WITHOUT MERCY

I’m thrilled to have Alicia Dean drop by for a visit today. Since this is her first time on my site, I have a few questions so my followers can get to know her. Plus she has a brand new book that has just come out that I’d love to hear about.

Welcome, Alicia!

Thank you so much for having me, Linda. I’m excited to share my latest release, Without Mercy, on your blog. It’s a book I’ve worked on off and on for more than five years, and I’m just happy to finally have it done.

For a limited time, the ebook is on sale for only 99¢ on the Kindle
or Nook.

That’s a great price! Will add your book to my TBR pile.

I know you’re an avid reader, so is there any particular book you’ve read that you wish you would have written?

Gone with the Wind. – Yesterday, I saw the movie at the theater and it was just as amazing as always. And, of course seeing it on the big screen was phenomenal. While the actors and the screenplay obviously were fantastic, the story itself, Margaret Mitchell’s novel, is unbelievable. I am so impressed at how she was able to create a protagonist in Scarlett O’Hara whose actions are somewhat despicable, yet we can’t help but love and admire her.

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and how do you like it?

I do. I’m also an editor. And, I have a full-time job as a legal assistant for a family law firm. I love it. It’s extremely interesting (can we say all kinds of story material?), and my bosses and co-workers are awesome. I’m very blessed.

Wow. You’re really lucky to have a job you truly enjoy. A lot of people can’t say the same.

Next question: What do you love that most people don’t like and wouldn’t understand why you do?

Bad weather; cold, snow, rain, blizzards, everything except wind. I hate it when it’s warm and sunny. Give me gloomy, dark and cold any day.

You’re right. Most people wouldn’t understand that. Have you ever considered moving to Alaska? They have a lot of dark and cold days up there. LOL

What do you dislike that most people wouldn’t understand?

Muppets. They really, really annoy me. That fact was reinforced recently when Jimmy Fallon, for some crazy reason, had them on his show to help with his Hashtag segment. While I usually love that bit, I very much disliked it this time. I found it irritating. Not only are they not funny, they can make something that is funny unfunny.

Okay. I’m not going to touch that one considering we have the Muppet Christmas Carole in our stack of CD’s. 🙂 Interesting to know that about you, though.

Let’s change the subject a bit. What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?

Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams. I patterned my characters after them, and I think they would be perfect for the roles. So…if either of you are reading this, my contact info can be found below.

{Waving hand enthusiastically} Yo! Colin…Rachel! We’ve got the perfect parts for you. Come on down. 😀

I’d love to find out a bit more about your book. A thriller I believe you said. Right? Oh, and I love, love, love your cover! Seriously.

Blurb:
How far will a mother go to protect her child?
When an apparently random bank robbery turns out to be a sinister plan, single mother China Beckett is thrust into a nightmare.

A group of mercenaries take over her life, threatening her young daughter and everyone they love. Each time China makes a mistake, someone dies. She’ll fight to the last breath to protect her child, but with no idea what move will be the wrong one, that might not be enough.

As the lives of China’s loved ones are jeopardized, she must take action, although she has no idea where to turn—and time is running out. But then, a startling truth is revealed and China discovers that the only person who can save them might be a ghost from the past.

That sends chills down my spine. What else can you give us?

EXCERPT:

“Macklin Boyle.” He extended his hand to Emma. It was the first time China had heard his first name. Almost made him seem human—harmless. But she knew better.
Emma shook his hand, then trudged upstairs. China made a cup of instant coffee, not wanting Detective Boyle to stay long enough for a pot to brew.
“How do you take your coffee?” she called from the kitchen. “Is instant okay?”
“Beggars can’t be choosers.” His voice came from directly behind her.
She whirled, her hand flying to her heart. “You scared me.”
“Black.”
“Huh?”
“I take it black. I guess it would make a person jumpy. All you’ve been through.”
“Yes.” She gritted her teeth. The way he hopped from topic to topic rattled her, which was probably why he did it. She handed him a mug, and he took it and sat at the breakfast table.
“Nice house.”
“Thanks,” she replied cautiously, but she didn’t think it was meant to flatter. This man did nothing without purpose.
She crossed her arms and leaned against the counter, waiting. For a split second, she was tempted to try to get some kind of message to him, letting him know of the trouble she was in. But the idea left as soon as it took hold. She had no idea how many people were involved, but she was chillingly certain they could get to the people she loved before the police could get to all of them.
He took a sip of coffee and looked around, slowly nodding. “Bank must pay you well.”
Ah. There it was. “No. This was my husband’s house.”
“Widow?”
She’d bet he knew all about her, but answered anyway. “No. Divorced. Gary left the house to me.”
“Free and clear?”
“Yes.” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Detective Boyle, is there something I can help you with?”
“Just following up.” Another drink of the coffee. “You think of anything new to tell us?”
“No. No, I didn’t and no matter how many times you ask, I won’t.”
“Won’t?”
“I can’t. I’ve told you all I know.”
“Crazy stuff. The Norman branch getting robbed, too.”
Her eyes slid to the floor as she nodded. Damn. That was a tell. She looked back up at him. “It’s awful. I hope you catch these guys.”
“It’s the same guys?”
“What? I suppose. Why are you asking me?”
He shrugged. “You just seem so sure. I thought you might…know something.”
“I just assumed…I mean…so soon after, and the same way.” China threw her hands up in the air. “I don’t know. None of the robbers have been apprehended, so who knows, right?”
He finished his coffee and stood. “Yeah,” he nodded as he looked around some more, then his eyes narrowed on her. “Who knows?”

Yep. I’m definitely hooked! I hope all of friends out there are, too.

BIO
Alicia Dean lives in Edmond, Oklahoma. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching her favorite televisions shows like Vampire Diaries, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, The Mindy Project, and Dexter (even though it has sadly ended, she will forever be a fan). Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

Here are all the places you can find Alicia on social media:
Website: http://aliciadean.com/
Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008364070487
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

Thank you so much for dropping by my blog, Alicia. Here’s wishing you major success with your latest endeavor!

[Now, go buy her book people! Thanks my friends. 😀 ]