I had to know the answer to this question: Who is your favorite character in the Disaster Crimes series?
Here’s what the author, Chrys Fey wrote. Thorn. Hands down. And what’s interesting is that he wasn’t a character I had planned. In Hurricane Crimes (Book 1) Beth and Donovan carried that story and are the only characters (aside from Hurricane Sabrina) until one bad guy comes in at the end. Thorn comes into the series in Seismic Crimes (Book 2) because of the case against the murderers of Donovan’s brother, an Internal Affairs investigator. He wasn’t supposed to have a big role, but he wanted to come back for an undercover string. And then again after the earthquake. Okay, I thought, you’re cool and funny, so I’ll let you come along for the ride.
In Tsunami Crimes, we see him more often. We also see other sides of him. He’s not just the detective or the guy who likes to flirt with Beth to get on Donovan’s nerves. He’s also caring, comes to Beth and Donovan’s rescue, speaks wisdom to Donovan, and gets embarrassed when Beth cries. He was quickly becoming a character I wanted to write about more and more.
So, I did. In Flaming Crimes, Thorn is called upon by Beth and Donovan for help. We witness his impressive driving skills as a law enforcement officer, in fiery woods to boot. I also introduce a possible love interest…Amanda, and in doing that, uncovered yet another side of Thorn—his romantic heart. He was always a great friend, like a brother to Beth and Donovan, but he hadn’t had the chance to show any other aspect of love up until then. In Frozen Crimes, I expanded on that. I had to. It was too good to resist, and Thorn wouldn’t have let me. Before I even began writing Frozen Crimes, I knew Thorn would have his own story with Amanda.
I guess you could say Thorn stole my writer’s heart.
Pages: 154
Genre: Romantic-Suspense
Heat Rating: Hot
BLURB:
*A FIGHTING CHANCE is Book 6 in the Disaster Crimes series, but it’s a spin-off featuring a new couple, so it can be read as a standalone.*
Thorn has loved Amanda from afar, giving her whatever she needs as a survivor of abuse—space, protection, and stability. He yearns to give her more, though, to share his feelings, kiss her, love her, but he’s worried the truth will frighten her away.
And Amanda is afraid. She’s scared of her attraction for Thorn. Most of all, she’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, who is lurking nearby where no one can find him. When she grows closer to Thorn, Damon retaliates, jeopardizing their happy ending.
Up against an abusive ex and Mother Nature, do Thorn and Amanda have a fighting chance?
Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes
EXCERPT:
Amanda looked up from the current list of up-to-date payments for classes. A movement outside the glass storefront caught her eye. She tilted her head to see a man coming up the sidewalk from the side where the picnic bench sat. Through the vertical blinds, she glimpsed a square face—a short, rugged beard and long, dark hair pulled into a man bun. Her breath fled from her lungs. Her body went from icy cold to flaming hot in the span of a millisecond. She dropped to the floor and slid under the counter, beneath the ledge where they put their purses and cell phones.
“What—” Beth peeked at the windows. Then she snapped her fingers at April and pointed at the stools.
April jumped into action. She pushed the stools in so they blocked Amanda. The bell attached to the door jingled as April removed the jacket she wore and draped it across the stools, creating a curtain to shield Amanda.
From a crack, Amanda watched Beth move to stand in front of the twins, who were in their walkers playing peacefully. “I’m sorry, but we’re going to be closing.”
“I don’t give a shit. I’m here for Amanda.”
The sound of Damon’s voice had her heart beating even harder. That voice had haunted her nightmares, had come back to life in her memories.
Beth cocked her head to the side. “Who? There’s no one by that name here.”
“Don’t bullshit me. I know she works here.”
His voice was closer now.
***FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME***
THE DISASTER CURSE
Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes
Author’s Note: I wrote The Disaster Curse to answer a few lingering questions readers may have after reading A Fighting Chance, and to tie the whole series together with a neat, shiny, perfect little bow. Plus, there was one disaster that I hadn’t written about yet. *wink*
The Disaster Crimes Series:
*The Crime Before the Storm (prequel)
Hurricane Crimes (novella, #1)
Seismic Crimes (#2)
Lightning Crimes (free short, #2.5)
Tsunami Crimes (#3)
Flaming Crimes (#4)
Frozen Crimes (#5)
A Fighting Chance (spin-off, #6)
The Disaster Curse (short story, #7)
*Free exclusive story to newsletter subscribers.
***LAUNCHING A WEBSITE***
TheFightingChance.org is a website dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Inspired by the Disaster Crimes series.
***GIVEAWAY***
Prizes: Hurricane Crimes (Disaster Crimes 1) and Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes 2) eBooks (mobi or epub), Hurricane Crimes Playing Cards, Girl Boss Sign, and a Volcanic Blast Scented Candle
Link: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23d974a92670/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com
Author Links:
Newsletter / Website / Facebook Group /Blog / BookBub Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon
Sandra Cox says
What a sweet picture.
You’ve definitely made some keeper friends.
Love the quote.
Sandra Cox says
Whoops left my comment on the wrong post.
Hey, Chrys:)
Sandra Cox says
Whoops, wrong post.
Nice to see Chrys here though:)
Nas says
Hello Lee!
Congratulations Chrys on another awesome story!
C. Lee McKenzie says
How great to hear from you, Nas. Hope all is well.
Mark Noce says
Looks cool! I’ll check it out 🙂
Denise Covey says
Hi Lee! Hi Chrys!
I love it when characters demand more books! Thorn sounds interesting. It’s always intriguing when an author has a favorite character, but to be expected with the number of hours spent in their heads!
C. Lee McKenzie says
We do have a long-time relationship with our people, don’t we?
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
I’m looking forward to tracing Thorn’s story from the beginning. There are a lot of really good guys in the world, and I’m glad Thorn gets a chance to shine.
Chrys Fey says
It was nice and refreshing to write about such a good guy.
Thank you for commenting, Louise!
Jemi Fraser says
I’m glad Thorn demanded his own story – I’m enjoying it right now!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Looking forward to your review, Jemi.
Chrys Fey says
Thank you so much, Jemi! I can’t wait to find out what you think of it. 🙂
Liz A. says
It’s funny how characters just show up and insist on existing and continuing on. They must be likeable in some way, otherwise, they’d be easier to resist.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Some characters just want a story. It’s up to wriers to give them one. I guess Thorn got his way.
Chrys Fey says
LOL! And Thorn is very likeable. 🙂
Natalie Aguirre says
That’s cool how Thorn wasn’t supposed to be a big character and he developed into having a bigger role as you wrote the series.
Chrys Fey says
Thorn was such a fun character to get to know. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
When a minor character comes to life, I suppose you just have to let him have his way.
L. Diane Wolfe says
When I began my series, it was just going to be one story about Lori and Jason. Then all the side characters started pairing off and I knew I needed to tell their story, too.
Chrys Fey says
It can be annoying when character do that (lol) but also great. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
How exciting! One book turns into several because the characters say so.
Chrys Fey says
Thank you so much for having me on your blog, C. Lee! I am honored to be here.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It’s always a pleasure, Chrys.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee and Chrys – he certainly sounds interesting … and you’re bringing his character to life for us … good for you – all the best – Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love it when the characters stick with me after I close the book.
Chrys Fey says
Thank you, Hilary! I loved bringing Thorn to life. 🙂
Jeff says
Congratulations, Chrys! Wonder how your characters would survive being caught up in a civil disturbance? Sadly, that seems to be on many of our minds these days.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That might well be a whole new book!
Chrys Fey says
Thanks, Jeff! And to answer your question…they’d survive. They are smart. They’ve dealt with criminals and criminal rings. They’d know what to do to stay safe and to protect each other. They may get banged up, as they usually do, but they pull through.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
There is always that side character that wants more screen time.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Absolutely! Can’t help but have a few favorites.
Chrys Fey says
There certainly is, and we gotta give it to them. 🙂