Simply Cheris. . .

   Chapter One     Solomon Crawford turned his back to the buxom blond model lying beside him. She was on the cover of Maxim this month and he thought it would’ve taken him longer to get her in bed. In reality, it had only taken him two hours and a bottle of expensive champagne to get ‘what’s her name’ to drop her panties and give him what every man in America wanted. But for all her beauty and silicone, she was a complete bore in bed. The woman lay there just like a sack of flour and Solomon had never been more disappointed. He probably would’ve had more fun watching paint dry or grass grow. The red numbers on the alarm clock next to the bed read four-thirty.     Hell, the room is paid for, he thought as he rose from the bed. Solomon didn’t even try to be gentle or quiet as he reached for his discarded Armani slacks and Italian leather loafers.     “Where are you going?” she asked, her voice deepened by sleep.   ...

I'm so excited that Betting On Love   is coming out this week. This book is a milestone for me because it is my tenth novel. Also, it is the first book that was actually inspired by a real event. When you all read it, I'll tell you the story behind the book. Betting On Love also introduces you to three friends who I will be writing about in the future. (Like February, No Other Love Will Do  .) If I can't make it to your city for a signing, but you want an autograph, e-mail me directly at cheris87@bellsouth.net with your address for an autograph label. Thank you so much for your support and I hope you enjoy Betting On Love. Cheris.

So, I'm sitting here watching She's Gotta Have It for the hundredth time. The first time I saw this movie, I didn't get it. I thought it was all about sex. Hell, I was a teenager, so that's why I wanted to watch it.  But as a 32-year-old, watching this movie has led me to believe that Nola Darling had the right idea about relationships. Why settle for one man? It’s not as if I have a goal of being Mrs. Somebody any more. Marriage is an institution and institutions are for crazy people. I thought I was falling in love and I thought I'd met the last honest man in the Queen City , but after a check of text messages on his cell phone--I was wrong.  Most women my age are married, engaged or mothers. I'm none of those and I don't want to be. I'm sick and tired of the games people play and men not knowing what the hell they want. All I want is a little honesty.  Honesty worked for Nola Darling and yes, I know this was a movie. But she let the three me...

My tenth novel will be release on Nov. 3rd. I'm so excited and I hope that you all will pick up this book and love reading it as much as I loved writing it. James Goings, the hero of this novel, is a character who stuck with me. He has a famous brother, but James still had a story that needed to be told. And he needed a woman who had her own. As much as I hate the Ne-Yo song, Miss Independent, that's who Jade Christian is. But even Independent women need love. So, get your copy of "Betting On Love" on Nov. 3rd and stay tuned for where you can meet me and get your book signed. Cheris

Betting On Love is the story of Jade Christian and James Goings. If you want to win an uncorrected proof of Betting On Love, be the first one to e-mail the answers to these questions to covingtonpublicity@yahoo.com. Please don't answer these questions in this forum. The contest will be voided. Be sure to include your mailing address in your e-mail. 1. What book did James Goings first appear in? 2. What is James's brother's name and occupation? 3. In "More Than He Can Handle" what does Lillian tell Freddie she does every morning before her husband, Louis, wakes up? 4. In "Just Can't Get Enough" where did Darius work and live before returning to South Carolina? Good luck. Cheris

Football season is breathing down our necks and I can't wait. Here's what I'll be wearing on Sundays. Want to read a good football romance, check out Let's Get It On This book was inspired by my love of football and the wide receivers of the NFL, so strong and arrogant on the field, but what about off the field after getting jilted at the altar? That's what Maurice Goings is facing after winning the Super Bowl. Getting this book also prepares you for Betting On Love . This book, which will be released in November follows James Goings, Maurice's loyal brother.

This November, author Cheris Hodges will celebrate the release of her tenth book, Betting On Love. The novel follows her successfully 2008 release, Let’s Get It On, by telling the story of James Goings, brother of NFL super star Maurice Goings from Let’s Get It On. “I knew I had to tell James’s story because he was such a big part of Maurice’s life and he deserved to get a life of his own,” Hodges said. Betting On Love starts off in Las Vegas, where Hodges said she got inspiration to write the book after spending a weekend in Sin City with her best friend. “I had a great weekend in Las Vegas and when I returned home, the sights and sounds of the iconic Vegas strip stayed with me, so I looked at my vacation pictures and started writing. It was a lot of fun,” she said. Here’s that the book is about: 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 V...

http://book-gossip.blogspot.com/2009/07/interview-with-cheris-hodges.html

Waldenbooks at Market Street in Downtown Charleston, SC.

Ultimate bad boy Solomon Crawford dates for sport. He hunts the most attractive women in town, and after sex, leaves before sunrise, never to return. He also happens to co-own the hottest resort in North Carolina—Sugar Mountain, where stunner Kandace Davis is taking a much-needed break from her hectic work schedule. The last thing the two expect is to find each other—in a steamy hot tub… Solomon is the most arrogant, wickedly sexy man Kandace has ever met, but she’s not the only one who can’t resist him. Carmen De La Croix, Solomon’s business partner, has loved him from the start—with a vengeance. There’s no way in hell she’ll allow Solomon and Kandace to play out their passion in front of her. In fact, she’ll do whatever it takes to keep Solomon away from the woman he’s finally ready to watch the sunrise with…

Cheris Hodges on Facebook

I can't wait to go see a good Shakespeare performance. May 28th - June 14th Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm Sundays at 6:30 pm Uptown at The Green in beautiful Charlotte, NC (directions and parking info...) Admission is Free (donations will be accepted at the end of the performance) PERFORMANCES Thursday May 28, 8:00 pm Friday, May 29, 8:00 pm Saturday, May 30, 8:00 pm Sunday, May 31, 6:30 pm (Workshop at 5:00pm) Wednesday June 3, 8:00 pm (Trivia at 7:15pm) Thursday June 4, 8:00 pm Friday, June 5, 8:00 pm Saturday, June 6, 8:00 pm Sunday, June 7, 6:30 pm (Workshop at 5:00pm) Wednesday June 10, 8:00 pm (Trivia at 7:15pm) Thursday June 11, 8:00 pm Friday, June 12, 8:00 pm Saturday, June 13, 8:00 pm Sunday, June 14, 6:30 pm (Workshop at 5:00pm) No Reservations Required Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and may bring food and beverages, if desired.

This weekend I had a signing at Barnes and Noble and a book club meeting with the SBS Book Club on Sunday in Columbus. I stayed at the Days Inn near Fort Benning, Ga. and I'm sure if the walls of the hotel could talk, some young soldiers would be in trouble. But I digress. Here are some photos, including one that I hope my father never becomes, the creepy old man in shorts and high black socks. I had a great time and enjoyed the hospitality shown by Shaw High School's Sonya Boyd who helped promote my signing along with the school's book fair.

I had a great signing at Barnes and Noble at Magnolia Mall on May 16th. As you can see, the store ordered my entire catalog. So, if you're near Florence and need one of my books, you can get signed copies at Barnes and Noble. My little cousin, his mom didn't want to take a picture.

Romance novelist, Cheris Hodges, listens to her fans. Take her latest book for instance, More Than He Can Handle. After readers finished her novel, The Business of Love, they flooded her e-mail inbox wanting to know when Cleveland Alexander would have his on novel. Cheris knew she had to give her readers a good story of their favorite hero. Then she came up with the steamy novel set at a wedding that the best man and the maid of honor didn’t really want to attend. More Than He Can Handle was born. Publisher’s Weekly called the book, “a sizzling romance.” Set in Atlanta and New Orleans, Hodges delivered just what her fans wanted, a feisty heroine, a bit of mystery and a whole lot of love. Cheris will be signing copies of her latest book at Barnes and Noble, 2701 David McLeod Blvd, on May 16 at 2 p.m.

The set up at Borders and yes, I had to have my coffee. Carmen and Louise, members of the Cheris F. Hodges Bookclub showed their support

Pre-order your copy today at www.amazon.com

April 26th Spring Fling A Celebration of North Carolina Romance Authors at the East Regional Library on Sunday April 26th at 2:00 pm. Directions: Take the ramp onto I-40 E Merge onto I-440 E Take US-64/13-B New Bern Ave exit Merge onto New Bern Ave/Rt 64 Continue to follow New Bern Avenue You will pass Golden Corral on your left, DQ on your right You will pass Lonestar and Target on your left, Lowes Food Store on your right Turn left at Smithfield Rd-that intersection has a Hardees, Walgreens, CVS and Exxon at its corner You will go up a small hill (Martial Arts studio on your left) The East Regional Library is on your left across from the Lockhart Elementary School (if you see Forestville Rd you have gone about a block too far) May 2: Borders at Stonecrest Mall Lithonia, Ga 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 16: Barnes and Nobles Magnolia Mall Florence, South Carolina 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The moment I got in my car, I knew I needed to call the tribe. I could imagine what my best friend, Eva, would say about Xavier’s invitation and my acceptance of it. Still, she was the first person I called. “Eva Rice,” she said when she answered the phone. “What’s up, E?” “Pilar Brooks, what’s going on?” “Do you have plans this weekend?” “Umm, a stack of manuscripts to edit, but nothing fun and exciting, why?” Sighing, I steeled myself to hear my friend tell me how crazy I am. “I’m going to a wedding reception and I need you to go with me.” “Who’s getting married?” Eva asked. “Xavier.” “Hold on,” she said. In the background, a door slammed. This is it, she’s about to let me have it. “You mean Xavier Brooks, my goddaughter’s father and your ex husband is going to get married and you’re going to the reception? Have you fell and bumped your crazy head?” Eva snapped. “And you want me to go for what reason? Xavier and I have never gotten along.” “If you don’t go, them I’m not going to have...

My life on the mid-list Published 02.03.09 By Cheris Hodges enlarge Every year — probably every day — thousands of people chase the dream of being a published author. In 2001, I made a $99 investment in my own literary fantasies. Eight years later, with nine books in print, I'm living the dream ... sort of. Sure, I write books that get published, but I'm stuck on what's known as the "mid-list." A mid-list author, like me, is considered to be someone worth publishing because their books make money ... just not millions. As an author of romance novels, my books aren't hardcover, which makes it even harder to get on the bestsellers list. But romance-themed books are some of the top-selling titles out there, especially when the cov...

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…

Singer loving life Eric Benet’s brings new outlook on Love and Life to Charlotte By Cheris Hodges The last time we saw R&B singer Eric Benet, he was defending himself against his divorce from Academy Award winning actress Halle Berry. For a while, people knew Benet as Mr. Halle. “Take that as an occupational hazard,” he said of his time with Berry. “I was with somebody who was internationally famous and successful. Had I been a recording artist who made the mistakes that I did with someone who wasn’t famous it definitely wouldn’t have been quite as earth shattering to the press. But it overshadowed things for a while.” Those days are gone and with his latest CD “Love & Life,” Benet has shown that he’s moved on to better things and the focus is back where it belongs—on his music. “I’m at this really great place in my life right now where I like singing, dancing and laughing and making love and just experiencing the fruits of being a little wiser and a little older,” says Benet. ...

Acclaimed author Terry McMillan is coming to Charlotte. McMillan will take the stage with fellow New York Times Bestselling author Omar Tyree on Saturday at the McGlohon Theatre. This event is a part of the "Change is Coming to Charlotte" Event Series. Sponsored by RealEyes Bookstore and the Charlotte Literary Festival, the "Change is Coming to Charlotte" Event Series is a fundraiser for the Charlotte Literary Festival and the Kickoff to Writing Scholarship Program. But before McMillan hits the stage, she gave Creative Loafing 15 minutes to pick her brain. Creative Loafing: What do you think of the current state of the literary market? Terry McMillan: Based on what's going on with the economy, the market is tougher, especially for African American writers. And there's so much of the street fiction out there that it's starting to cancel each other out. As far as African American writers in general, there are a lot of fine young writers out here, who are n...

The economy is tight for all of us and as much as I want everybody to buy my books, I know some people might not be able to pick up one right now. That's cool, hopefully in November, you'll be able to pick up "Betting On Love." You can always check out my books on Amazon. But until then, I want to share a short story with you, titled From The Ex Files. I plan to update it for the next four weeks until the story is done. From The Ex Files By Cheris Hodges As my ex-husband sat across from me at Starbuck’s holding my hand and pleading with me to attend his wedding reception the next weekend, I realized why our marriage didn’t last. This man didn’t understand the meaning of the word no. Or as my brain was screaming, hell no. “Pilar, we’ve always been friends, I want you to be there.” “But I don’t want to be there,” I replied as I took a sip from my frothy latte. “Kendall will be there, I’m going to see to it.” Xavier Brooks smiled at me as he did when we were students a...

MORE THAN HE CAN HANDLE - Cheris Hodges Kensington Dafina/Romance 0-75823-151-2 February 2009 SYNOPSIS: A sizzling one-night stand between a maid of honor and a sexy best man surprises them both when it turns into something more, in this scorching page-turner. CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE 4 Ashley Haney REVIEW: Cheris Hodges takes on the crazy ride of finding love through the lives of Cleveland Alexander and Winifred Barker. Cleveland is a firefighter whom everyone has pegged as the king playa-playa. Winifred “Freddie” is an independent woman who is very distrustful of men. After indulging in a one night stand during her best friends wedding, Freddie heads back to New Orleans without a second glance while Cleveland can’t seem to get this beauty out of his mind. Cheris Hodges takes us through a turn of events as Cleveland tries to convince Freddie to not only love him but to trust him.Cleveland is a firefighter who gets trapped into stepping in as the best man for a friend’s wedding which is ...

Cheris Hodges, Blog Blitz #18 What does Black History Month mean to you? Black history month to me is about showing off our history to people who don't normally pay attention. This year, I'm sure there will ne more people focused on Black History because of President Barack Obama. (Don't you just love to say or write that?) This month also gives me time to reflect on the richness of what our forefathers and mothers did to blaze the path to greatness for us. But more than anything else, Black History is American history and with President Barack Obama in the White House, I hope more people will recognize that. February is also the month of LOVE. How do you incorporate the L-word in your work? The month of love! Yes. I plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Atlanta at Waldenbooks in the CNN Center doing a book signing of "More Than He Can Handle"which is an unlikely love story of Cleveland Alexander and Winfred "Freddie" Barker. I like to show love in unusua...

There has never been a MORE anticipated event! (At least in my mind anyway.) The release of More Than He Can Handle . Feb. 3, 2009 ! Stay tuned for your chance to win a signed copy! Join the Cheris Hodges Book Club today.

Two stories in the news stand out to me today. First, there is the transit cop in California who killed an unarmed black man on New Year's Day. It was caught on video tape, but after Rodney King, we all know that doesn't mean shit. Then there is a story out of Houston: From CNN.com: Robbie Tolan sits in a Houston, Texas, hospital bed with a bullet from a police officer's gun lodged in his liver. The son of a famed baseball player was shot in his own driveway. But how this unarmed 23-year-old and his cousin ended up in the cross-hairs of an officer's gun, suspected of stealing a car, is a question sparking allegations of racial profiling. "There's no doubt in my mind that if these had been white kids this does not happen," said David Berg, Tolan's attorney. It was 2 a.m. on December 31 when Tolan and his cousin, Anthony Cooper, were confronted in the driveway of their home by Bellaire, Texas, police officers. Police officials say the officers suspected...