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Yay, it's release day! Now what?
A writer’s work is never done.
There isn’t really a saying like that, but there should be. Why? Because even when a book is finished, the job isn’t over. There’s always another book to be written, another story to be told.
I recently released Mission: Impossible to Forget. It was months of research, writing, editing, and rewriting. After investing hundreds of hours and a big part of my heart in the story, I released it to my readers. Even thought it wasn’t my first book, every launch is a momentous event that fills an author with pride and anxiety–Will readers like it? Was it a good story? Could it have been any better?
Happily, the reviews for Emily and Nick’s story are strong. It’s heartwarming and exhilarating to read reviews like these:
“This story has it all going on suspense, kidnappings, murders, loving ex-military brothers, a cello, a feisty heroine, romance and a dog.” —Angela, Goodreads
“Five stars! Secrets, lies and danger around every corner. Loved this book.” —Sue, Goodreads
“” —SIMATSU, Amazon
I’m still enjoying the Mission: Impossible to Forget ride, but there’s another roller coaster beckoning. It is the next story waiting to be told.
A May Day Code for Love is part of a Regency romance box set coming out on May 5th. I’m shifting from contemporary romantic suspense to Regency romantic suspense, but I love the Code Breakers world and the characters who reside there.
I hope you’ll come along for the ride. It’s always more fun with friends!
Preorder A May Day to Remember for just 99¢
Eight all-new novellas full of May Day Mischief and heart-pounding romance. Indulge in these novellas from USA Today and bestselling authors.
One Fateful May Day by Amanda Mariel
The Vixen in Red by Dawn Brower
A May Day Code for Love by Jacki Delecki
Falling for the American by Aileen Fish
Lady Mary’s May Day Mischief by Cerise DeLand
The Queen of May by Diana Bold
Magic in Mayflowers by Sandra Sookoo
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA
Apple Books | Kobo | Nook
Meet Stella the French Bulldog
Although Mission: Impossible to Forget is a contemporary romantic suspense, there are still details I research. I’ve had great fun learning about French bulldogs since this book features one of these adorable canines.
Stella, Emily’s dog in Mission: Impossible to Forget, isn’t based on Stella in the TV show Modern Family but a real dog I “met” during my time performing for the Seattle ballet. Her owner used to bring Stella backstage to help calm the children before their performance.
In Mission: Impossible to Forget, Stella is companion to professional cellist Emily Hewitt. If you aren’t acquainted with this breed of dog, here are a few characteristics that make them one of the most popular breeds.
With large bat ears, French bulldogs are small enough to be suitable for city dwellers. They stand 11-13 inches and weigh under 28 pounds.
The breed has an even disposition, is playful, alert, entertaining, and adaptable.
Frenchies aren’t excessive barkers, but they are territorial, making them good watchdogs.
French bulldogs are “talkative”. They snore, grunt, yip, and make other odd noises.
Watch this video to learn more about French bulldogs.
*****
Mission: Impossible to Forget releases April 1. Preorder your copy today to fall in love with Stella, Emily, and Nick.
The Joys of Researching Romantic Suspense
I’m still in production mode, getting words on the page for Mission: Impossible to Forget which releases April 1. The research has been a delight, I must say.
I’m a huge fan of music and the performing arts so learning about professional musicians has been fascinating. I discovered 2CELLOs, a duo of young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser.
They are so talented and very attractive (a must for romance authors and readers!). You can enjoy a performance by 2CELLOS on YouTube.
Coming April 1, 2020
Available for preorder on Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play
Professional cellist Emily Hewitt loves nothing more than creating music. Sharing her musical gift with the world is all she lives for. Until her life is threatened. Caught up in a treacherous conspiracy, Emily becomes the pawn in an international play for power and must be assigned a bodyguard.
Former Special-Ops Marine Nick Jenkins, is out of a job and out of patience. Discharged from the Corp because of hearing loss, the last thing he wants to do is babysit someone who’s surrounded by the haunting sounds of music he can no longer appreciate.
Researching Characters - Mission Impossible to Forget
Music is an important element in Mission: Impossible to Forget. Emily Hewitt is a professional cellist and her life revolves around music. Nick Jenkins is a former Special-Ops Marine who’s struggling with hearing loss, which has devastated his life.
I wanted to better understand Emily’s passion so I’ve been researching and listening to professional cellists, primarily Jacqueline du Pré. She was an amazing talent. You can enjoy one of her performances on YouTube by CLICKING HERE.
Part of what I’ve learned about professional musicians is how singularly focused they are on their art. As an author, this provides strong conflict between my characters. How does Emily deal with the distraction of her feelings for Nick? How does a strong, alpha male like Nick deal with an independent woman who may–or may not–want his intrusion into her life?
I’m still not sure how they will find their way to happy-ever-after, but that’s part of the fun in writing romance!
Coming February 2020
Available for preorder on Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play
Professional cellist Emily Hewitt loves nothing more than creating music. Sharing her musical gift with the world is all she lives for. Until her life is threatened. Caught up in a treacherous conspiracy, Emily becomes the pawn in an international play for power and must be assigned a bodyguard.
Former Special-Ops Marine Nick Jenkins, is out of a job and out of patience. Discharged from the Corp because of hearing loss, the last thing he wants to do is babysit someone who’s surrounded by the haunting sounds of music he can no longer appreciate.
When danger turns deadly, will Nick be able to save Emily?
Hearing Loss and Military Heroes
The road to happy ever after is never easy, especially in romance novels. The harder the struggle, the more significant the conflict, the wider the gap between the hero and heroine, the sweeter the moment they come together.
When I was plotting the story for MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET, I knew the heroine would be a professional musician but what–aside from her life being in danger–would create barriers between her and the hero?
How about a man who can’t appreciate music because he can no longer hear it? To torment my hero even more, I created a story in which the hearing loss has cost Special-Ops Marine Nick Jenkins his military career.
Hearing loss may not be as dramatic as losing a limb, but experts estimate that more than 50 percent of combat soldiers suffer moderately severe (or worse) hearing loss. It’s an injury that impacts more military personnel than any other type of injury. Sometimes the hearing loss is just an inconvenience; sometimes it robs soldiers of their hearing completely.
Our military personnel sacrifice time, health, and so much more. Writing about these real-life heroes is my way of honoring them.
Here’s a short excerpt from MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET, coming February 2020.
“Let me take you out for a drink. We both need it after this funeral.” Ben leaned closer, his thigh pressing against hers and squeezed her hand. Ben Massine, the successful and charismatic tenor with the voice that had the world at his feet, was seated next to Emily.
Her eyes darted to his. The compassion in his dark eyes and expressive voice would be her undoing. All she could do was nod since the grief was lodged somewhere between her chest and her throat.
Emily pulled her hand into her lap, now unsure if Ben was making his usual moves or was as upset as she was. Emily never trusted Ben’s motives in pursuing her. Was she just another notch on his bedpost? He could have any woman. He did have any and every woman if People magazine was correct.
His Sicilian roots with olive skin, black hair, and Grecian profile made him irresistible. Unlike his hordes of fans, it wasn’t his dramatic looks and powerful presence that made Emily susceptible. It was the bright warm timbre of his voice, his soulful passion for the music, his ability to transcend the music. He was a gifted artist, and Ben should be the perfect match for her.
But the heart was a contrary organ that didn’t listen to reason. It was time to wipe the memory of the dark-haired, over-loaded-testosterone male, the hardened Spec Forces Marine Nick Jenkins, who didn’t have the voice like a choir of angels but a rough bass steel drum.
Coming February 2020
Available for preorder on Apple Books | Kobo | Nook | Google Play
Professional cellist Emily Hewitt loves nothing more than creating music. Sharing her gift with the world is all she lives for. Until her life is threatened. Caught up in a treacherous conspiracy, Emily becomes the pawn in an international play for power and must be assigned a bodyguard.
Former Special-Ops Marine Nick Jenkins is out of a job and out of patience. Discharged from the Corp because of hearing loss, the last thing he wants to do is babysit someone who’s surrounded by the haunting sounds of music he can no longer appreciate. When danger turns deadly, will Nick be able to save Emily?
