Beyond Limits by Laura Griffin (Release announcement, interview, excerpt and GIVEAWAY)

I am SO excited to be able to share a few Q&As with Beyond Limits author, Laura Griffin


ELF:  Laura, Thank you for stopping by The Reading Addict to chat today about your new release in the Tracers Series, Beyond Limits.  For new readers, what is the Tracers Series about?

LG:  The Tracers are an elite group of forensic experts who help investigators solve their very toughest cases. The Tracers include all sorts of talented people: Mia the DNA expert, Ben the cyber detective, Kelsey the forensic anthropologist. The list goes on! I love writing about these people- not just their work but their tumultuous personal lives, too.


ELF:  Beyond Limits is the eighth in the Tracers Series, when you first started writing, let’s go as far back as Thread of Fear, did you have ANY idea that the Tracers would become what it is today?


LG:  I had no idea. Originally I had envisioned three books, but the series just kind of took on a life of its own. I would introduce a new character, then readers would ask for that character’s story. With each new book I love bringing in new characters and also catching up with people from past books.


ELF:  If you could have one of the field careers that pertain to the Tracer’s team, which would you want for a career?

LG:  Well, I’m fascinated by so much of what the Tracers do. You could say I’m a forensics junkie! I really love Mia’s job—she’s the DNA expert. I’m also amazed with all the tricks Ben has up his sleeve. He’s the computer expert who uncovers some key clues in Beyond Limits.


ELF:  I know you do a TON of research on the careers associated with the Tracers Team, do you have a favorite “research trip” that you can share, or the coolest thing you have gotten to experience for book research?

LG:  The fictional Delphi Center Crime Lab sits in the middle of a body farm. I’ve had a chance to visit one, and what they do there is so interesting (if you can get past being squeamish). It’s amazing to see all the ways that human bones can tell a story for investigators.  (note from ELF...true...but, ewwww)


ELF:  To date, which is your favorite Tracers novel and why? 

LG:  The books are all so different, so I don’t really have a favorite. I love Beyond Limits because the story really pushes these characters to their max—both in their jobs and their personal lives. Derek’s SEAL skills come into play, and Elizabeth’s sharp investigative instincts. But what I love most is their relationship struggle. Derek and Elizabeth have to work hard to find their happy ending.


ELF:  Is it difficult to come up with fresh ideas? 

LG:  I started out as a newspaper reporter, so I like to keep up with current events. I’m always getting inspired by headlines and news tidbits. And every time I interview a new law enforcement person or forensic expert the ideas start rolling in.


ELF:  What is the best part about writing Romance Suspense?

LG:  I like to read tense, exciting stories. With romantic suspense you have the sexual tension plus the action-adventure plot to drive the story forward. My favorite books are thrillers where you also feel an emotional connection to the characters. (note from ELF...and wow, do these books fill the bill!)



                                   

ELF:  I know you are working on the Hart & Moreno series with the fabulous Allison Brennen, and just released your first Hard Cover Suspense, Far Gone, and then of course we have Beyond Limits now released, so what are you working on currently?


LG:  I’m writing the next Tracers book, SHADOW FALL. This one features some of my favorite Tracers characters- Mark Wolfe, Kelsey Quinn, Mia Voss. The book’s hero is Mark’s brother, Liam Wolfe, an ex-Marine who runs a private security firm and finds himself being investigated for a brutal murder.


ELF:  Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

LG:  People often ask me if you need to read the Tracers books in order, and you don’t . Each story has a stand-alone mystery and a different romantic couple. So you can dive right in to the series!



ELF:  Thank you so much for stopping by to chat!!  Readers, don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter below to win a Tracers Book Bundle featuring Scorched and Twisted , they are great books in this exciting series!  My review for Scorched is at this link and for Twisted is at this link.

                                   



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Beyond Limits
The Tracers Series #8
By: Laura Griffin
Releasing January 27th, 2015
Pocket Books


Blurb

FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc is still caught in the aftermath of her last big case when she runs into the one man from her past who is sure to rock her equilibrium even more. Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back home from a harrowing rescue mission in which he found evidence of a secret terror cell on US soil. Elizabeth knows he’ll do anything to unravel the plot—including seducing her for information. And despite the risks involved, she’s tempted to let him. . . .

On the surface Derek’s offering a simple deal—Elizabeth provides him with intel, he delivers the terrorist. But he knows nothing about Elizabeth is easy, and now their volatile relationship threatens to distract him from the most important mission of his career. Together with the forensics experts at the Delphi Center, he and Elizabeth are closing in on the truth, but it may not be fast enough to avert a devastating impending attack . . . or stop a ruthless enemy from escaping to kill again.


Excerpt

“Vaughn, get over here.”

He followed a narrow corridor and almost stepped on a pair of legs jutting out from the wall. A young man was seated on the floor with his hands zip-cuffed behind him. He wore loose-fitting pants and high-top sneakers and was fifteen, max, but his eyes already had the flat, battle-hardened look of a warrior.

“Found him in the tunnel.” Sean nodded toward a passage that connected the house to who the hell knew what. The tunnel system here was like a rabbit warren.

Derek spotted a workbench littered with electrical wires, nails, several jars of black powder—all bomb components. He scanned the rest of the room, and his gaze came to rest on a large safe in the corner. It was a serious box, definitely imported, and would have been a major pain in the ass to get here.

Now Derek understood why he’d been called over. He glanced at the kid and tried to remember his rudimentary Pashto.

“What’s the number?” Derek asked in Pashto, because he didn’t know the word for “combination.”

The kid didn’t answer.

Derek pointed the stock of his gun at the safe. “Open it.”

The kid looked away, sullen.

“Screw this.” Sean reached for his kit and got out some C-4.

Derek stepped over to check for booby traps. He didn’t see any, but there was only one way to know for sure. Sean set a small charge, and they crossed to the other side of the room. The burst reverberated through the cavern, and they rushed back over.

“Damn, look at all this.” Sean pulled out a stack of papers, singed around the edges and still smoking. He flung it to the ground and stomped the fire out as Derek reached in and pulled out a notebook computer.

“Two minutes,” the CO said over the radio.

Derek cursed. Even with the extra minutes they’d built into the plan, they were running behind.

Sean was already pulling out his mesh bag, which they carried for this purpose. Some of the papers were in English, but Derek didn’t take the time to read them as he jammed everything into the bag. He reached in and snatched a thumb drive as Sean grabbed another batch of papers. Loose pages fluttered to the ground.

His teammate held up a sheet. “Hey, look at this.”

“No time to read. We need to move.”

“It’s a map.”

Derek glanced at it. It was in English, with notes scrawled around the edges. Derek scanned the street names. His blood ran cold. He looked at Sean.

“Guys, move it!” someone yelled down the stairs.

Derek glanced at his watch. They’d been on target way too long. He glanced at the kid. In a matter of hours, this house would be looted and abandoned. In a matter of minutes, this guy would be in the wind.

“On your feet,” Derek ordered.

Sean shouldered his pack. “They said no prisoners.”

“On your feet!”

The kid stood grudgingly, proving he knew at least some English. 

Sean shot Derek a look before taking the prisoner by the arm and propelling him toward the stairs.

Derek’s mind reeled as he looked at the papers strewn on the floor. He scooped up every scrap and checked the safe again to make sure he hadn’t missed anything, then threw his bag over his shoulder and raced upstairs. All the windows rattled as a Black Hawk swooped overhead en route to the landing zone. He glanced into the courtyard just as their EOD guy ducked out. He’d been setting the charge on the ordnance, and the look on his face told Derek it was about to blow.

“Hey, what are you doing here? Haul ass!”

Boom!

Derek dropped to his knees as the house shook. Chunks of debris rained down from the ceiling.

“Come on!” Derek yelled.

They sprinted outside, where the last member of their team was holding security by the door. A few neighbors’ lights had come on. People peered through windows and leaned out from doorways.

“Vaughn, where the hell are you?”

It was Luke’s voice over the radio, probably already at the LZ, which was a vacant lot at the end of the street.

“We’re half a click away.”

They double-timed it toward the landing zone, pushing the prisoner ahead of them.

“We got company,” Cole said over the radio as a truck screeched around the corner. It was packed with armed men and had a .50-cal machine gun mounted to the roof.

Derek grabbed Sean’s vest and yanked him out of the road. He pushed him down the alley leading to their alternate exfil route.

“Vaughn, report! Where are you?”

“Almost there.”

The street smelled like sewer water. Trash swirled in the rotor wash as they neared the waiting helo.

Rat-tat-tat.

The gunner on the truck let loose with the .50-cal. His buddies with AKs were well out of range, but that didn’t stop them from spraying bullets.

Derek rounded the building just in time to get a mouth full of dust. Mike was lifting the doctor into the chopper. Hailey had a SEAL on each arm, and they were practically carrying her, but she tore away from them and made a sprint for it. She flung herself onto the helo, and about a dozen hands reached out to pull her inside. Luke and Mike jumped in behind her.

Rat-tat-tat.

Derek and Sean ducked and sprinted while several teammates aimed over their heads and returned fire. The prisoner reached the helo first, and Mike pulled him aboard.

Rat-tat-tat-tat.

Sean crashed down behind him. Derek turned and hauled him to his feet. Noise drowned out the words, but Derek could read his friend’s lips and the panicked look in his eyes: I’m hit. Derek heaved him over his shoulder and stumbled forward. Bullets peppered the helo’s sides as Luke jumped down and helped lift Sean inside.

“Go, go, go!”

Derek grabbed the outstretched hands of his teammates as they seized his pack and yanked him aboard. His boots were barely inside when the Black Hawk lurched off the ground and lifted into the sky.

400 Pgs | Heat Level: 3

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes |iTunes | Kobo


Author Info

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner (for the books Scorched and Whisper of Warning) as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award (for Untraceable). Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book. Visit Laura at her website or Facebook

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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GIVEAWAY


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the link for the rest of the tour


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My Review:

Beyond Limits by Laura Griffin is a thrilling suspenseful tale that follows the adventures of a SEAL, Lieutenant Derek Vaughn, whose successful hostage retrieval mission has unexpected repercussions which bring him back into contact with the FBI representative he’s been unable to forget for the past year, Agent Elizabeth Le Blanc.  Turf wars are nothing new, but when the FBI is having trouble pinpointing the threat which may wreak havoc in the States, Derek decides to not only pursue the woman who has haunted his dreams, but also to take matters in his own hands, no matter what the repercussions to his life or his career.


There are some stories that grab you from the first page and don’t let go until the very last word...and then you’re sorry to see them end.  This was one of those for me.  The first thought that I had, once I caught my breath, was that this should be made into a movie, because the scenes were so vividly portrayed that I had no problem picturing the action!  The rollercoaster ride of events kept me enthralled, as the threads of the story start out in multiple locations and get woven into a tapestry that forms an impressive picture of the various folks who work together to keep the country safe.  The relevance to recent events and the very real threats that are explored is counterbalanced by the intense heat and poignant challenges that characterize the interactions between the main characters.  It was delightful to get a glimpse of some of the folks from the Delphi center and there are a couple of secondary characters who definitely need to be followed further, so I look forward to reading more stories about them. 

A copy of this title was provided to me for an honest review, which has been submitted to Night Owl Reviews.

Pure Heat by M.L. Buchman (review)

                                           



Pure Heat by M.L. Buchman is the exciting introduction to the ‘Firehawks’ series that is loosely connected to the impressive ‘Night Stalkers’ series. Steve (Merks) Mercer has retrained after a horrific accident ends his career as a well-respected smokejumper but he is still dealing with the aftermath when he joins the close-knit company that includes the remarkable Carly Thomas, known as the ‘Flamewitch’. Merks’ facility with handling the relatively new drones to help identify various aspects of the fires he is drawn to fight may give him a chance to impress Carly but her own painful history makes it difficult for him to get close to her. Fortunately, having Majors Beale and Henderson (retired Army SOAR pilots) as part of the company will provide plenty of opportunity for Merks to expand his skills as well as get to know Carly better...but he may not be ready for all of the challenges thrown his way, or is he?

This enthralling novel gives glimpses of the challenges and dangers of fighting wildfires even as it sets the framework for another intriguing series by this talented author. It is wonderful to get a chance to see a beloved couple from a previous series settle seamlessly into new roles which utilize their well-honed skills and the unexpected developments in this story promise even more adventures to come. The poignant and heartwrenching experiences that each of the main characters has undergone make this an emotional read even as the heartpounding adventures escalate with every fire that they fight. The heat sizzles between Merks and Carly as well as in the forests around them, but fortunately, moments of levity lighten the tension that escalates as the story unfolds. Another great tale that provides a thrilling and entertaining story and whets one’s appetite for more information about all of these characters.

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. 


                          


I haven't had a chance to read the other books in the series, but I definitely want to!  If you like great military adventure stories with fantastic heroes, make sure you look for the Night Stalkers series by this author. 


  



 

Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier (review)

                                         



Dreamer's Pool by Juliet Marillier is an intriguing fantasy story that introduces a couple of prisoners who become known as Blackthorn and Grim. An unwilling bargain with a fey named Conmael results in the pair traveling to a region known as Winterfalls and becoming enmeshed in the lives of those who are under the rule of Prince Oran, and who are planning to help celebrate his upcoming betrothal and nuptials to a woman named Flidais...after he meets her in person for the first time. The problem is that Blackthorn is unwillingly utilizing skills that she has not wielded for more than a year, and she is having trouble suppressing the negative emotions that urge her to abandon those who need her help, including the prince, who is faced with a dilemma when the woman of his dreams does not live up to the picture he has formed of her. Blackthorn is as prickly as her namesake, and it will require teamwork with Grim to solve this and other mysteries, but they can be successful only if she is able to combine her knowledge with information that the locals can provide, which may require more than she is willing to give.


This intricate and bewitching tale is a delicious introduction to a new series featuring two mysterious characters who are bound together by a challenging set of circumstances. The gradually unfolding histories of these characters paint a portrait of two people who have endured almost unimaginable privation yet struggle to retain their humanity and compassion. Grim’s history is only vaguely alluded to and I suspect that more unexpected revelations will be forthcoming in future stories, but the heart wrenching experiences that have formed the character of the woman known as Blackthorn aptly demonstrate the source of her conflict between what has been demanded of her and her own inclinations. I love the way the action gradually builds and details are revealed a little at a time but I was a bit disconcerted at first by the shifting points of view as each character switches off with another in subsequent chapters. I found Prince Oran to be a little too naive and trusting at first, and the manufactured distance from his best friend to be a bit disingenuous, but he began to grow on me as the story progressed and I loved the twists and turns that were exposed. I think this is a wonderful start to another impressive collection of tales by this talented author and I can’t wait to read more adventures of this intriguing duo.

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this delicious title in return for an honest review.
 

Rules for Riders by Natalie Scott (spotlight and GIVEAWAY)

                                           



Rules for Riders, by Natalie Scott, was published in August 2014 and is available for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in eBook and paperback. Genres: Young Adult / Romance

Synopsis:

Rules for Riders is a fast-paced coming-of-age novel set in the competitive world of equestrian riding.

After a near fatal riding accident, Bebe Barkley is banned from riding and sent off to boarding school. There, she meets her roommate and fellow equestrian rider, Finn Foxley. The girls devise a scheme to get themselves kicked out of boarding school in order to return to the world that they love. Once back on the circuit, former friends become deadly rivals.

Bebe's handsome trainer, Billy O'Reilly, gives her seven rules to follow in order to successfully compete. Through a series of tragic events, both girls are forced to abandon their dreams of Olympic gold. Bebe ventures down a dark road of self-destruction as she breaks every rule Billy taught her, only to be forced to relearn them in order to reclaim her life. Rules for Riders is a tale of lost dreams and the struggle to create new ones.



Excerpt

KING

CHAPTER 1
I can still remember the first time I saw him...

He’s seventeen hands high, a dark bay, almost black, a white star on his forehead, and four white socks on his hind legs. I’m fifteen years old when I spy King bucking and rearing and giving the grooms a terrible time. I think he’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

I point straight at him, “I want that horse.”

My father (otherwise known as the Colonel) rolls his eyes. “No, he’s wild. You just want him because he’s difficult like you.”

We’re at our neighbors, the O’Rileys, on a crisp Sunday morning. Jim O’Riley owns Starlight stables and is one of the best horse trainers in Connecticut. Jim winks at me. “For God’s sake, Colonel, everyone knows you made a ton of money in the stock market. Let her have the damn horse.”

“I said no,” shrieks the Colonel, remaining unconvinced. “Besides, who’ll train her?”

“I will,” Billy O’Riley, Jim’s oldest son, steps forward. His clear green eyes stare straight at King. “He’s a warm blood, sir, from Holland. We just bought him.”

The Colonel growls at Billy. “Listen son, I don’t care if he’s from friggin’ Japan! For God’s sake you’re only a couple of years older than my daughter.”

We all stand there watching, while his face turns bright red with rage. There’s no way in hell he's going to let me have this horse now. That would be too perfect. Instead, he shocks the pants off of me!

“Fine, but if you break your neck, don’t blame me.”

First thing the next morning I race over to the O’Rileys. By the time I reach the stables, I’m out of breath. Billy’s busy brushing down his horse, Stargazer. I walk over to King and stroke his mane. Then I pull a sugar cube out of my pocket. “Hey, boy.”

Billy looks up. “That’s funny, he doesn’t usually take to people so quickly. So let me guess, you want to take a ride?”

God, I’ve been riding since I was six! Okay, I admit it— Billy’s a hottie. I’ve had a crush on him forever. But it makes me crazy the way he still treats me like a little kid. He leans closer and places his hands firmly on his hips.

“Bebe, if I’m going to train you, there are rules for riders. The first one’s commitment. Without it, none of the other rules exist. If I agree to train you, you’ve got to give me 100 percent.”

I stare right back at him, giving him my best killer smile. “I’m all yours!”

For the next few weeks, he insists I do nothing but flat work. He hardly lets me ride across the yard without making sure I am doing it properly. Unlike the Colonel, Billy brings out the best in me and plays down the worst. Whatever I lack, he teaches me with infinite slowness; guiding King and I so we both gain confidence.

“That’s right. Keep your back straight, hold your head up, shoulders back.”

I learn from Billy that difficult horses become easy once you know how to handle them. With Billy’s training, I’m right on course. The Colonel’s threats don’t scare me. Instead, they fuel me, making me even more determined to succeed.

A few days later, I get to the stables early for some quiet time with King. Billy sneaks up behind me. I can feel his breath against my neck.

When I turn around, he has an amused look on his face. “So, do you finally want to take a ride? Isn’t that what you’ve been dying to do—jump every fence this side of Connecticut?”

I have this wild urge to hug him. Instead, I saddle up King. “C’mon, boy.”

King and I take off.

“Tell me what you’ve learned when you get back!” Billy shouts.


Buy links:

Amazon
 
Barnes & Noble


About the Author:

Natalie Scott grew up in Melbourne, often referred as the cultural capital of Australia because of its great restaurants, trendy cafes and great shopping! Natalie developed a love of books when her fourth grade teacher read the book Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S Lewis.

In high school Natalie devoured the classics, her favorite being Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger. At University she studied English Literature and Communications, though she will openly admit to spending a lot of time at the college pub where she liked to make up outrageous stories before traveling extensively through Europe and the United States.

Throughout her travels, she fell in love with sunny California where she attended classes at UCLA Writer’s Program. Natalie also attended numerous writers’ conferences including Santa Barbara, San Diego State and Grubstreet. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Fiction award given at the Southern California Writers Conference. In her spare time, Scott worked as a spokesmodel for companies including the AMC Network, We Entertainment, Hasbro, Adobe and Sony.

The Aussie gal is a foodie who loves Vegemite and currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona where she enjoys sharing her passion for food, enjoys exploring new restaurants, happy hour, traveling, and a passion for books and fashion.

Natalie Scott’s debut novel Rules for Riders was published in August 2014.

Connect with Natalie on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

To learn more, go to her website.



GIVEAWAY

A Kindle version of Rules for Riders will be awarded to one lucky commenter.  Please comment on whether you are a foodie and what your favorite dish is.  A winner will be chosen after January 22, 2015.

Be Mine Forever by Kennedy Ryan (Upcoming release announcement and GIVEAWAY)

                                                 
 

                                               Be Mine Forever

Releases on Feb 3rd

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ul3Wff

PRE-ORDER:

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B&N
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 Other books in the 'The Bennett series':


                          


GIVEAWAY (available 1/14/15)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Single Kiss by Grace Burrowes (review)

                                            


A Single Kiss by Grace Burrowes is part of the contemporary romance ‘Sweetest Kisses’ series. Attorney Hannah Stark is trying to get her life in some semblance of control, but starting a new job with a law firm that handles multiple facets of law--some of which are less than palatable to her, handling the challenges of parenting, and resisting the temptation that threatens to make her risk everything she has worked so hard to achieve, may be more than she can handle. Can attorney Trenton Knightly live up to his last name, or will he just make matters worse?




There are stories that just enfold you with a sense of romance and awe that there are such wonderful people in the world and this is one such tale. The three brothers are delightful to get to know and the sense of family and camaraderie that permeates this story provides a wonderful counterpoint to the gradually revealed and sometimes painful details that shape the heroine’s life. It is fascinating to get an insider’s look at the emotionally-charged world of family law even as it is heart-wrenching to read about stories that are, sadly, re-enacted countless times across the country.


The beautifully depicted characters are so engaging, from the cute and quirky youngsters (and their equine companions), to the precariously balanced heroine being pushed out of her comfort zone yet never ceasing to grow and finding untapped depths and then of course, the hunky and supportive siblings who inspire with both their intellect and their humanity. The author’s intimate familiarity with the environment so compellingly depicted gives great depth and texture to this beautiful romance and I look forward to reading more about the fascinating staff of this very special law office.
 

© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. 


Below are other tales in this series (I haven't had the chance to read them yet, but if they're anything like the one I already reviewed, they should be fantastic!).  Make sure you note that a couple have not been released yet, but if you want to pre-order them...