Done with holiday stuff? In the mood for a gripping, real life, suspenseful romance? Then stop by and check out our guest for the day, Cindy Gerard, author of Killing Time (One Eyed Jacks #1)!
Lexi: So Cindy, when did you have the picture of you walking in your knee high boots, toting around your gun, taken? It sure makes a nice header on your web site visit here(will link), goes nicely with all the bullet holes.
Cindy: Hey. Thanks. Glad you like it and FINALLY somebody recognized that was ME in that photo. LOL Seriously, if I had legs like that I’d be strutting some runway instead of flattening out the seat of my desk chair :o)
Lexi: By night you are writer-extraordinaire, breathing life into strong alpha males with high ranking military or government jobs. You newest release, coming January 22th, is the first book in the One Eyed Jacks series. Did Mike “Primetown” Brown easily spring to life for you?
Cindy: OMG. So glad you asked. Mike first showed up in With No Remorse. All he was supposed to be was an extra player – a vehicle, so to speak – to help me showcase the other guys and help me with a logistical problem. I needed a pilot who wouldn’t be averse to the possibility of pushing the envelope when it came to international law. Up stepped Mike. And freaking blew me away. He was all flash and swagger and attitude and the biggest flirt since Johnny Duane Reed (WHISPER NO LIES). In short, he was irresistible and when he somehow managed to carve out a role for himself in LAST MAN STANDING I was already so in love I knew he was going to have his own book. So yeah, Mike was one of the easy ones. Easy on the eyes, easy to imagine, but difficult to figure out. He had a past. And you can bet that I uncovered it :o)
Lexi: The reviews coming in for Killing Time are singing your praises...or the praises of Mike. Even some drool worthy fan pics of your character have made appearances. Did you have a specific actor/model in mind when you wrote him?
Cindy: I know! And I’m so thrilled with the early reviews. Everyone seems to have a different idea of who this dream man should look like. Don’t laugh, but I sort of had Bradley Cooper in mind. Tall and gorgeous, excellent smile, and pretty buff if you’ve seen some of his pub photos. But you know what – whatever trips your trigger. If you want to think of someone else, it’s fine by me. :o)
You can't go wrong with Bradley Cooper....*sigh*
Lexi: Do you have a plan in mind for the One Eyed Jacks series? A certain number, or heros planned?
Cindy: What great hero doesn’t have a few sidekicks? So the answer is yes. In RUNNING BLIND you’ll meet Jamie – Hondo – Cooper and in TAKING FIRE Bobby – Boom Boom – Taggart struts his very buff stuff. Once great friends and team mates, then sworn enemies, now …. Well, I’ll let you find out what’s happening now. Also while I had initially planned just those 2 additional books in the One Eyed Jacks series. I’ve since been given the opportunity to write a 4th book, one that will come out next December (just in time for Christmas!!) that’s a bonus book in the series. I’m so excited about THE WAY HOME. It’s a homecoming story featuring Tyler Brown (Mike’s brother who we met in LAST MAN STANDING) and is a little different book than I usually write. Still romance, still suspense, still features our black ops warriors, but THE WAY HOME has a little something extra ... something that is leading me on a very special journey as I write it.
Cindy: Hey. Thanks. Glad you like it and FINALLY somebody recognized that was ME in that photo. LOL Seriously, if I had legs like that I’d be strutting some runway instead of flattening out the seat of my desk chair :o)
Lexi: By night you are writer-extraordinaire, breathing life into strong alpha males with high ranking military or government jobs. You newest release, coming January 22th, is the first book in the One Eyed Jacks series. Did Mike “Primetown” Brown easily spring to life for you?
Cindy: OMG. So glad you asked. Mike first showed up in With No Remorse. All he was supposed to be was an extra player – a vehicle, so to speak – to help me showcase the other guys and help me with a logistical problem. I needed a pilot who wouldn’t be averse to the possibility of pushing the envelope when it came to international law. Up stepped Mike. And freaking blew me away. He was all flash and swagger and attitude and the biggest flirt since Johnny Duane Reed (WHISPER NO LIES). In short, he was irresistible and when he somehow managed to carve out a role for himself in LAST MAN STANDING I was already so in love I knew he was going to have his own book. So yeah, Mike was one of the easy ones. Easy on the eyes, easy to imagine, but difficult to figure out. He had a past. And you can bet that I uncovered it :o)
Lexi: The reviews coming in for Killing Time are singing your praises...or the praises of Mike. Even some drool worthy fan pics of your character have made appearances. Did you have a specific actor/model in mind when you wrote him?
Cindy: I know! And I’m so thrilled with the early reviews. Everyone seems to have a different idea of who this dream man should look like. Don’t laugh, but I sort of had Bradley Cooper in mind. Tall and gorgeous, excellent smile, and pretty buff if you’ve seen some of his pub photos. But you know what – whatever trips your trigger. If you want to think of someone else, it’s fine by me. :o)
You can't go wrong with Bradley Cooper....*sigh*
Lexi: Do you have a plan in mind for the One Eyed Jacks series? A certain number, or heros planned?
Cindy: What great hero doesn’t have a few sidekicks? So the answer is yes. In RUNNING BLIND you’ll meet Jamie – Hondo – Cooper and in TAKING FIRE Bobby – Boom Boom – Taggart struts his very buff stuff. Once great friends and team mates, then sworn enemies, now …. Well, I’ll let you find out what’s happening now. Also while I had initially planned just those 2 additional books in the One Eyed Jacks series. I’ve since been given the opportunity to write a 4th book, one that will come out next December (just in time for Christmas!!) that’s a bonus book in the series. I’m so excited about THE WAY HOME. It’s a homecoming story featuring Tyler Brown (Mike’s brother who we met in LAST MAN STANDING) and is a little different book than I usually write. Still romance, still suspense, still features our black ops warriors, but THE WAY HOME has a little something extra ... something that is leading me on a very special journey as I write it.
Lexi: What a perfect time to have your book released. After the rush of holidays, life is getting back to routine, and what better way to spend a cold winter night than getting all heated up with a romantic suspense. Do you have an ideal way you like to spend your evenings, that is when you are not ensconced in your comfy cave?
Cindy: Well, I still love to read and when I can find the time, that’s what I enjoy most. But I’m also an avid TV buff – with so much good drama on these days, why fight it? I love NCIS, Justified, Criminal Minds, Homeland – to name a few. Of course I can’t miss some of the more fun shows. New Girl is my NEW favorite but I also love Modern Family and I’ve recently gotten hooked on Parenthood. Of course, there always seems to be a dog or a cat curled up beside me and I love that too.
Lexi: Well we appreciate you crawling out of your hideaway to visit with us today. Congrats on your (well received) release! Good luck with the new series!
Cindy: Thank you so much for having me and for giving me this opportunity to get the word out about KILLING TIME. It’s not right for a mom to have a favorite child and I feel the same goes for authors about their books but if I were forced at gunpoint to say what is the most favorite book of all I’ve written … I’d probably have to say KILLING TIME. Mike was just so … well, big sigh, he was just so much …..
Cindy: Well, I still love to read and when I can find the time, that’s what I enjoy most. But I’m also an avid TV buff – with so much good drama on these days, why fight it? I love NCIS, Justified, Criminal Minds, Homeland – to name a few. Of course I can’t miss some of the more fun shows. New Girl is my NEW favorite but I also love Modern Family and I’ve recently gotten hooked on Parenthood. Of course, there always seems to be a dog or a cat curled up beside me and I love that too.
Lexi: Well we appreciate you crawling out of your hideaway to visit with us today. Congrats on your (well received) release! Good luck with the new series!
Cindy: Thank you so much for having me and for giving me this opportunity to get the word out about KILLING TIME. It’s not right for a mom to have a favorite child and I feel the same goes for authors about their books but if I were forced at gunpoint to say what is the most favorite book of all I’ve written … I’d probably have to say KILLING TIME. Mike was just so … well, big sigh, he was just so much …..
Killing Time
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication date: January 22, 2013
An exciting new series featuring Mike "Primetown" Brown, a character from her popular
"Black Ops, Inc." series.
For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different--until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike's team--which included her husband--in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she's determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn't trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can't live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?
Purchase from: Amazon / B&N / Simon & Shuster
The only thing Cindy had in mind when she started writing her first book was finishing it. The issue of actually selling it came much later. Only after she made that life-altering first sale did she realize that one book would never be enough. Now, over 20 books and numerous awards later, Cindy laughingly admits that she can barely remember life before...well, was there life before writing?
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines." Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies! Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
~*GIVEAWAY*~
Cindy is giving away a signed paperback of LAST MAN STANDING to one winner at your tour stop. (US and Canada only) To enter leave Cindy a comment or question about sidekicks or minor characters stealing the show...love 'em, want 'em, can't stand 'em? Then fill out the Rafflecopter. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~*Tour-Wide Giveaway*~
There is also a Grand Prize drawing of a $25.00 Gift Card (Amazon or B&N) and an autographed copy of KILLING TIME for one lucky winner that follows the tour and leaves a comment at every stop.
To enter the Grand Prize drawing CLICK HERE!
For more chance to win, follow the tour!
KILLING TIME Blog Tour Schedule
1/14 - Books-n-Kisses
1/15 - Under the Covers
1/16 - Just Romantic Suspense
1/17 - United by Books
1/19 - - Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction
1/20 - Book Lovin Mamas
1/21 - The Reading Café
1/22 - Cocktails and Books
1/23 - Romancing the Book
1/24 - Ramblings From This Chick
1/25 - Sizzling Hot Books
1/26 - Bookworm 2 Bookworm (Review)
1/27 - Bookworm 2 Bookworm (Interview)
1/28 - All Things Books
1/29 - RR@H Novel Thoughts
1/30 - Romance Crush Junkies
1/31 - Pimpin' Reads
2/01 - The Book Nympho
I enjoy side characters when they are well written and add to the story and don't overtake the story.
ReplyDeleteKassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
From what I've see an the guys in the One Eyed Jacks are awesome! I can't wait to see more of them
ReplyDeleteI am falling in love with Cindys writing right now. Just started the boi series. Liking out very much. Gabriel....mmmm.....lisakhutson at cox. Net
ReplyDeleteI do like minor characters who steal the scenes... They are always more fun!
ReplyDeleteI love side characters. I fall in love with them along with the main ones. I really enjoy when we learn more and more as the series continue and when they finally get their own story!
ReplyDeleteLove them; and when authors write stories putting them in a main role, that's even better.
ReplyDeleteExamples:
JD Robb and Peabody, who has has had some stories revolving around her.
Also Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series with some of the Seven having their stories.
I´m International, so i´m only here for the Grand Prize.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday!
//Linda
fr_larsson at hotmail dot com
I do love it when sidekicks and other secondary characters steal the show and makes them memorable.
ReplyDeleteI do love sidekicks...they sometimes help with the story :)
ReplyDeleteI like to read books in a series because it is fun to see recurring characters. It is nice to have some background on a current hero/heroine from reading a little about them in a previous book.
ReplyDeleteCindy it's funny you mention Bradley Cooper being who you picture for Mike because I always had him in mind when picturing our BOI Luke. :) Really looking forward to this new series! Thanks for continuing to turn out such fantastic books.
ReplyDeletesidekicks add more depth to a story. all for it. thank you for sharing! :D
ReplyDeletejukyjoauka(at)aol(dot)com
I like well developed minor characters. I feel the book is well written when all the characters are developed & relatable (or not).
ReplyDeleteA story is not as good if supporting characters are very one dimensional.
Great post. Have a great weekend!
Cindy writes amazing books. I do enjoy sidekicks. They often add a lot to the story.
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
I love side kicks! Sometimes they provide the best humor! Love your books! Cant wait to read this one! Thanks!
ReplyDelete-Amber
thanks for the awesome post and giveaway! I love sidekicks! Sometimes they steal the show :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy it when the minor characters jump in and make themselves known. Then maybe I can look forward to their story in following books. I love series books, they really are my favorite. I can't wait to read this series.
ReplyDeleteSide kicks can surely be fun, interesting, helpful, they can make the story more interesting. They can make the hero jealous. They can save the day. But I don't like when they take over the story. No, cant say I do. Thanks for the fun blog hop.
ReplyDeleteat cox. net
I think sidekicks can add to a story and it's okay, for me, if they steal the show once in awhile.
ReplyDeletekacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
Sidekicks are necessary as they can give insight into the main characters' personalities and who they are!
ReplyDeleteI love Cindy's books and I have them all :) I am so excited for this new series! Thank you for this giveaway!
ReplyDeletesandersknc@yahoo.com
Love them and love when they get their own stories.
ReplyDeleteI like when side characters steal the show. It gives more inside details to the story. Fantastic interview!!! Thanks for the great giveaway!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteSidekicks are such an important part of a full bodied story. I just love what they add to series. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI do like minor characters that steel the show. I think they should have their own story. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteWell written sidekicks are an integral part of a great book. When I read a book, I want to fall in love with all the characters.
ReplyDeleteI like sidekicks. I think they add a little extra special to a story and keep it fun.
ReplyDeleteI love it when there are interesting supporting characters - some that deserve their own book, but not all do.
ReplyDeleteI love side characters if they are written well. not a fan of them taking over, but love spin off books about them. thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletepepperpenn42 at gmail dot com
Can't wait to read Killing Time. I'm sure I'll be leaving a great review on Amazon!
ReplyDeleteI love it when a sidekick or minor character steals the scene. It often adds humor to the story and could possibly lead in to another book in the series.
ReplyDeleteIf I really enjoy the sidekick then I enjoy reading about them but, if not, then I prefer to focus on the main characters.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds Awesome! I can't wait to read it
ReplyDeleteMinDaf @ Aol.com
Wish I could win your book, any of them. I think you are a great writer.
ReplyDelete