I’m happy to say that Mark Love was able to bring along his character,  Jamie Richmond of  Devious by today. I like her spunk…any time a heroine has a smartass side to her, she makes me happy.
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1.  Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?

Jamie:  Well, I’m 31, single, the only child in an Irish American family. My father was a sculptor who was very successful. Unfortunately, he died when I was about seven years old. My mother decided that staying with one man made no sense, so she has been married many times since then, which makes me a little skittish about relationships. I’ve always been interested in writing, studied journalism in college and worked for newspapers for about eight years. I learned a lot about people and writing, which I now utilized for the kind of writing I was born to do. Mysteries!  I recently sold my first novel and I’m working on my next one.

The author read some of my columns and features when I was still working as a reporter. We met for coffee a couple of times. I think he liked my style. At times I can be a bit of a smart ass. I’m pretty observant, quick with a laugh. But I’m a redhead, so you know I’ve got a quick temper too!

2.  What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?

Jamie: Wow, that’s a tough one. There are different types of love. I mean, I really love Bert, my step-father. He was my mother’s third husband, from the time I was thirteen until I went to college. He’s always treated me as an adult, has always been there for me. We’re still close. Then there’s Linda, my best friend since we were six years old. I’d do anything for her. Now if you’re talking about romantic love, there’s a guy who recently entered my life. Malone. He’s charming and self confident and smart. One look from him and my knees come unhinged. He’s got these incredible blue eyes that pierce my heart. We’re still getting to know each other.  I think what appealed to me is that we met through my work several times before we started to date. By that time, we had developed this low key friendship. I was still nervous on our first date, but that’s fairly normal. (Laughs) He still makes me nervous.

3.  What’s your greatest fear?

Jamie: That I’ll do something to ruin the great thing I have with Malone. When it comes to relationships, I’m always looking over my shoulder at my mother’s crazy antics. I’m afraid that it’s hereditary and I’ll end up driving Malone away. But the longer we’re together, the more confident I’m becoming. I think.

4.  What’s your motto in life?

Jamie:  What the hell.  It’s an old expression from a dear friend. When I wanted to try something different, like writing mysteries, I figured, ‘what the hell’. You can either keep doing the same thing, or take some chances with life and see where it goes. I owe a good part of that philosophy to Bert, who has always encouraged me.

5.  How do the other characters in your book view you?

Jamie: (laughs) Stubborn, determined, self-conscious, shy, (yeah, I know) a smart ass, focused and creative. I’m stubborn about getting to the truth. I’m self-conscious about my body. I am definitely shy and a little awkward with guys. And everyone says I can be a real smart ass.

6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?

Jamie: Oh baby, I want to create the gossip fodder. And it’s even sweeter if it’s about me. (Laughs) I like to think I can keep a secret, but only if I have to.

7.  What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?

Jamie:  Readers will be able to identify with me. I’m a real woman, not some Hollywood creation that required assembly. While I doubt my body would stop traffic unless I am sprawled across the highway, I’m pretty okay with the way I look. Like many women, I struggle sometimes with my self-confidence. I might read too much into what someone says or does, wondering if there’s more to it than what’s on the surface.  But my heart is strong and true. I want the same things we all do: to have a few good friends we can count on, a job that I’m successful at, and someone to curl up with at the end of the day and love.

8.  What was your happiest moment?

Jamie: To share my successes with those closest to me. Having Bert, Linda and Malone in my life bring me happiness. Lately, having Malone in my life has certainly made me happy.

9.  What trait in others do you find most deplorable?

Jamie: Dishonesty. I can’t stand liars. Sadly, I’ve dated a few and when their lies tripped them up, they were out the door.

10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Jamie: (laughs) Oh, I’ve got to say red. Since I’m already a redhead, it only makes sense. Red can be bright and vibrant and glowing. My face turns red when I’m excited or embarrassed. It’s the color of roses, of blazing sunsets, of passion, of love. Yes, I am definitely a red.

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Blurb

Jamie Richmond, reporter turned author, is doing research for her next book. Attempting to capture the realism of a police officer’s duties while on patrol, she manages to tag along for a shift with a state police trooper. A few traffic stops and a high speed chase later, Jamie’s ride takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses the trooper being shot. Although it is not a fatal injury, Jamie becomes obsessed with unraveling the facts behind this violent act. While she is trying to sort out this puzzle, she becomes romantically involved with Malone, another trooper with a few mysteries of his own. Now Jamie’s attention is divided between a blooming romance and solving the crime which is haunting her. Jamie begins to question the events that took place and exactly who could be behind the shooting. It was a devious mind. But who?

 

Excerpt

The first time on the sofa was wild. There was no chance for foreplay. We both wanted it too much for that. Clothes were flung so far that I didn’t find my red bra until two days later.  It must have bounced off the wall and slid behind the planter. After the initial rush, Malone introduced me to the romantic aspects of each room in my apartment.  At one point after a warm bath together, I was on my stomach in bed and he proceeded to drive me crazy by slowly making patterns down my spine with one solitary fingertip.

Each time after the first started out slow and tender. A kiss here, fingers stroking there. Malone was toying with me, bringing me to the edge of excitement now, his lips following his finger.  My whole body felt alive, energized with the reactions to his touch.

He kissed his way up my body, taking his time. A nuzzle here, another tantalizing kiss there.  My skin was singing. My face was flushed, probably as red as my hair.  At about the time I could actually feel my body starting to recover, he zeroed in on my breasts.

Now I can’t say this is true for all women. I can only speak for me. Maybe it’s because of the infrequency of romantic interludes. Or maybe it’s my age. Or maybe the moon was rising.

My breasts are small. I hinted at that before. There are fourteen-year old girls out there with bigger breasts than mine. To clarify the situation, all my bras are padded and yes, the cup size is A. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s what I’ve got and I’d never consider surgery to pump them up.  All I know is that when Malone starting stroking and kissing my breasts, it’s like there was a direct connection down below. I was immediately wet with anticipation yet again.

“What am I going to do with you,” I whispered my voice little more than a feathery gasp.

“Whatever you would like, I’m open to suggestions.”

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Bio:

Yes, my name really is Mark Love. I am a Michigan native, who up until recently lived in the Metro Detroit area, where crime and corruption always seem to be at the top of everyone’s news. So there’s always the chance to find something that can trigger a story idea and enough interesting characters to jump start your imagination.

While I have worked in many industries and career paths over the years, one of my passions has always been writing. I was even able to parlay that passion for a while, working as a freelance reporter for a couple of newspapers in the Detroit area. Writing features and hard news helped me hone my talents. But while newspaper work was interesting and paid a few bills, it was a far cry from the fiction writing that I enjoy the most.

I’ve always been drawn to mysteries and thrillers, the kind of stories that have a fast pace, that keep you moving and keep you guessing as to what’s going to happen next. Mix those in with some elements of crime, perhaps a glimpse of the seedier side and you’ve got me. So it’s always been one of my goals to write stories like that.

Blog: http://marklove024.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarkLoveAuthor