RAPTOR 6 - Ronie Kendig - One Free Book on This Blog, Plus More

Dear Readers, I’m thrilled to once again introduce you to Ronie. Her writing will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was blessed to have Ronie in the critique group that meets in my home for several years. Then she moved to another part of the country. We still keep in touch, but I miss spending face-to-face time with her.

Bio: Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with four children and a Maltese Menace in northern Virginia. Author and speaker, Ronie loves engaging readers through her Rapid-Fire Fiction. 

If you teach or speak. What’s coming up on your calendar?

I will be teaching a class called Mind Magic at the ACFW annual conference - it’ll have tips and tricks on luring readers into reading your book.

If you had to completely start over in another place, where would you move, and why?

Our family once started over after a very dark, desert-like time in our lives but if I could chose where to start over next time, I’d probably want somewhere in the country (yet close enough to civilization that we could get food/supplies without too much trouble) or mountains because the crowded environments of the city and even the suburbs can get to me. I see God in the mountains and country. I feel calmer and quieter.

If you could only tell aspiring novelists one thing, what would it be?

My advice would be to know the rules, master the rules, but do not get strangled by the rules. I’ve seen far too many authors suffocate their voice and style by a strict adherence to every rule out there. I’ve also seen some authors break from rules too early and take the vain approach that they’re too “edgy” for those rules. It takes experience and wisdom to recognize when the rules should be broken and when they shouldn’t.

You’ve been asked to be in charge of a celebrity cruise. Who would you ask to take part, and why? (AS in what program, singers, etc. [it doesn’t have to be writing related])

I’d probably invite Skillet, 12 Stones, TobyMac, and the Lieutenant Dan Band as singing talent, then I’d invite Oliver North, Bob Hamer,  Gary Sinise, and President George Bush as motivation speakers … and then I’d invite the families of our military heroes.

Since I have a grandson overseas in the military right now, I’d love that cruise. Tell us about the featured book.

Raptor 6 is the first book in the Quiet Professionals series, and it features the return of the ODA team featured in A Breed Apart. Captain Dean Watters is fighting a massive cyber terrorist strike against the U.S. military’s super secure network and computers—and when the woman who holds the key is kidnapped, Dean must lay everything on the line to save her and his brothers in arms.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Can’t breathe. Can’t breathe.

Present Day

Can’t breathe. Can’t breathe.

He sucked in a hard breath. Fabric drew against his nostrils. Hot. Can’t breathe. No air! He thrashed, searching for freedom, for air. . . I’m going to die! At the thought, he jerked.

Where am I? A bounce smacked his head against something hard. Metal. Captain Dean Watters groaned. Opened his eyes. But couldn’t see. The meaty rumble of an engine warned him he was in a vehicle. The tail of one by the roaring sound and steel digging into his shoulder. The way his breath coiled back at him told him he had a hood over his face. Mouth taped. Hands taped. Feet—he tested his leg—taped.

Get out or die! Dean kicked. Tendons strained against his effort. Brakes squealed. Gravity shifted and tugged him. Rounding a corner. Again the engine roared. Where are they taking me? Where’s Z?

Recollection swarmed him in a thick cloud of defeat. She’d walked out. Willingly. He couldn’t blame her. They’d been through the fires of hell and back since they were captured. The enemy had broken her. Gotten into her head and convinced her that helping them was the smart choice.

A sudden lurch made him slide. Hands pawed at him as shouts erupted. He was lifted. . . .

The truck bounced. Gravity pulled him left again—another corner. The truck must’ve turned. Then spinning. . .

Still blind and bound, Dean felt himself flying. Through the air. Unrestrained. He tensed, no idea where he’d land. What he’d hit. Or in what. And he prayed—begged—God to let him live. He had to live. Had to find her.

Wow! Now I can take a breath. Where can we find you on the Internet?

I can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction), Twitter (@roniekendig), and Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/RonieK)


Don't miss the first book, Raptor 6, in Ronie Kendig's new Quiet Professionals series. Ronie combines a dangerous romance and explosive action for a thrilling and satisfying ride. "Lock and load for this Spec Op, fighting under God’s 'rules of engagement.'" —Bob Hamer, veteran FBI undercover agent and award-winning author

Ronie is celebrating with a Kindle HDX Giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 15th. Winner will be announced June 16th on Ronie's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Ronie's blog on June 16th to see if you won.

Thank you, Ronie, for sharing this new book, and the new series with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Raptor 6 - Christianbook.com
Raptor 6 (The Quiet Professionals) - Amazon
Raptor 6 (The Quiet Professionals) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, 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

TALON - Ronie Kendig - One Free Book

Welcome back, Ronie. Why did you become an author?

Although I never intentionally decided, “I’m going to become an author,” I have always loved writing. And with the help of my husband, I overcame my fear of failure enough that I launched into the deep waters of publication. I loved writing, and that’s why I pursued the dream!

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?

I think my dream job would be one of two options: either I’d be a licensed counselor, working with military families and/or those with PTSD, or (and this is a huge gap) I’d work as a dog trainer, which is really funny to me, since up until about 2 years ago, I was a cat person!

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?

This is probably a killjoy-type answer, but I really do not think there’s a period in time that I’d prefer to live. My mind won’t escape the thought that God has me in this period for a reason, and I’m too aware of the ills of each time period to want to have lived in any of them. Perhaps ... I’d love to live when Jesus lived, and would hope that my heart/life would’ve compelled me to find/seek Him.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?

I’m torn between two options again: either the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls. These stunning natural wonders are high on my lists of must-sees here in the States.

I haven’t seen either one of these, and would also love to. How about a foreign country you hope to visit?

Aha! Finally—no deliberation here! I want to visit Israel, to walk where our Lord walked, to see the land God chose for His people, where King David ruled, where Ruth won the heart of Boaz ... *sigh* Definitely Israel.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?

We’ve all heard about obeying the Lord, doing His will. But when you step out and take risks, attempt what you’ve never done before, there’s the inherent fear (at least, for me) of making a fool of myself. And this week during the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, award-winning actor and screenwriter Torry Martin said: “don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.” I’ve been playing it safe. Time to take some risks.

Tell us about the featured book.

Talon is the second book in the A Breed Apart series, and it features a gorgeous yellow Labrador that suffers from post-traumatic stress connected to an explosion that ripped his handler from his life. But now, the mission of the handler’s sister and a covert operative depends on this dog.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue  

Kariz-e Sef id, Afghanistan

Two Years ago 

Flames roared into the sky. A concussive boom punched the oxygen from the air. Eating an IED, the lead Cougar MRAP in the convoy flipped up. As if dancing atop the raging inferno. Shrapnel hurtled from the blast.

“Buffalo! Buffalo!” Sergeant Lee Dawson shouted into the mic, hoping to hear from the first vehicle.

“Anything?” Gunnery Sergeant Austin Courtland coiled his hand around the lead of his Combat Tracking Team dog. Talon stood braced, alert. His bark reverberated through the steel hull in warning.

Lee slanted a glance at the “observer” who’d come along. “Report!” Peering through the cloud of black smoke and debris, he searched the chaos to make sure the others were still alive.

A breeze stirred the flames just in time to see an RPG streaking toward the front end of their MRAP.

“Get out, get out, get out!” Courtland and Talon launched toward the back door.

“Oh cr—”

BooM!

The MRAP bucked against the blast but held. Whiplash had nothing on the ramming sensation pounding into his chest now. Fire burst through the engine.

Fear of being cooked alive or choking to death on smoke shoved Lee from the Cougar MRAP. Coughing and with a hand over his mouth, he choked out, “This way!”

Sand and dirt blasted up, peppering his face. Tiny grains and dust particles swirled under the blazing Afghan sun as he took cover, shouldering his way around the side of the mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle and out of their attacker’s line of fire. Plumes of heat warbled along the hull.

“Find me some terrorists,” Court shouted over the roar of the fire, then keyed his mic. “Base, this is Echo One. Ambushed and taking fire!”

Peering down the sights of his M16A4 gave Lee nothing but dirt ... crumbled building with dirt ... and more dirt. “I got nothin’.”

“Same,” came a shout from behind as Truitt “True” Anderson slid up behind him, a nasty cut across his cheekbone. “Where the heck did that RPG come from?” The muzzle of his M4 swept Lee’s periphery.

Lee kept his sights aligned, adrenaline pumping through his system faster than the blood. “Court,” he yelled over the gunfire that crackled in the blistering afternoon, “what d’you have?”

“Nothing!”

Staying behind the disabled vehicle, Lee searched the road. Only two buildings north. Several south. Focused ahead, he studied the structures. He scanned the roofs. Since the RPG’s trajectory had been downward, whoever fired it held an elevated position. The roof of one didn’t look strong enough to hold someone, and the other had more holes than coverage. He whipped back to the first, waiting. C’mon! Show your coward head so I can—

“Quirk, report!” Court shouted to the Buffalo team again.

Only crackling and the shouts of the other teams dragging the lead team to safety met the command. Mind locked on the white plastered structure with the right half of the front wall missing told him that’s where the attack had originated.

“Use the drone?” Lee shouted, not lifting his gaze from the scope.

“It’s down!”

Lee wanted to curse. Everything had gone wrong. With the drone down, they’d have to do this the old-fashioned, bloody way. Mano a mano. Hand to hand.

Dark flashed in his reticle. “Court, two o’clock.”

“Let’s clear it out.”

Powerful! How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love hearing from readers and other writers! I can be found:

On my website – www.roniekendig.com

On Twitter – www.twitter.com/roniekendig

On Facebook – www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction

On Goodreads – www.goodreads.com/roniek

Thank you, Ronie, for sharing this new book with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart) - paperback
Talon: Combat Tracking Team (A Breed Apart) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

DENALI DREAMS - Kimberley Woodhouse, Ronie Kendig - One Free Book

Readers, this novella collection was written by two of my dear writing friends. One of the high points of my writing life has been spending five days at a Tracie Peterson Fiction Writers Retreat in South Texas with these two and several other authors. First we'll talk to Kimberley Woodhouse.

Welcome, Kim. How did your story for the collection come about?
I called Ronie and asked her if she wanted to do a suspense collection in Alaska. I love Ronie to pieces and thought it would be so fun for two friends to write together. J

After that, we brainstormed and put it together pretty quick. We had a blast.

What are you reading right now?
Shadow In Serenity by Terri Blackstock

What other books have you had published?

Non-fiction – Welcome Home, A Life That Matters
Fiction – No Safe Haven, Race Against Time

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?
Making sure everything that needed to be in the story could be there in the very short word count. J

How did collaborating with this team impact you?
Ronie Kendig is a precious friend of mine – writing with her was awesome. It’s an honor and a privilege to have my name with hers on the cover.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
In Mountain Wishes – the heroine is named after a friend of mine who passed away from cancer.

In Denali Guardians – the heroine’s first name is my best friend’s name, and the hero’s first name is in honor of my son. Every book is different, so I tend to pick and choose name’s differently, depending on the story, the setting, time period, etc.

What did you want the reader to take away from your story?
That God’s hope and joy are always there.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?
Yes, I am.

One of the founders, Tracie Peterson, has mentored me for umpteen years. When we were on the mission field in Alaska, she encouraged me to join (there were only forty members then!) but I didn’t join until several years later when I could get involved with the group via the internet since internet was spotty on the island we lived on.

I’m so thankful to be a part of ACFW – and wish I had joined sooner.

Wow, Kim. I was member #42. I joined within three months of the organization’s existence. We might have met earlier. What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?
Write, write, write. And keep on writing.

Where can my readers find you on the Internet?
http://kimberleywoodhouse.com

http://facebook.com/kimberleywoodhouseauthor

http://twitter.com/kimwoodhouse

Thank you, Kim. Now we're going to talk to Ronie.

Welcome, Ronie. How did your story for the collection come about?

Kim asked if I’d be interested, and I said it’d be an honor to work with such a dear friend.

What are you reading right now?

I’m “reading” Robert Jordan’s The Great Hunt via Audible, and I’m also reading Tosca Lee’s Iscariot.

I’m anxious to read Tosca’s new book. What other books have you had published?

I have four books in the Discarded Heroes series (Nightshade, Digitalis, Wolfsbane, and Firethorn) and three books in the A Breed Apart Series (Trinity: Military War Dog, Talon: Combat Tracking Team (May 2013) and Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog (January 2014)). I also have Dead Reckoning,my debut spy thriller, Whole Pieces, a 7 Hours novella, and Dream A Little Dream in the Central Park Rendezvous collection.

What is the hardest thing about writing a part of a novella collection?

I think cohesion is the most challenging aspect. As an author, you’re used to keeping up with all your characters and their idiosyncrasies, but then you add someone else with their characters and their idiosyncrasies ... sometimes, it can be a lot to keep up with and it might cause ripples.

How did collaborating with this team impact you?

It blessed me. Working with Kim in any capacity is a blessing, and it truly was an honor to add this layer to our friendship.

Novella teams do become closer friends. How do you choose your characters’ names?

Most times—including in this story—the names are there before the fleshed-out character reveals himself or herself to me. I tried to make the names a bit native, but also wanted some flare to add to the unusual nature of the story and its setting.

Are you a member of American Christian Fiction Writers? If so, why?

I’ve been a part of ACFW since October 2004, and I have savored that connection. I honestly believe I would not be where I am today without the help, encouragement, and advocacy of other, more experienced writers. Because of that, I want to give back the way others gave to me.

What is the best piece of advice you received as an author?

I think I would have to say the best piece of advice was to trust myself. In February 2007, I had signed with my dream agent, Steve Laube, and by September and the annual conference, I was adrift with depression and discouragement over the whole writing gig. In a meeting with my agent that year, I expressed discouragement over some of the scathing critiques I had been getting. He leaned across the table, pointed a finger at me, and said, “Ronie, you know when a story works. You know when it doesn’t. You’re a good writer. Trust yourself.” There will always be doubts. There will always be critics. We must push on, trust ourselves, our instincts, and write the best story we can possibly write.

Very good advice. I’m glad you took it to heart. Where can my readers find you on the Internet?

I love connecting with readers  and writers online. I can be found at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), and GoodReads. 

Thank you, Ronie.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Denali Dreams (Romancing America) - paperback
Denali Dreams (Romancing America) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

Special Announcement:
Maggie's Journey, book one of my McKenna's Daughters series is available today through February 12 for FREE download for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Sony e-readers. Get a copy while you can. If you don't own any of these e-readers, you can download Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPad, or Kindle for Andriod free.

TRINITY: MILITARY WAR DOG - Ronie Kendig - One Free Book

Oh, goody, another series by one of my favorite authors. Welcome, Ronie. How did you come up with the idea for this story?

A Breed Apart came about through an email from a dear friend. Turns out the email story was a hoax, but the idea of military war/working dogs captivated me. Very quickly the series was born. My publisher snatched it right up and, here we are—launching Trinity: Military War Dog, the first in the series. Each book in the series will portray a different type of military working dog (MWD). We’re only doing three, but I believe I’ve heard it said that there are over thirty variations in specializations with the MWDs.

If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

Most likely, I’d want to select six authors with whom I am not “best friends” with, so that I could get to know them better—with one caveat: I’d want their families to be there, too, because our families tend to define us and the picture would not be complete without seeing the person “in context,” if that makes sense.

Robert Liparulo, author of the Dreamhouse Kings YA series (which my twins LOVED and read all six books!), Germ, Comes a Horsemen, Deadlock, and Deadfall - I’ve found his writing to be adventurous and thought-provoking. He writes what I love, and I think there is a very unique individual behind those stories.

Kellie Coates Gilbert, author of Mother of Pearl – Kellie is truly one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever met. She’s hilarious, gracious, and compassionate. Though I’ve spent time with her, I feel the time is never enough.

James Rubart, author of Rooms, Book of Days, The Chair, and Soul’s Gate – The guy is just a genius when it comes to fiction. I’ve briefly met his wife, and I would love to have more time to hang out with these two amazing people.

Kathy Tyers, author of the Firebird series and a few Star Wars books – this woman is one of my literary heroes. She is a beautiful soul, but she’s also brilliant when it comes to fiction. If it weren’t for her Firebird series, I would never have discovered that it is possible to write Christian speculative fiction and that the genre is my secret passion. 

Ted Dekker – okay, I almost didn’t list him because it feels cliché to do so, but his mind is so deep. I’ve read his books since The Circle and have even read his nonfiction that left me with some pretty intense ponderings about the way his mind works, about his beliefs. I’m so not into the fame thing, but his writing makes me think and ask questions.

Bob Hamer, author of The Last Under-Cover, Enemies Among Us, and Targets Down – I could not resist listing this former Marine and veteran undercover FBI agent. I have so much respect for this man, and he says his wife loves my books? Why wouldn’t I want to meet him?

Now let’s do that for a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you invite and why?

This is a smidge more challenging, since I do not read very many historical fiction authors anymore. But here are some:

Lisa Bergren – her The Gifted series captured my heart nad made her one of my favorite authors. Then she wrote the YA series, Waterfall. . .Lisa’s a beautiful soul and I’m so grateful for her since she entranced my daughters with her fiction!

MaryLu Tyndall – oh my! Have you read her books? The lady is a genius and her stories are to die for.

Sandra Byrd – I’m so envious (oddly enough) that Sandra is writing about England in the time of Henry VIII—one of my favorite periods. And her covers are gorgeous!

Tracy Higley – I absolutely adore her and her stories—and that they’re often set in ancient cities or among ruins of legends—Pompeii, Shadow of Colossus, City of the Dead. Tracy transports you to those amazing places in history!

Many times, people (and other authors) think you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult problem with writing at this time in your career?

Perception is a tricky thing because it’s based on our projected ideals. I still feel I’m very much at the beginning of my game and in terms of this industry, even with six full-length novels out and four novellas. I am still growing and striving to be a better author. Right now, the most difficult thing is the same as what it’s always been: maintaining and remembering my identity, not as an author—I feel we shouldn’t let that define us—but remembering who I am in Christ. Success is fleeting. Fans can lose interest. God is faithful. I want to be where He is, no matter what.

Authors shouldn’t ever stop learning their craft. Tell us about the featured book.

Two years ago, an ambush high in the Afghan mountains shattered Green Beret Heath Daniels’s career and his faith. Saved by his military war dog—a beautiful Belgian Malinois named Trinity—Heath and the dog are forced into retirement. But suffering the side effects of traumatic brain injury, Heath feels lost without his military identity; now that he can no longer serve his country, he has no sense of self-worth. . .until he becomes involved with a facility to train and equip canines and their handlers for rigorous, dangerous service work.

Thousands of miles away in Afghanistan, military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is secretly tracking the Taliban in the Hindu Kush. A shocking discovery leaves her team dead and Darci a captive. Now only a team with mountain-tracking experience—like Heath and Trinity—can save her. But can Heath overcome his disability in these treacherous wartime conditions? And is he really willing to risk the life of the loyal animal that saved his own?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Body rigid, ears trained on the sound coming from the dilapidated structure, she waited. Breaths came in staccato pants, the heat of a brutal Afghan summer beating down on her. While the Kevlar vest provided protection, it also created a thermal blanket that amplified the heat.

She panted again and strained with resolute focus on the building. This wasn’t her first tour of duty. It wasn’t even her second. She’d completed three tours and outranked the Green Berets huddled behind her on the dusty road. Trinity lowered herself to the ground, waiting.

            When she took her next breath, drool plopped onto the gritty sand.

            “Easy, girl.” Staff Sergeant Heath “Ghost” Daniels knelt beside his Special Forces-trained military war dog, his M4 aimed at the building where three men had disappeared. This so-called security mission for the sweep team in prep for an HPT convoy had taken a turn toward

interesting. So much for intel that said the area was clean.

            “Ghost, what’s she got?”

            At the sound of team leader Dean “Watterboy” Watters’s voice, Heath assessed his sixty-pound Belgian Malinois again. “Nothing,” he called to the side, noting Trinity’s stance and keen focus.

            With the sun at high noon, they would blister out here if they didn’t get this road cleared before the general’s pack came through at thirteen hundred.

            Trinity came up off her hindquarters, muscles rippling beneath her dark, silky coat.

            Heath’s pulse kicked up a notch as his gaze darted over the nearly monochrome terrain. What had she detected? Sometimes he wished he had the sharp hearing inherent in dogs.

            Having taken cover behind a half-blown wall, Heath peered around the peeling plaster and stared down the sights of his weapon. He let the crosshairs of the reticle trace the structure in which the rebels had taken refuge, but he didn’t see anything. No trace of the men who’d scurried away from the sweep team. Men who’d raised the hackles of every member of the team, including Trin.

            Snapping and barking, Trinity lunged. For a split second, her paws rose off the ground as she bolted forward. A plume of dust concealed her movement.

            In a bound-and-cover movement, Heath and Watterboy hurried after her, making sure they didn’t expose themselves to gunfire or RPGs.

            As they came up on the house, Heath flattened himself against the sunheated

wall.

            A scream hurtled through the now-dusty day.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love connecting with readers! I can be found online in several places

www.roniekendig.com

www.roniekendig.com/blog

www.twitter.com/roniekendig

www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction

www.goodreads.com/roniekendig

Thank you, Ronie, for sharing this series with us.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog. Trinity: Military War Dog (A Breed Apart) - paperback
Trinity: Military War Dog (A Breed Apart) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

FIRETHORN - Ronie Kendig - Free Book

What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

One of the most common theme in my book is hope, that there is always hope, no matter the situation or what has happened or what one has done.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

In September, the first book of the A Breed Apart series, TRINITY: Military War Dog, will release. I’m really excited about this series and had a lot fun with Trinity and Heath, her handler.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Believe it or not, I think I’d like to sit down with Sarah Palin and just pick her brain, hear her thoughts, just see what she’s like in person. Sometimes she surprises me and some people don’t like her, but I love her “take no prisoners” approach to the media, to politics, and to life.

I’d like to meet her, too. What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

I think it’d be Ronald Reagan—the Great communicator. The man exuded strength, both of character and in terms of power. My husband and I admired him so much that we named one of our twins after him—Reagan.

James and I have long admired Ronald Reagan as well. How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

Don’t let it define you—rejection, sadly, is part and parcel of the writing life. After you’re published, you still have to get that next contract, and if you aren’t getting rejections from publishers, you’re getting rejected by readers. It’s part of life. Figure out who you are as a writer and cling to what God has told you. Unless He has told you, His plan hasn’t changed with that rejection, so keep going.

Tell us about the featured book.

This time Nightshade is the mission.

Former Marine and current Nightshade team member Griffin Riddell is comfortable. So comfortable he never sees the set up that lands him in a maximum security prison, charged with murder. How will he ever prove his innocence stuck behind iron bars?

Covert operative Kazi Faron is tasked with reassembling Nightshade—the black ops team someone dissected. Breaking Griffin out of a federal penitentiary amid explosive confusion may turn out to be her last assignment. What will it take to convince the fugitive that whoever set him up has also dissected the Nightshade team?

As Kazi and Griffin race to rescue the others and discover the traitor, love begins to awaken in their hearts. Can a covert operative and the felon she’s freed overcome their mutual distrust long enough to save Nightshade? Will anything prepare them for who—or what is coming?

Interesting. Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

The Shack

            “It’s sad, really.” Marshall “The Kid” Vaughn trudged away from the thumping rotors of the helo that had deposited them back at the Shack, his pack almost dragging the ground. “Ya don’t realize how much a person adds until he’s gone.”

“Legend’s not gone.” Max “Frogman” Jacobs hoisted his rucksack into a better group, his mind locked on Sydney and their two sons waiting for him at home. Poor woman had to be going out of her mind with two of his Mini-Me’s running around.

“Yeah.” John “Squirt” Dighton hit the light breaker, then waited for the six-man team to clear the door. “He’s just temporarily detained.”

Lights sizzled and popped to life. Groaning bounced off the grimy windows as he hauled the door closed, locked it, then started toward the showers.

The Kid grunted. “Forty-years-to-life temporary.”

In the locker room, a depressive gloom hung over the team. They’d been on countless missions, hit just about every terrain and environment imaginable, but none had taken the toll the last couple had. And there was one reason—they were down a man. Griffin “Legend” Riddell. If Max could write the playbook, they wouldn’t do another mission without the guy. But with the man in federal prison for murdering a congressman, it’d be a long wait.

It was quiet. Too quiet. Max looked around the Spartan room. Walls of lockers, most unused. A few benches. A giant once-white bin for dirty duds. And the team. Six men, now. All very skilled. Good men. Even the one missing. Every man here knew Legend had been set up—he didn’t murder that congressman. But nobody could prove it. The evidence was damning. Justice—injustice was more like it—came swiftly. Lambert, ever the puppeteer, couldn’t pull the right strings to get Legend off.

“I’m heading up to visit him tomorrow. Anyone game?” Colton “Cowboy” Neeley slumped on a bench and ran a hand over his short, dark hair. His blue eyes probed the group.

“Nah, man. I’ve got a date,” the Kid said.

Squirt beaned him with a towel. “What girl would go out with you, mate?”

The Kid snapped the terry cloth back at the former Navy SEAL. “Your sister.”

Squirt froze. His jaw went slack. Then his eyes darkened.

Laughing, Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe rose to his feet from the corner. “You just proved his point by thinking your sister would actually go out with him.”

Squirt swallowed, his face drained of color. “I introduced them at a New Year’s party.”

Midas laughed harder. “Your mistake, mate.”

Shuffling closer, Squirt pointed a finger at the Kid. “I swear, you touch her, I’ll shove a fist full of witchety grubs down your gullet.”

“Give me credit, dude.” The Kid raised his hands. “I’m a gentleman.”

Max grunted. “Right.” As he strode around the lockers to the shower well, he heard more threats and much more laughter from the Kid. Max shook his head. Would the Kid ever grow up, learn when to leave things alone?

As he tossed his oily, grimy duds on the bench, Max paused, thinking maybe he should send his report to Lambert now so he wouldn’t have to mess with it tomorrow. The mission had been simple enough, a snatch-n-grab of an Iranian doctor. It’d been nice and clean, in and out. The report wouldn’t take long. Then he could shower, bug out, and know he had the whole weekend with Syd and the boys.

Max jogged up the iron stairs, which creaked and groaned beneath his weight. Down the hall to the right. He punched in the code and entered the secure hub, the door hissing shut behind him. The most high-tech part of this dump-of-a-warehouse.

Shouts drew his attention to the blinds. He jabbed two fingers between a couple and spread them to peeked down into the main area. Squirt and the Kid raced into the bay and back the way they came. Squirt looked ready to kill. The Kid’s face revealed his fear. Max shook his head again. Man, he wanted Griffin back. The guy seemed to bring balance to the team. Badly needed balance.

Max powered up the computer. Hand propped on the warped wood, he waited for the system to boot.

More shouts. Loud thuds.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. Would they never—?

Tat-a-tat! Tat-tat-a-tat!

Instinct drove Max to his knee at the sound of gunfire. He scrambled to the window. Through the slanted blinds, he peered down into the slab of cement. His brain wouldn’t assemble what he saw. Gunmen. A dozen or more. Rushing into the Shack from the parking bay. Moving swiftly, as if. . .

They know the layout.

Max darted to the door and jerked it open. He sprinted down the hall toward the stairs. As his boot hit steel, he froze. A shadow emerged. Floated into the hall.

Too late.

Max jerked back. Pressed his spine against the wall.

By the showers, the Kid looked up. Max signaled to him. Then made his best and loudest Nightshade whistle, hoping it would penetrate the building, give the men warning to take cover.

The Kid threw himself back into the locker room.

Men swarmed the corner. One looked to his left, one right. His weapon slowly rose as he traced the stairs with his M16.

Oh, my goodness. Give me more. Now!! How can readers find you on the Internet?

Ronie on the web: www.roniekendig.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction

Twitter: www.twitter.com/roniekendig

Thank you, Ronie. This book sounds wonderful.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog. Firethorn (Discarded Heroes, Book 4)


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state. The contest on this interview is only open to US winners. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

WOLFSBANE - Ronie Kendig - Free Book

Ever since Ronie's first book released, her stories have blown me away and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. While reading Wolfsbane this month, my own book deadline only allowed me to read it in snatches of time. I loved, loved, loved each of her first three books. This one I loved even more. I can hardly wait for Firethorn in January. Welcome, Ronie. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

I almost never go into a story with the intention of writing a “theme” into it. The theme, for me, always comes out of the story organically. But some common themes found throughout my books are about the strength of family, honor, forgiveness.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Firethorn will be out January 1^st, 2012, and then the very first military war dog book—WOOT!—will come out August 1, 2012.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan because I am working on my military war dog series and also because I have a three month old puppy who is very skittish but also very “mouthy,” chewing/biting just about everything.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

First—remember WHO you are writing for and that no matter what happens from here on out, if you are using your gift that He gave you, then you give Him pleasure. And that—giving Him pleasure—should be our focus. Beyond that, it’s all up to Him, so while it might be frustrating and part & parcel of the writing industry, remember that He’s in charge, none of this takes Him by surprise, and He still has a plan. Second, remember that getting published doesn’t mean rejections stop. And it doesn’t mean they are any less frequent. Today’s industry is T-O-U-G-H. Rejections continue regardless of who you are and what stage of the game you’re in.

That is so true. Tell us about the featured book.

A female demolitions who unwittingly holds a lethal secret. . .

A former Green Beret grappling with terrifying memories of a mission gone bad. . .

And the jungle that threatens to swallow them whole.

In Venezuela, Danielle Roark and her Army Corps of Engineers team is captured. After six months of captivity, Dani escapes, only to end up charged with espionage and forced to return to the jungle to prove that a nuclear facility exists. On the mission, she is abandoned by God and country. Will she live long enough to make those responsible pay? Haunted by memories of a mission gone bad, former Green Beret Canyon Metcalfe wrestles with his developing feelings for the feisty senator’s daughter.

Setting aside his misgivings, he and Nightshade take the mission to help Dani unravel her lethal secrets. Separated from the team leaves Dani and Canyon vulnerable—and captured. After he is rescued, Canyon discovers Dani has been left behind. Livid, he sacrifices everything—including his role with Nightshade—to find Dani.

Can Dani and Canyon fight the nightmare armed with only forgiveness and raw courage? Or will they lose their lives, minds, and each other?

Please give us the first page of the book.

The Invitation

Judicial Building, Virginia Beach

Blood dripped into his left eye.

No. Not blood. Sweat. Hands tight against his hips and fists balled, Captain Canyon Metcalfe blinked away the sting. Another salty drop slid down his temple. Eyes ahead, he focused on his reflection in the massive mirror. Between it and him sat an eight-foot table harboring a panel of three Army investigators from Criminal Investigation Command sent for his one-year evaluation. More like interrogation. And he knew they weren’t legit. Nobody got a review once they were out. This wasn’t about legitimacy. This was about them insuring he’d kept his mouth shut.

Canyon watched his reflection as a bead skidded over his forehead and nose. Felt warm and moderately sticky. So much like. . .

It’s not blood. Not blood.

“Captain, do you have anything to add?” Major Hartwicke lifted the inches-thick file in her manicured hands and stared at him.

“You understand, Captain, if you reveal anything about what has happened here, you will face a full court-martial and dishonorable discharge.”

The voice from twenty-one months ago forged his response. “No, sir.”

Behind the one-way mirror a ghost of a shape shifted. Or was that a shadow? No, he was pretty sure he’d seen the human outline. So, there were more eyes monitoring this so-called review. They’re testing me. No surprise. As a matter of fact, he’d expected them to drag him out of bed in the middle of the night, haul him into the woods, and try to beat a confession out of him.

Innocence didn’t matter. Justice didn’t matter.

Only one thing mattered: silence.

Hartwicke pushed her chair back from the table and stood. “Captain, I don’t understand.” She motioned to the two investigators with her. “We’ve told you the CID believes there is enough. . .ambiguity in the charges and proceedings from thirteen March of last year to question the guilty verdict.” She tilted her head. “In fact, this panel believes you may be innocent.”

“You are not innocent in this brutal crime, Captain Metcalfe. No matter your role, you are guilty. As the officer in charge, you bear that responsibility. Do you understand?”

The eyes of the government held no boundaries. They saw everything. Knew everything. One way or another. Always waiting to throw him away for good. Just as they’d done with the villagers.

Her shoes scritched against the cement floor as she stepped nearer. “Why are you doing this?” she whispered. “Why would you throw away your career?”

Throw away his career? Was she kidding? It’d been ripped from his bloodied hands in a colossal mistake twenty-four months ago. Canyon ground his teeth together. She didn’t deserve a response if she thought this was his choice.

A chair squawked, snapping his gaze to the second investigator who moved from behind the table, his gaze locked on Canyon. What did they want from him? He’d kept the dirty little secret. Lived with it. Relived it night after painful night. Living when she died.

Brown eyes cut off his visual escape. “Captain Metcalfe,” Major Rubart said in a low, controlled voice. “I don’t know what they”—he rolled his eyes to the side to indicate the one-way mirror—“told you or what they used against you as a threat in retaliation for talking, but I think you know something.”

Despite his every effort not to, Canyon looked at the mirror.

“You know the truth about that fateful night, don’t you?”

The words yanked his eyes to Rubart’s. Did this officer really want the truth? Or was this another test? What Canyon wouldn’t do to tell, to right the wrong, to relieve the burden. . . But that’s just what they wanted him to do—relieve his mind and prove they were right, that he could be coerced into talking. That he was weak.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I love hearing from readers! I can be found at my website, www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (ronie.kendig) or on Twitter (roniekendig). 


Ronie, it's always a special pleasure to host you on my blog. See you again when Firethorn releases.



Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, 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

DIGITALIS - Ronie Kendig - Free Book

Special note to readers: Some of you aren't really reading the instructions at the end of the post. I only ask you for one thing to enter besides the comment and your name, and it isn't your email address.

I'm really pumped to be featuring my friend Ronie Kendig with her second book in the Discarded Heroes series. This is one woman who writes books that can be enjoyed by men and women equally. They fairly sing off the page and keep you breathless as you read. And Digitalis is no exception. Welcome, Ronie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?



God’s absolutely amazing—He repeatedly blows me away with the unexpected and even the expected usually has a nice God-twist that brings a big smile to my face. I’m finishing up the Discarded Heroes series. It’s my hope to write another military-based series and eventually, I’d love to write a spy series, since I love intrigue.


And you write it so well. Tell us a little about your family.


My husband, Brian, and I have been married for twenty years. He truly is the hero I write about every day. Our eldest daughter is a senior, our youngest daughter is a freshman, and our twins are eleven years old. We homeschool and the boys are in Scouts.


I love your family, too. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?


I guess in a way, it made me a bit more particular about what I read. Since I’ve gone through the trials, the editing, the reviews, the critics. . .in a way I’m less critical about what I read (because now I see there are so many editors, etc. who have gone through a book) and try to be more encouraging and supportive (being an author is TOUGH—there are plenty of people who are willing to shred a book; I’d rather not be one of them).


I so agree with that, Ronie. What are you working on right now?


I’m working on Discarded Heroes #4, Firethorn. I’m really excited to plunge into this deadly game of intrigue and sabotage as Griffin hunts down the saboteur, while battling his own demons of mistrust and pride.


What outside interests do you have?


I love genealogy, cross-stitch, and decorating. Really, anything I can do with my hands, is an “interest” to me.


How do you choose your settings for each book?


The settings are generally chosen by the character and the story, meaning which location is the character from, or which location holds the haunting past or the daunting future for the story. I love to take my readers around the globe and introduce new elements, all the while keeping the focus on our great nation—America!


If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?


The first person who came to mind is Ronald Reagan—he was such a stalwart, so resolute in his beliefs. He led the country with faith, integrity and honor, and he had this gentle spirit about him. My husband and I admire him so much, we named one of our twins after him—Reagan.

James and I admired President Reagan, too. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?


That signing with my “dream” agent and getting my first contract would not a success make. LOL Seriously, I had ambition and dogged determination, but I just don’t know that I realized what I was doing by pursuing publication. Don’t get my wrong, I’m very content to be an author and I know why I’m doing this now, but I am not really sure I knew why—at least not in an enduring way—I wanted to write besides the fact that I loved it. Also, I wish I’d been more aware that it would be a hard slog to the “finish” line, which is really the “beginning” line. Yet, on a positive note, I’ve gained some of the best friends—friends of the heart—that I have ever known, who have kept me encouraged and laughing.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?


That the negative people in my life only have the power I give them, that “happiness” is MY choice. I have to decide if I’m going to let something eat at me, or whether I’m going to move on without it. This might sound elementary, but I’ve had a really tough time, and being a people pleaser by nature, I’ve had to regroup my thoughts, goals, and priorities.


That's a very important lesson to learn. What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?


Remember WHY you are writing—because God gave you a gift, and you honor him by writing (not by getting published, not by reaching others, but through the simple act of using that gift). Second, do your best. If you can send a book in and say “that’s my best,” (and I’m not talking about a perfect product, but that you gave it your all), then leave it alone. Because, third, the rest—the success, the accolades, or the non-presence of those—is up to God. Rest in peace with that. Trust Him and what He’s doing. Otherwise, you’re going to be torn up and burned out.


Now tell us about the featured book.


Colton Neeley left his military career to take care of his four-year old daughter. Although he’s firm in his faith now, the repercussions of his former life are still evident—namely in the form of his daughter and his debilitating flashbacks from combat-related trauma. Can he muster the courage to step out of his self-imposed isolation and embrace the new woman in his life?


Piper Blum is hiding—from life and the assassins bent on destroying her family. Although smitten by Colton, she fears the day he discovers her secrets. Does their relationship, built on a foundation of lies, have a chance?


When an attempt on Piper’s life leads to another’s death, the black ops group Nightshade steps into the line of fire. Will Colton and Piper survive the mission with their love—and lives—intact? Will love cover their multitude of sins?


Okay, readers, that ought to grab your attention. Ronie, please give us the first page of the book.


Chapter One
Fifteen months later . . .

One shot. One kill.

The sniper’s motto streaked through Colton Neeley’s mind as he lay with his arm folded under the stock of his Remington 700. Dampness soaked into his sleeve, evidence of the swampy terrain. He eased his hand toward the trigger well. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple and slid past his eye pressed to the scope.


“Tangos en route and twenty yards,” whispered his spotter, Marshall “the Kid” Vaughn, from his four o’clock position.

“Roger that.” Synchronization between him and the Kid helped Colton focus on the mission. Peering past the crosshairs, he watched their team leader three-quarters of a mile away signaling a heads-up to the others.

Colton gently nudged his weapon, sighting the guerillas trekking north of the team. If all went well—which the elite team of former spec ops soldiers would ensure it did—they’d be on a C-130 back to the States and out of this mosquito-infested jungle by morning. He’d already spent thirty-six hours longer than he wanted in the vegetation. It’d rained for the first twenty, leaving him drenched and cold. But crawling in early gave them the advantage of locating the guerilla group and their objectives.


Once again, he verified the position of the team. Nothing would ruin a mission like friendly fire taking out one of their own. At his two, he sighted Frogman hunkered down next to a boulder. Greased up, Max Jacobs had the perpetual scowl that marked him as the man in charge—and a grump. Nobody minded. The former Navy SEAL had come through a lot.

Behind him slunk Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe, probably the sanest of the group, even if he was once a Green Beret. And they forgave him for that.

“Heads up, Frogman,” the Kid whispered into his coms, alerting the team. “Six headed your way for a party.”


Checking his nine gave Colton a close-up of Griffin Riddell, his Marine Special Operations Team buddy, as he took up point. Even from this distance, their movements felt silent, deadly. Nightshade had a phenomenal record, but nobody took that for granted. Each mission could be their last.

“Target,” called his spotter. “Sector B, TRP-1, right fifty, add fifty.”

Colton harnessed his energy and mind on the mission. He had an excellent shot-kill ratio, and he wanted to keep it that way. Mishaps exponentially increased the chances of being spotted and sniped back. In other words, dead.


“Roger,” he replied as shadows morphed into solid shapes of Cuban rebels and their exhausted captives. His objective was the leader. “Sector B, TRP-1, right fifty, add fifty.” The repetitive dialogue gave him an added measure of comfort.

“Dumb and bald soldier, M-16 in right hand, cigarette in left.”

Leave it to the Kid to give a snarky description. But he was right. The leader had taken the hostages into a jungle easy to maneuver and hide in, but also one easy to track. “Dumb and bald soldier, M-16 in right hand, cigarette in left.” Colton took a minute to assess the man behind the crosshairs. “Target identified.” He measured the marks on the vertical bar. “I have two mils crotch to head.”


“Roger, two mils crotch to head.” Leaves on their ghillie suits and the low-hanging branches rustled as the Kid made his calculations. Air crackled beneath the gentle urging of the wind. “Dial five hundred on the gun.”

Colton adjusted the optics. “Roger, five hundred on the gun. Indexed.”

“Wind right to left, six miles an hour, hold one-quarter mil right.”

“Roger, wind right to left six miles an hour, hold one-quarter mil right.”

“Take the shot.”


And the story races from there. How can readers find you on the Internet?


Main website: http://www.roniekendig.com/
Discarded Heroes website: http://www.discardedheroes.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ronie.kendig
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/roniekendig


Ronie, thank you for another wonderful interview.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/