DEADLY CONTACT Harlequin Romantic Suspense October 23rd
It's a race against time—and a fatal outbreak—in this thriller of a debut!
In one passionate night Special Agent James Reynolds and scientist Kelly Jarvis went from friends to lovers. Then Kelly walked away with only an apology. Now James is charged with solving a bioterrorist attack—and Dr. Jarvis works at the suspected lab.
Is Kelly an accomplice or a victim? Just what are her secrets that drove her from James's bed? Soon one thing becomes clear: The ghosts of her past have nothing on the terrorists targeting her and Washington, D.C. Another threat bathes the city in red alert, and now there are lives at stake, in addition to hearts….
"FBI agent James Reynolds is attracted to his good friend, postdoctoral fellow Dr. Kelly Jarvis, but he’s reluctant to take it to the next level. Kelly is equally attracted to James, but she walks away from him after a heated night of passion, not trusting that a romantic relationship could work between them. James visits Kelly months later, as he needs her help to solve a case. The stakes are high and the tension between them is thick as they struggle with their attraction to each other. In her debut novel, Lacombe gives us genuine, down-to-earth characters and an intriguing, well-developed plot. The romance, science and suspense make this story quite engaging."
Don’t forget to FOLLOW us onTwitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us onFacebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join me tomorrow when Roxanne St. Clair visits for the weekend. ~Angi
It's a race against time—and a fatal outbreak—in this thriller of a debut!
In one passionate night Special Agent James Reynolds and scientist Kelly Jarvis went from friends to lovers. Then Kelly walked away with only an apology. Now James is charged with solving a bioterrorist attack—and Dr. Jarvis works at the suspected lab.
Is Kelly an accomplice or a victim? Just what are her secrets that drove her from James's bed? Soon one thing becomes clear: The ghosts of her past have nothing on the terrorists targeting her and Washington, D.C. Another threat bathes the city in red alert, and now there are lives at stake, in addition to hearts….
I’m a life-long nerd, and I’ve always been
interested in science. I discovered
romance novels in graduate school, and quickly figured out that writing
happily-ever-afters was a lot more fun than late nights in the lab. Now, I combine my two loves by writing
romantic suspense with a science twist—it’s the best of both worlds!
ALL ABOUT LARA
ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?
LARA:As often as possible! I love to read, and am always in the middle
of a book or two. I read every night
before I go to bed, no matter how late it is or how tired I am.
ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
LARA:Keep in mind that I’m a nerd, okay? My first book was called The Value of
Believing In Yourself, and it was about the scientist Louis Pasteur. It told the story of how Pasteur developed a
vaccine for rabies, a fatal disease. I
read it over and over again, and I think it may have had something to do with
my choice of career… J
ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?
LARA:That’s a tough one! Aside from ‘love’ I like ‘adore’, or ‘my
heart’. I do wish that English had more
words to express love, like the Eskimos do for snow.
ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?
LARA:I love the sound of running water, and the sound of my cats purring.
ANGI: Can you tell us about a real-life hero you’ve
met?
LARA:I have several good friends in the military, and
I’ve always considered them to be heroes (and heroines)! What really stands out to me is that if you
told them they are heroes, they would deny it—they think they’re just doing
their job. It’s not false modesty on
their part, but a real sense of honor they have that leads them to downplay
their actions and contributions. It’s
quite inspiring.
ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
LARA:Does The Princess Bride count? It’s such a great story, and it has a happy
ending!
ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?
LARA:Probably Pinky and the Brain, but I was also a big
fan of Daria when growing up—anyone remember that show? And of course, the long-suffering Lisa
Simpson. I guess I can’t pick just one!
ANGI: What do you like about the hero of your book?
LARA:James has a very strong code of ethics and honor
that drives him. He puts aside his own
personal feelings for the greater good, and he’s determined to do the right
thing, even at the expense of his own safety.
ANGI: Is there a playlist you’d recommend for reading
your latest release?
LARA:This is a tough question, because I don’t listen
to music while I write.
ANGI: What’s your favorite movie of all time?
LARA:Hmm… Should I be serious, and confess my love for a classic like Gone With the Wind? Or should I admit my love for ridiculous comedies, like The Hangover or Young Frankenstein? And let’s not forget Lonesome Dove, or The Godfather. I can quote a scary number of movies…
ANGI: Where do you read and how often?
LARA:I read every day, usually in bed. I’ll also use my phone to read if there’s a
lull in my day (like if I’m at the DMV, or giving an exam in my class).
ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?
LARA:How about a bit of both?
ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?
LARA:I remember writing a story about catching
fireflies when I was in elementary school.
It wasn’t very long—I guess it would be considered Flash Fiction by
today’s standards! J
ANGI: Who’s your favorite villain?
LARA:Captain Hook!
Peter Pan is one of my favorite books.
ANGI: What is your biggest vice?
LARA:I love Coca Cola—on a hot day, is there anything
better than an ice cold Coke? I think
not. I’m also a huge fan of Taco Casa, a
regional fast food restaurant. Not the
healthiest of vices, but if they were good for me, they wouldn’t be vices!
ANGI: Is there a “Blooper” in your story (it may have
been changed before printing)?
LARA:Fortunately, I can’t think of anything!
ANGI: How is it working with hot guys and sexy women
all day?
LARA:Pretty awesome J
ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: I love having my chaptermates
here at GLIAS. I know so many "gotta ask" things (evil grin), but
keeping it about the book… What's your
favorite thing about your scientific background that you included in your first
release?
LARA'S GOTTA ANSWER:I tried not to make things too technical, because
I didn’t want readers to get bored. I
had to include some details though, and there are a few scenes where the
science stands out—when Kelly is interrogated by the FBI, and when she and
James have dinner together after her interview.
As a microbiologist, I can tell you everything she says is true!
I’m
excited to report that I just sold two additional books to Harlequin Romantic
Suspense! Book 2 will be released in
August 2014, and Book 3 will have a late 2014 release date. I’ll post the details on my blog as things
take shape.
Hello everyone! It's almost November. Do you know what that means? I'll turn another year older, AND my third book from Bell Bridge Books becomes available.
BETRAYED was my first chance to delve into emotions I've never personally experienced. I've never known what it's like to suffer one of the cruelest emotions of the human condition. To trust another completely and have that individual or individuals conspire against you -- to be BETRAYED.
I have a bit more understanding thanks to my protagonist Irene Turner. Irene is vulnerable, yet tough as nails. She's also someone I'd be proud to call friend. I'm still writing around the theme TOO CLOSE TO HOME, and the places I've lived. Where THE PAST CAME HUNTING takes place in Colorado Springs, DEADLY RECALL in Albuquerque, I place BETRAYED in Denver, Colorado.
I hope you'll join me as I introduce a new cast of characters in this single-title Suspense as they fight to earn their well-deserved happily-ever-afters.
About BETRAYED:
When Oklahoma City resident, Irene Turner learns the incomprehensible, that the stillborn baby she delivered 28-years earlier is alive, she takes the evidence to where her daughter now lives—Denver Colorado.
Detective Nate Paxton can’t believe what Irene’s evidence shows him. Kinsey Masters, a world-class athlete, raised by a prominent Denver family, an unattainable woman he’s known and loved for years, was stolen at birth.
Irene Turner, Nate Paxton, and Kinsey Masters are united in a sordid conspiracy. But, it’s who the conspirators turn out to be that will leave the trio shaken and in disbelief. Irene’s foundation of trust will be ripped from its core, as kidnapping, murder, and a thirst for revenge lead her to learn she’s been betrayed.
November 18th can't get here soon enough for me, and I'm pleased to announce that Bell Bridge has made the story available for preorders.
Today one commenter will be entered to win an e-book copy of BETRAYED upon its release, and their choice of my backlist, Deadly Recall, a 2014 Epic finalist in the suspense/thriller category, or my debut book, The Past Came Hunting.
Questions for Readers:I like to write about the places I've lived. What is the most interesting place you've ever visited or lived, and do you prefer books to be set in fictitious or actual places?
Note: COMMENTERS are encouraged to leave a contact email address to speed the prize notification process. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.
Don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes
A Bravo
princess always gets her man–and she'll settle for nothing less than true love
in the newest addition to USA TODAY bestselling author
Christine Rimmer's popular miniseries, The Bravo Royales!
Alice Bravo-Calabretti was expected to conduct
herself like a proper princess. No more impulsive jaunts to neighboring
countries. No more tabloid escapades. But the hot new stable hand was a scandal
waiting to happen. His bold blue eyes and come-hither smile could tempt a Bravo
Royale to misbehave. Until Alice discovered her "penniless groom" was
an American tycoon looking for a princess bride!
Alice was everything Noah Cordell wanted in a
wife. But his royal heartthrob refused to say "I do" until he gave up
his most carefully guarded secret. And she wouldn't settle for anything less
than everything he had to give. Only then could they share a true meeting of
minds and hearts—Bravo-Cordell style!
A playboy prince is roped into giving love
lessons to a young, innocent woman–only to find himself falling for his eager
pupil, in USA TODAY bestselling author Christine Rimmer's
newest addition to her Bravo Royales miniseries…
Up till now, Lucy Cordell has led a pretty
sheltered life—but she's ready to burst out of her shell. Still, she has
absolutely zero experience with men—so she needs help. Someone to help her shed
the cloak that seems to scream "Virgin!" every time she gets within
five miles of an eligible guy. Who better than the dashing Player Prince,
Damien of Montedoro? He's always come to her rescue before….
True—but Dami only agrees to school Lucy in the
fine art of seduction because he's afraid of who she'll ask if he says no!
Besides, she needs protection from all the wolves out there. Still, when it
comes to Lucy's sweet lit-from-within beauty, Damien has to wonder…who is going
to protect him?
CHRISTINE RIMMER has
written more than eighty contemporary romances for Harlequin Books. A
reader favorite, Christine’s stories consistently appear on national bestseller
lists, including the USA TODAY and BOOKSCAN lists. She
has won Romantic Times BOOK review’s Reviewer’s Choice Award
for best Silhouette Special Edition. She has been nominated five times for
the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award and
four times for Romantic Times Series Storyteller of the Year.
A
California native who first longed to be an actress, Christine earned her
theater degree from California State, Sacramento and then went to New York to
study acting. Later, she moved to Southern California, where she began
her writing career with short stories, plays, and poems. Her poems and short
stories were published in a number of small literary journals. Her plays were
produced at The Back Alley and Group Theaters in Southern California and have
been published by Dramatists Play Service and West Coast Plays.
Christine
lives in Oregon with her family.
ALL ABOUT CHRISTINE
ANGI: How often to you get lost in a story?
CHRISTINE:My own? Five days a week, eight hours a day. It’s a full time job and one I adore. I wouldn’t switch places with anyone—not even
Channing Tatum’s wife. As a reader? At least a couple of hours a day. I love to get lost in other people’s stories. It’s one of the great joys of my life.
ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?
CHRISTINE:I think Merida, in BRAVE. Loved the movie, loved the funny, determined, flawed and wonderful Merida with her amazing caterpillar-curly acres of red, red hair.
ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
CHRISTINE:Probably Fun With Dick and Jane when I was like three. “See Dick run.” That kind of thing. Even then, with all the three-word sentences,
I loved the idea that those symbols on a page created pictures and worlds
inside my head.
ANGI: What do you like about the hero of your book?
CHRISTINE:About Noah, the hero of HOW TO MARRY A PRINCESS: his boldness and his
pain. He hasn’t had it easy, but he
never gives up. About Damien in HOLIDAY
ROYALE? I love that he’s a really good
man—and doesn’t even realize that he is.
ANGI: What was the first story you remember writing?
CHRISTINE:It was called The Little Sun.
I was maybe four. It was
illustrated by yours truly for pasting on a felt board. It was an adventure story, I believe, but the
details escape me now….
ANGI: What is your biggest vice?
CHRISTINE:Oreos. Chocolate Crème
Oreos. Excuse me. I’ll be right back. (crunch, crunch, drool) There.
That’s much better.
ANGI: Is there a “Blooper” in your story (it may have
been changed before printing)?
CHRISTINE:I try so very hard to avoid bloopers.
I can’t think of any offhand in HOW TO MARRY A PRINCESS or HOLIDAY
ROYALE. My most memorable blooper was in
the second book in my long-running Bravo series. I mentioned that the heroine, Meggie, had a
favorite gelding. Then later I mentioned
how that gelding had sired a colt. I got
several letters on that one. And a few
reader friends still tease me about it to this day.
ANGI: How is it working with hot guys and sexy women
all day?
CHRISTINE:It is a very tough job and one I take seriously. Especially challenging is trolling the
internet for great pictures of amazing looking guys. So difficult.
But it has to be done so that I get the descriptions of all that hotness
just right….
ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: What is your favorite thing
about living in Oregon and have you been able to work it into one of your
books?
CHRISTINE'S GOTTA ANSWER: I love the beauty here. It’s just incredibly gorgeous. I’m in Portland and it’s this totally
charming city all wrapped up in mountains and trees with a couple of
spectacular rivers running through it. In spring, summer and early fall, I love
the wonderful farmers markets we have here.
I love the flowers—rhododendrons, roses and dahlias especially. They grow in lush abundance here. I also actually like a lot of cloudy, rainy
days in my year. Makes me feel
cozy. Makes me want to write. Years ago, when I lived in Oklahoma, I wrote
a series of books with buddies Susan Mallery and Christine Flynn called
Prescription: Marriage for Special Edition.
Those books were set in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I remember researching the setting and
thinking it would be a dream-come-true to live in Oregon. And now, over a decade later, here I am.
CHRISTINE is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to
one commenter. North
America Readers please leave your email.
Note: COMMENTERS are encouraged to leave a contact email address to speed
the prize notification process. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be
mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the
post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings
are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not
claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get
Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the
listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest
authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.
Don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Donnell will be back tomorrow with Lisa Scott. Please join me Wednesday when I help Lara Lacombe debut her DEADLY CONTACT! ~Angi
CHRISTINE WANTS TO
KNOW: Where do you live? What do you love about it? Do you enjoy stories set in your hometown?
Killed in Action –
the most dreaded words imaginable for a soldier’s wife. Jess Albert has been
living with them for four years, since the death of her husband in Afghanistan.
Finding blessed numbness in routine, she doesn’t dare to look ahead, any more
than she can bear to look back. Then Tyler Brown, a former special-ops warrior,
shows up at her small general store in Minnesota North Woods, jarring her back
to life. Jess knows better than to fall in love with another man who places
duty to his country before love of his wife- but there’s no denying the longing
and the hope for a future that Ty makes her feel.
A world away, a man ravaged by years of
captivity and torture, a man with no memories, finally escapes- clinging to
life and sanity in a hostile land. In his darkest hour, he awakes in a lantern-lit
cave to find a woman at his side. Dark-haired and dark-eyes, her touch is
caring, despite the resentment he hears in her voice and sees on her face.
Rabia is bound by honor to save the lost American soldier in her keeping, this
broken warrior from a war that has brought so much devastation to her land. But
is it honor igniting her compassion for her enemy, or is it something more?
While a Black Ops team plans a daring rescue
mission to bring the solider home, two women on opposite sides of the world walk
a dangerous path between betrayal and honor, and must find for themselves where
to draw the lines between duty and love.
CINDY GERARDhas won the RWA RITA Award for Best Romantic Suspense novel.
She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Black Ops. Inc. series, the
bestselling Bodyguards series, and more than thirty
contemporary romance novels. She lives in the Midwest with her husband.
ALL ABOUT CINDY
ANGI: What’s the first book you remember reading?
CINDY: Black Beauty. I was (and still
am) a lover of anything with four feet.
As a child I was enthralled by horses.
That might explain why we have three quarter horses, 2 cats, 1 dog and 3
aquariums full of tropical fish. Okay,
they don’t have feet but they do have personalities – don’t let anyone tell you
differently J
ANGI: What’s your favorite “love” word?
CINDY: Adore
ANGI: What’s your favorite fairy tale?
CINDY: Oddly enough the Three Little Pigs.
Not sure what that says about me :o(
ANGI: What’s your favorite cartoon character?
CINDY: The Road Runner ….. zzzooooooommmmmmm
ANGI: Where do you read and how often?
CINDY: In bed, often. When I travel, on
the beach
ANGI: What sound or noise do you love?
CINDY: Morning doves calling
ANGI: Who’s your favorite villain?
CINDY: Hannibal Lector
ANGI: What is your biggest vice?
CINDY: Playing on line scrabble when I should be writing
ANGI: Fairy Tale or Action Adventure?
CINDY: Romancing the Stone and RED
ANGI: RED IS AMAZING. I loved everything about it.
ANGI: How is it working with hot guys and sexy women
all day?
CINDY: Ya know, it can be a bit intimidating.
I mean, they are also so good at what they do and so quick with a quip
and so perfect in a love scene. It’s
humbling.
ANGI’S GOTTA ASK: I noticed on your website that
you've done something on my bucket list: hiking the Grand Canyon. Do you hike
much? Any favorite places to go? Or was the Grand Canyon a special event?
CINDY'S GOTTA ANSWER: I did hike the Grand Canyon and it was the most grueling, challenging,
painful AMAZING, EMPOWERING, INCREDIBLE thing I’ve ever done. It was a special event that a dear friend
talked me into doing. I’m so glad I did
because I lost her to cancer not long ago and I’ll always have that special
memory of her and how we conquered that canyon.
CINDY is giving away 4 e-copies of WHEN SOMEBODY LOVES YOU. North America Readers please be sure to leave your email address.
Note: COMMENTERS are encouraged to leave a contact email address to speed
the prize notification process. Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be
mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the
post. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings
are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not
claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get
Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the
listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest
authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.
Don’t forget to FOLLOW us on Twitter #GetLostStories or LIKE us on Facebook to keep up with all our guest authors and their prizes. Join me Monday when I host Christine Rimmer. ~Angi
CINDY WANTS TO KNOW:What is it about Romantic Suspense that draws you to the stories? Is it the action and adventure? The intrigue?
The characters? The Romance? Curious authors want to know.
DEADLY CONTACT
