KRBankstononline Category:  Action/Thriller Publisher: Kirabaco Publishers Pages: 283 Copyright: April 2009 ISBN-13: 9781615845651 Some say that Evil, like Love, never dies. Even after 20 years, Dezi still haunted her dreams. Kayla had to let go. For her sanity, for her family, she had to forget. Karma however has its own ideas, and like it or not her past isn’t going to be denied as it raises its head once more and stares Kayla straight in the face. Some say that Evil, like Love, never dies. 20 years ago Kayla DeWitt met Dezi Gianni and a whirlwind romance began. A romance filled with love, joy, intrigue, deception and ultimately death. Still, after all she’d been through and all she’d lost, Kayla thought of him often. No other man touched her soul as deeply as Dezi had. She still loved Dezi even though she knew seeing him again was wishful thinking, thinking that ultimately reminded her of his burial deep within the earth and her hearts loss. It was well overdue for Kayla to concentrate on her life in the present, not what once was, in the past. For the sake of her sanity and the wellbeing of her family, she had to completely, utterly, forget Dezi Gianni, once and for all. Karma however has its own ideas, and like it or not her past isn’t going to be denied as it raises its head once more and stares Kayla straight in the face. Excerpt “Are you ready honey?” Mrs. Black asks Kayla. She is nervous and scared. She and Black are getting married today. She’d wanted a simple ceremony with close family and a few friends, but his parents wouldn’t hear of it. “We are going to share this happy occasion with all our family and friends,” his mother told her, when they’d talked about it. Kayla explained that she didn’t have any family to speak of, and really didn’t want all the fuss. “Nonsense girl!” Mrs. Black chided her. “We’re your family now, and trust me, we will fill up the entire church!” she’d laughed. Kayla gave in and allowed her to plan the wedding. She had to admit she’d enjoyed the shopping, and trying on dresses. They finally found the perfect one, at a small boutique downtown. It was a beautiful off white, t-strap dress, fitted around the bodice and waist. The bodice had been hand beaded, with beautiful iridescent pearls that shimmered in the light. Kayla had to admit, she loved the way she looked in it. Mrs. Black and her sister, Aunt Leslie, complimented her again and again. She’d overheard Mrs. Black telling Leslie how proud she was of Donovan, for finding such a wonderful woman to marry. That made her feel loved and accepted. Something Kayla hadn’t felt for a while, when it came to family. “Yes,” she answered softly, shaking her thoughts and confirming her readiness. Mrs. Black smiled again and left her. Soon Mr. Black entered to walk Kayla down the isle. Black asked Maurice Collins, his ex partner, to be his best man. Kayla inhaled deeply, and took Mr. Blacks arm, as they headed for the sanctuary of the church. She would never forget how handsome Black looked, standing at the altar waiting for her in his cream tuxedo. He’d smiled the entire time she’d walked down the aisle, never once taking his eyes off her. It was only when she got closer to him, that she noticed the tears in his eyes. Kayla sighed softly, thanking God again and again, for sending this wonderful man and his family, her new family, and their beautiful daughter. Mariah was sitting happily in her grandmother’s lap smiling at them. She was dressed in her own cream and pink dress, clapping happily. They came together before the minister, as he began the ceremony. They repeated their vows to each other, and exchanged rings. Kayla’s ring had been specially designed just for her. It was a three-carat solitaire diamond, surrounded by half carat emerald baguettes. The three-quarter inch band was inscribed, ‘forever my heart’. “By the power vested in me,” the minister was saying, as they smiled lovingly into each other’s eyes. “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” he continued. “You may now kiss the bride,” he finished, looking at Black, who took Kayla in his arms, and kissed her passionately. She blushed, and the congregation laughed aloud. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Donovan Black,” the minister said again. They locked arms and walked out of the church, to the waiting limousine. That’d been the most wonderful day of her life, outside of Mariah’s birth. They had a wonderful Caribbean honeymoon, after which, they returned to Chapel Hill to begin their life together. Kayla and Black enjoyed marital bliss, and the years of watching Mariah grow. They watch her first step, turn into her first bike. They watched the joy Mariah had at Christmas and birthdays. Black dotes on his little princess, spending every moment he can with her and Kayla. Black is a pillar in the local church, with both Kayla and Mariah attending regularly. She basks in the love of her in-laws, who have welcomed her with open arms into their family. Kayla appreciates her mother in-law helping her to raise her daughter, giving her valuable advice and guidance. Mariah is a beautiful girl, who will soon grow into a beautiful woman. She looks at the wonderful estate home Black has bought for her, taking in the hardwood floors and bay windows, looking out onto the majestic view of the forest beyond, watching the squirrels running across the lawn, as Mariah laughs and tries to chase them. Her life is better than Kayla could have ever imagined it would be. Her husband comes in and kisses her, asking how her day was. She tells Black of her new clients, and the hustle and bustle of her day. He smiles and tells her how much he loves her yet again. Fourteen years of togetherness with the man she loves more than anything. Her life is perfect and peaceful. Kayla can’t imagine being any happier. Still, there were times in the quiet stillness of full moonlit nights, when she would remember the city she’d lived in for so many years. The loss of her best friend, Taea. The memory was still painful, even after all the years that had passed. The place where she’d met one of the most intriguing men in her life; loved and lost him. Remember a time and a place that was once magical for her. A place where she’d experienced the most wonderful fulfillment a woman could have. Kayla loved Black unconditionally. That was never an issue, but Dezi Gianni was a different breed altogether. No other man had unequivocally made her feel like the queen that he did. No other man touched her soul as deeply as he had. She would close her eyes sometimes and feel his presence envelop her, bringing a deep sense of warmth and contentment. She could smell his cologne and hear him whisper his love in her ear. Kayla knew she should let it go, but in the small inner sanctum of her heart there was still a burning ember, a deep unfulfilled love for him. A love that even after time and circumstance just wouldn’t die. Sadly, Kayla knew they were just memories, and seeing him again just wishful thinking. Dezi was dead and he wasn’t coming back. Sighing deeply she returned her thoughts to the present rising from her comfortable rocking chair and going inside the beautiful majestic house she shared with her husband. Entering the bedroom and showering, Kayla moments later, carefully climbed into bed, as Black reached over and pulled her close, absently kissing her forehead and drifting back off to sleep. Kayla smiled softly to herself as she inhaled her husbands scent, and snuggled deeply into his arms, dismissing the memories of Dezi, as sleep found her.

Readers In Motion Bookclub
Twenty years have passed and albeit they have been very rocky, Kayla is living her life. Her daughter Mariah the center of her joy. But as we all know legends never die and Kayla can testify to that. Behind the smile and warm words, when she is alone Dezi is there, leaving up to his nickname the Devastator. Kayla believed she was over him and does everything in her power to move past her lost love, but is hit with another blow. Old faces and bad memories from the past resurfacing knocking the floor from under her. Kayla regains control only to be hit with a blow that no one forseen, changing her and her family's life forever.

Bankston is a woman on a mission. A mission to bring suspense and craftsmanship back to urban fiction. Take a bow Mrs. Bankston mission accomplished. This sophomore project will leave you craving for more and cursing the author for not including at least one more chapter.


Author Jaree Francis
I just got done reading Sins of the Father only 5 short minutes ago and I had to do a review. This book has diverse characters and fluid dialogue that puts you in the mix of things. Very well written and edited, so you can enjoy the seamless motion of events that chain react into the grand finale!!!! Characters such as the young & captivating Aidan, the thoroughly refined Kayla and her darling daughter Mariah all touch senses. Lots of laughs with the colorful Jaz...All I'm saying is definitely check it out. I think you will be pleased, as was I!