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The Book Catalog - #19

Happy Tuesday, everyone! The Book Catalog continues with the #19 book, Love & Drama: The Root Of All Evil.




"Love & Drama: The Root of All Evil" was originally released in 2016 and later re-released independently in 2017. This book was part of my urban genre phase, during which I was writing several stories with an urban twist. The narrative follows Zuri and Damon, whose first encounter leads to a night of passion, setting off a rollercoaster journey they would never forget. Despite the chaotic circumstances surrounding their meeting, Zuri and Damon discover that, amid lies, deceit, and mayhem, they share an undeniable bond that no one can break.






What I loved about this story is that it took me out of my comfort zone with writing and I was able to push the envelope on a various topics. This was a story that I normally didn’t write, especially about the life of a hitman. I loved the relationship between Zuri and Damon, because despite how they met, they were able to get to know each other and discover the love they had for each other. There were moments that were sweet, exciting, intriguing, sexy, but also raw and vulnerable. They were a lot of elements that surrounded the two characters and readers were able to see the growth the two developed throughout the story. I was very excited to write this story and was proud of the finished product.


I received mixed reviews from readers, largely because this was a story unlike anything I had ever written before. I acknowledged that it was a departure for me, but no one could deny the romantic elements between the two characters, which made for a beautiful yet chaotic love story.



Love & Drama: The Root Of All Evil is available on all major platforms, but you can download it now by clicking on the Amazon link below:



Here is an excerpt from the story, which is from Zuri’s POV, when she meets Damon for the first time. Enjoy!


“Girl, I told you we should have left early. Now, we have to pay.”


I looked at my friend, Nicole Easley, and sighed. Leave it to her to worry about being at the club on time.


Even though Bases is the new club in the city, I could care less since I didn’t even want to go out. She dragged me out since she broke up with her boyfriend, Malik, for the hundredth time, and wanted to celebrate. I’m pretty sure she’ll be back with him by the end of the night. They always do.


I looked behind me, wishing I could leave, when someone caught my attention. He was talking with a group of guys when he looked over and stared at me. Our eyes locked as he gave a sexy smile.


“Damn, he’s fine,” Nicole said.


“I know right,” I agreed.


I continued to stare as he turned to his friends. He stepped out of line and came over to me, which caught me by surprise. With his porcelain skin, sky blue eyes, and short way black hair, he was even sexier up close as his eyes roamed my body.


“Hey.”


“Hey. You know you can’t just skip the line. People might start a riot.”


“I hardly doubt that. If so, it’ll be worth it.”


I smiled and he stepped closer to me. “What’s your name?”


“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”


“I asked you first.”


“Zuri.”


“Sexy name, which fits you perfectly.”


I looked over at Nicole who was fanning herself. He was still giving that smile, which quickly had me clutching my thighs. He keeps doing that and I might have to do something about it, in other words, do him.


“Let me see if your name fits you.”


“Okay. Damon.”


I smiled. “It definitely does.”


“You think we could talk some more, that is, if your friend doesn’t mind.”


“Hell no! Go do your thing, girl. I have my eyes on your blonde friend anyway,” Nicole said while waving at him.


“That’s Chandler, and yes, he’s single.”


“My kind of man. Excuse me,” she said and went over to him. I smiled.


“That’s typical of her.”


“So, do you do this often? Pick up random guys at clubs?” Damon asked.


I laughed.


“I think it’s the other way around. You came over and talked to me.”


“I couldn’t resist. You’re sexy as hell.” “You’re not so bad yourself.”


“I think I’m more than that, especially with how you’re looking at me.”


He came over to me. The scent of him and his Gucci cologne overcame me, making me even more wet. I didn’t think that was possible.


“You want to fuck me right now, don’t you?”


I glanced at him. I couldn’t believe he just said that. “Aren't you bold?”


“I’m just telling the truth.”


“I’m not that type of girl.”


“No one is ever quite what they seem.”


I glanced at him as I didn’t realize we were near the entrance. The bouncer asked for our IDs, but Damon shook his head. He took my hand as we went out of the line.


“What are you doing?”


“Let’s get to know each other.”


“But my friend…”


“She said she’ll be fine.”


“Yeah, but if we were in the same place. I’m not going anywhere with you.”


“You don’t want to get to know me?”


“You could be a damn killer.”


“Do I look like I could be?”


“A lot of fine looking men were killers.”


“We won’t go far. In fact, we can go to the diner next door.”


I stared at him, wondering if I should. I’d never done this before. I was usually the responsible one. I looked at Nicole, who was encouraging me to go. I put up the peace sign, which was her code to tell me to call if I didn’t hear from her within two hours. I didn’t think I would be using it for myself. Damon nodded and we walked to the diner.


He looked at me and smiled. “So, I’m assuming you never done this before.”


“Does it look like I have? What are you trying to say?”


“I’m not saying anything. I just assumed because you look nervous. You don’t have to be. I’m harmless. Besides, if you didn’t want to, you could have said so.”


“Yes, I could have, but as you can see, I didn’t.”


“That’s because you want to fuck me.”


“Wow, you’re cocky.”


“I just call it how I see it. Believe me, if you do, then the feelings are mutual.”


I blushed as we walked inside.


We found the closest booth to sit down and I started to play with my menu. Damon looked ahead as something caught his attention. I looked over and saw three men staring at him. I quickly turned around, wondering what the hell was going on.


“Is everything okay?”


He nodded. “Yeah, everything is cool. You can order something if you want.”


“I’m good. Thanks.”


We sat in silence for a few minutes before Damon started to ask questions. The two of us got into a conversation about everything from our favorite food, music, even our childhood.


After four hours of talking, I didn’t even realize that Nicole had called twice.


Damon checked his watch and smiled. “I didn’t realize how late it was.”


“Me either. It was nice to actually have a decent conversation with someone.”


“I’m not sure what guys you’ve been talking to, but I like my women to be sexy and stimulating, which you definitely are. There is one other question I want to ask.”


“What’s that?”


“Have you been with anyone outside your race?”


“Honestly, no.”


“Have you thought about it?”


“I have.”


“If you’re wondering, I’ve been pretty diverse. I think all women are beautiful, so I don’t have a preference.”


I nodded. “I really think I should go. I’m pretty sure Nicole is looking for me. We have classes tomorrow and we shouldn’t be out so late.”


“I do too, but I’m not leaving. In fact, I don’t want the night to end.”


“It’s going to have to.”


“No, it doesn’t. Come home with me.”


“Whoa, what? If you think that I’ll…”


“I’m not thinking that. I just want to get to know you better.”


“Which you have and can another day.”


I got up when he gently grabbed my hand. I stared into those blue eyes of his, being completely hypnotized by them.


“What do you say?” I slowly nodded, not knowing what the hell I was doing. He got up and put his hand on my waist as we walked out.


I hope I don’t regret this.


That’s book #19 of The Book Catalog. Check back tomorrow as I reveal book #18.


Until then, happy reading! :-)




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