Reunion With Danger

posted by Nancy

Dee Davis, whose romantic comedies have entertained us, returns to the Lair with her new foray into romantic suspense, the A-Tac team in Dark Deceptions. Dee's many contest wins and placements include winning the Booksellers Best, Golden Leaf, Texas Gold and Prism awards and being nominated for the National Readers Choice Award, the Holt Medallion and two RT Reviewers Choice Awards. I've always loved her romantic suspense and am delighted to see her publishing in that sub-genre again.

Welcome, Dee! Your last visit, we chatted about Set-Up in Soho. I gather that the A-Tac team will be very different in tone from The Matchmaker Chronicles. Tell us about it.

Romantic Suspense has always been my first love. And after a brief departure into romantic comedy, it's great to back writing thrillers. A-Tac is an elite CIA unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college. Brilliant, badass, and seemingly bulletproof, the members of A-Tac are assigned to the riskiest missions and the most elusive targets.

For more on A-Tac check out the microsite at www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/darkdeceptions/DarkDeceptions.html

Who are the heroine and heroine of Dark Deceptions?

Nash Brennon

Physical Profile: 6'2". Wavy brown hair. Brown eyes. Muscular build. Identifying scars on torso.

Psychological profile: Independent, almost to the point of being a loner. Questions authority. Dislikes technology, especially computers. Loyal to other A-Tac members, particularly Tyler Hanson and Avery Solomon. Popular with students. Past history with ex-CIA operative Annie Gallagher should be noted.

Background: Long term CIA operative with exemplary record. Original posting in Eastern Europe. Recruited to A-Tac by Avery Solomon. Born in Austin, Texas. Graduate of University of Texas. No living relatives.

Present position: A-Tac's second in command. Covert operations expert. Recognized political historian. Chairman of the history department at Sunderland.

Annie Gallagher

Reason for interest: Possible terrorist threat involving American Ambassador.

Physical profile: 5'6". Long, dark red hair. Hazel eyes. Wiry, good physical shape. No current stats.

Psychological Profile: Loner. Comfortable in her own skin. Not a team player. Thoughtful hunter. Has the ability to out wait and therefore outmaneuver opponents.

Background: Ex- CIA. Trained as a sharp-shooter. One of a handful of the best in the country at time of disappearance. Betrayed her partner (Nash Brennon) and then dropped off the grid after an operation gone bad. No abnormal activity until recent intel indicating her involvement in assassination plot.

What's the biggest threat they face, and what's the biggest obstacle to their romance?

He thinks she's a traitor and betrayed him years ago. She believes he chose his career over a relationship with her. Theirs is a dance with a history that threatens to destroy them.


Ooh, I love that phrase- "a dance with a history that threatens to destroy them!" Would you like to share an excerpt?

"We were good together, and you know it." The minute the words came out, she regretted them.

"You don't have to remind me, angel," he said, taking a step closer, his gaze colliding with hers.

She swallowed, steeling herself against the onslaught of memories. "I was talking about our business relationship."

"I wasn't." He moved closer, his breath warm against her cheek.

"Nash, I-"

His lips crushed down on hers. She opened her mouth, welcoming him inside, reveling in the feel of his tongue. It was take-no-prisoners contact. As much a battle of wills as an expression of emotion.

The power of his touch was almost more than she could bear . . .

For a longer excerpt go to www.deedavis.com/bookshelf/darkdeceptions.php#excerpt

Are there other books in this series?

Currently there are six books scheduled in the A-Tac series. The second, Dangerous Desires, will be out in July. And the third, Dangerous Deeds will be out in August. Book two features Drake Flynn. And book three, Tyler Hanson. Books four, five and six will be out in 2011 and 2012.

Any more Matchmaker books in the offing?

After her adventures with Andi, Althea is taking a well-deserved break. I think somewhere in the south of France with her mother, Harriet. But sooner or later she's bound to come home, and who knows what mischief she'll be up to next?

For more about Dee and her various books, visit her website.

Dee is giving away one copy of Dark Deceptions to a commenter today, so tell us one or more of these things--what's your favorite action team? Do you prefer spies or police/FBI or military adventure? US settings or international intrigue? Who are your favorite lovers with a painful history at the start of their book? Dive in and let us know!