Interview with romance authors Michel Prince and Reana Malori

Authors Michel Prince and Reana Malori are here today to chat with me about their new interracial contemporary romance novel, Unwrapping a Marriage.

During their virtual book tour, Michel and Reana will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit their other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bios:

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 to 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.

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.

Welcome, Michel and Reana. Please share a little bit about your current release.
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.

What inspired you to write this book?
I approached Reana asking her if she would be willing to write a story with me. While we were discussing ideas the idea of what happens after the happily ever after. As two married women with almost two decades a piece we know the ups and downs of marriage and wanted to explore.

Excerpt from Unwrapping a Marriage:
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?

What exciting story are you working on next?

For Michel – I’ve got a rerelease of my book The Politician’s Heart in November, which had to find a new home when my publisher closed. In December, my second book in my Love by the Yard football series, Second and Short. In this story you’ll meet Dalton Gresham, an all pro lineman for the Chicago Grizzlies, as he fights a brand he never should have gotten. When he meets Willeen Fire he discovers there’s more to life than being a name.

For Reana – There are a few rereleases that are coming out over the next few months. I reclaimed the publishing rights for some of my books and will slowly get those books relaunched. I’m also working on a series featuring men who encompass the everyday man. The series will be called The Four Kings, but the irony is that the men aren’t rich and powerful. But they are all kings in their own right, with their own unique personalities. They’ll have jobs such as handyman, carpenter, surgical technician (Former Army), and a police officer. They’re due to be released in the Spring of 2017.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Michel – When my first book, Chrysalis, was published in 2012 and I started getting reviews from around the world. That was amazing to have people connect with my characters no matter where in the world they live.

Reana – Once I published Weekend Fling in 2009. It was the first book that I’d submitted to a publisher that was accepted for global publication. Although I’d written a few books before that, at that moment, it felt real to me.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Michel – No I do not, I work for a health care company in the billing department. I try to find time every evening as well as weekends to write. If I’m under deadline and I’m behind I use my vacation to catch up on manuscripts.

Reana – No, I wish I did. I work in Human Resources at a global cyber security company. Sometimes, finding the time to right can be very tough, but I try to block out time each weekend – and sometimes during the week – to bring my stories to life. Some days my plan works great – other days, not so much.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Michel – I write my scenes as they come me. Although I may start at the beginning of the story sometimes I see scenes out of order. I write then link them together. 

Reana – I never create an outline and tend to write the story as I hear it in my head. Once an idea comes to me, I allow the characters to dictate where the stories go. Sometimes they surprise me, but I just go with it.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Michel – I had lots of things I wanted to be, fashion designer, astronaut, astronomer, lawyer, teacher, writer, actress. That’s the best thing about being a writer, I can be all of them and more.

Reana – This is funny. I wanted to be an Accountant. A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to be specific.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Michel – I appreciate you stopping by to learn about this story and hope you enjoy Sterling and Elizabeth Jackson.

Reana – Unwrapping a Marriage is a story about second chances and fighting for what you love, even when it seems all hope is lost. We hope you enjoy reading their story of Sterling and Elizabeth Jackson as much as we enjoyed writing it. Happy Reading!

Links:

Book trailer | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Smashwords | Kobo | AllRomance e-books

Reanaon Facebook | Michel on Facebook

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