Spotlight & Giveaway: Girl Long Gone by Danielle M Haas

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Danielle M Haas to HJ!

Hi Danielle M Haas and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Girl Long Gone!

 
Hi! It’s so nice to be here!
 

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

NYPD Detective Connor Mitchel must find his missing sister while keeping the killer’s next victim alive–a woman he’s falling hard for as they try to stay one step ahead in a twisted game of cat and mouse.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

Some people believed money was the root of all evil, but Gabriel Wilson knew they were wrong. He’d always been evil. Money just made his life more fun.

Money had bought him a lot of things in his thirty-two years on Earth. His beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn, his summer home in the Hamptons, hell, it had even bought him his flawless reputation.

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

• Girl Long Gone was originally written as the second book in a series but was turned into a stand alone after my editor fell in love with it.
• For inspiration on making Gabriel creepy, I watched Silence of the Lambs and concentrated on Hannibal Lector.
• The little girl in the book, Evelyn’s roommate’s daughter, is named after my own little girl, Abbie.
• In my mind, Connor looks just like Dwayne Johnson.
• New York City is one of my favorite places to visit and I was so excited to use it as the location of this book.

What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?

On both sides, the physical attraction is sparked first. Evelyn sees Connor walk into a coffee shop and her pulse spiked immediately. She’s intimidated by his size, but soon realizes how thoughtful and sweet he is.
Likewise, Connor sees Evelyn’s beauty from the start. But he falls hard for the strong woman who has overcome a lot of hardship in her life and has come out the other side of it still wanting to help others.
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe Hero and Heroine’s love affair?

1) Sweet
2) Whirlwind
3) Respectful
4) Tender
5) Passionate
 

The First Kiss…

The first kiss was sweet and soft and happened in a moment of comfort. Connor just couldn’t resist getting one little taste of her soft, full lips.

Connor cradled Evelyn’s jawline in his hand and grazed the pad of his thumb against her delicate skin. “You are anything but useless. You are amazing and mean too damn much for me to do anything that would put you in danger.”

She swiped her pretty pink lips with her tongue.

Connor stared at her mouth—lips so full and inviting. He needed just one little taste. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers. She melted against him and looped her arms around his neck. The rapid hammer of her heart pounded against his chest. He increased the pressure of his mouth then pulled away, sucking in a shuddering breath. He didn’t want to push too hard, too fast.

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

My favorite scene comes when Connor takes Evelyn to the gym. She thinks he’s going to blow off some steam and she’s just going to watch, but he decides to teach her self-defense moves instead. I think this sums up so much of their relationship. Connor doesn’t want to charge in and take care of her. He wants to give her the tools to take care of herself. And this scene opens Evelyn’s eyes to things she’s capable of, which gives her self-confidence and a new appreciation for Connor.

She stole a glance at the chiseled muscles pressed against the back of his T-shirt, and a shiver raced down her spine. Of course he went to the gym every day. No one could have a body like his without working on it often. “What are you going to do? Lift weights? Punch a bag?”

He chuckled. “No. We’re going to do some self-defense moves.” He stopped at the far corner of the room, opening a door that led them into a quiet space free of other people. He threw down his bag and kicked it out of the way.

Taking a step backward, Evelyn searched for the nearest exit. “I’m good, thanks. You do your thing and I’ll watch.”

Connor clamped a hand around her wrist and pulled her forward. “Isn’t this what Gabriel did? Grabbed your wrist?”

She swallowed hard and locked her gaze on the hand rooting her to the spot. Her heart beat erratically, and beads of sweat clung to her forehead. Panic stole her motor functions, even if all logic told her Connor would never hurt her. She yanked her hand back, but he tightened his grip and closed the small gap between them. “Stop. I don’t like this.”

Connor loosened his hold but didn’t let go. “You need to learn how to defend yourself.”

A humorless laugh bubbled in her throat. “I can’t defend myself against Gabriel. Hell, I’ve never defended myself against anyone. That’s why I’m sticking by your side until he’s caught. You’re like a living, breathing superhero.”

“Thanks, I think, but you can defend yourself. I’m not saying you could kick Gabriel’s ass, which for the record you probably could, but you can learn a few techniques to buy yourself some time to get away if the worst happened.”

Connor had shown her she didn’t want to hide anymore. She wanted to be seen for the woman she was. She wanted to be strong. She wanted to be proud of herself. She lifted her gaze to his and tightened her jaw. “Fine. What do I need to do?”

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

I think it would be critical to include the scene where Evelyn is put to the test and must show how strong she’s really become. She needs to fight for her life, not knowing where she is or what is planned for her. Not only is the scene full of suspense and heart-pounding action, but it shows how far she’s come from the beginning of the book.

She stared straight into Gabriel’s amused eyes. “I’m not afraid of you.” She might be terrified of the hellhole she’d found herself in, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing that fear.

His grin spread wider. “We’ll see about that.” He rubbed the tip of his nose into her hair, and she refused to flinch. He released his grip on her ponytail and skimmed his knuckles against her cheek. “My goodbyes have been said, and now I have work to finish. We’ll play later.” He pressed his lips to her forehead then turned toward a set of stairs at the end of the room. He disappeared, and a door slammed shut.

Finally able to take stock of the space, Evelyn scanned her prison. The fluorescent light cast an eerie glow on the room, the constant sputtering and hum of the bulb heightening her panic. Unfinished wooden planks lined the ceiling, and a long line of wooden birdhouses were scattered along a shelf. Long rectangular boxes nestled together by the stairs. Nothing else filled the suffocating space.

She yanked at her hands again, but the rope refused to budge. Her muscles strained and she grunted into the silence, pushing her back against the concrete wall. Something sharp bit into the small of her back. Evelyn shimmied her bound feet so her knees butted against her chest, and she used her core to push herself to her feet. Turning, she crouched to get a better look at what had scraped her back. A three-inch galvanized nail was set among the dirt and pebbles on the floor. She grabbed it and held it in her hands. What the hell would someone need such a big nail for? She tested the tip with the pad of her thumb, and it pierced her skin. It wasn’t the sharpest thing in the world, but it might be just enough.

The buzz of a saw sounded from overhead, and the boards that made up the ceiling rattled. She didn’t have much time. She needed to unwrap her hands. Then she’d make Gabriel regret underestimating her.

Readers should read this book …

Readers shoulder read this book because it’s fast-paced and full of tension. It’s a little different than most books because you know who the bad guy is from the very first page. Because of that, there are tons of twists and turns to keep the suspense and surprises coming.

I also think they will like the relationship between Evelyn and Connor. He comes off as a big, tough guy but it’s clear he’s a big softie who will do anything for the people he loves. Evelyn starts out shy and timid, hiding in the shadows of her life until she discovers an inner-strength she didn’t realize she had.

This book, although about a creepy psychopath who kidnaps women with the aid of a dating app, is also about how two people come together because of a horrible situation but are able to bring out the best in each other. Something I think is important for any love story.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

Currently I am working on another romantic suspense novel for Entangled. I have two books contracted in the series, Heroines of the Heartland, about badass women who take charge, even when love is on the line.

I have a contemporary romance, A Place in This World, coming out later this year as well as working on edits with a romantic suspense book recently acquired by Harlequin.

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: A signed copy of GIRL LONG GONE if it is a U.S. based winner, or a digital copy if the winner is International.

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: When reading romantic suspense, do you like the books to focus more on the romance or more on the suspense?

 
 
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Excerpt from Girl Long Gone:

“What are you doing?”

Evelyn’s head snapped up and her heart stalled. The hard lines around Gabriel’s mouth betrayed his amused tone.

Lacey stood behind him, her wide eyes and pained expression mirroring Evelyn’s emotions. But she couldn’t let Gabriel see her sweat, especially if what she suspected about the key ring was true.

Bending at the waist, she gripped the back of Gabriel’s chair, and the coarse fabric of his jacket bent the ends of her French-tipped nails. Swallowing hard, she said, “I’m so sorry. I got really lightheaded all of a sudden and needed to rush to the restroom. As soon as I stood, my knees buckled and I grabbed your chair to steady myself. Your jacket slipped off, and your keys fell from your pocket. I was about to pick them up but was hit again by this dizziness. I hope I haven’t caught a bug.”

It wasn’t a complete lie, she did feel sick. But it wasn’t a virus affecting her, but the brutal truth smacking her in the face.

Concern etched fine lines in the thin skin around Gabriel eyes, even as his pupils dilated. “Do you want me to take you home? My car’s not far. It would be much faster than grabbing a cab or taking the train all the way back to Queens.”

Alarm tightened her muscles. How could she refuse his offer without alerting him to her reservations…if he wasn’t already aware?

“Evelyn, how weird to see you and Gabriel both here. It’s been years.” Lacey oozed excitement and rushed over to grip her in a fierce hug. “I’m sorry you don’t feel well, but I’d love to catch up. What if I get you home, and we can chat a little on the way? A little girl talk for old time’s sake would be amazing.”

Relief lifted the corners of Evelyn’s lips. “That would be wonderful. I’m sorry to ruin the evening, Gabriel, but I wouldn’t be able to discuss our business tonight. Can I get a rain check?”

The waiter strode by with a short, clear glass filled to the top with amber liquid. He shifted his puzzled gaze from one face to the other. “Sir, did you still want your scotch?”

Gabriel tucked in his lips and nodded. “Sure.” He waited for the waiter to set down his drink then continued, “Certainly, we can get together another time. I hope you feel better soon. I’ll call you later.”

Evelyn reached for the purse on the side of her chair, and Gabriel leaned forward to place his lips on her cheek. His hot breath slid against her face, and she shuddered. He skimmed his hand over her bare shoulder, pressing his long fingers against her bicep just enough to become uncomfortable.

She fumbled with her purse strap and sidestepped to keep from meeting his gaze. She’d always been a horrible poker player, and this was one lie she couldn’t be caught telling. “Good night.”

With her gaze on the cherry-red polish of her big toe, she started for the door with Lacey at her side. “I have to call Detective Mitchel. He needs to know what I saw.” She spoke in a whisper, even though Gabriel couldn’t possibly hear her.

But his presence clung to her like a burr. She glanced over her shoulder just as the crowd shifted. He stood beside the table with the keychain dangling from his fist and his gaze locked on her. The edges of his mouth tipped up at the corners, but his eyes were narrowed. Fear grabbed hold of her throat.

Gabriel Wilson was a bad man, but there’s no way she could walk away now. She needed to help find Monica.

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

Monica’s stomach fluttered with excitement as she told the interesting man she’d been flirting with online for weeks all about her weekend plans. He was a great match, and they had so many things in common. But sometimes your life can come down to one single bad decision…

NYPD Computer-crimes detective Connor Mitchel’s sister is missing. As he combs through his sister’s life, he realizes Monica might not have been this killer’s first target—or his last. In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Connor thinks he’s finally found the man responsible for his sister’s disappearance. Unfortunately, he’ll first need to convince the shy, distrustful Evelyn Price she could be the next victim tangled in the murderer’s web if she doesn’t agree to help him catch the killer. But just as Connor and Evelyn close in on their quarry, the killer has one last trick up his sleeve that could trap them all…
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads |
 
 

Meet the Author:

Danielle grew up with a love of reading, partly due to her namesake—Danielle Steele. It seemed as though she was born to write out the same love stories she devoured while growing up.
She attended Bowling Green State University with a dream of studying creative writing, but the thought of sharing her work in front of a group of strangers made her change her major to Political Science.
After college she moved across the state of Ohio with her soon-to-be husband. Once they married and had babies, she decided to stay home and raise her children. Some days her sanity slipped further across the line to crazy town so she decided to brush off her rusty writing chops and see what happened.
Danielle now spends her days running kids around, playing with her beloved dog, and typing as fast as she can to get the stories in her head written down. She loves to write contemporary romance with relatable characters that make her readers’ hearts happy, as well as fast-paced romantic suspense that leaves them on the edge of their seats. Her story ideas are as varied and unpredictable as her everyday life.
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