#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

Share Your Butterfly Moment and Win!!!

Can you believe it's December already????? Where has this year gone? A lot has happened this year and I must say I feel very blessed and very happy with those changes.

When I decided to write a series, the concept of change and evolution of my characters was a starting place for me. In nature, butterflies symbolize change of a dramatic degree. People (mostly women) tattoo butterflies on their bodies to memorialize a life changing event or to commemorate a moment in time the wish to never forget. Even Ebony gets a butterfly tattoo...well, you have to read the story to find out where and why, though!

A Heart Not Easily Broken starts in May, just as Ebony is going on summer break before the final year of college. She's been working hard for the past seven years and is excited to embark on her dream of becoming a licensed veterinarian. She meets and falls in love with Brian, a man who is different, being that he is white, yet shares the same type of hard work, dedication, and passion for what he wants to achieve in life. During the seven months the book follows their relationship, each character is tested, the strength of their relationship, love, and the ability to grow and evolve into better, more open-minded people ensues. By the end of the book, it is December. With hearts full of love and gratefulness, they have experienced their life-changing butterfly moment.

How about you? Have you had a Butterfly Moment, something that has changed your life for the better or opened your eyes to new things, people, or experiences in 2012?

SHARE that moment and be entered into a drawing for a $10 AMAZON GIFT CARD from 5 Prince Publishing!!!

Comment, but don't forget to LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!! Doing so will automatically enter you into the contest. The contest starts December 3rd and ends December 9th, and the winner will be announced in a blog post as well as by email on December 10th. (If you have won any contest on this blog in the past six months, feel free to comment, but you will not be eligible to win.)

By the way, I will be sharing my Butterfly Moment then, too! Have fun!!!

MJ

#SampleSunday- A Heart Not Easily Broken- Supportive Relationships

Lasting relationships are built around more than just love. Understanding, support, and the ability to sit back and just talk - or listen - to your lovers day, are key. For Ebony and Brian, who are in an interracial relationship, its these moments that solidify their decision to be together more than just how great the sex is.

Excerpt:

She looked at me, chewing on her lip. “The only problem is now I’m worried he’s going to try and hold it against me and mess up my chances. Since then, he’s been keeping a closer eye on everything I do, as if he’s waiting for me to screw up, so he can have something to hold against me in case I change my mind. Work was stressful enough with the competition between the five interns for two positions.”

I reached for her bottom lip and pulled it from between perfect teeth. “Stop. If anyone’s going to chew on your lip, it’s me.” She shook her head and grinned. “Don’t sweat it. You’re good at what you do, and he knows it. If he didn’t believe you were capable of doing the job, he wouldn’t be interested in your education. There’s no real need for him to try and find something to hold against you. You’ll be able to get the job without his help. It sounds as if he’s trying to find something to hold over your head, just in case you change your mind. Don’t worry about it.” Unable to resist the plump pink flesh still glistening from her tongue, I leaned in to kiss her lip.

“Hmm.” Her eyes opened slowly. “You are so supportive. That’s one of the reasons why I like being with you.”

Instead of answering, I kissed her again. Man, could she kiss. Before meeting her, I preferred kissing other places than just mouths. Lips had always seemed like a formality. The real action came when I focused on other parts of the body. But with Ebony, kissing was pure pleasure; an opportunity to explore and plunder.

I pulled back and ran my finger along her flawless skin. “None of the guys you’ve dated have supported your career?”

“No. The last guy decided one day he wanted a family which meant I would have to quit seven years of college, become his wife, and start popping out babies.” She scoffed. “That wasn’t about to happen.”

“You don’t want a family?”

“Of course I do, when the time is right. But the time isn’t right for me. Once I finish school, it’s going to take a few years to get myself established in my field. The stress and strain of a relationship mixed with a new career isn’t the right way to start a family. So children are not in the works for me, not right now.”

“So what about us? What exactly are we doing?” I lay back on the bed while Ebony sat up. She looked down at me, her perfect breasts jiggled from her movements.

“I’m not sure. What do you want?”

My eyebrows creased, I reached up and pushed fallen hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear.

“I want you, but not just like this. I want this to be more than just sex. I promise there will be no one but you. I’ll be here for you whenever you need me, for support, conversation. Sex.” I jogged my eyebrows.

Ebony laughed. “You’re not looking for anything else right now?” Her eyes shot over to my tattoo.

“In time, but for now, this is what I want. Can you handle it?”

She made a show of deep thought. “Yes, I can, because I want the same.” She leaned down and kissed me.

Oh yeah, she definitely wanted the same thing. Ebony wasted no time straddling me. I gripped her hips as she settled down. I would have rather she just climbed aboard but there was no protection in place. Her hands rested on my chest as she stared down.

“I could get used to this.”

“Me, too.” I slid my fingers over her beautiful bare skin. “So what are you waiting for?”

Her smile was sexy as hell as she leaned down and brought her mouth to mine. Time for round two.

####

****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

A Heart Not Easily Broken- A Romance Novel Even a Man Can Enjoy!

Yep! You read that title correctly!

'But, MJ, guys don't read romance novels, they think they're sappy!'

Some can be, but depending on the subject matter, you can draw in any reader. Case in point: I was checking  my Amazon states when I found this new review...not only was it a wonderful review, it was written from a male reader!

THE REVIEW:

"It's 2012 . America has not only elected its first biracial president, it has just reelected him. In light of this reality, one might think that interracial relationships are non-issues in the eyes of Americans. Most of us probably would like to think of ourselves as so open-minded about such relationships that they don't matter. But what if the relationship involves a friend or family member? What if he relationship is yours, and you not only have to think about how you feel about it, but what others think?

In "A Heart Not Easily Broken", MJ Kane gives us a front row seat in observing the interracial relationship between Ebony and Brian. The story is told from their perspectives, and addresses  the challenges, the insecurities and the potential emotional pitfalls that an interracial couple must face as individuals and as a couple. Some of them are common to every couple. Some are unique to interracial couples. Others are uniquely the challenges faced by a white man and black woman who love each other.

And if that dynamic weren't enough, Ms. Kane delivers a shocking incident that threatens to destroy Brian and Ebony's love and relationship. It teaches us that in the end, "race" is not as important as the love and trust between two people, and that secrets kept are cancers that fester and grow until it becomes fatal to the relationship.

If you like romantic drama, you will love MJ Kane's "A Heart Not Easily Broken." - Christopher L. Bynum, New Jersey, USA. 5.0 out of 5.0 STARS

Be sure to check out his and other Amazon Reviews, too!

If you haven't gotten your copy....BUT IT TODAY!!!!

Available for KINDLE, NOOK, iTUNES and PAPERBACK via Amazon and B&N!!!! 



MJ


Connect with me on the following sites: 
Twitter
Google+
Linkedin
Facebook

Women’s Health…..Who Has the Right to Choose?

No matter where you look, the issue of a woman’s right to choose what to do with her body is everywhere. No matter what your personal stance is on the subject of abortion, it all comes down to one fact…it’s not only the life of the unborn child that is in question, the life of the mother - her mental, emotional, and physical health - are just as important.

How many men ever think of this? Why is it that whenever I turn on the news, log onto the internet, or listen to the radio, it is a man who feels he has the right to tell a woman what she can and cannot do to her body?

Did I miss something?

The last time I checked, it was MY body that carried the four children born into this world in my womb, not my husbands. I was the one who bore the pain of back aches, indigestion, physical discomfort, excessive weight gain, and nausea…and that was before the hours of labor, physical exertion, and pain due to the actual birthing process! My hubby sat by, rubbed my feet, my back, and did what he could to make sure our growing family had a roof over our heads and a food in our bellies. He did his part to show love and support, and I appreciate everything he has and continues to do to provide for us.

I was told by my doctor, when I was pregnant with my first child, that due to a medical condition, I shouldn’t have more than two kids. Why? I have a negative Rh factor in my blood, my husband is the opposite. Because of this, if my blood was to pass on to the fetus during pregnancy, it could possibly damage my child to the point of causing serious medical issues. And if the baby’s blood, during the birthing process, passed to me, it could cause my blood to form antibodies that could affect any later pregnancies.

Hmm….decisions, decisions, decisions. Risk bringing a damaged child who could possibly need a lifetime of medical care into this world, thus possibly needing government aid…or decide not to have the child and have an abortion if I got pregnant. And yes, I was on birth control, which is another issue all together.

In the late 90’s, early 2000’s, the birth control options weren’t as varied as they are today. I have a blood clotting disorder in my family, (C protein complex) which seriously limited my choice of birth control without risking my life.

Despite the warning from my doctor, I ended up giving birth to four children. All of them were born healthy, thank god, with all ten fingers and ten toes. The effects of what my blood could do to my children did surface in a few of them after birth, but fortunately, it was something that corrected itself with time (anemia).

The last child gave us a major health scare.

Six months into the pregnancy, I had to go for an amniocentesis because blood test showed she could be born with spinal bifida. Thankfully she wasn't, but as soon as I could, I had my tubes tied. That was a decision made by me and my husband, but in the end it was MY choice.

Today, women have a much wider selection of birth control options. Everything from the pill, to shots, to IUD’s and patches…the option is out there. But one thing men must remember…each of these options runs the risk of affecting a women’s health.

Remember the birth control commercial you saw on TV last night? After shouting out all the benefits of the miracle drug, how fast did the announcer run through the side effects?

Um, stroke, blood clots, heart attack… should I keep going?

How many commercials later did you see an announcement for a class action law suit against the provider of a popular contraceptive? I believe the results were the exact side effects no one wants to speak about.

By the way, I was only able to take a birth control shot for two years. Eventually I had to get off of it and the results were disastrous. I was sick for nearly two months. And nearly ten years later I ended up in the hospital ICU wing after having a stroke that nearly claimed my life. My husband told me later he meet two men whose wives were also in the hospital as a result of a stroke. The common denominator: our age and birth control. I was fortunate enough to not be the one who had half of her hair shaved off and a tub inserted into her skull to relieve the swelling. I was able- despite a bout of paralysis- to walk out of the hospital with minimal add.

So in the end ladies, it appears the best and safest options to prevent pregnancy are two things: abstain from sex, or become lesbians.

How many men are going to jump on board of that band wagon?

Then there’s the issue of a woman being forced to give birth because she was impregnated after being raped…no matter what the age. Have they lost their damn minds? How can you say that a woman - or young lady, because women of all ages are being raped - doesn't have the right to terminate a pregnancy? Her mental and physical health means nothing???

What about the women who gets pregnant and due to medical problems, has no choice but to terminate the pregnancy in order to save her life? What if she is a single mother or a widow, who’s supposed to raise the baby if she dies? Since when do we let nature take its course? Back in the Stone Age before the advent of medicine, sure, but now? That’s literally signing a woman’s death certificate! If she wants to gamble with her life in order to carry her baby, that is her decision, her right. If she decides she would rather live for say, I don’t know, her husband and the OTHER children she’s given birth to, well that’s her right too!

Why do I rant?

The issue of choice about what a woman does to her body is one of the many subjects addressed in my novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken. The heroine, Ebony Campbell has a decision to make and the consequences could prove to be disastrous, no matter what she decides. She has her reasons, and every last one of them valid. Regardless of her decision, her emotional, physical, and mental well-being are tested.

How will she survive?

What would you do?

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY! 

MJ

Connect with me on the following sites: 
Twitter
Google+
Linkedin
Facebook