Enjoy a behind the scenes look at the inspirations and influences for Runaway Romance.
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Extras
How did you come up with the idea for Runaway Romance?
When brainstorming the It Happened at The Hideaway series, having a runaway bride for an FMC was one of the first ideas that came to me. It just seemed like a fun premise that I could do a lot with. In fact, I went back and forth between making this or Seductive Serenade the first book in the series.
Main Character Profiles
Emmy Elise Santos
Physical Inspiration: Alisha Wainwright
Age: 30
Sun Sign: Libra
Likes: privacy, musicals & live theatre, chicken fingers
Bio: After a stint out of the limelight, Emmy, a former child star, is working hard to make a comeback. She adores acting, but not the intrusiveness and judgement of the media that comes with it. She just wants to shed her child star status, be taken seriously as an actress, and land meaningful roles. Is that too much to ask?
Preston “Xavier” Tate (/zay-vee-yur/)
Physical Inspiration: Lucien Laviscount
Age: 35
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Likes: working, order & organization, anime, fantasy & sci-fi
Bio: Xavier is the highly successful owner of Prestige Global Talent, a talent management agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and London. He’s the older brother to A-list actress, Violet Tate. Though Xavier is a workaholic and can come across as aloof and intense, he genuinely wants to share his life with someone special…and he has his eyes on his sister’s best friend.
What's up with these steamy scenes?
*SPOILERS AHEAD* If you haven’t read Runaway Romance; read on at your own risk. In addition to all the horny moments, this book contains two and a half steamy scenes (in chapters 6 & 9).
I find Chapter 6’s steamy scene interesting because there’s a lot at play. Emmy starts off essentially as a voyeur, and then she and Xavier engage in mutual masturbation. They look—and boy, do they look—but they don’t touch each other. That happens later.
Chapter 9 is a classic SJM sex scene. Emmy reclaims control over her life by marching to Xavier’s villa and taking what she wants. And when they finally have sex, Xavier’s first priority is to pleasure Emmy. If he just happens to show her what she’s missing along the way to keep her coming back for more…so be it. [Pun intended.]
Fun Fact: I always have one specific song tied to each sex scene that embodies the vibe. 
- Chapter 6: “Closer” – Patrice Roberts, V’ghn
- Chapter 9: “JEANS” – Jessie Reyez, Miguel
Official Playlist & Notes
For a deeper reading experience, check out the Runaway Romance playlist. It features 26 songs that helped me get into the heads of the characters and into the action. Here are a few key songs and artists.
“JEANS” – Jessie Reyez, Miguel
The moment I first heard the lyrics, I KNEW it was Emmy and Xavier’s song. The chorus describes their dynamic: “You fit better than a pair of jeans, baby/Fill me up better than a feast, baby.” Emmy and Xavier have been in each other’s lives for a really long time, and I wanted them falling for each other to feel like they were coming home. As pointed out above, Emmy and Xavier do some slow, sensual lovemaking to this song.
“Sexual” – NEIKED, Dyo
I really love this song, but the lyrics don’t lend themselves to singing it aloud in public—”I’m feeling sexual so we should be sexual.” 😂 It’s a fun, playful song that’s overtly horny as hell. It fits Emmy perfectly.
“Feels” – Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Big Sean
You know around here, we catch flights AND feels. This song screams playful summer fun! I can picture Emmy and Xavier relaxing by the pool or even at The Oasis when I hear this one.
Jason Derulo
Xavier gives off big Jasonnnn Deruuuulo energy to me. The first time he sees Emmy, I heard “In My Head,” and then when she and Violet show up at The Oasis, I imagine “If I’m Lucky” playing. And overall, Xavier just wants Emmy to desire him like he does her (“Want to Want Me”).
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