Book Tour & Author Interview Shadow of Perception by Kristine Mason

What happens when negligent plastic surgeons receive a taste of their own medicine…?

Chicago investigative reporter, Eden Risk, receives an unmarked envelope containing a postcard ordering her to watch the enclosed DVD…or someone else dies. No Police. After Eden watches the DVD, a gruesome, horrifying surgery, she turns to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, for help. Only she hadn’t expected that help to come with a catch. Her former lover, Hudson Patterson, has been assigned to the case.

Hudson would rather have another CORE agent handle the investigation. Two years ago, he’d screwed things up with Eden…bad. And as more DVDs arrive, Eden and Hudson find themselves not only knee-deep in a twisted investigation, but forced to deal with their past, and the love they’d tried to deny. 

******************** Book Excerpt: 

Bad Guy’s POV:

The alarm on his watch beeped, reminding him what he’d already known. His patient would be waking soon, and by the low moan from the other room, he would have to act fast before the bastard regained full consciousness. Sure, he’d strapped the man down, but he didn’t want to miss the look on the shithead’s face when his eyes fluttered open, only to discover he’d just woken up in hell.

As he was about to exit the office, though, shame suddenly clouded his judgment. What he’d spent seven long years preparing for went beyond immoral and had his conscience battling with his anger and need for revenge. Sweat coated his skin and trickled down his back. His heart quickened and his head grew dizzy with the onslaught of a panic attack. Until he glanced at the letter he had framed and hung on the wall. The final contact he would ever have from his beloved daughter. While he’d memorized Eliza’s words, each bold and bubbly stroke of her script, he honed in on one line in particular for encouragement.

Make them listen, Daddy.

Another moan, this time even louder, filtered into the office. His head cleared, his heart slowed to normal, and an eerie calm settled over him.

“They’ll do more than listen, baby,” he whispered, rage suddenly sweeping away any thoughts of immorality or ethics or principles. Screw those things. Screw those quacks who had destroyed his daughter’s life.

Without hesitation he left the office and entered the main section of the thirty-by-fifty steel garage. He hadn’t needed the entire space and had chosen to fulfill his plans in the west corner of the building, where the lighting was best and the bathroom and utility sink were closest. Things would become messy after all.

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Author Interview:  
First of all, Thank You SO MUCH for agreeing to this interview!  
Thank YOU for hosting my book today!

Would you like to share with us a little bit about yourself? What your (other) hobbies are? Anything we don't already know? 
I’m a stay at home mom of four kids (11, 10, 7 and 2). To say that I’m stretched thin is an understatement. Trying to juggle family and career is a struggle, and definitely a work in progress! Aside from writing and keeping up with my kids and all of their extracurricular activities, I love working in my garden and have a thing for garden gnomes. I also love exercising. I’m one of those infomercial junkies who buys workout DVDs you might see advertised at four in the morning. I also have a spinning bike in my basement. I’ll get on my bike and ride for an hour, catch up on my DVR and release the stress. If it weren’t for my bike, my DVR would be forever at zero percent!

What made you decide to become an author?
I don’t know that I decided to become an author. I pretty much just started writing one day…mostly because I needed something to fill the time between naps, diaper changes and feedings, and partly because I wanted to write a book that would appeal to me. I wanted a dark, gritty, suspenseful romance with a smattering of horror. I’m not sure if I truly achieved all that with my first book—a book no one will ever read—but over the years I think I’ve managed to find my voice. In the process I also branched off into sexy contemporary romances. These books are fun to write and definitely give me a break from writing murder and mayhem. Writing has taught me a lot about myself, and has forced me to dig deep into emotions that I don’t normally tap into on a regular basis. When I say it’s my passion, I’m not exaggerating. When I’m not writing, I’m not happy. 

Are there any author's you look up to? Or ones read as a child/teenager that inspired you?  
Most of the writers I look up to tend to be outside of the genres I write. I love historical romances. Big, huge sweeping romances that leave you sighing at the end and longing for more. Kathleen Woodiwiss definitely comes to mind, so does Bertrice Small. Years ago I fell in love with what some dub (ridiculously so) the “Bodice Ripper” romance. I don’t care what you call it. Those books and the writers who wrote them were fabulous. I also enjoy reading Stephen King, Jeffery Deaver and Dean Koontz. These author weave amazing stories that make you think and always keep you on your toes. 

What can you tell us about your new book, Shadow of Perception?
Shadow of Perception is a dark, romantic suspense. In this book, Eden Risk, an investigative reporter, is sent a DVD that shows a gruesome surgery. The sender orders her not to involve the police, which forces Eden to turn to the private investigative agency, CORE, for help. Unfortunately, Hudson Patterson, an agent with CORE and her ex, is given the case. Now she finds herself not only trying to help stop a murderer from killing again, but she has to deal with her overbearing, arrogant, sexy former lover. 

What types of readers will be interested in Shadow of Perception?
Hmm. My guess? Readers who love a good romantic thriller/suspense. Okay. Kind of a generic answer. How about readers, who like a mix of dark suspense, don’t shy away from graphic scenes and situations, and love a good romance. Well, I guess that encompasses romantic thriller/suspense after all!


What do you think differentiates your book from other books in the same genre?
I chose to do a plastic surgery angle in this book. I think it’s a cool concept considering how many people are experimenting with different variations of plastic surgery. With this story I twist the perception of perfection for each character. Organically, this ended up being a running theme for all of the main characters. How they perceive themselves and others, how that perception could end up putting them in a deadly situation. 

And finally, is there anything else you'd like to say? 
I’ve been writing for years, but this is my first “virtual book tour.” When I’m in front of my computer I’m used writing, not answering interview questions. I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first. But as I began answering questions, I learned a lot about my writing and myself. I’m so thankful to have a job I love! I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and look forward to comments. Thank you again for hosting my book!

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Did my Interview make you decide to purchase this novel? Great! You can find it on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo or Itunes 

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About the Author:

I didn't pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn't cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good had come from writing it. I realized my passion, and had found a career that I love.

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

 Want to learn more? You can find out via: The Author's Website, Facebook or Twitter

 This awesome tour was hosted by: