Author Susan Vaughan
I grew up in the US state of West Virginia, and my husband and I have lived for many years in the state of Maine. I’m a reading specialist and middle school teacher by profession. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, but started writing for publication in the 1990’s.
A little bit about Author Susan Vaughan…
I’ve always made up stories in my head and wrote my first three-chapter novel in high school (trash bin worthy). It wasn’t until decades later I answered the muse’s call and wrote my first novel, a young adult. When I began reading romantic suspense novels (Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown), I knew what I wanted to write–stories that throw the hero and heroine together under extraordinary circumstances and pit them against a clever villain.
This is Author Susan Vaughan’s writing and publication journey in her own words…
Inspiration to start writing…
I was reading the new genre of romantic suspense (think Nora Robers and Sandra Brown), and decided that the mix of mystery/suspense and romance was exactly what I wanted to write. I’ve published 16 novels in 4 series of romantic suspense novels (and 2 children’s picture storybooks).
Susan’s works…
Below are the books in my Devlin Security series, which includes my most recent book, GENUINE FAKE. The links are Universal Links to all vendors.
Genuine Fake Blurb
His tragic past… Her guilty secret… Their only chance for redemption.
Devlin Security operative Boyd Kirby guards only art and artifacts. Memories of leading his Army Ranger team into a deathtrap haunt him, so he swears never to protect people. But when the woman who once stole his heart asks for help, he can’t refuse. The search for Gemma’s missing friend leads to a complex case of art forgery and murder attempts on her. Sweating bullets, Boyd vows not to be distracted by her warmth and his desire. He damn well will protect her… with his life.
Gemma Bellini believes managing her famous grandfather’s art legacy can redeem her for a past scandal that makes her wary of men’s motives. Because of forgeries linked to her friend and life-threatening incidents, she needs Boyd, who worked with her before. She never forgot his sexy magnetism and wry sense of humor that masked pain. This strong man will investigate and keep her safe, but can Gemma trust him with her heart and soul?
One of Susan’s favourite scenes from Genuine Fake…
The sheriff’s tech people arrived as Boyd was finishing the last of the coffee. He herded them around the outside. Caught glimpses of Gemma watching them and their equipment while she was on the phone. She had reported afterward that the management company would send someone right away to assess the damage and the risk factor. Whoever had answered must’ve heard the fear in her voice.
Now on the drive into the city, he struggled for a way to open her up. He was no interrogator, only a security operative. With a woman who turned him on just by sitting there. Stiffly.
Silence. That was the problem. The drive would take a little over an hour. “You want some music? I mostly listen to oldies.”
“Music would be nice.”
He turned on the satellite radio. A Green Day song flowed around them.
When it ended, she said, “Did those tech people say anything helpful?”
He lowered the volume and snorted a laugh. “That they’d send their report to Santiago, and he’d get back to us.” Rather to Gemma, but when Boyd had called the detective, he’d insisted on being included. Used DSF as leverage. Apparently the sheriff was a fan of Thomas Devlin’s work and the company’s policy of cooperating with law enforcement.
Her posture sank from stiff to drooping. His jaw clenched.
A green sedan and a black Ford 250 had stayed behind them the past several miles. A mile farther along, the sedan turned off but the pickup continued back there. A tail? Maybe. This was a busy area, so maybe not. He’d keep an eye on it.
“We don’t have enough information yet on the why of the attacks. I can tell you what they probably did.”
Gemma straightened and turned toward him. The hem of her fitted blue dress inched above her knees and showcased her legs. Long and shapely. She was small and slim, and her legs… He forced his gaze back to the highway. Adjusted his shades.
“Please,” she said.
He checked the rearview mirror. The pickup stayed with them. He veered into the left lane and passed the slower van ahead. The pickup followed, staying farther back. Maybe the driver knew Boyd was testing him.
Gemma cocked her head his way. Probably wondering at his mind lapse.
“Sorry. Here’s how it looks to me.” He shared the same likely sequence of events he’d reported to Jo Cassidy. “What we need to focus on now is why.”
“Why someone wants me… dead?” She uttered the last word as barely a whisper.
Connect with Author Susan Vaughan
Great author spotlight, Susan. I loved the excerpt. I loved the book…and I highly recommend!!
Great excerpt, and loved your road to writing romance.
Fun spotlight, Susan. I was reading Sandra Brow and Nora Roberts back when, too. Both were inspiration to write. My first few manuscripts – still locked away in some trunk somewhere no one can see them – were also inspired by those two writers. Congrats on latest release!