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Ruby Release Spotlight: ‘Under Fire’ by Rita Henuber
 Posted by Autumn Jordon Aug 22 2011, 12:01 am in Ruby Release
D: I’m coming. I have the bubbly on ice. Do you have the chocolate strawberries ready? A: Trays of them. They’re yummy. D: {Darynda arches a brow and offers a napkin} I see. Here. Wipe the chocolate off you face. A: Thanks. {Autumn blushes} Hi everyone. My co-hostess, Darynda Jones and I are so thrilled to host a party today for Rita Henuber. Her debut release, ‘Under Fire’, is now out from Carina Press. D: That is one SMOKIN’ cover. A: It fits the book perfectly. Guaranteed, lovers of romantic suspense and strong, smart heroines and really hot action heroes will love this fast pace read. A: I asked Rita a few questions recently. Check out her responses below. And while Darynda fills the flutes with cyber-champagne and I pass the chocolate strawberries, Rita will chat with you all. BTW Want a free copy of this action filled, smexy read? Post a comment. Rita will have Olivia pick two names, totally at random, to receive a copy of Under Fire. Good luck everyone!
Hi, Rita! Congrats on your debut release! Why don’t you start by sharing a blurb for Under Fire?
R: OMG. Hi everyone.
Coast Guard helicopter pilot Olivia Carver is on a personal mission. Her twin brother, an undercover officer, was murdered by a drug cartel and she won’t stop until she finds the person responsible for his death.
In the course of her own investigation, Olivia meets informant Rico Cortes. He’s mysterious and sexy, and despite her reservations, the two share a night of passion. But Rico turns out to be more than a one-night stand. He’s a DEA agent, deep undercover in Miami’s drug world, and possibly the one person who can help Olivia find the justice she seeks. When Rico realizes his cover is compromised, he isn’t sure whether it was someone in the cartel or an inside agent. Olivia is the only one he can trust and together they venture on a dangerous, rogue mission to infiltrate a drug lord’s inner circle…with Olivia as bait.
I was blown away by your first chapter. The situation was so realistic and drew me into the story immediately. Really, I felt like I was in the helo, holding onto my seat with my heart racing and stomach dropping to my feet. Your heroine, Olivia Carver, is such a strong personality and I wondered what connections you have to the coast guard or the military? Were you once a helicopter pilot? If not, how did you research the operations and the handling of an aircraft?
Blown away? Realistic? Wow! Thanks for the compliment. My daddy was Coast Guard and I come from a military kinda family. Extend that to a Marine Corps husband and son.
Helicopter Pilot? No. I really don’t like helicopters. The only reason they fly is because they beat the air into submission and if anything goes wrong they have the glide path of a rock. I researched flight procedures and manuals. Helo pilots have a lot to do to keep those suckers in the air. So if you are ever a passenger in one, don’t distract the pilot.
LOL. Okay, I won’t. That’s interesting you researched actual flight manuals. I never thought of using manuals in order to add that bit of realism to the story. Thanks for the tip.
Okay, that is how you added a unique dimension to your heroine. What about your hero? He’s an undercover DEA agent. What type of research did you do for this character?
It took a lot of reading Intelligence web sites and news stories from major newspapers. Amazing what is available. There are agency reports of incidents. Web sites for former and retired agents. The DEA regularly post reports of recent busts. There is a CIA Freedom of Information Act page where you can read now declassified reports. Last week I read an article that the CIA is actively recruiting more women and what they are looking for. Still, everything is a best guesstimate. I mean how would anyone really know unless they are an agent? I give few details because the more you give, the bigger the chance you have of making an error. I go with plausible not asking the reader to suspend beliefs. Everything in Under Fire can be done.
Would you mind sharing a few of those links?
Sure. There are so many. Where do I begin? Best to simply search the alphabet agency you want and then their web sites. Doing this lead me to several places like the CIA Intelligence Science Board. http://www.nndb.com/gov/019/000172500/ The mission of the Board is to provide the Intelligence Community with outside expert advice and unconventional thinking, early notice of advances in science and technology. Or The National Defense Intelligence College where you can click on recommended reading and learn about national defense, intelligence and security strategies for free. A wealth of other book titles are also offered. Search each of our special forces groups. Navy, Army and AF. This page can keep you busy for days http://www.specialoperations.com/usspecops.html. Did you know many countries have special forces units and that special ops teams from around the world train together? This page lists them all. http://www.specialoperations.com/Intelligence/foreign.html They are all more than happy to tell you what they do.
Rita’s question to Autumn; Question for you-why do you think the hero is yummy?
What do you mean? Rico is hot! He’s a tortured soul, dealing with hard issues from his past. I love tortured heroes, especially those who grew stronger because of their past. The scene where Rico bared his soul to Olivia was so touching. This scene added another trait to Rico. Did you have any particular inspiration for this strong hero?
No inspiration. I just knew I needed to give him a deep dark reason for being the way he is. I’ve outlined a spin off book with him coming face to face with his past.
You love dark heroes too. Awesome. Just recently, I listened to my RWA09 craft CD and Anne Stuart talks about dark heroes and how not to make them cliché’. Rico is definitely not cliché, neither is Olivia BTW. What method do you use to develop your characters and how much time do you spend getting to know them before beginning your story?
Oh lordy. I never really thought of him as a dark hero but I guess he is. He’s a guy hell bent on doing what’s right but losing himself in the process. That is until he finds Olivia. Or maybe I should say she finds him. You have to remember this was my first book and a huge learning process. Acting like a three year old, I asked why about each character until I didn’t have any more answers. This went on throughout the writing process. I can’t even tell you how many times the character arc and motivation evolved. I do not recommend this. I may not have shown all those why answers but, I knew them. I know what they like to eat, what magazines they read. What they like to drink. How many drinks they can consume before they begin to feel it. I’ve even shopped for their clothes. Even though Olivia’s a righty, when it comes to using a weapon she’s ambidextrous. She can reach out and touch you with both hands. I feel I have to know my characters to write about them.
What drew you to write romantic suspense? Are there any favorite authors who have influenced you? I write what I know and like. There are too many authors to name. I read straight fiction mystery, action adventure and thriller The same goes for romance. In fact they are my teachers. I study what works in their books and work on applying it to mine.
You have a few secondary characters in Under Fire. Will any of them have their own story? Do you plan to stay with the coast guard world or explore other areas of the suspense world? I have three possible spin off books. One with an older woman younger man relationship, another with hot young lovers. Both have a lot of sexual tension and conflict. And there is a resolution of Rico’s story that is a cross over with Under Fire and another book. Also included are doctors, Navy SEALS, action, and rescues from evil doers, oh my.
Where can readers learn about you and your books? http://ritahenuber.com
Okay I have a question for both Olivia and Rico.
Olivia, What is the one thing Rico does that drives you nuts?
Olivia That’s easy. When he winks, smiles and gives me a certain look I go under his spell. I am his and he makes the rest of the world drift away. I told him never to do that when I was flying a helo. No telling what would happen.
Rico, What is the one thing about Olivia you’d never change?
Rico. I can’t imagine changing anything. She’s a package of love, fierce loyalty and confidence wrapped up in beauty that takes my breath away. Don’t know what else to say other then she’s like air for me. I can’t live without her. Eh…is she going to read this?
A: LOL Yes. Thanks, Rita, Olivia and Rico. Now, let’s check out Olivia’s day at the office. Share:
              
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Congrats on the release, Rita! I hope AJ and Darynda haven’t gobbled up all those strawberries!
Loved the video. Can’t wait to read the book!
You’re going to LOVE Under Fire, Gwyn!
Here’s the Amazon link if anyone wants Rico. http://tinyurl.com/3sd7rrk
I’m going to tweet, now.
We only ate a few….dozen.
Popping in for some quick bubbly before work. Congratulations, Rita!!! Looking forward to reading it. Sounds thrilling. Cool video:)
Thrilling is the perfect word for it, Bev! Thanks for stopping by!
UF is thrilling and has a hero that is so yummy. Wait until you read— Oh, I can’t tell you about the scenes that are rated HOT! We’re PG. You’ll have to read for yourself, Bev.
I need another glass of bubbly.
Good morning Ladies and thank you. The sudio book also released today. Yippee!
that is AUDIO book. No coffee yet and I just washed my fingers and can’t do anything with them
VERY cool, Rita!!!! I love audiobooks.
Congratulations, Rita, on your new release. I loved reading about it, love the premise and all the research you’ve done. It’s going to be a winner!
Thank you Judith. I sure hope you’re right.
Thank you, Judith! And Under Fire is definitely one for the keeper shelf!
Congratulations on the release of Under Fire, Rita!!
I loved hearing about the research you did, and now am more than a little tempted to check out the criteria for new female CIA agents. Don’t suppose they’d take a writer who was interested in special agenting part time as a hobby?
Best wishes that Olivia & Rico’s story sells like crazy!
LOL, Vivi! You’d make an amazing CIA agent. And as long as you’re up front with them and tell then you can only do the gig part time, I’m sure they’ll understand. hahaha
Oh, I could totally see you as a secret spy, Vivi! I know an FBI agent who writes under a pseudonym to keep her two lives separate. Must be an interesting line to walk.
You’d be the cool agent. I can imagine the belly-laughing crack you’d make when slapping the cuffs on the bad guy, or the hero.
Eastwood move over for Vivi.
Vivi, the CIA would be thrilled, and lucky, to have you. I can totally see you in the job.
Thanks for the good wishes
Not so sure the CIA would think I was such a prize, what with my inability to keep a straight face half the time. LOL. What about you, Rita? You’re from a military family, but have you ever pictured yourself in government service? What kind of operative would you be?
Woot! What a thrill that this day has come–enjoy it to the fullest!!
I’ve got UNDER FIRE downloaded to my Kindle, and can’t wait to read it!
Fun party, Autumn and Darynda! Congrats again, Rita!
Thanks Elisa.
Thank you so much, Elisa!!! I do enjoy the bubbly.
Thanks, Elisa. Rita was fun to interview. We actually started while sharing a NY pizza in NY of course.
Super congtrats, Rita. Cheers. Pass the strawberries, please.
Heads up Kelly. Strawberries coming your way
LOL! Thanks for stopping by, Kelly!
Congrats, Rita. I’m in awe of the research you did. Wishing you many sales!
This is the part where I wish I’d come from a military family. It’s such a foreign world to me. And Rita did an amazing job!
She did. I wondered if she was a Helo pilot. Amazingly realistic.
Thanks Barbata. The research was fun
Rita,
Congratulations. Your heroine sounds very kick a**…can I say that here?
I hope you have many, many sales and many, many books in your future. Great video, btw.
Tilting the cyber-champagne glass toward you. KB
Cheers! *clink* Thanks for stopping by, Kelley!
Yes you can say kick a**
. The reviews I’ve received all comment on her kick a**edness.
The video is long but it has most of what goes on in the book. Go Fast chases, cutter landing and women.
Okay, you had me at winking and flying a helo, and she’s like air to me. Wow, you put the kick in kickass h/h, Rita. I’m so thrilled for you and your debut. Here’s to many, many more. Autumn, I hope you saved me some strawberries
Sheesh!
Donnell, hurry! Autumn is trying to get away with all the strawberries. If you go into stealth mode, you can tackle her from the East. That’s what the Coast Guard would do. Really.
LOL, Darynda, forget going into stealth mode, I’m calling the Coast Guard! Rita, know anyone I can call?
Hey, I had to make another batch. Plus I ahve cream cheese filled drizzled with dark chocolate ones too. Rita likes dark chocolate. Enjoy!
Thank you Donnell. Something about a man winking at the woman he loves.Yum! And beleive me He does love her. Strawberries coming your way.
Congrats on your new release and happy day! sounds like a great story. WTG!
Thanks Beth glad you stopped in. Did you get strawberries and bubbly?
Oops! Falling down on the job. *passes Beth some bubbly*
Thanks for taking the time to pop over, Beth. I know how busy you are. WINK
Interesting interview/conversation. Your book does sound exciting and the video is really good. Congratulations on your new release!
Hi Linda. The credit for the video goes to the US Coast Guard.
Thanks for stopping by, lady. You’re awesome, like Rita.
congrats rita ! sounds amazing, i cant wate to get my hands on a copy of UNDER FIRE ! screw the strawberrys pass the bubbly ! cheers
Alanda you’re my kinda gal. I passed on coffee this morning and decided on Mimosas without the orange juice
Haha! I like the way you think, Alanda.
LOL. Ditto. You’re invited to every Ruby party. LOL.
wooot hooot! books and bubbly ! thats my idea of a perfect party! sign me up! ;-]
Congrats, and sounds like a interesting story ! The strawberries sound tasty also!
Trese I was going for interesting. Thanks for stopping by.
I can only imagine having Olivia’s guts and go into the world she does to find her brother’s killer. The world is so realistic and Olivia is so cool. You will enjoy.
Yay, Rita! So excited to read this book. of course, I got a taste in a contest. Still remember that hot sex;) so happy for you today. Enjoy every minute!
I’m working on enjoying between the hyperventilating. Bubbly is helping. The s-e-x you read was the tip of the iceberg. *grin*
Don’t worry, beautiful lady. Hyperventilation is part of the pub day tradition.
Are you sure?
Yep!!!!
Recalling the scenes.Hmmmm. Okay, I need more icy bubbly too.
Rita. I’m happy dancing for you. This sounds like a great read, and I’ve already got it downloaded to my kindle.
The kindle is a great way for me to hide my reading addiction from the world — but my Ruby Sisters are like a bunch of enablers. It’s just one great book after another. And on a daily basis, now.
Enjoy the day and the champagne.
You are a doll. Thank you and I’m hoping you like Under Fire
I couldn’t agree more, Hope! The level of writing that comes out of this group is just amazing!!!
My kindle has a huge TBR pile, mainly because of the sisters’ AWESOMENESS. I’ve loved each one so far.
Woohoo, Rita!!!! I’m so thrilled this day is finally here – off to fire up the Kindle and see my bright, shiny, new copy of Under Fire.
Oh, and pass the strawberries, please. I may have to spend the day eating chocolate-dipped strawberries on the couch, checking out the amazing links you provided.
(Or gazing at that amazing cover of yours. *fans self*)
All your kiddos are in school so you have nothing to do but eat chocolate covered strawberries. Right! grin
Right! (*snort*)
UF has a dream cover, doesn’t it. It fits the story perfectly. SIGH. Rico.
Congratulations, Rita!!! I’m so thrilled for you. The book kicks serious butt!!
Thanks for coming by.
Short and sweet and oh so true. WINK. Grab a flute and few strawberries.
Congratulations, Rita. Under Fire seems like a book I won’t be able to put down until I finish it.
http://www.monarisk.com
Hi Mona. Under Fire does have a lot of action -of all kinds
It is, Mona. I think you would love it. Thanks for stopping over. You’re awesome too!
For those who have Under Fire on and are also on twitter you can sign up for kindlegraph http://kindlegraph.com/ and request I sign your kindle book. Pretty Kewl
I need to sign up for this too! Very cool!
Cool! I have to get this done.
Seriously? I wanna try this!!!!
So I popped over and you have to have a twitter account. (waaaaahhhhhhaaaaa) I don’t have one and I don’t actually want one, but dang this makes me rethink that. Don’t know. I’ll have to do some serious soul searching. I really want you to sign my book!
Yah! the guy set it up through twitter. I’m told there will be other options in the next few months. It’s hard for me to keep up.
HOORAAAAAAAAAY, Rita! I’m so glad this is out. Congratulations on your first Release Day! *HUGS*
Thanks for the hugs Cate.
woohoo, Rita, congratulations to you!! Gotta sick kid (throwing up kind) but I wanted to pop in and let you know how happy I am for your release day!
Ewww! good luck with that.
Oh noes! Hope the tummy calms soon.
Ah, sorry. I hope things settle soon. Poor baby.
Yay, Rita. Congratulations!
Thanks Beth. How is daughter’s story coming?
Rita,
Your book sounds fabulous. Sincere congrats and wishing you many sales.
Thank you Joanne.
Yay, Rita! I’m so thrilled for your release day to finally be here! I absolutely love your cover, and I’ve already peeked at the first page of UNDER FIRE on my Kindle. I cannot wait to dive in! It’s going to be very hard convincing myself to meet my goals for the day when I’ve got your book waiting for me.
Thanks Lady. Goals? Guess I really should open up WIP and write a few words.
Yes. I can’t wait to read the next story. Are you using any of your characters from this novel?
Yes ma’am I am. Three characters who will each have their own story. Not to mention Rico will have issues resolved.
I can’t WAIT to read this! Fortunately I’m going on vacation next week, so this is fantastic timing. Yay!
Thanks Amanda. Vacation? hope it’s now where near the hurricane path.
Lucky duck. I wish I were going on vacation so I could get in some reading.
Me too, Shea. I know I could use atleast two weeks.
Congratulations my friend. Release day is finally here! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to read the published version. Just wish Jim was here to read it too. Also pleased to be able to tell my friends who don’t have ereaders they can get the audio book.I hope you sell a million copies. It’s that good!
Thnak you Barbara. That red glow coming from the south east is me blushing.
I’m late to the party, but I’m blaming Darynda! She snuck be a glass of bubbly early, and then kept filling it up!
So, so excited for you, Rita!!! The book sounds awesome, and I’m sitting here at work seriously considering sneaking in a little reading time during the afternoon. Shhh…don’t tell anyone! I keep thinking, maybe just the first chatper. But something tells me I won’t be able to put it down after the first chatper!
Hope you’re having a fantabulous day, dear!!!
And terrific interview, ladies. You two crack me up!
I’m not telling just don’t get in trouble
Kim, You wouldn’t stop. Trust me. This book will keep you turning pages.
Congratulations, Rita! Your characters sound fantastic, and I love dark heroes. Looking forward to reading this.
I really didn’t see him as dark untill Autumn suggested. I only saw him as tall, and freaking good lookin.
Rico is so yummy. I said that, didn’t I? Oh well. It’s worth repeating.
Congratulations and huge hugs, Rita! So glad to celebrate this day. I think one of the most compelling characteristics of any character — heck, of any person — is loyalty. Olivia sounds like a gem. Can’t wait to meet her!!
Thnaks Shelley. I will be glad to introduce you to Olivia.
What a fun blog ladies. Can you pass me a napkin I have chocolate on my nose. And I have to get going to buy that book. After all that work it must be one fantastic story! Looking forward to it!
Mary the book carries a WARNING. Read it and you crave more strong heroines.
LOL. That is a good one. Love it!
So excited for you, Rita!! Enjoy the moment!
Hi Lindsey. I am SOOO enjoying!
Am I too late for the chocolate covered strawberries?
Congrats and Happy Release Day! What an amazing amount of research. I really appreciate it when romantic suspense stories have that touch of authenticity. Can’t wait to read this!
Thank you Jeannie. Some days I think I didn’t do enough research
You added the right touch, lady.
Lot’s of strawberries and bubbly. Here you go. Enjoy.
Happy Book Birthday, Rita!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait to start this one tonight!
Addison
It’s exciting and scary to think everyone will be reading it now.
No worries. Readers are going to love it.
I’ve told you before how much I love your cover, Rita. It is gorgeous!! Congratulations on the release of Under Fire. It’s on my Kindle just waiting for me. Can’t wait!!
Thnaks Shea. I have to say the Sistas have been pretty blessed with fantastic covers
The cover is gorgeous. Your video is incredible. Congrats on your debut, Rita. Those Coast Guard guys are hunks. I know, I married one.
Coasties are the HOTTEST!
Happy release day, Rita!
I am really impressed with all your research, and your great use of the telling details.
Hoping this is the first in a long line of thrilling, suspenseful, sexy novels!
Cheers!
Thanks Elizabeth. I hope I live up to the standards my sisters have set.
OMG, “She’s like AIR to me!” SIGH. How much more romantic can you get than that. Congrats on your release, Rita!
At one point Rico thinks -Olivia was a drug and he was addicted to everything about her.
What I like most about him is he doesn’t want to change anything about her. He wants nothing more than to be a part of her life. To be there for her.
Woohooo! What an awesome party. I hope everyone had a great time. I sure did.
Rita and Olivia picked three winners and they are Donenll, Rose and Alanda V. Congrats, ladies! Please email Rita at henuber@bellsouth.net with RSS winner in the subject line.
Thanks for stopping by everyone.
Thank you everyone for making my release day awesome
Woohoo!!!! Thanks everyone for coming to celebrate the awesome talent of our very own Rita!!!! And congrats to the winners! Woot!
Congratulations, Rita! Fantastic party, Autumn and Darynda. I’m so sorry about arriving unfashionably late. I’d better hurry to the Carina store to get my copy of Under Fire!
Congrats, Rita! Celebrate your success!
Robin Weaver
P.S. Great cover too!