Wednesday, May 30

Military Week: Kallypso Masters


Thanks, Mel, for this awesome tribute to the military and a few of us who love to write military romances! I'm not sure what it is about military men and women that fascinates me so, but I've loved reading these types of stories since reading Rachel Lee's Conard County series back in the 1990s. The men are alpha, which helps a whole lot. The women are strong and able to take care of themselves. And yet they can be brought to their knees by the birth of a child or the love of the right woman. *melt* What's not to love about that?

I also come from a long line of men who have served in the armed forces, including most recently my father who served in the Navy in World War II and the Army in Korea. (Said he'd have joined the Air Force next if my mom hadn't snagged him. He did have two brothers who served in the Air Force, though, and two in the Army.)

And yet I write about Marines in my debut Rescue Me series. There is something about that sense of honor, their not seeing anything heroic about what they do (it's just their job), their never completing a mission without bringing every member of the unit home, and so much more in that Marine's creed that just speaks to me. Of course, the uniform is totally awe-inspiring, too.

My thanks to all who are serving or have served in the military, and to their families (because they serve alongside them)!

Masters at Arms introduces readers to three very different men who come together in a firefight in Fallujah, Iraq, that will forever bind them as brothers. Please go to Smashwords and use coupon code QP88L to download your FREE copy, because this introduction is necessary for readers to fully understand the next three romances in the series—Nobody's Angel and Nobody's Hero, and Nobody's Perfect, the last of which will be released in the next couple of weeks. These four books also need to be read in order because the three men's lives are so intertwined that I wrote them in serial style with each man's romance arc taking place over multiple books. I also don't believe that a happy ending means "the end" for a couple, so they all will continue to work on relationship issues in later books in the series. (I have eight books planned through 2013, but there may be more as their "family" grows.) But you can rest assured each couple will be brought to a satisfying conclusion at the end of each of the romances.

Today, I've decided to spotlight Nobody's Perfect (Rescue Me #4), which will be released in the last half of June. This is the story of young Damián Orlando and Savi Baker (Savannah Gentry in Masters at Arms), my two most broken characters.

What I love about writing Romance novels is that my characters can go through hell and I know they will still have a happy ending. I have to keep telling myself that with these two, because they truly have been to hell and back and their healing can't be contained within this book. They were introduced in section two of Masters at Arms and separated for eight long years, until they meet under painful circumstances in Nobody's Hero.


BLURB for Nobody's Perfect

Savannah Gentry, now Savi Baker, escaped the torture and degradation forced upon her by a sadistic father for eleven years and has made a safe life for herself and her daughter. When her father threatens her peace of mind—and her daughter's safety—Savi runs to Damián Orlando for protection. Their one day together eight years earlier changed both their lives and resulted in a secret she can no longer hide. But being with Damián reawakens feelings she wants buried—and stirs up an onslaught of disturbing flashbacks that leave her shaken to the core with little hope of ever being a sexual being again.

Damián has his own dragons to fight, but has never forgotten the one perfect day he spent with Savannah in a cave at the beach. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect Savi and her daughter, but can never be the whole man she deserves after a firefight in Iraq. Besides, the trauma of war and resulting PTSD has led him to find his place as the Masters at Arms Club's favorite sadist. Savi needs someone gentle and loving, not the broken man he has become. But he sees that the lifestyle he's come to embrace also can help Savi regain control of her life and sexuality. How can he not help redirect her negative thoughts and actions if she needs him?

AUTHORIZED EXCERPT for Nobody's Perfect
© 2011, 2012 by Kallypso Masters

(Damián speaks first.)

“Let me take your jacket.”

“No, I’m fine. I’ll just keep it on.”

He didn't look like he believed her about being fine, but motioned for her to have a seat on the sofa. He sat down at the other end and reached over to pick up an open bottle of Dos Equis he’d obviously been drinking before she'd arrived.

His gaze targeted her. “Who hit you?”

Savi wasn't sure where to start. She lifted the soda can to her lips and tipped her head back, drinking long and slow, then lowered the can again and stared at it a moment, tracing a fingernail around the rim.

“Was it your husband?”

Her what? She looked up, brows furrowed, then shook her head. “I’m not married.” What had made him think otherwise?

“I have a friend who was a corpsman—a medic—in Iraq. Will you let him check out your injuries?”

No way. She squared her shoulders and sat up a little straighter, willing herself not to show any sign of discomfort or her inability to breathe deeply. “What injuries?”

“Well, there’s the black eye, swelling, bruising on your face. You’ve also been favoring your left side. Did he hit you there, too?”

She sagged against the sofa. “It’s nothing.”

“Let my friend be the judge of that.”

She hadn't come here seeking medical help. She needed protection for her daughter. “I’m not leaving Mari.”

“Who said anything about leaving? He’ll come over here if I ask him.”

“No. The fewer people who know I’m here, the better.”

“Who are you running from, Savannah?”

A spark of something that felt like anger flashed through her at his use of that name. “I told you not to call me that.”

He grinned. “I liked your hair better blonde. Why did you change it?”

She hadn't been a blonde in seven years. “None of your business.”

He leaned toward her and she tried not to let him intimidate her, but he did. “Hey, chica, you just showed up on my doorstep out of nowhere, beaten up and on the run. You’re the one who asked me for help, so don’t go getting all defensive. I’m just trying to figure out what the hell’s going on.”

When she refused to respond, he sat back and took a longer draw on his beer, draining it, then lowered the empty bottle to his crotch. She averted her attention from that part of his anatomy, reaching up to twirl her hair. A wave of discomfort crashed against her. She hadn't been alone in a room with a man in a very long time.

“I felt safer changing my appearance.”

“Marisol’s father?”

Her hand froze on the curl as her heart thudded against her chest, robbing her of even more oxygen. Did he know? She looked up at him again, studying his face for some time. “What about him?”

“Is he the one who roughed you up and sent you running?”

He didn't know. She relaxed into the sofa and took another swig of the soda, buying time as she tried to will her heartbeat to slow down. “No. He’s been out of my…out of the picture from day one.” She'd tried to find Damián when she'd gotten strong enough to function after Mari's birth, but hadn't been able to find him.

“Let me see where you’re hurt.”

She refused to make eye contact. “No. I’m fine.”

“Bullshit, chica.” When she looked up at him again, he held her gaze. “Your choice—me or my friend? Which will it be?”

Anger ripped through her again. She hadn't come all this way to have him expose her to her father's hound dogs by leaving a paper trail, which is what would happen if he involved medical personnel. She glared at him for a moment, but he refused to back down. Leaning forward, wincing at the shortness of breath before she caught herself again and masked her features, she laid the soda can on top of a magazine on the coffee table.

She sat back against the sofa. “It’s nothing. Really. Just a bruise.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. I have some…expertise with bruising. Remove your jacket.”

She continued to wage a silent battle of wills with him, but after a few moments decided they needed to get beyond this or she'd never get anywhere with getting him to help them. She raised a shaking hand to loosen the belt of her jacket, then tried to control the shaking in her hands as she reached up to undo the top button.

“I haven’t ever hurt you, Savannah. Have I?”

Why did he keep calling her that?

Savi remembered those first months when she'd fantasized about Damián coming to rescue her. And later fantasies of his being a daddy to Mari. Before she'd shut down emotionally. Still, she'd always hoped he would try to find her. He'd broken her heart by not doing so.

Don't be ridiculous, Savi. He wouldn't have come looking for you. He'd have looked for Savannah Gentry. And she was dead.


Kallypso Masters' Giveaway

To win a copy of this book or any other in the series and some cool swag (bookmark, pen, sexy hand fan, and Romance Trading Cards), please comment below telling me about why you like reading military romances. If there's a special military hero in your life, tell us about him or her, too! Contest open internationally! Closes June 4th at Noon MST. The winner will be announced June 5th.

For all of the buy links for Kally's books (sold at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, All Romance eBooks, and Smashwords), go to http://kallypsomasters.blogspot.com/p/books-by-kallypso-masters.html.

You can find Kally online (more than she probably should be there) at:
Website | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Twitter (@kallypsomasters)
Ahh, Kallypso…the stories you tell: Blog


54 comments:

bn100 said...

I like these kinds of books because the heroes are brave and loyal.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Sue Sattler said...

I love your books Kally, they are as great as you are. Don't enter me in the contest as I've already won this book. Just wanted people who haven't read your books, to run out and get them. They are fantastic!

proudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Military men just have an aura about them. They can be strong, caring, and defend those they care about with no questions asked. And even those who show an outer cockiness are teddy bears on the inside once you break through that shell.

Eva's Flowers said...

I am one of your biggest fans and absolutely love the series. The only family member who served in the military was my brother, but he was in for only about 3 years, he didn't enlist after that. Still proud for the little he did.

Thanks Kally (and Melissa) for continuing to support our 'heroes'!

Eva
evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com

June M. said...

*No need to enter me*

I just wanted to say that anyone who has not read these books needs to do so now. They are terrific! I think what I love about military books is the fact that the heroes are always brave, dependable, and are very Alpha.

Thanks to all the me and women who have served our country and their families for their sacrifices too!

JoAnna said...

I have a couple of these books in my TBR pile. I think they need to be moved to the top of that pile!
Thanks for the excerpt!

Beckerjo at Verizon dot net

StacieD said...

I wish I had my own military hero. I love reading about military characters because they are heroes in every way. They have an honor code, strong work ethic, protective natures and they are very fit. What's not to love?

Geishasmom73 AT yahoo DOT com

Unknown said...

I love reading about military men because these can be real people with real problems that make sense. Not to mention, who doesn't love a man in uniform?!?
I come from a very long line of military men and women, my husband is my military hero. He served in the Air Force.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

Phuong said...

Hi Kally, I love this series & looking forward to reading Nobody's Perfect. I love military heroes because they are sexy, strong and protective of their woman.

bookfan0747@aol.com

lorimeehan said...

I love military romances. The alpha bigger then life personality. Makes me week in the knees. My brother inlaw was a marine. He's a wonderful father, husband and friend. Kally I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
lorimeehan1@aol.com

Karen said...

I like military romances because the heroes are genuine heroes-serving their country so we can continue to enjoy our freedom.

Unknown said...

I love the military romances because the men are always (or almost always) alphas. I like a guy who knows what he wants and goes for it :)

rmwyer@shaw.ca

Gabrielle Lee said...

I enjoy reading military romances. The men and women always seem to be stronger and the relationships more intense. Gabrielle. meingee@yahoo.com

Z said...

I think I love military stories because the men don't think twice about taking it to the wall to protect their women.
My dh is a retired Navy Chief submariner and he has been willing to lay down his life for 24 years to keep this country safe and free.
Z
seawitchreviews @ yahoo.com

kog said...

I'm drawn to military romances because the heroes are strong, alpha types that are often broken and damaged on the inside. I love the tough and tender juxtaposition.

The Blogger said...

I love reading about military men because they are just so damn alpha. To me the ultimate fantasy is having a take charge kind of guy who can handle any situation including a strong woman. Plus, hello, they are heroes!

I have many military men in my life. Dad: Navy Dad-in-law: Navy Brother: Navy Brother: National Guard Brother: Air Force and finally Son: National Guard or Army (he hasn't decided yet)

Melly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
seelk said...

I first like to say I love your books. I can't wait for the next one to come out in June. My first fascination with military started when I was a little girl and saw a picture of my Father in his navy uniform. I thought and still think he was the handsomest in the Navy. I loved listening to his stories and when he was teaching me the Morse code while holding my hand in his.
Thank you Kally and YOU Melissa for the wonderful reads.

Melly said...

I love your books Kally I read all three of them in a little over two days my husband and daughter didn't like that but that's okay with me. What I love about a military men and there books is that they are brave and loyal and willing to give their life for our freedom whether its in real life or books and that makes a GREAT man or woman. Thanks for the great reads. Melissa
Manderson223@cox.net

KathyInAiken said...

I've read all Kally's books and they are all keepers!

Unknown said...

What's not to love about military men? They are true heroes, defending all of us.

jlhmass @ yahoo . com

Tiss said...

I love Kally's books, must be the strong Alpha men. Also women. Strong men just do it for me. I have read all the books so far and love them. Thanks for offering to win one.

tiss81@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I actually haven't read any military romance yet! {heads off to Smashwords}

vitajex(at)aol(dot)com

Lisa W said...

Growing up outside a military base, I swore not to get involved with one. Only to marry a Marine! There is something that can't really be defined about a military man. The honor, code and loyalty that they carry into all parts of their lives!
modularmates(at)comcast(dot)net

merriedth said...

I think the reason I love the military books is because they are mostly alpha males who take charge, but i also like it when the women stand up for themselves and can take charge also but like to be able to turn over control to the one they love. I am proud of all the military men and women who serve our country everyday but a special place is reserved for my Brother-in-law who is serving in afghanistan right now...And I can not wait to read Damian and Savi's story....

velvetbear72@yahoo.com

Leagh said...

Love Kally!!! Cannot wait for Damian's story.

SheriV said...

My older sister is the special Military hero in my life. She served our country and then came home and raised my niece on her own. I'm proud of her everyday. :)

Laurie said...

Military guys are just so confident, cocky, strong, protective and the hot bodies don't hurt either! Bad boys with an honorable side! I read MAA and loved it, can't wait to read their stories!
lfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com

Joanne said...

I like reading books with military personnel in them because they are strong, brave, loyal, and dependable.

Marilyn Adam said...

Kallypso...your books intriduced me to an entirely new genre and I loved every one of them. Very sensitively written and the descriptions (you know what I mean) are fantastic. Thank you!

Cathy M said...

They are heroes to the core, and persevere no matter what. Watching that kind of hero find love is a joy to watch, and lets face it, pretty darned entertaining.


caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Na said...

Military romances tend to have complex and very interesting heroes and heroines. They heroes and typically alpha but also have tenderness within them. That is what I like to see. I want to see where they are coming from, as in how the military life has affected them, and how love helps them. There is just something about military heroes and heroines that appeals to me. It's the strength, honor and loyalty.

Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jane said...

I do love reading about those who put their lives on the line for the rest of us. One of my good friends just retired from the Air National Guard.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com

Anonymous said...

military men and women are what america is all about, I have family members like my grandfather and uncles who were in the military and just no from what is going on in america in the past few years these heros protect us, I think its awsome that these men and women volunteer to do their part in what makes america..america FREEDOM!

nanee mcgee said...

men and women of the military are the back bone of america and they freedoms we have, they volunteer their time and take pride in knowing they protect and serve!

Colleen C. said...

Thank you for sharing the free code with us! I love military heroes both real and fiction... what strength they have to do what they do for home and country. Bless them all!

greenshamrock AT cox DOT net

Fedora said...

Thanks for sharing, Kallypso! I've been hearing great things about your series!

I do enjoy reading stories that feature military heroes--in general that means the heroes and heroines are brave, tough, committed to the greater good, and willing to sacrifice--those are admirable qualities to read about in any story!

DarkBloodyVamp said...

OMG I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!!! I read the whole series so far and LOVE IT!

Ok in regards to the question I love reading these types of books because the men are so alpha, powerful, strong, possessive and at the same time can be so tender and loving (including have great bodies). Having that much raw energy and power and still be so gentle and loving is do damn HOT AND SEXY!

Thanks for the chance to win this book!

redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

Unknown said...

I love reading military books because it shows how brave and strong our military men and women are. They are all heroes and do not get enough credit. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Anonymous said...

My military hero would have to be my sister in law. My older brother has done three tours in Iraq. Each time she has held it down with two teenager boys for 18 months at a time. It really hard for military spouses to be both mother,father and work a fulltime job to put food on the table.
Love your books. I have all three and cannot wait for the fourth.

Dee

Pebb2@aol.com

Anonymous said...

The inn are. Strong hot and has great heart whoo, congrartsv on book , hot. Cover
Ty.
Kimh
Kimehak@yahoo

books4me said...

A good hero is a brave, loyal, and broken man...and HOT...that is a description of military romances that I read!

I just LOVE Kally's books! So well written and I NEVER sleep (sigh) when I start one till I'm done...LOL!

books4me67 at ymail dot com

Timitra said...

I like reading military stories because the heroes are alpha males(love those) and they're imperfect/true to life which makes them that much sexier!

taccb_1981@yahoo.com

Kallypso Masters said...

Thanks for commenting and sharing why you love military romances--and military men and women! I'm glad family members got some mentions, too, because they do have to hold it all together while their loved ones are deployed.

I just uploaded a revised version of all three of my books at Smashwords--so if you downloaded and want the newer version, go back and choose the top one. I had hoped this would be available to you sooner, but there was a formatting problem. The books also have been uploaded to Amazon and B&N, but it'll take them a little longer to make them live.

Keep the comments coming! We aren't drawing until Tuesday! And be sure to check out the other blogs in Mel's blog series!

Kally

Tina B said...

First of all, I have to say thank you to you Kally!! I have had Master at Arms for a while, but am just now reading it. I am feeling so much for these characters and loving it! I cannot wait to read Damian and Savi's story. Their intro in Master at Arms is heart-wrenching to say the least.
I love reading military romances because they do/sacrifice so much for their country and its people that I think they (most of all) deserve a happy ending. It is well earned in my opinion. They are brave, selfless, dominant and in control. I enjoy reading about them loosing some control (emotionally) with their lovers. :)
I just wish that these HEAs could always happen in real life for them.
Thank you also for the opportunity to read another one of your stories.
trb0917 at gmail.com

RachaelM said...

I love reading military romances because of the men. Who doen't love strong, loyal men who sacrifice so much. The thought of them in uniform doesn't hurt either :)

After reading your excerpt, I just downloaded the first two books and can't wait to finish them and get the next one.

rachaelmccully(at)yahoo(dot)com

nanee mcgee said...

thanks to kallly I just read AGAIN nobody's hero and cannot wait for Damien's story....thanks to everyone in the military for protecting and serving.

Shadow said...

Ive always loved military romances. The men are so strong, alpha and i love the uniform! hehe I like how compassionate some are, honest and loyal. There the heros. :D Thank you!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

otmomtothree said...

My military fantasy has always been a hot buff african american officer in the navy!! My father is a retired Navy commander and a pilot!! I have always had a thing for fly boys and interracial romances!!

Unknown said...

I love reading military romances because they are heroes. They are very alpha and very brave.

felinewyvern said...

I love reading about military heroes because it's not that far from reality (just need to read the news to see that!) but in the stories they get their happy endings.

ilona
felinewyvern at googlemail dot com

Mich said...

Military heroes are great - the loyal, brave and highly trained who go into danger -- very inspiring. I have always enjoyed that tough guy exterior/softie on the inside type, and I love a great romance.

There are a number of military people in my family tree -- My great uncle was in the army and sent home many mementos and gifts for his mother while abroad. My family still has all of it, and it's such a snapshot of time to go through his cards, photos, and mementos. He was in WWII, and stayed in the Army for 20 years before becoming a high school teacher for the next 20 years. What a guy! :)

kianeeko (at) gmail (dot) com

Jen B. said...

Wow, I am so glad I checked this post. I was sure that I had commented. I love this series and recommend it to others. I have a family full of former military personnel. I am so proud to have such a strong family history of military service. jepebATverizonDOTnet

Jaymi said...

I like reading military romances because I can relate. First I was a Army Brat, then an Army wife.
You can't go wrong reading about brave, strong characters. And that's not always the heroes.

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