Looking for The Butterfly Memoirs???

I've moved!!!

Don't worry, The Butterfly Memoirs Series is in no way over! In fact, Jaded- Book Two of The Butterfly Memoirs is in my publishers hands with a release date of March 2013! The blog, however has moved to another site. Follow this link and follow the new website to stay in the loop! Contest, giveaways, and more are coming your way soon!

See you there!

MJ

This way to the new home of The Butterfly Memoirs!!! 

#SampleSunday- A Heart Not Easily Broken- Confrontation

Welcome to my last #SampleSunday of the year! And what a great year it has been! The feedback and reviews of A Heart Not Easily Broken have been mind-blowing, to say the least! I am anxiously awaiting the release of my second novel in The Butterfly Memoirs Series, Jaded...look for it March 2013!

By the way, the next time you find The Butterfly Memoirs, it will have a new blog home! I am moving over to Wordpress  to combine my writing blog and this one into one easy to access location. The transition will be completed by January 1st, so keep an eye out! A new year, new look, and new book is coming your way! Be sure to follow this link and join the email list so you can keep up with what's new! The next #SampleSunday will be a cover reveal and blurb release for Jaded....don't miss it!

****Sneak peak at Author M.J. Kane's new blog site!!!****

In the meantime, I will wrap up the last Sunday Sample of A Heart Not Easily Broken with another sneak peek at Yasmine Phillips. Last weeks  #SampleSunday and the #TeaserTuesday treats introduced Yasmine's POV in the story, one that only appears at pivotal points. Why? Because for her, the events of the story culminate in to this scene, one that sets the stage for her own Butterfly Memoir....Jaded.


Excerpt:

“Oh, no,” I giggled. “You’re not avoiding this conversation. What do you think about a June wedding?”

Javan regarded me with eyes so filled with desire he looked confused at the topic at hand. His head, both of them, were focused on one thing.

His eyebrows creased. “Yasmine, that soon?”

“Javan, that’s nine months away. There’s so much to do. I’ve got to find a place for the wedding and reception. We’ve got to come up with a guest list. I’ve got to find a dress for the girls and for me. And we’ve got to find some place to live. Both of us have roommates so moving in together is not an option. And, oh, God, we haven’t met each other’sparents yet.”

The expression on his face was comical. “I didn’t think about that.”

“Yeah, baby, it’s work to get married. But once we are, the benefits are…” I grinned wickedly. “Let me show you.” I pushed him on his back and straddled him.

“I like this part.” His voice went deep as he grabbed hold of my hips.

Our tongues were fighting their private war when heavy banging on the door startled us.

“Didn’t you put the ‘do not disturb’ sign onthe door?” His annoyance mirrored my own.

“Yes.” My employees knew not to disturb me unless it was an emergency. Such as the hotel being on fire. “This better not be about the computers,” I mumbled and climbed off Javan to grab the guest robe from the bathroom.

Javan lay in bed smiling. His thick biceps were pronounced as he shifted his arms behind his head.

The banging continued.

“Go get ‘em, baby.” He chuckled.

I reached the door, twisted the lock, and yanked it open. “What the hell do you…Brian?” He had a murderous expression on his face. “What’s wrong? Is Ebony okay?” I pulled the lapels of my robe tightly across my chest.

“No, she isn’t.” His lips were drawn tight, his brows dropped low. “Where is he?”

I was really confused. Brian should have been with Ebony, but she didn’t seem to be around.

“Why do you-”

“Move.”

I stood firm. “No, not until you-” Brian shoved past me and headed for the bed where Javan lay.

“Your ass is mine,” he growled.

*  *  *  *

****Has Been on the following Amazon Bestseller in:****
MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE
AFRICAN- AMERICAN LITERATURE & FICTION
AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN'S FICTION
AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE


BUY your copy today!!! **** Visit AMAZON and Goodreads and check out the reviews! Now available in PAPERBACK on AMAZON and BARNES&NOBEL!!!

AMAZON     BARNES&NOBEL     iTUNES  

#TeaserTuesday-A Heart Not Easily Broken- Yasmine Phillips

Sample Sunday introduced you to Yasmine Phillips, the heroine of the next book in The Butterfly Memoirs Series, Jaded.  She was in her happy place, having just gotten engaged and elated about where her life was going.  In this sample, I'm gonna back it up just a bit and let her tell you how she feels about working for her family's business.

Excerpt:

“Ms. Phillips, you have a call on line three.”

I sighed. “Thomas, how many times have I told you, call me Yasmine?”

The young, pimpled faced kid, who worked the front desk, blushed in my doorway. He looked like he’d pass out on the floor if I smiled at him. Talk about a teenage crush.

“I’m-m-m-… sorry, I just can’t­”

What he couldn’t do was get the words out without stammering half to death. Where did my father find this guy?

“It’s okay, just send the call through.”

Thomas shut his mouth, nodded, and walked into the doorframe. He looked at me again, his face even redder from embarrassment.

I allowed a half smile, not wanting to throw too much at him for fear of having to transfer the call myself.

He responded with a dorky grin and headed back to the front desk.

The Phillips’ Family Inn had been in business since I attended high school. I’d been assistant manager of this location since graduating college. My parents sweated blood and tears to open the establishment.

 After years of planning, my great-grandmother’s death left my mother enough money and the perfect property to build their dream.

Twelve years later, there were two locations with the possibility of a third opening up next year. Talk about following your dreams.

My dream did not include running a hotel for the rest of my life.

Fashion was my thing.  I spent every free moment researching and using my family and friends as test dummies. As far as they were concerned, I became the ‘go to’ person when needing to dress for the occasion. My best friend, Ebony, was one of my better case studies. The day we met, she wore a pair of jeans and an everyday t-shirt that hid her beauty. It took a few months to break her shell.

My goal was to start a business as a fashion consultant. I had the skill, the talent, and the motivation. All I needed was time. And a location to work out of.

####

****Has Been on the following Amazon Bestseller in:****
MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE
AFRICAN- AMERICAN LITERATURE & FICTION
AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN'S FICTION
AFRICAN-AMERICAN ROMANCE


BUY your copy today!!! **** Visit AMAZON and Goodreads and check out the reviews! Now available in PAPERBACK on AMAZON and BARNES&NOBEL!!!

AMAZON     BARNES&NOBEL     iTUNES  

#SampleSunday-A Heart Not Easily Broken- Meet Yasmine Phillips

This week I'm going to do something a little different. For the past few weeks the samples I've shared have been from both Brian and Ebony's POV. Today I will introduce you to the POV of a secondary character, Ebony's best friend, Yasmine Phillips, who has her own story coming out in March, Jaded.

This is the second time when her POV takes stage in the novel and serves as a great way to show exactly where her head is at in regards to relationships at this point. What happens here is important, because by the end of A Heart Not Easily Broken, she is not the same.

Excerpt:  

I’m getting married!

So much to do, so little time. Or was it? It all happened so fast we hadn’t set a wedding date yet.

Javan surprised me by arriving before I got off work with a box of chocolates and a dozen yellow roses. Our plans were to have dinner, of course. It didn’t surprise me when Ebony and Brian opted not to hang with us. Ordinarily I would have been mad, but not tonight. At least one of them broke away from whatever kinky sex they were having and answered when I called to share my happy news. Even though the call ended abruptly, I knew deep down, she would be excited for me.

Ebony and I didn’t see eye-to-eye when it came to relationships. I was happy she’d finally found the man right for her. Brian definitely knew how to take care of my girl. I wished them happiness. A smile spread across my face as Javan snored in his sleep. I definitely had found mine.

Now that my life and relationship seemed to mirror hers, I hoped my dedication to the career I wanted would be the same. Like Ebony, I would do whatever it took to see my dream come true. Over the past few weeks, she’d inspired me to make plans to transition to my dream job as a fashion consultant. I’ve always had a passion for fashion, hell after growing up near Hollywood and Rodeo Drive, who wouldn’t?

For the past two months, I’d been toying with the idea to make my business official. My parents didn’t know I had offered my services to hotel guests as a test study. Since they worked primarily at the original hotel’s location, I had free range over what happened here. The only thing my father expected was paperwork and reports turned in on time, along with increased profits. As long as I produced, he didn’t keep an eye on the day-to-day activities.

So far I averaged at least two clients a week. I could only imagine what would happen once I advertised my services outside of the hotel. I’d just started on my business plan. When it was complete, I would present it to my father, and if all went well, they’d not only give me their blessing, but financial backing as well. If they agreed to let me rent out an unused room in the hotel, I would have an affordable storefront, and draw business to the hotel as well. It would be a win-win for all.

 If everything went according to plan, Dreams would be up and running in three months. But first, I had a wedding to plan.

 ####

****Amazon Best Seller in MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE and AFRICAN- AMERICAN LITERATURE & FICTION!!! BUY your copy today!!! **** Visit AMAZON and Goodreads and check out the reviews! Now available in PAPERBACK on AMAZON and BARNES&NOBEL!!!

AMAZON     BARNES&NOBEL     iTUNES  
PAPERBACK

My Butterfly Moment and This Months Amazon Gift Card Winner!

Thank you to everyone who commented on this month's contest! It seems everyone has something to be grateful for!

My year has been an amazing one. I started 2012 by sending my book out to publishers and agents in the hope of having someone fall in love with the characters and story want to publish it. After months of trying, failing, crying, and almost giving up, my final dream came true.  My debut novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, was published in September and  became an Amazon Bestseller within hours! Two dreams came true in one day! Thanks to everyone who has purchased, read, reviewed, talked about, and shared my  book with your family and friends, it has really meant a lot!

As of now, I am winding up my final read of the second book in the Butterfly Memoirs Series, Jaded. If you've read A Heart Not Easily Broken, you know that Ebony Campbell's best friend, Yasmine Phillips, was not left in a happy place.  She's been betrayed, heart broken, and left feeling very insecure. Jaded is her story.  I think readers will be surprised to learn about Yasmine's history. She came across as selfish and  a bit loose in the first book, but I think once you hear her story, you'll be pleasantly surprised. In fact, her actions at the end of AHNEB took a lot of readers by surprise!

Never judge a book by it's cover....

Speaking of which, I now have the cover, for Jaded (YAY!!!) and can not wait to share. But that will happen in a few more weeks, along with sneak peeks of the book. I'm am super excited and ready to share, so look out, they'll be coming your way soon!

And now the winner of the $10 Amazon Gift card is......

CARRIE!!!!! 

Congratulations! And yes, not to  many people can say their child was born on their wedding anniversary! Talk about timing! LOL! I'll be getting in touch with you soon. Keep an eye out for your email! 

MJ

#SampleSunday- A Heart Not Easily Broken- Questions

Brian Young has fallen deep in love it Ebony. The night before he leaves town for three months, he tells her he wants to marry her and shares his intentions of finding a place of his own when he returns. Ebony wants the same thing and promises to be faithful.  Once he comes back in town they spend a passionate weekend together. When Brian returns to his home, a house he rents with his friend, Javan, his happy bubble is burst...

 Excerpt:

"Have you met her family yet?”

I hooked my thumbs in the front pocket of my jeans. “No. I plan to spend the next couple of months getting to know everything about her, including her family. In December, I’ll take her home and meet them.” At least that was my plan. Ebony didn’t know a thing about it.

Javan snickered. “I’d love to be a fly on that wall.”

“I’m not worried. If…when I marry her, it will be Ebony who’s my wife, not her family. If they won’t support us, mine will.”

He grabbed a bottle of water, gulped, and watched me. “Have you wondered why she’s still with you? I mean, could dating you be an experiment? You know what I’m saying? What if you got all wrapped up and found out she really wants to go back to black?” His chest puffed out. “What if she used you as means to stay busy while waiting for her dream man? I’m sure her parents will have a lot to say about who she marries.” He gathered his towel and strolled back into the house. When he reached the door, he paused. “You might want to see if she cheated while you were gone.”

“What?” I stared at him.

“Think about it. You guys haven’t been together long. Then you leave her alone.” He shrugged. “It wouldn’t take much for a brother to,” he sucked his teeth and smirked, “pick her up and take care of where you left off. Yasmine mentioned she’d been acting weird lately. But don’t pay me any attention, what do I know?” He laughed as he walked off.

I stood rooted to the floor and watched his back disappear through the door.

####

****Amazon Best Seller in MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE and AFRICAN- AMERICAN LITERATURE & FICTION!!! BUY your copy today!!! **** Visit AMAZON and Goodreads and check out the reviews! Now available in PAPERBACK on AMAZON and BARNES&NOBEL!!!

AMAZON     BARNES&NOBEL     iTUNES  
PAPERBACK

#TeaserTuesday- A Heart Not Easily Broken- Fun at the Family BBQ

When in a relationship, it's always nerve racking to meet your boyfriend/girlfriends family. Your plagued with feelings of insecurity, unsure if they'll like you,will anyone talk to you....Those feelings multiply when your significant other's family is a different race than your own.

One of my favorite scenes from A Heart Not Easily Broken is when Brian takes Ebony to his parents house for the families Fourth of July BBQ. Not only does she meet his parents,she's got to deal with his four older sisters....

Excerpt: 

“This is my sister, Lisa, Cody and Hannah’s mother. And this crazy girl is Bridget.”

Both came to shake her hand. Ebony’s voice remained warm despite the fact she squeezed the heck out of my hand.

Lisa sat back down, but Bridget remained next to me, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

“Where is everybody? I see cars out front. Where are the bodies?”

“Andrea and Caroline went to the store to grab a few things. Tim and Randall are working so they’ll be late,” Bridget informed me while studying Ebony.

“Andrea and Caroline are my other sisters. Tim and Randall are their husbands,” I said, turning to Ebony to fill her in.

“Jackson is on the way with Josh and Sara. They went to pick up some fireworks. Aunt Gina and her boys should be here soon.”

I groaned. “Tell me Dad isn’t going to be in charge of lighting them again this year.”

“After last year’s fiasco? Hell no.” Bridget leaned around me and spoke to Ebony directly. “Last year, dad burned down the gazebo. He shot off a rocket that went sideways instead of up in the air, and poof,” she demonstrated with her hands, “instant fire.”

“Oh, no.” Ebony covered her mouth to conceal her laughter.

“Fortunately, Tim and Randall are both fire-fighters. They got it quickly under control.” I pointed to the gazebo’s remains. “He’s supposed to rebuild it, but Mom refuses to let him start until after tonight’s fireworks.”

Bridget’s contagious laughter kept Ebony from being able to continue to contain her own.

“Hey, are you kids talking about me over there?” my father bellowed.

“No,” Bridget and I said in unison.

“I might be getting older, but I’m not deaf. Brian, bring your lady friend over here.”

I winked at Ebony as we walked over to the stainless-steel giant we’d chipped in to buy him on Father’s Day. The savory smell of hot dogs, steak, and chicken permeated the air.  

“Dinner looks great, Dad.”

“Me and this grill are a match made in heaven.” He took a moment to flip a row of steaks. “The kitchen is for the women. But this…” He pointed with pride to the grill. “This is man’s work. It’s like the caveman days of cooking over a pit fire.”

“Winfred, cavemen didn’t know how to make fire,” Mom said.

Everyone laughed.

“Look, woman, go grab me a beer,” Dad said. He glanced at Ebony. “So, you’re dating my son, huh?”

My heart dropped to my knees. I should have seen this coming. My dad had no problem getting to the point. We hadn’t been here for more than ten minutes and he’d already jumped to the wrong conclusion. Even though the sexual attraction was there, the only thing we’d done was kiss. I wanted more, damn, I really wanted more. But I didn’t want to push and risk the chance she’d decide we were doing too much. Bringing her to meet my family was more than I thought would ever happen. The last thing I needed my father to do was­-

“Yes, sir, I am his girlfriend.” She squeezed my hand.

Holy. Shit. My heart started beating again. I studied Ebony to make sure I heard her correctly. Her smile said it all.

 ####

 ****Amazon Best Seller in MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE and AFRICAN- AMERICAN LITERATURE & FICTION!!! BUY your copy today!!! **** Visit AMAZON and Goodreads and check out the reviews! Now available in PAPERBACK on AMAZON and BARNES&NOBLE!!!