Collateral Damage
Page 25
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (George Michael feat. Elton John)
"Fix You" (Coldplay)
"Bed of Roses" (Bon Jovi)
"I Can't Make You Love Me" (Bon Iver)
"A Thousand Years" (Christina Perri)
"Won't Go Home Without You" (Maroon 5)
"Never Let Me Go" (Florence and The Machine)
"One More Night" (Maroon 5)
"Exogenesis-Parts 1-3" (Muse)
"Be Still" (The Fray)
"Goodbye in Her Eyes" (Zac Brown Band)
"All I've Ever Needed" Nikki Reed and Paul McDonald
What does VE RI TAS mean?
It means "truth." Ironic, no?
Highly. So Parker is forever talking about how great Jaden smells—like flowers. What was he really smelling?
Her perfume: "Stella Nude" by Stella McCartney. It's soft and feminine and smells like roses. I love it. So does Parker, apparently.
Apparently. Anyway, you give us a glimpse of what life is like for Parker and Jaden at the end of Collateral Damage—but he's studying! Is he still a cop? And is Jaden in med school?
Yes, on both counts. At the end of Cross My Heart, Parker is undercover at a new school, and Jaden is just getting started with her freshman year of college. At the end of CD, about four years have passed. Jaden is wrapping up her undergrad degree (pre-med), and then heading straight into med school. Parker is studying because he's trying to earn his degree, too. He thinks he'd make a great detective (and so does Jaden!). He's close to twenty-six by then, and he can't work undercover forever, so he's taking some night and online classes to get that college degree that makes him eligible for promotion.
Jaden said yes to his proposal. Does that mean she and Parker are really getting married?
Absolutely.
And they live happily ever after?
That, too!
So . . . what are you working on now?
You always ask that question! You know I never talk about what I'm currently working on. There are too many variables. I don't need that kind of pressure. Whenever I have a new project to announce, I immediately hit the blog. You can find updates there—just like everyone else.
Yeah. Yeah. It was worth a shot. So, can we expect any future books about Parker and Jaden?
Nope. I'm pretty sure this is it. They've been through enough—they deserve their happily ever after.
Great. So what am I supposed to read next?
Well, I have an urban fantasy series out (The Guardian, Vendetta, Revelation). It's a bit edgier than Cross My Heart and Collateral Damage (more danger, and language, and violence). There's a lot at stake, actually. It was super fun to write, and people seem to enjoy it. Also, you can check out "The Indelibles" website—there are a lot of great authors over there, and lots of books to choose from. I try to post "Hot New Releases" on the blog at least once a month, and I'm always tweeting out good reads/buys, so make sure you're following me on twitter (@katiekleinbooks).
That'll work. So you're really not going to tell me what you're working on now?
*sigh*
A Message for the Fans
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for picking up a copy of Collateral Damage! I wrote this specifically for fans of Cross My Heart, because I felt Parker deserved to have his side of the story told, and that readers would appreciate the insight. I really hope I did this story justice, and that you enjoyed the alternate point of view.
Cross My Heart was more successful than I ever dreamed it would be, and I know I have you to thank for that. It was largely a word-of-mouth book—I barely had to lift a finger. You rated, and commented, and reviewed, and blogged and told your friends all about Parker and Jaden. That's actually the best way you could have possibly helped—by spreading the word.
Again: Thank you!
I hope you'll continue to tell others about the writers and stories you love.
I've always said that when my readers stop reading, I'll stop writing. So far, you've made coming to the computer each day so very easy.
Love and hugs and kisses to you ALL!
~Katie~
About The Author
Katie Klein is a diehard romantic with a penchant for protagonists who kick butt. She currently resides on the East Coast and is hard at work on her next YA novel. In addition to CROSS MY HEART, she is also the author of THE GUARDIAN, VENDETTA, and REVELATION, a YA urban fantasy trilogy. She maintains a web presence at: http://katiekleinwrites.blogspot.com.