Guests Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey give us random facts about themselves and a taste of the Counter Measures serie

In the first novel of the COUNTERMEASURE SERIES, tenacious ex-CIA agent Cassandra James is in hot water. A cyber thief stole sensitive information from her father's top client - information she was supposed to keep secure - and now she could lose her job, even if she is the boss' daughter. The only person who can help her recover the stolen data is sexy NSA analyst Trevor Bauer - a computer mastermind who's broken through her personal security and might break her heart as well.

Trevor is on the hunt for answers to the mystery surrounding his parents' disappearance. Following a promising lead into the missing Bristol files, he accidentally gets on the radar of a woman too hot to handle...and a mercenary willing to do anything to keep both of them from recovering those files.

To track down the thief, Trevor and Cassandra must embark on a harrowing adventure that leads them across the ocean and into a world of intrigue, danger, and passion. But as they close in on their target, their relationship begins to boil, jeopardizing their mission as well as their very lives. Will they learn to trust their instincts - and each other - in order to survive?

The suspense driven COUNTERMEASURE SERIES combines full-length novels and Bytes of Life short stories about sexy, technologically inclined men and women. The series is filled with heart-stopping danger and enough twists and turns to make a hair-raising rollercoaster seem tame. In the series, Trevor Bauer, a tough as nails NSA geek, and his even more tenacious love interest, Cassandra James, are on a quest for clues in the mysterious disappearance of Trevor's parents. Joined by fate, their search drops them into the mysterious and violent world of data espionage, one that tests their love as they sweep the world with romance, sex, and ingenuity to find answers that will have the power to change their lives forever.

Random Facts About Who We Are – Chris Almeida and Cecilia Aubrey

Funny how random facts impact the way we see the world and also seep into our writing. Life experiences also pave the road we travel. In our case, the road has also brought us together as partners in crime.

Cecilia –

1.         I'm cocktail—a mix of Irish (Father) and Spanish (Mother) with a splash of English (Father).

2.         I lived in Spain as an Air Force brat from the ages of 13 to 18.

3.         Many of the trials and tribulations Cassandra experience on the flight to Paris are based in real life. Bumps on the head and cookies included. I love to travel and have been lucky to have visited many countries and places: Canada (Vancouver, Whistler, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Milton ), Costa Rica, Nice, France, Monte Carlo, Italy (Portofino, Portoferraio, Sorento, Amalfi, Elba Island, Rome, Pompei, Camogli), Austria (Vienna, Salzburg), Portugal (Lisbon, Sintra), Germany (Wurzburg, Nuremberg, Rosenburg, Munich, Chiemsee, Füssen, Schwangau, Ettal, Rhine Gorge / Sankt Goar)

4.         Due to circumstances beyond my control, I'm sure it is the Empire and Darth Vader's doing, I saw STAR WARS for the first time in 1979.

5.         I consider Music, Reading, Movies, Pizza, and Tapas soulgasmic.

6.         For seven years I worked as a Lifeguard during the summer (yes, I have had to rescue a few including a cocky, weight lifting Air Force dude).

7.         Chris Almeida and I, along with a of couple friends, were tossed from an Irish Pub (granted we were only sitting at our table waiting to pay the tab, but the security guard decided we were a bit on the uhm…tipsy...yeah…tipsy…side.

8.         I have only attended 7 concerts.

9.         I drove a 15-seat passenger commute van (100 miles round trip) for 13 years.

10.       I'm the focus group for Chris's next shower singing recital *grins*

11.       I ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. NOT! It was more like running from the steer in a tiny pueblo outside of Zaragoza. Yes. I ran like hell. Don't tell me you wouldn't have. That was a hell of a lot of pointy horns.

12.       I taught myself to ride a bike by practicing in a ditch.

13.       I have been on Disneyland’s Space Mountain 20 times in a row. I was there one year just after July 4th. The park was almost empty. When it was all said and done, I thought I would toss my cookies. It was a hell of a ride

14.       I have danced in a Square Dance Festival.

15.       I broke my collar bone when I fell off a park slide and landed on my bum as a child.

16.       As a kid, I decided to use my tricycle as a scooter and play chicken with a set of concrete steps. Needless to say the sharp edge of the steps won and my reward was a nice set of stitches across my throat. The scar is now a little mark under my chin.

17.       The author that introduced me to the world of books in a serious way was Anne McCaffery and her Dragons of Pern. Discovered them tucked away in a library.

18.       When I was a kid, my mom used to iron my curly hair with a clothes iron.

19.       I learned to water ski at the age of 10.

20.       I love to watch movies over and over and over (yes and over) again.

21.       I was born in Oregon, however, my father was in the Air Force and from California and my mother is from Madrid, Spain

22.       Chris and I have the same tattoo script on our forearms—a vow from Trevor to Cassie given in Contermeasure.

Chris –

1.         My father taught me to read before I was two. My mother continued his legacy by teaching me to read for pleasure. I never stopped reading since.

2.         Began learning to read in English on my own at the age of 5 using my sisters' old English textbooks.

3.         Although I am a certified musicphile, I've never been to a big live concert.

4.         I have physically been to the address we use for our characters' home in Dublin. I was there every weekday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm for close to four months.

5.         My favorite food of all times is a shell fish only found in the region I come from in Brazil. It's called Sururu and although it is mostly found in the Northeast of Brazil and considered a treat there, it's on the Global Invasive Species Team list in the US.

6.         I have lived in two different cities (in two different countries, different continents) that host massive Oktoberfest festivals each year. Yet, I don't drink beer.

7.         Once owned a HUGE collection of comic books.

8.         Have walked on coral reefs and stepped on sea urchins multiple times. Yep. It does hurt.

9.         Surfing was a big part of my life during my teens.

10.       I don't burn. I tan.

11.       My mother taught me to drive when I was 14. She probably lost a few lives then.

12.       I can ride motorcycles too and once owned a Honda 550cc. Sweet little thing.

13.       Had a mild case of labyrinthitis in my youth which made me lose sense of direction if I close my eyes.

14.       I sing. All the time. (Doesn't mean I'm good at it just that it makes me happy (and scares others) so...)

15.       Was once heavily into modelcrafting and had a collection of military planes and ships from WWII I built on my own.

16.       Have two years of technical engineering under my belt. I can mix cement/concrete, lay tiles and brick walls like a pro. I can also design building blueprints and calculate bearing weight for foundations among other skills in the field.

17.       Survived 3 years of law school only to realize it wasn't for me but those years taught me logical and critical thinking from a different perspective.

18.       I am fluent in ASL.

19.       Can whistle VERY loud.

20.       Watched Highlander and Blade Runner over 50 times each and could recite the whole entire script of Highlander.

21.       I have blue hair most of the time. Yep. Blue.

22.       I’m originally from Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil. http://www.picsfrom.com/oneadmin/_files/photogallery/ef7d8_maceio-alagoas-brazil.jpg

Find Chris and Cecilia:

Facebook:

Chris Almeida - http://www.facebook.com/Chris.Almeida.Author

Cecilia Aubrey - http://www.facebook.com/cecilia.aubrey.author

Authors Facebook Fan Page - https://www.facebook.com/Authors.ChrisAlmeida.CeciliaAubrey

Series Facebook Fan Page - https://www.facebook.com/Countermeasure.Series

Websites:

Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey - http://chrisalmeida-ceciliaaubrey.com

Countermeasureseries - http://countermeasureseries.com

GoodReads Author Pages:

http://www.goodreads.com/chrisalmeida

http://www.goodreads.com/ceciliaaubrey

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/CAlmeidaCAubrey

http://twitter.com/CAlmeidaAuthor

http://twitter.com/CAubreyAuthor

Amazon:

Chris Almeida - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006NPTBOW

Cecilia Aubrey - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B006NPTPLG

 See other trailers:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CountermeasureSeries
 Join the scavenger hunt:
This blog's word is 

Welcome to guest author Elizabeth A Vance

Welcome Elizabeth, thank you for visiting the blog today

Tell us a little about yourself

Hi Elodie! Thanks so much for having on your blog today! A little about myself, well, I’m an author with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, and I write both Historical Romance and Paranormal Romance. I’ve been married to the same sexy man for almost 22 years, we have two kids, and a menagerie of animals. And I love to read just about everything I can get my hands on.

Which books have you brought along to tell us about today?  I would love to talk about my Agents for the Crown series, Book one is Courting Danger, Book two is Artifice and Book three is Charade.  Here are the blurbs:

Book 1: Courting Danger, Agents for the Crown

Ellen Montgomery wants nothing more than to live her life on her terms. However when her Father catches her riding his favorite stallion astride and in her brothers breeches no less, he decides to send Ellen to Paris for some much needed polish before the London Season. Ellen is soon fascinated with the Lords she meets, but only one makes her blood burn in more ways than one!

Christopher Fairfax, the new Earl of Durham has sworn off women, they are nothing but trouble. But he soon finds himself intrigued by his best friend’s younger sister, a wild little hellion who won’t listen to reason and won’t stay out of his head.

Ellen and Christopher both find themselves courting danger when they find a common enemy in Lord Darby, a ruthless man wanted by the crown for murder. A man determined to gain Ellen’s hand and therefore her fortune in marriage by any means necessary. Ellen and Christopher must work together to stop him before it’s too late.

  Book 2: Artifice, Agents for the Crown

David Alexander Cole, the Earl of Whitborne is tired of his life as an agent, but when he meets an enchanting young miss with an unusual request he finds he cannot help but be intrigued.  Miss Joanna Deville enters his life like a whirlwind and he finds himself hard pressed not to help her in her quest for love, but soon finds himself entangled in a love triangle. The game is one of deception, make a certain gentleman jealous, and catch a jewel thief in the process, but it goes awry when he finds himself falling in love with Joanna’s devastatingly beautiful best friend, Miss Arianna Channing.  What’s a spy to do when confronted with such Artifice…

                Arianna Channing has always been the belle of the ball. Her entourage includes all of the most eligible gentlemen, and she enjoys the power her beauty has over them, but there is one… One delectable rake with the power to make her feel something more, something real and true, but he’s embroiled in a charade of love with her best friend. How can she ever convince the rakishly handsome Lord Whitborne to quit his deception and join her in a true romance…

                “Very well, my dear, you have yourself a bargain.  As soon as we reach London, I shall become your Flirt.  Though, I may ask for a favor in return later,” Alex replied, with a wicked grin.

 Book 3: Charade, Agents for the Crown       

Jessica Farrington fell in love with Lord Ashley Sinclair the moment they were reacquainted. She only wishes that he actually felt the same desire for her, as she does for him.  Jessica soon finds that she must leave London when a letter arrives informing her of her father’s assassination attempt in Vienna.  Her best friends join her on her journey and she realizes that Ashley will be along as well. She is secretly thrilled, for it will afford her more time in his company.

Enter Lord Knight, a handsome and romantic masked Romeo, who takes Jessica’s breath away. His late night visits to her balcony, and his stolen kisses have Jessica’s heart soaring.  His dancing grey eyes and wicked smile remind her so much of her love, but are her suspicions of her amorous Romeo correct?

Join Jessica and her friends as they travel to Vienna to unmask an assassin and find her heart’s desire.

Are you working on another book right now? 

I am! I am currently working on book 4, Tangled. It follows Joanna and Mayberry to Italy to find an art thief. Jonathon, having realized he is in love with Joanna travels to Rome to win her back.

What do you enjoy most about writing? 

 I love the process of writing. 

I love having my characters speak to me, some of those gentlemen are quite sexy! Don’t tell my husband, but I totally have a crush on Alex, the Earl of Whitborne!

What do you like the least? 

I hate the wait between finishing a manuscript and getting it back from my copy editor with her verdict! LOL  I don’t mind edits, but it is knowing whether or not the story works that has me nervous and biting my nails.

Would you like to see any of your books as movies?

 I would love to see the Agents for the Crown books turned into movies! To see the characters come alive and interact…that would be incredible!

Can you name any actors you would like to see as the lead characters in your book?

 I would love to see Emma Watson play Ellen Montgomery, Charlie Hunnam as Christopher Fairfax, Garret Hedlund as Jonathon Montgomery, Anne Hathaway as Joanna Deville, Jordana Brewster as Arianna Channings, Julia Stiles as Jessica Farrington,  Hugh Jackman (YUM!) as Alex Whitborne, and Derek Hough as Ashley Sinclair.

What things do you like to do to relax?

 My favorite way to relax is to fill the bathtub with bubbles, grab a book and a glass of wine, turn my radio to some relaxing music and slip into the tub and read. 

Do you have another job as well as writing?

 I do, I am a Resource Aide at a local elementary school. I work with kindergarten through sixth grade in reading and math.

If you could have one super power in your existence, what would it be? 

Oh I would so love to be able to teleport! Then I could go visit anywhere in the world whenever I wanted! OH! Maybe I could pop in and visit some of my favorite sexy singers too… like Adam Levine! Do you think he would mind? LOL

If money were not an object, where would you most like to live?

 A couple of places actually! I would love to have a home on the beach for those cold winter months! And then I would love to travel in the summer, all over Europe and Canada  too, anywhere my heart takes me.

What kind of car would you have if money was no object?

 Oh, I am so in love with the new Mustang Shelby GT

500 convertible !!! It is one of the sexiest cars I have ever seen!

What’s your favorite food?

 A really good medium-rare New York strip steak, is my absolute favorite dinner, but I don’t get it that often. Now if you asked me what my favorite dessert is… that would be dark chocolate torte, so creamy it melts in your mouth… oh yum!

Favorite color? 

My favorite color is green 

Can you think of a song or piece of music that could be your theme tune? 

Oh yes! Katrina and the Waves, Walking on Sunshine. It never ceases to put me in a good mood! 

Just answer these questions as quickly as possible.

Chocolate or vanilla?----- Chocolate

Dog or cat?---- Dog

The film or the book?----- BOOK

Jeans or dress?  Jeans

Beach or Snow resort? Beach

Heels or flats? Heels

What do you love best about yourself? My hair

What do you like least? My weight

Do you have anything to share with other authors that might be a help? 

Always write what you know, and check your facts. And when looking for a publisher, be sure to read the contract thoroughly. If they are asking for you to pay fees up front, pass them by.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

 Thank you so much for reading! I love hearing from you and knowing what you loved about my books!

Can you share one of your favorite parts of one of the books?

  This is my favorite scene from Charade, between the sexy Alex Whitborne and super sexy Arianna….

In the large cabin next door, Lord Alexander Whitborne sat at the small desk trying to work on his correspondence. However his new wife, Arianna, had other ideas.

“Oh Alex, can you not work upon that later?” Arianna demanded from her relaxed position on the large silk covered bed.

Alex turned his head just enough to see his wife of only a few weeks dressed in nothing but the bed linens and smirked before turning back to his half finished letter. “No, my darling little minx, I cannot,” he answered, waiting to see just how far she would go to distract him from his work.

Arianna narrowed her violet eyes. She had seen his grin and realized the game Alex was playing. She knew what he was working on was not so important that it could not wait for later in the day, as it was only a letter to his sister, not something for the Regent. She quietly slipped off of the bed and approached him from behind, leaving the silk linens upon the bed. Her long lustrous black hair cascaded down her shoulders and over her abundant bosom as she came closer and leaned down to kiss him upon the neck. She slid her hands down the front of his chest, slowly unbuttoning his shirt and slipping inside to caress his skin.

“Are you quite sure that what you are working on cannot wait for later, Milord?” Arianna whispered into his ear as she slowly licked the curve of Alex’s earlobe.

Alex’s grin grew even wider. “Oh I am quite, quite sure that I must continue with my work.” Alex waited to see what sultry move she would try next. He absolutely adored it when she seduced him.

Arianna grew more bold and determined as she slowly slid one bare leg over his lap, so that she was straddling him. “Well if you are quite, quite certain, Milord,” Arianna retorted with a wicked look as she slowly brushed her hair away from her ample charms and caressed her skin, her tongue slowly darting out to wet her lips.

Alex growled as he seized her lips in a passionate kiss, his hands stroking her back, caressing her stomach. “And the Ton calls me a Rake! You, my darling wife, are a little temptress!” Alex pronounced when he could breathe again.

He gathered her up in his arms and carried her to their bed, gently laying her down. His smoky blue-grey eyes locked with her violet ones as he stripped off his shirt and then pulled off his boots. He could see the desire in her eyes and he grinned knowingly.

Arianna returned his wicked grin as she knelt before him and clasped the waistband of his breeches, slowly pulling him onto the bed, her hands slid up his chest and into his coal black hair. She pulled his lips down to hers in a kiss that she felt rocked the boat.

Find Elizabeth A. Lance online:

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsfortheCrown

Author page: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethAnneLance

Author blog:  http://madameelizabethsmusings.blogspot.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethALance

Twitter: @ElizabethALance

Buy Elizabeth A. Lance’s books:

Courting Danger Link: http://www.amazon.com/Courting-Danger-Agents-Crown-ebook/dp/B00A60SQ32

Artifice Link: http://www.amazon.com/Artifice-Agents-For-Crown-ebook/dp/B00ANPODUU

Charade Link: http://www.amazon.com/Charade-Agents-Crown-ebook/dp/B00B3I4ENM

Author Page link: http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-A.-Lance/e/B005GGX83Y