Mar 31, 2015 | Blog, Coffee With, Elizabeth Heiter, March 2015
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte 🙂
What would you order? My usual order is a large mocha latte. Chocolate and caffeine – one of the greatest combinations! 😉
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. I am always in the mood for a great Romantic Suspense book. You have two series, a suspense series and a romantic suspense series that you are writing at the same time. How challenging is that? What inspired you to write suspense? Writing two series at once has definitely been a challenge – mostly finding the time to write all the books! But I also have to be careful when I switch back and forth to stay in the right “voice” for the particular book, which usually requires some re-reading every time I move from one series to the other. The upside is that each series refreshes me for the other; I enjoy taking a break from one world and moving into another, but I always want to return to each!
I’ve always been drawn to suspense. It’s my favorite genre to read, and even as a kid, when I’d scribble stories in a notebook, they’d be mystery/suspense. I love the puzzle – the chance to figure out the clues (or as a writer, how to layer in those red herrings alongside the real hints and how to work in all the twists and turns). I also love that, unlike in real life where there isn’t always a happy ending, in suspense (and romantic suspense), most of the time at the end of the book, you get some kind of justice, some kind of closure.
How many books do you anticipate in each series? Right now, there are at least three books planned in The Lawmen series (my romantic suspense from Harlequin Intrigue), and at least four in The Profiler series (my psychological suspense from MIRA Books), but I hope to do more of each!
How much research did you do for this? I really enjoy the research, and I do a LOT of it. Everything from reading up on psychological disorders, FBI procedures, and creating criminal personality profiles to in-person research. I’ve been lucky enough to get the opportunity to talk to a number of current and former FBI Special Agents, visit the FBI Academy and the New York field office, and even shoot weapons at Quantico! Many of the opportunities actually came through writers’ organizations; others I pursued on my own (talking to some of the agents). People like to talk about their jobs, especially when they’re passionate about them, and as long as I don’t ask about topics they can’t discuss, I’ve gotten a lot of great information, because I’m serious about trying to portray the job and the FBI accurately.
I read that you went to the FBI shooting range, what was that experience like? How were you able to do that? Firing weapons at the FBI Academy was a lot of fun. I took a bunch of notes – everything from how heavy the weapons were, how easy they were to shoot, what kind of kick they had – and I had a Special Agent standing beside me, telling me the proper way to do it all. Did I mention I shot all the weapons in a skirt and heels?
Congrats on your upcoming releases – you must be super organized to have two books out almost back to back! Thank you so much for having me!! (I do need to keep organized. I use a special writing program for my novels and I keep a lot of To Do lists!!)
Thanks again, I had a blast! Happy Writing!
8 Tantalizing Tidbits:
1. A Must read book and why? Gone with the Wind. A classic, and one with so much drama, angst, and intensity. Plus, Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler make a fantastic pairing, even if they never quite get it right.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? The Henry Ford museum. Metro Detroit is known for their automobiles, and this museum has an amazing, historic collection, including the bus where Rosa Parks made her stand (by sitting!) and JFK’s presidential limo.
3. Castles or Beaches? Beaches. I love castles, but there’s just something about the sound of the ocean, crashing into the shore, that has always spoken to me.
4. One thing readers would be surprised to know about you. Although I haven’t done it much lately, I was once a pretty good skier – I could ski backwards, on one ski, around moguls, and over small jumps.
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? If I was going for pleasure, I would head out of the country, but for research? I’m going to cheat a little and say a non-stop tour of all the FBI field offices. That would definitely be a dream research trip!!
6. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate. And lots of it. I don’t really feel that guilty about it, though – I tell myself it’s dark chocolate, so it’s good for me! 😉
7. Would you rather see a movie in the theatre or at home on DVD and why? It’s fun to go out to the movie theater, but I love watching a DVD at home. I can throw on something cozy, lounge in my recliner, and eat a bowl of ice cream (which might be a little weird in a dark theater!).
8. One thing you can’t live without. Books. Definitely books. I have a LOT of bookshelves, but it’s still not enough (especially with my own books and all the foreign versions to add to the mix!).
Mar 30, 2015 | Blog, Elizabeth Heiter, March 2015
SWAT Secret Admirer (The Lawmen), by Elizabeth Heiter, is a must read. Maggie Delacorte has been haunted by a madman from an unsolved case that has remained so for the past ten years, with very few leads. Everything she’s done, her job and relationships, has been affected because of what happened. Working for FBI SWAT is vital to her physical and emotional survival. When an unexpected letter arrives, everything changes and no one is safe.
Grant Larkin is new to the SWAT team and unbeknownst to Maggie, knows more than she probably would like about her past. When Grant is assigned to her case, things become clear, risks must be taken, and secrets need to be revealed. However, Grant wants more than friendship from Maggie and isn’t sure how to tell her. If he pursues his feelings it could jeopardize everything. How will she respond? How will he react? Maggie can’t afford to let herself get close to him, or can she?
This book is another great read from Harlequin Intrigue and has all the elements of it that we expect from a fabulous publisher! The perfect amount of romance, hot young FBI agents in a compelling and griping story that twists and turns! Pre-order your copy now (on Amazon the e-book is only $3.49) and you’ll have in less than two days, it releases on April 1, 2015! In fact, you can get all three e-books in this fabulous series for less than $10.00 on Amazon- a great buy! While this book reads great as a stand alone, it’s even better when read in order as there is crossover from other great characters in each book.
While I received this ARC from the Author for a fair and honest review, I would absolutely buy this book and any future Lawmen series books. In fact, I look forward to more. Who’s will be next, Kammy? Clive? There just has to be more!
BIO:
ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit (or a lot!) of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range.
Mar 29, 2015 | Blog, Elizabeth Heiter, March 2015
Seduced by the Sniper, by Elizabeth Heiter, is the second book in The Lawmen Series from Harlequin Intrigue. Chelsie Russell, an FBI negotiator, is involved in a tragic hostage situation that doesn’t end they way she’d planned. The results affect her family and colleagues. Scott Delacorte is an FBI agent trained to rescue hostages and has a reputation for being a playboy. When an unexpected development in a supposedly resolved case puts them in jeopardy, will they have the strength to admit the truth about how they feel towards each other?
Assumptions were made that could interfere with him protecting her. Can Chelsie open up to him? Will he put his playboy ways behind him? Scott is determined to keep her safe at all costs. There’s just one problem, he is still thinking about what happened between them before the hostage ordeal and it’s driving him crazy.
There is something so sexy about an FBI agent who can’t figure out his way around women but knows how to fire a weapon with precision and accuracy. So sexy! This story will keep you engaged with enough action, sizzle and heat to keep you reading till the very last page.
This was the first book I’d read by Elizabeth and I absolutely LOVED it. I receive this ARC from the author for a fair and honest review but would have purchased this book for myself or a friend. Get your copy now!
BIO:
ELIZABETH HEITER likes her suspense to feature strong heroines, chilling villains, psychological twists, and a little bit (or a lot!) of romance. Her research has taken her into the minds of serial killers, through murder investigations, and onto the FBI Academy’s shooting range.
Mar 28, 2015 | Blog, J. Kenner, March 2015
Say My Name (A Stark International Book), by J. Kenner, is captivating, charming and just plain smoking, sizzling hot! Jackson Steele is a sexy and talented architect insisting on getting what he wants. What he wants is Sylvia Brooks and she works for Damien Stark at Stark International, a competitor.
When Stark International’s new project at Santa Cortez loses its architect, Stark must acquire another qualified candidate to complete the project or risk losing everything. Sylvia Brooks is passionate about her job and loves working for Damien Stark. When he offers her the chance to run the very same project that’s in jeopardy, she jumps at the chance. In fact she knows who she can get to rescue them. However, it will come at a price.
Jackson knows that Sylvia needs him to successfully complete the resort. But, he has his own conditions and terms. Will he get what he wants? Sylvia made it clear five years ago when she walked out on him that she never wanted to see Jackson Steele again. Now she’s back, pursuing him with a vengeance. Willing to do whatever it takes to get him to work on this Stark International project. All he’s ever wanted is her. All she wants is his commitment to this project – the resort. That’s it.
What will Jackson do if he discovers her past? What will Sylvia do when she discovers he’s intentionally kept a secret from her? Can they both overcome the past to forgive and move forward? This book will touch on redemption, trust and control leaving you wanting more. I received this ARC for a fair and honest review and would purchase this book for myself and friends. I can’t believe I have to wait till June to read the next book and only hope that the time passes quickly. I look forward to reading more from J. Kenner and I know you will too!
For full on no holds barred and go for it sensuality & situations. For mature audience, 18+
Mar 27, 2015 | Blog, March 2015
Discover amazing characters that are seeking adventure, yearning for self discovery and ready for love, undercover helping the poor, traveling off to make a name for themselves or sometimes just wanting to be noticed. The best part, in their world anything is possible and there are various degrees of sizzle!
Indecisive? Short on time? Unable to embark on a three week journey to visit England and the Scottish Highlands, don’t worry. Historical romance writers have it covered! You can re-visit your favorite vacation spot or perhaps that city that’s just around the corner. What’s even more exciting is that all these books can take you there faster than any mode of transportation. Wait, if I haven’t sold you yet, usually these Amazing Authors have sequels that allow us to spend days with some of their most beloved characters!
Not sure where to start? Check out Elizabeth Hoyt, Stephanie Laurens, Grace Burrowes, Tessa Dare, Shana Galen, Lorraine Heath, Anna Campbell and Erica Ridley to name a few. Still not sure, just google historical romance authors and you will get a TON of names!
Do you have a favorite book? Who’s your favorite book and author?
Mar 26, 2015 | Blog, Caitlenn T. Ainnsley, Coffee With, March 2015
First, if we were meeting at a Coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte 🙂 What would you be drinking? I’d be drinking an organic caffeine-free berry iced tea.
Thank you so much for taking time to sit down and answer a few questions. I LOVED A Jewel In Time Anthology. Your story was absolutely fabulous! I love the winter storm in Boston especially with the winter they’ve had so far!
Thank you!
How did you research for it? I did very little research for this story. Just had to look up the Boston airport location and route to the hotel I picked. I also reviewed the hotel’s restaurant menu and used actual items on the menu in the story.
It would make a great start to a bigger story, do you have any intentions of turning this into a series? Not this book since it really ties in with Barbara Devlin’s Brethren series. I have an idea for a series though.
What can we expect next? The Conscious Gypsy Chronicles. It is a chick lit series following the serial dating habits of a spunky heroine with some interesting spiritual gifts.
8 Tantalizing Tidbits:
1. A Must read book and why? The Alchemist by Paulo Choelo. It’s a wonderful story with a moral at the end. I have such an appreciation for authors who can tell an amazing fictional story that has a practical life application or moral.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? Well, I live in Las Vegas, so there are all kinds of fun and crazy things to see. My favorite, no so well known place, is a Korean spa called Imperial Spa. It’s close to, but off the strip, and it’s only $20 to get into for the whole day. Once inside there are two floors of different detox rooms–a jade room, magnetic clay room, ice room, Himilayan sea salt room. Plus there are soaking pools of different temperatures and various saunas–dry, salt, etc. Between detox sessions you can pay for spa treatments or just relax in recliners. It’s a whole day of relaxing for almost nothing.
3. When you plot out your book do you know how it will end or do you figure it out as you go? I have no idea where the book is going. Every book I’ve written has started with me seeing the opening scene play out like a movie. I write that down and then more scenes show up and the characters begin to develop then the story unfolds. It’s a very messy process, but I’m a fast writer. The Brit, The Blizzard and The Brooch was written in about six weeks.
4. What was on your playlist while writing this series? I can’t listen to music or watch TV or movies when I’m writing. I hear the dialogue in my head and often see the scenes along with it, so any other noise distracts me from being able to create.
5. Do you watch a TV show weekly or binge watch? So I don’t own a TV. I grew up in a household where we were only allowed to watch one hour a day, so I read all the time. With cable costing a fortune, I decided to not have TV at all. That said, I do have a NetFlix account on my computer and about once a month I’ll spend a day binge watching something. The last show I watched two seasons of in a day was Californication. Something about David Duchovney is very sexy to me.
6. First concert you attended? Michael Jackson…actually the Jackson Five. My parents got tickets for the whole family and the concert was in the Broncos football stadium in Colorado. Something about watching a concert from bleachers just isn’t really the concert experience I prefer, but looking back I realize what a taste of history that was.
7. When you are traveling do you road trip it or fly it? I do both. I travel at least two weeks out of every month. If I’m going to California I will drive. If I go anywhere that would take longer than six hours to drive, then I fly. I prefer First Class, but will fly any airline coach as long as I can get an aisle seat. I hate being blocked into an inside seat.
8. Do you like to cook or go out to eat? I love going out to eat, however, I’m really a purist when it comes to food and that forces me to eat at home and be creative. I don’t eat sugar, gluten, soy, most dairy, meat, fish, GMOs–most food served at restaurants have at least one of those in it.
BIO:
Caitlenn T. Ainnsley
Chick Lit Author
Caitlenn writes edgy, sexy chick lit stories about fabulous women, hot men and the often crazy situations they encounter on the road to love.
She won her first creative writing contest in the sixth grade and has always found pleasure weaving stories.
A big fan of Harlequin’s Intrigue series, her first novel was a romantic suspense. Its rejection was a blessing because it challenged Caitlenn to explore other genres. When she scribbled a single scene to enter in a Romance Writer’s of America editor’s critique and all three editors said they wanted more from her, she knew she’d found her voice in chick lit.
The Brit, The Brooch, and The Blizzard is her debut novella.
Caitlenn is a pen name for Leah Grant. Leah is a Business, Life and Spiritual Coach having a diverse set of skills as a Master Certified Coach, a Certified NLP Practitioner, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner and an Ordained Minister. Leah Grant speaks, teaches and is a published best-selling non-fiction author.
Leah is also known as Lotus. As Lotus, she sings Sanskrit chants and has released a CD: Ecstatic Meditation – One available at www.ecstaticmeditation.com
When she’s not traveling, which she does very frequently, Caitlenn lives in Las Vegas.
