PASSPORT TO PLOTLINES 🌆❤️Chicago has a rhythm all its own—a blend of soaring skyscrapers, historic streets, and the kind of energy that makes it the perfect backdrop for a high-stakes romantic thriller. I’ve wandered its avenues many times for medical conferences, but when I imagined Sullivan File, I saw the city through a different lens: one where romance, scandal, and danger lurk around every corner.
Magnificent Mile: Glitter and Grit Walking the Magnificent Mile, it’s easy to get lost in the bustle. Storefronts glint like jewels under the Midwestern sun, tourists and locals mingle along the wide sidewalks, and the smell of street food drifts from every corner. In the book, this iconic avenue isn’t just a shopping haven—it’s a place where secrets can hide in plain sight. Lincoln Park: Nature Meets Intrigue Lincoln Park offers a striking contrast: leafy trails, hidden benches, and quiet corners tucked behind the bustle of downtown. Here, romance blooms in subtle ways—long walks, whispered conversations, stolen glances—but beneath the serene beauty, Chicago’s secrets pulse. It’s perfect for moments where characters reflect, plot twists simmer, or an unsuspecting encounter could tip the scales in a high-stakes scandal. Deep-Dish Delights at Giordano’s No Chicago experience is complete without Giordano’s deep-dish pizza. Thick, cheesy, and rich, it’s comfort on a plate—yet in a thriller, even a cozy meal can feel suspenseful. Imagine tense discussions over slices, hushed voices in a crowded restaurant, the clink of silverware masking whispered plans. Food becomes a stage for intrigue, while the warmth of melted mozzarella mirrors fleeting moments of tenderness in the storm of a second-chance romance. Chicago’s Dark Charm Chicago’s architectural grandeur and lakeside beauty create a stunning backdrop, but there’s an edge here—the wind off Lake Michigan, shadows cast by towering buildings, alleys where secrets hide. It’s a city where glamour and grit coexist, perfect for weaving suspense into romance. High-rise offices, riverside walks, and hidden speakeasies all give writers a playground for plotting, flirting, and danger. Why Chicago Works for Sullivan File The city isn’t just scenery—it’s a character. The energy and the sensory delight juxtaposed with scandal and danger while amplifying every heartbeat of the story. Chicago gives Reece and Jess their second chance at love and the perfect stage: thrilling, stylish, and just a little dangerous. If you want to stroll its streets with suspense around every corner and feel romance ignite in unexpected moments, Sullivan File awaits. Sullivan File
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PASSPORT2PLOTLINES There’s something about Antigua that makes you want to dive right into adventure. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a breeze scented with salt and hibiscus—this Caribbean gem set the stage for the opening of Masters File, where Jenna Masters begins her story. I first experienced Antigua during a Caribbean cruise, and kayaking along the coast gave me the perfect inspiration for the scene where Jenna meets Ryan Walsh, a devilishly handsome bodyguard. Kayaking Into Chemistry In the book, Jenna guides tourists through Antigua’s sparkling coves, pointing out reefs and swaying palms, and Ryan joins—an imposing figure with a grin that promises trouble. Their second encounter happens on the water, just as I remember feeling while kayaking: the gentle sway of the waves, the spray of sea mist on your face, and the hush of the islands’ hidden coves. The turquoise sea sparkles under the Caribbean sun, the breeze whips through hair, and the calls of seabirds punctuate quiet moments. Jenna feels her heart race—not just from navigating the kayak through tricky channels, but from Ryan’s teasing confidence. The chemistry is instant, electric, and impossible to ignore. A Caribbean Interlude… and Separation But life isn’t all romance on calm waters. Despite the undeniable spark, Jenna and Ryan part ways after the tour ends, each returning to their separate worlds. The idyllic beaches, colorful markets, and distant shores remain behind them—but the memory of that first connection lingers, as vivid as the Antigua sunsets. Danger Looms Beyond Paradise Reality intrudes: Jenna’s later return home is far from tropical bliss. Kidnapped by the Cuban mafia, she faces peril she’s never known. And Ryan? He must rush into danger to save her. And the action and adventure don’t stop there. Their travels take them from Chicago to Miami to Moscow. The contrast between Antigua’s sunny beauty and the dark world Jenna faces later creates the perfect tension: a reminder that romance and suspense can coexist, just like shimmering coral reefs beside deep, shadowed waters. Where Real Travel Inspires Fiction Writing this opening scene while thinking back on my kayaking adventure in Antigua allowed me to capture the sensory details—the gentle waves, the salt on your skin, the sound of laughter echoing across coves—and weave them seamlessly into suspense. For readers, it’s not just a setting; it’s a stage for romance, intrigue, and the dangerous thrill of love and adventure. If you want to paddle into the Caribbean with Jenna and Ryan—heart racing, pulse pounding, danger around every turn--Masters File awaits.  PASSPORT2PLOTLINES: Louisiana Louisiana will always hold a special place in my heart. I lived there from 4th grade through high school graduation, and later returned for paramedic school, spending two years immersed once again in the culture, rhythm, and spirit of the Deep South. It’s a state that imprints on you—lush, humid, fragrant, musical, mysterious, and endlessly alive.
Between rural southern Louisiana with its Creole flair and the energetic sprawl of Baton Rouge—a city built on grit, tradition, and good cheer (especially when LSU is winning!)—I grew up surrounded by stories begging to be told. So when I wrote Allison’s Alibi, it felt only natural to return to the bayous, the French Quarter, and the Cajun countryside for inspiration. Louisiana’s rich flavors and shadows made the perfect backdrop for a romantic suspense with a paranormal twist. Here’s the real-life Louisiana that helped build the fictional world of Allison’s Alibi. 🐊 Swamps, Spirits & Alligators: The Rural Heart of Louisiana Living in rural southern Louisiana meant experiencing life closer to nature—and closer to mystery.
🎭 The Magic & Mystery of New Orleans Some of my favorite memories come from the city where history and celebration dance together:
In Allison’s Alibi, the French Quarter’s haunting charm echoes through the psychic detective’s gifts, the ghost of Allison’s father, and the whispers of danger around every corner. 💜 Baton Rouge: Home of Grit, Gumbo, and Tiger Pride Baton Rouge has personality. Big personality. I spent years there for paramedic school, absorbing the energy of a city where:
🔮 How Louisiana Became the Soul of Allison’s Alibi The story follows Allison, a researcher whose colleague is murdered—leaving her with no alibi and mounting evidence pointing her way. Louisiana’s mystique offered the perfect setting for a suspense story tinged with paranormal threads. Enter: 1) A psychic detective with seductive Southern flair Inspired by the charm and depth I saw in many Louisianans—equal parts easygoing and inscrutable. 2) The ghost of Allison’s father, a spectral presence shaped by Louisiana’s long tradition of reverence for the dead, spiritual storytelling, and the blurred line between this world and the next. 3) A killer hiding beneath Southern politeness. Because Louisiana hospitality is legendary… but its shadows are deep. In this book, Louisiana is more than a location—it’s a character. It’s the humidity clinging to each scene, the heat fueling tension, the music vibrating beneath fear, the flavors woven into emotional beats, and the mystery rising from the swamp like morning fog. Writing Allison’s Alibi allowed me to relive the Louisiana I loved, feared, explored, and grew up in. It felt like coming home—but with a fictional twist and a dead body. Allison's Alibi Passport to Plotlines:Why Atlanta Became Home to the Rider Team Atlanta has been a recurring stop in my life—an energetic, sprawling Southern city I’ve visited more times than I can count. It’s a place steeped in culture, charm, grit, and international reach, blending modern skyscrapers with tree-lined neighborhoods, luxury dining with hole-in-the-wall gems, and small-town warmth with global influence. So when I began crafting my romantic suspense series, The Rider Files, it wasn’t long before Atlanta became the perfect home base for Rider Security and Investigation. And the story behind choosing Atlanta is almost as fun as the series itself. 🍷 A Glass of Wine, a Conversation, and the Birth of the Rider Team Years ago, over a quiet evening and a glass of wine, I told my husband I wanted to write a romantic suspense series centered on strong female characters—women who take charge, solve crimes, fall in love, and save lives. He listened, smiled, and said, “Let’s build you a team.” That night, Rider Security and Investigation was born—named after Maxine Rider, retired Marine who built her company around diverse specialists and rooted it in a city big enough to house all their high-stakes missions. My husband is from Atlanta, so as we talked, he sprinkled in stories, favorite spots, traffic disasters, hidden gems, and local color that helped shape the fictional landscape. It became a beautiful melding of memory, imagination, and partnership. 🌐 Why Atlanta Was the Perfect Setting for Rider Security 1. An International Hub With Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—one of the busiest airports in the world—the city provides seamless access for Rider’s operatives to jet off to trouble spots in:
2. A Blend of Grit and Glamour Atlanta offers the right mix for suspense:
3. Personal Connection Being married to an Atlantan means Atlanta never feels generic to me. It feels lived-in. Loved. Familiar. And that authenticity trickles into the pages—locations feel real because they are real. 🍔 Favorite Atlanta Landmarks I’ve Featured (or Should!) One of the best perks of setting a series in a city I know is weaving in the iconic spots I’ve visited, revisited, and fallen in love with. ✨ The Varsity “What’ll ya have?” A classic Atlanta staple—perfect for quick bites, undercover meets, or lighthearted moments between tense scenes. ✨ Bones Restaurant Elegant, old-school, and the perfect place for Rider operatives to celebrate victories or conduct discreet negotiations over a world-class steak. ✨ Georgia Aquarium With its breathtaking whale sharks and ethereal underwater tunnels, it provides the perfect backdrop for introspective scenes… or meet-cutes. ✨ World of Coca-Cola A fun, colorful stop that blends nostalgia with whimsy—ideal for lighter moments in a high-stakes series. ✨ Piedmont Park Scenic, sprawling, and a perfect place for outdoor scenes, quiet conversations, or unexpected plot twists. ✨ Centennial Olympic Park Vibrant and full of history—its fountains and walkways bring energy and motion to any scene. ✨ Midtown & Buckhead Trendy, modern, fast-paced areas filled with restaurants, offices, and upscale hotels—great for corporate intrigue or luxury-level suspense. Atlanta lets me play with all these textures. And the Rider team thrives in that variety. 🔥 Atlanta in the Rider Files: More Than a Setting In The Rider Files, Atlanta becomes:
And every time I write a new Rider story, I feel that same creative joy I felt years ago, sitting with my husband, dreaming up a team of powerful, brilliant women and the men who help—or try to keep up with—them. Atlanta gave the Rider Files a home. And in return, I get to revisit the city again and again—on the page and in my memories. Check out the Rider Series! ROMANTIC THRILLERS  Passport to Plotlines Behind-the-Scenes Travel Peru is a land where history breathes through stone walls and mountain fog. Before medical school, I traveled there on a medical mission—treating patients in villages outside Cusco, working in a humid lowland jungle community, and eventually making the breathtaking pilgrimage through the mountains to Machu Picchu. Later came the shimmering blue waters of Lake Titicaca, where legends cling as tightly as the thin mountain air. It was impossible to stand among such ancient wonder and not feel the whisper of stories waiting to be told. Those whispers became Sharp File, where bodyguard Santino and determined archaeologist Ava Sharp race to uncover lost Inca ruins—while running from enemies who would kill for treasure, vengeance, and secrets buried beneath centuries of stone. Cusco — A City Holding the Past in Its Bones Cusco feels like stepping into living history. Cobblestone streets trace the paths of ancient foundations, Spanish colonial architecture rests atop Inca stonework, and markets burst with color and culture. While treating patients in the highlands, the air was thin, crisp, and full of possibility—as though every mountain peak kept watch over forgotten truths. In the novel, Ava passes part of her expedition here, pouring over ancient maps and local legends. But beneath the tourist energy and the hum of modern life lies tension: eyes watching, rivals shadowing her steps, and Santino poised to intervene when danger closes in on them. Into the Jungle — Where Secrets Thrive From the mountains, I ventured into the lowland jungle, where humidity clings to your skin and every rustle hints at unseen life. Green stretches endlessly, vines twisting like the stories villagers shared—tales of spirits guarding sacred land. The sense of mystery is thick enough to feel. Ava and Santino push deep into similar jungle terrain, hunting ruins that have been lost to time and tangled roots. But ancient puzzles aren’t the only danger. There are those who would trade academic rivalry for bullets, and mercenaries who care more about relics' black-market value than history’s dignity. Danger slithers as silently as a viper through underbrush. Machu Picchu — Majesty Above the Clouds Reaching Machu Picchu was unforgettable. The steep climb, the swirling mist lifting like a curtain, and suddenly—there it was. Carved stone terraces, dramatic peaks rising around like jagged guardians, and a stillness that felt holy. It's a place that convinces you there must be more mysteries hidden in the mountains. Ava feels that same electric awe, though her path is more perilous. Where tourists marvel, she hunts for clues etched into ancient stone. Where I found serenity, she finds danger—shadowy figures trailing her and Santino staying just one heartbeat ahead of disaster. The mountain doesn’t just hold history—it tests who deserves it. Ava seeks truth and legacy; Santino seeks to protect her—even from ghosts of their pasts that won’t stay buried. As they climb, dig, run, and fight for survival, romance sparks in stolen glances and whispered confessions—just as deadly threats close in. Some ruins should be found. Some secrets should stay hidden. And some hearts refuse to be lost—even in the wildest, most dangerous corners of the world. Pack your gear. The Andes are calling. 🏔️❤️🔎  Passport to Plotlines: Behind the Scenes In Gray Horizon, Dr. Lillian Whyte lands in Reykjavik—a city where dramatic Nordic sky meets colorful charm and whispers of Viking legends swirl on the sea breeze. When I wrote the scene where Lillian wanders the streets, I imagined the crisp air, the hush of the harbor, and the quirky energy of Iceland’s capital. Then, lucky me—I got to walk those same streets in person in August 2025. And let me tell you… Reykjavik did not disappoint. Hallgrímskirkja: The Watchful Giant First stop: the cathedral. Hallgrímskirkja—yes, it’s a mouthful—rises like a basalt mountain, all sweeping columns and austere beauty. It’s impossible to miss; the tower stands sentinel over the entire city like a guardian carved out of glacier stone. In my book, Lillian pauses beneath its soaring presence, feeling that curious blend of awe and insignificance that only grand architecture can inspire. I did exactly the same. Walking up to it, I felt small in the best way—like the universe was reminding me how big the world truly is. Inside, the organ pipes stretch toward the rafters like they might break into song any moment. Outside, the view from the top delivers a panorama of tin-roofed houses in cheerful reds, blues, and golds, hugging the shoreline like they’ve braced against centuries of Atlantic wind. Talk about mood-setting perfection for the start to a suspense thriller with global stakes. A Cozy Pause at Loki Café After soaking in all that grandeur, even fictional heroes need a lunch break. Enter Café Loki—a charming spot directly across from the cathedral (image below) and named after Iceland’s favorite mischievous deity. (Yes, that Loki.) In the book, Lillian stops here to observe the locals and gather her thoughts. The café is warm and unpretentious, with the kind of mismatched charm that makes you want to curl up with a notebook (or secret intelligence file, depending on your life choices). It has a view of the cathedral, making it a perfect perch to people-watch and imagine what secrets travelers might be hiding beneath their knit scarves and wind-tousled hair. Where Fiction Meets Footprint Exploring Reykjavik in person gave me an even deeper connection to the scenes in Gray Horizon. The city is small but spirited, quiet yet electrifying, grounded in ancient sagas yet pulsing with modern art and culture. Exactly the kind of place where an unsuspecting doctor might stumble into international intrigue. 😉 If you want to wander Reykjavik’s streets through Lillian’s eyes—and maybe discover what danger follows her there—you can dive into Gray Horizon [link] and join the adventure. Until the next stamp in our story passport-- Skál! 🥂 Iceland, thanks for the inspiration.
ADVENTURES IN KENYAPassport to Plotlines - Behind-the-Scenes Travel Before I published my first thrillers, I was a young pre-med student stepping onto Kenyan soil for the first time—wide-eyed, idealistic, and ready to help on a medical mission. That journey didn’t just shape me as a physician; it gave me the geographical authenticity I needed for Black Gold. In real life, I spent my days treating patients in urban Kibera and isolated rural. In fiction, Dr. Lillian Whyte does the same at a camp near the coast—until her world turns upside down, danger shadows her steps, and her humanitarian mission becomes a battleground for greed and power. Lucky for me, I simply came home and finished my book. Lillian? She… got kidnapped. (Sometimes being the author has perks.) Nairobi: Grit, Grace & Humanity Nairobi is a city of contrasts—glass towers and bustling markets rising alongside sprawling informal settlements. Walking into Kibera, the slums outside the city, is something I’ll never forget. Corrugated tin roofs rusting in the heat. Narrow dirt paths winding like veins through crowded neighborhoods. Children laughing and chasing makeshift soccer balls, despite hardship pressing at every corner, while a choir chorus can be heard from a nearby church. What struck me most wasn’t the poverty—it was the strength. The resilience. The sense of community and hope nestled in a place the world often overlooks. In Black Gold, Lillian sees that same mix of beauty and struggle. She steps into the heart of the country to help, but instead finds herself entangled in a deadly plot surrounding stolen oil and desperate criminals who see her mission not as mercy—but as opportunity. Where I carried stethoscopes and antibiotics, she carries determination and a dangerous secret someone is willing to kill for. Rural Kenya After Nairobi, our mission brought us to Lenana and Methega where the locals worked the land with limited to no access to healthcare. This beauty, this vulnerability, this reminder of how precious life is—those emotions wove themselves into the pages of Black Gold. For Lillian, Mombasa is not a peaceful coastline, but the backdrop to betrayal. Her medical camp is attacked. Lives are threatened. And instead of ending the trip sipping coconut water on a beach, she finds herself at gunpoint, learning that hope can be stolen just as quickly as relief can be given. The Safari I Took, and the One She Missed 🐘🦁🦓 When the mission ended, I traded my scrubs for binoculars and headed into the savannah. We spotted the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo—moving across golden grasslands like scenes from a nature documentary come to life. Sunset painted the horizon in molten gold, and the earth felt ancient, untamed, and breathtaking. Meanwhile, in Black Gold, Lillian never makes it to the safari jeep… She’s busy escaping captors and uncovering a dark network of oil thieves threatening not just her mission, but lives around her. Fortunately, CIA agent Sean—a man as steady under pressure as he is secretly smitten—heads into Nairobi determined to track her down, expose the criminals, and save the woman who never wanted to be anyone’s damsel. Their love story ignites in the middle of danger and dust, because if you’re going to fall for someone, why not do it while taking down an international oil smuggling ring? 🖤🔥 Real Places, Real Emotion, Fictional Danger Kenya gave me more than memories—it gave me a story rooted in compassion, courage, and the clash between human need and human greed. It showed me beauty and hardship living side by side, and it showed me that even in the darkest corners, hope rises. I wanted Black Gold to honor that—through danger and devotion, heartbreak and heroism, and a journey that transforms both the character and the reader.
 Passport to Plotlines Behind-the-Scenes Travel Iceland has a way of making you feel small in the best possible way. Wide-open skies, jagged volcanic hills, and glaciers that seem to stretch forever—this is the land where The Shadow Guardians have their epic showdown. I was lucky enough to visit in August 2025, and standing there, I could almost feel the magic of Norse legend humming in the wind. A Battlefield of Fire and Ice In the series finale, six warriors—each wielding Norse powers—face the reincarnation of Hel and her genetically-brewed army of the undead. The volcanic hills provide a stark, molten backdrop for sparks to fly and battles to ignite, while icy peaks glimmer under a moody Icelandic sky, creating a chilling contrast to the fiery chaos. The terrain itself becomes a character: jagged rocks for tactical advantage, snow-dusted ridges for stealth, and geysers of steam that obscure both heroes and enemies at the perfect dramatic moment. The combination of fire and ice mirrors the stakes of the battle: life and death, past and present, love and vengeance. It’s urban fantasy romance with teeth—where every footstep could be your last, and every magic-infused strike counts. Trolls: Iceland’s Friendly Folklore Cameos While trolls didn’t make it into the book, anyone who’s visited Iceland knows how alive the folklore is here. Legends of hulking creatures hiding behind rocks and emerging at twilight feel almost tangible amidst the volcanic cliffs and shadowy ridges. In the spirit of trolls, I asked ChatGPT to give me a fictional troll name and backstory... Ljósvaka Lyfseiðr Pronunciation: LYOHS-vah-ka LEEF-say-thr Meaning: “Light-Breather, Spell of Healing” Origin story: A troll born from moonlight and glacier breath, Ljósvaka travels between worlds — writing in the air with her glowing staff. Each tale she writes restores the light of weary souls. It’s said she can summon auroras by whispering old poems to the wind. Godafoss: Waterfall of the Gods I also had the chance to stand in awe of Godafoss (image below), the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Even though it doesn’t appear in the book, being there gave me a visceral sense of Norse power—the relentless roar of water, icy mist on your face, and the way sunlight refracts into a faint rainbow. It’s exactly the kind of place that could inspire a dramatic magical showdown, and it helped me picture the energy Icelandic landscapes bring to a battle against otherworldly forces. Where Real Iceland Meets Fictional Magic Writing The Shadow Guardians, I leaned into the extremes of Iceland: volcanoes for fire, glaciers for cold, and hidden valleys for secrecy. It’s the perfect stage for six warriors with powers rooted in myth to clash with an undead army and shapeshifting wolves. Walking those landscapes in real life gave me a deeper sense of scale and danger—and a vivid picture of how love, courage, and magic can shine even in the darkest, most dramatic corners of the world. If you want to journey through volcanic hills, icy peaks, and face mythic powers alongside the Guardians, the adventure is just a page away…
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CB SametWriter. Dreamer. World-weaver. Archives
June 2026
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