Happy Monday! It’s the start of a new week, so hopefully you’re all as excited as I am because it is a chance for new opportunities.
I realized I forgot to post book #7 from The Book Catalog, so I’m doing a double post for both books #6 and #7.
The #7 book from The Book Catalog is Real Love.
Real Love is a spin-off from the Love, Life, & Happiness series, following Riana and Shawn as they move to Atlanta for Shawn’s new role as the host of a morning show. As they navigate challenges in their relationship, they come to the realization that nothing—no matter what it is—can tear them apart.
Out of all my book couples, Riana and Shawn are my absolute favorite. Their romance began in Love Unbroken , and they truly matured over the years. No matter what challenges they faced, they confronted them together. I find this couple truly inspiring, which is why I loved writing about them. I could go on and on about their story, but since Love Unbroken and Love Unbroken are featured in The Book Catalog, I'll save more details for another time. Who knows, there may even be another spin-off for them in the future!
Real Love is a spin-off from the Love, Life, & Happiness series. While it can be read as a standalone, reading the series first enhances the understanding of Riana and Shawn's backstory.
If you have not read this story, it is available only on Amazon. It’s also free with Kindle Unlimited.
Here is an excerpt from the story, from Shawn’s POV, as him, Riana, and their son Elis, first move to Atlanta. Enjoy!
When I first attended Shaw University, I never knew what path I wanted to take in my life. I was undeclared, and was just taking things day-by-day. I never imagined I would be where I am today, which is a reporter for a national news network. I can’t help but to smile at what I have accomplished. God has definitely been good to me, in more ways than one.
“Baby…”
I looked over and noticed my wife, Riana, staring at me. A huge grin spread across her lips as she came over to me.
“Daydreaming again?”
“I wasn’t trying to.”
“That’s expected. You have accomplished so much in such a short time.”
“You have too, Mrs. Best-Selling Author.”
Riana blushed. “I have, but it doesn’t compare to where you’re heading. Your dreams are coming true, and I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Our dreams are coming true, baby. Don’t ever forget that.”
Riana smiled and gave me a kiss.
After leaving Riana’s family cabin from our vacation, we took a four-hour flight from Houston to Atlanta. Since the African-American News Network provided transportation to our new digs, we were more than excited to head there. Now, the driver was pulling into the driveway of our new home, courtesy of the network. I don’t know how long we would be staying here, but I’m going to live it up for as long as I can.
“Is this our new home, Daddy?”
I looked over at my son, Elis, and smiled. “It is, lil man.”
“Wow, it looks huge!”
“It really does. Are you sure this is the right place?” Riana asked.
“It’s the address that Oliver gave me.”
“Wow, it’s amazing, and we’re just outside.”
Once the driver stopped the van, the three of us got out when the driver stopped me. He handed me the keys and welcomed me to the network. We quickly went to the door and I opened it. My feet felt like they were glued to the hard-wooded floor as I took a look at the place. It was amazing.
“Wow! I can’t believe we will be living here!” Riana gushed. She began walking and did a spin in the middle of the foyer.
I continued to stare, taking in the golden-brown walls, the elaborate tan and cream furniture in the living room and the sculptures placed throughout the penthouse.
While Elis began running down the foyer, Riana came to me and gently looped her arm through mines.
“Just think of all of the places we could make love.” She whispered.
I glanced at her as she gave a sexy smile.
“I knew that would get your attention.”
“It definitely did. I guess I’m in awe over everything. We are officially in Atlanta.”
“We are, and I have to admit, we are doing it in style.”
“We certainly are. I have to call Oliver and thank him for everything that he has done so far. I haven’t even started the position yet and I’m already overwhelmed.”
“I wouldn’t feel that way. It’s just a new chapter in your life; so be proud of it.”
I smiled. “I’m just happy that you and Elis are with me, along with Melanie, who is coming soon.”
“Yes! I can’t wait to see her.”
I turned her to me and gently grabbed her hips. She put her arms around me and smiled.
“You know I would go anywhere with you, just like you would for me.”
“No doubt, baby. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
As soon as we were about to kiss, Elis came between us, causing us to move away from each other. We both laughed as he grabbed onto our legs.
“Can I see my room, please?”
“Yes, you can. Come on.” I replied and picked him up. I put him over my shoulder as he started giggling. I looked at Ri as she gave an adoring smile. I mouthed “I love you” and she did the same.
I have a feeling the move to the ATL will be pretty interesting. I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for myself and with my family.
***
The #6 book from The Book Catalog is Trust Me.
Trust Me is the second book in the Love, Life, & Happiness series, featuring Cheryl and Marcus. This story is packed with various elements, including a former player trying to change his ways and a strong heroine who has faced many challenges in her young life. I loved the development of the relationship between Cheryl and Marcus; it was a slow burn, primarily due to their personal struggles and differing views on being in a relationship. Their dynamic of supporting one another and the love that blossomed from their experiences was truly beautiful.
There were certainly some shocking moments, such as their first date, Marcus confronting Cheryl’s ex, and the scheme that Monica orchestrated against both Cheryl and Marcus. This book resonated with many readers, and I am incredibly proud of what I was able to write.
If you haven't read Trust Me or the entire Love, Life, & Happiness series, it's available on all major platforms. You can get all seven books through the link below:
In reference to one of Cheryl and Marcus' dates, I've selected an excerpt from Marcus' point of view. As a big fan of "A Different World," this scene was inspired by Kim and Ron on their first date. Enjoy!
20 minutes later, we arrived at Los Hermanos Mexican Restaurant. Cheryl looked at me as I squeezed her hand.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She glanced down at my hand, lightly touching it with her fingertips.
“I’m still a little upset over what happened earlier. I’ve tried to keep my distance from my parents, but it seems as if once my life is on track, they decide to invade it again.”
I squeezed her hand again and stared into her eyes. “Let’s not worry about your parents or anyone else negative in your life. Tonight, let’s just focus on us and the great evening we’re going to have, okay?”
Cheryl smiled as I kissed her hand.
I got out of the car and went over to the passenger side to open Cheryl's door. I took her hand, and we walked inside the restaurant.
After requesting a table through the hostess, she informed us there was a 20 minute wait.
“You sure you want to wait? It won’t interfere with your surprise, will it?” I asked.
“Not at all. My friend told us to come by at nine, so it’s fine.”
I nodded my head and told the hostess we’d wait, as she handed me an electronic buzzer to let us know when our table is available.
We were headed over to the bench near the door when Cheryl stopped walking.
“Hi Professor Grayson,” she said with a bright smile.
Professor Grayson looked from Cheryl to me and gave a forced smile. “Hi Cheryl, how are you?”
“I’m great. I’m looking forward to the new semester, but I wish I was able to take another course from you. I think your class was the only course I looked forward to last semester.”
“Wow, you don’t hear that every day from students, but I’m really glad you enjoyed the course,” Professor Grayson said.
“Professor Grayson, this is my boyfriend, Marcus. Marcus, this is my former professor, Theresa Grayson. I took her physics course last semester, which was amazing.”
I stared at Professor Grayson, or should I say Theresa, taking her hand in mine for a handshake. I knew her really well, and no, it wasn’t from one of her classes. We met at Reese’s one night during my senior year. At first, I didn’t even know she was a professor. We spent the entire night talking, then she invited me back to her place. As soon as we walked inside, we were all over each other.
We had a lot of fun that night; but I saw her two days later on campus, being shown around by the Dean of Instruction. I later found out from some of my friends that she was the new physics professor, which threw me for a loop. We never really talked after that, obviously because of the fact she worked for the university and also, she was married.
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I said.
“Likewise. Cheryl, Marcus, this is my husband, Bryon.”
As we exchanged hellos, the buzzer let us know our table was ready. I was thankful that I could leave this awkward moment.
“You two have a great evening.” Theresa said, staring at me.
“You, too,” I said.
Cheryl looked at us, then gave me a curious glance.
“Bye, Professor Grayson,” she said.
Once the hostess was in front of us, Cheryl looked at me.
“Were you and Professor Grayson involved?”
I looked at Cheryl, nervously pulling on my sleeve. If this was any other female, I wouldn’t have cared less if she encountered one of my flings, but with her, I was nervous as hell.
“Why would you think that?”
“Please, Marcus. I knew that look she was giving you. I can’t believe you.”
“What, that I slept with a professor?”
The hostess turned around with a questioning look before turning back around.
“It was during my senior year. I met her at Reese's one night. I didn’t know she was a professor until I saw her on campus a couple of days later. Besides, I never took a course from her, so it wasn’t a big deal.”
“You should be glad you didn’t, considering you could have been expelled.”
The hostess showed us to our table, handed us both a menu and gave me another questioning look before walking off.
“Did you know she was married?”
“It never came up. Listen, I know you’ve heard some things since you have known me, but I promise you, that’s all in the past now.”
Cheryl gave me another look before looking at her menu.
“Hello, welcome to Los Hermanos. Can I get you anything to drink?” the waitress asked.
I looked up from my menu, not believing what I was seeing.
You have got to be kidding me.
The waitress, who was retrieving her notepad from her apron, finally looked up and gave me a surprised look.
“Marcus, how are you?”
Cheryl looked up from her menu, raising her eyebrow at us.
“Hi, Paula,”
“Well, this is a surprise. I didn’t think I would see you again, especially since you graduated.”
“Yeah, I have a job in Baker, and I’m sharing an apartment with my brother.”
“Oh yeah, I remember Shawn. You two used to have the girls going crazy over y’all on campus.”
I uncomfortably shifted in the booth, wishing Paula would just take our order so she could leave. I took an accounting class with her back when I was a junior. The girl was very talkative, but she definitely knew some tricks in the bedroom.
“You know, I’m single now, so we could always pick up where we left off. I've missed being with you, especially in the bedroom.”
I glanced over at Cheryl. I couldn’t tell from her expression if she was amused or pissed. Before anything escalated, I looked at Paula.
“As you can see, I’m with my girlfriend right now, so could you just act professional and take our order, please?”
Paula finally looked over at Cheryl. Cheryl gave her with a smirk. I’m pretty sure she would have done a lot more if we weren’t in public.
“Oh wow, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. Yeah, let me take your orders, please.”
“I think I would like another waitress, please,” Cheryl said.
“Sure, not a problem. I’ll just see if someone else is available.” Paula said, hurrying off toward the back.
“Seriously, Marcus? Where did you meet her at?”
“I’m really sorry, Cheryl. She was someone I had a class with and was occasionally sleeping with, but it didn’t go further than that.”
Cheryl sighed and looked down at her menu. I leaned back in the booth, hoping that I wouldn't run into anyone else from my past. I looked around the restaurant, trying to figure out a way to save this, when my eyes stopped on a table near the window. A group of females were sitting there, one in particularly giving me the evil eye .
“It can’t be,” I whispered.
The woman kept looking at me and rolled her eyes as she got up from her table with a drink in her hand. I clenched my jaw, wondering why the hell she was coming over to the table.
“Marcus Walker. I didn’t think I would ever see your cheating ass again.”
“What do you want, Cecilia?” I asked angrily.
Cheryl looked from me to Cecilia, clearly becoming annoyed with my latest fling from the past.
I dated Cecilia for three months during my sophomore year until I cheated on her with her friend, Danni. Yeah, I was pretty much a man-whore.
She flung her drink at me, and it landed near the other side of the booth. I looked at her, shocked, while Cheryl stared at her, not sure if she should retaliate.
“What the hell is your problem?!” I yelled. I looked around the restaurant and noticed we had an audience.
“That’s for what you did. After what happened, I was heartbroken. I didn’t date again until two years later. Two years later!”
“We were only together for three months.”
“But you cheated on me, you asshole! I was starting to have feelings for you, but you dumped me when you didn’t want to commit.”
“Cecilia, that was three years ago. Get over it.”
“Like you have? I’ve seen the stuff you’ve done to other women around campus, and it is truly disgusting. I’m pretty sure you’re doing the same thing now.”
She looked over at Cheryl with a sympathetic look.
“Honey, get out while you can. He may be good in bed, but he’ll hurt you, too. Trust me, I know.”
Cheryl, still in shock over everything, looked at Cecilia.
“Maybe he did that to you, but he’s been the perfect gentleman with me. So why don’t you go back over to the Bitter Women Group and leave us the hell alone?”
Cecilia rolled her eyes at Cheryl. “You’ll be just as bitter as I am once he’s done with you,” she said, walking back toward her table.
I shook my head, looking at Cheryl with apologetic eyes. “I’m so sorry for what's happened. If you want to leave, we can.”
“No, it’s perfectly fine. I’ll be right back,” she said.
I stepped out of the booth to let her leave. She gave me a tiny smile as she went toward the restroom.
I leaned my head back on the booth. This is not how I wanted our date to go. I didn’t want my past being thrown in Cheryl’s face, especially with everything she has been through. I just hope she doesn’t think that’s how I am now because since I’d met her, I’ve become a better person.
Not just for her, but for myself. I hope she can trust me enough to look beyond my past and be with the person she had seen for the past six months.
I really hope you enjoyed the double post of The Book Catalog. Please check back tomorrow as I reveal #5 in the countdown.
Until next time happy reading! :-)
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