The Wild Life by Stacey Deanne -- Guest Blog and Giveaway

When Albany Detective Brianna “Bree” Morris learns that Cuban crime lord Milan Varela wants her estranged father dead, she heads off to Miami to find out why. With Homicide Detective Jayce Matthews and her ex-lover Detective Steven Kemp she devises a plot to get close to the Varela organization.

Brianna finds herself attracted to the older Milan and falls deep into his web of seduction while fighting to keep her mind on her mission. Milan is equally drawn to Brianna and vows to win her trust and her heart.

Is Milan really the villain when it comes to Brianna’s father? Or is he the victim?

Is Brianna’s father really in danger or is there more to the story than anyone could ever imagine?

Brianna risks her life to save her father’s but will she end up losing her own?

Albany Detectives Brianna “Bree” Morris and Steven Kemp originate from my ’08 novel Melody. I fell in love with them instantly and I knew there was more I wanted to explore with these characters. Readers enjoyed Bree and Steven more than the main characters in Melody. Something just sparked with them. Bree is black and Steven is white. Not only are they professional partners but they used to be together romantically. Throughout the series the two have different romantic adventures with others, but their friendship remains strong.

How Readers Get More Insight to Bree in this Book:

I believe that with a series, readers get to know the characters through glimpses here and there. The Wild Life is the first book that goes into detail about Bree’s life. Readers get a glimpse into Bree’s childhood and her strained relationship with her father, George. When people see what Bree went through as a kid, it will give them a better understanding as to why she is the way she is with men and relationships.

Why Existing Fans of the Series will Enjoy The Wild Life:

I’m confident that existing fans will enjoy this book. With each release I hope to satisfy readers more and more. From the advanced reviews I’ve gotten, I think they’ll find The Wild Life better than the previous installments. The story is quite different from the other two because it takes place in Miami, and this installment focuses on Bree and her upbringing.

Enjoy this excerpt:

“What do you expect me to say, Steve?” Brianna sat beside Jayce. “I don’t even know what’s going on.”

He bent over her. “Can’t anything go well for you, woman? Why do you keep getting yourself in these predicaments?”

“Oh excuse me for coming home and finding a man in my kitchen!”

Jersey tugged on her ears. “I have a huge headache and one of my officers has just been attacked. The last thing I need is for you two to argue.”

Steven and Brianna made faces at each other.

“We’re worried about you, Morris. Tell us what’s going on so we can help.”

“I don’t know if you can help.”

Davis slunk into the room and rested at Brianna’s feet. She scooped up the brown feline.

“The guy that tried to kill me…” She scratched Davis’ ear. “Well he worked for Milan Varela.”

Steven gaped. “What the f*** did you just say?”

Brianna shrugged.

“Are you f***** kidding me? A man who worked for the head of the Southern Cuban Mafia was here? Here?”

“I was telling Bree that a friend of mine in the FBI might be able to help her,” Jayce said. “It’s about her father. They’re looking for him.”

“George?” Jersey’s green eyes beamed from behind her glasses. “What the hell would the Cuban Mafia want with George?”

“No telling. You know the life my father lives. It’s full of risks and he makes no apologies for it.”

Jersey touched the back of her neck. “How the hell could he even get close to Milan Varela in the first place?”

“So this is the type of stuff your father’s always into?”

“Jayce my father has never been a father to me. He stays gone for decades at a time and pops up probably once every ten or fifteen years when he wants something. I wonder if he even remembers he has a daughter half the time.” She kissed Davis’ head. “Right now what’s important is this mess he’s got going with Milan. Why would he want my dad dead?”

“I just can’t believe this. I mean your dad has been involved in some shady things during his life but nothing like this. What are you gonna do, Morris?”

“As much as I hate him, I can’t let anything happen to him. I gotta find out where he is.”

The Wild Life is available in print and ebook. Buy the book for Nook or Kindle. Connect with the author at www.stacy-deanne.net, Facebook, and Twitter. Join her mailing list.

Giveaway Question: What makes you put down a book and why?

Five people who provide the most interesting answer to this question will each win an ebook copy of The Wild Life. Giveaway ends at 8 pm Central Time. Ebook copies will be emailed to participants by Stacy-Deanne. Commenters must leave email address with comment to be eligible.