Welcome to the Author’s Corner
Meet the characters of Urban Coffee: Revised Edition, who live and breathe beyond the page. They laugh, mess up, grow, and love in ways that feel rea. Every character holds a piece of the story’s soul, and this space brings them to life with visuals and brief reflections from the book. Take your time, scroll slow, and enjoy the vibe.
Meet Malik – The Laid-back Architect with a Loud Heart
About Malik:
Malik, mysteriously charismatic, an introvert by choice—he’s always believed in observing first and speaking with purpose. But when he does speak, people listen. As a natural-born leader, highly intelligent architect with dreams bigger than his past, Malik carries himself with quiet confidence, loyalty, and depth. He’s a loving, dedicated father, driven, and fiercely devoted to the woman of his dreams, Zora, until she tested his love.
Meet Zora – The Nurturer Who Loves Hard but Guards Her Heart.
About Zora:
Zora is the calm in the storm—the kind of woman whose presence speaks before she even says a word. A nurturing spirit with quiet strength, Zora pours love into everything she does, especially her dream of owning a coffee café with her best friend. As a hospital administrator and devoted mother, she’s grounded, focused, and fiercely loyal. But beneath her composed exterior lies a heart full of passion, pain, and a desire to rediscover the pieces of herself.
Meet Brayden – The Steady Flame with the Fierce Heart
About Brayden:
Brayden is the dependable one—the friend who shows up, the father who never wavers, and the man who quietly carries the weight of loyalty on his shoulders. As co-founder of Nelson Coleman Realty, Brayden is sharp, focused, and built for leadership, but his strength isn’t just in business. It’s in the way he loves—wholeheartedly, patiently, and without pride. Though his relationship with Brooklyn took a hit, Brayden’s love never truly left. He’s supportive, affectionate, and determined to keep his family grounded.
Meet Brooklyn – The Beauty Who’s Learning to Love Herself
About Brooklyn:
Brooklyn is soft-spoken but deeply soulful—a woman with a warm heart, a beautiful smile, and a story still unfolding. She’s a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and the kind of woman people instantly trust. But love hasn’t always been easy for her. After losing Brayden, she is learning that self-love must come first. Her dream of opening a café with her best friend keeps her motivated, but it’s her journey inward that’s shaping the woman she’s becoming.
Amina – The feisty and youngest of the group, but wise beyond her years and she doesn’t forgive that easily.
Devin – Style queen that sees love as risky. She’s a free spirit with a heart she won’t admit is tender.
Rocco – The one who messed up, and the one who’s trying to make it right; good connections changed his life.
Heather – Childhood best friend of Malik and Brayden—but not everyone’s sure she belongs in the picture.
“From the Pages of Urban Coffee”
“A cool Friday night breeze filled the air. The sounds and sights of restaurants, department stores, game rooms, theaters, and a nearby carnival ride were always part of the experience on the strip of Alpine Boulevard, especially on the weekends. It was the nightlife enjoyed with real friends, family, close-knit coworkers, or a significant other.”
“As the girls neared the sidewalk, Zora suddenly stopped, her gaze fixed into the distance as if she had seen a ghost. They all followed Zora’s gaze, and there, across the street, sat Malik and Brayden, nestled next to the window inside Savory Seafood, accompanied by two women.
Zora’s breathing quickened, and she could feel the anger and pain rise in her chest...”
“Are you okay?” he asked, noticing her silence as he drove through the busy Whole Foods parking lot, searching for the best exit. Brooklyn smiled, nodding her head. “Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you so much for coming with me. I used to love grocery shopping with you.”
Brayden smiled, gently caressing her hand. “Me, too.”
”
“Devin pulled out a bar stool and hopped onto the peninsula, keeping her T-shirt underneath her, positioning herself next to him. Chris desired a deeper connection... “Sometimes, I just want to chill with you—go out to eat, maybe shop, anything besides just... sex. I want to know what’s in here.” he gestured to her head... “What makes you happy or sad, angry? What’s your favorite color? Do you believe in God? ”
“She pulled up to her house around 5:35 p.m. and observed Malik’s car parked in her two-car driveway. Emotions flooded her, as they often did in his presence. He had arrived 10 minutes earlier, wearing a charming smile as he approached Zora’s side of the car and courteously opened the door. “I missed you,” he said.”