When I was asked to do a little piece for Fresh Fiction, I knew I wanted to tie
it to my new book,
THE
MISBEHAVED, which releasesโMay 10
thโfrom Totally Bound
Publishing. Itโs a friends-to-lovers romance involving a frisky bartender,
Natalea Jones, and her best friend and most eligible bachelor, Drake Harte. The
story opens at Nataleaโs bar where she is hosting the charity reveal of the
firefighter calendar, which includes as Mr. Decemberโher best friend Drake.
Yes, the hero of
THE
MISBEHAVED is a sexy firefighter. Not uncommon. Not unheard of. Who makes a
more desirable hero than a firefighter? The interesting element for me is that I
find myself drawn to them in my writing. I have three books that thrust a
firefighter hero into the spotlight. Why? What makes these guys such great
romance novel heroes?
Iโve asked myself that question numerous times as I drive past our local
firehouse and find myself slowing down in hopes of getting a glance of the
firefighters out washing the trucks or shooting hoops in the drivewayโwith their
shirts off, of course! And Iโll admit, some days Iโm one lucky lady! J
Is it the hard bodies? Maybe. As a warm-blooded female with a very healthy
sexual appetite, I like a hard body like the rest of you. But itโs got to be
more than the uniform (or lack thereof) that makes these guys a top fantasy for
most women and the perfect hero for a romance story. For me, it comes down to
two words: Selfless and Courage.
Selfless. Firefighters may have some downtime during their
shifts (and thank Godโwhen else I would I be able to catch them outside the
firehouse horsing around), but when a call comes in, itโs all work and no play.
And thatโs because lives could be at risk, including their own. They suit up in
their turn-out gear and boots, heading to a scene not knowing exactly what they
may have to face. However, they show up ready and willing to face any danger
that may await them, even at the risk of their own lives.
Courage. Firefighters face precarious situations on the job.
Saving the cat thirty feet up in a tree, rescuing a child from the fourth floor
of a burning apartment building or pulling a man from the wreckage of a
carโthese guys save lives! Every. Day. They are heroes! Forget Superman. Move
over, Batman. Firefighters are for real!
Mix the courage and the selflessness in a pot of hotness and you have yourself
he perfect recipe for the perfect hero. At least, thatโs been my experience!
Friends to loversโcan Natalea Jones and Drake Harte break through their
friendship barrier and find happiness?
Natalea Jones has had a rough life. An absentee father. A gambling-addicted
mother who seems to show up only when she needs somethingโpreferably money.
Natalea survived her childhood and teenage years because of her best friend,
Drake Harte, and his family. Even though sheโs been in love with Drake for
years, she refuses to let her lust get in the way of their friendship. Life
without Drake is not possible and sex would certainly complicate things.
Drake Harte is not only known as the most eligible bachelor and firefighter
in Gamble Park, Florida, heโs also known for sexing the ladies and leaving them.
Only he knows the reason he canโt make a commitment to the women throwing
themselves at himโheโs in love with his best friend. Itโs time he either goes
for it or moves onโฆand heโs going after Natalea with everything heโs got.
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