Hi, readers! I am beyond pleased to announce a very special post today on ILRB. We’re doing something a little different. This is our twenty-fourth official author interview on this romance blog! I know in the past, we did character interviews then switched over to the author’s take on it, but this approach is a bit unusual.
We have a real treat for you, readers. Today we get to speak one-on-one with a talented author. Please join me in welcoming Caroline Beauregard to ILRB! 😀
Marie Lavender: Hello, Caroline. Please have a seat.
Author Caroline Beauregard: Hi, Marie!
Marie: Hey, such a pleasure to have you here!
I’m going to throw in some standard questions first.
Obviously, we know your occupation as an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I know I’m overloading you with questions, but we’re really interested in finding out more about you…
Caroline: I am a new author, and Express Pursuit is my first novel and it belongs to the romantic thriller genre. I work full time as a Health Care manager in a senior residence. I have over 30 years of experience in geriatric and although I love what I do, it has never been enough. My interests are very diversified, which led me to a Bachelor’s in anthropology, a Master’s in medieval history and another in history of art. I also completed two sets of courses of PhD level in French criminal law and comparative literature. I had the travel bug ever since my parents took me on trips when I was a kid. This is the only time when I keep a diary. These are precious to me.
Reading love stories has always been a guilty pleasure. By guilty I mean that it always felt out of place in a university context where other students would look at me with a queer looks if they saw what I read instead of reading intellectual journals in my field of study.
Marie: All right. Congrats on achieving your first publication! 😉
So, tell us…what is your family like?
Caroline: I live with my husband and our Siamese cats, Edward and Michou. At one time, we lived with a cat, a ferret, two lovebirds and a couple of goldfish. Twenty years ago, while living in a no-pets-allowed apartment building, it was hilarious to see us evacuate with our small menagerie whenever there was a fire alarm!
Marie: Cool!
Let’s try something else, okay?
If it doesn’t bother you at all, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?
Caroline: We lived in a split-level home in the suburbs of Montreal. I come from a francophone area. A small backyard with super manicured landscape, thanks to my parents who loved gardening.
Marie: Nice!
Do you have any hobbies, Caroline? What do you enjoy doing?
Caroline: My hobbies are eclectic. I have a collection of children’s picture books, such as those of Jan Brett, because I think children’s picture books should be admired on the same level as work of arts. One day I wish someone would do a museum exposition featuring paintings used for children’s books. I own over 3,500 movies with some serious classics like Hitchcook’s The Lodger (1927). I studied perfumery after taking a class in Grasse, France which led me to install my own little “lab” at home. I also created several videos on YouTube based on popular novels such as the Twilight series and Fifty Shades of Grey. Using a small mannequin, photoshop and a lot of patience I created little gems of movies! I did all the voices, edited the music, and worked on the movie editing.
Marie: Wow!
So, what is your greatest dream?
Caroline: Continue to do the things I love, live an HEA with my husband and pets, keep traveling around the world whenever I get the chance and the budget. As far as writing goes, my ambitions are humble. If I sell 500 copies (for free or not) in my lifetime, I will consider this venture a success.
Marie: I know, right?
Let’s try another question.
What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?
Caroline: I guess, like many people, one wants to be liked, respected and admired. I get that often at work because I can really say, in all humility, that I strive to improve the quality of life of about 200 seniors on a daily basis. I also work with keeping the families informed and involved because I consider them part of my team. I work with great caregivers and there is certainly never a dull moment!
However, I tend to be a loner and therefore when it’s time to be social, I often feel out of my element. So, what is stopping me from being social? My shyness and being often ill at ease with groups of people unless I feel I can add something intelligent to the conversation.
Marie: (Laughs.) I know what you mean. I’m naturally an introvert, and as a writer, I’ve always been more of an observer. The public life of being an author has often forced me to step out of my comfort zone, but sometimes I still fall back on listening rather than participating when it comes to larger crowds.
So…we’re curious, since you write romance. Who was your first love?
Caroline: That one is easy. I met this nerdy boy in class, when I was 15. He would insist on talking to me even if I was the asocial type. It was 40 years ago. I found out he was the geek of the school and he was willing to help study sciences. We started going out that summer when school ended. Later, we moved in together when I was 20 years old, got married at 29 and just celebrated last year our 25th wedding anniversary. Talk about high school sweethearts and HEA.
Marie: Aww! ♥♥♥ That’s fantastic!
(Sighs.) I love romance.
With the next question, I hope I’m not prying too much.
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Caroline: There are so many people with terrible life stories that my own little setback would be deemed insignificant except in my own eyes. I think my last PhD adventure ended my passion for academic endeavors and my trust in the university system. I had worked so hard on my comparative literature thesis preparation. I had presented, at admission, my project and topic and it received the green light until that day when it mattered the most. I felt betrayed and abused because they had let me pursue this knowing too well that they did not intend to support my subject matter in the end. I felt it in my gut, and it left me empty viscerally as if someone had torn out something dear from me.
Marie: Oh, no! That’s horrible! 😥 What jerks… 😡
Let’s move on to another topic, shall we?
[Caroline nods.]
What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
Caroline: First, I wanted to be a costume designer for cinema. Then medicine got favored, but my science marks were never strong enough for this highly competitive career and I soon realized that I like my freedom. Nursing was a useful alternative and I get to do lots of nursing clinical judgement at work, especially when analyzing situations. I must say that I am often quite on the ball about my diagnostics so in a way, I do practice a bit of medicine also.
Marie: Well, I’m sure those experiences are so rewarding! And it couldn’t hurt if you ever have to write about the topic at hand in one of your stories. 😉
So, who is your role model, Caroline?
Caroline: I can’t say that I have any. I am more the kind of person who will want to take on or mimic desirable traits of people I meet and use them to, hopefully, become a better person. I have read a bit of the teaching of the Dalai Lama. (Yes, I’ve been to Tibet too!) I am a Catholic and try to be good with people. I find that if you see your life with a sense of balance it helps to have a better perspective about it.
Marie: Too right! 😀
Let’s try another tactic.
Is there someone you pretend to like but really dislike?
Caroline: There are types of personalities that rub me the wrong way, but one has to remain polite, nevertheless. These cases are usually people I work with and must maintain a professional facade. I could never pretend to like someone in my private life. I am lousy liar!
Marie: Me too, I’m no good at acting!
So, what is your deepest desire?
Caroline: Well, I guess as a human being you hope to come to terms, at the end of your life, with all your inner or deepest demons? Desire for me is something that if I want it badly enough, I will make it happen, one way or another.
Marie: (Nods.) How admirable! 😉
Let’s go for a different approach now.
Just curious here, but what is your greatest fear?
Caroline: These days it’s failure, either perceived by others but more importantly by me. Wow, these are heavy questions. Some of those I have never consciously asked myself. Does this mean I am bad at introspection?
Marie: 😕 Nope. Even as a writer, I find it hard to dig that deep, unless I’ve touched on a personal experience in a writing project.
And it’s all too natural to be afraid of failing at something we care about…
So, let’s switch gears for a second.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what five essentials would you need with you? They don’t have to be practical.
Caroline: Stuff to not get bored – books, movies, internet connection, solar batteries, a survival book?
Oh, I almost forgot…an iPad with keyboard to write about this Crusoe adventure!
Marie: (Chuckles.) 😀
Okay, readers, let’s get the author’s perspective on one of her characters.
We’ve heard rumors about the hero of your story – Special Counter-Terrorist Agent Drake Steinfield. Quite an interesting character. Can you tell us a little about him?
Caroline: He is six foot three, chestnut tussled hair, an unusual pair of green eyes and a kind of Cheshire cat grin he likes to use when teasing the heroine. An athletic build without being a beefcake. Likes to wear his black leather jacket everywhere (it holds a secret accessory) but if the occasion calls for it, he won’t hesitate to snatch a jacket off a waiter to fit in if he is in a tight spot. Because he is always on the move, because of his missions as an anti-terrorist special agent, long term relationships are not his thing but who knows, maybe something or someone will change his mind.
Marie: And what are Drake’s greatest strengths?
Caroline: He is tenacious and will not stop until he catches his man. He excels at finding notorious terrorists. A man of his word, he will defend his opinions with integrity. His expertise in body language are particularly useful to detect liars. Although he is always prepared to face any danger, he doesn’t like to take himself too seriously. He won’t hesitate to use his charm to get what he wants.
Marie: All right.
Any weaknesses of which we should be aware?
Caroline: He has trouble moving on from the tragedy that plagued his family when he was a boy. He still somehow lives in the past and sometimes one could wonder if he is looking for justice or revenge. His greatest weakness these days is a certain fiery petite Air Traffic Controller on vacation who doesn’t hesitate to challenge him every occasion she gets.
Marie: (Grins.) I’m loving the sound of this plot…
Let’s try something fun, shall we?
What are Drake’s favorite foods?
Caroline: Despite his lean and athletic build, the man eats anything and everything he can put his hands on. Usually famished at every meal, he will use the last roll to collect the last drop of sauce of a fancy meal. In addition, you would never find him without his favorite cinnamon candy.
Marie: (Laughs.)
How about another question?
What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Caroline: He has a soft side that he doesn’t know he has and will not hesitate to save anyone or anything caught in a tough situation even if he ends up being embarrassed about it. This is particularly trying when he performs a most unusual rescue.
Marie: So, will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
Caroline: They will love him because he is a man that goes after what he believes is just and fair. He is not perfect. His flaws makes him a realistic character. Readers can relate to him and his family because the story takes place in 2017 and he lived through major events that the reader might be familiar with. His professional goals will also resonate with our own current preoccupations with terrorism. He is kind of an anti-hero who doesn’t like to attract attention to himself, especially when he gets involved in any kind of rescue. Despite the dramatic nature of his job as a Counter-Terrorist Agent, dealing with the Interpol, his devilish, carefree personality is never far behind the surface which makes for interesting dialogue banters between him and the feisty Mara Ellington.
Marie: Nice! 😉
Now that we have a real taste of Drake Steinfield, we have a few questions for you as well as the author, about the writing process of your book.
What first gave you the idea for Express Pursuit?
Caroline: I had this old Harlequin novel where the action took place on the famous Orient Express. The novel had stereotypical characters, a weak plot and lacked action. I love traveling and had been writing travel diaries for decades. So, in March 2013, the ‘What if I wrote my own novel’ turned into another passion and I started to learn about creative writing. The title is a play with different meanings of the word ‘Express’, which relate to the Orient-Express and the idea of speed. ‘Pursuit’ can be view as a personal pursuit or a chase.
Marie: It’s fascinating how the muse works, hmm? 🙂
Let’s try something else.
What is your writing style like, Caroline? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
Caroline: I am definitely a plotter. I have a spreadsheet I made at the beginning of the creative process where every increment of the story is organized. Everything from time, location, romantic progress, personality details unfolding and thrill or plot-suspense development. This way I could tract what bits of info I was giving the reader while making sure the romance and plot threads were moving along. Then, when I knew what I wanted to write about in each chapter or subsection, I could more freely become a pantster.
Marie: Cool!
So, I’m throwing this one in for our aspiring writers. Did you come across any specific challenges in writing Express Pursuit or publishing it? What would you do differently the next time?
Caroline: I think that overall, I was lucky to learn about creative writing while having a specific project or story in mind. Creative writing is harder than any memoir or scholarly documents I ever wrote. So much time is devoted to it. Patience is key if you are determined. The biggest challenge, once you believe that you have a decent novel on your hands, is to get it known and sell it. When you are a debut author with zero experience, you can at least benefit from online available information. Even if this adventure may not be lucrative, I will be forever enriched by it.
Marie: Great!
Well, it was a total pleasure having you here on the I Love Romance Blog! And how apropos is that, considering what a great story Express Pursuit appears to be… ♥
Let’s learn more about this book.
Title: Express Pursuit
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Publication date: April 3, 2020
Congrats on your new release! 😀
Here is the blurb:
Follow Mara Ellington’s trip across Europe riding the Orient-Express where she suddenly gets entangled in a complicated terrorist attack threat.
As she rushed down London’s Victoria Station, feisty Air Traffic Controller Mara Ellington fought her apprehensions about this journey. It was no longer the trip of a lifetime she had dreamed about with her best friend. Instead, fate had turned this exciting adventure into a lonely voyage to honor her deathbed’s wish. After arriving at the train’s platform, a strange incident will leave her baffled but not as much as her unexpected confrontation with Counter-Terrorist Agent Drake Steinfield who has also boarded the legendary Orient-Express, on a mission to thwart a terrorist threat.
The sexy and tenacious agent is on the tail of an elusive Al-Qaeda Extremist leader who has planned a string of massive explosions along the train’s route. Additionally, he may be using the tourist as a pawn in his schemes and according to the CT agent, this makes her his best lead to stop him. Mara and Steinfield will need to join their forces and race against the terrorist’s deadline to prevent these massive tragedies, if they can put aside their clashing personalities and growing attraction. What destiny awaits them down the line of this Express Pursuit?
Caroline is giving us a peek at the story…
August 25th, 2017, London, Victoria Station, Morning
I never go back on my word because a promise is a promise. But still, rushing to catch a vintage Express train instead of using a modern aircraft seemed ludicrous to me. Granted, I wasn’t laughing last night when my New York to London flight took off with a ninety-minute delay.
Like a maniac, I ran across London’s Victoria Station, afraid that I’d be too late to reach Platform No. 2 in time for my departure. I caught my breath for a second and glimpsed at the legendary train up ahead, painted in milk-chocolate brown and custard gold. Further up, the stationmaster, in full livery, waited for the passengers to complete their boarding procedures. At a small temporary desk, over which stood a banner reading Venice Simplon Orient Express, a steward was greeting the last incoming travelers for the VSOE while handing out glasses of champagne. I, Mara Ellington, was about to embark on a trip across Europe aboard one of the most illustrious trains in history.
I resumed my sprint, racing past the different gates. Platform No.2, along with Platform No.1, stood at the extreme end of the station. As I approached, my eyes began to sting and water. After a couple of useless blinks, I had to stop again as my throat also became irritated, as if I had been running at a breakneck speed for hours. The pause allowed me to rummage for my ticket in my overstuffed Chanel purse, but my eyes burned like hell now. I lifted my head and wrinkled my nose from the strong acrid smell coming from a white cloud of smoke spreading on the nearby platform about fifty feet away.
The noise level in the station moved up a couple of decibels as I got closer to my destination. A moment later, dozens of travelers were running in all directions, some coughing and crouching. The chaos was denser up ahead at the front of the platform. By now, whistles and automated alarms were ringing all around the platform. I didn’t have time to examine the scene further as something forceful yanked me down from behind.
The impact reverberated in my skull when I hit the concrete floor and within seconds, a sharp pain detonated in the back of my head as dark spots flashed in front of me. Did I black out? I couldn’t be sure, but my eyes struggled to focus.
The hard surface of the concrete offered no comfort to my aching head and stiff back. What in the world had hit me? It appeared that I was the only one to have been a victim to this invisible earthquake, judging by my quick survey of my surroundings. The white cloud at the next platform had dissipated. Dozens of uniformed security men arrived, running and barking orders.
Everything happened so fast and l still had no clue what I was doing on the floor.
I took a visual inventory of my body parts, checking for visible injuries. I lay sprawled with my left knee up while my other leg was stretched out at an awkward angle. The slit of my skirt had ripped further up, revealing the full length of my thigh. I pushed the now messy tangles off my flushed face. At least I wasn’t bleeding. There was nothing graceful about my fall. I kept looking around to see what had hit me. My purse’s contents, scattered everywhere around me, had likely flown out during the fall. My carry-on had tipped on the floor. As I turned my head the other way, I saw a man crouched beside me. His turned down face was hidden by the hat, sunglasses and bandana he wore over his nose. I couldn’t discern much of his cast down face. Following the direction of his eyes, I caught a pair of hairy hands and a flash of silver, but before I could make any sense of what I saw he was already up and running away toward the exits. Had he stolen anything from me?
“Hey! Wait! Stop!” I croaked, unable to yell louder because my throat still burned from the scratch of the pungent smoke. I coughed several times and tried to get up to run after the likely thief, but a fit a dizziness prevented me.
This whole situation was beyond crazy. Had the smoke been caused by a fire or had a bomb exploded? I struggled to get up again, pulling down my skirt while straightening myself up. Upon sitting upright, I checked my head, sliding my fingers over the painful small lump forming on the back of my skull. Ouch. A steward rushed in my direction but someone else got to me first.
Dressed in black from head to toe, the approaching man reached me with a swift grace and leaned over me. Definitely eye candy. Mid-thirties, tousled brown hair, and a light stubble on his jaw. He was sporting a rugged sophistication typical of publicity shots for Gentlemen’s Quarterly magazine.
“Are you hurt, Miss?” He frowned with an unusual pair of green eyes.
“No, I don’t think so, but I think someone may have robbed me. I caught him hovering over my purse for a second, but he ran out when I called after him.”
He studied me from top to bottom, like a doctor assessing a patient for injuries. Satisfied with his findings, his frown morphed into another kind of expression. This one had nothing professional about it. A slow grin eased his well-defined jaw, a hint of the mischievous nature hiding behind his features. I could have sworn that he was giving me a quick overall glance as if assessing my figure!
The man certainly had an imposing presence. Measuring, I’d say, six foot one, with a lean but athletic build, he gave a commanding presence despite the laid-back attitude he had first shown. Not what one would call a beefcake, but he sure exhibited an aura of strength and determination. The easiness with which he could shift from a devil-may-care feline grace to a calculating predator disconcerted me. My primal instincts warmed me against his magnetic animal charm. I hated to admit it, but I was ill equipped to deal with such a potent combination.
“Did you see what he looked like? Which way did he go?” he asked, his attitude now turned all businesslike.
“Gray trench coat, baseball cap and a bandana over his nose. He ran off toward the exits before I could stop him,” I said.
The handsome man turned and scanned the area, but it was already too late. Likely, the mystery man with the bandana must be far away by now.
“Here, let me help you…Miss?” He bent, handing me with precise dexterity all the items from my purse that had flown down on the floor.
“Ellington, Mara Ellington.” With haste, I stuffed the items back into my purse. When he handed me my wallet, I opened every section to take an inventory.
“Anything missing?” A brief look of concern creased his brow.
By this time, a security officer was arriving in my direction while an army of other ones where bringing order back on Platform No.1.
I frowned, closing my wallet. “No, there is nothing missing.”
Now, I should have been relieved, but I was not. This incident was beyond strange. Someone must have pushed me down. This couldn’t be an accident. But if it was not to rob me, what was this about? I scanned the crowd in case I spotted the man I thought was running away, but it was in vain. There was too much commotion with the chaos going on in the next platform and whoever he was, he must have used the disruption to disappear quickly.
“Did you see the man running away from me?”
“No, I’m sorry, I was busy helping the team of security agents by Platform No.1.”
“What happened over there?” I pointed my chin in that direction.
“It’s still under investigation, but it looks like someone threw a tear gas bomb.”
He leaned over, offering me help to get up. His large hands were strong and sure, but the contact of his skin shot a flash of tingling electricity through me. He lifted me without the least bit of effort although my legs were still unsteady. His tall and solid frame exceeded my height by a good six inches.
He ran his right hand along the back of my head. “Maybe you should have yourself checked out by the paramedics over there.” He jutted his head toward Platform No. 1. “You might have a concussion.”
His proximity sped my heart rate and flushed me with erratic heat waves followed by cold sweats. Let’s stay calm, I reminded myself.
“No. I think I’ll be fine.”
“Well, have a safe trip, miss,” he said, extending his hand. His eyes bore into mine as if he was looking for something. Under different circumstances, I might have looked for an excuse to prolong the conversation, but I couldn’t find anything smart to say as my mind remained still half dumb from my fall.
I stared at his outstretched hand and mumbled a stupid, “Thanks for your help, sir.”
“No problem, and stay out of trouble.” He winked, flashing me a killer smile before leaving to rejoin the team of security agents and police force busy with the nearby commotion. Because he wore no uniform, I gathered he wasn’t part of either group, but still his attitude hinted he might be someone working on official business here. That’s it. That’s what I should have asked him about, but it was too late; he was already out of ear shot.
Perhaps I was suffering from a distorted imagination because I had been half knocked out, but the moment his warm fingers left my hand, I almost missed their contact on my flesh for some inexplicable reason. I dismissed the fleeting sensation.
I must have been jittery from the accumulated stress built over these last few weeks. To start, three weeks ago my lifelong best friend and confidant, Josie, who was supposed to accompany me on this trip, had passed away as a result of a car accident. I felt responsible for her death because I’m the one who had been driving that fateful night. There was not a single day that passed since when I did not feel the snaking tightness of remorse. I didn’t want to go on this journey alone, feeling sorry for myself, but she made me promise, before she died, to go on with this trip as planned. I guess she thought it would give me time to get over another failed relationship and give me the occasion to travel.
Two months ago, I had caught my boyfriend cheating on me. Could this get any worse? Josie always complained that as an air traffic controller, I insured the safety of thousands of airline passengers daily, but the irony is that I seldom traveled myself. At least, when I arrived at my final destination, I’d get to reunite with my globe trotter elder sister Sylvia whom I hadn’t seen for two years.
As I walked along the side of the train glancing through its windows, I noticed that almost everyone had already boarded. Most travelers were darting looks toward Platform No.1 as disorder still reigned in the station. Like me, they must have been wondering if they would be asked to disembark and evacuate the train station.
A sophisticated socialite, in her sixties, judging by her Botox-filled face, readjusted her fox fur stole as she stepped out of the wagon-lit car. Poor animal; he hung from her shoulders like flat roadkill. She had a quick word with the young steward, who was still waiting for me to go on board. She smiled with compassion in my direction. However, on reflection, her arched pencil traced eyebrows betrayed more a look of impatience as a tightm calculated smile completed the studied poise. That was the cue for the steward to take a few steps in my direction.
I darted a last look at the handsome man who had helped me. He was busy discussing with what appeared to be a SWAT team who had arrived on the other platform. He was pointing at different members of the security team of the train as if giving them orders and directions. Now and then, he tilted his head to the side and touched his ear with his index finger to listen better to whoever was talking to him in his Bluetooth earpiece. During that time, the public announcement speaker called for the final boarding for the VSOE. The loud whistle of the train almost made me jump out of my skin. As if I wasn’t on edge enough, I leaped up with the sudden pressure release from the bottom of the car stationed beside me.
I had not boarded yet, and if I didn’t hurry, I’d miss the train. Get a grip, Mara, I chastised myself. To make matters worse, Mrs. “Nosy Fox Stole” was now peering at me with full attention only a short distance away. No doubt she had seen my tumble. The young steward, supervising the boarding of the tardy passengers, slid another glance my way.
“Miss, I have received the authorization by the train station security team to finalize the boarding. Please allow me to show you to your cabin,” said the young and eager steward.
As I reached my assigned seat situated in the Phoenix car, I remained perplexed about that teargas bomb. Since the train station was not evacuated, I would think it was because it must have been an isolated event. Perhaps even a prank. The gentleman with unforgettable green eyes was the platform about fifty feet away and turned at this moment in my direction, branding a permanent image in my memory.
“Welcome aboard, I hope you’ll enjoy your journey,” greeted the steward while helping me put my carry-on up on the luggage rack. His sharp royal blue uniform was trimmed with gold buttons and trimming. It even included a golden VSOE logo embroidered badge.
With a sigh, I half collapsed on the plush upholstered sofa and only admired the shiny polished intricate woodwork of the cabin’s cherry wood panels with mild interest. My nose detected a faint mixture of wood polishing wax and the delicate aroma of fresh-cut flowers from a dainty silver vase decorating a small folding table by the window. These elegant touches, aimed for the sophisticated travelers, should have enthralled or at least relaxed me, but I couldn’t appreciate the rich appointments of the fabled train and this magical moment because my thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.
What had happened on the platform before boarding? Shaking my head, it occurred to me that maybe I shouldn’t dwell too much on the incident and instead focus on the refined atmosphere of this compartment, straight out of the Golden Age of fine traveling. This made my unusual encounters appear rather absurd now even if I couldn’t dismiss it all together. Who was this stranger who had fled from me at the station? Why did his behavior seem so peculiar? Was this a rioter who had decided to go for a quick steal during the commotion on the platform? My thoughts replayed my meeting with the handsome man from the station on a non-stop loop. Like involuntary flashbacks assaulting my mind, I kept seeing his forest green eyes assessing me. His virile scent had stirred something strange in me. He had not worn a police or security officer uniform, but his tone had sounded business like and official when he said, “under investigation” and “someone threw a tear gas bomb”. I assumed he worked with the official local authority or security agents.
I wouldn’t say the events on the platform left me uneasy and worried, because I don’t do emotional. I always pride myself on being considered quite a level-headed person, a fast decision maker and a no-nonsense kind of woman. At least, that’s what the guys say about me at the John F. Kennedy Airport control tower. Because I juggle over fifty aircrafts per hour in my designated space area, there is no room for sentimentality when I’m dealing with thousands of lives that depend on the efficiency and safety of my split-second decisions.
But then again, I had made the wrong decision that disastrous night a little over three weeks ago. That split-second decision had cost my best childhood friend her life because of my fault. I would never forgive myself for offering to drive her fancy vintage Porsche for the first time. I didn’t want her to take the wheel. She had had too much to drink. Instead of calling a taxi, I had to be so helpful and take charge of the situation. That was until our encounter with an out of control ten wheeled truck. While I came out with nothing more than a few scratches and bruises, she died the following day from internal injuries and post-operative complications.
So here I was, miserable and gripped with an uncontrollable guilt over Josie’s death when I was supposed to be enjoying the trip of a lifetime with my best friend. I could only hope that my promise to go ahead with this journey gave her some measure of comfort.
Now, after my delayed flight, arriving in London’s Victoria station in the middle of a tear gas bomb attack and being thrown to the floor, I was even less enthused by the prospect of this journey.
So intense! ♥♥♥ I can’t wait to find out what happens next. 😀
Purchase Links:
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/4XX5Dg
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52835152-express-pursuit-a-romantic-thriller
What are people saying about Express Pursuit?
“‘Wow’ is the first word that comes to mind when thinking about this story. This author’s debut novel is nothing short of an amazing read. Her characters are so well written and developed you feel like you know them. The storyline so precisely laid out and detailed that you don’t just read it, you live it with her characters. I immensely enjoyed having the chance to read and experience this story of suspense and just the right dose of romance. ” – Nikkita Marie Blake, Goodreads
“Grab a copy of Express Pursuit by Caroline Beauregard and hop aboard the famous Orient Express, the journey is yours for the taking!
I absolutely loved Express Pursuit! The balance between suspense and drama, with a splash of comedy, was perfect. There was enough romance and sexual tension to keep me entertained, yet it was clean enough for me to consider buying for my nieces. I believe you have a hit here!” – Kathryn Brown, Goodreads
Looks fantastic! 😉
We’ll be sure to get a copy of this romantic thriller! ♥♥♥
About Caroline Beauregard
Caroline Beauregard draws her inspiration for her romantic thriller from her passion for travel. She works in Health Care and her broad background ranges from comparative literature, anthropology and history of art. She lives in Montreal with her husband and Siamese cats.
Book:
And, if you want to know how to connect with the fascinating Caroline Beauregard, here are some author links…
Website: https://carolinebeauregard.mailchimpsites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Caroline-Beauregard-104007827736804
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarolineBeaure3
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Beauregard/e/B086HYJL4T/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20000058.Caroline_Beauregard
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beauregard7509/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdU14C1QGi2bg-Xaa_XxJQ/
Newsletter Sign-up: https://carolinebeauregard.mailchimpsites.com/news
Once again, I want to thank Caroline Beauregard, the brilliant author of this romantic thriller novel, for stopping by! It was a pleasure to have you here! Readers, check out her work! ♥
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