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A Heart Not Easily Broken (Book 1 of the Butterfly Memoirs)
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Hi MJ!I loved the first chapter of your new book and look forward to reading it when it comes out.
Did you know that you resemble Kim Coles a little? Well, anyway you do to me.
Good luck with your book!
Hi Gwen! I am so glad to hear you liked the chapter! I am so excited about introducing Ebony And Brian's story! I look forward to hearing your thoughts! I have never been told I look like Kim Cole, though I love her! I loved her character on Living Single.
Hi everyone! In anticipation of my book A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN being released in 16 days, I decided to stop by and share a excerpt. I'll be sharing bits of chapter one, please leave a comment and I will get back to you! Enjoy! That Little Black Dress:
Ladies, ever been out at the club and realize you should have put on something else? No matter what type of attention you wanted, what looked good in the mirror is another story when you’re standing in room full of hot, sweating, gyrating bodies, booming speakers, and strobe lights. Ebony Campbell feels the same way:
Excerpt:
“This is the last time I wear this dress.”
“Oh, please, Ebony,” Yasmine, my best friend and roommate, yelled in my ear.
The music pounding out of the nightclub’s speakers made it nearly impossible to hear her.
“Stop fidgeting. You look uncomfortable,” she added, winking at the bartender who handed us our drinks.
No matter how many times I adjusted the hem of my dress, it was impossible to ignore the warm air tickling the backs of my thighs as people pushed past me in the crowded bar. It would take more fabric to keep my shapely derriere from involuntary exposure.
“Thanks.” I slipped money into the bartender’s tip jar, and he rewarded me with a gorgeous smile. “For the record, I am uncomfortable.” I turned to face Yasmine. “Freakum dresses are your thing, not mine.”
Yasmine laughed. “True, true, everyone’s not blessed with a body like mine.” She ran a hand over her hips, striking a pose. “Besides, I love showing mine off.”
I smirked before sipping my margarita. Yasmine’s light-skinned complexion, slender ballet dancer body, long legs, and B-cup breasts suited her personality. There were times I wished my body was more like hers, though. It would make shopping for clothes a lot easier. As it was, I had been blessed with the shapely figure my Nana called ‘bootylicious’. According to her, and her photo albums, I looked just like her when she was my age, with caramel-colored skin, perfectly proportioned hips, a butt that drew major attention, and D-cup breasts, making it hard for a man to look me straight in the eye.
I groaned while making another wardrobe adjustment. The jaw-dropping cleavage of my dress threatened to give my ‘girls’ their own airtime.
“I love my body, too. I’d just rather not show it to everyone.”
Yasmine shook her head while my attention went back to the patrons of the club. A wide variety of men lined the dark walls, standing just out of range of the overhead lights, making it impossible to pick out their faces in the smoky room. No doubt, many were on the hunt, looking for an easy lay. It shouldn’t be hard; one scan of the room revealed potential opportunities in every direction. Nearly every woman in the club wore a dress so tight it appeared to be a spray on, with skirts stopping just below their hips. I cringed. That sounded like my attire. Self-conscious, I tugged on the edges of my dress again.
The next time we go out, Yasmine is not selecting my outfit.
####
A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, by MJ Kane. Available 9/20/12 via 5 Prince Publishing! http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.com/
Thank for posting! I'm really looking forward to your new release!
Lynne wrote: "Thank for posting! I'm really looking forward to your new release!"Thank you Lynne!
As promised, here's the next sample of A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN! Enjoy! Leave a comment I will reply! The Plan:
For Ebony Campbell, a smart, sexy, career-oriented black woman, looking for a summer fling that challenges her body and her mind isn’t too much to ask for. Only those able to hold a decent conversation need apply:
Excerpt:
“That dress is going to get you some major action tonight. You’ll be thanking me in the morning…or afternoon.” She laughed.
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t have time to get into a real relationship right now. Finishing this last year of college is my focus. I’ve got to get that Veterinarian job at the zoo, I’ve worked too hard to mess up now. Besides, I don’t need a man to take care of me.”
Yasmine smirked.
“Financially,” I clarified. “Having a nice body to lie against is a different story.”
She laughed and held out her hand for a high-five. “That’s my girl. Look around tonight. I bet you’ll find someone.” Her attention went to a dark skinned guy headed in our direction. He glanced over, smiled, and kept walking. “There’s one right there.”
He was attractive all right, but not the physical type I preferred. I was attracted to men who were tall, had thick lips, and eyes that peered into the depths of my soul. A man with the body of a sex machine, yet had no problem working hard for a living and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
One of the first things I noticed about a man was not his shoe size, but his hands. If they were too pretty and soft, the man didn’t believe in hard work. If they were overly calloused with visible dirt under the nails and full of scrapes and bruises, those were signs that a man didn’t take care of the little things, which meant the rest of him would be questionable. Now, a man with hands somewhere in between, calloused from work with no traces of dirt under his nails, those were signs of a hardworking man who could clean up nice. Everywhere.
I shook my head and sipped my drink. “He’s not my type.”
“Stop being picky. It’s only going to be a summer fling.”
“Even so, if I’m going to give a man my body and my time, I should at least be able to hold an intelligent conversation. Everything doesn’t have to happen between the sheets.”
####
A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, by MJ Kane. Available 9/20/12 via 5 Prince Publishing! http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.com/
M.j. I love that comment about the hands, being picky and being able to hold an intelligent conversation. All of those requirements are a must! I can't wait to read this story! :)
✿Michelle✿ wrote: "I can't wait!"Aww, thank you Michelle! Your enthusiasm has me extra excited!!!!
Gwen wrote: "M.j. I love that comment about the hands, being picky and being able to hold an intelligent conversation. All of those requirements are a must! I can't wait to read this story! :)"My DH was flattered when I mentioned ladies comments about the 'hands', his chest stuck out in pride as he studied his own, knowing I'd gotten that bit of inspiration from him! LOL!
Okay ladies, here's another sample that's guaranteed to make your heart beat a little faster! Let me know what you think! The Freebie:
Ever have a man pay for a drink without asking? Do you accept, or say no?
Excerpt:
After securing a spot near the front of the stage, I raised my hands in the air and began to dance. For the first time in months, I forgot about books, the stress of my internship at the zoo, and work at the clinic. I closed my eyes and got lost in the music, letting it guide my body in sensual movements while telegraphing my desire, hoping the drummer would notice my body language.
The song ended, and I opened my eyes to cheer with the rest of the crowd. I was noticed all right. Various men in my immediate vicinity threw out catcalls and whistles, which were flattering, but the drummer paid me no attention. In fact, no one in the band seemed to notice me, except for one man.
One of the guitar players watched me intently. Astonished, I nearly stumbled in my heels. He was attractive but… he was white, not what I was aiming for. My lips tilted in a small smile before I moved out of his line of sight, placing myself in front of dancers who’d moved closer to the stage blocking my view of the drummer.
The next song played, and again, I tried to get lost in the music. My eyes closed, it was impossible to find my groove again without feeling stalked. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, drawing my attention down the length of the stage and to the guitar player, who once again, watched me with a predatory gleam in his eye. When the song ended, I worked my way back to the bar.
Neither Yasmine nor Kaitlyn were there. They must have gone to the bathroom.
“What can I get you, miss?” the bartender asked, interrupting my thoughts.
Music from the loud speakers blasted again, after the MC announced the band was taking a brief intermission.
“Margarita, extra shot of tequila, please.” The bartender nodded and went to fill my order.
“Did you get a load of the blond guitar player? He’s hot!”
My attention turned to a busty brunette who’d taken up temporary residence in the empty seat next to me. I recognized her as being one of the women who’d been dancing next to me. She adjusted her boobs, primping while talking to her friend.
“He doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going home with him tonight,” she continued. Her friend giggled.
Good luck. She had a better chance than I did of finding a man tonight.
“Here you go.” The bartender placed a napkin in front of me with my drink.
“I’ve got this,” a deep voice said close to my ear, making me jump. It was incredibly sexy despite the fact it scared me. It also sent a warm tingle down my spine. Intrigued, I turned and found myself face-to-face with the guitar player. The same one my barstool neighbor wanted to go home with.
Any sort of coherent words failed me.
####
A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, by MJ Kane. Available 9/20/12 via 5 Prince Publishing! http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.com/
Ebony and Brian's story sounds like one I'd like to check out, MJ. Eager to see where it goes. I wish you much success on your first publication. I'm hoping to do the same soon, so any news of another writer 'making the plunge' is inspiring! I have a good friend who does SixSunday, who is also publishing her first. A paranormal for Lyrical Press, coming out in October, her name is Mae Clair. You guys may have run into each other. Anyhoo-- excited for you both!
Venice wrote: "Ebony and Brian's story sounds like one I'd like to check out, MJ. Eager to see where it goes. I wish you much success on your first publication. I'm hoping to do the same soon, so any news of anot..."Thank you Venice!!!
Good luck with your endeavor! It's a long road and well work the work! I look forward to hearing about your book! You're friends name sounds familiar, I may have run across her on FB or Twitter. Why don't you connect with me on FB? I have a blog where I share info about writing and the things I've learned. I try to inspire as much as I can! I hope to see you there!
Blog: http://thiswriterslife-mjkane.blogspo...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mjkanebooks
Ready for some more? LOL, well, here you go! The Proposition:
You’re looking for a summer fling…a man whom you least expects wants to get to know you. He seems to meet all the qualifications except for one. He’s not black. Could he be the one you’re looking for? What do you do?
Excerpt:
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Two dimples rested on either side of firm lips when he smiled.
Wow. The man looked good from the stage, but up close, his presence demanded my full attention. He was tall, probably a good six-two to my five-foot-five. His build reminded me of a well-built basketball player. The low lights of the club reflected off damp blond hair with dark undertones. His confident smile cocked to the side, revealing pearly white teeth. The blue shirt he wore complimented the color of his eyes, sparkling like waves of the ocean while hinting at mischief. Baggy shorts and a pair of clean black Converse completed his attire.
His attention went to the bartender. “Joe, put her drink on my tab. I’ll have the usual.” The bartender nodded before walking away. The blond focused his gaze back on me, watching before he spoke again. “You’re not going to thank me?”
I raised my eyebrows in annoyance at his comment. “I didn’t ask for you to pay for this.” I couldn’t stand a man who expected me to be ecstatic because he bought me a drink. I was capable of doing that myself.
Humor flashed in his eyes. “Excuse me for being a gentleman. Unfortunately, it’s too late for you to pay. Guess you’re stuck.” He reached for his beer when the bartender returned, twisted off the cap, and took a huge gulp.
Stuck? Is that what he thought? Passing the drink over to the brunette, saying it came from him, then ordering my own sounded like a good idea. But at five dollars a drink, I’d be a fool not to accept a freebie.
Instead of saying thanks, I said, “Don’t let this dress fool you. If you expect me to sleep with you because you bought me a drink, forget it.” My focus left him and resumed searching the crowd for my friends.
I turned back around in time to catch blue eyes exploring the length of my body.
“That was not my intention.” His eyes now focused above the deep cleavage of my dress. “Since we’ve gotten that out of the way, maybe you’ll answer this question.”
I smirked. “What?”
He chuckled. “What’s your name?” He extended a hand. “I’m Brian.”
My attention immediately went to his hand. Large palm, slightly calloused, sporting a deep tan, his nails were a little rough, fingers sporting a few cuts, but they were clean. I glanced back up at his face. This white man was hitting on me. I was flattered knowing he watched me dance, but buying me a drink and asking my name? What did he expect to happen next?
He waited patiently, his hand suspended in midair.
“Ebony.” I accepted his handshake.
“Ebony. That’s a beautiful name.”
The tingle going up my spine from the way it rolled off his tongue, and the sensation of our connected hands, kept my lips from moving. This was unreal. I didn’t expect any kind of spark from him.
I studied his eyes; lust and desire weren’t visible, but there was something else. Something made him hold my hand longer than necessary. I squirmed involuntarily before being the first to turn away.
“Meeting like this is not the best way to get to know someone.” He released my hand before leaning down to talk to me without yelling quite as loud.
My body tingled at the warm caress of his breath near my ear again. The scent of his musky cologne mixed with sweat from standing under the stage lights was alluring, the heat from his body inviting.
Then I looked back at his skin. “You’re kidding right?”
####
A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, by MJ Kane. Available 9/20/12 via 5 Prince Publishing! http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.com/
Thank you Venice!!!Good luck with your endeavor! It's a long road and well work the work! I look forward to hearing about your book! You're friends name sounds familiar, I may have run across her on FB or Twitter. Why don't you connect with me on FB? I have a blog where I share info about writing and the things I've learned. I try to inspire as much as I can! I hope to see you there!
Blog: http://thiswriterslife-mjkane.blogspo...
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mjkanebooks
Thanks MJ! I'll be glad to check out your blog. I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't officially launched my WP blog. Even though I did an intro post and have yet to post my first entry, which I wrote months ago. Guess I'm not exactly sure of who I'm writing too/for. I've decided to make that move this weekend-- finally. Just do it! I don't have a FB acct for Venice Kennedy, and I'll do that, too-- by next week. Sigh, the social media part of this writing journey is the most challenging part for me. But, I'll wade my way through that, too. Again-- I hope your debut is huge!
Venice wrote: "Thank you Venice!!!Good luck with your endeavor! It's a long road and well work the work! I look forward to hearing about your book! You're friends name sounds familiar, I may have run across her..."
Been there before! I did the same thing, start a blog and have no clue what to talk about. Then it hit me, talk about what I was learning, life, and family. Whatever you feel most comfortable about is what you build your blog around. Let your personality shine through and people will follow! Let me know when your up and running and I'll check it out!
Good evening! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! But before you go, take a moment to enjoy this next excerpt of my debut novel, A HEART NOT EASILY BROKE which will be hitting eBooks on 9/20/12 from 5 Prince Publishing!!! Determination is Sexy:
Nothing is as sexy as a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to let you know.
Excerpt:
“Are you color blind?”
“No.”
“The lights in here are low, but you can’t say you didn’t notice. I’m black, that doesn’t bother you?”
A deep line creased Brian’s brow. “Why should it?”
I smirked.
He appraised me for a moment. “Does it bother you?”
“No,” I said a little too forcefully. I’d left myself open for that remark.
“So what’s your point?” He angled himself to look directly in my eyes.
I assessed him again. His cerulean eyes were sharp, studying me as much as I studied him. Sun-bleached hair set off his bronzed skin, a clear sign of time spent surfing, no doubt. Long legs led to a narrow waist and broad shoulders. I could only imagine what he would look like naked. Wait, why did I think that way?
“You’re not my type, and I’m not yours.” I put my cup to my lips and gulped, forgetting about the extra shot of tequila, I nearly choked.
Brian angled his head, apparently musing over my statement. “You have no idea what my type is.”
“What about her?” I nodded at the brunette who sat behind me.
She’d gone quiet the moment Brian came to the bar. I risked a glance over my shoulder and saw her lips were in a tight line as she glared at me. She didn’t bother to look away. If looks could kill, the coroner would have picked me up off the floor a long time ago. Fortunately, the music was too loud for her to hear our conversation.
When I turned back, Brian’s stare continued to be intense. The room felt as if it had shrunk to the size of a shoebox.
“If I wanted her, I wouldn’t be talking to you.”
Disbelief had me laughing. Of all the brothers in the club, none approached me. Yet, this man spied me from the stage and made his way over. I had to admit, he was bold.
“I want to get to know you. We could−” Annoyance flashed on his face when he acknowledged the hand on his shoulder.
I scoffed, nearly spitting out my drink. The drummer, the object of my suggestive dancing−and oh, my God, that body−stood next to Brian. He didn’t give me the time of day.
####
A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, by MJ Kane. Available 9/20/12 via 5 Prince Publishing! http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.com/
I'm lovin' it! Hehehehehe! There Ebony is with eyes only for the drummer and he doesn't know she exists. Just goes to show you. You never know who else is looking. Go Brian! :)You have a great weekend too! Thanks M.j. :)
Gwen wrote: "I'm lovin' it! Hehehehehe! There Ebony is with eyes only for the drummer and he doesn't know she exists. Just goes to show you. You never know who else is looking. Go Brian! :)You have a great..."
LOL! Glad your enjoying it, Gwen!!! Don't you hate when that happens??? I had so much fun writing Ebony and Brian's initial reactions to one another. He's all into her and she's like a dear in headlights, attracted, but doesn't know what to do about it! 12 ore days and the book will be available! Yay!!!
I'm enjoying it very much! I love excerpts and snippets. It heightens my enthusiasm to read the book. I've had that headlights thing myself a time or two.*smile*
You sound absolutely thrilled!!! I wish you the very best with luck with your book!
Gwen wrote: "I'm enjoying it very much! I love excerpts and snippets. It heightens my enthusiasm to read the book. I've had that headlights thing myself a time or two.*smile*
You sound absolutely thrilled!!!..."
That comment made my day! 11 days left!
I think we've all been caught in the headlights of a good looking man...*sigh*....
Okay folks, the last teaser post...11 day left until publication day! I hope you guys enjoy reading the story as I have writing it!! The Invitation:
The man you least expects wants to get to know you. Do you walk away or do you stay? What would you do?
Excerpt:
Brian nodded. “Sorry. I want to continue this discussion, but they need me back on stage. Why don’t you meet me in VIP when I’m done? It’s a little less crowded. Plus it’s away from the speakers, so you can hear yourself think.”
As if to prove his point, a waitress caring a large tray full of empty cups bumped into his elbow. He managed to hold his beer without spilling a drop. “Tell security the Bass Man sent you. You’ll get in with no problem.”
“The Bass Man?”
“Yeah, I play bass guitar. You’d be surprised how many women try to get in there.” He nodded to the roped off corner of the room with oversized plush sofas under focused track lights. A few women were already lounging in the area. A man the size of Chewbacca and thankfully, a lot less hairy and dressed in black, stood, his arms crossed while wearing dark shades. He mean mugged the crowd, discouraging them from walking his way. My eyes must have bulged, because Brian chuckled. His laugh was as deep as his voice.
“He won’t bite,” he said with a wickedly charming grin. “’Til then, Ebony.” He toasted me with his bottle, drained the remnants of his beer before disappearing into the crowd, and then reappeared on the stage.
“Who was he?” Yasmine sat on the barstool Brian had left empty.
Well, well, my roommates found their way back. “As if you didn’t know.”
“Uh, no,” Kaitlyn replied in her country twang.
I eyed them suspiciously. “A guy from the band.”
“Really?” Kaitlyn stood on tiptoes to peer over the crowd. “He’s hot.”
That seemed to be the consensus.
“Did you get his number?” Yasmine asked when she finished her own study of his anatomy.
“No, but I did get invited to VIP.”
Two sets of eyebrows rose.
“So, are you going?” Yasmine studied me, no doubt wondering if tonight’s mission had been a success.
I stared at the stage as the music began to play, watching Brian in action. He looked in my direction and smiled.
“I haven’t decided yet.”
####
A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN, by MJ Kane. Available 9/20/12 via 5 Prince Publishing!
FOR THE FULL SCENE AND MORE, VISIT THE BOOK BLOG:
http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.com/
Hi Ladies! I am now 5 DAYS AWAY from Release Day! September 20th will be here in a blink of an eye! I will be holding a Facebook Launch Party on my author page on the 20th from 8pm-10pm EST! I hope you have time to drop by! I will be giving away a few free eBook copies as a thank you for your support! Also, keep an eye out for my Goodreads Author page which will be up shortly after the books release. I hope to see you there! https://www.facebook.com/MJButterflyB...
Mod
Wooohoo!!!!!
Hi ladies!!! It is my pleasure to announce that A HEART NOT EASILY BROKEN is NOW AVAILABLE!
It released yesterday and quickly climbed onto the BESTSELLER FOR MULTICULTURAL ROMANCE list! WHOO HOO!!!
It is available on Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords. I am currently holding a blog tour, follow it and you have a chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED COPY of the book! Visit my blog for details! All sales links are on this sight as well! Don't forget to follow my new Goodreads Author page!!
http://thiswriterslife-mjkane.blogspo...
This is a great book! I did a beta read for the author. You're going to love it. :)
Sorry, MJ- I've been busy, but have to give you a big *high five* on the success you're having with your Debut book!! Amazing. Good for you! I can only imagine how thrilled you must be. I see you've got some more five star reviews, too. Terrific!! Your book is on my TBR list, I just got tied up with some Real Life stuff and also trying to get my first short ready for publishing-- but just had to come on and say Great job!!! Still want to get over to your blog, too. I'm trying to get mine up before indie publishing. So much to pull together. As you well know.Enjoy your success and blog touring!
~venice
Hi Venice! Girl, absolutely no worries!!! Real life always takes precedence! As authors, we just like to fill in the time in between when you need to get lot for a few hours in the lives of others. Glad to be on your TBR list! Let me know what you think when your done! Yep, the is a lot of work to be done to get your story off the ground. Believe me, I've been there and done that. If not for the amount of work that has been put in for the past 4 years as well as the months leading up to publication, I wouldn't be seeing the amount of success I have! And it is a huge shocker and much appreciated....but guess what, the work doesn't end, it multiplies!!!
Take care, work hard,and I'll be looking forward to a chance to peek at what your working on!
MJ
Well, MJ--4 years!! Isn't it wonderful you kept true to your heart and kept at it. I've got such great examples to follow, writers like you and other ladies (hmm & gents) here who believed they could do it and made it happened-- became published authors. I know I have a lot to learn, but I did already figure out that the work multiplies!! LOL! So glad it's paying off for you! I'm going for a slow build with some shorts stories-- while I work to get my novel out in 2013. I'll keep you posted and will keep my eye what's going on your way.~venice
I am proud to announce that my first novel, A Heart Not Easily Broken, will be published September 20th, and will be available in eBook, followed by paperback on October 4th. My book is a combination of Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance, and Women's Fiction. The book is also the first in a 6 book series entitled, The Butterfly Memoirs. To learn more about me and the series, visit my book blog. Here I post about topics relevant to the stories and enjoy listening and commenting on your feedback. Today I am sharing the link to the blog for this weeks Six Sunday post. The first chapter of the novel is also available for you to read. I look forward to hearing your comments and making new friends!
MJ
As publication day nears, #SixSunday is winding down! 24 days and counting! The start of the last four post starts today! We're back to Ebony's POV!
After meeting sexy bass guitarist, Brian Young, at a nightclub during a Girl's Night Out with her friends, and ignoring his attempt to get to know her, she figured she'd never see him again. Two days later, he shows up at her house, hired by her roommate to cut their grass. Discovering there is more to the blue-eyed hunk than sexy hands on a guitar is an eye opener. How will she respond?
http://thebutterflymemoirs.blogspot.c...