BooksChatter: ℚ Regenerate

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Sarita Leone to talk about Regenerate (9 December 2016, Sarita Leone, 316 pages), a Paranormal Romantic Suspense.

“Sarita Leone continues to quietly do what so many mainstream authors fail to do--deliver a great story that you actually want to read. [...] Do yourself a favor and read "Regenerate." With this book, Sarita Leone is taking her writing in a new direction, and you will want to be on the ground floor of her new venture!”
“This is not a sweet romance wrapped with a bow - this is action, sensuality, romance, fear and excitement rolled into one amazing story. Read it, enjoy it and become part of the world of Octopus.”

“I never figured the zombie apocalypse would be this entertaining! The plot is fast-paced. The places they go come to life. The action is nonstop.”

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Sarita Leone; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

What was the inspiration for Regenerate?

"REGENERATE is an action-packed paranormal romantic thriller. Nicole Anima and Benjamin Sinclair are agents for a covert government intelligence agency called The Octopus. When global economies begin to topple, they’re called in to eliminate the threat and restore world order. Toss in a zombie army, past relationship issues between these agents, and an assassination plot that could wipe out world leaders, and you’ve got a real mess on your hands. Anima is a psychic who struggles with not losing the brilliant mind that’s constantly invaded by the world’s thoughts and Sinclair…well, he’s technically a dead man walking. That’s right, he’s been regenerated using the best science has to offer and is now immortal.

The inspiration for REGENERATE comes from modern science and medical miracles. The idea of regeneration is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I’ve been personally affected by the medical miracles stem cell usage can bring. While they don’t save everyone who prays for a cure, they do save some. I hope that eventually they save more patients—but until that time, I will write Sinclair, the man who lives through the miracle of stem cells and now saves humanity."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I have to admit, a lot of myself is in this book. As I’ve said, the stem cell research and application that makes Sinclair’s existence possible has personally touched my life. I wrote a hero who can’t die, and that’s personal. Anima and I have a great deal in common. We both speak several languages, love hard, and are pretty fearless."

Cover model, Vikkas

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Regenerate - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Debbie Taylor of DCA Graphics did this amazing cover and I have to tell you, she is incredible to work with.

I chose the cover model because he so closely resembled the image of Sinclair I have in my mind.

Then we chose bits from the story to highlight and Debbie made sure the little octopus logo hung from the book title! I love this cover for so many reasons, but mostly because it’s an accurate portrayal of the story inside the book!"

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

"REGENERATE is the first book in a series centered around the age-old good vs. evil dilemma. The Octopus and its super agents are able to battle factions that ordinary mortals cannot, so they go where no human can safely go and do what no one else would dream of doing.

This a story of redemption, rebirth, and the restoration of order from chaos. It’s a paranormal romantic thriller but these are themes that are relevant to even those of us who don’t list “superhero” as our day job. We’ve all suffered in one way or another, and these characters are tested—just like the rest of us!"

Can you tell us something quirky about Regenerate, its story and characters?

"I don’t’ know if it’s quirky or not, but many of the places in the book are drawn from my memories.

I love to travel so when Anima and Sinclair cross the planet chasing zombies and assassins, I take them to locations that I know and love. Paris? They sizzle in a hotel room I’ve slept in. Their view of the Eiffel Tower is one I have in my photo album. It’s the same with some of the other spots, although I haven’t crashed into any continents or jumped from any planes, the way this pair has!"

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

"I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fast-paced action and thrills, paranormal events, and love against the odds.

There’s a bit of sizzle to this love story—it’s definitely not a G-rated book by any means, so if that’s not something readers want they shouldn’t read it. Otherwise, it’s getting rave reviews and because of the special operations and intelligence angles, it is appealing to a male audience which I think is fun!"

If you could / wished to turn Regenerate into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Oh, I love this question! I’ve already (in my mind, anyhow!) cast Natalie Portman as Anima. She would do the strong yet tortured personality so well.

I would use Kit Harington from Game of Thrones fame for Sinclair because he’s hot (obviously!) but he also has a vulnerability in his eyes. The man looks as if he’s capable of saving the world—while sweeping a woman off her feet. I like that."

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer?

"My greatest challenge? It has to be the whole time issue. Writing books takes lots of time and dedication. The hours are long and sometimes it’s tough to stay at my desk when the sun is shining and the birds are calling. Often, I get up really early to write so I can go outside or spend time with family and friends. It’s doable; it’s just a challenge for me."

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

"I am always lifted high when a reader says they can’t put one of my books down or was deeply affected by a story. That’s why writers write, to touch the minds and hearts of readers. It makes my day when I’m able to do that. "

What is your writing process?

"My writing process is pretty straightforward. I write a certain number of words each day—usually one or two chapters, depending on the book in progress—and when I hit the word count, I do a bit of revising on the previous day’s work."

What is in store next?

"I’m currently working on the second book in this series.

Once again, our agents are using their paranormal skills to eliminate an evil that is beyond the scope of regular mortal military personnel. No country on earth has the capacity to deal with this threat but fortunately for humankind, The Octopus is on top of things. One world—and a mission to save it. 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?

"When you ask for something special to me, I think of someone…or more accurately, someones. I have been to Guatemala to work at a school with some of the most amazing children I’ve ever met. This is a photo of me with one of the students—I leave a bit of my heart with them every time I visit."