BooksChatter: ℚ♫ Forbidden Song: Hearts of Metal [5]

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Brooklyn Ann to talk about Forbidden Song (11 January 2018, Boroughs Publishing Group, 236 pages), a Contemporary Heavy Metal Rock Star Romance, book five in the Hearts of Metal series.

“Hearts of Metal is a rock series that is not to be missed.” -Kara’s Books

“I fall more in love with this series with each book that Brooklyn Ann writes!” -Rachel at Behind Closed Doors Book Reviews

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Brooklyn Ann; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music, so Brooklyn Ann has shared with us her music playlist for Forbidden Song - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Forbidden Song?

"Forbidden Song actually came from a combination of subplots I had going on in books 1 & 2 of the series. In Book 1, (Kissing Viciöus), the hero, rock star Quinn Mayne, has a lot of psychological baggage about his little sister being sexually assaulted when he was supposed to be looking after her. I knew deep in my heart that this overprotected woman would get a book of her own.

Then when I wrote book 2, (With Vengeance), the heroine of that story originally had a crush on the lead singer of her favourite band, Bleeding Vengeance, but eventually came to realize that the guy was a douche and the bassist was much more worthy.

But as I wrote the story, it seemed that Cliff wasn’t such a bad guy after all. My critique partner demanded he get his own book.

And then came the idea. Cliff is everything that Quinn’s little sister was taught to stay away from. If those two hooked up, there would be so much conflict. And thus, Forbidden Song was born."

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I suppose there’s a little bit of me in every book. And my love of heavy metal music definitely shows in all my books. And in this one, I also paid tribute to my inner movie buff.

Another thing that really shaped this book was the #MeToo movement. Even though the first draft of Forbidden Song was already finished before #MeToo, in rewrites, I doubled down on the journey of a woman reclaiming her sexuality after suffering an assault and also vented my frustration with people who presume to say how a woman should feel and behave after being assaulted. Every woman’s way of coping and healing is different, and Christine’s is as valid as the journeys of other characters I’ve written who are also survivors."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Forbidden Song - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The artist is Boroughs Publishing Group. I was able to pick the stock image and I chose that couple because they looked to be the right age and had the most heavy metal look."

Why should we read Forbidden Song and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?

"What makes my Hearts of Metal series different than other rock star romances is the research I’ve done. I’ve talked to real roadies, real musicians and other members of the industry to give the most accurate portrayal of the heavy metal world as possible."

Can you tell us something quirky about Forbidden Song, its story and characters?

"Cliff is named after Cliff Burton, one of the greatest heavy metal bassists who ever lived. (Yeah, I know, book-Cliff is a singer and rhythm guitarist, but whatever), and Christine is named for the infamous 58 Plymouth Fury in Stephen King’s novel of the same title.

Cliff Burton, Metallica (1982-1986)

Christine, 1958 Plymouth Fury

I also have Cliff reading a novel by Daniel Arenson, one of my friends and a brilliant Sci-Fi/Fantasy author."

Who would you recommend Forbidden Song to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Many of my friends in the music industry enjoyed the book, so I definitely recommend it to metalheads. That said, I’ve also received enthusiastic feedback from romance readers who don’t listen to metal.

As for warnings, I suppose the big one is that since I am going for realism, the book contains foul language and references to drugs."

If you could / wished to turn Forbidden Song and the Hearts of Metal series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I’m terrible with this question. I’m not current on the popular filmmakers and actors these days, but the visual model for Cliff would be the dearly departed Chuck Schuldiner from the band, Death."

Chuck Schuldiner, who passed away due to illness at the age of 34.

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"I also have a historical paranormal romance series (Scandals with Bite) and an urban fantasy series (Brides of Prophecy). In fact, the characters from my Brides of Prophecy series have a prominent role in Forbidden Song."

What is in store next?

"The next Hearts of Metal book will feature Roderick, the drummer of Bleeding Vengeance. I’m almost halfway through the first draft and this book will be a bit more light-hearted than the last."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?