Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Cindy Gerard on the blog today to chat about life, her new book KILLING TIME and a bonus to the One-Eyed Jacks series.
Cindy, can you please share with us a little about yourself
As I’ve told other interviewers. I’m pretty boring and lead a fairly uneventful life. I’m a home body. Nothing makes me happier than being with family and friends. I love the water and treasure our family trips to our cabin in northern Minnesota where I’m generally either on the water or on the dock or in the water every day. I love to read but rarely have time for it any more . Adore our 2 cats and our dog who usually keep me company in my office when I work and I’ve recently added a 90 gallon fresh water aquarium to my office for those times when I need some really zen moments LOL
Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. I was a reader. I love to read but one day the bug to write hit me and I’ve been going full steam ever since.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I write best in my office or our screened porch. So winter finds me inside and at my desk around 8:00 every morning until after 5:00 every day. Weekends too if a deadline is looming. And if I’m on a crash deadline, I’ll work 16 – 17 hours a day for several weeks and live basically on chocolate and cheetos LOL to get the job done.
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Always coming up with something fresh and exciting is the most challenging. I feel I owe it to my readers to make each book as good as or better than the last one. And I worry, all that time, that, for whatever reason, I won’t make that happen.
Can you please tell us about your latest book, KILLING TIME?
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? KILLING TIME is a redemption story for both the hero and the heroine. I had so much fun writing this book While the subject matter is grave and of a serious nature, the by play between Mike and Eva had me grinning. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Check out Kelly’s review of Killing Time HERE
How did you come with the idea for this story?
As always, it was a process. I thought I wanted Mike to have his own story when he showed up in WITH NO REMORSE, Book 6 of my Black Ops series. When he wheedled his way into Book 7 – LAST MAN STANDING – too, I knew he had to have a book. So it was all about building a story around him. He was so irreverent and funny … and, I suspected, wounded. And boy, was he.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Gladly! I had initially planned 2 more books in the series – RUNNING BLIND and TAKING FIRE. 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, which is what I’m working on now. It’s a homecoming story featuring Tyler Brown (Mike’s brother) 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.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
That’s an impossible question to answer as I have so many, some in the romance genre, some not. I cut my teeth on LaVryle Spencer and Sandra Brown and they remain among my favorites.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Absolutely. I’ve read and reread many of my favorites so many times both for pleasure and to study how they did what they did so beautifully.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening. KILLING TIME: Mike Brown (HERO) and Eva Salinas (Heroine) are racing away from a hotel where there had been an attempt to assassinate them and heading for the airport in Lima Peru to, hopefully out run the bad guys and catch a flight for the US where they hope they can figure out who is after them and why.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m always waiting for the next Debra Webb FACES OF EVIL book!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I really appreciate the invitation to visit today and hope everyone will give this book a try. Of all the books I’ve written (almost 50) this might possibly be my personal favorite. Of course, I say that (and mean it) every time I finish a book LOL
Killing Time
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication date: January 22, 2013
Amazon | B&N | Simon & Shuster
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?
Giveaway Time:
Grand Prize:
To enter the Grand Prize drawing CLICK HERE!
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
1/18 – Reading Between the Wines
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
love your work
I’m new to the series, do they have to be read in order?
Thanks Pam. Appreciate it!
Diane – all the books stand alone so no, they do not need to be read in order. And KILLING TIME is the first book in a new series so you’ll be starting fresh! thanks for the interest
I’m not entering the contest because I already won and read the ARC. As expected, it was fabulous! This was a great interview, and I’m so excited to hear about the new works in progress. I own all of Cindy’s books in paperback and can’t wait to keep adding to my collection.
Thanks, Michelle. And thanks for the great review! So glad you enjoyed the book :o)
I may sound absolutely ridiculous right now, but I’m printing this and framing it. My first ever fangirl moment. I’m glad you liked the review *sniff*
Great interviewiew. This is a new author for me. Great cover, he is gorgeous.
My question is do you write any other genres? What is your favorite genre to read?
Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi, you’re a new author for me so can’t wait to get started with this book. The excerpt sounds amazing. Awesome interview 🙂
Thanks,
Lori
lorih824 at yahoo dot com
Lori and Chris – thanks for taking a chance on the new release. Hope you really love it. Currently I write only RS and don’t have any plans to change :o) I love reading thrillers … .
sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing and congrats to Cindy on the newest release!
How many books do you plan for this new series?
Thanks Erin! appreciate it.
Booksie – right now there are 4 books total planned for this series — but we’ll see how it goes :o) I planned 4 books for the BOI series and ended up with 7 novels, 1 novella and 2 short stories LOL
Hi Cindy! Great interview! You’re still one of my favorite authors, and I’m happy you still plan to write just RS! I cannot wait for Killing Time, and even if I don’t win, you can believe I’ll be at BAM when they open to get my copy!! Love your books and how relate able the characters are!!
Thank you so much for the chance! Love your work!
Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
Looking forward to this series of books. I am currently reading the Love is Murderer anthology. Johnny Duane Reed is my favorite. Any plans to make Dying to Score available for purchase by itself?
Laura, Kassie and Lori – thanks so much!
And Lori – yes, Dying To Score will be available for purchase by itself at some time in the future. Same with Luke and Val’s short story: SEALed With A Kiss (in the SEAL of My Dreams anthology) I’ll be sure and let everyone know when.
Oh – and if you like Johnny D, you’re going to LOVE Mike LOL
Looks like a great book, I’ll add it to my TBR pile.
Hugs!
Sounds like the start of an exciting new series Cindy. Congrats on its release. Thanks for this chance.
Carol L.
This books sounds great. I can’t wait to read it. Have a great day and stay warm.
Carey, Carol and Patsy – thanks for dropping by, ladies :o)
US/Canada onely 🙁
Love your books can’t wait for ‘Killing Time’!
Hey Cindy…Long time fan here. You had me with the start of the Bullet Catcher series. I always get excited when you release a new book. I don’t even have to read the excerpt since you’re on auto buy for me (and I know you love that word). 🙂 I dig that you always strive to make each new book the best…that takes serious dedication to your craft and with pleasure, I continue to support you.
thanks Malgorzata!
Hey Nancy – Would LOVE to take credit for the Bullt Catchers but that’s my buddy Rockie St. Claire’s series. Fabulous! Both are body guard series so I can see why the mix up. And i DO appreciate the support! thanks for dropping by.
Dear Cindy…Thank you for being so nice about my big honking mistake. I just realized what I had done as I was reading about my friend, Mary G’s comment appearing inside one of Roxanne’s books. You don’t want to know what I said but it was pretty emphatic! I raced over here to beg your forgiveness and you had already forgiven me.
I bow to your graciousness (and am damn glad you and Roxie are friends). I truly have read each of the book series for both of you for years. The kick is that I even checked my 431 page “Master List of Books Read” and stared right at “The Bodyguard series” noted next to the book number before I posted my comment. Oy!
You quite possibly won’t need electricity for awhile…you can use the glow from my red face.
Thanks for the interview, I have read a few of your books and have added the rest to my TBR. I enjoyed the excerpt and I am looking for to this new series 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win!
I’ve been waiting for the One Eyed Jacks series.
Christy and Jane – hope you like the new series and thanks for stopping by!
I can’t get Rafflecopter to load so I can’t enter the contest. So sad. I have had Cindy Gerard on my TBR list for a while. What book would you recommend as a first book to read? I know some authors say there is no starting point but there are definitely some authors where some books are not good introductions. jepebATverizonDOTnet
hI jEN. Hope you finally got it to work. I honestly don’t think it matters where you start with my series. they are all stand alones. BUT Killing Time would be a great intro to my writing because it is the first book in a new series. thanks for stopping by
I would love to read this series. Sounds very good. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
I love these kind of stories – adventure with romance – it would be great if there were more movies like that.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Nice cover and interview.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Victoria, Diane and BN – thanks for stopping. hope you give it a try. good luck!
New Cindy Gerard!!! Been looking forward to this one. The Black Ops series is one of my favorites (have them in both paper and on my nook!). Always excited to start a new series from and author I truly enjoy. 🙂
Thanks Heather! You’re a doll!!!!
I have read all of Cindy Gerard’s Bodyguard books as well as all of the BOI books. Every single book was excellent, the hero and heroine very memorable. I would think about the stories long after I finished reading the book.
I discovered Cindy Gerard when I picked up one of her Bodyguard books one day at the grocery store. I finished the whole book that night. I loved it so much that I immediately got on Amazon and ordered rest of the books in the series. At the same time I went ahead and purchased all of the BOI books that had already been released. Needless to say I was hooked on anything that had Cindy Gerard name on it.
I am so excited about her upcoming One Eyed Jacks series. I have had KILLING TIME pre-ordered since June of last year.
Kathy
Wow thanks Kathy! Love you’re enthusiasm. So glad you’re enjoying the books. I think you’re going to like Mike’s story as well Hugs
Cindy you have remained a consistent favorite of mine ever since I randomly picked up ” Show No Mercy” in a lbrary. I have since read whatever I can get my hands on of yours and I am really looking forward to this book coming out as well as the rest of this new series!
That’s so sweet, Melissa. Thanks so much!!
Congrats on the release. This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. I love books with adventure and romance. I’m excited to start the new series.
I love all your books and would love to win. Can’t wait to read the new series…thanks
Thanks for the giveaway! Woul dlove to read this.
Since i´m international, i´m only here for the Grand Prize.
Happy Tuesday!
//Linda
fr_larsson at hotmail dot com
I would like to know what the story is behind One Eyed Jack. There has got to be a good one here somewhere. 😉
This feels like a party hop. I have several friends already in the comments!! Woo hoo!!
I have not read you before and I am going to put this on my tbl for sure. I am wondering do you get a lot of new fans from these blog interviews and tours
josiehink122026(at)gmail(dot)com
I reviewed the book and it was great! It was actually my first 2013 book and I hope all the next book come at least close to this one.
Thanks for the giveaway.
alinutza4u2004[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk
Great interview! Killing Time sounds really good.
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
I love your suspense romance books. I have only a few of your books and hope to obtain more of them.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
kmccandle(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love your books and cannot wait to read Killing Time!!
Great interview! Can’t wait to read this one!
I enjoy romantic suspense and love series books. I’m definitely adding this series to my list to read.
seriousreader at live dot com
Cant wait to read it!
Can’t wait. So excited. Thanks.
Your a new author for me. Love romantic suspense series and this series sounds like one I will also greatly enjoy.
Thanks so much!
great interview…your series sounds terrific!
I discovered your Black ops series about a year ago and just devoured them one after another. I am so looking forward to One Eyed Jacks! I just started The Bodyguards series yesterday & I know i am going to plow through those too! Thank you for all you write!
Cindy Gerard you are an AMAZING author! I love all your books and I am so excited for the release of the first book of this new series!!! Thank you for this giveaway 🙂
i love reading books in series and can’t wait to read this series. do i have to read the books in order? thanks for the giveaway!
I love the BOI series and can’t wait to catch up with Mike.
This sounds like a great read!
MinDaf @ Aol.com
I love your books and I really want that autographed copy so see you at every stop on this tour!!
Keep up the great writing!
GREAT interview…looking forward to getting into this series!! 🙂