Author Spotlight & Interview ~ Morgan Parker

Morgan Parker is the pen name for a shy and introverted former banker. Because he could never balance his cash at the end of the banking day, he made up stories in order to keep his job. None of those stories was Textual Encounters, which is great because readers will discover a truly unique and original romance that has never been told before.

Who is the real Morgan Parker?

5 Fun Facts

1. my wife is anti-Apple computers, so when I bought my MacBook Pro, I hid it from her for 6 months. I confessed my purchase in the presence of friends and made sure she had been drinking.

2. When I vacation, I love to cruise. Like on a ship. The buffets are abso-freaking-lutely amazing and I gain 1.5 lbs per day at sea.

3. I took a 6-month leave from my job to spend it with my son when he was an infant. The brainwashing only partially worked: while he thinks I'm the funniest man alive, he still doesn't understand that I'm supposed to win at everything, including video games. 

4. I believe that if you get a non-fat cappuccino, you're allowed to make up for those "saved" calories by eating a chocolate-chunk cookie. Apparently, my scale disagrees.

5. When I heard that something like 85% of statistics are made up on the spot, I heaved a sigh of relief because 95% of everything I say is made up on the spot. For real... in two weeks from now, if you ask me how much stuff I make up on the spot, I won't remember that I told 95% today. 

We also had the chance to pick Morgan's brains . . .

   What inspired you to become a writer?

Oh, I don’t know that I’d call myself a writer at this point. Maybe once I can do it full-time from a beach or my own private movie theatre or at 4am without worrying about how I’ll drag my butt through the next day. But for now, I’m a storyteller. And we all have stories to tell. I decided to start sharing my stories once I shared one and someone said, “This is good stuff.” 

   What did you do before you became (an awesome) author?

I’m still a banker. It’s fun for me, I meet some really great people. I love hearing people’s stories. In fact, I’ve heard the most heart-breaking love stories through my gig at the bank. In fact, one of my favourite clients introduced me to this idea of eternal love. His wife, who died 5 years ago, stll haunts him. His is an amazing love story.

   Can you tell me honestly, was Non-Friction based on any of

your own life events? Are you actually Morgan Barker . . .

Yes, I can tell you honestly that non friction was not based on any of my own life events. Experiences, yes, but not events. For example, I’ve been dumped in my day, just like Morgan was dumped, and I know that heartbreak of high-school love. I have a 4-year old daughter, just like Morgan, and I know frustrating an argument can be with her, yet seem hilarious and ridiculous long after it has happened. But while those emotional experiences were real, virtually none of the events happened. Too bad, huh?

  Who is your inspiration?

My kids are my greatest inspiration. Sounds hokey, I know, but when you consider all of the great things my kids do for me, writing a story that might just outlive me can only partially repay them for the joys they’ve brought to my life. 

   Do you prefer to watch a film or read a book?

It really depends on my mood, the amount of time I have, and what I need. For example, I’ll often allow a film to play in the background while I write, but if I find I’m having difficulty finishing a scene or story, I’ll always pick up a book (fiction or non-fiction) so get my brain working again.

  What is the last book you read?

I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but the last book I read was AL Zaun’s It’s Not Over, and I loved it! I’m currently reading Lisa Olsen’s The Touch and can’t get enough of Lexi. Truly can’t put it down!

  Tell us 3 random things about yourself . . .

I have a crush on Lily Allen, I love watching Top Gear, and I believe goodbyes are forever.

   Do you see your books being released in paperback in the future? (I need Non-Friction on my book shelf)

Luckily for you, non friction is available in paperback through Amazon.com! But when you buy a signed copy directly from me, you become a Morganette, which gets you access to the same cool things (like discussions, sneak peeks of material that may or may not ever be published in the future, and of course some of my work-in-progress marketing material) that my street team has and a few other unique perks throughout the year that no other writer does.

   What genre do you consider you books?

I consider my books romantic fiction. They’re not your traditional romances, however. I seem to favour broken love stories instead of the easy ones. Kinda like my broken sentences. And stuff. You know?

            What is next for Morgan Parker?

Up next is Sick Day. It’s a story about two people who make a 5-year promise before they run off to college. But because life happens, they don’t get together as planned. Until one day, years and years later, they cross paths again. The only problem… it’s two weeks before the female lead is moving far, far away with her fiancé. But before she leaves, the male lead convinces her to call in sick so she can spend the day with him. His plan is to convince her to stay behind, to stay and live with him so they can honour promise that has left them both empty and heartbroken for so many years.

               Will there be a sequel for Morgan (Barker) and Emma?

Hmm… it wasn’t planned but who knows. I liked Morgan’s twisted sense of humour… Maybe  a novella between now and Labour Day? LOL, we’ll see!

Thanks for popping over to Booky Ramblings J

Find out more: Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter

After 12 years, 4 months and 1 and 1/2 weeks of marriage, his wife packs up and leaves with their daughter. So he writes an Indie novel. And it becomes a bestseller. Well, sort of. 

His fame brings him the lifestyle of a rockstar, and he has the fan mail (i.e. female undergarments, probably clean) to prove it. 

But seeing his fame, his wife suddenly believes in marriage counseling. Their homework: to create something beautiful for each other. 

So he writes Our Story, his literary secret-weapon that will win his wife back. But in the process he discovers that true love is more than just ticking the right boxes on a checklist..

Check out our 5 star review!

Listen to Morgan Parker sharing the Prologue and Chapter 1 on Soundcloud

Other books by Morgan Parker

Textual Encounter 1&2

Buy Non-Friction Amazon UK ~ Amazon US 

Review ~ A Tragic Wreck by T.K. Leigh

~ Blurb ~

How can you continue living when you’re living a lie? How can you convince your body to stop feeling, your soul to stop caring, and your heart to stop beating?

Haunted by her past, Olivia Adler flees Boston for a beach in Florida, leaving everyone behind, trying to shut the world out. Remaining a relative recluse in her self-imposed prison, she tries to turn everything off, wanting to feel nothing. But a new acquaintance won’t let that happen. After being away from Alexander for a month, his voice constantly ringing in her head, reminding her that her inability to confront her demons will not only destroy her, but also him, can she really be expected to want to feel again when it brings nothing but pain?
Back in Boston, everywhere he turns, Alexander Burnham is reminded of Olivia… His Olivia… He tries to dull the ache left in his heart the only way he knows how… in the bed of a beautiful woman. But Alexander isn’t about to lose his Olivia. After a clue comes to light regarding Olivia’s whereabouts, can he convince her to return to Boston with him? When a force that has laid dormant for months resurfaces, can Alexander still protect her from the unknown danger? And when Alexander comes face to face with a shadow of both his and Olivia’s past, will he be able to tell her the secret that is threatening to tear them apart?

"A Tragic Wreck" is the continuation of T.K. Leigh’s heartbreaking "Beautiful Mess" series.

~ Goodreads ~ 

Ramblings...

First of all I have to say i'm still hanging from this awesome book. A Tragic Wreck by T.K. Leigh, is the second installment of A Beautiful Mess, which I must say it equally as good. Booky Ramblings was lucky enough to read and review this book before the releasing date and for a honest opinion. Im so glad to get my hand on it..love this story! 

My honest opinion is i'm speechless, just couldn't get enough of this awesome book, let alone put it down. This book had you gripping on the edge, waiting to see what happens, with a lot of twist and turns and heartache in the process. God, it was like my heart and mine was going through this emotional rollercoaster ride with them, aching and feeling them for all the way to the end. The chemistry was awesome between Alexander Burnham and Olivia Alder, the author really build you right in and you can feel the emotion from characters point of view. The sub character, friends and family member also building in the story beautifully, each character are just as important in Alex and Olivia's relationship.

Lets ramble on about the story, it really was up and down for Alex and Olivia they face a lot of challenge along the way but mainly with their own inner self. Finding hard to believe that someone actually love you and never will leave you, is definitely hard line to blur for them both. They are both under control of themselves until the other way in their lives and took over. As the story continue on right where A Beautiful Mess left off you will just jump right back into the story without really needing a recap as the story just flows beautifully on. Both Alex and Olivia fighting whether to follow their heart or mind to protect themselve from getting hurt but either way they get hurt because they know truly where each other belongs.

Alex desperately want to protect his beloved but still can't bring himself to tell her the truth yet and scared for his heart to be broken again. Olivia on the other hand is scared the feeling she has for Alex is so deep, she is refusing to face it, scared it will lead to something tragic and it will wreck her in no recovery.

It really is about fighting for what you love and believe, giving yourself and your heart a chance! Like i said it really was a emotional rollercoaster from start to finish and you will be feeling it right them the characters like I did. some points i just want to shout and scream at them and other times i want to hug and cry with them. Loved every minute of reading this amazing story just can't wait what's next...

~ A bit about the author: T.K. Leigh ~

T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre.

Her debut novel “A Beautiful Mess” has garnered relative praise, having been an Amazon Best Seller, an Amazon Top-Rated book, and just recently was named by The Guardian as a top reader-recommended self-published book of 2013.

When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Goodreads ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Amazon

Promo ~ Ditching the Dream by Isabelle Peterson

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Feeling dead in her marriage, Elizabeth Fairchild ditches the dream of her seemingly perfect life with her husband in search of who she really is.

She went from her parents' house to her husband's home and never really learned to stand on her own two feet. She decides to leave her comfortable life in Napa Valley in search of her inner fire in New York City. She certainly didn't leave her husband to find another man, but she soon finds herself involved with two: Jack Stevens and Kevin Parker.

Jack is older. He has heart-stopping good looks, is wildly successful, and is very much in control of everything around him - especially Elizabeth.

Kevin is younger. He is carefree with a heart of gold and loves Elizabeth's spunk.

While Elizabeth's old life still calls to her, she also finds what she needs in New York. But which dream will she choose?

Amazon UK  ~ Amazon US

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

The long story:

I've always been a creative sort of person... I started with my college studies in Advertising Design and Illustration. I'm good at drawing and coming up with clever ideas.

As for story telling - well, that's where I have the most fun! Ditching The Dream is my first novel, but I've been working on writing movies since, what seems like forever. Way back in high school my friend Aimee and I started writing a movie and I was hooked. We didn't know what we were doing, but we loved coming up with the story. I also like to come up with stories about people I don't know. Like the guy that cut me off on the expressway...He had quite a story - at least in my mind! Who knows? Maybe I've come up with a story about you! ;)

Ditching The Dream is a story that came to me while I was helping two author friends of mine. I was helping them with their books and I would make suggestions to amp up their stories along the way. Bev and Amy encouraged me to write my own story and Ditching The Dream was born. Is it auto-biographical? No, not in the least. But it sure has been a fun story to come up with (especially when my hubby gets involved with coming up with ideas).

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website  ~Goodreads

Cover Reveal ~ Collaboration by Michelle Lynn & Nevaeh Lee

Cover by Perfect Pear Creative

Add to your shelf!

This is not your typical rock star romance. For one, the “rock star” is a rapper. And not just any rapper. Trace is the hottest ticket in the music industry right now, regardless of which definition of ‘hot’ you choose.

Taryn Starr is not the girl-next-door who unknowingly meets a celebrity. Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” the reigning country music princess and world-renowned superstar knows exactly who Trace is…or does she?

Their worlds collide when the musicians whose paths were never destined to cross are forced by their joint record label to collaborate on a song. The sparks fly and ignite a fire that blazes hotter with every minute they spend together—for better or worse. One thing’s for certain, the two media magnets can’t deny their explosive chemistry, but will life in the spotlight ultimately bring Trace and Taryn together or force them apart?

***This contemporary romance new adult novel is for mature audiences. The language alone would make a sailor blush (the guy’s a rapper, remember?) so 18+ only, please.

Be sure to visit the Collaboration Facebook Page!

Michelle Lynn

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

Nevaeh Lee

Nevaeh’s first exposure to writing began in a middle school creative writing class. She was reprimanded for composing a politically incorrect story and forced to re-write about a “safer” topic. Being the writing rebel that she is, Nevaeh always likes to push the envelope a bit and never re-writes, unless her editor insists on it.

When she’s not writing, Nevaeh is a freelance book editor ;).  And though she spends a good chunk of her time reading, writing, and editing, she can also be found hanging out with her family and taking road trips, exploring the area around wherever she happens to be living at the time. Even though “home” will always be Texas, she has lived in several different states and countries, but currently resides in the DC metro area.

Review ~ Non Fric-tion By Morgan Parker

I received an ARC for an honest review. This was a first for me by Morgan Parker.

          A first followed by many because as soon as I put this book down, I went to find another of his books – Textual Encounters is another that you can check out ;)

          This is an honest, funny and well - fantastic story. A clever story-teller Morgan Parker is and an awesome book!

          There was a sense of truth within Non Friction, like Morgan knew exactly what he was writing and it was more than ‘just words’. I was captured from the start and struggled to put it down. If it wasn’t for work and such boring reality checks then I could have finished this in one sitting. I swear to you.

          Now this is a deserving rom-com, like any of the best-sellers that you would find in the romance section of your local book-store from best-sellers, only this one is written by a male author and you read it in a males’ POV. I THOUGHT THIS WAS GREAT! You have to admit ladies, that we always want to get inside the man’s head, here is your chance. It isn’t hearts and flowers and there isn’t any steamy sex scenes but the humour alone is enough to keep me reading.

          Morgan Barker (yes that’s the main characters name, a very clever twist) isn’t a suited billionaire with model looks and a rock-star body. He is a real man that you can relate to (kinda, except the part where I’m not a man).

          ‘Princess Bitch/Whore’ the nickname Morgan gives his ex wife. She really is a twat so this made me laugh. Despite the brutally honest nicknames, he continues marriage counselling in hope they will re-kindle their romance. I wanted to kick him at this point.

          In walks Emma, a crazed fan. I should probably mention at this point that Morgan Barker is an author within the story, writing a story based on the romance he shares with Emma (Only he doesn’t realise it yet). So a crazed fan sends him knickers through the post and it turns into honest love. Love is found in unexpected places. Morgan swears he doesn’t believe in love, it is just ‘habit and routine’ and the way in which he explains it really did get me thinking about it (You’re bad man Morgan Parker). But honestly I don’t think he ever did truly love his ex-wife. So when he starts to gain feelings for Emma, he is unsure of himself because real love was alien to him.

Sadly nothing is ever easy, even love. Emma is his perfect, inconvenient soulmate. Miles apart in every sense of the word. I just wanted the poor man to catch a break and for them to tumble into bed together! Easier said than done in this case (which you will find out when you go buy this book - links below ;)) I LOVE their little texting code - Also the books cover. It means different things to each of them but it means SOMETHING and it makes it special. It always arrives at the right time.

          The story within the story is clever how it ties in with Morgan Barker’s own story even when he doesn’t know it. You will have to read it to make sense of it.

          I’m afraid it isn’t hearts and flowers like I said and I gasped at the end but I truly loved it. It deserved to be on the shelves with the best-sellers.

          A brutal, comical and well told love-ish story that will have you laughing out loud and putting all of real life on hold. You would be stupid not to read this book.

Although vague, I didn't want to spoil the story for you. You really do need to check it out for yourself.

Now go BUY it

If you don't believe me when I say this book is awesome, check out the raving reviews on Goodreads and Amazon

Amazon UK ~ Amazon US ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal ~ Unforeseen Heartbeat by Maureen Mayer ~

Cover by Robin Harper at Wicked By Design

Used… Broken… Confused…

It only took one drunken mistake four years ago for Maddie Harrington to learn that when you fully give yourself over to a man, you should never expect anything in return. Since that night, her views on love have become distorted, believing men would only want her for the pleasure her body could bring them. She in turn finds herself hooking up with random guys but never keeps them around long enough to see if there could possibly be something more.

That is…until Hunter Bryant enters the picture.

When the handsome pre-med student shows up in the right place at the right time, captivating her with his stormy gaze, she immediately pushes him away, thinking he’s no different than any other guy. The deeper Hunter delves into her life, trying to break through her iron-clad walls, the more she begins to question whether she is truly capable of opening her heart up to another man. 

Maddie soon finds herself forced to make a difficult decision, one that will forever change both of their lives. Will she shut Hunter out of her life for good, or will she finally open up her heart and allow herself the life she never dreamed she deserved?

*This book is intended for a mature reading audience and isn't suitable for readers under the age of 18.*

“Is it bad that I’m getting extremely turned on watching you fondle my car?” Hunter's hand lowered to adjust the front of his pants and I giggled.

I carefully slid up on the hood of the car and propped myself up on my elbow, placing my other hand on my hip while I attempted to pose like a pin-up girl. “How about now?”

He groaned, and I smiled appreciatively. “Woman, you are seriously testing my self control because right about now I want to spread your legs, slide in between them and take you on the hood of my car.” 

Ohmigod I think I just came. If Hunter wanted to take this relationship slow, that was not the way to go about doing so, but I was ready and willing to have him fuck my brains out right here, right now!

He stalked towards me and my heart began pitter-patter. My eyes fluttered closed as his hands came down to rest on my knees, and I tried to spread them for him, but he kept them locked together with a vice grip. Slipping his hands behind my knees, he tugged my body down the length of the car until my feet hit the ground. I slowly peeled my eyes back open, and he was right in my face with his delicious breath cascading over my lips. “Not right now, baby,” he whispered, brushing his lips along my jaw and down my neck. “But one day I will have you just like this. With your gorgeous body spread across my car, in nothing but those sexy as fuck stiletto heels you were wearing the night we met, while I worship every inch of you.”

Fuck. Me. I think I just came again.

Maureen Mayer was born, raised and currently resides in Buffalo, NY with her loving and supportive family and boyfriend of 8+ years. She’s always had a love for the outdoors, and when the city isn’t buried under snow, she can be found hiking, fishing, camping or lying on the beach. She’s a sucker for off-color humor, but holds a sweet spot for sick and twisted horror films. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in bed with her kindle, diving into a steamy romance novel and falling in love with the latest book boyfriend.

Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads / Pinterest 

On the outside, Liberty Davis appeared to have it all…a loving family, a tight knit circle of friends, and a bright future ahead of her. Everything was perfect. That is until her brother tragically took his own life, turning her whole world upside down. 

Left to pick up the pieces of her broken family, Liberty is faced with focusing all of her attention on helping her parents cope with the loss of their son, while putting her own life on the back burner. But what no one seems to realize is that she is just as broken inside. 

Now, four years later, twenty year old Liberty is taking back the reins of her life. She leaves behind everything she’s ever known, hoping to make a fresh start…one where she isn’t faced with the constant reminder that her brother is nothing more than faded memory. What she didn’t expect to find along the way was Shayne. </ span>

Tall, dark and tattooed, Shayne Thompson has developed quite a reputation for being a player. Despite everyone’s negative perception, Liberty still finds herself drawn to him. When she learns that Shayne knows all too well what it feels like to lose someone you love, she finds that they have a lot more in common than just a physical attraction. 

When Liberty discovers a secret from Shayne’s past that threatens to tear them apart, she begins to question everything she’s ever felt for him. Will Liberty choose to follow her heart or will she give up the one person who finally made her feel whole again?

*This book is intended for a mature reading audience and isn't suitable for readers under the age of 18.*

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble

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Cover Reveal ~ A Moment in Paris by Danielle Wright

Title: A Moment in Paris

Author: Danielle Wright

Genre: Romanice/Erotica

Publication Date: January 2014

Tour Host: Dreams Come True Promotions

Tenley Clarkson has dreamed of being in Paris her whole life. Experiencing all of the sights and culture the city has to offer, the last thing Tenley expects is to find herself enchanted by the emerald green eyes of Jayden Matthews.

Tenley is cautious about trusting anyone. After being betrayed by her mother and her ex-boyfriend, her defenses are up, or at least she thought they were. But Jayden breaks through her walls, making her feel safe and protected. He has the power to consume her - mind and body.

Jayden Matthews knew it the second he saw her. Tenley Clarkson belonged in his life; this beautiful woman who is hiding a world of pain and fear in her eyes. He feels the need to protect her, to make her happy. The smile on her face and the soft sound of her voice exhilarated him and calmed him all at once. He had never felt more alive.

As they explore Paris together, Jayden takes Tenley to places she'd only dreamed of. Gives her moments she couldn't imagine. A single moment of intense connection unfolds into love.

It was only one moment. But that's all it takes. As tragedy strikes and threatens to tear them apart, can Tenley learn to trust and love? Can Jayden prove that he will fight for her? Or will he betray her like she has been her whole life?

One moment is all it takes to change your life, to meet someone, to fall in love. One Moment is all it takes, to shatter your world completely, taking away everything you never knew you needed....

Danielle Wright was born in California, but raised in Colorado where she currently resides. She has one younger brother and is close to her family. She loves to read, and has had that passion from a very young age, love stories always being her favorite. She has always loved telling stories and often found herself making up her own stories to tell. Danielle loves the idea that a story, even for just a little while, takes the reader away from everyday life and puts them in a world that they could only dream of. She truly believes that a good book will stay with you and even has the power to change your life. Once she decided to no longer let fear get in her way, Danielle began to bring her dream worlds to life, first as an escape for herself and then, hoping that someday, someone, somewhere, will find their escape in her world.

Danielle values her family and friends above anything else. When she is not reading or writing you can find her hanging out with her family, watching football, The Voice, Greys Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy or going to the movies or concerts with friends. She is a huge country music fan, although her favorite band is Maroon 5 and she has a major crush on Adam Levine. She loves anything Disney, and still believes in magic, fairy tales and true love. She wants her readers to remember to smile, nothing horrible lasts forever. Also, that every moment is important because you never know which moment is going to change your life. 

 

Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/Daniellewrightauthor

GoodReads Page for Book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18748054-a-moment-in-paris? from_search=true