FEATURED AUTHOR: Maureen Smith

Maureen Smith is the USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and five novellas. Over the course of her publishing career, she has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the pen name Naomi Chase.

Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and did a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She now lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and two children.

How can readers get in contact with you?

The best way to contact me is via my website at www.maureen-smith.com or via email at author@maureen-smith.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @maureenwrites

Logan “Bruiser” Brassard and Meadow Ryan are no strangers to heartache, loss, and trauma. When they met as foster children, they both bore deep scars from the horrors life had inflicted. Although their time together at the group home was brief, they never forgot each other.

Fast forward fifteen years, and Meadow is an unemployed social worker down on her luck. Logan is an NHL superstar who can’t keep himself out of the penalty box. When he’s not brawling on the ice, he’s living up to his reputation as a notorious manwhore.

When Meadow arrives in Denver for a job interview, the attraction that sizzles between her and Logan is too hot to ignore. With his panty-melting smile, badass tattoos, and muscles for days, he’s the embodiment of sin and temptation. But Meadow has no interest in becoming one of his discarded puck bunnies. She’s there for a job and nothing more.

But Logan has other plans for her, and he’s not giving up without a fight. As their friendship deepens into something powerful, a blissful future suddenly seems within reach. Until they’re blindsided by shattering secrets from the past—secrets that could destroy their one true shot at happiness.

What inspired your book?

I have always enjoyed friends-to-lovers romances, as well as stories featuring star-crossed lovers who find their way back to each other. Friendship and destiny are key elements of Logan and Meadow’s story. I also wanted to explore the ways that foster care shaped their lives and identities.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

Sin Bin is about overcoming impossible odds and finding love, hope, and healing. I think the story contains a message for everyone.

Which character did you have the most fun writing about?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one character. The Denver Rebels Series features a diverse cast of characters, and I enjoy showcasing each and every one of them. But if I had to choose the most entertaining character, it would have to be Jess. She’s deeply flawed, deliciously uncensored, and outrageously unpredictable. She’s a very polarizing character, which makes me appreciate her even more.  

What advice would you offer to someone whose book is about to be released?

First things first, congratulations on the publication of your book! Completing a novel is a tremendous accomplishment, so you should be very proud of yourself. Once your book is published, don’t obsess over reviews or sales rankings. Take some time to relax and do something nice for yourself, then get started on the next book.

What does literary success look like to you?

When I first started writing many years ago, my yardstick for success was hitting the New York Times bestseller list. That was the Holy Grail, the pinnacle of literary success. Now, as a USA Today bestselling author, my goals and expectations have evolved. Writing is my career, and I work incredibly hard to produce quality books that people will enjoy. I consider my ever-growing fan base an indicator of success. Earning a good living from my sales is also highly important to me. But what I value above all else is finding pleasure and fulfillment in my work. If I’m not in a happy place creatively, nothing else matters.

What has surprised you most about being a published author?

I’ve been surprised at how fiercely passionate some readers are about their favorite books and series. It’s been wonderful and scary at the same time. LOL.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

1) Success doesn’t happen overnight

2) It’s very important to write what you’re inspired to write, not what others expect you to write.

3) There is no guaranteed path to success. Working hard and writing good books are the only things you can control.

What do you do to interact with your readers?

I’m on Twitter sometimes, but my favorite way to interact with readers is via email. I love hearing from my readers, so don’t be shy!

What are your three favorite social media platforms and how are you using them for promotion?

To be honest, I’m not really crazy about social media, so I’m probably not the best person to ask about social media marketing. Since leaving Facebook in 2017, I’ve migrated to Twitter. I’m still finding my way around the platform, but I do enjoy tweeting with readers and sharing updates whenever I can.

When you're not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Spare time? What’s that??? LOL! Seriously, though. When I’m not writing, I enjoy traveling, binge watching shows, and baking desserts for my family.

Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?

You can’t succeed if you never try.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

My next release is the dramatic conclusion to Whatever You Need featuring River Brand and Morgan Morrison. This will be the final book in the Brand Clan Series, so I hope readers will enjoy it!

Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG?

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to my work, I’m incredibly grateful for your love and support!

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