Jump Off: the Deep End: a Cautionary Tale

Publisher Marketing: ""Unflinchingly Real..."" Excerpt from the Prologue: "Don't ever judge someone for doing something you say you would not do. A person on drugs or a person who cheats. An alcoholic or a sex addict. I used to say, "Oh, I would never do that," or something like, "I can't understand how they could get themselves into that situation." But unless you're in that person's shoes, you honestly don't know the circumstances that led them to that decision. And you don't know the addiction that made them stay in it. "Addiction." I'd always associated the term with drugs or something that could be overcome if the person just "tried harder." Tried harder to acknowledge their problem, solve it, stay away from the temptation, and be good. Just like that... Well, easier said than done. In my short time on earth and with some unlikely, firsthand wisdom, I could honestly say that I will never again judge a person for being addicted and making poor choices. Because, I became that person. I threw all of my morals and positive family values out the window when I came to this town. Don't judge me until you hear my story. My story on how I, Merci Townsend, exemplary student, all around good girl and straight-laced overachiever, became a symbol of degradation by obtaining the status of a "Jump Off."" "Definition: Jump off: A casual sex partner. A mistress or a person that is usually only being used for sex while in marriage or serious relationship; The chick (or man) on the side. See also (Booty Call) " As an intern, all around good girl, Merci Townsend, gets caught up in a relationship she never fathomed, with an engaged, older, high-powered business man. In the process, she earns a sordid status. Going against everything she was brought up to believe, her life goes into a downward spiral, challenging her secret belief that she could make it without God. Wealthy business heir, James Jansen III, stokes the desires of women everywhere with his dynamic looks and powerful status. On the surface, he seems like a hero out of a romance novel. Underneath, the truth is anything but. He is unconditionally and irrevocably, human. Electronics magnate heiress, Lorelei Sampson, is capable of reaching back to her street upbringing to use whatever means necessary to destroy anything or anyone that would dare to come between her millions, and her man. Handsome, church going, Lawrence Redfield, is the consummate "good guy" and seems to be on the path to do all of the right things in life, including becoming one of Chicago's Finest, a police officer. Friendly and unattached, he seems to have all of the qualities of a perfect mate. Is he?