C&B Books Distribution

C&B Readers Top Suggested Reads

UP TO NO GOOD	Author:Carl Weber Carl Weber, the New York Times bestselling author of Something on the Side and The First Lady, introduces a deliciously dysfunctional family in this brand-new page-turning novel filled with intrigue, sex, and surprises… There is always a man around the corner. And church trustee James Black should know—he’s usually that very man, carrying on affairs with married women and sleeping with one conquest after another. But when he suddenly finds himself in love, his marriage proposal generates a ripple effect of shocking proportions. The other women in James’s neighborhood have a thing or two to say about his new love. His daughter intends to dismantle his relationship. And James’s son decides to follow in his father’s womanizing footsteps after catching his fiancée cheating. James may have been the one to unleash this maelstrom of events, but he has no idea how to stop, especially when another shocking revelation surfaces… PRAISE FOR CARL WEBER “Weber keeps things tight and funny; readers with a bent for the bootylicious will certainly want to pick this one up.” —Publishers Weekly on Something on the Side “Major revelations and an eye-raising twist will make even seen-it-all fans gasp.” —Publishers Weekly on So You Call Yourself a Man “A delightful and entertaining book.” —Black Issues Book Review on So You Call Yourself a Man “A fast-paced mix of scandal, jealousy and wickedness.” —Publishers Weekly on Player Haters “Married Men is full of flavor, wit, drama and everyday situations…Carl Weber shows staying power and will leave you wanting more.” —QBR The Black Book Review Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling author of Something on the Side, The First Lady, So You Call Yourself a Man, The Preacher’s Son, Player Haters, Lookin’ for Luv, Married Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He is also the Publisher and Editorial Director of Urban Books. He graduated from Virginia State University with a B.S. in accounting and has an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia. Retail Price: $24.00 C&B Pruce: $17.00 Publisher: Dafiana
A PREACHER'S PASSION	Author:Lutishia Lovely In the tradition of Kimberla Lawson Roby’s Curtis Black novels, Lutishia Lovely delves into the scandalous exploits of church folk in her newest novel featuring the Kingdom Citizens’ congregation. After being celibate for five years, Passion Perkins is ready to end her drought. She’s also determined to hold out for Mr. Right, and in Lavon Chapman, she thinks she’s found him. He’s come to the community to oversee the filming of a series of DVDs, inspirational messages from her pastor, Rev. Stanley Lee and his fiery wife, Carla. Passion goes on an all-out campaign to win Lavon. But she isn’t the only one feeling a strong attraction to Lavon—Carla is feeling it too. Soon, other members of the church community are entangled in scandals, and while some are getting busy in service to the Lord, others are just getting busy… PRAISE FOR SEX IN THE SANCTUARY “Lutishia Lovely has provided a spell-binding tale with some hilarious and righteous characters. While this story is heartfelt and at times dire, nothing compares to its laugh-out-loud moments.” —The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers “A fantastic read that deals with celibacy, obsession, sisterhood and forgiveness.” —Books 2 Read Magazine “Provides an honest look at love and romance in the lives of four saved women and will provide laughter and inspiration for all, whether married or single and searching. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. You won’t either.” —Shades of Romance Magazine Lutishia Lovely is an actress, poet, spoken word artist, and former radio and television talk show host. A Preacher’s Passion is her third novel. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher:Dafina Books
SOMETHING ON THE SIDE	Author:Carl Weber Carl Weber—the New York Times bestselling author of The First Lady and So You Call Yourself a Man—delivers a straight-up novel about friendship and love, sex and betrayal, and how getting some on the side is never as simple as it seems. Meet the bodacious women of the Big Girls Book Club. There’s only one rule to being a member. You must be at least a size 14… BGBC president Tammy has the perfect birthday present in mind for her husband—a threesome with her best friend, Egypt. If only Egypt will agree. Isis is willing to lay down and die for her boyfriend Tony, until a man from her past steps back into her life. Single mom Nikki is struggling to get by—and struggling not to kill her ex, who disappoints their son every chance he gets. Good thing her roommate Tiny has got her back. Coco Brown likes to mess around with married men, but since she hooked up with her new man, all she cares about is making sure he doesn’t stray. As insatiable about books as they are about love—or lust—these friends are about to discover how tough it is to keep it real when they all have something on the side. PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF CARL WEBER “Bestselling author Weber serves up another scintillating slice of church politics….Hekeeps the pacing brisk and loads the narrative with enough surprise turns to keep readers guessing to the end.”—Publishers Weekly on The First Lady “Weber gives us a front-row pew seat to all the action going down…”—Essence on The First Lady “Major revelations and an eye-raising twist will make even seen-it-all fans gasp”—Publishers Weekly on So You Call Yourself a Man “A delightful and entertaining book.”—Black Issues Book Review on So You Call Yourself a Man “Weber spins a lively, revelation-packed tale deepened by genuine emotion, convincing detail and smart dialogue.”—Publishers Weekly on The Preacher’s Son “A fast-paced mix of scandal, jealousy and wickedness.”—Publishers Weekly on Player Haters “Married Men is full of flavor, wit, drama and everyday situations…Carl Weber shows staying power and will leave you wanting more.”—QBR The Black Book Review Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling author of The First Lady, So You Call Yourself a Man, The Preacher’s Son, Player Haters, Lookin’ for Luv, Married Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He is also the Publisher and Editorial Director of Urban Books. He graduated from Virginia State University with a B.S. in accounting and has an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher:Dafina Books
AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRSTS	Author:Joan Potter An addictive, authoritative reference book—a lively who’s-who of the most creative, innovative and successful African Americans—from colonial times to present day. Despite discrimination and often poverty, African Americans have overcome the odds to become leaders in education, science and medicine, law, military, sports, business—and in 2009, President. Joan Potter mined old documents, records, letters, family histories, and government files, and compiled a wonderful resource book showcasing the wide range of accomplishment among African Americans. As entertaining as it is informative, this work presents over 450 “firsts” by African Americans—from Doctor Daniel Hale Williams, who first performed open heart surgery—to the first African American President, Barack Obama. “A Black history buff ’s dream.”—Ebony “From the name of the first millionaire to the first million-copy bestselling author, here are some occasions to cheer and weep about.”—Booklist Joan Potter is a researcher and historian. She is the founder of Pinto Press, and lives with her family in Mt. Kisco, New York. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher:Dafina Books
THE NARROWS	Author:Ann Petry An unforgettable tale of tragic, interracial love written by one of the greatest unheard voices of the Harlem Renaissance, Ann Petry—now repackaged and reissued for a modern audience. The Narrows is a small New England community struggling to right itself after decades of abandonment and racial strife. It’s the kind of town Link Williams, a smart black kid freshly graduated from Dartmouth College, just might escape. But leaving the Narrows is the easy part. What no one knows is that Link has already made one of the most difficult decisions of his life. The love Link shares with Camilo Sheffield is genuine, soulful, and aches with promise. But the very existence of their relationship rocks their worlds in ways that neither of them could ever have imagined. With unmatched lyrical flair, Ann Petry, the acclaimed, bestselling author of The Street, creates an indelible portrait of a bustling, vibrant community as it fights against the complex racial dynamics of the 1950s. PRAISE FOR THE NARROWS “Filled with dramatic force, earthy humor and tragic intensity.”—Boston Globe “A novel about racial conflict, The Narrows resists classification…Ann Petry has achieved something as rare as it is commendable.”—Arna Bontemps “Using a theme that might have been merely sensational, [Petry] builds a novel that has depth and dignity.”—The New York Herald-Tribune Ann Petry (1908-1997) is one of the earliest successful black female writers in the U.S. She spent most of her life in Connecticut, working as a pharmacist (she earned her advanced degree in Pharmacy in 1931) before she became a full-time writer. She began her career as a reporter at People’s Voice in 1941, and throughout the 1940s, she was published in several literary magazines, including W.E.B. DuBois’s Crisis. Her first novel, The Street (1946), was widely heralded and has since sold over one million copies. She is also the author of Miss Muriel and Other Stories (1971). Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher:Dafina
PLAYTHANG	Author:Janine A. Morris From the author of the smash hit Diva Diaries comes the unforgettable story of an ever-so-practical woman who crosses to the wild side when she seeks revenge on all the men who’ve wronged her. Jordan Moore is in the middle of a breakdown. Thirty-four years old and newly single, she has given custody of her son to her ex-husband and now regrets the decision; her ex-husband is getting married again; and after a year of disappointments from her best friend-turned-boyfriend, she has given up on true love. Now she’s ready to walk on the wild side and do a little heartbreaking of her own. By using men the way she has been used, Jordan believes that she can somehow even the score. But when she meets Marcus, a wonderful, caring gentleman who sees through all of her guardedness, she is thrown for a loop. Will Jordan realize that true love is standing right in front of her…before it is too late? PRAISE FOR JANINE A. MORRIS AND DIVA DIARIES “Reminiscent of Waiting to Exhale.”—Booklist “Morris has a way with words and drama.”—NY Daily News “I felt like I was experiencing one of my own girls’ night out.”—La La, MTV VJ Janine A. Morris lives in Queens, New York, writes for 98.7 Kiss FM, and is currently the Music Coordinator at WQHT, Hot 97, the #1 Hip-Hop station in New York. Morris graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in Communications, and her passion for writing began when she started writing for the school newspaper in junior high school. She has written articles for magazines such as XXL, The Source, Don Diva, and more. Morris is currently attending law school, and is hard at work on her next novel. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher:Dafina Books
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUES	Author:Gwynne Forster From the author of Whatever it Takes and When You Dance with the Devil comes an unforgettable page-turner about a woman who must right the wrongs in her life before she can find happiness. At thirty-six, Petra Field gets a shock that causes her to take a look at her life, and she’s not proud of what she sees. But making amends for her past is more difficult than she expected. The first and hardest step is admitting to her teenage daughter, Krista, that her supposedly dead father is very much alive. Then there’s the neighbor whose husband she had an affair with, the former coworker she got fired, and many more aggrieved acquaintances. Far from setting her free, the truth brings more complications—but also opens up her life in surprising ways, offering her one last chance to start over for real… PRAISE FOR GETTING SOME OF HER OWN “A love-conquers-all story with a few twists and turns to keep readers turning the pages... classic Gwynne Forster. Her fans will not be disappointed.”—The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers “Forster creates such believable characters—who deal with circumstances that imperil their dreams for true happiness—that it’s easy to reach beyond the pages and find nonfiction replicas. You’ll eagerly keep reading to learn how the characters’ lives intersect and will sigh with pure satisfaction when it ends.”—Romantic Times 4 1/2 Stars Top Pick AND FOR BLUES FROM DOWN DEEP “A page-turner and it’s one that deserves to be read in a few sittings. This novel is Forster’s finest work to date and is sure to earn her a legion of new fans.”—QBR, The Black Book Review “Forster’s sensitive portrayal of a woman trying to find her roots is a cut above the ordinary.”—Booklist Gwynne Forster is an award-winning, national bestselling author. She is also a demographer and former senior United Nations Officer, in which capacities she has traveled the world. She lives in New York City with her husband. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
HIS FIRST WIFE	Author:Grace Octavia From the fresh, smart, and hugely talented new author behind Take Her Man comes a sparkling, sexy new novel about one woman who’s facing what’s real and getting it all on her own terms… Kerry Jackson never thought her ten-year marriage could be pulled apart by a harmless email. But now her husband, Jamison, is having an affair and a pregnant Kerry needs a new plan for her life and her unborn child…fast. As trouble at home turns to trouble everywhere, Kerry searches for the strength to pick up the pieces of her life. Now she’ll have to throw out the game plan, find out who she really is, and take her biggest gamble ever. PRAISE FOR TAKE HER MAN “A funny and sexy look into the world of Black dating by Octavia that will have you busting out the notepad to jot down tips on settling the score and finding true love."—Essence magazine “An electrifying read... This incredible novel will take you on an emotional journey. This is a great story about friendship and finding true love.” —Books2Mention magazine Grace Octavia is a native of Westbury, New York. Her writing has appeared in Sisterfriends by Michele Agins and Julia Chance and Rolling Out magazine, where she was Editor-in-Chief. Grace Octavia also served as an Associate Editor at America Online’s Internet magazine, Digital City. She holds degrees in Creative Writing from New York University (B.A.) and the University of Georgia (MA). She is currently working on her Ph.D. at Georgia State University, in Atlanta. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
IF MEMORY SERVES	Author:Vanessa Davis Griggs Bestselling author Vanessa Davis Griggs presents a thrilling new novel filled with scandalous secrets, impossible choices, and supreme tests of faith—the culmination of her superb Blessed Trinity series. Memory Patterson has been hiding from her family for far too long, until a chance meeting with Pastor Landris and his pregnant wife, Johnnie Mae, leads to a shocking revelation and a reunion. But can her loved ones trust that the ever-conning Memory has really repented? Meanwhile, Johnnie Mae experiences complications with her pregnancy, and Pastor Landris learns he may have to make an impossible choice—one that will amount to spiritual warfare. And Johnnie Mae’s friend, Charity, finally comes face-to-face with the painful truth about her past. As secrets come to light, can hope and the power of faith mend these shattered, fractured lives? PRAISE FOR BLESSED TRINITY “This inspirational novel leaves the reader eager to know what Griggs plans next for this spiritual family.”—Publishers Weekly “An excellent rendition of inspirational prose… A novel filled with mystery and intrigue; battles for supremacy and scenes of humility; love won and love lost; relational difficulties, struggles of the psyche imbedded in the lives of the men and women within the body of Christ. Blessed Trinity outlines these themes and boldly shows the power of God to overcome and conquer.”—Romance in Color.com Vanessa Davis Griggs is a motivational speaker and the author of Wings of Grace and Promises Beyond Jordan, as well as the Blessed Trinity series. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
SHE HAD IT COMING	Author:Mary Monroe Mary Monroe—New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers a powerful and provocative new page-turner about one woman’s search for love in a world where secrets don’t always stay hidden, and the choices we make in one rash moment can change everything… Even in high school, Dolores Reese and Floyd Watson know they are soul mates. When one bad decision sends an innocent Floyd to prison for life, Dolores promises to stick by him. But while Floyd’s world stands still, Dolores lands a position working for a cruise line and meets Paul, a successful businessman. Paul offers her the kind of future she always imagined having, and Dolores is sure she can continue to visit Floyd without revealing that she’s married to another man. When Floyd is suddenly freed on new evidence, Dolores makes a fateful choice—to live a double lie, devoting herself to two different husbands in two different cities. And soon she discovers just what can happen when love, dishonesty, and dangerous jealousy collide… PRAISE FOR MARY MONROE “A remarkable talent.” —Chicago Sun-Times “This is truly a phenomenal account of duplicity, double-crossing, and karma.” —Romantic Times on Deliver Me From Evil “Opens with a bang….a standout.” —Publishers Weekly on Gonna Lay Down My Burdens “Magnificent, coarse, funny, and terrifying.” —San Francisco Chronicle on The Upper Room “A highly satisfying page-turner—and one that will stand out.” —Publishers Weekly on God Don’t Like Ugly Mary Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of Deliver Me From Evil, God Don’t Play, In Sheep’s Clothing, Red Light Wives, God Still Don’t Like Ugly, Gonna Lay Down My Burdens, God Don’t Like Ugly, The Upper Room, and the novella “Nightmare in Paradise” in Borrow Trouble. An avid traveler, Mary currently lives in Oakland, California. Retail Price: $24.00 C&B Pruce: $17.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
A RICH MAN'S BABY	Author:Daaimah S. Poole Essence® bestselling author Daaimah S. Poole’s newest novel tells the sultry, dramatic story of two women who mistakenly believe that having a rich man’s baby will be their ticket to the easy life… Sistahs Tanisha Butler and Adrienne Sheppard crave money and security, so they come up with the perfect plan: have a rich man’s baby and walk away with a fortune in child support. Adrienne soon scores big with an NFL star, and Tanisha snags a pro basketball player in Europe. Their plan is working—until Adrienne’s man finds out about all the rich athletes in her past, and Tanisha’s man turns out to have an ex who’ll do anything to get him back. And soon, their simple plan is turning into a very dangerous game… PRAISE FOR DAAIMAH S. POOLE: “The voice of a new generation.” —Karen Quinones Miller “Plenty of drama.” —Publishers Weekly Daaimah S. Poole is a mother and a Temple University graduate with a degree in journalism. She began writing her first novel, Yo Yo Love, at age nineteen while working as a receptionist at her aunt’s beauty salon. Daaimah is a Philadelphia native. Readers can visit her at www.daaimahspoole.com Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
CAREFUL OF THE COMPANY YOU KEEP	Author:Angie Daniels From the acclaimed author of Trouble Loves Company comes a smart, sexy, heartfelt new novel about friendship, love, lust—and a whole lot of trouble in between. After finding her husband in a compromising position, Renee goes back to her hometown, but once again finds herself looking for love in all the wrong places. Practical nurse Danielle Brooks gets a shock when she discovers her daughter is about to give birth to a baby fathered by Danielle’s ex. Her current boyfriend is ready to commit, but when Danielle enlists Renee’s help to test his fidelity, things go too far. Meanwhile, their friend Kayla is getting married, but lost opportunities with an old flame keep her second-guessing her choice. As things come to a head in each woman’s life, there’s a whole lot of praying going on…and more drama than they ever expected… PRAISE FOR TROUBLE LOVES COMPANY: “Daniels has penned an entertaining read… If you like nonstop calamity with strong soap opera undertones, this is the book for you.” —Rawsistaz Reviewers Angie Daniels grew up on the South side of Chicago but later relocated to Columbia, Missouri. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration as well as a Master’s Degree in Resource Management. Her books include Trouble Loves Company, In the Company of My Sisters, When It Rains, Love Uncovered, and When I First Saw You. She lives in Missouri. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
WHO'S LOVING YOU	Author:Mary B. Morrison Honey Thomas, the unforgettable heroine from Sweeter Than Honey, returns in this gripping, fast-paced new novel from Mary B. Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of When Somebody Loves You Back and Somebody’s Gotta Be On Top. Honey Thomas changed her name and fled Las Vegas, far from Valentino, the sinister pimp who wanted her to keep quiet after witnessing a few too many illicit activities. Now Valentino is in jail and Benito, his right-hand man, is determined to get revenge and get all of the money stolen from him. Benito only has two contacts to infiltrate Honey’s world: Grant and Girl 6. When they both show up at Honey’s door—Grant looking to rekindle their relationship and Girl 6 with a deathly warning for Honey—she knows she needs someone to help her make the right decision. Who else to help her than Sapphire Bleu, the police officer who gave her Valentino’s millions? But when Sapphire turns up missing, Honey has to revert to her old tricks to protect her own life… PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF MARY B. MORRISON “A page-turner from the start.” —RAWSISTAZ Reviewers on Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This “A page-turner that will keep readers’ attention and entertain them in the process.” —QBR, The Black Book Review on He’s Just a Friend “The hottest book I’ve read this year.” —Carl Weber on He’s Just a Friend “Morrison delivers a deep, passionate story that holds readers from beginning to end.” —Black Issues Book Review on Never Again Once More “Hot sex and high drama move Morrison’s latest page turner.” —Publishers Weekly on When Somebody Loves You Back Mary B. Morrison is the New York Times bestselling author of Sweeter than Honey, When Somebody Loves You Back, Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This, Somebody’s Gotta Be On Top, He’s Just a Friend, Never Again Once More, Soul Mates Dissipate, Who’s Making Love, and Justice, Just Us, Just Me. She’s also the coauthor of She Ain’t the One with New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber. She lives in Oakland, California with her son, Jesse Byrd, Jr. Visit Mary at www.marymorrison.com . Retail Price: $24.00 C&B Pruce: $17.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
DELIVER ME FROM EVIL	Author:Mary Monroe New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, one of today’s most provocative storytellers, delivers a sensational new novel—in paperback for the first time—about the high-stakes game of love. Once upon a time, Christine and Jesse Ray had the perfect marriage. But twelve years later, J.R. has become obsessed with his business empire and is taking his wife for granted. Christine finds herself tempted by her old haunts and the people she thought she left behind long ago—people like Wade Eddie Fisher, a bad boy with good looks. Even though Wade is far from dependable, he offers Christine something she can’t resist. Soon she’s immersed in a sultry affair, and concocting a risky scheme that could deliver everything she has ever wanted—or shatter the lives of everyone around her… PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF MARY MONROE “Gonna Lay Down My Burdens opens with a bang…a standout.” —Publishers Weekly “Monroe once again skillfully delivers a crafty story wrapped around a host of heartwarming characters battling everyday struggles and obstacles, even as she entertains readers with spurts of unexpected comedy and tragedy.” —Library Journal on God Don’t Play “Monroe’s richly drawn characters will stay with readers long after the book is finished.” —Booklist on Gonna Lay Down My Burdens “Clearly the work of a real talent.” —San Jose Mercury News on The Upper Room Mary Monroe is the New York Times bestselling author of God Don’t Play, God Don’t Like Ugly, God Still Don’t Like Ugly, The Upper Room, In Sheep’s Clothing, Gonna Lay Down My Burdens, and the novella “Nightmare in Paradise” in Borrow Trouble. An avid traveler, Mary currently lives in Oakland, California. She loves hearing from her readers via email at authorauthor5409@aol.com . Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
BAD GIRLS BURN SLOW	Author:Pam Ward In this follow-up to her compelling debut novel, Want Some, Get Some, author Pam Ward proves that looks can be deceiving… With her pale skin, heart-shaped lips and piercing gaze, ten year-old Paula is luminous. No one can believe that Margie, as bronzed-skinned as she is plain, could possibly be Paula’s mother. But Margie knows better – because behind Paula’s innocent, girlish beauty lies the heart of a destructive soul who literally loves to play with fire, cannot control her temper, and in school, has a proven proclivity towards violence. Margie hopes that moving closer to the California waters will snuff out the mysterious, growing flame in her daughter’s heart, but Bernard, their new neighbor and funeral parlor owner, immediately senses that there is something “strange” about little Paula – something that he does not want in his home or place of business. Bernard, a man with secrets himself, decides that his new neighbors may need a little encouragement to find another place to live. But Paula, though still a child, has keen instincts of her own. As her suspicions about Bernard unravel and lead to a suspenseful, disturbing battle of wills, the most shocking of secrets are revealed. PRAISE FOR WANT SOME, GET SOME “An outstanding debut novel…original, fast-paced, and full of the drama that keeps the pages turning. Don’t sleep.” —Darren Coleman, Essence® bestselling author Pam Ward is a Los Angeles native. Her work can be found in Best American Erotica 2002, Men We Cherish, and her poetry was featured in Catch the Fire!!! She is the recipient of a California Arts Council Writing Fellowship and a New Letters Award for Poetry. This is her second novel. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY	Author:Wahida Clark and Kiki Swinson Essence® bestselling authors and reigning stars of urban lit, Wahida Clark and Kiki Swinson team up to deliver two scintillating drama-filled tales about life on the streets. Wahida Clark Enemy in My Bed Kreesha has a good hustle going on—selling and transporting drugs by mail. And she has a good man, Reign. Only trouble is, Reign has a wife, Sparkle, and neither woman is giving up easily. And when Reign gets involved in Kreesha’s business, things get a lot more complicated… KiKi Swinson Keeping My Enemies Close Larissa is fed up with the cheating men. Her best friend, Tenisha, knows where Larissa needs to look in order to find the perfect man who won’t stray—prison! Larissa is soon involved with Sean Miller, who’s doing ten years for a drug charge. But when Larissa starts smuggling drugs into prison for him, she finds out exactly who her friends are… Wahida Clark was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey. She decided to write fiction while incarcerated at a women’s federal prison camp in Lexington, Kentucky. Crowned the “Queen of Thug Love Fiction” by Nikki Turner, the “Queen of Hip Hop Fiction” herself, Wahida’s style of writing is the template for urban literature. Her bestselling novels include Thug Matrimony, Every Thug Needs a Lady, and Payback is a Mutha. KiKi Swinson was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, and discovered her flair for writing after completing her first novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison. Since then she has written several more novels, including Wifey, I’m Still Wifey, and Life After Wifey. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Kensington Books
SWEETER THEN HONEY	Author:Mary B. Morrison From Mary B. Morrison, New York Times bestselling author of When Somebody Loves You Back, She Ain’t the One, and Somebody’s Gotta Be On Top, comes a sizzling novel about a survivor who’s risked everything to reinvent herself and must now decide what kind of life—and love—she wants. Lace St. Thomas operates a wildly successful Vegas escort service. When one of her girls turns up dead, and her boss, Valentino, bribes her boyfriend Benito to make sure Lace keeps her mouth shut—by any means necessary—Lace fakes her death and flees to Atlanta. Reinventing herself as Honey Thomas, she creates a counseling company that helps victimized women. She also lands a new man, Grant. But Honey’s dark past could just tear them apart, and it will take everything she has to save the new life she’s worked so hard to build—and to gamble on love one last time… PRAISE FOR MARY B. MORRISON “Morrison delivers a deep, passionate story that holds readers from beginning to end.” —Black Issues Book Review on Never Again Once More “Hot sex and high drama move Morrison’s latest page turner.” —Publishers Weekly Mary B. Morrison is the national bestselling author of When Somebody Loves You Back, Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This, Somebody’s Gotta Be On Top, He’s Just a Friend, Never Again Once More, Soul Mates Dissipate, Who’s Making Love, and Justice, Just Us, Just Me. She’s also the coauthor of She Ain’t the One with New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber. She lives in Oakland, California with her son. Visit Mary at www.marymorrison.com . Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
SLEEP DON'T COME EASY	Author:J. D. Mason and Victor McGlothin National bestselling authors J.D. Mason (This Fire Down In My Soul) and Victor McGlothin (Ms. Etta’s Fast House) and combine their literary talents to deliver a double dose of intrigue… “The Lazarus Man” by J.D. Mason When a young female city employee is murdered, the case brings together an unlikely team: an investigative reporter, a loner detective, and a homeless man named Lazarus who claims he witnessed the killing. With the detective at the helm, the trio soon unearths the shocking truth… “Tomorrow’s Edge” by Victor McGlothin Smart, sexy P.I. Vera Miles has a strange new client: a handsome drifter with amnesia who believes he’s killed someone—though he can’t remember who or why. But as Vera gets closer to solving the mystery, she wonders if her client is better off without his memory… Essence® bestselling author Victor McGlothin is a former bank vice-president who nearly forfeited an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills. Victor is also an on-line columnist of Victor Said…, a real Brotha to Sistah look at relationships. He lives in Dallas with his wife and two sons and his hard at work on his next novel. Visit his website at www.victormcglothin.com . J.D. Mason is the national bestselling and award-winning author of the novels Don’t Want No Sugar, One Day I Saw a Black King, and And On the Eighth Day She Rested. Her short fiction appears in the Zane anthology Blackgentleman.com. She lives with her family in Denver. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
STREET VENGEANCE	Author:Evie Rhodes From the talented author of Criss Cross and Expired comes a haunting, stirring story about a female gang leader in L.A. who learns that some forces are more powerful than she ever imagined… One night in South Central L.A., a teenage boy named Q is shot and paralyzed by the LAPD after a hip-hop concert. Q’s best friend, Brandi, is a smart eighteen-year-old on the road to college and an M.B.A. But Q’s senseless beatdown shakes her to the core, prompting her to change direction and become the organizer of a feared and dangerous female gang. Finally forced to go underground to evade the authorities, Brandi meets a mysterious stranger who tries to warn her about future turf wars and destruction. But can Brandi get past the need for revenge and save herself before it’s too late? ADVANCE PRAISE FOR STREET VENGEANCE "Rhodes tells it like it is for many teens in (and outside) the hood who struggle to deal with a violent society that all too often embraces money over faith." --Publishers Weekly "[Street Vengeance] does not disappoint in the action, drama, and realism departments... A cautionary tale." --Library Journal Evie Rhodes is a novelist, award-winning songwriter, and award-winning music video scriptwriter. She is the writer of “Standing in Da Spirit” which won a Canadian Music Award for Best Gospel Album and the scriptwriter for “Changed,” which won for Best Gospel Video. She is the author of The Forgotten Spirit, Criss Cross, Out “a” Order and Expired. She lives in Hartford, Connecticut. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
DIAMOND SYNDICATE	Author:Erica Hilton Mistress of manipulation Diamond Reed always gets what she wants. As a single mother to her teenaged son, Diamond transforms into a vicious cougar with an insatiable appetite for men less than half her age. She preys on her son's friends for sex, molding them into a team of young men who line her ever-growing pocketbook with the spoils of crimes they commit under her leadership. Dante Reed, although always against his mother's promiscuous and conniving ways, somehow gets pulled into her web of deceit under the pretense of motherly love. But when Diamond and Dante are busted for a plan gone wrong, their lives hang in the balance as they face life in prison. The stakes are high, there are too many loose ends, and Dante begins to doubt the flawless love his mother has hypnotized him with for so many years. What will it take to turn blood against blood, friend against friend, brother against brother? What will it take to shatter the veneer of the Diamond Syndicate? Retail Price: $14.99 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Melodrama Publishing
UP TO NO GOOD	Author:Carl Weber Now available in paperback—Carl Weber, the New York Times bestselling author of Something on the Side and The First Lady, introduces a deliciously dysfunctional family in a straight-up novel with just the right blend of intrigue, sex, and humor. There is always a man around the corner. Church trustee James Black should know—he's usually that very man, carrying on affairs with married women and sleeping with one conquest after another. But when he suddenly finds himself in love, his relationship generates a ripple effect of shocking proportions. His daughter intends to dismantle his relationship. And James's son decides to follow in his father's womanizing footsteps after catching his fiancée cheating. James may have been the one to unleash this maelstrom of events, but stopping will mean facing hard truths. . . PRAISE FOR UP TO NO GOOD “In Up to No Good, Carl Weber reforms James Black, a minor player in the writer's previous works who his own shine in this charming tale.” —Essence® “This page-turning drama keeps readers in suspense until the very last page.” —Upscale Magazine “Weber delivers a soap opera-style cautionary tale of promiscuity and lust . . . twisty and entertaining. This trashy page-turner should give fans what they want.” —Publishers Weekly Carl Weber is the New York Times bestselling author of Something on the Side, The First Lady, So You Call Yourself A Man, The Preacher's Son, Player Haters, Lookin' for Luv, Married Men, and Baby Momma Drama. He lives in New York. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
HEARD IT ALL BEFORE	Author:Michele Grant In a sparkling debut that evokes the best of Candice Dow and Daaimah Poole, Michele Grant weaves a fresh, engaging urban love story about been-burned-before singles finding love where they least expected it. Jewel Campbell is a borderline Black American Princess from the “safe” north side of Dallas. The only thing she knows about “the hood” comes from television and movies. Her best friend, gold-digging Renee, is determined to hook her up and shake her out of her comfort zone. Roman Montgomery is a street smart Southside homeboy with a ghetto-fabulous clingy ex-wife and an engaging five-year old son. Tired of the games and the drama, Roman is looking for a classy lady with no hidden agenda. He and Jewel have nothing in common except for an instantaneous attraction. But can these opposites get past the drama, ignore the advice from friends and frenemies, and reconcile their differences? Michele Grant lives in Plano, Texas, where she is hard at work on her next novel. Retail Price: $14.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
THE CANDY SHOP	Author:Kiki Swinson Now available in mass market, here is drama-filled page-turner from Kiki Swinson, an Essence® bestselling author and one of the reigning stars of “urban lit.” Faith Simmons used to live the good life with a loving husband and daughter, a successful career as a school assistant principal, and a fancy house. Now she's spending her days with her best friend Teresa and looking forward to her next fix. Unlike T., there are some things Faith won't do for candy, and she thinks she's got her addiction under control. But as Faith is about to find out, once you get a taste for street candy, there's no turning back. Praise for Kiki Swinson and Her Novels “Kiki captures the heat of the streets.”—Wahida Clark “Kiki Swinson is unstoppable. . . Kiki always delivers a sizzling read.”—Essence® bestselling author Crystal Lacey Winslow “After reading The Candy Shop, all I could say was scandalous!”—K'wan, bestselling author of Gutter and Still Hood Kiki Swinson was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. She discovered her flair for writing twelve years ago after completing her first novel, Mad Shambles, while serving a five-year sentence at a federal prison. Retail Price: $6.99 C&B Pruce: $6.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
MELLO AND JUNE	Author:Kimberly Ranee Hicks The love story of MELLO & JUNE is a musical romance soundtrack novel which chapters include some of R&B classic recording artists song titles as song chapters, such as the late Phyllis Hyman, Roberta Flack, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Michael McDonald and the late Rick James, just to name a few. The number one romance novelist didn't become one by accident, it was by circumstance. When she receives a mysterious letter from her lost love, Mello, who she assumed was dead, she immediately becomes anxious. Seventy-four year old June Summers, begins to rewind the movie reel in her mind's eyes, while reflecting on their stormy relationship that spans over 50 years. She has a huge decision to make. After all, Mello broke her heart and destroyed her trust in men. It was that pain which fueled her passion for writing. What is the number one romance novelist to do? Only time will tell—and that time is quickly running out! Kimberly Ranee Hicks, Author of MELLO & JUNE, a Musical Romance Soundtrack Novel Retail Price: $19.99 C&B Pruce: $19.00 Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
CHEESECAKE AND TEARDROPS	Author:Faye Thompson Office romances were always taboo to Charisma, but lately she's finding herself attracted to her new boss. Is it because the sensual, honey-brown man could easily become a guilty pleasure, or is it just because Charisma is determined not to let her competitive co-worker have him? Tangie has a history of picking men who are hot in bed and cold on commitment—until she meets an FBI agent who may just be her Nubian prince. Desperate to get rid of her “body by Haagen Dazs,” Heather is willing to do just about anything. When a former classmate offers her some powerful diet pills, she's tempted. But is the thing her friend is asking for in return too high a price to pay? As best friends Charisma, Tangie, and Heather deal with issues of race, relationships, and body image, each is reminded that “behind every successful woman is herself!” Retail Price: $12.95 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Urban Books
THE MANUAL	Author:Sherryle Jackson “I swear all men must read from the same manual. Like momma use to say the pages are long and the book is thick ‘cause a man has got a lot of tricks.” Deidre Collins can't help but compare her fourteen year old son, DeAndre, to his father and her estranged ex-boyfriend who walked out of their lives eight years previous. Even after rededicating herself to the Lord, she's having a hard time forgiving and forgetting. After the sudden lost of his own absentee father, Andre Hicks resurfaces in Deidre and DeAndre's life with a determination to compensate for the time lost with his son. Reluctant to see him as the answer to her prayers, Deidre finally must yield her reservations about their troubled relationship to let DeAndre stay with his father during his suspension from school. DeAndre Hicks, their son, keeps one foot in church and the other foot in trouble. In his last year of middle school he finds himself divided between following the lead of his two best friends, the Dempsey twins, experiencing the novelty of first love with girlfriend, Kenya and toting the line at home with his mother. Can his parents keep him from making the same mistakes they did in the past? Can they reconcile their past to secure his future? Who said there isn't a manual for life, relationships and raising kids? Retail Price: $14.95 C&B Pruce: $11.21 Publisher: Urban Books
SAVED AND SINGLE	Author:Sheila Copeland In this sizzling tale of secrets, faith, and love by the author of Diamond Revelation, Chocolate Star, and A Chocolate Affair, a group of Los Angeles friends learn the true meaning of being single, saved—and scandalous. Tiffany is used to planning Los Angeles’ biggest, glitziest weddings, but her own love life is pretty nonexistent. A God-fearing, thirty-two-year-old virgin, Tiffany has had her eye on Myles, her church’s sexiest bachelor, but his obsession with the superficial proves problematic. When flyers for a new Christian singles website are handed out, Tiffany’s younger sister, Shay, secretly posts Tiffany’s profile online. Before long Shay is using the site to get dates for herself—even though she has a boyfriend and two small children at home. Deborah, Tiffany’s successful, beautiful best friend, gets in on the action too. Now these three dazzling women will have to make their own miracles happen when dreams come true, illusions shatter, and their lives are changed forever. PRAISE FOR SHEILA COPELAND “Fascinating. . . sexy. . . very funny.” —Romantic Times on A Chocolate Affair “A Chocolate Affair is a treat you don’t want to miss.” —Jamie Foster Brown, Publisher, Sister2Sister magazine Sheila Copeland is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Journalism and has a background in public relations. She lives in Los Angeles. Retail Price: $15.00 C&B Pruce: $11.00 Publisher: Dafina Books
NARRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS	Author:Angela Y. Davis An Important New Edition of an African American Masterpiece City Lights is proud to announce the publication of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself: A New Critical Edition by Angela Y. Davis. In this new edition, legendary scholar, author, and social justice advocate Angela Davis sheds new light on the legacy of Frederick Douglass, his journey from enslavement to freedom, and his impact on both black history and women’s rights. In two philosophical lectures originally delivered at UCLA in autumn 1969, Davis focuses on Douglass’s intellectual and political awakening, and the importance of self-knowledge in achieving freedom from all forms of oppression. With detailed attention to Douglass’s text, she interrogates the legacy of slavery and shares timeless lessons about racism, resistance, and freedom. And, in an extended introductory essay written for this edition, Davis comments on previous editions of the Narrative and re-examines Douglass through a contemporary feminist perspective. “Davis’ arguments for justice are formidable . . . The power of her historical insights and the sweetness of her dream cannot be denied.” —New York Times Book Review "Long before ‘race/gender’ became the obligatory injunction it is now, Angela Davis was developing an analytical framework that brought all of these factors into play. For readers who only see Angela Davis as a public icon . . . meet the real Angela Davis: perhaps the leading public intellectual of our era." —Robin D. G. Kelley author of Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original Retail Price: $12.95 C&B Pruce: $12.00 Publisher: City Lights/ Open Media Series 256 pgs(Feb 2010) ISBN: 9780872865273