Shannon here: Cindy Bonds shares the inspiration for her latest Romantic Suspense, Failed Protocol, plus a romantic excerpt, and a chance to win a signed copy. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Dec 2nd – 13th to enter the drawing for a copy plus 3 other titles. Deadline: 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Cindy:
I’ve had the storyline of Failed Protocol in my mind for several years before I ever got past the first half of the book.
It started back in 2019, I had begun to learn more about different military divisions and read about the Recon group. It’s a division of the Army whose role is to gather information covertly. Information could be a specific location and the best routes in and out or even information on an enemy’s location or position.
The issue was, a man like that: tough, stealthy and able to handle high-stress situations- was going to be hard to put into a relationship with a woman and be realistic. After all, several years in the military under that capacity, it would be difficult on the mind as well as the body.
Olivia had to be tough, have her own stealthy abilities. I’d been toying with a British character for a long time, so it seemed like the right time to pull the trigger. So to speak.
The action-packed bursts are typically my specialty. I enjoy moving the story along and if I could do that with action the entire time, I would! However, the tension, that’s what makes the relationship work.
The playful tension between Kenton and Olivia was easy. Given their backgrounds, their ability to infiltrate situations, they allowed conversation to flow. Because of Kenton’s relationship with Olivia’s uncle, there was a built in level of respect Olivia had for Kenton. It made it easier for her to get close, even if there was no way she would allow trust.
Kenton just sat back and enjoyed the attention, pushing for more and invading her space whenever possible. Although he allowed her to lead, he had no problem taking charge when needed.
In my novels, I enjoy the tension just as much as the romance!
I hope you enjoy this short excerpt of their tension filled relationship!
Excerpt from Failed Protocol by Cindy Bonds:
With a frown, she pulled from his grip. He sighed and watched her walk away. Pocketing his hands, he took a deep breath. Her floral perfume floated back as he smiled at her retreating figure.
What was he getting himself into?
“So, you’ll answer?”
He pulled his gaze to her face as she started to turn. “If I can.”
Surprised flashed in her eyes. Reaching behind her back and lifting her blouse slightly, she pulled his knife from her waistband.
He grinned and stepped closer. “I was hoping it was here and the police didn’t take it.” As he reached, she held it up.
“I have questions.”
He nodded and stepped back, sitting against the brick partition and crossing his arms. “Did you ask Marcus?”
She shook her head.
“Why not?”
Her mouth pulled to the side. “Marcus tends to hide things from me. I believe he thinks telling me all the details will make me … I don’t know, want to do something more.”
“Or maybe the details are not something for him to repeat.”
She stepped closer, focusing on the knife while he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Your initials and his. Whose knife is it?” her green eyes flicked to his, making him grin like an idiot.
“It was mine first.”
She smiled.
Man.
“When did my uncle have it?” She settled beside him against the wall, her perfume enveloping him.
“I lent it to him when we first met.”
She nodded. “So, he kept it? Added his initials?”
He took a breath and glanced at the windows, wondering where Marcus was watching from.
“He’s not coming out.”
His gaze cut to her. “Why not?”
“I think he got a phone call.”
He leaned closer. “But that doesn’t mean he’s not watching us.”
She chuckled. “Yes, he’s a good spy.”
“After we met.”
“After you saved him.” Her green eyes brightened, making him smirk.
“When we met, I lent it to him. When we parted, getting my knife back wasn’t a thought or priority.”
She inched closer, making him shake his head as he diverted his attention once again to the house, his heartbeat jumping up a notch.
“So, when did you see him to get it back?”
“He hasn’t shared that with you?”
She shook her head, her brown hair falling over her shoulders. Leaning toward her, he smiled.
“Then I won’t share that either.”
Her eyes narrowed as a smirk crossed her face. “How close did I come?”
He chuckled. “Closer than I’d like to admit.”
Reader Question: What do you enjoy most about Romantic Suspense novels? The action or the
romance? Why?
Dec Book Bundle #1
Every Voice Heard by Sarah Hanks, 3 author Contemporary Novella collection, e-book
No Plan at All by Denise M. Colby, Historical Romance, e-book
Failed Protocol by Cindy Bonds, Romantic Suspense, print
Feuding with the Cowboy by Louise M. Gouge, Contemporary Romance, print
About Cindy: Cindy Bonds lives in rural Arkansas with her husband and two children. She works for an aviation insurance broker but has a passion for reading and writing. Presenting stories about God’s love, grace and mercy are the reasons she writes and looks for ways to share the gospel through fiction.
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About the book – Failed Protocol:
Olivia Lloyd left the U.K. to work in Texas as head of security for a tech firm. Her training in the British Army gave her a chance to get into the SAS—Special Air Service. But she washed out, with the help of her uncle and his contacts. Now, here at her uncle’s request, she’s lonely and miserable after running away from her last life-altering loss.
Kenton Matthews’ recon days are over. He now works as a detective in Dallas, offering assessments for security when high-value targets come to town. But a request from an old friend has his heart pounding, as the threat to the large tech firm holds more than just a breach of security.
Kenton is determined to battle the failed mission from long ago and will do everything he can to protect Olivia from facing the same torturous man her uncle faced. But can Olivia trust the one man her uncle deems more than worthy?
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I like both. I like a happy ending.
I do enjoy both but if I’m honest, I lean toward the suspense!
Definitely the action. There’s nothing quite like a page-turner that gets your heart rate up!
Agreed!!
Definitely both—the suspense keeps me turning pages, and the romance keeps me invested.
I have a winner! Natalya Lakhno won the drawing. I appreciate Cindy for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.