A killer strikes. A love rekindled. A life-altering choice.
When her best friend, is murdered, Reyna Cruz doesn't believe the police have the whole story. An investigator by trade, she has the talent to track Summer's killer, but when clues lead to a family connection and a vicious gang, she suddenly becomes the hunted. At the end of her rope, Reyna must decide to trust the God she believes abandoned her.
Wanting justice for his sister's murder, lawyer Jimmy Corbeau agrees to help Reyna—even though she's his ex-fiancé, and their break-up devastated him. Romance is reawakened, but so are memories of their tragic undoing. Jimmy must decide if he will fight for a future with Reyna or allow their past to derail the investigation and his second chance at love.
When the investigation goes awry and Summer's infant daughter is kidnapped, Reyna must put her life on the line. Will Jimmy and Reyna survive the desperate measures it takes to recover his niece, catch a killer, and secure a happily-ever-after for them all?
Raquel Byrnes lives in Southern, California with her husband of sixteen years and their six children. She considers inspirational fiction a wonderful way to minister to others. She writes romantic suspense with an edge-your-seat pace. Her first book the Shades of Hope Series, Purple Knot, releases on June 3rd from White Rose Publishing. You can visit her at her website: www.raquelbyrnes.com and her writing blog, Edge of Your Seat Romance.
An Interview with Raquel Byrnes
By Holly Hewson for The Romance Studio
HH: Raquel, thank you so much for talking with us at TRS. Your featured book is Purple Knot. Where did you get the idea for this incredible story of lovers reunited to solve the murder of a friend?
RB: I always wondered what would happen if you fled your hometown, vowed never to go back after a tragedy and suddenly realize you have to return. That it's a matter of life or death if you don't. What would you face there? Who would welcome you back?
HH: What can you tell us about Reyna and why will readers be drawn to her?
RB: Reyna is a tough cookie. A private detective that thrives in the male-dominated field, but inside, she's still hurting from the loss she suffered. She's still hung up on her ex-fiance, and she can't say no to a friend in need.
She's got a lot of layers, contradictions that make her interesting.
HH: What do you like best about Jimmy and why will readers love him?
RB: Jimmy is a southern gentleman with a wry wit who sees Reyna's softer side and her strength and values them both. He's torn between wanting to protect her and knowing she can solve his sister's murder…so he's conflicted.
HH: What sort of research went into your story?
RB: I took a private detective course and a gun class to get the background and feel of Reyna's character right. I also traveled to Seattle, the city in which the story takes place. All of the local hangouts, quirky venues, and interesting places in the book are real. I've been there and fell in love with the city.
HH: What do you consider the most important elements of good romantic suspense?
RB: Well, definitely conflict on both the personal and public level. The great thing about a romantic suspense is that the emotional conflict can push the suspense plot forward and add obstacles. I also love that the characters are so invested in the outcome. The mystery is personal. The stakes very high.
HH: What else do you have in the works?
RB:Purple Knot is part of a three-book series called Shades of Hope. The second book, Ruby Dawn is due out later this year. Another romantic suspense, we meet Ruby a former foster kid turned doctor who reunites with her first love to fight off a dangerous drug ring.
HH: Do you own an ebook reader or read on an electronic device? If so, what?
RB: I use Kindle on my PC and Android. I love that they sync together and I can whip out my phone and get lost in a good book wherever. I'm considering a Kindle, but my husband is trying to convince me to get a Nook…it's still up in the air.
HH: As a romance reader, what sort of stories do you personally prefer?
RB: I love stories that keep me off balance and that's why I tend to read romantic suspense as well as write it. But it can be historical, steam-punk, contemporary... I like the hunt of a good suspense and the heart fluttering of a sweeping romance.
HH: What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
RB: I like to go to the gym at night and swim when no one else is around. An hour to closing time and its peaceful, empty, and totally mine. I get a lot of thinking done just floating in that cool water. Love it. Not really a 'work-out', but so definitely needed from time to time.
HH: Any vacation or appearance plans this summer?
RB: With six kids, the best kind of vacations are camping trips. They’re a chance to get away from anything electronic and get back to the fun and playtime of being a mom. My husband is a teacher, so he has that time off too. It’s a lot of fun.
