Good morning,
Hope you're well? We have a new client, Elevation Book Publishing, from the US who has recently launched a romantic fiction author into bookshops in the UK, following the success of his previous books in the States. What makes this author stand out, though, is the fact he spent 20 years serving his country as a US Marine. His dramatic career change - from Marine to romantic fiction author - is pretty unusual, and he doesn't like to follow the rules. Lonz Cook writes from the heart, from his personal experiences in relationships and observations of behaviours in the US, and tackles polemic issues such as interracial relationship stereotypes head on. A Choice To Yield is now available in the UK (all major bookshops) and A Cyber Affair is due for release this summer. 
Lonz is available for interview and we have copies of both books to send for competition prizes etc.
Thanks,
Helen Lewis
Director - Literally PR Ltd
www.literallypr.com 
 

US PUBLISHER INTRODUCES BRITISH READERS TO ROMANTIC FICTION BY US MARINE LONZ COOK

A Choice to Yieldby Lonz Cook

Lonz Cook weaves an intense and passionate story of interracial relationships and the power of sour friendships: a somewhat surprising subject matter for an ex US Marine but one proving popular on the other side of the pond. The continued popularity of this YouTubevideo(almost 2 million views) highlights that interracial relationship stereotypes still exist in society today.

Ex-US Marine Lonz Cook's romantic fiction is deeply inspired by his own relationships, observed behaviours in multiple settings, and his own experience of racial differences. Lonz explains that 20 years in the Marines provides a life lesson that stays with you forever. During his time as a Marine, Lonz kept a journal of experiences, wrote love letters for his fellow Marines to send home, plus plenty of training materials, but nothing like the romantic fiction he's become known for in the United States. Lonz explains: "We Marines are always Marines first, as in a way of life that's structured and we're driven to succeed. But I think I am personally breaking the mould, as there aren't many of us writing and particularly not romance. I haven't encountered any of my counterparts doing it, so it's something of a unique, illogical transition, but I love it."

About the Book

Angela is single, while her friends appear to be more and more consumed by their own relationships. She finds herself floating from uninspiring dates to lacklustre encounters until she meets Mark. Instantly, she knows that this man is different, but her friends are surprisingly cold to him. Angela is white, her friends are white and they usually date white people, so when they are introduced to Mark, who is black, their reactions are shockingly far from positive. This romantic fiction novel tackles the very real subject of prejudice facing interracial relationships (seehttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/nov/26/donna-pinckley-sticks-and-stones-interracial-couples-hate-abuseas one real-life example).

Mark is smooth and charismatic, far removed from Angela's previous boyfriends. Caught between her new man and her friends Angela lets her heart rule, after all he could be ‘the one', couldn't he? After pressure from her friends builds, Angela leaves her relationship with Mark and finds more friend-approved dates in the slightly racist Bill, self-centred Christopher and Eric a man whose kindness sets him apart but lacks the electricity to make Angela spark. Following the advice of her friends results in a life that lacks the passion she had with Mark and she finds herself being pulled back towards him, almost magnetically. As she explores her love life a host of colourful characters enter Angela's life: Margo, a charismatic, artsy socialite, Karen, the interior decorator and Amy, an indecisive romantic. Each new friend introduces a different viewpoint, but will it be enough to outweigh her dominant friend Paula's forthright racism?

About the Author

Lonz Cook grew up in Augusta, Georgia in America's south. He is the son, grandson and great grandson of Baptist ministers. After he graduated aged 17 Lonz joined the United States Marine Corps and forged a successful career. Lonz was deployed to various countries for both training and conflict. He also served as a Recruiter in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and as an instructor at the Army Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, Virginia. Lonz achieved a bachelors degree from Regents College, and then earned his Masters degree from Central Michigan University. He is a technology specialist and a Certified Project Manager Professional (PMP). Lonz used his management experience as an Adjunct Professor at the Keller School of Management, DeVry University, and he's now a practicing partner of a management firm. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is passionate about writing novels inspired by real life situations.

ESSENTIAL DETAILS

Genre: Romantic fiction

Publisher: Elevation Book Publishing

Publication date: Summer 2016

Pages: 354

Availability: Internationally

ISBN: 9781943904006

Author: Lonz Cook

Purchase link: Amazon

Rhonda Wilson, Director at Elevation Publishing said: "We believe that now is the right time to introduce Lonz Cook's novels to the UK. There is a lot of discussion around interracial relationships in the media yet little in literature. The book has been well received in the US and we hope the UK audience will also warm to his writing style."

For more information, editorial opportunities, interview requests or review copies please get in touch with either Sam Batt or Helen Lewis:SamuelBatt@LiterallyPR.comorHelenLewis@LiterallyPR.com

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