Maddison Michaels' debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE, is the very first book she actually finished writing—so it holds a special place in her heart. Beyond being prolific—she has a second book coming out later this year—Maddison’s got a unique perspective: She’s also a police officer who lives and works in Sydney, Australia. It’s only natural that she tends to incorporate elements of mystery and suspense in her novels. Welcome to the blog, Maddison!

First of all, congratulations on the release of your debut novel, THE DEVILISH DUKE! Tell us about the book—what should we know about it, and what inspired you to write the story?

Many thanks Emily! It’s been a real whirlwind of activity leading up to the release, and now that my novel has finally been set free into the wide world, it’s very exciting J

The premise of THE DEVILISH DUKE is that if notorious rake Devlin Markham can’t woo eccentric bluestocking Sophie Wolcott within the month, he’ll lose his fortune. But he abhors marriage. And Sophie seems unmoved by his charm… But then Sophie becomes the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. And they find not only their lives in jeopardy but their very hearts.

You should know that THE DEVILISH DUKE holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons, but particularly because it was the first book I actually finished, which is a big accomplishment for aspiring writers. I think until you get to that daunting finishing line, and actually complete a novel, it’s always a bit of a niggling question mark in your head, about whether you’ll be able to finish it or not (I have many partial manuscripts tucked away… which one day I hope to finish). So when you actually do write ‘The End’, I think it’s a really cathartic experience, in that, you’ve proven to yourself that you can actually do it. Also though, I absolutely love the characters and the story. Sophie and Devlin are just so good together and I loved writing and reading their HEA.

I was inspired to write their story after the character of Devlin came to me and basically demanded I write him a HEA. He wouldn’t leave me alone until I did, LOL! Not that I minded… he is rather delicious… 🙂

By night, you’re a self-proclaimed “reader and writer of romantic suspense and historical fiction.” But by day, you’re an Australian police officer. How did you find your way from one career path to the next—and how does one inform the other?

I’ve wanted to be a professional writer since I was eighteen, and I always loved reading not only romance, but suspense, mysteries and thrillers too. A part of me has always been fascinated in the psychology of criminals, and I’ve always been interested in crimes and solving puzzles. So it kind of made sense for me to join the police and actually gain the experience first hand about crimes and policing. Which is also why I love to have some mystery and suspense interwoven in my novels too!

You’ve got a second book, THE FIANCE FIASCO, coming out with Entangled Publishing later this year. I know it’s set in the same world as THE DEVILISH DUKE; is it part of a series, and will readers get to visit with any of the same characters?

Yes! THE FIANCE FIASCO is Sophie’s brother Daniel’s story. I liken it to a cross between PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and ROMANCING THE STONE, because Daniel and the heroine Brianna have been at odds for years (Brianna is Sophie’s best friend) and find themselves on a completely unexpected adventure together. I actually had a lot of fun writing this one, and I can’t wait for my readers to get to know Daniel better!

Why romantic suspense and historical fiction? What do you love about writing these types of books?

I’m a huge suspense and historical fiction fan – mainly because I love being immersed in different cultures, and I love solving puzzles. So writing in this combination genre allows me to do just that. Oh and I wish I could actually travel back in time, LOL, so writing in a different time period is my way of time-traveling back to an era I would have loved to experience first hand (at least in my imagination)!

I know you’re a serious plotter. What’s your process like—how long does it take for you to plot each book you write, and what do you adore about plotting?

Usually it takes me at least 4-6 weeks of plotting (though when I cross over to straight up suspense/thriller contemporaries, I imagine I’ll be spending triple the time plotting those ones out). I love plotting, because to me, I get to work out the hows and whys of my story, to not only make sure it is entertaining but also that it’s logical. Plus, it lets me get to know my characters really really well, so by the time I write, their voices and responses are pretty much second nature to me.

What didn’t I ask that I should have? Whatever it is, please answer it here!

I think you covered it all. Many thanks for having me!!

Back Cover Copy

Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can’t woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune goodbye. But he’s always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm…

When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure. A man who’s everything she’s always feared most—but whom she reluctantly begins yearning for.

Then Sophie becomes the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. And they find not only their lives in jeopardy but their very hearts.

Author Links

Website: http://maddisonmichaels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaddisonMichaelsAuthor/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mmichaelsauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddisonmichaelsauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17367583.Maddison_Michaels
Amazon Author Page : https://www.amazon.com/Maddison-Michaels/e/B079LXRLQ7 

Buy Links

Amazon: https://goo.gl/Q8xB6P

iTunes: https://goo.gl/xyyzTH

Google: https://goo.gl/Abhge2

B&N: https://goo.gl/fR3Y5B

Kobo: https://goo.gl/HRRrPu

Bio

Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was only 14 years old, Maddison Michaels is a prolific reader and writer of romantic suspense and historical fiction. She gets her daily dose of suspense from working as a Police officer, prosecuting real life villains in the Local Courts of Sydney, Australia.

A member of the Romance Writers of America and Australia, Maddison is as passionate about her writing as she is about her other two loves; her family and her cups of tea. Maddison’s debut novel THE DEVILISH DUKE is due for publication with Entangled Publishing in February 2018, and her second novel THE FIANCE FIASCO is due for publication with Entangled Publishing in October 2018.

You can find Maddison online at www.maddisonmichaels.com.au