Blog Archives
Shared Sense of Excitement
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Josie
I’ve worked two jobs for as long as I can remember—realtor in the afternoon, hotel host before sunrise. Exhausting? Absolutely. But after years of grinding, my nest egg is almost full, and my dream is finally within reach.
Then one client crosses a line.
And everything spirals.
Someone is watching me. Waiting. And the infuriatingly intense Detective Lucian Warrick—the man who drives me crazy on a good day—is suddenly the only shield between me and the darkness closing in.
He swears he’ll protect me.
He swears he won’t let anything happen to me.
I pray he gets to me in time.
Lucian
Josie Hale crashed into my life with a smart mouth, a stubborn streak, and a smile I can’t shake. She gets under my skin in all the wrong ways… and all the right ones.
But when a predator sets his sights on her, the lines blur fast. And keeping her safe means ignoring the heat between us, the one that could burn down every rule I’ve lived by.
I’ll tear apart this island to stop him.
I’ll put my life on the line without hesitation.
Because somewhere between the chaos, the danger, and her damn irresistible sass… I realized Josie Hale isn’t just another case.
She’s mine.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her with me… forever.
Detective Lucian is a first-person, dual POV, slow burn, police protection, suspenseful romance. HEA guaranteed.
Preorder your copy today!
Detective Lucian
Detective Lucian is a romantic suspense novel that drops a love story into the middle of stalking, assault, kidnapping, and a police investigation on Haven Island. At its center are Josie Hale, a realtor whose life is shaken when a showing turns into an attack, and Detective Lucian Warrick, the gruff, intensely competent officer who takes the case personally almost from the first page. The book moves between danger and desire, building a small-town world where everyone seems connected, and every new clue pushes the romance and the threat forward at the same time.
Author Neri Lopez does not circle around the book’s emotional stakes. She gets right into fear, attraction, jealousy, protectiveness, and lets those feelings sit close to the surface. That gives the story real momentum. I could feel how the book wants to be read fast, almost in one long breath. I also liked the alternating points of view because they keep the romance active instead of distant. We are not just told Lucian cares. We watch him fight it, deny it, and then fail in a relatable way. At the same time, Josie never feels like she is only there to be rescued. Even when she is terrified, she still has personality, pride, and bite.
I was especially interested in the author’s choice to lean hard into contrast. Lucian is controlled until he is not. Josie is rattled but stubborn. The island setting feels sunny on the outside, but underneath it there is real menace, which fits the “protecting paradise” idea nicely. That blend is where the book works best for me. It understands that romantic suspense is not just about chemistry or just about plot. It’s about pressure. It’s about watching two people try to reach for each other while the ground keeps shifting under them. Some scenes are sharp and funny, others are genuinely unsettling, and that swing gave the book a live-wire energy I kept responding to.
I felt like this book knew exactly what kind of ride it wanted to deliver: high-stakes romantic suspense with a protective detective, a strong-willed heroine, real danger, and a strong emotional payoff. I would recommend it most to readers who like their romance hot, their suspense close at hand, and their characters emotionally open rather than polished. If someone enjoys small-town romantic suspense, protective hero stories, and series fiction where side characters make the world feel bigger, I think Detective Lucian will be a very easy book to fall into.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0GF3C26DB
Leave of My Duty
In Leave of My Duty, Mallory is a devoted single mother trying to rebuild her life after the tragic murder of her husband. She’s focused on raising her three children in the quiet town of Piper Falls, determined to keep things steady and simple. But when the enigmatic and strikingly handsome Griffin Erickson returns to his hometown to care for his ailing father, everything changes. Drawn to Mallory in ways he didn’t expect, Griffin’s playboy past begins to fade as he sets his sights on something more meaningful—winning Mallory’s heart. Their undeniable attraction sparks a whirlwind romance, but the question remains: can they truly overcome the shadows of their pasts, or will old wounds threaten to tear them apart?
Leave of My Duty is an exciting blend of romance and passion, written with a fast-paced, engaging style that pulls the reader in from the start. Mallory and Griffin’s chemistry ignites quickly, carrying their relationship forward at a breakneck pace that fills each chapter with fiery emotion. Their steamy connection is palpable, making their love story both thrilling and intense. Told from the alternating perspectives of Mallory and Griffin, the reader is given an intimate look into their minds—into the way they perceive each other, their insecurities, and their growing desires. As their romance blossoms, unforeseen threats begin to surface, adding an element of suspense that keeps the narrative tense and unpredictable. Lamers cleverly balances romantic tension with character development, allowing both leads to grow and evolve throughout the story. The rapid progression of their relationship leaves little room for deeper exploration. From the moment they meet, things move swiftly—perhaps too swiftly—leaving readers wishing for a bit more time to see their connection grow organically. Despite this, their romance is undeniably captivating. The story not only explores their relationship but also delves into their connections with family and friends, offering a richer emotional landscape.
Fans of modern romance will find Leave of My Duty an enjoyable and satisfying read. With its mix of passion, suspense, and a touch of mystery, Lamers delivers a love story that sizzles against the backdrop of small-town life, offering readers a fast, fun, and immersive romantic escape.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0CZ5CGG3Y
