Detective Lucian follows a stubborn detective on Haven Island who makes it his personal mission to protect a sassy realtor who was attacked by a client, but falling in love was not part of his plan. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I dedicate a significant amount of my time volunteering for our local sheriff’s office, where I contribute to realistic role-playing scenarios for recruits and participate in numerous ride-alongs. Our sheriff’s department is deeply committed to its community, and I aimed to reflect that strong bond in my writing. Also, with several realtor friends, I’ve learned how careful they are when they show a house. I put a lot of my experiences into my writing.

Josie and Lucian clash almost immediately. How did you balance Lucian’s protective instincts without letting him overshadow Josie’s independence?

My goal was for Josie to come off as a capable, independent woman who wasn’t afraid to ask for help, but could also go it alone. Josie needed to have a hard and soft side to her personality. It was crucial to demonstrate Lucian’s unwavering support for her, without infringing on her independence.

The novel leans into emotion without hesitation. Do you think romantic suspense works best when feelings are close to the surface?

I do. By allowing their emotions to surface, the characters create a stronger connection with the reader. Then, not only does the character’s adrenaline begin to surge, but the reader’s does too, creating a shared sense of excitement.

I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?

The focus of this series is the Haven Island Police Department, detailing their work on diverse cases as they strive to ‘protect and serve’ their community. Book 1 acted as my transition from my initial series, “Path Series,” to the setting of Haven Island. It introduced Deputy Sean, who relocates to a new town and finds himself falling for the diner’s waitress, who is unfortunately being stalked. Book 2 delved into Chief Alejandro’s past, revealing his heroic rescue of Sammie’s daughter from an unhinged ex-husband. The fourth book, releasing soon, focuses on Hudson, a Patrol Officer tasked with locating a missing child.

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