24 Books Published by Cartel Publications on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

Click for more detail about Hey, Baby Girl! by Andrea Davis Pinkney Hey, Baby Girl!

by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Cartel Publications (Oct 03, 2023)
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A beautiful ode to all bright brown baby girls and the fifth title in the acclaimed Bright Brown Baby series — from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney!

Hey, baby girl. Go change the world!

Brimming with love and affirmation, this sweet board book shows bright brown baby girls and little ones everywhere that they can do anything. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and tender, charming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney, this inspirational ode is the perfect way to offer confidence at the earliest stage and show all little girls that they can change the world!

This board book is part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, a celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families. And if you’re looking for a gift-able picture book, be sure to also check out the beautiful picture book treasury, Bright Brown Baby, to read "Hey, Baby Girl!" alongside four more poems. Just-right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more! This is a perfect addition to every child’s growing Bright Brown Baby bookshelf!


Click for more detail about Baby Boy, You Are a Star! by Andrea Davis Pinkney Baby Boy, You Are a Star!

by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Cartel Publications (Jan 03, 2023)
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New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney create a joyful and beautiful ode to all bright brown baby boys — the fifth title in our acclaimed Bright Brown Baby series!

Baby boy. Precious boy. Yes! You’re a STAR!

A joyful, poetic celebration and ode to all bright brown baby boys. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and tender, charming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney, this tender affirmation is the perfect way to rejoice and teach your child that they truly are a star!

This board book is part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, a celebration of Black and brown joy, babies, and families. And if you’re looking for a gift-able picture book, be sure to also check out the beautiful picture book treasury, Bright Brown Baby, to read "Baby Boy, You’re a Star!" alongside four more poems. Just-right for new and expectant parents, baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and more! This is a perfect addition to every child’s growing Bright Brown Baby bookshelf!


Click for more detail about The Gods of Everything Else 2: Too Close To The Sun (The Cartel Publications Presents) by T. Styles The Gods of Everything Else 2: Too Close To The Sun (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Mar 26, 2022)
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Click for more detail about The Gods of Everything Else: An Ace and Walid Saga (the Cartel Publications Presents) by T. Styles The Gods of Everything Else: An Ace and Walid Saga (the Cartel Publications Presents)

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Jan 28, 2022)
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The sins of the fathers shall be visited on the sons…

Now eighteen, twins Ace and Walid Wales are grown men. Born to the billionaire Banks Wales, it quickly becomes obvious that paradise is not heaven on earth for Ace when he feels the pressure of his overbearing father.

After a brutal incident on their private island, Banks applies pressure which sends Ace’s already volatile behavior out of control.

To make matters worse, the youngest generation, Blakeslee, Riot, Bolt and Patrick are taking notice and it’s obvious if things aren’t reigned in, he will eventually spoil the bunch.

Unable to take Banks’ rules anymore, Ace orchestrates a move that threatens the lives of the Wales and Louisville generation.

The Gods Of Everything Else, reintroduces Ace and Walid while also catching up with Banks and Mason as they struggle to keep their family together…AGAIN


Click for more detail about Ask The Streets For Mercy (The Cartel Publications Presents) by Shay Youngblood Ask The Streets For Mercy (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by Shay Youngblood
Cartel Publications (Aug 21, 2020)
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When Rasha was left to strangers as an infant, she didn’t know there was anything to fear in the world. After all, she had been shielded from pain, with the exception of the wrath she experienced from her jealous foster mother. Before long, this torment was enough to force her into silence, vowing never to speak again.

But what do you do when you can’t speak, and your agony has just begun?

Forced to leave home after home, she ends up in the worst place to ever shape a young girl’s mind. Looked upon as prey, she becomes a game for a dangerous clique. Unable to see the good due to being blinded by the bad, she learns hate, savagery and above all revenge.


Click for more detail about The Fold by T. Styles The Fold

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Jun 30, 2017)
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Infatuated with the legend of Farah Cotton, told through handwritten books by the late Mooney, Cutie Tudy is determined to find out if Farah really exists. Her search leads her to The Fold during a violent and volatile time. Now on the compound, she is not able to un-see what she discovers and is taken in as a permanent guest. Farah Cotton is miserable and is forced in a relationship with the co-leader of The Fold, Bones, while hiding the feelings that she has for her true love, Slade Baker. She was coping with the situation until an incident that Bones was responsible for changes everything. Slade Baker tried to move on with his life and even settled down until he realizes life without Farah is impossible, even if that means death to him and every Baker. The Fold is a bloody thrill ride that introduces you into the dark world of how the vamps came to be…enjoy!


Click for more detail about Whore the Wind Blew My Way by T. Styles Whore the Wind Blew My Way

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Mar 13, 2017)
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After committing a violent crime, Louise Smart, a career whore, desires one thing above all, to escape New York to save her unborn baby. However, the universe has other plans, which include a tough lesson that will rock the unsuspecting new mother’s world. Protect your children or lose them to the streets. Far removed from her care, and now being raised by two gay men, Shayla, Louise’s daughter, spends her time daydreaming about living the lifestyle of her favorite movie actresses. But her daydreaming stops short after she’s shoved into the world of prostitution, physical abuse and crime, well before she becomes a woman. By the time Shayla is 18, she’s mastered the art of seduction and completely changes the lives of the men she entertains. Some for the better and some for the worst. Until one particular customer sells her a new brand of aspiration. A love, life and happiness outside the Ho House. But with Ajax, her dangerous Pimp, also the man who raised her, lurking in the background is it too late? For them both?


Click for more detail about Cold As Ice by T. Styles Cold As Ice

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Feb 16, 2017)
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T. Styles’, Cold as Ice - Pepper Thomas is a straight A student living in a rough part of Southeast Washington DC, who manages to stay away from drugs, violence and crime. That is, until next-door neighbor and drug dealer Ice’s home is robbed. With newfound evidence that can be held for ransom, can Pepper be as Cold as Ice?


Click for more detail about Black and Ugly by T. Styles Black and Ugly

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Nov 30, 2015)
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Parade Knight hates her complexion. As a result, she considers herself to be unattractive and condones the misuse of her body. Sky Taylor is beautiful, fly and wanted and loves reminding Parade of her imperfections especially after suspecting that she may be sleeping with her man, Jay Hernandez. Miss Wayne is hilarious and a self-proclaimed girlfriend who enjoys the attention his friends bring. If you let Miss Wayne tell it, he s not gay, he s just one of the girls. Daffany Stans uses her body for profit and hides a health secret so serious that it could endanger the lives of her friends, considering their sex partners are so closely related. Black and Ugly is a tale of four totally different friends from the same block, whose friendship is tested during a seemingly innocent game of Truth or Dare. When fatal secrets begin to surface, will Parade give up the friend whose shadow she has walked in all her life? And will Miss Wayne and Daffany abandon their friends to save themselves?


Click for more detail about Lipstick Dom by T. Styles Lipstick Dom

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Jul 01, 2015)
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Click for more detail about Pretty Kings 2: Scarlett’s Fever by T. Styles Pretty Kings 2: Scarlett’s Fever

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Nov 26, 2013)
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The Pretty Kings you love are back but they are not alone. The Kennedy Kings have resurfaced only to learn that the women they married are not the same. Scarlett and Camp Kennedy continue to have marital problems. Although their troubles stem from past physical abuse on Scarletts part, their issues are magnified now that she has Ngozi, her mysterious new love interest. With all of her troubles and her new baby, Scarletts emotional stability plummets. Bambi and Kevin Kennedy try to put the pieces of their marriage back together although the scars of infidelity and secrets of betrayal linger in the air. The first thing he wants to know is what happened to his beloved aunt Bunny. Add to that the fact that he has to deal with feeling emasculated now that his wife is running the Kennedy King Empire. Denim and Bradley Kennedy seem to have not missed a beat in their marriage. However, Denims mother, Sarah and her heroin addicted sister Grainger continue to ravel Denims happy home. When Bradley makes a single mistake in defense of his family everything in their lives change for the worst. Race and Ramirez Kennedy are back together and thanks to Carey, their vixen love toy, their sex life could not be steamier. Before long Race discovers that shes having a hard time figuring out her place in the trio. Operating as muscle for the Pretty Kings Empire is not the only thing she wants to control. As the Kennedy family struggle to put their lives in order, drama, turmoil and tragedy meet them at every corner. Will they come out as a whole or is it curtains for the empire?


Click for more detail about Mad MaXXX: Children of The Catacombs by T. Styles Mad MaXXX: Children of The Catacombs

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Oct 11, 2013)
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What do you get when you put a group of vagrants, alcoholics, drug addicts, murderers and troubled teenagers, in a dark tunnel alone? T. Styles’ next twisted novel, Mad MaXXX: Children of The Catacombs! After being blamed for a crime she didn’t commit, Madjesty (from the RAUNCHY series) retreats to The Catacombs, a tunnel nicknamed by the homeless who live there. Although the conditions are less than habitable, she discovers some painful things about herself, through the eyes of people more tormented than she is. Despite the rats, public sex exploitations, violence and the mystery of never really knowing the people around you, Madjesty is the most comfortable she’s ever been in her life. With them she feels right at home. Until Everest comes into the picture, with her tall tales that only Madjesty doesn’t buy. Although it’s obvious to others around Madjesty, that she may be falling in love, she avoids it at all cost. After all, every female she has ever cared for was murdered or violently ripped from her life, twisting her mind up in the process. Even though she avoids the affections of Everest, she finds love anyway in a 5-year old named Pickles, who was born in The Catacombs and abandoned by his mother soon after. Before long Madjesty appears to be getting her life together, but there is one problem, Wicked, the power-hungry self-proclaimed leader, doesn’t want her there. He’s doing everything he can to have her removed from the Catacombs, even if it means taking her life. Mad MaXXX is a look into the mind of T. Styles, and readers are in for an original ride never seen before in urban fiction. Strap in your seat belt and enjoy!


Click for more detail about Pretty Kings by T. Styles Pretty Kings

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Jan 29, 2013)
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BET called ’Pretty Kings’ a must read! The Pretty Kings became the most notorious drug lords in the United States. This is how their reign begins. Bambi and her sisters in law have it all. They are married to brothers of the highly respected Kennedy family, rich and hopelessly in love. As promised, the Kennedy Kings decide to get out of the drug game, after, a one hundred million dollar meeting with The Russians, whom they never met personally. First, the Kings have to return home from LA. But, while in a casino, something so devastating occurs, which their wives witness via video calling, that changes the wives lives forever. The next day, emotionally beaten, Bambi remembers the meeting with The Russians that is to take place on Saturday. Although grieving, she considers how life will be without her husband and penniless. Bambi tries to facilitate the meeting without their husbands but is unsuccessful. The Russians are expecting the Kennedy Kings only. Not wanting to miss and opportunity to take care of her family for the rest of her life, Bambi comes up with a plan. However, for this plan to be executed, the wives would have to take over their husbands identities. They must become the Kennedy Kings. If it works, they will continue to afford the lifestyle they are accustomed. If not, they might suffer a fate so brutal, death would be better.


Click for more detail about Black & Ugly As Ever by T. Styles Black & Ugly As Ever

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Dec 01, 2012)
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The gang you fell in love with returns from the street classic Black & Ugly! Parade Knight finally gets what she wants, a man of her own, despite hating her own dark skin. But as the nights grow longer and her sexual encounters become more frequent with her fiance Smokes, she wonders why she still can t seem to get her old flame Jay Hernandez off her mind. Faced with choosing between the man who proposed and the man she loves, she doesn t see a set-up coming, but it may be too late. Daffany s heart is heavy as she battles with the disease that haunts her body, and the poison she places in her blood. But when she s unable to afford her drug of choice, she s given a cheap alternative and it takes her on an all time high. Miss Wayne s colorful antics go to the next level as he fights to keep their friendship together. But when it becomes apparent that he s all alone in his efforts, he wonders if they ll ever be the same. Black & Ugly As Ever is a warm street tale with a coldhearted truth. That if you don t pick yourself up when you fall, you ll be a doormat for others. You ll laugh, cry and feel a part of these childhood friends lives as they dodge danger to keep things together. This beautiful sequel has finally arrived!

Book Review

Click for more detail about Raunchy 3: Jayden’s Passion by T. Styles Raunchy 3: Jayden’s Passion

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Aug 17, 2012)
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When Jayden Phillips is violated by her sister, she rethinks her life and relationship with her family. She quickly realizes she has to take care of a few loose ends, which ultimately result in bloodshed and chaos. Will she survive the deadly decisions she’s made or will life as she knows it come to a crashing end?


Click for more detail about Raunchy 2: Mad’s Love by T. Styles Raunchy 2: Mad’s Love

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Jul 16, 2011)
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After escaping death at her own child’s hands, you’d think Harmony Phillips would change. Instead she feels resentful believing her kids took the life from her she felt she deserved. In a bed in Concord Manor, she is nursed back to health by those she wrote off. And while her mind hatches all kinds of revengeful mental and physical plans, she doesn’t look into the eyes of one of her kids. Had she looked long and hard, she would have seen that she had nourished a mind so evil that it would make her own schemes seem saintly. Mad’s only mission in life is to show the world what kind of a person the woman who gave birth to her is. To makes matters worse, she has taken a liking to her father Kali, and that’s when all hell breaks loose. The last part of this trilogy Raunchy 3: Jayden’s Passion follows this novel.


Click for more detail about Shyt List 4: Children of the Wronged by T. Styles Shyt List 4: Children of the Wronged

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Mar 31, 2011)
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What happens when the devil s daughter visits Sin City? Drama occurs of biblical proportions. Yao has given Yvonna specific orders for Urban Greggs, the heavyweight champion of the world. And because she has a temper, he warns her to never allow emotions to get the best of her. But when she comes out of hiding to fulfill her assignment, her enemies converge on the Las Vegas hotel in an effort to draw first blood. In the beginning Yvonna is clueless about their plight, believing no one could possibly know her whereabouts. Soon she discovers she s dead wrong. Shyt List 4 promises to grab, hold and keep you page after page. Enjoy Crazed Shyt List fans everywhere!!!


Click for more detail about Raunchy by T. Styles Raunchy

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Dec 30, 2010)
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Neighbors considered five year old Harmony Phillips, her father Cornell Phillips and her mother Estelle Pointer, to be upstanding citizens in their quiet little estate at Concord Manor. They turned a blind eye to the lavish lifestyle they lived, compliments of Cornell’s involvement in the drug trade. When at the tender age of five, Harmony is abruptly taken away from her home by her scorned mother, her world is rocked. Without her father’s protection, she doesn’t just lose her expensive dolls she also loses any chance of a normal and healthy life. Many years later, under the mental and physical abuse of her mother, Harmony develops a seething hate toward all women, including herself. She quickly develops into a cold, calculating, young and beautiful woman. What a deadly combination. After crossing the wrong people, Harmony is forced to relocate out of state. Before long, her fast sexual lifestyle causes her to breed kids of her own. Eventually she teaches her children every backbiting trick she knows. And if they go against her, she subjects them to abuse far greater than that she endured by the hands of her mother. When Harmony discovers that she has inherited Concord Manor, she uproots her children from their new home in Texas, and moves them back to Maryland. Secrets come out within Concord’s walls and somehow, her children gain the confidence they’ll need to fight for their lives. Raunchy is a heartbreaking, explicit story of failed mother and daughter relationships. And although hope looms in this tale, it can undoubtedly be said that if some women are not fit to be mothers, Harmony Phillips is the worst of them all.


Click for more detail about Miss Wayne & The Queens Of DC by T. Styles Miss Wayne & The Queens Of DC

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (May 31, 2010)
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Miss Wayne from the Essence Best Selling novel Black and Ugly and Black & Ugly as Ever returns in this standalone spin-off!

When Miss Daffany s mothers risky lifestyle finally catches up with her, they all come back from LA, to Washington DC for her funeral. Once in town, Miss Wayne hooks up with his fabulous male friends and decides he misses home.

Both Parade and Daffany fear he might want to stay in DC and their suspicions are correct when he doesn t come back with them. With the Queens of DC, he can wear flashy clothes, live the glamorous and be around people like him. But when the novelty wears off, he realizes that there s a reason he never fully embraced his alternative lifestyle. But it s too late and he becomes a victim of the company he keeps. Murder. Hate. Revenge. All find places in his world and soon the life of those he cares about become endangered.

Miss Wayne & The Queens of DC is a fast paced, funny, heartfelt story. You ll enjoy flashbacks of his life growing up with Parade, Daffany and Sky, and see how he grew to become the diva his is today. But, will he survive?

A Must Read!


Click for more detail about The Face That Launched A Thousand Bullets by T. Styles The Face That Launched A Thousand Bullets

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Jul 31, 2009)
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The Face That Launched A Thousand Bullets: Two men. Two feuding cities. One woman. One was born in our nations capital, Washington DC. The other is a native of Murder City, Baltimore, MD. Despising the other s city made them rivals before even meeting. It didn t matter that they both grew up on violent streets surrounded by drugs and poverty. Soon, need arises and they re forced to cross each other s paths. But when they do, hate from generations before them rises and their meeting becomes intense. Many years later…an opportunity presents itself for them to put their dislikes aside to make millions. They agree, and quickly become the richest men on the east coast. One has a quick temper…the other has quick wit and this combination makes them unstoppable. Their alliance unites soldiers from both DC and Baltimore as they solidify their empire. Defying all enemies, their bond tightens and they become the best of friends. But what happens when a woman becomes involved who s beauty is so intoxicating, that to get another woman like her would be impossible? War. The Face That Launched A Thousand Bullets is a classic love story. The love of money. The love of power. The love of a woman.


Click for more detail about Shyt List 2: Loose Cannon (The Cartel Publications Presents) by Reign Shyt List 2: Loose Cannon (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by Reign
Cartel Publications (Apr 30, 2009)
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The most anticipated sequel and the most hated villain Yvonna Harris is back! And worse than ever before! On a mission, and fresh out of the mental institution, Yvonna returns to Washington DC, to finish what she started. Forcing Treyana to help her, she wastes no time getting down to business. Everything seems to be going as planned, that is until you remember that in Shyt List, nothing is, as it seems. With the help of Ming Chi, a nail designer and personal friend, Yvonna discovers some new things about herself and even brings her new boyfriend Bradshaw along for the ride. Soon everything in control, goes out of control, when Yvonna s name unexpectedly makes it on several shyt lists. Caution: Shyt List fans already know that you should pay more attention to what isn t said, than you should what is. Shyt List 2, explodes with drama, violence, humor, sexuality and suspense. And most importantly, read at your own risk! Oh…and try not to ruin the story for others!


Click for more detail about Pitbulls In A Skirt 2 (The Cartel Publications Presents) by Mikal Malone Pitbulls In A Skirt 2 (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by Mikal Malone
Cartel Publications (Mar 11, 2009)
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The four gangstresses you love return to Emerald City more glamorous than ever! A passionate encounter causes Mercedes more than she realizes. With her guards down, her life is eventually put on the line. Always the tough one, Yvette softens her heart for the new love of her life. The problem is, she only expresses it behind closed doors. After a breech in security, Carissa realizes being a gangster is harder than she thought. Not in her right mind and during the worse time in Emerald City’s history, she makes a critical decision. The results will shock you! Influenced by loneliness and driven by love, Kenyetta makes a dangerous move. Bearing her secret alone, she hides her deceit despite the possibility of major chaos. When Cameron is rejected by Mercedes, he seeks assistance from Black Water, a former competitor, to regain control of Emerald. He quickly learns that goons are not to be controlled, they’re to be unleashed. Black Water, Tyland Tower’s drug lord, has been impregnating women for years to use his children to fight his wars. Never in Emerald City’s history has a more vicious man walked the Emerald City grounds. His selfishness rivals that of even Thick. Lil C grows up and gets a big dose of life when he dives head first into the drug game and his girlfriend get’s pregnant. But after a near death experience he transforms into something else. You’ll wonder if it’s for the better or worse?! Tamir, one of Black Water’s older sons, recites his father’s irrational quotes with precision. But when he doesn t get what he wants, he takes it. This small act marks the beginning of an unplanned war. Pitbulls in a skirt 2 is jammed packed with action, devious plots and murder. Find out if the girl’s friendship can keep their city together or be the cause of it falling apart.


Click for more detail about A Hustler’s Son 2 by T. Styles A Hustler’s Son 2

by T. Styles
Cartel Publications (Dec 05, 2008)
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With a goal to become one of the world s largest African American publishers, T.Styles, Essence Magazine s best selling author of Black & Ugly and A Hustler s Son , has launched her own company, The Cartel Publications. Born in Southeast Washington, D.C, and raised in Houston, Texas, she now resides in Baltimore County, Maryland with her son. She credits her creativity to God, the hundreds of DVDs she has in her collection and trailblazers such as Sister Souljah, saying that, In order to be blessed, you have to pay homage to those who ve paved the way. Although writing is her love, she is certainly multi-talented. Having worked as a Certified Massage Therapist, Model and Public Speaker for major companies/organizations such as The Office of the US Supreme Court, Marriot, Carefirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Eduserc, she has discovered that her true passion is writing and publishing. In addition to working with companies and individuals regarding Health and Wellness issues, T spends her time speaking honestly about the issues she s experienced with the law as a juvenile. She is no stranger to the complexities and issues of the street.


Click for more detail about Victoria’s Secret (The Cartel Publications Presents) by Jason Poole Victoria’s Secret (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by Jason Poole
Cartel Publications (Mar 24, 2008)
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What would you do for your man? Would you whore for him? Victoria Gray is one of the most beautiful women to ever set foot on the hoe stroll. She goes through a tragic childhood only to be found by a love she never knew existed. Babyface, the love of her life, changes her whole perspective of living by saving her from a world of turmoil only to walk her into a Hell of his own. Victoria s Secret is the most realistic story of today s new age pimping with a classy-thuggish style. It takes you on a journey through some of the harshest slums of our nation s capitol, Washington, D.C., and rushes you to some of the most talked about flamboyant night clubs in Atlanta, Georgia! Just when you thought it couldn t get any better, you ll travel through the gang infested streets of Chicago only to land a spot in the heart of one of the biggest Pimp Cities of the world, Memphis, Tennessee…the home of the infamous, Playa s Ball where every pimp dreams of becoming Pimp Of The Year . Victoria s Secret will command you as you read her story all through the pages of her diary. You ll go through mood swings of pain, joy, sadness, happiness, love and hate. You ll also fall in love with characters so real…they ll materialize right before your eyes only to leave you begging for more. The Skillful Pens Of Donald Goines & Iceberg Slim Have Arisen!