I used to protest and say, oh no, I don’t write that many policemen. It didn’t seem like a lot, not really. But as I was counting the other day, I realized how ridiculous that I’m sounding lately. Sam Kage, Duncan Stiel, Pete Lomax, Dante Cerreto, Jerrit Troy and Frost Ramsey, Raza Bashandi, Frank Corrigan, Kevin Chaney, and the two marshals I just finished writing. It has moved past a one-off and become a thing. I feel like I should go to a support group or something.
“Hello, my name is Mary Calmes, I write law enforcement type guys.”
And why is that?
I’ve tried to sit and think, what is it about lawmen that does it for me? First, I decided to ask my friends:
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Amy Lane: I love lawmen in books because they are an opposable force. Their world view locks down the possibilities of the world around them. They’re order imposed on chaos. But since their lovers are often chaos, they are forced to change as characters and so are their mates. Also, since much of the chaos is bad, they’re forced to keep their mates safe. They’re like a walking bank safe strolling through a tornado. If they don’t learn some flexibility, they will hurt their mates against their adamantium walls. If they don’t maintain their strength, the forces of evil will hurt them and their beloveds. And at the center of the safe is a very delicate eggshell, holding a live beating heart.
Jaime Samms: Well, I’ll tell you what does it for me about cops, marshals, private investigators and bodyguards: it’s that they are very “me Tarzan, you mine.” They truly believe themselves to be invincible, and that makes them heroic.
Poppy Dennison: For me, law enforcement romance heroes represent the American dream. I love a good Good Guy, one who will keep you safe and make sure no one messes with what’s his. They’re really swoon worthy!
Rhys Ford: Because there’s nothing sexier than a bad boy on the right side of the law.
Ellis Carrington: Law enforcement professionals are taught to carry themselves with a commanding presence, and that added air of authority and confidence is sexy as well as magnetic. Plus, the uniforms are damn hot.
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I think about the all the amazing lawmen I’ve read; Tere Michaels’ Evan Cerelli and Matt Haight, as well as Jim Shea; Rhys Ford’s Kane Morgan and his brother Conner, the SWAT commander; Dani Alexander’s Austin Glass; or Brooke McKinley’s Miller Sutton. I definitely have a thing for policemen, and I think more than anything it’s about the weight of the job. Day after day, they have to make life and death decisions. Sometimes big, sometime small, but all of those have to try and be made taking into consideration what’s best for everyone. Since a true alpha takes care of the whole and the many and not the one and the few, it’s a heavy responsibility to bear. So perhaps the similarity to an alpha is where the lure lies.
My new book Floodgates was released March 3rd, and of course, there’s a lawman.
Here’s the blurb:
Tracy Brandt considers himself a lucky man. He has a wonderful family, good friends, and a dependable job. His love life, however, features a cheating ex who, though out of the house, is not yet out of the picture—with a past that just might get Tracy killed.
Homicide inspector Cord Nolan wants nothing more than to show his best friend’s little brother that he’s a reliable man, but to do that he’ll have to get Tracy to look past the player he used to be. It’ll be a tough sell; reputation is everything, and Cord’s is tarnished by his past indiscretions.
Tracy and Cord have spent five years trying to suffocate their fiery attraction under a blanket of grudging antagonism. When Tracy finds himself with a target on his back, Cord finally has the chance to ride to the rescue and break through the dam of Tracy’s reserve. But he’d better be careful: if Cord is breaking the floodgates to wash away the past, he’s going to have to hold tight to Tracy to make sure they’re still standing when the tumult recedes.
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THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
I love lawmen too. I’ve read a lot of yours Mary and look forward to reading more.
Fantastic interview. Never read anything by Mary Calmes before but this book sounds awesome. Please include me. Thank you for the giveaway. marsh10@netzero.com
I think it’s all about feeling protected (and the authority is, well, authoritative)…
Did I miss a book ” Frost Ramsey”?????
oh and dont gimme Floodgates…..I already have it and enjoyed it immensely, as always
Like Mary I was in denial but when I looked back at some of my favourite stories, they featured lawmen very prominently. I would love to read this new installment.
I’d love a copy of Floodgates – I love your books and your lawmen are some of the best out there
Oh I must read this!!!
I just love lawmen in books. There is something sexy about them (all men in uniform really). And it draws me to books with them. I also have a thing for possessive characters and lawmen tend to get possessive. So that could be another reason I love them, I suppose.
I am so excited to read this book! :D
Can`t wait..am buying it today!
Been married to Law Enforcement for almost 30 years. He’s retired now, but damn there was something about watching him put on his uniform everyday that was so hot.
The new book sounds amazing. Must read it.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts (and your friends’ thoughts) on law enforcement guys. I also like stories about them and it is a good excuse to have an exciting mystery/crime plot. Floodgates sounds like another great book.
jen.f {at} mac {dot} com
My brother-in-law is a retired cop and my nephew is currently a cop. My husband and I met in the military. I think that our view of the world is different from those who don’t have the experience of fighting for what they believe in. For me the lawmen (and military) are in the old fight of “good vs. evil” and, usually, on the side of good. I will check this story out.
love lawmen…my favorite type of books! thanks for a chance at the giveaway!!
I do enjoy stories with police or military characters, but then I also have a definite soft spot for a good mystery or police procedural :)
I always seem to gravitate to stories with men in uniform (law enforcement, military, fireman…). Can’t wait to read Floodgates. Thanks for the giveaway!
There is nothing like a great alpha lawman……makes me pay attention every time. Love it when they take charge….and tell me they WILL see me when I get home…..WOW…..
I do like detectives!
Love law enforcement… used to date one, ok two mind yahoo at different times!
While not hugely fond of cops, if the story is good, the profession of the protagonist is not important.
I love a good lawman in a story and Mary Calmes writes some of my favorites.
I enjoy stories with lawman too. Thanks for the giveaway!
Law enforcement stories can be hit or miss for me, but so far Mary Calmes stories are some of my favorites.
Please count me in. Thanks!
please count me in :)
I haven’t read a book by Mary that I didn’t love. Pick me and I’ll put it to good use.
It’s crazy but I was JUST reading the blurb for Floodgates on Dreamspinners’ website and tweeting to Rhys Ford about where to start reading in the Mary Calmes collection! Lawmen, I think for me they provide a rich opportunity to see male ideals like serve and protect, battle hard with male danger zones like control and dominance. I love what Amy Lane said here – yes, getting to share a character’s struggle towards the balance that allows for flexibility, adaptability and love – that is so compelling!
I love lawmen and you write the best – but seriously your character could be a trash collector and I still want to read it :) Really can’t wait to read this one!
Lawmen stories aren’t my favorites, but I’m drawn to the characters themselves.
Sounds great. Mary Calmes is one of my favorite authors. I love the three dimensional characters she creates. I haven’t read a bad book by her yet. Looking forward to reading this one. :)
The uniform doesn’t do it for me, but the attitude? Heck yes.
Police stories are my very favorite. Please count me in.
Mary Calmes is one of those authors I can never enter a contest for. As soon as I can possibly preorder anything she writes, I do. So – not entering the contest since I have this book. For anyone who hasn’t read it, grab it if you don’t win!
I got really confused when I read this. I love reading M/M with law enforcement MCs, and I love reading Mary Calmes books. Having read over 20 of her stories, though, that wasn’t something I associated with her. I checked my library, and I’ve only read Sam Kage’s & Cam Mancini’s, leaving the vast majority cop-free. Then I checked my Goodreads to read list — almost every Mary Calmes book on it has a cop MC. Who knew? :-)
At any rate, please count me in. I’m looking forward to Floodgates and another Calmes cop. Thanks!
I love stories with cops. And I love your books Mary, I can’t wait to read Floodgates!
This sounds amazing; would love to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity!
Keep them coming….You know me, I want men in uniforms…ok maybe more naked then in actual clothing but hey what can I say….give me baby
I love all of Mary’s stories and I would love to have this one.runs off to re-read the Warder series
I’m glad that you do. I love reading about policemen in books. I love your books so thats why I’m not entering the contest since I’ve already bought and read it and loved it ;-) I just wanted to leave a comment letting you know. Impatiently waiting for your next book and if it’s about another policeman I’ll take it ;-)
Sounds good, please add me too!! thank you!!!
Good morning, everyone, and thanks to all of you for stopping by to say hi to Mary and/or to enter her Floodgates giveaway. The contest is now closed, and the winner’s been selected. An e-copy is headed you way…
Laurie P
Congratulations, Laurie! I’ve already emailed Mary with your contact information, so the book should be on your DSP shelf soon.