Angela Campbell is celebrating her release of On the Scent, which kicks off her new series. She stops by today to chat!
Who is Angela Campbell? Give us the low down.
Well, I’m a bit of a weirdo, to be honest. I love animals and comic books and watch far too much TV, especially the SyFy Channel. Please don’t hold that against me. When I’m not doing something related to those things, I’m working in my day job as a journalist/graphic designer, reading, or writing fiction. I’m an eclectic reader who loves almost every genre, but I read my first romance novel at 16. The more I read, the more I wanted to write similar books. Many offbeat attempts (and a couple of decades) later, I published my first story through Carina Press and have since sold a three-book series to Harper Impulse. I always try to build in a paranormal element to a contemporary and recognizable world with characters who find love in oftentimes humorous and extraordinary situations.
On the Scent, the first book in a new romantic suspense series just released on July 25. Tell us a bit about this book.
I kept reading news articles about millionaires leaving their fortunes to their pets, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the poor people left in charge of those pets and the money. As great as it sounds, can you imagine the problems that must arise from that? That’s how I conceived the plot for ON THE SCENT. It’s a (hopefully) suspenseful and witty story about Hannah Dawson, a nurse who inherits a cat, dog and their $10 million fortune. Which would be awesome, except it’s made her, and the animals, the target of every wacko in the metro Atlanta area. Enter Zachary Collins, the former star of “The Psychic Detective” reality show and sexy private investigator. He doesn’t quite know what he’s got himself into agreeing to protect her snarky cat and goofy dog, except that he has a hard time keeping his hands off Hannah in the process. The more time he spends keeping her out of harm’s way, the more he’s tempted to give in to the attraction and break all his own rules.
You have a great love of animals, and a cat and a dog are secondary characters in On the Scent. Apparently the cat is snarky and the dog is…not so bright. Poor fella *wink* Tell us your inspiration for these two characters.
I’m a cat lover and cat owner, so of course a cat was going to be in this book. I also love dogs, although I didn’t want to be one of those authors who puts a cat AND a dog in a book only because pets are popular. I wanted them both to be important characters to the story, and I tried to give them personalities to match. Abbott, the cat, was inspired by my spoiled-rotten kitty and every other cat I’ve known. I will say that Costello, the dog, was inspired by my best friend’s rescue dog, Sunny. We’re not quite sure what mixture of breeds Sunny is. He’s very unique, and adorably cute as a result. Sunny also has quite a personality, so Costello is inspired by him almost 100 percent, with the exception that Sunny’s a bit smarter than Costello. It is true that the first time Sunny (and Costello) meets anyone, he usually ends up humping them—and yes, Sunny has had training! Sometimes it’s hard to train a dog that’s strong willed, as my heroine discovers. Also, I would like to mention that because the cat and dog in my story are rescued pets, I’ve decided to donate half of my author royalties to my local animal shelter, the same facility where Sunny and my own cat were rescued. I think it’s important to raise awareness that there is a serious problem with pet overpopulation and abused and neglected animals, and to help save some of those animals if possible. Stepping down from my soapbox now. :)
Our hero is Zachary Collins, a former psychic on tv and a private investigator. After reading your blog, I believe Zachary is based off of a certain sexy movie star? *wink* Tell us three of your favorite things about him.
It’s true, I based the physical characteristics of my hero on Henry Cavill, the new Superman actor. He’s tall and muscular, has blue eyes, and dark hair. My three favorite things about Zach are that he keeps trying despite the obstacles life has thrown him, he’s a good problem solver, and when he cares about someone, he’ll do anything for them. Oh, and did I mention he’s gorgeous?
Did you do anything fun to celebrate release day?
I took the day off from work to pig out and watch bad TV with my kitty … because that’s how we roll.
What’s up next for you?
The second book in this series is off to my editor and should be released around September/October (I think). Alexandra King, the psychic medium who helps Zach in “On the Scent,” finds herself in the middle of a serial killer mystery while trying to reunite Zach with his brother, Dylan. It has ghosts, suspense, and, yes, Abbott and Costello make an appearance in this book, too.
Find Angela: Website l Twitter l Goodreads l Facebook
Giveaway: Angela Campbell is offering a $15 Amazon gift card to one random commenter. To enter, leave a comment and tell us if you like dogs or cats better (or a different pet!). Contest open to all through August 1.
I’ve got a crazy cat lady starter kit. Not really sure how we ended up with four of them, but if my husband ever leaves me, I think I’ll get a few more cats and stop washing my hair. Or something.
Can’t wait to read the new book, Angela!
Oh, I’m definitely a cat person, if it’s a question of “which would I want to own myself”.
But that said I’ve also lived with wonderful dogs in my time, and some of my best pet-based stories revolve around dogs. :)
Dogs in general but it depends upon the pet, there are some annoying dogs out there and some really cool cats
I love dogs, they become family members!
Angela has such a fun and quirky imagination. I always look forward to getting to know you better. Great interview!
Sounds like a very fun read! Congrats on the new release and the books to follow in the series. I love series!
I’m a total cat person who’s recently fallen madly in love with a dog. I actually love most animals and love reading and writing about them.
Good luck with the new series!
At one time I would have said cats hands down. But there are dogs that have stolen my heart. We currently only have a gecko. He’s not much for cuddling and refuses to sit on my feet to keep them warm.
Angela, I love the concept of this series. Congratulations and many, many sales.
I love dogs!! Cats are so independent and diva-like. My dog loves me every single time I come thru the door, even if I just went to the mailbox. I guess I need that kind of hero worship. LOL.
I’m a dog lover all the way!! I have 2.
Totally dogs!
Guinea pigs are my favorite!
Thanks for the chance to win!
natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
I actually love cats, but my husband is allergic. We have a rabbit & have had hamsters since my kids were younger – probably 12 years or so. They don’t live that long, but they are really cute!
Love the premise for the novel! We’re cat people at our house – Jake and Keanu…had Peruvian guinea pigs once and never again LOL.
I love cats better. Thanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
Hi
My favorite are CATS.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve only ever had dogs – I’d like to get a Maine Coon Cat, but too many in the family have allergies.
Dogs – I love my little yorkie!
as my dog is currently lying on the couch behind me, I’m gonna say I’m definitely a dog person! Congrats to Angela on the newest release and thanks for sharing!
I can’t choose between cats and dogs, but I’ve only ever owned cats (as much as you can “own” a cat, anyway). My friend has a pet snake that I’m really rather fond of, as well.
I love both dogs and cats, but I’m definitely more of a cat person.
I’ve always said I’m a dog person (and it’s true, I have 2 loyal mutts lying at my feet right now), but now that I’m single, I could totally see myself becoming a crazy cat lady…if only I didn’t have these damn allergies :P
I love dogs and cats, unfortunately I can’t have any pets because of allergies :( Thanks for sharing your new book, Angela!
How about a cat that acts more like a dog? :D I love my two sibling kitties. I’ve owned dogs before, but cats are my pet of choice.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Love cats and dogs especially kittens and puppies, but love hamsters more since I had hamsters growing up. I’m a little bit biased!! ;D
I like both, but since I’m an apartment dweller only cats are an option for me. They also need a little less care (like no walking) which makes them a better choice for a family with one human.
Oh definitely cats. And I have a soft spot for books featuring pets.
We have both cats and dogs, but I like the dogs better.
Cats. Have always had a cat in my life. Currently I have two Siamese
-one Torti Point
-one Lilac Point
My daughter has 2 Siamese as well
-one Seal Point
-one Chocolate Point
And growing up we had a Blue Point Siamese…
Gawd, I am starting to sound like the ‘cat lady’..*snort*
Definitely cats! Most of the cats I grew up with were snarky. Only one was a real cuddler. I will have to put your book in my TBR pile. It sounds like a lot of fun.
I like dogs, but I’ve always had a preference for cats. I could watch them all day long. Unfortunately, I’m very allergic, so right now I don’t have either, but maybe someday, there will be a cure for allergies.
Such a hard question! Cats, I think.
Cats! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome giveaway! :)
Cats all the way. As I am not an outside person, and you do not have to take a cat outside, they hold a great advantage for me ;-)
like dogs
Like dogs