Review + Excerpt + Interview: Frontline (#1, Frontline) by Alexandra Richland

• Stars: 5 stars.
• Main Characters and Casting: Trenton Merrick and Sara Peters
• Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Mystery
• Related Posts: Mega Alphas

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Synopsis

When nurse Sara Peters treats celebrity billionaire Trenton Merrick for a mysterious injury to his forehead, she is blindsided by what follows: a passionate exchange in the examination room, followed by an invitation to Trenton’s mansion the next night.

Trenton spins a web of deceit and seduction around Sara that both repels and attracts her. One part humanitarian, the other international financial mogul, his professional and public life are a curious contradiction. As Sara journeys deeper into her feelings for Trenton and begins unraveling the mystery behind his injury, she finds herself embroiled in a game of trust and betrayal, where the odds are stacked in Trenton’s favor, and the outcome for the loser is too terrifying to conceive.

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My Review

Exciting and action-packed… this book really surprised me in every way. It had a little bit of everything… drama, suspense, romance, action, mystery, steaminess… I couldn’t put it down! And really the story hinges on understanding…

Who is Trenton Merrick?

That is the big question in this exciting book! I was immediately hooked by Trenton. When he meets Sara, a nurse, he makes it clear that he wants her. I was so taken aback– in a good way– at Trenton’s possessive, overly-confident, sexy alphaness. It was clear he goes after what he wants… and gets it. And when his sights settled on Sara, the chemistry ignited quickly, explosive sparks flying with just a touch.

“There’s no denying that our physical chemistry is off the charts, but I still refuse to be just another unnamed companion in  a photograph or another notch on his bedpost.”

But Sara tries to resist despite the intensifying desire. Trenton is wealthy and can have anyone he wants. She, on the other hand, lives paycheck to paycheck, and is focused on keeping her job. But when Trenton persists in his pursuit, her resolve falters.

“Don’t pretend you don’t want me, too, Sara. I can see it in the way you look at me… how your body responds to my touch.”

When Sara spends more time with Trenton, she begins to realize that Trenton is shrouded in mystery. And as she slowly chips away at what seems to be a facade, she realizes there is so much more to him than she thought.

Who is the real Trenton Merrick?

Trenton is starting to get to her — heart and soul — and not just with the physical connection, but with the goodness of his heart.

“The connection I feel with Trenton is unlike anything I’ve ever felt toward anyone, unlike anything I thought possible. It’s the only time that my world slows and I feel suspended, feature light. When I wrap my arms around him, I tremble. When we kiss, we explore like it’s the first time we kissed anyone.”

Trenton is also changing as a result of what he feels for Sara, and he finds himself opening up to her.

“I thought that’s what happiness was–the solitude, the quiet–but now that you’re here, Sara, I’m not so sure anymore.”

And then, the story suddenly shifts into so much more. As secrets gets revealed and hidden connections emerge, the story grips you even more with big-time action and suspense. It was a really original twist on the story I thought I was reading, becoming one that was so much more riveting and original.

The story is captivating, incredibly seductive and exciting. And I just loved our sexy alpha, Trenton Merrick! The book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to see what’s coming as this is the first book in the series.

Smashwords Purchase Link

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Excerpt

Mr. Merrick moves his face closer to mine. I hold my breath, thinking he’s going to kiss me. Just before our lips meet, he turns his head and grazes his nose across my cheek. The air rushes out of my lungs.

“I would never hurt you, Sara. You must trust me.”

He sounds sincere and I’m compelled to believe him.

With a sharp hiss, he drops his head to my shoulder and pulls our bodies together. “Tell me you change your mind.”

“I . . . I . . .” Words fail me as he moves my shirt collar aside and grazes his teeth across my skin.

“Tell me you’ll see me tonight.”

As he trails hot kisses down my throat, I throw my head back and melt into his arms,
succumbing to the pleasure that radiates throughout my body. I may have let my guard down, but this time I think I know exactly what I’m doing.

“Yes, I’ll have dinner with you tonight.”

Mr. Merrick removes his lips from my neck and plants his hands on my waist.

“You want me, don’t you?” He stares into my eyes, daring me to deny what he already knows.

I nod.

His fingers dig into my hips. “Say it.”

“Yes, I want you.”

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Book Trailer

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Interview

What does Alexandra Richland do when she’s not writing?
As a registered nurse, I spend a lot of my time at the hospital, caring for pediatric patients. I also enjoying running, reading, and traveling.

How does your writing process look? Do you tend to write a standard number of words in regular sittings, or does inspiration hit you sporadically?
It varies. Sometimes when I’m in my “writing zone” I can write many pages in one sitting. If I feel emotionally connected to the scene/chapter, the words will come easily, and I can read them back the next day and desire to change only minor things. On other occasions, the process is more difficult, which tends to happen when I’m pressed for time. When this occurs, I will step away from the computer and go for a run, or just busy myself with other tasks. If I feel inspired to write later on that day, I will. If not, I don’t push it. Or if the interest is semi-there, I’ll write as much as I can, even if I might think it sucks, and then rewrite it at another time. Editing and rewriting are the easiest parts of the writing process for me. As long as I have a foundation, even in point form, I’m confident I can turn out something I’m very proud of. The scenes that come easiest to me are the ones I can visualize like a movie. Music also helps inspire emotion and assists in the writing process.

What inspired you to write Frontline?
The Starlight Trilogy is a very detailed Hollywood romance set in the 1950s. When I finished all three novels, I wanted to write a book with an entirely opposite tone – a modern thrill ride that kept the reader turning the pages, unable to put it down, with a lot of sexual tension, action, adventure, romance, and intrigue. As I was in the midst of nursing school at the time, I thought of a crazy thing that could potentially happen to a nurse while on the job and expanded on the idea, pushing the boundaries of my writing as well as character behavior and development. I couldn’t be happier with the result.

If you could describe Frontline in 3 words, what would they be?
Sexy. Exciting. Suspenseful.

Which character speaks the loudest?
Though he was never supposed to play such a significant role, Randall really surprised me as the book progressed. I relied on him more and more, as did the other characters, for his wisdom, insight, loyalty, and mysteriousness. I just finished writing an origin tale for Randall, as I was as curious about his background. I hope Frontline readers will be interested in him, too, after they finish the story. I’m very happy to be able to include Randall’s tale as part of the bonus material in the appendix of Frontline when it’s published.

Which of your characters would you like to meet in person and why?
My answer will depend on my mood. If I’m in the mood to shop, I can’t think of a better pair to hit the town with than Kelly and Denim. Kelly would know where to get all the best deals on the most stylish clothes, while Denim would supply the most laughs and energy during the expedition.

Chris and Sean are still very mysterious to me, but I’d definitely give them a call if I wanted people to go running with, or if I had a task that needed to be done requiring speed, efficiency, and stealth. They are men of many talents.

If my life was in some kind of crisis and I needed a friend to listen to me and help me get through it, Sara would be ideal.

As for Trenton, I don’t have as many scruples as Sara does, so he can pay off my student loan any day!

Will you have a new book coming out soon?
I have several. The second book in The Starlight Trilogy, Starbright, will most likely be out later this fall (2013), or very early next year (2014), with the third book in the trilogy, Stardust, following in the spring or summer of 2014. The Frontline sequel is already in the works. I’m also working on several short story collections to release in between my novels, as well as a brand new novel, separate from the Frontline series and The Starlight Trilogy, which I just started writing in recent weeks. I cannot say more at this time, but I’m very excited about it!

Information on all of my writing projects can be found on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ms.alexandrarichland

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About The Author

Alexandra Richland spends rotating twelve-hour shifts working as a registered nurse at a Toronto hospital, indulging in her love of science and medicine, and caring for patients with their own unique tales to tell. When she is not on duty, Alexandra escapes into her own imagination. Therein lies a fantasy world of thrilling adventure, gorgeous men, classic Hollywood glamour, exotic getaways, and a seductive dose of romance. Alexandra captures these stories in her popular novels, The Starlight Trilogy and Frontline, and her short story, Gilded Cage. Say hello to her on Facebook and on Twitter.

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