Torn
Kenzie Macallan
Publication date: November 11th 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
A hidden agenda lurks behind every friendly face, making trust a dangerous gamble.
She saves others to redeem herself from her past mistakes. He must rescue his father before it’s too late. Uncovering the truth could cost them their lives, but love is their only anchor.
Roger Bane, a daring black ops agent, thrives on the adrenaline of working in the shadows. When his ambassador father gets kidnapped during a public event, he’s forced to team up with his security detail, a woman who’s hiding a secret. But as he delves deeper, he realizes the players in this game aren’t who they seem. He’s torn between his attraction to her and uncovering the truth about her past.
Harlow Pierce, a fearless ASIO agent, confronts danger head-on with unyielding determination. When the diplomat she’s sworn to protect disappears, she embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue him. She’s hoping he has answers about her father’s death. But her plans shatter when she’s forced to work with his son, Roger. Her carefully constructed lies crumble as she battles against their undeniable chemistry.
As Roger and Harlow piece together the intricate puzzle for his father’s release, their growing attraction becomes a dangerous distraction. Harlow struggles with her past and the brutal truth about her father, while Roger battles the deep connection he feels for her. Their fiery passion threatens to consume them even as it becomes their greatest source of strength.
As a deadly conspiracy simmers and a web of deceit threatens to engulf them, can they untangle the lies and trust each other enough to face the ultimate enemy?
TORN is an electrifying addition to the Deep 8 series. If you crave page-turning storylines, scorching romance, and characters who will capture your heart, then Kenzie Macallan’s novel promises an unforgettable journey of love and suspense in the face of danger.
*This novel can be read as a standalone.
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Author Bio:
Kenzie Macallan introduced her first series, MBK Global Security, with an exhilarating blend of action, suspense, and enigmatic secrets. These thrillers have cunning twists and unexpected turns, where scorching romance intertwines.
Her subsequent steamy action-adventure series, Deep 8, invites readers on a thrilling globetrotting odyssey. The initial installment, WILD, unfolds in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. KING’s journey transpires in Zambia, while BURN delves into the heart of Cologne, Germany.
Throughout her academic journey, Kenzie pursued degrees in biology, psychology, fine arts, and education. Juggling a full-time profession alongside her writing endeavors presents its challenges, yet the rewards make it a worthy pursuit. Crafting captivating narratives that keep her readers turning the pages is her ultimate joy.
Having explored the diverse landscapes of Africa, Greece, Switzerland, Holland, France, England, and Scotland, her travels have ignited a relentless wellspring of storytelling. This fuels her artistic endeavors, from painting captivating portraits to capturing moments through her camera, all while nurturing her green thumb in the garden. While culinary mastery may elude her, she loves to bake, much to the gratitude of her husband.
Kenzie’s true passion lies in transporting readers to captivating realms, where flawed yet endearing heroes emerge, intelligent and resilient women take center stage, and unexpected endings leave them in awe. With each new adventure, Kenzie eagerly anticipates the opportunity to further enchant her readers and embark on a shared journey of discovery.
Interview:
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
Without knowing it, I think my life has been a literary pilgrimage. I’ve lived and traveled all over the world. I often use these places in my writing because of the feel of the culture and the ideas that pop into my mind about plotlines.
1. Paris,
France
The City of Light is the place for romance and intrigue. Visiting iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, where lovers have met for centuries, can spark inspiration. Exploring the cobblestone streets, hidden cafés, and literary landmarks like the Shakespeare and Company bookstore ignites ideas for intriguing encounters. Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world.
2. London, England
London is perfect for a suspenseful pilgrimage. A visit to locations like the British Museum or the Tower of London can inspire thrilling royal plot twists. Strolling through Hyde Park or the atmospheric alleyways of Covent Garden can also evoke feelings of romance and adventure.
3. Washington,
D.C.
I love the TV series The West Wing. Given the political intrigue often found in romantic suspense, a trip to the nation’s capital was a must for me. Exploring the monuments, the CIA headquarters, or even the halls of Congress could provide insight into the complexities of espionage and governmental secrets. My ideas for my book Risk came from this trip.
4. The
Scottish Highlands
My first book, Truths, has a Scotsman, Mac, as its main character. For a touch of rugged romance, the Scottish Highlands are a dream. The dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and folklore surrounding love and betrayal can provide a wealth of inspiration. Sean Connery, a Scotsman and a James Bond man, inspires a main character with a smirk and a sexy one-liner.
5. Ivory Coast
(Côte d'Ivoire)
The Ivory Coast, known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, offers a unique setting for a future romantic suspense writer like me. With its bustling markets in Abidjan, serene beaches in Grand-Bassam, and the lush greenery of the Comoé National Park, there are countless possibilities for weaving romance and intrigue. My story ideas for my book King came from my time in Africa.
2. What is the first book that made you cry?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This story
is a powerful narrative about friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against
the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history. I found it to be both
heartbreaking and uplifting. Khaled Hosseini’s writing style captivated me. I
couldn’t stop crying and turning the pages.
3. Does writing energize or exhaust you?
This
depends on what phase of writing I’m in at the time. The first draft can be
exhausting as you’re coming up with ideas and seeing where the puzzle pieces
fit. Other parts energize me, like writing a good love scene or an aha moment
for the characters as they peel back the layers of who they are in the story.
I
love the editing process, where I nip and tuck various parts of the story. I’m
brutal with what parts stay and what parts go. The writing has to move the
story, lead to something later, drop some clues, or be on the chopping block.
4. What is your writing Kryptonite?
When
I think I have writer’s block, I know the cure is to sit down and write. The
phrase “just write” sounds counterintuitive, but as the process starts, things
begin to develop. It’s getting my butt in the chair, nervous that nothing will
come that is the hard part.
My
other Kryptonite is time. I work a full-time job, so I have to make the most of
the time I have to write. Many things interrupt this, including answering
emails, promotions, advertising, and newsletters, which all play a huge role in
being an author.
5. Did you ever consider writing under a
pseudonym?
No,
I’m happy to have myself out there as I am.
6. What other authors are you friends with, and
how do they help you become a better writer?
Brittney
Sahin and Alessandra Torre, among others, motivate me to keep writing and
improving my skills. They are very different writers with a lot to offer to
readers and writers.
Brittney’s
work in romantic suspense is a huge inspiration. Her ability to create
immersive, tension-filled scenes helps me push my boundaries when it comes to
pacing and character dynamics. She creates a wonderful balance of romance and
nail-biting suspense.
Alessandra
is incredibly talented with intricate plot twists and creating emotionally
compelling stories. The insights she provides through her newsletter and
InksConchallenge me to dive deeper into my characters and to be bold in my
storytelling. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Both
authors are a constant source of motivation and creativity.They spark new ideas
and techniques that I bring into my writing, making my voice stronger.
7. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or
are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Interestingly,
the two series I have written do both. My first series MBK Global Security,introduces
readers to six characters who appear in the next series,Deep 8. Each
book ends with an epilogue leading to the next book, but each book can be read
as a stand-alone. I prefer to read books that complete the storyline for the
characters. As a writer, I like to add the “what if” factor to the end of each
story. My next series will not be connected to the last two series except for
the main character, Roger who is in Torn.
8. What authors did you dislike at first but grew
into?
This
will be a genre-based answer, but I didn’t love or understand Stephen King’s
writing until I read On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft and Billy
Summers.
Reading
On Writing toward the beginning of my career was essential. I adhere to
his advice to this day when it comes to adverbs. I use them sparingly, if at
all. He encourages writers to continue to write and find their voice and
stresses that it’s a process of connection. As writers, we hope that our
stories connect with readers.
I
understood his genius when I read Billy Summers, which is the genre I enjoy
reading. His characters are developed with real issues without apology. He
layers in the problems, moving the characters forward. I have a new
appreciation for him as a writer and my mind was blown when he shared the
real-life story behind Misery. He is the type of writer everyone aspires
to be.
9. What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Stoner by John Williams isan
under-appreciated novel because it portrays a man with a simple life. John
Williams paints the portrait of a man with a good life, not without strife,
sacrifice, and misunderstanding. We forget in the digital age of glamour that
most of us lead simple but good lives without perfection and glory.
John
Williams writes with such grace and admiration for William Stoner, who grew up
poor, fell in love with literature, and made a solid career from it. His
personal life lacked connection and perhaps a glimpse into his mundane
childhood. Here’s to living a good but simple life!
10. As a writer, what would you choose as your
mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My
spirit animal is in my logo, the butterfly. To me, the butterfly symbolizes
transformation, reinvention, and the beauty within. With each book I write, I
transform into becoming a better, deeper writer as my characters transform into
their authentic self. I have butterflies everywhere as a reminder that I’m
constantly evolving. There are horseshoe butterflies, ink drawings, and an
enamel decoration.
11. How many unpublished and half-finished books
do you have?
Currently,
I have two half-finished books. One of them is the first book of my next
series, a political thriller with the PAX OPS team. The other is an adult
fiction story I’ve been toying around with for a while. I hope to get one of
them finished next year, fingers crossed.
12. What did you edit out of this book?
I
edited out two sections where Roger is thinking about his relationship with his
father. They got cut because it felt too much like information dumping. I chose
to weave those two sections into the storyline and various points along the
way. They served a better purpose where other characters could react to it, or
he could reflect on his thoughts in that particular moment that served as a
trigger.
13. If you didn’t write, what would you do for
work?
My
writing reflects a lot of my science background. At one point, I contemplated becoming
a pediatrician, but my creative side wins out every time. I would want to try
my hand at being a portrait artist again. I started painting oil-paint
portraits years before I became a writer but never pursued it as a career. The
work is intense but gratifying, which I could say about writing as well.
14. Do you hide any secrets in your books that
only a few people will find?
That’s
an interesting idea. I suppose I hide or include secrets about my childhood and
life experiences. The people who would pick up on that would be my closest
family and friends. Overall, most of my books hold secrets mostly from the
characters.
15. What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book is Afternoon of
the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle. The story delves
into themes of friendship, imagination, and the complexities of family life.
The story follows nine-year-old Hillary, who befriends her eccentric classmate,
Sara-Kate Connolly. Sara-Kate lives in a rundown house with an air of mystery
surrounding her. Rumor has it her family is strange and possibly dangerous.
One
day, Sara-Kate invites Hillary to her backyard, where she has built a miniature
elf village. Sara-Kate insists real elves made it, and Hillary is drawn into
her world of fantasy and wonder. As Hillary spends more time with Sara-Kate,
she begins to see that her friend’s life is far more different than she
imagined—Sara-Kate’s mother is ill and largely absent, leaving Sara-Kate to
fend for herself.
Like
many books we read when we were children, this story has stuck with mefor
several reasons. What draws me into this story is childhood innocence, which in
today’s society is lost way too soon. This novel explores the challenges some
people face behind closed doors and the reality of hardship. Most of all, I enjoy
not only the imagination of Janet Taylor Lisle but how a child's imagination is
boundless, helping them to grapple with life’s tough lessons.
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