Author Addison Brae joins us today to talk about her exciting romantic suspense novel released earlier this year: Dark Energy: Return to Becker Circle. It’s an intriguing title with an even more intriguing premise.

Addison, what sparked a story like this?

Heroine in Dark Energy, Return to Becker Circle inspires fresh starts

by Addison Brae

Have you ever known anyone who always has bad luck? No matter how nice or how careful they are, that dark energy slips in? This is Gillian, the main character in the Becker Circle series. The two books are about Gillian’s conviction to never give up on her fresh start, no matter what triggers the do-over and who or what might get in the way.

The books’ dark energy theme is a metaphor for one of the biggest mysteries of the cosmos—how dark matter brings planets and stars together while dark energy pushes them apart and destroys things to create massive voids. Gillian is smart, badass, and never breaks her word making her the dark matter that brings people together. But keeping promises puts her in danger, allowing dark energy to slip in.

About five years ago another author planted the seed that inspired Becker Circle. We were cleaning up after a writing workshop. I mentioned being in a hurry to make it to my friend’s bachelorette party. “Why someone our age would go to a bachelorette party?” she asked. The response was simple. “My friend’s getting married.” I was at the beginning of a fresh start. Our conversation made me realize how stuck in social norms and expectations we are. The next day, I launched a blog that led to the series. While the heroine is just out of college, her story is very much about starting over on your own terms and at any age. Some of you who’ve worked hard to emerge in a fresh place will understand why Gillian calls her new Dallas neighborhood home.

Lately though, I’ve learned that fiction can brush way too close to reality. Dark Energy and Becker Circle take place in the bar scene. While writing these books, I had no idea restaurant and bar employees and owners would struggle so much now. If you’re missing your favorite restaurant or bar hangout, these books pay tribute to both and provide a nice virtual outing for readers. Please support your local restaurants and bars as much as you can. They need you for their fresh starts!

Dark Energy: Return to Becker Circle by Addison Brae

Cybercrime doesn’t talk. It creeps in and destroys lives right under Gillian’s nose when a cryptojacking scheme lands her boss, Pinkie, in jail. Gillian had just started over with a new career, boyfriend, and confidence after escaping a vicious murder investigation that shattered her ability to trust. Then Pinkie’s arrest leaves her struggling to run his two bars while also unraveling the conspiracy.

Gillian will not let her mentor and friend go down for something he didn’t do. Neither will Jon, the most talented musician on the bar’s stage and the perfect boyfriend…until his good fortune sends her reeling. Gillian forces herself to trust the cops, people who hurt her, and known criminals. Will it be enough to free Pinkie and save her life?

Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense
Released: June 2020

Buy the book

• Amazon US
• Amazon UK
• Amazon Canada
• Amazon Australia
• Smashwords
• Apple Books
• Kobo
• B&N Nook

Author proceeds go to Staff Meal to help provide meals and other aid to restaurant workers in need during the pandemic.

About Addison Brae

Addison Brae lives in Dallas, Texas on the edge of downtown. She has been writing since childhood and continues today with articles, video scripts and other content as an independent marketing consultant. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary young adult fiction.

When she’s not writing, Addison spends her time traveling the world, collecting interesting cocktail recipes and hosting parties. She’s still addicted to reading and enjoys jogging in her neighborhood park, sipping red wine, binge-watching TV series, vintage clothing and hanging out with her artistic other half and their neurotic cat Lucy.

Read more about Addison on her website or Tirgearr Publishing.

Connect with Addison on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.