Maggie Marr: Home For The Holidays

I love the holidays. Every year I express my joy about the holiday season by writing a holiday book. My past books have included A Christmas Billionaire http://amzn.to/2gn0cuO , The Christmas Wish http://amzn.to/2g1gHvd , and A Billionaire for Christmas http://amzn.to/2f4SOhL  . This year, I had the extra-special gift of sharing my love for the holidays with nine other authors. I was invited by Allison Bell to be a part of a Holiday Anthology. I was both delighted and excited by this invitation.

Amazon  http://amzn.to/2f4O1wE

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/home-for-the-holidays-allison-gatta/1125113885?ean=2940153494753

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/home-for-the-holidays-54 

The theme for our project was 'coming home for the holidays' hence the title Home For The Holidays. I'll also admit that my excitement wasn't just about the subject matter, my excitement was also over the fantastic authors I got to work with. I am a *BIG* fan of authors. I've worked with all kinds of famous-types from politicians to directors to producers to actors and I have to say the most fan-girl swoony I get is with authors. 

I adore authors. 

To the point where sometimes around an author I'm particularly fond of, it's hard for me to speak. Seriously, I have a hard time forming words--and words are my business. 

The line up in Home For The Holidays is just that fabulous. I've downloaded my copy and read every story and I have to say I've enjoyed each and everyone. Much like the holiday season, this anthology is only around for a limited time so if you'd like to read 10 romances at the extra low price of .99 go on and get your copy of Home For The Holidays now. I know that my fellow authors' stories have really put me in the mood for the holiday season and I hope they do the same for you!

Happy Reading!!

xoMaggie

Maggie Marr: Strong Women

Recently I was thinking about the women I write in my stories. I was thinking about who they are, what they want and trying to see a common thread with regards to their character. It's interesting to me that I found a couple common elements in all my books. First, the women I write usually aren't, in the beginning of the story, aware of their strength. I see them as strong and perhaps even the reader sees them as strong from the beginning but they (the character) may not believe that they are strong even though they all seem to have some aspect of their lives together. Whether it be that they are smart, articulate, or have a business, all the women in my books have something going for them but they can't yet acknowledge or maybe realize their innate strength. 

They all have a flaw--as do each of us! That flaw is what is preventing them from fully realizing who they are and it is that flaw that isn't allowing them to fall in love with the hero in the book. My hero's don't *fix* the women, as I don't believe another person can *fix* you. I believe that each of us must confront our flaws on our own, but what this hero does (and what I am blessed to have happened in my own personal life) is this hero provides these women a safe space in which to confront their flaw. Almost as though he loves them through the flaw. 

Finally the women I write embrace their sexuality. Even the women I write who at the beginning of the book have not experienced sex, it isn't because they are afraid of sex or they think sex is wrong or dirty--it is often because they've chosen to wait for sex, or they never met or dated a man they wanted to sleep with. My women embrace their sexuality, they see their sexuality as powerful and an expression of pleasure and love. 

All of the above came into my mind as I prepared to write my latest book Wonderf*$k A provocative title with a provocative premise. 

I've enjoyed writing this book which is a romantic comedy. Both the hero and the heroine are fabulous, confused, funny people who think they are doing all the right things and also avoiding love only to discover that love is exactly what they need. Wonderf*$k is available for pre-order now and will release December 22, 2016  I hope you enjoy reading about the Wonderf*$k as much as I've enjoyed writing the story. 

Maggie Marr: Beck: A Hollywood Hitman

What is it about anything *new*? A new year conjures up the idea of a fresh start and brilliant changes with new goals and new ideas. A new school year, that was always exciting when I was a kid, with the thought of how I and my classmates had changed over the summer. Even things as ubiquitous as a new outfit or new shoes? I think *new* is exciting for me because of the idea of fresh start, a new journey, the unknown, and a brave adventure. 

I know for me this past spring was all about my *NEW* series and writing the first book(s) in what I hope will become a series beloved by my readers. These books allow me (as do all my Hollywood books) to take the tidbits of my past and day job and spin them into fabulous fiction. Also, I got to stretch my romantic-suspense muscles something I haven't really done since finishing Hollywood Hit.

Beck Tatum is a fabulously sexy man with a mysterious past. He is a man of honor and a man who has lost his memory, his job, and the woman he loves. Now he's been offered a second-chance in the form of a job. In this job he'll protect a high-value private asset--Natalie Warner. I hope you enjoy Beck. 

Natalie Warner can’t ignore the risk any longer. A star on the rise, her latest film is on track to be the biggest box office breaker of the summer but Natalie isn’t safe. Someone is after her. Could it be her angry addict father, or her mother who always wanted to be a star herself? What about her ex-boyfriend who just did time? The Studio refuses to ignore the threat and forces Natalie to take on a bodyguard, but that bodyguard comes in the shape of rugged, irresistible Beck Tatum, because whoever is after Natalie isn’t going to stop until someone makes them. 

A question, wrapped in a riddle, Beck Tatum doesn’t know what part of the government he worked for before he lost his memory or what exactly his mission was. He can remember that he loved and that he lost that woman as well as his memories on that final mission. Now with a second chance, he’s assigned to protect a high-value asset. Rich and entitled but yet kind and vulnerable, Natalie Warner isn’t the spoiled rich woman Beck expected. But falling for her would put her life on the line and Beck is't about to lose anything else.

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/beck/id1127033100?mt=11&at=1l3vwUe

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cpvkrA

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/beck-4

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beck-maggie-marr/1124580509?ean=2940153329826

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2cfqYTd

Maggie Marr has fifteen years in the Hollywood trenches. She's been an agent and is now and entertainment attorney and a producer. She has loads of stories...  You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.maggiemarr.net 

Maggie Marr - Good-bye Sweet Summer

The end of summer is here, at least at my house. This week the kidlets returned to school and I've returned to my routine. Or the beginning of what will become my routine. I wasn't ready for summer to end this year. I enjoy the long-lazy days with children home from school. While I still have work and deadlines the pressures of the kids' activities and school projects was off and that provides a lovely respite from the daily carpool grind. 

As I gear up for fall, I look forward to what is coming up for me. 

August 29th A Forbidden Love publishes.

A Forbidden Love is the 9th book in my Eligible Billionaires Series and the 4th (and final) book about The Travati Brothers. I've fallen for the Travati brothers--each and every one. Sexy, strong, business-men who were completely ungettable until the *right* woman came alone. Devon is no different. He, too, doesn't believe that he'll find his happily-ever-after nor is he looking as he tries to piece his life back together after testifying against a Russian mobster and putting his and all the members of his family's lives at risk. No, Devon, is in no place to find love but of course, that's when Ilana walks into his life. She too isn't looking for love. She is starting her first business, The Children's Enrichment Center, and still getting over the death of her mother. Definitely not the time to start a romance. Ah...but love has a mind of it's own!

Then, in September, book one in my *new* Hollywood Hitman Series arrives. Beck is the first book in the series and while I can't show you the cover yet, I can tell you that I love love love this book! I also love the series.  

Hollywood starlet, Natalie Warner is in danger, and she can't ignore the risk any longer.  Her latest film is on track as the biggest box office hit for the summer, but someone doesn't care about the numbers. Instead, someone is after her. The Studio refuses to brush the threat under the rug, forcing Natalie to take on a bodyguard, but that bodyguard comes in the shape of rugged, irresistible Beck Tatum.

Beck is an anomaly, a riddle without a punch line.  Uncertain of what part of the government he worked for before he lost the only woman he ever loved, along with his memory, he struggles to put his past in order.  Now, with a second chance to prove his worth, Beck is assigned to protect a high-value asset.  Rich and entitled, but yet kind and vulnerable, Natalie isn't the spoiled, rich woman he expected.  But falling for her would put her life on the line.  And Beck is't about to lose anything else. 

Beck is available for pre-order at iBooks https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/beck/id1127033100?mt=11&at=1l3vwUe

Next up is Jax, book 2 in my Hollywood Hitman series and my Christmas story which will be part of a multi-author anthology. Yes, it's going to be a *fabulous* fall!

xoMaggie

Maggie Marr: Nana's In Mexico

So my 70-something mother has embarked on a big adventure. She's moved to Mexico. Not as in 'New' but as in 'south of the border' Mexico. Now I love Mexico. They have great beaches and who doesn't love a place that makes tequila and invented the margarita. Throw in the food and you've got yourself a party. No, it's not that I don't want my mom to live in Mexico...well actually I didn't. I didn't want Mom, or as my children call her, Nana, to de camp from Denver, Colorado to Mexico. 

Our conversation went something like this:

Mom: "Why not?" 

Me: "Where should I start?' 

Mom: "I don't know. It's a beach." 

Me: "You don't speak Spanish." 

Mom: "So."

Me: "You have a heart condition." 

Mom:"And?" 

Me: "You're over seventy." 

Mom: "Not getting any younger, am I?" 

Me: "What if something happens?" 

Mom: "Something always happens." 

Ah, yes. Typing the above, I can see that Mom moving to Mexico and the *many* *many* conversations we had prior to her departure were really preparation for when my daughter becomes a teenager later this year. I'm over here having hot flashes, my daughter is contemplating her first bra, and my seventy-plus Mom is sipping tequila on a beach. 

What's interesting about the above, now...now that I'm no longer in shock...is how this adventure has invigorated my mother. My mom has what her doctor's affectionately call 'drop dead syndrome' heck'uv a name right? Don't need to ask too many questions about that one do you? Yes, her heart has a low capacity and she has a defibrillator implanted in her chest. She gets a macabre kick of telling me after each cardiologist appointment how many times her heart got shocked while she slept--which only happens when her heart stops.  "Didn't even feel it!" She chortles while I turn green. Without that lovely piece of hardware, most likely she would have died from one of those heart-stopping moments long ago. Mom's doctors were completely on board and excited about her choice to move to Mexico...they each mentioned, several times, that it's the 'excitement of life' that keeps many people going as they age and through disease. They spoke of how many people, who are told they have a disease, go home and seem to 'wait to die' and it's the people who actually go out and plan big adventures that seem to keep on living. 

So, Nana is in Mexico. And she's happy. Really really happy. While I still have some fears, I go down often and she rides the train up to see us here in LA. I've made my grudging peace with Nana's Adventure. I realize that it is her happiness and joy...her adventure that keeps her going on and on and on and I also realize that it is her life to live. Vive La Mexico!

I leave you with a view from Nana's condo....

Margaret Marr: The Blessing of Community

This past week I attended a Romance writer's conference and as I often am, when surrounded by Romance writers, I was blown away by the intelligence, kindness, generosity and professionalism of my peers. I don't know why I'm ever surprised that the writers in my genre possess these qualities. I've been a published author since 2008 and a Romance author since 2009 and I know without doubt that the writer's of Romance are creative authors and savvy business people nearly always leading the way with regards to changes in the publishing industry. 

I think what I am always struck with is the sense of community among Romance writers. A group that is willing to share business information as well as discuss plot. These discussions take place whether you're a newbie with your first book or a veteran with a decade of experience and fifteen books published...I was a bit shocked to discover that I'd somehow, over the past two years, slid from newbie to veteran with the publication of The Glamour Series and my ongoing Eligible Billionaires Series. I tilted my head a bit when referenced by a younger author as being 'more established'.  

What I took away from the conference wasn't just new information on craft, marketing, business, or advertising. No, my biggest take-away was my reconfirmed sense of community. That while I may sit alone at my computer screen for hours, days, and weeks hammering away words that the imaginary people in my head tell me, that I while I work alone, I am not alone. There are too many of my friends and fellow authors out there working too and within three keystrokes away (thank you social media!) that I can check in with. This deepening sense of friendship and knowledge that I am entrenched in a caring and vibrant community is a blessing. A blessing for which I am (often) overwhelmed with gratitude. I simply can't overemphasize what an amazing group of authors the Romance community is and how wonderful it is to be a part of this group. 

Happy Reading!

xo Maggie

PS A little shout out that Hard Glamour http://amzn.to/1QjMzbe book 1 in The Glamour Series is FREE for a limited time!

And, Broken Glamour http://amzn.to/24973ay book 2 in The Glamour Series is only .99 for a VERY limited time!

Maggie Marr is an author & attorney. She got her start in Hollywood pushing the mail cart where she became a motion picture literary agent. She now splits her time between her legal practice dedicated to entrepreneurs & creatives, and writing. She writes smart, sexy, men and the women that love them. She is the author of The Hollywood Girls Club Series, TheEligible Billionaires Series, TheGlamour Series, and The Powder Springs Series. You can find her on maggiemarr.net,  Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.  

Maggie Marr: 5 Goals for 2016

Happy New Year! I know we're a couple weeks in but the glitter & glow of New Years still hovers about me. I don't really 'do' resolutions anymore. After 46 trips around the sun I've discovered that resolutions, for me, only stick until about February 11. Instead, the last couple of years I've made goals for myself that are both personal and professional and I've found that these goals really do help me to stay focused throughout the year.

5. Write More Books!

I mean, I am a writer so of course this is my goal. Last year I published 6 books and this year I am trying to get at least 6 perhaps 7 books into the hands of my readers. I am at my best as a human when I am writing so I know from experience that when I am deep in a story, I actually do better with all the other wonderful things in my life like my family and my community.

4. Say Yes to Adventure!

These don't have to be grand 'I'm traveling around the world' adventures this can be as small as going to the second-hand store around the corner that I've been meaning to check out for the last two years. I am an introvert by nature and I like to write alone so, if not for the kids and their activities I could go weeks, perhaps, months, without leaving the house (except for food...I'll always leave for food!) I am carving out time each week to do something exciting and fun even if it's trying the funky new coffee shop at the end of my street. 

3. Move My Body!

I started this last year and I've found this works for me. I have failed miserably with the whole resolution thing of; Run a 5 k, or kick box 3x's a week. Instead I've committed to move my body each and every day. Whether this is a walk, yoga, riding a bike....who knows but with the sedentary lifestyle of writing I know that I need to do this to stay physically and mentally healthy. 

2. Connect With Readers!

I've been working hard to build a newsletter list so that I can directly email my readers. I want to continue building that list. I like to host giveaways of gift cards, and books, and swag. So, to that end, I am giving away a Maggie Marr starter library for anyone who joins my newsletter list. These are two of my best-selling books for free! Go to maggiemarr.net to get your books!

1. Embrace Joy!

I have so much to be grateful for. My life is filled with a myriad of blessings, unfortunately I know I take these wonderful gifts that make up my world for granted. This year I am starting every day listing 5 things that I am grateful for and embracing the inherent joy that comes with that list. Also trying to live in the moment and feel the joy that comes through from embracing even the simple things like a hot shower, a safe place to live, a hot cup of coffee. I have so many things to be grateful for and the gratitude fills me with joy.

What are some of your goals for 2016? Leave a comment below and I will let random.org pick a winner and send you one of my ebooks. Thank you for stopping by!

Happy Reading!

xoMaggie

Maggie Marr is an author & attorney. She got her start in Hollywood pushing the mail cart where she became a motion picture literary agent. She now splits her time between her legal practice dedicated to entrepreneurs & creatives, and writing. She writes smart, sexy, men and the women that love them. She is the author of The Hollywood Girls Club Series, The Eligible Billionaires Series, The Glamour Series  and The Powder Springs Series. You can find her on maggiemarr.net, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Maggie Marr: A Billionaire to Love

I love writing billionaires. Ryan Murphy in Last Call For Love was my fourth billionaire, but he won't be my last. Each time I sit down to write one of my billionaires in The Eligible Billionaires Series, I am blessed with a fabulous character. 

First there was Cole Jackson in Can't Buy Me Love.  What a guy! A true Alpha with a bad-boy love 'em and leave 'em attitude. Whip smart with a wicked sense of humor and a wonderfully slow hand. He'd truly met his match in Meg Parson, his former executive assistant. She was just as smart and just as determined. By the end Cole was begging for Meg to stay.

Next was Tristan Rhodes in One Night for Love. A tortured soul who purchased companies and dismantled them piece by painful piece with no regard for the people that worked at the company. Prim Baxter, (Meg Parson's best friend and former b-school classmate) was having none of Tristan's bull! She'd built Metro Media from the ground up, alongside the now distraught and former Metro Media owner Ryan Murphy. Prim spent every ounce of her time and energy trying to prove to Tristan that he should keep Metro Media as a whole company. All the while fighting her outrageous attraction for Tristan. Did I mention they'd hooked up at Mesquale a Tahitian resort while wearing party masks and didn't know who the other was until after Tristan had purchased Metro Media. H-O-T!

Nick North in A Christmas Billionaire is one of my favorites!  Oooo, I love him. So strong. So cold. So...so...unattainable. His heart was destroyed when the woman he loved ditched him on Christmas Eve many years before. Guess whose baaaack!! Yes, it's Noel Klaus, the love of Nick's life. She is making his Christmas Season a living hell with her community activism that prohibits him from knocking down a retirement home in which Noel's grandmother lives, so that he can build a mall. Nick and Noel heat up those long cold Chicago nights!

  

Ryan Murphy....oh poor poor GORGEOUS Ryan Murphy in Last Call for Love. He lost his fiance in a horrible car crash. His heart broken he sold Metro Media and purchased Mesquale (the Tahitian resort where Tristan and Prim hooked up!) and fled California so he wouldn't be reminded of his lost love. For 9 months he's worked in secret scoping out every flaw of Mesquale. Now he's working as a bartender when he meets Charla Duval. What a match! She can't stand rich people! And she thinks Ryan is a bartender when they fall in love...guess what...he's not...he's a billionaire!  So fun. So much sex. So much love. 

Next up is Trevor Brice, the heir apparent to the Upside Burger company. He fled to Mesquale to see if he could hack it without his family's money. A tortured writer, he doesn't want to run his parents company. While working at Mesquale he's fallen madly in love with Poppy Martin, a server at Mesquale and Charla Duval's former roommate. But Poppy will never, ever, no matter what give her heart to any man! She's suffered too much pain, too much loss, she will forever be Running From Love. 

 Finally there is Justin Travati. A powerful, hard, strong, wicked billionaire. He was born into money and then acquired his own. He will never settle down.  There was one woman...a long time ago...that for a split second he might have considered having a relationship with, but Aubrey Hayes made the decision to return to Kansas to run her family farm. So why is Aubrey emailing him now? And why is he flying (private of course) to Hudson, Kansas to determine if what Aubrey is telling him, is for real. 

So those are my fabulous billionaires. There will be more...of course. How could I ever turn my back on these amazing, powerful men and the smart, sexy, women who choose to love them? 

Maggie Marr is an author and an attorney. The Eligible Billionaires Series is one of her favorite series to write but she also enjoys writing the best-selling Hollywood Girls Club Series, The Glamour Series (Hard Glamour, and The Powder Springs Series. When she's not writing or reading she can be found exercising her rescue pup or hanging out with her family.  Maggie lives and works in Los Angeles. You can follow Maggie and her billionaires on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.