The heroes in my current romantic suspense series are all veterans. Their best qualities are influenced by the real-life heroes I’ve been surrounded by since birth. My dad (Army and Navy), my uncle (Navy), my husband (Air Force), my father-in-law (Marines and Air Force), and many friends across services.

There is no one type of person who chooses the military, but the men and women I know who serve(d) embody honor, integrity, self-sacrifice, and loyalty. They are both average Americans and extraordinary people. They are conservative, liberal, religious, atheist, omnivores, vegans, intense, easy going, confident, shy, fast, slow, and everything in between.

To all of them: Thank You.