Book Review: Love in the Fast Lane

Buenas Dias!

The day has come where I finally get to review Love in the Fast Lane by Melissa Kate for #TuesdayBookBlog
Be prepared for the book you'll never want to put down and the one you'll never want to stop talking about. A sinfully sexy Romance Novel with all the right elements of steamy & hot, yet absolutely heart-warming at it's core. Love in the Fast Lane may just be the Love story we've all been waiting for!

Watch the Trailer here:

Order Love in the Fast Lane

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Amazon Link

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About the Book

Love in the Fast Lane by Melissa Kate

File Size: 2101 KB
Print Length: 341 pages
Publisher: Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC; 1 edition
Publication Date: November 8, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01M72SIX7Genre: Contemporary Romance

Plot:

Racecar driver, Nathan Wolf, is primed to win his first championship. A thriving career and sexy holiday fling have Nathan riding the high life. But the past haunts him and could ruin it all.

After six long years, Brielle Woods has finally put the past behind her. Or so she thought, until she bumps into the hotshot who turned her world upside down and left her...to raise their son...alone.

Can they overcome baggage from their past and give into the passion that still burns between them? Or will they lose the chance at true happiness and the family they both long for?

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Book Review

Love in the Fast Lane is a once in a life time, one of a kind Romance Novel that transcends any preconceived notions within the genre. It is compelling, jaw dropping. heart-warming. heart-crushing, frustrating, awe-inspired, adrenaline pumping, pulse racing, fear inducing, erotically charged and altogether Magical. I loved, 💙 loved reading every single word, sentence & page. So much so that for the First Time ever, due to a hectic schedule, I actually read the book on my phone. I was so enthralled and utterly hooked to the story that the smaller text and awkward-ity barely registered, all I cared about was getting to the next page and the next chapter and the next. I am yet again flabbergasted by Melissa's flawless ability to write such vivid descriptions, elegant prose, heart wrenching & passionate love stories. Any writer who can transport me out of reality has my vote but Melissa brings this in spades. I was instantly dissolved into the world of the characters, the locations, the spirit. Completely engrossed in their lives. And yet again, as unseemly as it seems, Melissa made me shed a few tears even. But the best part was the incredible resonance I found within her story lines.

My heart swells when I think of this book

Brielle {such a sexy name, just rolls of the tongue} is introduced as bookish, conservative and dedicated to finishing her degree to become a chiropractor. Upon an opportune trip to Brazil, Brielle begins to loosen up and let go of her stiffness. There's a scene in the club that reminds me of the first episode of Shameless where the guy sees Fiona dancing and is completely mesmerized by her. Because she's not dancing for an audience, she's just feeling the music as it sensually rhythms her body.

After the time skip we see a more controlled and mature Brielle but she's also more feisty and wears her battle scars proudly which is a huge plus for me.

The choices she's made, the sacrifices, the missed opportunities she's risked all impact on me on a very personal level.

Brielle possesses a truly deep emotional core and I'm infatuated with her.

Noah Woods is probably one of the most adorable book characters I've ever come across, from the moment he's shown, I was irrevocably hooked to watching this lil' kiddo run around in my head.
Seriously, it's adorableNess Overload! I just wanna scoop him up and cuddle his cheeks. Melissa displays such insight in her interactions between Noah and both his parents. Brielle's unconditional love towards her son is spot on and those father, son moments leave me heart-wrenched and wanting more.
His nickname is "Bucket". I can't wait for you to read all about him and why he got that name.

Love in the Fast Lane has Fast become one of my favorite books {pun intended} and definitely one of my favorite romances of the year. With Melissa's first book Waiting For You ranking up high as well. I can't decide which of them I love more because they have equally gripped me in ways I never thought possible.

I; Enricoh Alfonzo; undoubtedly, vehemently, and whole-heartedly recommend this book to everyone.

Especially those looking for romance this festive season.

Order Love in the Fast Lane

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Amazon Link

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In other news~

I hit 10, 000 Twitter Followers Today!

It's hard to believe that just a week ago I was at 9000 followers. 

I am truly grateful for all the support & new friends~

You rock!!

🌟💙✨ Thank YOU, Arigato & Gracias!

Here's to my FIRST 10k #Followers 🤘🔥

Follow Me

Also I found this EPIC song. The beat is so Sick! I frikkin love it, reminds me awesome club memories and the best kind of feeling when you flow to the rhythm of the beat. Had to share it with y'all.

TiMO ODV - Make You Love Me ft. Ryki

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words

• I’d love to keep connected with you! 

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Cover Reveal: IT HAD TO BE YOU

Buongiorno

Today marks a ✨Special & Momentous✨ day here on the AlfonzoWords blog, as we get a First Look at the Cover of the highly anticipated book, IT HAD TO BE YOU by Melissa Kate.

Woooohooo! I'm beyond excited for the release of this book & cannot wait to share the amazingly beautiful cover with you.

Melissa joined us for a very special & very awesome Interview on Sunday, 22 May 2016 titled:

Author Interview on Catching that Golden Snitch

Meet Melissa Kate

Melissa Kate is a self confessed book-a-holic who lives in a small town along the coast in sunny South Africa {My Parents Hometown!Yay}. She writes contemporary romance with quirky characters and witty banter; a true romantic at heart; she loves the moment of falling in love.

Get Connected with Her:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

This book is the Second in the Crystal Valley series, with the first book being Waiting For You, which I truly LOVED reading.
Such is my fandom over Melissa's work that I even did sketches for it Here.
I've just finished reading Melissa's recent release, Love in the Fast Lane. Stay tuned for the Review.
So I'm Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious excited to read IT HAD TO BE YOU.

The #WaitingForYou HYPE is Real!!
Reached +70,000 Impressions & +300 Retweets, Daily!

It's "Waiting For You" to Order Now.

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So without further ado its time for that 

Exclusive First Look at the Cover of this romance novel.

***Drum Roll Please***

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Are you ready?

Are you excited? :-D

I know I am

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CountDown

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🌟💙✨Hello! IT HAD TO BE YOU🌟💙✨

WOW! Epicness! Legend...Wait for It....DARY! 

If you read the first book, you'll totally love that cupcake reference :-)

Se Manifique, it looks like the cover of a beautiful movie and knowing Melissa, I'm sure it will be soon.

All I want to do is turn the page and begin reading.

Title: IT HAD TO BE YOU

Series: Crystal Valley Series

Author: Melissa Kate

Publication Date: 2017

Publisher: Fire Quill Publishing

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Humor

Description:

Emma Wyatt has had enough of her ex-best friend and his lady-killer ways. The sweet boy from her youth had been replaced with a serial womanizer.

Oliver didn’t intend to be coupled with Emma, but when it came to Emma Wyatt, he felt the need to be a knight in shining armor.

Now the whole town Knows and Emma is livid She wants to wring his neck.

A heated argument incites a fiery moment of passion and the pair finds themselves fighting and unlikely attraction they never saw coming

But a dreadful secret can tear them apart forever.

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words

• I’d love to keep connected with you! 

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Join FanArt Friday

Inspire. Create. Write. TM

Weeks ago, there was a writing prompt on The Blog Tag called, What Is Art to You? 

To me Art is omnipotently omniscient, in that it is all around us, every day, in every which way. 

To breathe is Art

To see is Art 

Yet in the same breath, to Not see, is also Art. 

The mind & soul are unbelievably amazing tools of creativity and we all have it within us to create Art. 

In one aspect I use my Art to transfer my love of something unto a physical manifestation. In other words, I use this aspect to Fan-Boy by sketching/drawing my favorite parts, places and/or characters. 

This post will hopefully by updated weekly, every Friday with my latest Fan Art entries. 

By Descending Order from Newest to Oldest:

Black Panther Movie

EPIC sketch of my Favorite Black Panther character atm.

Killmonger😍

Mega Thank you to Miguel Mercado‏ 

Facebook

Instagram

Gaming Love

New*** Out of this World Sub-Zero FanArt!!😍😍 by Nicole Naicker
"I am in awe of her talent and dedication to completing this piece. Her shading & gradient work is so intricate it borders on unbelievable. Especially with the flawless use of charcoal. 
I have no doubt she will become as successful as the artist known as JYXDI."

Facebook Page: Nicole Naicker- Graphic & Web Designer/Henna Artist
Website: NN- Graphic & Web Designer
Instagram: @nickynaicker3

27.05.2017

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 In honor of my supreme fandom of Pokemon
Here is my sketch of the Original Starters
Squirtle, Bulbasaur & my personal favorite Charmander

Read the companion post #PokemonGO - 5 Lessons You Taught Me

2016.07.15

Winner of the Giveaway Announced! 
Benita Govender!*** !
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Joined a Pokemon GO South Africa Group and found an amazing talent there. 
Crystal Adinaere Auvryund is an adorable cosplayer & digital artist. 

My personal favorite, Epic fanart of Charmander in human form

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Mysterious Bulbasaur in human form


Follow Her:
Facebook
DeviantArt
Website

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YAY! Shells Bells over at The Deal Is
sketched this awesome Sonic the HedgeHog




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My sketch for the upcoming movie Assassin'S Creed
Starring Michael Fassbender

2016.07.08

Click Here to Retweet
The movie is based on an awesome video game but original characters will be introduced.
So jazzed about this movie, first Warcraft now this.
Keep heading in this direction Filmmakers, keep doing it.

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 Fanboying so much over this!
Unbelievable Assassin's Artwork by Musiriam
How amazing is this?!

Altair Ibn La'Ahad

Shao Jun

Click Here to Retweet.
She's such an unparalleled artist wow! I'm in love with all her works. Can't wait to add more each week.
Check out the rest of her awesome Assassin'S Creed Gallery

Follow her Artist Journey:
Twitter
DeviantArt
ArtStation
FaceBook

Movie Love

 Fantastical creation by Giselle Wampler
Mad Hatter Hat - Album Holder
This creation Rocks!

Read post here

"Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good." Marcus Aurelius
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Comic Book Love

 In Honor of my Post Top 10 Best Superheroes of All Time
The Wolverine & X-23

2016.07.01

Click Here to Retweet
Finally got to do a comic book type cover sketch! Was so pleased with the finished result.
I've always dreamed about X-23 coz she's hot, badass & amazing.

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The Brilliant Artist & Producer RemixThaDon just submitted these:
Elecktra & Venom.
Love the shading and Kanji symbols.




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Awesome Black Panther FanArt By Finn Chow
SO EXCITED to have people join in.

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In Honor of my Post Top 10 Best Superheroes of All Time

My Sketch of The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Batman!!!

2016.06.10

#FlashBackFriday to my Dark Knight Sketch✏ "I only work in Black. And sometimes, very very dark grey."~ @legobatmanmovie 😅 >> @nickynaicker3 I hope you'll honor us with a feature once your Subzero #FanArt is done Join #FanArtFriday http://alfonzowords.blogspot.com/2016/05/fanart-friday-by-alfonzo-words.html

A post shared by Enricoh Alfonzo (@alfonzowords) on May 26, 2017 at 1:09am PDT

Batty

Click Here to Retweet

I'm Jazzed over this one. Using the 6B pencil was definitely the right call. My shading improved. 

"Batman is the closest to a realistic superhero for humanity, in fact, it is his very humanity that they cling to. Who doesn't want to see a badass human take on bad guys & win?"

Novelicious Love

 In Honor of one of my all time FAVORITE book series,
The Black Dagger BrotherHood #BDB by J.R Ward
My sketch of Zsadist & Bella with lil' Nalla

2016.06.24

Click Here to Retweet
As I'm sure B will comment below, We've been Fans The BDB series for a long long time.
Yes it's about Vampires, but the author puts such a unique spin on things.
Zsadist's backstory is one of the most trying, saddest storylines I've ever had the privilege of reading.
He's a badass character and to sketch him with his family has been a Dream.
Check out Anyae's amazing BDB gallery

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In Honor of the AMAZING book, Waiting For You by Melissa Kate 
My sketch of the main character Adam Parker.

2016.06.03

Click Here to Retweet
This one wasn't about detail for me, more about the emotion. After finishing the book, I just had to sketch my version of Adam's Past.
His time with as a Navy SEAL, the covert missions, the scenery, the PTSD that followed.
I hope I have done that justice.

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In Honor of the AMAZING book, Waiting For You by Melissa Kate 

My sketch of the main characters, Audrey Kelly & Adam Parker

2016.05.27

Twitter Stats: 113 Retweets, 46 Likes, 13396 Impressions

You can find out more about the book & its incredibly talented author, via my post: 

Author Interview on Catching that Golden Snitch *** In Honor of the AMAZING book, Beyond the Red by Ava Jae. My Map Sketch as depicted in the first few pages of the book. 2016.05.12 Twitter Stats: 95 Retweets, 69 Likes, 21122 Impressions I deeply resonated with the male protagonist named Eros, his journey moved me in ways that even I could not have anticipated.

Anime Love New*** Lightning Mcqueen FanArt I did for my cousin Disney Cars Movie **** Beautiful Pocahontas sketch by Hakoo Hadalah Haq  SO EXCITED to have people join in. *** In honor of the Anime/Manga series Bleach My character sketch of Kenpachi Zaraki {Will add the twitter stats here once the tweet is up} Kenpachi is a badass of note! That smile he has there, rarely falters even in battle. This guy is insanely powerful but I love most is his undeniable spirit in battle, laughing ever more when he is wounded.  I admin for a Bleach Facebook fan group in SA and we're required to choose an admin Alias. Guess what I chose, haha. Hence the sketch, was my first post as admin on the group :-) *** In honor of the Anime/Manga series "Fairy Tail" My character sketch of Mystogan

{Will add the twitter stats here once the tweet is up}

Just like his name, this guy was one Big mystery for a majority of the first few seasons. I loved the character concept & his behavioral traits. 

I admin for a Bleach Facebook fan group in SA and we're required to choose an admin Alias. Guess what I chose, haha. Hence the sketch, was my first post as admin on the group :-) 

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In honor of the Anime/Manga series Naruto/Naruto Shippuden

My character sketch of Sakura Haruno

{Will add the twitter stats here once the tweet is up}

I sketched this for my best bro's birthday. His favorite female ninja is Sakura. 

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In honor of the Anime/Manga series DragonBall Z

My character sketch of Goku

{Will add the twitter stats here once the tweet is up}

Haha yes, what would Anime Fan Art be without a DrabonBall Z sketch. My favorite character of the show was Vegeta. He was truly a Legend! Still combing through my archives to try and find my sketch of him. 

I also sketched this one for my best bro's birthday. His favorite DBZ character is Goku. 

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Still combing through the archives to find more of my Fan Art. Will update when I find them. 

Hope you enjoyed, what I could find so far and have done lately. 

Do you paint, sketch, draw & 3D paint? Do you do Fan Art?

Submit your Art to Enaidu710{@}Gmail{dot}com

#FanArtFriday or Just #FanArt

Happy Sharing Y'all

Can't wait to see.

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words

• I’d love to keep connected with you! 

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Author Interview on Catching that Golden Snitch

You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve~ JK Rowling

Release Date: 24.05.2016

Today I have the supreme honor of introducing you to an amazing author from my homeland of South Africa.

Melissa Kate

Melissa & Baxter

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this author from Durban, the home of my forefathers, had been published, internationally.

Eureka! Shannaro! There is Hope, I thought with excessive enthusiasm. She's done it, she's caught the Golden Snitch!

Upon reading some of her work, the intense talent and voice were clearly evident. Her prose style is both elegant and feisty in its unique flow. I am really and truly humbled to be hosting her while she's on her blog tour before the release of the book.

So without further ado, let's get to know this remarkable author and her Journey

Quick Fire

Favorite Book: 

Tangled up in You by Rachel Gibson

Favorite Author: 

Lauren Layne

Favorite Book Boyfriend:
Mark Bressler from Rachel Gibson’s Nothing but Trouble – moody and broody and simply sexy

Favorite Bad Boy Character:
Ty Garrison from Jill Shalvis’s Lucky in Love – there’s just something about a tortured hero

Reading Hard Cover novels or Reading digital novels (i.e on the iPad): 

Nothing beats a paperback but I only read ebooks these days, purely because of the volume that I get through.

Handwriting or Typing: 

Typing! Do people still hand write manuscripts?

If you had to MAKE UP/INVENT one word, what would it be? And what would that word mean? 

Puthiasimine – someone who is being an absolute moron. There can be no greater insult than this (I’m sure my husband will love this)

Let’s get personal:

How long have you been writing for?

• I have been writing stories and plays from around ten years old. At age fourteen I tried my hand at my very first longer length story and the writing has not stopped since then.

What inspires you most to write?

• What does not? I love the moment of falling in love. I love the witty banter, the push and pull between my two protagonists and creating that moment of their coming together… is all the more sigh-worthy. I also write to give an outlet to the voices in my head.

The Big Debate of Traditional Vs. Self-Publishing. What made you choose one against the other?

• I’m an old soul so for me it wasn’t a biggie. Definitely Traditional print. I have always wanted to be a published author through a publishing house with my name in print. It’s harder to get in the door with traditional publishing but there is so much more support with a team of people who know what they are doing when you have a publishing house backing you. And trust me, I needed all the support I could get.

Tell me about your support structure. Who’s on board with you being an author, who doubted you?

• I kept my writing very private. Even now, all this exposure makes me feel very… exposed. My husband is my greatest support, despite never reading any of my books. He’s always pushing me to get on with it when he can clearly see that I am procrastinating (that happens a lot). He has often threatened to change the WIFI password and let me tell you, that threat works!
• My bestie, Tharreshnee is also a great support. She reads my stories as I am writing and encourages me along the way. She’s an extremely positive person and can be a real drill sergeant when you’re dipping your toes in the negativity or self-doubt pools.
• My Dad has always been my GREATEST supporter in life. He passed on three years ago but I know that if he were here today, he would shout my achievements out to ANYONE who would listen.
• There hasn’t been any real negativity so far… give it time, though. The reviews will be coming in soon. Eeep!
• Even then, I will take the negativity in my stride – it comes with the territory. Not everyone will enjoy the book. Someone will love it, some will hate it and some will be pretty indifferent. I didn’t set out on this journey to be famous or rich – my goal was to be a published author and that dream has come to fruition. No amount of doubt or negativity can take that away.

So the novel took you about 4 months to write. Walk me through your process of submissions in your search for an agent/publisher.

• I Googled… A LOT! I researched how to write a query letter and in my opinion, I still didn’t get this right. I made a list of ALL the publishing houses I could find and made a note of their submission requirements. Then I emailed them one by one, customizing my application to their needs. I kept a record of each publisher, their contact details and when I emailed my application to them. And then came the rejection letters. The first few I took in my stride and then they just started to deflate me. I almost gave up when I saw the special call from Fiery Seas Publishing and was so surprised to get an email with a contract inviting me to join their team. It’s been easier now since I have a foot in the door because my publisher is amazing and is always wanting more stories from me.
• It’s tough to get published in SA because they are usually looking for authentic South African stories. I love sunny South Africa but I also don’t want to be shoved in a mold to write stories just to be published locally. We each have an individual voice and that should be heard.

Rejection letters play a frequent role in any writer’s life during the submission process. How did it feel getting them? What kept you motivated throughout it all?

• It’s terrible. In the beginning, you take it in your stride. But then they keep coming and it’s really tough to stay positive, particularly when you sacrifice months of your time to get your story out, another few months polishing it and in a single paragraph, your dreams are dashed. My bestie was always a source of great encouragement and would often, at times, remind me that JK Rowling was rejected A LOT before someone gave her an opportunity. Thinking about that kept me on track. Success in any field is not just handed to you – you have to work for it.

Felicidades épicas! You’ve been published internationally. Talk to me about that day, receiving the email. How did it feel? And What have you done to celebrate since?

• I woke up at 5am one morning and went over my social media messages and then opened the email from Fiery Seas Publishing, expecting another concise rejection letter. I nearly fell off the bed when I read that they wanted to offer me a contract which was attached. I read and reread the email, not quite sure it wasn’t a joke. I shook my husband awake and shoved the phone in his face to see. Of course in his sleepy state, he simply said “That’s wonderful babe!” and went right back to sleep. So I lay awake in the dark of the morning and wondered at what had just happened. For many months I kept my news private – only a select few knew. I still didn’t believe it and I didn’t want to jinx it. But then the cover was revealed and I knew there was no going back.

Walk me through the process from that email to getting the final book signed off for release.

• It took many months from the time I got the original email till anything started happening. They sent me a questionnaire about what I expected from my cover, dedication, acknowledgments and so on. So Misty, my publisher could understand the vision I had.
• First Line Edits started - This was simply correcting grammar, spelling and the like.
• Second Line Edits - Were a bit more in depth, changing sentences so they make more sense and be easier to read. Getting into deep POV was a learning curve but I seem to be getting better at it.
• Copy Edits – This was Tough. This is really pulling your story together and making sure it makes sense. The suggestions to change sentences made me sit and scratch my head because I didn’t know how else to make it read. I trudged on and learned so much along the way. 
• To Print - After surviving the copy edits, the book went to print.

Tips & Tricks:

Do you have any great writing resources that you can share with us?

• Google has been a great help! I also follow my favorite authors on their social platforms so I can learn from them. This worked best for me because my genre was the same.

Melissa Follows:

Lauren Layne 

Codi Gary

What would you say to other aspiring writers out there, especially the ones in our homeland of South Africa?

• Keep working on your manuscripts. Be open to taking direction and advice from those in the field. Learn to take rejection (it will happen a lot). Success is for those who work towards it, keep going, your success is waiting on the horizon.

If there was just one nugget of wisdom you could share, what would that be?

• Write because it fulfills your soul. It should never be a job to you, it should be your lifestyle, a piece of who you are. I am a writer…

Bonus Tip: Melissa’s written a great post on her Top 10 Writing Tips for the Up and Comer

Best. Answers. Ever. 

Melissa! I thoroughly enjoyed your spirit in this interview and admire your motivated attitude. It has most assuredly been a Highlight for my blog. I have already pre-ordered your book & cannot wait to devour its pages. 

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Waiting For You

Releases, 24th May 2016

Audrey Kelly finds her way back home to Crystal Valley with her bruised pride and a shattered dangerous past mocking her rear view mirror. What she didn’t expect was to be face-to-face with Adam Parker, resident bad boy, sexy Navy SEAL and one of the reasons that Audrey ran all those years ago.

Audrey was the last person Adam had ever expected to see back in Crystal Valley. Over a decade ago, they shared a sizzling night together before he received the worst news of his life and he hasn’t seen her since…until she’d moved back unexpectedly. She was no longer the sweet innocent girl he once remembered, but Adam has his own problems without having to deal with Audrey’s ice princess recital, no matter how tempting the auburn haired seductress may be.

Sparks begin to ignite between them but can they accept Audrey’s past when it threatens to engage them in a dangerous twist? Can they save each other from themselves and stop running once and for all?

Character Inspiration

        Watch the tantalizing Book Trailer Here

***Breaking News***
The #WaitingForYou HYPE is Real!!
Reached +70,000 Impressions & +300 Retweets, Daily!


It's "Waiting For You" to Order Now.

EPIC fan pic posted by AmazeBlog aka Cassarica Nadas
Enjoying her copy of Waiting For You over a relaxing Bubble Bath
InstaGram Pic


Get Connected with Debut Author, Melissa Kate
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

~Be Kind to one Another~ Ellen Degeneres