It’s my pleasure to welcome author Kaylea Cross here today as she makes a stop on her Lit Connect Virtual Book Tour for her latest release, Tactical Strike, the second book in her Bagram Special Ops series.Tactical Strike, a romantic suspense novel, was published by Carina Press. The 87,000 word digital release has a sensual heat level. Here’s a brief synopsis:
Gunship pilot Captain Candace Bradford has worked long and hard to earn her rank and position within the male-dominated world of Air Force Special Operations. She’s not about to let anything or anyone jeopardize that, let alone one sinfully tempting man who seems determined to cause her nothing but trouble. Even if she’s starting to fall for him.
As an elite Combat Controller, Staff Sergeant Ryan Wentworth is used to overcoming adversity in order to complete a mission. Breaking through Candace’s prickly exterior and into her heart is a challenge he can’t let go. But just when he’s begun to gain her trust, they’re thrown together in the field facing an overwhelming enemy force.
Candace and Ryan find themselves on the run, searching the skies for an emergency extraction. But one dangerous enemy has an agenda in mind and he’ll use whatever means necessary to achieve it, including using American forces to do his dirty work.
Giveaway Details:
Kaylea is gifting a 11 total digital backlist titles, one for each number of tour stops! The more tour stops you comment on, the greater your chances of winning. Please follow the Rafflecopter directions and see the terms and conditions on the widget for additional rules. Additional stops can be found at http://litconnect.com/virtual-book-tour-tactical-strike-by-kaylea-cross
Kaylea joins us and has graciously answered some questions about her writing from me.
Mason - Have you always wanted to write or was there an event that led you to writing?
Kaylea - I’ve always wanted to be a writer! For my sixth birthday I got a manual typewriter and I remember being beside myself with the urge to write little stories. I still have a few.
Mason - How do you go about doing research for your writing? Is it a process you enjoy or just find it necessary?
Kaylea - I do a mixture of online research, reading non-fiction books, interviewing people when I can (and I’m so lucky to have a recently retired PJ who’s been so wonderful in answering my questions) and watching documentaries.Mason - Of all the authors (past and present) you enjoy reading, has any one (or more) been an influence in your writing?
Kaylea - I’d have to say Suzanne Brockmann, in terms of content and multiple points of view. I love that she introduces her readers to a cast of characters we get to fall in love with as the series unfolds. Though I won’t read any romantic suspense while I’m drafting a new story, because I don’t want other authors to influence my voice or tone in my work.
Mason - In what order do your characters come to life - name, physical description, personality?
Kaylea - Personality first, then physical description and name. I like to start off with a strong personality, then craft some conflicts, goals and motivations so I can make sure they either complement or enhance the other characters’.
Mason - What can readers look forward to next from you?
Kaylea - The third book in the series is coming out in September,
and I’m also self publishing a stand-alone Civil War era romance this summer. Right now I’m working on another romantic suspense series featuring military contractors working overseas.Kaylea, thanks for stopping by today and giving us a look at your writing. I love the fact that you got a typewriter for your sixth birthday.
Kaylea is an award winning author of edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense. A Registered Massage Therapist, she is an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dancer and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband.
For more on Kaylea and her writing, visit her website and blog, and find her on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.
Tactical Strike is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Carina Press.
Thanks so much for visiting today. Do you enjoy stories where the heroine is making her way in a man’s world? Be sure to enter the contest below.
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Kaylea, thanks again for guest blogging today. Your extensive research pays off. Wishing you much success.
ReplyDeleteMason - Thanks for hosting Kaylea.
ReplyDeleteKaylea - You've got such an interesting background! I was intrigued by that. And I think a lot of writers realise early on that they're interested in writing and enjoy it. How fortunate you are that your family supported your writing. I wish you much success.
Hi, Mason! Thank you so much for having me here today :). I'll admit, the research is one of my favorite parts of writing a book.
ReplyDeleteMargot, thank for calling my background "interesting" rather than eccentric, lol. It sure is varied! Thanks so much for the well wishes.
Yes, I very much enjoy stories where a woman is making her way in a man's world. Who among us hasn't felt like that at some point!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine starting to write stories so young- that's awesome. Clearly it's a calling for you!
Thanks so much for hosting Kaylea today, Mason! :)
ReplyDeletemk, I always had an overactive imagination, so I think that's partly why I always wanted to write. It gives the voices in my head a place to live, lol.
ReplyDeleteI'm fascinated that you are writing a book taking place during the Civil War. As a 19th Century Southern History major, I love this time! Do you have any favorite books taking place in that era? (My first and favorite is Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt)
ReplyDeleteWkonsunshine, woohoo, there are more history buffs out there! And to think I was feeling so lonely :). Oh, boy, my favorites? There's The Killer Angels, of course, and Cold Mountain (though I felt like slitting my wrists at the end of that one!). I haven't read Across Five Aprils. Will have to look it up. My fave Civil War romances are old school ones by Heather Graham. Read any of those?
ReplyDeleteI, too, an a Special Ops afficianado and I'm curious about how you do your extensive research. From books and articles? Have you interviewed members of the team? Do you have a military background?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have discovered your series!
Hey, Beth! Awesome to meet a fellow Spec Ops nut ;). I do research with various nonfiction titles, documentaries, etc. I've also been lucky enough to make some great contacts with some ex SOF veterans. One of my friends is married to an ex-SEAL, one to an ex Marine Scout/Sniper, and through a friend I've also become friendly with a retired CCT and PJ. So AWESOME! I love being able to throw questions at them to check a detail or piece of info.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS Ms.CROSS ON UR BK.TACTICAL STRIKE! IT SOUN:DZ SEXY & EXTREMELY EXCITING..MORE THAN ENOUGH 2 GET THE ROMANCE JUICE FLOWING! thanQ!
ReplyDelete