In this captivating Depression-era set novel by New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, two
couples find their grudges endangering more than their Alabama small town’s deceptive peace …

When good-time couple Milton and Yvonne Hamilton moved one house over from the respectable-but-restless
Odell and Joyce Watson, it was a fast friendship of shared secrets–and secret jealousies and betrayals. Their alliance
was bound to crash and burn, but the Hamiltons won’t quite let the flame die out, even after scandalous accusations
get them arrested …

Odell would do anything to be free of his bootlegging, blackmailing, money extorting neighbors and recover the
peaceful–and financially prosperous–life he and Joyce once had. But Milton and Yvonne seem to always bounce
back from bad luck, and this time they’ve returned angrier, and greedier, than ever. Determined to get what Odell
“owes” them, the Hamiltons have a big surprise for Joyce too, one that shows how far they will go to get revenge …

Now pushed past his breaking point, Odell is sure he’s got a foolproof plan to end the scheming once and for all.
But it soon spirals into lies, shattering violence, and permanent damage that will roil their tranquil community, and
alter his and Joyce’s world forever …

Seth Garrett’s family taught him that anything less than the best simply isn’t an option. Now he’s out to prove he can be the most successful Garrett-and Rachel McNeal fits the bill. She’s pretty, hard-working, good in bed-and willing to finance his dreams. He thinks she’s perfect wife material-until he meets her relatives and discovers they’re far from perfect. No problem, Seth’s got a replacement lined up to give him the good life he’s entitled to . . .

Steady and sensible, Rachel always believed the best about people. She thought Seth was the man of her dreams. But she can deal with the hurt and move on. Until she discovers the true reason Seth dumped her-and just how deep his contempt for her runs. She’s done forgiving, much less forgetting. And taking his world apart piece by piece is only the beginning of her long-game payback . . .

Best-selling author Mary Monroe satisfies her hungry readership with stimulating tales of sensuality and passion, including Red Light Wives. Comprising two distinct short novels-Monroe’s Nightmare in Paradise and Bad Luck Shadow from critically acclaimed Victor McGlothin- Borrow Trouble is a hot double-feature that perfectly showcases each author’s unique style.

Hot, edgy, and undeniably addictive, New York Times best-selling author Mary Monroe’s contemporary dramas entice readers. Demonstrating the same verve for storytelling that rocketed her previous novels onto the best-seller lists, Deliver Me from Evil introduces Christine Thurman, a vivacious 31-year-old about to enter a dangerous new phase in her life.

In this scandalous follow-up to the Depression-era tale Mrs. Wiggins, awardwinning and New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe brings even more period drama as a proper church-going woman ensnares a widower living too many secrets–and lies …

Forty-something widow Jessie Tucker is beloved throughout Lexington, Alabama, for her kind heart and endless generosity. But she feels it’s past time she rewarded herself–especially when upstanding Hubert Wiggins tragically loses his
wife and son. Making herself indispensable, yet discouraged by Hubert’s lack of romantic interest, Jessie cooks up a deception she knows will make pious Hubert do right by her …

Hoax or not, Hubert couldn’t be happier. The passionate self he’s long hidden from everyone has a new, much-riskier secret love. And the unsuspecting second Mrs. Wiggins will help him maintain his ever-so-devout image in the community …

But when Hubert is not the ardent lover Jessie always dreamed he was, she turns her desires to handsome younger man Conway. Suddenly the “good church wife” can’t resist temptation at all. And someone is watching: Conway’s new girlfriend
and Jessie’s longtime rival–Blondeen. Now Blondeen has the perfect opportunity to harass Jessie, destroy her reputation, drive her out of town–then become the real wife Hubert should have had all along …

In one shattering night, Jessie, Blondeen, and Hubert will each go too far. Andwhen their web of deceit threatens to drag them under for good, they will have only one chance to erase the past and claim everything they’ve ever wanted. If their secrets don’t destroy them first …

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe comes a seductive, shocking tale of two unhappy women fulfilling their every erotic dream–and finding a desire that kills. He’s successful, kind, and sensitive–the type of man every woman wants. And truck driver Calvin Ramsey just loves women–especially the lonely, unappreciated ones he meets online, like Lola Poole. His deceitful ex-wife taught him that women really appreciate someone who cares about their deepest feelings and problems. Since Lola always gives more than she gets, Calvin longs to show her the best of everything. And when he gives her the ultimate parting gift, just like he did his wife and all the others, he’ll love Lola best of all. Lola Poole is so done putting her life on hold for her selfish relatives’ needs. Now thanks to online dating and a sizzling parade of hungry lovers, she and her unhappily-married best friend, Joan, are getting all the sexy fun they missed out on. Even better, handsome, dependable Calvin looks like he might be the whole irresistible potential-husband package. Until oh-so-right starts going all-the-way wrong. And Lola must uncover the truth and take control before this fatal fantasy finishes her.

growing up poor in Texas, Vera Lomax used every gold-digging trick in the book to land a rich husband. Now living in the lap of luxury in San Francisco, her only job is to fawn over her much-older husband, so it’s been easy for her to balance a life of shopping and affairs with younger men with a major secret: the sixteen-year bribery of one of her husband’s mistresses to keep her pregnancy under wraps. Vera figures that a little hush money every month will ensure her husband’s fortune is hers alone. . . Unfortunately for Vera, Sarah Cooper is the child Kenneth Lomax always wanted. When the father she never knew shows up at her mother’s funeral to claim her, it’s a fairy tale journey from the ghetto to a mansion on a hill. But Sarah’s life is not as carefree as her father wants it to be . . .because Sarah knows from the start that her step-mother is as two-faced as they come. And after losing all the family she’s ever known, she wants a life that’s richer than what Vera’s got planned for her. Neither woman can be sure who will win Kenneth’s heart and fortune. But as Vera and Sarah scheme to get what they want, everyone they know will be choosing sides, taking chances, and gambling it all to come out on top. . .

New York Times best-selling author Mary Monroe continues the adventures of lifelong friends Annette Goode Davis and Rhoda O’Toole in this riveting novel. Sensing her husband drifting away, Annette gets a full makeover to recapture his attention. But instead, she catches the eye of another man. Soon Annette is in a full-blown affair-and even Rhoda may not be able to fix things this time. “Monroe is a masterful storyteller.”-Philadelphia Inquirer

Mary Monroe lights up the New York Times bestseller list with shimmering novels that show the all-too-human passions of her finely drawn characters. In God Ain’t Through Yet, Annette Goode Davis is thankful that her husband Pee Wee has decided to give her a second chance after discovering she’s having an affair. But post-betrayal Pee Wee seems a million miles away, and with true forgiveness the bitterest of pills, they may need a miracle to keep their marriage together. “Monroe is a master storyteller.”-Philadelphia Inquirer

Reminiscent of best-selling writers Toni Morrison and Alice Walker, critically acclaimed author Mary Monroe is a fresh voice in contemporary literature. In God Don’t Like Ugly, she weaves a powerful tale of devastating abuse, the strength of friendship, and the burden of terrible secrets. Shy, overweight Annette Goode is only seven years old when Mr. Boatwright, a boarder in her house, begins sexually abusing her. She keeps this information to herself for years, until gorgeous, self-assured Rhoda Nelson becomes her new friend. Annette confides in Rhoda and finds the strength and courage to survive to adulthood. But Rhoda has skeletons in her closet that could doom them both.

In the sparkling conclusion to Mary Monroe’s bestselling God series, two forever friends face their biggest betrayals yet and learn that putting your trust in the wrong hands can change your life forever. . . These days, Annette Goode Davis has a full plate–literally and figuratively. Although she’s trying to reconcile with her husband, Pee Wee, she’s still seeing other men on the side. A woman’s got to cover her bases, right? With her love life hopping, Annette should be pleased as punch. Instead, the stress has her eating everything in sight and packing on the pounds. Meanwhile, Annette’s best friend, Rhoda O’Toole, has her hands full dealing with her wild child daughter, Jade. When Jade’s antics almost cost Rhoda her man, Rhoda throws her out. But Jade soon finds a way to make Rhoda regret her choice. . . Annette thanks her lucky stars that her daughter, Charlotte, has her head on straight. And she’s doubly blessed to have a strait-laced neighbor look after Charlotte when she’s caught up in Pee Wee and Rhoda’s problems. But when Annette’s world is rocked by a terrible revelation, she’ll discover that appearances can be very, very deceiving–and she’ll have to summon every ounce of strength to protect the ones she loves.

The emotionally complex novels of Mary Monroe’s God Don’t series have won the New York Times best-selling author a multitude of devoted fans. In God Don’t Play, trouble comes a woman’s way just when she thinks she’s finally got it all figured out. Annette Goode couldn’t be happier with where she is in life. She has a good job, a comfortable home, and a wonderful husband and daughter. But tough times lie ahead. Out of the blue, Annette begins receiving anonymous hate mail and threatening phone calls. It seems her life isn’t as settled as she thought, and demons from her past surface in unexpected ways. Now Annette is forced to question everything from her husband’s faithfulness to her lifelong friendships. God Don’t Play delivers the riveting drama that Monroe’s fans have come to expect from novels such as God Don’t Like Ugly. The story is powerfully told through the narration of acclaimed vocal artist Patricia Floyd. “Mary Monroe is a remarkable talent.”-Chicago Sun-Times

National best-selling author Mary Monroe has drawn favorable comparisons to Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston. In this sequel to the moving novel, God Don’t Like Ugly, Annette Goode has finally found a man who loves her. But at a pre-wedding ceremony, her ugly past is revealed, and her world falls apart. When she reunites with her childhood sweetheart, it seems like everything might be fine-until her long-absent friend, who hides a deadly secret, comes back into Annette’s life. “Mary Monroe is a remarkable talent.”-Chicago Sun-Times

Mary Monroe is the author of Essence best-sellers including The Upper Room (F0065). Here, she examines the emotional webs that are woven between friends, lovers, and families. Carmen Taylor is absolutely dependable; she feels responsible for everyone she knows. It will take one reckless night to make Carmen realize that she might be able to lay her burdens down and take a chance on real happiness.

Mary Monroe is an Essence best-selling author, the recipient of the PEN/Oakland Josephine Miles National Literary Award, and a nominee for the Black Writers Alliance’s Golden Pen Award. In Sheep’s Clothing is an authentic story about a troubled, young black woman with dreams of a better life. Trudy Bell needs to do something to spice up her life and hopes that her new job with the Bon Voyage Travel Agency will do the trick. But envy for her boss’ glamorous lifestyle turns into a downward spiral that could end up costing her more than just her job.

Mary Monroe is a New York Times best-selling author who pens tales of life’s emotional tapestry. Lost Daughters follows Maureen Montgomery and her daughter Loretta as they strive to make a life after the death of Maureen’s domineering mother. Forever scarred by Mama Ruby’s tyrannical ways, Maureen longs for a quiet, simple life. But Loretta has something far different in mind. Dreaming of fame and fortune, she embarks on a modeling career. Mama Ruby, however, casts a shadow with the power to darken their lives.

Award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers the latest thrillingly scandal-filled novel in her Depression-era saga of a church-going lady and her oh-so-upstanding husband racing to cover up their many sins—and gambling on one scheme too many …With mysterious serial murders putting peaceful Lexington, Alabama, on edge, Jessie and Hubert Wiggins’ steadfast calm and devotion to each other reassures everyone that faith will see them through. But Jessie and Hubert have paid a terrible hidden cost to maintain their devout facade and respectable standing. Nothing can allay the guilt they feel—or stop the growing distrust between them …Hubert thought he and his secret lover, Leroy, could continue seeing each other on the down-low in peace. But when Leroy’s ex-wife moves back in with him, a heartbroken Hubert is driven to distraction trying to keep Jessie in the dark—and quell his mounting jealousy. And his need for satisfaction is driving Hubert to reckless extremes—and desperate risks …Jessie believes the struggles between her and Hubert will all be worth it if she can connive him to finally consummate their marriage—no matter what she has to do. But his erratic behavior and her frustration soon has her trying yet another new lover, who is as charming as he is unreliable—and unexpectedly dangerous …Now with their secrets out of control—and the police perilously near—Jessie and Hubert discover who might be behind the deaths plaguing their town. But can they risk a pursuit that could expose their own web of lies? When their only choice pits them and their suspicions against each other, their next move will either bury their deceptions deep for good—or reveal the one truth they can’t escape …

In this stirring prequel, New York Times best-selling author Mary Monroe returns to the “cold-blooded yet fascinating” (Publishers Weekly) character from her acclaimed novel The Upper Room. Ruby is a wild youth, with a thirst for boys and booze by the age of 15. When she discovers she’s pregnant, the only person she can confide in is her best friend Othella. But Othella talks Ruby into giving up the child, leaving Ruby emotionally shattered and adamant that Othella is to blame for her loss.

Reminiscent of her captivating, scandalous Mama Ruby series, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe crafts a story set in the Deep South during the Depression, in this tale of a woman determined to have a respectable life–no matter what it costs to keep it …

The daughter of a prostitute mother and an alcoholic father, Maggie Franklin knew her only way out was to marry someone upstanding and church-going. Someone like Hubert Wiggins, the most eligible man in Lexington, Alabama–and
the son of its most revered preacher. Proper and prosperous, Hubert is glad to finally have a wife, even one with Maggie’s background. For Hubert has a secret he desperately needs to stay hidden. And Maggie’s unexpected charm, elegance,
and religious devotion makes her the perfect partner in lies …

Their surprising union makes the Wiggins’ the town’s most envied couple– complete with a son, Claude, whom Maggie idolizes. Until he falls in love with the worst possible fiancee. Terrified, Maggie won’t let Daisy destroy her son. And
when her employer’s brother sexually harasses her, Maggie knows something needs to be done about him as well. In fact, she realizes there are an awful lot of sinning “disruptive” people who should be eliminated from her perfect world …

But the more Maggie tries to take control, the more obstacles are thrown in her way. And when it seems like the one person she always expected to be there is starting to drift away, Maggie will play one final, merciless game to secure what
she’s fought so hard to earn …

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe takes you on the ultimate twist-filled ride with her Lonely Heart, Deadly Heart series. For two restless women looking for satisfaction, too much of a good thing is never enough-even as a lethal passion closes in. Best friends Lola Poole and Joan Proctor-Riley have finally found the love and excitement they’ve always longed for. Online-dating an endless line of wealthy, no-strings-attached lovers is the perfect escape from their unfulfilling lives. And between Joan’s selfish husband and Lola’s hateful, demanding relatives, the hotter these ladies’ secret activities get, the more they crave-and the more reckless they become. Soon, they’re taking ever greater risks to pursue their desires. When rugged trucker Calvin Ramsey comes into Lola’s sights, he’s a surprising answer to all her prayers. He’s kind and responsible in his everyday life-and delivers sexual healing like she’s never known. What Lola doesn’t know is that Calvin loves women to death-literally. And every caring moment and seductive promise this killer gives her draws both Lola and Joan deeper into his inescapable, fatal fantasy.

Beloved award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe delivers a hopeful and heartwarming story about an impossible Christmas dream, an unexpected act of goodwill–and a surprising chain of events that
could gift joy far beyond the holiday season …

Free-spirited, living on the fly, Vanessa Hayes is still always down for traditional family holiday fun–until now. She’s making her oft-delayed wish finally come true: Christmas in Paris, the glittering City of Lights. But when her passport gets
delayed, it’s too late for Vanessa to rebook. Now it looks like the Yuletide she longs for won’t happen. Until a stranger suddenly enters her life, and changes it forever …

Overwhelmed by responsibility, Judith Guthrie is too busy worrying about her seriously ill brother to have time to celebrate. She’s taken a leave from her teaching job to care for him as he’s on the waiting list for a life-giving transplant. A
trip to France is a kind of happiness she can’t imagine. But when she accidentally receives Vanessa’s passport, Judith can’t resist delivering it in person so Vanessa will at least have her holiday dream. She can’t anticipate that her small gesture
will result in a series of big choices, big miracles, and lifelong rewards that all will be thankful for over many Christmases to come …

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe returns to the 1930s era of her acclaimed novel The Upper Room with a dazzling portrait of two very different couples whose friendship and fast times are no match for shattering betrayal. A solid marriage, a thriving business, and the esteem of their close-knit Alabama community-Joyce and Odell Watson have every reason to count their blessings. Their marriage has given well-off Joyce a chance at the family she’s always wanted-and granted Odell a once-in-a-lifetime shot to escape grinding poverty. But all that respectability and status comes at a cost. Just once, Joyce and Odell want to break loose and taste life’s wild side, without consequences. When their new neighbors turn out to be high-steppin’ bootleggers Milton and Yvonne Hamilton, the Watsons plunge headlong into good times and fast living. For Joyce, Yvonne is someone she can show off too-and look down on. And Odell won’t introduce crude, unsophisticated Milton to his friends-but is happy to let Milton ply him with free booze and good times. Milton hates being slighted and disrespected and he’s determined to do something about it. When Milton inadvertently discovers Odell’s scandalous double life with a long-term mistress, he decides this is the perfect chance to wreck the Watsons’ perfect world.

In this page-turning novel set in the Depression-era South, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe transports readers to a small Alabama town where home is not always a sanctuary, and two neighboring families let pleasantries mask increasing resentment. . . Bootlegging was Milton and Yvonne Hamilton’s ticket out of poverty, prison time, and plain bad luck. Now they’ve moved on-to a bigger, richer pool of clientele-right in their own respectable new middle-class backyard. And their growing friendship with seemingly-perfect couple Joyce and Odell Watson is proving golden in more ways than one . . . As Milton soon learns, Odell is hiding an outside family and dubious business dealings. It’s the perfect recipe for a blackmail scheme that will help Milton hide his own dirty secrets-even from Yvonne. Better yet, he can take ever more dangerous risks to ace out his liquor-smuggling rivals-and add a lucrative temptation to his illicit services. And Yvonne, emboldened by her husband’s new gravy train, delights in tormenting Joyce about everything the snobbish matron doesn’t have-especially children. But even a winning hand can be played too far. Pushed past their limits, Odell and Joyce will play on Milton’s careless boasting-to get him and Yvonne out of their lives for good. And soon, a devastating frame-up will plunge one couple into a living nightmare-and set the stage for explosive retribution . . .

Nationally best-selling author Mary Monroe penned the widely acclaimed novels God Don’t Like Ugly (F0063) and God Still Don’t Like Ugly (F0140). Chicago Sun-Times calls her “a remarkable talent.” Red Light Wives is a sassy and scandalous novel of six women who engage in the world’s oldest profession. They have something else in common too, their “manager,” Clyde Brooks-a charismatic but hard man who fills many roles in each woman’s life. But soon, an act of rebellion may change their relationship forever.

In this moving, unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe, a successful, happily married mother suddenly finds herself feeling far from joyful. But Christmas brings an unexpected chance to rediscover herself, and what happiness really means. For Beatrice Powell, the holidays are usually an extra-special time to celebrate. Between her twenty-year-plus marriage, gorgeous Berkeley, California, home, and three wonderful adult children, she has everything she could desire. But change-of-life doubts are making Beatrice a stranger to herself and her bewildered family. She only finds peace volunteering at the local soup kitchen, especially helping out homeless Charles Davenport. And his sensitivity and honesty soon comfort her in ways she never imagined. Charles thought he had it all-until a devastating betrayal and the shattering loss of his family drove him to living on the streets. Beatrice is the first person who’s truly cared about him in a long time. And little by little, he’s finding reasons to care about rebuilding his life-and risking a sudden, courageous choice. Drawn to Charles and the temptation of a second chance, Beatrice is faced with the hardest of decisions. But his insight, secrets-and the reminder of a profound past encounter-will give her unexpected inspiration, gratitude, and the strength she needs to find her way-perhaps in time for Christmas.

New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe presents a heartwarming, uplifting novel about two long-time co-workers who seem unlucky in love. But this Christmas may give them a surprising chance to find themselves–and each other . . . With a successful career, money in the bank, and a solid future, Felicia Hawkins has almost everything she ever wanted. But getting married is the one holiday wish she can’t seem to get. And it’s not helping that she’s hopelessly in love with her co-worker, widower Richard Grimes. They have the perfect office partnership, and he’s as supportive as he is kind. But Felicia doesn’t want to wreck their friendship by letting him know how she really feels . . . Richard has his hands full juggling pre-Christmas work demands and raising two teen daughters. But he’s not too busy to wish his relationship with Felicia could become much more. He’s drawn to her calm spirit and determination, along with everything they surprisingly have in common. And just once he’d like a chance this season to dare tell her the truth . . . But what Felicia and Richard get instead is a cascade of misunderstandings; messy, well-meaning matchmaking from family and friends, and a long-distance transfer Richard can’t refuse. Finally, in the middle of one chaotic snow-struck day, it will take all their courage and compassion to risk opening their hearts to each other–hopefully for many more holiday happily-ever-afters . . .

The author of New York Times best-selling novels like God Don’t Play, Mary Monroe is especially adept at capturing the tumultous highs and lows of the unforgettable characters who populate her books. In She Had It Coming, it’s the best of times and the worst of times for Dolores Reese, who’s married to two different men in two different cities. “Mary Monroe is a remarkable talent.”-Chicago Sun-Times

The New York Times best-selling author of God Don’t Like Ugly and God Don’t Play, Mary Monroe has built a reputation for sassy, hard-hitting contemporary fiction. The Company We Keep follows successful record executive Teri Stewart as she scours L.A. for love. Just when she’s ready to give up on men altogether, into her life strolls charming DJ Harrison Starr. He’s got it going on- obviously-but he’s also hiding a dark secret that could destroy their budding romance.

In the stunning climax of New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe’s Lonely Heart, Deadly Heart series, the tension-and the heat-reach unforgettable heights as two restless women go after the ultimate satisfaction.and a killer desire prepares to strike. For best friends Lola Poole and Joan Proctor-Riley, there’s never too much when it comes to online dating rich, no-commitment lovers. It’s a fantasy come true and makes their unhappy lives bearable. But there’s no escape when Lola’s vicious relatives cheat her out of everything that’s hers and Joan’s husband pulls a devastating betrayal. With nothing to lose, the two will do everything and anything to lock down Mr. Right and lifetime satisfaction.With his scorching sexual healing and compassionate nature, handsome trucker Calvin Ramsey keeps coming out on top with Lola. And she’s this close to winning his love and finally getting the loving family of her dreams. But she doesn’t suspect that Calvin’s idea of making a woman his own is a fatal affair. Now, his gentle reassurances and sensual promises are spinning a web where Lola’s deepest longings could be the deadliest trap of all.

Nationally best-selling author Mary Monroe createsan unforgettable cast of characters in The Upper Room. Mama Ruby stole her best friend’s baby girl, ran off to Florida, and raised her as her own. Maureen is the center of Mama Ruby’s world, and she will do anything to protect her and their life together. Now Maureen wants to know what the rest of the world is like. She is determined to find out, but escaping Mama Ruby won’t be easy.