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THE PERFECT MATCH: Cornelius Johnston has it all, the job, car, and fancy house, but after coming home to find his girlfriend in a compromising position he's left with no one to share it with. Lela James has had every type of bad relationship, the scrub, the abusive type, and the cheating fiance that she caught red handed.  When their worlds collide at the James' Family Reunion, Lela and Neil are forced to look at love differently, and Lela's Grandma "Jana" sees their future before they do. She advises granddaughter to follow her heart where love was concerned and to always "keep it tight baby." And their new love blossomed like the most beautiful flower until...

THE OTHER WOMAN: After coming home to find a "Dear John" letter, Amanda Broady was devastated and quickly spiraled downward into a sea of depression. When she comes to work beside Cornelius Johnston, her whole world lights back up. Instantly, her dreams are invaded by him and every waking moment consumed with thoughts of being by his side as his wife. She doesn't care that her family would freak out if she brought a black man home because she has fallen headfirst in love with Cornelius.  For his love, she will do anything...thus the dilemma. 

THE DILEMMA:  Having worked his way to the title of vice president of a Fortune 500 company, Cornelius Johnston is prepared to take very good care of his new wife and son. He and Lela share a picture perfect relationship; however, in every great relationship there is a thorn-in-the-side, and their thorn is Amanda Broady. Keepin' It Tight proves that when you invite the devil in a skirt into your home there will be no peace until their true intent is revealed. Will it be too late? When Amanda starts spinning her tangled web of deception, Neil and Lela's marriage will reach a point of no return.

It will take a miracle to pick up the pieces - a miracle only Grandma Jana could pull off.

CAN YOU SAY DRA-MA!

~ Read Excerpt ~

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You Can Overcome Obstacles and Keep the Love, January 11, 2008 By  Lady Flava "S.E. Koshi" (Seattle, WA) Keepin' It Tight by Shani Greene-Dowdell is a drama filled book around what one might be seen as normal relationships concerns. Yes, you will experience the lack of trust from the woman's point of view and the man's. The interesting thing about this book, it has a different twist to it. Race concerns come into play, or do they really? You know they exist in real life, but you don't see it written about in books...white women interested in black men. Lela James is a beautiful, smart...single mother. Desiring the same things as most women want...a loving, mature, one on one relationship with the "right man"...a good man. Lela experiences the ins and outs of bad relationships...when she meets a man that tweaks her interest. Will he turn out to be "that dream comes true?" Cornelius Johnston, an up and coming executive working for Naytek Corporation, pours himself into his work, making his career his first love ...after he too, suffers the loss of what he thought to be The Only Relationship...he wanted and needed. Will Cornelius, Neil to his friends and family...ever step away from his career and take the risk of exploring love again? Lela and Neil meet through Lela's cousin Trey. There is an instant attraction from both of them. Now, these two do connect, but will let go and allow themselves to trust and fall in love? Not if it was up to Amanda Broady, a white woman, who is also the niece of the Head of Naytek Corp. Amanda is a scorned woman, with a broken heart when Neil catches her attention. Are Amanda's interests in Neil strictly professional or does she have other motives? Keepin' It Tight was a page turner. The book grabbed me from beginning to end. I was so interested in how this author would add the twist of possible race issues to this book. The subject was there, causing you to think but not focus too deeply on it. I commend the writing skills of Shani Greene-Dowdell in bringing this topic into her book. Shani stepped up the game in writing a book on relationship drama and falling in love. I loved this book! S.E. Koshi aka Lady Flava Flava Coffee House Flava Book Reviews

Curl Up With This One!!, January 7, 2008 By  Hazel Mills (USA)  Shani Greene-Dowdell has really created a gem with this one! "Keepin' It Tight" will having you eagerly waiting to turn the page to see what's going on with Lela, Neil and Miss Amanda, whose blond ambition is not to be underestimated.

Can you keep it tight?, December 21, 2007 By  Mashawn Mickels "CO-Owner & President of SBS ... (Columbus, GA USA)     Brand new author Shani Greene-Dowdell has written an amazing debut novel titled "Keepin' It Tight". She tells the story of love and betrayal. This novel has a number of y our fav. southern local spots. Her story is 'real'. One couple gets together, and you have the co-worker who feels she HAS to have him come in between the couple. While reading "Keepin' It Tight" you fall in love with some of the characters and hate some of the others. Each character she uses I'm sure you know somebody like them. For a great read, check it out!!! Thanks for Sharing Shani!!!

Great Book..........Waiting for the Sequel, December 6, 2007 By  Maleeka Marshall "mnmll" (Pennsylvania)  I read this book in less than a day!! It was such a great read. I found myself yelling at some of the character's but I guess that's what Shani intended for you to do to keep it intriging. This isn't your average book and I'm proud to say I didn't see the ending coming.

A page-turner, November 3, 2007 A Kid's Review Over all the book is a great read and she brought the characters to life. She didn't half step on this book she put her foot all the way in it. The first chapter pulls you in and from there it don't let you go. This book have so much drama and action in it until you just want to scream. This is one of these books that you can relate to. The author Shani is on her way to stardom in the literature world. Also if you want to hear this author in a great interview. Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/bigtimepublishing. Get your copy today!

Page Turner, October 5, 2007 By  Jenea Whitaker "Jenea" (Opelika, AL United States)  I read this book in a matter of 24 hours because I couldn't put it down. It is really a page turner. This novel is truly inspirational for married and single folk alike.

Kept tight until the very end!, October 4, 2007 By  Southern Girl "Reading Is What I Love!" (South Georgia)  Two thumbs up to author Shani Greene-Dowdell on her debut novel! Keepin' It Tight was kept tight until the last punctuation mark! I love the realness in this fictional story. Lela and Neil could very well be the people next door. And Amanda...let's hope she's the crazy woman who stays on her meds! Great job, Shani!

It Takes Two, September 25, 2007 By  D. Frazier "Ghetto Fiction Queen" (Cleveland, Ohio)   Lela James did not ask for much in Keepin' It Tight, by Shani Greene Dowdell. She wanted what most women dream about; a decent man, financial security and a house protected by the perfect, white picket fence. It did not seem like an impossible dream, even though she had a string of bad relationships. Cornelius Johnston was making moves in the business world. He appeared to have the perfect life. He had just received a promotion at work and had a woman he felt he could eventually marry. What more could a man ask for? He rushed home to tell his girlfriend, Larna, about his new position when he found her in a compromising position of her own. Lela and Cornelius found themselves instantly attracted to each other upon meeting. With wounded hearts, yet willing souls, they became enmeshed in a plethora of lust, deception, twisted tales and buckets of tears. Would their relationship survive the brutal blows that threatened to shatter their renewed dreams of lasting love? Or would they part ways leaving their predators victorious? Keepin' It Tight was an intense read. The pacing of the story allowed me to become engrossed in the character's lives. The author did a great job of playing with my emotions. She developed characters that were realistic, provided great imagery and just enough suspense to keep me glued to the pages. Readers who love storylines that tug at heartstrings will love this novel. I also recommend Keepin' It Tight to those who enjoy chick lit. Reviewed by Darnetta Frazier APOOO BookClub

If you don't keep it tight, she will..., September 6, 2007 By  Leila Jefferson, author and avid reader (Ohio, by way of Cali) - See all my reviews Lela and Neil are in love and no one can stop the bond they have created...Someone wants to tho, and that someone would be Amanda, a woman on a mission to have a sucessful black man on her side..Will Neil stay true to his heart or give in to the temptation that he faces daily? 2 thumbs up to Shani for writing such a great story...this novel showed you that true love can happen, and when u have a good man, some woman always wants to take your place...I got so mad at some parts I was yelling at the characters...good job to the author! I'll always keep in mind how a sista need to keep it tight!!