Today we have Mason Harding from Amber Daulton’s Arresting Mason. Let’s find out more about him and his story!
For the record, what’s your name, and where are you from?
Hey, Eileen. Thanks for the interview. I haven’t done one in a while.
I’m Mason Harding from Aurora, Colorado, but I moved to Denver to live with my brother. That’s where my story takes place.
Mason means “stone worker,” and Harding means “hardness.” It’s kinda funny. From the cradle, I had no chance to grow into a big softy of a man. Thanks, Mom and Dad. But, whatever. It worked in my favor since I’m as hard as they come.
Tell us a bit about Arresting Mason.
After ten years in prison, I’m now on parole and determined to live straight. Then I meet Mia Eddison. She’s the hottest woman I’ve ever seen and way out of my league, but I can’t stop thinking about her. We have an instant connection and things are going great, but then her brother—my parole officer—finds out about us. Things spiral out of control from there.
What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it?
I’m a mechanic, and yeah, I’m pretty damn good at the job. I like it too. My dad taught me everything I know about cars, and even though we don’t talk anymore, I’m still grateful to him for showing me the ropes. In all honesty, I didn’t plan to be a grease monkey growing up—in fact, I never really thought about the future when I was a stupid teen—but then I landed in prison and everything changed. A few years before my parole, I participated in an automotive work/study program to brush up on my rusty skills.
What is your family like?
Alan is supportive but overprotective. After all the crap I’ve put him through, though, I understand why he watches over me like I’m still a kid. His son, Danny, is adorable. I love my nephew to death, and I’m determined to not set a bad example for him. My parents and I are estranged. Alan is pressuring me to make amends with Mom, but I don’t think it’ll happen any time soon.
What’s the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
Most people in my situation would probably say going to prison, but not me. The most terrible thing I ever did was when I robbed a liquor store with some friends. I knew it was wrong, but did it anyway. That mistake affected the outcome of my life, and there’s a part of me that wishes I could take it back. Then again, I don’t think I would change anything I’ve ever done or had done happen to me because I’m happy right now. I have Mia and a great job, and I probably wouldn’t have either without doing the mistakes I’ve made.
Who was your first love?
I’ve had a lot of girlfriends before I met Mia, but never loved them. I cared about them, sure, but after being cheated on a few times, I’d learned to step out first before the girl I cared about stabbed me in the back. I regret doing so, and I’ve vowed to never hurt Mia like that. She’s my first love, and I know better than to throw away her trust.
How would Mia describe you?
That’s a loaded question. Mia would probably say I’m more stubborn than she is and that I have a temper problem. That’s true. I’m a hothead, and I let my emotions control me too often. She would also say I’m gorgeous and the best lover she’s ever had (at least I hope she would).
Why do you think your author chose to write about you?
Because I’m sexy. No, not buyin’ that? All right, well, let’s see. My author, Amber, chose to write about me because she believes everyone deserves a second chance at life and to right their wrongs. Color me surprised, though. I didn’t think anyone would care about my story. I went to prison for ten years for a stupid, drunken mistake, but now I’m free and determined to stay out of trouble. It’s difficult, yeah, but I’m a stubborn man. I also have a good woman in my life. Mia is everything to me, so I’ll do what I must to stay away from my past. Amber wanted to show my redemption, and I can’t thank her enough for it.
What do you wish your author had not told others about you?
That’s a loaded question. I like Amber a lot, but she deserves a spanking for revealing all my secrets. The main thing I wish she would’ve kept quiet is the incident in the shower room. I was still in prison at the time, and a few pricks attacked me. Though I managed to fight them off before they got what they wanted from me, it was the most humiliating experience of my life, and not something I wanted blasted all over the Internet. But since you can read about it in my book, I guess I’m all right with telling ya about it here.
What other character from your book do you think your author should write a book about? Care to tell us why?
Jim Borden, Mia’s arrogant brother and my parole officer, needs a lady love to knock him down a few pegs. Alan deserves a story too. He’s raising his son alone after his ex-wife skipped town, and I would do anything to see Alan happy with a good woman at his side.
About Amber Daulton
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton
Excerpt
“Which one is your car?” She glanced around the crowded parking lot. A few streetlights pushed back the darkness and shadows. The restaurant served customers until midnight on the weekends, but no one loitered in the lot, at least from what Mia could see.
“Don’t have one at the moment.” Mason hooked his thumbs in the belt loops of his jeans. “I took the bus. It stopped a few blocks from here.”
“Would you like a ride?” She pulled the car keys from her purse. “I feel a little ridiculous we met here tonight. I just wasn’t sure if you were some kind of freak.”
His eyebrow lifted, and he closed the distance between them as a tiger would zero in on its mate. A sexy, masculine smile curled his lips. “Have you made up your mind yet?”
“I’ll let you know in the morning.” Desire trickled down her spine. Mia nodded toward the passenger side of the car for him to hop in.
He confiscated her keys instead to unlock and open the driver’s side door for her like a gentleman. Then he leaned closer and nuzzled her temple with his nose.
Not sure if he planned to seduce her in the parking lot or if he merely wanted to tease her, Mia pressed her hand to his chest and tried to think straight. “You’re the first guy I’ve gone on a date with since my divorce. I haven’t slept with anyone since Evan.”
He tunneled his fingers through her wavy, chestnut-brown hair. “I haven’t dated anyone in a long time either. We’ll take it slow or fast, whatever you want, but I promise you one thing. After I’m done with you, you won’t even remember that bastard’s name.”
Oh, God. She almost melted right then and there. “Fast. I want you, Mason.”
“Take me to your place and you can have me.”
Blurb
Once you’re in a prison gang, you’re in it for life. That’s what Mason Harding thought until the boss accepted his resignation. After the State releases him on parole, a sexy divorcée behind the wheel of a car almost ends his life quicker than a shank. His chance encounter with Mia Eddison results in a night of passion, but her brother—his parole officer—catches them together and doesn’t approve.
Mia falls hard for the cocky ex-con, but not because of his chiseled body. She vows to break through his walls and discover his secrets, but never expects those secrets to threaten her life.
When members of an organized crime ring kidnap Mia to force Mason’s return to the gang, he goes up against an old friend to save the woman he loves. Will his sacrifice be enough or will everything fall apart in a blaze of gunfire?
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