--conducted by Denise Fleischer, website owner

Have you always wanted to write Romantic Suspense?

From the time I was a young adult I have wanted to write stories of romance. I also love mystery and suspense, so the combination was very appealing. Graphic murder in my stories does not exist. I like for the reader to imagine the scene; giving their imagination a work out.

What inspired you to write "Lethal Intent?"

My own career began in medicine. I have always wanted to be a scientist. My Hero, Carter, needed a career and a plot of something happening out of the ordinary in day to day life.

What forces head bio-chemist Carter Rawlins to go undercover to flush out the recent theft of a proposed high profit drug formula?

Carter Rawlins is coerced by the CEO of Everlast Pharmaceuticals to set up a false study in order to root out the suspected perpetrator. His knowledge of the formula is needed to follow the leads.

Who is Rebecca Jordan and what is she unaware of?

Rebecca Jordan, R.N. attends the wedding of her best friend Jenna Masters who is marrying Cole Rawlins. There she meets Carter. She is unaware her clinic will be conducting a new drug study, headed by Carter Rawlins.

What brings Carter and Rebecca together?

Carter is attracted to Rebecca from the moment they meet at Cole and Jenna's wedding. Their attraction becomes explosive as they work together in her clinic.

How long did it take you to write this manuscript?

I completed the manuscript in six months and then four months to contract.

What was the publishing process like for you? Did you send the manuscript out to a number of publishers before The Wild Rose Press?

No. I investigated a number of houses and I loved the concept of Wild Rose Press. So from there I began my pitch.

Has your publisher been supportive throughout the production process?

Wild Rose Press is very supportive to their authors. The editors work close with the authors. It has been a happy experience that I hope continues a long time.

What formats will it be published in and when?

Lethal Intent is available now in digital and print.

How will you promote "Lethal Intent?"

My promotion at this point is word of mouth, chat rooms, loop activity, my website, national RWA, local chapters of RWA and I also send out flyers. I access every method I can within my budget.

I heard that Deadly Connection is your next novel. It was originally released under the title Now I Promise. Now this novel is about Jenna Masters and her chance encounter on the dance floor with a handsome man. What does it lead to? It's clear that her partner, Cole Rawlins, can't forget her. What brings them together?

They cross paths in Twin Rivers Colorado where Jenna becomes involved in a dangerous business struggle by association. As the plot unfolds, Jenna and Cole are intensely attracted to each other and she wonders if the storm will tear them apart.

Did this first book create a series?

I hadn't intended to create a series, but I liked the characters so much it just took off.

What will you be writing next?

I am working on the manuscript of the third brother, Nicholas Rawlins. He has a brief appearance in Lethal Intent. His story takes place on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. Just to let readers know, I adore adding a slight paranormal element to my stories.

Thank you for talking with me. I have really enjoyed this interview.

Cierra James

--9/6/2007

     Cole drove away from the empty parking lot of the Oak Barrel with the warmth of Jenna's mouth lingering on his lips and the scent of her fragrance surrounding him. Damn, she tasted so good. If he had stayed one more second, he would have thrown her over his shoulder and carried her off to the nearest bed. The familiar tightness in the lower portion of his anatomy reminded him how much he wanted her; he wanted her in a way he had never wanted another woman. But, he had to go slow with her. She would never accept a one-night stand. Not that he wanted a one-night stand, but she would think as much if he'd pushed her too soon. He gathered from the course of their conversation tonight that she had little trust for the male species.

      Cole figured he had a hell of a mountain to break down with all the demons pursuing Jenna. Nothing could stop him now. All he had to do was bide his time and prove to her he wanted her as a woman and not for a roll in the hay. He turned his vehicle into the parking lot of the Inn, turned off the engine, pressed the door lock, and headed for his room.


     In a far corner of the simply styled room, near the sliding glass door that went out onto the balcony, an overstuffed chair beckoned him. He poured a nightcap from the mini-bar and sat in the dark, mulling over his evening with Jenna. She was bright, confident, and funny as hell. She also had the sexiest little mole in the right corner of her mouth that drove him wild. No doubt about it, he wanted to get better acquainted. He couldn't remember the last time he felt such ease with a woman.

     The other women he had dated liked him as Cole Rawlins Enterprises and he'd bet it was money that made him so attractive to them. As for Jenna, he suspected she sensed he had wealth, but not the depth. She seemed to prefer the ‘rugged cowboy  in him.

     He knew it was too soon to engage in such thoughts, but she had a certain something that brought out the protective instincts in him, not to mention the fire in his shorts. He groaned, "It's going to be a long night." A light tap on his room door broke his concentration. Cole got up and looked through the peephole. He saw Jarrod on the other side of the entrance, standing with his hands on his hips and a burning cigarette dangling from
his lips.

     Cole unlocked the door and pulled it open.
     "What in the hell are you doing here at this hour of the night? You told me last night at the Oak Barrel you were headed back to Denver." Cole pointed at the clouds of smoke coming from Jarrod's cigarette. "You know I detest those things. Get rid of it before you come in." Jarrod stomped out the cigarette on the walkway and entered Cole's room.

    "Let me repeat my question, Jarrod. How did you find me and why aren't you in Denver?"

     "Let me make myself perfectly clear. You left the board meeting with the merger up for bid. As your CFO, I told you the small company was the better deal financially. We could have groomed it over the next few years into the same capacity as Fent Com. I think you want me out altogether. Is this your way of getting there, keeping me from getting in deeper with the company and no way to pay the last installment of our contract?  Cole felt a slow burn rise in his face.

     "Jarrod, I refuse to discuss the merger issues. I told you on the phone when I was in Arizona we'd talk about this when I got back to Denver. Leave. I'm not in the mood for this unwanted discussion."

     "Well, get in the mood. You've put me off long enough," Jarrod bit out.

     Cole stepped closer until he was in Jarrod's face. "Don't mess with me on this; there's no urgency in this matter. As far as I'm concerned, this merger conversation is on the back burner for now. Please leave. It's been a long day."

     Jarrod rubbed his chin with deliberation.

    "I'll be glad to buy you out if you're so unhappy." Cole stood in a sturdy stance, arms crossed at his chest.

     "Fine, I'll leave. You haven't heard the last of this. By the way, you won't be buying me out." Jarrod turned toward the door and hastily left the room.