The Character Connection: Terri Reed - The Secret Heiress

Author Interview

1. Who is your favorite character?
In The Secret Heiress my favorite character was Don Cavanaugh, the hero of the story.

2. Why is he/she your favorite?
He’s my favorite because he had several issues to work through, but was honorable and kind, yet flawed.

3. How did you come to create him/her?
I started writing knowing very little about him but as the story progressed he became more complex and three-dimensional. It’s always enjoyable to get to know the characters.

4. When did he/she first enter your mind?
He started out as a throw away character in my 2009 release, Chasing Shadows. He was hired as a bodyguard to protect the heroine of the book, but he wasn’t the hero. He almost died in that book. So when I decided to continue to write books with bodyguards, it seemed appropriate to give Don his own book.

5. Where was he/she given life in the creative process?
He really came to life for me around chapter four or five when I realized that he was dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

6. What do like the most about him/her and what do you dislike the most about him/her?
I liked how thoughtful he was toward Caroline and how protective. I didn’t like how he kept pushing her away emotionally. But eventually she and I wore him down. It is a romance after all!

Book Summary

A Shocking Revelation

Finding out she is heir to a fortune shocks Caroline Tully to her core. And to “qualify” for the inheritance, she just has to visit her newfound grandfather’s Mississippi home from Christmas to New Year’s. Adopted as a baby, Caroline knows nothing about her mother’s family...and doesn’t realize they can’t be trusted. When attempts are made on her life, there’s only one man who can protect her. Donovan Cavanaugh—a man who made her lonely heart want to love again. Posing as her fiancé, Don promises to find the would-be killer. But will his protection-and his love-be enough to keep her safe?

Protection Specialists: Guarding the innocent.

Excerpt:

Tears shimmered in her eyes. “Don, I need to hire you.”

Absorbing the announcement with surprise, Don was at her side in two strides. “Come, sit down.”

“Come, sit down.” He took her by the arm and led her to one of the cushy sofas. “Tell me what’s happened so we can figure out what to do next.”

“I—” She took a shuddering breath. “Someone tried to kill me. My apartment door was wired with explosives. The police are investigating.”

Don sucked in a sharp breath of shock. A bomb. His right hand flexed, stretching the scar tissue along the outer edge. His gaze went to the bandage on her head. “Are you okay?”

She touched her fingertip to her forehead. “Yes. A mild concussion. My hearing still isn’t completely back and part of my front door hit me in the head.”

He sent up a silent prayer of thanksgiving that she hadn’t suffered worse injury. There was no mistaking the fear on her pretty face. He understood. He’d felt the same way the first time he’d faced a life-threatening situation during his military tour. Only time and repeated exposure to war had dulled the panic. His faith had kept him sane. But this wasn’t a war zone. Caroline shouldn’t have to be afraid in her own home.

Dubbed the best in the business of protection, Trent Associates employed ten operatives, all highly trained with either a background in military like Don or in law enforcement. “You did the right thing coming here. Start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”

Author Bio

At an early age Terri Reed discovered the wonderful world of fiction and declared she would one day write a book. Now she is fulfilling that dream and enjoys writing for Steeple Hill. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband, two wonderful children and an array of critters. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com

http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com

http://www.eharlequin.com

Giveaway

Terri will be giving away a $10 Visa GC for both blog host with most comments and one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Encourage your readers to follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-secret-heiress-by.html