As leader of the elite counter-terrorism team Omega Force, former army ranger Jack “Kell” Kellison is always focused on getting the job done. So when a Houston high-rise is bombed and the governor killed or missing, Kell’s mission is clear: infiltrate the group suspected of the bombing and neutralize the threat by any means necessary. But once Kell meets beautiful chief suspect Mori Chastaine, he realizes there’s more to this case than meets the eye. And more to Mori than any man—any human man—could imagine.
Mori Chastaine is running out of options. Suspected for a crime she didn’t commit, forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, she sees no escape—until Kell walks through her door. A lifetime hiding her true nature warns her Kell might not be who he seems. But he could be the only one able to help save more innocent humans from becoming pawns in an ancient paranormal power play. If Mori reveals her secret, will Kell join her fight? Or will she become his next target?
Storm ForceOmega Force #1
Susannah Sandlin
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Date of Publication: March 19, 2013, in serial form for Kindle; July 9, 2013, in print, digital, and audio.
Susannah Sandlin is the author of paranormal romance set in the Deep South, where there are always things that go bump in the night. A journalist by day, Susannah grew up in Alabama reading the gothic novels of Susan Howatch and the horror fantasy of Stephen King. (Um…it is fantasy, right?) The combination of Howatch and King probably explains a lot. Currently a resident of Auburn, Alabama, Susannah has also lived in Illinois, Texas, California, and Louisiana.
Website: http://www.susannahsandlin.com
What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
It was a combination of things. I got the basic idea when I was writing the third book (Omega) in my Penton Vampire Legacy—the idea of pairing human soldiers with shapeshifter partners. I was interested in seeing how highly trained humans would handle working with men and women who were naturally faster, stronger, and more durable. The case my team of Army Rangers and shapeshifters tackles first is a case of domestic terrorism, which is always on our mind these days. And, finally, in Texas, a rare spider, thought to be extinct, was found during a road project—which got me thinking about endangered species of shapeshifters. A weird mix of inspirations!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
It changed from day to day as I was writing it—I always fall in love with my characters! But some are special, and in Storm Force I think Robin, an ironically named Golden Eagle shapeshifter who’s the team’s tracker, won me over with her sheer force of personality. And I love the hero, Kell, a human Army Ranger who’s trying to figure out a way to lead this team of shifters. He’s funny and smart and resourceful—even if he does realize the hundred-pounds-soaking-wet Robin can outdo him on the bench press.
Which came first, the title or the novel?
The titles usually come early in the process for me, as I’m thinking about and plotting the book, and before any words are actually written. I’ve changed a title once or twice but usually whatever I start with is the title that sticks.
What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
The final, culminating scene in the book, was complex to write. There is a showdown in the middle of a swamp in South Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin as a hurricane is moving in. The water’s rising, there’s no way to travel except by boat, the winds are brutal, and there are three characters out in the elements trying to kill each other. I wanted it to be tense and harrowing, and to use the setting to really jack up the tension. I’m happy with the way it came out, and hope the readers are as well!
Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
That there’s never going to be a time—or there shouldn’t be—when I’m going to just “get it” and a novel will come easily. I always need to be learning and trying new things and improving.
What do you like most about the cover of the book?
Biceps. I’m a big fan of biceps!
What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2013?
Besides my own? LOL. The two I was most anticipating—Kim Harrison’s Ever After and Alex Bledsoe’s Wisp of a Thing—are out now. And neither disappointed.
What was your favorite book of 2012?
Oh man, that’s hard. I had so many writing projects last year that my reading really suffered. The first one that comes to mind was Alex Bledsoe’s The Hum and the Shiver—it’s a “rural fantasy” set in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, and is really a terrific book. Which is why I was looking forward to the second one that came out a couple of weeks ago, Wisp of a Thing. They both are great reads.
What’s up next for you?
I’m working on a fourth book in my Penton Vampire Legacy series, tentatively titled Deliverance. No release date on that yet. In mid-August, the third book in my Sentinels of New Orleans urban fantasy series, which I write as Suzanne Johnson, will be released and I’m really excited about that one. It’s called Elysian Fields.
I think Storm Force is a very good read. Hope we get to see more of the Omega Force. My favorite character is Robin.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the interview very much. Definitely want to read more about Omega Force.
ReplyDeleteI loved storm force and teh final scene was just superb, filled with tension but i was feeling like i was there.
ReplyDeleteThis book was a fabulous adventure and i do hope you will be contracted for more because this series deserves to continue!!
Thanks, guys! I really would love to do Robin's and Nik's stories, especially. Although Archer needs a little love right now too :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally loved this book and cannot wait for Robin and Nik's stories!
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