Virtual Book Tour: Deep Rising

Deep Rising

N.R. Rhodes

Smart. Sexy. Suspense.

Blurb:

In his nine-year stint with the CIA, Jared Caldwell thought he’d seen it all. But when his latest mission instructs him to apprehend a beautiful scientist who’s allegedly linked to a devastating new form of warfare, he isn’t prepared for the prospect of battling man-made tsunamis—or the misplaced feelings he harbors for his number one suspect.

The irony of being accused of crimes her research was intended to prevent isn’t lost on Svetlana Orskya. She also didn’t expect her wish for a strong, sexy man to sweep in and change her life to come true—especially not when he appears, gun in hand, pointed at her.

But time is running out and Jared and Lana must work together to protect the mainland. As the heat between them—and the threat of mass destruction—rises there is more at stake than just their hearts.

Excerpt:

Lana glanced down at the negative edge sink with its sleek silver fixtures. The water swirled around the shallow marble basin before disappearing over the side. Like the water, she felt her sense of control spiraling down the drain.

“I wish it was otherwise, but you need to come with me, Lana.”

She met his eyes in the reflection of the mirror.

“I’m the bait.”

He nodded.

The acknowledgment shouldn’t have pierced her with such brutal precision, but it did, slashing through her sense of worth, diminishing her to a rook in this twisted chess game. “You get me into position. I distract Sergei. Then you apprehend him. Is that the plan?”

He released a heavy breath. “If you’re in league with him, it’ll draw him to me. If you aren’t, yes, it will provide a valuable diversion. Either way we’ll neutralize him.”

“Neutralize?”

Reaching around her, he turned off the faucet. With a gentle hand, he guided her to face him directly. “There’s something you need to know.”

Reluctantly, she met his eyes.

“I’m here to remove the threat,” he said.

“I see.”

He elected to be honest with her, she reminded herself. He could lie about the entire situation.

He put his hand on her shoulder in a gesture intended to be reassuring. It fell far short of its mark. She slapped his hand away. “Save your commiseration. It isn’t sincere. You’re asking me to lure my brother to certain death!”

“I’m sorry.”

Lana spun around and stared into the mirror again. Seeing him, seeing herself reflected in his cold, clear eyes, she thought of the millions and millions of people whose lives were at stake and suddenly any lingering emotion she felt for Sergei dissipated. She understood. Either her brother was innocent and this was all for naught or he was a legitimate threat and they needed to apprehend him. All or nothing.

“I’ll do what I have to,” she said.

“To help this mission or save your brother?”

“Truthfully, any person who’d use my work to harm millions of innocent people doesn’t deserve to live.”

“He killed twelve hundred people already, Lana.”

“I know. . .” And I feel responsible.

“The weight goes away,” he said as if reading her mind

“When?”

“When you set it right.”

The time had come, Lana realized, to do just that.

Storm Goddess interview with the author:

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?

I’ve been writing forever, or so it seems, and the genres have spanned everything from historical to sci-fi to Amish. Yes, Amish. Deep Rising is my debut. 

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?

I prefer commercial fiction, so that’s where I’ve devoted my time in the past. Action adventures are the books I like to read, so I guess it isn’t really a surprise, that this genre is also what I like to write. 

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?

Plot. Plot. More plot. I think I’m waaaay too OCD to try pantsing. 

What is a typical writing day like for you?

Deep Rising was written while I was a teacher, so the time was devoted during lunch breaks and after school. I lived for summer breaks. 

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?

I read across a variety of genres. I’m a huge fan of Michael Crichton (he is SO missed), Iris Johansen and Robert Ludlum. 

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?

Connecting with readers and introducing them to the characters I love.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

Immortality. Although, I think an offshoot of living forever would be a decreased enthusiasm for life (statistically speaking, a true immortal would likely be a sociopath, lol), but there are so many things I would like to do and experience…  Living longer might enable me to accomplish more.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

A dragon. Hands-down. I have Daenerys envy. 

Tell us a little about your latest release.

Deep Rising is suspense centered on a new form of warfare. Here’s the blurb: 

In his nine-year stint with the CIA, Jared Caldwell thought he’d seen it all. But when his latest mission instructs him to apprehend a beautiful scientist who’s allegedly linked to a devastating new form of warfare, he isn’t prepared for the prospect of battling man-made tsunamis—or the misplaced feelings he harbors for his number one suspect.

The irony of being accused of crimes her research was intended to prevent isn’t lost on Svetlana Orskya. She also didn’t expect her wish for a strong, sexy man to sweep in and change her life to come true—especially not when he appears, gun in hand, pointed at her.

But time is running out and Jared and Lana must work together to protect the mainland. As the heat between them—and the threat of mass destruction—rises there is more at stake than just their hearts.

What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)

My phone. I’m addicted to technology.  

Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?

Stephen King. *genuflects.* He’s brilliant and I’d love to emulate his talent for creating tension. 

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?

Reading, travel, and cooking. (not gonna lie, the pots and pans have been pretty cold lately. A busy schedule tends to cut into my domestic time. Bad bad wife)

What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't done yet. Why not?

Sky diving. Why haven’t I done it yet…good question *pauses to search for jump company nearby*

If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?

I don’t think I could choose just one. As I read, most stories unfold like a movie in my head. And that can be a good thing, because sometimes a movie adaptation is nothing like I envisioned a character/story to be like.

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't? 

Telepathy. Okay, I probably wouldn’t want to know what people are thinking. Hmm, any artistic ability. I can’t sing (heck, I don’t even sing Happy Birthday—my voice is that bad). My drawing/painting abilities are limited to stick figures. So I guess I’d take something in the artistic realm. 

             Favorite color?

Twilight Blue.

Weather: Hot or cold?

Hot. I don’t do cold. Like, um, ever. 

Favorite place to read?

Outside. There is something about feeling the sun on your face and hearing the wind or cicadas. The whole world seems to fade away.  It’s bliss.

Favorite meal

That’s a tough one. I LOVE food. Probably a nice steak, served med-rare. Paired with a Barolo or Amarone. Chocolate mousse for dessert. 

Favorite non-alcoholic drink.

Starbucks Grande Unsweetened Black Iced Tea. 

If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?

Peru. I would love to see Machu Picchu. 

LOVE these questions! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to ‘chat!’ You’re awesome. :) 

Author Bio

N. R. Rhodes has worn many hats. She has accumulated degrees in biology, psychology and behavioral neuroscience. A Mensa member and former high school science teacher, she made her way into publishing in a roundabout way and was named Agent of the Year in 2012. It took her a while to figure out what she wanted to do when she "grew up." But books are the perfect fit. As a literary agent, she makes authors dreams come true--and, with Deep Rising, she decided to indulge in one of her own.

Dividing her time between New Jersey and Florida, she and her incredibly supportive husband enjoy traveling, family and friends. Her stepson Christian is one of her greatest joys.

WebsiteTwitter: @NRRHODESAUTHOR

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