Book Tour & Giveaway: Saying Goodbye by Mahima Martel 5/5/14 – 5/12/14

Virtual Book Tour Dates: 5/5/14 – 5/12/14

Genres: Literary Fiction

Blurb:

No matter how strong the relationship, or powerful the attraction at some time we all must say goodbye.

In 1964 the winds of change blows across the Atlantic from England to America and sparks a cultural and social revolution. Traditional values of the past are replaced with more modern attitudes caused by the hottest tunes and the latest dance craze.

Vivacious Hollywood starlet Frankie Robinson has no romantic expectations when she meets the dark and introspective Alex Rowley, guitarist for one of the hottest British bands—The Dark Knights. During their first dance, they step into each other's rhythm, as though partners in another life.

For an eager young couple, neither Frankie nor Alex anticipates the scandal their public relationship will cause—reputations must be protected and images need to be maintained. As Frankie and Alex dream of a life together, agents and managers worry of the monies lost and the dangers to their perspective clients. Frankie and Alex are to be kept apart no matter what tragic cost. Behind the closed curtains of celebrity life, Frank and Alex find a way to keep their private love alive despite all obstacles.

Excerpt:

“Johnny B. Goode” was spinning on the record player as Alex found an open space on the dance floor and turned to face Frankie. Frankie had always felt confident dancing before strangers—it was her best method of self-expression—but standing before Alex, she couldn’t help feeling like a novice with two left feet. Looking at Alex, she noticed he was feeling the same way. She saw him move much better in performances; now, he looked as awkward as she felt.

“Loosen up a little bit,” she said, playfully punching his chest.

Alex grabbed Frankie around her waist and moved a little faster to the music.

“See? There it is. I knew it—you have a dancer’s soul,” she said.

“Yeah, I was thinking I should give up the gee-tar and take up the ba-LET,” he said, gazing down at her. “What do you think?”

Frankie laughed and answered, “It would be interesting to see you in a tutu.”

“I never show a girl my tutu on the first date,” he responded, roughly spinning her around.

Frankie spun around fast and then purposely slammed hard up against him. “Somehow I doubt that. I think you and your tutu have made quite a few debut performances.”

As Alex began dancing slower, feelings ran through Frankie’s body that she wasn’t quite ready for. She had just met him not ten minutes ago, so to offer any suggestions would be rather dangerous. The moment was a little too intense in a room full of dancing, sweaty bodies. She pulled back from him a bit to give herself some distance. As soon as she did, the lights in the room went out, and everyone was left in darkness.

Hoots and hollers erupted from the darkness as “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters began to play. Alex pulled Frankie closer to him and held her tightly, just short of pressing too far. Alex had the play down to a science. He instinctively knew the exact limit to stir Frankie up without scaring her away. Frankie had experienced verything from men who couldn’t entice any sensation, to those who
pushed and pressed to the point of near disgust. She sensed Alex knew the perfect combination and didn’t resist.

Alex leaned toward Frankie as if to kiss her and whispered, “Do yeh want to get out of here?”

Frankie looked up at him. “Where do you want to go?” she asked.

“Outside,” he said. “It’s getting too hot in here.”

“All right,” said Frankie.

Saying Goodbye,What the World Doesn’t know 

Excerpt 2

            The entrance to the ballroom was through a pair or large white lacquered doors. Inside, New York’s affluent citizens could be seen socializing with five working-class lads from England. Frankie was well aware of the irony, and so was Alex. It was still the biggest inside joke the band shared ever since they had made it big—the fact that people who would normally turn down their noses at them were now paying big bucks just to be in the same room. Ironically, the music played during the ball was a series of square old-school waltzes. Everyone had dressed in their finest gowns in tuxedos to hear a rock concert, and were now winding down the evening with the Blue Danube.

            Never having had a dance lesson in his life, Alex allowed Frankie to move him around the dance floor. Occasionally he stepped on her foot or bumped into some fat lady behind him. He planted his focus on his feet to make sure he was in line with Frankie.

            “Look at me,” said Frankie, “and don’t worry about your footsteps.”

            “How can I be sure I won’t step on you?”

            “You don’t have to worry about a thing as long as you follow my lead,” she said with a cocky smile.

            “Yes, ma’am,” he said.

            Thankfully there were no prying eyes of gossip journalists or photographers. The wealthy were able to pay to have their privacy protected.

            Frankie was sure to keep Alex away from any wayward middle-aged socialite looking for a score. She witnessed a few eyes on him—a few women brushed by, trying to gain his attention—but Frankie proved to be the best deterrent a young man could have in such an occasion. She was beautiful, and if any woman crossed the line, Frankie would rip off her face. Alex, keenly aware, was loving every minute of it.

            Frankie guided Alex away from the dance floor to a buffet table where appetizers were being served. Frankie and Alex decided to share a plate and prowl the circumference of the ballroom together, watching the crowd like patrons at a zoo.

            “See that woman there with the exposed cleavage?” asked Frankie as she popped a stuffed mushroom in her mouth.

            “No, where?” Alex asked with a laugh, seeing the woman standing directly before them.

            Frankie smacked in his arm. “The one who has been eyeing you all night.”

            “Hmm . . . really?”

            “She’s screwing her shrink,” Frankie said. “She’s a crazy; I wouldn’t go near her if I were you.” She then pulled Alex’s attention toward a debonair older man. “That’s her husband. He was an actor for many years; now he’s a director on Broadway.” She stood on her toes to whisper in Alex’s ear, “There is always a hot, new actor on his casting couch. I’d stay away from him, too.”

            Alex bit into a cheese puff and then said with his mouth full, “Thanks for the heads-up.”

            Frankie put her arm around Alex’s waist and led him around the party while she sipped champagne. “See that fat guy talking up that woman?” she asked. “He’s one of the biggest producers in the city—a real hotshot.” She then whispered, “Rumor has it he’s got a tiny pecker.”

            “That’s always the case,” said Alex and then stuffed two more cheese puffs into his mouth. “What about the tall, pretty guy who looking around to see who’s looking at him?” asked Alex.

            “That’s Robbie, your band mate,” Frankie joked.

            Alex laughed, “No, the other tall, pretty guy.”

            “Tad Benedict,” Frankie said. “He’s a Broadway actor, singer, and dancer; and he’s completely queer although he hides it really well. Most girls become discouraged when they find out he’s more interested in their dates than them.” Frankie gave Alex a gentle push. “Let’s move along.”

            They stopped back at the buffet table to refill their plate and champagne glasses. Frankie sipped from her glass, making sure she had Alex’s back in case any women decided to wander over. None did. Feeling confident that she had the situation secured, Frankie led Alex back to the ball.

            “You see,” she said, “everyone here has an image they’re trying to sell, and most people see what they want to see. Lonely rich women pretend to be faithful wives while, on the side, they’re hooking up with the gardener or their tennis instructor. Industry men constantly find new ways to promote their power and influence in order to attract naive young actresses. And then, saddest of all, there are those ‘aspiring individuals’ who have no game to play or image to sell. They are hopeless in this arena,” explained Frankie.

            “Where do we fit in?” asked Alex.

            Frankie looked up at him. “We don’t.” Tugging at his arm, she led him to the door and out into the hallway.

Buy Links:

Amazo

Dark Knight Songs

What the World Doesn’t See

We see only from our own eyes

But fail to see the other side

To realize that everyone cries

I see the pain you try to hide

It’s no use to put on a face

That the world can easily erase

Know that one day you’ll be set free

Until then know that you got me.

*** 

Lonely Girl

Alone in a crowd

Her silence screams out loud

She’s the lonely girl everyone sees,

but nobody knows

By the window she waits

For her true love to awake

She’s the lonely girl everyone admires,

but nobody loves.

Pretty smiles she gives the world

Nobody cares her sadness unfurled

She’s the lonely girl everyone wants,

but nobody takes

With serene politeness she speaks

Most never listen, while others mistreat.

She’s the lonely girl that’s  always around,

but without a friend.

Lonely pretty girl is such a curse

Especially when she doesn’t

know her own worth.

***

Voodoo-doobie-doo

The dark forces of Obeah reach to me

Like the jagged branches of an old tree

Not a clue to know how far I have gone

From the troubles in life I have sown

Voodoo-doobie-doo is the craft to get what you want

Voodoo-doobie-do to liberate from what haunts

Love was the spell the witch had cast

Without a clue my dead heart can’t last

The talisman charm to weaken my reserve

Drink the potions those wretched hands serve

Voodoo-doobie-doo the sorcery that seeks revenge

Voodoo-doobie-doo those who abused us to avenge

Cursed is how many of us coexist

In many a clandestine, wicked tryst

It is the magic that keeps us captive

Our wickedness often reactive

Voodoo-doobie-doo the magic when all else fails,

Voodoo-doobie-do the schemes that derail

***

Purgatory in Paradise

At sunrise there is love

When the sun hit high noon, hell

Heat burnt our skin

Sweat beaded on our bodies

Seduction is your sight

Hindrance is your mind

The warm rain washed sin

The dusk cooled the heat

And before I knew, all was dark

Night time we dream of love

That we can’t see in day

It’s purgatory in paradise

Between the thin horizon line

of love and pain

About the Author:

Mahima Martel’s main focus in writing is love within drama, or dramatic love. She is fascinated by the human condition and what drives people to do what they do. Mostly, she found it is love, or lack of love that motivates people, whether it is to inspire to greatness, or to the depth of depravity.

Her first published book, The Insurrectionist tells the story through the eyes of a terrorist. Although considered controversial, the book has received high praise. A complex book that approaches morality, justice and humanity from many angles.

The Saying Goodbye series looks deeply into a long standing celebrity love affair undiscovered by gossip columns and tabloid press. It asks the questions, “What really goes on behind the scenes of celebrity relationships and the fan stories we all love to hear about.

Mahima Martel is a news junkie and loves researching and digging deeper into many news and historical stories.

Author Links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook for the Saying Goodbye Series

Facebook for Superjenius Publications

Pinterest

 Character Questionnaire 

1960’s  British Rock Guitarist Alex Rowley

·         What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Never thought I was gonna go anywhere in life. I barely made it through school. Thought I was gonna end up working in shipyard with my pop. It’s a surprise to me that we’ve had so much success with the band.

·         What is your current state of mind?

Confused. I had it all together - the band, the fans, the money, even a hot bird of a girlfriend. Then I meet Frankie and she, well, she turned my world upside down. Never thought a girl like her would even give me a second glance, and here she is loving me. I want nothing more than to have a life with her, but there is too much holding back.

·         What is your favorite occupation?

I guess being a guitarist for a rock band. I’m mean let’s face it - money, chicks, you name it. What could be better?

·         What or who is the greatest love of your life?

I never thought much of love, never thought it was for me. My girlfriend Sarah is sweet and all, but I never just felt so intense till I met Frankie.  Sure she’s  hot and fun, but it’s much more than that. She is the best friend I have ever had.

·         When and where were you the happiest?

We were in bed and Frankie wanted to play my guitar. Who was I to deny her.  In fact it was so sexy watching her pluck the strings. She was naked  under the sheets, sweaty and disheveled as she sang, “Moon River.” Man, I thought I died and went to heaven.

·         Which living person do you most despise?

It would have to be Frankie’s father. I knew he hated me from the moment he laid eyes on me. I haven’t done anything to him. All I wanted to do was take Frankie to a ball and he treated me worse than some vagrant.

·         What is your greatest regret?

Returning home to London. I should have stayed in New York with Frankie. If I did, we would be together.

·         What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I would never admit this to anyone, but I’m afraid. I’m afraid of love. I’m afraid of losing someone like Frankie. I wish I had the courage to fight for her.

·         If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

A stronger man.

Giveaway:

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Open internationally. The giveaway runs 5/5/14 – 5/12/14.

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