Monday, June 28, 2010

Giveaway and Q&A with Dee Davis!

About the Author: 
Dee Davis has a BA in Political Science and History, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Her highly acclaimed first novel, Everything In Its Time, was published in July 2000. She’s lived in Austria and traveled in Europe extensively. And although she now lives in Manhattan she still calls Texas home.

About the Book: Dangerous Desires
A-Tac is an elite CIA unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college. Brilliant, badass, and seemingly bulletproof, the members of A-Tac are assigned to the riskiest missions and the most elusive targets. When the CIA learns that Madeline Reynard, the mistress of international crime-lord Miguel Ramón, can provide the location of a newly developed bio-chemical weapon, they contact A-Tac.

A woman with nothing to lose, Madeline is willing to risk everything to escape her life with Ramón - even a dangerous trek through the jungle with a man who makes no secret of his disdain. Madeline had an impoverished and dangerous childhood, and she makes no apologies for the life she's led, but despite mutual animosity, she cannot deny her attraction to Drake.

As Drake and Madeline battle their personal demons, the team races against the clock to locate the hidden weapon. But Ramón and his men are never far behind. And when the couple are separated from the others, what began as a simple extraction becomes a battle for their very survival, with the two of them forced to rely on each other - or die. 

Interview:
Tell us about your book! What inspired Dangerous Desires?  
Dangerous Desires is the second book in the A-Tac series.  The American Tactical Intelligence Command is an elite CIA unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college. Brilliant, badass, and seemingly bulletproof, the members of A-Tac are assigned to the riskiest missions and the most elusive targets.   Dangerous Desires is extraction expert Drake Flynn’s book.  And it was inspired by my love of “run for your life” adventure romance books and movies.    Stranded in the Colombian jungle after a mission goes bad, Drake has only one objective: evade the mercenaries hot on his trail and deliver “the package” to U.S. officials. But “the package” has a mind of her own, and she has no intention of trading one set of captors for another.

Which character did you enjoy writing the most and why?  
I always enjoy the characters I’m working on at that moment the best.  But both Drake and Madeline were interesting characters to watch develop.  Both afraid to trust and both skeptical of anyone from the opposite sex, yet totally drawn to each other despite their mutual dislike. 

Did any of your characters create particular challenges for you?  
Characters are people too, and like people they have a tendency to misbehave and to present qualities you were not expecting.  They all believe the story is about them, no matter how minor their actual role in the novel, so the key is keeping them under control.  Not always an easy task.

How do your interests influence your writing?  
I have a BA in Political Science and an MPA with emphasis in international relations and I think most of my books reflect that background.  In addition, I love to travel, and that includes finding new and interesting settings for my books.  I also love to cook which comes out in Set-Up in SoHo.  And I love Manhattan which figures largely as a character in A Match Made on Madison.  For the A-Tac books the reader will find the settings drawn from places in and around the city and also Colorado where I’ve always spent my summers.

What is your favorite aspect of writing in the Romance genre?  
I truly love blending suspense with romance.  Action with passion.  And the idea of jeopardy opening doors so that people can see both themselves and their potential partners in new light.
      
Was there any particular music you listened to while writing Dangerous Desires?  
Yes as a matter of fact.  I was listening to, among other things: Bring Me to Life – Evanescence, Lithium Flower – Scot Matthew, Penitent – Suzanne Vega

Where is your favorite place to read and write?  
I write primarily at my desk (which thanks to the small nature of NYC apartments is in the bedroom).  Late at night you’ll find me writing at the dining room table.  And as far as reading goes—bed is my absolute favorite.  Followed closely by my sofa. 

What books did you absolutely love when you were a child?  
My favorite books were, A Wrinkle in Time-Madeline L’Engle; The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe-C.S. Lewis;  Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass-Lewis Carroll; and Heidi- Johanna Spyri.   Oh and Bambi – my mother read it to my brother and I when we were really little.  It’s a wonderful memory.

In Dangerous Desires, what scene do you like most and would never cut?  
I love the waterfall scene.  Had I been in Madeline’s position, I’m not sure I would have jumped.

When you're reading a novel, what is your favorite type of heroine and hero?  
More than anything I like funny, strong and intelligent heroes and heroines.

So, what comes after Dangerous Desires? Any other releases or works in progress you're excited about?   
The third book in the A-Tac series, Desperate Deeds (Tyler’s book) is coming out August 1.  I’m currently working on the fourth A-Tac book now and falling in love with my newest characters.   And Readers can look forward to three more A-Tac books coming in 2011 and 2012.

Any upcoming events where our readers could find you?   
I’ll be at the RWA convention in Orlando at the end of July.  If you’re going to be there, come see me at the literacy signing.  And I’ll also be speaking at the New Jersey conference in October.

Thanks, Dee, for taking the time to speak with us today!   
It’s been my pleasure to be here.  Thanks for inviting me!

Find Dee Davis:

Contest Time!
4 Copies of Dangerous Desires

How to Enter: 
-Be a Follower! (New/Old)
-Include a Valid E-Mail

Extra Entries for +5 Each:
ReTweet (include link!)
Fan 4 Star on FB! (My Gymnastics School!)

Rules: 
-Ends July 25, 2010
-48 hours to get back to me
-US & Canada residents only (sorry!)
-Book provided & delivered directly from publisher
-GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN :)

Contest is now CLOSED and comments have been disabled.  
Thank you to all that participated! We had 131 entries!

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