Since his release from prison, Brookstone’s most notorious drug lord, Jay Santiago, has been hard at work rebuilding his life and empire. With two businesses under his belt and one in the making, Jay is readily known as one of New York’s elite men. While the root of his financial status lies in the newly rebuilt Santiago cartel, Jay is determined to expand his wealth. After reconnecting with an old comrade, he believes that he has found the one thing that could increase his fortune and allow him to leave behind the dangers of his criminal enterprise for good. However, as Jay’s new business venture begins to come to fruition, he quickly learns that the one material object that he loves the most could lead to his biggest downfall yet.
Excerpt:
Jay focused the conversation on the real reason that he had come to Dallas. He had recently linked up with one of his old comrades who had helped him put millions into a new investment, one that he wanted Lotus to help him with. His plan was to use their connection to his advantage.
“I figured that since I’m Hector’s son that you would help me.”
Lotus was taken aback. “Help you? Help you with what?”
Jay knew that what he said next was going to send Lotus into a fury. “I need a warehouse,” he told him, quickly.
“Oh no,” Lotus said, taking off his seatbelt. “Stop the car, Arnold. Pull over.”
Jay unbuckled his seatbelt as well. He grabbed Lotus’ shoulder, in an attempt to calm him down. “Lotus, come on, listen to me. I know you helped me with this before, but I need another one. I mean, you sold me the building for Blue Magic. I’m making honest of the restaurant, aren’t I? I promise you, I will—” Jay was interrupted as Lotus screamed in his ear.
“Are you out of your mind? What are you getting into now?”
“I can’t go to anybody with this project. I don’t need a lot of ears or eyes on this. I trust you, Lotus. I know you won’t publicize this sale like you do the others. You will take the warehouse out of your company’s listings way before the sale is even complete.”
Lotus shook his head, nervously. He knew that if Jay was asking for a warehouse, then there was probably some illegal operation about to go down inside of it. The last time he had sold him one, he ended up using the space to house illegal drugs and weapons. Now, he wanted one again. Certain that Jay was still running a drug cartel, Lotus didn’t want anything to do with it. His days of working alongside a criminal enterprise were long gone.
Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Vogue’s journey through the world of creative writing first began in middle school with poetry and songwriting. While the mix of rhythm and words was the initial passage to self-expression, it was the discovery of prose that opened the door to a world of endless possibilities. An avid reader of Urban Fiction, Vogue felt the need to create literary works that had an equal balance of street lit, drama, romance, and faith-based undertones.
A graduate of Winthrop University (Rock Hill, S.C.), possessing a bachelor’s degree in social work, Vogue, first birthed the idea of The Diamond Collection in the halls of her alma mater. In 2003, she put pen to paper and thus was created, Diamonds In The Rough, part one of The Diamond Collection series.
By 2010, Vogue had written drafts of the entire ten book series and in June of 2010, Diamonds In The Rough, was published for her to share with the rest of the world. Soon followed by Diamonds Are Forever in October of 2010 and The Ace of Diamonds in February of 2013, Vogue joined the league of other writers, determined to make her mark in the literary world.
Still writing, Vogue plans to release the fourth book in the series, Black Diamonds, in late 2013 or early 2014 as well as pen her first Young Adult novel.
Interview with Vogue:
- The Ace of Diamonds is Part Three of a series entitled The Diamond Collection. How is this book different from your two previous releases (Diamonds in the Rough and Diamonds Are Forever)? One of the most recognized differences between this book and my previous releases is the change in writing style. I was between the ages of nineteen and twenty-one when I wrote my first book, and in my opinion, the writing reflected my mindset at the time. Now, I am twenty-seven and am in a totally different place than I was eight or so years ago. I have matured tremendously and the growth is mirrored in my writing.
- Since your book is a series, are there any characters who you would like to revisit? Currently, there is only one character, Monifah Harris, who is from my first novel, Diamonds in the Rough. She actually makes an appearance in my fourth book, Black Diamonds. Her character was initially very minor and readers weren’t given a fair chance to get to know her like some of the other characters. In my fourth book, she has a much larger role and I can’t wait for readers to see her return.
- Are there any new characters introduced in The Ace of Diamonds? The new antagonist in the book is Shawn Blumington, who is commonly referred to as Blu. The purpose of his character is to show what can happen when a person gets too much power.
- While you were writing this book, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters? There is only one scene in the book when I felt I was one of the characters. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that losing a parent at any age is devastating and is a wound that only time can heal. I lost both of my parents before the age of 22 and was forced to grow up quicker than I would have preferred. In writing this particular scene, I had to revisit a memory, which I try to keep suppressed. This scene in particular, is a chapter out of my own life, which I decided to share with readers through a fictional book.
- What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a published author? It took me a few years to learn it, but I’ve finally grasped the concept of patience, which is one of the keys to becoming a successful author. While I would’ve loved to put out my first book and instantly become a household name, God had a different plan for me.
- What is the meaning behind the title? A lot of my readers view Jay as being invincible and a man who is at the top of his game. However, his storyline in the book does not always match this description. His rise from the bottom to the top is reflective of the original and current meaning of the word ace. Traditionally, the word ace carried a negative connotation because it meant bad luck. Now, it is known as the playing card with the highest value.
- What is next for Vogue? Currently my focus is on promoting The Ace of Diamonds. I am currently on a Virtual Book Tour, which will be followed by a Blurb Blitz Tour. In addition, I am in the process of setting up book signings, which will start in April. I plan on taking a break in October to devote myself to my fourth book, Black Diamonds, which I plan to release in December of 2013 or January of 2014.
Web-Links:
Author Blog: www.simplyvogue.net
Publisher Website: www.crownjewelzpub.com
Twitter: @SimplyVogue_B
Facebook: www.thefacebook.com/simplyvogue
Instagram: MarilynMonRHO_1922
Email: [email protected]
Purchase Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Ace-Diamonds Vogue/dp/0988800403/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364007509&sr=8-1&keywords=the+ace+of+diamonds+by+vogue
Barnes &Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ace-of-diamonds-vogue/1114254082?ean=9780988800403
Book Trailer (s):
Teaser Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYQ4IFNCrbg
Official Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNMNSha-A0Q