In this present age, aspiring performers, musical artists, and singers of all kinds engage with hip hop and hip-hop stylizations. Turn on the radio today and you will hear music from the likes of Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish—songs you might place into the generalized category of "pop singers." However, many top 40 pop tunes of today derive their musicality, style, and sound from hip hop, often employing hip-hop stylized vocalizations. This is even the case with contemporary musicals like Hamilton and In the Heights. In Hip-Hop and Rap Music: A Performer’s Guide, Melissa Foster equips aspiring performers, musical artists, singers, and hobbyists with the tools and knowledge needed to appreciate the rich art form and perform it with genuine authenticity and fluency. Part 1 provides a rich tapestry of important considerations for performers, including the development of hip hop; a roadmap to different styles; a brief introduction to the political, social, and racial context of hip-hop’s emergence; and an investigation of hip hop’s vast influence on contemporary music. Each performer must find an authentic, holistic way into the stylisms, physicality, parlance, and sound of hip hop that will resonate with both their lived experience and their bearing, and understanding hip hop’s rich background is a vital first step towards this. Part 2 presents a wealth of practical exercises and techniques designed to condition a performer to meet hip hop’s technical demands and facilitate hip-hop performance stylisms. This section delves into vocal techniques to address such building blocks as inhalation, breath management, articulation, movement and grounding, rhythmic control and ownership (including an in-depth look into finding the ‘pocket’ which is crucial to hip hop), pitch, resonance, storytelling, riffing (in both a musical and holistic approach), vocal health, and microphone techniques. Part 2 will also include interviews and tips from various hip-hop artists and industry professionals which will bring to life and reinforce the challenging nature of the form’s requisite skills. Hip-Hop and Rap Music: A Performer’s Guide will equip performers with the tools and knowledge vital to approaching authentic and masterful performances of hip hop.

In this present age, aspiring performers, musical artists, and singers of all kinds engage with hip hop and hip-hop stylizations. Turn on the radio today and you will hear music from the likes of Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish—songs you might place into the generalized category of "pop singers." However, many top 40 pop tunes of today derive their musicality, style, and sound from hip hop, often employing hip-hop stylized vocalizations. This is even the case with contemporary musicals like Hamilton and In the Heights. In Hip-Hop and Rap Music: A Performer’s Guide, Melissa Foster equips aspiring performers, musical artists, singers, and hobbyists with the tools and knowledge needed to appreciate the rich art form and perform it with genuine authenticity and fluency. Part 1 provides a rich tapestry of important considerations for performers, including the development of hip hop; a roadmap to different styles; a brief introduction to the political, social, and racial context of hip-hop’s emergence; and an investigation of hip hop’s vast influence on contemporary music. Each performer must find an authentic, holistic way into the stylisms, physicality, parlance, and sound of hip hop that will resonate with both their lived experience and their bearing, and understanding hip hop’s rich background is a vital first step towards this. Part 2 presents a wealth of practical exercises and techniques designed to condition a performer to meet hip hop’s technical demands and facilitate hip-hop performance stylisms. This section delves into vocal techniques to address such building blocks as inhalation, breath management, articulation, movement and grounding, rhythmic control and ownership (including an in-depth look into finding the ‘pocket’ which is crucial to hip hop), pitch, resonance, storytelling, riffing (in both a musical and holistic approach), vocal health, and microphone techniques. Part 2 will also include interviews and tips from various hip-hop artists and industry professionals which will bring to life and reinforce the challenging nature of the form’s requisite skills. Hip-Hop and Rap Music: A Performer’s Guide will equip performers with the tools and knowledge vital to approaching authentic and masterful performances of hip hop.

What are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother. As a woman dominating the male-driven construction industry, Piper has no interest in turning in her hammer for an apron—even if hot and hilarious Harley thinks otherwise. Burly bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, tough-as-nails and sexy-as-sin Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper is her snarky self, and she kind of sucks at caregiving, but she’s owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her… As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.

A sexy and soul-stirring novel about love, family, and rediscovering what matters most by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will. When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messieres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus to show her boss just how much he needs her and heads home to Silver Island. But beyond seeing her sisters happy, home is not where Deirdra's heart is. She has no interest in their family restaurant, the Bistro, or reliving hurtful childhood memories, and absolutely no interest in spending a single second with Josiah "Jagger" Jones, the Bistro's too-laid-back musician and chef. Sure, the hippie is hot, but he drives her nuts. The guy lives in a van with his dog, and he can't even commit to a solid work schedule. To make matters worse, he's always around. She needs to get off the island, stat. Jagger has overcome his own personal trials to place stock in life's pleasures: family, friends, peace...and if he has his way, one positively beautiful, absolutely uptight attorney. Jagger knows he's the perfect person to help Deirdra deal with her hurtful past and find her way back to being happy. A chance encounter leads to deep conversation, and night after liberating night, Deirdra lets down her guard. But neither has plans to stay on Silver Island. Free-spirited Jagger has wanderlust, and Deirdra has a career to return to. They're on different paths, and plans for a future together don't stand a chance. But when has anything gone according to plan?

From Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of She Loves Me, comes a sexy and heart-warming novel about finding love-and family-where you least expect it. When chef Abby de Messieres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother's affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother's bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother's patio. Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a "Let Loose list," and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister's well-being, he's blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he's excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there's more to Aiden than Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all.

An emotional and sexy novel about guarded hearts, finding love, and families lost and found by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Maybe We Will. After spending years wondering who she was, tattoo artist Cait Weatherby finally found her answers on the sandy shores of Silver Island. With two half sisters she never knew existed, a group of friends she adores, and a devastatingly charming admirer who flirts with her at every turn, she's ready to figure out her next steps. The trouble is, Cait lives in the shadows of a dark past, and she can't afford complications that might cause her to lose the family she's only just found-complications like blue-eyed boatbuilder Brant Remington, who is as open as she is guarded. If only the sexy charmer would take the hint... Brant is Cait's opposite in every way, but he's drawn to everything about the sexy newcomer-from the quiet strength that rivals the caution in her mossy-green eyes to her tough facade that he can't wait to strip away. As Brant works his magic, Cait's walls come down. But as sweet as that feels, Cait knows how quickly good things can turn bad. It's going to take more than a little trust to beat the ghosts of her past and claim the future they both deserve.

She has everything money can buy, but her bodyguard is all she wants-and together they're exactly what each other needs in this heart-racing romance by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of Call Her Mine. Actress Remi Divine is sick of bodyguards, sick of stalkers, and sick of feeling like she is always under a microscope. But this movie star isn't helpless by any means. She's got a rebellious streak, and she knows how to use it. First order of business: getting rid of the overbearing bodyguards who are sticking to her like glue. Mason Swift has made protecting others his life, and when Remi ditches his two best men, he takes over and gives it everything he has. Having grown up in the foster-care system, and as a former special operative, he knows all the tricks. Nothing gets by him, especially not gorgeous, sneaky Remi. He thinks she's a diva. She thinks he's arrogant. But when sparks turn to flames and their walls come down, their true hearts are revealed, and their connection is unstoppable. And when tragedy strikes, Remi realizes that being protected isn't the worst thing in the world-but losing Mason just might be.

Two besties and a baby make for an instafamily and a surprising romance in a delightful series by Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of the Sugar Lake novels. Ben Dalton has always been honest, except where his heart is concerned. He's been in love with his best friend-saucy, smart-mouthed Aurelia Stark-forever. But Ben's a planner, and timing has never been on his side. When he finally decides to make his move, Aurelia beats him to the punch with a move of her own-to a different town. Aurelia loves her new life in the charming town of Harmony Pointe. She has a great apartment and her very own bookstore, and best of all, the sinfully hot, commitment-phobic friend she's crushed on for years is no longer just around the corner. Maybe she'll finally be able to leave her unrequited love behind and move on. But when a baby is left on Ben's front porch-a baby that is presumably his-Aurelia is there for him. Neither one knows the first thing about babies, but how hard can it be? Ben and Aurelia are catapulted into a world of love, laughter, and tracking down the baby mama, and it might even add up to a very happily ever after... just not one either of them expects.

Love only works when your heart is in the right place. Hers could be right next door... Single mom Bridgette Dalton doesn't have time to stop and smell the roses-not even in her own flower shop. But that doesn't mean she hasn't noticed Bodhi Booker. Her ruggedly handsome next-door neighbor would be the perfect candidate for a no-strings fling. Having loved and lost, Bridgette's not ready to hand over her heart...but she could use a distraction. Bodhi has one rule: never leave anyone behind. As a special operative, he knows that each new mission is more dangerous than the last. He's never made a promise of forever to a woman, not even to the beautiful widow who has him tied in knots. And if there were anyone who could tempt him into putting down roots, it would be Bridgette and her adorable son. But as his next deployment nears, they make a startling discovery. Their passion, meant only for the here and now, might already be blossoming into something more...

Bakery owner Willow Dalton's friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane's always had a reputation as a player. He's arrogant, and he's definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough for her to go along with a fake engagement a decade later-even if it comes with a real diamond ring? Zane should have known better. Nothing involving Willow has ever been easy. Still, he knows her better than anyone, and becoming America's hottest new leading man means cleaning up his reputation. An "engagement" to curvy, sass-mouthed Willow is the perfect PR move-provided no one gets hurt. Now Zane and Willow's little white lie has turned into an irresistible recipe for sweet temptation. And soon no one will be able to tell the difference between their fake engagement and the real thing-including them.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty contemporary romance titles with over 1.5 million units sold Frequently collaborates with romance juggernauts like Bella Andre and is incredibly connected in the romance community Author is a relentless promoter and has been extraordinarily successful as a self-published author. This is the first time she has been sold into trade accounts.

TRU BLUE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster. "With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner "Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover... There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet. ** "You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak