Sheena Binkley's Blog, page 5

It's LIVE!!!

Something Just Ain't Right 2 is now live on Amazon!!! :-)



Hayley Stevens didn't know what to expect when she started a relationship with Morgan Carter. Everything that she knew about her life has changed and now she’s on the run with the man that she loves. She and Morgan starts a new beginning in another city. However, the move proves to bring on more drama than she can possibly handle. Will she be able to continue supporting Morgan or will it become too much for her?

After everything that has happened with his friend, Lamar, and with his family, Morgan is trying to make a new life for himself and Hayley. He thinks he can stay out of trouble, but he is faced with more obstacles that even he’s not sure he can hide from. Will he be able to maintain his composure or will everything that he worked hard to keep a secret come crashing down around him?

Hayley and Morgan find it hard to hide from their misdeeds while realizing that they still can't trust those closest to them. With secrets unfolding and the truth coming to light things could end deadly for one them.

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Something-Just-...

Coming Wednesday!!!

Hi everyone! The announcement was made today that Something Just Ain't Right 2 will be released on Wednesday! Find out what happens when Hayley and Morgan venture to a new place and experience even more drama.



 

If you have not read part 1, now is the time! 1-click for only $0.99 or you can read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

http://www.amazon.com/Something-Just-...

 

I will post the link once the book is live on Amazon! :-)

Happy Anniversary Trust Me!!

Hi everyone! Wow, I cannot believe it has been a year since Trust Me was released! I still remembered release day and there was a bit of a delay with Amazon and how readers were frantically asking when would it be available. That was when I knew that this book was going to be huge; and it definitely was.

Trust Me is the second book in the Love, Life, & Happiness series and it's Cheryl and Marcus' story. When I wrote this story, I knew the readers would love it, but I just didn't know how much. To this day, Trust Me is still the most talked about book, not only in the LLH series, but for all of my books, period. Everyone automatically fell in love with this couple, especially with Marcus. I have to admit, Marcus is one of my most popular characters, mainly because of how he was represented in the series. He was the womanizer who changed his ways all in part of one woman. He's likable and so damn sexy (especially with the scene after his and Cheryl's first date). Not only did Cheryl change him for the better, but he did the same for her, as she was able to let go of her past and let herself fall in love.

Trust Me was my second #1 best-seller on Amazon, as it was the top seller on the African-American Women's Fiction and African-American Romance lists for two weeks.  Based on readers' interaction, this was the book that helped gain popularity for the series, as it not only focus on the two main characters, but also with the other characters in the series.

As always, I have to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who supported this book. I still get emails and comments from readers regarding this book and how great it is. For that, I will be giving away copies of this book for free today, only on Smashwords. This will give a chance for those who have not read the book to download and see why this story is so great. The code for the free download is: WT53G. 

If you have any favorite scenes from the story, please feel free to put them in the comment section below. :-)

Our Love Teasers

Hi everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Since Our Love will be set for re-release soon, I wanted to get everyone ready to fall in love again with Charlie and Michael (or for some of you, fall in love with them for the first time).

Here are a few teasers I've been working on. I think they look pretty good.















Our Love will be re-released soon. Check back here for the official release date!

Cover Reveal: Something Just Ain't Right 2

Hi everyone! Here's the cover for Something Just Ain't Right 2, which was already revealed on Facebook. I LOVE this cover! Part 2 will be released soon, so stay tuned for the official release date! :-)

Re-Release of Our Love

Hi everyone!!! As some of you may know, Our Love was the second book I released almost two years ago. Due to mixed reviews and several changes, I decided to take the book off of major sites. Now, the story will be re-released! The story will be back on major sites once Something Just Ain't Right 2 is released (which will be soon).

For the time being, here is a sample from the story when the main characters, Charlie and Michael, meet for the first time. This chapter is also from Michael's POV.

Once I do receive the word, you all will be the first to know when it's available for purchase. :-)

**************************************************************************************************************

“Why do I bother coming to school?” I asked my friend Chris Matthews as I got out of my BMW 528i.

“Because you have to,” he quipped, hopping out of the passenger seat.

I started walking through the crowded parking lot of Belmont High and looked around at the same faces, wondering if anything would ever change. It’s hard being the most popular guy in school. I’m not being cocky about it; it’s how people have labeled me. As soon as I got here, I was considered the guy everyone liked. I participated in every activity Belmont offered, and I was captain of the football and basketball teams, along with being the student body president. And I still had time to maintain a 4.0 GPA. I’m not trying to brag, but there is also a list going around school, claiming I’m the hottest guy at Belmont. So, I guess I’m living the good life, huh? I am, but it gets old quickly.

As Chris and I walked to the quad, three girls who looked like sophomores came up to us. They wore huge grins on their faces.

“Hi, Michael,” they greeted in unison.

“Hey,” I said.

As I continued walking, the girls started breathing erratically, just because I said hi to them. That's what I had a problem with: It felt like I was a freaking celebrity around here when I was just an average 17-year-old senior.

“I don’t get you, man. Girls are throwing themselves at you, and you don’t even notice,” Chris said.

“I notice. I’m just not interested.”

“Still having issues with Danielle, huh?”

I looked at him and rolled my eyes.

Danielle Peterson is my ex-girlfriend. We'd dated since freshman year and then all of a sudden, this year, she broke up with me. Rumor has it that she’s dating some guy at our rival school, Bridgewall, but it’s not like I really cared. I was going to talk to her about our relationship anyway. It seemed like nothing was the same anymore, because Danielle always thought she should be the center of attention. I hate that in a girl. It’s good to be confident in yourself, but it’s annoying when taken to the extreme. I guess that’s why girls have been throwing themselves at me; the whole school knows about the breakup. Belmont isn't a big school, but word travels fast.

“No, I’m not still on Danielle. I’m glad things are over between us.”

“Really? You and Danielle were the perfect couple. You two had everyone around here wishing they could be like you.”

I laughed and sat down on one of the benches in the center of the quad.

“From now on, Chris, don’t mention her name to me, okay?”

“Who, Danielle?”

I looked at him and sighed. “Real funny.”

As I looked around at how beautiful the day was, I noticed someone I'd never seen walk toward the building. She was gorgeous with long, dark brown hair that fell to the upper part of her back, honey-colored skin, and nice long legs. From the side, I could tell she had a body on her. She turned her head, then looked straight at me. I looked at her with a grin so huge, it showed all my teeth. She gave me a sexy smile and walked into the building.

“Who was that?” Chris asked, curiously.

“I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.”

I got up from the bench and ran into the building. I had to find her, whoever she was. I practically ran into five people in the crowded hallway before I saw her turn the corner toward the principal’s office. I caught up with her just before she opened the door.

“Hello,” I greeted the beautiful girl in front of me.

“Hey. Were you outside a minute ago?”

“Yeah, I was.”

“My, my, you move fast,” she replied in a sexy tone.

“I do when I’m interested in something. Or someone.”

The girl smiled and moved away from the office door.

“Why have I never seen you here?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because I blend in well with the student body,” she said, smiling.

“No way. I would remember every part of you.”

She looked at me and rolled her eyes. “If that was supposed to be a pick-up line, you need to try harder.”

“No, it was not. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I guess it came out wrong.”

Her expression softened a little after I apologized. I could tell she was feeling me, just like I was feeling her.

“It’s okay. Actually, this is my first day here.”

When she said those words, I realized that I had seen her at football games. She was a cheerleader at Parker.

“Now that you said that, I have seen you around. You were a cheerleader at Parker, weren't you?”

She looked nervous when I mentioned Parker. I guess she would since Belmont and Parker hate each other.

“Correct; head cheerleader to be exact.”

“Michael Collier,” I said, extending my hand to her.

“Charlie Perry,” the beautiful girl replied. She placed her soft hand into mine. The look she gave me made me want to know more about the mystery girl named Charlie.

“Charlie. Nice.”

“Thanks. Usually, people wonder why my parents named me that.”

“It’s different.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, since you’re new here, I could show you around campus if you want.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

The school bell rang, and everyone rushed to get to first period. Fine time for the bell to ring! I looked at Charlie; she smiled and put her hand on the doorknob.

“I'd better go so I can get my schedule.”

“See you around, Charlie.”

“I hope so,” she replied as she went into the office.

I watched her go inside with a longing look. Then, I turned around and walked to class.

Maybe Charlie was the change I’d been looking for.

Facebook Group: Sheena Binkley Reading Palace

Hi everyone! If you are on Facebook, please come join my group, Sheena Binkley Reading Palace! As a member, you will be the first to know about new releases, contests, and more. Join and interact with other members about your favorite books and characters. Also, a HUGE giveaway is coming soon, so don’t miss out!

Click on the link below and join today!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/57710...

Dream Cast: In Love With My Best Friend and LLH Series

Happy Friday everyone!! Just the other day, I was thinking about my two favorite series and thought about if they were turned into movies. With so many books going to this route, any authors would be humbled, but happy to see their vision come to life on the big screen.

If this ever happen (which would be so awesome), I wondered who would play the characters? Some readers have asked this question and even gave their own suggestions; but for me, these actors/artists that I'm about to present would be my ideal cast for both In Love With My Best Friend and the Love, Life, & Happiness series.

Let's start off with the In Love With My Best Friend series:

With this series, it all about best friends falling in love with each other. I didn't have to think too hard on who I wanted to portray these characters. :-)

Trevor Williams: Jason Thompson (Dr. Patrick Drake, General Hospital)



 

As some of you may know, General Hospital is my favorite soap, so when I started to write ILWMBF, this was the person that came to mind as Trevor.

Camille Anderson: Paula Patton (Baggage Claim)



 

Camille is sort of quirky, but can also be very driven when she wants something.  If you seen Baggage Claim, then you all would say that Paula is a great choice for Camille.

Tia Simmons: Tia Mowry-Hardict (Instant Mom)



 

Tia S. is definitely a firecracker and Tia can definitely pull off this character.

Charles Robinson: Lance Gross (House of Payne, Temptation)



 

Is there an explanation needed? He is perfect to play Charles. :-)

Chelsea Parker: Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth Webber, General Hospital)



When I described Chelsea, this is the person I was thinking of. Besides, it would be cool to see two GH actors (whose characters are good friends on the soap) playing Trevor and Chelsea. :-)

Eric Taylor : Robbie Jones (One Tree Hill, Temptation)

 

 



 

Eric can be very cocky and arrogant at times and from his portrayal in Temptation, Robbie can pull that persona off very well.

Shelby Connors: Meagan Good (Think Like A Man 1 & 2)



 

Shelby can be a bit conniving and ruthless, especially to Tia. Meagan has played various characters with this type of personality, so she would be great to go toe to toe with Tia.

Now, the Love, Life, & Happiness series:

This series describes the ups and downs of friends as they go through college life at a fictional Texas university. With these characters, they were a couple that were spot-on.

Riana Robertson: Keshia Chante (106& Park) 



 

The former 106 & Park host has the similarities to how Riana was described so she is a good choice for the character.

Shawn Walker: Trey Songz 



Okay, I know this is random. You would not automatically think of him as Shawn, but there's a reason for this choice. Shawn can be a bit cocky, but also thoughtful, fun, and sexy. I think he will be perfect.

Marcus Walker: Jay Ellis (Blue, The Game)



 

When I watched The Game last season and even now, I immediately thought of "Blue" as playing Marcus. He's everything Marcus exemplifies. That, and he's fine.

Cheryl Thompson: Alexandra Shipp (Aaliyah movie)



I think she would play a great Cheryl; also, she and Keshia could pass off as cousins.

Britney Lewis: KeKe Palmer (TLC movie, Joyful Noise)



KeKe is a wonderful actress and I could see her playing Britney. She has an innocence to her that Britney displays, but can also show a mature and sexy side.

Jayden Roberston: Jesse T. Usher (Cam, Survivor’s Remorse)



 

While watching the first episode of Survivor's Remorse, when I saw "Cam," I immediately said, "That's Jayden!" He's the exact image of who I would like to play him.

Monica Taylor: Imani Hakim (Tonya, Everybody Hate Chris, The Gabby Douglas Story)



 

I could definitely see her as Monica. She's spunky and a bit headstrong (from what I remembered on EHC), but also has a soft side to her.

Donnell Patterson: Rotimi (Divergent, Boss)



Recently played in Divergent (and will appear on Power later this year), there's something about him that makes me think of Donnell. From his style to his persona, he could easily play the part. Besides, him and Imani would look hot together, making them my Monica and Donnell.

Zack Hall: Demetrius Joyette (Dallas, Degrassi)



I always thought of him as a mini-Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi (him and Drake do kind of look alike), but he's perfect for Zack. I never fully described him in the series, and based on his character on Degrassi, he could pull off the funny, but determined guy who is also pretty easy on the eyes.

Dominique Sawyer: Paige Hurd



I never really described Dominique in the series either, mainly because I really didn't have a face to the character. Now, I do. She fit Dominique's persona to a T, and can hold her own with Donnell, Monica, and Zack.

Nathan Bradford: Michael B. Jordan



Is there really an explanation needed? He's just perfect. :-)

Isaac Harris: Tequan Richmond (Everybody Hates Chris, General Hospital)



He has really grown up from his days playing Drew on EHC. I think he would make a great Issac.

Rachel Montgomery : Shanica Knowles



 

Rachel is a bit classy, but also can show her wild side. I remember Shanica from the Disney's movie, Jump In, and her personality fit that of Rachel.

 

And there you have it; my dream cast for both In Love With My Best and Love, Life, & Happiness. Could you see any of my choices playing these characters? Tell me what you think by adding your comments below. :-)

 

 

Author Interview: Mz Jetson.com

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far. This past week, I did an interview for Love Unbroken on MzJetson.com! Read what inspired me to write the book and how much of the storyline is real. :-)

AUTHOR ♥ SPEAKS

Q01. What inspired you to write Love Unbroken?

The characters were part of a series that I wrote about 10 years ago that focused on the ins and outs of college life, similar to what these characters went through in this story. At the time when I was thinking of a new series, I just revamped the original story and focused on a couple, which brought about Love Unbroken.

Q02. How did you come up with the title and storyline?

The title and storyline were pretty simple. It described what the main characters were going through with relationships; they both were broken in a sense and wasn’t sure if they could repair the thoughts they had about love; but that all changed when they gave love a second chance.

Q03. Is this a standalone novel or apart of a series?

This is the first book in the Love, Life, & Happiness series. The series has five parts and each book devoted a couple and their journey to love. The main characters (Riana and Shawn) not only started the series, but finished the series with the book, Love Always.

Q04. Tell us a little about the main character(s)?

The heroine, Riana, went through so much in her life, especially during the last two years of high school. After being humiliated and ridiculed, she wanted to have a fresh start in college; that’s when she meets the hero, Shawn. Shawn has been through his own experiences with relationships and didn’t want to be in another one, until he met Riana. The two both had to realize that it’s okay to give love another try, but they both had to do a lot of soul searching within themselves before they were able to fully give their all to each other.

Q05. Do you think the cover art of your e-book/novel will persuade readers to read the story inside?

I think the cover does the book justice. The story is filled with so much passion and intrigue and the cover has both elements. I think one look at the cover and readers will be curious to know more about the story.

Q06. How much of the book is realistic?

The story is strictly fiction, but there are some elements that are realistic. The poems, the open mic scenes, all of those are real experiences that I have encountered when I first met my husband when I was in college. I supported him when he performed poetry at open mic nights and events.

Q07. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

The story was sort of a dedication to the relationship I have with my husband. Although the story is fiction, there were some elements in the story that I wanted to incorporate in my personal life to make it a bit realistic. How the main characters are is how the relationship my husband and I have, which is pretty solid.

Q08. What was the hardest part about writing this book?

The hardest part about writing this book was actually putting some of my personal experiences into the story. I was a little hesitate on what people would think of the story as a whole or wondered if the entire story was about my husband and me. There are some scenes that described us, but not the entire story. You have to read between the lines to figure out what is real and what is fiction.

Q09. Is there a message in your e-book/novel that you want your readers to grasp?

I want readers to know that no matter what you have been through in a relationship and lost hope on love that you shouldn’t give up on having that feeling of being in love and being loved by someone. Love does exist with the right person; you just have to believe.

Q10. Is there anything else you would like your/the readers to know about Love Unbroken?

This story has a lot of twist and turns that I don’t want to give away, but it’s an enjoyable read with a lot of emotion and passion between the main characters. Readers will definitely enjoy this story, which is a great way to start off the series.

Q11. Where can readers purchase your e-book/novel?

Readers can purchase Love Unbroken on the following sites: Amazon.Com, BarnesandNoble.Com, KoboBooks.Com, and AllRomanceEbooks.Com.


To read the entire interview, please visit MzJetson's website at http://mzjetson.com/?paged=3.

Happy Anniversary A Chance at Love!!!

Happy Sunday!!! One year ago tomorrow, A Chance at Love was released on Amazon! It's hard to imagine that it has been a year since this book was released. For those of you who do not know, I never intended to make a series out of In Love With My Best Friend; it was meant to be a standalone book; but after receiving emails and comments from readers asking about Tia and Charles, I had to write a book about them. And that was how A Chance at Love was created. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize how popular this book was going to be.

After it was released, the book went to #1 on the African-American Women's Fiction best-seller's list and stayed at the top spot for three weeks, making it my first #1 best-selling book on Amazon. Not only that, but it created a huge fan base for not only Tia and Charles, but also for the original couple of the series, Camille and Trevor. This was the book that had readers talking, which was pretty good considering this was a book I was never going to write.

For that, I have to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who supported this book. This was such a fun book to write and I still have great memories of these wonderful characters.

To celebrate the book's anniversary, tell me your favorite moment from the book on the comment section below.

Also, here is my favorite song from the book's playlist, "Can't Hide Love" by Earth, Wind, & Fire. Every time I hear this song, it makes me think about the book and the relationship that Tia and Charles had throughout the story.

Enjoy! :-)

http://youtu.be/wr0ekZlcM8E