He never saw her coming'
Spencer Lark already knows too many secrets about Arizona Storm, including the nightmare she survived and her resulting trust issues. But in order to expose a smuggling ring'and continue avenging his own tragic past'the bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to make Arizona a decoy. Yet nothing has equipped him for her hypnotic blend of fragility and bravery, or for the protective instincts she stirs in him.
Arizona wants to reclaim her life, which means acting as bait to lure the enemy into a trap. Sure its dangerous, especially with a partner as distractingly appealing as Spencer. But as their plan'and their chemistry'shifts into high gear, Arizona may discover theres an even greater risk in surrendering her heart to a hero'.
A Q&A with Lori Foster
I've only had one real romance ' my oh-so-wonderful hubby ' so I can only speak from my own experience, says Lori. But it sounds as though this relationships has all the hallmarks of a great romance.
He's my best friend, always there for me, supportive beyond belief, committed to our family, hilariously funny, very, very aware of me as his wife. He constantly gives me compliments I don't deserve, and I know, without a single shadow of a doubt, that he loves me. No matter what else happens, knowing that makes it okay.
Thats not to say that Loris male characters are all sweet and lovely: her favourite character in this book was Trace.
He was such a bossy, hunky, take-charge character. He was almost like a historical hero, being so autocratic. I thought it was great fun how he continually tried to get one up on Priss, and somehow she got the better of him each time!
Lori admits that some scenes also resonated strongly with her as she wrote.
I loved the scene where Arizona finally got to show off her skills. After she was taken again, and she sort of took over and directed the boys on what to do and how to do it. I think I grinned the whole time I was writing it. She said something when Spencer and the others showed up, like maybe I see you boys have your party dresses on, or something close. She meant all their kick-ass gear. That line was so Arizona. I just loved her.
But Arizona had her dark moments, as well, and Lori notes that these were a challenge to write. Her tragic memories, the times when she'd suffered so much were the least enjoyable. I cried. I'm such a sap. I put this stuff on paper and I cry for the characters who won't cry for themselves.
And in A Perfect Storm'its no surprise that emotions run high: the novel is about human trafficking, a topic that Lori researched extensively as she worked. I watched several specials on TV. Human trafficking seems to be the topic of the moment. I read research books, articles, and searched the net extensively. I also watched the movie'Taken with Liam Neeson, which is sort of what got me started on the idea of writing romance based around human trafficking. I figured watching it again wouldn't hurt. Much of what was in that movie didn't apply, since it was international instead of state-bound. But I still absorbed the feelings and tone of the situation.
Sounds like a good read!
Review coming up later this week :)