Have you ever been accused of something you didn’t do? And I don’t mean leaving the front door unlocked overnight (which happens at my house all the time) or leaving a wet mark on the coffee table. Something serious, like… paying someone to kill your husband?
In my debut romantic suspense novel Wrongfully Accused, my heroine is accused of doing away with not just one, but two husbands, and the most recently departed is a congressman.
Ah, congressmen… Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em. Living in Washington, DC, I admit to being fascinated by some of their antics. I’ve known a couple personally, having worked for the government in a former life, and they’re not so different from you or me in the ways that matter. But let’s face it—we all enjoy watching them squirm when they get caught with their pants down, so to speak.
Just reading the morning paper—in my house that’s The Washington Post—I get dozens of story ideas. And around here the local officials and other pillars of society are every bit as entertaining and novel-inspiring as the national figures. Not so long ago some official or other stole a ton of money and kept it in the freezer. When the cops came to bust him, he got his wife to stuff it all in her bra. (Brrrrr…) You can’t make that stuff up! It really gets me when they steal money and then take lavish vacations, buy expensive cars and jewelry, and generally wave it everybody’s face as though no one will notice. You just want to shake them. Sheesh.
And of course there are the big mucky-mucks that get caught having affairs. I’m not one to judge people for what they do in their bedrooms, but I admit to a certain amount of glee when it turns out to be someone who points the finger at other people for their private behavior.
Have you read Absolute Power by David Baldacci? That’s one of my all time favorite Washington novels. But I also like books that feature strong, honest and sexy politicians, like Senator Reece Sheridan in Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare, or Senator Nick Cappuano in Marie Force’s books.
Got any favorite romance heroes or villains who are politicians? Favorite scandals? I’d love to hear about them!
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Wrongfully Accused is on sale now at Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Detective Gabriel Hugo has never been able to forget Kate Franklin. Eight years ago he let down his barriers and made love to her, but guilt and regret tore them apart.
Now she’s the prime suspect in the murder of her second husband, an ambitious congressman. The FBI wants Gabe to use his connection to Kate to prove her guilt. Unfortunately his desire for Kate is as intense and forbidden as ever.
Kate is shocked to be a suspect and doubly shocked that the lead detective is the man she always wanted. Eight years ago Gabe hadn’t been willing to hear that she was in love with him, and nothing has changed. But when the attacks on Kate’s life begin can she trust Gabe to prove her innocence and keep her safe?
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Ana Barrons is a Washington, D.C. writer transplanted from New England. She read only science fiction and classics until she discovered Ken Follett’s book The Gemini Contenders and became a suspense junky. Her mother introduced her to romance novels during vacations in the White Mountains, and Ana decided to blend the two genres in her own writing. To her, romantic suspense is the best of both worlds. You can find Ana on Facebook or on her website for more information.
Hi, Ana!
Helps when the name of the politician getting caught with his pants down is something like, oh, I don’t know … weener. : ) Authors couldn’t make that up and get away with it, though!
Good luck with your new book! I love political thrillers, especially when there’s a really good romance involved.
Cheers!
Joyce
Ha ha, you’re so right! And thanks for the encouragement.