Interview + Review of Mikal Dawn’s Count Me In

Tyler Hawk had a glorious career as a star NFL tight end. He retired on a high note and now lives a second dream of owning his own business and leading others on extreme outdoor adventures. But he needs help with his books—and his heart. When Allegra takes the job, sparks fly. 

It’s a case of safety zone versus danger zone, and in their minds, never the two shall meet.”

Purchase: Amazon

Bahahaha!!!! I can so picture you bouncing!! Thank you so much for having me! I’m still pinching myself over all this business.

So I’m totally an opposites-attract trope lover. There’s always great tension, and when they fall in love? Magic. I started daydreaming of these two during an ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) course I was taking in 2016 and was encouraged and inspired to turn it into a full novel. So I did. Easy, right? Nope! Not whatsoever. But oh-so worth it!

Well, reading it certainly made me think you did it effortlessly! This Emerald City romance is set in Seattle. Inquiring minds want to know have you been there or did you have to live vicariously through research?

Ah, Seattle. I love it!! I grew up north of the border in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, so I’m familiar with Seattle. I love the lush greenery, the bustling city with a laid-back attitude, and the sun reflecting off its waters. It’s truly a gorgeous city. But I also haven’t been there in ten years, at least, so while I wrote most of it from memory, I did have to do some vicarious living through research. I’m also super thankful I have friends who live there or at least nearby to offer information!

I haven’t been there for almost 20 years but you brought all my memories back to mind! Allegra lives on lifeblood: coffee. Any similarities between you and her?

Whaaaaaat??? Similarities between me and Allegra??? With coffee??? Okay, yes. Yes, there are. Lots of them, actually. Ha!! The biggest similarity is definitely the coffee. But there are others. Allegra is…curvy. Aaaand, so am I—just more so. 😉 Allegra also lets fear hold her back…as do I. This book, while labeled a romantic comedy, definitely has a deeper theme of stepping outside your comfort zone, losing that fear and fully trusting in the Lord.

HA!!!!!! Go Seahawks!!!! 😉 Sorry Toni. But I’m really not sorry. 

Tyler’s personality is completely his own—he just kind of developed himself as I wrote. But his physical appearance is patterned after Jordy Nelson, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers (yeah, it made me gag a little to use a Packer for inspiration—sorry (but not really) Packers fans!). I read up on him and discovered he’s a Christian, and that just solidified his status as Tyler.

Oh friend. If you have to ask, you don’t know me! LOL! 

Haha!

1.    Coffee
2.    Books (my Kindle would do as it has thousands of books on it that have yet to be read!)
3.    A boat to get off the island. 

I’m dying over here! College football or NFL?
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Ohmygoodness, I live in Nebraska. I’m gonna be in soooo much trouble for saying this, but…NFL. I do cheer for the Huskers, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. I’M SORRY NEBRASKA READERS!!!

I’m the same way, but if I’m going to cheer it’s for any team in the great state of Texas. Favorite way to drink your coffee?

Ooo…Allegra’s Kit Kat latte obsession is truly my own obsession. My husband was wise and generous and perfect when he bought me an espresso machine for Christmas in 2015. I start out making a latte, then I add some sugar-free vanilla syrup (I use Torani) and some dark chocolate sauce (again, Torani brand), and stir it up. In the past I’ve added a crumbled stick of a Kit Kat, but it actually makes it a little too sweet, so I nixed doing that.

Plus calories.

Ah, that espresso machine scene makes sense now. Athletic or pure spectator?

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!! 

That would be pure spectator. Though I do love doing things like figure skating! And have been known to kickbox.

Let’s here it for spectators! Seriously, I injure myself every time I try the athletic side of life. First two books nearest you?

I just today got the paperback proof of Count Me In!!! So that’s right by me. And I’m doing a final readthrough of Ronie Kendig’s soon-to-be-re-released Nightshade. *insert heart-eyes emoji here!*

So jealous! Ronie’s books are awesome! And last but certainly not least, how can readers support you?

I would absolutely love to have your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If you read Count Me In and like, love, or even don’t like it, please leave a review, even if just one sentence. Those reviews are like gold. And mean so incredibly much.

You can also visit my website and sign up for my newsletter (a pop-up will appear after a few seconds). You won’t be spammed after the initial welcome email. I only send the newsletter out when I have news or a cover reveal, or putting a book on sale.

Finally, buying the book. Indie authors invest a lot of time and money into pursuing our craft and doing it with excellence. Selling books is what enables us to continue writing. ❤ 

Toni, thank you so incredibly much for having me. And for supporting, encouraging, praying for me, and just being a beautiful, precious friend. You are loved!

Let me think….

Humor! Ms. Dawn’s writing voice is hilarious! From the meet-cute’s line of “My coffee!” and other hilarious lines like a “pennyback” I was clutching my side and snorting with laughter. Yep, snorting. 

If humor wasn’t enough, the sparks and romance flying between Allegra and Tyler made me catch my breath with the beauty of it. Seriously, I may have turned blue.

And because this is Christian fiction, we can’t forget to talk about faith. Y’all, I loved how Ms. Dawn had both Allegra and Tyler fighting the same battle, but in different ways. It was awesome to see how we all react differently, but when it comes down to it, it’s the same issue. It all points back to our faith in God. Such a great lesson and reminder!

All of this to say, Ms. Dawn successfully made a touchdown in the HEA-swoon-worthy-hero-romance arena. Go buy it! 😉

Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern United States, currently residing in Nebraska (and loving it!) with her husband, three kids, and one lazy (strike that) ferocious feline.