Simply Cheris. . .

Who is Cleveland Alexander? He’s a sexy firefighter from Atlanta, Ga. He doesn’t believe love is in his future and he wasn’t too excited to see his brother get married for a second time to multi-millionaire Jill Atkinson. Read all about Cleveland in More Than He Can Handle. But before you pick up the book Publishers Weekly calls a “steamy romance,” check out where Cleveland first made his impact in The Business of Love. Jill Atkinson has a successful business, good friends, and the respect of the Atlanta corporate community--everything except a good man. When a sexy firefighter, Darren Alexander, saves her from a blaze at her condo, Jill decides to lie about her job rather than risk scaring another guy away. When the truth comes to light, will she lose everything?

She’s a gamble he can’t resist… BETTING ON LOVE CHERIS HODGES WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS… High-stakes action and even hotter men are all Jade Christian wants now that her scheming boyfriend has aced her out of his bed and their successful company. But her Vegas weekend spree has turned into several nights of steamy no-strings sex with easygoing businessman James Goings—and he’s becoming the one bet she can’t resist … IS JUST THE BEGINNING… Growing up in the shadow of his famous athlete brother taught James that focusing on his career was far safer than trusting beautiful women. His sizzling encounters with Jade could almost change his mind … if he wasn’t afraid she’d use him for revenge on her ex. But the more he sees of the real, down-to-earth woman behind the seductress, the more James will risk to win her love for a lifetime… Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com

More Than He Can Handle Cheris Hodges. Dafina, $6.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-7582-3151-2 Hodges (Let's Get It On) delivers a sizzling romance between sharp, demanding New Orleans hotel owner Winfred “Freddie” Barker and arrogant firefighter and confirmed bachelor Cleveland Alexander. After they meet at the wedding of their best friends, their champagne-fueled one-night stand turns into a tumultuous affair. Freddie's certain that Cleveland is commitment-phobic like her father, an unreliable ex-con, while Cleveland seethes at Freddie's explosive temper and scornful attitude. Various subplots, including Cleveland's difficulties at work and Freddie's frequent sparring with her friend Lillian, interrupt the swift pacing, but the sensual love scenes are plentiful and vividly executed, and the believable, three-dimensional characters keep things moving. (Feb.)

I haven't posted a blog in a while. It's not that I don't have something to say, I've just been writing and worrying. Living in a banking town, Charlotte, you can't ignore the crumbling economy. It makes me just want to get in my car and drive away. But I have been doing positive things. I have a new book coming this winter, titled More Than He Can Handle . I'm really excited about this book and I hope you will love it too. In stores now is Let's Get It On . I wrote a prequel to "Let's Get It On," and I will post it this week. Stay tuned and stay blessed. Cheris

She's So Not Having This Problem… "I go on vacation in the Bahamas to celebrate my promotion and who do I see? Maurice Goings, NFL superstar, my high school and college sweetheart...the man who not only broke my heart, but drop-kicked it beyond repair. We were only a few weeks away from marriage when I caught him cheating on me. I changed schools, became a top lawyer, and swore that I'd never be hurt like that again. I don't care that Maurice is even finer than ever before, I'm not letting him fool me twice…" But He's Ready To Do Whatever It Takes… "I know I hurt Kenya a lot, but I really do love her. No matter how much she tries to push me away, fate keeps drawing us back into each other's arms—and God knows there's still so much sizzling chemistry between us. So this is my last chance to show her that she can trust me again. It's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done—but Kenya's worth it..." Maurice and James stretche...

From 'A Cautious Heart' to 'Let's Get It On' Published Thursday, March 27, 2008 by By Erica Singleton, For The Charlotte Post For Cheris Hodges, the first novel she wrote that was based in Charlotte began with the experience of an ex-boyfriend. Though Hodges had already self-published her first novel, “Searching for Paradise,” in 2000 her first book with Charlotte ties was “Cautious Heart,” which initially came out in 2003. It all began with the line, “He thinks I’m stupid.” “It was kind of inspired by an ex-boyfriend of mine,” said Hodges. “He inspired that one line...and the story was kind of framed around that one line. But, it was exciting to write about a tough kick booty heroine.” Hodges recently signed copies of “Cautious Heart” which was re-released this year as part of the Recapture the Romance theme by Genesis Press. Cautious Heart was one of the more popular titles that Genesis decided to re-release, as they move into Mass Market publishing. “Oth...

Join me at RealEyes Bookstore, 3306-A North Davidson St., Charlotte, NC as I sign copies of "Cautious Heart" and give a sneak preview of new novel, "Let's Get It On," which will be released this summer.

What happens when sexy football players fall head over heels in love? AlTonya Washington and Cheris Hodges know and tell all in their new novels: “Rival’s Desire” and “Let’s Get It On.” Join the ladies as they sign copies of their new books at your favorite book store!

Meet Author Cheris Hodges at Real Eyes Bookstore from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 15, 2008. The store is located at 3306-A North Davidson St., Charlotte. Get a sneak peek at "Let's Get It On" as she signs copies of the re-released novel "Cautious Heart." There will be free wine and food. Cautious Heart follows Charlotte police detective Caprice Johnson, is fighting for her life and her career after her cheating ex-fiancé is found dead in a Charlotte hotel room. Her former partner, Nathan Wallace has been trying to keep his feelings for Caprice silent since the day they met, but with her career and life on the line, Caprice has to rely on Nathan and the truth to survive. And coming this summer, “Let’s Get It On.” Also set in Charlotte, this novel proves that it’s never too late for second chances. NFL wide receiver Maurice Goings never thought he’d miss the one woman he pushed away. But when he reconnects with his first love in the tropics, sparks fly. Kenya Taylo...

That sounds good to me!!

I'm voting for Obama, unless he does something crazy like kills his wife. And we know that is not going to happen. I love Michelle Obama and she looks like a sister who doesn't play. Don't let the Ivy League degrees fool you. But I digress. There has been this dust up over Mr. Obama's attendance at the State of The Black Union, hosted by Tavis Smiley. There was talk that Mrs. Obama was offered as Mr. Obama's replacement. Sorry, but I'm with Tavis on this, Michelle, despite how BRILLIANT you are, you're not the candidate. So, Mr. Obama can't go. That's fine. But all this talk trying to pit Tavis against Barack is bullshit. And what's even more bullshit is Roland Martin's latest commentary on the subject: Read CNN political analyst Roland Martin's column "Why Obama should skip Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union" here. Why Obama should skip Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union By Roland Martin Sen. Barack Obama t...

Here we are nearly two years after Jena 6. And let's not forget the time that has passed since Bush was the governor of Texas and James Byrd was murdered by racists men who drug him as if he were an uprooted tree. And today Bush speaks out against nooses? What the fuck? This asshole had eight years to address racism and he waits until now to do it? Give me a damned break. Bush: Noose displays 'deeply offensive' By DEB RIECHMANN 14 minutes ago WASHINGTON - President Bush said Tuesday that recent displays of nooses are disturbing and indicate that some Americans may be losing sight of the suffering that blacks have endured across the nation. ADVERTISEMENT "The era of rampant lynching is a shameful chapter in American history," Bush said at a black history month event at the White House, which began with serious comments about prejudice and ended with music performed by The Temptations. "The noose is not a symbol of prairie justice, but of gross injustice,...

Did you catch his performance on the Grammys and the moving tribute he did to his mother? That's why I don't care what nobody says about Kanye's ego and I don't care what people say about his tantrums, he is the man! No other rapper can touch him--maybe Common.

Barack Obama won all three of the primary states that voted on Saturday and at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Va, Obama showed that he is Fired UP and Ready to Go. Senator Obama represents change. He isn't bogged down with Whitewater and years of dirt being tossed on him because his husband got his dick sucked. Yes, I'm talking about Hillary. She is old Washington. And all of this stuff she is talking about passing and doing, why didn't she do it in the eight years that Bill was in office? I don't get to vote until May, but everytime I hear Obama speak, it makes me impaitent to get out there and vote for him! www.barackobama.com

Hell hath no fury ... Scorned Charlotteans tell tales of revenge ... Happy Valentine's Day. By Cheris Hodges It must have been the beginning of February when the ladies decided to get together for their annual dinner at Ruby Tuesday. This year, as it turned out, none of them had Valentine's Day plans. For once, this group of single women was without boyfriends, lovers or whatever. But you know what happens when you put a bunch of single women together close to St. Valentine's Day? The stories start pouring out. It's like a bad episode of Sex and The City -- but the tales of awesome sex are replaced by stories explaining why men should take heed of the hearts they break. A tall waiter walks over to the table, smiling at the women and assuring them that he's going to take care of them. "That's what they all say," Erica says after he's out of earshot. The other ladies laugh. "Sometimes," I say, "you have to take care of them. Teach them...

Sometimes, it’s good to judge a book by its cover Romance author Cheris Hodges is a finalist for the cover of the year, an award given out at the Romance Slam Jam. This year’s event will be held in Chicago on April 30-May 4. Hodges’s latest novel, “Just Can’t Get Enough,” was nominated for the Emma award in the category of best cover. Named after the co-founder of the Romance Slam Jam, the Emma Awards is the premier awards event for readers and authors of black romance. The Romance Slam Jam grew out of an early desire to recognize, and pay respect to our authors, and to celebrate their craft with their avid fans, says the founders of the event. Emma Rodgers, Ashira Tosihwe and Francis Ray gave birth to the ROMANCE SLAM JAM in 1995 in Dallas, Texas, to demonstrate what Nikki Giovanni describes as “The Power, Passion and Pain of Black Love.” There was much success at Black Images marketing, promoting and selling the works of black romance writers since the early 90’s that they decided...

And we have an extra day in Black History month. Yay, I say sarcastically. You know what kind of pisses me off about Black History Month--we trot out the same stories about the same sports figures and entertainers. What about Marcus Garvey, what about Nat Turner? What about people in your community that have changed the city where you live? Isn't it time to stop teaching our kids that music and sports are the only way to have a better life? Holla! And the Black History figure of the week is Zora Neale Hurston. Goggle her!

I was sitting on the sofa and saw a Disney commercial for Cinderella. And I am not going to lie, when I was younger (even in my 20s) Cinderella was one of my favorite stories. And the song, "Someday My Prince Will Come" was a mantra. But reality bites. Waiting for some man to come and sweep you off your feet is a mistake, just like being desparate and sweeping the clubs and bars for men. Everything happens for a reason and in due time. Sometimes, when we meet a man, we want that fairy tale relationship, but we don't realize that reality gets in the way. Of course the prince can spend all day with you--he don't have no damned job, nor baggage or kids or exes that may crop up. And all of us are not princesses. How long is a man going to want a singing and clingy chick that has no life outside of him? Relationships are about balance. You should make him better and he should make you better, but neither of you should change to be with the other. If Cinderella's foot d...

I've finally decided that I need a blog. So thanks for bearing with me and my rantings. I say this in advance, before I post anything too crazy. :) First, allow me to introduce myself: I'm Cheris Hodges, the author of seven novels, including Just Can't Get Enough, Cautious Heart, Searching For Paradise and Second Chances at Love. I love to write and read. I have an opinion on everything--especially the Presidental election. And yes, I'm for Barack Obama. In the coming weeks, months and whatever, I hope we can talk about a variety of things. Check me out at www.cherishodges.com or join me on MySpace at www.myspace.com/cherishodges Peace!