BooksChatter: ℚ Revenge for Hire: For Hire [2]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Natalie S. Ellis to talk about Revenge for Hire (1 December 2015, AUS Impulse, 198pages) a Romantic Suspense, book two of the For Hire series.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

A big welcome to Natalie S. Ellis; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter.

What was the inspiration for Revenge for Hire?

"One of my inspirations for this book was an article I read about a car crashing into the second story of a house. That fascinated me and I was determined to figure out a way to have that happen in Revenge For Hire. Also, I took a six-week course with our sheriff’s department and came up with some really cool ideas about bombs that I ended up incorporating. I loved that course so much that I’m going back the next time they offer it!"

Why should we read Revenge for Hire and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"I like to read books that keep me guessing, which is rare, so I’m determined to write books that will keep the reader guessing until the very last chapter. Every time I think I’m finished twisting the plot, something compels me to twist one last time. That’s what I’d like to be known for. If you read the Amazon reviews about Fear For Hire, you’ll see that most people were surprised that they were surprised! In fact, they used a lot of exclamation points and caps to convey that shock. One reviewer cautioned readers not to start the book on a day that they have something planned because they won’t be able to put it down. A lovely woman sent me a Facebook message recently, telling me how she kept trying to figure out the mystery while she was folding clothes, doing dishes and shopping. That’s exactly what I planned—I want to mess with your head while you’re doing chores around the house. He he! It’s also imperative that the romance in my books is fun and sexy, like romance should be!"

Can you tell us something quirky about Revenge for Hire, its story and characters?

"My heroine, Belinda “Billie” Chapman, was named after a little girl who is part of my first memory ever. I was around four when I remember playing with Billie and her brother. She was my age and he was six or seven. I can’t remember his name, and I don’t think their last name was Chapman. I believe it was the first day I met these siblings who lived near my house. Billie’s brother bowed when he met me. Weird, huh? When it was time to name Billie, I just knew I wanted her name to be Belinda, Billie for short—that’s what her brother called the little girl. That’s also why Billie has a brother, Ryan, in the book."

Who would you recommend Revenge for Hire to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Revenge For Hire is perfect for readers who love romantic suspense or mysteries, men and women. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many men have contacted me to say they read my first book and can’t wait for the next one. Men certainly related to Jack in my first book—I think they want to BE Jack. A guy I dated in high school is a cop and he sent me a Facebook message to tell me how much he liked the book. It was kind of weird at first to know he read all those steamy scenes, but I was relieved to know I got the police procedure part correct. He keeps saying, “Jack is a good guy.” Once he even posted that it was too bad Jack couldn’t run for City Council in our town. THAT would be a dream-come-true for the ladies!

Revenge has its steamy moments too. I like to say that I leave the door open to the reader during love scenes—I don’t close it after a few kisses. It’s actually a little less descriptive than Fear For Hire when it comes to the bedroom scenes. I don’t put sex in a book for the sake of sex. If the characters are at a point when it’s right for them to take off their clothes, then they do what’s “in character” for them. There’s a lot more mystery than violence in this book. And it’s not so scary that you won’t be able to sleep at night."

What is your writing process?

"Once I have a unique idea for a story—like Woman Hires Kidnapper to Scare Away Her Fear of Abduction, or TV News Photographer Unintentionally Discovers Hidden Child--I like to look through magazines for pictures of the hero and heroine. Then I name them, based on what they look like. Once I can see the faces of my characters, the story seems to take off. I figure out the Goal, Motivation and Conflict for the hero and heroine, then I just start listing possible scenes. When I have about 20 scenes loosely plotted, I feel comfortable writing until the story stalls. That’s when I know I need a new twist."

What is in store next?

"I’m plotting my third book in the “For Hire” series. Molly, the heroine in Fear For Hire, will be back and she’s being held hostage. Obviously, Jack, the hero and kidnapper in the first book, goes berserk. He’s the only one allowed to kidnap Molly. LOL! Alyssa, who is in Revenge For Hire, is the main character in the third book. Her love interest is a TV news reporter she got fired years ago because she tricked him into thinking she was much older than her seventeen years. Scott Beauchamp has never forgotten that kiss for many different reasons, and is determined to make Alyssa pay, if he can resist kissing her again."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?