Spotlight + Giveaway: Meet the Real-Life Heroes Behind Raptor

“Good books don’t just tell you what you want to hear. Good books provoke. They make you think. And so should their covers.”

—Jeff Goins

Ronie Kendig’s covers do exactly that. Even as they hint at an exhilarating read, they force one to stop, take note, and remember those who place their lives on the line day in and day out. But did you know that the men on the covers of the Quite Professionals Trilogy are more than just a pretty face? They are real-life heroes and military veterans.

As readers, we don’t often have the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of the models who bring to life our beloved characters, so I am thrilled to share a little bit about the men who gave us Watterboy, Hawk, and Falcon.

“Dean”

 

Meet “Dean,” a real Special Forces veteran with multiple deployments just like the protagonist of Raptor 6 — Dean “Watterboy” Watters.

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Brent – Cover Photo Shoot

 

U.S. Air Force veteran Brent Gilley is the face behind Brian “Hawk” Bledsoe. Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, Brent has moved all over the US. He has a beautiful wife, Nicole (who is a military working dog handler!), and a handsome son. Brent is a diehard Detroit Lions fan and loves motorcycles. He owns a 2015 Harley Davidson Street Bob that he rides everywhere.

SGT Gabriel Martinez

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SGT Gabriel Martinez, the man posing as Salvatore “Falcon” Russo, is a Marine, a Purple Heart recipient, and double amputee. A native of Colorado, he lives there with his wife, Kayla, and daughter. An avid hunter, athlete, and outdoorsman, Gabriel defines himself as a country boy at heart. He loves family, guns, horses, diesel trucks, and tractors. He has a 4-legged companion called Wonka — a Labrador and Golden retriever mix.

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Thank you to these men and their families (including the four-legged members) for their service and sacrifice.

Giveaway

Some stories are too good to keep to oneself. For that reason, I am giving away a copy of Falcon. This contest is open to US residents. The giveaway ends May 22 at 11:59 pm. (Click on the book cover to enter.)

Summary:

Special Forces operator Salvatore “Falcon” Russo vowed to never again speak to or trust Lieutenant Cassandra Walker after a tragedy four years ago. But as Raptor closes in on the cyber terrorists responsible for killing two of their own, Sal must put his life—and the lives of his teammates—in her hands. Despite his anger, Cassie is ill-prepared for his resistance and the fallout when she must protect the one asset who can end the attacks. As allies become enemies and hostiles become unlikely partners, Raptor fights for its very existence.

Tour Stops:

5/1 Meet Sal “Falcon” Russo
5/5 Women of Raptor
5/7 Falcon Sneak Peek
5/11 Setting the Scene – Afghanistan
5/13 Meet Cassandra Walker
5/16 Cover Stories – Real Life Heroes (Here!)
5/19 Raptor Team – The Guys
5/22 Cyber – Terrorism Leak
5/25 Support Our Troops
5/27 Ronie Kendig talks…
5/29 Raptor Team Group Huddle

Raptor 6 * Hawk * Falcon

About the Author:

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs–a a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, Vvolt N629. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have hit bestseller lists and garnered awards and critical acclaim.

Connect with Ronie through her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.