2017 RITA Finalist
A rebellious cabaret owner and her stubborn chef pursue, life,
liberty, and happiness in 1917 Harlem...and find love where they least
expect it.
After spending half her life pretending to be something she's not,
performance is second nature for cabaret owner Bertha Hines. With the
election drawing near and women's voting rights on the ballot, Bertha
decides to use her persuasive skills to push the men of New York City in
the right direction.
Chef Amir Chowdhury jumped ship in New York to get a taste of the
American Dream, only to discover he's an unwanted ingredient. When
ornery Amir reluctantly takes a job at The Cashmere, he thinks he's hit
the bottom of the barrel; however, working at the club reignites his
dream of being a force for change. His boss, Bertha, ignites something
else in him.
Bertha and Amir clash from the start, but her knowledge of politics and
his knowledge of dance force them into a detente that fans the flames of
latent desire. But Bertha has the vice squad on her tail, and news from
home may end Amir's dream before it comes to fruition. With their pasts
and futures stacked against them, can Amir and Bertha hold on to their
growing love?
Originally appeared in Daughters of A Nation: A Black Suffragette
Historical Romance Anthology.
