BLOGGING WITH BEVERLEY: Claudia Shelton and her Latest Book

Award-winning author Claudia Shelton could write her name before the first day of school, but now she writes romantic suspense, thrillers and contemporary romance. In addition, she presents workshops for readers and authors. Her debut novel, Risk of a Lifetime, released to 5-star reviews, reached Amazon's Best Sellers Romance Series Top 100 and was named one of eBooks Galore top reads for 2014. She is also a two-time nominated Daphne Du Maurier (Unpublished) finalist for excellence in mystery. Claudia is the author of the Shades of Leverage action-adventure romantic suspense series.

On a personal note, Claudia considers herself a traveler, music lover and water person. A cool drink while listening to the splash of waves is always nice—so is a mug of hot chocolate in the falling snow. Her main priority is spending time with family, friends and her two sweet, conniving rescue dogs.

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Mitch: Mitch…OPAQUE Protector Agent Mitch Granger
Beverley: Where did you grow up?
Mitch: In a lower-middle-class suburb of Chicago where families worked hard, went to Mass on Sunday and looked out for each other.
Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?
Mitch: Now! Everything in my life has always been in the moment.
Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?
Mitch: Growing up, my dad knew how much I liked the water. So every few weeks my entire family would pile in the car, pull through a drive-thru to grab lunch and head to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Those couple of hours spent laughing and having fun were the happiest time of my life. Everything changed when my dad died. Now I do whatever it takes to keep people safe in the world.
Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?
Mitch: I've been assigned to protect Liz Walkert, so my goal is to make sure we both come out the other side breathing. Except…something about her is worming its way into my…I guess you'd call it my emotions, and I don't like that one bit! Can't happen—I don't have time for emotions.
Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?
Mitch: On assignment, I always think two or three steps ahead, but this time it's hard to figure out who to trust. Lies are everywhere.
Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?
Mitch: Yes, I've called in a few Shades of Leverage team members as back-up. I'm the leader on this assignment, but they'll be there to finish the job if I don’t come out the other side…breathing.
Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?
Mitch: I'm good at my job. I love the water. And I'm responsible. That's it—I'm out of here!

Blurb for Dangerous Lies (Shades of Leverage Book 2)

To ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Granger, responsibility isn’t just a word. It’s his Code of Honor. But when assigned to protect Coercion Ten’s latest target, she challenges his authority, defies his rules, and wreaks havoc on his personal willpower. Fighting for her isn’t a problem. Giving his life for her isn’t a problem. Forgetting their world-stopping kiss? Definite problem. And if he can’t concentrate solely on keeping her safe, it may cost them both their lives.
Journalist Liz Walkert’s missing father sent her a cryptic message that she was in danger. What he didn’t tell her was why. Unbeknownst to Liz, her family has been in Witness Protection all her life. Mitch may be her bodyguard, but his protection comes close to being control, the one thing she has none of in his presence. After a kidnap attempt and a narrow escape from attacking CT forces, they both realize they’re going to need to focus on the mission and fight their attraction if they have any hope of surviving.

Each book in the Shades of Leverage series is STANDALONE:* Slater's Revenge* Dangerous Lies

Excerpt for Dangerous Lies (Shades of Leverage Book 2)

        The three of them moved inside the chopper and buckled up. One of the crewmen closed the door then radioed to the front that they were ready to leave.
        Mitch laid out the protection strategy in his mind. Devised his plan. Worked through all foreseeable obstacles. There were a lot of unknowns. Always were.
        "Who's in charge?" the crewman asked.
        "Me," Mitch replied.
        "Where to, sir?"
        "First, Dallas. Need a small jet waiting. Pilot ready for takeoff."
        The crewman relayed the info to the pilot.
        "Reese, make your way from Dallas to Utah the fastest way possible. Coordinate with Josh on arrangements. I want you to find out everything you can on her dad." Mitch stared into his eyes. "Talk to friends. Enemies. Get a photo and show it to people who don't recognize his name. Check out his house. Top to bottom. Inside and out. You know the routine."
        Liz leaned forward. "Don't forget the secret room in the house."
        "Got it." Reese nodded. "Where and when should I meet up with you two after that?"
        "I'll be in touch." Mitch motioned to the crewman.
        "Yes, sir."
        "Make the drop in Dallas fast. Set down. Ten seconds. Up. Head straight north thirty minutes. Send the bill to OPAQUE."
        "Yes, sir. Where should I tell the jet pilot you're headed?"
        "California. Coronado. NSWC. Have them get permission to land." Mitch leaned his head against the backrest, crossed his arms across his chest, and closed his eyes.
        "Tell them SEAL Reserve Lieutenant Mitch Granger requests shelter…for two."

Buy Links for Dangerous Lies (Shades of Leverage Book 2)

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You can find Claudia at:

Website: http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/