Featured Author: Carmen Fox

Welcome Today's Featured Author Carmen Fox!!

Guarded (The Silverton Chronicles, Book 1)

by Carmen Fox

Published by Smart Heart Publishing

Genre: Sexy Urban Fantasy Mystery

Cover designer: Ana Grigoriu

When everyone's existence depends on the lies they tell, trust doesn't come easy.

Ivy’s neighbors have a secret. They aren’t human. But Ivy has a secret, too. She knows. As long as everyone keeps quiet, she’s happy working as a P.I. by day and chillaxing with her BFF Florian, a vampire, by night. When a routine pickup drops her in the middle of a murder, her two worlds collide. While Florian knows how to throw a punch, deep down he's a softie. His idea of scary? Running out of hair product. It’s time Ivy faced facts. Even with a vampire on stand-by, one gal can only kick so many asses.

For help, she must put her faith in others. A human, who might just be the one. A demon, who will, for a price, open the doors to her heritage. And a werewolf, who wants to protect her from herself.

Torn between these men, Ivy must tread carefully, because one wants her heart, one wants her body, and one wants her dead.

Excerpt 1:

A shadow peeled off a dark corner and rushed across the road. My thoughts of the unfairness of life lifted, and I smiled. Dressed in his usual muted colors, Florian gave a mock salute. Not even the lack of a California tan detracted from the fact that he was, by all accounts, a handsome devil. But it was his inner qualities that made him my best friend.

I got out and slammed the door shut.

Flo shot me his trademark grin that half begged to be mothered, half promised a naughty night. “Happy birthday, Ivy!”

“Not so far. I think my car’s kaput.” I sent an eyeroll toward the steam escaping the hood.

“Oh?” His forehead puckered. “Let’s see. Did it slug and thud into the drive?” His index finger in his ear, he shook his tilted head, as if to force out some lingering noise. “Check. Is it stinky?” He sniffed the noxious plume surrounding the vehicle. “Check. Broken side view mirror? Check. Well, I can confidently say I notice nothing out of the ordinary.”

“You’re a funny guy, mister. If you’re not too busy doing standup tomorrow night, do you think you could chauffeur me?” I pouted. “I have a work thing, and getting the car fixed might take some time.”

“Aww, come here. Of course I will.” He yanked me into a firm mother-bear hug.

I held tight. His fresh, if powerful, cologne was a scent for sore noses, and I added another couple of gratuitous sniffs. “Thanks. I needed that.”

“I’ll let you get some rest, then. You don’t seem in the mood for a birthday bash. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me.” Despite his curious looks at my front door, he knew better than to invite himself in. With a wave, he turned and crossed the road to the large building he and his siblings called home.

I never let anyone enter my house without at least half an hour’s notice. The metal guards on my walls would reveal my secret. And more than anything, my friendship with Florian was based on mutual subterfuge.

He didn’t tell me he was a vampire. And I didn’t tell him I already knew.

Excerpt 2:

A growl from behind made my skin crawl. I whipped around. Florian’s face was grim, his posture unnatural and stiff.

 

The hairs on my arms stood on end, and I suppressed a shudder. “Are you all right?”

 

“Can’t.” He propped his hand against the wall. “Not feeling well.”

 

My gaze followed the direction of his stare. Large crimson stains pooled on the immaculate living room carpet. Oh crap. Blood.

 

I turned back. Florian’s pupils dilated to form two black marbles, trained on me. His canines lengthened, coming to sharp and lethal points. The pounding of my heart overrode my motor skills, and for a second, I stood rooted to the spot.

 

This wasn’t how I’d envisioned his secret being revealed to me. I’d pictured cupcakes, and maybe tissues at the relief of finally being straight with each other, not a full-out blood frenzy.

 

Finally, the switch labeled “common sense” flipped and triggered me into action. I fingered the guards in my pockets. The small plates were my only chance.

About The Author

Carmen lives in the south of England with her beloved tea maker and a stuffed sheep called Fergus. An avid reader since childhood, she caught the writing bug when her Nana asked her to write a story. She also has a law degree, studied physics for a few years, dabbled in marketing and human resources, and speaks native-level German and fluent Geek. Her preferred niches of geekdom are tabletop games, comics, sci-fi and fantasy.

She writes about smart women with sassitude, about pretty cool guys too, and will chase that plot twist, no matter how elusive. 

Expect to be kept guessing.

For details on this or Carmen's other work, visit her website at www.carmen-fox.com.

 

Interview With Carmen Fox:

1. Can you tell us a little about your books?

Both my books, 'Divide and Conquer' and 'Guarded,' are very different urban fantasy novels, featuring strong women and unconventional plot elements. In my latest, Guarded, I present a complex mystery that baffles the hero, Ivy. She's become the focal point for enemies and suitors alike, so untangling threads isn't straight-forward. But she's not alone. Her BFF Florian, a vampire, stands by her side with wit, fangs, and sage fashion advice.

2. How did you choose the genre you write in?

The old adage of 'write what you read' is true, not just by choice, but because every book I've devoured has become part of my makeup. My book diet mainly consists of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, but I also enjoy excursions into the crime genre, and even horror and historical fiction.

3. Where do you get your ideas?

They just come to me. If a writer friend asks for help with a plot, I churn out five to ten scenarios on the spot. Years of experience is the most likely explanation. In fact, I used to think that everyone makes up stories before they go to sleep. Fantasy worlds that help you escape everyday drudgery.

4.  When did you know you wanted to write a book?

I didn't know. Not really. In fact, initially it was tough for me to stick with writing, because once I know in my head what's going to happen, the story's already been told. But sometimes an idea is so substantial, it needs to be put in writing. The first time that happened, I'd found my motivation.

5. Do you ever experience writer’s block?

I never run out of ideas, but I do come across situations where I don't know how to proceed. Like, a scene simply isn't working, no matter what I try. In those cases I consult with a friend who has the best second set of eyes a writer could wish for.

6. Do you work with an outline, or just write?

A mixture. If I plot first, I lose the reason to write it all down. If I just write, I get great characters, but the plot might end up a mess.

7. Do you have a favorite spot to write?

No. I do a spot of lunchtime writing, or at home on my laptop, or in front of the TV on my tablet. They all have their advantages.

8. What do you do when you are not writing?

I work, I read, and I write. Social media are a time suck, but so much fun. I also enjoy learning new things, so I take courses or research stuff on the Internet.

9. What writing projects are you currently working on?

My current project is the sequel to Guarded. This time, Florian is the lead. He is such a fascinating character, although I'm not sure what my readers will make of this change of direction. Guarded was a sexy novel about a strong woman, and at its heart a mystery. The sequel focuses on a beta male (not weak by any stretch, just not controlling), and, despite some rather shady goings-on, is a romance.