Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

Ah....Ronie Kendig has done it again! Created a beautiful ending to such a fantastic series!

In this third book, we take a bit of a deviation from the last two and follow more of Ram's story. There's also the introduction of a new character who I really liked - Mercy! I won't go into who she is exactly, but I loved her spunk in this third book. Also, the team comes back together in order to find (and get rid of) a final supernatural artifact. Interposed with short episodes from history, we see where a curse has come from and what it has to do with the sword that killed Goliath.

I really enjoyed the mixture of perspectives that we get to see and the little twists and turns that the story takes (of which I will remain silent so as not to spoil it). I did have a bit of confusion when it came to piecing it all together - BUT it all made sense at the end, something Kendig always does an excellent job at.

Ronie Kendig {Writer Wednesday}

Okay, dear readers - today's interview is really special to me. We're all book lovers here (at least I'm assuming so?) and I'm sure you can relate to me when I say that I have a bit of an author crush. Come on...you know you have one (or more) too!

I have long since adored Ronie Kendig's writing. I mean, we're talking flat out in awe of the first book I read by her (Talon: Combat Tracking Team) and then everything since. I found myself thinking...where has this author been all of my life?

Fast forward and....yes, that's MEEEE standing next to Ronie (in her house beautiful house too but I digress). Having her on my blog for a {Writer Wednesday} slot is pretty overwhelming to me (in the best way) and I can say that I have been so impressed with her as an author and as a friend. She is seriously the most humble person and I love that I get to share her with you all today! All right, on to the interview and enough of my fangirling ;)

A little bit about Ronie...

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married her own hunky hero, an Army veteran. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her husband live a full life in Northern Virginia with four children and a Maltese Menace named Helo.

How to connect with Ronie...

Website: www.roniekendig.com  
Blog: www.roniekendig.com/blog
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/RonieK  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction  
Twitter: @roniekendig  
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roniek/
Purchase: Falcon (The Quiet Professionals Book 3)

 
Author Interview | Ronie Kendig

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing?  What has kept you writing?
...I suppose I’ve always been telling stories, starting with my dolls at a very young age, but it wasn’t until my husband bought me a word processor back in 1991 that I really started working at it. I then took a course through the Institute for Children’s Literature, which I found fascinating but frustrating. Out of that, I learned I didn’t want to write for children, but for adults. My love of writing, the therapeutic and thrilling effects of it have kept me writing. On days when I’m down or discouraged and whining and saying I’m going to quit writing, my husband in his very stoic voice, says, “You might not try to get published anymore, but you’ll never stop writing.” And he’s so right. I can’t not write.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...Not really. I love different things about each of my stories. I do confess that I adored writing the Operation Zulu series and hope to someday finish what I started with that amazing team of characters.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it? 
...Falcon is the final book in the Quiet Professionals series and has quite an explosive conclusion. Readers will find themselves guessing—as I, the author, did—who Raptor can trust. 

Here is the official blurb for Falcon:

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why? 
...One character that I find alluring and intriguing is a secondary character named Sajjan Takkar. He has now shown up in roughly four of my novels, and I never tire of writing him. He’s just a very unique character in that his loyalty cannot be bought and is singularly dedicated to his country and its restoration. Throughout the story, others are questioning if they’ll turn on him, and I just love that.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with? 
...That without forgiveness, we are letting destructive seeds of bitterness rot and tear at the fabric of our relationships and lives. Bitterness rots the soul.

Writing

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I’ve always seen the primary mission as “opening dialogue” about our military heroes, what they deal with, and how it affects not just their lives, but the lives of their families. I want readers to walk away, thinking about the sacrifices our military heroes make every day.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing? 
...It’s imperative to know the rules of writing and storycrafting—master those rules; know them backward and forward…but don’t get strangled by the rules.

 

You

 

What is one thing you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing? 
...Believe it or not, I find taekwondo relaxing—exhausting, but definitely relaxing. Also, I love doing things with my hands—painting my living room, sewing, or crocheting. Anything artsy. It fuels my creativity and gives me a physical outlet.

What is one thing you are looking forward to for the Summer?
...This summer will be strange for our family—we’ve married off a daughter and another is working in DisneyWorld, so my plans are to have fun doing some home interior decorating and rearranging. Pray for me as I begin this adventure as the only female in a house of five guys (hubby, twin sons, and two male dogs).

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Thanks again Ronie for coming by the blog today! And I had to share one image I took from the anniversary session I had with Ronie and Brian on Sunday. 25 Years of marriage as of this Monday - so awesome! And yes - I put in a vote (or maybe 50?) for you continuing Operation Zulu (check out the first installment for FREE). And while we're on the subject of your books - readers, you MUST check out Falcon (I rave about it HERE)! And Ronie, are you sure it's the last book for the Quiet Professionals....I mean...I'm just saying there could be more there ;) Anyway, thanks again and I look forward to what you've got coming up next! (Readers: Check out her FB page for a little hint - she just did a cover reveal yesterday!).

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::WINNER::

We've got a winner from Carol Moncado's interview last week...

Abby Breuklander

Congrats girl! I'll be in touch :)


In the mean time, if you didn't win check out More Than A Princess HERE.

Falcon by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

High powered action fraught with deception and propelled by secrets. Falcon isn't for the faint of heart!

Salvatore "Falcon" Russo is a time bomb waiting to explode with pent up emotion. Lieutenant Cassandra Walker may be the very person to set that time bomb ticking.

When Raptor, a Special Forces team, finds themselves stuck in between lies and more lies, they band together only as brothers-in-arms can. No one is who they say they are and Raptor becomes tired of deception at every turn. Dealt blow after blow, they are forced to place their trust in Cassandra, though Falcon still feels the sting of her lies from years before.

Action that keeps you glued to the page. Emotion that drives you to finish chapter after chapter. Characters that draw you in with their complexity and realness. One surprise after another. You will not be able to put this book down!

Ronie Kendig does it again with Falcon, the third book in her Quiet Professionals series after Raptor 6 and Hawk. I had high expectations for this book - not only because I'm a die-hard Kendig fan, but because Falcon is such an intriguing character and I was desperate to find out what would happen! I wasn't disappointed. From page one I was hooked to the story and enjoyed the ride through the various perspectives that Kendig seamlessly weaves together. Seriously people - you will not be able to stop reading!

As I say with every book I read by her, go Ronie Kendig and never go back ;) I'd highly recommend Falcon (as I would the rest of this series) to fans of action, adventure, emotion-packed characters, and incredible writing. Basically, you can't go wrong.

Rating: 5*

Purchase: Falcon: (The Quiet Professionals)


Book Description
(from Ronie's Website)

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands.

Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks.

As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

  _______________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Kariss Lynch + GIVEAWAY {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Kariss...

Kariss Lynch writes contemporary fiction about characters with big dreams, hearts for adventure, and enduring hope. Shaken, her first book in the Heart of a Warrior series, released in 2014. The second book, Shadowed, released in March 2015. A former freelance writer, she now works as the writer for a communications ministry in Dallas. Kariss loves ice cream and sunsets, particularly when paired together.

How to connect with Kariss...

Website: http://karisslynch.com
Blog: http://karisslynch.com/blog 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7126750.Kariss_Lynch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.karisslynch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kariss_Lynch
Instagram: @Kariss_Lynch
Purchase: Shadowed (Heart of a Warrior)


Author Interview | Kariss Lynch

You and Writing

Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I started writing in third grade with the story of an imaginary world and fairies named after my friends. I had to ask my teacher for more paper. I think she eventually had to give me a limit. I just couldn’t stop! The story had more to say! I kept writing in classes and wrote poetry for myself. I loved every challenge my teachers and professors threw my way. If I could try a different style or genre, I attempted it with gusto. I wanted to grow and get better, but I had a fear of sharing those stories with others. My family and a mentor finally challenged me to step out. I started with a blog and then pursued publication. Book three is currently in the editing process. My dreams never felt this good.

Do you have a favorite book or work that you’ve written? If so, why?
...I think whatever I am currently working on is my favorite. I just finished Surrendered, which will hit shelves in Winter 2016. It is the final chapter in Nick and Kaylan’s love story, though we might hear about their lives in books to come. As I explored their relationship, I had to take a hard look at what love looks like, not what culture says it is, but what the Lord says it is. I was lost in this scene as Kaylan is questioning her relationship with Nick. As I finished, I felt this heavy weight on my chest. The way I had written Nick – this Navy SEAL, a warrior, a flawed guy striving to be like Jesus – I realized the way he loves Kaylan and pursues her and the way Jesus loves me and pursues me, even when and especially when I’m unlovable. I can’t wait to share that story with readers.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...Nick and Kaylan return in Shadowed as Nick faces the demons of his past on a mission to catch Janus, and Kaylan comes to terms with loving a man who leaves.

...Now in California, Kaylan slowly adjusts to life in the SEAL community with new friends, new neighbors, an internship, and mysterious and threatening notes left by a ghost. When items begin to disappear from her home, Kaylan wonders if she will ever find her place in her new reality and wrestles to develop the strength for the life she desires to have with Nick.

...Nick never dreamed his work would follow him home, but now the very terrorist he stalked is threatening everything he holds dear. Nick must learn to trust God with Kaylan’s life as he and his team fight for justice and answers to his past.

...In Shaken, the characters must learn to heal. In Shadowed, they must learn to love. But will their love forever be stalked by shadows? I think readers will love meeting some of Nick’s SEAL buddies and seeing what really makes the heart of a warrior strong.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...I do. I hate admitting that. They feel like my kids and it feels wrong having a favorite, but I think Logan and his little girl Molly are some of my favorite characters. Logan is a SEAL and a father and husband who just exudes confidence, leadership, and Jesus, and he knows how to have fun! I feel like he is such a voice of wisdom in the book. I know I learned a lot writing him. Molly is just sunshine and innocence. She is a sweet four-year-old who has a curious, innocent, beautiful outlook on the world, and I loved watching her shine and love those around her.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...Love is a choice. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...My stories and characters are based on the crazy mess in my head and inspiration I see in the world around me. If I see quirks and personality traits in friends, family, or even strangers that fascinate or entice me, I create a character with those traits. In Shaken, Sarah Beth is loosely based on one of my best friends who has the most bubbly personality paired with curly blonde hair and a smile that lights up a room. You can’t help but love her. I chose Kaylan’s passion for helping people and her pursuit of dietetics because of my cousin who has a heart for helping people in third world countries use what they have around them to be healthy and learn how to feed their children. Beware! If you are in my vicinity, anything you say or do is free game for a book.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...I think stories should entertain and take you to another place. They have been my escape and my place to dream over the years. But I want my stories to also inspire readers to dream big, have courage, and make a difference. God made you uniquely, and I want readers to find in characters the traits and actions they love and then dare to emulate those things in real life. To use the name of my current series, I want readers to have the heart of a warrior!

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...You are never too young or too old to write. You have something to say and a story to tell. The key is figuring out how to do that well. When you write, close the door to what everyone else may think or say and get the story on the page. Know your audience, know what they like, and then just write without fear. That’s the second most important thing I can tell you: write without fear. The most important thing I can tell you is to trust the Lord with the journey.

You

What is a favorite memory you have of your mother?
...We were on family vacation one summer. My brother, sister, and I were in the pool and mom walked down from the condo. She didn’t like to swim, but she loved to come sit on the side of the pool and dip her feet in the water. She sat down on the side, lifted her feet up, and said, “Do you like my pretty toted paint nails?” I think the three of us burst out laughing as she immediately corrected herself. “Pretty painted toe nails, pretty painted toe nails.” We bought her house shoes that looked like furry feet with painted toenails for Christmas, and the joke and memory have never died.

If you had to choose one type of food, what kind would it be?
...Unfortunately, I have cravings for Italian food quite often. I love the flavors, pastas, bread, and salads. So bad for me, but oh so good.

April showers bring May flowers – or so they say. Do you have a favorite flower? If so, why is it your favorite?
...I love lilies and roses. There is something classy and beautiful, yet simple about both.

_____________________________

Thank you so much for being my guest today Kariss! I loved getting to know you better and am *SO* excited to offer a copy (or two?) of your book. I can completely relate to the desire to write, write, write and love how you say you tried different genres (I'm right there with you, I love it all!). Probably my favorite quote from today's interview is, "When you write, close the door to what everyone else may think or say and get the story on the page." Amen! And what a sweet memory of your mom - love it!

Ok, readers, don't pass up this opportunity to win a copy of Shadowed! Leave a comment below for Kariss or mention your favorite flower! I'll pick the winner (or winner's if we have enough entries for 2 books!) next Wednesday and announce it here on the blog.

::WINNER::

Congratulations to...

Susan P 

She's won a Kindle copy of The Count of Monte Cristo from my interview with Kelly Bridgewater! If you missed getting to know Kelly, check out her interview here.

It's Out! HAWK by Ronie Kendig + GIVEAWAY

First thing first, we've got a winner from my interview with Elizabeth Maddrey from last week (view her interview here). The lucky winner gets a copy of Elizabeth's latest novel Kinsale Kisses!

Erin Unger

Congrats Erin! I'll get in contact with you :)


Now...on to some fun things about HAWK and author Ronie Kendig! 

Mark your calendars now so you can chat with Ronie at 2pm EST!!! Follow this link to sing up.

THEN, as if that wasn't enough, Rel over at Relz Reviewz is hosting a HUGE giveaway by Ronie! Follow this link and enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post. I've read Hawk (you can read my review here) and it's FANTASTIC so...if you're looking for your next book to read, look no further!

HAWK by Ronie Kendig | Re:View

Staff Sergeant Brian "Hawk" Bledsoe is just one step ahead of the demons of his past. He's got a quick temper, but he's also a man of his word.

As a pilot, Fekiria Haidary shatters the stereotype for Afghan women. She's headstrong yet brilliant, a winning combination that doesn't escape Hawk's eye.

When the Raptor team is faced with faulty information and Hawk get's separated from his team, he needs to make a crucial decision: protect those in his care or his brothers-in-arms.

***

Warning: From the moment you open HAWK you will not be able to put it down. Take this into account when attempting to keep a regular schedule or even thinking about sleep at night because...it's not going to happen!

As I've come to expect from Ronie Kendig, HAWK is filled with real emotions, characters that leap off of the page, and action that will thrill the most discerning critic. You will walk away from HAWK feeling the chill of the winter and drawn to the stories detailed within the pages that pass all too quickly. 

I more than recommend this novel, and all of Ronie's books, to any reader. The quality and depth of story are unmatched in my opinion!

Purchase Hawk (The Quiet Professionals Book 2)

Book Description
(from Ronie's website)

Staff Sergeant Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe is a communications expert who takes life with a grain of salt—until he must sacrifice everything to save a humanitarian and her class who come under fire—literally—by the Taliban.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

And while I'm at it, you NEED to know that Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig is FREE right now on Amazon!!!

Get Raptor 6 (The Quiet Professionals Book 1)

What better way to prep yourself for HAWK than to read (or re-read) Raptor 6?

Trust me, you'll love it!

Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason - Part 4 | RE:View

Sheesh...Ronie Kendig sure knows how to write the best suspense! For those of you who have been following my progress through this awesome serialization, you'll know that I've been loving everything about it. Well, Part 4 was no different.

As we left off in Part 3 with Teya and The Turk, we catch back up with them for Part 4 to rocket us through to the next level of the plot behind Misrata. I wont give much away here, but take it from me - you will not be able to put this down. The wild twists and turns that Act of Treason takes you on will shock and surprise you, but when the ending comings my bet is that you'd never even guess who was behind it all.

I can sum up my experience with Operation Zulu in 3 little words...(and a few exclamation points)...

I want MORE!!!

For a book lover like me, it was like I was watching a favorite television show but instead I was reading it! It's an experience I'd be happy to enter into again and I hope hope hope Ronie will be doing a Season 2 because, though she wrapped up the ending nicely here, there is so much more to find out.

I give this entire serialization 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone interested in military fiction/suspense with the perfect amount of romance and a whole lot of amazing plot twists. This will keep you up late at night flying through sections to get to the answers!

Purchase Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason - Part 4

_______________________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own. 

Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty - Part 3 | RE:View

My pulse is racing just thinking about Part 3! Sam has been taken...where, you'll find out, but things are heating up like never before. Suddenly, the stakes are raised when Teya realizes she has shot The Turk, the assassin on a mission to take her life. Annie has been captured in Greece and Francesca is still hot on Traces tail.

In this third installment of Operation Zulu, you'll be faced with more twists and turns. The question of who is behind Misrata still hangs persistently in the background, while the team faces an onslaught of action as they delve for the truth.

What will happen between Sam, Trace, and Annie? Will The Turk die at Teya's hands? Will Francesca get what she want's most of all - to decimate Trace's career and character in the process?

Get Part 3 and start reading to find out! Make sure you've read the introduction and parts 1 and 2 to get the complete picture though. You won't regret getting sucked into the melee that is Operation Zulu Redemption!

Purchase Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty - Part 3

_______________________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own. 

Operation Zulu Redemption: Overkill - The Beginning by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

Blood pumping, adrenaline inducing writing that will leave you desperate for the next installment!

Ronie Kendig has done it again! Her serialization, Operation Zulu Redemption, is one wild ride after another. As I've mentioned in previous posts, this work is spread out over 5 weeks drawing you a little further into the story each week.

We're currently at Part 3, Hazardous Duty, but I'm going to start with sharing my review of Overkill - The Beginning.

OVERKILL

In this FREE (yep, get your copy now!!!) introduction to the serialization, you will meet some of the key players of Operation Zulu (or OZ for short).

Ronie doesn't even let you catch your breath before you're out the door and part of the wild ride the OZ team is facing. As each character is introduced, a new twist of the plot unfolds until you're completely wrapped up in it.

I won't say much more than that at this point since Overkill introduces the series and I don't want to give anything away. I will say, however, that you'd better get this right away! I'll be reviewing Collateral Damage (part 1) soon and you'll want to be caught up by then.

Download
Operation Zulu Redemption: Overkill - The Beginning
Purchase
Operation Zulu Redemption: Collateral Damage - Part 1
Operation Zulu Redemption: Out of Nowhere - Part 2
Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty - Part 3

Serialization Description 
(from Ronie's website)

They never should’ve existed. Now they don’t.

In the aftermath of their first highly successful op, the first all-female special ops team, known as Zulu, discovered that innocent civilians—women and children—died at their hands. Zulu was set up to take a devastating fall.

Fearing for their lives, the Zulu team vanished. With new identities and spread across the globe, they live in relative but isolated peace—yet still haunted by the past. Terrified of being discovered.

Five years after that horrific night, they begin to hope they might be safe and the tragedy forgotten.

Until two of them are murdered.

_______________________

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Go deeper...

Check out these character interviews and informative OZ posts by my fellow RFFTF Team members!

Music for the Mission - OZ Playlist

Why Zulu?

Summer Shoot-Out: Vacation with Ronie Kendig & Zulu


Meet:

Keeley

Annie

Nuala

Boone

 Sam

Trace

Red Sky At Morning by Steve Wilson | RE:View

Marine Lieutenant Michael Neill cuts a striking figure in Red Sky At Morning by Steve Wilson. He's a man of character, integrity, and intelligence - not to mention a handsome face that the women in his life can't seem to ignore.

His mission starts off simply enough: travel to the Soviet Union and verify nuclear disarmament. All is going well until a Russian fighter shoots down an American reconnaissance plane changing Michael's mission to one of covert investigation into Russian stealth technology.

I enjoyed Red Sky At Morning, though found the writing to be at times more cut-and-dried than I'd prefer. I enjoyed the meticulous details and the obvious knowledge that Wilson has, though would have loved to see more emotion to round out the book. Some of the relationships appeared flat due to the lack of feeling.

The only part of the book that I had a hard time with was the view points. Wilson often "jumps heads" in his writing, speaking from one characters view point and abruptly changing to another only paragraphs later. Despite the confusion this sometimes caused, I did appreciate his attempt to make these transitions as smooth as possible. I think I would have connected better with Neill had we been "in his head" more solidly.

With that said, I would still definitely recommend this book. Wilson obviously did his research extensively and the plot is entertaining and intriguing. If you enjoy military thrillers and like a book with more thinking than feeling, this is the book for you!

Purchase Red Sky at Morning

Book Description
(from Amazon)

When Marine Lieutenant Michael Neill is ordered to the former Soviet Union, his assignment is to verify nuclear disarmament. But before his mission begins, an American reconnaissance plane is attacked by a Russian fighter, and a Navy pilot is killed. After the incident, Neill’s mission changes.

Willis Avery, the President’s National Security Adviser, wants Lieutenant Neill to investigate Russian stealth technology, in addition to his original assignment. Photographic evidence—and the lack of radar images of the attacking aircraft—lead the American intelligence community to conclude that something new has been developed in the skies over Russia. Avery believes that Neill’s friendship with a high-ranking officer in the Ukrainian Air Force is the key to establishing Red Sky at Morning—the existence of new aviation technology that could upset the balance of power between East and West.

However, ultra-nationalist forces are at work. After arriving in Eastern Europe, Neill quickly uncovers a conspiracy of terrorism secretly instigated by the Kremlin. Government leaders in Moscow will stop at nothing to rebuild the Soviet Union as they try to force the breakaway republics back into the fold.

Neill discovers that the terrorism has extended to the weapons facility he is charged with inspecting. Communist agents have gone far beyond their original orders, and it’s a race against time as the Marine—with the help of a beautiful Ukrainian journalist—tries to stop them—and come up with a plan to bring down the corrupt government officials in Moscow.

_______________________

I received a free copy of this Ebook to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

My Writing Process | Blog Hop

I was invited by the lovely Amanda G. Stevens (whom I had the blessing of meeting and photographing at the ACFW conference last year) to join a blog hop! You can see the previous post [here].

Today we'll be talking about my writing process and answering 4 questions. I'm pretty excited to join in on this and hope you'll enjoy it!

My Writing Process

What am I currently working on?

Revisions. Revisions. Revisions.

Ugh. I have to say that working on them isn't the best, or most exciting thing I've ever done, but I am realizing that the writing process is really that - a process.

My current work in progress is (tentatively) titled Runaway. You've probably heard me talk about it before, but I'm excited about where it's finally headed. I've plotted my changes and am working on them as quickly as I can.

In a brief snapshot:

Where can you run to that no one will find you? When Zoie Wells, an accountant at a prominent corporate law office in Los Angeles, is caught stealing evidence of the company’s unlawful business dealings, she attempts the impossible: to disappear.

On the verge of winter, Zoie flees to the historic town of McCloud, in Northern California, where she meets Grant Patten, a local woodworking artist. His friendship is exactly what Zoie is avoiding, but Grant’s special training as a Navy Seal may be the only thing between her and a hit man hired to hunt her down.

How does my work differ from others in its genre?

Good question. I guess you could say it's slightly different in the fact that, though it is suspenseful and action packed, I still try and write the more emotional scenes with a lot of feeling. I think that the emotion can sometimes become lost, creating an action-packed novel without the deeper connection of characterization.

For me, this is a strength and a weakness.  On the positive side, it strengthens the reader's connection to the characters but on the negative side I find myself spending too much time on the emotional and then I need to go back, cut out a lot, and push forward to more action. It's balance I'm striving for.

Why do I write what I do?

I just love suspense and action whether it's movies or books. I've become really interested in all things military as well and I like incorporating that in my writing. It's funny because, looking back, I used to write strictly romance and enjoyed that, but now I feel like the minute I think of a plot it involves some from of action and generally a life threatening situation (or several). It' just comes naturally to me now and I can't imagine not including some form of suspense or action in my writing now.

How does you writing process work?

It's hard to say. Most of the time I can't get away from ideas. I could look at an empty glass on a table and be inspired just as much as I could reading a true life story about a soldiers heroic service to his country. No matter what it is though, I start to get a sense of excitement generally followed by goosebumps (no joke!). Then sit down and start to write (if possible) or I add it to an Evernote page on my phone.

Just a week or so ago I was flying back from a visit with my parents and an idea struck me while reading another book. It had nothing to do with the story I was reading, but all the sudden this plot was vying for my attention and I had to get out the opening scene. Good thing I can type quickly with my thumbs (hehe).


Well, thanks for stopping by the blog and I hope you "hop" on over to my friend K. L. (Kelly) Bridgewater's blog next Monday for her answers to these questions!

K. L. Bridgewater is an active member of My Book Therapy and ACFW. Two of her short stories, Letting Go and Moving on, have been published. She finished her Bachelor and Masters degree in English at Indiana State University. She has completed two complete manuscripts, Missing and Deadly Hunt, which she hopes one day will be published. Currently, she's working on a three part trilogy that she's in the process of plotting and can't wait to introduce Devin Sanders and Chloe Walker to the world. She proofreads her friends' manuscripts to help them with the writing process. Besides here, she also blog on Hoosier Ink and Sleuths and Suspects. Feel free to check them out. She resides in Western Indiana with her husband, their three sons, and their two dogs.

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig | RE:View

If I were allowed to give a book 6 starts, I would be giving it to Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig.

This book was simply amazing!

The fast pace plot and high action sequences will keep you glued to your seat wondering just how long Kendig can keep it up. In Raptor 6, the first in the Quiet Professionals Series, she pushes her characters to the breaking point from a personal and professional standpoint.

Dean Watters, better known now as Raptor 6, is the strong silent type with a will made of pure steel. His sense of duty is suddenly tested when beautiful Zahrah Zarrick enters the scene. She's got a steel will to match his, though hers is fortified by the Lord and her sense of mission to teach the children of her mothers homeland in Afghanistan.

Enter a threat on Zahrah's life, the potential loss of secured information, and a talented Special Forces team and you've got more action than you'll know what to do with.

Honestly and truly this book was fantastic! Some have said it's her best yet and I'd have to agree. I would recommend this to fans of military action and suspense. Kendig writes like a seasoned veteran and draws you into the action. You'll find yourself laughing at this new Raptor team and their antics, crying with the emotion of it all, and flinching as the bullets fly past you in the night.

Book Description: 
*Description taken from Ronie Kendig's Site

His mission; his team. Those elements are the laser-like focus of Green Beret Captain Dean Watters. When a threat is launched that compromises the US military, Dean is forced to engage in a way that might come at the highest cost.

Purchase: Raptor 6 (The Quiet Professionals)  

Most of you know that I'm a huge Kendig fan! Check out my other reviews of her books Talon: Combat Tracking Team and Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.