Thursday, April 27, 2006

Interview with T.C. Royal

We at Cross Talk had the pleasure of interviewing T.C. Royal founder of RawSistaz Literary Group and The Raw Review. If you missed the interview you can check it out here.

Be sure to join us each Thursday night on Artistfirst at 7 p.m. for Cross Talk.

Interview with Pearl Cleage


If you missed the great interview with author Pearl Cleage, you can check it out here. And be sure to tune into Cross Talk each and every Thursday night on Artistfirst at 7 p.m. EST

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Cross Talks Interview with Lolita Files


Check out our interview with Lolita Files

She discusses her latest novel Sex. Lies. Murder Fame and the out-of-the-box promotions that her publishing company is doing for the book as well as her upcoming projects. Check it out.

Friday, March 03, 2006

Bringing You the Best In Internet Radio



Cross Talk Internet Radio Blog was created with the author and entrepreneur in mind. Need your book advertised to millions for pennies, want your business announced to the masses for next to nothing? Then you've come to the right place.

Check the sidebar for details.

Torn Between Two Lovers by Carol Ann Culbert Johnson


Torn Between Two Lovers - Candy Thomas has everything with Mace Jones, but when she meets Jordan Hayes, she begins to evaluate her relationship with Mace, realizing that he has been taking her for granted. Jordan is a new challenge for her and she's very interested in his compliments. Who will Candy choose, Mace or Jordan?

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Everything and More by Carol Ann Culbert Johnson


Everything and More - An interracial novel of romance, mystery and justice. Francis King/Tiffany Greene is running for her life from a very ruthless and powerful man, Dirt. He murdered her husband, and now he is bent on ending her life. Tiffany finds love in the midst of hiding from Dirt, with Jeff Tobias and the two are on the same side to make sure justice is served.

I Confess By Carol Ann Culbert Johnson


I Confess - A collection of confession short stories of modern romance and some happily ever after endings. BELLS AND BUTTERFLIES, LIES BY ASSOCIATION, LIVING LARGE, THE TEASE, THE FIVE DAY SEPARATION, THE JAILBAIT, are just a few of the stories you will read and enjoy.

Mad River Road--by Joy Fielding


Mad River Road


New York Times bestselling author Joy Fielding returns with Mad River Road, a sexy, suspenseful novel of murder, romance, and revenge.

After spending a year in prison, Ralph Fisher has explicit plans for his first night of freedom: tonight, someone will be held accountable. He goes to murderous lengths to obtain the address of his former wife -- the woman he blames for his fate and against whom he has sworn vengeance. Determined to bring her to his idea of justice, Ralph's next step is to travel from Florida's sandy beaches to Dayton, Ohio, where his ex-wife is struggling to make ends meet on Mad River Road.

Also in Florida, Jamie Kellogg wakes from an agonizing nightmare of her mother's funeral, and assesses her life: a pretty but unaccomplished twenty-nine-year-old woman in a dead-end job, with an ex-husband in Atlanta, a married lover in the hospital, and a virtual stranger in her bed. But this stranger is everything the previous men in her life weren't: tender, attentive, and adventurous. After convincing Jamie to quit her miserable job and ditch her judgmental, perfectionist sister, he proposes a romantic getaway. While Jamie wonders if this thrilling man might finally be her Prince Charming, they plan a road trip to visit his son, who lives with his mother on a street called Mad River Road....

As riveting and beguiling as Joy Fielding's previous bestselling novels, which include Whispers and Lies, Lost, and Puppet, Mad River Road is a novel about courage, truth, and the strength that comes only when you believe in yourself.

Visit Joy's website at Joy Fielding

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

The Damed by L.A. Banks




This sixth episode of the Huntress Series, THE DAMNED, will test the resolve, of everyone involved. Lilith, the consort to the Un-named one, did not give birth to a day walker or capture the Chairman's throne. Since the Vampire Chairman abdicated, the throne is now vacant and everything in the levels of Hell is in a state of cataclysm.

Topside: Damali, the female Neteru, Carlos, the male Neteru, and the Guardian team left Philadelphia feeling like battle weary veterans. They have retreated to the sacred Navajo desert of Arizona to regenerate. From all appearances, things are almost normal, but in actuality all Hell has broken loose. The team has been infiltrated, new recruits have been added, and the trust level is circumspect. Mentally everyone is on overload; the group is not tight.

Carlos is fluxing between his desire for his former life as a master level vampire, and his destiny to the Light. Damali has decided she needs a place of her own; she is not feeling Carlos. There is a peculiar aura, Damali and Carlos have not been able to do a 'mind-lock', and both are dealing with bouts of jealousy. Damali's Neteru tattoo has been dormant, and the sliver glint in Carlos' eyes is nonexistent. The intimacy issues with the team are mind-boggling; everyone is playing musical partners. It seems that the team, especially Damali and Carlos, exist in a surreal state; at best they are sharing a platonic dishonesty.

The problem: The portals of Hell have been left open and demon food, the damned, are walking the earth, infecting anyone who makes contact. In thirty days the population of the world will be infected and destroyed or worse.

The solution: Find and destroy Lilith, behead the Vampire Chairman, and retrieve The Book of the Damned; someone must go to the seventh realm of Hell. Carlos is the one person with the familiarity and power to make the trip. But can the male Neteru go undetected in Hell? Will his fluxing interfere with his effectiveness? Is his ego undermining the mission? There are more questions than answers. To find a solution the team must leave the sacred grounds of Arizona.

From the Blessed Covenant to the newest members on the team THE DAMNED is truly a test of faith. L.A. Banks again takes readers into a cliff hanging, nail biting battle of cogent versus pernicious. If you favor any one of the other diverse members of this multicultural team, you will love the intimate attention Banks gives each of them. I do caution you to stabilize your mental faculties, and guard your jugular, someone has to be sacrificed. THE DAMNED is intense, climatic, unbelievable, and scorching hot! Kudos to L. A. Banks for keeping this series fresh, heterogeneous, erotic, and still tasting of spiritualism. (Reviewed by aNN--RAWSISTAZ Reviews

NoWhere Is A Place


"McFadden weaves together a terrific multigenerational family tale that, like Alex Hailey's Roots, will inspire readers to research their family history. Writing in a mystical style similar to that of Gloria Naylor's Bailey's Cafe, McFadden is an imaginative storyteller who mesmerizes readers with her words."

- Library Journal


From Bernice L. McFadden, whom the novelist Adriana Trigiani calls “a master story teller,” comes a touching new novel about a young woman uncovering a surprising family history filled in measure with dark secrets and life-affirming wisdom

Her spectacular debut novel Sugar established Bernice L. McFadden as a writer to watch in African-American literary fiction. In Nowhere is a Place, she limns a fully realized and memorable portrait of a young woman on a journey of self-discovery.

Sherry has struggled all her life to understand who she is, where she comes from, and, most importantly, why her mother slapped her cheek one summer afternoon. The incident has haunted Sherry and it causes her to dig into her family’s past. Like many family histories, it is fractured and stubbornly reluctant to reveal its secrets, but Sherry is determined to know the full story. In just a few days’ time her extended family will gather for a reunion and Sherry sets off across the country with her mother, Dumpling to join them. What Sherry and Dumpling find on their trip is far more important than a scenic site here and there—it is the assorted pieces of their family’s past. Pulled together, they reveal a history of amazing survival and abundant joy.

Nowhere is a Place is a graceful, richly imagined work by McFadden; it promises to bring a new audience of admirers.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Island Rendezvous






Romance author Michelle Monkou brings you her latest hot and spicy romance set in the sunny Caribbean. Island Rendezvous is the perfect antidote to warm up next to after a long, cold winter.

This spicy, romantic tale continues the story of four friends
introduced in the Romantic Times Top Pick Finders Keepers. An
emotionally bruised Toni Kimball accepts her friend Nicole's offer
for a much needed vacation in Nassau, Bahamas under one condition.
Toni must find Derek Calverton and help Nicole with her plan to get her
husband and his newly discovered brother, Derek, reunited. During one
of their girlfriend bonding moments, this plan seemed air tight.
However in the tropical heat, Toni doesn't count on falling for the
romantic and sensual headiness that Derek delivers to her mind, body,
and heart. Past relationships, family history, and settings in
different countries conspire to pull apart and destroy their love.
Derek has to pull out all the stops to complete his circle of love with
Toni at his side.


Here's a sneak peek:

EXCERPT

“Excuse me, sir?”

Derek looked toward the woman standing off to his right. She held her wide brim hat with one hand while shielding her eyes with the other. His eyes flicked over her body. Nice. “Yes.”

“I heard that I needed to sign up for the boat ride here.”

“Usually folks sign up at their hotel. But there is room for the occasional walk-ons.” He smiled.

“Well, where do I pay?” Impatience laced her question.

“Pay the bartender over there.” He tossed his head in Cecil’s direction before turning his back on her.

“Do you know anything about the trip or even about the boat?”

She followed him to where he sat at the bar. He had to review his list, which he did for every trip. It also gave him a few additional minutes of quiet before having to turn on the charm for his customers. People expected all the natives to be smiling and happy for their business. There was no off day in the tourism industry.

“I’ve read this, but there isn’t much information about the crew’s experience or how old is the boat.” She unfolded a heavily creased brochure from her purse. He didn’t look at the information since he wrote and designed the marketing piece.

“You sound nervous.”

She nodded.

Her admission surprised him. She didn’t appear to be the timid type. There was the direct manner in which she looked at him and held his gaze. “Don’t worry, it’s safe.”

“Don’t care for boats ever since I saw the movie about great white sharks.” She offered a shaky smile.

At least she had a sense of humor. Derek laughed.

Oh, oh, big mistake. He quickly tucked his light-hearted approach when he noticed that she had stopped smiling. She had pulled her hat low on her head. Together with the dark glasses most of her face was hidden. But her lips were exposed and tightened into a straight angry line.

“Sorry. I thought you were kidding. You couldn’t be more than a child when that movie came out.” Charm and flattery always worked on his behalf. Plus he didn’t think that he was far off with his observation. Her body was toned, fully curved in all the right places. Her face revealed natural beauty, unaffected by any make-up.

“Doesn’t matter. I’ve made up my mind.” She walked over to an open view of the pier and shook her head. “I’m not getting great vibes from this boat. Doesn’t look very sturdy to me.”

A strong gust of wind whipped off her hat. She reached out to grab it, but it tugged and dipped in the air and finally rolled toward Derek’s feet. He reached down and picked it up. He’d thought that the glasses hid her face, but it only shielded her eyes. With the hat off, he could see her entire face. She had a heart-shaped face that showed off sharp cheekbones tapering down to a narrow chin.

Full lips covered with glossy dark lip color drew his attention. It took him a few minutes to stop focusing on her lips to realize that she was talking to him.

“I’ve changed my mind. I’ll give it a try. Is there another tour in the area?”

“Another tour company?” Derek didn’t take kindly to being dismissed. But he especially didn’t care for anyone turning up her snobbish nose at his boat. This stranger dressed in her bright yellow shorts set and crisp white sneakers may have the body of a fitness instructor. Being scared was one thing, insulting him was another.

“It may not be an iron maiden like your cruise ships. The boat is only part of the equation. Her captain is the other factor. I can guarantee that he’ll give you the smoothest ride. You won’t realize that your feet aren’t on firm ground.”

“What makes you the fortune teller?” Her challenge poked at him.

The implication was clear. She didn’t think him worthy of giving her advice, but good enough to answer her questions like what other companies to recommend. Now he dearly hoped that Miss Snooty Pants would join him on the next excursion.

“I know the guy who operates the trip.” He deliberately softened his tone. He wanted her to take his tour. “Have a free ride. Only if you enjoy yourself, you’ll pay for your next ride. And I know that you’ll want another trip. I think that’s fair, don’t you?”

“Maybe.” A smile tugged at the edge of her lips. She took off her glasses and peered up at the sky. “Heard about the rain showers that pop up suddenly and then disappear. What if that happens while I’m out there?” She pointed a thumb toward the ocean.

As much as he would love to see her drenched, he did his part to continue reassuring her. “Rain showers don’t last long. Think of it as a cleansing touch. Anyway, the boat wouldn’t be that far from shore. The crew is aware of the dangers.”

She had a bag that matched the hat, both were hand woven by a native merchant. He recognized the generic style that was made quickly and cheaply sold in the market place. She dove into the bag and retrieved a black umbrella. With a triumphant grin, she raised the umbrella.

He shook his head. There went his dream of a sopping wet Miss Snooty Pants.

“Since you can’t help, I’ll go check out the other services. Thanks for your time.” She stuck out her hand.

So that was it. He hadn’t passed muster. He shook her hand, appreciating the brief touch of her skin. Close up, he savored the soft fragrance surrounding her. The smell of a bouquet made him look at her neck where he figured she had sprayed the scent. His gaze traveled upward to her face with its sharp contours and smooth skin that reminded him of brown sugar. Her soft brown hair framed her face in soft waves that moved gently under the breeze. He didn’t want to let go of her hand.

“It’s a small island. Maybe we’ll meet again.” And that was a promise.

From the book: Island Rendezvous
By: Michelle Monkou
Imprint and Series: Harlequin-Kimani

Publication Date yy/mm 06/04
ISBN 158314613X
Copyright © Year 2006
® and ™ are trademarks of the publisher

This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

For more romance information surf to http://www.eharlequin.com

Indecent Exposure




Indecent Exposure--the sizzling new political novel written by three of today's hottest authors: Carmen Green, Victor McGlothin and Tracy Price Thompson.

Julian Blake is at the top of his game. He's the first black men in quite some time to run for mayor of New York City, and he's got two strong women by his side--his girlfriend, the stunning and fashionable Raja Jackson, who looks perfect with Julian in the spotlight, and his closest and most loyal friend, Kelly Taylor. Together, the three live the Manhattan high life, dining at the finest restaurants and enjoying their status as VIPs at every important party.

But when Julian discovers who he will be running against for mayor, a dark secret threatens to reappear, one that could wreck not only his skyrocketing political career but also his sizzling relationship with Raja. As the press closes in, Julian prepares his damage control only to realize he is in way over his head--and that he'dll have to come clean. Will Kelly back him up on this one like always, or is this secret just too much? And will Raja stand by him, even if his career is ruined? Out of time, options and hope, Julian prepares for his world to fall apart . . . but could it be that the answer has been right under his nose the whole time?