Eye of the Beholder

Some wounds run deep.
Jerusalem Jones, son, brother, friend and Iraq war veteran.  WOUNDED.  Life changed for Jerusalem and his brother Jabez after the untimely death of his mother, then the sudden death of his father in the line of duty.  Separated from the life he knew Jerusalem’s wounds ran deeper than the surface.
Jill Lopes is a sister, daughter, friend, poet, jazz lover and healer.  She is also wounded in the mental more than physical.  Jill’s deepest infliction arrives after her sister Janet’s tragic accident.
When Jerusalem Jones is injured in the line of duty, Nurse Jill Lopes finds herself tied to her patient in more ways than one.  The perfect recipe for a good romance is a dashing hero, a distressed damsel, a hint of chaos and a pinch of desire.  Inside, Eye of the Beholder, you will find all these waiting to be mixed and devoured.
Eye of the Beholder takes you on a journey of love, loss and restoration.  The story grasps a hold of you and like the melodic jazz tones and smooth poetic rhymes it flows like fine wine. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.  
5 Stars

Pricey Playing in Traffic

Pricey: Playing in Traffic

Human Trafficking is the illegal movement of people, generally for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. 

Meet Billie Blue Blondie, a fair-skinned Haitian girl with stark blue eyes. Her world is rocked one day after meeting a couple of Americans who promised both her and her mother the golden brick road. 

Carmine Pallazolo the dark sheep, young boy whom is shipped to live with his aunt so that his mother’s lover would continue to support him.  Even the protector needs protection at some time in their lives. 

Pricey is the story of Billie and Carmine, how they came to be the people they are.  They weren’t born this way they were made and transformed into what they are.  This isn’t a fairytale of love and coming to light this is a gruesome story of what happens when your soul and heart are ripped out at a young age.  I’ve read several books by this author and she has never ceased to amaze me with her characters.  You will either love them or hate them, want to hug them yourself or kill them with your bare hands.  Billie and Carmine’s story tugs and your heart strings and makes your skin crawl at the same time. 

I received this exclusive copy of Pricey before it hits the air.  The in-depth interview with the author gives further detail into her life and the characters she creates.  Also this book contains an exclusive excerpt of an upcoming release that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat, or bed.  This one is laced with comedy, doused in seduction and sure to intrigue you.  Pricey is definitely RED ZONE certified read.   

COMING SOON TO A KINDLE NEAR YOU 

Tainted Too

Tainted Too

Mental Illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions.  Disorders that affect you mood, behavior, and thinking.  Types of mental illness include anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and addictive behaviors 

Tainted Too is the follow up to Tainted.  In this book we are reintroduced to the Deitrich sisters, Monica and Jasmine.  Monica the former DEA agent, is now psychological profiler for the FBI.  Jasmine, is now released from the institution she resided in since her horrific ordeal with the drug dealers who ravaged her young body and stole her innocence.  Both these women have progressed farther in life now, and all is well so it seems until Jasmine meets the love of her life.  Jasmine meets someone who not only sees her for what she really is but he also brings out the beast that lies within.  It doesn’t stop there however, a deadly conversation tears the sisters apart and ignites the fury within both.  When the loves of both their lives enters all hell will break loose.  Who will remain standing and who will fall?  This is the third book I have read by this novelist and I must say it just keeps getting better.  During this page turning novel I could only wipe the drool from my hanging mouth as the twists and turns thicken.  The plot, story structure and vividness of his technique pulled me in and didn’t let go.  

I highly recommend this for the not so faint at heart.  This is a REDZONE certified read! 

Reviews Coming Soon

Has your book been chosen for review?  Did you submit a book for review?  Well the wait is almost over, REVIEWS will be coming soon.  We've compiled a review team and you could be RED ZONE CERTIFIED™

2015 BOM January~~ The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Join us on FB on January 31 when we discuss 

The Fault in our Stars. 

Pink Noire: What We Love About Deidra Green...

Pink Noire: What We Love About Deidra Green...: They say a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when the only image you know of a person is through social media. And often...

BOM for November

 What happens when Zoey Barrett, an ingenuous Princeton scholar, meets NBA All-star rocker-boy, Stenton Rogers? Zoey has her life all planned out. She’s working hard at her degree and to help her family stay afloat financially. Stenton’s at the top of his game on the court, but off, his life is out of bounds. That is until he happens upon Zoey, who represents something that he’s never had—family. Her world is spun completely out of control when they intersect. Could the lengths he decides to go destroy the future Stenton desperately desires to have with Zoey? Find out in Love Delayed. 

Discussion Novemeber 23 Join in on FB at The RED ZONE

BOM

This month we're reading ADDICTED by Zane

Open Door Marriage

Synopsis:

Reunited… A chance encounter lands NBA star Dallas Avery back in the arms of the woman of his dreams. A woman he hasn’t seen in years. A woman he soon discovers just so happens to be his fiancée’s aunt! But Dallas’ fiancée, Tori, isn’t ready to give up all that she’s worked for, so she makes him a shocking offer – go through with the wedding and she’ll still allow him to be with the one woman he now can’t seem to do without. Dallas will get a family, something her much older aunt, Alicia can’t give him. Tori will get the lifestyle she clamors. And Alicia will get the love she’s longed for all her life. Everyone will get a little of what they want . . . and maybe a whole lot of what they don’t. Be careful what you ask for… The details of the trio’s love life play out in the tabloids and on talk shows, making Dallas the center of an NBA scandal. And eventually, the doors slam shut on this open marriage and Dallas is forced to make a choice to end the chaos. But moving on is easier than it looks and by the time all is said and done, secrets will be revealed, passions will be extinguished, and everyone’s lives will be forever changed.

Review:

NBA star basketball player Dallas Avery is engaged to his best friend, Tori after she’s helped him through the most trying time of his life. For Tori, there are far more important factors in choosing a mate than love.  She found those qualities in Dallas and is now enthusiastically planning the wedding of the year. Thanksgiving dinner exposes Dallas was in love prior to meeting Tori, with a much older Alicia. Dallas obviously never resolved his feelings for Alicia. Tori, resolves not to lose the man of her dreams, by any means necessary.  This three-way love triangle is risqué to say the least.  There were so many twist revealed in this story. 

While reading Open Door Marriage, the twists and turns were astounding.  Not only were the main characters storyline well developed and presented, the secondary characters had a storyline of their own.  When the drama unfolds throughout the book, you will be left with a slack jaw and angry feelings for some.  Open Door Marriage was my first read by this author and will not be my last. 

Red Zone Certified 4.5 Stars.

Product Details:

File Size: 1303 KB

Print Length: 278 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 061596172X

Publisher: Brown Girls Publishing (February 1, 2014)

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Language: English

ASIN: B00I5VFS3K

Text-to-Speech: Enabled 

X-Ray:

Enabled 

Lending: Not Enabled

What we're reading this month: Open Door Marriage by Naleighna Kai

Reunited… A chance encounter lands NBA star Dallas Avery back in the arms of the woman of his dreams. A woman he hasn’t seen in years. A woman he soon discovers just so happens to be his fiancée’s aunt! But Dallas’ fiancee, Tori, isn’t ready to give up all that she’s worked for, so she makes him a shocking offer – go through with the wedding and she’ll still allow him to be with the one woman he now can’t seem to do without. Dallas will get a family, something her much older aunt, Alicia can’t give him. Tori will get the lifestyle she clamors. And Alicia will get the love she’s longed for all her life. Everyone will get a little of what they want. . . and maybe a whole lot of what they don’t. Be careful what you ask for… The details of the trio’s love life play out in the tabloids and on talk shows, making Dallas the center of an NBA scandal. And eventually, the doors slam shut on this open marriage and Dallas is forced to make a choice to end the chaos. But moving on is easier than it looks and by the time all is said and done, secrets will be revealed, passions will be extinguished, and everyone’s lives will be forever changed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Naleighna Kai is the national bestselling author of Open Door Marriage, Every Woman Needs a Wife, with a spin-off titled, The Pleasure's All Mine. She is a contributing author to a New York Times Bestseller, an award-winning author, and The E. Lynn Harris Author of Distinction. Naleighna pens contemporary fiction, erotica, and speculative fiction and is currently working on her next novels: Was it Good For You Too?, Rich Woman's Fetish and Slaves of Heaven. Find her on the web at www.naleighnakai.com and on Facebook and Twitter under Naleighna Kai.

Open Door Marriage centers around three people caught up in an all too familiar triangle. When the love of Dallas Avery's life disappeared, she resurfaces years later at the most inopportune time. Oh, he still loves Alicia Mitchell, an older woman who captured his heart, but it's unfortunate that he's now engaged to a woman he learns--is her niece. When his fiancée, Tori, lays a proposition on the table, it seems that everyone will get a little of what they want, but maybe a whole lot of what they don't. The stage is set for them to learn one valuable lesson: There's no right way to do a wrong thing.

Visit Naleighna Kai on the web: www.naleighnakai.com

CONTEST WINNER

Congrats Natoya Taylor...Winner of the Reader contest...

Contest Entry #8

Natoya says,

Prettyboy Thugs-4 stars---

Pretty boy Don Juan has just been released from doing a bid. Fresh out the gates he hooks up with his old friend Lex. Don Juan is trying to figure out how he will get back on top. Before going in he was the man. An unfortunate situation sent him away for 6 years.
Don Juan knew how to get his money one way. When he's released his friend Lex hips him to a new game. Don Juan just knew he was on the come up fast. The only problem with this is someone wants Don Juan to suffer. They don't want a happily ever after for Don Juan. Now Don Juan is in someone's cross-hairs. He will do whatever he can to protect his daughter. The only problem is finding out who is playing who.
I enjoyed reading the story. They mystery of the story kicks off about 50% in. At this time its you trying to find out who is really playing who. Then its why. There were a few errors in the book. Nothing major and it didn't take away from the story. I think the way it ended was rather abruptly. It made me question how Don Juan found out. Also, I was left wondering about Lex at the end. Overall, it was pretty good

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

Contest Entry #7

Natoya says,

Strictly Professional by Christina Jones

4 stars---Gabi, has recently passed the bar and ready for a new everything. After dealing with some major events in her life she decides it's time to try to live for herself. She moves to Atlanta. Hoping to start over and make a name for herself as a lawyer there.

Terrance, has had some terrible things that has happened in his life. He has avoided heartbreak for the most part. He always state he is focused on his career. He was doing good staying focus until someone new walks in his life and sweeps him off his feet.
I enjoyed reading this book. There were some small words missing from sentences throughout the book. Overall, the author did a wonderful job. I really enjoyed reading about Gabi's family drama. She really had to deal with a lot. Her mom and dad were too much. Terrance had a tough exterior but in the end all he wanted was love. This was the first book I've read by this author. It was recommended to me. I would check out some of her other books. I would recommend reading this book.

Contest Entry #6

Anonymous said,

If you do not know or haven't read any of K'Wan's books you are truly missing out... This book much like rest oh his work is off the mutha****in chain.  I love his style of writing.. Once I finished this book I was like damn. I need more. I love how KWAN incorporated all the greats from his books like Road Dawgs, Gangsta and Gutter  in the midst of their success while showing how Animal watched and learned from them through observation as well as physical interactions. If you're looking for something to read that will capture your mind and emotions, go ahead and one click this right now! #TEAMANIMAL

Contest Entry #5

Natoya says,

Review for Monster by Ben Burgess Jr: I've read plenty of books about a woman scorned but this was my first book reading about a man scorned. Kenny Ferguson was always the nice guy. All he wanted to do was be in a relationship. He thought he had a solid relationship until it all blew up in his face. When his relationship didn't work out Ken became bitter. Ken did the only thing he knew how to do to protect his heart. He stop feeling. He was trying to avoid getting his heart broken again. He thought not committing to the women he would be okay. What he didn't realize is he wasn't healing and was causing more problems.

Ken goes through a lot trying to not deal with his pain. This was my first time reading something by Ben. I enjoyed it and will check out his other titles. I think this is one you should add to your reading list.

Contest Entry 4

Monique Clay says,

The last book I read was the Thug series by Wahida Clark. That whole series is so good, I recommend that book to anyone that's looking for a hardcore, thug love affair between some heavy hitters and and down ass chicks.

Contest Entry 3

Natoya says, 

Review for The Agency by TP Miller and KR Bankston--Jordan Young and Wyatt Thompson work for different advertising firms. The rivalry is deeper than a friendly competition. Wyatt really hates Jordan. He blames Jordan for something that happened in the past. The feud between them is strong. This dislike leads to Wyatt doing things to try and bring Jordan down. While Wyatt is busy planning Jordan's demise an unexpected person enters Jordan's life making him think of changing.
Overall, I liked the storyline. The rivalry between Jordan and Wyatt was entertaining. I have to say there were minor errors throughout the book. Missing words from sentences and wrong words used in the sentences. Throughout the book whenever a character talked the author would state the character's name with the phrase-another time. EX. "Hmph, never happen," she angrily spoke aloud another time. The phase was used so much I did a search of how many time the word "another" was used. That was a bit annoying. Again, the storyline was decent. I like the feud between Wyatt and Jordan. It did seem like Chelsea is a love at first sight woman. Okay read to me. If reading the same phrase doesn't bother you then I would say read it.

Contest Entry #2

Kiera J. says,

Close to Home was the first time I've ever read anything by author Brian W. Smith, and I must say I was enthralled from page one. There's lots of action, a sympathy factor, and I'll be honest, that ending will definitely have you feeling some kind of way! I closed the Kindle, and really wanted to fight the author (hypothetically of course.) It's a novella, so it's not a long book; it's the perfect size for a lunch break, doctor's visit, or when you want a quick reading fix. The characters leap out of the book, with a gritty realness, and the storyline is so believable, I found myself looking up periodically to make sure I was still in my living room. The action starts immediately, and doesn't lull. And that ending? That ending will make you want to toss your Kindle out the nearest window.
DISCLAIMER: I will not reimburse you for any damage to either your Kindle or your window, because I warned you ahead of time.)
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes drama, action, and that overall roller coaster "I can't wait to see what happens next" feeling. I'm sure you will enjoy this book from beginning to end, as much as I did.

Will you choose happiness?

Too often we expect happiness to come as a result of our relationships rather than as a premise upon which to build one.  If we truly wanted to happy, we would not be so eager to sacrifice happiness for nonsense...Jealousy, possessiveness, fear, anger or any other function of the ego.  Nonsense renders us downright miserable.  Happiness requires that we be honest, trusting, respectful and mutually considerate.  We cannot realize true happiness when we entertain nonsense in our hears and minds.  Will you be open to whatever comes? Or are you blocking your happiness? 

More Rambling...Common Sense and such by Angelia Vernon Menchan

More Rambling…Common sense and such by Angelia V. Menchan

Merriam-Webster defines Common Sense as the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way and to make good decisions.

Angelia Menchan steps outside of fiction in this non-fiction, self-help book and delivers.  More Rambling is a must read for the young and old alike.  It reminds you of the essences of life, to love thyself, be uniquely you, live within your means and honor your marriage.  This book reaches deep down and supplies common sense wisdom and inspiration without coming across as preaching or in a better than you attitude.  It could very well be a handbook for young girls transitioning into the role of womanhood.  

Purchase your copy here MORE RAMBLING.. (paperback)