by: Talia Carmichael
When I write I have to get really deep into my characters. Live as they have. I know their history every moment they have been through and all the bad, good and in between experiences. It can be an emotional roller coaster. When I am in a certain characters head, I’m living their life and seeing it as if it is my own. Then I switch to another and go through the same.
In my latest release Wicked Defense (Bonds of Justice, #4) I became part of the fabric of the lives of my heroes Spencer West and Craig Scott. These two men from the outside seem vastly different. Spencer is a police detective grounded in the reality of everyday and with a set of values that are his. While Craig is an artist seemingly lost in his creativity. He seems eccentric and harmless…but there are hidden layers to him. Layers that Spencer sees and wonders at. These men have the commonality of going after what they want and integrity. Spencer is there for those he cares about and will do anything to protect them. Craig is there for those he cares about and will do anything to protect them. I’ve deliberately stated that twice because it is very true about both men.
Wicked Defense (Bonds of Justice, #4) takes you on a journey with these men and show you how they come together. It starts with a flirtation that deepens when Craig’s life is in danger. But Spencer quickly realizes that Craig isn’t just the lost in the clouds artist. Craig is a man who isn’t about to sit by and just let someone protect him. These men’s personalities are different but they complement each other. Each moment and everything that happens is real to me.
In order for me to write any story I have to live in my characters shoes and be them. What I put on the page isn’t half what they experience but I have to know them well enough to know what shapes them and will make them react or do certain things. And even those moments when they don’t react as expected. The times they surprise even themselves. When I write each story I become very intimate…a voyeur to their lives and lay it on the page with each word and emotion. It is exhilarating and consuming. And I love it – making it all very real.
Title: Wicked Defense by Talia Carmichael
Bonds of Justice Series Book Four
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Contemporary, M/M, Romance
Length: Novella/Word Count: 25,715
Summary:
This is book four in the Bonds of Justice series, see the full series listing here.
When life brings you something unexpected, it creates the most interesting adventure…
Spencer West never would have come to an art show if not for one of his best friends. The pieces he sees are powerful and when a man strikes up a conversation asking his opinion, he gives it. Craig Scott—the artist—has been watching him all night. Spencer’s curiosity is piqued by this laid-back man who evokes such strong emotions in his art and just by being in his presence. Their conversation makes Spencer even more intrigued and he promises to get to know Craig better. Yet the circumstance of their next meeting makes Spencer realise he already cares too much. Someone wants Craig dead. Now invested in Craig emotionally and professionally, Spencer sees there is so much more beneath the surface of who Craig is. If only he can convince Craig to lie low… From what he has seen of the man, he isn’t one to listen.
Craig Scott spots the most intriguing man who seems out of place, and after their conversation, Craig knows he wants to see more of the sexy, brawny man. Nothing will get in his way—not some pesky attempt on his life or everyone wanting to protect him. He wants to make Spencer his—body, heart and soul. Spencer wants seduction and Craig is more than willing to tempt all the senses. As for the danger he is in, Craig will not hide from it but will meet it head on and kick the shit out of it.
Spencer has his hands full trying to protect Craig—who makes him feel all sorts of things—and he will use a wicked defense to keep him safe.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
Purchase Link: Totally Bound
Author Bio
Talia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family; no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It’s all about the journey.
Among her books you’ll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real… to fill the craving.
Author Links: Website * Blog * Contact Talia
Nice post