In Touch with SPLITTING KARMA Author LaShanta Charles

Taylor Williams didn't grow up with the loving parents, white picket fence, and a dog. She’s struggled to get where she is and knows that with all she's endured, life can only get better. At 28 years old, she hails as one of the country's top divorce lawyers and is ready to slow down and start a family with her husband. The only problem is he shuts her out and has treated her like everything but a wife since the night he came across her and his boss in a compromising situation. In spite of her innocence, she's determined to make it up to him.

Isaac Warren is bad business; the kind of bad business that requires focus and determination in order to stay alive. It’s also the kind that caused him to shut himself off from serious relationships after the brutal murder of his fiancée three years ago. Now his cold exterior keeps him at bay from everyone except those he considers family and right now that list doesn't have room for anything more than the occasional tryst and nothing more, especially not with the highly acclaimed lawyer he's accidentally stumbled upon.

*This novel is only recommended for readers 17 and older*

Splitting Karma: Kindle / Paperback

Lovely Lies: Amazon / AmazonUK / Barnes& Noble (Nook) (Women’s Fiction / Urban Romance, 4.6 stars, 114 reviews)

Lovely Lies 2: Amazon / AmazonUK / Barnes& Noble (Nook) (Women’s Fiction / Urban Romance, 4.5 stars, 61 reviews)

An Interview with LaShanta Charles

LaShanta Charles has drawn rave reviews for her ability to incorporate romance with a twist and air of mystery, making it a noteworthy work and earning her the award of “2013 Breakout Author of the Year.” Connect with LaShanta Charles: Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I started writing while in high school, around the age of 15. I remember writing a “story” that literally never ended. I would pass it along to my classmates and friends for them to read and they would be enthralled and begging for more. I like to think that was my first following! I’ve had a beautiful relationship with writing since then.

What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I enjoy creation! I love when that tiny spark of embers becomes a full blown raging inferno of 80,000+ words. I love the struggle of developing complex characters. I love filling in blanks within my plots, answering questions enough to give you that “aha” moment, but not so much I give you every single detail and leave nothing to wonder. I love seeing a finished product, a work that I put my heart and soul into, knowing that someone somewhere will either love it or hate it and I’ll be fine either way.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

The hardest part was editing. I wanted to make so many changes (I actually made quite a few); even after my book went to the editor I was still making more changes! Then to receive it back from the editor with critique and suggestions, it was like someone was deciding my newborn baby could only have blue eyes and not brown. It was by far the worst part of it all.

Where do you get the inspiration to write?

I draw inspiration from just about anything, literally. For example, I just saw someone eating an apple – my current heroine will undoubtedly love snacking on peeled apples. I’m inspired by my surroundings, which are constantly changing, therefore I change as well.

Who is your favorite author and why?

I honestly don’t have a favorite author! I know that’s a terrible answer, but there are just way too many for me to pick just one! I’ll read just about anything with a great plot.

What do you like to do when you are not writing? What is your ultimate luxury?

I’m super lazy, so anything that requires physical effort is a no-no! I love to read and I love to eat; and I love to do it all at home alone - no kids, no husband, just me, my food and my books. This can also be applied to different settings such as a beach, an airplane, etc.

Tell us something funny about yourself that not a lot of people know about?

Hmm, I sometimes eat a spoonful of flour…can’t believe I’m sharing this! I’m pretty sure there’s some logical explanation for it and I should probably mention it to my doctor, but nope, I’m good.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I love interacting with readers, so feel free to contact me and let me know how you’re doing or what’s going on with you!

Excerpt from Splitting Karma

My eyes flew open as I quickly sat up in the bed. What was that noise, a door slamming? I scanned the dark bedroom and waited for another sound. The voice I heard shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did.

                 

“Where the hell is my dinner?” Aaron’s voice boomed through the house.

I scrambled from the bed, falling to the floor, my feet tangled in a mess of sheets and blankets. Ignoring the pain in my wrist and hip from my ungraceful fall, I slipped my robe on and practically ran down the flight of stairs.

“Taylor, get your ass down here! A good wife wouldn’t let her husband go hungry!”

I spotted him standing in front of the open refrigerator, his back to me. Without a word I made my way to the oven where his food was already fixed and waiting. I could feel his eyes on me, tracking my every movement as I slipped in front of him and grabbed a beer from the fridge. I refused to meet his eyes. Instead I stole a glance at the time on the microwave. It was a quarter past three. Working late again, huh? “I made you shrimp carbonara. I hope you like it,” I said as I placed the beer and food on the island in the center of the kitchen. Finally meeting his eyes, I pulled the stool out for him. He said nothing, simply stared at me. My heart pounded in my chest. Why wasn’t he responding? “I kept it warm for you,” I said as I closed the refrigerator and took his hand. Without protest, he let me guide him to his seat. I tried to give him a quick peck on his lips, but he turned his head away. A smirk played at the corner of his lip. My lips settled for his cheek and I stepped back. “How was your day?” I asked.

“I want to take a shower when I’m done eating,” he replied.

And just like that, I was dismissed. I took my time going upstairs, hoping he’d call me back. I could at least get a hug, right? I knew that would never happen, but that didn’t stop me from lingering on the stairs. The only sound that came from his direction was the fork as it scraped the plate and the occasional soft thud from him placing his beer bottle on the counter after he sipped. By the time he made it to our bedroom I had a fresh pair of boxers and pajama bottoms laid out for him and the shower was the perfect temperature. He undressed as he made his way past me in silence. I quickly scooped up the trail of clothes he left in his wake. While he showered I tossed his towel into the dryer, so that it’d be warm for him when he used it.

“Dinner was actually very good. I’m impressed,” he said when he finally emerged from the bathroom.

“Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.” I tried not to be, but I was mesmerized by his body. At 32 years old, he looked just as good as he did when we first met and he was only 25. His smooth, brown skin pulled tight against muscles that teased me with their presence. Not big and bulky, but just right for his 6’ 4” frame. His wavy hair was always kept cut low, cropped close to his head. Beautiful brown eyes stared back at me from behind dark lashes. If he’d smile - which I knew he wouldn’t - I’d see perfect teeth lined up behind those thick lips. He glanced at the boxers on the bed then smiled smugly as I gave them to him. I snapped my mouth shut, realizing he knew I was admiring him.

“Take that off,” he commanded.

I glanced down at the nightie I wore under my robe then back at him. My confusion allowed him a moment of amusement. With that same smug smile locked in place, he removed the towel that hung loosely from his waist.

“Your turn,” he challenged.

My heartbeat picked up its pace again as I hesitantly removed my clothes. He closed the gap between us and let his fingertips skim across my chest. I fought the urge to touch him, while silently begging him to touch me more. I hoped against all odds that this wasn’t as far as he would go. He hadn’t made love to me in months. He still blamed me for his embarrassment. He blamed me for his boss’s actions. My only crime was accompanying my husband to his firm’s annual charity banquet in the evening gown that he picked out for me. I looked beautiful in it. It gave me curves where I knew I had little to none. It gave me a confidence boost that I knew I didn’t even need. Well, at least not at that time. Right now a confidence boost would be greatly appreciated. When Aaron’s boss, Bryan, told me he wanted me to help him with some of the evening’s presentations, I was flattered and honored. I agreed to retrieve the notes for a speech he had forgotten in his office, but when I got there he cornered me and tried to kiss me. I’d never been in a situation like that, so I had no idea what to do. When I pushed him away and slapped him, he came back even stronger. My body froze in fear as his hands gripped every part of me that he could touch. When he tried to force his tongue into my mouth I bit him. He laughed and went for my neck. Over his shoulder I saw Aaron and the two other partners from the firm standing in the doorway. One of the other partners, Kaleb, asked what was going on. I tried to tell them he attacked me, but he assured them it was just an innocent hug. He said I’d had a little too much wine – I only had one glass and I didn’t even get to finish it - and he’d caught me when I tripped. A hug was my way of thanking him. Aaron hadn’t said a thing. He only stared at me, rage carefully concealed within his gaze. Of course he hadn’t said anything. He was up for a promotion to become a partner at the firm; his lifelong dream. He’d given Bryan and the others a tight smile before reaching for my hand and telling them he had to take his drunken wife home. That was six months ago…six long and lonely months.

“I can’t even make love to you anymore,” Aaron whispered as he slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer him, my body flush against his. The erection that should have been pressing against me was nowhere to be found. For Christ’s sake, we’re both naked!

“Aaron, please? You can.” My pleas fell on deaf ears. He let me go and slipped his boxers on.

“Wake me up at seven,” he said as he climbs into our bed.

“You know I didn’t betray you, Aaron.”

“Taylor, I’m going to sleep. I have a long day ahead of me.”

“Aaron, please? Just talk to me. I didn’t do anything wrong. You can’t keep shutting me out like this,” I pleaded. I was innocent. I was there for him. I was put into that situation because of him. I’m his wife. He was supposed to protect me. It didn’t matter if his career was on the line. His marriage should have been his priority. I should have been his main concern. Instead he blamed me. He told me I was lying; Bryan would never do anything like that. Instead of protecting me when I needed him, he turned his back on me and made me out to be the culprit. I didn’t think I would survive that. I still don’t think I will. “Aaron?” Silence was my companion.

The promotion decision wasn’t supposed to be made until two months later, but the partners announced Aaron as the recipient that following Monday. I pushed my feelings aside and became the supportive spouse; celebrations and lavish outings with my husband and the man who attacked me. Posing for pictures, being nice, and accepting keep quiet gifts like the perfect little wife. Aaron had shunned me since then. I made it my mission to get him to forgive me, but it still hadn’t happened. Six months is a long time to bear the burden of an act you didn’t commit. I put my nightie back on and climbed into bed. Although I longed for it, sleep abandoned me.

Splitting Karma: Kindle / Paperback

HOT RELEASE: Lovely Lies 2 by LaShanta Charles

After Makynzee's kidnapping, Kalil is left struggling to maintain his composure. He was supposed to protect her and he failed miserably. He's left tormented by thoughts of what Nyeem may be doing to Makynzee or if she's even alive. One thing is for sure, He needs to regain his focus because now he's faced with the unlikely task of getting her back. Nyeem, the psycho stalker turned kidnapper, has finally succeeded in conquering his ultimate goal - making Makynzee his. So what if she was in a perfectly good relationship with Kalil? And does it really matter that he had to kidnap her to get her? It seems as though he's taken full control of everyone's lives and has no intentions of letting that control go. Because of him lives may be lost, Makynzee's fate is unknown, and the chaos he's brought with him has taken up permanent real estate.

Lovely Lies 2 is available at Amazon.com, and it is also available on all eReaders and most bookstores!

EXCERPT

I saw the flashing lights before we reached the studio. Police tape, ambulances, cops, and reporters were everywhere.the makings of a crime scene. Hindsight tells me that the "wind knocked out of me" feeling was me knowing that my baby was gone. KJ's cries had escalated to screams and him telling me to go get Makynzee, a full-blown tantrum. My mom had asked me what was going on as though I hadn't been with her the whole time. In less than ten seconds my eyes had scanned the parking lot at least a dozen times. I needed to see her. I willed myself to just catch a brief glimpse of her. Her hand, her jacket, her backpack.anything, just her. If I could see her, I could stop the tremors building inside me. Instead I saw Donte holding Jaida's hand as they loaded her into an ambulance. Jaida.Makynzee's best friend, they're like sisters. Another sign that my baby was gone. If she were there she would have been holding Jaida's hand too. I can't remember if I put the truck in park before I'd jumped out and made my way to Donte shouting his name. He'd looked away and shook his head when he saw me. I'd pushed Kaeden and an EMT away to keep them from closing the ambulance doors.

"Where is she?" I'd asked. I needed him to tell me what I already knew. My mind wouldn't process it, wouldn't accept it. His reply was pathetic enough to make me hit him.

"I tried to stop him, but I would have shot her if I did."

"What the hell does that mean? Where's Makynzee?" I'd asked as I dragged him from the ambulance. Three cops with their guns trained on me, Kaeden trying to pull me away and Karmen and the EMT yelling for me to let him go did nothing but irritate me more. He had one job, one responsibility. The one thing I'll never forgive him for failing. KJ's cries were his saving grace. I let Kaeden pull me away. I tried to block Donte's voice out as he finally said what I thought I needed to hear.


"He took her, Kalil. I tried to stop him, he shot Jaida and took her."

LaShanta Charles was born and raised in the small town of Orangeburg, SC. She has always been an avid reader of all genres, but Urban/African-American Fiction has always been her true love and is what inspired her to pursue a writing career. In high school, she began letting her classmates read the short stories that she would write and based off of their feedback, her passion for writing pushed her to become a published author. She published her debut novel, Lovely Lies, in 2013 and will release the sequel, Lovely Lies 2, in February 2014. Currently she is working in her third novel, Splitting Karma, along with other projects. In recognition of her work, LaShanta was named National Black Book Festival's 2013 Best New Author and was nominated for 2013 Breakout Author of the Year through the African American Literary Awards Show. Lovely Lies was also awarded Most Underrated Book of 2013 for the Literary Scream Awards.

Currently she lives in Killeen, TX, with her husband and two children. She is pursuing a degree in English at Drury University and also serving in the US Army. Her hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, eating, and of course, writing. Her motto is “strive to excel, not to equal.”

You can learn more about LaShanta through the following online outlets: [Her website] [Delphine Publications] [Facebook] [Twitter]

A Satisfying Read: Review of LaShanta Charles' Lovely Lies

[Click cover to order Lovely Lies today!]

Makynzee has spent all of her life being dependent on people who've always disappointed her, especially her abusive mother. Everyone lies to her - her sister, her uncle, even her beloved father. When her mom strips her of her one true love, gymnastics, she's determined to find and maintain her independence. There's only one little problem...money. She sets out to find a job as a dancer at a gentelman's club, but finds Kalil instead. With his looks, money, and charisma any woman would be crazy not to want him and Makynzee's no different. Falling for him fast she soon discovers some things just arent adding up and Kalil may not be the man she thought he was. He wants to be with her and provide for her, but can he protect her? When a love-struck fan becomes obsessed and begins attacking and stalking Makynzee she questions Kalil's ability to be her protector. Makynzee has no idea who he is, where he came from, or why he's here, but he's determined to have her even if that means eliminating everyone she knows and loves. By any means necessary, right? She belongs to him and he's claiming what's rightfully his, no matter the circumstances. When truths are revealed, they threaten to tear Makynzee's soul apart and chaos becomes her life. Will she be able to escape this temporary insanity or will she become a permanent victim?

CLG Review of  Lovely Lies

4 (out of 5) lattes

A Satisfying Read

What to do when it seems that everyone about you lies and no one gives you what you really need... love? This thought is at the heart of LaShanta Charles' debut novel, LOVELY LIES, a story that from the first sentence hits you with conflict, tension, and drama and pulls you through a story rife with pain, heartache, relationship drama, love, and danger for the main character, Makynzee. Makynzee seems to have lost everything when her mother rips the one thing she loves, gymnastics, from her grip. To make it on her own, Makynzee begins working as a dancer at a gentleman's club and there finds a man that can give her everything she needs, despite the fact that he's not as perfect as he appears. Her life becomes more complicated when one of her fans turns into a stalker and puts Makynzee's life in danger. Where can she turn? Who will protect her? Will she make it out of the ordeal with her life intact and love by her side? You can't help but to be drawn to Makynzee as Charles develops her well. She's a woman that many of probably know, at least in essence, and this is what drew me in to the story. It doesn't hurt that Charles does a solid job of providing the reader with a story with other complex characters, heightened drama, and twists that leave the reader unsure what will happen next.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Check Out LaShanta Charles' LOVELY LIES

LaShanta Charles was born and raised in the small town of Orangeburg, SC. She has always been an avid reader of all genres, but Urban / African American Fiction has always been her true love and is what inspired her to pursue a writing career. In high school, she began letting her classmates read the short stories that she would write and based off of their feedback, her passion for writing pushed her to become a published author. She published her debut novel, Lovely Lies, in 2013 and is currently working on the sequel, Lovely Lies 2, along with other projects. In recognition of her work, LaShanta was recently named National Black Book Festival's 2013 Best New Author and has been nominated for 2013 Breakout Author of the Year through the African American Literary Awards Show.Currently she lives in Killeen, TX, with her husband and two children. She is pursuing a degree in English at Drury University and also serving in the US Army. Her hobbies include spending time with family, traveling, eating, and of course, writing. Her motto is “strive to excel, not to equal.”

Learn more about LaShanta at her Website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Purchase Lovely Lies at Amazon!

Makynzee has spent all of her life being dependent on people who've always disappointed her, especially her abusive mother. Everyone lies to her - her sister, her uncle, even her beloved father. When her mom strips her of her one true love, gymnastics, she's determined to find and maintain her independence. There's only one little problem...money. She sets out to find a job as a dancer at a gentlemen's club, but finds Kalil instead. With his looks, money, and charisma any woman would be crazy not to want him and Makynzee's no different. Falling for him fast she soon discovers some things just aren't adding up and Kalil may not be the man she thought he was. He wants to be with her and provide for her, but can he protect her? When a love-struck fan becomes obsessed and begins attacking and stalking Makynzee she questions Kalil's ability to be her protector. Makynzee has no idea who he is, where he came from, or why he's here, but he's determined to have her even if that means eliminating everyone she knows and loves. By any means necessary, right? She belongs to him and he's claiming what's rightfully his, no matter the circumstances. When truths are revealed, they threaten to tear Makynzee's soul apart and chaos becomes her life. Will she be able to escape this temporary insanity or will she become a permanent victim?

Excerpt

Kalil wants a baby. Maybe even babies. Thinking about babies makes me think of Riley and Patience. I know Riley held on to her demons, but what she did makes no sense to me. There’s something Marcus isn’t telling me. I call him and ask if I can stop by when I’m done here. He sounds excited to hear from me. I finish with Amber and as I’m leaving Stanley walks in. He asks if I’ve given any thought to changing my mind about coming to the wedding. I ignore him. When I get to Marcus’s house, he’s outside. I don’t know if he was waiting for me or if he was already outside. It’s too hot to just be sitting outside.

“Hey, I’m glad you called. I wanted to talk to you about a few competitions I heard about.”

I walk onto the porch and immediately stop. I hate this porch. I’m not even sure how he can be so calm while he’s standing here. I walk backwards until I’m on the lawn. “That’s not why I’m here, Marcus.”

“Then why?”

“I can’t stop thinking about it. I need to know. What set her off?”

His expression changes. He doesn’t look happy to see me anymore.

“I mean it’s just so weird. She lived with all that for so long and then just out of the blue with no explanation she goes and does this.” I don’t elaborate on what this is. He knows exactly what I’m talking about, but he doesn’t respond. I watch as he goes back up to the porch and opens the door to the house.

“I got arrested.”

What!? I start to ask why, but he answers before I do.

“Soliciting a prostitute.”

He doesn’t say anymore. Riley needed someone to talk to. Someone she could trust. The one person she thought that was betrayed her. Why didn’t she come to me? Thoughts of her flood my mind as I go to the car, but everything goes blank when I see Nyeem’s reflection in the tint of the car window.

“Hello,” he says.

Hello? Seriously? I go for the panic button on the keypad. I’m not sure how he knew what I was thinking of doing, maybe my eyes gave it away, but he grabs my hand and squeezes my knuckles together. My keys slip from my hands as I cry out.

“You should be happy to see me.” He’s behind me, using his body to pin me against the car. His hand is around my neck and I’m struggling to breathe. “You’re making this harder than it has to be, all you gotta do is talk to me!”

Trying to pry his hand away would be useless, so I go for his neck instead. He lets my neck go, but doesn’t move away.

“I knew you’d be a fighter.”

I can feel his lips at the nape of my neck, his erection growing in the small of my back. The pleasure he’s getting from this disgusts me.“What do you want? Why are you doing this?”

“Because you act like you don’t remember me!”

“I only worked at Sirens for a few months, how could I remember you?” I yell.

“I was here long before Sirens! I’ve been here since all you cared about was freestyle, since day one and you get with Kalil and forget everything else that matters!”

My mind threatens to shut down as I try to figure out what he’s talking about. I have no idea who he is, but he obviously knows me well. He slides his hand over my left breast then tries to slip it between my legs. I scream and push against the car, but he’s too strong. I reach behind me again, this time going for his face. His eyes are my target, but he’s taller than I thought. My thumb slips into his mouth and I dig all five of my nails into his jaw. He backs away just enough for me to turn to him. I thought this would make it easier to fight him. I realize how wrong that thought was when I feel the back of his hand across my face. It doesn’t sting like the slaps I’ve felt from my mom or anyone else. It hurts like hell and I’m dizzy. I can’t tell if my vision is blurry because of the blow or my tears. I can hear him yelling at me, but I can’t focus on what he’s saying. I grab my keys just as he grabs me. He’s hovering over me; choking me again. I push the panic button and the alarm goes off.

“The cops are on their way, get off of her or I’ll shoot,” Marcus says.

Nyeem ignores him.

“I’m serious mister, let her go!”

“Marcus, what’s going on?” a distant voice asks.

Another yells, “What are you doing? Get off of her!”

I think the neighbors have started to come out because of the car alarm, but I can’t understand why hasn’t Marcus shot him yet?

A female yells, “Help them, get him off of her!”

Marcus chambers a round and yells, “I won’t ask you again!”

He didn’t even have the gun cocked?!

Nyeem kisses me and says, “Think long and hard, you can’t just erase me. I’ll see you soon.”

I can breathe again. By the time I catch my breath and look around he’s lost in the crowd of Marcus and his neighbors as they check to see if I’m okay.