50K in 30 Days – Breathing life into a new story

Easy, right? Or it should be when you’re already half way there. Last year’s challenge by the Romance Writers of Australia to write 50 000 words in a month left me exhausted but holding yet another published novel in my hands. Under the Hood was born during the month of June 2012 and published by Harlequin Escape in March 2013. This romantic suspense deals with far more than the relationship developing between two lovers. Under the Hood is the story of two people working together towards the same goal, striving for the same outcome, upholding the same beliefs and ultimately, finding love and trust in one another. Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

This book surprised me. I expected to find the general run-of-the-mill romance. I did not expect to find a garage that refuses to run without it’s foreperson. I didn’t expect to find a awe-inspiring story of saving troubled teens. Nor a woman so passionate about those teenagers, that she would sell her soul if it would save them.
The fireworks between TJ & Scott flew from the first glance. The author did a fantastic job of creating chemistry between them straight from page one. I really like that Scott has no qualms with his attraction, he pushes and pushes and tries to get away with whatever he can sneak before she knocks the crap out of him!~ Amy Mcglone http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/584316589

June 2013 finds me writing the story of Detective Mark Johnson. He first made his appearance in Fly Away Peta and cut such a dashing hero, I had to give him a story of his own. It would surely be a sin to let such a good man go to waste! The road won’t be easy for him or his heroine, Lily Bennetti, in Under Cover of Dark as the drug syndicate from Under the Hood continue to challenge his detective skills, his patience and his chance at happiness.

When Mark Johnson continues his investigation into the murder of Tiny Watts and the involvement of the teenage gang, the Tag Raiders, with sleazy lawyer, Gino Bennetti (Under the Hood), the last thing he expects is to be interviewing Gino’s widow. And it seems she’s in a world of trouble.

With her husband’s blood on her hands, Lily Bennetti has her son to protect and secrets that run deeper than the scars she bears. Mark Johnson is the last person she wants uncovering those secrets. Especially the truth about her son Luke’s involvement in Tiny Watts’ murder.

As the investigation continues and Lily’s scars heal, she finds the gorgeous detective easy to trust and the friendship between them blossoms into more. But the secret Lily holds is placing them in very real danger. She stands to lose her son, the man she loves, her freedom and her life.

I’m 68% there half way through the challenge and things are heating up for Lily, Mark and the Tag Raiders…

The anguish in her voice had him pulling her closer and into his arms, hoping to provide the warmth, comfort and reassurance she needed. Instead it stirred feelings in him he had no right to feel when her life—and her son’s—were in danger. He cuddled her closer as her arms wrapped around his waist and she rested her head against his chest. Gently he stroked her hair before placing a kiss on the top of her head. Becoming a habit, his conscience chastised but he ignored the warning.

He had no idea how long they stood like that, bathed in the moonlight, looking out over the peaceful valley, her head nestled against his heart and his arms holding her there.

Lily wasn’t complaining. The steady beat of his heart promised more than sanctuary. It promised hope, security and fulfilment. It promised answers and closure which she and Luke needed to be able to move on from their past, to rebuild their future and live with the freedom they deserved.

On that note, I’m off to write some more… Stay tuned!