#SaturdaySpotlight is on Dakota McGraw & Testing the Waters!

Good Morning and Welcome,

One of my greatest pleasures in hosting Saturday Spotlight on this blog is to introduce to you a brand-new-to-me author and our guest today is one of those! Thanks for joining us, Dakota, please tell us about your book, Testing the Waters...

Thank You for having me, Pam. Testing the Waters is an Espionage/Spy/Multicultural/Suspense Romance with an action rating of 5+ here is the blurb...

Brenda Jackson is no stranger to danger—but when her boss offers her the chance to go international as a spy, it’s a whole new world. Tasked with taking down an opium and human trafficking ring, Brenda steps into the shadowy underworld of espionage with a new partner—Terrance Blaine, a grizzled MI5 operative with a reputation for cold precision.

As they chase leads across multiple countries, sparks fly between Brenda’s fierce determination and Blaine’s brooding authority. They’ll have to navigate deadly threats, uncover a web of international corruption, and survive each other’s temperaments. But when betrayal hits too close to home, Brenda’s skills and resolve will be tested like never before.

Fast-paced, sharp, and filled with tension, Testing the Waters is a thrilling ride of action, espionage, and a partnership that could either save them—or tear them apart.

AND an Excerpt: Later, in the training hall, things escalated. Blaine wasn’t about to let the pistol stunt slide.

“Gunplay’s one thing,” he said, tossing her a judo gi. “But let’s see what you do when someone’s trying to choke the life out of you.”

Brenda smirked, catching it. “Careful, old man. You might not get back up.”

They squared off on the mat. Blaine came at her hard and fast, fists precise, his military training ingrained in every strike. But Brenda wasn’t just holding her ground—she was countering with uncanny timing, sliding into the space between his punches, anticipating the arc of his elbow before he even swung.

She’s reading me, Blaine realized, tightening his jaw and clenching his fists a little too hard. Every feint, every shift of his weight, she was already there. Not reacting—predicting. No civilian cop should’ve been able to do that, yet here she was, moving like she’d been in his head long before the fight began.

He pushed harder, throwing combinations sharp enough to break down most opponents, but she slipped past them, like she knew where he’d be before he did. This isn’t just training—it’s instinct. God help me, it’s beautiful.

Oh my goodness, sounds amazing! Now please tell us why you wrote Testing the Waters, where we can purchase it and find out more about you...

Sure!

I wanted to create a series that features over-the-top characters—imperfect, flawed, yet able to rise to the occasion when it matters most. My goal was to keep readers guessing about who the real "bad guy" is and challenge the typical hero's journey. I wanted to explore the complexities of Blaine, the ultimate alpha male character who, despite being the brooding, chauvinistic, "tough guy," has deep vulnerabilities and cracks in his character. And the twist? He meets a heroine who not only brings these vulnerabilities to the surface but is the only one he trusts enough to show that side of himself. This makes their dynamic unique—a push and pull where strength and vulnerability coexist, creating tension, excitement, and, of course, a deeper emotional connection.

Testing the Waters is the first book in the series, and I have never had more fun writing than with this one. I’m already in love with Terrance Blaine, the main character. He’s everything I wanted in a hero—strong, complicated, and with enough cracks in his armor to make him real. I can also relate to Brenda. She’s the strong woman who can hold her own against Blaine (and he hates it at times, but at that same time he loves it), but knows how to use her feminine charms to knock him off balance when the time is right. It’s the perfect blend of power and subtlety, and I’m really enjoying how their dynamic plays out.

On top of the character dynamics, my personal travels around the world have been a major influence in shaping these stories, and I’ve always wanted to write about my travel in some form and fashion, and this series is perfect for that.  I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some truly exotic locales. These travels allow me to incorporate vivid settings into the book, bringing an authentic atmosphere to the narrative. The diversity of cultures, landscapes, and challenges I’ve encountered have helped create rich, adventurous environments that feel both real and thrilling, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the plot.

The Blaine and Brenda series promises to have twists and turns, action, a bit of romance, and never a dull moment. I love going wild with these characters, putting them in crazy, dangerous situations and seeing how they get themselves out of them. Each book is an adventure—one I can’t wait to share with readers!

You can purchase Testing the Waters at Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, OR directly from my website, where you can find more about me and my books, and see what’s Coming Soon! Be sure and follow me via the social media links there!

Wonderful, Dakota!

We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with this new series.

Hope you enjoyed Dakota's visit with us friends and that you'll check back each week for another Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time read happy!

PamT