In the Dark by Loreth Anne White ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

A secluded mountain lodge. The perfect getaway. So remote no one will ever find you.

The promise of a luxury vacation at a secluded wilderness spa has brought together eight lucky guests. But nothing is what they were led to believe. As a fierce storm barrels down and all contact with the outside is cut off, the guests fear that it’s not a getaway. It’s a trap.

Each one has a secret. Each one has something to hide. And now, as darkness closes in, they all have something to fear—including one another.

Alerted to the vanished party of strangers, homicide cop Mason Deniaud and search and rescue expert Callie Sutton must brave the brutal elements of the mountains to find them. But even Mason and Callie have no idea how precious time is. Because the clock is ticking, and one by one, the guests of Forest Shadow Lodge are being hunted. For them, surviving becomes part of a diabolical game.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Loreth Anne White is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic suspense, thrillers, and mysteries.

A three-time RITA finalist, she has also won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Romantic Crown for Best Romantic Suspense and Best Book Overall, in addition to being a Booksellers Best finalist, a multiple Daphne Du Maurier Award finalist, and a multiple CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner.

A former journalist and newspaper editor who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now resides in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with her family. When shes not writing, you will find her skiing, biking, or hiking the trails with her Black Dog.

Author's Website.

Review: 

What grabbed my attention to this book? The book description and that the author is Canadian. I was really excited that the book plot takes place in Western Canada, in the secluded wilderness. I love a good whodunit type stories, especially when it is Clue like. A group of "strangers" are dropped off at a cabin in the woods. Are they truly strangers? How are they all connected? 

I really enjoyed this story, the plot thickening between the secluded guests. What secrets they learn they share, each turning on each other. Who is safe? 

The story is told by each of the characters at the lodge as the plot plays out, then we get to experience homicide detective Mason Deniaud and search and rescue Callie Sutton side as they uncover what has happened to this missing group. Mason and Callie are characters that are very easy to like, enjoying how their relationship builds throughout this story. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading more from this author. 

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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The Grey Sisters by Jo Treggiari ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

Two years after a deadly plane crash, best friends D and Spider head into the mountains to face their grief. A gripping psychological thriller for fans of The Cheerleaders and Sadie.

D and Spider have always been close friends, and they are further united in their shared heartbreak: they both lost siblings in a horrific plane crash two years earlier. A chance sighting of a beloved cuddly toy in a photograph of the only survivor spurs D to finally seek closure. She and Spider and their friend, Min, set off on a road trip to the mountainside site of that terrible crash.

Ariel has lived on the mountain all her life. She and her extended family are looked down upon by neighboring townsfolk and she has learned to live by her wits, trusting few people outside of her isolated, survivalist community. A terrifying attack sends her down the mountain for help; on her way, she comes upon the three girls -- a chance encounter that will have far-reaching consequences for them all.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Jo Treggiari was born in London, England, and raised in Canada. She spent many years in Oakland, California and New York, where she trained as a boxer, wrote for a punk magazine, and owned a gangster rap/indie rock record label. Her novel Ashes, Ashes, a YA post-apocalyptic adventure published by Scholastic Press, was a multiple award nominee and bestseller. Her acclaimed novella Love You Like Suicide, appeared in the Fierce Ink Press anthology Becoming Fierce: Teen Stories IRL and as a limited edition of the long-running zine Cometbus. Her psych-thriller Blood Will Out, was published by Penguin Teen in 2018. Her most recent book is the Governor General’s Literary Award nominee The Grey Sisters (Penguin Teen 2019).

She lives with her two children in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia where she co-owns a curated, spirited, independent bookstore Lexicon Books.

Author's Website.

Review: 
A plane crash in the Mountains called the Grey Sisters kills everyone but one person. D and Spider lost siblings on that flight and D needs closer by visiting the crash site.

This book in set in out West in Canada and written by a Canadian author! I love reading Canadian books (as I am Canadian). The author jumps into the story from Kat's perspective as the plane is in the air and about to have trouble. The rest of the book is written in D, Ariel, and a little of Min's voice. This was a twisted plot where a cult lives high in the mountains. Reminds me of a good movie storyline. I honestly think it would make a better movie than a book. I liked Ariel's chapters better as I found it a little more fast paced, twisted and suspenseful. There was more of a plot going on.

Overall? I did enjoy this book but I don't think I will find myself rereading it any time soon. It is a quick, easy read and worth a read. I give this 3 out of 5 stars. I do think the plot could have been thicker with the 3 friends visiting the crash site or maybe less about them and more about Avalon community in the mountains. I found that to be more interesting and would have loved it if the author went further in depth with that storyline.

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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Full Disclosure by Beverly McLachlin ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

From the former Chief Justice of Canada comes a riveting thriller starring Jilly Truitt, a rising, young defense attorney faced with a case that hits close to home. A searing look at what justice means in the courts and on the streets, Full Disclosure is perfect for fans of Kathy Reichs, Louise Penny, and Lisa Scottoline.

When everyone has something to hide, the truth is the only defense.

There’s nothing Jilly Truitt likes more than winning a case, especially against her former mentor, prosecutor Cy Kenge. Jilly has baggage, the residue of a dark time in a series of foster homes, but that’s in the past. Now she’s building her own criminal defense firm and making a name for herself as a tough-as-nails lawyer willing to take risks in the courtroom.

When the affluent and enigmatic Vincent Trussardi is accused of his wife Laura’s murder, Jilly agrees to defend him, despite predictions that the case is a sure loser and warnings from those close to her to stay away from the Trussardi family. Determined to prove everyone wrong, Jilly investigates Laura’s death, hoping to discover a shred of evidence that might give the jury a reasonable doubt. Instead, she is confronted by damning evidence and uncooperative witnesses at every turn. Someone isn’t telling the truth, but who?

With her reputation and Vincent’s life on the line, Jilly tries to unravel the web of secrets surrounding Laura’s murder. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a startling revelation that will change not only the case, but her life forever.

From the gritty streets of Vancouver to the fateful halls of justice, Full Disclosure is a razor-sharp thriller that pulses with authenticity and intrigue.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Beverley McLachlin is the former Chief Justice of Canada, the first woman to hold that position.

Full Disclosure is her first novel.

Review: 

I read this book closer to the book release date but now realized I never wrote a review. I was really excited to read this novel as I love Law Crime/Thrillers and it was set in my home country Canada. What more could one ask for? I was a little disappointed with the plot as some parts were hard to wrap my head around mainly Jully's former client Damon. I did love the setting of Vancouver Canada and the author knows her way around a court house. I would recommend this book as it was a good read from a debut author. I look forward to reading more in the future from Beverly McLachlin as I believe her books will keep getting better. 

I give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5. 

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. *~

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Vice Sins #1 by Rosanna Leo ~ Book Release

Title: VICE

Series: Vegas Sins #1

Author: Rosanna Leo

Genre: Hot Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Crave Publishing

Release Date: September 19, 2017

Casinos, gambling, money, and women, these are all the things Las Vegas has to offer. For a handsome business entrepreneur it’s paradise.

Wearing success like a well-tailored suit, Liam Doyle knows exactly how to lure customers into his grand casino hotels. Every night it’s business as usual while he runs his multi-million dollar empire…until a pesky protester catches his attention.

Staging a one-woman protest, Kate Callender has the potential to be a huge pain in his ass. If he doesn’t take care of her soon, there will be bad publicity slapped all over Vice, the newest addition to his chain of casinos.

But there’s just one tiny little problem Liam didn’t count on—the feisty red-head isn’t about to go down easily. She’s fighting him every step of the way…and he’s starting to like it.

“You,” she said on a breath. “Me.” His enticing blue eyes traveled up and down the length of her, one eyebrow raised in frank admiration. “You obviously didn’t do your homework.” Outrage surged through her system. “Why didn’t you tell me who you were yesterday? Why did you let me embarrass myself like that?” The smirk disappeared, to be replaced by a mild expression of boredom. “There’s no need to be embarrassed. I always try to size up the competition.” Doyle walked toward her, his large hand extended. The light in his eyes now hinted not so much at merriment as it did danger. She caught a whiff of her favorite men’s cologne by Michael Kors. She’d bought it for an old boyfriend once, but it smelled way better on Liam, as if it were an extension of his persona. His entire ensemble, designer suit, pressed pants, and navy blue paisley tie, reeked of power and privilege that drew her like a moth to a flame. Damn, she’d always been a sucker for a man in a good suit. Get a hold of yourself, Kate. He’s hot, but so is the Devil. He kept his hand out. “Please allow me to introduce myself properly. I’m Liam Doyle.” His gaze drifted toward her neckline and back up again. “I think you’ve heard of me.” Wishing she didn’t have to, she took his hand. Electricity shot through her and that damned perspiration appeared on her upper lip again. His grip was that of a man who took what he wanted, when he wanted. She held her head high. “Kate Callender.” He held her hand for a moment, his gaze locked on hers. He then gestured toward the counter, where a teak tray was laden with biscuits and what smelled like expensive coffee. No Folgers crystals for this guy. “Coffee?” “No, thank you.” “Tea?” “No.” “So we’re done with the niceties, then?” “I didn’t come here for niceties.” “Then you’ve come to the right place.” Liam sat on one of the couches, motioning for her to do the same. She continued to stand. Something in his wolf-like gaze hardened even further. “Ms. Callender, why are you picketing my casino?” His direct question set her even more on edge. She cleared her throat. “I have a right to protest what I see as wrong.” His grim smile might have made a grown man sweat, but she didn’t look away. “Let me put this another way. Las Vegas is home to numerous casinos. Why mine?” “If I’m trying to make a point, it only stands to reason I’d pick the most popular casino. I suppose I should congratulate you. Only open for two days, and Vice is already a hit. You must be so proud.” “Yes. Despite having my grand opening spoiled.” “Oh.” She inclined her head in mock sympathy. “I’m so not sorry.” He peered at her, narrowing his eyes. “Are you a Bible-thumper?” “No.” “Campaigning politician? Despite her unease, she laughed. “Do I look like Hilary Clinton?” He looked her up and down, as if her vocation were scrawled somewhere on her and he simply needed to find it. “Aspiring actress? This is probably a publicity stunt to get you viral on YouTube? Trying to get an audition here as a showgirl? Sorry, I don’t use them. The whole concept is dated and demeaning to my female clientele.” Okay, he got some points for that statement. “I’m not a dancer. I’m a singer.” It was his turn to laugh. Despite the bitter tone, his deep timber called to her. “Same difference.” He stood. “I’m not auditioning you, Ms. Callender, as fun as it would be to get you on the casting couch.” And there he lost those points again. “Have a nice day.” “Wait! I’m not trying to get an audition. You need to listen to me.” In a nervous reaction, she fingered the pearl choker at her neck, the one thing she had left of her mother. The one thing her father hadn’t pawned. Doyle turned back to her, one brow raised. “No, I don’t.” He eyed how she gripped her choker. “So you can take your fake pearl necklace and your sneakers and your attitude and go home.” Her attitude? “No. You let me up here. I’m not leaving until you hear me out.” She let go of the choker and let her hands fall to her sides. “And my pearls aren’t fake.” “Why are you here, Ms. Callender? Did you lose money at one of my casinos on your last night out with the girls?” She didn’t want to dignify that with a response, but a smug statement like that couldn’t go unchallenged. “I’m not a gambler.” He leaned against the armrest of the cushy couch and surveyed her through hooded eyes. “Ah, and now we come to the crux of the matter. So, you’re a do-gooder. Let me guess. Gam-Anon?” “New Horizons.” “Never heard of them.” “That doesn’t mean we don’t exist. And unfortunately, there are lots of us. Far too many. What does that tell you, Mr. Doyle?” Liam’s lips twitched into a smile that appeared slightly more friendly than his poker face, as if he enjoyed their banter. He loosened his tie, but his focused gaze continued to grate on her nerves. She stared at the strip of indigo silk at his throat, and was struck by a bizarre and unbidden image. Her, on his bed. Her hands bound with his expensive tie. The strange pounding in her head must have been her racing heart. Where did that come from? Focus, Kate, focus. “I’m not just here because it’s something I believe in. I’m here because my group gets bigger every goddamn week,” she said, concentrating on the task at hand, rather than Liam Doyle’s bed. Lisa’s sad face appeared in her mind, as well as those of her children, the ones who’d spent the last two nights crying for their daddy. Kate blinked away the tears which threatened and aimed her burning gaze at Doyle. “I don’t respect your work, Mr. Doyle. And I don’t respect you.” From the furrow of his brow, Kate thought she’d struck a nerve. His tanned skin seemed paler. After a moment, he said, “So you’re trying to take down my casino with a one-woman picket line? No offense, but I’ve seen better protests at a garage sale.” “I’m trying to create awareness.” Kate stood, having already had enough of their uncomfortable conversation. “I’m not a fool. My intention is not to shut down Las Vegas, or your casino. That’ll never happen. But if I can make a small dent in the wallet of the Strip’s wealthiest hustler during his opening week, then maybe people will take notice. Have you never thought about the addictions riding your customers? Have you ever spent time chatting with the compulsive gamblers downstairs? Because I bet you’d hear a lot of stories. And believe me, the worst ones are the ones they don’t tell.” She paused for breath. “My friend’s husband is probably down there right now, feeding your slot machines instead of his kids.” “Hold on. Don’t pin that on me.” “Oh? Who do I pin it on?” “Look, if you want a donation, I already make plenty. Believe me, I make regular donations to people like Gam-Anon. You know, legitimate charities.” “I’m not here for money, but clearly you are.” The words spilled out of her, kick-started by adrenaline. “You’re a wealthy man. Did you have to open casinos? Were they such a passion for you? Couldn’t you have opened, I don’t know, a supermarket chain instead? Or was that not sexy enough for the great Liam Doyle?” His lips compressed. Had her comment hit home? Good. “You have no right…” “I have every right.” Her face was burning now. “If I can save even a few lost souls from places like this, then I’ll sleep a whole lot easier.” She had to get out before she started crying. She wanted to leave with her head held high. Leave him thinking. She turned and headed for the elevator, but he grabbed her hand before she could get away. “Wait.” Kate yanked her hand out of his grip. “How do you even sleep, Mr. Doyle?” His eyes bored into her. “Like a rock. But that crown of thorns must keep you up at night.” She tried to appear like she was still in control, but that had hurt. “You just keep telling yourself that.” Kate marched to the elevator and punched the button. As the door opened, she threw a look back at him. “By the way, I will be back. I’ll show you how many lives have been devastated by your casinos.” She walked into the lift, even though she felt like running. She didn’t look back. Liam called out to her. “Watch your step, Ms. Callender. I don’t forgive and forget.” She channeled her last ounce of bravado before the doors shut. “You really should see someone for that. I hear being an asshole can be terminal.” Once the elevator began its descent, Kate leaned against the back of the small space and closed her eyes, winded by her hostile exchange with Doyle. She didn’t open them again until the door opened.

Rosanna Leo is a multi-published romance author. Winner of the Reader’s Choice 2015 in Paranormal Romance at The Romance Reviews, Rosanna draws on her love of mythology for her books on Greek gods, selkies and shape shifters.

From Toronto, Canada, Rosanna occupies a house in the suburbs with her long-suffering husband, their two hungry sons and a tabby cat named Sweetie. When not writing, she can be found haunting dusty library stacks or planning her next star-crossed love affair.

A library employee by day, she is honored to be a member of the league of naughty librarians who also happen to write romance.

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Kay's Lucky Coin Variety by Ann Y. K. Choi ~ Book Review

Book Description:

A bittersweet coming-of-age debut novel set in the Korean community in Toronto in the 1980s.

This haunting coming-of-age story, told through the eyes of a rebellious young girl, vividly captures the struggles of families caught between two cultures in the 1980s. Family secrets, a lost sister, forbidden loves, domestic assaults—Mary discovers as she grows up that life is much more complicated than she had ever imagined. Her secret passion for her English teacher is filled with problems and with the arrival of a promising Korean suitor, Joon-Ho, events escalate in ways that she could never have imagined, catching the entire family in a web of deceit and violence.

A unique and imaginative debut novel, Kay’s Lucky Coin Variety evocatively portrays the life of a young Korean Canadian girl who will not give up on her dreams or her family.

Purchase a copy through Simon & Schuster Canada. 

About the Author:

Originally from Chung-Ju, South Korea, Ann Y.K. Choi immigrated to Canada in 1975. She attended the University of Toronto where she studied English, Sociology, and Education. Ann has also graduated from the Humber School for Writers, the Creative Writing Certificate Program at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, and is completing her MFA in Creative Writing at National University in San Diego, California. In 2012, she received the Marina Nemat Award. 

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | 

Review:

This is a coming-of-age story of a South Korea girl living with her family in Toronto, Ontario Canada, set in the 1980's. Her parents moved the family to Canada to make a better for their two children, working hard day and night in a family run convenient store. Mary who is the main character is having a hard time fitting into school and finding her place in the new world. She has a multi-cultural group of friends who all seem to be in the same situation. Mary's mother wants her to marry a good Korean boy and so she has been set up with one who holds a bunch of secrets that Mary unfolds.

This was written well for a debut novel, moving the story along at a steady pace, having the reader wonder how Mary will deal with the problems that she is faced with and will she achieve her goals in the end. Mary grows immensely throughout this novel and it is a great journey to be on with her. I felt like I could empathizes with Mary and feel her emotions as she overcame some very real situations. The story and characters were very well developed bringing us along on their journey in life. I also liked reading this novel as I got a glimpse into another culture and some of their beliefs and traditions.

I look forward to reading more from Ann Y. K. Choi. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.


~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*~

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The Rubber Fence by Diana Stevan ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

It's 1972. Women are breaking out, families are breaking down, and men are trying to hold on for the ride.

Dr. Joanna Bereza is a psychiatric intern, who wants to have it all: a career, a loving marriage, and a family, but her passion to do what's right sets her against a system that's as stuck as the people it treats.

Joanna becomes obsessed with the treatment of two women―a mute young mother suspected of trying to kill her baby and a feisty old woman who's been through the mill one too many times. Blinded by her obsession, Joanna not only neglects her own husband, but in trying to stop her patients from getting shock treatment, she also puts her career in jeopardy. Further complicating matters is the seductive senior resident who looks more like a hip rock star than an aspiring shrink.

Shadowing Joanna's work is her own unresolved grief over something that happened when she was a child.

The Rubber Fence was inspired by the author's experience as a family therapist on a psychiatric ward.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:  

Diana Stevan is from Winnipeg, where she got her Bachelor's degree in Home Economics and a Master of Social Work with honours.

Having worked as a professional actress, model, family therapist and CBC television sports broadcaster, she uses her experience to weave her stories.

Her time-slip novel, a romantic mystery/adventure, A CRY FROM THE DEEP, was published on October 15, 2014.

On March 15, 2015, she published her novelette, THE BLUE NIGHTGOWN, a story about family life in the 1950s and coming of age.

Her second novel, THE RUBBER FENCE, inspired by her work on a psychiatric ward in 1972, is now out as both a paperback and e-book. 

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | 

Review:

I really enjoy reading medical fiction, either mental or physical health. I believe this is likely because I work in the health care field and also since I am very fascinated by how our bodies and brain works. I have heard stories from institutions from the 1950-70's and realize they had some different approaches then what is more modern day. They still use electric shock treatment in some treatment centres, I am sure it is different from when they first introduced it.

Joanna is a young intern with new ideas, more hands on, less medication type approach. The Dr's where she is interning are more about pharmaceuticals and ECT. Following Joanna's troubles at home and finding her place in her career this made for an interesting novel set in the 1970's. I found the story is written in a steady pace, it starts out a little slow but then gets going. I found it hard to put down, from one thing to the next poor Joanna has her struggles. This is a novel of life lessons and struggles, relationship problems and learning to communicate with one another. It is set in the '70's when women were still newer to the work force especially as Dr's. The author did a fantastic job bringing the reader into the story and emotional journey. I look forward to reading more by Diana Stevan.

I give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5, a great literary fiction.


~*Disclaimer: I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday with Dylan Callens

Please welcome Dylan Callens to Genuine Jenn this week on Author Spotlight Saturday! Dylan is the Canadian author of Operation Cosmic Teapot.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why/what inspired you to write? When did you start writing?

I’m Dylan Callens. I currently teach media and English at a high school in Sudbury, Ontario. I’ve always had an interest in media, particularly writing. When I was in grade four, I started writing little books for my classmates. I knew at that point that I wanted to make books but it took me a long, long time to finally do it. I only wrote my first book at the tender age of forty.

What was your inspiration for Operation Cosmic Teapot?

There were a lot of things that inspired me to tell this story. The most significant was Nietzsche himself, who had a rough life that sets off my story. I was teaching Nietzsche’s madman parable when the storyline for Operation Cosmic Teapot hit me. It took a long time for me to develop the entire story from there, but that was the critical moment.

What three words would you use to best describe Operation Cosmic Teapot?

Bold. Different. Thoughtful.

Can you tell us if you’re working on anything else at the moment?

I am currently working on something called The Julian Calendar. It features Julius Caesar as a bumbling time-traveling action hero. It should be a fun romp. I’m just finishing the outline now. I think the first section will be released in a few weeks for free.

What was your very first book that you wrote?

Operation Cosmic Teapot is my first effort. It has taken me nearly six years to complete. In truth, a lot of that has to do with procrastination, though.

Other than your own, what are your favourite books?

My absolute favourite is Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace. It’s an absolute masterpiece. Second is The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie, for the same reason. I’d have to put Nineteen Eighty-Four on that list as well.

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

Not usually, but while writing parts of this novel I listened to Led Zeppelin. The only reason, though, is because one character, Loki, found the ability to conjure up Led Zeppelin songs. I chuckle just thinking about it.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

Nietzsche is my favorite character. I feel bad for him. I identify with what he’s trying to do, even if I don’t agree with his methods. In researching his life, I really felt that he deserved better.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

I think that there are little things that friends do that have wormed their way into the work, but I am not consciously doing that. The characters in Operation Cosmic Teapot are based on historical people and mythology, so I tried to imagine what those people were like. In the planning phase, all the characters seemed to speak out to me. Even minor characters, like the Heaven Inc. board of directors, came to me with set personalities.

What’s your favorite treat?

Any smoothie from Booster Juice. We don’t have one in Sudbury; when I go to southern Ontario it’s always a must.

What’s your Favorite place to read/write?

I have a spot on my couch in the basement. It has become very disfigured from my butt and back. I can’t imagine writing anywhere else.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

On my own tropical island. I need to get out of the cold north!

For more information, Dylan can be contacted at:

Email | Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter |
 

Operation Cosmic Teapot is available for Kindle and in Paperback on Amazon.

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Author Spotlight Saturday Part 1 ~ Kate James & Elizabeth Heiter

Please welcome Kate James and Elizabeth Heiter to Genuine Jenn this week! The ladies had a blast so be prepared for some fun! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules to chat with us!

Thank you for hosting us on your blog, Jennifer. It’s a great pleasure for us to be here!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why/what inspired you to write? When did you start writing?

Kate: Writing is a second career for me. If you’ve read my bio, you’ll know that I had a business career before I decided to focus on writing. I first thought about writing when I was in university. I got caught up in my professional life, and my first attempt at writing a novel, a half-finished manuscript, is tucked away in a storage box somewhere in our basement.

In 2010 my husband and I were on vacation in the Caribbean. On a whim I wrote a short story and entered it in a contest. My story placed 52nd, which doesn’t sound like a significant accomplishment unless you consider that there were over 12,500 entries across all genres. My husband knew I had always wanted to write, and seeing how much I had enjoyed writing that story, he gifted me a personal laptop for writing for my birthday that year. I had thought that I didn’t need another laptop, as I had a perfectly good one (for work) already, but it made a huge difference. That was when I started writing my debut novel, Silver Linings!

Elizabeth: I’ve always known I wanted to write – and specifically, that I wanted to write mystery/suspense novels. Even as a kid, I was scribbling in notebooks the beginnings of what were intended to be full-length novels. I didn’t finish one until high school, when I co-wrote my first young adult novel, with the friend who’s my critique partner to this day.

I was inspired to write my current psychological suspense series, The Profiler books, after I read a biography by a former FBI profiler. I was fascinated by the idea of a character who would go to a crime scene (or look at a case file) and instead of taking the usual investigative route, would look at the behavioral evidence and the psychology of the perpetrator to find that person. From that, dedicated FBI profiler Evelyn Baine, driven by her tragic past to be one of the best in the Behavioral Analysis Unit, was born!

Kate: Elizabeth and I are fortunate to work with one of the best editors in the business, Paula Eykelhof. I’m thrilled to have met Elizabeth through Paula nearly two years ago.

What was your inspiration for writing books about law enforcement?

Elizabeth: I’ve always been fascinated and awed by the jobs that law enforcement officers do. It’s a natural fit for a suspense series, because then you have a reason to throw investigations at them book after book! I picked the FBI because I wanted a character who would work at the federal level, and who I could send all over the country (or world) if I wanted. And as I had the chance to meet former and current federal agents, it only strengthened my desire to write about these fascinating people who choose to put their lives on the line to protect others.

Kate: I have tremendous respect and appreciation for law enforcement personnel who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe, and I love all animals, with a particular fondness for dogs. In that context, the K-9 trilogy was a natural outcome for me.

I have to admit, having a lot of fun doing the research was a great motivator, too. I know Elizabeth can relate to that comment!

PC Hilton of York Regional Police in Ontario is a K-9 officer and trainer, and is partnered with explosives detection dog Max. PC Hilton was extremely generous with his time, knowledge and expertise, and I loved meeting Max.

Max has his own police badge and “business cards!”

PC Hilton also gave me some “light” reading material! Elizabeth: I totally agree! The research is one of my favorite parts! Before I started my Profiler series, I read a ton of books on the FBI, profiling and serial criminals. And with each new book, I tend to find things that interest me to work the plot around, so I can do more research!

The lounge area at the FBI Academy at Quantico. The green vests belong to regular Special Agents and the blue ones are for HRT (the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team). I loved visiting Quantico and it gave me so much knowledge for the books!

Me at the range at Quantico; FBI weapons specialists taught us how to fire various weaponry used by Special Agents (including tactical agents) in the field. (When I chose to wear heels that morning, I was unaware they were going to let us shoot!)

Elizabeth, what three words would you use to best describe Kate’s When Love Matters Most?

Elizabeth: Rather than me coming up with the words, I borrowed them from a review by RT Book Reviews: action, tension and romance.

Kate, what three words would you use to best describe Elizabeth’s Seized?

Kate: Ripped-from-the-headlines (to cheat a little and make that one word!), intense, and suspenseful.

Can you tell us if you’re working on anything else at the moment?

Kate: My next release will be the third book in my K-9 trilogy. The working title is When I Found You, and it’s scheduled for release on July 1st. It’s the story of K-9 Unit captain Logan O’Connor and San Diego International Airport chief of security, Ariana Atkins. Here’s a teaser:

Is she part of the solution . . . or the problem?

Security breaches at San Diego’s international airport are putting passengers at risk, and bringing the competence of the airport’s chief of security, Ariana Atkins, into question. With explosives being the weapon of choice, Police K-9 unit captain Logan O’Connor and his bomb detection dog, Boomer, might be the airport’s best line of defense. But is the airport targeted or does the perpetrator have another motive? And when it comes right down to it, can Ariana trust Logan with her life . . . and her love?

Elizabeth: I’m about to get revisions on my fourth Profiler book, STALKED, which continues to follow FBI profiler Evelyn Baine and Hostage Rescue Team agent Kyle “Mac” McKenzie. A little hint of what’s up next for Evelyn:

The secrets we keep can be deadly…

When a teenager goes missing, leaving behind a note that foretells her own death, FBI profiler Evelyn Baine is put on the case. The suspects are numerous: the girl’s estranged parents, her too-smooth older boyfriend…even a possible human trafficking ring out of a nearby college campus. But the closer Evelyn gets to the truth, the harder someone works to make sure his secrets stay buried…even if it means he has to bury Evelyn, too.

What was your very first book that you wrote?

Elizabeth: The first book I finished was a young-adult action-adventure story written in high school by me and my friend and critique partner, Robbie Terman. Robbie writes contemporary romance now, but back then, we worked together to create a story that was part Hardy Boys, part Indiana Jones, and a whole lot of action!

Kate: Other than the partial manuscript I mentioned above, my first book was Silver Linings. It was published by a small Canadian publisher. I was thrilled when it was bestowed first place honors by readers in both contests I had entered with it.

Other than your own, what are your favourite books?

Kate: Elizabeth’s!

Elizabeth: Aw, thank you! I have to admit, Kate’s books are some of my favorites, as well. I read a lot of suspense and romantic suspense, and Kate manages to blend the mystery with not just a strong romance, but also a whole lot of heart.

When you are writing do you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

Elizabeth: I do. I tend to put my entire list on shuffle (about 3,000 songs!). I like to start with something that has a strong, fast beat to get me moving and then once I get into the story, I tune it out and just run with the words!

Kate: If my husband is home, he always has music playing. If I’m on my own, I prefer quiet . . . other than the soft snoring of our dogs, of course!

Elizabeth: I’ve got a little bird chorus in the background myself! (I have a parrot and two lovebirds, and people sometimes tell me over the phone that it sounds like I’m working in the Amazon!)

Kate: In the spring and summer, I love to hear the birds chirping outside! It’s not quite the same, but I find it happy and soothing!

Who is your favorite character in your books?

Kate: I’m not sure I have a favorite. Wouldn’t that be like picking a favorite child? I can say that reader reaction has been very favorable to Rick Vasquez from When Love Matters Most. Here’s a quote from a recent review:

“I really fell in love with Rick. He turned the heartbreaking start to his life into something beautiful. Rick is a strong protector. His choices are influenced by his own past and it leads him to be compassionate and make a difference in the lives of those who really need him.” 

Oh, wait! I do have an answer. To avoid favoritism amongst my own characters, can I pick Kyle (Mac) McKenzie from Elizabeth’s The Profiler series?

Elizabeth: Thanks again, Kate! I have to say, I adore writing Mac! He’s completely focused when it comes to his job (the HRT’s motto is servare vitas – Latin for “to save lives”), but in his personal life, he’s easygoing and quick to joke. When he first met Evelyn, she looked so serious and stern that he couldn’t help going over and teasing her. Very quickly, the joke was on him, because he fell fast and for all of Evelyn’s skills getting into the heads of serial killers, when it comes to social cues, she has no clue. But as the series progressed, she started to take an interest in return, and I love the way they balance each other!

We have been having so much fun, we decided to break this into two. Come back tomorrow to read more from Kate and Elizabeth!
 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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