Books of Soul

New African American Books: Street/Urban

Dutchess

July 18, 2010
Dutchess (Volume 1)
by Dutchess (Author), Jeremy Drummond (Author), Maurice Hawthorne (Contributor)

CreateSpace
Available March 1, 2010 in Paperback

Meet Sade “Dutchess” Blackwell. A good girl from a wealthy family. Her mother is a gifted Federal Prosecutor, and her father is a Drug Enforcement Agent who is secretly affiliated with a notorious criminal enterprise. Unlike her parents, Sade chooses to become like the people who her parents have worked hard to keep off the street. Her innocence disintegrates, once she witnesses the assassination of her father right before her very own eyes.

From that day forth, a good girl goes bad. Jay-Z once said that, “Once a good girl has gone bad, she’s gone forever.” This statement holds true for Sade. Her ruthless acts earn her the nickname Dutchess. As Sade rises to the level of Queenpin in the drug business, she faces many obstacles. Will her mother the Federal Prosecutor, unknowingly build a case against her daughter? Or will the man who allegedly had her father killed, Kennytha Baptiste, have her taken out the game first for invading his territory?

Rude Buay … The Unstoppable – Coming on Independence Day.

July 13, 2010

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Author John A. Andrews, son of the Caribbean soil, penetrates inside the belly of the drug world. In an environment saturated with corruption, deception, duplicity, deceit, and inequities of all kinds, Andrews conceives a cross Atlantic, greed driven fiasco, embedded within the drug epidemic. Can Jamaican-born DEA “Rude Buay” save his country from the tyranny of the Dragon Drug Cartel?

Many stories have been written about the horrible threat that illegal drugs pose to our way of life. People involved can be as ruthless at spreading the evil as those whom are dedicated to stopping it. Here, the stakes are raised much higher, when innocent and malicious teenagers are caught up in this debacle and dying off like flies.

This poignant and hard hitting story intensifies, as Rude Buay – pronounced “Rude Boy,” a dedicated and stubborn Drug Enforcement Agent, goes after this powerful drug cartel threatening the government of his country, Jamaica.

Ironically, just over a decade ago, he was forced to flee Jamaica, after his older brother was killed in a drug related incident. So imagine what it’s like returning to your homeland, to fight a war, where you are not welcomed and distrust your own countrymen.

Rude Buay is a gritty action drama with deviant twists, entangled between the thin line of Law and Order. Rick Scott, founder of the James Mason Classic British Book Club gave 5 stars to this twisted-roller-coaster-action-thriller: a teary-eyed, diabolically encapsulating chronicle that will make you think, laugh, cry, applaud, and even scream.

Have you purchased your copy yet? Click here to pre-order Rude Buay … The Unstoppable Pre-order Rude Buay.

Click here Preview to read the exclusive first chapter of Rude Buay.

Rude Buay … The Unstoppable is a blend of Traffic meets Casino Royale with Charlie’s Angels gone corrupt. With the film project currently in development, Rude Buay is expected to go into pre-production in early 2011.

An ALI project. Visit: www.AndrewsLeadershipInternational.com Website: www.theRUDEBUAY.com *Rude Buay is a drug prevention chronicle about teens caught up in the war on drugs and contains content for adults; parental discretion is advised for children.

This hardcover edition of Rude Buay is published by Books That Will Enhance Your Life and distributed by Baker & Taylor.

SOURCE Books That Will Enhance Your Life www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2010 PR Newswire. All rights reserved -0- KEYWORD: California

Jamaica INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENT

FLM

Darius Jones by Mary B. Morrison

July 13, 2010
In Mary B. Morrison’s new book, she returns to the lives of the characters made famous in the Soul Mates Dissipate series.

Darius Jones is the basketball league’s most valuable player. His wife and son travel with him to away games; and his relationship with his parents has never been better. He’s doing well with everyone except his son’s birth mother. When a drunk driver smashes into his car, his wife Fancy ends up in a coma with only a 50/50 chance of surviving–that’s when the drama really begins.

Dafina
August 1, 2010 in Hardcover

First Round Lottery Pick (The Vil) by Franklin White

June 18, 2010
All of his life-Langston Holiday has been waiting on a break.

Abandoned by his father just after birth-forces Langston’s no nonsense mother to move into the gritty public housing projects of Poindexter Village, better known as, “The Vil” to raise and make a man out of her son who has to learn the code of the streets without any male guidance.

By the end of his senior year-Langston is touted as the premier prep player in the nation and he makes the biggest decision of his life: to forgo college and enter the professional ranks to showcase his talented basketball skills to the world.

Always surrounded by his tight knit crew of Jalen and his girl Tori: Langston makes his announcement of his intentions of turning pro. When word hits the grimy, blood thirsty streets that Langston’s about to get paid –unthinkable drama and crime begin to unfold as his potential new found wealth stirs up envy and jealousy in the hood.

With his name ringing out loudly on the streets with his hustling ways: Ex-high school All-American Toy Daniels–fresh on the block with his college degree and new Sports Agency: begins to pursue Langston, to sign with his thriving agency and will stop at nothing to make it happen.

In the meantime, Langston, still has business with his undercover lover Katrina, until his longtime love Tori, puts a halt to their on the low romps: while his best-friend Jalen, gets involved with the largest criminal organization on the streets: all the while, trying to protect Langston, from everything and everybody.

Soon Langston’s left unknowing who he can trust and faces colossal drama with everyone from his long lost father, to his inner circle and it just might cost him his life.

Urban Books
Available March 1, 2010 in Paperback

The Millionaire’s Son by Kirk D. Yancey

June 12, 2010
Just when you thought money buys everything!

Born a star to his mother, a young man’s life becomes entangled in a web of misfortune and sacrifices he is not yet ready to make. While being raised in the violent slums of Washington D.C., a young man by the name of Whiteboy tells his story about his life and the struggles he endures along his tiresome journey. Amongst friends hides many close enemies, as the hour glass drains so does much of his steam trying to cope with tragedy and triumph in days time. Whiteboy the son of a successful businessman who has earned millions throughout his life without seeing one dime from his father or spending much time with him, the male role models become apparent when the streets come calling to Whiteboy! Living in a shack with his single mother struggling he tries to make life easier by being the man of the house even though he has a police record, his hustle and grind never stops! “The Millionaire’s Son” is a touching account of a young man’s journey inside of the hood, despite being the son of a millionaire. A life story worth reading! When hood banging meets the political side of the streets? The Millionaire’s Son Screams!

Outskirts Press May 26, 2010 Paperback

Pure Paradise by Allison Hobbs

June 3, 2010
A deliciously decadent glimpse inside a day salon that also caters to the sexual fantasies of its affluent clientele.

Behind closed doors, the Pure Paradise salon secretly offers a more salacious menu of services for its discerning clients. While the company is raking in the dough, its proprietor Milan cultivates her own personal Rolodex of willing men and women who crave to indulge her most voracious desires. It would seem as if Milan has it all, but she wants more. For Milan, the ultimate catch would be the elusive Hilton Dorsey, an unreasonably handsome, former football player. But her relentless, irrational pursuit of the golden boy has caused Milan to neglect her financial benefactor, jeopardizing her budding empire. Will her obsession with Hilton Dorsey be her ultimate downfall? National bestselling author Allison Hobbs returns with another heart-thumping erotic adventure with Pure Paradise, a thrilling novel that caters to the sensual tastes of a diverse audience that is sure to leave readers begging for more.

Strebor Books
Available May 25, 2010 in Mass Market Paperback

In Laws and Play Cousins by Robyn Gant

May 11, 2010

“Childhood friends are inadvertently exposed to an accidental murder and as they grow older, circumstances in their lives cause them to reflect back to the tragic event. Nubia Jamison is a filmmaker with a successful company, a volatile love life and an in-law who competes for her man’s attention; Tina Campbell becomes a lawyer and dedicates part of her time to appealing a wrongful conviction; Her cousin Eva Gaultier passes the state bar but spends her time engaged in promiscuity; and Tracie Chesterson, a computer expert, uses her technological wizardry to wreak havoc and revenge into the life of an unsuspecting man and his family.”

From the heart of Los Angeles to the South of France, In Laws and Play Cousins tells a story about love and heartbreak, success and envy and the price it ultimately commands.

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/in-laws-and-play-cousins/8736989

THREE LIVES by Joe Washington Suspense/Thriller Press Release

March 28, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lynda McWhirter
Director, Marketing & Promotion

office: (913) 322-0520 ext. 103

mobile: (936) 581 4287
LyndaM@MidMerc.com

FINALLY! A SUSPENSE/ESPIONAGE NOVEL WITH AFRICAN-AMERICAN MAIN CHARACTERS.

(Kansas City, MO, March, 2010)

THREE LIVES

At the core of Joe Washington’s debut novel, Three Lives, is Nicholas Gambit, a young African American hero in training that hails from the center of the nation.

Like a lot of mid westerners, Gambit can’t help but to be genuine, evident even when he’s in the process of dismantling a team of well trained “people killers”. This quality draws readers ever closer to him, leaving them invested in his survival and desperate to see him flourish. Without pandering, Washington’s main character is extremely likeable, transporting readers into his adventures rather than merely witnessing them.

Though the story takes the reader all over the world and has shown remarkable promise with people from all backgrounds, this book will hold special interest for people of color.  Except for Mosley and the Alex Cross novels by Patterson, we seldom see black characters in today’s literary marketplace, both male and female, portrayed with such strength, diversity and legitimacy.

For readers of any ethnic background however, Three Lives delivers a host of attributes that will surprise and move: action that literally causes one to grip the pages of the book a little tighter; Joe’s clear understanding and familiarity with issues related to combat and international espionage; and most importantly, characters that ring true because of their humanity — flaws and all.

Throughout the development process, we have endeavored to find legitimate comparison titles.  The outcome of our search was surprising.  We simply could not find any. Three Lives could become the new standard for African American fiction, especially in a genre that has been virtually untouched by black authors.

THREE LIVES
Joe Washington
Publisher: Midnight Mercury
Price: Paperback        $12.99        ISBN: 9780615279930
Hardcover        $22.95        ISBN: 9780982417409
EBook             $7.99          ISBN: 9780982417416
Availability Date: 4/30/2010
Publication Date: 5/15/2010
Pages: 357 Trim: 5.5/8.5
Subject Category: Fiction/Suspense
Distribution Website: www.midmerc.com
Distribution: Book Hub, Inc., Wholesalers: Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Bookazine

Description: For most of us, one life is enough. Imagine having three. Nicholas Gambit did. One man, three very different reasons for being. Almost graduated from University and soon to leave a Kansas City ghetto he can’t wait to get away from, Nicholas is drawn into a conflict he wants no part of. His world crashing down around him, surrounded by violence, he learns he has some very special talents. Even with those talents, he finds he can’t protect everyone and when the nightmare is finally over, he is consumed. He is devoid of purpose, inconsolable, lost.

Upon observing how Nicholas conducts himself, and what he is capable of, agent John Wilkes devises a new purpose for him. He soon invites his protégé to enlist in a program few know exists. Too emotionally drained to see that it is a mistake, Nicholas allows himself to be secreted away into a life that he thinks will give his existence meaning and pit him against those who place themselves above the law. Instead, he finds himself at war with his own principles — fearful he will become the enemy he has sworn to fight.

In the course of the transformation from artless college student to inconceivably skilled government operative, Nicholas finds love where it is forbidden, is made into a cold blooded murderer, and ultimately seeks out redemption by allowing another a chance to rediscover her own humanity.

Marketing Strategies:

•  Marketing will include 10 city author tour (coast to coast with heavy emphasis on the Midwest), trade and consumer advertising, mailings, trade show-BEA, online promotion

•  $15,000 marketing budget over course of first year title is in print

•  Publicity team promotes book on websites that cater to readers that read Ludlum, Clancy and Patterson novels and author interviews and television during tour

•  Staged marketing approach.  Local, then national and international.  Target African Americans, the military, college age readers, adventure readers and general readers of fiction in bookstores, libraries, book clubs and discount stores

•  Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble, all AALBC properties, Blackexpressions.com and military distributor’s Bestseller lists.

•  Midmerc.com advertisement and promotions on search engines

BIOGRAPHY

After serving in the military, Joe distinguished himself in the private sector, working with detective and contract security firms throughout the United States.  His new company, MidMerc L.L.C. offers unique perspectives on many fields: Real Estate; Holistic Healthcare, and of course – publishing.

Joe has long held a passion for literature and the arts, writing media scripts and freelancing for corporate firms as well as performing in advertising campaigns, television and print.

Reader Comments:

On my last deployment, I took the book to Iraq with me. After arriving, a friend asked me to read it so I told him he could borrow it. It took me five months to get it back and by that point, every Marine on the base had read it except for me! When I finally did get a chance to read it, I understood why it been in such high demand. Three Lives is a great, fun and unique book. I DARE you not to get sucked into it.

-           Carl Orrell, Iraq War Vet and Purple Heart Recipient

Although I don’t find myself reading a lot of books in this genre, I have to admit . . . this book drew me in from page one and kept me caught up in the action until the very end. I loved it and I can’t wait to see what comes out of Mr. Washington’s brain (pen) next.

-           Sandra Moran, Professor of Anthropology and Freelance Writer

His Wife His Whore

March 21, 2010

” His Wife His Whore” A reality check to make you sometimes appreciate what you have, instead of thinking you are missing out on something. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Justice Williams was a plus size woman that had everything every little girl dreamed of having growing up. Except sparks in the bedroom. Mark Williams, her husband was a successful attorney that dated Justice when they were  in college. Justice wasn’t your usual size 10, but a size 16, but that didn’t stop Mark Williams form putting that seven carat diamond ring on her finger. Justice grew tired of always picturing other men while having sex with her husband and decided to get her feet wet elsewhere. She will soon learn to appreciate what she has, and realize everything that glitters ain’t always gold.

A Sticky Situation by Kiki Swinson

March 13, 2010

Dafina
Available 05/01/10 in Paperback

At 34, the beautiful Maxine Shaw thrives in her current position as a federal parole officer. Known throughout countless federal correctional facilities for violating and sending parolees from her caseload back to prison, she’s the most surprised when she lets her guard down for Seth. The confident, ruthless, Seth Richardson sets his sights on Maxine, who is instantly turned on by his swagger. The consequences she would face from her employer if she ever got caught dating a parolee is alluring. They begin a tumultuous, secretive relationship that has restrictions.

Knowing that Maxine has aspirations of owning a small business, Seth convinces her to ignore his drug-hustling in order to get her the start-up money. Everything seems to be going according to plan until Maxine finds out that Seth has a major distraction in his life — Samantha Mitchell.

Samantha, who happens to be Seth’s codefendant and ‘ride or die’ chick, has just come home from serving jail time in a women’s federal camp. As both women compete for Seth’s love and affection, a sticky situation unfolds. Is Maxine cunning enough to outsmart Samantha and take her man for good? Or will Samantha’s street-savviness outwit the educated Maxine?