Pamela Clare's latest romantic suspense novel.
Hi everyone! Sorry we’re late posting this morning. 
Today I’m happy to introduce a guest blogger, Pamela Clare. Pamela is the extremely talented author of a kick butt romantic suspense series as well as mouth-watering historical romance. She creates multi-dimensional characters, wonderful plots, and edge-of-the-seat thrills in her romantic suspense and her historicals. Today Pamela is giving away a paperback of one of her books, so be sure to comment. She’ll be back later today to pick a winner. .:) Without further hesitation, I introduce one of my favorite authors, Pamela Clare.
***
For two years, I’ve gotten daily e-mails from readers anxious to know when my next I-Team book would be out. That day came last Tuesday. After two long years, my I-Team series continues with Naked Edge. A contemporary romantic suspense novel set in the Colorado Rockies, Naked Edge tells the story of Navajo journalist Kat James and Gabe Rossiter, the park ranger who saves her life when she’s injured in the mountains.
The story is was inspired by my own near-fatal climbing accident in 1994 and the years I spent reporting on events in Indian Country — two completely unrelated things that I drew together to tell Kat and Gabe’s story.
Write what you know, they say, and I know what it’s like to fall 40 feet and almost die in the mountains. I know what it feels like to slip and know that you might well have taken your last breath. I know what sounds like when your own bones break. And I know how desperate a person can feel when they realize that they are almost completely helpless.
I was backpacking with my father, a lifelong climber, when it happened. We came to a cornice of snow and ice that we hadn’t anticipated. Lacking the right gear for climbing ice, we decided to give it a go anyway. It was no problem for my father, who simply kicked footholds in the ice and climbed 20 feet down to the steep slope of talus and boulders below. But it didn’t go so well for me.
I slipped from the top, and the game was over. I remember hearing my father shout for me and thinking I might die. I remember hitting rock over and over again and knowing that I was being hurt, but not feeling a thing.
In the hours that followed, I went from being barely coherent and in shock to realizing I had no choice but to keep climbing, even though I couldn’t stand. Readers will recognize Kat’s attempt to crawl to a trail where help could find her with my own effort to crawl, dragging a broken leg through the snow, to a safe place where I could rest while my father went for help. Fortunately, both Kat and I were rescued by a ranger on his day off who just happened to be nearby.
In my case, the ranger was named Rick. I haven’t seen him since. In Kat’s case, the ranger is Gabe, and meeting him changes both of their lives.
Kat’s Navajo heritage is drawn from more than a decade of reporting on news from Indian Country. The Navajo reservation is a 12-hour drive from my house, and it’s a drive I’ve made countless times over the years, hoping to bring awareness about Native concerns to a mainstream audience.
I was hesitant to write a Native heroine because I feel there’s a great responsibility that comes with depicting someone from another culture. I didn’t want to resort to stereotypes, nor did I wish to portray Navajo culture inaccurately. And let’s face it — no amount of time on the rez can make up for the fact that I am was not born and raised Navajo.
Still, the character of Kat came to me, and I was committed. I drew on my own memories of events and ceremonies, using as the outline for the story actual events that I reported on, including the desecration of a sweat lodge ceremony in which Native people from several Indian nations were participating together.
You’d think that, with all of this real-life experience in my mind, I’d have written Naked Edge quickly. Wrong! Somehow the fact that it felt so real to me made the writing an even slower process than usual. I felt so strongly that the details needed to be correct and that the characters, especially Kat and Gabe, had to embody the world I’d seen.
I doubt any of this will really matter for readers. What matters to them is being able to pick up the book and lose themselves in a love story. And Naked Edge is a love story. It’s a story about two people who meet under strained conditions and go on to mean more to one another than they could possibly imagine. With the Rockies as the backdrop it tells the story of one man’s courage as he puts his life on the line to protect an innocent woman from killers — and one woman’s selfless fight against the past to save the soul of the man she loves.
Written with real sweat and blood, I hope it’s a story that will stay with readers for a long time.
Here’s the cover blurb:
What do you do when desire drives you to the very brink?
The day Navajo journalist Katherine James met Gabriel Rossiter, the earth literally moved beneath her feet. Nearly killed in a rockslide while hiking, she found her life in the tall park ranger’s hands. Although she can’t forget him she thinks she’ll never see him again. She is crushed when she recognizes her rescuer among the law enforcement officers raiding a sweat lodge ceremony one night, throwing her and her friends off Mesa Butte, land they consider sacred.
Gabe long ago swore he would never again lose himself to a woman — not even one with long dark hair and big eyes that seem to see right through him. But from the moment he first sees Kat, the attraction he feels is undeniable. Appalled by what he has been ordered to do, he’s determined to get to the bottom of recent events at Mesa Butte and to keep Kat safe.
But asking questions can be dangerous — almost as dangerous as risking one’s heart. And soon Kat and Gabe’s passion for the truth — and each other — makes them targets for those who would do anything, even kill, to keep Native Americans off their sacred land.
For excerpts, go to www.pamelaclare.com and blogspot.pamelaclare.com.
I’ll be giving away a signed copy of Naked Edge today to one lucky person who posts. And although I’ll be at work, I’ll do my best to answer any questions anyone might have.
And thanks to Denise and the Bradford Bunch for letting me blog with you today!
Pamela Clare
**
Thank you Pamela! It’s a pleasure having you with us today.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Hi Pamela, just wanted to drop a note and commend you on your courage to not only make Kat a Native but to convert real life events into fiction, I often find that it is more daunting than pure make-believe. The chemistry btwn Kat & Gabe is simply palpable!
Thanks for writing such true to life love & suspense.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:55 am
**Waves to Ms. Pamela** Hi ladies!!! I just wanted to come drop by and show some support and love to Ms. Pamela!!! She freaking rocks! You must buy her books!!!
Hope you all have a great day!
March 8th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Happy Monday, Pamela.
The best thing, maybe the only good thing, about Monday is that it doesn’t last forever. 
Loved NE. It is definitely a love story - so full of emotion. I’ve handed out my copies of the I Team series, sent others to go get their own. EVERYONE should read this series!
March 8th, 2010 at 11:16 am
:mrgreen:HIPamela, I just dropped by to say, I am so HAPPY
about this new book.I can’t wait to read it.I have read almost all your books and they all stay with you like they are a part of your family.I love them all.You really know how to make a book come to life.Thank you for writting stories that stay so close to your heart
March 8th, 2010 at 11:48 am
I’ll be thinking of you every minute I read the book-and wondering how you felt at each turn because of your experience-I’m soooo glad you made it out alive-thanks for living!
March 8th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
I really enjoyed this post, a new author for me!
March 8th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
[...] Pamela Clare, author of Naked Edge, at The Bradford Bunch [...]
March 8th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Hi Pamela,
I think it is fascinating to learn the inspiration behind a story and based on the excerpt for Naked Edge, it sounds like you have blended fact and fantasy into an amazing story. Would love a chance to read it.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Hi, Scorpio — Thank you! I agree — sometimes it really is tougher trying to fictionalize real events than just making stuff up. I’m glad you can feel their “chemistry,” a loaded word in the story.
And you’re welcome! I really enjoy writing RS.
Hi, Cecile — **waves back** Thanks for stopping by! Nice to see you. And thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
Hi, Kara — Oh, that’s the truth. This Monday is 2/3 over at this point, and that’s a good thing. Thanks so much for your kind words about the story. I’m so happy you enjoyed it so much. That means a lot to me.
Hi, Lucretia — My characters are everything to me when I write, so I’m happy that they feel like part of the family. They certainly do at my house. When I sat down to write UNLAWFUL CONTACT, my older son joked that I needed to break up with Julian (from HARD EVIDENCE) first. Thank you so much!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Hi, Marianne — Thank you! I am happy to be alive. It would have been a bummer had it all ended right then. I think I’ve said it before, but writing this book enabled me to give myself credit for doing what I had to do that day. I was so ashamed of falling (in a climbing family, that’s the one thing you never do) that I never really saw how strong I had to be until I saw Kat through Gabe’s eyes.
Hi, Amanda — I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Please feel free to hop over to my blog or my website and explore a bit. There are lots of things to look at. Thanks for taking time to post!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Jackie, thank you for cross-posting about this blog. I appreciate it!
Hi, Cathy — I certainly tried to blend them. I’m glad you liked the excerpt. Good luck in the contest!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Congrats on the new release, Pamela. I love that Kat is an unconventional heroine.
March 8th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Hi Pamela,
Been reading all the great reviews for Naked Edge. I have read your wonderful historicals (which led me to your blog, which then led me here) but have not read your contemporary rom-suspense. The I-Team series sounds fast and exciting!
March 8th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Hi Pamela! Thanks for visiting with us today! You know I’ve been waiting for Naked Edge foreeeeeeeeeeeever
I’m too lazy to look now - when is the next I-Team book coming out? I’m drawing a blank and can’t think of her name. ::shame:: But - will there be a nod to Nawlins for her background?
Anyway - no need to enter me in the drawing. I pre-ordered Naked Edge forever ago, and really liked it. Already re-read parts… and know I’ll be doing that again.
March 8th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Hi, Jane — Thank you! She’s unconventional in a couple of ways. She’s a virgin and has important reasons for having remained a virgin into her mid-20s. And she’s Navajo (which has something to do with the latter). I have to say that she is probably my favorite heroine so far. I really came to love her and respect her for being as strong as she was.
Hi, Jen X — People often ask me which I enjoy writing more, and that’s a tough question to answer because they’re so different. I love history and historical research. I also find the traditional gender roles to be fascinating subject matter when writing romance, where a relationship in the end must be equal. But with contemporary romantic suspense, I’m able to use my own work as a journalist, and the I’m able to make the content and language edgier. That’s fun for me. I’d be interested to see what you think of the suspense stories, given that you’ve only read the historicals.
March 8th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I’m looking forward to reading this. I love when there’s some adventure mixed in to my romance.
March 8th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Hi, Soraya — I hope you enjoy it! I love adventure, too. I find that I write many more action and adventure scenes in both my historicals and romantic suspense stories than I read in romances a decade or so ago. I supposed that’s changing across the genre. Regardless, they’re lots of fun to write, too.
I love your name, by the way.
March 8th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Hi Pamela,
I just discovered you yesterday via a posting at Smart Bitches Trashy Books and have not yet read any of your novels. Last night I read a few excepts at Amazon and now I want more!
March 8th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Hi Pamela,
It’s 6 am in the morning and woahhhh..kindda sleepy
but hey, i just like you to know that You are a New for me Author. And Heard lots of good things about this steamy book
March 8th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I’ve got it, Pamela ~~ it’s on my Kindle just waiting for me to read it!! I’m so thrilled it’s finally here ~~ and happy new release!!
March 8th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
great post pamela. it’s always interesting to hear where authors get their inspiration. i rediscovered my love good romantic suspense lately and i heard good things about naked edge!! and i love the excerpts as well.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
[...] Guest Blogger: Pamela Clare / The Bradford Bunch [...]
March 8th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Hi Pamela, your book sound like a great blend of fiction and personal life experiences. Glad to see that you lived to tell the tale of that unfortunate accident. I’ve done a little hiking on snowy mountains and thought how precarious it was to be climbing up a mountain face without even crampons. I don’t think I’ll ever do that again now.
March 8th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Hi, Mina — I’m so glad to have been discovered.
I’m glad the excerpts interested you. There are more excerpts and even background info on each of my books on my website, if you’re curious. I’ve also got a page of fun stuff like downloadable wallpaper and fan art and fan fic.
Thanks for introducing yourself and posting!
Hi, Melissa — Thank you so much for the good wishes! I really appreciate it. I’ve heard that the kindle version starts at Chapter 1 and not the prologue unless you actually search for the prologue, so make sure you don’t miss that part.
I hope you enjoy the story. And thanks so much for your support!
March 8th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Hi, Michelle — Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. You know a friend of mine said to me recently, “Only a writer would lie on a mountainside, bleeding and with broken bones and think, ‘I need to put this in one of my books.’” That made me laugh. I guess inspiration is where you find it.
Someone was telling me recently how much they loved romantic suspense compared to other subgenres. They said something along the lines of it being the right combination of suspense and sexiness.
Thanks for posting!
March 8th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Hi, Sue — Wow, someone who knows the word “crampons.” I say that around most of my female friends and they think it’s something made by Playtex.
Crampons would have made a HUGE difference that day. Or an ice ax. Or even rope. Or some good sense. Oh, well.
I love hiking in the winter. I strap on some instep crampons and hike up our foothills (about 8,800 feet in elevation) for a view of the sunrise. I feel like a mountain goat because those things hold onto the ice so well.
And thank you. I’m glad to be among the living, too.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Happy Monday and I love the cover of Naked Edge! It also sounds like a fabulous read!
March 8th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Hi, Jeanette — Happy Monday to you, too. And thanks! I was thrilled when I saw the cover. I love purple, so it suited me just fine. And have a happy Tuesday, too.
March 8th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Hi Pamela,
I just read your recent blog and I had no idea that some penal institutions chain women while they are delivering their babies….That Is Just Horrible!!!
It’s been years since I was (in labor) but I remember it well….and there is no way I could have walked 2 steps without bending/holding my belly until the pain backed off.
I agree with you on this issue….even though I know the authorities have to be careful, there is no reason to chain a woman while she is having her baby. I view this as cruel and unnecessary punishment!!!
I bought Naked Edge, BUT I would Love To Win an (Autographed) Copy to cherish and proudly display on my keeper shelf.
And for those of you out there that have not read Pamela’s books….You Are Missing Out On The Best Novels I’ve Read In A Long Long Time!!! They Rock!!!
March 8th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Hi, Mitzi — Yes, only six states have laws preventing the shackling of women inmates in labor. It is barbaric, in my opinion. Most of these women are nonviolent offenders, i.e., drug users. They pose no danger to anyone. Forcing them to stay in bed chained to the bed rail while they labor and deliver sounds like something from two centuries ago. I’m doing everything I can to raise awareness about it both through my fiction and through my work as a journalist. I hope to see the law changed. I’m meeting personally with the president of Colorado’s state senate on Wednesday to share the research that shows how unnecessary this is (they’re under armed guard already, after all) and how degrading, demoralizing and inhumane it is (not to mention unsafe).
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the stories. WOW, that’s high praise for my stories to live up to.
Thanks so much for posting! And if you want help figuring out the laws about laboring inmates in your state, let me know.
March 8th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Hi, Mariska — Nice to see you again! Sorry I missed you in there. Six AM is definitely early in the morning. Hopefully you’re wide awake and having a good day today! Thanks for posting!
Hey, Limecello — Somehow I missed you, too! Goodness. Good to see you! I’m not sure when the next book is coming out but I’m working on it now. It tells Natalie’s story, and there will definitely be mention of Nawlins in the story, but it starts in Mexico and ends in Colorado, so none of the story will be set there. I hope you enjoy Kat and Gabe’s story!
March 8th, 2010 at 11:42 pm
Thanks again to Denise and everyone at The Bradford Bunch for letting me blog today. I really appreciate it!
And for our contest drawing, I put everyone’s names in a contest randomizer and it picked….
SUE!
Congratulations, Sue! If you could email me your mailing address, I’ll get your signed copy of NAKED EDGE in the mail.
Everyone have a wonderful Tuesday.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Thanks for the heads up, Pamela..yeah, that is one feature I’m not real crazy about. I like to read the dedications and such, so have to remember to go to the cover.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Thanks to everyone who stopped by! And special thanks to Pamela for being a guest blogger and for writing some fantastic books!
Denise A. Agnew
March 9th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Thank you, Denise.
Sue, I realize it might be easier for you to reach me if you had my e-mail address. It’s: pamelaclare @ earthlink.net. (Just remove the extra spaces there…)
Pamela
March 9th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Thank you Pamela, I’ve just sent you an email!