It’s been a long time coming, and to all my faithful fans, I do apologize.  Life always gets in the way of my writing plans.  It makes me remember a saying, “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”  During the last quarter, I had planned to drop several books, including V4.  My expectations, however, did not include my husband nearly dying in sleep, kids with insane homework assignments and several family trips, outings and visits.  Not to mention, RiverHouse opened a new office dead smack in the middle of the financial district of Manhattan (NYC).  I have been buuusssyyy.

The good news is that Adam is doing much better.  You don’t realize how special they are until they are nearly taken from you , right beside you.  For that, I am so thankful to my dear sweet savior, Jesus Christ.  The office is working out great in New York and will offer even more opportunities for readers and authors alike who follow RiverHouse and the family visits were awesome.  I saw my cousin for the first time in ten years and it was amazing.  We are even moving to the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area next summer. 

But with everything going on, my writing slowed to a pitiful crawl.  Now, I’m back.  And as normal after being pulled away from my work, I am on fire.

I have a lot in front of me.  Saving Anya and The World In Reverse are due out both on Christmas Day.  It will be out no later than December 31^st.  Please be patient with me.  If I pull this off, this will be the biggest project that I’ve ever taken on.

Now on to Volume 4 and Book One of the Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov.

The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Volume 4

Now a widower, Dmitry Medlov’s life has completely changed. Wealthy beyond his wildest dreams, his aspirations quickly move from more money to more power. Only the power he seeks is held by the commanding and elusive Czar of the underworld, Boss Smirnov.
When Dmitry successfully talks the underboss and the all-knowing eye of the underworld, Khalid, into arranging a meeting between he and Boss Smirnov, he has no idea what troubles he is about to face. There are secrets that will be exposed in Prague that will forever change his young life again, leading to a decision that will rock the underworld for good.
Meanwhile, back in London, the city is buzzing about the deaths of the entire board of directors of Dmitry’s newly acquired business, Hutton Industries, minus the company’s former front man, who was involved in a gruesome home invasion that left him blind, deaf, mute and paralyzed.

With no witnesses, leads or proof combined with the botched attempt on his own life during the horrid chain of events, Dmitry is looked over as a person of interest by Scotland Yard and is given carde blache to turn his new private company into his personal money laundering hub right under the public’s nose with the help of his Africa girlfriend, Oxford University senior and business genius, Elsa. And it’s just in time for his new secret alliance with the leaders of a powerful paramilitary sect led by Elsa’s father in Angola, Africa.

Dmitry’s new found power creates a checkmate for his ambitions to be boss but puts a target squarely on his back by not only organized crime heads around the world but also by his own brother, Ivan. Secret alliances are formed. Money is exchanged, and a definite war is looming. Only no one is willing to give up as much as Dmitry is to be king.

Read the last volume of the first book, The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov and witness the heart stopping rise of a giant and everything that he’s willing to do to become the world’s most powerful and deadly boss.

The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Book One

If you’ve been waiting to buy all the volumes of Book One of The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Volumes 1-4, the time has now arrived.

By popular demand, Latrivia S. Nelson is proud to announce a compilation of the first four of the twelve volumes from the Medlov Crime Family Short Stories Series.

Dmitry Medlov wasn’t always a billionaire crime boss. His rise to the top was a painstaking process that took many years and many trials and tribulations. From breaking out of prison on a twenty-year bid in Russia to trafficking guns in the back alleys of London and finally toppling a dynasty run by a blood-thirsty Czar, this seven-foot tall, bad boy had to earn every penny.

Along the way, however, he also learned about a woman’s heart, the pain of losing a sick wife, the drain of taking care of a psychotic kid brother, the knowledge of finding out that he was a father and pride of building an empire all before his 25th birthday.

Read about American’s favorite mob boss in four short tales that will have you flipping through the pages and begging for more.

The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Book One by national bestselling author Latrivia S. Nelson.

Now comes the good part.  The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Book One will be available in print on December 23, 2011.  If you want to purchase, you can pre-order on the website.  It would be a great stocking stuffer, collector’s addition.  I do hope you consider itJ.

In the next week, we will also be releasing a new book trailer for Book One, which will cover all of the volumes so far.  Lots of fun on that one too. 
www.latrivianelson.info

When Dmitry successfully talks the underboss and the all-knowing eye of the underworld, Khalid, into arranging a meeting between he and Boss Smirnov,  he has no idea what troubles he is about to face.  There are secrets that will be exposed in Prague that will forever change his young life again, leading to a decision that will rock the underworld for good. 

Meanwhile, back in London, the city is buzzing about the deaths of the entire board of directors of Dmitry’s newly acquired business, Hutton Industries, minus the company’s former front man, who was involved in a gruesome home invasion that left him blind, deaf, mute and paralyzed.  

With no witnesses, leads or proof combined with the botched attempt on his own life during the horrid chain of events, Dmitry is looked over as a person of interest by Scotland Yard and is given carte blanche to turn his new private company into his personal money laundering hub right under the public’s nose with the help of his live-in girlfriend, Oxford University senior and business genius, Elsa.  And it’s just in time for his new secret alliance with the leaders of a powerful paramilitary sect led by Elsa’s father in Angola, Africa.

Dmitry’s new found power creates a checkmate for his ambitions to be boss but puts a target squarely on his back by not only organized crime heads around the world but also by his own brother, Ivan.  Secret alliances are formed.  Money is exchanged, and a definite war is looming.  Only no one is willing to give up as much as Dmitry is to be king.

Read the last volume of the first book, The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov and witness the heart stopping rise of a giant and everything that he’s willing to do to become the world’s most powerful and deadly boss. 

Only $3.

E-Book goes on sale on LatriviaNelson.info October 1, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m used to getting the occasional email about my work.  And I normally take it in stride.  Countless readers have given me constructive criticism, offered their services and tried their best to help me.  I appreciate them, and I understand their purpose and points.  Some of their words have helped me A LOT.

But when someone sends me a three page letter on why they hated my stuff, I have to draw the line.  First of all, who has that type of time if they have a life?  Now, I did read the blog response. And I know a lot of authors who wouldn’t  have taken the time.  So, at least!!!

Anyway, you guys are my friends and my fans.  So tell me if I’m wrong. I’ll believe you.  But I just can’t take it anymore. Maybe it’s because I’m on my cycle and I am irritable, but maybe there is certain thing called “tact.”  And this email didn’t really have much of it.

If this reader felt so compelled to share her response with just me, then why didn’t she just send me an email?  I post my email everywhere.  Latrivia@LatriviaNelson.com.  And all of you know that I get 100 emails a day. Not all of them are nice, but I take time and I respond.  It’s important to them.  It’s important to me.  And it’s part of being a published author. Not everyone is going to like you.  I get it. I do. 

Instead of sending an email, however, she blasts me on my own blog and expects a nice response.  WTF!!!  That, my friends, is bullshit. And I am tired of always being nice.  You don’t come to someone’s house, fart in their living room and call it air freshener. And you don’t go to someone’s blog, basically tell them to quit their day job and call it constructive criticism.  Kiss my ass.

I print out every email.  Good and bad.  I look over them. Study them.  I outline the points that they make, use them to make my work better.  But I’m still a person with feelings.  I know (whine, whine) but I am a person, and I take my work seriously.  If I don’t defend it, who will? 

I spend countless hours away from my family, friends and life, doing what I consider to be the best job in the world.  I’m going to have feelings about it.

It’s not easy going after your dreams.  And often, your first, second and even third try can be semi unsuccessful, but I’m proud of the Medlov series.  It’s successful to me.  We have sold over 25,000 copies. I’ve made wonderful friendships as a result, and I’ve faced my fears.  That is so important to me. 

Now, there are things that I’m getting better at…like the copyediting element.  And now, I have Karen, and she is awesome.  She’s helping me fix things.  We’re going back and fixing the grammatical errors that made me a leper in the IR genre.  But at least, I’m in the genre.  At least, I’m giving it all that I have.  At least, I’m living my dream. 

When I first started out, I thought, I’ll just wait until everything is perfect.  But after Adam nearly died, I realized that no one is promised tomorrow.  I looked at him lying in the hospital bed and knew that there is no perfect time.  There is only right now.  Trust people. This is truth.  Don’t let fear steal your dreams from you.  Fight for them with everything that you have inside of you. 

So, I went balls to the wall, and I did it.  RiverHouse was born out of a need to share my voice and my thoughts with the world.  As imperfect as my books  may be, I still did it.  I put it out there, paid a horrid copyeditor, and I published my first book.  Now, I’m on my tenth.  If I should die tomorrow, then at least I will have accomplished something on my list that means so very much to me.  How many people can say that? 

I used to think that I had to take the “stuff” that people put out there about me.  But one day I looked in the mirror and realized that I don’t have to take it, and I won’t anymore.

You know what really irks me?  There are some people out there who hide behind their computers, behind these made up names, and these computer-generated photos.  They blast authors, singers, anyone who is trying to express themselves, and they do it anonymously so that they don’t have to face public humiliation after they purposely and maliciously humiliate you. 

They pick people apart.  They accuse you of having your friends and family post reviews just because they don’t like your book and couldn’t imagine that anyone else would.  In essence, they call you a freak fraud. 

They stomp on your dreams and your aspirations. 

They hope that you’ll quit, give up. 

Their entire purpose in life is to embarrass you!  But they have never penned a thing, published a thing, had one creative thought in their entire life that they followed through with. 

And authors like myself, who put their real picture and name up or authors who use pens names but put their real feelings and dreams into print are forced to deal with what they have said.  And we don’t get to do it anonymously.  We have to face the humiliation just as we are. 

They hide behind emails and computers.  We face the world.  Who is really coward? 

They go online and posts under several names and give horrid reviews.  And they don’t buy just one book. It’s like they can’t wait for you to release something else so that they can attack that too. 

Why?  I don’t know.  They do it though.   And then they curl up in their beds ALONE and sleep all night with a smirky little grin on their faces, because it makes them happy to tear you and your dreams apart.  What a trip!!!!

Well, I don’t have to take it.  I won’t take it anymore. 

There are going to be bad reviews.  And women and men who spend their money and their time deserve and opportunity to share their opinions.  I believe that. And I honor that.  I want to hear from them.  I want to be better for them and all my readers.

But I deserve the right to defend myself as well from that “other” type of reviewer – the one who wished that they could have done something else but didn’t, the one who never found the perfect opportunity so she just gave up and spent her entire life being bitter and attacking others. 

As an Interracial Romance Author, I get 10-20 emails a week from hate mongers who tell me that I’m not even human and have no right to write about a black woman and white man marrying each other.  I have to hear that my children are an abomination and that I don’t have a soul and should be back on a freaking plantation.  It’s hard enough to try to deal with those idiots. 

But on top of that, I get letters from sisters who would rather see me flipping burgers at a restaurant than pursuing my dreams.  I’ve already given the finger to the bigots of the world.  It looks like I’m going to use the other hand to give the finger to you too.

Fifty years from now, if God Almighty sees fit to still bless me with breath in my lungs, I’ll still be writing. I won’t ever quit.  So stop sending me emails and asking me to.  You’re wasting your time and more than that you’re pissing me off.

Do me a favor.  If you are only interested in attacking me, then don’t buy my books.  This is for the entertainment of people who want to do more than tear others down.  I want to hear from them.  I want their criticism, their support – not yours!!!

Have a great night,

Latrivia S. Nelson

Reviewed by Nikita Steele

Dmitry’s Closet by Latrivia S. Nelson

For the first time in his life, Dmitry Medlov was considering breaking the code, departing his empire and starting a new life with Royal Stone.  But, because of his ties to the Russia Mafia as the ruthless leader of the Medlov Organized Crime Family, that was easier said than done, especially since every known law enforcement agent was determined to take him down.  And, it didn’t help matters much that his one and only blood brother was trying to take over his kingdom by permanently eliminating him with deadly force.  Yet, the worst part of it all was that his beloved Royal was totally in the dark about his criminal life.

While searching for a job, Royal Stone met Dmitry Medlov.  Greatly intrigued by her, Dmitry instantly hired her to manage his new clothing boutique named Dmitry’s Closet.  Although, surprised by the offer, Royal felt very gracious by the opportunity and quickly agreed to the offer.  It was long before a super hot love affair blossomed between them.  What Royal wasn’t aware of was that Dmitry led a double life as a Russia Mafia crime boss.  When discovered, will she or won’t she continue to be his woman?

Wow!  While I devoured Dmitry’s Closet, I felt as if I was right smack in the middle of a smoking hot soap opera.  This plot had the true markings fantastic storyline where race had no boundaries.  It was jam-packed with drama, cold-heartedness, betrayal, envy, humor, suspense, lust and raw passion.  Once started, I simply couldn’t get enough.  I was hanging on the edge of my seat turning page after page eager to see just how the story would unfold.  Dmitry and Royal were on total opposite ends of the spectrum.  Whereas Dmitry was worldly wise and callous; Royal took things at face value and was very inexperienced – almost too native.  Yet, she fitted perfectly with Dmitry and made him want to have more out of life than his criminal activities.  She softened his outlook on life.  Dmitry’s Closet is not for the faint of heart because it contained violent actions that some might find offensive.  Nevertheless, it needed to be told because of the cruel lifestyle of the mafia.  If you are looking for a thrilling read that will capture and tightly hold your attention from start to finish, then look no future than Latrivia S. Nelson’s Dmitry’s Closet.

Happy Turkey Day to everyone out there.  If you’re like me, you’re still glued to the computer in between getting ready to eat more than your share and see the family.  Before we jet off, let’s talk about The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov: Volume 1.  Now, normally, I would create a completely new blog, but the stories are important to each other as you look at how father made it vs. son for both Dmitry and Anatoly and Ivan and Gabriel.  So, I … Read More

via The Official Blog Of Anatoly Medlov

Dmitry Medlov has many sides.  But he can’t keep the body of a Greek sculpture unless he goes to the gym.  So, what does a mob boss do?  He builds one in his home. 

We see that he thinks while he’s in there.  Early in the morning, he’s not sleeping in or eating a fattening breakfast.  He’s in the gym pumping some serious iron.  He’s always been that way too, since his time in the rough prisons in Russia.  (If you haven’t picked up The Chronicles of Young Dmitry Medlov Short Story, pick it up today at www.latrivianelson.info). 

When I developed this part of his character, several images came to mind.  Rough. Soft. Refined.  And Animalistic.  Dmitry is the type who can clearly go into any board room and conduct business, but he can also rip his clothes off and show scars, tattoos and muscles that would make any woman blush. 

Skinny guys have tattoos too.  I know this, but the best guys to look at have plenty of muscle.

Let’s remember that he wasn’t always rich and powerful.  He was a kid from the streets, or as he put it , a rat from the gutter.  Both he and Ivan were huge naturally, but when Dmitry added on pounds and pounds of muscle he became irresistible.

The next time that you’re in the gym, take notice of the guys who are muscular and their choice of tattoo.  I know some guys get names of their girlfriends and moms, children and etc.  But see if you can pick out a tribal tattoo, an elaborate tattoo, something different.

I saw a guy in Miami once with a beautiful tattoo on his back.  He was really, really buff – muscles everywhere.  When I asked him what they meant, he said, “If you have to ask, it’s not your business.”  I agreed, but I still made him buy me a drink:-)

What is the Volume 1 about?

Readers, who have already made themselves familiar with The Medlov Crime Family Series, will experience young Dmitry Medlov before his rise to the top. Released from prison at the age of 18, Dmitry Medlov has 24 hours to assassinate a Ukrainian drug lord and get both he and his brother on a plane to London. After being imprisoned for three years, however, many things have changed. Ivan isn’t a little boy anymore and he’s showing signs of being a sociopath. His ex-girlfriend is engaged and he’s a foot taller. Purchase this 65-page short story designed to begin to answer many questions about American’s favorite Russian crime boss. Only $3. PDF format. Emailed within 5-minutes right to your email.

Log on today!  www.latrivianelson.info

A man in a suit is a powerful thing.  Could you imagine James Bond in bib overalls?  Life just wouldn’t be the same.  The suit doesn’t make the man, but it does make him sexy.  It’s the swagger of the man once he puts the suit on.  It screams power, virility, control and yes, even sex.

One of the things you do notice is Dmitry relaxes a little more when he’s in other clothes.  When he’s in his suit, he’s boss.  When he’s in jeans, he’s just Dmitry. 

Have you noticed what a suit can do to a man?  Maybe that’s why you can only dress casually on Friday’s at the firm.  The suits exudes something more highly respected…maybe.

What are your thoughts? 

Latrivia S. Nelson

She listened to the storm rock the city with wind, heavy rains and lightning as she waited. Curiously, she looked out the window across his large gated lawn undisturbed by the late night rumblings. Security guards with dogs walked the perimeter of his property even in the rain, while Anatoly stood on the porch watching her and waiting for Dmitry. Rich people, she thought as she sat back in her seat. They are so freaking dramatic.

She closed her eyes finally and relaxed her head on the leather, feeling the warm seats caress her body. She had nearly gone to sleep when Dmitry arrived back. As the door opened for him, rain quickly rushed inside, dampening her face. He jumped in with a pair of dark jeans and a blue v-neck top, looking the most casual that Royal had ever seen him.

“Hope I wasn’t long,” he said, taking a swig of the Foster’s beer that he carried with him.

“Actually, I dozed off there for a minute.” Royal sat up in the chair. “You look…great. Like a walking Ralph Lauren advertisement.” She nodded.

“A compliment? It seems that we are making progress, Royal,” he said as he tapped her knee. “Anatoly, let’s go,” Dmitry instructed, keeping his eye on Royal.

The car started, and they pulled off. Royal watched Dmitry curiously but did not speak.

***

There are so many sides to Dmitry. The gentleman. The killer. The businessman. The dude. The sex machine. The lover. The father. The husband. The brother. The boss. As we move forward with the series, it is important to always keep this blog going with discussions about the foundations of each character. Since Dmitry is focus of all the characters, it’s important to look at his many faces. He doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, but in this series, he has touched a lot of people (and not always in a good way).

Tonight, I wanted us to look at the Jeans and Beer guy. It’s not the biggest part of him, but it’s a soft, easy way to start the discussion off. A man whom you met wearing a suit and playing the violin pops out of his mansion in jeans and holding a beer on your first date. He has so many layers. While serious, there is something about Royal that makes Dmitry almost whimsical.

If there are any of us out there who are serious most of the time, is there a special someone who makes you relax, loosen up, forget the stick lodged firmly up our anal cavities and just be fun? Oddly enough, Royal wasn’t the whimsical type but she did give him normalcy that made him forget his place as boss and made him remember that he was still just a man who liked a girl.

What’s your favorite Dmitry?

The big question that continues to come up is “Will Anatoly Get With Renee.”  Well, I refuse to give the story away, but I will talk on the subject.  In this book, it is really important to me to show readers a more intimate side of Anatoly and his journey during a period in his young adulthood where is he forced to grow more as a man and a boss of The Medlov Crime Family.  One of the major points of focus is to show the friendship between Anatol … Read More

via The Official Blog Of Anatoly Medlov