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Lindsay McKenna | Writing sequels
I rarely write sequels but RISK TAKER, HRS, February,
2014 and DEGREE OF RISK,
HRS, March, 2014 are just that. All are from the Shadow Warriors series.
Everything about this 2-book sequel, was different and entirely unique to
anything I've written before. But that's what happens when the magic occurs and
the author becomes powerfully and deeply into an alchemical process that can
never be explained by words alone. These two characters came to me and got my
full, undivided attention. They were fascinating, heroic people and I was
absolutely swept away by their story.
It was interesting to see what happened as I began writing RISK TAKER. I got so
deeply involved in the story of "Blue Eyes," as she is called by the men at FOB
Bravo in Afghanistan, that I knew 75,000 words just wasn't going to scratch the
surface of Medevac pilot, Army Chief Warrant Officer Sarah Benson's life, her
trials, challenges and her incredible courage and strength. It took 150,000
words to tell their story.
Her distrust of men is deep. Sarah is tired of being hit on at the FOB. She
doesn't see her own beauty, her glacier colored blue eyes, or her passionate
spirit to be a medevac pilot who makes a difference in men and women's lives
hanging in the balance. But the men of FOB Bravo see her only in a sexual
context, covet her and want her for only one thing.
Sarah's whole being is wrapped up being a Medevac pilot. She's damn good at her
job, a chief pilot, and has seen a lot of combat in Afghanistan in the last
seven years. She's garnered the name "risk taker" in her medevac squadron
because she'll fly her Black Hawk through hell to reach those on the ground who
are going to die if she doesn't find the courage to land and pick them
up--giving them a chance to live against all odds.
Petty Officer Ethan Quinn, US Navy SEAL, is a straphanger assigned to the SEAL
platoon based at FOB Bravo. He's been there three weeks and he's heard of Blue
Eyes. She's part and parcel of the myths that float around an FOB among a
thousand sex-starved men. The things he hears about her do, indeed, do sound
mythic. He's never seen her, but those that have, rave about the color of her
eyes, hence her name, Blue Eyes. And the stories that circulate alongside her
beauty and eyes is her iconoclastic reserve where she allows no man near her.
She's single, the stories go. She sits alone at the chow hall or with other
women pilots, but never with a man. When she's in the canteen, she sits alone.
If an interested male wants to buy her a drink, she gives him a glare and
warning to leave her alone.
Ethan has finely developed skills in people watching and understanding, thanks
to his instructive and insightful mother. He sometimes wonders if he hadn't
been so attracted to the SEALs and adventure, if he wouldn't have been a
psychologist, instead. He utilizes these skills every day with brother SEALs,
with the stressed Afghan villagers and when necessary, with enemy Taliban
prisoners. He's a complex man with many layers to himself. One thing he has
found out in his years as a SEAL, is he has to dump his emotions somewhere. The
things he experiences, the horror of what he sees, is too much for any human
being to carry.
In the opening scene of RISK
TAKER, Ethan accidentally meets the mythic "Blue Eyes" at the canteen.
Only, he knows from all the constantly circulating stories about her, that he
doesn't dare approach her. As he comes in off a long, 12-hour patrol, all he
wants is a cold beer to wash the Afghan grit and sand out of his throat. Until
he spots Blue Eyes sitting alone at a table in the corner, nursing her own beer.
He sits down at another table, and he senses the aching loneliness around her.
And when he sees her briefly lift her head, his heart is slammed with yearning
for her. He was born in Alaska and seen glacier calve all the time. The color
is unearthly and yet, that very same color is in Chief Benson's large, beautiful
eyes. Now he understands why every man at the FOB wants her for his own.
What happens next? Well, you're going to have to either down load the Ebook or
order the paperback. I guarantee you, it's one hell of a story. Two very
unique people in a very dangerous environment. Both are lonely. Sarah
distrusts men completely. Ethan is stunned by her beauty and that haunting
sadness surrounding her. She is off limits, but Ethan doesn't see it that way.
He is patient and he watches her obliquely, beginning to register nuances about
her on every level of himself. Now, all Ethan needs is a chance to meet her.
When that opportunity unexpectedly arises, it's nothing like what Ethan expected...
I hope you enjoy both these books, back-to-back, February and March, 2014 with
Harlequin Romantic Suspense. Do let me know!! Visit my website and drop me
an email:
BOOK TRAILER | www.lindsaymckenna.com
Comments
28 comments posted.
Re: Lindsay McKenna | Writing sequels
I love anything to do with the Navy Seals!!! This is a book I'd love to read!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 10:02am February 1, 2014)
I could listen to your synopsis all day!! You definately have me hooked!! I can't wait to read both books and see how the story unfolds. You definately have a way with words, and are, in my opinion, what I would consider a Master Storyteller!! Great cover, too!! Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:39am February 1, 2014)
They sound like they have a great story... thanks for sharing!
(Colleen Conklin 12:11pm February 1, 2014)
This series sounds great! You give enough detail so that readers have a good idea of what the books are about.
(Joanne Schultz 4:15pm February 1, 2014)
I love the premise of this book, but I have to tell you, after seeing you tuck your books into the care packages of our fighting men and women around the holidays, I'd read anything you wrote.
(Marcia Berbeza 4:45pm February 1, 2014)
Sounds like another great Lindsay McKenna book!
(Mary C 9:03pm February 1, 2014)
I am all in on this one. Sounds great! Thank you for the giveaway.
(Melanie Backus 9:47pm February 1, 2014)
I love military stories especially from the women's point of views and what are the roles that they play in protecting our freedom.
(Kai Wong 12:55pm February 2, 2014)
This really sounds like a book I'd love to read. Thank you!
(Bonnie Capuano 1:13am February 2, 2014)
I always like stories that involve the military. Sounds great.
(Pam Howell 9:16am February 2, 2014)
i love the stories that have anything to do with the military
my dad was in the air force so i love to read them the most
(Denise Smith 9:53am February 2, 2014)
I always enjoy my Navy men in books.
(Sue Farrell 9:57am February 2, 2014)
I'd love to read this one...
Thanks for the contest.
(Sonja Warmath 10:17am February 2, 2014)
Always enjoy reading stories featuring military men.
(Jean Patton 11:26am February 2, 2014)
I've never read a military fiction, they just never have appealed to me. But, you make this book sound like it's one I shouldn't miss! Thanks for the giveaway.
(Ann Martinisi 1:21pm February 2, 2014)
You are a great writer. i read and reread you books. keep them coming
(Brenda Hook 2:59pm February 2, 2014)
Sounds like a great read!
(Denise Austin 5:00pm February 2, 2014)
Sounds good. :)
(Penny Mettert 6:03pm February 2, 2014)
I do love stories with SEALs.
(Mary Preston 6:06pm February 2, 2014)
Sounds like a great book,love those seals ! Thanks for a chance to win.
(Linda Hall 6:59pm February 2, 2014)
I can't wait to read Ethan's and Sarah's books!
(Marcy Shuler 10:15pm February 2, 2014)
Great teaser. It's on my list for when I get my next gift certificate.
(Laura Gullickson 10:24pm February 2, 2014)
Sounds great. I love stories about SEALs. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Kathleen Beale 8:04am February 3, 2014)
The book sounds like a Classic McKenna. C
(Marjorie Morris 10:56am February 3, 2014)
I love sequels! I like following-up with the characters. I'm
looking forward to reading these stories.
(Tina Rucci 12:12pm February 3, 2014)
This is why I don't include "never" in my life. When something is so good you
know it can't end here, it really is necessary to break the rules and create more
until you know it is finished and you are truly satisfied. I am so glad you did and
I am sure many other of your readers do or will feel the same. Congratulations!
(Sandra Spilecki 5:44pm February 3, 2014)
Being a military brat, I also love a good military story. I think this is one amazing group of soldiers, and they make great heroes/heroines.
(Donna Holmberg 10:11pm February 3, 2014)
It seems like the meeting was no accident, maybe more like
fate. A military theme with a pilot in particular has a lot
of risk, power and drama going for it. Looks like a
thoroughly intense read.
(Alyson Widen 6:39pm February 25, 2014)
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