The Literary 2024 Gem Awards

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A Small World by Derek Jordan

 

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

In Waterbury, Connecticut, Claude Porter is released after serving a fifteen-year prison sentence. He steps back into society with the intention of living a legal life, despite Jerome “Rocks” Watt’s attempts to lure him back into his former criminal lifestyle. After becoming gainfully employed, Claude gets fired for falsifying his information on the job application. Growing tired of penning applications in a gridlocked system not designed for ex-convicts, he embarks on a mission, alongside Rocks, to capture the American Dream by any means necessary.

In Los Angeles, California, Aaron Banks, a career criminal with a horrific past, strategizes a mass murder to take over the revenue in the streets. With the assistance of his cousin Flex and a few others, the men pull off the hit and came away with big money and drugs. When they catch wind that there may be a potential witness, Aaron and Flex vows to eliminate the witness and anyone who has any knowledge of their horrific crime, including Aaron’s suspicion ridden ex-girlfriend Sonya, but he doesn’t realize that he, too, along with his people, are being hunted. This is a gritty and unpolished novel that is set in multiple cities. A story of murder, violence, deceit, lust, sex, and betrayal, this fable is based on the dark lives of individuals who rely on animal instinct to get that fast cash.

Anything But Mine by Aseera

 

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON 

Tanner(Tank) is a hopeless romantic. He thought that he would be married forever, when his wife blindsided him with a divorce, he thought that his heart would never mend. His friends decided that what he needed was a boy's trip. Blowing off some steam would help his heart to heal. And he did find healing, but in the most unexpected of places. A summer romance that rekindled his belief in happily ever after, but, does Summer love last, or should it be left where it is?

Jakari- has always thought that his best friend was a big old softy when it came to love. He thought that he should play the field and stop looking so hard for something that rarely existed, love. On their boy's trip, he meets someone who changes his outlook. But, she has someone else. Should he continue to pursue this once in a lifetime woman, or do as he has always done and continue to play the field?

 Does what happens during the Summer stay there, or does it last through all seasons?Farrah-has been hit in the heart by the man that she thought she would spend her life with. Finding out that he had a family behind her back in the worse way was enough to cause her to give up on love. When her cousin and best friends suggest a cruise and island hopping, she is reluctant at first. Once she agrees and the trip starts, she is glad she did. It is just what a heartbroken, hard working entrepreher needs. She expects good drinks, embarrassing dancing and photos that she will regret when they return home, what she finds is unexpected and follows her home. Is she ready to give her heart again, or should Summer love end when the winds begin.

Cyndi- has been engaged for far too long. Her fiancee has a chronic case of cold feet, postponing wedding plans every time they are close to tying the knot. She has put together a trip for her heartbroken cousin, never thinking that she would meet someone who she connected with on every level. Now, she has a choice to make. Will she choose to stay with the man who treats her an option, or the man who was never supposed to be an option at all?

Glo by Fatima Munroe

 

School.

Work.

Bills.

Repeat.

As her grandmother’s only caregiver, Glo has little time for anything outside of her bubble. Still holding on to love, she remains dedicated to her fiancé Javon, even when she questions their bond.

Second in command to the king of the streets, women bow down at the cadence in Ace’s demands. But when he bumps into the overworked and under loved college student at Wally’s one night on his way home, her beautiful spirit and radiant countenance pulls him in. He wants her, but all she wants is her college degree; nothing more, nothing less.

If I didn’t learn anything else on this journey, I learned to never let a man love bomb you to the point you don’t recognize yourself. This is my story.

—Glo

A Conversation With Author J.A. Butler

 Stepping into a new world takes you into unforgettable memories and experiences your inner child would never forget. Ultimately that child will grow to create what was once missing and upgrade fictional worlds in ways that can never be forgetting nor replaced. Author J.A. Butler steps into realms where she’s including her identity and building a community she can introduce to readers.

 

My Urban Books: What types of books/topics were missing during your childhood?

J.A.Butler: Growing up, I loved fantasy books. Unfortunately, there weren’t many fantasy books with a POC protagonist. The only time I actually read books with characters who represented me was if they took place during the Great Depression or slavery era. Although it’s important to have those books as well, it was also important to be able to read about someone like me having magical powers and discovering new worlds.

My Urban Books: What would your teenage self-think of you today?
J.A. Butler: I feel like my teenage self would be proud that I accomplish our lifelong dream of becoming a published author. I did a lot of work to get here. I will continue to work hard as to not disappoint her.

My Urban Books: How were your English grades in elementary - high school?
J.A. Butler: My English grades in School were always good. English was my favorite class in school.

My Urban Books: What has changed about you in the last five years, and do you welcome the change?
J.A. Butler: Over the last five years, I have undergone many changes as a person, mother, and author. It’s been quite the journey. Though not all the changes have been positive, I welcomed them all as they taught me much-needed lessons. There’s always room for improvement, and I have been working on the changes that impacted me negatively.

My Urban Books: In your opinion, what makes your writing style stand out?
J.A. Butler: My writing style is characterized by the inclusion of personal experiences, which allows me to inject a part of myself into the narrative and create a believable and authentic ambiance.

My Urban Books: Was there anything surprising concerning writing in your anthology Love Unhinged? If so, what was it?

J.A. Butler: I was very hesitant about adding the SA. This was not a fiction story; it was a part of my life I was sharing with readers, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to allow myself to be that vulnerable.

My Urban Books: Is there a type of character your apprehensive about writing? If so what type and why?

J.A. Butler: I’m not apprehensive about any type of character. I see it as an opportunity to grow as an author. And who don’t like a good challenge?

My Urban Books: Which of your novels has the most intense message?
J.A. Butler: I feel as though Love unhinged has the most intense message. IT has three stories and three different outcomes about being in a toxic relationship.

My Urban Books: Please give aspiring authors one piece of advice.

J.A. Butler: I’ll give the same piece of advice that was always given to me. Write about what you know. That’s the easiest way to get the ball the rolling.

My Urban Books: Please tell readers where they can find your work.

J.A. Butler: All seven of my books can be found on Amazon and Kindle unlimited. Just search J.A. Butler.

Caught Up In Them 3 by Naimah Elise Robinson

COMING SOON 

 

An Assassin Liberated My Heart by B.Monaye

COMING SOON