~TODAY WE'LL DISCOVER WHAT LIES IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL!~

Detective Jared McNeil talks about his role in Nancy C. Weeks’s romantic suspense, IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL from Crimson Romance:

M. J: [I wish I had a photo of Jared McNeil I could share, but he’s camera shy. Here is a brief description for you to envision as you read his interview.
Lieutenant Jared McNeil carries himself like a soldier, stands proud with muscular shoulders, chest, and a lean waist. He is a good six foot two inches tall and has the most gorgeous, piercing cobalt blue eyes and short, wavy brown hair. Today, he’s wearing a dark, navy blue sports coat with a pair of black denim jeans. He’s the kind of man that doesn’t like to draw attention to himself. Who can’t check this guy out?]

M. J.: Thank you for being here on my blog today, Detective McNeil. You don’t look very comfortable. Is there anything I can do to make this easier on you? 

Jared: Please call me Jared. [He runs a hand through his hair then wipes his palm on his slacks.] I’m not comfortable talking about myself or the job. But, Nancy and Jennie asked me to be here so here I am.

M.J.: I promise to make this as painless as possible. If you don’t feel comfortable with a question, just let me know and I’ll move on. [He nods but I can tell he doesn’t believe me.] So, in In the Shadow of Evil, you play the hero, right?

Jared: Yes, but if there is a hero to this story it’s Jennie, not me. 

M.J.: Would you like to explain that statement? I know who Jennie is but our readers may not. Who is Jennie to you?

Jared: Jennie McKenzie McNeil is the bravest woman I have ever known. She is my hero― my everything. You might refer to her as my love interest. I can tell you right now, that label doesn’t even come close to doing Jennie justice.

M.J.: I agree with you, Jared. Jennie McKenzie is an amazing woman. But before we get to her, can you tell us a little about yourself.

Jared: I’m thirty-one years old and a detective with the Maryland’s Special Crime Unit.

M.J.: (Smiling) And…

Jared: What do you want to know about me?

M.J.: Why don’t you tell us about your family?

Jared: [A low groan escapes from the back of his throat] 

I’m the oldest son of a large family. My father is Thomas McNeil and he’s a retired police detective. My mom, Mary, is a surgeon, but these days, she only works part-time. I have a twin brother named Noah. Most people can’t tell us apart and we have spent a lifetime making use of that little advantage. Mac, or Luke McNeil is the next sibling and he lives in Austin, Texas. Mac is a special agent for the FBI as is my youngest brother, Jason. Jason’s wife, Sarah now teaches physics at the University of Texas when she is not working as a consultant to the FBI. She’s kind of this math genius. My sister, Emma is Jason’s twin. She is married to Jason’s childhood best friend, Aiden and has two six year old twin boys, David and Ethan.

M.J.: I have heard how similar you and Noah are to each other. Has Jennie ever had trouble telling you apart? Has she ever kissed the wrong brother?

Jared: HELL NO! [He squirms a little in his seat] Sorry. Jennie can tell me apart from Noah. In fact, she doesn’t think Noah and I look anything alike.

M.J: So lets talk about Jennie. How did you two meet?

Jared: [His eyes darken from a deep blue to almost black and he tenses up.] 

I met Jennie while on my first undercover assignment. I was working my way up the chain in Elías Mendoza’s organization. She was only sixteen at the time. Her foster brother, Nick and her were living with Mendoza.

M.J: How in the world did Jennie come to live with a man like Mendoza?

Jared: I really can’t go into that. Nancy asked me not to give out any spoilers from In the Shadow of Evil. Your readers will have to read that part of the story which I think is in chapter one. What I can tell you is that it was my job to not only gather information about Mendoza, but to protect Jennie and Nick. I failed miserably and will never forgive myself for underestimating Mendoza.

M.J: You’re being too hard on yourself, Jared. I know what incident you are not talking about and that was not your fault. [I raise my hand to keep him from arguing with me] Can you talk about Mendoza?

Jared: The only thing I’m willing to say about that basta … Elías Mendoza is that I hate him with every fiber of my being. He will never come near Jennie again. 

M.J: I think we need to return this interview to something a little more pleasant. Tell us how you see Jennie.

Jared: [His eyes lit up and his tense features relax instantly] What do your readers want to know about my wife? She told me not to hold back. 

M.J: That was very kind of her. [Ladies and gents, the tough Jared McNeil is actually blushing] 

Jared: Jennie is my life, my heart. I’m nothing without her. [His focus is on the wall above me] 
Jennie isn’t like anyone I have ever met. She is more than just beautiful and sexy as hell. Her strength comes from a spiritual source deep within her. She is an amazing teacher too. I’ve seen her in action and her fifth grade students are just damn lucky to have her. I guess you just have to meet her for yourself to know what I’m talking about.

M.J.: You and Jennie really had a hard time finding your way to each other. Why?

Jared: I’m just stupid like that. I was waiting for everything to be just right. I almost lost her. 

M.J: You had a very unusual wedding? Would you tell us about it?

Jared: Nancy would kill me if I told you about our wedding. But what I can tell you is that it was an experience I will never forget. The evening Jennie and I married changed how I look at the world and how I see myself. There are no words to explain what happen, but the man I was when I walked into St. Luke’s wasn’t the man who walked out.

M.J: Can you elaborate a little on what changed you so dramatically?

Jared: When you are on the job, you see the worst mankind has to offer. Your days are surrounded by men and women like Mendoza and it affects you, warps your soul until you can see only the evil that exist. That all changed the evening I married Jennie McKenzie. [His gaze drops to his feet. He is silent for a long time before he faces me again.] There are mysteries in life that can’t be explained. What happened in the church… all I can say is that my life has been altered for the better because I was smart enough to fall madly in love with Jennifer Marie McKenzie. 

M.J: I understand that Jennie is also the youth choir director for St. Luke’s Catholic Church. She’s a busy woman. How do you two find time together with such demanding jobs?

Jared: Now M.J., you should know from reading In the Shadow of Evil that nothing gets in my way when I want to be with Jennie. 

M.J: [Ladies and gents, there is no way I can describe the hungry look in Jared’s eyes, but I almost swallowed my tongue. LOL] 
How do you like having a priest as Jennie’s best friend? Do you find yourself watching what you say in front of Father Anthony? 

Jared: Father Anthony is a great guy. As for watching what I say in front of him, it just isn’t necessary. The man was a Special Forces soldier for years before entering the priesthood. There isn’t anything he hasn’t said, done or heard before.

M.J.: Would you mind telling us a little about him? Father Anthony sounds like a fascinating person.

Jared: I think if you want to know Father Anthony’s story, you are going to have to invite him on your blog. His story is his to tell.

M.J.: I guess that’s fair. I see you glancing at your watch. I know we are running out of time so just one more question.

Jared: Ask away.

M.J.: You and Jennie are now married, living your happy-ever-after. What’s next for the two of you?

Jared: According to Jennie’s dear friend and landlord, Mrs. Cunningham, we can expect babies, lots of babies. And before you ask, I can’t wait to hold the children Jennie gives me in my arms. [He stands and holds out his hand.] M.J., it was a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for having me here today. I have left a short excerpt for your readers to enjoy. I hope they enjoy our story.

Blurb for IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL:

Elías Mendoza’s personal vendetta against the McKenzie family rests on Jennie’s shoulders. As she cradles the bullet ridden body of her ten-year old student, she knows Mendoza is responsible. Quinton’s death is a message. Jennie’s life belongs to only Mendoza. But she has her own message. No one else dies. Her life means nothing as long as Mendoza is free.

Jared McNeil has spent ten years with Maryland’s Special Crime Unit and very little rattles him. When the haunted teenager he once tried to protect walks into his precinct now a beautiful woman, he wants nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and never let her go. But he soon realizes she is there only to settle her debts before she goes after his nemesis, Mendoza. Jared’s vow to stay away from Jennie until the task force destroys Mendoza now means nothing.What Jared and Jennie don't understand is there are forces at play greater than the evil shadowing them, but time is running out. United, they can do anything. Alone, they will fail.

An excerpt from IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL that Jared brought with him. Enjoy!

“The shooter just left Jennie . . .” 

Jared raised his hand. He didn’t need Noah’s words for his mind to conjured the image of a man lying on top of her with a knife, carving thin slices across her beautiful throat like it was butter. The fury grew until his breathing came in short, uneven breaths. 

He felt Noah’s hand resting on his shoulder and he could hear Jennie speaking softly to Emma behind the curtain. Her voice calmed him. Turning, he shoved the camera into Noah’s hands and yanked up a corner of the curtain. He had to see her, touch her, feel her. Before Emma could protest, he drew Jennie half dressed into his arms, plastering her body up against his. 

Jennie just clung to him saying, “I’m okay, Jared,” over and over again. 

No one was ever going to hurt her again. “Please give us a minute,” he said to Emma without looking up at her. He lifted Jennie then eased down on the bed, drawing her into his lap. Jennie’s arms circled his shoulders and pulled him tight against her. 

“Jared, what’s wrong? What did Noah say to you?”

A hurt like he never experienced clogged his throat as a tear slid down his face. He drew her to him, cradling her head against his chest. She was now safe, but it didn’t ease the guilt that churned in the pit of his stomach. He raised his head and ran his finger over the bandage. “I should have stopped that bastard. He never should have had a chance to go after you.” 

“Jared, don’t,” Jennie said as she wiped the tear with her thumb. Her hand went to his cheek. “Please don’t do this to yourself.”

Resting his head on her forehead, he took in a deep, shaky breath. “God, Jennie, why don’t you hate me?” 

“I could never hate you.”

It took a long time for him to form the words. “You better be ready for me in your life, Jennie because I’m not leaving you alone until this nightmare is over—maybe never again.”

The corners of her mouth curled up in a smile as she traced her finger along his hairline. “Now why doesn’t that sound like a threat?” 

“I’m serious, Jennie.”

Her eyes bore into him. “Bring it, big guy. I’m damn tired of being alone.” 

Bio:

Nancy C. Weeks has loved happy-ever-after romances since she was in her early teens. While still in college, she met and married her hero and spent the next several years honeymooning and working overseas. Today, she lives in suburban Maryland with her husband of more than thirty years. Her two children are in college and she spends her days out on her deck writing as the local bird population keeps her company. She loves to hear from her readers.

Link where you can find out more about Nancy C. Weeks:http://nancycweeks.com

http://nancycweeksauthor.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/NancyCWeeksAuthor

@NancyCWeeks

Buy links for IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL and IN THE SHADOW OF GREED:

IN THE SHADOW OF EVIL:
AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1fgBXl7

BARNES AND NOBLE: http://bit.ly/17hjfco

CRIMSON ROMANCE: http://www.crimsonromance.com/

IN THE SHADOW OF GREED

AMAZON: http://amzn.to/16ZTUl3

BARNES AND NOBLE: http://bit.ly/16GHb6I

iTUNES: http://bit.ly/17JKTvi

CRIMSON ROMANCE:: http://www.crimsonromance.com/

CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH ADEN & ROSA FROM THE SILVER ROSE

Today I am very pleased to welcome Aden and Rosa to my website to find out more about them and their story, as told in "The Silver Rose" by author Rowena May O'Sullivan.

So, Aden. Let's put you in the hot seat first. Tell me about yourself? What is your occupation? 

My name is Aden Dragunis. I’m an immortal and Dragon of Marylebone Coven. The second highest in the chain of command for all witches and warlocks across the world. As Dragon, along with my familiar Albert, a miniature fire-breathing dragon I hunt rogue witches and warlocks. I’m also a silversmith by trade and use that as my ruse, as it were, in the world of mortals.

I see. I don't believe I've ever interviewed an immortal before. So, tell me, what’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

My family are all born immortals. My father Leonardo is several thousand years old and once ruled Marylebone. I am born, not made immortal.

Interesting. What is your earliest childhood memory with your father?

Sitting at my father’s knee while he crafted silver, gold and jewelry into objects sought by kings, queens and rulers of the realms.

If you could pick one object, one tangible object to symbolize you, what would it be, and why? 

It would be the silver rose Rosa possesses.  To tell you about it would give away some of the plot of the story. Suffice to say, it plays an integral part and is a magical rose designed and crafted to bloom only for my Beloved. Alas my Beloved died four hundred years ago. Now I’ve discovered Rosa has the silver rose in her possession and I am both mystified and angry. I prefer not to think about my painful past.

Since you brought up Rosa, tell us how you two met? What was your first impression of her?

The Bells of Marylebone have tolled for Rosa. They toll only for witches and warlocks whose power is so strong they are in danger of flaming out and turning rogue.  The only way to prevent that from happening is to bind your magic with another forever, to balance the scales. I’ve been sent to Raven’s Creek  by Marylebone under a cloak of secrecy and have been instructed to shield my magic from everyone. I’m to ensure Rosa meets her fate as the Bells of Marylebone have decreed.  I do not understand why the secrecy but I will comply. If she fails, she must surrender her magic to me. If she refuses, my familiar, Albert, must take it forcibly and she will die.

Just between us, what do you like about Rosa?

When Rosa’s parents were killed when she was barely 18, she took on the burden of keeping her sisters together as a family unit with the help of her mother’s good friend, a sorceress, called Zelda.  Rosa is  loyal to the core. She is beautiful. Stunning, with long raven hair. I was enamored the moment I first set eyes on her. Which pissed me royally as I’d vowed never to love again after the death of my Beloved.

What is it that you want out of life?

I want to reconnect with my family. I have estranged myself from them, after Marylebone expelled me for the duration of my union with my Beloved. She was mortal. No good could come from it and they were right.  The pain that followed was unbearable. I’d prefer not to talk about it!

Has life handed you any major disappointments?

The death of my Beloved and subsequent children, all born mortal while I continued to live a lonely life without them. No more on the subject or this interview is over.

I can respect that. That must have been horrible for you. Let's change to a lighter subject.  If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

I’ve never had a free day. I work every day for Marylebone. Being Dragon has its responsibilities.

You need to find some time to unwind, my friend.  If you were going to do that, who would you spend time with. Aside from Rosa, who would you say is your best friend?

My best friend is my warlock apprentice Goran. He get’s himself into a whole heap of trouble in The Silver Rose because of Rosa’s interfering sisters. In fact they’re all in trouble as a result.

If you owned a CB radio what would your "handle" be? 

I have no idea what a CB radio is. I imagine it’s a way to communicate with others. I have no need with it, as I can communicate mentally.

Well! I would imagine that would be pretty convenient at times. One last question for you, and then we'll move on to Rosa, who has been waiting so patiently.  Aden, what CD would you guess is in your CD player right now?

Someone I Used To Know by NZ singer Kimbra.

Thank you, Aden. That was very enlightening. Now Rosa. Tell me about yourself. 

My name is Rosa Greenwood. I’m the eldest of three sisters, all witches. Our parents were killed in mysterious circumstances when I was eighteen. I’ve spent the past ten years keeping my family together and building a business in which my sisters and I share. I am a jeweler by trade, but I prefer to make herbal potions. They are in great demand from the community of Raven’s Creek, although not everyone admits to purchasing a potion from me.

I can see why they may want to keep that a secret.  So, what’s your family like and how does your upbringing affect you now?

Responsibility was thrust upon me at an early age. I lost my late teenage and adult years to ensuring the authorities would not separate my sisters from me. We have a close connection with Zelda Mortiboy, a sorceress  who was best friends with my mother. She has remained in Raven’s Creek to assist us through our grief and now remains because she loves it here. Although I do think there is more to why she has remained, but she’s not telling.

Hmmm...more secrets! I love it!  Rosa, what is your earliest childhood memory?

Watching my mother at the table, crafting a spell in a scrying bowl. I learned to scry from an early age. Some children learn to bake. Young witches learn to scry.

I guess we all have our hobbies, right? Now, Aden said that a silver rose would represent him.  What about you? What tangible object would symbolize you? 

The object that is closest to my heart is my scrying bowl. It was crafted for me and bespelled every year with all my spells.  The bowl was a gift from my parents. It reminds me of them and I hold it dear to my heart. The other is a silver rose my mother gifted me not long before her death. I wear it whenever I perform formal magic.

All right. Enough small talk. Let's get down to the juicy part.  Describe Aden to us. What was your first impression of him and did it change over time?

The first time I saw Aden, I knew something was up. This potential swirled in his aura like none I’d seen before. But I could see no magic surrounding his aura either. He was arrogant at first. I was cautious. The Bells of Marylebone had tolled the night before and I was immediately suspicious of his arrival in Raven’s Creek. Plus he was drop dead delicious.

Yes. I noticed.  Is there anything about your hero that you would consider a flaw?

His inability to forgive himself for past mistakes and his inability to reconnect with his family. Family is important. I should know.

Excellent point. I hope you help him with that. What is it that you want out of life?

I want to attain Mastership in Witchery. My ultimate aim is to serve Marylebone Coven. Very few are called to Marylebone and to do so means ascending to immortality. I want my sisters to be successful in life and to have families of their own. I want to survive the bells.

All good goals. Has life handed you any major disappointments?

Besides the loss of my parents and dealing with a very difficult middle sister you mean? I guess it would be not being prepared for The Bells of Marylebone and Aden’s refusal to believe he’s the one for me!

Okay now, Rosa.  If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

I would spend it in my garden and in my workroom, making herbal potions. I love to potter about.

And to wrap things up, what CD is in your CD player right now?

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor.

Love that song! Well, thank you for joining us today. I know it's hard to talk about some of the things we talked about, but I appreciate you're being so open with us. And I think maybe we've made some people curious enough to want to read your story!

Author, Rowena O'Sullivan

Thank you so much for  allowing me to visit your website and to talk about my new release, my very first book, a paranormal romance called The Silver Rose.  This is the first in what I’ve termed  “The Greenwood Witches Trilogy”. Each sister will have her own story.  The first is about Rosa, and I’m currently writing the second sister’s story  (The Jade Dragon) which is due for release in August 2013. The Silver Rose is available as an ebook with Print On Demand coming soon and is available from:

Crimson Romance ebooks | Amazon| B&N | iTunes

Thank you so much for visiting us today, Rowena. And allowing Aden and Rosa to chat, as well. Please drop back in any time.