Never Play Fair by Leah Cupps

 Please welcome Leah Cupps author of Never Play Fair

Leah Cupps will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Never Play Fair

by Leah Cupps

 

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GENRE: Mystery Thriller

 

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INTERVIEW:

1. What or who inspired you to start writing?

I took a Masterclass by James Patterson. It was a gift from my father for my 40^th birthday. Taking his class really inspired me!

2. What elements are necessary components for this genre?

The necessary components for any good thriller are engaging characters, intense pressuer and lots of action.

3. How did you come up with your idea for your novel?

Never Play Fair is a continuation of Sydney Evans story. After I finished my first novel What Lies in Paradise, my readers had so many questions about what happens next! This book is my answer to those readers.

4. What expertise did you bring to your writing?

I have a background in marketing, so I really gravitate towards quick and snappy copy. Every word matters!

5. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I am a serial entrepreneur and have built and sold five companies since 2014.

6. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I am dying to write a psychological thriller. This is my personal genre of choice to read right now. 

7. If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why?

Probably Alex Birch! I’d love to know what it’s like to be in the FBI.

8. Can you give us a sneak peek into this book?

Alex isn’t the only character who has been kidnapped…

9. Do you belong to a critique group? If so, how does this help or hinder your writing?

I use beta readers on every book to help me refine the story.

10. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

I am a self published author.

11. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

Write what you know. My philosophy is write what you want to know. Research is a fun part of the process!

13. How do you maintain your creativity? I try to take breaks and watch movies, and read for fun.

14. Who is your favorite character in the book? Can you tell us why? Sydney is my favorite character because she perseveres through the story.

BLURB:

 

Can Sydney find her boyfriend in time, or will they both sink to the bottom of the Caribbean Sea?

 

Instagram Influencer Sydney Evans finds herself entangled in a criminal operation, orchestrated by the Department of Defense in order to bring down an online casino crime ring.

 

But she only has one motivation: find her FBI boyfriend Alex before he becomes collateral damage.

 

Sydney must navigate her way through an exclusive Casino yacht party in the middle of the Caribbean sea put on by none other than the notorious Costa Rican gangster, Vincente Estavez.

 

Never Play Fair is a fast-paced standalone thriller. If you like real-world issues, lavish socialite parties, and electrifying twists and turns, then you’ll love Leah Cupps’ provocative cozy mystery.

 

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NOTE: The book is on sale for only $0.99.

 

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EXCERPT:

 

Just two boats were left now, one already sidled up to the side of the ship, guests boarding one by one. Another waited about fifty feet away, giving the ship wide berth. 

 

A woman with long blonde hair and a tight-fitting black cocktail waited anxiously with the others.

 

 

A few moments ago, she had noticed a drop in temperature, a few darker clouds and a rumbling in the distance.

 

There was a storm coming.

 

She moved closer to the man who was standing beside her. His cell phone had been taken from him at some point, as had hers. So, they both had little to do but stand and wait. Talking about what had just happened might give them away. And they were so close.

 

The last passenger boarded the boat in front of them. She was an older woman with white hair that was slicked back against her skull. The last lights from the yacht reflected on her sequined gown, the sparkles glimmering in the dark. Sydney watched her as if hypnotized.

 

After she had landed clumsily in her seat, the boat pulled away, and the last idling boat took its place. Sydney gripped the hand of the broad shouldered man next to her. Despite his size, his grip was weak. 

 

They exchanged a quick look. His eyes were clouded, but she could see the relief softening his features.

 

Almost there.

 

As they moved forward to board, she noticed the sudden silence in the air. The fire alarm had stopped. A jolt of fear ripped through her stomach. 

 

They must have put out the fire down below. Sydney looked around wildly.

 

Will the evacuation stop?

 

She pulled his hand towards the idling boat. They would be the first to board. The crew member on the boat gave her companion an odd look when he noticed his bloodied, swollen face.

 

“He fell on the steps,” she said, trying to assuage his alarm. The man simply nodded and gestured for him to move forward. The waves had gained strength in the last few minutes and the ropes from the boat stretched to their full length. The crew struggled to keep the smaller boat under control.

 

Another rope was tethered to the cleat alongside the massive yacht. A crew member reached for Sydney’s hand.

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Leah Cupps is an entrepreneur and author. She writes Middle Grade Mystery Adventure Books as well as Thriller, Mystery, Suspense for Adults.

 

Leah’s novels are fast-paced mysteries that will keep you up at night as you can’t wait to see what happens in the next chapter.

 

Leah lives in Indiana with her husband, three young children and three dogs. When she isn’t losing sleep writing her next novel or scaling her next business, she enjoys reading, golfing working out and spending time with her family.

 

Connect with Leah Online:

http://www.facebook.com/leahcuppsauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17178076.Leah_Cupps

 

Sign up for Leah’s VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released:

www.leahcupps.com

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

Leah Cupps will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

RAFFLECOPTER:

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f4358