Monday, July 16, 2018

Guest Post with Brooklyn Ann: The Path to Writing "Tempting Beat" + Teaser!

Today I have Brooklyn Ann back on the blog! She's talking about what it was like to write her newest contemporary (rockstar) romance, Tempting Beat. Plus, she brought a little teaser to share. ;)





The Path to Writing Tempting Beat





Sometimes, you just gotta have fun.



Thank you so much for having me today! I’m Brooklyn Ann and today I’m talking about my 6th Heavy Metal romance novel, Tempting Beat. (Don’t worry, it reads as a standalone.)



The path to this book was utter serendipity. I’d long had readers wanting me to write an older woman, younger man romance, and I’d also wanted to write a heroine who was a nurse because I’ve known so many kickass nurses in my life.



And so Gwen was created. I confess that I kinda used her to poke fun at my mom. I remember that when she turned thirty, she acted like it was the end of the world. For realism’s sake, I bumped her up to thirty-five, but I still maintained the tongue-in-cheek humor of her acting like that’s “soooo old.”



Another wondrous thing about writing this book was that the last few had been a little too serious for me. Although delving deep into psychology has always been a theme in this series, after Forbidden Song, I kinda wanted to have a little less angst and a little more fun in Tempting Beat.



That worked perfectly for Roderick Powell, the hero of this book. He’s always been a cheerful, laid back guy and was a match made in heaven for the too serious Gwen. There are a lot of goofy shenanigans in the book, like when Rod gets revenge on his new neighbors for having his project cars towed. Here is a little taste:



When they headed out to the porch, an old Suburban came down the road with a trailer attached. As the Suburban parked in front of Rod’s house, Gwen recognized the driver as Rod’s bass player. On the trailer was another old car. Rusty brown with a blue door, missing trim, and splotches of primer ruined its iconic ’60s shape. 
Gwen sipped her beer and giggled. “Is that one yours too?”  
Rod shook his head. “No, but let’s not let the neighbors know that it isn’t. I called up Klement and told him what happened, and let’s just say that him and Kat have some ideas to aid me in my bit of revenge.” 
He rose from the porch and headed over to his bandmates. “Is that what I think it is?” 
Klement poked his head out the window and grinned. “I told you I know people.” 
“Holy shit.” Rod darted to the trailer. 
The gleeful surprise in his voice compelled Gwen to follow. Klement and Kat got out of the big vehicle with triumphant grins. “What is it?” she asked. 
“Sixty-Four Impala,” Klement answered, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes.
Kat giggled. “Do you watch old movies ever?” 
Mystified, Gwen walked around the trailer, studying the old, ugly thing. A fringe of little red fuzzy balls hung from the interior, which featured a chain steering wheel and blue fur covering the dashboard and seats. Recognition began to dawn. A smile curved her lips as she saw the decal on the window behind the driver’s that read “Love Machine.” When she walked to the back and spotted the “MUF DVR” license plate, Gwen burst out into shocked laughter. 
“Is this the real Cheech and Chong car?” God, she hadn’t seen that movie since college. Her roommate in the dorms had forced her to watch the ’70s classic Up in Smoke after they’d smoked a joint in celebration of Colorado’s legalization of marijuana. 
Klement shook his head. “No, but it’s a pretty good reproduction. A buddy of mine is taking it to a car show the day after tomorrow, but he let me borrow it for this.” 
Guess who walked by with her dog, casting glares at Gwen and the band? When Mrs. Kersh spotted the license plate of the car, she gasped and quickened her strides. 
Gwen covered her mouth, but it was hopeless. Hysterical laughter exploded from her in a torrent of hilarity. “Oh my God. It’s perfect.” 
“Right?” Rod joined her glee for what felt like forever before turning to Kat and Klement. “This is my neighbor, Gwen. She’s my only ally in this neighborhood and she was an angel and stayed here for the tow truck guys while I got the tags. Now that they’re legal, those bastards can’t do a thing to stop me.” 
“Nice to meet you, Gwen. You know what else they can’t stop?” Kat’s eyes glittered with mischief as she turned back to Rod. “How you decorate your yard. Just wait until you see what I brought you.” 
“You guys will love this.” Klement grinned as he shook Gwen’s hand. 
Kat pulled a box out of the Suburban labeled in black marker: Halloween. Gwen and Rod laughed. 
“This is a much better idea than quitting mowing my lawn and littering the yard with trash.” Rod smiled at Gwen. “Kat thought that would be unfair to you, since you live the closest and you’re innocent in all of this.”




~ Brooklyn Ann





Tempting Beat by Brooklyn Ann
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group (June 12, 2018)
Series: Hearts of Metal, 6
Genre: Contemporary Romance

YOU NEVER KNOW… 

Bleeding Vengeance’s drummer, Roderick Powell knows he’s a sod for feeling glum, especially after moving into a beautiful new home in a smart Denver suburb. But all his mates are partnered or married, and dreadfully happy. It’s enough to make a rockstar rethink his options. And even though his sexy neighbor has given him the brush-off, he’s decided to have another go – at this point he has nothing left to lose, apart from his heart.

WHAT LIES BENEATH 

Gwen Mason’s romantic past has been bumpier than most – twice divorced by thirty, she’s had enough of broken promises. An ER nurse who keeps a brutal schedule, she’s happy to become known as the neighborhood crazy cat lady. But…the most delicious man has moved next door. He’s British, he’s famous, he’s a rockstar. And, hard as she tries, Gwen can't keep Rod Powell from breaking all her rules, and suddenly she sees a future she never believed possible.



Where to Buy*:
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Formerly an auto-mechanic, Brooklyn Ann thrives on writing romance featuring unconventional heroines and heroes who adore them. After writing historical paranormal romance in her critically acclaimed "Scandals with Bite" series and urban fantasy in her "Brides of Prophecy" novels, she now explores the chaotic realm of heavy metal music-- a difficult world to find love in. 

She lives in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with her son, her cat, and a 1980 Datsun 210. 




Where to Find Brooklyn:






Thanks for stopping by, Brooklyn! Older heroine/younger hero is such a strong catnip for many of us, and something we don't see nearly enough in romancelandia.


Don't forget you can pick up TEMPTING BEAT now!





Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

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