Bring on the Dusk (The Night Stalkers #6) by M.L. Buchman-Review and Book Tour

Bring on the Dusk (The Night Stalkers #6) by M.L.Buchman-Review and Book Tour

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Bring on the Dusk
The Night Stalkers #6
by ML Buchman
Genre: adult, contemporary, military, romantic suspense
Release Date: March 3, 2015

Bring on the Dusk

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2015

As a five-nation war simmers in the Caspian Sea, Captain Claudia Jean “Cee-Cee’ Casperson of the Night Stalkers and Colonel Michael Gibson of Delta Force are called in to subdue the conflict. They’ll need all their combined ingenuity to stop a clash that could have catastrophic global repercussions. And they’ll need to do it while remaining under the radar. It’ll take all the strength they have—but it will take even more for the pair to breach the walls they’ve built around their hearts.

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REVIEW: BRING ON THE DUSK is the sixth full-length installment in ML Buchman’s The Night Stalkers military romance series focusing on an elite group of military personnel from the US army secret military operations known as 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) aka The Night Stalkers. This is helicopter pilot Captain Claudia Casperson and Delta Force Colonel Michael Gibson’s storyline. BRING ON THE DUSK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from alternating third person point of view, the focus of the storyline is two fold; a mission to the Persian Gulf to retrieve several hostages kidnapped by Somali pirates ; and a black on black secret ops assignment that finds our heroes trying to stop the Russians from gaining a foothold in the Iranian oil cartel. One of Claudia’s first assignments finds herself in the Yemeni desert rescuing Colonel Michael Gibson- a rather stoic and quiet man who has earned the respect of his men and his superiors.

Colonel Michael Gibson hides in plain sight. He listens and learns, commands and oversees the missions that demand sacrifice and perfection. Meeting Claudia Casperson tilts the Colonel’s world so that the axis begins to waver. His attraction to Claudia is immediate but he is a man whose heart belongs to The Night Stalkers and falling in love has never been on his mind.

The relationship between Michael and Claudia is professional, courteous and at times, painfully uncomfortable to watch unfold. Claudia is the one to make the first move and Michael finds himself at a loss as to how to react and what to do. It is not until our couple is granted leave that Michael’s love for his beloved Redwood trees and the star-filled skies overhead reveal to Claudia the true extent of Michael’s wants and need. But an unexpected attack during their latest mission finds Michael walking away to protect the woman with whom he has fallen in love. The $ex scenes are intimate without graphic erotic depictions.

The secondary and supporting characters consist of many, if not all, of the previous storyline couples who play an active role throughout the story. ML Buchman’s novels gather an ensemble cast of characters whose camaraderie and friendship reveal a deeper love and support than most people will find in their lifetime.

The world building is very detailed with technical terminology, jargon and theories, and continues to focus on the 160th SOAR Night Stalkers-their missions, their rescues, their losses, and their loves. The storylines are fast paced, packed with suspense, tension, likeable characters, and little bit of romance and love. There is plenty of ‘stream of consciousness’ or thought flow for both main characters as they reflect on their careers, their families, and their possible futures. Their one on one conversations are quiet and mostly implied.

ML Buchman pulls the reader onto the high seas, into the air, and behind the scenes of an elite group of military personnel who risk their lives to protect the freedom of others. There is a balance of action and suspense combined with friendships and building love. BRING ON THE DUSK is another fascinating, informative, and well written storyline from the pen of ML Buchman.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post

 

The Warrior Most Likely… by M.L. Buchman

This week I’m celebrating the release of the sixth book in my Night Stalkers military romantic suspense series Bring On The Dusk. In the story, long-time team member Colonel Michael Gibson of Delta Force finally finds true love with pilot Captain Claudia Casperson.

Each book in the series has followed the battles and loves of members of the real-world’s U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. These are the best helicopter pilots and crew on the planet, far in advance of even our closest allies.

The fictitious 5th Battalion D Company was founded by Major Mark Henderson and it is he who has overseen the building of the unit. But in many ways it is the wife he met in Book #1 The Night is Mine who has overseen the lives and loves of those who fly for the 5D. In six books, there has been a wide variety of personalities and skills.

One of the unexpected joys of having the opportunity to build a cast over the course of six books (and yes, there is already a 7th in planning) is learning more about them as each book progresses. Even though Emily and Mark were book #1, Kee and Archie book #2 I Own the Dawn, or Trisha and Bill book #5 Light Up the Night, both the writer and the reader learn more about them as we go. It’s part of the joy of the journey.

So fans look back and ask: Who Is The Warrior Most Likely To …

* …volunteer for a dangerous mission that will take place in the middle of the tundra? Curiously it is Mark Henderson the founder of the 5D who would take on this mission. He grew up with a former-SEAL dad working on a Montana ranch. He is as comfortable with outdoors as any man in the outfit…as long as there’s a fishing stream. Fishing right beside him would be his good friend Michael Gibson of book #6 (the newest release) Bring On The Dusk.

* …be called into a ‘Hot Zone’ first? Colonel Michael Gibson is always the first in and the last out. As a Delta Force operator embedded with the 5D, he is the most experienced soldier in any battlefield. And Michael only leads from one place, the very tip of the spear.

* …win an arm wrestling match? Big John Wallace didn’t earn his nickname by being a shrimp like his best friend, Crazy Tim O’Malley. His power is as huge as his frame and it is one of the wonders of book #3 Wait Until Dark that he can fit into a gunner’s seat aboard a Black Hawk helicopter. Of course the one who can come closest to beating him is his buddy, book #4 Take Over at Midnight Tim.

* …Run 5 miles in full gear without becoming tired? Tim O’Malley may be compact, but he is immensely strong from constant workouts. There is only one Night Stalker who can outrun him, Kee Smith of Book #2 I Own the Dawn. What Kee lacks in strength she more than compensates for in raw tenacity. Kee is the only Night Stalker to consistently cross over the line and train with the Delta Force operators. Not even Trisha, who marries a D-body, can boast that one.

And now for a fun one!

* Who is the warrior most likely to look the best in their uniform? Pick one, I dare you. As a male writer, my bias is for the women:

o Emily – tall, sleek, commanding blond

o Kee – short, seriously curved, and strong, half-Viet and have something else

o Connie – the brilliant but shy brunette from next door

o Lola – the wild Naw’lins Creole, long, lean, and a mane of mahogany hair

o Trisha – petite, redhead, vibrant with energy and sass

o Claudia – tall, shapely, blond, with a peace that radiates from deep inside

Or the men (also in order by book):

o Mark – the hero-model commander with his ever-present mirrored Ray Ban sunglasses

o Archie – the tall, quiet brains of the operation

o John – the big, powerful mechanic from the American heartland

o Tim – the broad-shouldered, Latino practical joker

o Bill – tall, silent, lethal Scotsman

o Michael – the ultimate warrior. He stands out in no way at all…until you meet him. Then you can’t look away.

Book Information

Title: Bring on the Dusk
Author: M.L. Buchman
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Summary

Five nations surround the Caspian Sea, five nations desperate for the vast resources there, and willing to go to war. It will take all of Claudia and Michael’s ingenuity to avert disaster. As they discover how right they are for each other, it will take even more to breach the walls they’ve so carefully built around their hearts…

Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21991198-bring-on-the-dusk

about the author

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads/ Website

ML BuchmanM. L. Buchman has over 25 novels in print. His military romantic suspense books have been named Barnes & Noble and NPR “Top 5 of the year” and Booklist “Top 10 of the Year.” In addition to romance, he also writes thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction.

In among his career as a corporate project manager he has: rebuilt and single-handed a fifty-foot sailboat, both flown and jumped out of airplanes, designed and built two houses, and bicycled solo around the world.

He is now making his living full-time as a writer, living on the Oregon Coast with his beloved wife. He is constantly amazed at what you can do with a degree in Geophysics. You may keep up with his writing at www.mlbuchman.com.

 

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Light Up The Night (The Night Stalkers #5) by M.L. Buchman-a review

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT (The Night Stalkers #5) by M.L. Buchman-a review

Light up the Night

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2 , 2014

Trisha O’Malley rebelled against her affluent family by joining the U.S. Army’s secret helicopter regiment, the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment). Now a Chief Warrant Officer, she found her toughest fight yet in the pilot’s seat of an MH-6M attack helicopter.

William Wallace Bruce is an undercover CIA agent who doesn’t trust the military. But when the Horn of Africa is threatened by Somali pirates, Trisha flies out to recover ships and hostages…including one very ungrateful Will. He’s furious about being rescued by the very group he despises. But with their lives on the line, it’s team up and survive, or…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT is the fifth instalment in M.L. Buchman’s adult, contemporary The Night Stalkers military romance series focusing on a group of specially trained military personnel from the U.S. Army secret helicopter regiment the 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment). This is helicopter pilot Trisha O’Malley and CIA SEAL operative William (Bill) Bruce’s storyline. Although it is the fifth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

The storyline finds Bill and Trisha at odds with one another. Bill doesn’t trust the military and prefers to work by himself. But finding himself with a group of pilots and a paramilitary unit, who rescued Bill from a Somali attack, he is about to undertake one of the most dangerous missions of his life-the SOAR unit has asked him to assist on their next mission to take down a group of Somali pirates who have captured several boats, including an American yacht, near the Horn of Africa. Bill’s reluctance stems from his need to work alone and his attraction to one helicopter pilot-Trisha O’Malley.

The relationship between Bill and Trisha is one of immediate attraction but on the surface they rub each other the wrong way. From their turbulent first meeting the couple is in a continuous battle with their emotions and feelings for one another. But an urgent call back home will find Bill heading State side leaving a confused Trisha behind-only Trisha has her own demons to address before she is able to continue with the mission. The sex scenes are passionate and sensual.

The world building continues throughout the series with the familiar names and places, military jargon and speech. The secondary characters are colorful, engaging and include many of the previous storyline couples and characters. Their relationship to one another is of respect, friendship, comaraderie and love. They are all very protective of one another and will ensure that no one, even the new guys, will place anyone in danger.

With reference to the military jargon, there is a vast amount of technical information and detailed military language throughout the storyline but it does not deter from the overall premise. M. L. Buchman has executed his research very well.

M. L. Buchman weaves a story of romance into a military action series with passion, emotion and an intensity that is breathtaking and real. You will feel the incredible highs and lows, the thrill of the hunt, and the honor that each member of the unit instills within his or herself. LIGHT UP THE NIGHT is a realistic and intelligent look at a military rescue operation with a little bit of romance on the side.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

About The Author

ML BuchmanM. L. Buchman has over 25 novels in print. His military romantic suspense books have been named Barnes & Noble and NPR “Top 5 of the year” and Booklist “Top 10 of the Year.” In addition to romance, he also writes thrillers, fantasy, and science fiction. 

In among his career as a corporate project manager he has: rebuilt and single-handed a fifty-foot sailboat, both flown and jumped out of airplanes, designed and built two houses, and bicycled solo around the world. 

He is now making his living full-time as a writer, living on the Oregon Coast with his beloved wife. He is constantly amazed at what you can do with a degree in Geophysics. You may keep up with his writing at www.mlbuchman.com.

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Pure Heat (Firehawks #1) by M.L. Buchman-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Pure Heat (Firehawks #1) by M.L. Buchman-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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PURE HEAT
Firehawks #1
by M.L. Buchman
Genre: contemporary, action, special forces, romance

Pure Heat

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 6, 2014

These daredevil smokejumpers fight more than fires.

The elite fire experts of Mount Hood Aviation fly into places even the CIA can’t penetrate.

She lives to fight fires…

Carly Thomas could read burn patterns before she knew the alphabet. A third-generation forest fire specialist who lost both her father and her fiancé to the flames, she’s learned to live life like she fights fires: with emotions shut down.

But he’s lit an inferno she can’t quench…

Former smokejumper Steve “Merks” Mercer can no longer fight fires up close and personal, but he can still use his intimate knowledge of wildland burns as a spotter and drone specialist. Assigned to copilot a Firehawk with Carly, they take to the skies to battle the worst wildfire in decades and discover a terrorist threat hidden deep in the Oregon wilderness—but it’s the heat between them that really sizzles.

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REVIEW: PURE HEAT is the first instalment in M.L. Buchman’s contemporary, romance, action Firehawks series-a spinoff from his successful Night Stalker series. I have not read the previous series and although this is a spinoff, it can be read without any difficulty or frame of reference from the original storylines. This is former smokejumper Steve Mercer and Carly Thomas’s story. As the Oregon wildfires begin to engulf everything in their path, the experts of Mount Hood Aviation will discover they are looking at more than just a fire fight but possibly a terrorism threat from within.

The focus of the story is on a group of close knit elite fire experts-jumpers, helicopter pilots, fighters and, the struggle to contain the wild fires that have grown in intensity and danger. We are introduced to Steve Mercer-a former smokejumper-whose career was cut short from a near fatal injury that destroyed any chance of ever jumping again. With a new path in the war against wildfires, Steve is pulled into the close knit family of fire experts who risk their lives on a daily basis. To add to Steve’s struggle, Carly Thomas is a career wildfire expert from a long line of heroes but an expert who has seen her fair share of suffering and loss. It will take the pushing of his fellow firefighters to show Steve that Carly is worth the struggle-her cool demeanor hides a shattered heart.

M.L. Buchman writes a compelling and intriguing storyline where the world building is awash in technical terminology and jargon from the world of aviation and firefighting expertise. At times, the storyline appeared to lose focus in the vast amount of background particulars and history behind some of the ‘real life’ wildfires as well as the infinite details of the helicopters and firefighting machines but M.L. would steer the story back on track and pull the reader into an intense storyline where our characters struggle to keep the fires-of both their heart and the land- under control.

The secondary characters are colorful, intriguing, and passionate about what they do. The scenery is wondrous in its glory; the fire is staggering in its power; and the intimacy between our leading couple is sensual, heartbreaking and intense. We are pulled into the action, the mystery and the lives of those who face their mortality –day in and day out.

PURE HEAT tells a story about the heroes who fight the fires and risk their lives. It is a story about two people who fall in love under extreme circumstances-drawn together by a mutual need and understanding about what it is to lose and carry on. It is also a story about the wildfire devastation that destroys so many lives; destroys so much wildlife; and destroys the land upon which we live. And it is a story about the potential for terrorist activities that go unnoticed in a land that reaps it beauty and languor from nature and everything is has to offer.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview orange:black

TRC: Hi Matthew and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of PURE HEAT –book one in your new Firehawks series.

ML BuchmanML: THANKS! It’s really exciting as an author to see a new series start off.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

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ML: I’m a full-time writer with 25 novels in print (mostly in romance). During my 25 years as a corporate project manager (IT, law, and construction), I have also rebuilt and raced a 50’ sailboat, designed and built 2 houses, and flown and jumped out of airplanes. I also quilt. And I’m one of “those” parents: don’t get me started on my kid because I’m so proud of her I’ll never shut up. Did I mention that we earned our Taekwondo black belts together before she went to college? (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

TRC: What or who influenced your foray into writing?

ML: I started writing fiction in July of 1993 while on a solo, around-the-world bicycle tour. I didn’t intend to write fiction, but it certainly came out that way. I can trace my absolute love of the written word back to my third-grade teacher, the life-changing Mrs. Kaye. She turned me into a voracious reader, it just took another 25 years before it turned into a need to tell stories myself.

Pure HeatTRC: PURE HEAT (May 2014) is the first release in your new Firehawks series-a spinoff from the Night Stalkers. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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ML: The premise is (tiny spoiler) that Emily Beale got pregnant in The Night Stalkers book #4, Take Over at Midnight. So, she and Mark retire to form a new team as they fly for Mount Hood Aviation. This is a helicopter wildland firefighter outfit…who also happen to fly special mission for the CIA on occasion. (This is actually based on a real company not fifty miles from where I was living at the time.) My aerial firefighters find unexpected problems in the forests. They are also welcome to enter countries where the CIA needs information but they can’t send any military assets. Firefighters are always welcome. The problem is that they sometimes get in over their heads and must call in The Night Stalkers to help out.

TRC: Several of the Night Stalkers characters (Beale/Henderson: Kee) have secondary roles in PURE HEAT. Will most of the previous storyline characters play an active role in the new series ?

ML: Beale and Henderson are permanent fixtures in the Firehawks series (not saying they won’t pop up now and then with the Night Stalkers). Will the whole cast wander through? Uh, probably not. Will the cool reader cookies continue? Absolutely. I love revisiting favorite characters as much as the next person.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series ?

ML: Firehawks was conceived as a 3-book series…to start. I think in series, long ones. The Night Stalkers is already 4 books traditionally published, 2 more contracted, and 3 holiday short novels, and I have ideas for many more. I don’t see either series ending anytime soon. I did just end a 5-book Seattle-based contemporary romance series named “Angelo’s Hearth.”

TRC: There is a wealth of technical language, references and background information about fighting fires, flying helicopters and more. What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background, historical etc) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

ML: I work very hard to make my books as realistic as possible, balanced against making it approachable for my readers. The single biggest challenge by far is dancing that thin line between exciting romantic suspense and realistic tedium. I don’t want to create a research book, I want to create a thrilling romance set against realistic situations.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

ML: That’s easy. I always cast my books. Sometimes just a random photo, but Pure Heat was cast with Charlize Theron (her The Italian Job character) as Carly and a young Michael Biehn (from the first Terminator movie) as Steve.

Light Up the NightTRC: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT is the September 2014 release and fifth installment in your Night Stalkers series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

ML: The first four Night Stalkers books are all based in a four-seat attack version of the Black Hawk called a DAP. The next two are in the smallest helicopter in the American military arsenal, the MH-6M “Little Bird.” Like these small, fast, lethal helicopters, the women who fly them are also quick and dangerous. The recurring character Trisha O’Malley from the first 4 books will be bringing her special skills and serious dose of attitude to the “Little Bird.”

TRC: Now that the spinoff series has been released, do you plan to continue writing the Night Stalkers and if so, how often will we see a cross over between the two series?

Night Stalker Series

ML: Absolutely! I love the Night Stalkers series. Will the firefighters get snarled up into a Night Stalkers book? That’s a cool idea. Thanks! Will the Night Stalkers continue to wander into the Firehawks series? Big Time!

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

ML: I start with an immense amount of research which I continue right through the writing. I make the world as realistic as possible. I may compound problems, but they are real-world. They are made unpredictable by the compounding of problems and by the uniqueness of each of the individual character’s response to the those problems. I do clean them up to make them more approachable; what these folks do, both Army and wildland firefighters, is utterly amazing and far more dangerous than anything I can capture on paper.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

ML: I direct the characters by throwing crap (challenges) at them—sometimes I really, really rain on their parade. It is up to that character’s past experience and future dreams to determine what they do with that challenge and how they grow from it. It’s sort of a co-writing process.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

ML: I have a friend who says that character is opinion. Well, what’s opinion? It’s the setting filtered through the character’s emotion. If the character doesn’t feel, experience, grow from what is going on around them, how can you expect the reader to connect to the character. Where does it come apart? When I “the all-knowing author” step in and try to tell the story rather than allowing the character their opinion.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

ML: Don’t believe in it. Project block, sure—which I find mostly happens when I try to force characters to do things they wouldn’t. But if I’m stuck on one project, I can always work on another.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

ML: My first reader, magician, brainstormer, research librarian, wonderwoman…uh, that would be my wife.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

ML: Firehawks #3 is in process right now. And as I just finished my “Angelo’s Hearth” series, in June or July I’ll be launching a “Chef Romantic Suspense” series. (Still working on the series name.)

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

ML: You can keep track of new releases by signing up for my newsletter at: mlbuchman.com

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Pasta

Favorite Dessert
My wife’s apple pie –it’s awesome

Favorite TV Show
Castle, Top Chef, and Project Runway (all equal)…Star Trek Next Gen when it was on

Last Movie You Saw
Saving Mr. Banks

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush
Jodi Foster (don’t care, I’ll watch her act in anything)

Last Vacation Destination
Vancouver, B.C.

Pet Peeve
Cynics

TRC: Thank you Matt for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of PURE HEAT.

ML: THANKS To not miss a thing, sign up for my newsletter at mlbuchman.com

Giveaway Black and Orange

M.L. Buchman and Sourcebooks are offering a paper copy of PURE HEAT to one (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

6. Giveaway runs from May 2 to May 7, 2014, 2014

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