I’m jazzed to present a special guest, fellow member of Sunshine State Romance Authors, the talented Ronnie Allen and her upcoming crime thriller, Scorpio. Her first two books, Gemini and Aries, kept readers on the edge of their seats — including me, and I’m sure this one will do the same. How cool is the astrological theme, by the way!
I asked Ronnie to answer a few writing questions, as well as share a blurb and excerpt from Scorpio. Take it away, Ronnie!
I’m so excited to be on SSRA sister’s Flossie Benton Rogers’ blog as my first guest blog appearance for my upcoming release on Oct. 28th from Black Opal Books, Scorpio: The Sign Behind The Crime, Book 3. Wow! I’m only published since June 2015, and the third book is coming out in less than four weeks. I’ll tell you. I’m definitely grateful to the powers-that-be.
What inspired you to write in your genre?
I love the crime genre, so even way back in my screenwriting days in the late ‘70s – mid-90s, that’s what I wrote. For those of you who believe in it, I truly feel I was an FBI agent or detective in a past life.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Actually, it isn’t the writing. It’s the marketing and what we have to do after we’re published that’s the most stressful.
Who is your favorite supporting character in your book and why?
I absolutely love Vicki Trenton, formerly Victoria Elizabeth Marin. She’s grown from a love interest in Gemini, to the wife of the main character, to now a mommy. She has a fairly large role in Scorpio. In Gemini, she ended the murder case. In Scorpio, she helps the detectives to solve it. And if you love to cook, she has fabulous recipes and cooking tips in both books.
Blurb:
With a mind as strong as twisted steel, Scorpio obsessed Henry Slater, suave, sophisticated, sexy, intelligent, and wealthy is the perfect man—except to women who tell him what he doesn’t want to hear.
Dr. John Trenton is called back to NYC for a case close to his heart, while NYPD Detective Samantha “Sam” Wright and Dr. Frank Khaos, conflicted about their on-again-off-again relationship, take on another case—a serial killer who’s orchestrated sixteen murders across the United States over a nine-year period. The seventeenth victim is Sam’s best friend, Carrie Baines. When forensic science connects Frank to Slater, Frank is pushed to delve into his past, something he swore never to do. Meanwhile, due to the interstate nature of the crimes the FBI gets involved, convincing Sam to go undercover. But Slater is clever, and Sam is no match for him. Will her psychic skills and police training be enough to survive this close encounter with a killer, or will she end up as his eighteenth victim? And even if she lives, is her relationship with Frank really over?
Excerpt:
His reaction took her totally by surprise. How could he do this to her?
“Any more good news?” The sarcasm rolled off his tongue. “That’s not what I’m concerned with.”
“Then what?”
“The way he looked at you.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re adults here.”
“Exactly.”
“Frank, please. Can’t you deal with this?”
He did a double take. “Know what, Sam? No. I can’t. And I didn’t realize you’re so emotionally disconnected.” He checked the clock and blew out a deep breath. “As soon as it hits daylight, I think it’s best that you go back to your place.” He rolled over onto his left side, his back facing her.
“What are you saying, Frank?”
He barely turned his head. “Use your psychic intuition to figure out what I’m saying.”
“You’re breaking up with me?”
“I think we need to distance ourselves. It’s been too hot and heavy these past eight weeks, anyway. You’re not the woman I thought I knew.”
“How in hell are we supposed to distance ourselves? We work cases together. Every day, if I have to remind you.”
“Keep it formal. I’m now Dr. Khaos from you, and you’re Detective Wright from me.”
“But—”
“No buts. I’m done. We’re done.” His stomach twisted as he uttered those last two words.
Where readers can find Ronnie:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Read Ronnie’s blog and subscribe to her newsletter.
Catch up on Gemini and Aries, Books 1 & 2 of the series.
Bio:
Ronnie Allen is a NYC native transplanted to central Florida nine years ago. A teacher for 33 years, and a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, she includes her experience and skills in education, the paranormal and psychic development into her novels. Her characters have the skills she taught to her clients. Ronnie is an advocate for children and their health and well being. That’s included in the themes throughout her books.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
Than you so much for hosting me, Flossie. I’m thrilled Scorpio is becoming a reality soon.
I’m so pleased to have you and Scorpio here, Ronnie! Thank you for a fun interview.
Congrats to Ronnie. That was a great excerpt and the book sounds intriguing. I also agree that the marketing and promotion angle of being an author is often much harder than creating and writing!
Best wishes to Ronnie.
Thank you so much, Mae. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Writing is certainly a labor of love.
I’m especially thrilled that Scorpio has two of the characters from her first book, Gemini. I look forward to reading the happenings of this new devious evil. Thanks for your feedback, Mae.
Thanks Flossie. Readers who loved John Trenton are happy too, and he has a huge part in the plot, also getting himself into trouble.
Good luck!
I know Ronnie appreciates your good wishes, Cathy.
Thanks Flossie for keeping on top of the responses. Best, Ronnie
You’re welcome. I like to pop in as I am able throughout the days.
Thank you so much, Cathy. I appreciate your well wishes.