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.
Buy links:
Giveaway:
$15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC
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