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Chatting with Katie Reus

Can you tell us a little of what we have to look forward to with BOUND TO DANGER?

Hopefully a fast-paced, exciting, romantic read! In the second book in my Deadly Ops series, Maria Cervantes overhears a deadly terrorist plot that will rock Miami to its core. Before she can alert authorities she’s almost killed in a massive explosion that robs her of her recent memories. As the sole survivor of the attack, she’s now a person of interest to the NSA – and especially to Agent Cade O’Reilly. Because Maria is the one woman Cade has never been able to forget. Now he’s sticking by her, whether she likes it or not. Because the memories locked inside her mind could hold vital clues to the next attack. Because terrorists want her dead – and because he never wants to let her go again.

Which of your books did you find the most challenging to write? And the most satisfying?

It’s actually not out yet or even through the first round of edits, but I’ve found the third book in my Deadly Ops series to be the most challenging. It’s Levi’s story and it was incredibly emotional. MATING INSTINCT was definitely the most satisfying. I love writing and when I’m working on a new project I always look forward to writing new words every day, but it was different with MATING INSTINCT. That story took on a life of its own and I just adore the main couple.

You’re a very prolific writer publishing across different romance genres. How do you manage your busy writing schedule?

Thank you! The short answer to that is that I have a dedicated ‘team’ of people who help me out, starting with an understanding husband. I’m a goal oriented person and obsessed with ‘to do’ lists and when I’m working on a project I have a word-count goal every day. That’s at the top of my list and no matter what, I try to get that word count in ahead of everything else. With a three year old and a busy schedule, 3K a day is what I usually aim for, making it manageable to finish a novel in a reasonable amount of time and to keep a steady release schedule.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? What do you love most about your job?

No, I had no idea until after college, though I’m surprised now I didn’t figure it out sooner considering how much I love reading. I changed majors a bunch of times in college and simply couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do so I finally settled on a degree. Then I ended up with a string of jobs that made me miserable. Luckily I figured things out. I love creating stories! That’s probably the biggest thing I love about my job, creating new worlds and having an outlet for all the characters in my head.

Do you have the most fun creating your heroes or your heroines?

Ha, I can’t pick one over the other. The H/h dynamic works for whatever characters I’m developing at the time because of the way they interact with each other and their chemistry. I have so much fun creating a strong, solid couple who overcome adversity to get their HEA.

Do you have a favourite hero or heroine from your books or by any other author?

I have SO many favorite heroes, including my own. From my own, I really love Jayce from the Moon Shifter novels and Levi from the Deadly Ops books. Levi’s story isn’t out yet but it’s coming (Book 3 in the Deadly Ops series). They’re both rough around the edges and unapologetic of who they are, and Levi is really more of a tortured anti-hero. From other authors, I’m completely in love with Zsadist from J.R. Ward’s BDB series. Absolutely love him. He’s the ultimate tortured hero!

Who are the authors you read for pleasure?

Cynthia Eden, Linda Howard, Kaylea Cross, J.R. Ward, J.D. Robb, Lisa Marie Rice, Molly Harper… and I could probably name another twenty. Thanks to my Kindle I’ve discovered so many new authors in the past couple years. But those are the first names that come to mind.

If you could take only three essentials with you to a desert island what would they be?

Is this like a dream desert island that has cabanas, a full bar and air conditioning? I’m going to pretend it is and say I’d bring my Kindle, sunscreen and my bathing suit!

What are your guilty pleasures?

Pedicures and Starbucks chai tea lattes … though I don’t feel too guilty about them 😉

There’s so much interest and excitement around romance fiction right now. What do you think that romance readers are looking for in the romances they read today?

Smart, strong women they can relate to and if not necessarily relate to, at least root for. I feel like romance has changed so much in the past twenty years and that the expectations women have for themselves and others have also changed. In addition to reading about strong female leads, with romance, the reader knows they’re getting a happy ending. The world is tough enough and it’s nice to have a happy ending in fiction.

Thanks so much for interviewing me! It’s wonderful to be a Headline Eternal author.