Talented newbie Tracy Anne Warren talks about whirlwind romances, her new trilogy and the devilish alpha male who made them both a reality. Read on ...

MB: What or who inspired your novel?

TAW: After I wrote “The Husband Trap,” the first book in my Trap trilogy, my editor and agent came to me and suggested I write twin sister Jeannette’s story. I quickly agreed, realizing that Jeannette was too strong and interesting a character not to pursue.

An atypical heroine, Jeannette presented a wonderful creative opportunity. I knew if I paired her with a strong alpha male, the kind of man who would challenge but never break her fiery spirit, I would have a whirlwind of a romance.

Banishing her to Ireland and having her encounter a devilishly handsome Irish lord was the last nugget of inspiration I needed to get the story racing along.

MB: What do you like most about your novel?

TAW: I adore the chemistry between Jeannette and Darragh. The passion between them is instantaneous, sparks flying like crazy from the moment they first meet. The two of them practically set fire to the pages!

I had a great time watching them struggle to deny their growing attraction for each other, as well as their deepening, yet undeniable love. They are two headstrong individuals who think they know what they want, but find out that love has a will all its own.

MB: Who is the most heroic person you know?

TAW: My sister Leslie is my personal hero because she stood by me during some pretty tough times in my life, giving me financial and emotional support even though it meant making several big adjustments to her own life.

She’s always encouraged me to believe in myself and my talent, and to follow my dreams even when others said to give up. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a friend and supporter like my sister.

MB: Who’s your romance hero: dark, brooding bad boy or white knight in shining armor?

TAW: Actually I would have to say I like a hero who is neither a bad boy nor a white knight but an interesting and intriguing mixture of both. A man who is complex and full of hidden depths, someone strong enough to walk his own path through life, but brave enough to do what is right and act upon his convictions.

He is comfortable in his own skin, skillful and intelligent, yet tender and caring and capable of real, lasting love.

MB: Answer the question you wish an interviewer would ask.

TAW: “What makes romance novels so great?”

First and foremost, romance novels are great because they have the power to leave readers feeling uplifted. There is an assumption among some that romances are unrealistic fluff, but people who believe this are mistaken.

Yes, romances are entertainment, but they are much more. Romance stories examine fundamental human relationships, exploring both the good and the bad in people, the mistakes they make in their lives, and how they triumph in spite of those mistakes.

Unlike other novels that may leave the reader feeling sour and despondent, romances guarantee that no matter how bad things may get for the characters during the story, in the end things will work out and love will find a way.

In a world so full of violence and sorrow, there is nothing better than being able to write stories that impart hope and joy. Romance novels make readers feel happy and what can be wrong with that?