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Number 1 New York Times bestselling author DENENE MILLNER, a mom and a writer, provides witty, engaging, mom-to-mom advice on ethics and etiquette in everything from childrearing and marriage to work and friendship for Parenting magazine and iVillage’s Momtourage. Millner is also the founder and editor of MyBrownBaby, a critically-acclaimed blog that examines parenting and motherhood through the lens of a multi-cultural experience. She is a contributing editor for Essence, an associate editor for the travel magazine Odyssey Couleur, and contributes articles to a plethora of magazines, including Health, Entertainment Weekly, Heart & Soul, Money, and Ebony, among others. She is also the author of 15 books, including the best-selling advice book series, “What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know,” and the novels, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” “In Love & War,” and, “A Love Story,” each co-authored with her husband, Nick Chiles, the novel, “The Vow,” named one of Borders Best of 2005, the novelization of the Academy Award-winning movie, “Dreamgirls,” and the three-book teen series, “Hotlanta.” Her latest book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” co-authored with the comedian Steve Harvey, debuted No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller’s list and was featured on Oprah twice. The former political reporter and entertainment journalist lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and their two daughters and son.
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NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE
By Nene Leakes and Denene Millner Touchstone – August 11, 2009 One of Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainers of the Year People Magazine’s Diva of the Season Winner of the A-List Award for Reality TV’s Guiltiest Pleasure
Nene Leakes shares her wild journey from a scandalous past to the pinnacle of reality television stardom. Nene Leakes is outrageous, captivating, and unafraid to tell it like it is. Lauded by her fans for her refreshing honesty, infectiously genuine style, and clever sense of humor, Nene is an empowered, self-made woman who has not forgotten where she came from and who knows exactly where she wants to go. In this straight-talking and provocative memoir—written with #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor Denene Millner—Nene charts her journey from the family black sheep to single motherhood to making good and realizing her dreams. With her charm and bold, self-possessed voice, Nene tackles her painful childhood, the abuse she suffered at the hands of a violent boyfriend, her struggle to support her first born son, and her path to true love, self-acceptance, and pride. In Never Make the Same Mistake Twice, Nene will dish on her cast mates, take on the rumors about her past and share hard-earned and inspiring life lessons in her fierce, no-nonsense, and irreverent style. “I don’t even know where to begin with Nene….She’s my favorite character on the show.”—Anderson Cooper, CNN Praise for NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE “With the candidness of a close girlfriend and the constant reassurance that ‘it is what it is,’ fan favorite Leakes keeps it interesting for all 228 pages. Far more than a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ ‘Mistake’ is an urban fairy tale…“—Athens Banner-Herald “Leakes is just as entertaining as a writer, as she is as a performer…Her candor and apparent desire to lay everything on the line, is affectively charming and disarming.“—Canyon News |
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ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A MAN
By Steve Harvey with Denene Millner Amistad – January 27, 2009 Steve Harvey, the host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show, can’t count the number of impressive women he’s met over the years, whether it’s through the “Strawberry Letters” segment of his program or while on tour for his comedy shows. These are women who can run a small business, keep a household with three kids in tiptop shape, and chair a church group all at the same time. Yet when it comes to relationships, they can’t figure out what makes men tick. Why? According to Steve it’s because they’re asking other women for advice when no one but another man can tell them how to find and keep a man. In Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, Steve lets women inside the mindset of a man and sheds lights on concepts and questions such as: —The Ninety Day Rule: Ford requires it of its employees. Should you require it of your man? Sometimes funny, sometimes direct, but always truthful, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is a book you must read if you want to understand how men think when it comes to relationships. Praise for ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A MAN “Women should listen to Steve Harvey when it comes to what a good man is about. Steve Harvey dispenses a lot of fabulous information about men. It’s more than the average man will usually tell you. Steve Harvey will give it up.”—Aretha Franklin “Filled with practical principles, rules and tips, and illustrated with humorous and warm-hearted anecdotes from Harvey’s life and friendships, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man gives readers the real deal about the differences between the sexes and how to bridge them for a mutually rewarding partnership.”—New York Beacon “A thorough, witty guide to the modern man….those in need of tough (but ticklish) love advice should check it out (especially the hysterical last-chapter Q&A).”—Publishers Weekly “[This] book offers surprising insights into the male mentality and gives woman a few a few strategies for taming that unruly beast.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer |
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WHAT GOES AROUND
The HOTLANTA Series (Point – April 1, 2009) At their prestigious Atlanta high school, twins Sydney and Lauren Duke rule the roost. While straight-A Sydney wields her power in Tory Burch flats and pearl studs, reckless, sultry Lauren makes it happen as head of the cheerleading squad. But the girls’ messy family history – and their involvement in a dark mystery- may topple everything they hold dear. Their mother and stepfather want to tear apart Sydney and her new boyfriend. And Lauren’s true love, Jermaine, is tied to sketchy dealings on the wrong side of town. Can the Duke sisters redeem themselves while staying true to what’s real? |
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IF ONLY YOU KNEW
The HOTLANTA Series (Point – October 1, 2008) Twins Sydney and Lauren Duke are the privileged princesses of the Atlanta social scene. But an unsolved murder mystery keeps drawing them back to the wrong side of town. There, wild child Lauren has to risk everything to protect the boy who’s stolen her heart. And prim-and-proper Sydney discovers details about their family’s past that no one-least of all the girls’ fiercely guarded mother-wants to face. When the twins realize what they’re up against, can they deal with the dark, dangerous truth in Atlanta’s ritziest neighborhood, they find themselves shockingly close to the victim and the wild speculation that ensues. But is it just the victim…or the murderer they know as well? |
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HOTLANTA
The HOTLANTA Series (Point – April 1, 2008) The Duke twins, Sydney and Lauren, live the life: They attend the fanciest school in Atlanta, they live in Buckhead, the most exclusive neighborhood, and they only date the hottest guys. And their secrets? Are the darkest of all. When their estranged father is released from prison and a murder is committed, their lives are plunged into a whirlwind of tabloid scrutiny, vicious gossip, and shocking revelation. Lauren, always such a party girl, and Sydney, bent on perfection by way of the Ivy League, can’t trust anyone. Not their mother, not their rich stepfather. Maybe not even each other. |
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DREAMGIRLS
A novelization by Denene Millner based on the screenplay by Bill Condon HarperEntertainment – October 31, 2006 It was a time of miraculous change in America, as the cry for justice and equality rang out, from the Deep South to the West Coast. And in the Motor City, a new sound was about to explode that would break down the barriers between white and black. Three close friends from the Detroit streets, Effie, Deena, and Lorrell, had the electrifying talent to bring any audience leaping to its feet—and with the help of C.C.‘s groundbreaking music and Curtis’s vision and ruthless ambition, they were poised on the giddy brink of greatness. But fame never comes cheap. And truth, loyalty, and love will always have to struggle to survive in the spotlight’s merciless glare . . . |
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THE VOW
By Denene Millner, Angela Burt-Murray, and Mitzi Miller Amistad – October 25, 2005 In this runaway hit novel, three best friends come together for their sorority sister’s glitzy wedding in Atlanta and make a vow to get married within one year. As they embark on their search to find their soul mates, they navigate the full-contact sport known as being a SSBFLA (successful, single, black, female in L.A.) and negotiate the shark-infested waters of making a name for themselves professionally in Hollywood. Can Trista, the hyper-driven celebrity agent, find the time to schedule a meaningful romance? Will Amaya, the sexy starlet, convince the married hip hop-label exec she has been seeing to leave his wife, or will the NBA star steal her heart in the final seconds? After undergoing a complete makeover, will Vivian, the jaded gossip columnist, win back the father of her child? As seductive as it is empowering, The Vow is a page-turner that will keep you cheering for these women as they discover that their desire to find a husband isn’t as important as finding themselves. Praise for THE VOW “Veteran author Millner (What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know) has teamed with Burt-Murray and Miller (editors at Jane and Teen People, respectively) to produce an emotionally charged portrait of contemporary Hollywood with a cast of unforgettable characters. Reunited at a wedding on New Year’s Eve, three 30-something sorority sisters pledge to become engaged within a year. Trista Gordon, a power hungry talent agent, will do whatever it takes to beat her politically connected colleague, Steven Banks, to a partnership. Beautiful actress Amaya Anderson, in line for her first leading role, juggles two boyfriends while focusing on toning down her flashy image. Slightly plump Vivian Evans, an entertainment journalist, remains hopelessly in love with her son’s father, her ex-husband. Fortified with new skills meant to drive a man wild, the trio find their wants don’t often meet those of their romantic prospects, who include a basketball star, a closeted gay attorney and a hip-hop artist. Readers will eagerly turn the pages of this edgy, sexy novel to learn what’s happening next.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review “A juicy read about the complex lives and loves of hip, hardworking young sisters who happen to be Hollywood insiders.”—Essence “A warm-hearted Jackie Collins-meets-Terry McMillan ode to sisterhood, with a few surprises.”—Kirkus Reviews “Outrageous and fun.”—Glamour “The Vow puts readers on a glamorous, sexy rollercoaster ride…The page-turning stories will speak to women everywhere.”—Erica Kennedy, author of Bling |
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A LOVE STORY
By Denene Millner and Nick Chiles Dutton Adult – June 3, 2004 The irresistible husband-and-wife duo behind Love Don’t Live Here Anymore and In Love and War returns with another romantic round of “his and hers” storytelling. Writing with a winning combination of wit and dead-on savvy, Denene Millner and Nick Chiles take the tension up a notch in novels that unfold through alternating points of view. Now they apply their delicious he said/she said approach to the story of two childhood friends who wonder if the unbreakable bond they formed in their once-in-a-lifetime friendship would be in danger of snapping if they become lovers. Aaron and Nina have been buddies ever since he moved into her neighborhood and offered her a piece of candy. Their families could not have been more different, but growing up across the street from each other helped these instant friends discover how much they actually had in common. Now, twenty-five years later, their friendship is stronger than ever. They’ve seen each other through a string of broken hearts and family feuds, but these playmates turned soul mates haven’t let their platonic love develop into anything more. With a lifetime of friendship at stake, is it worth it to take a chance on romance? Fun and sexy, with secrets revealed at every turn, A Love Story proves that romance is even sweeter-and scarier-when the stakes are sky high. Praise for A LOVE STORY “The skillful and balanced rendering of his/her voices deepens the reader’s insights into the characters’ symbiotic relationship. This above-average summer romance should find its way to many beach blankets.” – Publishers Weekly “Funny and real… Millner and her man bring alive the ‘everything-to-lose, everything-to-gain’ dynamic that intense attraction can create.” – Honey Magazine “Perfect for hopeless romantics looking to learn how relationships really operate.” – Upscale |
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THE ANGRY BLACK WOMAN’S GUIDE TO LIFE
By Denene Millner, Angela Burt-Murray, and Mitzi Miller Plume – March 30, 2004 The smart, sassy guide to embracing your inner Angry Black Woman Rosa Parks, Claire Huxtable, Serena Williams. What do these women have in common? They are all Angry Black Women, whether they know it or not. Throughout history, women’s attempts to stand up for themselves have been dismissed as the ramblings of “angry women.” But there’s a method to their madness. Using quizzes, historical references, career advice, and irreverent Top 10 lists such as “Top 10 Signs That You Should Prepare to Meet Your Maker,” The Angry Black Woman’s Guide to Life will help you find out what type of ABW you are, and empower you to be the best ABW you could possibly be-and have your loved ones live to tell about it. A lively look at the art of being a true Angry Black Woman-from her relationships to her career to her family-this hip, hysterical manifesto is the perfect gift for all of the ABWs in your life-no matter what their type! |
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IN LOVE AND WAR
By Denene Millner and Nick Chiles Dutton Adult – January 27, 2003 Denene Millner and Nick Chiles made waves with Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, their debut novel hailed by critics for its “insightful look at modern marriage” (Publisher’s Weekly) and its “humor, compassion and honesty” (Booklist). In Love and War takes us into the lives of Zaria Chance, sister of Mikki Chance-Murphy, the female protagonist of Love Don’t Live Here Anymore, and Kenneth Roman, a teacher and basketball coach. When Zaria walks into Kenneth’s classroom to discuss her son’s unruly behavior, there is instant conflict as these two strong personalities go head-to-head-but there is also a powerful physical attraction. Though they see the world in completely different ways, it soon becomes clear they can’t live without each other. But when Kenneth gets caught in a colossal lie, Zaria must decide whether she can overcome her pain and outrage to take him back. Told in alternating viewpoints, this warm-hearted, sensual novel gives us an intimate perspective on each of the main characters’ thoughts and feelings-the suspicions of the single mom and the panic of the wary bachelor. Peopled by a cast of complex and appealing characters drawn from real life and imbued with the candor, compassion, and humor that made their first novel a success, this Millner-Chiles tale is for anyone who has ever loved, lusted, and struggled to make a relationship work in the face of irrepressible drama and intense emotional baggage. Praise for IN LOVE AND WAR “A husband-wife team who blend two distinctive voices into a seamless, satisfying whole.” – Kirkus Reviews “A penetrating portrayal of start-to-finish real love that unfolds with all of the bumps along the way.” – Upscale “Funny and real…bring[s] alive the dynamic that intense attraction can create.” – Honey Magazine “These sharp-tongued, intelligent protagonists crackle with life.” – Publishers Weekly |
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LOVE DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
By Denene Millner and Nick Chiles Dutton Adult – February 28, 2002 The Washington Post called Denene Millner and Nick Chiles’s What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know “a funny and frank relationship survival guide.” Now this husband-and-wife writing team make their fiction debut in a spirited and original novel for anyone who has ever tried to find the right balance between career and love—in the face of ambition, financial struggle, and sexual temptation. Randy Murphy and Mikki Chance-Murphy are a contemporary couple whose marital bond is tested by the demands of their emerging professional lives. He is an ad executive who has temporarily relocated to Paris to pursue a prestigious account. She is a fashion designer living in Brooklyn, trying to move her struggling bridal boutique into the black. Unfolding in alternating chapters from each of their points of view, Love Don’t Live Here Anymore tells the story of what happens to a marriage when infidelity and distance-both physical and emotional-enter the equation. As Mikki finds herself powerfully drawn to her husband’s best friend, it will take some major shaking up-not to mention faith, understanding, and lots of love-to put the pieces of their marriage back together. If it’s not too late. A novel about the choices that shape our lives and relationships, this is a moving and captivating addition to contemporary African-American fiction. Praise for LOVE DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore is wise, witty, and loads of fun, a charming, tender story for anyone who believes in the power of love.” – Valerie Wilson Wesley, author of Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do “This husband-and-wife team again tackles the complex issues that couples face, but they broaden their successful theme of exposing the male and female perspective now in a powerful fiction debut….Millner and Chiles’s first novel is written with humor, compassion, and honesty.” – Booklist “[An] entertaining first novel….An insightful look at modern marriage.” – Publishers Weekly “Clever…filled with hip references and attitudes.” – Kirkus Reviews “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore offers up real-life characters dealing with their problems head-on.” – Black Issues Book Review “The book is perfect for hopeless romantics looking to learn how relationships really operate.” – Upscale |
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MONEY, POWER, RESPECT
By Denene Millner and Nick Chiles William Morrow – January 9, 2001 First, In What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know, the bold and beautiful Denene Milner and Nick Chiles gave the real deal of love and relationships. It was hailed as the African American Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. Then, in What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know About Sex, the savvy supercouple told African American daters and maters how to get it on and heat it up in the bedroom — or wherever else couple may find themselves. Now Nick and Denene have set their sites on three of the hottest topics facing couples today. Money. Can he deal when she makes more? Power. He’s at the office 24/7. Where does she get her face-time? Respect. How much of their dirty laundry should both he and she air to their friends? In their inimitable he-said/she-said format and hip approach, Denene and Nick reveal the real deal on what black men and women think about financial issues, power struggles, and the importance of respect. They delve into everything , from whose career is more important to who should punish the kids to who should pay for dinner. Enlivened by their trademark humor and sassy and bold approach, the message in Money, Power, Respect is crystal clear: While money issues may lead to power struggles, this doesn’t have to lead to lack of Respect. In this perspective and insightful guide, Nick and Denene show couples how engaging in fierce, sincere communication will have both partners wearing the pants in the family. Praise for MONEY, POWER, RESPECT Gold Pen Award Nominee, Black Writers Alliance “[Millner and Chiles’s] lively book will spark debate.”—Publishers Weekly |
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