So Close
Today we wrapped production on the audiobook for So Close. I’m excited for the release of this one, as it follows a pretty dramatic story for Indigo King’s drummer, Matt. Addison Barnes and Ryan Lee Dunlap again narrate this one and knocked it out of the park. At this point, I expect nothing less from those two.
So Close touches on a topic that I’m sure isn’t featured in a lot of romance novels - sibling abuse. I am a research person by nature and trade, and looking into this topic was both shocking in its prevalence, and heartbreaking in its lasting devastation of those victimized. Portraying it as a secret of an adult regarding their childhood, leaned heavily into the secret aspect of it, and how that would manifest itself psychologically if harbored for too long. And, as in Matt’s case, if confronted with the perpetrator again after a long amount of time.
I am an advocate for mental health awareness, treatment, and acceptance, and try to feature different aspects of how some issues can present themselves, and how different people deal with them. In Almost, grief and loss were pretty heavily dealt with, as well as anxiety and even alcohol abuse. In So Close, Matt has to deal with panic attacks, as well as facing emotions he’s buried for a long time surrounding his abuse as a child at the hand of his brother. Mental health issues are a part of real life, and shouldn’t be swept under the rug, even in a book. These can be pretty heady topics for a romance novel, but there’s a method to my madness…
I want to show that everyone is not only deserving but capable of love. No matter what our pasts may look like, or what paths our lives have taken, the ‘Happily Ever After’ can be there for all of us. It’s never easy or even guaranteed, but it’s possible.
Don’t get me wrong - my books are not all doom and gloom. Humor always weaves its way into my book’s fabric. There’s always the coveted HEA or HFN. And… there’s always Jude for levity.
Speaking of Jude - just wait for Barely. He’ll make sure we end on a high note with a smile, laugh, and most likely a shake of the head.
If you or someone you love are having difficulty dealing with an abusive situation, know that you are not alone, and there are resources available that can help you.
National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
