No More Playas

From the Publisher

Praise for BRENDA JACKSON

“The Nora Roberts of African-American fiction.”—Romantic Times

THE PLAYA’S HANDBOOK

“Jackson probes the playa mind in this spicy, engaging tale of Chicago singles…The consequences of being a playa outnumber the advantages in Jackson’s clever, frothy story, as independent, self-centered men cave to the irresistible lure of love.” —Publishers Weekly

“It’s rare to find a female author who tackles romance from not just one male perspective but several, and Jackson’s latest work shows her superb versatility…A scintillating treat.” —Romantic Times

…and the novels in the Madaris series

TASTE OF PASSION

“The Madaris clan is back and, as always, it's a welcome return. Jackson always makes the connection between hero and heroine seamless and, even though you know what's coming, it's not forced. The love scenes are beautifully written, and longtime fans will be delighted to see familiar characters again.” –Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“A pure delight.” –Romance in Color

"Sexy, sexy, sexy... You'll cheer on this strong woman and honorable man"—Fresh Fiction

SLOW BURN

“An entertaining story...Jackson brings back beloved characters from her popular series, and the reunion is exceptionally satisfying.”—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“A good solid story with fiercely tender and intensely romantic protagonists.”—Single Titles.com

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

“Jackson is a master at juggling two plots at a time, and Unfinished Business proves no exception. A perfect balance of tension and chemistry is created as Christy and the somewhat domineering Alex battle unknown criminals—as well as their unresolved attraction to each other.”—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“Hot and sexy.”—Romance Reader at HeartTM

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

“A super-hot hero, a kick-butt heroine and non-stop action! Brenda Jackson writes romance that sizzles and characters you fall in love with.”—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author

“The Midnight Hour is a roller-coaster read of passion, intrigue and deceit.”—Sharon Sala, New York Times bestselling author

“With taut, over-the-top romantic thriller, Jackson revisits her popular Madaris Family and Friends series...Jackson smoothly alternates between several points of view and throws in a number of plot twists...Jackson [has a] knack for creating characters with emotional depth and distinct voices...[a] tension-packed read.”—Publishers Weekly

“Jackson has written another compelling drama about the Madaris family and their friends.”—Booklist

“Action, mystery and sensuality propel The Midnight Hour forward. Jackson forces readers to step outside the romantic suspense box and enter an elusive world of undercover agents and crime lords. Victoria and Drake are memorable characters who will provide hours of enjoyment for even the most cynical of readers.”—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

“Drake and Tori are tough, passionate, loyal, and attractive protagonists. Their courage and fire and their strong feelings for each other can’t help but appeal to readers. So, too, will the non-stop action; there are no dull moments in The Midnight Hour.”—Romance Reviews Today

SURRENDER

“The Madaris family is one that fans will never tire of! First-time readers will also feel right at home—this is a self-contained story as well as a sequel!”—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

TRUE LOVE

“Brenda Jackson writes with a smooth pen and a very distinctive voice. Prepare yourself for twists, turns, and family secrets that only add wonder to an already enjoyable story.”—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

FIRE AND DESIRE

“With her inimitable style, Ms. Jackson has created another rip-roaring, seductively sensual love story that is sure to take the romance-reading community by storm. As always, her standard of excellence is evident in every scintillating page.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews

SECRET LOVE

“Jackson has done it again. Fantastic.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Publishers Weekly

After realizing the error of his philandering ways, reformed badboy and bestselling author Dr. Lance Montgomery returns to win back the love of scorned beauty Asia Fowler in Jackson's zesty, steamy sequel to The Playa's Handbook. Everyone in Lance's life has commitment on the brain: best buddies Phillip McKenna and Marcus Lowery plan to marry the women in their lives, and Asia, the girl who got away, now finds herself halfheartedly engaged to humanitarian relief doctor Sean Crews, igniting a vicious rivalry between the men. A series of carefully orchestrated "chance" encounters gives Lance the chance to dare embittered Asia to test their attraction, but she resists, appealing to sister Claire and literary agent Melissa for moral support. Of course, these ladies will hatch their own plan to get Lance and Asia back together. Meanwhile, Lance's sister, Carrie, a childhood runaway, wrestles with both a blackmail scheme and her unbridled passion for Connor Hargrove, a flirty, commitment-phobic investigator on the case. Though the story's tropical-island flavored conclusion is overwhelmingly apparent right from the start, this won't deter readers from becoming absorbed in the interpersonal fireworks and sultry melodrama that has become Jackson's forte. (Nov.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

In this sequel to The Playa's Handbook (2004), a brief encounter between two sparring relationship experts changes both their lives. Lance Montgomery's scandalous The Playa's Handbook is the ultimate manual of seduction, teaching wannabes how to score while successfully avoiding commitment. As a "playa among playas," Lance lives by his own love 'em-and-leave-'em example. That changes when he meets Asia Fowler, a psychologist and successful writer with a more traditional idea of love and marriage. After a disastrous ending to their first night together, a hurt and betrayed Asia rushes out of Lance's life, and into an engagement with her longtime friend Sean. A stunned Lance uses his relentless charm to get her back: He gets a copy of her schedule, shows up at a gala event where he knows she will be and, in a very stalker-like move, arranges to be alone with her on a tiny Caribbean island. She resists him for as long as she can, but his sincerity and their mutual passion win out. The author tries to liven up the predictable story with plenty of sex scenes, but ultimately, the hyper-successful, overly confident duo prove too hard to identify with. More interesting is the subplot involving Lance's baby sister Carrie, who thwarts a would-be blackmailer with the help of a strapping ex-cop turned private investigator. Carrie's combination of vulnerability, street smarts and brazen sensuality make her easier to root for. A sexy, formulaic diversion.