“Do not start this book until you have the
time to read it in one gulp. This is a really fresh twist on a marriage of
convenience with the potential for pages of suspense. The hero and heroine are
each hugely compelling, and I just wanted to protect them both. It’s also a
sweet story of the healing power of hope. Highly recommend this novel for those
who adore romantic suspense with a fresh twist.” —Cara Putman, award-winning author of Flight Risk
and Lethal Intent
Melissa Koslin is making a name for herself
in the romantic suspense genre with her engaging mysteries that draw readers in and keep them
spellbound. In Dangerous Beauty, Koslin throws two characters into an unlikely
situation—an arranged marriage for a
good cause. Dark origins, buried secrets, and a dangerous buyer collide in this
breakneck tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Victim is a term that Liliana Vela refuses to call herself―she is a
fighter. She fought her way out of the clutches of human traffickers who
snatched her from her home in Mexico and has managed to escape to America. But she
can’t stay unless the man who helped rescue her is serious about his offer to
marry her.
When Meric Toledan finds Liliana at a service station, terrified that
she will be returned to the awful hands of her captors, he knows he must save
her. He has the ability to keep her safe with his wealth and resources and
knows he can’t just leave her. But is safety truly possible when the mysterious
buyer who demanded her capture still wants her―and will stop at nothing to have
her?
Melissa Koslin pulls no punches with immediate action and tension
around every corner. As Liliana and Meric navigate the terrors of evil, they
will find out what the true price is for freedom.
What inspired you to write about human trafficking? While it’s an
extremely difficult subject for me to write about, I also think it is one of
the most underrecognized atrocities of our society and needs more light blasted
at it. How is this not a major talking point on the news every single day? It’s
literally modern-day slavery.
I handle it very
delicately, because I couldn’t handle writing anything graphic, I don’t think
my readers want to read that, and I didn’t want the story to be about the
horrors of Liliana’s experiences—I wanted it to be about her healing and
triumph, and Meric’s too.
Can you share some of Meric’s background and why he feels such a
drive to help those affected by human trafficking? I don’t want to
give too much away, but he has a unique connection to human trafficking that
fuels his motivations.
What type of research was required to accurately write about drug
cartels and human trafficking? Lots and lots of searching government and
legal websites about the laws associated with asylum, Green Cards, and marriage.
The actual interactions are all fictional, of course, but I based the general behaviors
on news stories that I’ve read over the years.
Where did the
inspiration for Liliana’s character come from? I wanted to create
someone soft and kind but also a fighter. I love the juxtaposition. I had her
come from Mexico for logistical reasons and the SW area of Mexico because
that’s the poorest area. I liked the idea of the buyer thinking he can do whatever
he wants to her and her family because they’re powerless and poor, and in the
end, she shows why you shouldn’t judge people based on outward characteristics.
Dangerous Beauty includes
the romance trope of marriage for convenience. What are some of your favorite
romance tropes? Marriage
of convenience is probably my favorite trope. I usually don’t write tropes, but
this story really struck me. I just had to write it. It was one of those
ones that won’t get out of your head until you write it down.
Liliana faces a
terrifying future without Meric’s help. What was it like to write from the
perspective of someone in that position? I write a lot of very strong
females (Kadance in Never Miss is a prime example). While Liliana is in
a position of powerlessness, dependent on Meric, she’s not weak. Not in the
slightest. I enjoyed exploring her strength—while she has no power, she never lets
anyone control her and certainly never gives up. She never allows herself to surrender
to victimhood.
What did you enjoy
most about writing Dangerous Beauty? The emotional struggles both
Liliana and Meric face.
What do you hope
readers will take away from Dangerous Beauty? On an
interpersonal level: never judge anyone based on outward circumstances or
appearances. Everyone is a unique individual, valuable in their own right, and
brings their own strengths to the table.
On a societal
level: an increased awareness of the horrors and pervasiveness of human
trafficking.
Where can our audience go to connect with you?
Website: www.MelissaKoslin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaKoslin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissakoslin?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_koslin/?hl=en
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/melissakoslin/
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing this book
with my blog readers and me. I love reading marriage of convenience novels. I’m
eager to read my copy.
Readers, here’s a
link to the book.
Leave a comment
for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these
instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least
the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments
containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where
prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the
giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer
in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only
notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to
check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from
the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
17 comments:
I would love a copy of this book!’ I haven’t read it yet but loved your first book!
I saw about this book and thought it sounded interesting.
Elly -Indiana
I love Marriage of Convenience tropes! I'm so glad Liliana is written as a fighter and not a victim.
Elizabeth
Maryland
Anonymous, I'm so glad to hear that! I hope you win a copy. :)
Elizabeth, absolutely! I don't write damsels in distress. And I definitely don't want to write victims. Fighters are the best people to read!
This looks like a good book. And I agree human trafficking is not addressed enough. I look forward to reading this.
Abigail in VA
Never Miss was quite a thrill ride to read. This one sounds equally great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Pam in OH
This book is captivating and would be a real treasure. Thanks. Anne inNM.
Dangerous Beauty sounds unique and intriguing. What a gripping subject. Pearl-NM.
Sounds like such a great read Sarah in OHIO
I loved her book that released last year, can't wait to read this one!
- Abigail in Oklahoma
Sounds really good, thank you for a chance to win a copy.
Lourdes, Long Island, NY
Sounds like an exciting story! Would love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance. Cherie from Florida
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Nichols SC.
Thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Never Miss! I hope you love Dangerous Beauty.
I’m so glad you enjoyed Never Miss! Hope you love Dangerous Beauty.
Sounds very intriguing! Thank you for sharing.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Post a Comment