One of the things I've learned as a writer is that some stories are quiet while others kick down the door and demand my attention.
You'd think I'd always start with Book One and move neatly through a series in order. In theory, that's the plan. In reality? Not so much.
I'll let you in on a little secret: I rarely work on just one project at a time. Usually I have a main project and a backup project waiting in the wings for those moments when I get stuck. Sometimes an entirely different story starts shouting for attention. Add in the fact that I write under two pen names, and it's safe to say my imagination stays pretty busy.
Lately, as I've been building the world of Knight Ranch, one particular story keeps tugging at my sleeve.
Maverick and Teddy.
When I first started developing the Knight brothers, Maverick was the one I knew the least about.
Maverick, kept his cards close to his chest.
The more I've gotten to know him, the more I've realized he's carrying far more than he lets anyone see. He's the brother who left. The one who spent years trying to prove himself. The one who never quite felt like he fit where everyone expected him to. And now life is forcing him to figure out who he is when the future he planned no longer exists.
Those kinds of stories always grab me. Not because they're easy. Because they're real.
Real pain. Real loss. Real hope.
But every great romance needs someone capable of standing toe-to-toe with a hero like Maverick. That’s where Teddy Hayes comes in. High school best friend.
Teddy grew up right alongside the Knight boys. She knows exactly how stubborn Maverick can be. Probably better than anyone. She's built a life of her own, carries her own scars, and isn't interested in letting Maverick push her away when things get hard.
The more I dig into their story, the more layers I uncover.
A history that won’t be buried. And a connection that neither of them ever truly left behind.
Honestly, they weren't supposed to be the story distracting me right now. Weston is patiently waiting his turn to tell his story. But every time I sit down to work on Knight Ranch, Maverick and Teddy find a way to sneak back onto the page.
Maybe that's because they're still figuring each other out.
Or maybe it's because they already know exactly where their story is headed and they're just waiting for me to catch up.
Either way, they've definitely captured my attention.
So now I'm curious.
What's your favorite kind of romance?
Friends to lovers?
Second chance romance?
Small-town romance?
A wounded hero coming home?
Secret baby?
Tell me in the comments.
I'm always looking for an excuse to talk about books, cowboys, and happily-ever-afters.
Until next time.
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