Jus Breathe

Jus Breathe is an award winning coming of age work that's tinged with speculation and a touch of psychological intrigue. In 2023 the book was a finalist in both the Independent Authors Network and The Next Generation Indie Book awards competitions. It won best book in the Pencraft Literary Excellence award and first place in the 2023 firebird book awards in two categories: African American Fiction as well as general fiction.
But most notable is its winning of 'first place" in the 2023 International Book Award for African American fiction.

"Look at her! You dared to name her Dawn. You shudda named her Midnight." Then Dawn's daddy was gone, for good. But his words never left.
In their wake a Midnight Ugly Duckling, part creature, part Dawn, invades her mirror and moves into her chest. She feels it. She's sure. It's residing there inside her; and it rules her by controlling her ability to breathe.
Set in New York City, during the turbulent sixties. This is a roller coaster love story with unsettled pasts and inner demons. Dawn's superpower is recognizing 'leaving time' when it inevitably rolls around. At sixteen she leaves her stepfather's violent home. Couch surfing like a Gypsy, she struggles to stay in school and get into college. Nevertheless, at the first inkling of a 'sketchy' situation Dawn, a survivor, would walk away and never look back, next destination unknown.
But, in the mist of the Harlem uprising that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, serendipity spins Dawn into Danny's tangled world.
Now, toxically in love, no longer a 'leaver,' Dawn knows if she is to survive, she must resurrect her superpower and break away from Danny's grip. But that Duckling who threatens to squeeze the life-breath from her if she dares . . .that Midnight Duckling in the mirror . . .she's got to find a way . . .to kill.