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Steamy Distraction

Author Interview
Anne Nikolaiken Author Interview

Sydney and Heather are both interesting characters trying to move past their last bad relationships. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?

The Unwritten Rule’s two main characters were both a pleasure to write about. I loved discovering their slow-burn relationship and the sizzling chemistry that ignited amidst global travel, high-stakes sports events, and Formula One’s glamour.

Heather’s experience as a writer definitely made her an easier character to write. I connected with her motivation of wanting a career that her entourage could understand, but she was also keen to write about people falling in love. I wanted her to be a heroine readers could identify with, a character who, like newcomers to the Formula One romance genre, was also unfamiliar with the world of motorsport. But as I wrote more about Heather, she became much more than that—she had her own dreams and insecurities, which made her so endearing.

Sydney was more challenging because he’s more guarded—the sting of his past relationship still raw. But throughout the writing process, he revealed himself to be also sweet and considerate towards Heather and others. Everything a reader would expect and more from a modern and sexy Highlander. I loved seeing him open up to Heather during their interview questions for his biography. Writing about him falling in love again was satisfying after months of having to pull answers from Sydney—much like Heather did during the course of the story!

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

There were many scenes I had fun writing for The Unwritten Rule, from the meet-cute in the Canadian Rockies to the action on track across the racing season, so it’s hard to find just one! Especially since I wrote it with dual points of view, as I wanted to create an immersive reading experience. I enjoyed writing about Heather’s first meeting with Sydney, and how it parallels the romance book she’s writing in the story. For fans of romantic comedy, I think they’ll laugh as hard as I did when I was writing it!

I also had fun integrating motorsport elements into the storyline and getting the reader to feel like they are in the car with Sydney. To do so, I rewatched old footage of past Australian and Canadian Grands Prix—among many others—which helped me realistically assess his championship ambitions, along with the difficulties he encountered on track. As an F1 fan, adding those small details from the driver’s point of view is key to writing my Formula One romance novels.

It might not be a scene, but compiling the glossary to help new readers understand all the motorsport terms and Scottish slang peppered throughout the story was a fun exercise. Since my contemporary romance novel is set in a more niche subgenre, I don’t expect all the readers of The Unwritten Rule to be Formula One fans just yet, but maybe by the end of the book, they will be!

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

The Rival Hearts, the second book in The Racing Line series, is scheduled for publication in Spring 2026. It follows the story of Ethan and Maggie, two side characters from The Unwritten Rule, as they go from being rivals to lovers.

Here’s book two in a few sentences: She’s the first female F1 title contender. He’s the steamy distraction on track. The race weekend plan didn’t include waking up married to the rival rookie driver. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right?

Readers can expect to see familiar faces, discover new racetracks, as well as plenty of banter and spice. As with all the interconnected stand-alone books in The Racing Line series, they are filled with international travel, irresistible chemistry, and a swoon-worthy hero in a race suit.

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They weren’t looking for anything serious, only a sizzling one-night stand. But once ignited, their hearts didn’t listen.

Sydney
To match his legendary father’s record on the track, Sydney McKinnly needs a third world championship win. But after a dreadful year in and out of the cockpit, the only way he’s keeping his driver’s seat is by agreeing to have his bloody biography written.
It wasn’t supposed to challenge his decision of not getting distracted by love this season. Harder said than done when the biographer is none other than his Rockies holiday fling. And the sparks are still flying high.

Can he keep to their no-strings-attached deal? Or is their chemistry putting everything he’s been working for this season at risk?

Heather
Heather Everett-Fortier is a successful biographer, yet each new book brings her further away from her dream of writing romance novels.

After a bad breakup, travelling the world with the St-Pierre Racing team provides Heather with unparalleled opportunities for gathering romance story-setting inspiration. But it also brings Heather closer to her one-night stand. As strangers, they weren’t supposed to see each other again, let alone work together! And yet, when they meet again, they can’t pull away. Writing Sydney’s biography brings Heather closer to her dreams, but will their steamy attraction steer her off track?

Can Heather and Sydney keep their passion in check long enough for them to finish this biography?

The Unwritten Rule is book in the Racing Line Series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but they are interconnected. This is a high-octane contemporary sports romance filled with open-door spice, swoon-worthy moments, and a guaranteed happily ever after.