Psychological Romantic/Suspense
Date Published: June 2017
Bella Chan is a good girl surrounded by alpha-males who aren’t afraid of danger. Unfortunately, that danger comes back to bite her. She can still feel the deadly grip of Hazeem’s hands wrapped around her neck. If Jack hadn’t shown up at Savage Security, she’d be dead. Then, in pure alpha-male fashion, Jack appoints himself her personal bodyguard, but Bella soon realizes that Jack isn’t there to protect her. He’s there to win her heart.
And now, in the aftermath of the attack, the men of Savage Security band together to hunt down the terrorists living on American soil. As they navigate through the intrigue and deception that camouflages their assailants, they also confront the treason that threatens the Nation’s defenses.
Interview
Hi! Would you tell us a
little bit about yourself?
I
live in central North Carolina with my wonderful husband, twin daughters, and
two hamsters. When my girls left for kindergarten, I discovered that I needed
to fill my days with something, or I’d be stuck dusting the floorboards or innumerable
knickknacks that decorate my bookshelves. So, basically, dislike of housework
propelled me into my writing career. I love to create worlds filled with unique
creatures and interesting characters that will delight and raise goose bumps on
my readers. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and seeing the
world through my daughters’ eyes.
Do
you have anything you would like to say to your readers?
Thank
you! Thank you for choosing to read one of my books. Everyone’s time is
precious and fleeting, and I want my readers to know that I appreciate them
sharing their time with me.
I know authors get asked this
a lot but do you have any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?
Perseverance and dedication
are key ingredients to success. You must read daily and write even when you’re
not inspired. Find a trusted friend to read your books and give you their
honest opinion. Be open to their suggestions, but most importantly, fall in
love with your characters. If you don’t love them, your readers won’t either.
When
did you realize that you would like to write and publish a book?
I’ve always thought it would
be cool to write a book. In college, (while studying elementary education) in
my literacy courses, I’d peruse the picture books and nonfiction children’s
books and dream about writing my own book. At the time, it seemed impossible,
but as the internet expanded and companies like Amazon grew, the dream started
to take shape and become a reality. When my twin daughters went to
kindergarten, I set aside time each day to dedicate to writing. Surprisingly,
the story that unfolded in my head was not for elementary students, but it was
better suited for young adults who enjoy supernatural thrillers. When I
finished the first series, The Scintillate Series, I transitioned to
adult romantic suspense and began The
Savage Security Series.
Can you tell us, in your own
words not the book description, a little about your book?
My Savage Security books are a mixture of romance and suspense infused
with a healthy dose of creep factor.
Blood Kiss is
about a woman who is threatened by a stalker. Alisha is pro-active. She isn’t
waiting around to see what her stalker will do. She decides that she will
protect herself. While gun shopping, she meets Mike, a man with the skills and
the heart to help her. I love Alisha and Mike. They are both smart, assertive,
and have big hearts.
Avenging Kiss
is about revenge. Summing up this book is more difficult. There isn’t one main
character or hero. Instead, Avenging Kiss
explores the reality that one’s actions don’t just affect that one person, but
rather the truth that actions have unintended consequences that can negatively
affect others. The problem/solution is resolved in Avenging Kiss, but some
threads are left dangling.
Coveted Kiss
deals with the fallout from Avenging Kiss.
It can be read independently of Avenging
Kiss, but it would be most enjoyed after reading Avenging Kiss. Jack is in full alpha-male mode as he protects Bella
in the aftermath of Hazeem’s murder attempt. Logan discovers the history behind
Aditya’s actions and learns how to forgive. Hazeem realizes that he’s not as
brave as he thought he was. And the men of Savage Security must hunt down the
terrorists living within their community.
Are
you working on anything at the moment?
I am working on the rough draft for the fourth
book in the Savage Security Series. Stolen Kiss is about a serial killer who
unintentionally crosses the paths of the men from Savage Security.
What
is the easiest part of writing in your opinion?
Hitting
publish and crossing my fingers that readers will enjoy my stories. Oh, wait…
that’s when the real stress begins. J
What
is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a
single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Jane
Austin’s wit and wisdom are evident in this quote from Pride and Prejudice. In a time when a woman’s social standing and
standard of living depended on a husband, every man was considered eligible,
but the wealthy man was the ultimate prize.
Pepsi
or coke? Pepsi, but right now I’m going through a Dr. Pepper stage.
Favorite
kind of chocolate? See’s truffles. I fell in love with See’s Candy when I lived
in California.
Favorite
movie? Pride & Prejudice - the one with Colin Firth. If you haven’t seen
it, stop whatever you’re doing and settle in for the best 5 ½ hours of your
life.
Favorite
book to movie? Pride and Prejudice. The British mini-series released in 1995.
Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy.
Favorite book or author?
I can’t just say one. I love
Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean Koontz. I love thrillers with a hint of the
supernatural. For the romantic in me, I love Elle Casey, Elise Sax, and
Trish McCallen. Their books fall into the romantic comedy or romantic suspense category.
Hardback/Paperback
or eReader?
My
iPhone. I love the flexibility of reading on my iPhone or iPad. I can take my
books with me wherever I go and read a few pages while in waiting in the
carpool line or at appointments. Plus, there’s no easier way to read a book in
the dark of night under your sheets.
Have you ever been out of the
state where you live?
I’m a southern girl with a
bit of an identity crisis. I grew up in Virginia and then moved north to New
Hampshire to complete high school. I went to college in California and then
taught for several years in a school district outside of Los Angeles. Growing
weary of perfect year-round weather, the idyllic beauty of nature, and romantic
sunsets on the beach, I traded in my California life for life in central North
Carolina, where I met my own Mr. Darcy.
About the Author
Karen Tjebben lives in central North Carolina with her wonderful husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When her girls left for kindergarten, Karen discovered that she needed to fill her days with something, and that was the beginning of her writing career. She loves to create worlds filled with unique characters that she hopes will delight and raise goose bumps on her readers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing the world through her daughters' eyes.
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1 Comments
Thank you for spreading the news about COVETED KISS and the giveaway. I appreciate the chance to appear on your blog site.
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