Interview with Shirleen Davies - Faster Than The Rest (MacLarens of Fire Mountain Series)

FASTER Than The REST, Book 2 of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series

Shirleen Davies

Book Synopsis:

“Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”
Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.
Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?
Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?
As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.

Excerpt:

“Tell me, Victoria. Why did you leave if it wasn’t for the money?” His voice was a whisper across her face. She could almost smell the anger pulsing from him, along with all the other familiar scents of the man she’d always loved. He was just as intoxicating now, just as impossible to resist.

She lifted her face to his to look into eyes that had turned a deep steel grey. She could lose herself in those eyes. It was her last coherent thought as his mouth moved towards hers inch-by-inch, brushing across her lips, and coaxing them to open for him. When she didn’t resist Jamie moved one arm to the back of her neck, holding her in place while his other arm moved to her back, pressing her to him. Her arms slid up and around his neck, pulling his head down to hers. His mouth moved to her eyes, traveled across her checks and down her neck, before settling again on her parted lips.

Jamie was amazed at how the taste and feel of Victoria in his arms hadn’t changed. She was still the most desirable woman he’d ever known. No matter what else had transpired, his body still craved hers as it had none other.

Interview with Shirleen Davies:

1)      First, tell us about yourself – where  you live, your family, and those sorts of details.

I was born in southern California, U.S.A., in a small beach community. After attending Oregon State University and moving back to San Diego, I began a career in business, eventually starting a consulting firm and writing romantic fiction in my spare time.

 

My romances are set in both historical and contemporary times, and most include some elements of crime and/or mystery. I remain an avid reader and enjoy writing in the small, northwestern Arizona home I share with my husband. Our combined family consists of five grown sons.

2)      How long have  you been writing?

I’ve written most of my life but focused on strategy and articles for business journals. My fictional stories were penned on slips of paper and notebooks with the hope that some day I’d be able to carve out the time to create the books in my head. That time came several years ago and I couldn’t be enjoying it more.

3)      Do you have a favorite place to write?

I have a desk in our bedroom as well as write at our dining room table. Both rooms have mountain views and vistas of the countryside in northern Arizona. I usually have a television on with the sound off as I prefer some type of background action when I write.

4)      Why did you decide to write Faster Than The Rest?

The inspiration for Faster than the Rest, as well as all the books in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series, is my blended family that includes five sons who are now grown with families of their own. Each has faced their own struggles as well as difficult decisions on their journey to become strong men.

5)      Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

Jamie MacLaren is my favorite character. He’s a complex man who struggles with family relationships and past betrayals. His compassion and desire to do the right thing make him a very appealing character as well as the protective instincts that have always been a cornerstone of his life. Jamie is a no-nonsense lawman and compassionate, loyal friend.

6)      How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

Hamilton Wicklin would be least likely to receive an invitation to my birthday party. He’s selfish, greedy, gruel, and uses others for his own illegal actions. He is the exact counterpoint to Jamie MacLaren.

7)      Do you proofread/edit your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?

I proofread twice before sending the manuscripts to my professional editor. She does three complete rounds for content, flow, character development, and ends with an extensive line edit process. I’m learning a lot, but believe it is vital for authors to use the editing services of a professional and not rely on their own reviews. I also use two to three beta readers.

8)      What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I still run my own business consulting firm, but in my off-time I enjoy dancing, target shooting, traveling, cooking, riding on the back of my husband’s Harley, and of course, reading.

9)      Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?

I don’t read as much as I’d like, but when I do, my favorite authors include Kat Martin, Roxanne St. Claire, Robyn Carr, Christy Reece, Caroline Fyffe, and many, many others. I also download several books each month by new indie authors.

10)   What question do you wish that someone would ask about your book, but nobody has? Write it out here, then answer it.

Your books are fast-paced and change scenes quickly. Why are they developed in this fashion?

I’ve always been drawn to works by crime and mystery writers, many of whom move rapidly between scenes and characters within the same chapter, much like you would see on a television program or movie. This style has always held my interest. It keeps me involved in the story and the characters. It was natural for me to utilize this same style in my writing. 

Author Bio

I have been writing most of my life, but only recently began the transition into fiction. Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and short stories are what keep me reading, so that is the focus of my writing. 

I was born in California, grew up between a growing beach town and a small town at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. My mother originally planned to name me Katherine, but she read an article in the paper about a woman named Shirleen shortly before my birth, so instead of having a cool nickname, like Kate, I am simply Shirleen. My mainstays growing up were all the Nancy Drew mystery books; I loved them. Eventually I moved on to mysteries, suspense stories, crime novels, and romance. Pride and Prejudice will always be one of my favorites.

Besides California, life changes have allowed me to live in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. Everywhere I have lived has been inspirational in one way or another, giving me the opportunity to meet remarkable people with their own stories to tell. I've sailed, skied, owned horses plus lots of other animals, and ridden various off-road vehicles. I enjoy dancing, fishing, hunting, being the back-seater on my husband's Harley, traveling and, of course, reading and writing.

Prior to transitioning to writing fiction, I worked for Fortune 500 and many smaller, start-up companies. Fortunately, I regained my sanity long enough to start my own consulting firm, which I still maintain today. 

My husband and I spend most of our time at our main home in the mountains of Arizona and our second home in Southern California. Between us we have five boys with growing careers and families of their own. 

So, from my perspective, my life is a success and always an adventure. I wouldn't change a thing; well, except finding more time to write.

I love hearing from readers, so please feel email me.

Buy Link for FASTER Than The REST (Book 2 of MacLarens of Fire Mountain)

Here’s how you can contact Shirleen Davies 

Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com

Visit her at http://www.shirleendavies.com

Shirleen’s blog: http://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDaviesAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/shirleendavies

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