"And it doesn't matter how much time passed or how much time will pass-it's him. It always has been him and it always will be him...I just don't know how to tell him," When it's more than a like, and they're more than a friend. When they know you better than you know yourself and just the thought of them is all you need to put a smile on your face-telling your best friend you're in love with them should be simple. Right?

A debt has been incurred. And they've come to collect. Vanessa Cruz is a young black woman, simply trying to survive in a world set up to conspire against her prosperity. Grinding Monday to Friday, and working Friday to Sunday left her no room to hope for an illustrious future. As the eldest daughter of an immigrant household in the US, her family dynamics are carefully balanced on her shoulders. So when a message is sent by a nefarious man of means, addressed to her indifferent father, she answers. Angelo Leone is a newcomer. An outsider in the organisation he's part of, his appearance acted as a walking reminder of the illicit nature of his existence. With a lot to prove, he cuts the city deep, and lets the blood pour out in the streets as a warning. Two opposing forces collide, and although at first glance the odd seems to be stacked in Angelo's favour, Vanessa soon finds a way to even the playing field. Follow Vanessa on her journey into the world of organised crime. How high of a price do you think she's willing to pay for the safety of her family? Will she be able to make her way out alive, or will she have pay the ultimate sacrifice? Only one way to find out... This book contains graphic descriptions of adult themes. Please read at your own discretion.

Asha Mitchell is all about her education and the next box to check off her list of goals. She never allows anyone to steer her from her path or take her eyes off the prize. She's a big time lover who also knows how to choose herself or play the game if she feels it's necessary. But she rather not. She admires love and wants everything it has to offer if she can. Some of the best relationships are built on friendship, and Asha doesn't realize that until Sanchez Harmon. He's goal oriented and doesn't have time for games. He knows what he wants for all aspects of his life - except his love life. Relationships aren't his strong suit because he's never been in one and never wanted one. Romantic love is a fantasy to him; nice to watch but unrealistic. A few things come to light when the two become friends after a homecoming party. One is an open-hearted lover and the other can't see himself in love. They love different but they'll try to figure out which way is best for them.

"In life, we form bonds and relationships with those who've never experienced themselves in all seasons of life-at their highest and lowest points, in grief and sadness, happiness and anger. We expect people to know themselves coming into our lives, but we never think about the seasons they haven't experienced."

Arinze is an ER nurse with a chip on her shoulder, Mahdi is a sweet firefighter with a heart of gold. Read to find out what happens when these opposites meet. (18+)