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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Joey W Hill Unrestrained Launch Party Giveaway #5 - Monica Burns



Welcome Author Monica Burns


Joey, I know a great many authors, but you're the classiest one of the bunch. Better still, you write AMAZING BDSM. I've loved every single book I've read (although Natural Law is a fav with Ice Queen close behind). I just clicked Pre-Order on Unrestrained, and I can't *wait* to dig into this newest book of yours. Congratulations, babe! You rock!


Guest Post

As an author, I write romance that always has happily ever afters. I write about many emotions, but the power of love is the most important. Experience and memories are strong influences in my writing, and I’ve seen the power of love, and I’d like to share one such moment with you. 

When my Mom died December 19, 1998, I had spent a long night in the hospital saying goodbye. The following day my siblings and I dealt with last minute arrangements. I still remember sitting outside the funeral home with my mom’s clothes, not wanting to go in because it made things so final. Worst of all, I faced a lonely three-hour drive home to Richmond to pick up my family to turn around to come back to Roanoke. 

I don’t really remember much of my drive home, except thinking I was completely unprepared for Santa’s arrival. There was shopping still to do, I was behind on baking, and dozens of other tasks. It was overwhelming, and the last thing I wanted was to celebrate a holiday that I knew would never ever be the same again. I wasn’t just grief-stricken; I was feeling lost and alone. 

Due to my mom’s illness, we’d put off the traditional family outing to cut down the perfect tree. Now, as I opened the front door of our house, the crisp, fresh aroma of an evergreen tree greeted me. As I entered the living room, I saw a beautiful Frasier fir adorned with big fat blue lights just like the ones from my childhood. All our special family ornaments were on the tree; the rocking-horse baby ornaments with our daughters’ names on them, my great-grandfather’s glass pipe, and Lenox ornaments my mom had bought us over the years. 

While I was with my mom during her last moments, my husband and our friends had gone into overdrive. Everyone had come to the house to help decorate, bake, and shop. They’d just finished decorating the tree when I walked through the front door. I remember sobbing as first my husband and then one friend after another gave me hugs of love and sympathy. 

As bittersweet as that memory is, it’s one I’ll cherish as long as I live. It illustrates that love is invincible. Nothing can beat it, not precious jewels, large mansions, fancy cars, or all the money in the world. Gifts of love from the heart are the most precious. It’s why I find writing romance so rewarding. I get to experience gifts of love not only in real life, but in my characters’ lives as well. It doesn’t get any better than that. 



Two steamy, full-length stories featuring two men skilled in the ways of seduction and two older heroines strong enough to resist them. 

Book 1: 
Love’s Revenge ~ ~ Read First Chapter 

She never expected the Devil of Devlyn to accept her rash proposal, and she certainly hadn’t planned on falling in love with a younger man. 

What he doesn’t bargain on is how revenge could cost him the one thing he wants the most. Sophie’s love. 

Book 2: 
Love’s Portrait ~ ~ Read First TWO Chapters 

When Julia Westgard commissions a nude portrait it puts her directly in the path of Morgan St. Claire. A man who doesn’t take no for an answer. 

From the first moment Morgan sees Julia’s portrait, he’s determined to have her. With each sensual encounter, he employs every weapon at his disposal in hopes of making Julia see she really is the woman in Love’s Portrait.

Excerpt

Love's Revenge Excerpt 


Love's Portrait Excerpt 




Buy Link


Amazon Only 



Author Contact Info





Twitter - MonicaBurns 






Monica is offering 1 winner a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card and a digital copy Two Shades of Seduction gifted through Amazon *only* (unavailable at other vendors), available to US and Candada. Just comment and fill out the rafflecopter to enter. 


49 comments:

  1. I have heard nothing but good things about Monica Burns...and yet another has been added to my TBR list. :-)

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    1. In case it's not obvious from the below, I totally support those good things you've heard (beaming).

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  2. Monica,
    Thanks for sharing that story with us, it's bad enough losing loved ones and going thru the first holidays without them but to lose one so close to the holidays is even worse. I know some people who just stop celebrating, it's wonderful to hear a story of how someone was helped through such a tough loss.

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  3. Pyper, Thanks for your kind words. I'm sure my story isn't unique, but I feel like my friends are most definitely unique. Thanks for commenting. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season

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  4. Monica,
    When did you start writing? and
    Will you tell us how you met Joey?

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    1. Yes, Monica, tell Pyper how we met (snicker). Actually, a wonderful and memorable as that was, there was an even more memorable event we enjoyed in Chicago...lol. Then there was the RT Award Ceremony... Now I've put her on the spot. I'll go away now.

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    2. Pyper,

      First, I've been writing since I was nine-years-old. Started writing romance then and just kept it up. :D

      As for how I met Joey, well that was at RAW in Hunting, WV I think. We sat next to each other at the book signing. I was a bit intimidated by Joey because of what she writes. I'd always thought, no way I'm gonna read BDSM. But then we chatted and she was so eloquent in her explanation of what she wrote and the dynamics of BDSM. I decided to take a chance. Boy am I glad I did. She writes awesome, powerful characters. She's the one who inspired me to delve into writing a submissive male.

      Then there was the Chicago research trip. Best damn research trip I've ever had! It opened my eyes and I found the piece of equipment I wanted to use in my first BDSM book. It's been a challenge because I like to understand the scope of whatever genre I'm writing in, so I've struggled with the book, and after rewriting the first 9 chapters, I'm more than 1/2way now.

      Ah, yes....the RT Awards ceremony, where at lunch prior to the ceremony, Joey said she'd pay me $20 if I actually used the word Fuck in my acceptance speech. I got her good, because I shared with the audience that Joey had dared me to say the F-word in my speech, but that I was going to split the difference and say how Effing great it was to earn the award. You should have seen her face when I started my speech with that. Bwwwwwaahahaha

      I'm truly blessed to know Joey. She rawks as an author and a friend

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    3. Thanks ladies, that was definitely entertaining. I agree Joey is amazing and I'm really looking forward to reading some of your books Monica, clicking the links now!

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    4. I wish I could think on my feet as fast as she can. She did get me with that one - and the audience enjoyed it thoroughly. You were accepting a Reviewers Choice Award for Pleasure Me, weren't you? (excellent book, btw)

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    5. Oh, and Pyper, Monica didn't seem nervous to me at all on that first meet. We had such a blast - sometimes you just hit it off with a fellow author, and I felt comfortable with her from the first moment, and she kept me laughing. For my part, I figured she'd go home and tell her family she either sat next to a mindlessly jabbering monkey or a complete dork, but she said such nice things above, I guess I did okay (grin). Seriously, I'm VERY flattered, Monica. Thank you for that lovely compliment.

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    6. Yes the RT Reviewers Choice award for Pleasure Me.

      And yes it was a blast. If you've noticed I keep asking when you're going to be a signing where I am. :D

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  5. Woohoo, it's my girl Monica!! Doing the happy dance. Okay, I'm going to comment under a couple of your comments to say more things like this, but just for general consumption, I'm happy to tell all of you that Monica is a brilliant writer with a wonderful, lyrical voice. She has my deepest respect as a craftsperson - and she's a delightful person as well, a bonus!

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    1. Damn, I love how you boost my ego, doll! Thank you.

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    2. It's very well deserved - and I can't wait to read that BDSM romance!

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  6. And okay, now I've actually read your post (I was so excited by your presence I just ripped out a comment first), and now I'm all teary. See, she does this with just a guest post. And yes, she puts her experience and emotions into her writing, which is probably one of the key reasons I find her work so compelling. What an amazing, poignant and beautiful Christmas memory. Thanks for sharing that, Monica. :>

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    1. My pleasure. I'm thrilled you invited me to participate in your release. And Unrestrained hit my Kindle late last night!! WOOT!

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    2. All right! Hope you enjoy Dale and Athena. Let me know if you don't! :>

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    3. No doubt in my mind that I'll enjoy the book. You wrote, how could I go wrong? And like you tell me, I don't blow smoke...*evil grin*

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  7. I've read a few of your books, but not the ones above.

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    1. Moira, Two Shades of Seduction is actually a combined box set that contains Love's Revenge and Love's Portrait, so don't buy it if you've already downloaded those two books.

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  8. I look forward to reading. I love memories like that. My last birthday with my grandmother is something I cherish.

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    1. Hi Sheri, memories are what make losing someone a little easier. I have a lot of memories of my parents who both died quite young. My father never saw my two girls, so I keep my memories alive by sharing stories with them. And I adored my maternal grandmother, she was my grammar and content structure teacher. She rocked!

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  9. I can't wait to read this..... Thank you for another Author to add to my reading list......

    Thank you for the chance to enter!!!!

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    1. I hope you try out my books Angela. I like to think I give readers characters that stay with them.

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  10. Thank you for sharing your story! Those memories are to be cherished for sure! I've added your books to my TBR list, can't wait to dig in

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    1. Thanks for adding me to your TBR list Stacey, I hope you'll try my work on for size. In fact, if you visit my website, you can read the first one to two chapters of all my books there. I like to ensure people know what they're buying. :D

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  11. Thanks for the story. We did a special lighting of candles for Thanksgiving when my dad died.

    Will add books to TBR.

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    1. What a lovely thing to do Ashley! We do Advent every Sunday before Christmas in our home. We have a candle for those who've crossed over as well. It's a wonderful reminder of memories past. Thanks for checking my books out, and be sure to read the first chapters of all my books on my website. Test drive before you buy is my motto. :)

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  12. Not only is Monica Burns a great writer but she can't be beat when it comes to dancing to Michael Jackson's Thriller. Just sayin.

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    1. ROFLMAO I fear that image in people's heads will not disappear any time soon. LOL But thank you for the compliments, Margie

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  13. Two more books for the TBR pile by another wonderful author.
    Monica, I can emphasize with you. Thanksgiving has never been the same for my mother and myself as we lost her mom on thanksgiving day in 1981. I named my daughter after her, as she was the best Grandma ever. I am blessed to still have my mom and dad around at ages 89 & 90, and they are still fairly active and in good health.

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    1. Lori what an awesome tribute. My oldest is named after my mom, and my grandmother picked out her middle name. I had the best of both worlds in that respect. I think it's wonderful your parents are still toasting the town at their age. I hope I make it that long with a sound mind and somewhat moderately sound body. :D

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    1. Thank you for your kind words Jennifer. It's a bittersweet memory that will always be with me.

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  15. Monica, thank you for sharing such a personal story. Sad, but at the same time shows hope and strength

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    1. Lisa, I'm glad you found it inspiring. I always think friendships are the most inspiring of any thing in the world.

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  16. Hi Monica
    Thank you for sharing such a personal tragedy.

    I enjoyed reading your blurb for both your books and they sound awesome. I definitely enjoy finding new authors to me, to read and passing those names to others for the same reason.
    Many thanks,
    Ginger aka robertsonreads

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    1. Hi Ginger, I think through sharing people understand each other better. :) Glad you enjoyed the blurb

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  17. Monica thank you for sharing such a personal story with us. I am all teary over here. I am really looking forward to grabbing Two Shades of Seduction and diving right in. I thoroughly enjoyed the story about how you and Joey met. Too bad you don't have a picture of the look her face during that awards speech!

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    1. Oh Delilah if ONLY I had a picture of Joey's face that day. I know it would be one of my prized possessions and pulled out to coerce her into something heinous. LOL

      I hope you enjoy Two Shades, and I'm flattered that you were moved to tears by my story. It still makes my heart clench when I think about that day.

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  18. Thank you for sharing your story, Monica. In 1996 I also lost my mom right before Christmas; I am blessed as you are with a loving family who has stood together and supported each other over the years. Love is what binds everything together. Looking forward to reading your books and thank you for the giveaway!

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    1. Christi, It's horrible to lose a family at any point in time, but especially around a holiday where others are feeling so joyous and happy. Makes it hard. I'm so glad you had a strong support system. That's key to getting through the holidays. It's still hard for me some years, but I muddle through. I hope you'll try out my books. Because I believe in letting readers get a strong taste of what I write, I put up full chapters of the beginning of each book on my website.Check them out to see if my writing is something you won't be disappointed with.

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  19. what an emotional post. Thank you for being so open and honest.

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    1. I always worry I'm being too honest with people, but it's who I am. Thanks for commenting.

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  20. Thank you for sharing such a personal story. Your hubby knew exactly what you needed. Sounds like he loves you very much. Looking forward to reading two shades of seduction.

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