It’s Time to Turn up the Heat…

by Guest Blogger on July 20, 2010 · 11 comments

in Book Intro, Contests, Guest Blogger, M-O

by Brenda Novak, guest blogger and author of Heat Trilogy

…with my hot new trilogy of books out this summer--WHITE HEAT, BODY HEAT and KILLER HEAT. Each book stands alone but they all revolve around a private security company called Department 6 and the retired special forces, private investigators and police officers who make their living working as “hired guns.” These men and women face some diverse and unusual circumstances—and some very frightening challenges. So get ready to head to the beach, sit back and enjoy the ride.

In WHITE HEAT, Nate Ferrentino and Rachel Jessop, two members of Department 6, are hired to infiltrate a dangerous cult that has recently settled in the former ghost town of Paradise, Arizona. Members of this cult worship at the feet—and in the bed--of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff. But with one woman claiming to have been stoned, and another missing, Wycliff might be more of a devil than the prophet he claims to be….

In BODY HEAT, Police Chief Sophia St. Claire finds herself out of her investigative league when someone starts shooting people at pointblank range and leaving them to rot in the desert sun just outside her small town. Help arrives in the form of California’s Department 6 Roderick Guerrero. But as the half-breed bastard of a wealthy local rancher, he has a history he can’t get past--a history that includes Sophia St. Claire.

In KILLER HEAT, the remains of seven women have been discovered in Skull Valley, Arizona. It’s up to Jonah Young, from Department 6, to assist the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department in solving these murders. But he doesn’t anticipate the complications that arise when he’s forced to work with an old flame. Then everything grows more complicated—and far too personal. They quickly zero in on the most likely suspect, but betting on the wrong man might be the last thing they ever do….

As you can see, all three books are set in Arizona. While growing up, I lived in Chandler for eight years, back when it was still a farming community and not the sprawling metropolis it has since become. I miss those days, especially the long days of summer, which is probably why I’ve chosen to set each of these titles in a small town during the hot months. If you’ve never experienced an Arizona summer, or one of their infamous monsoons, you’re really missing something….

Also, Arizona has more than its share of ghost towns. Paradise, the setting of the first book, is one of them. I took a little (or a lot) of artistic liberty when I settled my fictional cult in Paradise, but it’s a unique place that really exists. With such a perfect name, I couldn’t resist.

YOU’RE INVITED…

…to the party of the summer. Join me on Twitter, Wednesday, August 4 at 8 – 10 p.m. eastern time (party hashtag #bnparty). Register at my web site (www.brendanovak.com) to receive your snail mail party pack that includes a coupon for WHITE HEAT and your raffle tickets for the big event. I’m going to be giving away THREE iPads and lots of other great prizes, so don’t miss out!

WHITE HEAT LIP GLOSS

Three Custom Color Specialists has created a lip gloss just for me—and the name of the shade? WHITE HEAT! Lip gloss is the one beauty essential I can't live without, so you can imagine how pleased I am to have found a company that can customize shades. A sheer and sexy hot pink lip gloss with silver-white and opalescent shimmer, WHITE HEAT is perfect for revving up your favorite lip shade with sparkle and shine. Available in Three Custom Color Specialists’ swing-out lip gloss pot. Apply with your finger or favorite lip brush. ($21.50) You can purchase it at www.threecustom.com

Giveaway: I have today an autographed copy of WHITE HEAT and some WHITE HEAT lip gloss in a cute little Brenda Novak tote. Open to US or Canadian residents only. Enter by leaving a comment for Brenda. One entry per relevant comment. Multiple entries allowed. Thanks and good luck! Ends: July 27th, 2010. SO BE QUICK!