 Hi there! This is the last week of Wednesday Writing Prompt. What is Wednesday Writing Prompt? Every Wednesday in May, I and four author friends wrote a short story from a writing prompt, and you could hop from blog to blog to read each one and see the different ideas that come from each prompt. The month just flew by! Thanks for joining us in this fun exercise. One or two of my stories will definitely become a novella or novel. For more shorts, check out my Free Reads page and the five-episode interracial older woman/younger man romance I wrote a couple of years ago, Until We Meet Again. Today's prompt is about Tamika, best friend to Layla from Chance Encounter and Dana in Count on Me. Last week's prompt was Better Late Than Never about an unconnected character--Nisa and her best friend Nelson finally getting together. Without further ado, below is the writing prompt and my contribution, Night and Day. Writing prompt: Use the following dialogue in your story. “Can you picture it? You and I together?” Night and Day“Aye, ain’t that your girl?” His friend nudged his shoulder. Anton turned and went ramrod straight in the chair. He stared in disbelief at his girlfriend, Tamika, holding a martini glass and shaking her ass on top of the bar at the club. Stunning as usual, her pixie cut and makeup were immaculate. The sparkly short-shorts showed off her toned legs in a pair of heels, and the sleeveless top clung to her torso and bared her toned arms. She was surrounded by men who gazed up at her with wolfish grins and cheers of encouragement. “Yeah, that’s her,” he said grimly, getting to his feet. He was in the VIP celebrating the birthday of one of his co-workers with friends and staff from the company where they worked. But he couldn’t sit still now that he’d seen Tamika. He hadn’t seen her since she left their apartment a week ago and went to stay with one of her best friends, Layla—bringing his life to a standstill—as if the Earth had literally stopped rotating on its axis. She’d said she needed time alone, promising to call when she got her head right. She never called, and when he did, she didn’t answer the phone or respond to his voice mails. “What are you about to do?” his friend asked. “Get her down from there.” Using his elbows and height, Anton shouldered his way between the ogling men until he stood directly in front of Tamika. When she saw him, her smile faltered like a kid caught in the act of disobeying their parent. “Get down,” he said, extending a hand to her. She shot him a look of defiance and screamed, “I’m having fun!” Then she took a big gulp of her drink. The men roared their encouragement. Anton move closer but a thicker, shorter man with red hair shoved him back. “Hey man, back up. She’s having a fun, we’re having fun. Go be a buzzkill somewhere else.” “Yeah,” another man beside him said, glaring at Anton. “Get out of my way,” Anton growled, wanting very badly to tear something up, and if it happened to be the faces of these two jerks, then so be it. The short one stepped closer. “Make me.” His breath wreaked of beer, and Anton wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Get the fu—” He pushed the redhead and they ended up in a shoving match. “Hey!” Tamika yelled. Gingerly, she stepped off the bar onto one of the stools. With the help of another man, she hopped to the floor and placed herself between both Anton and the redhead. “Chill!” she said to the stranger. Anton placed an arm around her waist and whispered, “You’re coming with me.” Without waiting for a response, he took her arm and shoved his way through the crowd. At first, he wasn’t sure where he was headed, but then he saw the glowing restroom sign and crossed the dance floor in that direction. He pulled Tamika into the men’s bathroom with him, and she pushed on his chest, eyes flashing. “What the hell, Anton!” “What the hell? I should be saying that to you? What did you think you were doing?” The toilet flushed and a Black guy exited with a scowl on his face. “This is the men’s bathroom. Y’all take that shit outside.” “Why don’t you go outside and let me talk to my girl?” “I don’t want to talk to you.” Tamika crossed her arms. The other man laughed at him and took his time washing his hands while Anton silently fumed. When he finally left, he checked the stalls and then locked the door. “What’s going on with you? I’ve called you no less than ten times in the past week and you haven’t returned a single call.” “I’ve been busy.” “Doing what? Dancing on top of bars?” “Leave me alone, Anton.” “How am I supposed to do that?” He hadn’t been able to leave her alone since they met, shortly afterward telling her he didn’t want to see anyone else and ending with, “Can you picture it? You and I together? Just the two of us?” Lucky for him, she’d said yes. “Easy. Stop calling.” Arms still crossed, Tamika paced away from him. At least she didn’t try to leave. “Talk to me, Tam.” In the reflection of one of the mirrors, he saw her bottom lip tremble. Anton eased closer but kept his distance, when all he wanted to do was gather her in his arms and ease her pain. In retrospect, it was clear how much the miscarriage had devastated her. He should have seen it before. Should have known that’s what prompted her withdrawal even as she said, I’m good. They’d prayed for a little girl. She, because she imagined doing her daughter’s hair, getting her ready for prom, and watching her grow into an intelligent young woman—all the rites of passage mothers and daughters share through life—the friendship and love she’d shared with her own mother before she passed. He, because whatever Tamika wanted, he wanted. No one understood their relationship. They were like night and day. He was the stuffy corporate attorney, she was the dynamic chemist working on her own line of cosmetics, hoping to one day turn her mail-order business into a multi-million dollar empire. She was also the love of his life, and moving in together had been the best decision he’d ever made. The past week had been hard. He missed her—his best friend, his source of laughter, her smile and vivacious personality making every day a good day. “Talk to me. We used to talk about everything,” Anton said quietly. Tamika looked at him, arms still folded protectively around her midsection. Her eyes became glassy with tears, and he could no longer resist the need to comfort her. He closed the space between them with two long strides and wrapped her in the protection his arms. He whispered soothing words as she quietly sobbed into his shoulder. Someone knocked then jiggled the doorknob, but he ignored them, running one hand up and down her back. When she stopped crying, she looked up at him with red eyes and a trembling smile. “Why do you put up with me?” “I don’t know. Guess I just love you.” She laughed and swiped at the wetness on her cheeks. “I needed time away.” “From me?” “From me. From the utopia I’d created in my head of you, me, and our baby. Late night feedings…” “Changing dirty diapers…” “Tired from lack of sleep…” “Staying up all night and staring at her when we should be sleeping when she sleeps.” He smiled through the punch of pain in his chest. “I wanted all of it. The good, the bad, the dirty, the cranky, the pretty, the cuteness, the…” She choked and swallowed. Anton cupped her face in his hands. He knew better than to say they could try again. All he could do was let her know that he would be there to support her. “I love you, Tam. You don’t have to bear this alone.” She gazed at him with grateful eyes. “I know. I’m sorry.” He kissed her lids and pulled her into another firm hug. “Let’s go home. Okay?” She nodded against his chest. Someone banged loudly on the door. “Hey! Anybody in there?” “Let’s go before they call security,” Anton said. Tamika giggled and took his hand. When she swung open the door, two men stood outside. One scowled and the other raised an eyebrow. “Sorry, gentleman. He’s so irresistible, I couldn’t wait until we got home.” Anton smirked as he walked by the men and then flung an arm around Tamika’s shoulder. Life would finally get back to normal. ________ Readers, any of you ever felt the need to let go like Tamika and do something wild, like dance on top of a bar? Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss future blog posts. Then hop to the next four blogs to see what the other authors came up with.
J.L. Campbell: joylcampbell.com Tiye Love: tiyelovebooks.com Nyora René: nyorarene.com S. Taylor: staylorromance.com
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Good morning! Welcome to week three of Wednesday Writing Prompt. What is Wednesday Writing Prompt? Every Wednesday in May, I and four author friends will write a short story from a writing prompt, and you can hop from blog to blog to read each one and see the different ideas that come from each prompt. The first two prompts are Chance Encounter and Count on Me with connected characters, but this week’s prompt is made up of entirely new characters. Without further ado, below is the writing prompt and my contribution, Better Late Than Never. Writing prompt: The hero’s best friend sets him up on a blind date, but when he shows up for the date, his best friend is there. Better Late Than Never Why had he agreed to this? Nelson straightened the collar on his shirt and walked into the coffee shop. He didn’t do blind dates and certainly didn’t need help getting laid, but his friend Nisa was right. He’d been in a slump ever since his unexpected broken engagement, and he needed to shake it off and get back in the game. If someone other than Nisa had set him up, he would have passed, but she knew him better than any of his other friends. Hell, they knew each other better than any of their other friends, having met in the first grade and gotten along ever since. Thinking about her made him smile as he scanned the tables, checking if his date, Laura, had already arrived. The quick scan of the interior verified she hadn’t yet. She would only communicate with him via email, and she’d also requested a coffee date, something low pressure for the two of them. She said she’d be wearing jeans, a blue top, and a paisley scarf, but no one in the shop was dressed remotely like that. Good, because he’d shown up early to make sure he beat her there. Taking an empty table along the wall, he faced the door and waited. Each time the door opened, he glanced up, expecting to see her. About two minutes after the hour, Laura still hadn’t arrived. Strike one. He was a stickler for being on time and expected other people to be early or on time, the way he always was. He sent a text to Nisa. Your girl is late. Knowing her, she’d probably have some sassy response. He chuckled softly to himself as he waited. “Hey, Nelson.” Surprised, he glanced up to see Nisa standing beside the table. She’d apparently come from somewhere in the back. Nelson stood. “Hey, what are you…?” She looked amazing as usual, with her thick natural hair splayed on top of her shoulders in her favorite style, a twist-out. What made him lose his voice was her attire. Jeans. Blue top. Paisley scarf. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Have a seat,” Nisa said, sitting in the chair opposite him. Nelson sat slowly. “I know you’re wondering why I’m here, dressed like this.” “Yeah, the question did cross my mind,” he said carefully. “It’s because… I’m your blind date. I’m the person you’re supposed to meet, and I’m the person you’ve been emailing for the past week.” “What the hell are you doing, Nisa?” There was only silence at their table as everyone around them continued eating, drinking, and typing on their laptops. “We’re friends,” Nelson said tightly. Nisa folded her hands on the table and made direct eye contact. “I know. Believe me, it was a difficult decision to let you know about my feelings for you, and I was hiding in the bathroom trying to work up the courage to come out here and face you. But I finally decided it was worth the risk.” Nelson couldn’t believe his ears. “How long have you felt this way?” “Years.” “Damn. Why didn’t you just talk to me instead of this elaborate scheme?” Nisa shrugged. “I guess I was afraid of your rejection, and this way I forced my own hand.” Hesitation filtered into her face, but there was no need for her to be uneasy. He had always found Nisa attractive, but every time he was free, she was in a relationship. When she was free, he was in a relationship. They never seemed to be single at the same time. Until now… “What are you thinking?” she asked quietly. Nelson scrubbed a hand across his jawline and studied her across the table. “I’m thinking that blue looks good on you, like every color does. I like the paisley scarf. I like the way those jeans fit, and…I’m wishing I hadn’t let so much time pass without making a move.” She bit her lip, which was the cutest, sexiest thing. “You feel the same?” “Yeah.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because if we don’t work as a couple, how can we go back to being friends?” His chest tightened at the thought of losing her support, her goofy sense of humor, her ability to make him laugh even when he was angry or having a bad day. Nisa was his sanity in an insane world, and the one person he could always count on. “I had the same worries,” she admitted. “But I figured it was worth it, especially after you and Nadia broke up and you didn’t get seriously involved with anyone else.” “Me and Nadia,” Nelson muttered, shaking his head. “What happened between the two of you? You never told me why you split.” “Because I couldn’t tell you that she ended our engagement after she accused me of being in love with you.” Nisa’s eyes widened. “Why did she say that?” “Because I am.” Her eyes went even wider. He’d been in denial for a long time but Nadia forced him to face the truth. Now that Nisa knew how he felt, the rest of the confession came easily. “We’d had a couple of fights about you. She didn’t like our closeness or the fact that there were things I wouldn’t share with her but I shared with you. She was always suspicious of our phone calls and our text messages. Didn’t matter when I let her see my phone to prove our conversations were innocent. In her words, ‘your face lights up every time her name appears on your phone.’ The last straw was when I whispered your name in the middle of us making love.” Nisa’s mouth fell open. “Yeah, it was pretty terrible. I gave her a lame excuse, that your names were close together because they both start with N. She saw through the lie.” Nelson sat forward, looking deeply into her eyes. “The truth was, I had been thinking about you while I was with her, and the closer we got to our wedding date, the harder my relationship with her became.” “I don’t know what to say. I thought I would have to convince you to give us a try, but it seems we’re on the same page.” “As usual. Come on, let’s get out of here.” They stood and Nelson took her hand as they walked out of the coffee shop. As soon as they exited the door, he pushed her against the outside wall and captured her lips with his. Her mouth was soft, pliable, and tasty. Better than he had ever imagined. Knowing that he’d been missing out all these years because he’d been worried about messing up their friendship, made him want to give himself a swift kick in the behind. His tongue swept the inside of her mouth and she groaned. That spurred him to slip his arms around her waist and pull her tight against his body. They’d hugged numerous times over the years, but this hug, this embrace, was hotter and made him hornier than ever before. Tracing her waistline with his hands, he moved his palms upward and barely managed not to squeeze her breasts. There would be time for that later. Nelson released her mouth reluctantly and lifted his head. Nisa looked at him with passion-drunk eyes. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time,” he breathed. “I’m glad you finally did,” she whispered, her breath brushing his mouth in a gentle caress. “Your place or mine?” “I live too far away. Yours.” She did that cute little thing again where she bit her bottom lip. Nelson gave her another quick kiss, already addicted to her mouth. Then he took her hand and led her to his car. ______ Readers, 1. Would you let a friend set you up on a blind date? 2. Should Nelson have spoken up sooner? Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss the next writing prompt. Then hop to the next four blogs to see what the other authors came up with.
Nyora René: nyorarene.com Tiye Love: tiyelovebooks.com J.L. Campbell: joylcampbell.com S. Taylor: staylorromance.com Welcome to week two of Wednesday Writing Prompt! What is Wednesday Writing Prompt? Every Wednesday in May, I and four author friends will write a short story from a writing prompt, and you can hop from blog to blog to read each one and see the different ideas that come from each prompt. Last week you met Layla, Tamika, and Dana, and I wrote about Layla in last week’s prompt. In this week’s prompt I wrote about Dana, who works on documentaries for my favorite alpha female, Sylvie Johnson from the Brooks Family series. All of us writing the prompts have to stick to a certain word count, and I had a hard time limiting myself this week. I wanted to write more, but I’m confident you’ll enjoy what I did write about this couple. Without further ado, below is the writing prompt and my contribution, Count on Me. Writing prompt: The hero and heroine work late and end up locked in the building alone. Count on Me Dana stood, yawned, and stretched, tired after a long day at work as a documentary film editor for SJ Media. The phone rang and she answered right away when she saw the call was from one of her best friends, Layla. “Hey, haven’t heard from you since that text you sent Saturday.” “I’ve been busy,” Layla said coyly. Dana checked her reflection in the window, smoothing a hand over the stretchy cotton dress that showed off the ample curves of her plus-sized figure. “Busy with Chance?” “Yes. You’re not going to believe this, but except for picking up clothes Saturday morning, I’ve been at his place ever since.” Dana picked up her giant purse from her desk and flung it over her shoulder. “It’s Wednesday!” “I know. I feel so good with him, it’s crazy.” Dana left her cubicle and headed toward the elevator. “I’m so happy for you!” “Thanks, honey. Can’t talk long, but I want you, me, and Tamika to go out on Friday night again, okay? Don’t forget.” “I won’t.” “Good. Talk to you later!” Dana hung up and exited the elevator. She had never worked this late before and downstairs was unusually quiet. “Dammit!” a male voice yelled. She paused, surprised she wasn’t the only person there and also because she recognized that voice. Slowly, she rounded the corner. Her ex, Brandon, stood in front of the exit. She came up behind him and asked quietly, “What’s the matter?” He swung around. When he saw her, his jaw hardened and the fire in his eyes dimmed. His reaction twisted pain in her chest. He never looked at her like that before they broke up. It could be a bad idea to get involved with someone you worked with, but she’d made an exception with Brandon. With toasty brown skin and a tall muscular build, he was a good-looking man who also had a great personality. He trained her when she first arrived at SJ Media. They became friends and eventually lovers, and then she had done what she had to do. Let him go. “Door’s locked,” he grumbled, as if it was her fault. “What do you mean locked?” “Locked, as in, we can’t get out. We’re stuck here.” “No.” Dana marched past him and pushed on the door. It opened fractionally but not all the way because of the thick metal chain wrapped around the outer door. “Like I said, locked.” Dana turned around. “What about the back door?” “Also locked. That’s where I was going to leave from because I parked my truck in the back.” “So we’re really stuck here?” Together? “Afraid so.” Brandon walked away. “Where are you going?” “To find something to eat. I’m starving.” Dana was starving, too and had planned to grab a bite on the way home. She rushed after Brandon. “Is there someone we can call for help?” “If you know someone, let me know. I don’t know anyone we can call.” He stabbed the button on the wall. The doors immediately opened and they stepped in. He hit the fourth floor button and when the elevator stopped, Dana followed him down the hall. She stood inside the door of the break room as he opened cabinets and pulled out caramel popcorn, beef jerky, and protein bars. “That’s dinner?” she asked, wrinkling her nose. “Got a better idea?” he shot back in a hostile tone. “No.” She wished he wouldn’t look at her with such anger. She wished he’d speak to her in the softly amused voice he used to use on the phone or when they were sneaking a kiss in this very room. Dana went to the vending machine. “Coke?” “Can’t believe you asked that.” She smiled. He had a Coke addiction, one she’d tried unsuccessfully to save him from during their five months together. She chose a Vitaminwater, set both beverages on the table, and sat across from him. She emptied popcorn onto a styrofoam plate and chose one of the protein bars. “Mmm, not bad,” she said, licking crumbs from her lip. Brandon stared at her mouth, and she stopped chewing. He kept staring at her, mouth set in an angry line. Dana lowered her gaze. The silence was as dense as the protein snack, and she didn’t know what to say or do. “Why did you break up with me?” he asked. “I told you why.” “You claimed you weren’t interested anymore, but that’s bullshit. We had fun together, we like the same movies, the same food, we went out all the time. You liked spending time with me as much as I liked spending time with you. Why did you dump me, Dana? You owe me a real answer.” Dana hated the hurt she saw in his eyes. Knowing she caused him pain hurt her, too, but she kept her voice even and hoped the longing and regret that filled her wasn’t obvious. “I don’t owe you anything. Accept what I said and move on.” She pushed back her chair and rushed from the table. Brandon jumped up and blocked the doorway. “What are you doing?” She needed to get away from him and hadn’t expected him to challenge her. “Tell me.” “Stop it, Brandon.” “Did I do something to hurt you? Was I insensitive in any way? Did I—” “Stop! Please stop,” she finished softly. Silence. His shoulders dipped lower. “I love you. I don’t understand what I did wrong.” Dana laughed softly, miserably. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” “I must have. You broke up with me.” She blinked back tears and when she settled her gaze on him, knew she had to tell him the truth. He blamed himself when he was the epitome of a great boyfriend. “I did, but only because…because I didn’t want you to be stuck with me when I get sick.” “Sick? What are you talking about?” “A few weeks ago I found out I have breast cancer.” Her voice trembled. “It runs in my family, and I guess it’s my turn.” She shrugged. “That’s why you broke up with me?” “I have a long road ahead, and I didn’t want to drag you into my problems. If you stayed with me out of pity...” She choked, unable to finish the sentence. “You never thought I’d stay with you out of love?” Brandon asked quietly. “We were only together for five months. That’s not a lot of time to have to go through such a life-changing experience with someone. I don’t expect you—” “I love you. I told you that after three months, meant it, and still do. Having cancer doesn’t change my feelings or make me want to walk away when you’ll need me most.” She stared at him in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.” “I’m very serious.” He came closer. “I love you, and I want to be right there with you, fighting, and helping you beat this thing.” “I didn’t think…” “Nah, you didn’t think.” His smile softened the words. Heart filled with happiness, Dana stepped closer. “It won’t be easy. My mom really suffered. My dad could barely handle it, and they were together for ten years by that time.” “Don’t count me out.” She released a long breath. “Okay.” Brandon cupped her face and kissed her softly. Like always, her toes curled. She tugged him closer and he laughed against her lips, and she laughed. “Ready for dinner?” Brandon asked. “I guess. But what about sleep later?” “We can go to the lounge to watch TV and sleep on one of the futons.” Brandon pulled out her chair and she sat down. When he sat across the table from her, Dana smiled. “Hey.” “Hey.” He bit into a beef jerky stick. “I love you.” He grinned. “I know.” ________ Readers, should Dana have told Brandon the truth from the beginning, or can you understand her fears? Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss the next writing prompts. Then hop to the next four blogs to see what the other authors came up with.
S. Taylor: staylorromance.com Nyora René: nyorarene.com Tiye Love: tiyelovebooks.com J.L. Campbell: joylcampbell.com Don't miss this sale! Wild Thoughts (Brooks Family #4) is on sale for 99 cents. If you've already read the book, tell a friend so they can take advantage of this deal. Sale ends May 5th!  It started with a little white lie... Lindsay Winthrop's weekly podcast on sex and dating has garnered thousands of listeners across the country, thanks to experience with a loving fiancé she's been with for years. Except, her husband-to-be doesn't exist, and now she's in a bind. With a book deal on the line, she has to find a man fast, and Malik Brooks might be just the man she's looking for. If he knows what's good for him, he'll stay away from her... A few years ago Malik gave up sex and now works hard as a metal sculptor. In doing so, he's created enough pieces to fill a gallery, and his vow of celibacy has kept him focused. When a major deal falls through, Lindsay makes him an offer he can't refuse, and all he has to do is pretend to be her fiancé. Sounds easy at first, but after one kiss, he wants more. Then things really get interesting.  There's still time to sign up for the Release Day Blitz for QUEEN OF BARRAKESCH (March 27th). You could win a $25 gift card! Click the link below and fill out the form. Images will be emailed to you no later than March 20th. Bloggers and readers are welcome to participate! ➜ https://forms.gle/KUf1jjPPmBrCYriX9 I’m giving away THREE gift cards – one on Twitter, one on Facebook, and one on Instagram. So you have 3 chances to win! When you're finished signing up, listen to the audio samples below. Yes, the Brooks Family series is finally coming to audio! The first books have been completed: A Passionate Love and Passion Rekindled. Much thanks to Producer Tove Audiobooks and Narrator Sean Crisden. Enjoy a little taste of each while we wait for ACX to approve the files. Heart's Desire, part of the Unparalleled Love series collaboration I did with Sharon C. Cooper and Stephanie Nicole Norris, was initially released only on Amazon. Now you can get the book at all the other retailers! Links are below. Enjoy!  Coworkers Nathan Crenshaw and Janice Livingston once had a passionate relationship that went up in flames and created a strained environment at their place of employment. Since then, Janice has tried to move on. Unfortunately, they have to work together, and unfortunately, she’s still very attracted to Nathan. Nathan can’t forget his connection with Janice—a connection he hasn’t experienced with any other woman. After an earth-shattering kiss rekindles their flame, will these two finally get it right— or will an outside force get in the way? Read the other books in the series! Soul's Desire by Sharon C. Cooper Everlasting Desire by Stephanie Nicole Norris (only on Amazon) 💋Amazon US: https://amzn.to/328BTnp 💋Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2zpfrK8 💋Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/33Yzldc 💋Nook: http://bit.ly/389JNk1 💋Apple: https://apple.co/2RpQ2dG 💋Google Play: http://bit.ly/366O2uW 💋Kobo: http://bit.ly/342oZYI What readers are saying:
I picked this one up last night and couldn't put it down! Janice and Nathan's re-kindled romance has it going on. Their fiery chemistry is a real page-turner. As usual, this experienced author does not disappoint. If you're looking for a switched-on, sexy short read, diving deep on occasion? This one comes highly recommended. Loved it! Janice realizes she made a mistake letting Nathan go. However, she doesn't know how to let her past hurts go. Nathan secretly still loves Janice, but has moved on. Both of them must find away to move forward. I loved reading about them finding their way back to each other. I loved the main character Janice. She was untraditional in many ways yet relatable. Nathan was down right sexy with a huge heart and perfect for Janice. I enjoyed the journey of their love story.  My latest release, HEART'S DESIRE is now available! So I'm really excited for you to read this novella. It's a second chance romance and office romance, and dare I say, even a sprinkling of opposites attract. This couple is hot, hot, hot! I love Janice's personality, and Nathan is... well, you know how I write my heroes. He's definitely swoon-worthy. As a reminder, the book will be released only on Amazon initially. After the 90-day exclusive period has expired, Heart's Desire will be available on other platforms. If you don't want to wait 90 days, you can download the FREE Kindle app to any computer, tablet or phone and read it now. HEARTS DESIRE TEASER “And how was your weekend?” He poured a cup of coffee. He drank his with no sugar or cream, one of the many details she remembered from their relationship a few years ago. “Nothing special.” “Did you go out?” “I did. Went to a club and danced the night away. It was fun.” He slowly nodded. “Still partying hard, huh?” “Not too hard.” On occasion, she went to a club or lounge to relax on the weekend and unload the stress of the work week. “I’m sure you had men lined up to be your dance partners.” “Nothing quite so dramatic,” Janice demurred, though she was pleased by the compliment. Nathan chuckled, low and sexy, showing off pretty teeth and dimples. She hated that laugh. Not because it annoyed her, but because it was so enticing she longed to hear it over and over again and highlighted the smallest regret that she and Nathan were no longer a couple. But they were in a good place now, and she had to remember that. Friendly, able to engage in polite conversation and the occasional banter the way they used to before they became romantically involved. “At least you’re not still wasting your time with boys,” he said, amusement filtering into his eyes. Janice arched an eyebrow. “Who says I’m wasting my time with boys?” “I’ve seen the men you date now, remember?” He lowered his voice, arching an eyebrow right back at her. Janice’s voice also went lower. “Once. One time you saw me on a date with a younger man. That’s not my norm.” Unfortunately, she’d run into Nathan at the movie theater she and her date had gone to. At thirty-six, she figured she’d try something different, so why not try a younger man? She’d assumed younger men were easier to deal with in relationships, and she wouldn’t have to worry about getting serious because they were in their prime and not looking for anything permanent. Au contraire. Her experiment had been a bust. The first one she dated was too immature and saw her as a bank to borrow money from. The second became attached way too soon, so she’d had to end the relationship before it started. “You shouldn’t waste time with boys when you could have the benefits of being with a real man.” “And I suppose you can tell me all about the benefits of being with a real man?” Janice asked sweetly. They were entering dangerous territory. Nathan locked eyes with her, seemed about to add more, and then shook his head. After a few seconds, he said, “I’m not going there.” “Say what’s on your mind,” Janice said, her heart rate speeding up a fraction. “Nah. Not a good idea.” His gaze swept the room as if searching for someone. “Tell me before I beat it out of you.” His attention came back to her. For a second, he hesitated, but then he finally whispered, “I can show you all the benefits of being with a real man better than I can tell you. But you already know that.” They locked eyes again, and her stomach tightened. Janice swallowed. “You did, but that didn’t work so well, did it?” “So you say.” The other two books in the Unparalleled Love series are EVERLASTING LOVE by Stephanie Nicole Norris and SOUL'S DESIRE by Sharon C. Cooper. The books can be read in any order, and paperbacks are already available for all three novellas.
Soul's Desire buy links: AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA Everlasting Desire buy links: AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA GIVEAWAY TIME!To celebrate the release of Heart's Desire, I have a contest with some lovely prizes. Here are the details: PRIZE(s): 1) reader's choice of a $25 gift card or Paypal cash and 2) the lovely bangle below. The double heart design is rose gold plated and dusted with Swarovski crystals. HOW TO ENTER: Click the link below and enter your name and email address into the form. ELIGIBILITY: Open to U.S. and international entrants. NOTE: Because the jewelry will be drop-shipped, an international entrant is only eligible for the gift card. DEADLINE: 11:59 PM EST, September 15, 2019  Take advantage of these sales that end in September I was lucky enough to be invited into Apple's audiobook romance series starter collection. They're having a massive promotion right now, and the Love Unexpected series is part of it. You can get THE BLIND DATE for only 99 cents, and the other audiobooks are discounted from $4.99 to $9.99. So take advantage. The starter page disappears after the 11th, but the sale lasts until September 30th.  You can still start the Brooks Family series for 99 cents, with A PASSIONATE LOVE. Sale ends September 30th. In the meantime, I'm working on Deeper Than Love, Reese and Nina's story, which is the last book in the series. Get ready for an angsty love story that pulls at the heart strings. 😊 ______________
That's all for now! Go ahead and 1-click the UNPARALLELED LOVE series, and have a fabulous reading day.  Last night, Building Relationships Around Books (BRAB), an online book club with over 1600 members, announced their nominees for their annual book awards. And I was fortunate enough to receive FOUR nominations!
I couldn't wait to share my great news with you! I'm super-excited and honored to be nominated. Knowing that readers have so many choices makes this even more special that I was included on these lists with the other amazing authors. So I'm feeling mighty good today, and I'm channeling those good vibes into more sexy and emotional stories I look forward to sharing with you. I'm currently working on DEEPER THAN LOVE, Reese and Nina's story, the last book in the Brooks Family series. It's going to be sooo good ya'll! These two are putting me through the emotional wringer! Here are the nominations: * Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year Award * Book Husband of the Year: Stephan Brooks from Two Nights in Paris * Best Interracial: Princess of Estoria * Adrianne Byrd Queen of Comedy Romance: Two Nights in Paris  Last night I conducted a virtual book chat on my fan page for Wild Thoughts. It was interesting reading the answers to the questions I posed, and I also answered questions from readers. I will be doing the same thing for the most recent release in the series, Two Nights in Paris. You can RSVP for that one here. Today kicks off my virtual book tour to promote the Brooks Family series! And of course, I'm having a pretty cool giveaway (see below). Currently, there are five books in the series with one more on the way. If you haven't started the series, what are you waiting for? A Passionate Love (Book 1) is only 99 cents for a limited time. Then you can dive into the other stories. SWEET. SENSUAL. PASSIONATE. ROMANCE. A PASSIONATE LOVE Simone Brooks and Cameron Bennett should not be together. She’s a wealthy socialite looking for a suitable husband. A man with the right pedigree and an economic status that matches her own. He’s part owner of the hottest nightclub in Atlanta with his siblings. Someone who loves cooking, the outdoors, and women, not necessarily in that order. After one night together, their sizzling chemistry makes it difficult to stay away. Then comes the hard part—navigating their differences to salvage a relationship that, while it may be imperfect, overflows with love and passion. This book was previously part of The Bennett Triplets series. For a LIMITED TIME, get A PASSIONATE LOVE for only 99¢! PASSION REKINDLED As far as Sylvie Johnson is concerned, her ex-husband used her and left her and she cannot stand the sight of him. Fifteen years after their divorce, her feelings haven’t changed. She wants nothing to do with him—no matter what her beating heart suggests. Oscar Brooks has always assumed that his ex-wife hates him, but after an unplanned kiss, he’s not so sure. Why does she always have such a hostile response to his presence? Is it love, or is it hate? He’s determined to find out. This is a short story. DO OVER She’s devoted to her daughters. Years ago, when her cheating husband left, Ella Brooks realized how much she’d changed and wasn’t sure how to get back to the woman she used to be. When she meets Tyrone Evers, the last thing she’s looking for is another relationship, but it turns out that the police detective is just too tempting to resist. He’s devoted to his job. Tyrone meets Ella when he’s investigating a break-in at her home, but ends up paying more attention to the wealthy socialite’s case, and her, than normal. After his wife cheated on him, he’s not looking for romance, he’s not looking for commitment, and he’s definitely not looking for love. But you don’t have to be looking for any of those things for them to find you. And when life gives you a second chance, do you take it or run for cover? WILD THOUGHTS He's an introvert. She's an extrovert. He's celibate. She's...not. What could possibly go wrong? It started with a little white lie... Lindsay Winthrop's weekly podcast on sex and dating has garnered thousands of listeners across the country, thanks to experience with a loving fiancé she's been with for years. Except, her husband-to-be doesn't exist, and now she's in a bind. With a book deal on the line, she has to find a man fast, and Malik Brooks might be just the man she's looking for. If he knows what's good for him, he'll stay away from her... A few years ago Malik gave up sex and now works hard as a metal sculptor. In doing so, he's created enough pieces to fill a gallery, and his vow of celibacy has kept him focused. When a major deal falls through, Lindsay makes him an offer he can't refuse, and all he has to do is pretend to be her fiancé. Sounds easy at first, but after one kiss, he wants more. Then things really get interesting. TWO NIGHTS IN PARIS Two nights. One undeniable attraction. To prove to his mother that he can be responsible, Stephan Brooks takes a job at her firm and promises to be a better son. But one glimpse of Roselle Parker, her up-and-coming protégé, and all his good intentions disappear. All he has to do is conduct himself in a professional manner, but a trip to Paris with Roselle proves too big of a temptation. Roselle knows Stephan Brooks is nothing but trouble. She’s heard the stories, and her brief contact with him confirms they’re all true. But two nights in Paris and her inhibitions crumble beneath his seductive touch. They plan to leave what happened in Paris, in Paris. But the best-laid plans often go awry. GIVEAWAYEnter for your chance to win this incredible prize package from Delaney Diamond!
______________________ ABOUT DELANEY DIAMONDDelaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sweet, sensual, passionate romance novels, born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale. To get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases, visit her website and join her mailing list. Enjoy free reads and the first chapter of all her novels at www.delaneydiamond.com.
I'm doing another author collaboration and I'm so excited! This time it's the Unparalleled Love series with Stephanie Nicole Norris and Sharon C. Cooper. The series is about three friends from college who temporarily move in together in the Atlanta area and end up falling madly in love with swoon-worthy heroes (of course!). The books will only be available on Amazon, and we don't have pre-order links yet, but make sure you mark your calendar for the release date, September 5. Meet Janice, Jada, and Soul Three friends. A matter of the heart. Desire, uninhibited.  HEROINE: Janice is 36 years old, a Spelman graduate who's loyal to her friends, and wears funky glasses and colorful clothes to match her vibrant red hair. HERO: Nathan is easy-going and always with a ready smile, responsible and dresses conservatively. TENTATIVE BLURB (subject to change): Co-workers Nathan Crenshaw and Janice Livingston once had a passionate relationship that went up in flames and created a strained environment at their place of employment. Since then Janice has tried to move on. Unfortunately, they have to work together, and unfortunately, she’s still very attracted to Nathan. Nathan can’t forget his connection with Janice—a connection he hasn’t experienced with any other woman. After an earth-shattering kiss rekindles their flame, will these two finally get it right—or will they end up even worse off than they were before?  SHARON C. COOPER, is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. Sharon writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She’s been nominated for numerous awards and is the recipient of an Emma Award for Romantic Suspense of the Year 2015 (Truth or Consequences), Emma Award - Interracial Romance of the Year 2015 (All You’ll Ever Need), BRAB-Breakout Author of the Year 2014, and BRAB - Book Wifey of the Year 2018 (Vindicated). 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.  STEPHANIE NICOLE NORRIS penned her first novel Trouble In Paradise and self-published it in 2012. Her debut novel turned into a four book series packed with romance, drama, and suspense. She went on to pen grin-inducing romance and to her pleasure was awarded BRAB's Best Book Cover of 2018 and has been nominated for several other's including, 'BRAB's 2018 Rochelle Alers Best Series Award for the Falling for a Rose Series. 'BRAB's Donna Hill Breakout Author Award 2018, as well as Girl Have You Read's Favorite Romance of 2019 for With Your Permission. As a prolific writer, Stephanie's catalog continues to grow. Her books can be found on Amazon as well as www.stephanienicolenorris.com. Currently, Stephanie resides in Tennessee with her husband and four-year-old son.
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