HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2016!

Greeting Readers and fellow writers,

Have you received your champagne kisses and toasted 2016 for all it will bring you? I hope so. It's my sincerest wish that this new year brings each and every one of you great prosperity, excellent health and happiness.

What would you like for the New Year?

I've decided on three simple resolutions for 2016. I'm of course determined to publish a new book in the new year, and write more, but what else is in store?

1) Be Braver (personal)

I admit I'm not the bravest person. I've let opportunities to socialize slip by because I sometimes turn into wallpaper at social gatherings. I can also be a chicken about new experiences. Of course, last year I ice skated for the first time, thanks to bravery, and loved it.

So, this year I will be braver and be more social. I will stretch my wings and try new things, and not worry about where the journey takes me. I'm strong enough to fly far and return safely, so that's what I'll do.

2) Expand Computer skills (professional)

This year I'm going to expand my computer skills, which are rudimentary by most standards, and learn more about publishing. Perhaps I'll create a free short story that I can use as a giveaway for new readers. I'd have to be an excellent story though. I won't offer up anything but my usual best.

I'd like to learn more about self publishing, as I've never done it, and also maybe about print publishing. I have many readers who ask for print copies and for now I can't accommodate their wishes.

3) Use Time Wiser

I will be in the moment more. I will let there be time for every moment and accept that life is an ebb and flow. I will appreciate those around me, as they are my support and the roots of love in my life.
I'll work harder because success comes through persistence, perseverance and time management.

That's what my 2016 looks like. How about you? What do you want in the New Year? Do you have a plan how to achieve your goals?

I wish all of you a wonderful year filled with the greatest of happiness.

Mary Corrales

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: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/bet-your-sweet-aces-by-mary-corrales/

New Release: BET YOUR SWEET ACES by Mary Corrales

Welcome to release day for my newest book, BET YOUR SWEET ACES. This contemporary suspense romance is just the right way to head into the New Year 2016.

Bet Your Sweet Aces came about as a story of a woman who thought she had everything she needed. When you're a strong alpha female how else would you view your life? It isn't until a special man comes along to challenge her heart that she realizes all of love's possibilities.

This story has been a labor of love for me as I worked through multiple revisions and queried so many publishers, I almost despaired. That's why determination and being relentless come in handy. If not for my belief in this story, I might have given up revisions and just relegated it to the junk file. Thank you to those who encouraged me along the way. It's every writer's need to have a great support system.

Blurb:

Eve Sorrel is owner of the Double Tumble Hotel and Casino. She's got a reputation as a temptress whose wicked mouth makes men long for a taste of her. Scandal erupts and she finds herself the object of scrutiny from investment lawyer, Brad Templeton.

Brad Templeton is determined to see Eve run out of business. With a background in investigation and law, he doesn't see her as a match until he meets her. Unable to resist her salacious allure, he finds himself shielding her from the Senator's wife who suspects Eve of being the Senator's mistress.

Eve's naughty ways may have just landed her the perfect man, if she can convince him to fight for her. What's a woman to do when her heart is on the line, except stack the deck in her favor!

Bet Your Sweet Aces will be available for a limited time at a reduced price of 2.99. Find the Buy Link and EXCERPT on the Evernight Publishing website.

Enjoy your romantic adventure,
Mary

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A beautiful Night for Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS

What a beautiful night for Christmas.

There will be a full moon on the night of Christmas day, and I encourage everyone to grab a warm drink and take a stroll outside to see its beauty. Maybe you have a fire pit that you can relax by or perhaps just sit in a comfortable chair.

Why?

Simple. After all the chaos for family, food and unwrapping of presents, it's good to take a quiet moment and reflect on the true spirit of the season. The miracle of the heavens above are mysterious and awe inspiring, as is the miracle of one child's birth leading to mankind's salvation.

I like quiet moments. It's easy to get lost in the busyness of things. Phones, emails, internet…and too easily life passes us by.

Another year is coming to a close, and while I have one more book release (Bet Your Sweet Aces) on the 29^th, the end of 2015 is on the exit ramp. For now, I think I'll just grab a hot chocolate and some gingersnap cookies, and stargaze.   

There's time enough for real life tomorrow.

Merry Christmas dear readers. May all life's blessing be yours this season.

Mary

Cover Reveal: BET YOUR SWEET ACES

Contemporary Romance

Eve Sorrel is owner of the Double Tumble Hotel and Casino. She's no stranger to scandal but her latest, may turn out to be her last. Brad Templeton is determined to see Eve run out of business. With a background in investigation and law, he doesn't see her as a match until he meets her.

Eve's naughty ways may have just landed her the perfect man, if she can convince him to fight for her. What's a woman to do when her heart is on the line, except stack the deck in her favor!

Exclusive excerpt (PG):

He caught up to her in a few long strides. "I intend to put you out of business."

"Not very sporting," she mused. "What have I done to you? Better yet, what would you like me to do?"

He blinked, opening then closing his mouth like a stunned fish, before frowning at her and catching her arm. "I'm not playing with you."

His hand was firm but not bruising. He knew his own strength, apparently, and she found that intriguing. "I look forward to the time when you do," she said. If he thought to intimidate her, she intended to show him the error of his ways. She might be a sexy woman but that didn't mean she didn't possess an arsenal of dangerous weapons, the most lethal being her cunning mind.

He frowned at her but otherwise ignored her comeback. "Why don't we go somewhere to talk?"

"Ah, so you do want to be alone with me after all." Eve hoped to get a smirk out of him, but his mouth remained a stubborn thin line. She gazed into his gorgeous blue eyes and felt frustration well up within her as they stared at one another. His silence irritated her on a level she rarely experienced with men. Maybe he'd be more amenable in private. 

BET YOUR SWEET ACES will be available from Evernight Publishing on December 29^th. I send out the occasional newsletter, when there is news (not every month), so if you'd like to subscribe and receive a reminder as well as exclusive giveaway opportunities, click here. You'll go to my website where you can sign up on the contact me page. In the "comments" section just mention the newsletter sign-up.

Happy reading,

Mary

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Is a Sexual Woman Powerful?

I recently read an article about women in movies posters being portrayed negatively through sexual poses. Being an erotic romance writer, I take a different view of things. I believe that a woman can be powerful through her sexual nature.

Why?

The simplest reason is that sexuality is powerful, and women more than men know how to wield this power. Women look damn good in tight, black leather and that knowledge allows them to distract and gain a marked advantage in certain situations. Is such a thing appropriate?

I'm sorry to say that I don't care if it's appropriate, right, or even nice.

That's because being strong in your sexuality means feeling confident in yourself. What woman doesn't understand the empowering self-confidence of a great fit of jeans? Perhaps it's that dress that fits just right and highlights our curves.

There is a false belief in society that a sexual woman is not only unequal to a man, but less than other women. I completely disagree, I must say that such 'equality thinking' leaves women at a disadvantage.

I'm not suggesting women flaunt their wares in front of their male bosses. Never! That behavior is trashy. What I'm saying is being comfortable having breasts and rounder hips is telling. You can tell a woman confident in her own skin.

She can dress in jeans and a t-shirt like a group of men, but she exudes a sensuality that conveys her feminine power. She knows and loves her female body. Her intellect will show through when she speaks, to hush the voice of any critics, so why should she try and blend with the men.

Consider powerful business women of the world. They don't have hunched shoulders to hide their breasts; they don't dress in clothes two sizes too big to hide their curves. They are powerful because they are comfortable with their own female physique. Woman should stand straight and tall, their entire demeanor one of confident sexuality. A woman in a dress is no less commanding than a woman in a suit, so long as she believes herself to be powerful.

The heroines I create for my stories are sexual women, and they use that sensuality to their advantage. Does it degrade them? Never. It shows their power by highlighting their feminine self-confidence. They are women; female creatures born of a wild nature that can never be tamed to support an asexual society.

There I've said my peace. Thanks for reading. Feel free to share your thoughts; same or disagreeing. If you'd like to read a female heroine who's powerful in her sexuality, Craving Elisa just released on December 1^st through Cobblestone Press. Here's an excerpt to Enjoy!

Mary

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Bend rather than Break this Holiday Season

            It's easy to get overly caught up in things we think should be done. "Should-ing" on ourselves is never good, btw. Nonetheless, it helps to make action plans for the day, but what happens when those plans are disrupted?

            I started December with a nasty cold/flu which I'm still trying to kick and a book release. Craving Elisa came out through Cobblestone on December 1^st. I showed my book cover off proudly at Thanksgiving and then wham, I get hit with illness.

            I'll tell you that getting sick threw all my December plans out the window. I was less than happy and could have let it ruin Christmas, but life is often about perspective, isn't it?

            BEND

            "What gets done gets done."

            I'm cutting back on decorating this year. If I have time before Christmas to put more out, then I will, but it's not a priority. Getting well is my first priority. What could you put off for tomorrow?

            "Being exhausted just makes me grumpy."

            If you over-extend yourself you won't be very good company for shopping, much less at those holiday parties. Give yourself permission to relax. You don't need to do everything today. Life is about moments. Don't deny yourself the enjoyment of being with friends, because you decided you had to wash all the outer windows on the house.

            "It's okay to say, no."

            It's never easy to cancel a get together, but guilt is not your friend. Make yourself a priority. Those who are offended that you cancelled will get over it…or not. You aren't responsible for the feelings of others. If you'd rather rest a few hours and wrap presents at your leisure, then that's okay.

            "Enjoy this time."

            Stand still a moment. Breathe. Do you hear the sounds around you? Is the air crisp with winter? At night, do you see the twinkle of Christmas lights and the beauty of the night sky? Is your Christmas tree up yet? See how the ornaments sparkle in joy. Take a moment, breathe and enjoy.

The magic of Christmas awaits your heart.

 Merry Christmas,

Mary

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