Ginger Simpson's Blog, page 53

Sunday Snippets from WIP by Ginger Simpson #sundaysnips

I don't yet have a cover, but I'm sharing a few paragraphs from Sarah's Soul which will be available early 2016.  I'm half way done, but I still have a long way to go to try and fool the reader with my attempt at mystery.  I hope Sarah has something in mind...this is her story, and I'm pantser and I rely on her talking to me.  So far, so good....what do you think?  Remember...this is only a first draft.


She rolled her eyes, her mind spinning.  “Jesus, Sarah, it’s only a phone.  Even if it isn’t Marie, a voice can’t hurt you.”  She mumbled words of courage as she crossed the room.  Taking a deep breath, she raised her Samsung to her ear.  “H-hello.”  Nerves made her push out her greeting.

“I know where you are.”

“What, no heavy breathing this time?”  Her decision to go home would end his warning, and she felt brave for a fleeting minute.  Still, the back of her neck tightened.

Silence.

“Well, Mr., you’ll have to find someone else to bug because I’m leaving.  Who you gonna call now if I don't answer, Ghostbusters?”  She laughed, releasing her tension.

“I’ll call you, Sarah Elder.  I suppose you’re going home.  I know where you live.”

“Who is this?”  The tension quickly returned and her voice notched up volumes.

“We’ll talk later.”

His parting chuckle sent shivers up Sarah’s spine.

“Damn!”  She considered calling 911 again, but what good had that done?  Instead she clicked the phone off then back on, and dialed Marie’s number.

“Hello.”  Marie sounded as though she’d just gotten out of bed.

Sarah glanced at the clock.  “For God’s sake, it’s almost ten o’clock, Marie.  Are you still sleeping?”

“It’s Saturday.  I always sleep in on the weekends.”  Only a muted yawn sounded.  “Did you want something….did something happen?  The last question showed her best friend was now wide awake and concerned about Sarah’s problem.  “Are you all right?”

“I’m coming home today and I just had another phone call.  I want you to notify the super and ask him to install a better deadbolt on my door.”

“Whatever for?  You already have one.”

“This time the caller not only said he knows where I am, he knows my name and where I live.  I don’t know what else to do.  I'm scared.”

“Okay, I’ll get the super to change your locks and add a stronger deadbolt.  Don’t worry, sweetie.  I’ll stay with you until we figure out why you’re being harassed and by whom.”

Oh, thanks, Marie.  You don’t know how much better that makes me feel.  This being totally alone sucks.  I never realized how much I miss Wolf.”

“I know, sweetie.  I’m not Wolf, but come on home.  We’ll tackle this together.”

Chapter Break....


Sarah struggled to get her bags up the stairs, then proceeded down the long carpeted hallway.  Her heart raced and she kept glancing over her shoulder to make sure no one followed.  As she passed the apartment Wolf had shared with his sister, Molly, she noticed the door ajar.  Molly’s husband, Gil, had returned just before Wolf was killed and the couple had recently moved back to Missouri.

Maybe the super had shown the apartment and forgot to lock it…or maybe he was inside.  If he’d changed the locks on her place, she no longer had keys. Had he kept them or left them with Marie?  She'd better check. Sarah pushed the door open wider with her foot and peeked inside.  The familiar layout and remembrance of dinners she’d shared during happier days misted her eyes and she blinked back tears.  “Mr. Douglas,” she called, stepping inside.  “Are you here?”

 No answer.

Maybe he worked in the bathroom.  Sarah stepped into the bedroom, but the adjoining bathroom light was off.  For some reason, she was drawn to turn it on.  She side-stepped though the door way, her other hand still firmly locked around the handle of her wheeled bag, and flipped on the switch.  Her free hand covered her mouth to muffle a welling scream.

Scrawled across the mirror, in what looked like blood, was her name…Sarah Elder.  Red spots dotted the sink from the dripping letters.  Reflected in the mirror were letters on the wall written in the same red writing.  She jerked around.  D-E-A-D.  Her heart beat so loud she heard it.

 Who?  Why?  In a panic, she glanced around, noticing the closed shower curtain.  Had it moved or had she imagined it?  Her breath halted and she raced out the door and back into the hallway.

Where was Marie…or Mr. Douglas?  She pounded on her door.  “Let me in.  Let me in.”

Marie opened the door, her brows arched into peaks.  “What the heck is wrong?”

Sarah rushed inside, closed, locked and bolted the door.  Sagging against it, she released her pent-up breath.

“Sarah…what’s wrong.  You scared me to death.”

“Scared you?  Molly’s old apartment was unlocked and the door partly open.  I thought Mr. Douglas might be inside, so I went in….”

‘And…”

“And someone wrote my name across the mirror…in something icky and red.  It looks like blood.”

“You’re kidding!”  Marie gasped.  “Was Mr. Douglas there?”

“No.  I thought I saw the shower curtain move, but I didn’t stick around to see if anyone was behind it.  Whose doing these things, Marie?”  Tears Sarah had held at bay ran down her cheeks.  Someone wrote ‘dead’ on the wall.  Who wants me dead?  Sobs replaced her tears.

Marie hugged her.  “I don’t know, but we should probably call the police.  Did you touch anything in the apartment?”

“J-just the bathroom light, why?”

“Maybe they can dust for prints or something.  I don’t know.  Let me call, and then you’re going to contact your carrier and get your cell number changed.”

Marie used the landline and dialed 911.

“911, what’s your emergency?”

My friend, Sarah Elder, is receiving  disturbing phone calls and now someone has written her name and the word, dead, in red in an empty apartment near hers.  Can you please send someone right away.  We’re two women here alone.”

“Yes, ma’am.  I’ll get a patrol car headed your way.  Manhattan, right?”

“Yes, Eagle Tower’s apartments on 2nd street.”

“Would you like me to stay on the line with you until the policeman arrives?”


******
As with all my books, this will be available on Amazon.  Now, hop on over to my pals who also blog their Sunday Snippets and see what they have to offer:
http://authorjamiehill.blogspot.com/  (Jamie Hill)
http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)
http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com (Vijaya Schartz)
http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)
http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)

If you'd like to join our blogging effort, please email me.  The more the merrier, and we are getting great coverage thanks to you.  See you next week.

What Does 54 Mean to You??? by Jamie "The Birthday Girl" Hill

So in less than a week I'll turn the ripe old age of 54. Not a particularly festive birthday, but as I told Ginger I'm feeling a little sorry for myself for various reasons this summer so I'm going to do it up big this year.

To celebrate my 54 years on Earth, here's a fun list of 54.

54 Frightening Facts You Didn't Know About Disney Villians

(I didn't know most of these, but this one really surprised me: #47- Sid Phillips from Toy Story makes a cameo as a garbage truck driver in Toy Story 3. Who knew that? LOL)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/samstryker/badder-is-better-disney-villains#.biAoDk8v0

From Wikipedia, 54 is also:
The number of milligrams of caffeine in 12 ounces of Mountain Dew+54 The code for international direct dial phone calls to Argentina54, a 1998 film about Studio 54 starring Ryan Phillippe, Mike Myers, and Salma Hayek54, a novel by the Wu Ming collective of authorsIn the title of a 1960s television show Car 54, Where Are You?The number of cards in a deck of playing cards, if two jokers are includedThe number of countries in Africa And finally, 54 is how old I'll be in 6 days. Provided I make it that long. Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise!

Character Interview with Tyler Bishop by Ginger Simpson

  Today, I’m featuring  Ellie's Legacy, one of my western historical romances.  When my hubby and I moved to TN from CA, we lived in Sparta for a year.  I was so inspired by the history of the area that writing this book came naturally when Ellie showed up among the characters in my head and started yapping at me.  Ellie's Legacy (previously Sparta Rose) was named as the Best 2009 Historical and Love Romances Café and I got lots of positive reviews. It was a fun story to write because Ellie is such a feisty heroine.  Today, you get to hear from the hero, Tyler Bishop.  Enjoy.

Interviewer:We’re very pleased to have Tyler Bishop with us today.  Mr. Bishop is the hero in Ginger’s Simpson’s western historical romance, Ellie's Legacy.  So, Mr. Bishop, welcome to Dishin’ It Out.
TB – “Ty, please.  Mr. Bishop was my father.  And thanks for the welcome, but I’m here under duress.”
INT  - “Really.”
TB –“Sure enuff. I have things waiting to be done.  Cows need to be moved to another pasture, fences need mendin’ and the longer I dawdle, the more I stand to lose favor with my boss, Ben.”
Int – “Ben?  Would that be Ben Fountain, father of the heroine, Ellie Fountain?”
TB – “Yep, that’d be right.  There’s another reason I need to get movin’… Ellie.  For some reason, that little filly is out to get me.  Seems every time I chew the fat with her pa, she gets her nose out of joint.  I never met someone so… so…what’s the word I’m looking for.  You know, someone who wants to prove they can do everything better than the next feller?”
INT – “Oh, you mean competitive.”
TB – “That’s her in a nutshell.  Just wait till you read the story.  She even went out, bought a gun and learned to shoot.  She’s says it’s because of the polecats next door, threatening to trespass on Ben’s land, but I say different.”
INT – “Really?  Why do you think she bought the gun?”
TB – “To try to show me up.  She already thinks she can ride and rope as good as any man, and lord knows, she could stand to dress up a bit.  Sometimes it’s hard to tell there’s a girl under that big ol’ hat and the layer of dust.”
INT – “Does she always dress in men’s clothing?”
TB – “Well she did until I invited her to a dance.  Ben sort of pushed me into it, but down deep I wanted to go with her.  She looked mighty pretty, all fancied up, but instead of the evening turnin’ out like I planned, she went and got herself in trouble again.  She should have listened to me about those pesky Bryant boys.”
INT – “What kind of trouble did she get into?”
TB – “I may be greener than most folks you know, but I ain’t about to divulge Ginger’s whole story.  Ellie is a real tomboy, and she stays madder than a wet hen at me most times, but I’ll just say, I think she finally realizes there are just times a woman can’t match a man’s strength.”
INT – “Well it sounds like I’ll have to buy my own copy if I want to see how this turns out.”
TB – “Ginger says you're right welcome to visit her Amazing page. That’s where Ellie and my story is being sold. I’m not real savvy when it comes to the Internet, but I wrote this down.  *fishes in pockets.    Let’s see, http://www.amazon.com/author/gingersimpson. I'm supposed to share all the names with ya’ll but I did good to remember that one.  I think Ginger said there are links on her home page...whatever that is, but I scribbled the address here.  *turns paper caddy corner* Okay...it's www.gingersimpson.com.  I thank you for the time, but I best get going.  I fear Ellie Fountain is gonna be the death of me or really change my life.
INT – “Thank you, Ty, and please visit us again.”

The Birthday Countdown is On...by Jamie "Birthday Girl" Hill

When I was a kid, my birthdays were maybe the best day of the year. Christmas was a close tie, but in the eyes of a child we shared that day with the baby Jesus, and rightly so. But my birthday was just MINE. 
For the first few years, my grandma made me special cakes that she decorated with small ceramic figures which she made as a hobby. Or she crafted me doll cakes similar to the one pictured. I loved Barbies so those had an added bonus. Now that I'm grown, I no longer have the Barbies but I do still have several of those ceramic figurines and they mean a lot to me.

Age ten was the first birthday party I remember. We invited a bunch of girls to my house. I can't recall exactly what we did, but there was cake and presents involved, so I was a happy girl.
I spent one birthday on a family vacation at the great Salt Lake. Traveling across multiple states in a camper doesn't sound like fun to me these days, but it was a blast back then. I got a Barbie that year, too. (I must have been easy to shop for.)
These days, birthdays involve dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant and spending time with my special crew, my family. They spoil me rotten with spa gift certificates, perfume, and this year, a new computer which I am already enjoying. 
Growing older isn't always easy, but I like to say that it beats the alternative. Bear with me for the next week as I continue on this path of celebration. It's going to be a wild ride!

Sunday Snippets from Time Tantrums by Ginger Simpson #sunday snips

Time Tantrums ws originally released as "Sisters in Time," but when my rights expired, I wanted to share the story with so many more, so I tried to remove many of the amateur mistakes we authors tend to make and re-release the novel through Books We Love.

I still believe this is one of the most creative feats I've undertaken.  It's not easy to jump from one hero to another, so I'm happy to share a sample with you of how I accomplished my goal.  Join Mariah, my pioneer wife, and Taylor, my modern day attorney, as they struggle to acclimate to new eras and new husbands:





Prologue

Mariah - Colorado Territory—1872
Mariah Cassidysat on the front porch and watched her husband,Frank, ride through the gate. The large Rocking C, the ranch’s emblem, cast a shadow across his face as he rode beneathit. His muscled thighs gripped the flanks of his huffing,black stallion, and his hat rested in that familiarrakish tilt. He certainly knew how to sit a horse.
Frank dismounted and gave the horse’s reins to a hired hand. He dusted himself off then turned andstrode to the porch. “Good morning, sleepyhead.”
She smiled. “You were upbright and early. Would youlike some breakfast?”
“No thanks.I already ate with the ranch hands,but... I might be interested in somethin’

else.” Even after seventeen years of marriage,Frank’s innuendoembarrassed Mariah. Just awink of one of his heavy-lashed, blue eyes made her heart flutter, but her desire for lovemakingnever equaled his. She fretted about him leaving her to find satisfaction in the arms of another. Her mother had planted such deep-seeded inhibitions within Mariah that nudity made her uncomfortable. She loved being in his arms, but beyond that, her embarrassment got in the way of feelingfree.


The same old thoughtsniggled at her as she gazed into his face. Why didn’t she feel the same comfortwith her body as Frank did with his? Would he be happier with someoneelse? He deserveda wife with passion to match his own.  She massaged the creasesin herbrow.
“Mariah, did you hear me? Would you like to join me upstairs?”  He nodded toward the house.

She held up a silencing finger while guilt niggledher. “Hush. The children will hear you."

* * * *
TaylorDenver, Colorado—2002
Lost in thought,Taylor Morgan sat and stared at the stacks of files piled on her large mahoganydesk. The sun barely peeked throughthe office window of the high-risebuilding and the dim lighting matched her somber mood. Had she remembered to kiss David before she left home? It seemed she was always in a hurry these days. Rushing to put on make-up, darting off withoutgoodbyes, workinglate, and barelyfinding time for her husband—something had to change. She didn’t want a repeatof the argument she’d hadwith David last night.
The thud of his fist on the dining room table echoedin her head. When he expressed frustration, her body trembled, much the same as the silverware had. She’d neverseen him so angry.
His words had cut through her like a knife. “We’re like ships passing in the night. All we do is work, eat and sleep. You’re so busy with your job that that’s all you think about. You don’t cook, you don’t clean...Good God, we only make love on your schedule,never mine. What if I don’t want to wait five yearsto have children?”
The thought of having a child made Taylorshudder. She’d labored hard to achievethe status she enjoyedat the law firm. Givingup now wasn’t an option.Still, what about David? Didn’t he have a right to the family he wanted? She felt so conflicted. What if her husband wasn’twilling to hang around until she determined the time feltright?
If only there was a way to compromise. She nodded. Making David a priority seemed a good start if she wanted to save her marriage.Tonight, she’d leavework early, go home, and make dinner. Afew candles, a bottle of wine—David would be pleasantly surprised.
She picked the most pressing files from her desk and threw them into her briefcase, planning to peruse them while she cooked.Grabbing her jacket from the chair, she slung it over her shoulderand reached the door when the urgent buzzing of her intercom summoned her back. Sheleaned over the desk and masheda button with her fingertips.“Yes?”
“Ms. Morgan,”her secretary responded, “Mr. Abernathy requests that you join him in the conference room right away. The senior partners have called an emergency meeting.”
“I’ll be right there.” Taylor ploppedher briefcase back on the desk. She straightened her collarand smoothed her skirt thentook a deep breath.

Maybe tomorrow, David, maybe tomorrow.



********************************************************************************
Please visit the sites of my friends and see what goodies they offer today:

http://authorjamiehill.blogspot.com/  (Jamie Hill)
http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)
http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com (Vijaya Schartz)
http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)
http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)

By the way....all of my books are available on my Amazon page.  See you next week.

High-Five to Smashwords' Half Price Sale ~ Ends July 31!

Just two more days to take advantage of Smashwords' Site-Wide Half Price sale. Books We Love has 370 titles at Smashwords, most all of which are on sale. The only exception are the 99 cent books on the BWL Summer Sale, those are still 99 cents.
Most of mine and Ginger's titles are there, so if you have a book you've been hankering to read, now's your chance. Smashwords offers all ereader formats including Kindle and Nook compatible mobi and epub formats.
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bookswelove
Happy shopping, happy reading, and enjoy the rest of the summer!

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HEAR VOICES by Ginger Simpson

I heard this older song today by Chris Young and some of it really relates to how I feel when I'm writing.  I recently promised Jude, our publisher, a book by December 31st.  I have it started, but now I have to tune out the voices of Cassie and Will from Deceived in order to get Sarah's Hope finished in time for the fall deadline.

I'm sure I explained in a previous post the difference between Pantsers and Plotters.  I, unfortunately, rely on voices in my head to help me write.  Without all that chatter, I'm at a loss.  I've tried plotting and it just doesn't work for me, so all the people talking in my head are really a blessing...at times.

For me being a "pantser" is akin to having someone tell me a story.  I listen and jot down the words, but I never know where I'm headed until I get there.  It's a lot more exciting, in my opinion, to having a chart of some type that outlines your entire novel for you.  I prefer to be surprised.  The only problem is when the characters are done, so is the book.  I've written some short, some long, and some in between.  You never know how long creating a novel is going to take when you're a pantser.

 I have to admit I do take notes now because my memory has faded with age.  There is nothing worse than forgetting the heroes name and putting in one from another book or having your heroine suddenly gaze through blue eyes instead of green with gold flecks.

If you're a pantser too, you'll be able to relate to this video.  If you aren't, you probably will anyhow, since all those words of wisdom your parents and grandparents shared with you still run through your mind.  I can hear my granny to this day telling me all little boys wanted to do was get in my panties.  I could never figure out what they'd do once they got them on.  How embarassing.  I never wanted to wear Jockey shorts.  Now that I'm older, I realize she was warning me to be a lady.  *lol*

So...I may be camping for the next few months, but I'll be working on Sarah's Hope.  This will be sort of continuation of Sarah's Heart and Passion.  Here's an except closer to the end of that book so you'll better relate to what Sarah is sharing with me now.  She's a chatty one, for sure.

“Really.” He (Wolf) caressed her cheek. “I love you Sarah Collins, and I’d be honored if you would consider spending this life with me. I might have been unselfish enough to have given you up once, but not twice.”

Glee squeezed Sarah’s heart. She’d lived through pure hell in a dream, found the love of her life only to lose him, and now she had a second chance. No way was she missing out on the passion she felt for this man. Locking her arms around his neck, she rested her cheek against his chest, drinking in his warmth, his smell, his feel. “I love you, too, Nathaniel Grey Wolf Elder, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend eternity with…even if it’s on a cattle ranch in Missouri.”




Please check my website for places where you can find this book, and most likely my upcoming one.

                           
http://www.bookswelove.net

The Blame Game by Jamie Hill ~ Book Trailer and Half-Price Sale!

 


Now in one specially priced box set, The Blame Game series brings you four complete novels for one low price. Get ready for family drama and sweet romance, no serials or cliff hangers.

Blame it on the Stars: Teacher Catlin McCall has second thoughts about dating the father of a student, but listening to his sweet talk one night under the stars, she finds him hard to resist. They stumble into an impetuous, passionate relationship which leaves them breathless and his family less than thrilled. A not-quite-ex-wife who decides she wants her man back, combined with a pair of manipulative teenagers, make for more problems than either of them are prepared to deal with.

Blame it on the Moon: Dana Naughton returns home after college to teach at the local elementary school. She’s not aware of the struggles her family is going through, but is glad to help however she can. She’s also surprised to learn that Clint Stewart, her old high school sweetheart, is now working for her father.

Blame it on the Sun: Dave Naughton’s laid-back attitude has cost him two sports writing jobs. Fear of commitment and uncertainty may cost him a whole lot more where his personal life is concerned. He’s summoned home to face his father, the owner of the family business and the one man he really doesn’t want to disappoint.

Blame it on the Rain: Charlie Naughton and Jenny Craft grew up together. Their parents were best friends and the kids were inseparable throughout their school years. But when Charlie goes off to college, he’s focusing more on his baseball scholarship than the friend he’s leaving behind. 

http://amzn.com/B011FFAIKU 
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theblamegameboxedset-1850727-177.html 


Through July, all books at Smashwords are 50% off when you use the provided coupon code on each book page. HALF PRICE!!!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/559393

Sunday Snippets ~ First Degree Innocence by Ginger Simpson

This week, a #SundaySnip from Ginger's novel First Degree Innocence, published by Books We Love:
“This is all a big mistake. I shouldn’t be here.” Carrie’s voice trembled. “Honestly, I’m innocent.” 
With deeply-furrowed skin and graying hair, the guard looked well past fifty. She walked closer, stopping when her face was only inches from Carrie’s. “Do you have any idea how often I hear that in here?” Her breath reeked of cigarette smoke, and Carrie wrinkled her nose and turned her head. How could someone she’d never met hate her so much already? Was there even an ounce of compassion buried beneath that deep sneer?
The older woman pressed the edge of her baton against Carrie’s jawbone and forced her face forward. Her stomach clenched. Evil gleaming in her eyes, the guard delved the wooden stick under Carrie’s bra strap, slowly guiding the silky string off her shoulder and down her arm. Gooseflesh peppered her skin and she shivered. 
“Stripping means everything, inmate Lang. Panties, too, sweetheart. Move it! I’m a busy person, so quit wasting my time.” The matron strode to the other side of the room, leaned against the wall, and ogled Carrie while she finished undressing.
Lowering her head, she dropped her bra atop the pile on the floor then kicked her panties off next to it. Feeling the cold invade every pore, she wrapped her arms around her upper body. Threatening tears blurred her eyes, but she squeezed her lids together and tilted her head toward the ugly pipes snaking across the ceiling. Oh Lord, what did I do to deserve this? Please, help me. You’re my last hope. “Praying are you?” the gravelly voice taunted. “It’s a little late for that. Put those hands down to your sides and look to the front, missy.”
Carrie opened her eyes and swallowed hard. Did the woman expect her to know what to do? “N-Now what?” she asked in a quivering voice. 
Just a short time ago, she’d been frisked, photographed, and finger-printed for the second time in her life. Her initial arrest had been horrifying enough, but she at least made bail for a time. Now this? She gazed down at the black ink smudges still visible on her hands. Why this was happening? Never had she felt so humiliated…and disbelieving. How could the judge have sentenced her to ten years in prison?
The guard laughed, drawing Carrie’s thoughts back to reality. The evil cackle indicated delight in her predicament and turned the room even colder. Ms. Ogden, as her name tag read, placed her black baton under one arm and, with the other hand, reached into a pouch on her utility belt to retrieve a pair of plastic gloves. She slowly pulled them on her age-spotted hands, leering at Carrie the entire time. When she finished, she put the baton into a special holder on her belt then stood with her hands on her hips. “Now, lift up those breasts so I can make sure you aren’t smuggling contraband.”
Carrie’s cheeks burned, but she did as she was told. With her eyes squinted shut, she turned her face away, trying to halt the sobs wracking her insides. 
“Okay, now bend over and spread ’em.”
----------------------------------------------

First Degree Innocence is available in bookstores by request or wherever books are sold online. Find all of Ginger's books at Amazon here:  


http://www.amazon.com/Ginger-Simpson/e/B002I7JX38 


Visit the other Sunday Snippet participants here:




http://authorjamiehill.blogspot.com/  (Jamie Hill)
http://triciamg.blogspot.com (Tricia McGill)
http://medievalnovels.blogspot.com (Vijaya Schartz)
http://connievines.blogspot.com (Connie Vines)
http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/ (Juliet Waldron)




Thanks for popping in!

Character Interview with Nick Pierce from Time To Kill by Jamie Hill

Please come in, sit down, and introduce yourself. Who are you, where are you from, and what book do you appear in?
I'm US Marshal Nick Pierce. I'm a lead player in Time To Kill by Jamie Hill, and have a featuring role in the follow up book, Cover of Darkness. I grew up in Chicago, but things weren't great and I got out as soon as I could. I ended up in the US Marshal Service and an assignment brought me to Topeka, Kansas. That was culture shock, I gotta tell you. But it was okay.
Why did you leave?
Um, let's just say it was okay until it wasn't okay anymore. I transferred to St. Louis, which was pretty sweet. The Cards have a great ball team.
But you returned to Topeka?
Yeah, at first I thought that might have been a mistake. You see, I had a history with another marshal there, Jordan Burke. She wasn't too excited to see me return. But I was kinda interested to get my eyes on her again. She's a hellcat and one total pain in the butt, but damn if she isn't the prettiest woman I've ever laid eyes on. That's one thing the crazy author got right. The cover of the book was spot on amazing.
So you think the author designed the cover herself?
Shut the hell up. I can read. Cover art credit goes to Michelle Lee at Stardust Creations.
Then what did you mean about the crazy author and not getting things right?
She painted me as obnoxious, you know? I'm not obnoxious. I'm just incredibly smart, pretty damned handsome, and have abs like a washboard. I'd go on but the author tried to keep this one rated PG13.
You're not arrogant or obnoxious?
Shut the hell up. No.
And you make an appearance in the third book in the Witness Security series, Cover of Darkness?
Oh yeah! I get partnered up with another marshal, Ben Markham, to protect the owner of a BDSM club. That's a hoot. Okay, I was sort of obnoxious when I met that gal. 
Sort of?
Totally obnoxious. 
Thank you. Back to the part about you being incredibly smart. Is it true that in Time To Kill, while you and Jordan are following a witness to California, something happens and Jordan's life is put in danger?
Yeah, well, I'm gonna plead the fifth on that one. Nobody likes spoilers. I still maintain that I'm wicked smart and I think Jordan would back me up on that. 
What about the author? You think Jamie would agree?
Totally, because she is also wicked smart. <insert sexy grin here>.
Last question. If Time To Kill was made into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play you?
I'm feeling a 'James Bond' kind of vibe. I'd definitely say Daniel Craig.
Thanks for being interviewed today Nick. Where are you off to now?
If I told you that, I'd have to kill you. Secrets of the US Marshal service, you know. But hopefully miss smarty pants will get busy and finish writing Cover of Darkness. Then we can talk about it.
I have it on good authority that she'll finish the book this fall.
She'd better, is all I can say.
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Time To Kill is available by request in all bookstores and in ebook and print versions at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, ARe, and wherever ebooks are sold. Through the month of July you can buy it for half price at Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/560283
 Hope you'll check it out, and see if Nick is really all that!