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Excerpt – Next Lifetime by MarZe Scott

Next Lifetime by MarZe Scott

Elijah Hargove’s body laid on the shag carpet, apparent of one thing— a gunshot to his temple and a .9-millimeter handgun right next to him. However, those two things weren’t enough for Daylin to believe he had taken his own life.
“Miss Montgomery, are you aware if Mr. Hargrove was depressed,” asked Detective Voorhees.
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “He didn’t get any type of diagnosis from a doctor.
Daylin’s gaze followed the blue uniforms and neatly dressed investigators around the place where she had lived a tumultuous life with a man she once believed was her Prince Charming, but Elijah revealed himself to be a monster instead.
Detective Voorhees flipped the paper open and turned it to face Daylin, who scanned the handwritten letter that delivered a gut punch to her soul.
Daylin and Elijah had a chaotic relationship, but could never be said that the high school sweethearts ever experienced the sweet part of what love was supposed to be. Desires of leaving their hometown died as Elijah’s childish tantrums and pleas grew into full on abusive episodes every time Daylin talked about moving on. If there was a wish that had been granted, it was one that only her heart uttered— to be loved by a man she could call a friend.
A broad, flirtatious smile and runway model swagger made Maurice the breath of fresh air that Daylin needed, giving her the friend that she never had in Elijah. Common interests in travel, music, and the occasional debate about Daylin’s Wolverines being better than Maurice’s Buckeyes made for frequent and sometimes raucous lunchtime breaks at Atwater Bank and Trust.
On days when Elijah started an argument early in the morning before she left for work, Maurice treated to her lunch as if he knew she needed to talk about what was stressing her out.
* * *
Sitting in the dimly lit corner booth of Shane’s Bar and Grill, the restaurant was crowded like it was Valentine’s Day.
“Hey handsome,” her voice trembled as she stood to hug her friend, ignoring the ogling eyes from women whose gaze wandered from the companionship of the men at surrounding tables to the appearance of what could be considered perfection.
“How are you, Beautiful?” the bass voice sang from a wide smile from a handsomely chiseled face.
The words to explain her situation became caught in her throat.
“Did he hurt you again?”
“He found our texts about the baby.”
“But it was his baby.”
One wayward tear set the path for more to fall and Daylin couldn’t stop the flow if she tried.
“It was,” she stammered and then took a deep breath. “I didn’t get the chance to tell him because I miscarried. At some point he went through my phone and found the texts. I guess that sent him over the edge and he … he’s dead.”
“Are you okay?” Maurice tilted his head as if he was hit with a sudden thought. “Did you?”
He slowly released Daylin and lowered his gaze so their eyes met.
“Did I what?” she snapped.
“You know …”
“I would never,” she replied, twisting her face in horror that her best friend would think that she could harm Elijah, even if he deserved it. “I didn’t do anything to him even after all he’s done to me. He killed himself and left a letter blaming me for it … can I stay at your place until the investigation is over.”
“That can’t happen. Faye is close to her due date.”
* * *
The days following Elijah’s death proved to be even more troubled than when he was alive. Police questioning her at the hotel made for a less than relaxing stay and prank calls from blocked callers kept Daylin awake at night.
“She killed my son,” Ms. Hargrove warned, her large protruding eyes narrowing on Daylin’s face, this time the woman showed up to her job with the Channel 7 camera crew. “She’s still under investigation for my son’s death. She shouldn’t be walking around free while I have to bury my only child.”
“Your boy,” Daylin locked her gaze on the petite woman’s face. “On a good day was a monster and you knew it. You saw the bruises.”
“Stop lying about him,” Ms. Hargrove screamed wagging her finger in Daylin’s face. “Know this if you don’t know anything else— God is going to punish you for what you did and He uses people to get His work done. You better watch your back because you never know the hour.”

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm#GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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Next Lifetime – MarZe Scott

High school sweethearts Daylin and Elijah were anything but sweet. Over the years, Elijah’s actions threatened to tear their relationship apart. Then Life takes a sudden turn when Elijah is found dead in their home and all the evidence points to either suicide or murder. As the investigation begins, Daylin tries to find safety with a man who has been her best friend and anchor for years. Unfortunately, Maurice’s growing family takes priority and Daylin is left on her own.

When the police exonerate Daylin and Elijah’s family goes on a smear and harassment campaign to destroy life that plays out in the media and on all social networks; Daylin has no choice but to change jobs and give up her home and start a new life elsewhere. A chance meeting reconnects her with Maurice and the friendship blossoms into something more. The need for revenge is so strong, that even now Elijah’s mother, Joan, is set out to make sure Daylin does not have a happy life especially since, despite what the police say, she holds her responsible.

Will Daylin and Maurice’s newfound love withstand the madness brought on by a mother whose relentless attack can land them on the other side of the grave?

About Next Lifetime by MarZé Scott
The story of Daylin and Maurice was inspired after seeing Facebook posts about women wanting to marry their best friends.
The story is unique because the drama had nothing to do with anyone having to choose one person over another. The story tells how if a thing— be it a job, a move, or a relationship is meant to happen, the Universe will see to it that it does.

MarZé Scott is a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan. A lover of all things creative, MarZé loves to read, write, draw and do makeup artistry when she’s not taking care of her family. She has been writing short stories and poems since elementary school and developed a taste for writing about provocative topics like the consequences of casual sex in high school. Her debut novel, Gemini Rising is due for release 2018.

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm #GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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Excerpt – Sweet Whispers of the Devil by Sierra Kay

“Your mother should’ve let me take that bastard out years ago,” Monique growled. She emerged from the Louisiana bayou and prided herself on her ability to shoot an alligator’s eyeball.
Her ballsy stance seemed opposite of her job as a social worker. She explained once, “There is nothing that keeps folks in line like the potential for a bullet in the ass.”
Tori gripped the edge of the kitchen table before collapsing into Luke’s chair, reclaiming that space as though holding at ground zero could make him appear. She mentally reviewed previous days, wondering what, if anything, she had missed. Wondering how Richard knew about her children. “Where the hell did he come from?”
Monique sat in what was normally Christian’s seat at the table before crossing her legs at her ankle. “Sweetie, what you don’t know about your father will fill a football stadium.”
“But I haven’t seen him since that day. What more was there to know?” Tori demanded, eyeing her with guarded interest.
Monique exhaled and stared out the sheer curtain covering the kitchen window. The neighbor’s car rolled up to their rear garage. “Your father never bothered you again, but he reached out to your mother, demanding money or joint custody.”
Tori buried her head in her palms before sharing thoughts with Monique. “I begged Mom, begged her to leave. She had done it before. She could do it again.”
Antoine came over and massaged Tori’s shoulders. She covered his hand and gave them a squeeze of thanks.
Monique explained, “Richard is a bounty hunter. He has resources at his disposal and knowledge of legal and illegal methods of getting information that law enforcement only wish they had.”
Understanding rained on Tori illuminating the sacrifices her mother made to protect them … to protect her.
“He bled her dry for years, forcing her to pay for leaving him. Why did you think your mother didn’t have any money—no pension, no 401k, no nothing?”
“And because we didn’t run, she sacrificed every penny she had. She would’ve told me.” Tori and her mother shared a history, having survived the devil whose velvety voice caressed an ear with its deep timbre, but its words … its words branched through the quadrants of the brain before wrapping it in a vice grip of terror.
“No, she wouldn’t share something like that,” Monique contradicted. “She said he gave her you, so she didn’t regret that part of things. She did whatever was necessary to keep you safe. That meant writing checks.”
A piece of the puzzle clicked into place: revenge, money. “Oh my God,” Tori exclaimed. “Now, she can’t pay him anymore. Luke is Teddy’s son. Could he know that?”
Tori met Teddy Wieland III during her freshman year at Carlington University. They attended a fundraiser at the Engineering department, where she worked as an office assistant. In addition to being one fine specimen of a man, he had finesse, polish; and before she knew it, he’d finessed his way into her life and polished off her virginity.
Of course, the Disney fairytale she’d been spoon-fed since birth didn’t apply to this situation. When she excitedly told Teddy the news of her unexpected pregnancy, he smiled, embraced her, went out for the proverbial gallon of milk, and kept it moving.
Enter the wife, the one he neglected to inform that Tori existed; the wife, who wrote a check and told Tori she’d hand it over the minute their family physician confirmed the termination of her pregnancy.
Monique’s weathered hands, which still sported the diamond from husband number two, stroked Tori’s. “Sweetie, you have to listen to me. It’s not about the money. I don’t think it ever was. Your father mentally tortured Honey for years. Somehow, he always knew exactly what kind of cash she could get her hands on. Always with a laugh and a thinly veiled, ‘We could always go to court.’ Or when you were older, ‘Maybe I’ll drop by and see my baby girl.’ This is about control. He needs a puppet.”
Tori could feel her muscles tighten, even though Antoine continued to knead her shoulders and back. She leaned back, her head resting on Antoine’s stomach. “So now it’s me.”

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm#GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

 

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Sweet Whispers of the Devil – Sierra Kay

Sweet Whispers of the Devil

Victoria Hall’s son is missing—her worst nightmare realized. A nightmare made even more terrifying because, he’s in the hands of her father, a bounty hunter with an axe to grind. While Victoria’s mother, Honey, had changed their identities and moved from place to place to stay safe, she couldn’t prevent Victoria’s own kidnapping. Instead, she was forced to sacrifice everything she had to keep Richard at bay.

Now Honey’s dead. And daddy’s come calling. Again. With the help of an ex lover and his mother, it’s Victoria’s turn to make the decisions that could mend her family, save her son, or send Richard over the edge. One problem. The decisions could also force Victoria to change the game in a way that sends them all on a slide straight down into her father’s particular brand of hell.

Sweet Whispers of the Devil is a modern and suspenseful retelling of The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. This novel explores the absentee father addressed from the perspective of sperm donors who probably shouldn’t have been compared to men who actually fill the father role. Half the time as I’m writing I don’t see “it” coming until halfway through. I know that if the ending is a surprise to me, then it will also be a surprise to the reader. When I’m telling my own characters, “You’re wrong for that,” then I know I’m creating something enticing.

Sierra Kay is a master storyteller with an M.A. in Writing from DePaul University. Her accomplishments include a Nuyorican Poets Cafe Short Story Slam win and featured comedy sketches on stages in theaters around Chicago including at Second City. She is an award-winning suspense novelist. Her novels From Behind the Curtain, In the Midst of Fire, and At the Touch of Love are available online. Her upcoming works include a short story in the anthology, Sugar, available October 2018.
Website: sierrakay.com
Facebook: authorsierrakay
Twitter: @sierrakay1
Instagram: Sierra Kay

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm #GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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Excerpt – Cayenne by Janice Pernell

Michael raised the trunk and gazed at his ex-girlfriend’s unconscious body. Nia was blindfolded, her legs and ankles bloodied by the thick rope binding them. He had to play his cards right if he intended to get her out of this alive.
“You sure nobody saw you snatch her?” Michael asked Lee as the self-proclaimed pretty boy and wannabe gangster got out of his car.
“Positive.” Lee leaned over to admire himself in the mirror.
Michael swore that he would make things right with Nia, make her his wife—as soon as he could free her from her captors.
“Before Angelique kills sleeping beauty,” Lee said, “I’m gonna break her off some of what the women beg me for.” He gave a wicked sneer that set Michael’s nerves on edge.
Though his fists were aching to have a conversation with Lee’s face, Michael chomped down on his anger. Months of undercover work will go down the drain if I lose my cool.
“You’d better get in the car and go meet up with your sister like she told you to,” Michael warned. “People get antsy in this kind of deal.” He glanced at his watch. “Keep them waiting, and they’ll get cold feet. Then there won’t be a baby to sell. Angelique will be pissed if that happens.”
“Maaan, you think I’m scared of that chick?” Lee’s chest was stuck out like a rooster in a cockfight, but his voice sounded more like a hen with its neck on the chopping block. “My sister don’t run things. I do.”
The only thing Lee ran was his mouth. None of the informants Michael had encountered in ten years of undercover work divulged as much information as Lee belched out while bragging about his power, prowess, prosperity, and plans—none of which he possessed. Angelique was the brains behind everything they did.
Michael raised his hands in mock surrender. “Since you call the shots, how about I look after her”—he nodded toward Nia—“until you get back?”
Cursing under his breath, Lee motioned for Michael to remove Nia from his black 2018 Lexus RX.
Michael gathered her slender body in his arms.
Lee slammed the trunk, gave a two-finger wave, and sped off into the night.
Nia never flinched. Her breathing remained slow and steady as the door closed, shutting her off from the outside world.
Not knowing when Lee and Angelina would return, getting Nia out of that place was a priority. But concerns about Nia being unconscious for three hours trumped that. Michael carried her to his Cadillac CTS and gently laid her across the back seat.
Her natural beauty mesmerized him. Baby-soft coco skin. Eyebrows that framed her brown eyes like they were works of art. Thick black hair that created a halo around her face.
He placed a feather-light kiss on her lips. In a fairy tale, she would awaken with undying gratitude. But he feared that no magic kisses or potions could ever make her regard him favorably again.
He got the smelling salts from the first aid kit in the car. Getting in the driver’s seat, he turned toward her and waved the bottle several inches away from her nose.
She wrenched away from the acrid smell of ammonia. Convulsing with coughs, she thrashed around, probably hoping to free her hands, take the blindfold off, and make a run for it.
Putting a hand to her chest, he gently held her in place. The heartbeat that was faint as he held her against his chest a minute ago now pounded against his palm like a battering ram.
“Shhh,” he whispered.
Her head darted around to follow his hushed tone, then to take in other sounds in the space: a dog barking nearby; the hum of the furnace in the adjoining utility room; his ragged breathing as the fear of losing her to killers subsided.
Michael braced himself, knowing that once he said something, she would recognize him. “I’m going to take off your blindfold.”
She gasped, cringed, and craned her head toward the sound of his voice.
He untied the black bandana that covered her eyes and let it slip off.
Light spilling from the dome light over Nia’s head made her squint, but when she fully opened her eyes, she honed in on Michael’s face. Her expression transformed from bewilderment to horror, giving voice to everything she couldn’t vocalize.
Why did you do this to me?!

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Cayenne – Janice Pernell

About Cayenne by Janice Pernell
Michael Parks can either save Nia Tate, the woman he once loved, then deserted, from being killed by a career criminal, or he can save Corazon, a migrant toddler, from being sold away from her family.
Michael’s heart won’t let him save one and leave the other to a horrible ending. Unfortunately, the short window of time he has before Nia and Corazon each face their fate is not nearly enough time to save them both—unless he can convince Nia to overcome her broken heart enough to help him.
If Nia will trust him once more, even if only for this one night, her destiny and Corazon’s destiny will forever be changed. And Nia just might find in the process that love—and Michael—never fails.

Story Note: Cayenne

I’ve always been an avid reader of fiction. I even edited the work of other authors for several years. But I get an incomparable thrill from creating my own stories that entertain readers and cause them to reflect on important issues. I hope Cayenne does both for you.

Janice Pernell made her writing debut as a co-contributor to Baring It All: The Ins And Outs Of Publishing in 2014. In 2018 she released No Right Way To Do A Wrong Thing, her first work of fiction. She is writing another novel and two Christian inspirational books.

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Excerpt – Sugarcoated Deception – London St. Charles

Four words would put an end to Cadence Goldsmith’s perfect life.
“That’s Mr. Goldsmith, Mommy.”
She searched out the source of that small childlike screech, an unnatural occurrence in the Adali Global Reveal. The event was an exclusive affair for people who worked in the European auto market.
Cadence peered around the velvet curtain from her spot backstage of the McCormick Place Convention Center, surprised to find that her husband, Jackson, and mother, Phylicia were sitting in the front row next to a scowling Steven Bekker, her work nemesis.
“Hiiiiiii, Mr. Goldsmith,” a little girl with light-brown skin, blue-eyes and puffy blonde twists crooned, as she rushed to stand near her husband. “You work at my school.”
Cadence grimaced. Why was a child there and why was she so interested in Jackson? Wait, was that an image of her husband on that child’s shirt? She almost couldn’t make it out because the girl’s fist twisted the material.
“I present to you, CDO, Cadence Goldsmith.”
Applause rang out as she strutted center stage with her attention on the bleached-blonde woman wearing a navy dress, who grinned and winked at her before taking an empty seat next to Jackson and pulling the little girl onto her lap. Jackson glanced at Cadence, then frowned as he put his focus back on the woman. She didn’t miss the panic that took over his features for a split second.
Cadence’s heart surged with a bit of panic of her own. She prayed that her confidence would still show through, even though relishing the acknowledgement of being the designer of the first self-driving automobile was taking a back seat to Jackson and the unknown guests.
Jackson, who seemed occupied with the distraction that little girl had become, hadn’t acknowledged Cadence at all. He and the woman were having a heated, but whispered conversation. Jackson’s body language—tense and angry—screamed discomfort.
“May I have everyone’s attention please,” Cadence said walking to the edge of the stage, standing in front of her husband.
Jackson’s brown eyes gazed into hers, but the comfort and security she usually felt was missing.
“Mommy, now,” the little girl asked.
“Shhhh.” The woman placed an index finger to her thin pink lips. “Not yet.”
Cadence raised an eyebrow, then glanced at her husband.
The lights dimmed, and Cadence began the PowerPoint presentation of the newest addition to the Adali luxury car fleet.
Ten minutes later, every person, except for Steven and the mystery woman, were on their feet clapping.
Mike lifted a hand to settle the crowd. “Cadence Goldsmith has a bright future with Adali, and we, along with the two most important people in her life, would like to present her with the Outstanding Innovative Design Award.”
“Yay, Mr. Goldsmith,” the little girl squealed, slapping her hands together. Cadence’s attention was drawn to the child whose eyes matched the woman she assumed to be her mother. High heels clicking across the stage accompanied by Jackson’s signature fragrance snapped Cadence from the trance.
Mike handed a plaque with the Adali emblem engraved on it to Cadence.
“Thank you.” She shook his hand trying to play it cool even though she wanted to shatter the surrounding windows with a high-pitched scream.
“Congratulations.” Jackson beamed with cautionary excitement written all over his face as he embraced his wife.
“Who the hell is that woman,” she whispered through a clenched-teeth grin as her lips brushed the side of his ear.
Jackson’s dark-skin ashen. “Her name’s Braelyn,” he replied, planting a timid kiss on her cheek. “We’ll talk later.”
Her mother stepped forward. “Your father would be so proud of you.”
Small feet galloping up the stairs onto the stage made everyone in the audience gasp. Cadence peered over Phylicia’s shoulder at the lively little girl sprinting forward, spotting a picture of Jackson splayed on the front of her shirt.
Executive’s plucked phones from their purses and suit jacket pockets.
Security rushed in. “We’re going to have to ask you to get your child and leave, ma’am.”
“I have a right to be here,” Braelyn exclaimed, throwing a glance at Steven as she flashed the VIP badge.
After a thorough inspection, the guard said with a remorseful tone, “My apologies, Ms. Nevels.” He glanced at Mike. “She has clearance.”
“Nevels,” Cadence whispered, wondering why that name sounded so familiar.
“Show everyone your cute shirt, Jackie,” Braelyn instructed, smiling at the pretty girl, before planting a menacing glare at Cadence and Jackson.
Jackie spread her arms wide, facing the audience. “Look, Mommy.” She pointed jumping in place. Everybody’s taking my picture.” She put her hands on her hips and said, “Cheeeeese.”
The lump in Cadence’s throat grew larger with every word she read on the back of Jackie’s shirt.
Jackson Goldsmith Is My Daddy.

SUGAR is an anthology with the perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more.#PreOrderSUGAR http://ow.ly/7ABT30l7J4h #Goodreads #Drama#Bookworm#GreatReads #Books #BookAddict #BookGeek

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His Biggest Fan – Martha Kennerson

About His Biggest Fan
Tonya’s wild and sexy weekend changes her life forever. The repercussions of that night not only threatens her career, but that of the only man she’s afraid to love.

Dr. Tonya Banks spent her life focusing on her career and developing her craft. She followed all the rules, and it served her well. The successful ER physician heads one of the most prestigious hospital emergency rooms in the country. Finding love was never on her list of priorities. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Murphy is a world-renowned neurologist whose surgical talents are by far one of the best in the world. His skills in the operating room catapulted him to a level of success that only one other person always knew he would achieve, his best friend. Tonya and Chuck met in medical school and instantly became friends. They encouraged and supported each other, but their shared attraction remained secret and dormant.

Years later, a medical conference brought the two friends back together where they finally explored unbridled passion. Their wild and sexy weekend ended, and they went back to their respective lives. What happened in Vegas stayed in Vegas; including surprising and still unreciprocated love. Nearly two years later, consequences of their scandalous weekend threatens the lives they each worked so hard to achieve. Will the good doctors finally put their past to bed and move on to their happily ever after?

Story Notes: His Biggest Fan
My story within this anthology is driven by secrets. Everyone has secrets. Secret desire, secret passions and a secret love. A man’s secret love for a woman and a woman’s secret fear of exposure. Some secrets need to be exposed.

Martha Kennerson is a national bestselling and award-winning author whose love of reading and writing is a significant part of who she is. She uses both to create the kinds of stories that touch the heart. Martha lives with her family in League City, Texas. She believes her current blessings are only matched by the struggle it took to achieve such happiness. She loves to interact with her readers. To find out more about Martha and to follow her writing journey, visit her website at www.marthakennerson.com or on Facebook, and Twitter pages @KennersonBooks.

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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Hidden Agenda – Kisha Green

In Hidden Agenda, Bebe Jordan has it all beauty, brains and a promising career as a journalist for a popular women’s magazine. Her crazy no holds barred cantor has received praise and admiration from many. Except one follower who wants to takes things a little bit too far when his online affection becomes an offline obsession.

Story Notes: Hidden Agenda

Writing Hidden Agenda was fun because of the plot but hard because of the true development of the story. I was plagued with personal battles of giving too much or not giving enough. Through dedication with open ears and eyes for learning, I was able to deliver a story, readers will be entertained and enlightened with.

Kisha Green is a Jane of all trades whose mantra is “turning literary dreams into published realities.” She has a strong passion for assisting authors in their writing and achieving their goals as she serves a literary consultant and promoter. For more information visit www.kishagreen.com or by following these social media sites.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorkishagreen
Twitter: @KishaGreen
Instagram: @KishaGreen
Pinterest: @KishaGreen

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict

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This Can’t Be Us – Terri Ann Johnson


This Can’t Be Us – A House Divided…

Greg and Karen have found true love after years in empty marriages, but their children have no desire to blend into one, big, happy family. Meanwhile the six siblings, who appear to dislike each other, have formed an alliance fueled by the respective exes, to disrupt what their parents thought would’ve been a happy union. Just at the point the parents learn their kids are in cahoots to sabotage their love because they’re more comfortable with their ‘new’ parents being apart, a near tragedy serves to put everyone in the household on notice when an emergency school lock-down forces the oldest teen to realize that there is more to lose than just time away from his mother and his homies.

Story Notes for This Can’t Be Us

When I begin a story, I think of plot lines that are relatable to everyday people. Then I add a mix of conflict and humor to it. My goal is to dangle my protagonist over a cliff and watch them recover. This story, the Black Brady Bunch was no different. This time it was the parents trying to regain control of their family before all is lost.

Terri Ann Johnson is a national bestselling author for her contribution to the Brown Girls Books anthology All I Want for Christmas. Her enthusiasm for reading blossomed into a desire to write. Terri is a mom and loves to travel. She is a finance professional in Washington, D.C.
www.TerriAnnJohnson.com.

In the anthology, SPICE readers get a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. Readers will enjoy this eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
http://ow.ly/UhDt30lLxSI
#Fiction #Thriller #Erotica #Goodreads #BookAddict