In Love and War Hardcover - 2003

by Millner, Denene

Denene Millner and Nick Chiles made waves with Love Don't Live Here Anymore, their debut novel hailed by critics for its "insightful look at modern marriage" (Publisher's Weekly) and its "humor, compassion and honesty" (Booklist).

In Love and War takes us into the lives of Zaria Chance, sister of Mikki Chance-Murphy, the female protagonist of Love Don't Live Here Anymore, and Kenneth Roman, a teacher and basketball coach. When Zaria walks into Kenneth's classroom to discuss her son's unruly behavior, there is instant conflict as these two strong personalities go head-to-head-but there is also a powerful physical attraction. Though they see the world in completely different ways, it soon becomes clear they can't live without each other. But when Kenneth gets caught in a colossal lie, Zaria must decide whether she can overcome her pain and outrage to take him back.

Told in alternating viewpoints, this warm-hearted, sensual novel gives us an intimate perspective on each of the main characters' thoughts and feelings-the suspicions of the single mom and the panic of the wary bachelor. Peopled by a cast of complex and appealing characters drawn from real life and imbued with the candor, compassion, and humor that made their first novel a success, this Millner-Chiles tale is for anyone who has ever loved, lusted, and struggled to make a relationship work in the face of irrepressible drama and intense emotional baggage.