Here’s what’s on my shelf:

Be Careful What You Ask For by Kimberla Lawson Roby

3 Word Review: revenge, oh-no-he-didn’t, lessons

About Be Careful What You Ask For:

New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby returns with this delightful sequel to The Best of Everything, in which the infamous Reverend Curtis Black’s beautiful daughter, Alicia, is all grown up—and headed for trouble of her own

Her first marriage didn’t work out, but that isn’t going to stop Alicia Black, the privileged daughter of the charismatic Reverend Curtis Black, from getting what she wants. One month after her wedding to her second husband, she can’t believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father.

Unfortunately, Alicia doesn’t understand just how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. She doesn’t know that JT has been sneaking around town with other women—or that he only married her to get close to her father’s money and fame. But while Alicia is blinded by love, her dad certainly isn’t. He warned his little girl that JT simply can’t be trusted. After all, it takes one to know one, and who better to see into the darkness of a sinner’s heart than Curtis?

It will take a miracle to save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon a host of lies, longtime secrets, and acts of betrayal comes to light, and Alicia must face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, she’s got to be careful what she prays for. . . .

Tender to His Touch by Adrianne Byrd

3 Word Review: chemistry, reunion, series

Tender to His Touch:

Hollington Homecoming Queen Beverly Turner is pulling out all the stops for her ten-year reunion. The trendy designer’s first order of business is to let loose and have some fun. And her wish just might come true when she meets Lucius Gray. The hunky, high-powered Atlanta attorney is looking for the same thing she is: a sexy fling with no strings.

Lucius needs a time-out from his workaholic life, and the chic, sensual designer more than fits the bill. Like Beverly, the single father has been burned by love. But Beverly is arousing feelings that are making him long to turn their sizzling affair into a lifetime of passion. If she’ll let him, he’ll give her the happy ending she deserves and prove to this unforgettable woman that there is life—and love—after college….

Sleep No More by Susan Crandall

3 Word Review: intense, thriller, nice

Sleep No More:

The night was always Abby Whitman’s enemy. As a young girl she walked in her sleep, and one night, she started a fire that scarred her sister for life and left Abby with unbearable guilt . . . and a loneliness that echoes within her. Now Abby has begun blacking out again–with apparently fatal results. A car accident has killed the son of a prominent family. Even though the evidence seems to exonerate her, Abby is plagued by doubts–and soon by mysterious threats. Psychiatrist Dr. Jason Coble is intrigued by Abby and offers to help her explore the dark recesses of her mind. Through this terrifying journey, Jason’s interest turns to passion, and he yearns to give her the love she craves. But first, Abby must trust him–and shed light on secrets that will rock this Southern town and reveal a danger that threatens them both.

Whitney Houston – The Deluxe Anniversary Edition is now available.

3 Word Review: Classic, Love, Flowing

What’s on your shelf?

I think there’s a song to fit every situation. Besides books and film, music is another one of my passions. If you want to set the mood for a romantic evening, you can’t go wrong with any of the songs I mention below.  I can listen to a good slow jam any time; whether I’m in a relationship or not in a relationship.

Music to Set the Mood

Best of Luther Vandross Time Life Soul Ballads Collection Body and Soul Collection Isley Brothers Greatest Hits At Last - Etta James Best of Sade Favorite Slow Jams Adore - Prince Girl - The Time Slow Jam - Midnight Star Fire & Desire - Rick James & Teena Marie Computer Love - Roger Troutman & Zapp Rock With You - Freddie Jackson Superstar - Luther Vandross Memory Lane - Minnie Rippleton Between the Sheets - The Isley Brothers Three Times a Lady - Commodores At Last - Etta James Love Train - Michael Cooper and the list goes on and on…

What are some of your favorite slow jams?

Any other Whitney Houston fans out there? Monday, I got a copy of Whitney Houston: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition. Love it.

Congrats to New Orleans Saints for making it to the Superbowl. It’s been hard concentrating on work because everyone here is so hyped.

Yesterday, I featured my favorite three New Orleans Saints hotties and got an email from someone saying I missed one. Well, I didn’t forget. I was going to mention “the man” today and that’s #9–Drew Brees. I dedicate “What a Man by Salt N Pepa” (listen below) to the Brees.

The whole state of Louisiana is cheering our home team on. The parties have already started. With Saints pep rallies, African-American parades, Mardi Gras parades, the Super Bowl, etc. I don’t know if anyone is going to get any work done until Wednesday.

Here’s my Super Bowl Saints Jam Pick for today. Originally I had a list of several songs, but decided to just list this one. 

Have a good weekend everybody or as we say in Louisiana, “Laissez les bon temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Here’s what’s on my shelf:

Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks

3 Word Review: rapid, psycho, captivating

About Diary of a Stalker:

Never judge a book by its cover. . .

Xavier Preston is tall, dark, and handsome, and the problem is that he knows it. He’s a bestselling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him, and trying to get between more than the covers of his novels. He has always been more than willing to accommodate their needs and desires; however, his womanizing days have finally ended. He’s engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he’s decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?

From outside appearances, the very stunning Pilar has it all: a great career, a beautiful home, and a trust fund that keeps her financially secure; however, looks can be deceiving. All that glitters isn’t necessarily gold. Pilar is searching for her perfect soulmate, and she thinks she has found him in Xavier. She believes in going after what she wants with a vengeance . . . and she wants Xavier. That is not negotiable. She will have him, even if it kills him.

When Xavier meets his fanatical fan, Pilar, he gets much more than he bargained for. What starts out as an erotic one-night stand quickly spirals out of control into a dangerous game of obsession and pain with both parties playing to win.

Think you know what goes on behind the literary scene? Think again.

The Perfect Seduction by Carmen Green

3 Word Review: timid, guardian, passionate

About The Perfect Seduction:

Loren Smith’s new career as a pastry chef is finally bringing the former model out of her shell. But when a fire forces her to move in with her best friend, she doesn’t expect to be living under the same roof as sinfully seductive Robinson Hood! And soon the sexy undercover investigator makes her his personal mission.

Rob finds Loren as fragile and irresistible as the airy confections she whips up–and he isn’t about to let her go back into retreat mode. The widowed P.I. wants her to know only his sensual touch. But first Rob has to earn her trust. Which means taking it slow and hot until he has the wary beauty right where he wants her–in his arms, in his bed… and in his heart.

Mary J Blige – Stronger with Each Tear available now.

3 Word Review: Empowering, Real, Soulful

To order your copy, CLICK HERE.

Here’s what’s “In My Mailbox.”  I got this meme idea from The Story Siren’s blog.

FORSAKEN by Vanessa Miller

3 Word Review: page-turner, drama-packed, redemption

About Forsaken:

Pastor Jerome Tyler “JT” Thomas is charismatic behind the pulpit, charming to all he comes in contact with, and lethal to those who linger too long. Since the age of twenty-two, when he prayed for God to keep him out of prison, JT knew he would preach the gospel. Bishop Turner makes it possible; but there are strings attached, and now JT isn’t sure he can stay tied down.

Cutting loose causes more problems than JT anticipated. When an old friend from his days on the streets resurfaces and his “extracurricular activity” comes knocking on his front door, JT’s life and the lives of those close to him spiral out of control. Now he will need divine intervention to make things right. But how much help can a man hope to receive when he feels he’s been forsaken by God?

SOMEBODY ELSE’S MAN by Daaimah S. Poole

3 Word Review: scandalous, friendship, fair

About Somebody Else’s Man:

Essence® bestselling author Daaimah S. Poole brings you the sizzling tale of two ex-best friends who can’t forgive, won’t forget…and will find out what matters most…

Nicole Edwards has a married man habit that she just can’t kick.

However, nothing can break up her longtime friendship with her best friend Tia. But when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes along, Tia takes her new boyfriend’s advice to sue Nicole’s mother after a car accident.

Now Tia has a new home in South Carolina… and one furious ex-friend out to grab some of the good life for herself. And when wealthy businessman Dre starts burning up her sheets, Nicole sees a future as sparkling as the engagement ring she’s expecting… …until Tia turns up broke, with a new baby in tow…and news that Dre isn’t the man he seems.

And between lies, lust, and betrayal, Nicole must gamble on whom to believe, what she really wants—and a choice that may cost her everything…

THE IDEAL WIFE by Jacquelin Thomas

3 Word Review: captivating, surprising, gratifying

About The Ideal Wife:

Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion…it’s a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don’t come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion — the ideal wife — to this sexy, powerful man. But at what price?

From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she’s not…and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes. How far will Jana be willing to go to keep the man she loves? With her “ideal” marriage falling apart, Jana — the real, modest, smart, and strong girl who knows what she stands for — must put her trust in God, and follow His guiding light out of the darkness of a broken relationship.

MUSIC - RIHANNA’S RATED R

3 Word Review: Repetitive, okay, rushed
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

MUSIC - LEONA LEWIS - ECHO

3 Word Review: Songbird, powerful, nice
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Listen to a few golden oldies from the king of pop–Michael Jackson. Also be sure to check your emails to see if you’re one of five winners of MICHAEL JACKSON: THE MAGIC, THE MADNESS, THE WHOLE STORY (1958-2009) by J. Randy Taraborelli.

I was so glad to hear that Whitney Houston was coming out with a new CD. For me, it’s long over due. I made a banner to celebrate her comeback. If you’re a Whitney Houston fan, feel free to right click, copy or save ( let me know where you’re posting the banner by leaving a comment or linking back to my site). 

For those readers who asked me if  my book DOUBLE PLATINUM (about an R & B singer trying to make a comeback) was about Whitney Houson, the answer is no. I wrote the book because of my love for R & B and Whitney Houston and others have inspired my love for the genre. 

Her first CD, The Body Guard and The Preacher’s Wife soundtracks are my three favorite Whitney Houston CDs. What are some of your favorite Whitney Houston songs?

In honor of Michael Jackson’s birthday (8/29), you have a chance to win a copy of MICHAEL JACKSON: THE MAGIC, THE MADNESS, THE WHOLE STORY (1958-2009) by J. Randy Taraborelli.

If you’re already signed up to my mailing list, I just need you to LEAVE A COMMENT on this blog post.

If you’re NOT on my mailing list, to enter, just sign up AND leave a comment on this post to let me know you’re interested in the Michael Jackson contest. To sign up, click or paste the following link: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=498262

All entries must be in between now and 12:01 a.m. est 08/29/09.

Several winners will be chosen at random.

ABOUT THE BOOK

So much has how been said and written about the life and career of Michael Jackson that it has become almost impossible to disentangle the man from the myth. This book is the fruit of over 30 years of research and hundreds of exclusive interviews with a remarkable level of access to the very closest circles of the Jackson family - including Michael himself. Cutting through tabloid rumours, J. Randy Taraborrelli traces the real story behind Michael Jackson, from his drilling as a child star through the blooming of his talent to his ever-changing personal appearance and bizarre publicity stunts. This major biography includes the behind-the-scenes story to many of the landmarks in Jackson’s life: his legal and commercial battles, his marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe, his passions and addictions, his children. Objective and revealing, it carries the hallmarks of all of Taraborrelli’s best-sellers: impeccable research, brilliant storytelling and definitive documentation.

Contest open to US residents only. Contest ends at 12:01 a.m.  August 29, 2009. Void where prohibited by law. The winners will be notified via email. If the winner hasn’t responded within 48 hours of the initial email with their shipping address, the next name pulled will be the winner.

Dan Fogelberg Retrospective Interview, 2 CD Set. First DF release in 5 years. Sales Benefit Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Are you a fan of Dan Fogelberg’s music? Have you ever wanted to hear him talk about the story behind the song?

This is your chance to share these intimate and personal interviews with Dan Fogelberg. The interviews are hosted by industry pro Fred Migliore and listen in as Fred talks about elements of the songs and finds out how Dan Fogelberg feels about each song.

Meet Fred Migliore - Fred serves as Founder, CEO and Host of FM Odyssey Radio, Inc. in Merritt Island, FL. Prior to founding FM Odyssey Radio, Inc., Fred served as Founder and CEO of Another Unconventional Sunday Morning, a radio program that was based in Florida and grew to syndication of what we now know as FM Odyssey. At present, Fred is a member of Conscious Living Partnership and received the award of Outstanding Visionary of the Year for 2008. Fred attended Columbia School of Broadcasting where he studied Broadcasting and graduated in 1977.

Fred’s core expertise includes: Radio Broadcasting, Radio Production, CEO of a Nationally Syndicated Radio Production Company and educating people on the impact of music from legendary musicians along with new and emerging artists. In his personal time, Fred enjoys Music, studying the social impact of music on our society and being involved within the community he lives. http://www.fmodyssey.com

To purchase this CD, go to FM Odyssey - http://www.fmodyssey.com/Store.html

Please note that $3.00 from each sale goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Jennifer Hudson rendition of the Star Spangled Banner had people all over the country in tears and cheering at the same time. Ms. Hudson sang that song. If you don’t believe me, see it for yourself.