I couldn’t finish this book off without recognizing some of the people who made it happen.
First off, Michelle, Kevin and Jody. In 2011, they took me to La Rioja, in Spain, and I got to explore the beautiful winemaking region that so much of this book takes part in.
This story simply couldn’t have been written without them. Every part of this tale set in Spain is taken from my time there. Bodegas Batras, for example, is modelled after the winery R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia. Likewise, Bodegas Buenaventura is modelled after the winery of Campo Viejo (although, unlike in my book, everybody at the REAL winery is lovely and their wine is world-class.)
Secondly, I have to thank Keri, my editor. Not only does she help correct the worst of my mistakes, she is also a constant source of encouragement and faith as I write my books. Broken took four months to plough through. If it wasn’t for Keri’s encouragement, it would never have got written at all.
In the final days of writing, as I neared my deadline, my partner T kicked me out of bed at 5am to write. I might not have appreciated it at the time – but thank you. It made all the difference.
And if it wasn’t for my martial arts instructor and MMA guru, Brandon, I wouldn’t be able to get the fight scenes in this book so taut. The finale, between Silas and Rashaan, was especially fun to write – and wouldn’t have happened if Brandon hadn’t been around to watch the fights with.
The scenario with the mouth guard was actually taken from a real-life situation, in the fight between Michael Bisping and Anderson Silva during UFC Fight Night 84. I enjoy mirroring real-life situations like that, because it makes my fight stories a little more unpredictable.
As always, my writing buddy BJ was instrumental in getting this book assembled, and Sienna gave me an opportunity to share it with readers that I’d never had before. Thanks, guys.
My good friend Phoebe gave me an incredible solid in marketing it, and was instrumental in any success this book has.
And finally, my friends Lauren, Andrea and Christa helped me finalize the write up for this story; which as any writer knows is the cherry on top of the pie. Those 100 words are often tougher to write than the 95,000 that preceded them; and arguably just as important when it comes to getting people to read your book.
And finally, there’s you.
If you’ve read this far, I’m going to assume you’ve read the rest of this book – and thank you. Writers create characters, but those characters only live as long as people are reading them. You reading my stories gives me a reason for writing them; and I can’t thank you enough for supporting my passion and storytelling. You’re the best.
If you’re interested in reading more, check out my author profile on Amazon – or follow me on the social media channels below. Also, be sure to join the Mailing List and get a FREE story, plus early-bird offers, news, updates and even the chance to get FREE advanced reading copies of upcoming books.
I’m always eager to hear from my readers, and in return I’ll be sure to let you know when my stories are available for a free download, and post a ton of other cool, fun and sexy stuff.
Simone Scarlet on Twitter: @simonescarlet
Simone Scarlet on Facebook: facebook.com/simonescarleterotica
I look forward to hearing from you! And thanks again!
Love, kisses and other indoor sports,
Simone Scarlet
New York, 2016
Also Available from SIMONE SCARLET:
Bruiser: An Alpha Badboy MMA Romance
Ben
They called him 'Bruiser' when he rocked the octagon as an up-and-coming MMA champion. But now he's chosen the quiet life - running a karate school for disadvantaged kids, and trying to stay out of trouble. But staying OUT of trouble isn't so easy, when you keep falling IN bed with the married moms who attend your school.
Ava
She thought she'd given up her wild youth for two kids, a husband and an SUV. But when 'Bruiser' starts giving her the eye, Ava's straight and narrow veneer starts slipping. Soon, this sexy housewife is putting it all on the line to help the brooding young man save his struggling karate school - and embark on some of the wildest sex of her life.
Bailey
A dark and traumatic event overseas had turned Bailey off men forever. Or, at least, that's what she'd thought; until she met the conflicted, sexy Benjamin. Could helping this troubled young man find his way be just what she needs to rediscover her own?
Tautly written, blisteringly explicit and wild from start to finish, BRUISER is the story of a scandalous love triangle, a battle for redemption, and the search for true love. Filled with hard-hitting MMA action, explicit sex and sizzling romance, this 130,000 word stand-alone MMA romance novel climaxes with an HEA and no cliffhanger. Enjoy!
Broken: An Alpha Bad Boy MMA Romance Page 35