Isabella May Author

We Talk Female Sleuths, Self-Belief and Cherry Cheesecake!

What inspired you to write your book, ‘Assassin By Day’?
I started writing Assassin By Day as a way to let out frustration from life. Initially, it was just a short story that was fun to write. As time went on, I couldn’t stop thinking about Mishka and the many possibilities her story could bring. It took no time at all to finish, but editing was another story. I think my biggest inspiration was that I wanted to write a book that wasn’t like the others I’d read. I wanted to push the limits of a ‘typical’ female character and I hope I succeeded.

You have a stunning cover image for your novel. Talk us through the process of getting your cover just right…
Finding a perfect book cover is almost as difficult as editing. I went through several websites from my publisher until we finally found an image we could work with. After a bit of tweaking and lots of emails, we arrived at the one that I absolutely love. It’s sexy, daring, and mysterious, just like Mishka.

‘Life is too short to hold back and not pursue every facet of your dreams’ is the motto you share on your website. How would you expand on these words for any dithering authors out there who aren’t sure if their manuscript is good enough?
I cannot begin to explain how depressing it is for a writer who second-guesses their manuscript. I do it on a consistent basis, so they’re not alone. I have an email folder specifically for ‘Rejections’ and it’s got quite a few in there. My best advice to fellow authors struggling with their manuscript is to believe in your work. One of my good friends told me to do that when I first started writing ‘Assassin By Day’ and it stuck with me. You will find a publisher who HAS to have your manuscript. It may take a year or two of rejection emails, but have confidence in your work and patience will win in the end.

Favourite cake?
Does cheesecake count? Because cherry cheesecake is my absolute favorite.

What’s the loveliest thing a reader has said about your writing?
“I stayed up all night reading. I couldn’t put it down.”

And the not-so-loveliest?
“Why does she (Mishka) have to be like that?”

Favourite place for a vacation?
I haven’t actually been yet, but I’m fairly certain Scotland will be my favourite place once I get there 🙂

If you could choose three authors to invite over for a dinner party (and these have to be authors you haven’t yet met!), who would that trio comprise of?
I really enjoy my fellow Crooked Cat authors, mostly because their humor is similar to mine and also I want their accents. I couldn’t pick just three of my CC pals, so I’ll go with Jane Austen, James Patterson, and J.K. Rowling.

We’d love to know what you are working on next… can you spill a few beans?
Of course! Right now I’m working on book two of Mishka’s assassin journey. The book picks up three months after the end of the first book and there are a few surprises in store for the Russian beauty. I can’t spill too much, but I can tell you it will lead right into book three.

Book Blurb:

What would you do if the mystery to your mother’s death lay with your employer?

After years of unanswered questions, Mishka Vald sets out to uncover the skhodka’s involvement in her past. What she doesn’t expect is to join forces with men who push her to become a double-agent and confirm her future. While hunting down leads, the ruthless assassin realizes a life in the shadows is the only way for her to protect those she loves.

For Mishka, forbidden love is worth the pain when it comes to Eddie Harper, a military man turned cop. Her affection waivers when duty comes first and she joins forces with an elite Russian soldier, Alexei Petrovich. With a blackmailer threatening her school love, she seeks refuge with a fellow assassin, Nickolas Volkov. And when pushed too far, she’s ushered to a secure location…and straight into the arms of mysterious handyman, Dylan Kain. As the pieces fall into place, their mangled order reveals each man’s true intention. Whose deceit can she accept and whose will obliterate her?

All roads lead back to the woman she thought dead—her mother. Now, as weddings are crashed and alliances tested, Mishka uncovers a deadly game and the players involved. Her heart, once unable to budge, is thrust into action, but which man can keep her soul intact?

And here’s the universal Amazon link to Tessa’s book: mybook.to/assassinday

Author Bio:

Tessa Robertson has been landlocked in the heart of Iowa, USA for the better portion of her life. She grew up on sci-fi and action movies, but isn’t nearly a ninja…yet. Since childhood, writing stories and reading have been a constant. Moonlighting in a law firm, she takes on her favorite cases: criminal. Her stories push the limits of standard characters and explore the thriller facets of romance and action.
In her spare time, Tessa attempts to teach her Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever new tricks; spends copious time with family; catches up on her favorite shows; and listens to country music.

~Tessa Robertson

Sassy and seductive thriller romance novels.  

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My Website:  https://authortessarobertson.wordpress.com/