A Call to Adventure

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This topic has been on my mind for about four years now--almost five. See, sometimes when I meet new military wives, we chit and chat and it's inevitable that some discussion on how long and what does he do will come up. And it's not like some of the crazy wives believe in which there's a rank competition going on. Sometimes it really is just curiosity. 

But the truth is, when the women are perfect strangers, and this is the equivalent of small talk, it's easy to wave off the catch phrases, the cliches. And many times, as I've explained that my husband was an accountant--a CPA--turned soldier, a new acquaintance will smile and say, "Ahh, just looking for a little adventure?"

And, I just laugh with a wave of my hand... yeah, yeah.

But no. I think the next time this happens, I will say, "No." I may even frown a little. Because despite the fact that these women mean no harm, at all. It makes me feel like I'm betraying the truth or my husband's trust. 

My husband wanted to join the military when he was 17. His parents wouldn't sign the forms and told him, "Go to college." So he did. Which then started a different journey for him, one that included me. And eventually 5 kids. And he definitely kept looking for that opportunity to fulfill a dream. At every turning point in our life, he would take time to see what his options were for the military. But it wasn't until 2010 that he could make that a reality. And it wasn't 'adventure' or the need to 'escape' or find 'fulfillment.' No, let's be honest about an accountant husband, who quit smoking because 'it was too expensive now.' He wanted someone to pay of his substantial college loans. Yup. He might have wanted this at 17, but it was the undergraduate and post graduate loans that really pushed him into making this happen. [sorry, honey, if I'm revealing your secrets] 

My husband has found adventure at every point in his life. He has made new friends. Learned new things. Answered 'The Call of the Wild'. Taken setbacks. And grown in leaps and bounds. 

And let's talk about what adventure means anyway.

Okay?

Kay. We'll do it a very simple compare and contrast kind of way so everyone understands. Ready? Here we go...

 

1. Travelling to distant countries to stand between your loved ones and enemy fire? 

Not adventure.

2. An African Safari?

Adventure.

3. Separation from your loved ones for months at a time?

Not adventure.

4. Hiking the Denali with your lover?

Adventure.

5. 14 hour days of dealing with training, classes, people?

Not adventure.

6. 14 hours on a lake in Lavonia, Georgia with your family?

Adventure.

 

See what I'm doing there?

Let's not forget why our soldiers fight.

Duty. Honor. Loyalty.

Love of country.

Love of family.

Love of Freedom.

To be very clear. I am not and have never been offended by the assumption that my husband was "looking for adventure". If you've ever said this to me, I'm not calling you out or want to stomp on your goodwill. :) The last woman who did it just happened to be the one that caught my attention and turned the tides--no hard feelings at all. And I never would have thought anything of her response if half of a dozen people before her hadn't said the very same thing. 

But this time...I stand true to my soldier instead of letting his sacrifice seem menial.

Let's be honest!!

If he'd joined at 17, I would have accused him of giving in to the proverbial "Call to Adventure!" 

Cover Reveal -- Riptide by Kinsey Corwin

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Welcome, Kinsey Corwin!!!

I'm so excited to reveal your latest cover, Riptide.  Not only does the story sound amazing, but the cover is sweeeet. <3  

I'll be doing a giveaway for anyone who comments or shares--twitter, facebook, or pinterest [cuz those are my spots!]. A copy of Riptide on RELEASE DAY! 

BLURB:

One moment can impact the future.

Only two things in the world brought Hunter Sullivan a sense of peace—surfing and his relationship with Phoenix Nash. All it took was losing his best friend in a tragic surfing accident at one of the world’s greatest surf spots, to send Hunter’s world crumbling down around him. Now, unable to get out on the waves without the memory of Maverick haunting him, he’s at risk of destroying his career and the one person he’s used to turning to when life sucks him under.

Phoenix Nash lived by a set of rules forged after watching her father claw his way out of the depths of depression when her mom left. Do not get involved with her father's clients. Protect your heart always. Dad and the company come first. Rules that slowly started eroding the moment she first fell into bed with up and coming surfer, Hunter Sullivan. When her dad asks for her help getting the face of his surfing division back on the waves, Phoenix is put in a position to choose between the only two men in her life she's ever cared about. 

UP FOR PRE-ORDER ON IBOOKS!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1141668298

 

Settling Down

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Things are settling down on the homefront. My soldier is knee deep in studies for this round of schooling so he's a hit or miss figure for the family. But when we hit, it's such a nice thing! :D 

Today, in my effort to get out of the house and write, I jumped into the chore of moving all the "garage sale" items from the kitchen table to the garage. I think I'd been hoping we'd have that garage sale a lot sooner. But, who knows when it will happen, and I really needed my kitchen table!! The clutter was making me crazy. And there was this...funny vibe. That cranky, unsettled vibe that goes around when people are out-of-sorts.

It's the kind of vibe that can lead to out-right bitchiness or assholery.

So, yeah...even though out-of-sight, out-of-mind might be the bigger hurdle to getting our garage sale done, I think removing the things that are keeping us from truly settling down is a better idea right now. :)

In writing news, I'm well on the way to getting this revision of Strike Zone completed. I have a deadline of August 22nd when my editor expects the manuscript on her desk. Ack! Back to work!

In reading news, I'm so fulled up with some great reads. I've got a book i'm going to review in September [watch for it!], and this morning Gone Too Deep was delivered to my Kindle! Wheee. So excited for Book Three of the Colorado Search and Rescue series. You must catch this one, with its Hero named George. 

Military Moves

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The Military Life

We've been lucky...blessed. Our first duty station was a four year stay. That's pretty unusual. Two years, three years tops, is normal. So, we've been blessed.

But we've also grown roots. Four years is definitely a long time, knowing a move is imminent. Too long to avoid deep friendships. Not that we do that... but let's be honest, I'm an introvert, so holing up for a couple years is not a problem for me. I like things quiet. 

It's really hard to leave Colorado Springs, though.

Because Cindy and Jennie.

Dang! Not fair! How did this happen? What will I do? Who will satisfy the minimal socializing I can handle? Who will laugh with me as we sit in Panera? Who will investigate and speculate on the guy who comes in too often--every time with a different woman, every time as if he's doing an interview?? Is it a ploy? Is he a criminal? 

Who will I make eyes at over my laptop???

I don't know...

All I know is that it's very hard to leave. Because even with Sprint 2.0 on Messenger, it will not be the same again. Not until I can get back to this place I've called home for 4 years. A place that has become home because of the people I've met.

I don't know what I'll do without Starbucks (wine and beer included) and Panera (preachers and cons included). There will be a great void for a while as I fumble around and figure out what the freak to do with myself. :(

Deep Dark -- NEW RELEASE -- TastyBookTours

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Deep Dark
Tracers #10
By: Laura Griffin
Releasing May 24, 2016
Pocket Books

A gripping new romantic thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin...

The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.

As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim

 

Buy Links:    Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
 


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

 

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
 


Reed watched her, and she had that frustrated look in her eyes again. Every time she started to open up to him, he did something to tick her off. She shook her head and glanced away.
    “Laney?”
    “What?”
    “I’m a detective. It’s my job to ask questions. To push.”
    She looked at him again and her expression softened. “No, you’re right.” She glanced down at her beer bottle and picked at the label. “I’m glad she has you.”
    “Who has me?”
    “April. You seem--” She paused, like she was searching for the right word. “--committed.”
    He didn’t answer. It wasn’t really a question, but the way she looked at him gave him the feeling she wanted a response.
    She drained her beer and plunked down the bottle. “I should get home.” She stood up.
    Reed stood, too. He left a tip on the table and followed her through the throng of people. The bar was packed, and the music had gotten louder since they’d first walked in. 
    They stepped into the warm, muggy air. It was dusk now, and a neon Lone Star Light sign cast a blue-and-red glow over the sidewalk. As they walked in silence, he thought of what she’d said about her job being meaningful. It was refreshing. Maybe he’d been a cop too long, but he didn’t know anyone who talked about things being meaningful anymore. If they thought about work in those terms, they kept it to themselves. 
    Maybe he was jaded.
    No, he definitely was jaded. But it had more to do with his failed marriage than anything he’d seen on the job.
Reed spotted her little white car and felt a twinge of regret. He’d enjoyed talking to her, enjoyed being near her. And he couldn’t remember the last time that had happened with a woman. Having a beer with Laney had been the highlight of his crap week. Hell, the highlight of his month.
    She looked around. “Where are you parked?” 
    “Around back.”
    She gazed up at him. He couldn’t read her expression.
    “Thanks for the drink,” she said.
    “You bought it.”
    He couldn’t read her tone either. The thrum of music seeped through the thin walls of the bar as they stood there in the light of the beer sign.
    She stepped closer, and a jolt of heat went through him. She looked up at him with those bottomless brown eyes, and he knew he was in trouble. It was a bad idea to involve this girl in his investigation. Whatever useful info she might have was outweighed by the fact that she was young, and edgy, and he wanted her. And she must have seen something in his face because her eyes sparked. 
She went up on tiptoes and kissed him.


##
Copyright 2016 Laura Griffin

Cover Reveal -- Kissing the Bride, Lola's book tours

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Today is the cover reveal for Kissing the Bride by Tracey Alvarez. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Kissing the BrideKissing the Bride (Due South #7.5)
By Tracey Alvarez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: June 24, 2016

Blurb:
The countdown is on to the Wedding of the Year, New Zealand!

It’s seven days until Shaye Harland and Del Westlake finally tie the knot—and it’ll be the most awesomesauce wedding Stewart Island has ever seen if Shaye has anything to do with it. Her All Things Nuptial journal has the big day planned to perfection, but not everything runs like clockwork. While marrying the man of her dreams beats chocolate as an Easter treat, a few mini-catastrophes like Boris the obstinate sea lion threaten to ruin their special day.

WARNING: If you’re new to the Due South world, this fun and sexy short story of Del & Shaye’s wedding isn’t the book to start with. Lots of favorite characters join in the wedding craziness—and if you haven’t read the earlier Due South books it’ll just be crazy-confusing.


You can find Kissing the Bride on Goodreads

You can pre-order Kissing the Bride here:
- iTunes



Other books in the series:
Book 1: In Too Deep (Currently FREE)
Book 2: Melting Into You (Currently FREE)
Book 3: Ready To Burn
Book 4: Christmas With You
Book 5: My Forever Valentine
Book 6: Playing For Fun
Book 7: Drawing Me In

Book 1: In Too Deep (Currently FREE)Book 2: Melting Into You (Currently FREE)Book 3: Ready To BurnBook 4: Christmas With YouBook 5: My Forever ValentineBook 6: Playing For FunBook 7: Drawing Me In


Tracey AlvarezAbout the Author:
Fuelled by copious amounts of coffee, Tracey Alvarez writes steamy but heart-warming contemporary romances set in New Zealand. Her two series, DUE SOUTH and FAR NORTH, both focus on small coastal towns, close communities, and family.

You can find and contact Tracey here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Pinterest
- Google+
- Amazon
- Newsletter

Giveaway
There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Kissing the Bride. There will be 3 winners who each win an e-copy of the DUE SOUTH Boxed Set containing the first 5 Due South books by Tracey Alvarez.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

banner Lola's Blog Tours

May Indie Challenge #BEP

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Another week of reading left to wrap up this months's Indie Reading Challenge sponsored by The Book Enthusiast.  Get over, pick a book, read a book, and write a review. There are some GREAT NOVELS to choose from!! And you can find them here: 

 http://www.bookenthusiastpromotions.com/may-30dayreadingindie-book-challenge/

Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Paranormal... all you could one under one roof. Benefits and bonuses for everyone. Join the fun and finish May on a reading note.

Deadlines really get in the Way

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Of Blogging.

Of Reading.

Of Eating.

Of Drinking.

Of Playing.

...even, Of Writing.

Don't lose track of that deadline. Keep your focus. Make the short term goals so that the long-term goal doesn't sneak up on you and kill all forward motion of life, in general.

That is all...and now I go back to panicking over the 10 days left to finish this manuscript--at a time when my schedule is ridiculously booked with end-of-the-school-year activities, PCS preparations, travel planning, and all the regular stuff--laundry, housekeeping, kid-loving, hubby-loving, baseball games, etc. :D 

But no worries, I'm going to that baseball game tomorrow night...and you can't force me not to enjoy it. Have a great weekend!

With love,

Beth

May Indie Reading Challenge -- BEP

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Sponsored by Debra Presley because she is an amazing Indie Author, with amazing Promotional Skills.

If you haven't yet, find your next favorite book, book boyfriend, [and let's not be sexist] book girlfriend, reading a book from this looong list of Independently Published Books. My book is in there!!

The cost to you?

A little time, and a few words. Practically NOTHING.

GO HERE NOW! Pick your first book and READ.

 

 

...OUTSIDE THE LINES...

For the first time in her life, good-girl Maria Rodriguez throws aside caution for an all-consuming desire. She wants freedom from rules and her family looking over her shoulder. She wants the love she’s only ever dreamed of. But then that love walks away. Jaded bachelor David March doesn’t believe in love. His fling with the pretty Hispanic woman from California is as close to feeling as he wants to get. Now, he’s back home, burying himself in work and trying to forget.

Shortly after he leaves, Maria finds out she’s pregnant. Her first leap into freedom results in a life-changing consequence. She knows she has to find him. But what she finds is not what she expects. David is not the down-to-earth man he portrayed. And the love she remembers has been replaced by cold calculation and contracts. He lied to her once. Can she trust that a marriage agreement will bring back the love they once shared?

Go to a place where stoic German meets colorful, vibrant, sexy Hispanic in this contemporary romance set in a small town outside Burlington, Vermont… in the heart of winter, love can happen!

T1D on the Book Blog

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I said there'd be real life here, too. 

I've been a type 1 diabetic for 27 years. Been on a pump for 12 years. Been on a Continuous Glucose Monitor for 6 years. 

And this week, I decided to change things up.

Have you ever switched shampoos because it makes your hair feel different? Changed your work station in order to motivate some new work--words or whatever? But the change itself is what causes a new flood of productivity.

That's me with my T1D right now. I was in a slump, lackadaisical, and getting by with not much attention to detail. My A1c was 6.6, which is okay. Most doctors might applaud that number, but I know that number means my sugars have been, on average, over 140 mg/dl. And I don't like that. I'd much rather be closer to 6, if not in the 5s. 

So, this week, I went off my pump. Multiple Daily Injections... back to the dark ages of diabetes  management...only not so dark that I've got vials of insulin piling up. No, I'll stick to the pens. I've got a new CGM coming from Dexcom.

And I'm already seeing a difference.

In three days--this is without the CGM yet--I'm eating a good 25-50% less than I have been in a day. When you have to take a shot every time you eat, you eat less. Believe me.  My sugars are a little on the higher side for the time being, but that will change when I get the Dexcom and can see what my trends are...trends meaning, after I eat I go high. Or, I'm  high before I go to bed every night.

In regards to going back, and needles, I was shocked by how small the needles are. When i went off MDI all those years ago, those needles were still 1/4 inch long. I've got these amazing little 1/32nd needles...And that, my friends, is ridiculously SMALL!

Which annoyed me, because my son, who takes growth hormone and is this tiny little guy, has been using 1/16ths. He has an appointment this coming week, and I intend to get a Rx for the little guys. >:( Not sure why the little, little needles aren't standard. If I can  handle a 1/32nd needle--me, at 150 lbs--then a twiggy little guy ought to get that small, too. He doesn't complain, but I hope when we get the smaller needles, he'll have an even better time than he's had over the last 7 years. 

Pluses to going archaic. :D 

I know that eventually, I'll go back to the pump. It's the most efficient way to manage diabetes. But for now, I feel good. And I think a little change helps us grow. Don't you??

Cover Reveal -- Hawk Elite Security

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Cover Reveal

Thank you to Elaina Lee at For The Muse Designs. Once again, you have brought my stories to life with a visual depiction that truly is worth a thousand words.... <3 

Strike Back, Nathan and Stacy Hawkins, book 1--a story of revenge, past regrets, and uncertain futures.

Betrayed, Tancredo Byrnes and Elizabeth Witney, book 2--a bodyguard story: trust, acceptance, and finding love amidst dire circumstances.

STAY TUNED THROUGH THIS SUMMER FOR MORE NEWS ABOUT THESE BOOKS AND THIS SERIES.

Hard Silence -- Release and Review -- #BEP

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✰✰RELEASE BLITZ✰✰
Hard Silence by Mia Kay #ReleaseBlitz @bookenthupromo
Genre: April 25, 2016
Release Date: Romantic Suspense
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

 

FBI profiler Jeff Crandall returned to Fiddler, Idaho, to work on new Bureau protocols in peace…and because he hasn't been able to stop thinking about Abby Quinn. Kind, beautiful and quietly sexy, the petite rancher next door is loved by the entire town but keeps fiercely to herself. She's a mystery that doesn't want to be solved, though he's desperate to try.

Whether that interest is professional or personal is a question he'll sort out later.

Abby knows sharing her secrets would bring death and destruction to Fiddler. She survived her childhood, barely, but a long list of stepfathers weren't nearly so lucky: their bodies are buried across the country, waiting to be discovered. The best protection is silence, anonymity and isolation, though the handsome agent next door seems hell-bent on destroying all three.

And he just keeps kissing her…

When Jeff is called in to investigate an interstate serial killer case spanning two decades, Abby knows it's only a matter of time before he connects the dots, sees her for who she really is and walks away. But it's when he's standing in the crosshairs of Abby's past that Jeff faces his biggest challenge yet: how to give the woman he loves the life she doesn't believe she deserves.

You know that book where you enjoy the characters, the plot is solid, but it sorta rings familiar? You've read that book, haven't you? Well, THIS. IS. NOT. THAT. BOOK!

I picked up Hard Silence from Book Enthusiast for two reasons. One, I have a manuscript with Carina Press, so I considered the fact that it would be good to read something from the publisher. [ha! don't judge me] But, I've been looking for something romantic suspense--desperately looking to add to my Must-Have-It author list.

And from the first line: Body Found In Well. No, not that one... go back even more. To my mother. This book is not about her... Yes! That one! :D What a great start to a story about family, secrets, lies, and healing.

I think I really like Mia Kay! Her sense of humor must be a boon to her entire family. 

But, back to the book. 

The characters. I have never met the heroine, Abby Quinn, before Hard Silence. She was flawed, weak, determined, strong, beautiful... How can a person be weak and strong? Read the book and find out. Her smarts often inhibited her heart, and I loved seeing her overcome that. The thing I loved about Jeff was that he was a gorgeous [of course], slightly world-weary, laidback guy. He didn't kill me with an Alpha personality [although, every man has alpha tendencies, and you never want to miss them, especially when their protective instincts are awoken]. Mostly, I loved seeing him wake up [literally], step out onto his front porch in his jeans, his scruffy, messed up head of hair, and his bare feet with a mug of coffee in his hand. 

The plot. The twists and turns in this story kept me reading this book to the end... like 0100 and finally, I was able to toss my phone to the nightstand, close my eyes, and drop into a happy sleep. Serial killers, revenge,...and secrets. I can't say more. You must get the book and see what I am talking about.

You will love the town of Fiddler, the people who took Abby in and brought life to her messed up, sad, sad world. 

This book made me happy inside. I know if I took more time, I could probably think of something to critique, something that I would have done differently...but why? I was, am, and always will be, first, a reader. And I loved this book. I will definitely be going back to buy the first book. And I will buy any more of her books that come out, as well. Thank you Mia, for giving life to a great story.

 

Mia Kay spent years writing legal documents and keeping people out of trouble. Now she spends her days looking for ways to get her characters into trouble. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, who doesn’t mind discussing (and sometimes causing) mayhem over breakfast. 

Website
Facebook
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Amanda Heger -- Without Borders -- Tasty Book Tours

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Without Borders
A Wanderlove Novel
By: Amanda Heger
Releasing April 19, 2016  
Diversion Books

For Annie London, a month in a Central American rainforest means handing out mosquito nets, giving medical aid, and teaching children about the birds and the bees. With any luck, it will also land her application in the “accepted” pile at a top tier medical school. But as soon as she steps off the plane, Annie realizes her bug spray, feeble Spanish, and medical supplies won’t help her deal with her new feelings for Felipe—her best friend's older brother, who's much hotter than she remembers, and who also happens to be the doctor in charge of the trip.
 
Gawking “volun-tourists” may keep his family’s medical clinic afloat, but Dr. Felipe Gutierrez doesn’t have to like them. Or the way they make snap judgments about his practice and the people he cares for. But when his old crush, Annie, shows up to volunteer, her killer curves and kind smile fan the embers of a flame Felipe didn’t realize he’d been carrying. A flame that makes him question all his preconceived notions.
 
As ideas and cultures clash, Annie and Felipe must decide how far outside their comfort zones they are willing to go—both for their work and for one another.

Beth: Welcome, Amanda! Thank you for joining my blog today. Even though, we think no one wants to know... I have to know. Knowing inspires me, so--

1. Who inspires your stories? 

Amy Poehler. Tina Belcher. My friends. The guy at the bus stop. All those butts I saw last week at Thunder from Down Under. 

Basically, everyone everywhere. People watching is one of my favorite past times, and there are so many stories to be found in everyday life. I sometimes fear that I have more story ideas than I’ll ever be able to write.

Beth: "All those butts I saw last week..." Yes. Thank you. Inspiration is everywhere. I love that your story is set in Central America. Though I've never been, reading takes me there! I think all readers are like that. So, tell me--

2. While writing Without Borders, what was the most fun discovery you made about Central America?

Some of the most fun discoveries I made about Nicaragua came from my time living there. It is legitimately gorgeous, the music is fabulous, and the rum is amazing. (Bonus discovery: armadillo isn’t a bad dinner option.)

But while writing the story I discovered how much I wanted to go back. I would love to spend a few nights staring up at the stars, eating gallo pinto, and listening to the rustle of monkeys in the trees above. 

Beth: I'm looking at snow out my window, in April!! So, I totally get that. I would love to be somewhere warm, looking up at the stars. Sounds like a scene I could fit in a book... speaking of scenes--

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Without Borders? Why?

There’s a scene where Annie has to reset a patient’s dislocated shoulder. I watched seventeen million YouTube videos of people getting their shoulders reset to make it as realistic as I could. And it was amazing. Amazingly horrifying. 

By the second or third video I had have an alcoholic beverage to keep from jumping out of my skin. And by the time I actually got around to writing the scene, I’m pretty sure my blood alcohol content was sky high. (Shhh. Don’t tell my editor.)

Good thing I didn’t become a doctor.

Beth: I may need to go back and reread that scene now... ;)

3. Whose story are you working on next? Will we see Annie and Felipe again in the series?

Marisol’s story, Semi-Scripted, is out next. And honestly, I couldn’t be more excited about this one. 

When the book picks up, we find Mari in L.A., chasing a grant that she desperately needs to save her family’s medical clinic. But when her appearance on a late night talk show goes viral, she has to balance her sudden fame with work obligations. Not to mention a blossoming romance with one of the show’s interns. 

Annie and Felipe do make an appearance or two, so you’ll get to catch up with them as well!

Beth: Wonderful! I love when books are connected by the characters. It's a huge bonus to see people again, make sure they're okay. <3 Speaking of okay and happy--

5. What do you do when you're not writing?

I do a lot of the usual stuff: work, pet my dogs, read books. 

But I also do some of the less-usual stuff: wear colorful socks, quote entire episodes of Veronica Mars, take improv classes.

Variety is the spice of life and all that.

Beth: It's such a great pleasure to dig into the mind of a writer [even a little!], and I'm grateful for Amanda's willingness to answer my questions. Do NOT miss her book, Without Borders... [and then the next one, as well, cuz...dude! Books!] And get in on the Rafflecopter, as well. #giveaways are #fun!!