inCHARACTER PROFILE: HEIDI KACHINA

AUTHOR:  DASHAWN TAYLOR

BOOK:  KISSED BY THE DEVIL

FEATURED SCENE:

Chapter 1

ONE YEAR LATER

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

10:46 pm

“You ever think about how you’re gonna die? Seriously? I don’t mean when you gonna die or where you gonna be when you die.  I mean, have you ever really sat down and imagined how it’s going to feel when you pass away? It’s a scary thought right? Imagine your heart stopping suddenly or a blood vessel exploding in ya head and everything just going dark.  No sounds… no sights… no smell… no touch… no nothing.  Just dead!  That shit is so scary to me.”

Heidi’s soft voice was overflowing with conviction and concern.  Her sleek and well-manicured hands were slightly shaking as she grabbed the wine glass from the restaurant table and put it to her lips.  She slowly took a small sip of the mixed drink and continued talking.

“It’s like, one minute you’re here and experiencing every good and bad thing about life.  And the next thing you know, BAM!  You’re dead!  No more worrying about the good or the bad things anymore.  Just dead!  I don’t know about you but that shit is so scary to me.”  Heidi’s mood slightly changed as she found herself listening deeply to her own words.  “And then you can’t worry about nothing that was going on in your life because you can’t do shit about that now anyway.  I guess that’s why life is so crazy.  It’s almost like life has to be crazy you know?  Full of ups and downs and crazy turns, all to distract you from dwelling on that sad day when you eventually gotta let it all go and move on.”   Heidi sadly shook her head and stared across the table.  She raised the wine glass above her head.  “I propose a toast.” Heidi continued.  “To Life………The Ultimate Distraction!”

Heidi twirled her wine glass in an effort to grab the attention of the young man sitting across from her. Twenty-nine-year-old Aaron Smith was sitting directly across from Heidi.  His laid back vibe and smooth mannerisms seemed to match perfectly with his stylish button-down GLB shirt and DKNY jeans.  Heidi shot the sexy young man a peculiar expression as he hesitated to grab his wine glass.  Aaron was playfully staring at Heidi when a wide smile emerged on his barber-chiseled-face.  A smirk grew on Heidi’s face as she started waving her wine glass like a dinner bell. Aaron shook his head and decided to humor her.  He reluctantly raised his wine glass in the air.

Unlike Heidi, Aaron decided not to drink excessively tonight. From the time his phone rang just a few hours earlier, Aaron sensed he was in for a long night with Heidi.  He glared at a clock on the wall of the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant.  A subtle feeling of regret came over him as he learned that it was quickly approaching eleven o’clock.

“This is why you called me out here tonight, High?” Aaron asked.  Heidi could tell he was only slightly amused by her moment of clarity.  “Don’t tell me Imma miss the replay of the Knicks game for this?”   Heidi grabbed his hand and forced the two wine glasses to tap together. The gentle sound caused a childish smirk to emerge on her face.  She took another sip of the drink and turned to Aaron.

“No, sweetie. First off please don’t call me High.”

Aaron quickly nodded. “No doubt, Heidi. I’m sorry I forgot,” Aaron humbly said.  “So tell me, is this why you called me out here tonight?”

“No, Aaron. I called you out here to talk to you,” Heidi said.  “Sorry I’m zoning out like this right now. When my mind gets to racing, I can’t stop it. This is the first anniversary.”

Aaron shot her a concerned look.  “First anniversary?” Aaron quickly asked.

Heidi put her wine glass down.  “Wow, I guess I didn’t tell you much about my problem did I?”   She slowly turned away from Aaron.  “Well, today is the first anniversary of my fiancé’s death.”  Heidi paused.  The sound of her previous words sent a cold chill through her body.  She felt her face getting warm and tried to fight her emotions.  She lowered her voice and continued to speak.  “I can’t believe it’s been a year.   I swear. It feels like it was a month ago.”

Aaron was shocked.  He didn’t say a word.  He could tell that Heidi was going through a lot more than he had imagined.  He could hear the pain in her voice as she continued to explain her mood to him.

“I never talk about him in public anymore,” Heidi said. “So I apologize if I never mentioned this to you. But my fiancé died a year ago.  It was sort of like a freak accident.  But that’s another story for another day.  I don’t want to burden you with all the details.  But I’m trying to get over it.  I just can’t.  Somethin’ about that night always bothers me.”

Aaron started slowly nodding his head.  “You can talk to me.  I don’t feel burdened at all,” he said.  “That’s what we are here to do.  You gotta talk these things through.  I wouldn’t be a doing my job if I didn’t listen to your issues.  You know what I mean?”

Heidi looked over to Aaron and pressed her lips together.  She knew exactly what Aaron was referring to.

Questions

1.  IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERTED ISLAND WHAT 5 ITEMS WOULD YOU TAKE AND WHY?

1. Water – So I can survive.

2. Cellphone – So I can call for Help

3. Bottle of Hennessey – So I can numb the pain

4. A Good Vibrator just in case I don’t see my “friend” again.

5. My “Sanity”!

2.  WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WANT IN YOUR POSSESSION RIGHT THIS SECOND AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?

A. Money!  Anything and Everything to make it happen.

3. IF YOU COULD HAVE FIVE MORE MINUTES WITH YOUR DECEASED FIANCE – WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO HIM?

-A. Who Killed You? And Why?

4.  DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS

The Baddest Queen!

5. WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR DARKEST, DEEPEST SECRETS?

I am a lot more EVIL than people take me for! If you read my story you will understand my struggle.

BONUS QUESTION*

6. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF IN DURING YOUR JOURNEY IN KISSED BY THE DEVIL WHAT WOULD IT BE? WHY?

I would have never trusted a total stranger…and I would have never have turned my back on my mother Pearl. But I just pray that I get more time to make it up to her!

ABOUT DASHAWN TAYLOR

Dashawns’ career in entertainment started early in his life at the age of 16.  He was featured in a national Hip-Hop music video that was filmed in Trenton, NJ produced by Tony D and Profile Records. The Hip-Hip culture and music has influenced him throughout his life. After graduating from Rutgers University he founded REAL-HIPHOP.COM with his partner Kyle Newsome.

Dashawn’s big break came in the 2005 with the reality TV series, ”Ultimate Hustler Show” hosted by Hip-Hop CEO Damon Dash; where he came in second place overall. The exposure of the show allowed him to take his company to levels  never imagined. The show aired on BET in October of 2005 and ran for ten weeks.

About The Books

“A powerful tool for the underestimated generation.”

That is the quote from Lidia Mitchell from Vibe Magazine in response to Dashawn Taylor’s new book; “From Poverty To Power Moves”.  Since a young boy, Dashawn has set out to defy the odds and accomplish things even greater than his own existence. Being a product of the inner city only encouraged him to work harder. From Poverty To Power Moves is an in-depth look into the life of this entrepreneur. Here, Dashawn walks us through his battle with poverty and discouragement to his near death experiences-from his educational excellence to his hip-hop aspirations.

Dashawn’s second book is his first Novel entitled KISSED BY THE DEVIL. This wild ride is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.

Publisher: NEXT LEVEL PUBLISHING

Genre: CONTEMPORARY URBAN FICTION

Page Count: 256

Copyright Year: © 2007-2010

Scheduled Release: NOVEMBER 13, 2007

ISBN #: 0-9800154-0-5

EAN #:  978-0-9800154-0-9

Retail Price:  $15.00 (USD)  $19.00 (Canada)

Weak women will never survive in this world of cold-hearted men! That’s the first lesson that Heidi Kachina (a.k.a. High) learns after a domestic dispute that leaves her in the hospital and her fiancé Jayson dead. Now, just one short year later, Heidi finds herself trying to replace the pieces of her shattered life.

Armed with a frozen heart and a cynical soul, Heidi’s jaded ways seem to backfire on her as she quickly finds herself fighting for her life and the lives of her family. Kissed By The Devil is a fast paced tale of lies and deception from the outset. It will keep you holding your breath until the very end…

…..TRUST NO ONE!

Dashawn Taylor

(Managing Partner ∙ 33^rd Street Media)

(CEO ∙ Real-Hiphop.com)

(Author ∙ “From Poverty To Power Moves”)

(Author ∙ “Kissed By The Devil”)

www.dashawntaylor.com

www.nextlevelpublishing.com

PO Box 83

Newark, NJ  07101

(973) 634-8421

publishing_nextlevel@yahoo.com

________________________________________________________________________

Summary:       Dashawn’s entertainment career started early in his life at the age of 16.  Dashawn was featured in a national Hip-Hop music video that was filmed in Trenton, NJ produced by Tony D and Profile Records. Hip-Hip music influenced Dashawn throughout his life.  And soon after graduating college at Rutgers University, Dashawn founded REAL-HIPHOP.COM with his partner Kyle Newsome.  Dashawn’s big break came just recently in the 2006 Reality TV Series Ultimate Hustler Show hosted by Hip-Hop CEO Damon Dash

Education:

09/93-05/98     Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

B.A., Communications

Minor:  Computer Science

Awards:          Independent Publisher Award  Nov 2005        Lightning Source

MLK Achievement Award       May 2006        Columbia University

Outstanding Publisher Award  January 2007   Chicago Writing Festival

Experience:

05/00-Present       REAL-HIPHOP.COM, Newark, NJ

CEO/Founder/Staff Writer

• Online Hiphop Magazine focusing on the music business and urban culture.
• Released Print Magazine version in Aug 2005.
• Reached over 12 Million users worldwide since 2003.
• Release Real-Hiphop.com Documentary in July 2007

09/05-Present       NEXT LEVEL PUBLISHING

Author / Publisher

• Released 2 Books: “From Poverty To Power Moves” & “Kissed By The Devil”
• Sold over 20,000 Copies independently in the United States.
• Received numerous awards and currently tours colleges and high schools lecturing students

on the subject of finance and social empowerment.

06/05-12/05         BETs ULTIMATE HUSTLER SHOW, New York, NY

Contestant / Finalist

• Reality Show dubbed as Hip-Hop Apprentice Show hosted by HipHop Mogul Damon Dash and aired on BET Networks for 12 Weeks.
• First Runner Up of 16 Contestants.
• Final Show viewed by over 14 Million viewers.

Dashawn Taylor ∙ Real-Hiphop.com ∙ From Poverty To Power Moves

Next Level Publishing ©2006-2009 ∙ All Rights Reserved

inCHARACTER PROFILE:  BREE MICHAELS

AUTHOR:  ANGEL MECHELLE

BOOK: ANOTHER WOMAN’S HUSBAND

FEATURED SCENE

I was finally on my way to Lake Benning. I was feeling

nauseated, uncomfortable, and anxious all at the same

time. The brief encounter with Neecy had momentarily taken

away all of the excitement I had about seeing Dré, and once again

I was struggling with the reality of what was about to happen. I

was actually driving two hours to have sex with my neighbor’s

husband. Part of me wanted Dré so badly, but the other part

wished that he wasn’t married, and now that Neecy was going

out of her way to be friends, I was really conflicted emotionally.

I puffed while I drove to Lake Benning, thinking about Dré

and the way that he made me feel. I liked talking to him, and

being around him. He was sweet, he made me laugh, and he

made me feel good about myself. Dré made me feel beautiful

and beautiful was something I never felt when I was involved in

my other relationships. When you’ve been cheated on, and lied

to as much as I have, your self esteem sinks to an all time low.

I talked to Dré about everything, my job, my kids, my mom,

my dreams, and goals. No matter how long the story, or how

off the wall the goal, Dré always listened, he encouraged and

uplifted me. I cared about Dré and I wanted him to be happy.

Tonight I couldn’t be concerned with Neecy.

I can just do it this once, and leave it alone like Nikki said. I told

myself, when I exited Route 17 in Lake Benning. I maneuvered

my hand through the sea of junk in my purse and pulled out

my cell phone. I dialed Dré’s cell phone number, realizing I

accidentally forgot to press *67 first, but before I could hang up

and dial the number again, Dré picked up.

“Where are you at sexy?” Dré said.

“Um, I just came through the first light after the exit.”

“Alright, just make a left at the next light, and come all the

way down until you see Lake Benning Resort, turn there. That

is where we are staying, but our room number is…666, isn’t that

fucked up?”

“That’s a sign Dré, I can’t do this in room number 666, I

already feel like the devil,” I said.

“Just keep driving, I’ll get it changed,” he said.

As soon as I turned into the hotel area I spotted Dré, standing

near the front office. I parked and looked behind me for any sign

of Neecy. I glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure that my

curls hadn’t fallen during the long ride and reapplied the lip gloss

that disappeared. I pressed my lips together and smiled. When I

stepped out of the car Dré reached for my hand. “You look good

as hell,” he said.

“Thanks you do, too.”

Dré arrived at the hotel a few hours before I did and had

changed from his normal work clothes into dark, semi baggy

jeans, a blue and white striped button down Polo shirt, and a pair

of Nikes that matched the shirt perfectly. He smelled like my

favorite cologne, Calvin Klein’s Eternity. His hair was freshly

cut underneath the fitted cap which matched the Nikes like they

were sold as a set, and he was clean-shaven, which was always

an instant turn-on for me, as I’d mentioned during one of our

conversations. Dré looked so good I wanted him right then.

“I got us a new room,” he said.

“What is the new number?” I asked while Dré grabbed my

overnight bag out of the car.

“We are on the first floor, room eighty seven.”

“One, eight, seven? Isn’t that code for murder?” I asked.

“Don’t trip Bree,” he said, reaching for my hand again.

“Those are signs Dré, 666, murder. Something is going to go

wrong,” I said as we walked toward the hotel.

“Is that why you are shaking?”

“I’m just nervous, I guess.”

“Don’t be nervous Bree, please. I am glad we are finally here.”

QUESTIONS

1.    Bree, what’s the hardest thing about dating a married man?

The hardest thing about dating a married man is his wife! Seriously it is hard not having one hundred percent of someone you love with one hundred percent of your mind, body and soul.

2.    How would you describe your ultimate relationship? My ultimate relationship is simply loving someone for who they are flaws and all and having them love me back…flaws and all. That’s all…nothing fancy.

3.    If Neecy showed up at the hotel what would you say?

Oh, I’d probably die…have a heart attack or something. I honestly wouldn’t know what to say. That would be something Dre would have to deal with. He’s the one married to her, not me.

4.    What do you say to the women out there that judge you for dating Dre?

They don’t know our love. They don’t know how Dre and I feel about each other so, how can they judge me? I can’t help that we fell in love. If he was happy at home, with Neecy then this would have never happened. Are those women perfect? If not, then who are they to judge me?5. Do you think that you can choose who you love, or that love chooses you?

I think love chooses you. I can’t help that I fell in love with Dre and he happened to be married. “Something” brought us together, and we connected. The connection was so intense we couldn’t help what happened next.  I would never choose to fall in love with another woman’s husband.

Publisher: Shannon Holmes Communication Media; 1st edition (June 6, 2008)

ISBN-10: 0981497810
ISBN-13: 978-0981497815

Available at Amazon.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bree Michaels is young, sexy, single and raising two children alone. As if being single weren t bad enough, Bree has a problem; she misses having that special someone in her life. It s been a while, but Bree isn t desperate or even looking for love, when things jump off. She never wanted to be someone s slide, and definitely never wanted to be the other woman . In Bree s mind she was a catch, wifey material. It was when she met Dre, her fine and married neighbor when all her self-control and morals flew out the window. Bree surprises herself by her willingness to compromise her soul to be with Dre. Things get hectic when Dre s wife Neecy begins to suspect the true nature of the friendship between Bree and Dre. Neecy goes crazy when she learns the truth. Neecy vows not to let Bree break up her family or take her man not without a fight.

REVIEW FOR ANOTHER WOMAN’S HUSBAND

Another Woman’s Husband by Angel Mechelle is her debut novel and she takes the literary world by storm with this fast-paced door buster. This story is told through the eyes of the other woman and all of the drama and turmoil that she is willing to accept in order to conquer the unattainable man. Bree Michaels is a single parent raising two children, from previous marriages, and is trying to rebuild her life. Even though she is no stranger to drama, Bree walks head-on into a torrid affair with her next door neighbor’s husband. While Bree and Neecy are cordial, they are not strangers and the tension in the air is thick once Bree sets out to get with, Dre, Neecy’s sexy thugged-out husband. What do you do when you are in a torrid affair with your next door neighbor’s husband? I say run for the hills; not Bree, she craves attention and desperately needs a sexual tune-up. When she submits to Dre, the phone calls and late nights take a toll on her and she is ready for him to leave his wife for good. Bree forgets all about morals and throws caution to the wind in order to fulfill her quest and capture Dre’s heart, body and soul. Bree is willing to give up everything for this man she has fallen in love with; her family, her dignity, and her sanity. When Neecy catches wind of this lust filled affair, it is every man for themselves. When will Bree decide that she is tired of being the other woman? After fighting with his wife, can Bree get out before it is too late or will her life forever be filled with drama? I recommend this book to readers looking for a little drama in their lives. This was a great, fast-paced read. The character development made you feel as if you could relate to each person. You could walk in their shoes, and feel every emotion to the fullest. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Mechelle. Reviewed by:  Cheryl H APOOO BookClub

ABOUT AUTHOR ANGEL MECHELLE

BIO:

Angel Mechelle was raised a military brat and has lived in many states and several countries. She attended Neu-Ulm High School in Germany and graduated from Southeast High school in Bradenton Florida. She called Bradenton home for several years before relocating to Virginia where she resides with her two children. Blessed with an active imagination and many “life experiences” to draw from, Angel was finally able to share her love for story telling with the world when she accepted as a contributing author in the Shannon Holmes Anthology “Hood2Hood”. Angel is currently working on several projects including the follow up to her debut novel and a short story for the Anthology “Flirt” where she will be featured along with best selling authors, Tracy Brown (White Lines, Twisted) and K’wan (Hood Rat, Gutter).

Visit Angel Mechelle at: www.facebook.com/angelmechelle or contact at:  angelmechelle@hotmail.com