

“I got you, baby.” He assured her, taking solid steps in the direction of her bedroom.

He didn’t give any thought to the feminine character of her bedroom, which was decorated in white and lavender. All he cared about was making sweet love to her in the queen size bed.

Balancing her with one arm, he used the other to pull back the comforter and sheet before gently laying her on the bed. His actions reminded him of another time, not so long ago, when he laid her on a bed. Back then, he would have never imagined he’d be with her in such an intimate way.

He reached down and pulled the towel from her body.

Suddenly self-conscious, Lezlie covered her breasts with one arm and her belly with the other. She turned her head toward the wall, wishing he had cut the lights off first.

Slowly shrugging out of his jacket, he murmured, “Don’t do that, Lezlie. You’re beautiful the way you are.”

When she turned to gaze at him, tears were in her eyes. “Thank you, Jason.”

The adoring smile caused her heart to melt in her chest. “You’re welcome.”

She watched as he stripped down to his underwear. She let out a long, slow breath. Yup, she knew the rest of him would be just as magnificent. The scar running along the outer part of his left leg didn’t detract from the perfectly sculpted muscles. Those predawn workout sessions in his basement gym certainly were not in vain.

When he pulled his boxer briefs down the length of his long, muscular legs, she couldn’t help looking at the massive erection, her eyes growing wide with terror.

Jason stood gazing at her, reminiscent of a Grecian warrior. “Are you alright?”

Nodding her head, she managed a soft, “Mmm-hmm.”

But her mind was in shambles. No! I’m not alright!

The bed dipped under his weight as he joined her. Lezlie nibbled her bottom lip as his fingers stroked her satiny thighs.

“Are you going to turn off the lights?”

His fingers continued to caress her when he asked, “You want the light off?”

“Please.”

Her breath caught as his fingers stilled and his gaze locked with hers. “I enjoy making love with the lights on.”
 
Maybe it was an ego thing, but Jason felt an intense sense of satisfaction watching a woman come to completion. He especially wanted it with Lezlie, but he wouldn’t push the issue for now. “This time I’ll let you have your way.”

She breathed a sigh of relief when he got up and turned out the lights.

As he rejoined her on the bed, he didn’t waste time but parted her lips with his tongue as he delved deep inside her mouth. He needed to taste every nook and cranny. Breaking the kiss, he trailed his lips down between the valley of her breasts.

Lezlie moaned and writhed from the touch of his hands, lips and tongue. She squirmed and giggled when his tongue dipped into her belly button. She had no idea she was ticklish in that area. Tiny beads of sweat formed on the bridge of her nose as he moved lower. Her hips bucked when the tip of his tongue slowly licked, and then separated her nether lips.

His large hands grasped each of her hips to hold her still. From her reaction, he could tell this was her first time engaging in oral pleasure. The thought of it made him want to throw his head back and howl, releasing the alpha beast inside.

He took his time pleasuring her. Each time she was about to release, he eased up, prolonging the sweet torture just a little longer. He could tell from her ragged panting that he was driving her insane.

Writhing beneath his mouth, Lezlie wanted to scream. She’d read about this, but never experienced it. The building pressure in her womanly core came to a point where she felt like she was about to free fall over a cliff. Each time she was about to fall, he’d let up. This happened three times too many. On the fourth occasion, she dug her nails into his scalp holding his head in place. She could have sworn she floated out of her body when he sucked her clit deep into his mouth, knocking her over the cliff, sending her body into uncontrollable spasms.

Thighs trembling, she was gasping for air when he came up kissing her hard and deep. Her body seemed weightless as Jason used his knee to gently nudge her legs wide so he could settle himself between them. His thickness and length sent an anticipatory thrill of anticipation through her.

Jason broke the kiss and as his eyes adjusted to the darkened room, he gazed at her flushed face. It pleased him that she was gazing back at him. His knuckles grazed the satiny skin of her cheek while he nuzzled the side of her neck and murmured, “I want to take my time with you.”

The thick muscles in his arm trembled as he balanced himself on one arm and used his free hand to guide his throbbing manhood to her slick center. He peered deep into her dark eyes as he slowly eased the tip inside her before coming to a stop.

A tear rolled down Lezlie’s cheek. Not from the exquisite pain, but because her secret was now out. She'd never told him because she was too afraid of what he would think of her.

A virgin? His eyes went wide and he remained motionless, wanting to make sure he wasn't pushing her into anything she’d regret in the morning. “Are you okay? We can stop if you’re not ready.”

All she could think about at the moment was that this man was too good to be true. She nodded her head. “I’m fine, please don’t stop.”

Lowering his mouth to hers, he kissed her as he took his time burying himself inside her. The fit was so tight. All he wanted to do was withdraw to the tip and thrust deep in her until they didn’t know where one began and the other one ended. In time…that would come in time. Just the thought of it nearly sent him over the edge.

If she ever had any doubt that he loved her the way she loved him, it was banished out the window and told never to return again. She knew her first time would be painful, however, his gentle lovemaking was making it all worth it.

Jason took his time with her, coaxing her to relax in his arms. “Baby, let go and let me love you.”

“I want you to love me.”

“Then let me.”

With one hand, he squeezed her hip, encouraging her movements.

Forgetting about the pain, she allowed him to guide her until she was in sync with his rhythm. That building pressure was starting to overtake her again.

“Oh gawd…oh gawd…oh gawd,” she panted before going head first over the cliff.

Jason hissed an expletive. “That’s it baby.” Throwing his head back, he bathed her womb with his seed. Damn!

Collapsing on top of her, he rolled over with her in his arms. Lezlie snuggled into his embrace as he kissed her forehead.

“Are you okay?”

She giggled. “Of course I am. What about you?”

The smile crumbled from her face when he grimly said, “I hope you feel the same in the morning.”

Other Books by Suzette Riddick
 
It’s My Turn
Baby Love
Written as Victoria Wells
A Special Summer
When Love Comes Around
Key To My Heart
Second Chance at Love
The Sweetest Love
DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY

About Suzette...
Suzette Riddick's (formerly known as Victoria Wells) love for the romance genre is what encouraged her in 2008 to write her first novel A Special Summer. After receiving positive feedback from readers she was inspired to write the sequel, When Love Comes Around. And before she knew it, the Love Conquers All Series was born. From this series Second Chance at Love was nominated for an Emma Award. Currently, Suzette is working on a new series titled Love at Last.

Although reading and writing are near and dear to Suzette's heart, being a wife, mother and nurse practitioner is what bring her the most joy. 

Check out Suzette's website at http://www.suzetteriddick.com. And check out her books written as Victoria Wells at amazon.com/author/victoriawells
Don't forget to reply for a chance to win!

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