Character Interview: Mike Marsden from Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips + giveaway

One of our favorite places to visit in romance land is a town called Serendipity. The last time we were there we met the Baron brothers Ethan, Nash and Dare. One this trip we are getting to meet Dare’s fellow officer Sam Marsden’s family. His dad is the police chief, and is on temporary leave. As such Sam’s brother a NYC cop comes home and takes his dad’s place. Mike is one tough nut to crack, but we here at TBRG are determined to get to know him. I will admit I have a soft spot for Mike as my DH is named Mike and was a cop and my oldest son is Mike and was adopted. I’m hoping this helps me to get him to open up. So here goes…

 TBRG: Thanks for talking to us today Mike, we appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule.

MM:  It’s not like Carly gave me a choice.  Seriously I don’t mind. Happy to be here.

TBRG: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?

MM: My adoptive father, no question.  Simon Marsden shaped me into the man I am today.

TBRG: What is the one thing your family would be the most surprised to know about you?

MM: I’m pretty sure they think they know everything … and anything they don’t know, I can’t repeat in public. ::wink::

TBRG: ::fanning myself::

TBRG: Where is the one place you have always wanted to go, a place on your bucket list?

MM: I never really thought about it … Monte Carlo maybe.  Someplace I can take Cara and see it through her eyes.

TBRG: What do you like to do to relax?

MM: You really go for the questions I can’t answer publicly.  Another ::wink:: What does any guy like to do to relax?

TBRG: ::laughing:: I should have known.

TBRG: Who’s your favorite author to read?

MM:  I’m not much of a reader.  I’ll grab the newspaper if anything.

TBRG: What book are you reading now?

MM: See above.

TBRG: If you weren’t a cop what would you be?

MM: A private investigator.  Cop, detective, it’s all in my blood.

TBRG: What is your guilty pleasure?

MM: Cara.  Without a doubt!

TBRG: Movies or tv and which movie or tv show is your favorite?

MM: I like The Mentalist, old versions of Law and Order Criminal Intent with Vincent D’Onofrio – anything with a twist on law enforcement that’s not expected.  Movie? Bond.  James Bond.  Oh and Batman.  ::shrugs::

TBRG: If you had a day to do whatever you wanted what would you do?

MM: There you go again.  Spend it in bed … with Cara. ::grin::

TBRG: I know I know, but I had to ask.

TBRG: Now that you’ve resolved your feelings in regards to your bio father how is your relationship with your dad?

MM: As far as I’m concerned, I have one father, Simon Marsden.  Our relationship  is, was, and always will be solid.  End of story.

TBRG: How did you feel about Carly telling your story?

MM:  Hated it.  Would you want your story and most personal sh%# plastered for the world to see? But she did an awesome job. ::wink::

TBRG: What do you want us to know about you?

MM:  I’d die for the people I love.

TBRG: Using 3-5 adjectives how would you describe yourself?

MM:  hard-ass; closed-mouthed; protective … better stop here. I’m not making myself sound all that good.

TBRG: Now that your back living in Serendipity how’s your relationship with your siblings Erin and Sam?

MM: Love my brother and sister.  Even when I wasn’t home, if they needed me I’d be there.

TBRG: Using 3-5 adjectives how would you describe your siblings?

MM: Erin – good, sweet, giving, kind, smart.  She deserves the best guy out there and God help anyone who doesn’t deserve her because I’ll be waiting.  Yes, Cole, that was a dig at you, man.

Sam – he’s the nicer brother.  Not sure how else to describe him.  You all will get a better idea when it’s his turn under Carly’s pen.

TBRG: What first attracted you to Cara?

MM: Starting out shallow, her legs in those cowboy boots and short skirt when I saw her at Joe’s.  But I knew pretty quick there was so much more to her.  There’s a depth there.  And a hurt that I wanted to heal – even when I didn’t think I was the right guy to do the job, I wanted it to be me.  She’s strong and can handle anything but I like knowing there’s a part of her that needs me, even if she won’t admit it often.

TBRG: Using 5 adjectives how would you describe Cara?

MM:  Hot.  Sexy.  Hard on the outside, soft on the inside.  Vulnerable yet not.  She’s a real mix of contradictions.  I love that about her.  Way more than 5 adjectives.

TBRG: What do you love most about Cara?

MM:  Everything I said above … and more.  Everything.

TBRG: If you could take Cara anywhere in the world for a romantic week-end where would you go?

MM: I’d take her back to Atlantic City without my past hanging over me.  I’d show it to her the right way.

TBRG:  We understand Carly is talking to your sister Erin now and telling her and Cole’s story, how do you feel about that?

MM:  Now that all’s said and done, I’m okay with it.  But when I first found out he’d knocked up my baby sister? It was ugly for a long time – until I realized how Erin felt about him.  Then I had to stand down. Not that I liked it, but Cara didn’t give me much choice either. ::laughs::

TBRG: Spoken like a true brother.

TBRG:  Thank you so much Mike for sitting down with me. I have to say I can’t wait to get to know your siblings.

MM:  No problem.  I’m just glad the spotlight’s on them now.

TBRG: We hope you all liked getting to know one of our favorite heroes, if you want to know more about him you can find him in the book Perfect Fit. We are giving away one copy of winners choice of either Serendipity, Karma or Destiny, all you have to do is leave either a question or comment for Carly and Mike if you’re feeling really brave.

MIKE
Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn’t known. But Michael’s independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he’s as lost and restless as ever, until he’s challenged by someone he never anticipated.

CARA
Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara’s boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore – and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara’s a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer’s blood in his veins.

Together their chemistry explodes but …
Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike’s real father’s secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.