Book Tour: A Man Like Him by Rachel Brimble Interview & Giveaway

BLURB:

Changing her life...again

After two years in hiding, Angela Taylor knows her independence is worth it. As long as she can escape her past, she has everything under control. Until a flash flood hits the park where she works, and hot Chris Forrester shows up the exact moment she needs a hero.

Chris proves he can save lives-and weaken a girl's knees. But how can she make him understand that she's off-limits, that getting close to her will endanger his life? Her happiness or his safety: it shouldn't even be a choice.

Because when you love someone, you protect them, no matter the cost. At least, that's what Angela keeps telling herself....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

EXCERPT:

Their eyes locked and Chris’ gaze dropped to her mouth. It fell ajar and her tongue poked out to wet her bottom lip. He snatched his gaze back to the sky. They were in the middle of a disaster situation. They were reaching out to each other for support. Nothing more. Nothing less. So why the hell was his heart beating like a damn jackhammer?

He shielded his eyes against the sun and prayed to God she hadn’t seen his need to kiss her. He focused on the helicopters. “Damn it.”

She shifted beside him and he felt her gaze on him once more. “What is it?”

“They’re not going to be any help to the people stranded in the trees.”

“Of course--”

“Those vultures aren’t going to do a damn bit of good. Where are the rescue teams?”

“What are you talking about? What vultures?”

“Can’t you see?” He shot his arm toward the sky as frustration hummed along his nerve endings. “They’re TV helicopters. A fat lot of bloody help--”

“TV cameras? Oh, my God.”

Chris turned. Her face grew ashen and she swayed back on her heels, her eyes wide with terror. She gripped his forearm. “Help me. Don’t let them see me. You have to do something.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Chris, please. Help me.”

Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms and she buried her face into his chest. He brought one hand to the back of her head, the other to the small of her back and pulled her close. She fit the contours of his body like she was meant to be there.

He held her tight. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

She shook her head against his chest. “It’s over. It’s all over.”

The helicopters circled one more time and then flew away, disappearing over the horizon once more. “They’ve gone. Angela? Look at me. What is it?”

She pulled back and tears slipped over her lower lids and down her cheeks. “I’m dead. He’s coming. He’s coming and this time he’ll kill me.”

He gripped her forearms, adrenaline filling his blood on a protective wave. “Who will? What are you talking about?”

She closed her eyes. “My husband.”

INTERVIEW:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?

The idea for this book was inspired by the real-life experience of me and my family being rescued by helicopter from a hotel roof during the 2010 French floods. It took me two years after the event to come up with the right story to use that terrifying time in the right way. As with most stories, it started with the ‘what if?’ question – what if my heroine was in hiding and got caught up in a tragedy that meant she was photographed by the national press? Thus leading to the man she was running from to know exactly where to find her? 

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

The working title for this book was ‘Running Through The Rain’ – terrible, right? Titles are my nemesis, I hate them! Luckily, Harlequin often choose their titles so A Man Like Him was chosen for me and I really like it. It suits the heroic and true character of my hero, Chris Forrester.

3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?

Romantic suspense is my favorite genre to read (as well as historical) so I have really loved writing these first two books in the series. Having said that, the next book in the series is mainstream romance. I just love to be versatile!

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

Every book I have had accepted has been exciting to me and that excitement never lessens with each contract offer. Having said that, the day my agent emailed me to say Harlequin had accepted Finding Justice (book one in the series), I promptly burst into tears. It was a dream come true to write for them. Since then I have signed for four more books with Harlequin as well as four Victorian romances with eKensington. It’s been an amazing couple of years!

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

I usually have at least two books on the go at once, sometimes three. I am currently reading The Dark Fire by C J Sansom. This is an ongoing mystery series set in the Tudor times featuring a hunchback sleuth named Shardlake. He is just a wonderful character. Also, I am reading my very first Jill Shalvis romance (I know, shame on me), Simply Irresistible, which I just LOVE. Completely my sort of romance and her hero, Jax Cullen…I have no words except YUM!!!

6. What is your writing process?

I start each book with a tiny nugget of an idea – most often, a scenario such as the flood that started A Man Like Him, or a fight for ownership of a fairground which sparked the idea for book number three in the Harlequin series (What Belongs To Her – March 2014). I then start the ‘what if?’ game which often brings forth my hero and heroine. I then complete character sketches for each of them (and the villain if one emerges). After than, it’s a 2-3 page synopsis, sometimes a rough chapter plan, before I dive straight into the first draft. I write the first draft from start to finish without looking back – the mess is hopefully straightened out in drafts two and three. I usually complete a book in three drafts.

7. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 

I’ve yet to hold a book signing! Is that bad? I am such a nervous person and so far have avoided booksignings and giving talks. However, it’s on my ‘to do’ list to at least take my first baby steps by the end of the year. I plan on asking some of my fellow RNA (UK RWA equivalent) members if they would consider joining me on a panel and giving a talk at some local libraries and bookshops. I’m just not brave enough to go it alone, lol!

8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

One thing I’ve answered above, my fear of public speaking is absolutely paralyzing and the other is that I haven’t had my hair cut professionally for 15 years. My husband occasionally gives it a trim with the kitchen scissors before the baton was passed to my 14 year old daughter last time J

9. How do you react to a bad review?

With a large glass of wine! There’s very little you can do about a bad review – the book is finished and it’s out there. I try not to let me get it down but it’s hard when you know many people buy books based on reviews. I wish reviewers who write scathing reviews would remember that the choice and enjoyment of reading material is entirely subjective.

10. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

See above…with a large glass of wine! There’s definitely a running theme of chilled white wine in my life. I find you have reason to enjoy a glass quite often come evening ;)

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013.

16 Marsden Place with Omnific Publishing is her first romantic comedy since 2010.

She has just signed a further three-book contract with Harlequin Superromance.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England…although she hopes a dream visit to Canada might just change her mind!

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

Website:  http://rachelbrimble.com/

Blog:  http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.co.uk/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RachelBrimble

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441?fref=ts

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Man-Like-Harlequin-Superromance-ebook/dp/B00BNRHN6S

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-man-like-him-rachel-brimble/1114668447?ean=9780373607938

Harlequin:  http://www.harlequin.com/author.html;jsessionid=0581216E9F356317B504382885C86C69?authorid=2370

GIVEAWAY:

Rachel will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/virtual-book-tour-man-like-him-by.html