Suspense

Romantic suspense or thrillers provide readers with heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and/or anxiety.

  • Suspense

    Romantic Suspense: Bad Traffick @dvberkom #RLFblog

    Bad Traffick

    DV Berkom, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
    your book, Bad Traffick.
    Genre: Romantic Suspense
    Publisher: DV Berkom
    Cover artist: DV Berkom
    Length: 242 pages
    Heat rating: R
    Tagline: Dangerous obsessions abound when an ex-assassin and
    a homicide detective race against the clock to find a missing girl before she’s
    lost forever.
    Blurb:
    Bad Traffick was named a 2012 Top 5 Indie Pick by BloodWrites
    and a Top Pick by Night Owl Reviews.
    Although Bad Traffick is part of a series, it is a standalone
    novel and can be read by itself. That being said, if you like the characters, then
    be sure to pick up Serial Date, the critically-acclaimed first novel in the Leine
    Basso series.
    Identified as a person of interest in three cold case murders
    she didn’t commit and required to stay in L.A.,
    ex-assassin Leine Basso accepts a temporary position as a security specialist for
    A-list actor Miles Fournier, who believes he is the target of kidnappers. Leine
    finds she has her hands full trying to protect the head-strong celebrity, while
    at the same time fighting her desire for Detective Santiago Jensen; a game she knows
    she won’t win.
    Soon, a woman contacts Miles, claiming to be his long-lost sister.
    She confesses her twelve-year-old daughter, Mara, has been abducted by sex-traffickers
    and she’s desperate to get her back, hoping that Miles will use his considerable
    resources to find her.
    Leine learns from a contact at a rescue organization that Mara
    escaped and is alone on the streets in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. The traffickers are determined to
    track her down and deliver her to the powerful client who purchased her for his
    twisted ends. Running out of time, Leine must find Mara before they do, or she will
    be lost forever.
    Buy links:
    Amazon UK:
    http://amazon.co.uk/Traffick-Leine-Basso-Series-ebook/dp/B00AQ8WV5I
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Madeleine (Leine) Basso
    – Occupation: ex-assassin and security specialist – Age: 37
    Santiago Jensen – Occupation: Detective, LAPD Robbery
    Homicide Division – Age: 42
    Mara Quigg – Age: 12
    Occupation: Running from traffickers intent on selling her to the highest bidder.
    Excerpt:
    The gentleman in the impeccable Armani
    suit watched the images flash by on the screen, a glass of Macallan single malt
    on the gold inlay table beside him. Two additional men, shrouded in darkness and
    unknown to each other, were also taking part in the video conference from different
    areas of the world, watching the same images. Several times one or the other would
    raise his hand, platinum or gold watch flashing in the darkened rooms, signaling
    for the Seller to pause the presentation so they could look more closely at the
    photographs.
    The Seller was visibly sweating in
    the air conditioned comfort of the massive hotel suite. If he didn’t make the sale
    this time, these clients would look elsewhere for their pleasures. His reputation
    as the go-to guy in the business was balancing on a knife’s edge. Ever since the
    fiasco with the televangelist two months prior, he’d kept a sharp eye on the operational
    side of things.
    One of the executives was fidgeting,
    apparently bored, and the Seller’s anxiety level skyrocketed. He didn’t have to
    find a mirror to know his appearance was giving his discomfort away. He could feel
    the cold sweat flowing down his back and armpits, running between his buttocks.
    What the hell do these guys want? Am I losing
    my touch?
    Usually it wasn’t this hard to match the client to the product.
    The Seller was down to his last two
    photographs when all three men simultaneously motioned for him to stop. The client
    in Saudi Arabia
    rose from his chair and walked to the screen, gazing at the delicate visage.
    The Seller’s shoulders relaxed. He
    shouldn’t have been worried, should’ve known the eyes would close the deal: jade
    green flecked with gold surrounding deep black pupils. Everyone who saw her stopped
    in their tracks. She’d reminded the Seller of a famous photo he’d seen years before
    in an issue of National Geographic. She
    wore the same enigmatic expression. The silence of the buyers signaled it was time
    for the hard sell.
    “Gentleman. I see you have exquisite
    taste. Mara is newly acquired and in pristine condition. I guarantee she will delight
    you with her generous charms. As I’m sure you’ll agree, she has no equal. I always
    save the best for last. Mustn’t trot out the most sublime too quickly, eh?”
    There were murmurs of agreement between
    the men. The Seller’s anxiety morphed to excitement as he prepared to set the hook.
    My God, look at them. They’re practically
    salivating
    . A bidding war would be a welcome relief.
    The client in the room waved him to
    his side. His unusual gold pinkie ring flashed, catching the Seller’s eye. He’d
    seen the symbol before, but was unaware of its significance.
    “Her age?” he asked.
    The Seller turned and glanced at the
    picture of the girl. Her expression still held a trace of innocence, although churning
    through the American foster care system for two years had taken its toll. The photographer
    had captured the picture before Mara realized she wasn’t going home.
    “Twelve years, sir.”
    “Pure?”
    “Most assuredly.”
    The man nodded his approval. He glanced
    back at the screen and steepled his fingers, bringing them to his lips to mask his
    words.
    “Make sure she’s mine,”
    he whispered.
    The quiet statement held the promise
    of a lucrative payday tinged with strong warning. The Seller’s mouth ran dry. He
    nodded as he straightened and walked to the front of the room. The cameraman panned
    with him, framing his head and shoulders with Mara’s photograph in the background.
    The other two clients would see only the Seller with the girl’s face behind him
    on screen. Taking a sip of water from a glass nearby, he cleared his throat.
    “Shall we start the bidding at
    fifty-thousand?”
    Download an extended excerpt here.

    Interview

    What inspired you to write this book?
    Bad Traffick deals
    with the pervasive issue of child sex-trafficking in the United States. I
    was inspired to write this book after watching a documentary shown at a local community
    college regarding the trafficking of children in the U.S. It’s not something that only happens
    “somewhere else” – children are forced into the sex trade every day, from
    California to Iowa
    to Alaska.
    The deeper I went into the research, the more I realized I needed
    to tell Mara’s story. Most people are aware human trafficking exists, but a large
    majority don’t realize it’s so prevalent in this country.
    Which character in your current book do you think readers
    will like the most? Why?
    I’ve gotten emails from
    readers telling me they love Leine and Santiago’s
    love story and want to see more. Mara, the twelve year old who is the subject of
    the search, is a close second.
    Why do you write?
    I’ve written since I
    was seven. Along with photography, it’s been my favorite way of making sense of
    the world.
    When you’re not writing, what would we find you doing?
    Other than reading, I
    love the outdoors, so hiking, camping, kayaking, gardening, traveling, etc. I am
    also an avid photographer and cook.
    Are you a plotter, or do you prefer to make it up on the spur
    of the moment?
    I started out as a ‘pantser’,
    or someone who makes up stories on the fly, but after I took a fabulous workshop
    on plotting, I now use a hybrid style that incorporates both when I write.
    Looking back at your first book, what do you wish you had
    done differently?
    Put it away and gone
    on to the next book sooner.
    What’s your writing schedule like?
    I like to get administrative
    stuff done in the morning, such as interviews, answering emails, blog posts, etc.,
    then sit down and write in the afternoon. If I’m really in the zone, I’ll continue
    into the evening.
    Serial Date
    Any advice for new authors?
    Show your writing to
    other people than your family and friends to get a more balanced sense of how well
    you write and what your strengths and weaknesses are. Your mother or best friend
    will not want to hurt your feelings (usually), so won’t be a lot of help. Join a
    critique group with writers of varying abilities. Learn, learn, learn and write,
    write, write. Until you learn to look forward to criticism, you won’t be detached
    enough from your writing to really excel at it.
    When an idea hits you, what do you do to capture it?
    Write it down on anything
    handy. If there’s nothing available, I repeat it to myself several times until I’m
    sure I won’t forget it, or tell it to whomever I’m with.
    What other jobs have you held besides writing?
    I’ve worked as a massage therapist, a certified Feng Shui consultant,
    managed the tasting room at a winery in California, fileted fish at a fish market
    on the coast, sold hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley (and worked as crew), and
    worked in the mud baths of Calistoga. All that, along with several 9-5 jobs in higher
    education, shipping and the banking industry. Obviously, I tend to get bored easily
    :-)
    What are you currently reading for fun? Anything for research?
    For fun: Harbor Nocturne by Joseph Wambaugh. For research:
    I just got back from a trip to the Yucatan
    and am currently deep into writing the next Kate Jones thriller (#6). I’ve been
    researching Mayan culture and jaguars.
    If you could time travel what era would be your first stop?
    Paris in the 1920s. I would love to be a part of the
    ex-pat crowd of artists who spent time there.
    Do you believe in luck?
    As a writer, you have
    to.
    What kind of music do you listen to while driving? Same question
    when writing?
    I’m partial to jazz and
    the Blues, but like alternative stuff, too.
    What’s your favorite movie?
    Out of Africa. It’s one of the
    best, heart-breaking love stories, and the cinematography is stunning.
    Are you the eldest, middle, baby, or only child?
    I’m the baby. I have
    an older sister.
    DV Berkom

    Please complete the sentence

    I love pizza with goat cheese.
    I’m always ready for new things.
    When I’m alone, I love to sing at the top of my lungs and
    totally off key while dancing to the radio
    .
    You’d never be able to tell, but I was once super shy.
    If I had a halo it would be in
    my back pocket. I hate hats
    .
    If I could fly under my own power I’d travel a LOT more.
    I can never go back to wearing big shoulder pads because
    they’re really ugly.

    Previous Books              

    The Kate Jones Thriller series:
    Bad Spirits Books 1-5
    Dead of Winter
    Death Rites
    Touring for Death
    Cruising for Death
    The Leine Basso Series:
    Serial Date
    Bad Traffick

    Books Coming Soon

    Untitled Kate Jones #6
    Untitled Leine Basso #3

    Contest

    I’m giving away one print copy (US only) and 3 ebook copies of Serial Date, the first in the Leine Basso
    series. Leave a comment to be entered. Please write out your email.

    Find Me Here

  • Suspense

    Romantic Thriller: Byzantine Gold @BookstoGoNow #RLFblog

    Byzantine Gold

    Chris Karlsen, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about
    your book, Byzantine Gold.

    Genre: Romantic Thriller
    Publisher: Books to Go Now
    Cover artist: Elaina Lee from For the Muse Design
    Length: 72K words
    Heat rating: 4
    Tagline: A Turkish agent and an American archaeologist find themselves
    in the crosshairs of dangerous enemies in this undersea thriller.
    Blurb:
    A sunken warship from the Byzantine Era carrying an unusual cargo
    of gold has been found off the coast of Northern Cyprus. News of the valuable
    cache has attracted the attention of a terrorist cell. They plan to attack the recovery
    team’s campsite and steal the artifacts. On the Black Market, the sale of the relics
    will buy them additional weapons.
    Charlotte Dashiell, an American archaeologist, and her lover,
    Atakan Vadim, a Turkish government agent, are scheduled to be part of the recovery
    team that brings up the artifacts. While en route to Cyprus, they find themselves caught
    in the crosshairs of Maksym Tischenko, a Ukrainian contract killer bent on revenge.
    Charlotte, Atakan and Tischenko share a grim history. As a result, Tischenko is
    a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal–seeing them both dead.
    Buy links:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/B00AVMIHDE/
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Charlotte Dashiell, 30,
    nautical archaeologist
    Atakan Vadim, 38, agent
    for the Turkish Ministry of Culture.
    Maksym Tischenko, 40,
    contract killer.
    Golden Chariot

    Interview

    What is the most important thing you do for your career now,
    as compared to when you first started writing?
    I allocate time for promotion
    work and I start asking for reviews as soon as I can.
    What websites do you visit daily?
    The Animal Rescue Site
    and the Rainforest Site, I click on the pages. For every click a bowl of food goes
    to a shelter animal and every click goes to purchase rainforest land at risk. It’s
    free to the person who clicks as corporate sponsors and/or private contributors
    take care of the costs.
    What do you enjoy most about writing?
    When a reader tells me
    they felt like they were there, in a scene, with one of my characters or when they
    say they felt part of the setting from the narrative description.
    If you could choose anyone to be your mentor who would it
    be?
    Tough call but I think
    (if you mean another author) it would be either Bernard Cornwell or John Sandford.
    I have several favorite authors but they combine setting with action remarkably
    well.
    If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what
    would it be?
    Start writing now. Don’t
    wait.
    What is your work ethic when it comes to writing?
    It’s pretty good. I do
    allocate time every day if I can to write, generally the afternoons. I don’t set
    page goals and don’t allow myself to not write because I’m “blocked.”
    Do things your family or friends do ever end up in a book?
    No.
    What are some jobs you’ve done before (or while) you were
    a writer?
    Before I became a writer
    I was car rental agent, a receptionist in a law firm, a switchboard operator, a
    grocery clerk and a police officer.
    Which of your books would you recommend to someone who doesn’t
    normally read your genre, and why?
    I’d recommend Golden
    Chariot or Byzantine Gold. They are romantic thrillers and the romance is the subplot
    rather than the main plot. I think it’s a nice way to introduce someone to romance
    and the thriller aspect has wider appeal.
    What kind of books do you read when taking a break from your
    own writing?
    I read historical fiction,
    like Bernard Cornwell’s books, Mike Connelly, John Sandford and Joe Wambaugh’s cop
    books, Julia Quinn’s historical romances along with Julie Anne Long and Deanna Raybourn.
    I also like Stephen Coonts’ thrillers.
    Imagine you get to go on a dream vacation, but you have only
    one hour to pack and leave, and it starts as soon as you finish this interview.
    What will you take with you and where will you go?
    A couple pair of shoes
    as I wear a 10 and can’t always find that size abroad. Toothbrush, toothpaste, some
    other toiletries and my makeup so I look halfway decent when I arrive. Kindle and/or
    Nook, tablet for emails, and my iPod with my music. A couple of changes of clothes.
    I’d go to Bodrum, Turkey,
    where I can lounge by the Aegean Sea and enjoy
    the sidewalk cafes at night.
    What is your favorite holiday and why?
    Driving around England and Scotland is a fave. I love it there.
    I love there’s so much history and castles, and picturesque villages, and nice people.
    I can never see all I want in a visit.
    What good book have you read recently?
    Death of Kings by Bernard
    Cornwell and I’m currently enjoying Mad
    River by John Sandford.
    Where were you at midnight, on December 31st when the new
    century started?
    Watching a Castle rerun.
    Dull I know.
    If your life became a movie, who would you want to play you?
    Stana Katic
    If you were a color, what color would you be?
    Bright Copper
    Please underline which statement is more like you:
    “I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and relaxed.”
    “I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation, because
    I do things as fast as possible.”

    Please complete the sentences

    I love pizza with pepperoni, sausage and onions.
    I’m always ready for a glass of champagne.
    When I’m alone, I listen to music and read.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I’m not at all talkative
    at parties where I don’t know many people
    .
    If I had a halo it would be ornate
    like Byzantine jewelry
    .
    If I could get the courage I’d take a hot air balloon
    over part of Turkey
    .
    I can never dive because I cannot manage to clear my
    mask properly
    .

    Previous Books

    Heroes Live Forever
    Journey in Time
    Chris Karlsen
    Golden Chariot

    Books Coming Soon

    Knight Blindness

    Contest

    Commenters will have a chance to win an ebook copy of Golden Chariot.

    Find Me Here

    Website: http://chriskarlsen.com/index.html
  • Suspense

    Romantic Suspense: Rescued from the Dark @lynda_kaye #RLFblog

    Rescued from the Dark

    Lynda Kaye Frazier, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
    about your book, Rescued from the Dark.
    Genre: Romantic Suspense
    Publisher: Black Opal Books
    Blurb:
    She has no memory of their love…
    Kidnapped by terrorists and sent into a drug-induced coma, FBI
    intern Mercedes Kingsley awakes with no memory of her ordeal–or the intimate interlude
    that left her pregnant. Convinced her child was fathered by her ex-fiancé, she walks
    away from the only man she has ever loved, determined to make things work with her
    ex, a man the FBI suspects is implicated in her abduction.
    He knows the truth, but no one will listen…
    FBI undercover agent Jason Michaels remembers what Mercy can’t
    and those memories are breaking his heart. Forced to keep his distance from his
    lover and their unborn child, Jason risks his life to protect Mercy from a cell
    of international terrorists who have vowed to get the secrets locked in her memory,
    no matter the cost. Can Jason convince Mercy to trust him until she remembers their
    past, or will he lose her to a man who will trap her in a nightmare world of darkness
    from which there is no escape?
    Buy Links:
    Amazon http://amzn.com/1937329933/
    Tell us about your latest
    book.
    Rescued from the Dark is about an FBI agent, Jason Michaels who
    goes undercover with the Irish Mob to get information on their gun smuggling ring.
    While on assignment he realizes they have joined forces with a known terrorist group
    manufacturing drugs. He searches for information to tie the two together when he
    finds out they have kidnapped a fellow agent and the only girl he has ever loved.
    Jason soon realizes their using Mercy to perfect their dosage and that his cover
    has been blown. He knows he has to save her so takes off a journey that will take
    him up against his enemies, peers and the Agency that he loves, but willing to give
    up to bring Mercy back to him.
    What can we expect from you in the future?
    Rescued from the Dark is the first book in my Guardian’s of Hope
    series. It is an eight book series made up of Special Ops, Navy Seals and FBI Agents
    who are sanctioned by the government to do rescues they can’t or are not able to
    do due to restrictions.
    I am almost finished with the second book, Last Chance to Run
    and hope to have it published by the end of the year.
    I also have a contemporary, Saving JT in the works and just finished
    outlining the remaining books in the Guardian’s series. So many more books in the
    future.
    How many readers/fans
    contact you?
    This is my first novel so not a big fan base. Just family and
    friends. But that’s a great place to start.
    How much of your personality
    and life experiences are in your writing?
    Mercy has a lot of my personality built into her character. She
    loves coffee, is always late, and is very protective of family and friends. The
    only thing we share on life experiences is how enclosed areas bother her. I hate
    it when the elevator closes. I swear I hold my breath until it opens again.
    Generally, how long does
    it take you to write a book?
    It takes two months for me to complete a rough draft. I am still
    new to the editing process so I’m slow at it. I think I edit it too much.
    Do you have a set schedule
    for writing or do you just go with the flow?
    My day job takes up a lot of my time so I have set aside my evenings
    from 8 to midnight for my e-mails, blog updates and writing. I usually wing it on
    the weekends but still try to get at least three hours in front of the computer
    each day.
    What is your writing routine
    once you start a book?
    Once I have my characters and plot my book basically writes itself.
    I keep a tape recorder on me and when I get an idea I record it and feed it into
    my story when I get home. I am always working on my story weather it’s in front
    of the computer or recording a thought.
    Where do you start when
    writing? Research, plotting, outline, or…?
    I do a short outline then build my characters. Looks, personality
    and quirks. Then the story builds around that.
    What about your family,
    do they know not to bother you when you are writing – or are there constant interruptions?
    My kids are grown and on their own and once my husband is fed
    he is happy so the only real interruption I have is when my cats feel like they
    need attention and lay across my keyboard.
    What do you do to relax
    and recharge your batteries?
    I read. I love to read, that’s what started this journey of mine.
    It’s my escape. I relax with a few chapters each night.
    What are your thoughts
    on love scenes in romance novels? Do you find them difficult to write?
    I only have one love scene in my book. There is a lot of sexual
    tension but writing that one scene was very difficult for me. Don’t get me wrong,
    I love to read erotic and would love to write more but alas my Catholic school background
    will not let me. When I’m in the middle of attempting to write one I get a mental
    image of the Nuns and Priests telling me to get those evil thoughts out of my head.
    Someday I will learn how to kick them out of my head.
    What kind of research
    do you do?
    This book dealt with the Irish Mob and a Terrorist cell. I had
    many hours on the wide web searching for information so my plot sounded as real
    as it could be without hitting sites that would get me flagged by the US Government.
    What does your husband/wife
    think of your writing?
    My family is very supportive of my writing.
    Do you ever ask him/her
    for advice?
    No, can’t even get him to read my book. He’s only into westerns.
    Please tell us about yourself
    (family, hobbies, education, etc.)
    I am Married with five children and three grandchildren. I love
    to garden and paint but the one thing you will always catch me doing is reading.
    My most favorite place to be is on the beach. I have been known to drive 10 hours
    for a day on the sand. I went to college for Respiratory Therapy back in 1979 and
    have been a registered ultrasound technician for the last 18 years. I work for a
    Cardiology group and can honestly say I love my day job. But I love writing more.
    Who, if anyone, has influenced
    your writing?
    I have always had a passion for reading, but the one author that
    influenced me into getting published was Cindy Gerard. When I finished writing my
    book I had questions so I e-mailed her and she was great. She gave me information
    that put me in the right direction. She was very kind and answered every one of
    my dumb questions.
    Are you a member of any
    author groups – RWA, critique groups, etc.?
    I am a member of RWA, Roses Critique group, Savvy Authors, BTS
    eMag reviewers, and Marketing for Romance Writers.
    What do you think of critique
    groups in general?
    I would be lost without my critique group. I love the different
    advice I get, and use it as just that, their opinion and advice. I don’t let them
    change my voice but their great at catching plot errors, story structures problems
    and flow.
    List two authors we would
    find you reading when taking a break from your own writing.
    Cindy Gerard and Suzanne Brockman. Love their stories.
    Are there any words of
    encouragement for unpublished writers?
    Don’t ever give up. You will get critiques that will make you
    cry and rejection letters. Make them building blocks for the career you are building.
    What do you hope readers
    take with them after reading your work?
    I put on my calendar the date of the next release from the authors
    I read. I want to know that someone loved my story and was left needing to know
    what happens next so they put my next release date on their calendar.
    If you came with a warning
    label, what would it say?
    Never engage in activity until coffee has been consumed.
    Choose any or all of the
    following.
    Leather or lace? Lace
    Black or red? Balck
    Satin sheets or Egyptian cotton? Egyptian cotton
    Ocean or mountains? Ocean
    City life or country life? Country life
    Hunky heroes or average Joe? Hunky Heroes
    Party life or quiet dinner for two? Quiet dinner
    Dogs or cats? Both

    Fill in the blank with your favorites

    Dessert ~ Peanut butter cookies
    City ~ Houston
    Season ~ Summer
    Type of hero ~ Take charge and sexy
    Type of heroine ~Confident, courageous, not whimpy
    Lynda Kaye Frazier

    About the Author

    I’m an avid reader of romantic suspense and started writing about
    a year ago after a vivid dream. I know, sounds cliché, but that’s how it started.
    I work full time at a Cardiology clinic, then at night you will find me in front
    of my computer writing. I grew up in Pennsylvania,
    but now live in Arkansas, surrounded by the Ozark Mountains where I get to enjoy the four seasons without
    a long, cold winter. Other than spending time with my wonderful family, my favorite
    things to do are writing, reading and listening to music, but my most favorite is
    going to the beach. Surf, sand and a good book, my stress relief. I enjoy Goodreads
    because I love to read and enjoy finding new authors and recommending great books
    to others. But I am also a Facebook junkie.

    Find Me Here

  • Suspense

    Suspense: Young Ladies of Mystery @stacyjuba #rlfblog

    Young Ladies of Mystery.

    Stacy Juba, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
    about your new release, the Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set.
    Genre: Mystery/Romantic Suspense
    Buy links:
    Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/young-ladies-of-mystery-boxed-set-stacy-juba/1112510487?ean=2940014880077&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-UdkW8xQ2SN0-_-2%3a2940014880077&
    iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/young-ladies-mystery-boxed/id556216498?mt=11
    Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Young-Ladies-Mystery-Boxed-Set/book-LYpEix78KkeRcjLUgHwX2g/page1.html?s=lpSITyn9zE6mxAiVcLNAqw&r=8
    Publisher: Thunder Horse Press
    Cover artist: Mark Juba (for the boxed set cover)
    Length: 595 pages
    Heat rating: Clean romance
    Tagline: Solve a cold case with aspiring reporter Kris Langley;
    discover the downside of fame with former reality show contestant Cassidy Novak;
    and meet teenage psychic Dawn Christian, who discovers that ESP spells D-A-N-G-E-R.
    3 books in one download.
    Blurb:
    The Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set features Stacy’s
    adult mystery/romantic suspense novels Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim,
    and her young adult psychic thriller Dark Before Dawn, in one bargain-priced download.
    Solve a cold case with aspiring reporter Kris Langley; discover the downside of
    fame with former reality show contestant Cassidy Novak; and meet teenage psychic
    Dawn Christian, who discovers that ESP spells D-A-N-G-E-R. More on the three books
    included in the download:
    Twenty-Five Years Ago Today – For twenty-five years, Diana
    Ferguson’s killer has gotten away with murder. When rookie obit writer and newsroom
    editorial assistant Kris Langley investigates the cold case of the artistic young
    cocktail waitress who was obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, not only does
    she fall in love with Diana’s sexy nephew, but she must also fight to stay off the
    obituary page herself.
    Sink or Swim – How do you change the channel when reality
    TV turns to murder? After starring on a hit game show set aboard a Tall Ship, personal
    trainer Cassidy Novak discovers that she has attracted a stalker. Can she trust
    Zach Gallagher, the gorgeous newspaper photographer assigned to follow her for a
    local series? As things heat up with the stalker and with Zach, soon Cassidy will
    need to call SOS for real.
    Dark Before Dawn – When teen psychic Dawn Christian gets
    involved with a fortuneteller mentor and two girls who share her mysterious talents,
    she finally belongs after years of being a misfit. When she learns her new friends
    may be tied to freak “accidents” in town, Dawn has an important choice
    to make – continue developing the talent that makes her special or challenge the
    only people who have ever accepted her.
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    In Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, Kris Langley is in her mid-twenties
    and is a newspaper editorial assistant, obit writer and aspiring reporter. One of
    her duties is compiling the 25 Years Ago Today column from the microfilm.
    In Sink or Swim, Cassidy Novak is in her mid-twenties and works
    as a personal trainer for a health club. She is also a recent reality show contestant
    hoping to gain some income through endorsements.
    Dawn Christian, the heroine of Dark Before Dawn, is a teenage
    psychic who gets involved with a fortuneteller mentor.

    Interview

    How did you get your start in the industry?
    I wrote my first novel, a young adult book called Face-Off, during
    high school study halls when I was 16 years old. I entered it in a competition for
    teen writers and it won a publishing contract with a major New York publisher. This was an exciting experience
    for me, and it gave me the confidence to keep writing and submitting to publishers
    and agents.
    What is the most important thing you do for your career now,
    as compared to when you first started writing?
    The publishing industry has changed so much since the early 1990s,
    when I was originally published. Now I have a web site and a blog, and am very active
    on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as with many author groups.
    The opportunity to network with readers and have access to all of this insider information
    about the publishing industry has given a big boost to my career. Also, the rise
    of e-books has had a tremendous impact on my career. Years ago, I remember thinking
    that it wouldn’t even be worth being published if they had electronic books someday,
    as I was tied to the concept of holding a printed book in my hand. Boy, was I wrong!
    The growth of e-books has allowed me to make a living as an author and I find e-books
    very enjoyable to read on an e-book device. It’s like a toy for book lovers. As
    a result of this e-book trend, I spend a great deal of my time targeting my marketing
    toward e-book consumers via social networking.
    If you could change something about your first book, what
    would it be?
    Luckily, I had the opportunity to change something about my first
    published book, my young adult hockey novel Face-Off. It was originally published
    in the early 1990s, and I recently brought it back into print and released digital
    editions. I deleted the names of some retired hockey players, as well as the names
    of music groups and TV shows and movies that today’s kids wouldn’t identify with.
    I’m now more careful about what real life details I add into a book, as I’m more
    aware that someday it will be out of date.
    If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what
    would it be?
    It would definitely be to lighten up, go with the flow, laugh
    more, and take more time to relax!
    What does “balance” mean to you as a writer?
    It means balancing family, fiction-writing, marketing my books,
    and my freelance clients, while not overextending myself. This is challenging, but
    I am learning to take more time to exercise, read, and just “be.”
    What are some jobs you’ve done before (or while) you were
    a writer?
    Since high school, I’ve worked in a drugstore, as a trainer and
    lifeguard at a health club, as a college writing tutor, as a newspaper editorial
    assistant, newspaper reporter, and as an administrative assistant, publicist and
    event organizer. I currently write and edit newsletters for a few freelance clients,
    in addition to being a full-time author.
    Which of your books would you recommend to someone who doesn’t
    normally read your genre, and why?
    I’d recommend Twenty-Five Years Ago Today as a starting point
    for someone who doesn’t normally read mystery or romance novels. I’ve visited a
    few book clubs that read literary fiction, and not genre fiction, and they really
    enjoyed Twenty-Five Years Ago Today as it has a lot of discussion points for a book
    club. However, some of the members said they normally wouldn’t have stumbled across
    it as it was in the mystery section and they don’t usually read mystery novels.
    What kind of books do you read when taking a break from your
    own writing?
    I enjoy reading mystery novels, romantic suspense, sweet romance,
    romantic comedy, and occasional young adult novels.
    What is your favorite holiday and why?
    I love Christmas, and the excitement of exchanging presents on
    Christmas morning. I also love the carols on the radio and driving by houses with
    Christmas lights. It’s a nice time of year.
    Where were you at midnight, on December 31st when the new
    century started?
    I was kissing my husband in the living room of our then-apartment
    as the ball went down on the television.
    What do you like to do when you’re bored?
    I love to read, play Just Dance games on Wii, and take walks.
    If you were a color, what color would you be?
    Yellow. I feel like yellow is a happy color, and I have it on
    several walls in my house. I also wear bracelets with yellow in it, to give me a
    lift.
    Which statement is more like you:
    “I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and relaxed.”
    “I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation, because
    I do things as fast as possible.”
    Definitely ten-countries in ten days as I like to be on-the-go
    when I’m on vacation, though my goal is to become more laid back and less of a Type
    A personality!

    Please Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with green peppers and onions.
    I’m always ready for a good book.
    When I’m alone, I like to blast music very loud.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I’m very introverted.
    If I had a halo it would be yellow
    and sparkly
    .
    If I could win a million dollars I’d go for a massage
    every week
    .
    I can never read enough books because it’s one of my
    favorite things to do
    .

    Previous Books

    Adult: Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim
    Young adult: Dark Before Dawn; Face-Off
    Anthology: 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror: 52 Authors Look Back
    Children’s: The Flag Keeper; Teddy Bear Town Children’s E-book
    Bundle
    Stacy Juba

    Books Coming Soon

    Watch for a new romantic comedy in 2013, followed by some fun
    short story spin-offs for my books!

    Find Me Here

  • Character Interviews,  Suspense

    Suspense: Cassandra by Starlight @SusanMacNicol7 #rlfblog

    Cassandra by Starlight.

    Susan Mac Nicol, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk
    about your book, Cassandra by Starlight (The Starlight Trilogy).

    Genre: Contemporary Romance Suspense
    Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
    Cover artist: Renee Yadaev
    Length: 100,000+ words
    Heat rating: Spicy
    Tagline: A London
    woman is swept off her feet into the glamorous yet surprisingly dangerous world
    of an up-and-coming star of stage and screen.
    Blurb: Unconventional though she may be, Cassandra Wallace leads
    the life of an average Londoner, from blind dates to rush hour traffic. Then, along
    comes Bennett Saville. Charming, erudite, the up-and-coming actor is like the hero
    of a romantic movie. He sets Cassie afire like he has the stage and screen, and
    defies the tragedy that brought them together. From the tips of his Armani loafers
    to their scorching hot first kiss, he’s perfect. Only, he’s ten years younger and
    from the upper class, and those emerald eyes invite dangerous secrets. The world
    is full of hungry leading ladies, and every show must have its villain. Yet a true
    romance will always find its happy ending.
    What are your main characters’
    names, ages, and occupations?
    Bennett Saville is the
    main male character. He is a London
    based actor, star of stage and screen, with his own TV series called ‘Gabriel.’
    Bennett is 37 years old.
    Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Wallace
    is a professional woman, who specializes in project managing process improvement
    for companies. She is 47 years old.

    Interview

    Tell us about your latest
    book, including its genre. Does it cross over to other genres? If so, what are they?
    My latest books are a trilogy,
    contemporary Romance crossing over into Romantic suspense. The Starlight Series
    takes the story of Cassie Wallace and Bennett Saville from their first fateful meeting
    after a tragic accident, right up to just after the three years they are together
    and are finally tying the knot on an idyllic Fijian island. The incident bringing
    the two together is the suicide of Bennett’s younger brother, Eric, who throws himself
    off a motorway footbridge. Unfortunately, he lands on Cassie’s car, injuring her
    badly. Bennett feels responsible and goes to see Cassie in hospital. He’s intrigued
    by her looks, her compassion and her bravery in dealing with the incident. She in
    turn is struck by his youth, film star persona, his obvious demons and the fact
    that he seems to have no one he can really turn to. The couple strikes up a romance
    that transcends the age barrier and they find in each other a way to both appreciate
    each other and provide what the other needs.
    What is the single most
    important part of writing for you?
    That would be bringing
    the characters into a reader’s living room, writing scenes and dialogue that is
    both believable and real and helps the reader to identify with the characters and
    the situations they find themselves in. The greatest compliment for an author is
    to be told that a reader could really get into the minds of the characters and that
    the story line was well paced, i.e. they simply turn the pages as if it was a seamless
    read that flowed well and made the reader feel comfortable.
    What do you enjoy most
    about writing?
    Writing for me is not a
    hobby, it’s a passion. I’ve been writing for a long time, for my own pleasure, and
    it’s only since the Starlight Trilogy and getting my first book published that I’ve
    truly come to appreciate the magic that exists in sitting down and creating something
    that until then exists only in my imagination. The most incredible thing I can think
    of to do is take a name of my own creation and build a character about that until
    he or she seems almost real. I love to put them in situations that I’d either love
    to be in myself, or create one where I can control it and make the decisions that
    get them out of the predicament they find themselves in. It’s the most fun anyone
    can have in playing the Creator in your own little universe and knowing that it’s
    only fiction and you can make anyone do anything you want to.
    I also enjoy the variation
    of writing different things and of being given the opportunity to showcase a different
    style. As well as writing these three novels, I also wrote a short story for my
    publisher’s ‘Lunchbox Romance’ line. These are short, fun stories designed to be
    consumed in the lunch hour. This new story, called ‘The Magick of Christmas’, was
    a little bit of whimsy created especially for the line and as I myself have a great
    interest in Wicca and love Christmas, it made sense to combine the two in a feel
    good contemporary Romance story about love and magick at Christmas time.
    Where do you start when
    writing? Research, plotting, outline, or…?
    I am a fly by the seat
    of your pants writer. I literally started out with Cassandra by Starlight using
    an Excel spreadsheet with half a dozen names on it, about five lines per character,
    defining age, look, what they did and a very brief description of their character.
    I had no idea when I started that Bennett’s mother was going to be schizophrenic,
    that Cassie had an ex-husband, that Bennett had a crazy stalker who was an former
    terrorist, or that he’d have a gay best friend called Dylan who’s quite an irreverent
    character. It all simply flew from the tips of my fingers onto the screen as the
    characters developed and I thought of the next line.
    Research wise – for Cassandra
    there was a lot of research required, especially around the world of the theatre
    and movie-making, the issues of schizophrenia and stalking and of course, one of
    the most controversial topics in my book, the female on male rape scene. The latter
    was researched using case histories of people who had actually been subject to rape
    and in fact, after the book was published, the gentleman who wrote the original
    article that I used as the basis for my scene in the book, James Landrith, got in
    touch with me. It was a very moving moment to be able to communicate directly with
    the man whose grim experience formed some of the basis for my book.
    What did you learn from
    writing your first book?
    I learned that I knew nothing
    about formatting or writing for publication and about the nightmare of point of
    view and what not to do and how not to head hop. I’m still learning that one…
    I also learned how a good
    editor was worth her weight in gold and one who worked with you and guided you,
    worth a lot more.
    As for social networking
    and how to self promote – when I started writing these books in February this year,
    the only thing I had was a business LinkedIn account, gathering dust, and a very
    meager Facebook page. The mere mention of Twitter and tweets was enough to make
    me hiss like a vampire having a necklace of garlic thrust around her neck. But,
    as well as writing and doing the editing to make my stories suitable for publication,
    I had to get out there and learn everything I could about the art of social networking.
    I’m pleased to say I’ve got the knack of it, and I am beavering away valiantly to
    build my ‘community’ and draw readers into my books.
    How do you balance a life
    outside of writing with deadlines and writing muses?
    I work full time in the
    city of Cambridge
    which is about an hour’s drive from my home. I leave the house at seven in the morning
    and am back in around six p.m. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive family
    and to be honest, (and bear with me on this train of thought!) my saving grace (in
    my view, my mother and family would agree) is that I’m not really a domesticated
    animal. I don’t like cooking, I don’t bake and I will run like hell if an iron ever
    comes near me. I’ve always been a professional working woman, working long hours
    and have gotten used to this way of life. So having a husband and kids who can cook,
    and like to cook, to me, is an absolute boon and they are very happy to take up
    this mantle, which gives me the time from seven p.m. to midnight and sometimes longer,
    to write and retreat into the ‘bear cavern’ so called because my daughter has warned
    the family ‘not to poke the bear when she’s writing. She growls.’
    What do you hope readers
    take with them after reading your work?
    My biggest desire for a
    reader is to simply enjoy the moment and live in the world I’ve created and feel
    comfortable doing so. I want readers to almost feel bereft when they finish my book,
    to feel as if they want more. If they think about the characters and the events
    after they’ve put down the book, even if it’s just a day or two afterwards, and
    I accomplish this, then I think I’ve done what I set out to do.
    If money were not an object,
    where would you most like to live?
    I have always wanted to
    live in a country manor where there is a lot of land and a lake and I can simply
    spend my days writing in my huge, book-laden study. This could be either here in
    England or in France. I’ve never
    been to France but one of the
    places I would truly love to go is Carcassonne in
    the south of France.
    I became entranced with this place when reading Kate Mosse’s ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘Sepulchre’
    and I think a beautiful castle overlooking this area would suit me down to the ground.
    If you were a tool, what
    would people use you to do?
    I would definitely be a
    blunt instrument as that describes me so well. I suppose a hammer is the best fit.
    Picture yourself as a store.
    Considering your personality and lifestyle, what type of products would be sold
    there?
    Comfortable clothing that
    made you feel warm and fuzzy, chocolate of any description, books, anything geeky
    like smart phones, tablets, gadgets, time machines, holographic devices, Benedict
    Cumberbatches, (an English actor I have a particular passion for), anything to do
    with magic or witches, chunky costume jewellery that sparkled in a myriad of colours
    and a selection of really sexy men to pander to my every need when the Cumberbatch
    is having a well deserved rest.
    If you came with a warning
    label, what would it say?
    This item is hard wearing
    and tough, has a tendency to switch off when in writing zone mode and can prove
    extremely fractious when disturbed.

    Please Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with bacon.
    I’m always ready for bedtime.
    When I’m alone, I live in my own head.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I am actually listening to
    you
    .
    If I had a halo it would be a little tarnished.
    If I could time travel I’d go back and catch Jack the
    Ripper
    .
    I can never give up because I’m driven.
    Susan MacNicol

    Books Coming Soon

    Books 2 and 3 in the Starlight
    trilogy – tentatively titled ‘Together in Starlight’ and ‘Starlight and Promises.’
    ‘Saving Alexandria’ – a novel about a flawed woman who finds an unexpected and sexy
    saviour who helps her overcome both her fears and the demons from her past.
    Currently
    working on another Lunchbox Romance short story

    Find Me Here

    Cassandra by Starlight
    Facebook page http://on.fb.me/RQYv3Z
  • Suspense

    Suspense: Green Eyed Doll @jerriealexander

    Green-Eyed Doll.

    Jerrie Alexander, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. Let’s talk about your book, The Green-Eyed Doll.

    Thank you, Kayelle, for having me over today. I’ve poured the coffee and brought blueberry muffins.
    Genre: Romantic Suspense

     

    Buy links:
    The Wild Rose Press

    Amazon http://amzn.com/1612174442/

    Cover artist: Rae Monet
    Length: 354 pages
    Heat rating: R
    Tagline: A woman running from her past. A Texas sheriff who ignites a flame she thought lost forever. A killer who paints his victims to look like porcelain dolls.
    Blurb:
    Catherine McCoy is running from her past. She’s been on the move for a year, hiding the secret and guilt in her heart. When she lands in small-town Texas and meets Sheriff Matt Ballard, he ignites a flame she thought lost forever.
    Matt has scars of his own. He left the big city after an undercover operation went bad and his partner was killed. Now, as Matt hunts for a serial killer who paints his victims like porcelain dolls, Catherine becomes a safe haven for him. Two tortured souls finding comfort in each other’s arms—until he uncovers her secret, and their bond of trust is broken.
    When Catherine disappears, Matt races to find her, fearing the murderer has found his next green-eyed doll. But the killer has a surprise coming. Catherine will fight to the death before she’ll be a victim. But will her determination be enough?
    What are your main characters’ names, ages, and occupations?
    Catherine McCoy, 30, part-time waitress and part-time file clerk
    Matt Ballard, 33 years old, Texas County Sheriff

     Interview

    What is the most important thing you do for your career now, as compared to when you first started writing?
    To write the best book possible and then write the next one. Social media and marketing are important, but I sincerely believe the best thing I can do to further my career is to keep writing. I plan to keep learning and honing my craft.
    What do you enjoy most about life?
    Waking up each morning? Just joking. I love everything about life. My family, friends, and fellow writers are the best in the world. I live in Texas, love the warm climate, blue skies, and friendly people. I can’t ask for more.
    Jerrie Alexander

    If you could choose anyone to be your mentor who would it be?

    Hands down, the awesome Linda Howard. Holy cow, when talent was passed out, she must’ve been first in line. She grabs the reader by the throat and pulls you into each story. Death Angel is my all time favorite book of hers. You don’t want to know what all I’d do for the chance to work with her.
    If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what would it be?
    I push hard, work hard, and expect a lot from myself. So I’d say to be patient with myself. It’s sad to admit, but let’s be honest. Patience is not one of my virtues. My husband tells me that no one will see these words on my tombstone. “Here Lies a Patient Person.”
    Do you have a muse? Describe this person, please.
    If I do…she AOL. She’d constantly feed me story ideas and chocolate. My shoulders would never be tired, because her rubdowns would be off the chart. And did I say she?? I meant he…and he would look like Gerard Butler and be at my beck and call.
    Do things your family or friends do ever end up in a book?
    Maybe a little of the hero’s personalities have my husband’s John Wayne attitude. But other than him, I’ve never patterned a character after a friend or family member. A few of my friends are quirky, but thankfully, none of them fit the profile of the killers in my stories.
    What kind of books do you read when taking a break from your own writing?
    I love to read romantic suspense authors, other than Linda Howard, Allison Brennan and Cindy Gerard are two of my favorites. My guilty pleasure is a good historical romance. When I really need a break from the murder and mayhem, I’ll grab a Elizabeth Hoyt or Jade Lee book and curl up with a cup of coffee. The only sound you’ll hear from me is an occasional sigh.
    What do you think is the future of epublishing?
    I think we’ve only scratched the surface. Epublishing will continue to grow and provide readers with great yet easy to purchase books. The fast pace of our lifestyles will only speed up, increasing the demand for more.
    What was the proudest moment of your life so far?
    I claim the prize of having the most beautiful daughter ever! She and her husband brought the most awesome granddaughter into this world. So I’d have to say, even as cheesy as it sounds, my proudest moment is anytime my family is together.
    Imagine you get to go on a dream vacation, but you have only one hour to pack and leave, and it starts as soon as you finish this interview. What will you take with you and where will you go?
    Sun block, two bathing suits, a beach towel, snorkel gear, sandals, shorts, T-shirts and one summer dress, all which fit in one carryon. I’d head to the clearest, warmest water in the Caribbean.
    If your life became a movie, who would you want to play you?
    A blonde Anne Hathaway
    If you were a color, what color would you be?
    Red
    Which statement is more like you:
    “I am a vacation spa because I am laid back and relaxed.”
    “I am a ten-countries in ten-days tour vacation, because I do things as fast as possible.”

    Please Fill in the Blanks

    I love pizza with football.
    I’m always ready for company.
    When I’m alone, I write.
    You’d never be able to tell, but I’m uncomfortable around strangers.
    If I had a halo it would be stolen.
    If I could scuba dive I’d give up snorkeling.
    I can never climb Mount Everest because I’m terrified of heights.

    Previous Books

    The Green-Eyed Doll is my debut novel.
    Jerrie Alexander

    Books Coming Soon

    The Last Execution from The Wild Rose Press
    Hell or High Water, book one of the Lost and Found, Inc. series from Etopia-Press

    Find Me Here

    Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/jerriealexander.com