Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Today's Special -- Cynthia Eden


It is such a pleasure to welcome author CYNTHIA EDEN to The Romance Dish. Cynthia has always wanted to write (don’t most authors say that?), and particularly enjoys creating stories about monsters–vampires, werewolves, and even the real-life monsters that populate her romantic suspense stories. And boy can Cynthia create some real-life monsters!! Cynthia’s current romantic suspense series is the Deadly Series. Book 2 in the series, DEADLY HEAT, was released January 25, 2011. Book 3 in the series, DEADLY LIES, will be released March 1, 2011. Buffie has raved about both of these books in her reviews. Please join us in welcoming Cynthia as she talks about …



Facing The Fire


“The fire came at him, fast and hot. The orange flames licked across the floor, climbed the walls, and rolled in hungry waves.”

And so begins my new romantic suspense novel, DEADLY HEAT. As you may have gathered from both the title and the opening line, this book is hot. Okay, not just hot—burning. In DEADLY HEAT, FBI Special Agent Kenton Lake must team up with fire fighter Lora Spade in order to catch an arsonist who is bent on death and destruction.

Writing this book was a research-intensive job. But, since a great deal of my research involved studying fire fighters, the research wasn’t a hardship. Visiting fire stations, talking with fire fighters (yes, I love my job!)—that was the good part. Examining the trucks, touring the facilities, and even attempting to control a blast from a fire hose were all activities that I loved. But the research wasn’t all bright spots and fun. A fire fighter’s job isn’t just action and adventure.

Fire fighters must also face the intense sorrow that comes from losing a team member or not being able to rescue a victim. There are times when fire fighters use the phrase, “DRT,” and there is no mistaking the sorrow in their voices as they explain what can cause an individual to be “Dead Right There.”

As I wrote DEADLY HEAT, I tried to make the life of Lora Spade (my fire fighter heroine) as realistic as I could. Lora faces the fire day in and day out, and, like her real-life counterparts, she learns to battle the blaze and the sorrow that it can bring.

I picked up a bit of fire fighter lingo that I used in my DEADLY HEAT, and I thought I’d share a couple of quick fire fighter terms with you (some jargon and slang). :-)

Here we go:

Smoke eaters = fire fighters

CHAOS = Chief Has Arrived On Scene (Alert!)

Bus = Ambulance

Code Four Up Front = Yes, um, I was told this was used when an attractive lady was in the building.

Fire Triangle = Oxygen, heat, and fuel (you need these all for fire)

FTD = Fixin’ To Die

The Bird = Life Flight (emergency air transport)

Fire junkie = Arsonist

I learned a great deal during the course of this book. My son and I now routinely practice fire drills—a practice that I highly encourage everyone to do. Better to be prepared! (And, in my case, a bit obsessive!)

Now I’ll confess. I’ve always thought firefighters were—well—hot. (Yes, I said it again!) Maybe it’s the whole uniform and risking-death bit, but I do enjoy the sight of a male firefighter in his full gear.

What about you? Do the heroes in uniform appeal to you?
Thanks for checking out my post!

One commenter will win a copy of DEADLY HEAT.



DEADLY HEAT--Available now from Grand Central (Forever)

DEADLY LIES--Available 3/1/11 from Grand Central (Forever)

~ Buffie

58 comments:

  1. My husband was in the Air Force. Yes I do think a uniform makes a man, or woman, more attractive. It is a statement of who they are, what they do and that they are willing to risk their life for you. All that is attractive. It really takes a special person to go into these careers.

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  2. There is something very appealing about a man in uniform. It means they are dedicated & committed & they look HOT as well of course.

    marypres@gmail.com

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  3. Men in uniforms can be very sexy! They tend to be heroic (cops, firemen, military, etc) which is very attractive.

    These books sound great and I would love the chance to read them.

    hmanning[at]bellsouth[dot]net

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  4. Cynthia I have heard so many great things about your books they are on my must have list. And I gotta say I do love to see a fire fighter in uniform some of the Aussie firefighters put out a calender each year and they are smoking hot LOL. I do so enjoy it when there is a false fire alarm at work the fire fighters arive so much eye candy makes the day worth while LOL

    Congrats on the books

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  5. Yes, I think a man in a uniform is very appealing. I think it makes us sense the Hero in him and let's face it, most look really good in them uniforms. :)Cynthia I absolutely enjoy your books and look forward to reading this next one in your series.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750@aol.com

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  6. Welcome, Cynthia! It's great to have you with us today.

    My late dh was career Air Force and made more than a few ladies drool when he put on his uniform.

    I agree with librarypat on the appeal of a man in uniform. Their commitment and willingness to risk their lives for us makes them very appealing. The sculpted muscles and rock-hard abs don't hurt either! *g*

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  7. Good morning, Cynthia! Welcome to The Romance Dish. Congrats on the success of your Deadly series!

    I love your blog and especially the firefighter lingo! Between it and Buffie's reviews, I need to read this series, stat! :)

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  8. librarypat said: It is a statement of who they are, what they do and that they are willing to risk their life for you. All that is attractive. It really takes a special person to go into these careers.

    Very well said, librarypat!

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  9. @ marybelle -- LOL! Looking HOT is always important. ;-)

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  10. @ June M. -- So true! Btw, I love your avatar. :)

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  11. Helen said: ...some of the Aussie firefighters put out a calender each year and they are smoking hot LOL.

    I bet that calendar is a popular seller, Helen! *g*

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  12. Yes, they are very appealing, Carol. Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  13. PJ said: The sculpted muscles and rock-hard abs don't hurt either! *g*

    Mmmm-hmmm....

    *vbg*

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  14. Firefighters are an amazing group of people who stick together and, when the call comes in, rush out risking their lives to save us all. My son is a police captain and I am so very proud of him. Of course, he's gorgeous in his uniform! I can't help but worry about him and pray that he and all of his fellow workers will stay safe!

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  15. Hi, Buffie! Thank you VERY much for having me at The Romance Dish today!

    librarypat, I've bet you have yourself a great guy! And you're so right--it does take a special person to enter those fields.

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  16. LOL, marybelle, that looking hot is total bonus.

    Thanks, June! Glad you like the sound of the books!

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  17. Thank you, Helen! Oh, wow, I would love that Aussie firefighter calendar--how awesome!

    Hi, Carol! Thank you! And what a great comment--you're right, we *can* sense the hero.

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  18. Thanks for the welcome, PJ! Those scuplted muscles are a bonus! :-)

    Thank you for the welcome and the congrats, Andrea! Learning the lingo was fun. I also watched some really great videos on female fire fighter training--those ladies are strong and tough and I love them!

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  19. Connie, you should be proud of your son--sounds like you raised him to be a wonderful man.

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  20. Connie, you should be proud of your son--sounds like you raised him to be a wonderful man.

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  22. Hi Cynthia, it's good to have you hear.

    I must agree with you that there is just something about a man in uniform, isn't there. A friend and I have discussed this, and we think it has something to do with how it seems to make them stand up straighter, shoulders back, etc. All that projects confidence, and nothing is as attractive as someone who is confident and secure in themselves.

    I once spent a summer working at a police department, and was surrounded by men in uniform. That was a fun summer, let me tell you!

    But I also agree heartily with librarypat that for someone to go into fields like firefighting, law enforcement, the military, it speaks to a dedication and commitment to public service and for that they deserve the utmost appreciation and respect because they put their lives on the line every time they go to work.

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  23. Love a man in uniform! Miy hubby was in the Marines and I loved him in his dress blues. And a firefighter? Yum! Love the 'code four up front'. Hilarious!

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  24. I'm just here offering my support so don't enter me. Your books are excellent. Thanks.

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  25. Hi Cynthia! This book sounds wonderful! Love the firefighter lingo. I find men in uniform to be very attractive. ;)

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  27. Hi, Lisa! Thanks! I agree—men in uniform do appear more confident, and, I think, even stronger. And, oh, but I sure do envy you that summer job!

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  28. Hey, Katie! LOL, I liked that code, too.  We should invent a code to use when there is a hot guy around.

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  29. Thank you for coming by, Victoria! You are so great!

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  30. Hi, Cynthia! We're happy to have you with us today. I have your books on my TBR list----they sound so hot that I may need to move them to the top.

    My hubby was in the Navy for 21 years---nothing like a man in uniform to turn up the heat. ;-)

    As several people have pointed out, men in uniform are much more attractive because of their willingness to lay their lives on the line for others. Now that's sexy!

    I love the firefighter lingo you shared with us, especially "Code Four Up Front." LOL

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  31. Hi Cynthia! I have to agree with the others there is something very appealing about a man in uniform. Very alpha male!

    Congratulations on the release of DEADLY HEAT and your soon to be released book DEADLY LIES. After hearing such great things about this series, I really can't wait to read your books!

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  32. Cynthia--Welcome. I'm looking forward to reading your newest. Having a uniform-wearing hero is a very good thing!

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  33. Hi, Cynthia-

    Congrats on your trilogy and newest release.

    I love heroes in uniform especially when there's a great hero picture on the cover I can see while I'm reading.

    acm05atjuno.com

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  34. Hi, Cynthia! Loved your post and the lingo.

    It takes a very special and dedicated person to wear a uniform whether they are police, firefighters, paramedics, or in the military. God bless them all!!!!!!

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  35. The book looks great. I love men in uniform. Thanks for the giveaway.

    smccar1 at hotmail dot com

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  36. Hey everyone!! I'm so glad you all have stopped in and commented. I just got in from work, so I am now ready to respond.

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  37. Cynthia, thank you so much for joining us today. As you already know, I truly loved DEADLY HEAT and DEADLY LIES. Both were fantastic books!

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  38. librarypat and marybelle -- count me in as one who loves a man in uniform. Something so take-charge about the uniform.

    June - you are right. A uniform usually does come with the understanding of heroic acts.

    Helen - oooh, you know I would love me an Aussie firefighter calendar!!! ;-)

    Carol L - thanks for stopping by today. And I must say ... well said! I see you enjoy Cynthia's books too. You are really going to love DEADLY LIES!

    Connie - I bet your son is gorgeous in his uniform. And I'm sure you are a very proud momma!

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  39. I once spent a summer working at a police department, and was surrounded by men in uniform. That was a fun summer, let me tell you!


    Lisa, girl, I bet you have some stories to tell about that summer!! :-)

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  40. Katie - Oh yes, those dress blues can make just about any man sexy!

    Victoria, thanks for stopping by and supporting Cynthia!

    Trisha - I knew you would be in the uniforms-are-sexy club ;-)

    LOL @ Johanna - yes they are HOT!

    Amber - thanks for stopping in today! I hope you check out Cynthia's books -- they are great!

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  41. LSUReader - so good to see you again!!

    Anne - Cynthia really has been blessed with great covers for this series.

    Cathy P - I agree. Dedication is a must for anyone in uniform.

    Stephanie - thanks for dropping by.

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  42. The sculpted muscles and rock-hard abs don't hurt either! *g*


    That is why I love you, PJ. You always know what I'm thinking ;-)

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  43. Who doesn't like a man in uniform?

    I can't wait to read this book. This series looks so good and I can't wait to start it.

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  44. I do like heroes in uniforms. I think it's the idea that they are willing to put their lives in danger for strangers that is so appealing.

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  45. Who doesn't like a man in uniform?

    Danielle, it looks like we all agree on that. *g*

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  46. I think it's the idea that they are willing to put their lives in danger for strangers that is so appealing.

    Maureen, that's it, exactly!

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  47. Thank you, Gannon! The bravery that those men in uniform have sure is incredible!

    I think so, too, Johanna!

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  48. Amber, I do enjoy writing and reading about those alphas--and thank you for the congrats!

    Thanks for the welcome, LSUReader!

    Thank you, Anne! When I'm in a store and I see a cover like that, I'm always compelled to pick up the book. Always!

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  49. Thanks for checking out the post, Cathy! And I agree--those guys (and ladies!) are incredibly special.

    Thank you, Stephanie!

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  50. Buffie, thanks for inviting me over! I'm having a blast. :-)

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  51. Hi, Danielle!! Men in uniform just draw the eye!

    They are some very brave men, Maureen!

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  52. Hi! I'm so looking forward to reading this series! I've got two cousins that are firefighters...

    Yes, for the most part I too LOVE a man in uniform! I get *stars* in my eyes, and my heart speeds up whenever I see a man in BDU's!!! Ahhh, I think it's time to take a trip to the nearest military base! Lol!

    Please, don't include me in the give-away, as I downloaded Deadly Fear after Buffie's review back in December! (It's next on my list to read) and I already have Deadly Heat to read immediately afterwards!

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  53. Thanks, Monica! :-) I hope you enjoy Deadly Fear!

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  54. Hi Cynthia! first of all I love your books! I always liked a sailor as a hero I think they are so sexy....


    Donna

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  55. Always enjoy your stories, Cynthia.
    Know several firefighters, including a retired chief and a few volunteers, all very dedicated and proud to serve.

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  56. Buffie, thanks for inviting me over! I'm having a blast. :-)

    Cynthia, THANK YOU so much for spending the day with us. It has been so much fun!!

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  57. Yes, uniforms can be very hot. But not only because tey look so good, but because they usually come with some kind of authority.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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