By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Welcome to Author Spotlight and Kelly Underwood, my featured suspense author for August!
Meet Kelly
Bio
Kelly Underwood’s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. Her debut novel gave Kelly the incredible opportunity to work with Lynette Eason as her mentor and lead author. Defending Honor, part of the Elite Guardians series, was published in October 2022 and earned third place in the Selah Awards and was a finalist in the Carol Awards. Since then, Kelly has continued to captivate readers with multiple romantic suspense novels. She’s teamed up with Lynette Eason again for her next book, Deadly Charade, which releases Fall 2026 and is book one in the FBI New Recruitseries.
Bestselling author of Defending Honor and Deadly Charade, which releases October 6th.
Connect with Kelly Online at : KellyUnderwoodAuthor.com
Kelly has a gift for you! Click here for your copy of One Last Frame
Newly minted FBI Special Agent Lillian Forester is ready for day one on the job. Too bad she’s assigned to the worst case – investigating some recent mall art vandalism. She longs for action and excitement but is relegated to note-taking—until she spots someone suspicious checking out the art display. Forgetting her assignment to observe and report, Lillian chases the man and takes him into custody.
Too bad her suspect is an undercover DEA agent, investigating the same art vandalism. Kade McAllister has been making inroads with a local gang for a while, and he’s uncovered something big. Drugs are being smuggled with information added to pieces of artwork. But before he figures out what the paintings have to do with drug smuggling, an over-eager FBI agent busts him.
While Lillian and Kade straighten out their misunderstanding, the leader of a notorious drug cartel, along with several gang members, take over a shoe store—with hostages. Forced to work together, Lillian and Kade must rescue the innocent bystanders and stop the cartel leader from escaping.
For Lillian, the case is more than a test of her skills—it’s a trial by fire. And for Kade, trusting a rookie might be the only way to take down the head of a criminal enterprise. But will it put a target on them both?
There’s nothing better than having more insight into our favorite authors. So, I asked Kelly a few questions.
Q: What is your home state?
A: Born in New Hampshire, but I’ve spent almost my entire life in FL. No snow for me.
Q: Tell us a little about you.
A: I’m a romantic suspense author who loves reading, drinking coffee, and dogs.
Q: What is your superpower?
A : Plot twists! I love them and work hard to create the best ones!
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: I’m obsessed with Ireland and Scotland. I can’t wait to go back.
Q: What is your favorite genre, besides romantic suspense?
A: I like to read a little bit of all genres. I’m a mood reader so I go with the flow when it comes to picking out my next read. But I do love romantic suspense probably the most,
Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: I have a golden retriever and she’s a therapy dog. When I’m not working my day job or writing, I’m taking her out to various events where she gets all the pets and attention. It makes people happy.
Q: What do you want readers to know?
A: I love connecting with readers! I also give away books through my newsletter. I figure that since I’m already buying all of my friend’s books, I should share with readers!
Q: What are you reading?
A: Fatal Pattern by Kate Angelo.
Don’t forget to check out Kelly’s website and her books. You will enjoy her unique style and voice in the Romantic Suspense genre!
Thank you, Kelly for sharing with readers.
Just finished Lynette Eason’s Twilight Tactics and loved it. Moved on to Double Take. Both books were amazing. I dream of one day writing as well as Lynette and you. One can only dream right….
Her books sound interesting. Might have to check them out.