A kick-ass Yankee cop and her special-ops Cajun guide search the Louisiana swamp for a deadly virus, but succumb to a fever of a very different sort.
Mysterious deaths stalk the bayou. No-nonsense Louisiana State trooper Tara Reeves reluctantly enlists the aid of Marc Lafayette, a too-sexy-for-his-own-good Cajun heartbreaker, to guide her on her search for evidence so she can bring down those responsible. But the source of the deaths is more dangerous than Tara could ever imagine. A foreign terrorist cell, plotting an attack on U.S. soil, is testing a deadly biological weapon in the remote wilderness of the swamp.
But the terrorists aren’t the only ones with secrets…
What Tara doesn’t know is that her sexy guide is part of a covert special ops team sent to destroy the terrorist threat, and Marc is not happy about having to babysit a nosy cop—even one as temptingly beautiful as Tara. But as they search the Louisiana swamp for a deadly virus, they succumb to a fever of a very different sort. Both of them know that love and work don’t mix, a harrowing showdown with the enemy will make their steamy passion boil over…and change their lives forever.
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In my current release, If Looks Could Chill (out today, Dec 1!) I tried something I’d never done before. I wrote the story with two heroes and two heroines, all with points of view. Not only that, but there are two additional characters who also have POVs.
And I must say, I really love how it turned out! This is one of my very favorites of all the books I’ve ever written. Largely because of the tapestry of personalities that populate it.
I’ve always enjoyed reading linked stories, where you meet characters and they continue to appear in subsequent books. I wanted to try my hand at writing a three-book series where the reader could really get to know the main players, and not have them disappear after the happily-ever-after, as is so common in romance. Those of you who’ve read book 1 of the series, Shoot to Thrill (August 09), will recognize several familiar characters in book 2, including reader favorites Alex and Gina, who continue their roles as important secondary characters in If Looks Could Chill. By the time they get their own stories… in book 3, A Kiss To Kill (April ’10)… they’ll have gone through hell and back. Especially Gina. But not to worry, it’s not necessary to have read the first book. That’s completely optional. The characters carry over, but the plot doesn’t (well, except for Gina…). 😀
Including those two, plus the two main couples, there are six point of view characters in this book.
Which brings me to the point of my musings.
So far the reviews of If Looks Could Chill have been overwhelmingly positive, but a couple of reviewers have remarked on the number of POV characters. To be honest, I remember wondering once or twice as I was writing if six heads were too many to be in… But I always concluded that, no, every single one of them was vital to the flow and the excitement of the novel. Yes, it takes a tiny bit more concentration to follow, but I for one love the added depth and complexity the extra viewpoints give this page-turning romantic thriller.
My publisher just offered me a contract for another three-book romantic adventure series (yay!), and my editor and I are currently trying to decide whether I should continue with the abundance of points of view (except with new characters) in this next trilogy, or to cut back to the traditional one-hero one-heroine style and have the stories totally unlinked. I don’t know. Even though it’s a lot more work to plot, I kinda like the cast of thousands thing. And I do love the connectedness…
So what do you think? I’d love to hear your opinions! How many is too many? 😀
Meanwhile, I hope you pick up If Looks Could Chill today! For more info and an excerpt, check out my website www.NinaBruhns.com.
Good reading!
Nina
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Thank you for visiting us, Ms Bruhns! Leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of IF LOOKS COULD CHILL by Nina. Good Luck!
Honorary Mention of Book Sluts 'R' Us Blogger Awards by 
RR@H Novel Thoughts & Book Talk 
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and hope to find this one before the weekend.
I’m not sure. I think if done well the number of POV’s doesn’t matter. As longs as they each add something to the progression of the story and isnt just there to be there. But you also don’t want to get crazy and give every person just standing around to get a POV. Did I make any sense at all just now? LOL
Happy release day! This book sounds really good! As for how many is too many, as long as it works and keeps the story interesting and moving than the number does not matter! 😀
I’m not sure, I think as long as you know that you are changing pov, then it shouldn’t be a problem.
It sounds like a great read!
Seems to me that what matters is how the story flows and as long as it makes sense and the reader can understand and follow, that’s what counts. I will definitely be picking up this series.
I don’t think the number of characters really changes the book as long as the storyline flows and makes sense.
Hi Nina!
wow, I havn’t read a book with so many POVs (I think) but you are the author and I trust you 😉 your books sound great and now they are on my soon-to-buy-list!
Have a great day 😀
Ina
I looooooove having lots of great characters in a series – it just makes the series more exciting to read because I can keep track of everyone as the books progress!
Coongrats, this book looks really good 🙂
The series sounds really intriguing. I have read a few books with multiple POVs and have enjoyed them. It’s all a matter of how it’s written. I look forward to reading your series.
First of all, the cover is so steamy!! I luv it, lol. Congrats on the new book. Multi-POVs…that would be a new experience for me.
If you distinguish clearly between the POv’s than multiple POV novel can be fun to read.
As long as it’s clear which character is featured at any given time, different points of view should be fine. I’m interested in your book. As a Louisiana native with Cajun roots, I’m always fascinated by how the culture gets addressed in novels. Thanks for visiting today.
Happy Release Day, Nina. Congrats on the book deal. I think I would like to see the action from several points of view.
Hi Nina, I really loved Shoot To Thrill, and am totally psyched to read If Looks Could Chill. Love your storytelling, so big congrats on your new romantic suspense series.
Wow – that cover is abs-tastic – gorgeous!!! As for the POV, I love lots of characters and as long as the transition allows me to keep up with the character without page flipping – I’m all for it. Some secondary characters are so charismatic that I look forward to seeing them again. I like to watch them develop, reappear in later books, and then maybe, get their own book.
Sounds like a really great read!
Sounds like a very good read.
As long as the POV’s are integral to the story, I don’t care how many there are.
Hi, Nina! Congrats on your new release! If Looks could Chill looks sooo good! I love the cover! 😀
And to answer your question – I have never read a book with so many POV’s so I can’t say I hate that but I can see how it could be a bit confusing to others.
In any case, I can’t wait to read your book!
You know, I’m not sure. I’ve read books where it had the herione and hero POV, along with a couple secondary characters. And then books with the herione/hero and villain POV. Six does seem like allot to keep up with, but I guess its just one of those things where some readers will like it and some won’t. So if you liked writing it that way, I’d keep going 🙂 And I’ll definitely pick up the book to see how I like it! 🙂
Congrats on the new release! And as long as the storylines remain fresh and the characters interesting a series can go on indefinitely.
Congrats For the Release !!
your book sounds great, i love to read the complete story 🙂
for me , 5- 6 characters is my limit, coz if it’s too many POVs will be so confusing.
Hmmm, it sounds like an interesting idea. The way I see, if an author can do something well (ex. juggle six characters point of view) while still delivering a compelling story that keeps me flipping the pages with characters I care about, s/he can pretty much do anything they want and I’ll follow eagerly. Then again, I’ve always been a huge fan of authors who take risks so maybe I’m not the best person to ask. 🙂
Nina,
I am sooo excited this new book is finally out! I read the first one in a day or so, and have been waiting (impatiently) to finally get my hands on this new one! I love that we’ll be hearing from characters from the first book.
As for your question about POV, I think having various POVs in a book is a lot of fun to read, if done right. I think Suzanne Brockmann is a master at it in her Troubleshooter series. I always look forward to her new books because no matter who the ‘main’ characters will be, I know I’ll be hearing from all my faves.
The fact that you have six POVs going in this new book just makes me want to get it that much quicker! Congrats on the great reviews!
I think if they all have something to add to the story what difference does it make how many there are. I’m anxious to read it now to see how it all plays out.
When I hear “series” I expect the stories to be “linked” and to have cross-over characters. I hate to say “Good-bye” to a character!
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!! I love them sexy Cajuns!! I’m sure the book is excellent as always, even with several different POV’s involved!!
Congrats on the new release. Have really enjoyed your books. I don’t know how many is too many points of view. I supose if the characters and their viewpoints are pertinent to the storyline and to our understanding actions etc. due to the said characters perceptions, it is all to the good.
Wow I really like the cover.. Thanks for the peek at the book and I look forward to reading it.
As long as you can make it work, sounds great to me.
Hi Nina! Congratulations on the new release 😀
Hmmm I always love reading from the character’s point of view- so I think your book would be right up my alley. Although I am super curious about there being so many!
Hi Nina! The book sounds awesome. Count me in for the contest, I’d love to read it!
I enjoyed reading the post.. and enjoyed drooling over the cover!
Thanks,
Tracey D
I think it depends on the author. Some can carry multiple POV and handle it well and some can’t. I’ve read books with multiple POV where the story simply flowed and I didn’t have to look back thinking, ‘Who the heck is this guy again?’
I’m not a POV purist reader. If the story is good, the characters 3-D and the POV clear, that’s what matters to me.
What an interesting book! Great post 🙂
Please count me in.
I like a series where the secondary characters become the main characters in the next book. It’s like a big family ever growing and changing. I think your books rock!!! Happy Holidays and continued success!!!
I don’t mind a few POVs, but I do like it where it isn’t a zillion of them. I enjoy the hero and heroine, for sure, and then sometimes one or two other characters. And I do love when a series builds off a cast, where subsequent books feature characters introduced previously!
Congrats on your latest–If Looks Could Chill sounds good!
Thanks so much to all of you who commented on my POV dilemma. It sounds like most of you agree with my assessment – if it feels right, go for it 😀 I would love to hear what you all think after reading the book. If you’d like to let me know, drop me an email at NinaBruhns@aol.com.
Thanks again for all the warm and lovely notes!!! You guys at RR@H totally rock!
Great reading!
Nina
And the winner of the copy of SHOOT TO THRILL is:
Martha Lawson!
Martha, please email me your snail mail address and I’ll get your book right out to you. Congrats!!!
Nina
Congrats Martha!!! 😀
I just wanted to stop in and say I can’t wait for this one!!!!!
hugs,
WendyK
I loved this book & enjoyed the multiple POV’s to be honest.
Also I’ll confess I loved Quinn & Darcy more than Marc & Tara.
And Alex & Rebel..you’re killing me with them.
And I am soo happy that you got a new Book contract. You deserve it!!!!!!!!!