African American Contemporary

Everyone in the Rinaldi Mob has a job to do—a role to play—and newly appointed Mafian, Jisei Harper, is no exception. Jisei is used to slumming it out on her own. From birth, she was dealt a bad hand, but instead of dwelling on it, she smiled, rolled her shoulders back, and played her cards. After years of struggling, she meets Mocha, a rich daddy's girl, and Scarlett, a naïve hoodlum who had it worse off than Jisei. Little did she know, these two new friendships would lead her to the only blood relative she never knew existed.

After a deadly domestic dispute nearly takes both parents away, his mother’s self-sacrifice is followed by a sudden move to Philadelphia to Camden, New Jersey which offers an opportunity for a new life and a clean slate. Then he comes face to face with the family “business”...integrating mainstream business principle and integrity with the raw rules and politics of the street don’t come easy. At lease, not without a little dirty work to ensure problems disappear and their enemies can’t draw another breath.

The old saying about how a leopard never changes its spots was true in Robin Delli Richardson’s case when it came to loving her son’s philandering father. It didn’t matter how good Robin looked, or that she was an educated woman with a great job with benefits, designer labels in her closet, Louboutin red bottoms on her feet, or how well endowed she was in the bedroom, Saxon Anderson had it made it clear that he was incapable of being monogamous.

Derek Harper, a young African American man who dreams of becoming a successful songwriter, pursues his ambitions amid the colorful fast lane of the 1980s music industry, with only his parents to act as his conscience during his odyssey.

After taking one look at May Roberts, Ben knows he has to have her. But he's a player known for breaking hearts, and May is tired of playing games. After a night of the hottest sex she's ever experienced, May promises herself it won't happen again. But something about Ben awakens kinky cravings she never knew she had.

Essence best-selling authors Kiki Swinson and Noire have attracted huge audiences for their sexy, anything-goes fiction. Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless features a novella from each author. Swinson’s electric “Shamelessly Rich” showcases a spoiled bad girl facing a life-changing choice. And in Noire’s “Puttin’ Shame in the Game,” three gorgeous ladies set their sights on a wealthy cop.

Sophomore Kalvin Shmelton has finally perfected his underground candy-selling hustle at school. He keeps his prices reasonable, his inventory fresh, and himself out of the drama. But when a heartbroken Sterling Glistern—Kal’s longtime crush—barges into the storage closet where he keeps his candy supply, a new source of income unexpectedly presents itself: relationship therapist. He only meant to help Sterling realize she’s dating a jerk—and maybe win her over—but news spreads fast that Kalvin’s not just the master of sweets…but hearts, too!

Four fabulous sisters, each born on a different holiday. The Holliday Sisters Collection gift-wraps four novellas featuring all the passionate romance, lively banter, and sibling solidarity you could want. Celebrate Noelle, Valora, Juniper, and Ginger on their way to Happy Ever After. (Warning: includes meet cutes, second chances, and lots of Black love). The Holliday Sisters Collection includes: Noelle the First, Brave Hearts, Started from a Selfie, and The Illumination of Ginger.

Isaiah ""Ice"" Abernathy has always worshiped his older brother, Seth. For years they’ve been not just brothers but best friends—and as Seth starts his senior year, Ice is eager to spend as much time with his brother as he can, making memories before Seth goes to college.

In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.

Francesca (Frankie) Banneker was the captain of her own fate and her own ship, The Princess Royalty. Sailing is what she loved to do. Sailing her own ship was critical to her character. She was a woman who believed in executing her destiny and not allowing anything or anyone to get in the way. Francesca was independent, forthright, and non-committal because she hadn't found anyone worthy enough to commit to.

Patience’s unwavering dedication has been a constant in Autumn’s life, particularly during her most trying times. Her unyielding spirit, evident in her ability to overcome unimaginable obstacles, inspires daily. As Autumn navigates health setbacks, Patience provides steadfast guidance. However, when a ghost from his past threatens his family’s security, Autumn has the opportunity to return the unwavering support he has consistently offered.

The third in a series starring the heartbreaking Strong brothers, Give Me Fever takes the game to another level. A quiet accountant, Kaeden Strong is blown away when he meets Jade Prince—a tomboy nature guide with the body of a goddess. Despite his allergies, Kaeden agrees to go on a camping trip, which Jade is hired to lead. And while stranded one night, the two share a rowdy tumble in a sleeping bag.

After being shot and nearly killed, Celess imagined she’d put her habit of courting danger behind her. But a chance meeting with fellow daredevil Sienna quickly changes Celess’s plans. She jumps back into the fire of risky enterprise, putting her life on the line in pursuit of big bucks and high-style living, but Celess can’t help but wonder how much longer she can elude the dire consequences. Picking up where Never Enough left off, Celess is thrust back into the sex trade, guided by her friend Sienna.

Rachel Merrell goes into shock when her ex-boyfriend, Jeffery Williams, begins dating her half sister Marlene Draper. At first, Rachel swears Jeff is feigning interest in Marlene just to get back at her for breaking up with him. Rachel pretends Jeff’s interest in Marlene doesn't bother her, but when they unexpectedly hit it off and love begins to blossom, Rachel can't bear to watch the happy couple. Suddenly, Rachel wants Jeff back and she is determined to get him no matter what the cost - including Marlene's happiness.

Fortysomething and still single, music-video exec Pia Jamison has given up her grandiose ideas on men and marriage - but not motherhood. Her biological clock is on red alert, but after years of self-imposed celibacy she has no clue how to attract the man she needs to get the baby she wants. Help comes in the form of Pia's savvy assistant, who tricks her boss into attending, under the guise of a business conference, a flirting workshop called Weapons of Mass Seduction.

Jordan Gatewood's life is falling apart. Murder, sex, betrayal, suicide--the women in his world are paying him back for all the terrible things he's done, and they're bringing on the drama in spades. And now, with Desi Green bringing Jordan to the attention of the detective investigating his lover's murder, his tenuous grip on control threatens to unravel completely.

There was a secret to Dillon Westmoreland's heritage—and Pamela Novak had the key. Though the raven-haired beauty was ensnared by her shifty fiancé, Dillon—eldest of the Denver Westmoreland clan—couldn't resist a mind-blowing night in her arms. And after that incredible passion… Well, once a Westmoreland claimed the woman he wanted, he wouldn't let anything tear them apart!

Several years have passed, but Sylvia McMillan still can’t run and hide from the truth that continues to tear at her soul. Her love for Jonathan Taylor, her ex-friend’s husband, remains. Jonathan has moved on, though. In less than six months, he plans to watch his new bride cascade down the aisle as they join hands in holy matrimony. He’s not about to let Sylvia’s slickness derail him again - but then again, how can he resist the one woman who is willing to honor every single one of his wishes?

Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight. As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.