Since my latest book, AGAINST THE SUN, big Jake Cantrell and Sage Dumont’s story, deals
with a visit to Texas by a Saudi Arabian sheik and his family, I thought it might be fun to talk
about favorite places in the sun.
With temperatures that reach higher than 120 degrees, Saudi Arabia would definitely not be one of them!
Personally, I hate hot weather. Among my personal
favorite places, would be the ski slopes of Aspen
on a sunny day, or up on the top of the hill at Mammoth Mountain in California. Yummy days of cold and sunshine and crystal clear blue skies.
We usually travel in the spring. A favorite sunny day happened to me in Rome in April a few years ago, when we stood in the warm rays next to the beautiful Trevi Fountain. And of course you can’t beat
walking in the sun on the Left Bank in Paris.
Closer to home, Montana has some great sunny days. Today I’m working in my office, looking at the lush green pastures outside my windows toward the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Big sky country is a major winner when the sun is shining and the clear blue sky seems to go on forever.
A day on the ocean off the coast of Santa Barbara is hard to beat when the sun is shining. Sailboat or powerboat, just being out on the water makes me feel completely carefree.
In AGAINST THE SUN, the sheik, his daughter A’lia and his son Roshan aren’t bothered by the brutal Houston heat. And Sage is more concerned about learning the protocols she must know in order to negotiate the three hundred million dollar deal that will make or break her career. Customs like not showing the bottom of her foot, which is considered an insult, or making the okay sign, which would be giving them the evil eye.
AGAINST THE SUN was one of the most difficult books I’ve ever tackled because of the research involved in getting the customs, the clothing, the attitudes of the Saudi visitors correct. I hope you’ll try AGAINST THE SUN and that you enjoy it.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite places in the sun and why you love them? I’m giving away a copy of AGAINST THE SUN to one lucky commentor today!
Warm wishes for a great summer, Kat
BOOK SUMMARY
It’s not in bodyguard Jake Cantrell’s job description to share his suspicions with his assignments. Beautiful executive Sage Dumont may be in charge, but Jake’s not on her payroll. As a former special forces marine, Jake trusts his gut, and it’s telling him that there’s something off about a shipment arriving at Marine Drilling International. His instinct is aroused…in more ways than one.
A savvy businesswoman, Sage knows better than to take some hired gun’s “hunch” as gospel. And yet she is learning not to underestimate the man her grandfather hired to protect her. Determined to prove Jake wrong, Sage does some digging of her own and turns up deadly details she was never meant to see.
Drawn into a terrifying web of lies and deceit—and into feelings they can’t afford to explore—what Jake and Sage uncover may be frighteningly worse than they ever imagined.
Here’s an excerpt from AGAINST THE SUN:
Walking out of the elevator across the shiny black granite floor, Jake Cantrell made his
way to the receptionist desk on the tenth floor of Marine Drilling International. The waiting area was done in black leather sofas and chairs, the receptionist desk dark walnut and chrome, nothing but the best for the Dumonts, the family who owned the company.
A good-looking woman, late twenties, wavy, shoulder-length mink-brown hair, busily searched the drawers and cabinets behind the desk, bending over in a tailored pencil shirt, providing him with a perfect view of a very shapely ass.
He almost smiled. Even the help was first class.
She jerked upright at his approach, noticing him for the first time, and her face colored, a pretty face, remarkable really, with amazing golden brown eyes. Those eyes looked him up and down, which took a while, being six-five, two-hundred thirty-five pounds.
“May I help you?” she asked.
He gave her a smile. “I’m Jake Cantrell. I’ve got an appointment at ten with Ian Dumont.”
She frowned. “He didn’t mention it. He’s getting ready for a meeting. You might have to wait a while.”
“Not a problem. In the meantime, I could sure use a cup of coffee.”
Amusement tipped her mouth up, a tiny dimple appearing next to plump, rose-colored lips. “I’ll see what I can do.” But she didn’t make a move, just turned to the woman hurrying toward her across the waiting room.
“I’m so sorry I’m late, Ms. Dumont,” the woman said. “Thank you for covering for me.”
Sonofabitch, a Dumont, Jake thought. Asking her to fetch him a cup of coffee was probably
not the best idea he’d ever had.
“It’s not a problem, Marie.” She tipped her head toward Jake. “Mr. Cantrell is here to see Ian. I have to go into the meeting. Could you get him a cup of coffee while he waits?”
Jake felt the slight rebuke in the glance she cast his way. Clearly, she wasn’t used to fetching a man much of anything.
“Of course,” Marie said. The Dumont woman headed for the tall walnut door leading into Ian Dumont’s imperial domain, her strides long and purposeful, as if she had someplace important to go. He liked a woman who didn’t dawdle. And besides the great ass, she had a pair of legs that wouldn’t quit.
He watched her disappear behind the door, wondering what role she played in the Dumont empire, then turned his attention to the receptionist.
Marie was smiling. “Mr. Cantrell, Mr. Dumont mentioned that you would be coming in. I believe he wants to see you as soon as you arrive.”
“Thank you, Marie.”
“I’ll bring coffee into the meeting.” The woman blushed as he walked away. It was his size mostly, he figured, that made women take a second look. He was used to it by now.
He shoved open the office door and stepped inside, found only two people in the room–the woman he had subtly insulted and a silver-haired gentleman in his late seventies, slightly stooped but still impressive, undoubtedly Ian Dumont, CEO of the company.
“Mr. Cantrell, I assume,” the man said. “Our mutual friend, Trace Rawlins, had nothing but good things to say when he recommended you for this job. Please do join us.”
The Dumont woman was staring, one of her dark eyebrows elevated in question. He noticed she was wearing a flashy diamond engagement ring. Since he felt a jolt of heat whenever he looked at her, it was probably good she was out of his reach.
Ian Dumont reached out to shake his hand. A strong, solid handshake that set the tone for the discussion ahead. “Why don’t we all sit down?” Ian suggested.
They spaced themselves at the near end of the conference table, which sat in the middle of a room done in the same walnut and chrome as the waiting area.
Ian fixed his attention on Jake. “I asked you here to discuss providing security for one of our people during an upcoming business negotiation.”
“S.E. Dumont, you said when we spoke on the phone.”
“That is correct.”
“Wait a minute,” the dark-haired woman interrupted, her gaze sliding toward Jake. “Ian, you aren’t thinking–”
“Mr. Cantrell, I’d like you to meet my granddaughter, Sage Elizabeth Dumont.”
The room fell silent. Sonofabitch. She was his assignment?
“I don’t need a bodyguard, Ian.”
The old man turned toward her, a determined glint in a pair of eyes that looked strikingly similar to the flashing gold-ringed brown ones belonging to his granddaughter.
“Mr. Cantrell has experience in Middle Eastern protocol as well as a background in personal security. Isn’t that correct, Mr. Cantrell?”
“Over the years, I’ve done a lot of corporate protection work, both in South America and the Middle East. I worked in Saudi for three years after I got out of the Marines. So yes, I know the protocols.”
“This is simply not necessary,” Sage said.
Both men ignored her. “I understand you were in Special Forces. You served in Iraq, I believe.”
“That’s right.”
“Sage is Vice President of Acquisitions and Distribution for Marine Drilling. Currently she is involved in a transaction that may reach the three hundred million mark. A deal being negotiated with Sheik Khalid Al Kahzaz of Saudi Arabia. The sheik and his family are due to arrive in just a few days.”
“I see,” Jake said noncommittally. Protecting a corporate exec was one thing. Protecting a spoiled young socialite who got her job because she was a member of the Dumont family was something altogether different.
“With your experience,” Ian continued, “I’m hoping you will be able to guide my granddaughter through this visit with our Saudi friends, and should trouble arise in the city, also keep her safe.”
“That’s what I get paid for.”
Sage shifted in her chair, irritation clear in her face. “We need to discuss this in private, Ian.”
The old man smiled indulgently. “We can do that, of course, but the result will be the same. You’re representing Marine Drilling International. You will be prominently engaged in entertaining the sheik, his daughter and son, and the rest of his party. Currently, there is a great deal of unrest in the Middle
East. Last night there was an incident right here in the city. Mr. Cantrell can handle whatever problem might come up.” He rose from his chair, and Jake and Sage stood up, too.
Ian turned to Jake. “When can you start?”
Part of him wanted to refuse the assignment. He didn’t want to deal with a bossy, cantankerous female. The other part was looking for something interesting to do after weeks of mostly sitting behind a desk. “If we only have a short time until they arrive,” he found himself saying, “we had start today.”
Sage’s spine went a little straighter. She fixed her gaze on Jake. Even with her ultra high heels she had to look up at him, which he could tell she didn’t like.
“Fine,” she said. “I’ll see you in my office in half an hour. Does that work for you?”
“I’ll be there.”
As soon as the door swooshed closed behind her, Jake heard Ian chuckle. “I knew she was going to pitch an all-out fit about this, but I want her safe. She means everything to me, Mr. Cantrell.”
“It’s just Jake. And you can count on me to take care of her–whether she likes it or not.”
Ian Dumont just smiled.
AGAINST THE SUN debuted at #17 on the New York Times Bestsellers list, and was a Romantic Times “top pick”! Here’s how to order.
ORDER LINKS
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/against-the-sun-kat-martin/1107460610
Indiebound:
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780778313502
This book sounds great. I have all the other “Against” books just haven’t got this one yet.
I’ve not done much traveling, time and money the problem, but I have been to Florida and love it. My most favorite place is the Smoky Mountains.
Stuart, Florida, Great beach right on the Atlantic Ocean you can walk for miles and miles and miles.
Bathtub Beach has a reef enclosed area perfect for swimming!
Friendly people, fun things to do: rent a kayak, wind surf, swim, play, read, walk, bike, fish, relax…
Excellent climate October- May It gets quite humid in the summer
My favorite places in the sun is anywhere a cruise ship goes,,yep that would be it,,I love cruising an the sun is beatuiful on the ocean
I grew up in the Adirondack mountains of Northern New York. We hiked all over the mountains on my uncles farm. We had a camp on a mountain lake and I hiked to the top of several of the surrounding mountains as often as I could. Sitting on the bald on the top you could soak in the sunshine and cool breeze. I would take our canoe out and paddle around our end of the lake and in to the marsh, quiet and relaxing,
We lived in Colorado Springs for three wonderful years. We got up into the mountains and hiked whenever we could. A very different kind of terrain and sun. Spectacular vistas and thin air made it a special experience. We went to the Tetons and Yellowstone. Enjoyed the hikes and sitting in the sun along the way. Unfortunately, it was a year of fires and our view, if not the area we were in were often smoke filled. We made many trips to Mesa Verde. Walking the trails, sitting in the sun taking in the cliff dwellings and thinking of what their inhabitants’ lives were like were special times.
We took the boat out to Fort Jefferson National Park in the Florida Keys. It was the perfect day, barely a cloud in the sky and the ocean was smooth as glass. The sun shone clear to the bottom of the ocean and you could see the fish and sea turtles as you passed by. You are right about being out on the water. There is a freedom & joy to it with the breeze in your face and the sun warming you.
I look forward to reading AGAINST THE SUN.
I grew up in Canada, so we of course get the four seasons. When we have a good summer like we are having now, I love it. My fav place to be in the sun is anywhere I can relax and read a good book. Or go without a winter coat, boots, scarves, and gloves. The first time I can go without any of these winter necessities is like heaven to me. I don’t like the winter anymore. But give me the winter in Florida or somewhere like it and the summers in Canada. I would be a happy girl.
I always look forward to reading your books…
Fav place in the sun… anywhere there is shade! 😉
This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. I love the shore in New Jersey, especially Wildwood Crest and Cape May.They’re always so calm and clean.
I have some of the books in this series (the middle ones) so I’m trying to wait which isn’t easy! I like spring the best but after living in PA all my life, I’ll take the hot over the cold. At least you don’t have to shovel in the summer lol.
It’s been so awful HOT and DRY that nowhere is my favorite hot spot. My family has had a terrible time with air conditioning this summer. First my sister’s whole system went out, then our A/C unit quit, then my mother’s fan went out on her A/C unit. When they got here to fix ours it was a very HOT 96 in the house. It’s been over a hundred for so long I have forgot what it’s like to go outside without having the heat take my breath away. We have really high humidity here so it’s been awful. I’m looking forward to fall, it’s my favorite season anyway. I would love to read Against The Sun, I really enjoy these types of stories. Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Well, since I’m a Native Californian (uprooted 11 years ago to Northeastern Indiana) I would have to say any of the beaches in Southern Californian would be a great place under the sun. My favorite was Corona Del Mar for the sand and water, for shopping in the sun & fun I would say Huntington Beach, CA. I also use to love to go up into the mountains and there was a special place I would go with my father and brother named Deep Creek. It was hard to get into but now they’ve paved the road and too many people showed up the last time we were there, ruining the quietness of the area. I remember going up on a peak to lay down and read while my dad and brother fished . It was awesome! I could look below to the creek and look up into God’s beautiful blue sky with the smell of pine all around.
Wow! I just made myself very, very homesick! 🙁
I would love to be entered to win a copy of your book. Thank you for the chance.
😀 Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
No better place for me than the Owens Valley of Eastern California. Open sky, dry air and mountains as far as the eye can see. Sure it’s in the 90’s, but it’s ‘dry’ heat! I would probably die in the humidity. We are just down the hill from Mammoth Lakes. I spent my summers there as a young girl and I still go into the Sierra back country as often as possible. Clean air and lots of clear skies. What can I say, I just love California!
I like staycations in my backyard.
I just stay at home on my vacations. Try to avoid the sun because it has been really hot this year. Although I do try to take a walk everyday.
I agree with Colleen. My favorite place in the sun is anywhere there is shade. Although, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park are great when it is sunny.
I have lived in Arizona so long that I really enjoy sunny days. Here we have adjusted to the really hot triple digit temperatures with pool parties, misters on our patios, going to the malls to do our power walking, and doing outside activities really early in the mornings. I love it. I grew up in Colorado and remember shoveling snow until I couldn’t see straight. I love the bright sunny days over the cool and dreary ones.
Hi Kat,
First I must say that I love all your books….My favorite places in the sun is ARIZONA….On the Reservations especially Monument Valley area….
I as Joye love AZ…I would rather have the bright sunny days over the cold dreary days….
Thanks for sharing….
Melinda
Just back from RWA where I ran into my old friend, Margaret Browning! Love the comments. Being a Montanan, AZ is my idea of pure torture–though I totally love Scottsdale in the winter. we get out of the snow most years, but love a white Christmas, which we will have this year (hopefully). Catslady–all the Against books stand alone, so don’t be afraid to dive right in. love ya’ll kat