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

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

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

MONEY, POWER, RESPECT
What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know

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