Breaking Cycles follows a motorcycle mechanic with a dark past who, after an accident, crosses paths with a kind-hearted woman who changes his perspective on everything. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

When I write, I tend to fall in love with the supporting characters and want to know their story. Grant’s younger brother, Matt, had his story told in Unforgettable Mistakes. After I wrote that, Grant’s story was begging to be told.

I’ve spent some time in the Carolinas over the years and I love the area. The town is made up but based on a picturesque area along the Carolina coast. It was the perfect setting for both characters and was definitely my inspiration for the location.

Was the character’s backstory something you always had, or did it develop as you were writing?

The character’s main backstory was something I always had in mind, especially Grant, since his story started in Unforgettable Mistakes without him ever being introduced in the book. I wanted him to have his chance to find his peace, which drove me to write his story. Some of the questions I asked myself when I started writing Breaking Cycles include: What happens when someone has been running from a dark past for so long and he can no longer run? What could stop him from running when he doesn’t let anything or anyone stand in his way? And what kind of woman could help him change his perspectives and heal? I believe the answers become apparent as you get to know Ella and the story unfolds.

I do think some parts of the backstory developed naturally as I wrote, especially when it comes to Ella since she was a completely new character, even to me. The small details filled in as I wrote, Ella coming to life as an equal for Grant and a perfect match.

As part of the backstory, the title Breaking Cycles is something that I was excited about too because it says so much. It started with dual meanings, but by the time I was finished, there were at least three explanations for the title and how it helped bring the story together.

There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?

That’s an understatement. This story has some bad and good sides to love or at times what is disguised as love. I want readers to take away that sometimes when we’re at a low, it’s hard to see or feel the love, but even in tough times, real love is always there. We all deserve love. If you’re struggling on the wrong side of love, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lean on your support system and more than anything, love yourself. It all starts with self-love.

When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

I don’t have a date yet for book two, but I have high hopes that it will be out later this year. Book two moves to new main characters, and will also be a stand-alone novel, but it will start where Breaking Cycles left off. Book two focuses on Declan, Ella’s older and protective brother. It will be our chance to see a side of Declan we’ve never seen before. The female MC that emerges in this story is new, but the two do know someone in common. This is a very different story, addressing a variety of issues fitting to the characters and I can’t wait to share it with you.

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