NBTM + #Giveaway: Unwrapping a Marriage by Reana Malori and Michel Prince @GoddessFish

Unwrapping a Marriage

by Reana Malori and Michel Prince

GENRE:  Contemporary Romance

BLURB:

What do you do when the love that once set you free, feels like it’s holding you prisoner?

Sterling and Elizabeth Jackson have built a life most would envy. A beautiful home, two wonderful children and a very comfortable lifestyle. Yet something is tearing them apart. With divorce looming, they are trying to make it through the holiday season for their family. 

With clashing schedules, demands from employers and two busy kids, the former lovers have managed to stay out of each other’s orbit, at least for a while. But Fate, or maybe their well-meaning family, has set them up on a collision course.

Past memories bubble up to the surface and there’s nothing to stem the flow. What once was amazing has turned hurtful and full of pain. But is that the real story? Is it too late for a couple who once lived and breathed for each other to find their way back? 

There’s a thin line between love and hate. Will Sterling and Elizabeth be able to mend a love that seems broken and lost, or will the final pull on the holiday ribbon unwrap their last chance to save their marriage.

Excerpt:

The woman who’d been twitching, smiled broadly and walked out with Elizabeth back into the auditorium. “Thank you so much, I’m Nicole, I haven’t seen you around at the studio.”

Although the woman wasn’t trying to be hurtful, Elizabeth didn’t need the reminder she’d missed ninety-seven percent of Molly’s dancing career.

“You must be Sterling’s wife.”

“Yes, that obvious?”

“Well, walking in with Molly didn’t hurt, but he’s dressed that woman down more than once.”

“And she’s still acting that way?”

“Not to Sterling.” The woman found a spot and stopped. “Plus, when I asked about Molly’s mom he described a no holds barred sexy red head that fools only cross once.”

“He said that?”

“He also said he was a fool who loved crossing you.”

Elizabeth sat by her mother who’d finally arrived and kept her coat over the chair next to her. The curtain moved on the edge and she saw Molly peeking out and scanning the audience. Elizabeth gave her a reassuring smile, but could see the disappointment on her face. A sharp pain stabbed at Elizabeth’s heart as her daughter put on a brave face. How many more moments was Sterling willing to miss in her life? Turning her head, she searched for Sterling in hopes of finding him for Molly, but no—once again, work takes priority.

The lights lowered in the auditorium and Elizabeth looked back at her daughter who’s face lit up like a Christmas tree before going back behind the curtain.

“Here you go,” Sterling said as he picked up Elizabeth’s jacket and passed it to her before sitting down and resting his carry-on next to his seat. “Beth.”

The music started and Elizabeth turned to hear what Sterling was saying. Heat surged through her body. She’d leaned in closer than expected and she ended up brushing her lips against his. Both former lovers froze. Their eyes locked for a moment. Elizabeth held her breath and Sterling’s eyelids became hooded.

“You need something?” she asked in a hushed whisper pulling back just enough to avoid the contact, but not so far she couldn’t still smell his cologne; dark and manly. She’d forgotten how warm it made her feel.

He moved to her ear, this time she knew the graze of his lips wasn’t an accident. “I do,” he replied.

 For the first time in longer than she could remember, Elizabeth felt desired. “What would that be?”

“It can wait,” Sterling whispered. “Our baby is coming out.”

Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered as she tried to come back down from the rush of hormones she forgot she had. Sterling drew out the word our and memories of being part of a couple made tears pinprick her eyes. All she needed was contact with Sterling and she’d become overwhelmed by conflicting emotions. Turning her head, she looked down the aisle of seats filled with their parents and son wondering if there was a possibility they could save their marriage. One thing she knew for certain, is they would have to do it. A marriage was between two people, but was the ‘our’ too far gone to save?

An Interview with Reana Malori and Michel Prince

What inspired you to write Unwrapping a Marriage?

Michel - I had watched the documentary Love Between the Covers and there was a set of co-authors there that reminded me of when I was with Reana. I had never wanted to co-write until I met her and when she said yes I was elated. Once we went back and forth on a few ideas the story of what happens after the happily ever after appealed to us.

Reana – When Michel approached me about this story, it felt right. Telling the story of a couple on the brink of divorce was something I’d never done. I was intrigued and excited to tackle this subject. Writing it with Michel was an added bonus. The opportunity to partner with her on a story was an added bonus.

When or at what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Michel - I started writing stories at five. Opened a library in my room at nine because I seemed to be the only one on the block that had more than two books. I was first published at sixteen for poetry, but then I put away my writing because I didn’t have the best English teachers. My library grew and finally around the time I hit my early thirties I took up my writing again.

Reana – At a very young age I knew that I loved creating worlds and characters, but I never put anything down on paper until I was much older. Creating alternate endings to my favorite movies or books that I’d read had become a hobby. Or I would completely rewrite the book with my own characters into a story that I enjoyed even more. It wasn’t until my thirties that I decided to actually share my internal musings with others and put something on paper.

What is the earliest age you remember reading your first book?

Michel - I have vivid memories of reading Richard Scarry’s books when I was three. I’d curl up in a basket and read the stories. I was an early reader and was reading Serendipity books by five.

Reana – My family members would read to me at a very early age, even before preschool and I would soak up every word. My earliest memory of reading a book was around seven or eight, but I know I enjoyed books before that. Once I became a teenager, that’s when my true love affair with reading began.

What genre of books do you enjoy reading?

Michel - I love mixing it up, I usually rotate between mystery, paranormal, historical and contemporary. Some are romance, some are not. Sometimes I pick up a YA or NA. I give most books fifty pages or bout three chapters.

Reana – It depends on my mood of the day. I cut my teeth reading historical romances, which I still love to this day. Primarily, I enjoy contemporary romance, sprinkled with some paranormal. As long as the book grabs my attention, then I’m a happy camper.

What is your favorite book?

Michel - That’s hard, Summer Sisters by Judy Blume is one I read when I get stuck. A Separate Peace, Defending Jacob and Master of the Game.

Reana – My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson. It was the book that opened my eyes to the subgenre of Interracial / Multicultural romance featuring women of color. I’ll always love that book.

You know I think we all have a favorite author. Who is your favorite author and why?

Michel - I have four Judy Blume, because she has been successful in multiple genres and her stories are timeless. J.R.Ward, no explanation needed if you’ve read one of her books. Sherrlyn Kenyon, again, amazing author with an imagination and worlds I strive for. Darynda Jones, amazing person and an author that makes me laugh out loud when reading.

Reana – that’s such a tough question, because I have a few. Theodora Taylor because her hero’s are the kind of men I love. Dorothy Koomson because she writes stories that don’t follow the typical pattern of a HEA story, but they’re real and true. Bridget Midway, because she brings BDSM to the Multicultural / Interracial book genre in a way that shows the passion, love and lives of the characters. There are so many favorites, this list could go on for a full page.

If you could travel back in time here on earth to any place or time. Where would you go and why?

Michel - As a history major this is really hard for me. I’d love to just cruise through the decades, but there’s a part of me that’s always wanted to go back and meet Laura Ingalls Wilder. Not sure why since I read Maude Hart Lovelace, but if she’s anything like the TV show I know we’d be best friends.

Reana - I love the perceived simplicity of the 1950s and 1960s. I love the method of dressing, the hot rod cars, the music (My all-time favorite movie is Grease!) I love modern day and all of its technological advances, but there’s a nostalgic feeling about that period of time that I would enjoy experiencing, even if for one or two days.

When writing a book do you find that writing comes easy for you or is it a difficult task?

Michel - The dark moment or as Lizbeth Selvig (great author by the way) calls it the too stupid to live moment are hard for me. Those are usually most slow down moments because I just don’t see why they won’t talk to each other. By the time I get half way through a book it does flow well for me. The first half I’m just meeting my characters so that tends to take a bit of time.

Reana – It’s always hard for me. I “think” too much sometimes and can get lost in the explanation of the story rather than the story itself. My characters often dictate how they want the story to flow and as long as they’re talking to me, the story flow is amazing. The sex scenes can be a challenge for me, but I usually do alright. LOL!

Do you have any little fuzzy friends? Like a dog or a cat? Or any pets?

Michel - I have a dog named Bolt, yes he looks like the Disney character and is a total mutt. Kind of resembles a white German shepherd.

Reana – No pets for me.

What is your "to die for", favorite food/foods to eat?

                                                                     

Michel - I’m a traditionalist, I love a good steak. If it’s made right I’m in heaven. Strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Reana – I’m a steak and potatoes kind of girl. If I could eat that every single day, I would.

Do you have any advice for anyone that would like to be an author?

Michel - Write for your enjoyment and what you want to read. Not for what’s popular or what you think you will sell. You’ll never get your best work and it will become a job not a passion.

Reana – Write what you love. When the stories are pressing on you, just get them out. Worry about the rest later. Always write for yourself first – if you love what you do, the readers will come.

 AUTHOR BIO:

Reana Malori

Reana Malori writes Contemporary novels focusing on Multicultural / Interracial Romance. She firmly believes that love in all its forms should be celebrated and her stories reflect that belief. She hopes to weave stories that pull the reader into her world and helps them to share in her universe, even if only for a short time.

An avid reader since the age of 14, she decided to pursue her passion in 2009 and released her first novella, To Love a Marine. Since then, she has released more than 20 books, to include Weekend Fling, Escape to Heaven, Closer to You and Finding Faith.

When she is not writing, you can most often find her enjoying a good book as she is, first and foremost, a romance reader. Reana currently resides in Montclair, Virginia with her husband and two sons who keep her busy laughing, having fun, and making sure she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Michel Prince

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling "It's my turn damn it!!!" She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

Facebook: Reana ~ Michel

Video

Buy links:

Barnes and Noble ~ Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ Kobo

Giveaway:

$15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC 
 

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