It's the final day of 21 Days of Love! Te' Russ is prepared to take away your mid-winter blues, and bring a little heat and spice to your life. So cozy up and read on...

BLURB:

Chrystal and Jackson meet while vacationing for the holidays and give into their attraction, sharing an incredible night together. Not expecting to see each other again, they are both shocked when they run into each other days later in the mostly unlikely place.

Both are hesitant to continue where they left off from their night in the mountains, but they quickly learn that they can't seem to run from the inevitable. Their passion is hot enough to melt the snow outside, but can they overcome obstacles thrown in their path and create something that can last a lifetime?

EXCERPT:

 "Careful Chrystal," he warned. "Besides, according to you it doesn't seem like there's much to discuss anyway. Since it wasn't that amazing."

He noticed her tense as he threw her own words back at her. Exhaling an exasperated sigh, she turned and looked him directly in the face.

"I was pissed, Jackson. And you know why."

He took step forward, but made sure not to get to close. "That I understand. What I don't understand..."

He stopped. This was not the time nor the place for this discussion, but Chrystal pushed.

"What don't you understand?"

He didn't want to say it. Because it would reveal a part of him he generally didn't let others see.

Vulnerability.

But she stood there, looking up at him with those big, beautiful brown eyes, and the words seemed to just fall out.

"What I don't understand is why you would take off the way you did. Leaving nothing behind except for that sorry excuse for a note."

Instantly, the remorse was evident on her face. "I freaked out," she admitted. "I told you then that I'd never done anything like that before."

He looked down, as she reached out and wrapped her hand around his forearm. "But, if I could go back...change things, I definitely would have stayed."

Her soft touch, and the sincere tone in her voice, caused him to stifle a groan.

"You want me to break my rule, don't you?"

Her face broke out into a naughty grin as she said, "It's about to be a new year, maybe it's time for a new rule."

"Thirty seconds until midnight!"

They turned as someone shouted the announcement and people began counting down.

Jackson looked around, then grabbed Chrystal's hand pulling her behind a large pillar, hiding them from everyone.

He looked down at her and noticed the heated, anticipated look in her eyes. He shook his head, but couldn't stop himself from touching her. He touched his forehead to hers.

"This is a bad idea," he said, as his hands caressed her hips.

"It wasn't such a bad idea at the ski lodge," she said pressing her body into his.

"Things were different at the ski lodge."

She lifted her hands to his chest and he gripped her wrists.

"10...9...8...7...6..."

He stared at her for several more seconds and she watched him, waiting for his next move.

"5...4...3...2..."

He pushed her against the pillar, pinned her arms above her head, and crushed his mouth to hers, sucking her lip into his mouth.

"Happy New Year!"

The sounds around them were drowned out as he continued kissing her, plunging his tongue into her mouth. She moaned and kissed him back with the same amount of ferocity, if not more.

He knew he'd crossed a line that he'd vowed to never cross again. But he knew this moment was inevitable.

At the moment, he didn't think about his past mistakes in a similar scenario. All he could think about was the woman pressing her body wantonly against him.

Consequences be damned.

GET YOUR COPY

Thanks for stopping by for the final day of 21 Days of Love. Show your love for Te by leaving a comment.

Join us tomorrow for the kick off of March Madness! Some of the same authors and some new ones are bringing you prizes EVERY week day. You don't want to miss it.

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Today's 21 Days of Love author is a friend and mentor whom I highly respect. She's sharing an excerpt from "I Want You Back," the next novel in her Stafford Brothers series.

If you don't know who I'm talking about yet, it's none other than Chicki Brown. If you've not had a chance to read this series, you want to get started today! I absolutely love these brothers and when you meet them you will, too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Contemporary women’s fiction/romance author Chicki Brown has been featured in USAToday. She was the 2014 B.R.A.B. (Building Relationships Around Books) Inspirational Fiction Author and also the 2011 SORMAG (Shades of Romance Magazine) Author of the Year. Chicki was also a contributing author to the Gumbo for the Soul: Men of Honor (Special Cancer Awareness Edition).

Nia Forrester, Beverly Jenkins, Eric Jerome Dickey, Lisa Kleypas, J.R. Ward and Suzanne Brockmann are among her favorite authors.

A transplanted New Jersey native who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, Brown still misses the Jersey shore.

Her many homes in cyberspace include:

Blog: http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Chicki663
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown


Thanks for stopping by for another 21 Days of Love. Show your love for Chicki by leaving a comment.

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Day 19 of 21 Days of Love is here! Today, Inez Reilly shows us a simple kind of love. The kind of love you take for granted. The kind of love that you need to live and breathe each day. The kind of love that nurtures your soul. So simple and poignant, yet so beautiful. Read on...

It’s Worth the Wait_EXCERPT:

I smile at the thoughts, before anything ever happens. I close my eyes and I can see the scene play out before me. I start watching the clock just as the morning gives way to the afternoon. The steady and predictable movements of the second hand gives my eyes something to pay attention to because my mind is racing. There is no rhyme or reason, no sense of fast or slow, so the clock becomes my meditative focal point. Telephones are ringing, people are talking, and deadlines are looming overhead. All of this attempt to distract me by overwhelming me.

Car horns blaring, people cursing, pedestrians moseying across the street. The longing grows and I tap my fingers on the steering wheel. I turn on the radio, and then turn it off, again. I smile at the thought of the text message I received, whetting my appetite further. The temptation to re-read it is great, but I resist. There is little safety in going back, when there is so much left to do; so much further to go.

With just one more corner to turn, a gentle rain begins to fall. I smile. It is just like the clock, it provides a sense of staccato, keeping time for me. This should not be rushed. The raindrops roll down the windshield creating patterns that could obscure my view. I turn on the window wipers. I need to focus and the sound is enough. The water sloshes to the side of the window and slide off the side of the car. When I pull the car into the garage, I can smell dinner cooking. I sit back and allow the aroma to fill my nostrils; steak and potatoes. It would seem that it would be too much to indulge in with the after dinner plans requiring so much energy. Not for us. We need the sustenance. We are giving ourselves what we need to do what we desire; what we have longed for all day long. The anticipation is part of the success.

The table has been wiped clean and the dishes are put away. Total attention can be paid to the way we choose to end our day. He takes my hand. It’s warm, and so am I. We turn off the lights and start the ascent of the stairs and the descent to the bed. Yes, this was worth the wait. It was worth the distractions and the wading through the water. It was worth the preparation of a good meal and the putting away of the dishes. It was worth it to see his smile. It was worth it for him to see mine. Climax…round one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Inez Reilly was born in Queens, New York to a heroin-addicted mother who abandoned her when she was ten months old. She is a survivor of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, most of which was experienced during her formative years. She attributes her endurance to prayer, positive affirmations and her subsequent acceptance of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She is the proud mother of three natural children, one spiritual daughter and three grandchildren… Keilah, Joshua, Seraya, Joy, Haliek, Ryan and Sidney. She currently resides in Richmond VA.

Ms. Reilly refers to herself as a scribe, a composer of written work. She is a writer, at heart. She views life in storybook fashion. Through the lens of her eyes, situations are words and words become art. Writing has been in her blood from early childhood; putting pen/pencil to paper to create stories and poems. At the age of ten she began an autobiographical work, entitled How I Became Me, which she turned into a teacher and received accolades.

Writing has afforded Inez an avenue of opportunity to express herself when verbal communication was not an option. She would write her prayers, keep a daily journal and create vision statement for her life. Now, she shares her creative imaginings with the world through her works of fiction and non-fiction inspirational books.
Ms. Reilly is a counselor, teacher, mentor, minister and life coach to many. She has traveled across the United States speaking to mixed audiences, sharing her testimony of victory over the situations of her life. She utilizes the tools she has garnered under the tutelage and spiritual nurturing of Dr. Katherine Corbett, as well as the educational support in the Human Services field.

Currently, Inez Reilly has completed five books, a self-help inspirational book, ALL OTHER GROUND, and four Christian fiction novels, HOW TO TASTE IT AT THE END OF THE DAY,  COVENANT, LIKE A ROARING LION and BEHOLDEN (all are available on amazon.com - http://amzn.to/21nJicz ). Ms. Reilly is working on several projects, including two books, LEAVEN and SHEER INJURY targeted to be released in the near future.

Thanks for stopping by for another 21 Days of Love. Show your love for Inez by leaving a comment.

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It's Day 18 of 21 Days of Love campaign! Whew! Where has the time gone? Today's featured author, is Adrienne Thompson and she's sharing her release, "After The Pain," from her Latter Rain Series.

I cannot wait to find out what's going on with this character and her past. She is definitely fascinating...

Title: After the Pain (Book One of the Latter Rain Series)

Genre: African American Romance, Edgy Inspirational Romance, Women’s Fiction

Blurb: Barely grasping on to her sanity due to past trauma and unhappiness, LaVonda Ingram leaves her home in search of peace and finds it in the love of a beautiful man. But will she be able to hold on to the healing and peace his love provides?

This is book one of the Latter Rain series--stories of women over forty finding love.

Excerpt:
My tea cup rattled on its saucer at the sound of his voice. I didn’t dare look up at him as I set the cup down and forced myself not to rush to him and wrap my legs around his waist.

“Thank you, August. Want some tea?” Ms. Dorcas asked.

“Yes, ma’am, I’d love some,” he replied, and then he did something that made my entire body stand at attention; he sat right next to me on the loveseat. From that point on all I could do was sit there and remind myself to breathe as my body temperature began to slowly rise. I shoved my unsteady hands under my thighs and fixed my eyes on the floral-patterned rug beneath my feet. I could smell his sweat, a scent that was beginning to become both familiar and appealing to me, and though I kept my eyes away from him, the image of his face dominated my thoughts.

I glanced around the now painfully quiet room to see all eyes on me—including August’s—and I reacted in the only way I knew how. I stood from my seat and softly said, “Um, excuse me.” And before anyone could reply, I had swiftly left the room, made it to the stairs, and was heading back to Room Ten.

“Wait!” I heard him call.

But I couldn’t stop my feet from ascending the stairs. As I fumbled with my door key, I felt him rest his hand on my shoulder. “Von, wait. Why do you keep running away from me? Is it this?” He spun me around and kissed me again... and I let him. As a matter of fact, I felt relieved, like this was what I’d been needing for a long time. Maybe it was.

His lips left mine and I instantly missed them. “Yes,” I whispered, my eyes downcast.

He lifted my chin, held my eyes with his. “You didn’t like it?”

“I did. That’s the problem.”

“Well, what about this?” He leaned in and gently suckled my neck.

I shuddered, grabbed his head, and held it in place. Then a wave of shame hit me and I pulled away from him. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“You’re enjoying me,” he whispered as he pinned me to the door and went to work on the other side of my neck. “And I’m enjoying you…”

“I don’t even know your last name,” I said breathily.

“Donovan. August Donovan.”

“I don’t know you.”

He lifted his head and gently kissed my lips again. “Meet me on the path after breakfast tomorrow.”

I looked into his chocolate eyes and almost involuntarily said, “Okay.”

GRAB YOUR COPY:

Kindle: http://amzn.com/B01AHWOI6W
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AHWOI6W
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01AHWOI6W
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01AHWOI6W
Nook: http://ow.ly/X35B4
 
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSwfVQ75dc8

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Adrienne Thompson has worn many titles in her lifetime: teenage mother, teenage wife, divorcee, registered nurse, and author. This mother of three young adults currently resides in Arkansas in her newly empty nest where she writes and publishes her stories full time.
 
CONTACT ADRIENNE:

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jnDmH      
Amazon: Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/adriennethompson  
Website: http://adriennethompsonwrites.webs.com    
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrienneThompsonWrites     
Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_H_Thompson    
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5051327.Adrienne_Thompson    
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ahthompsn/    
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ahthompsn/    
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/muusikluvver  
Email: tapestrywriter@gmail.com

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Day 17 of 21 Days of Love brings us author Cathy Jo's "No More Expectations." I absolutely loved this book and its authenticity of how devastating relationships can be when there is no self-responsibility taken. She deals with the shallowness of our minds when we become stuck in a game of lust rather than love, and when games are played between men and women.

BLURB:
After losing 207 pounds, the men just keep coming. Brianya Johnson never imagined that what began as a crusade to get revenge on her ex would turn into a journey of self discovery, leaving in its wake a trail of men who can’t seem to take no for an answer. Endo Jamison, Ed Hollister, Monticello Beauvoir, and Darnell Johnson all vie for Brianya’s affection, working her nerves and leaving her questioning her decision to jump, feet first, back into the dating pool. While she has an ironclad rule: No sex before marriage—anymore—there’s no such rule where her heart is concerned. As each man tries to win her over, Brianya finds that what she hadn’t prepared for was the emotional toll all the attention would take.

In my novels, you’ll always find love as the basis. From the cradle to the grave, love is what we crave. Whether the love is romantic, familial, agape, or brotherly, our lives are defined by how we give and receive that love. The road to displaying and finding all those types of love can be entertaining and life-affirming; it’s that kernel of humanness that I focus on in my writing. Although this book is downright hilarious in some instances, sexy in parts, and reflective in others, it mostly addresses the determination of the human spirit to shine in the face of whatever obstacles life throws our way.

So sit back, relax, and please enjoy the excerpt and of course, buy the book. You’ll like it, I promise.

EXCERPT:

“I want to thank you for this evening, Ed. Everything was superb!” Brianya smiled appreciatively and cupped her chin in her hand. “So tell me, Ed, what’s the deal? And this time I want a real answer.”

Ed moved closer. “All right,” he said. “I like you, Brianya.” He leaned his elbows on his knees and rubbed his face with the palms of his hands.

Blank stare from Brianya.

“I mean really like you, Brianya.” He paused then continued. “Ever since we’ve been . . . well, doing whatever it is we’re doing, I can’t get you out of my mind. I don’t want to be with anybody else. Not that I was some sort of player before, I wasn’t. But I wasn’t a monk either. I can’t even think of being with anybody else in that way.”

“So what are you saying?” Brianya asked, confusion settling in.

A sheen of perspiration broke out across Ed’s forehead. “I guess what I’m saying is I want us take this to the next level.” Ed looked Brianya directly in the eye.

Brianya’s eyes grew wide with surprise. She’d heard what Ed had said, but she couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t he see that she’d put on weight? He’d felt the extra roll on her middle, that’s why he’d pulled his hand back. He had to see that her eating was out of control. Hadn’t he noticed that she’d gone back for seconds twice and that she hadn’t been to the gym in she couldn’t remember how long? She had baggage; hadn’t he heard a word she’d said in the last three months? Brianya shook her head in confusion. “The next level,” she repeated. “Well, I guess that would be letting you hug me without me freaking out.” Brianya laughed when she said it, although she saw nothing funny about having a potential suitor recoil in disgust when he discovered she’d put on weight.

Ed laughed, too. “You got a point,” he agreed. “But, honestly, that’s not a problem for me.” Ed rose from the couch. “Come here,” he said, holding out his arms to Brianya.

Brianya moved with skepticism into Ed’s arms. It was just a hug, she told herself. What’ was the big deal? When Brianya had first arrived, she’d noticed the striking aroma of Ed’s cologne wafting throughout the house and asked what it was. “Black, by Kenneth Cole,” he’d responded. Now, as she snuggled close to Ed, her head resting in the crevice of his neck, she drank in the scent and tried hard to hold herself together.

“You okay?” Ed asked, obviously feeling the tension emanating from Brianya.

“I’m good,” Brianya croaked out.

In an effort to put Brianya at ease, Ed began humming the melody to the song, Two Occasions, by The Deele. Their bodies began to move in sync as Ed went from humming to singing the lyrics to the hook. He spun Brianya around and brought her back into his embrace and they began hand dancing to the beat of a silent tune.

Brianya, giggling like a schoolgirl, collapsed onto the sofa. “I’m cured!” she declared, shaking her head at Ed. “And I thought I couldn’t carry a tune!”

“Hey, I warned you from the beginning.”

Ed, like Endo, had a good-naturedness about him that Brianya found refreshing. Most of the men she’d known before were always so hung up on trying to be hard, tough guys. At this moment, Brianya felt drawn to Ed. As much as she wanted to take it to the next level with him, she couldn’t. The next level, of course, meaning a declaration of exclusivity. “You did warn me,” Brianya agreed. Building on the theme of forewarnings, Brianya added, “And I warned you from the beginning, too.”

“Yeah.” Ed joined Brianya on the couch. “It doesn’t have to be written in blood does it? I mean, I know how I feel about you.” Ed took Brianya’s hand in his and brought it to his lips. He held Brianya’s gaze with his. “You’re the kind of woman a man would kill for,” he said planting a whisper of a kiss on the back of Brianya’s hand.

The room went still. The heat of electricity coursed through Brianya and she found it impossible to speak. “Whew,” Brianya said, finding her voice and fanning herself in a mock gesture. “You’re moving a little too fast for me.”

“Too fast? It’s been three months. Look, I know what you said about not giving the candy away . . . but I’m not talking about a one-night stand. I’m talking about a commitment.” Ed’s brown eyes flashed with excitement.

“Whoa!” Brianya moved away from Ed’s grasp. “We’re not on the same page. Are you talking about sex?”

“Well, yeah!” Ed’s voice went up an octave. “What did you think I was talking about?”

“I thought you were talking about being exclusive.”

Ed looked puzzle. “We’re already exclusive, aren’t we?”

“How can we be exclusive when we’re not even dating?” she wanted to add “duh!” but she didn’t dare.

Ed stood and stalked to the window. “So, you’re seeing other people while we’re dating, or doing whatever it is we’re doing?”

Although she didn’t mean it to be a secret, Brianya hadn’t mentioned to Ed that he was one-third in a triad. Something in his tone and the way he was staring at her, told Brianya that it was better to deny all accusations. “No, Ed, that’s not what I’m saying.” Brianya found that in times like these, when there was a huge misunderstanding about expectations, it was best to say the person’s name. It helped to reassure the other person that all was still well.

“Then what are you saying?” Ed stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“All I’m saying is, from the beginning I told you that I was celibate until marriage and that we weren’t dating.” Brianya sucked in a her breath then slowly let it out.

With the exception of the low hum of an appliance in the distance, the room grew quiet. After what felt like an eternity, Ed spoke into the silence. “You’re right. You did say that. It’s just that you’re so much more than I imagined you would be. I never expected to fall this hard for you. I mean, just the thought of you being with somebody else. . . .” Ed’s thoughts trailed off. “Listen to me. I’m a forty-three-year-old grown man acting like a school boy with a crush.”

Brianya let out a sigh of relief. “I thought you were about to go all Misery on me!”

Ed chuckled. “Yeah. I saw that deer-in-the-headlight look you were giving me.” Ed’s brows furrowed. “I would never intentionally hurt you, Miss Johnson.”

“Intentionally?”

“The fact of the matter is no matter how well-intentioned we are, without meaning to, we almost always end up hurting the ones we care about.” Ed crossed the room to sit, once again, at Brianya’s side. So yes, Miss Johnson, I would never intentionally hurt you.” Ed took Brianya’s face in his hands and she let him kiss her with a passion that mirrored her own feelings, as deep as the Congo River.

BUY THE BOOK:

AMAZON: http://tinyurl.com/j6dv7bu
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/zdyblun
Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/jhmkwu9

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

As far back as she can remember, Cathy Jo has always been a writer, driven by her desire to control the outcome. She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and is a proud graduate of the Cleveland Municipal School District. When Cathy Jo isn’t writing, she’s spending time reading, studying, watching movies, or talking to people about the Word of God. While her writing doesn’t necessarily espouse her religious beliefs, it is guided by Godly principles.

Cathy Jo always knew that someday she would be a published author and 2011 her dream came true. With the publication of her first book, Transitions: short stories for a rainy day, Cathy Jo was determined not to be a one-book author. She is working on her third book, which is titled Promise Me You Won’t that is due for publication this summer.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Web site: http://www.twistedwordpublishing.com
Twitter: @mzcatjo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathyjog1

Thanks for stopping by for another 21 Days of Love. Show your love for Cathy Jo by leaving a comment.

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We're kicking off a new week of 21 Days of Love! Today's featured author is new to the Beautifully Inspired Blog, but perhaps not new to you. She's been blowing up the book scene and I'm excited to have her here. Help me welcome, Xyla Turner!

Hello Everybody,
 
I'm Xyla Turner and I pen sexy romance with a few sub-genres now, including African-American, Interracial, Contemporary and Motorcycle Club Romances. I published my first book in April of 2015 and twelve books later, I still love to pen stories that talk about everything from race to modern social issues and always that involves romance. 
 
My upcoming project includes an anthology with thirteen other authors about Women: Withstanding All. We are celebrating Women's History Month and with this diverse group of ladies, readers should expect to see stories about young, older, single, married, divorced, and everything in between. Join us for our cover reveal on February 29th. https://www.facebook.com/events/1697376557141034
 
Now, let me introduce one of my latest works. 10-80: Line of Duty Series. This book addresses the black vs. blue lives as an unlikely couple, D'asia from the projects and a beat cop in Harlem. The two struggle to figure out where they belong in the midst of their environment but also the climate of black and blue lives in the community. 
I hope you check it out and enjoy!
 

Excerpt: 

What was this guy’s deal? He knew the rules. I didn’t make them.

“What! You need a snitch? Huh? Well, I don’t snitch. Shit, I don’t even know anything to snitch about. You must need something from me, right? I just want to be left alone and mind my business. That is all I’m trying to do, but you go out of your way to interrupt that. What do you want from me? Huh.” I exhaled.

“Your time,” He said as I reared my head back in confusion. “What? We can’t even get dinner or grab lunch. Shit, I’d take coffee.”

I was shaking my head. “Are you crazy?”

“Apparently, I must be.” He shook his head too. “Those are the rules, right? You always do what you’re told?”

“Don’t do that.” I spat. “You think because you color outside the lines of the law, everybody does?” I laughed at the ridiculousness of what he was proposing.

It must have sounded like the cackle of a hysterical woman. As I was in the middle of my own private joke, he had one of his own. Before I could stop him, he bent down and kissed me full on the lips and inserted his warm, sneaky tongue in my mouth.

He completely invaded me, as he pulled me against him, while I, initially, pushed back. Then he tangled his tongue with mine and my fight ceased. My tongue pressed back against his, as he took more of me. The fight left my arms and a new battle ensued. Grabbing the back of his short hair in my small fist, caused him to growl mid-kiss. Sending all sorts of signals throughout my body. It was on fire. He had lit the flame. The cop.

Oh no.

The cop.

My hands dropped from his hair and I pushed him away. He let go but stared at me with unadulterated lust in his eyes. His chest was moving up and down as mine was doing the same.

“W-what are you doing?” I asked out of breath.

“I don’t know,” He replied, just as puzzled as I was.

“Don’t do it again.” I shook my head, trying to jar myself to leave.

Like immediately.

My legs finally moved towards the door.

“Have dinner with me,” He yelled after me.

I shook my head.

“Lunch?”

I kept shaking my head.

“Come on. Coffee?” He pleaded once more.

“No,” I said with as much finality I could muster up.

I reached the door and nearly ran out of the store.

What in the world was wrong with me? Letting a cop kiss me in a grocery store refrigerator.

GET YOUR COPY:

Sales Link for 10-80: http://amzn.to/1R9BAza

MEET & CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Xyla Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Xyla wrote short stories and essays that have won numerous awards in local to nationwide competitions. She is an avid reader, but a sucker for romance. Specifically, sassy females and dominant males. Xyla is a dedicated educator and a life coach. Outside of reading, Xyla likes to spend time with her family and travel. She writes different genres, but her favorite is romance. 

To stay in touch with Xyla, sign up for her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bfltf9 and receive text alerts: Text EZXYLA to 313131 or http://clk2.it/I7iV5E 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorXylaTurner
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1mPP9I3
Twitter: @xylaturner
Instagram: @xylaturner
Tumblr: xylaturner.tumblr.com
Pinterest: @xylaturner
Xyla Text Alerts: http://clk2.it/NceMjj
Xyla Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bfltf9

Join us tomorrow for another 21 Days of Love! Don't forget to show your love for Xyla by leaving a comment, and liking and tweeting this post.

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Day 15 of 21 Days of Love is here! We're bringing week three to a close with Sheryl Lister's, "Tender Kisses."

He watched her naked curvaceous body as she passed and he hardened immediately. He planned for them to have breakfast, and then get on the road, but breakfast and the road would have to wait.

“What time are we heading back?” Siobhan asked as she climbed into bed again.

“After I get another taste of your sexy body,” he answered, kissing her until she lay flat. His hand traveled over her smoother than silk skin, from her face to her neck and finally settled on her breasts. Justin massaged the full mounds, then left her mouth, captured a pebbled nipple between his teeth and tugged gently, drawing a sharp cry from her. “You like that, baby?”

“Ooooh, yes.” Her head dropped back and her eyelids closed.

“That’s good because today I’m going to make you scream.” He slid down her body, hooked her left leg over his shoulder and placed a kiss on her knee. He trailed his tongue along her inner thigh to her warm, moist center then mirrored his actions on her right leg. Justin repeated the action until she trembled and writhed beneath him then plunged his tongue into her slick, wet heat.

“Justin,” she chanted as his tongue moved faster and deeper.

He felt the moment she started to lock down her emotions and she tried to scoot away, but he wasn’t having it, not today. “Let it go, sweetheart.”

“Noooo, I…I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. It’s okay. Let go in my arms, Siobhan.” He slid in two fingers, sucked the tiny bud between her legs and she screamed his name, the sound like music to his ears. He lowered her legs, reached for and donned the condom he’d placed on the nightstand, and guided his engorged shaft into her body. He groaned as he sank deep within her tight walls. Justin reversed their positions, pulling her on top of him.

Siobhan leaned down to kiss him.

He cradled the back of her head and deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping into her mouth.

“Ride me, baby,” he whispered against her lips.

GRAB YOUR COPY OF TENDER KISSES TODAY:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1ZCdGQu
B&N:  http://bit.ly/1XIxsGq
Kobo:  http://bit.ly/20HG1Vj 
Harlequin:  http://bit.ly/20HGo1X

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Day 14 of 21 Days of Love features a new author to the Beautifully Inspired blog. Xio Axelrod is here to showcase her novel, "Falling Stars."

We don't always have a choice of who we fall in love with, but we do have a choice of whether we follow our heart or not. "Falling Stars," explores that concept and sounds quite intriguing to me. Help me welcome Xio and read on to learn more about her and her story...

Hello there, I’m Xio Axelrod. I write contemporary romantic fiction that often examines how and why we fall, and the decisions we make when we do. Both good and bad. My series Falling Stars is set in Hollywood, a place that isn’t known for its authenticity. Still, my guy and my girl find themselves on a collision course. They’re soul mates, if there ever was such a thing, but the circumstances…well…they’re far from ideal.
 
Blurb ~

What if you met the right person at the absolute wrong time?
 
Val Saunders and Sam Newman are two Hollywood actors at opposite ends of their careers. Hers is skyrocketing while his never really took off. Fate brings them together when they’re cast as lovers on a steamy new television series. The on-screen chemistry between them is off the charts and when it spills over into a real life attraction, they find themselves in a situation.
                        
Sam is an honorable man. He has been faithful to a toxic, Hollywood marriage for nearly half his life. He’s never strayed and isn’t about to start now, despite the fact that he is falling head over heels for his co-star.
 
Val’s worked hard to get her career on the path to the A-list and the last thing she wants, or needs, is a scandal. If only her heart and her brain were working with the same script.
 
Romance is an ideal. This is a love story. It explores the possibility of second chances and asks hard questions about duty, fidelity, life in the public eye, and the cost of being happy. Falling Stars is the beginning of a sexy, sensual, and emotional roller-coaster ride that reminds us that love, while not often easy, is always worth it.

EXCERPT:

Sam hadn’t been on the lot in days. Not since that day. Had he been avoiding her, or was she just being paranoid? She’d gotten used to everyone being on set, hanging around like it was one, giant clubhouse. When he didn’t come back after they filmed episode six, a whisper of panic shot through her. The little voice in her head told her that he’d known how attracted she was to him – a married man – and it had made him uncomfortable. She needed to talk to him. To apologize, to explain, just to say…something.

“Ugh, don’t be stupid, Val. He’s got a life outside of work.” She gathered her purse and the sack of freshly-baked pepperoni bread that she’d brought for the viewing. And opened the door just as Sam appeared at the bottom of the hill.

He stopped when he saw her.

“Here we go.” Val got out of the car and closed the door, leaning on it for a beat longer than needed. She took a steadying breath before turning around.

“Hi.” He slowed to a stop a few feet away from her.

“Hi.” She smiled, her pulse suddenly off to the races.

They stood there for a moment, saying nothing. Just staring. Sam ran a hand through his hair. He had a sexy, sorta Robert Redford thing going on, white button-down shirt, crisp jeans and tennis shoes. It was like seeing yet another side of the man. A more relaxed version. It suited him.

“Haven’t seen you for a couple of days, everything okay?” The sun framed his body, giving him an unearthly aura. Val shielded her eyes.

“Yeah…yeah.” He dismissed her concern, moving slightly to block the glare. “Just been busy. Had some stuff to do. Things to take care of. Karen, the usual.” Sam shoved his hands into his pockets and the gesture suddenly made him seem, at once, very young and very male. Val blushed. He knew.

“Sam, I-“

“Please, Valerie, don’t. You don’t have to…I mean, I know what you’re going to say and I’m-“

“Sorry.” They spoke at the same time.

“Wait, what?” Confused, Val walked toward him. Sam took a half step back. He looked like a man that wanted to melt into the asphalt and disappear. “What are you apologizing for?” He
opened his mouth, but nothing came out. A pained expression flashed across his face.

“Last week, at the shoot, we…I-”

“I hear they loved it.” She cut him off. Things were awkward. Val didn’t like awkward. She gave him her best, talk show smile. He smiled back and seemed to relax a little. “If one more person tells me how hot it was.” Val rolled her eyes. Just go with it, Sam. Please.

“Yeah, well, it was pretty believable. I think.” Sam’s laugh faded. Her skin began to itch under his gaze.

“Oh yeah, totally.” She rushed to agree. “I mean, I’m sure it looked that way.”

Val had to look away. This was excruciating. She pretended to find something interesting up in the trees. Their co-stars had gone on and on about how, together, they’d made the scene sizzle. Carla and the network execs were convinced that the ratings would go through the roof once America got a glimpse of TV’s hottest new couple.

All Val could think about was going into Carla’s house to watch herself fall in lust with Sam onscreen, in a room full of people. As much as she dreaded it, another part of her wanted to relive that day. See if it was as amazing as her memories.

“Acting,” Sam said, snapping her back to reality. “Genius!” He grinned, pointing one finger at the sky in exaggeration.

“Wow, I haven’t heard that one in a long time. My dad loves those old SNL sketches.” She laughed, some of the tension melting out of her body. She was almost convinced that Sam hadn’t shared in her insane, lust-crazed delusions. It was merely acting. Really superb acting. And, of course, his natural, physical response to stimuli. That’s all. Lucky him.

***

Somewhere along the way, Sam had begun to study her. Memorizing the way she twirled her hair when she laughed, the curve of her neck, the way her silver jewelry looked against her copper skin. He gazed at her for a moment longer than was proper. She practically glowed in her off-white sundress. He loved her in those. Her arms were bare. The contrast between the color of the fabric and the tone of her skin brought back memories of the last time he’d seen her. The lace of her intimates sliding across his fingertips, her flesh soft against his lips.

She was absolutely gorgeous. So full of easy confidence and in the prime of her life. Plum. Succulent. He smothered the sudden impulse to kiss her.

In the quiet of Carla’s tree-lined street, Valerie was studying him too. He couldn’t interpret the expression on her face but something moved behind her eyes that made his heart pound loudly in his chest. He needed to stop this fantasy. It was getting dangerous and could threaten his career. Valerie had been nothing but a professional, but he was behaving like a schoolboy. He briefly closed his eyes and bit the inside of his cheek. Penance for his betrayal of their innocent relationship. Valerie stepped closer, a concerned look on her face.

“Hey. What’s going on?” She placed her hand on his shoulder and he had to fight not to jump out of his skin. Determined to stamp his budding infatuation down as far as he could get it, he swallowed before speaking.

“I’m alright. Really.” He smiled tightly. “You?” He licked his lips and she inhaled quickly.

He felt himself drifting in. Her hand tightened on his shoulder. That spark, that fire, it roared to life. How was he supposed to go inside and watch himself fall all over her on screen? Watch as she kissed him, caressed him. The others would know, if they didn’t already, how far down the rabbit hole he had tumbled. He’d be a joke. A laughing stock. Deservedly so. But it wasn’t like he could walk away now. Valerie tilted her head as if she had read his mind.

“Sam—”

“Shall we?” Too loud, man. Unsure of what she was about to say, he’d panicked. Valerie stopped mid-breath. Sam gestured toward the door and she nodded slowly. Giving his arm one last squeeze, she let go and walked past him. “Here, let me.”

He took the parcel of bread from her, offering to carry it while she opened the door and they stepped inside. Into the lion’s den.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK AND BUY IT:

Book Trailer ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=846AR2mU_zI
“Yellow” (Single from Falling Stars soundtrack) ~
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NZwJP7
iTunes: http://apple.co/1MXQ44G
 
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26175703-falling-stars
 
Buy Links ~
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1SzZh22
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/falling-stars/id1060179367?ls=1&mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/falling-stars-17
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-stars-xio-axelrod/1123021141?ean=2940157870218
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fallingstars-1924176-149.html
 
 
Audio Book:
Audible: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_1_srAuth?searchAuthor=Xio+Axelrod&qid=1453828812&sr=1-1
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Xio-Axelrod/e/B00JCFOOHY
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/xio-axelrod/id949645180?mt=11

MEET XIO & CONNECT WITH HER:

Xio Axelrod, is an award-winning author of love stories, contemporary romantic fiction and (what she likes to call) strange, twisted tales. She also writes erotica and women’s fiction. Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, not-so-secret name of course). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and one part-time cat.

Website:  http://www.xioaxelrod.com/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Xio-Axelrod/e/B00JCFOOHY
Email Signup: http://eepurl.com/SunFL
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/XioAxelrod
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/xioaxelrod
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/xioaxelrod
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+XioAxelrod
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/xioaxelrod/
Instagram: http:// http://instagram.com/xioaxelrod/

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Love can make you do crazy things! We're back with another 21 Days of Love. It's day 13 and Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku is sharing an excerpt from her novel, "Red Velvet Rose."

BLURB
 
~ Flirty & Feisty Romance Novel ~
 
What a Soft Caress
 
A life outside her reach is what classy blonde heiress, Gabriella Gilcrest yearns for with all her heart. When a well-chiselled, dark-skinned man wearing a white vest and bandana drives a white Lamborghini around Martha's Vineyard, she pictures herself in a different world. His strong fingers, soft whispers, quirky humour and many kisses leave solid prints on her heart.
 
Eye-catching, sexy-as-sin Moroccan millionaire, Zane Abdul is in Massachusetts to clinch a lucrative car deal. A small mistake throws Gabriella straight at him. The elegant woman who has more character than he expects may be the one to wipe away his emotional confusion. But he stands no chance with the Gilcrest family name, money & history. Besides, he has his own demons to fight.
Will a soft caress, a slow embrace and a touch of lips be enough to jump every barrier and light a flame in their hearts as Valentine Day closes in? Or will their past lovers fight back?
 
~ From the Author of Forbidden Dance ~

EXCERPT:

The pool water shone as the crescent moonlight and night lamps paraded across the surface. In the shower stall, Zane retrieved two large towels and stripped off his clothes. Changing his mind about wearing his trunks, he dived nude into the ten feet end of the pool.
 
A second splash followed and he quickly came up for air. His heart jumped as Gabriella swam towards him. Night light bounced off her wet face and long golden hair. Mermaid. She dived in and out of the water surface like a mermaid.
 
“Thank you.” She bared white teeth, gave him a small smile and carried on swimming. He swam alongside her for five laps. When she did a back flip to continue swimming, he reached out and grasped her wrist.
 
“Take a break. Don’t work yourself so hard.”
 
“Are you worried about me or yourself?” she shot back with a wink. Her red bikini top hung low over her breasts and he tried not to look down.
 
“I can go on and on. But we’ve just had a night out dancing. Take it easy. I don’t want you passing out on me in the pool.”
 
She pushed away from him and floated away on her back. Stubborn. Yes, Gabriella was stubborn but in a cute way.
 
“That’s better, he called out.” He floated on his back towards her but covered his male pride with both hands. For several minutes, they counted the stars in the sky while lying on their backs.
 
“How many stars did you count, Zane?” she screamed beside him.
 
“I’m right beside you. I’ve counted two thousand so far. And you?”
 
She pulled his arm. “Liar,” she shouted. He sank underwater to prevent her seeing him nude.
“Well, how many did you count, Sunshine?”
 
“One million only,” she whispered.
 
He laughed as she raced away from him.
 
“If I’m a little liar, then, you’re a national liar. Counting a million stars in a few minutes, huh?”
 
“Get on some clothes, Zane Abdul. As long as you’re nude, I’m not going to swim near you. I don’t know what you’re playing at.”
 
His hands froze in place. “How did you know?”
 
“I saw your naked butt as you dived into the pool. It’s not so dark, you know.” She let out a long sigh and a giggle.
 
He shook his head. “I wanted to swim nude. In my house I can do what I want. I bet you’ve never swam nude.”
 
She stayed afloat in the middle of the pool. “What are bikinis meant for? Swimming nude is not my thing.”
 
He sliced through the water so swiftly, he caught up with her before she could get away. “You sound so condescending, I want to make you swim half nude.”
 
With both hands raised, she pushed against him, but he pressed her frame against his and he unfastened her bikini top and threw it out of the pool.
 
PURCHASE LINKS:
 
eBook
 
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Red-Velvet-Rose-Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku-ebook/dp/B01BLSZ3CE/
 
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Velvet-Rose-Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku-ebook/dp/B01BLSZ3CE/
 
Smashwords:
 
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/614319
 
Paperback
 
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Red-Velvet-Rose-Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/dp/1523958545/
 
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Velvet-Rose-Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku-ebook/dp/B01BLSZ3CE/
 

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It's day 12 of 21 Days of Love! Welcome back to a lovely affair. Today's featured author loves everything romantic and you'll see why in just a moment. She's giving away a free eBook copy of her latest release, because she simply loves you like that! Don't forget to leave a comment at the end of this post to be entered for your chance to win. Without further ado, please help me welcome a new author to this blog, Kortni Renea!

Hello everyone! I hope everyone is a having a WONDERFUL New Year so far!! I am Kortni Renea, a writer of Interracial, Multicultural, Contemporary and newly added genre - Paranormal Romance. I have ALWAYS had a love for books and am slightly obsessed with them. In celebration of Chelle’s 21 Days of Love, I will be gifting a lucky winner with an eBook copy of my latest release, Raquel’s Mane.
 
Just to give you a bit of my background, I published my first novel Covered in His Love in 2013 and my sophomore novel I Love You More Than… 2014. October of 2015 brought the release of my third novel, Raquel’s Mane. I am extremely proud of this novel, as I went completely outside of my comfort zone with it.
 
When asked why I chose Romance as my genre, the answer was simple. I love romance!!! Period! It doesn't matter in the characters are Caucasian (Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rodgers still holds a special place in my heart), Black, Asian, Native American or even part animal (I'm talking paranormal so get your minds out of the gutter). I just love "love" in general and all of the different journeys people take to get there.

RAQUEL'S MANE EXCERPT:

“What’s wrong?” Raquel asked as soon as the door to their suite closed behind them. She felt his sudden change in mood. Diesel was worrying about something. Whatever it was had to do with the conversation he’d had with Tanner.

Raquel went to the balcony doors off the living room area. Opening the doors, she sat in a patio chair patiently waiting for Diesel to join her. A smirk lifted the corner of Diesel’s mouth when he interpreted the motive behind Raquel’s choice of locations to have the conversation. Raquel felt she was safe from their conversation being derailed by sex if they were on the balcony versus in a room with walls, couches, counters, floors and a bed. Raquel didn’t know him as well as she thought. If she thought the balcony would deter him.

When Diesel wanted something, nothing would stop him from having it. Including the potential for an audience. At his compound it was nothing to witness a tryst between lovers as you were enjoying your morning run or just walking down to breakfast. If you were really lucky the tryst may have three or four participants involved, if not more. Those were always the most entertaining to watch.

Diesel thought that Raquel most likely wouldn’t appreciate that tidbit of knowledge right now, so he kept the information to himself. Diesel joined her on the small balcony area but instead of taking the only other seat available, he lifted Raquel from hers before situating himself into and settling her onto his lap. Raquel was usually soft and pliant whenever he touched or held her in his arms. Right now she was a woman on a mission and refused to let down her guard until he talked to her. Raquel’s form was rigid and determined.

A foreign and unfamiliar feel for Diesel. “It’s nothing really.” If it was possible, Raquel’s form turned to granite in his arms. “Tanner is my Vicari Betalia. He runs the ship in my absence.
Tanner said he tried linking with me several different times and wasn’t able to.”

Raquel shifted to the side so she was able to look at him while talking. “I take it thats a bad thing?”

"I don’t know if I would classify it as bad. Unusual? Most definitely. You remember accusing me of drugging you when I was able to hear your thoughts and vice versa?” Diesel asked, laughter embedded in his words.

"Well that’s what it’s like when I link with Pride members. Not everyone is able to link to me but I’m able to link with anyone in my Pride. Our Koning can link with me, as well as members of the Conclave and my Vicari Tanner. My Vicari hasn’t been able to link with me since I met you from what I can tell. Before going to Loving Hands Koning Tank reached out via link and there were no issues.

"It would seem that after you and I fused the first night we came together, our communication and connection took precedence over everyone else’s ability to link with me. But again, this is only speculation.” Diesel quickly supplied when he picked up on Raquel’s feelings of guilt over having caused this change to occur in him.

"But it’s extremely important for you to be able to link with your Koning, the Conclave and Vicari. Not being able to do so can cause some major issues correct?”

"It’s not an ideal situation, no. But it’s not a life or death one either.” At least Diesel hoped it did not come to that.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR & BUY THE BOOK:

Playlist 

Book trailer for Raquel’s Mane 
 
FaceBook Author Page
 
 
Book Links:
 
http://mybook.to/RaquelsMane
 
http://mybook.to/ILYMT

Thanks for joining us today for 21 Days of Love. Don't forget to leave a comment on this post to be entered for your chance to win a copy of Kortni Renea's, "Raquel's Mane."

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Welcome back to another week of 21 Days of Love. Today's featured author, Eartha Watts-Hicks, shares with us a steamy excerpt from "Love Changes." Her characters are definitely on fire for each other, with one simple problem...you'll have to read on to find out what that problem is, and what happens when lust wins out over love.

LOVE CHANGES EXCERPT:

I…squeezed past him, storming out of the record store. At the curb, I threw my arm up to hail a taxi, wondering if I had enough for the fare. Reaching into my purse for my wallet, I noticed I didn’t feel my keys. I ran my hand across the bottom. Nothing. I realized where they were.

Taking a deep breath, I looked to my left. Less than half a block away a peanut vendor was roasting nuts from the cart, releasing a honey-sweet aroma, but the thought of eating the peanuts was not as appealing as the thought of hurling them at Romell and sending his ass into anaphylactic shock.

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.

MEET THE AUTHOR & CONNECT:

Eartha Watts Hicks is the author and publisher of Love Changes and founder of Earthatone Books, an imprint of Earthatone Enterprises, LLC. She leads self-publishing, writing, and publicity workshops for the New York Public Library, New York City Parks Department, the National Writers Union, Project Enterprise, and other not-for-profits. A freelance PR and article writer, she is an affiliate of BlackPR(dot)com and a contributor to Harlem World Magazine. She is also a fiction writing fellow of the Hurston-Wright Foundation, the Center for Black Literature and the North Country Institute and Retreat for Writers of Color. 

A member of the acclaimed Harlem Writers Guild, her writing advice has been featured in the Writers Guide to 2013, edited by Susan Tierney. In June of 2013, Eartha Watts-Hicks received the Just R.E.A.D. Award in fiction from the NYCHA branch of the NAACP and was named a 2013 NAACP New York City ambassador for literacy. She was also featured as part of the Write It Down panel discussion at the 2014 Congressional Black Caucus. Eartha is former director of publications for Cultivating Our Sisterhood international Association, a 501(c)3, and former Harlem Center leader for Project Enterprise, a 501(c)3 organization, helping NYC entrepreneurs launch their start-ups. Earthatone Books is 2015 winner of the Capital One Bank sponsored, Columbia University SBA Business Pitch Competition. Eartha's latest title, Graffiti Mural: My Off the Wall Creative Writing will be released early in 2016.

Website: www.earthatone.com
Social Media: @Earthatone

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It's Day 10 of 21 Days of Love! We're closing out another wonderful week on a high! Sometimes, the love we experience is something that has been taken for granted. It's the love of a long-term relationship. One where you have hung in there and weathered the storm, yet, he still needs to know just how much you love him and why.

Today's excerpt comes from Audrey Ford in "The Sweet Taste of Love."

EXCERPT:

“Do you remember the promises that we made to each other on our wedding night?” Gregory asked her. “Yeah, I do,” Ron answered, looking down and then into Gregory’s eyes. “That we would never stop loving each other, never stop touching each other, never stop believing in each other, and never stop respecting each other,” Gregory said, touching Ron’s face. Ron only nodded her head. How had they gotten away from all of that? “Do you know why you love me?” Gregory asked. The question was a simple one, but a simple “yes” was not what Gregory was looking for. He wanted her to tell him why she loved him and were they worth fighting for.
Ron knew she owed Gregory at least that much. “I love you because you never gave up on me. I love you because you went to find out who I am and where I came from. With that knowledge, you still love me. I love you because you gave us those two wonderful children. I love you because you took care of my aunt when I never knew she existed. That took a special kind of man and I’m blessed to have him. What I can promise you is this,” she said, dropping her eyes and looking back at him. “That going forward you will never question whether or not I love you,” Ron said, looking into Gregory’s eyes.

BUY THE BOOK & CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

AMAZON:  http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Taste-Love-Audrey-Ford-ebook/dp/B00DUHTVOG/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453408253&sr=1-4&keywords=audrey+a+ford

TWITTER: @chacha9909
FACEBOOK: Audrey Ford

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We're on Day 9 of 21 Days of Love! What a lovely book cover, wouldn't you agree? Author K. K. Harris is showcasing an excerpt from her novel, "The First Lady's Choice."

Sometimes love takes us on a path we never would have plotted for ourselves. It's at these times that we must question is the love real, and is it worth it. Check out her intriguing excerpt...

The First Lady's Choice Excerpt:

Prologue…

When life seems to throw the biggest curve ball, where do you go? How do you dodge it? Where is your safe haven? When the chips seem to fall in all the wrong places, who are you supposed to run to?

Here I am a thirty year-old married woman with nowhere to go. Just as I thought this day couldn’t possibly get any worse, it did. Waking up this morning, I never could have imagined the outcome of a confrontation; a confrontation over someone else’s indiscretions to add insult to injury. All the proof that has made itself present to me was about to drive me mad; I had to bring it to his attention.

Although I knew, he would be angry from being accused of such a God-awful act, however this angry I didn’t anticipate. I couldn’t have anticipated him to overreact the way he did. The sadistic smile he brandished after he lashed out was the nail in the coffin. Angry I can see, denial, sure why not but abusive—HELL NO. I never would have pegged William to be so heavy-handed.

I bitterly laughed to myself at the term heavy-handed for it was a true understatement. To be a man of the cloth, he certainly could have fooled the hell out of me. The sad part is no one would ever believe me if the events of late were spoken aloud. Pastor William P. Foster was an upstanding pillar in the community and an outstanding preacher of the word. No one would ever believe that he was a proven cheat and now wife-beater could be added to the list.

Maybe not “beater” because I managed to fight him back enough to get away. The fact that he put his hands on me period was enough really to see I was married to a complete stranger. All because he was called out on his indiscretions, he lashed out. In all honesty, I was doing my best not to exaggerate without hearing his side of the story first. When I had every right to show up and show out over the new discoveries, I tried to be a Christian about it. Now it seems my calm demeanor was pointless.

Fleeing the supposed safety of the place I called home, I found myself wondering aimlessly around town. Dallas Texas had never seemed so large until tonight. It never bothered me, the endless exits to nowhere that were steadily appearing on the expressway. Tonight, it was a constant reminder that I was stuck with absolutely nowhere to turn. The closest family member to Dallas lived in Galveston; there was no way I would make it without crashing.

After all, I had worked a full shift and not to mention waiting around forever for William to return home from a weeklong business trip. Only the imagination would make me guess where he really was or what he was really doing while away. No telling whom he was away with, for that matter. Nothing else could surprise me about him at this point. He has proven to be a true narcissistic prick with a temper.

“Who is it?” A deep voice asked through the door. The sound of the voice always brought a sense of calmness to my fragile nerves but today it seemed impatient.

“…” As bad as I wanted to shout my name, the frog in my throat didn’t allow it. It was a given that he would look in the peephole anyway so I could never understand why he would always ask. Finally, the locks began to turn and the door was opened.

“What are you doing out so late?”

“Sorry to interrupt… I…” I couldn’t form a complete sentence to save my life. Here I was standing on a friend that I had practically written offs doorstep late on a Friday night. My life was in utter turmoil and sadly, my mind was tempting to slip into the gutter. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’

“Megan, what’s going on?” Tremaine asked. He sounded generally concerned.

“Tre, is everything okay?” A female voice said on the other side of the door. I never imagined someone else would be here so late.

How stupid was I not to realize he would have company. Tre was a very attractive young man with women all over Dallas chasing in behind him. Common sense would have told me he wasn’t alone because he never made a move to invite me inside. He had only stood in the gap with one massive arm braced at the top of the doorframe and the other holding the door. While he spoke with his female company, I made the conscious decision to leave.

“I apologize for interrupting your evening, it’s nothing. I don’t know what I was thinking.” I rambled out attempting to flee as quickly as possible. The intense look he shot at my retreating form didn’t go unnoticed. Like a bullet, his hand shot out to pull me to stop abruptly.

“What the hell…” He was trying to focus in on something. In the process of looking everywhere but directly at him, I almost forgot the real reason I came here.

“Just go back…”

“What is that on your face?” He questioned.

“Oh, that…”

“Yeah, that…”

“It’s…”

“Don’t you dare tell me it’s nothing? Who did this to you?”

“Tre, calm down,” I tried to get him to lower his voice.

“Calm down? CALM DOWN?!”

“TRE, we are in the hall remember?”

“Come inside.”

“No, I don’t want to intrude.”

“Come on,” he pulled me into his apartment despite my many attempts of pulling away. In the back of my mind, I feel some type of way showing up on his doorstep this way but I didn’t know where else to turn. I have always despised being helpless but here I am, what I hate most. Desperate… Destitute.... Destroyed... A disaster… A damsel in distress well on my way to becoming bitter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 nine years and mother to three children. She spends her days working diligently alongside her partner and husband running their home based business. Wanting to be an urban fiction novelist has always been a dream of hers and finally in 2013 she self-published ‘Love Drug’.

The first released novel only increased the hunger to see what other plateaus she could reach. Her twelfth novel ‘The First Lady’s Choice was released January 2016 and there is so much more to come from this author. Although the writing process can be trying at times, she is looking forward to many more stories to come.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

www.author-kkharris.wix.com/kkharris
www.author-kkharris.com
authorkkharris@gmail.com
Periscope: Author K. K. Harris
Instagram: @author_k.k.harris
Facebook: authorkkharris
Twitter: KKHarris_author
Youtube: author-kkharris

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It's Day 8 of 21 Days of Love! Whew time is surely flying by. I hope you're as excited about today's excerpt, as I am. It celebrates that special day of love, Valentine's Day.

Joy Avery is giving us a peek into "Cupid's Error," but she has two other sweet prizes in store for you. That's right, you have the chance to enter a giveaway and she's sharing a sweet, sensational recipe. You'll find it below the excerpt...

BLURB:

Staffing agency owner Danica James is determined not to spend another Valentine’s Day alone. But purchasing a man for the evening? Out of the question. Then her best friend intervenes—gifting her a night of dinner and dancing with a Cupid’s Arrow escort. What could be the harm? Though Cupid’s Arrow is known for matches made in heaven, she’s not looking for a love connection. Then she meets her Cupid’s Fellow and everything changes.

Business mogul Weston Henshaw doesn’t need Cupid’s Arrow to get a Valentine’s Day companion, but Cupid’s Arrow needs him. Seems his sister’s charity event has done far better than anticipated. Only problem…a shortage of eligible bachelors to pamper all of the lonely hearts. When he agrees to be bait for an evening, he never imagines meeting the one woman who makes him wish the night would never end.

An error by Cupid’s places Danica and Weston on a road to destiny, but will they maintain the course?

EXCERPT:

“This is who I am,” he said.

“I don’t…” She turned to face him, the sheer fabric of her dress sweeping the marble floor.
“This is the penthouse?”

He folded his arms across his chest and gave a single nod.

She closed the distance between them. “You…live here?”

He nodded again.

“Jesus.” She turned and took in more of the space. “Cupid’s Arrow must pay very well.”

Weston moved close behind her. She flinched when he rested his hands on her waist. He rotated her to face him. “I don’t work for Cupid’s Arrow; I own it. Kinda.”

“What? Kinda? What…does that mean exactly?”

“It’s my sister’s company, but I’m a silent partner. Very silent.” He laughed, but Danica didn’t.
“My sister needed my help. Too many women. Not enough men. Long story short, I agreed to be one of her Cupid Fellows for the night.” He attempted to interpret the void look on her face, but came up empty. “Say something.”

“I…” She rested a hand over her collar bone. “…think I should go,” she said, hiking her dress and hurrying toward the elevator.

“Hey,” he said, moving after her. “This doesn’t change anything. I’m still—”

Danica barked a laugh as she whipped around to face him. “Are you kidding? This changes everything.”

“How, Danica? I’m the same person I was fifteen minutes ago.”

“No, you’re not, Weston. Don’t you see that?”

“No, I don’t. Please, help me understand. Help me see it from your perspective.” He couldn’t believe they were having their first lover’s quarrel and weren’t even lovers…yet.

Danica placed both hands on either side of her neck and sighed heavily. “Before, you were just a fantasy. Now…you’re real. Too real.”

“And you prefer living in a fantasy rather than real life?” The words came out harsher than he’d intended.

The level of Danica’s voice surprised him when she said, “A fantasy can’t hurt you.”

Without warning, he claimed her mouth, kissing her with a passion that made him weak. Her delicate hands pushed against his biceps, then cautiously wrapped around them. He clutched her in his arms, digging into the depths of his soul, giving what energy he claimed to her through the kiss.

Danica’s body relaxed in his arms. A series of soft moans escaped from them both. To kiss away every ounce of doubt swirling inside of her was his goal. By the way she poured herself into the kiss, he’d accomplished it.

Reluctantly pulling away from her mouth, he stared into her dancing eyes. “Did that hurt?”

In a hushed tone, she said, “No.”

“I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do, Danica. I want to make love to you. I want to make love to you so badly, it aches. But the choice is yours.”
 

Giveaway:

Answer the following question in the comments section of post:
 
What is your ideal romantic Valentine’s Day evening?
 
One (1) winner will be chosen at random to receive a Cupid’s Error goodie box.
Contest ends 11:59pm EST, Wednesday, February 10, 2016.
 

BUY THE BOOK & CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Amazon link: http://bit.ly/cupidserror
WEBSITE: www.joyavery.com
FB: www.facebook.com/authorjoyavery
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/authorjoyavery
AMAZON PAGE: www.amazon.com/author/joyavery
 

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Welcome back to Day 7 of 21 Days of Love! Today's author is bringing you a delightful gift. You simply have to comment to be entered for a chance to win. Help me welcome, Kim Golden...

Hi, I’m Kim Golden and today I am sharing an excerpt from Maybe Baby, the first book in the Maybe… series. The Maybe… series follows Laney and Mads, a couple who meet in a very unexpected way. When they meet, Laney is looking into artificial insemination in order to have a baby with the emotionally distant Swedish man she’s living with. What she isn’t expecting is to meet Mads, a sexy Danish furniture maker who moonlights as a sperm donor, and feel immediately drawn to him. What starts as flirtation ends up leading to love, but not without a few hiccups.
 
Their love story continues in Maybe Tonight (a novella told from Mads’s point of view) and Maybe Forever (a novel told in alternating POV).
 
When I began writing Maybe Baby, I knew I wanted to write about two people who feel lost and who find love when neither is looking for it. I also wanted to write about a woman who must choose between staying with someone for security and embarking on something new without any safety net.
 
Set in both Stockholm, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark, Maybe Baby gives a unique perspective of a black woman living and looking for love in Scandinavia.
 
I hope you enjoy reading this excerpt. And remember to post a comment for a chance to win a free copy of all three books in the Maybe… series + a preview of Maybe Tomorrow, the standalone novel in the Maybe… series, coming later this spring.
 
Happy reading!

Excerpt from Maybe Baby:
 
He pulled a crushed packet of cigarettes from the pocket of his jeans and offered me one. I accepted it and leaned in so he could light it for me. As I took that first illicit drag, he said, "I think I saw you earlier. I was in a café and I looked out the window and saw someone who looked a lot like you."

"I saw you, too," I admitted. We both exhaled smoke and watched the milky tendrils merge and swirl. We kept our backs to the bar and looked out over the water again. "And when I saw you in their... books, I was a little stunned."

"I wasn't expecting to see you here, either." His voice trailed down my spine. I stole a glance at him.

I was wrong earlier when I said he wasn't handsome. There was something so masculine about him. I couldn't really find the words to describe him. He was tall and lean, but there was a strength to him. Underneath his clothing was sure to be the body of someone who did not go to the gym, but who had the natural muscles and leanness of physical labor. He didn't have the perfectly slicked-back hair that most Scandinavian men seemed to favor; they wore it like a badge of their social class and their success. Mads's hair was a messy mop of waves and stray curls that looked coppery in the glow of the spotlights. He swept back the curls that hung in front of his eyes and revealed the most beautiful pair of hazel eyes.

I bit my lower lip. He was too good-looking for me, and he was smiling at me with such fierceness that I knew he felt something, too. He was watching me. I could feel the path his eyes took. My body tingled in anticipation.

"I saw you standing there and I thought, shit, this must be some kind of dream. Or maybe Ida was playing a joke on me."

We both laughed.

What were the chances?

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Kindle: http://bit.ly/AmazonUSMaybeBaby
Kobo: http://bit.ly/KoboKGMaybeBaby
iBooks: http://bit.ly/iBooksMaybeBaby
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ARe: http://bit.ly/AReMaybeBaby
 
Paperback (Amazon): http://bit.ly/PBMaybeBaby
Paperback (BN): http://bit.ly/PBMaybeBabyBN
 
Add to Goodreads TBR list: http://bit.ly/GoodreadsMaybeBaby

Spotify: Maybe Baby Playlist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Golden was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1995, she left the US and moved to Sweden for love with a capital L. When she isn't writing fiction, she writes copy about lipstick and perfume for a Swedish cosmetics firm.
 
She writes stories for people who know that love comes in every color.
 
Follow Kim
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SeeKimWrite
Website: http://kim-golden.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimiGM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimigm/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimigm/

Thanks for stopping by another 21 Days of Romance. Don't forget to leave a comment for Kim for your chance to win a prize.

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We're kicking off a brand new week of 21 Days of Love with a little bit of humor. Why do people date? What are they searching for? Companionship. Entertainment. Intimacy. Interaction. Love. People are mainly looking for L-O-V-E.  Along with that search they compile horrorific and humorous stories that go down in the annals of time.

Today's author, Dalia Florea is giving us a different take on the game of love. She provides a perspective on what women put up with to get to the ultimate place of falling in love. 

BLURB:

Have you ever wondered about online dating?  Journey down the rabbit hole of online dating in this pocket size book of vignettes filled with hilarious stories of meet-ups, musings and more.  From Mr. Doesn’t Have A Job to Mr. Takes His Shoes Off During A Date to Mr. Let’s Go For Coffee But Too Cheap To Actually Buy Coffee.  This book will have you laughing out loud!

EXCERPT:

Devon: Head Case

I swallowed and was grateful that the server returned to take our orders. It gave me a chance to check myself. Girl, get it together. You can work with it. Maybe. Chill out. I got to thinking that must be some kind of cap to hide all that under it. Dayum.

He peered over the menu he held and asked, “What are you having?”

Facing the server, I asked for coffee. I wanted to add, “With a shot of bourbon, please.”

After the server took our orders and left, Devon pulled his driver’s license from his wallet and handed it to me to prove his identity.

I appreciate it, but it ain’t that serious, bruh. I looked down at the picture on his license. Again, it’s amazing what pictures can hide.

As we ate, Devon began bragging about his business when his phone chimed. Yes, you guessed it. Turns out, ET didn’t have to phone home. Mama was always on the line.

He excused himself from the table and left me there for a while. I didn’t mind. It was a relief from hearing him boast. When he returned, he asked if I was ready to go. I was indeed.

When we reached our cars in the parking lot, I turned to thank him for brunch and give him another church hug goodbye and can you believe that long-headed Negro reached for my girls? 

Oh no he didn’t!  I smacked his hands away as hard as I could and yelled, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

He rubbed the smacked hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Did he think because he bought me food that I owed him something?

I slid into my car and slammed the door shut and locked it. I was pissed. I didn’t know whether to report him or get back out of my car and whip his skinny, alien-headed ass. I knew that I could probably take him down because he wasn’t big as nothing. That fool had the nerve to knock on my car window trying to plead how sorry he was. Yes, Negro, your ass sure is sorry. I rolled my eyes at him and pressed my feet on the gas and sped off.

Whatever dude! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dalia grew up in Queens, New York and now makes her home in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C.  She is the author of Mirrored and Teardrops Know My Name and Whatever Dude.  Her debut, Mirrored reached Amazon’s Bestseller’s list in Women’s Detective Fiction.  Her second novel, Teardrops Know My Name also reached Amazon’s Bestseller’s list in African American Mystery, Thriller and Suspense.  Whatever Dude a humorous short read reached Amazon’s Bestseller’s list in Humor & Entertainment.  She is an avid reader who enjoys writing fiction stories with a mixture of mystery and suspense sprinkled with romance.  When she isn’t crafting mystery suspense stories with a dash of romance, she enjoys reading, attending live music concerts, visiting wineries and solving puzzles.


BUY THE BOOK & CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:


Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1n6h6wo

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1IsbY9x

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1U0Bw4c

Visit her at www.daliafloreabooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dalia-Florea-Author/411778885621667?ref=hl
Twitter: @DaliaFlorea
Instagram: DaliaFlorea
Pinterest: Dalia Florea

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It's Day 5 and the end of the first week of 21 Days of Love! And we're ending the week on a lovely note! There's always hope around the corner, if you simply believe. Your circumstances are never as bad as they seem, and today's author, Unoma Osiegbu-Nwankwor shows us that with todays' excerpt from "He Changed My Name."

BLURB:

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

BUY THE BOOK & CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

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Website: http://www.unwankwor.com
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Day 4 of 21 Days of Love is here! I've been waiting for the release of this novel, since I finished Rae Lamar's Dawn of Aris. So, I'm excited about featuring it here today. There's something about her character that, well, just read on...

RAE'S INTRO:

Hello! Today, I’m sharing my latest novel, The Aris Effect. It’s Book 2 in The Aris Series, about a twenty-something special effects make-up artist who happens to find love at the same time she’s trying to find herself.
 
In Dawn of Aris (Book 1), Aris and Luke had quite a few ups and downs as their relationship progressed from simply being neighbors to becoming friends and then…lovers. In The Aris Effect, there are even more hurdles for them to clear as they realize that falling in love with each other may have been easy, but the nuances of an intimate, committed relationship? Not so much.
 
In this sequel, readers get to see the next phase of Luke and Aris—the good, the bad and the ugly. The aftermath, if you will. Because I think that’s the part of the relationship when love is most real…when you show up, day after day, even when you don’t want to, even when you can’t stand each other and when it seems easier to leave than to stick around.
 
So that’s the book, basically. My attempt at capturing the transition from being in love to really loving another person…because they really are two totally different things.
 
I hope you enjoy the excerpt below…Happy Reading!
 
P.S. Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to post in the comments for your chance to win a free copy of The Aris Series. Yes, you heard that right…I’m giving away a free e-book copy of Dawn of Aris AND The Aris Effect to one lucky winner. It’s a two-fer…woo!

EXCERPT:

“I eat plums in summer.”

Aris’s words lingered in the air as she continued to poke the mixture of salad greens in her bowl with a shiny fork, fully appreciating the artistry of it all but really wishing it would magically transform into a plate of tacos.

Luke tapped his leg against hers underneath the table causing Aris to look up and glance at him. He raised a brow, the amusement in his eyes contradicting the serious look on his face. Her bratty behavior and flippant quips weren’t doing him any favors at the moment so Aris straightened in her chair and leaned forward, ready to deliver the more appropriate response that she had agreed to share when presented with the always-pretentious, “so…what do you do?” question that perfect strangers always ask each other for lack of more worthwhile conversation.

“I’m a make-up artist.”

More silence followed as the men at the table drew blank expressions while their wives seemed to silently assess the fact that outside of several strokes of mascara on her lashes and a few swipes of gloss across her lips, there wasn’t a drop of makeup on Aris’s fresh, flawless face.

“How…interesting,” Georgine Harris finally uttered with a pleasant smile. “Brides and models, I presume?”

“Ghouls and zombies, mostly,” Aris replied, sweetly. “Though I guess they’re all pretty much one and the same these days…wouldn’t you say?”

Georgine pressed her lips together in disapproval as her husband, Bart, and a few of the other men at the table released amused chuckles masked as hearty grunts. Aris felt another tap underneath the table and she risked another glance at Luke. He didn’t look her way this time, but his mouth twitched. Lifting his glass from the table, Luke took a long sip of water to hide his grin then lifted a dark linen napkin from his lap, swiped it across his mouth, relaxed his posture and expertly changed the subject.

As the group began yet another conversation that was above Aris’s pay-grade, she felt Luke’s hand on her thigh. He knew she hated suffering these boring business dinners as much as he did, but it was a necessary evil in his line of work. They would be on their way back to their hotel soon enough so Aris conjured up her most genuine smile and listened quietly as Luke engaged the other dinner guests in more stuffy conversation…and inched his hand up her thigh. Basically, his slick way of reminding her that—if she endured this for him just a while longer—there would be fun times ahead.

After suffering another hour, Aris was relieved when the other couples decided to turn in early for the night. Luke and Aris said their goodbyes and decided to forgo the cab ride and stroll down the strip to their hotel, stopping ever so often to enjoy the sights and beautiful night.

As soon Luke pushed the door of their suite open, Aris took off for the small kitchen.

“I’m starving!”

Observing her, Luke loosened his tie. “What are you about to mess up? You and that microwave have not been friends. Maybe you should just do room service.”

“Whatever,” Aris replied, flipping her hand. True, she’d ruined some leftovers the other night, heating up a plate of pasta into a shriveled, rubbery mess but that was then. She was certain the evil microwave would be kind to the Pad Thai Luke never finished from their earlier lunch.

“Bet it’ll still be better than the weeds and tree bark we had for dinner.” She turned away to reach into the refrigerator. “You know you want some…”

Straightening to her enhanced height from the four-inched heels on her feet, Aris stepped back and collided with Luke’s solid frame as she closed the door.

“Damn right,” he said, his voice rumbling in her ear, sending jolts through her body. “I do.”

Luke’s lips found her nape as his right hand fumbled with the side zipper of her dress while the other teased her taut nipple through the thin material. Aris bit her lip in response to the stimulation, still amazed by her natural, effortless reaction to him. No matter where they were—morning, noon or night—all he ever had to do was put his lips and hands in the right spot and sex was a foregone conclusion.

Every. Single. Time.

After several playful minutes, Luke had Aris on the edge of the counter, stripped her of everything except her heels and jewelry. She gasped the moment he filled her, moaned as he stroked her fast and deep, his mouth moving from her neck to her ear as he whispered everything he intended to do to her before they made it to the bed.

Closing her eyes, Aris held on as Luke continued rewarding her for a worthy showing and good behavior at that boring business dinner, a small smile touching her lips until Luke hit her spot, forcing a gasp and several melodic moans to escape her mouth.

Fun times, indeed.
 
A SNEAK PEEK AT GIVEAWAY #2:

 
Being in love?
REALLY loving someone??
Two totally different things…
 
Aris Collier is a masterful artist but, when it comes to the art of love, she couldn’t be further from her comfort zone…
 
For Luke and Aris, it’s all fun and games until their work and general differences get in the way. Soon, Aris is falling from cloud nine into the reality of a live-in life with Luke where she’s failing forward almost every day. On the flip side, Aris is thriving in her new career. It’s much easier to navigate and a lot less complicated…especially the synergy she finds with Troy Murphy, her partner-in-art whose mere presence begins to undermine her life with Luke.
 
As Aris struggles to maintain a practical balance, she learns that loving Luke Donovan is effortless…but maneuvering the nuances of a real relationship? Not so much. It’s a simple truth that she quickly discovers the hard way, forcing Aris to either confront the contradictions within herself or continue to take unnecessary gambles that just may end up costing her the love of her life…

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Welcome back to day 3 of 21 Days of Love! With just a simple excerpt, this novel has stolen my heart. There's nothing like friends loving each other, but wanting a little something more...

Taste and see for yourselves!

BLURB:

Master carpenter, Martina “MJ” Jenkins, has built plenty of structures in her day, but none as sturdy as the walls she’s built around her heart. After crossing paths with a sexy U.S. Senator, with gorgeous brown eyes and a seductive smile, her resolve to stay unattached, crumbles. Martina is determined to steer clear, but the Senator’s kisses are too delicious to resist.

Third generation U.S. Senator, Paul Kendricks, faithfully represents his state and is loyal to the family’s political legacy. Still he yearns for a wife, children, and a new career far away from the political arena. Too bad the object of his desire is the one woman who wants nothing to do with commitment. But the sparks that fly between them can’t be ignored.

As Paul chips away at the wall Martina has built, can he convince her to put her fears aside and open her heart to love?

EXCERPT:

Paul pushed the plate closer to Martina.

“Eat.”

Her gaze took in the cheesy lasagna and her stomach growled in anticipation.

“My favorite,” she mumbled and accepted the fork from Paul. She took a bite, closed her eyes and groaned. The man could cook for her any day.

“You know you say that about everything I cook. How am I going to know which meal is your real favorite?” He sat next to her and opened two beers, placing one near her plate.

“Everything you cook is my favorite,” she responded honestly over a mouthful of food. She knew some men who cooked well, but none like Paul. He’d often talked about going to culinary school and then opening a restaurant. But as far as she was concerned, he didn’t need schooling. The man was a natural born chef.

Martina ate while he nursed his beer. No doubt he was waiting for her to talk more about the tears that caught even her off guard. He probably also wanted a better explanation of why she was there, especially after she’d been avoiding him.

Martina wasn’t sure what to say. She wasn’t one of those crying women, but leaving her grandparent’s home, she hadn’t realized just how heavy her heart had been until she pulled out of the driveway. Before she knew it, she was on her way to Paul.

She continued eating in silence. Paul’s patience with her should qualify him for sainthood, making her love him that much more.

When Martina finished eating, she and Paul snuggled together on the over-sized sofa in his den. She shivered beneath the blanket he’d given her the moment they sat down.

“Why do you have it so cold in this room?”

Paul’s lips quirked. “So that whenever you’re here, you’ll be forced to sit close to me.”

She stared at him and burst out laughing. “Is that the best you can do? Surely that line doesn’t work on other women.”

“If you haven’t figured it out by now, there is no other woman for me.”

Gazing into his eyes, her heart split open with what she felt for him. She cupped his cheek, the pad of her thumb caressing the short stubble.

“I love you, Paul.”

She was so glad he didn’t say anything. His head lowered, and her toes curled at the slow,
passionate kiss that had her whimpering for more.

God, she loved this man.

Happiness filled her, and no other words were needed. Since coming back into her life, he had shared his feelings for her and had shown her too.

Martina needed to decide how much of herself she was ready to give to him. But right now, she didn’t want to talk or think. All she wanted to do was get lost in the love that she felt just being in his arms.

*

Paul held Martina in the crook of his arm as they lay snuggled on his sofa. He was glad she had come to him. They still hadn’t talked about where to go from there, but he’d been patient this long, there was no harm in waiting a little longer.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked, running his hand up and down her arm. Her skin so soft, he couldn’t stop touching her.

“I think I want us to be more than friends with benefits.”

Paul’s breath stalled in his chest and seconds ticked by before he was able to exhale. Had he not been lying down, her words would have knocked him on his butt.

All this time, he had craved her like an addict craved his next fix, and she was finally his. Although there was something still a little unsettling about her tone. Still some insecurity. He had a feeling there was going to be more to her statement. He’d known her long enough to know that nothing came easily with her.

She didn’t expound, and he remained quiet. Snuggled close to his side, Martina made small circles on his chest with the tip of her finger.

She glanced up at him. “I do have a few conditions.”

And there it was.

Paul brought her small hand to his mouth and kissed the back of each finger before speaking.

“Martina, I’m not negotiating for love. You know how I feel about you, and I finally know how you feel about me. You’re either in this with me or not. There won’t be any of this one foot in and one foot out in this relationship. So what’s it going to be? You in … or are you out?”

He rested her hand on his chest, covering it with his.

Their gazes met and held.

Come on baby. Give me a chance. Give us a chance.

“I’m in.”

Copyright © 2016 by Sharon C. Cooper

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning and bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a sheet metal worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication. Sharon is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

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Welcome back to Day 2 of 21 Days of Love. Today's featured author, W Parks Brigham brings a very sweet nature to romance. I first fell in love with her characters in the Allanville Matchmaker series. Real, down-to-earth, God-fearing women, these are everyday people you can relate to, and connect with. They are simply looking for one thing...L.O.V.E.

Here's her newest release, It's Never Too Late For Love...

BLURB:

Delana Crawford was livid with her twin brother’s news. She couldn’t believe after thirty plus years as a widower, he was in love and planned to get married. At fifty-eight years old, please!  There was nothing wrong with having a friend and companionship, but marriage?  She just didn’t understand. Why, after all this time?

Yes, that was how she felt until the wedding and she bumped into a gorgeous, sexy gentleman by the name of Charles Johnson.   Fine syrupy brown, six-feet plus, mingled gray, HUNK with a firm handshake and a smooth baritone voice.

After meeting the savvy handsome Charles Johnson, sister girl is now singing a different song.
But why is she being so hard-nosed and difficult at fifty-eight years old?  Somebody please tell me?

EXCERPT:

Delana Crawford was still upset as she kicked her shoes under the bench in front of her queen-size bed and turned on the television. She had just returned from a much-needed walk to clear her head after she heard her twin brother’s other disturbing news. It was bad enough he was getting ready to upset both of their lives. But he had the nerve to ask her to coordinate his wedding and wanted her to meet with both families who were on their way over. She wished she would spend her Sunday evening talking about a wedding after he’d turned their simple and carefree life upside down. As far as she was concerned, they were living the good life after all the sacrifices they’d made over the years. The girls were now happily married with families and successful careers, living the American dream, even if they were running the family businesses.  What was also surprising was his girls encouraging him, saying it was time for him to marry again. The ungrateful traitors, they were supposed to have her back. Instead, they accused her of being a hater and said she needed to find herself a man.  Well, they could help their father and future stepmother have a wedding. And she was not jealous, just didn’t feel up to pretending she was in the mood to plan their upcoming nuptials.

Everything was to take place in two weeks. She couldn’t believe Rhonda Kaye Mason actually wanted to be a July bride and her brother and nieces were doing everything in their power to make it happen. That was why they were having it the last day in July, on a big Tuesday morning; what a joke! 

What was the rush? Demit his soul, thought Delana, opening a bag of her weakness, miniature Snickers.  And yes, she might eat the whole bag if she wished and add some extra pounds to her two hundred and three-pound frame.  Humph, just as long as the scales did not go past the ten mark. She popped a chocolate delight in her mouth.  Humph, he even had the nerve to tell her there was no need in her thinking about moving. Humph, she popped another. Dee, we can all live here together. We’ll still have our separate and private spaces. Yeah, right, she wished she would live with him and Rhonda Kaye Mason. She ate another. And she didn’t care if they’d only been in their new residence three short months; she unwrapped another.

After thirty-plus years, he was in love and planned to get married. What in the world was Deleon Crawford going to do with a wife at fifty-eight years old? To top it off, he was marrying Rhonda Kaye Mason who struggled with a cane just to get around.  She should be on a walker or one of those riding toys, Delana thought with a smirk, eating another one.  Now really, what good was she going to be to a vital, healthy man like her brother?  Regardless of Rhonda Kaye being two years younger than Deleon, she already had a serious case of arthritis.  One thing was for sure, he was going to have to take care of her by himself. She would move out as soon as she found something suitable. 

Yeah, right she thought. Humph, she was stuck like Chuck! ♥

“You hold it down while I check on things,” instructed Delana.  She then made a quick turn to walk to the back and bumped into a gorgeous, sexy gentleman with Nathan Collins. They both wore appreciative smiles.

“Excuse me,” said the older gentleman in his smooth, baritone voice.

Mmmm! Dang, every one of her nerve endings was spitting fire. “No, please, excuse me,” she replied, sizing him up. Humph, men do it all the time.

“Delana, let me introduce you to my father-in-law, Charles Johnson.” She knew exactly who he was with all the talk she had heard at the salon. Poor Jazper was always flooded with questions whenever she came into the salon or boutique by people of all ages.

“It’s my pleasure, Delana,” he said, taking her hand.

She expressed it was nice to meet him as well, while she admitted silently that he was something to behold close up.  And whoever said he was a bag of chips should have said a family size. Ba-bee, Charles Johnson was a fine syrupy brown, six-feet plus, mingled gray, HUNK with a firm handshake.  And it was quite evident he knew the effect he had on women. But just like she overheard Jazper tell her nieces, when they called themselves playing matchmakers, he was not interested and neither was she.

“Delana, I see you’ve met my daddy.”

“Yes, Jazper,” she said, forcing the words out.

“Baby girl, I’m disappointed in you.” 

She looked at her father with a strange expression; she didn’t get it and he knew it.

“You’ve never mentioned you had such an attractive mature friend, and I say that lightly, mainly of the gray hair.”

“I’m so sorry, Daddy, mere oversight on my part.  Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

She couldn’t believe him standing there with his eyes fixed on Delana.  She couldn’t count the times she tried to tell him about her and he gave his typical answer, He was not interested.

“I don’t know about that, Baby girl; only if you can get this beautiful woman to have dinner with me very soon.”

Although a few minutes had only passed, it seemed longer, thought Delana as he continued to entrap her hand. Three pairs of eyes were focused on her.  Oh, he was quite the charmer, she thought, as he caressed her hand. She wanted to take Jazper off the hook, but she wished she would accept a dinner date with him. He had already made it clear he didn’t want to meet any of her older friends, as he put it. Yeah, there was nothing wrong with her memory, she remembered well. Besides, she’d made it her business to avoid men who were so full of themselves. Been there… done that. Delana had managed to get engaged to two of the most worthless men on the face of the earth before she turned thirty.  She even had the nerve to marry one which ended in divorce within a year.

Her cell phone indicated she was getting another text in all caps.

“I’m sorry, but I must go.”

With those words, the handsome and suave Charles Johnson kissed her hand and expressed he hoped they could spend some time together after the wedding.  Releasing her hand and leaving invisible imprints of his hot mustached lips, he’d made her hot in more ways than one.  Giving them a nod, she rushed off like she was really in a hurry. The truth; she couldn’t wait to get out of their sights. Finally approaching the door, she took deep breaths before entering. She was having a senior moment, whether it was because of her age or him. Regardless, she was still having her moment which had been more frequent since she had another birthday. ♥

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

W Parks Brigham lives in Houston, Texas and has two adult daughters. She’s spent her adult life teaching small children and loved every minute of it. She is now a retired (Halleluiah) teacher of thirty plus years and loves every minute of that for sure. Her main interest and hobbies besides reading, includes active participation in her church, listening to her own radio station designed especially for her, playing spider solitaire, working bent and wiggly word search and Sudoku puzzles.
 
 Because of her love for AA romance and women fiction, she was inspired to write her own and has penned some of the most delicious tales with plus size women as the heroine, touching your every emotion. Her heroines are attractive, educated, and sophisticated with high self-esteem. They are not looking for a man to validate their worth…just love them for who they are.  Drama, the element of surprise with lots of twists and turns, romance, love, and semi-steamy intimacy are featured in each story.
 
Besides being a writer of AA romance and women fiction; W Parks Brigham considers her stories in a class all by themselves Contemporary Christian Romance since she includes intimacy. Remember, she was first to tag her stories in what she’s sure will be a new category in the near future.
 
W Parks have recently ventured out into reading other genres.  In doing so she has met some amazing new authors and have enjoyed their stories.

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W Parks Brigham Author Page: www.amazon.com./-/e/B00G4IPAMU
 FB Author W Parks Brigham                             
 Website: http://www.wparksbrigham.com/
 Email: wparksbrigham@writeme.com

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We're kicking off the month of February with our annual 21 Days of Love, blog campaign. You will receive a post Monday through Friday, showcasing love excerpts. My fellow blogger, Tre L. Bryant starts off the campaign with a love story that is unlike any other.

Self-love is the greatest love. For it is not until you learn to love yourself that you can truly love others. Loving yourself enables you to live empowered, victorious, and on purpose. Read an excerpt from her tale of being a victim...

**WARNING SOME GRAPHIC LANGUAGE INCLUDED**

BLURB:

Through these pages lies the heart-gripping life story of Tre' Bryant’s experience as a domestic violence victim and a survivor. She's dealt with everything from molestation, rape, depression, suicidal tendencies, low self-esteem, and survived a 20 year toxic relationship. Fortunately, Tre' is here to share her story of how she took her life back and persevered.

Tre' is the epitome of struggle to strength, and Where There's a Will, There's a Way is proof that our best lessons are learned through tears and fears. Now that Tre's tears are gone, she's rediscovered herself and utilizes her strength to help those in similar situations find their strength. To read her story is to understand her struggle. Where there's a will, there's a way…so says God in the end.



EXCERPT:

I still get vivid memories of being grabbed tightly around my neck and the tight grip of his hands preventing screams from escaping my lungs. Along with the continuous flow of tears, my breathing became shallow and I felt like I was slipping away. If I allowed him to think he could disrespect me in this fashion he was sadly mistaken. There was going to be some serious consequences and shit was about to get real ugly. Words started being exchanged and before long, shit started flying and breaking because I knew that this was one fight he was not going to win.

I was ready to prove to him that I wasn’t having what the fuck he was dishing. We fought like two niggas in the street, and I remember he had me in an extremely tight head lock. I had full access to his arm and since that was the only part of his body I could reach, I locked down on it with my teeth like I was eating a steak and the end result was him in the emergency room having to get a rabies shot. My intention was to rip a plug out of his arm. Once the fight was over I realized that he still had not overcome his anger issues and felt he owned me. I was supposed to accept this kind of behavior whenever he felt the need to display it.

I knew in my heart that I had love for him, but I started really asking myself if he was worth it. I developed thoughts of wanting to end my own life because of the stress, the drama, and him not choosing to acknowledge me. If there wasn’t verbal abuse, there were silent moments. I was the one who would end up hurt and feeling extremely alone, but then I would look at my babies and I would try to have a change of heart. As always and even to this day, I put them first. I continue to sacrifice for them what would ultimately be my entire life up to that moment and my much so desired happiness would be put on the back burner.

During the first year of my son’s life there were many more fights, some permanent scars, endless heartaches, and feelings of being trapped with no outlet. I began to hate my life and went into a horrible depression. The recovery would not take place for a long time.

Join us tomorrow for another day of 21 Days of Love! To join this blog, simply click the "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the right panel.

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