Every bone in my body aches. I’d just spent three hours in a gym learning how to kill people with my bare hands, and the instructor matched me up against a six-foot- four behemoth who kicked the living crap out of me. I’m a good-sized girl at five foot nine, I’m in great shape, and I’m not afraid to fight – but the fact remains that a hundred and thirty pound woman will always have a hard time beating a man in a fistfight who outweighs her by a hundred pounds, particularly if the man is also in good shape and trained to fight.
I asked myself for the hundredth time: Why did I take this f-ing job? Why am I in Washington, D.C. being trained to be a spy instead of back in San Diego where I belong? And the answer is always the same: You’re in Washington, dummy, because the DEA fired you. They fired you for being insubordinate and not playing well with others and going into Mexico on your own to kill a man. The fact that you had a valid reason to go into Mexico – that reason namely being to save your daughter – just wasn’t considered a good enough excuse for breaking every rule in the law enforcement handbook.
But still, working for a rogue agency that has no legitimate connection to the U.S. government and being trained to become an assassin … There just has to be a better way to make a living and support my daughter.
My next class is a language class where I’m learning to speak Farsi – you know, the language they speak in Iran. Then I find out as I’m heading toward class, that my first assignment for the Callahan Group won’t be in Iran. It will be in that garden spot of the Middle East called Afghanistan. I don’t have time right now to talk to you about Thomas Callahan – a sneaky, conniving bastard who’s about as charming as a man can be. And as bad as Afghanistan sounds, I have to admit – just call me crazy – that I’m looking forward to going and doing something that’s supposed to be in the best interest of the good ol’ U.S. of A. Plus, anything has to better than another hand-to-hand combat class.
Had I known what was going to happen in Afghanistan, and later in Viking Bay, I would have packed up my daughter and scooted back to California where I belong.
You can read more about Kay in Viking Bay, the exciting, action-packed sequel to Rosarito Beach, the novel that introduced Kay Hamilton to the world; published by Blue Rider Press.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on January 27 for the chance to win a copy of VIKING BAY. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
About the author
M. A. Lawson is the pen name of Mike Lawson, the award-winning author of nine Joe DeMarco political thrillers. Rosarito Beach, the first novel in the Kay Hamilton series, was optioned for television. Mike is a former senior civilian executive employed by the United States navy and you can learn more about him and his novels on his website: www.mikelawsonbooks.com.
M.A. Lawson is a new author to me, but the description of the main character, Kay Hamilton, draws me in. I want to know more about her and see her in action. I’m definitely going to track down his books. Thank you, Dru, for introducing me to Mike Lawson’s work, and for the chance to win the giveaway.
Another one for my t-b-r list.
have not read anything by this author yet, looks interesting.
I read the first book and enjoyed it. Would love to continue with this book. Even if I don’t win, I’ll definitely be reading it.
Sounds interesting, would love to read it
Sounds like a good read!
Kay Hamilton sounds like the kind of toughie I’ve always wanted to be. Of course I’m 69 and 40 pounds overweight. So it ain’t gonna happen! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like lots of intense action. Thanks for the chance to try a new title.
This book sounds very exciting and yes I’m putting it on my to be read list!
This sounds intense and such a great character too. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
This book sounds riveting! Thank you for the review and contest!
I like Kay’s adventures.
I just wanted to jump in and say thanks to all the folks above who’ve commented about Kay and the book. She’s really be a great character to write and I’ve really had a lot of fun writing Rosarito Beach and Viking Bay. By the way, just yesterday, the Providence Journal critic said, “The wondrously crafted “Viking Bay” has all the elements of a great novel as well as thriller and Kay Hamilton is a force to be reckoned with …” Anyway, I’ve been really pleased with the reviews the book has been getting. And, Victoria – I have a sister named Victoria by the way – and I’ll bet even at sixty-nine, you’re still a toughie. Mike
Sounds great, I like women learning how to defend themselves.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I can’t even imagine going to Afghanistan—but I can imagine being sore from the gym—in fact, I am sore right now. I’d love to read this book.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
NEVER get between a mother and her child!
Sounds like a good read!
Sounds like a thrilling story. On my TBR.
New author to me, sounds interesting.
Sounds interesting. Count me in!
Sounds like a VERY interesting new series!
Sounds like she and I could be friends. Lol. Thank you for the chance!
I love tough female characters.
New author for me, but looking forward to reading the books.
What a dilemma! How does this work out? I’m in.
This sounds like a good book. I’ll have to try the series. Thanks for the chance to win.
Must try. Thanks
contest is closed.