On the banks of the Pontchartrain…

Ambitious Dr. Andrew Douglas is always looking for ways to have more. More power. More money. More women. But when Slidell businessman, Dr. Bob O’Malley propositions him to bring River City Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a black market organ trade, he’s hesitant. How would they get away with it? What happens if they get caught? What happens if he says no?

Conservative and proper Arianne Douglas seems to have it all. A happy marriage, three handsome sons, a loving stepdaughter, and fulfilling career that gives back to others. But when her husband’s ex-wife discovers her deepest secret, how will Arianne prevent her two worlds from colliding—especially since her secret involves her husband’s best friend and her thirteen-year-old son?

Stoic and solemn Dr. Gregory Adams is an honorable man with a heart of gold. Proud of the legacy passed down through his father and grandfathers, he takes his job as Chief Medical Officer of River City Medical Center seriously. But after discovering that his best friend, Andrew is involved with something that is legally and ethically wrong, Gregory doesn’t know what to do. Further complicating his decision, are his long-standing feelings for Andrew’s wife—his one true love.

Brazen Dr. Millicent Douglas has been on a twenty-seven year mission: destroy Arianne Douglas. And thirteen years ago, she was joined by the most unlikely of allies—Arianne’s oldest son Nash. Effortlessly, she persuades her ex-husband to convince his best friend to rehire her at Rivers, allowing her closer to the black market organ trade known as the “Operation.” With Nash’s help, she infiltrates the accounts of Arianne’s charitable organization and manages to discover her nemesis’ long-hidden secret. But the stakes are raised when Millie realizes that the relationship between her and Nash is changing, and she’s powerless to stop it. Is she strong enough to say no? Or will his love break down her walls?

Ruthless Dr. Bob O’Malley has a score to settle with Andrew Douglas—for more reasons than one. The most recent offense—fifteen years ago when Andrew’s gross negligence left Bob’s youngest son in a vegetative state. Together with his eldest son, Sol, and a mysterious accomplice called the Congressman, Bob vows to exact his revenge any way possible. If that takes them down the road to death, then so be it.

What genre is it?
Family saga, dark romance, suspense.

What kind of readers will it appeal to?
18+.
Anyone who likes a fast-paced read with plenty of twist and turns will enjoy The Waiting.

Are you similar to any of the characters?
A good quality of Ari that in me…her love and loyalty to her family. Bad? Her indecisiveness.

It was a whirlwind when you introduced us to the characters; remind us who Ari is.
In the beginning of the book, Arianne is weak. She knows her husband is a philandering liar, yet she chooses to look the other way. For years, she’s denied herself the happiness that has literally been at her fingertips. Why? Because it was the “right” thing to do. In The Waiting, Arianne is forced into situations that would destroy a lesser woman…and in many ways, she is broken. Overwhelmed with a desire to be who she was before she married, Arianne longs for change. Will these catalysts prompt her to finally follow her heart? Or will she remain the same?

Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Best friends since the ages of six and four, Elizabeth Burgess and Marie Hewes spent most of their young lives coming up with fantastical plots for their Barbie dolls. Little did they know that twenty-seven years later their crazy ideas would lead them down this road. When they each began the process of trying to conceive in February 2013, they needed an easy way to pass the “two-week wait.” Remembering a dream that she’d had in August 2012, Elizabeth suggested that they start writing a book, and The Waiting was born.

Elizabeth lives in Northeast Louisiana with her partner Terri, two Catahoula Curs, Bowie and Pike, and cat, Cypress. A nurse for nine years, writing has always been her passion.

Marie lives in North Central Louisiana with her husband, Chris, and their two children, two dogs, Rascal and Mischief, and cat, Silvermist. Currently. Marie is renovating their country home and enjoys spending her days with her beautiful little girl and handsome baby boy.

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
http://elizabethburgessandmariehewes.wordpress.com.

Where’s the best way to find you on social media?
Twitter: @liddyburgess
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Authors-Elizabeth-Burgess-and-Marie-Hew es/786961264661560?ref=tn_tnmn.

What’s next for you?
The Watching: Book 2 in The Waiting Series