What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Poison and Wine?
I was in the middle of doing my yearly reread of my favorite Black Dagger Brotherhood book, Lover Awakened. While driving down the road, I was listening to the song, “Dust to Dust” by the Civil Wars and thinking how much it was like Zsadist & Bella. And then Bam! Here came a story idea of a Zsadist inspired character (scarred, tattooed, emotionally wounded) mafia man. But he was the enforcer of the family, and I needed to start with the family leader. While still on a Civil Wars music binge, I began listening to “Poison and Wine”. It wasn’t long after that I got the idea of a capo’s daughter trying to escape the mafia life by joining a convent and what would happen when an enemy family kidnapped her for an alliance. And voila, there was Poison and Wine, and the first idea became Callum’s brother, Quinn’s book, which comes this summer.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Poison and Wine, what would they be?
Caterina’s would definitely be “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera. When Callum tries to kidnap her, she isn’t going down without a fight, including shooting and biting him, lol. For Callum, his love of his Irish homeland and good Irish whiskey would have him singing Molly Malone at the top of his lungs with his brothers.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love reading Contemporary Romance. I’ve been on a huge mafia kick lately since I got the idea for Poison and Wine. I also have a Why Choose Hockey romance coming up, so I’ve been devouring some of that genre as well.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Anything mafia or reverse harem is making the top. I’m excited for Emily Rath’s next reverse harem hockey book.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Any scene with Callum and Caterina was so much fun because of their banter and chemistry. I don’t want to spoil too much, but the epilogue was especially yummy getting to see a new side of our rough hero.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Although I have an office with comfortable chairs and a desk, I love holing up the alcove in my bedroom. I usually have one or two dogs at my feet while one of the cats is resting on the headrest, lol.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“Anything worth having is hard work”. My late grandmother used to say that to me during times of hardship or trouble. She said it to me so many times along my writing journey. She passed away six months before I hit the New York Times Bestsellers list for the first time.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The strength that comes from the love of family. Both Caterina and Callum have such a strong bond and immense love of their siblings.
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