Coming Attraction in Deadly Triad by Nancy Kay

Book two in my Deadly Triad is entitled Deadly Revenge. Introduced in Deadly Reflection, this story spotlights a strong sometimes feisty woman named Ada Blaine whose life has been a series of ups and downs since the devastating loss of her beloved husband. Facing life virtually alone shaped Ada into a strong, independent, successful woman. She found solace in tending her bountiful herb gardens and, using the skills and a love of gardening passed on by her beloved grandmother, created a thriving business.

Relatively happy and content living in the close knit community of Pine Bluffs, Pennsylvania, Ada opens her arms, and her heart, when the niece of her long deceased sister pops into her life. Her niece, Cassi, awakens long dormant feelings within Ada as she witnesses the young woman falling in love with handsome Nick McGraw and senses a void in her own life.

Rich McConnell, the handsome owner of the town's hardware store, has a checkered past. Like Ada, he's settled for a successful business and a few close friends. Then Ada shows up at a mutual friend's Christmas Eve bash looking nothing like the friendly, down to earth gardener who occasionally visits Rich's store for supplies. To his amazement, and delight, Ada evolved from somewhat attractive, into drop-dead gorgeous

But within months, as they began to explore their newfound mutual attraction, a rifle shot and a near miss set in motion a series of threats that Rich suspects are tied to his past. Ada is hurt, and angry, to think he's backing away from her due to some misplaced guilt.

Sweet, touching passion and determination come together, creating a story of late in life love found amidst spine tingling danger for Rich and Ada.

Nancy Kay's Deadly Reflection

When Philly Detective Nick McGraw meets upscale health club owner Cassi Burke, his much needed vacation come to a halt. Instincts tell the seasoned homicide detective Cassi didn't kill the dead man at her feet. But Nick's duty bound to deliver her to local police, never suspecting Cassi's moment of fame makes her the target of a psychotic stalker. Though attracted to Cassi, Nick's not looking for forever, and he senses Cassi is a forever kind of girl. Attraction escalates, putting their feelings for one another, the silent threat to Cassi's life, and Nick's involvement in the unsolved murder case on a collision course.


Excerpt from Deadly Reflection

"Police! Hold it right there. Drop the knife and don't move."

Cassi whipped around. Looming several feet away, cloaked in shadows, stood a man. Her eyes went from him to the mutilated body, then back. She ignored his harsh command and scrambled to her feet.

He strode closer, forcing her gaze up a tower of muscle. Dark stubble roughened his jaw line and, glinting in the dim forest, his hard, angry eyes locked with hers.

This was a policeman?

What kind of cop slunk around a swamp, hovering near dead bodies? The shoe did not fit.

"I said, put down the knife. Now!" The man wiped sweat from his brow, moved closer, and reached for her.

Cassi raised her hand, forgetting she still clutched the knife. He froze, muscles bunched like a jungle cat ready to pounce. Going light headed, she gulped in air and cast a furtive glimpse around. Except for the droning insects, hushed silence surrounded them.

She was alone, and at his mercy.

Almost.

Rufus pressed against her legs, emitting sounds somewhere between whines and growls.

Cassi dropped the knife.

"Get 'em!" she shouted, giving Rufus a hefty shove. Resisting, the stumbling dog crashed into the man.

"Damn it!" he yelled, as Rufus' big puppy feet tangled with his long legs. He skidded, arms windmilling, and landed flat on his ass.

"Son of a bitch."

Rufus took off running.

Cassi seized the moment and followed. If this was a cop, she'd face the consequences later. Right now, she just wanted to escape and get out this swamp.

Nancy Kay's Journey to Publication

Writing Romantic Suspense came very naturally to me. I've been married to the same wonderful man for 46 years come this December. Twenty-eight of those years he served on the Pennsylvania State Police. Mystery and elements of danger intrigue me, so when I got around to writing those stories floating around in my head, the direction they took was inevitable.

My journey to publication began one frigid winter day when I attended a talk at the library given by three local authors. Unfortunately for them, the attendance was small. Fortunately for me, I got to talk one on one with some very special ladies. I had a story in mind and their advice was to join RWA and 'just write!' So I did.

Several months later, about eight to be exact, I contacted one of the authors and asked if she'd meet me for lunch. She agreed and with a tolerant smile, gave me some gentle guidance and advice. After cutting about three thousand words from my masterpiece, I entered a couple of RWA chapter contests. Much to my delight and surprise I placed second in one and got honorable mention in another!

Then the real work began. I stared at my manuscript, puzzled by the term 'point of view'. That's a small hint to what I faced as a writer. Over the next seven years I attended RWA chapter meetings, small conferences and retreats. I took numerous online classes and completed two full manuscripts.

I agonized over query letters and pitches. My most difficult obstacle was deciding where my stories fit and what audience to target. I still struggle with these issues, because I believe the reader is the one who will ultimately decide if a particular story 'fits' their taste. However, just recently I read an interesting blog which brought to light two takes on romantic suspense, Hearth and Home verses Dark and Scary. My stories fall somewhere in between, so, when asked, I write romantic suspense with a hearth and home slant that's sometimes scary!

I belong to three RWA chapters. Last year I attended my first RWA National Conference in Orlando. Contacts made at the conference, along with growing confidence, led me to submit and get offered a three book contract through Desert Breeze Publishing. For months I studied and considered several e-publishers and found what I wanted with Desert Breeze.

I encourage aspiring authors to research and study every agent or publisher they are considering. Don't lose sight of your inner story. Take time to find a place your stories will be accepted. Think twice about changing your work drastically for a publisher to gain acceptance.

The story line and thoughts inside you begging to be woven into characters are what create the writer you will become. First and foremost, you must learn the craft of writing. I learned a great deal through trial and error - heavy on the error. My advice? Read what you love, what you want to write. Listen to fellow writers and commit to classes you need to overcome your weaknesses.

One of my favorite sayings: "Luck is what you call it when preparation meats opportunity." General David Petraeus.

Meet Nancy Kay

Please welcome, Nancy Kay! Thanks for joining me this month, Nancy. I look forward to learning more about you.

[Anne]Name one of your favorite books as a child.

[Nancy] Very early I loved 'My Friend Flicka', followed by subsequent series including 'Thunderhead' and 'Green Grass of Wyoming'. However, my first romantic read was a book entitled 'I'll Find My Love' published by Berkley Highland Books and written by Joan Dirksen.

[Anne] Do you have a favorite author?

[Nancy] Tough one, where do I start? Initially, I'd say Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I loved her books, and believe she got me hooked on romance. She was a true pioneer of the romance genre.Yet, I can't overlook my absolute devotion to Nora Roberts.

[Anne] Out of all the books you’ve read, which one comes immediately to your mind? If there is a favorite scene you remember, please share.

[Nancy] The closing scene in Nora Roberts Chesapeake Blue made me sad. But, only because the Chesapeak Bay series had come to an end. It warmed my heart knowing Seth was at peace as he looked back on members of a family that took him in, loving him unconditionally, and looked forward with Drusilla, the love of his life.

[Anne] Your favorite vacation spot (whether you have been there or not)?

[Nancy] Once again, I must admit at least two. My daughter did her junior year of college in Bologna, Italy and for our twenty-fifth wedding annivesary my husband and I traveled to Italy. Charleston, South Caroline is a close second. The culture and cuisine there are exceptional.

[Anne] Which would you rather have: A custom closet or a custom kitchen?

[Nancy] A closet, hands down. I am constantly trying to organize and a spacious closet catering to my every need would be heaven. I'll leave the kitchen to my husband, a fantastic gourmet cook!

[Anne] It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re home alone. What are you wearing? And yes, you must have clothes on.

[Nancy] Comfy slacks and a pullover.

[Anne] What’s your favorite dish?

[Nancy] Almost all seafood, with she-crab soup high on the list.

[Anne] Other than writing, what do you enjoy doing?

[Nancy] I enjoy travel, great plays and long walks. Though spending time in our sunroom, either alone, with my husband, close friends, or my daughter and her family while talking and sipping wine tops the list.

[Anne] You’ve just landed a multi-book contract with a major publisher! Which vehicle would we be more likely to see you driving after you’ve collected your huge advance: a Hummer, RV, truck, muscle car, or BMW?

[Nancy] None of the above! I may opt for a classic Volvo or be practical and get a Honda CRV.

[Anne] What’s your favorite television show? Movie?

[Nancy] I watch very little television. In the past I enjoyed ER and JAG, but in my humble opinion, most recent shows lack depth and promote overindulgence to a fault. As for a movie...hmmm, I loved a little known production entitled 'First Night.' And of course all the early James Bond Movies with Sean Connery.

[Anne] You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?

[Nancy] I danced a sexy, sensual tango.

[Anne] Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?

[Nancy] Fly. Then I could avoid all the crazy drivers on the road today.

[Anne] What was one of the most surprising things you learned during your journey to publication?

[Nancy] The choice of many publishing houses surprised me. I have respect, and trepidation, for how market driven the publishing industry has become. Granted, they are in business and must make sound decisions. Yet, I tend to consider writing an art, and forcing an artist to paint a certain picture in order to sell goes against the grain, don't you think?

[Anne] I totally agree, Nancy. What was the most interesting research you did for a book?

[Nancy] Once more, my answer has two parts. My husband is a former Pennsylvania State Trooper, and, though always aware of what he did on the job, it wasn't until I began writing suspense and he helped me with details that I learned so much more about the job and the man. Second, my stories are set in and around the Great Lakes. Though I've lived near the lakes for many years, I love writing about the area and look forward to expanding my stories - of course requiring some travel for further research! - to other towns and villages surrounding all the Great Lakes.

[Anne] Where do you go when you need to get inspired to write?

[Nancy] I go for long drives, listening to music or for long walks, often on the beach.

[Anne] Do you have any writing quirks?

[Nancy] I talk dialog out loud when I'm driving alone. Getting inside my character's heads this way helps a lot.

[Anne] What do you think makes a good story?

[Nancy] Characters readers will love. I've read stories with excellent plots and story lines but hated the characters. Villians, I understand, but I must admire and sypathize with other main characters. As a reader, if I can't relate to, or empathize with individuals within a story, then the story has failed.

[Anne] What are you working on now?

[Nancy] I'm working on the second story in my 'Deadly Triad' series. I love giving characters I introduced in previous stories a future of their own. It's a continuim, a passing of time and character growth.

[Anne] What's one of the more interesting experiences you've had with one of your readers?

[Nancy] My first release was July 1 and I've not yet interacted with readers. I look forward to every experience with my readers being interesting.

[Anne] Complete this scene: It was raining. The man came out of nowhere, and before I knew it....

[Nancy] he shoved me beneath the overhang and pinned me against the wall with his lean, hard, body. Fear blasted through me. I gulped in air, preparing to scream like a banshee. Then a shaft of light slanted across his face, and the scream died. "Can't have you getting all wet," he murmured, and flashed a familiar grin before his warm lips closed over mine.

[Anne] Wow! Awesome response, Nancy.

Nancy's Bio - The first romance I remember reading was Mrs. Mike--lovedthat handsome Canadian Mounty. Kathleen Woodiwiss created powerful heroes, and Suzanne Brockman, men of action. The thread that wove these very different stories together through time was unforgettable characters. I fell in love with each and every one of them. So, six years ago I vowed to create heart winning characters for/my/readers and joined RWA.

I live in the heart of wine country along the shores of Lake Erie in Western Pennsylvania. My husband, a former member of the Marines and the Pennsylvania State Police Department, is a built in advisor for military and law enforcement issues.

My stories are romantic suspense with a hearth and home slant. I strive to make them interesting and authentic by drawing from life experiences.

I've worked as a bank teller, veterinary assistant, fitness instructor, and am currently working part time at an exclusive bra boutique. But writing has become my focus and, I've discovered, is a constant learning experience.

Wherever I go I gather ideas for my stories. But some of the best ones come to me in my home office as I sip hot tea and snow blankets the landscape outside my window.

Visit Nancy's website: http://nancykayauthor.com/