Hey there, book lover,
The age-old question that keeps me up at night (besides "did I turn off the coffee pot?"): Which fictional alpha male reigns supreme? The tattooed ex-SEAL with deadly skills and a protective streak? Or the hockey player with thighs that could crush watermelons and a smile that melts ice?
Today, we settle this once and for all. Or at least pretend to, while I shamelessly promote my books.
π₯ BATTLE OF THE BOOK BOYFRIENDS: EX-SEAL VS. HOCKEY PLAYER π
TROPE STRENGTHS:
Ex-SEALs: Protective to a fault, competent in crisis, can literally save your life
Hockey Players: Public figure charm, team loyalty, those arms in sleeveless jerseys
WRITING CHALLENGES:
Ex-SEALs: Balancing the deadly skills with emotional vulnerability
Hockey Players: Making sports interesting even to readers who think "icing" is just cake decoration
BEDROOM SKILLS:
Ex-SEALs: Tactical precision, stamina for days, takes direction like it's a mission
Hockey Players: Excellent endurance, creative use of flexibility, surprisingly gentle hands
The verdict? I can't choose. That's why I write both. You're welcome.
π₯ EXHIBIT A: SEAN "STRIKER" JAMES, EX-SEAL EXTRAORDINAIRE π₯
If you need proof that my military men mean business, please enjoy this little taste of CHORD OF WAR AND LOVE (releasing August 1st!):
"Morning, Rockstar," I said, extending her prepared coffee, noting the way her pulse was beating visibly at her throat. "Made it the way you like it."
That got her attention. Something vulnerable flickered in those storm-gray depths. "How do you know how I like my coffee?"
The question hung between us, loaded with implications. Because it meant I'd been watching her, studying her, cataloging details about her preferences like intelligence on a target.
Which, to be fair, I had been.
"I pay attention to everything about you." My gaze tracked down her body, lingering on her breasts, the outline of her perky nipples. "How you take your coffee. How you sleep with one hand under your pillow. How your nipples get hard when I look at you. Like they are right now." One side of my mouth quirked up, my cock stirring in my shorts.
Her free hand instinctively moved to cover her chest, a flush spreading up her neck. "Seanβ"
"Don't," I ordered. "Don't hide from me."
She stiffened and tried to step around me to reach the fridge, but I shifted, deliberately blocking her path.
"Excuse me."
"Problem?" I didn't move an inch, taking a deliberate sip of my coffee while watching her over the rim, enjoying the way her breath quickened as I invaded her personal space, the way her gaze catalogued my chest and abs, dipping lower to the unmistakable evidence of my arousal, then shooting back up hastily.
"I need to get to the fridge."
"And I need you to stop pretending I don't exist." I lowered my mug, my eyes never leaving hers. "Seems like we both have problems this morning."
βPREORDER CHORD OF WAR AND LOVEβ NOWβ
Is it August 1st yet? Because I need this book in your hands like yesterday.
π READER EXPERIENCE UPGRADE: THE ANNOTATED READER BOX π
For those who want the full sensory experience with your reading, my friend Raelyn has created something magical:
This box includes everything you need for the perfect reading session! (Use code HoneyM20 for 20% off your box.)
A DIFFERENT SIDE OF ME: HONEY & HAVOC SUBSTACK
While we're talking fictional alphas and steamy scenes over here, I wanted to share something a bit more personal with you.
Many of you know I have a Substack called "Honey & Havoc" where I explore the messier, more vulnerable sides of creativity, healing, and life as a romance author. It's where I put down the snark (mostly) and dive into the raw intersections of trauma, healing, and the writing journey.
I'm taking a significant step with this space by launching a paid tier called "The Hive." This inner circle will receive:
My intimate "Author's Diary" entry every Thursday β the unfiltered thoughts behind the books
One raw, unedited chapter from my works-in-progress each month
We're starting with Jack "Hotshot" Henderson's story (Puck & Play #2) on July 18th. This isn't polished work β it's the messy, authentic first-draft that normally doesn't see eyes.
If you've ever wanted to see beyond the humor and innuendo to the heart of why and how these stories come to life, this might be for you.
βEXPLORE THE HIVEβ
Sometimes we need both the escape of a steamy romance AND a space to process the deeper currents that shape our stories. I'd be honored to share both with you.
THE FINAL SCORE
Ok, so.
Whether you're Team SEAL or Team Hockey, I've got you covered. CHORD OF WAR AND LOVE drops August 1st, and it might just convert even the most devoted hockey romance fans.
Though if you're still Team Hockey, GRUMPFEST is waiting for you too, if you haven't read it yet. I don't discriminate against any form of fictional boyfriend.
Obsessing over fictional men for a living,
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