ABOUT THE BOOK
Like fire and ice, Alexandra Callet’s life runs hot and cold.
At the age of thirty-three, Alexandra owns a stunning home and a successful interior design company. But she is in love with her business partner, Jake Taylor, and he doesn’t even seem to realize she’s a woman. She should be on top of the world, but instead she feels dragged down by the void in her heart. Hoping for answers, she decides a trip to Mexico might soothe her soul.
Jake Taylor only pretends to be a confirmed bachelor.
Jake has been entranced by Alexandra’s determination and exotic beauty since the moment they met, but she has no idea how he feels. He considers confessing his love, but fears jeopardizing their friendship and business. He’s caught in a web of pretending he doesn’t care, and doesn’t see a way out of it.
Alexandra is recruited for a dangerous mission.
Following her trip to Mexico, her resemblance to a member of an assassin’s family leads Alexandra to be recruited by the DEA. Her training leaves her distracted, and her business begins to suffer. Jake notices her sudden change, and feels her slipping both personally and professionally beyond his reach. Should he finally take the chance . . . before it’s too late? After all, he has nothing to lose.
However, when Alexandra returns to Mexico for her mission, things go terribly wrong.
Will she be able find the strength to fight and escape the peaceful haven that has now become her prison? Or will Jake lose Alexandra forever . . .
INTERVIEW WITH S. K. DERBAN
How did you get started writing?
From the moment I started to read, I wanted to be a writer. I would make up story after story, and kept telling everyone that I was going to write a book. Unfortunately, life got in the way. One day, when I was so tired of merely thinking about writing a book, I came home from work, turned on my computer and started typing.
What's your favorite thing about the writing process?
It is so fun to lose myself in the story. I feel as if I am going on holiday without having to pack. I have to be careful though. Sometimes when I get caught up in a particular emotion, I find myself feeling the same emotion after I stop writing for the day.
Do you write every day?
My goal is to write a minimum of one page per day so the storyline remains fresh in my mind. On the days I miss that goal, I never try and make up for it the following day. I write what comes to me, and sometimes end up writing twenty plus pages per day.
What do you wish you’d done differently when you first started the publishing process?
Had more completed manuscripts. When I finished my first manuscript, I stopped writing while trying to get published. I should have kept writing. There is so little time in the day, and marketing a published book steals even more time. I would love to have at least three more completed books ready to go!
How often do you read?
When I first started writing, I thought it was not a good idea to read at the same time. Was I wrong! First, I missed reading, as it is one of my passions. Second, I did not realize how important reading is to writing. Now, I always have a book in progress, and read a little before bed each night. As for non-fiction reading, I read the Bible each morning.
What books do you currently have published?
For No Apparent Reason was my first book published. Uneven Exchange is my second. If all goes well, I would like to release a new book each and every year. Time will tell!
Do you have any secret talents?
Yes I do, and thank you for asking. I am an organizing nut! I might even go as far to write that I am an organizing genius!
Is writing your dream job?
Yes, yes, yes! I simply adore writing! There is nothing else I would rather do for a living.
If you could only watch one television station for a year, what would it be?
This is a tough question to answer because I have some favorite shows on a variety of channels. Downton Abbey is my all-time favorite, so I will choose KPBS as my one station. Even though this was Downton Abbey's last season, I will be able to watch again, beginning with episode one. KPBS also runs the BBC news, which is my favorite news to watch.
For what would you like to be remembered?
My faith in God is extremely important to me. I would like to be remembered for not only my faith, but how that faith caused me to treat other people with love and kindness.
What five things would you never want to live without?
How fun! The first is distilled water! I am a water freak, and prefer distilled. If you hand me a bottle of Fuji water I definitely will not turn it down. Second comes coffee. Oh my how I long for my morning cup of coffee. We brew it fresh each morning, but Starbucks in the next best thing. I will take a Flat White any day. Next comes fresh fruit. You name it, I like it. Mangos are probably my favorite. I must have a tennis racquet, as tennis is my favorite sport. I cannot live without books, with the Bible being my most important.
What’s one THING you never leave the house without (besides your phone).
This is such a great question because I never really care if I have my phone. I care about a bottle of water, if you didn’t already guess that one!
What do you love about where you live?
The weather is near perfect! My mother and father were married in England after the Second World War. Since my father was a war hero, the Navy gave him the option of relocating to any naval base in the United States. He turned the choice over to my mum, who based her decision on weather. As much as she enjoyed England, she was tired of the rain! As a result, we moved to San Diego, California, and I have lived here ever since.
What’s your favorite thing to do on date night?
My husband and I strive to go on a date night once per week, but at least every other. We alternate between five of our favorite restaurants, turn off our phones, linger over a glass of wine, and then enjoy a delicious dinner.
What is your superpower?
Flying! Just think about it. Wouldn't that be amazing?
Yes it would. What’s in your refrigerator right now?
Distilled water, fresh squeezed orange juice, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Oh, and always a bottle of champagne!
What is the most daring thing you've done?
My husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to smuggle Bibles into China on five separate occasions.
Awesome! How do you like your pizza?
Loaded! Fortunately we live within walking distance from Little Italy in San Diego. It is called "The Works" at our favorite pizza restaurant.
You and I would get along fine! What are you working on now?
Presently, I am working on another mystery romance with the working title of Circumvent. I am hoping for a publication date of Christmas 2016.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
S.K. Derban has always remained passionate about writing and is thrilled to finally share her work with others. Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. When writing, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life, from her faith in the Lord, to her love and knowledge of the arts.
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Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
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