Angelina Rivera was at the prime of her life. Surrounded by white sandy beaches, a good job and a condominium she called home. She relished in the peace Miami, Florida had to offer. But her life took a horrible turn when her mother fell ill; forcing her to leave her idyllic life and return to Taft Projects at New York’s East Harlem, a place where memories of abuse, alcoholism and abandonment awaited her return.
Daryl James ruled The Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, NY with his crack cocaine business by his twenty third birthday. He had it all; money, women and the protection of his former crack addicted mother who spoiled him rotten. One fateful night cost Daryl seven years at New York’s Attica Correctional Facility. Upon his release his finished manuscript “Betrayal” was ready for print. Back home with his mother who now resided at West Harlem’s Foster Projects, Daryl used money stashed from his hustling days to begin his new life as an author and publisher.
From the moment they met Angelina and Daryl began a hot and heavy love affair like either had ever experienced. She stood by him, working hard to turn his dream of writing into a reality. Daryl’s rise came at a painful cost when a one-night stand with a street chick named DeeDee became his worst nightmare. Soon Daryl, Angelina and DeeDee were entangled in a deadly game of lust, betrayal and murder; sending Angelina into a world of despair like she never imagined.
Excerpt:
“Damn!” she cursed under her breath.
Noticing an empty spot next to the headlights, Angelina quickly positioned her car and backed into the narrow opening. Once she parked, she glanced through the passenger window and admired the glossy black Cadillac Escalade next to her. She also admired the fine-looking image draping his t-shirt over his tight wifebeater tee. Angelina couldn’t help but stare at him. His arms were dark and muscular, and the diamond stud in his ear glistened as the rays from the streetlight illuminated the interior of his car.
Sensing her staring at him, he quickly turned his head and they made eye contact. Angelina’s cheeks suddenly felt warm; she always blushed like a schoolgirl when she saw someone so pleasing to her eyes. Trying to hide her flushed cheeks, she quickly got out of the car and collected her belongings. He must have been racing to exit his vehicle as well, because shortly after slamming the door shut, he immediately checked the pockets of his baggy jeans.
Maria Hernandez (Born 1963) was born in East Harlem NY to Puerto Rican parents. As a child she would often let her imagination flow freely with tales and story lines that transported her imagination into a world of mystery, romance and action-adventures in far away lands. As a young adult she wanted to include her beloved “El Barrio” as East Harlem is nicknamed into her first novel. Ms. Hernandez finally put her ideas on paper and “Trapped” was born. Trapped has created a great fan base because many can relate to the reality her characters bring. Every joy, tear and heartbreak can be felt on each page, and its plot twist is riveting. Ms. Hernandez is currently working on her second installment of the Trapped series.
Get to know Maria:
- How did you come to create Trapped?
I was asked to write on a dare from the CEO of a Publishing company I worked for in 2008. At that time, I didn’t know if I had the right stuff to take on such a task. But when I sat in front of the computer the storyline just came to me and I began to write.
- Are you anything like or can you relate to the main character?
I can relate to my main character. Angelina is a is a strong, independent woman who can hold her own, yet when it came to love she was very vulnerable. She gave her all to please the man she loved, and lost her true self in the process.
- What authors or types of books do you like to read?
I remember falling in love with Stephen King novels as a teenager. I’m usually not into scary novels or movies but his work always carried some sort of message that made me think the consequences of one’s actions. I love books with suspense and drama, the type of book I can’t put down because I’m eager to find out what happens in the end.
- What was the most challenging thing about writing this book?
The most challenging part was creating each chapter. I had to ensure that the storyline would fall into place until the very end. I looked at each chapter as a scene from a movie, leading the reader into suspense up until the plot twist emerges.
- What has been the most rewarding thing about writing this book?
Writing this book has been a great reward for me. As a child, I had so many storylines in my mind, and seeing Trapped on the computer screen was the best feeling in the world.
- What is your advice to young authors?
Never give up on your dream. If you want to be an author, be prepared to work hard; and write a novel you would like to read. Trapped was a story that I’ve enjoyed writing because it’s the kind of book I would have read if I were to come across it at a book store.
- What’s next Maria Hernandez?
Well I’m fine-tuning the second installment of Trapped. I’m very excited about the adventures my character Angelina Rivera will experience. I am also working with a friend on a screenplay for my first book. My dream is to see Trapped on the big screen.
Find the author:
Twitter @TrappedTheNovel, https://facebook.com/
Buy the book– http://a.co/aE3YP0u , www.mctpublicationsllc.com