This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to an author whose stories are set in beautiful parts of Europe, in countries like Italy and Spain. Crucially, this time she takes us to South America, where we meet Antonia Brooks, her fiercest heroine to date.
She is Mary Georgina de Grey. Having veered away from pure romance into thriller territory, she is writing as M.G. de Grey.
Disappeared will appeal to those who like their romance to have a strong plot. It is the first in a series featuring American journalist Antonia Brooks and Harry White, a London policeman, both operating outside their comfort zones in Colombia.
This latest release sees them working together to bring down a child trafficking gang. Today, a slightly reluctant Antonia is being interviewed. We had to work hard to persuade her to do this.
Whether you write love stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Mary Georgina de Grey. 💖
Before we begin, I’d like to share one of M.G. de Grey’s memorable lines from Disappeared.
It’s what made me choose journalism – I guess I’m trying to use the pain to forge ahead, to prevent others going through the same hell. I knew I could write so that’s how I decided to fight it.
Antonia, it’s a pleasure to speak to you today. Could we start with you introducing yourself?
My name’s Antonia Constanza Brooks. Constanza was my mother’s name. She was Colombian, but I grew up in Boston, where my father is a history professor at Northeastern. I’m twenty-eight and single.
Could you describe yourself in three words, so our listeners and readers can get an idea of who you are?
Three words? Mmm. I would say very determined, passionate about things that matter to me and … I have been called foolhardy, but actually I think very hard about what I’m doing before I throw myself into something.
What’s the biggest event that shaped who you are?
My sister … she died when I was eight – or at least I think she died. I’m still trying to come to terms with the whole thing.
That’s very intriguing. Could you tell us some more about the circumstances?
Do you mind if we change the subject?
Sure, let’s concentrate on you for the moment. You’re not in a relationship, but have you ever been in love?
That’s a bit personal. I guess I’ve not been lucky enough – I’ve usually found the men I’ve dated to be a bit immature. I keep hoping that will change.
So, you are open to love?
Yes, yes, I guess so. But it’s a serious step to me. I’m a difficult person to be with and that doesn’t help, but I hope there’s someone out there for me.
Would you say you’re more of a leader than a follower?
Neither. I prefer to work on my own. I’m a journalist as you know. I do work with colleagues on occasion, and I have a couple whom I very much respect, people I can rely on. I’m not very good at being led.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Oh, definitely clothes.
I can see you choose what you wear carefully.
I spend a lot of my life in difficult places, so most of the time, I’m in jeans, boots and various tops, especially here in Colombia. But when I get the chance to wear something good, I love beautifully made clothes, different textures and dramatic colours.
What does home mean to you?
I’m not unusual among people of dual nationality. I feel at home in Boston with my father, but also when I come here to Bogotá. I usually stay with my mom’s sister Maite, and I feel I blend in here – I speak the language quite well. I have my mom’s Indian features and quite a dark skin colour, but no-one raises an eyebrow at someone who’s mixed race in this country.
Is there something that people would never guess about you?
I once won a national Scrabble competition—although it’s nothing I usually talk about, or no one would want to play a game with me.
What’s your personal motto?
Well, I borrowed it from Shakespeare: To unmask falsehood and bring truth to light.
BOOK BLURB
What a people-trafficking gang did one Christmas in Bogotá has defined Antonia’s life.
Twenty years earlier, her younger sister was snatched in a busy department store in the Colombian capital. Aged eight at the time and grief-stricken, she resolved to bring down the gangs who traffic children – or die in the attempt.
Step One was becoming a journalist.
Step Two is being in that city, investigating a charity that claims it’s helping the gamines, the street-kids.
And now they’ve invited her in. It may be dangerous, but she can’t refuse an offer like that.
Harry White lost everything when his wife was killed. Not caring whether he lived or died, he accepted a dangerous undercover assignment in the Met that went disastrously wrong. Invited by his friend James, he’s now in Colombia and looking into a mysterious shooting.
Approaching from different directions, Harry and Antonia uncover a vicious child-trafficking ring, and with the help of Harry’s FBI friend, they set about destroying the organisation.
Then Antonia faces another problem. As the case comes to an end, she has to decide whether to allow the chemistry between them to move their relationship to the next stage.
MARY GEORGINA DE GREY’S BIO
My home is in South Devon on the beautiful English Riviera with my husband, an artist and sculptor. I have written four novels and also put together talks about romance and why it should be given serious consideration as a genre.
I hope you loved getting to know M.G. de Grey and hearing about her latest release, Disappeared. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with M.G. de Grey here:
🌐 Website: https://marygeorginadegreyauthor.com
📧 Email: marygeorginadg@gmail.com
📱 Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086424198194
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marygeorginadegreyauthor
🛒 Grab her books: US paperback: https://a.co/d/082U9bWf
US e-book: https://a.co/d/01u3pcin
UK: paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disappeared-M-G-GREY/dp/1916887546
UK: e-book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Disappeared-M-G-GREY-ebook/dp/B0GX2VZNH7
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow author who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talks, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖