I had never intended to write a sequel to Siren. In a way, I felt that it had finished where it should. I can’t easily explain it. The only thing I can say is that Scarlet started whispering in my ear again a few months after Siren. She didn’t want to die and felt she had unfinished business.
You may like that I’ve written a sequel, or you may not. You may think—like I did—that the last book ended as it was supposed to. In my mind, Scarlet was never meant to have a happily-ever-after—no matter how desperately I wanted her to. In the end, however, I couldn’t ignore her call. She’s always been a strong character, and I must admit, she is my favourite to date. I enjoyed writing her scenes. I enjoyed every minute of her plot to avenge what Reid had done to her.
As I see it, this is a choice for the reader at the end of the day. You either think that the last book ended where it should and move on, or, if you really want Scarlet to get her revenge and have a HEA, then you will read on. It will also be the reader’s choice whether or not to read Resurgence once that is released.
You’re probably now asking what in the hell is Resurgence all about. Well, it’s another Siren book, but a novella this time. It’s a “what if” based on the premise that Richard lived. How do you think Scarlet would have turned out if Richard hadn’t died? All the answers are in Resurgence. You may hate the idea. I debated that with myself for what seemed like forever before proceeding. Again, it’s a choice. You will either want to read it, or you won’t.
In any case, I really hope that you’ve enjoyed My Valentine. I also really hope you’re happy with the outcome. I imagine that you would not have anticipated who she ended up with in a million years. LOL. In the end, I think David was the perfect fit. He is a cross between Reid and Stuart—a little bit of twisted kink with sweetness thrown in. He cares deeply for Scarlet, but he also holds the small element of darkness that she needs.
I know there are a lot of Stuart fans out there who would have loved for her to end up with him, and for that, I apologise. I just felt Stuart was way too sweet for her. If you feel differently, let me know. It won’t change the outcome, but I’m always interested in what readers’ opinions are. It’s how I grow as a writer.
As always, I would love to thank a few people. Thank you to my ladies, Sally-Ann Hall, Charley Moore, Louise Mckie, Michelle Gantz, Jenny Trowler, and Joanna Lainson for beta-reading My Valentine for me. You don’t know how nervous I was when I sent you all that first copy. Getting opinions for books is always nerve-wracking, but it’s even more so when sequels are involved.
To my ever loyal and brilliant editor, Shannon Steed. You edited Siren for me, and as a result, you were extra keen on editing My Valentine. I’m so glad I met you all those years ago. You always go that extra mile, caring just as much about my books as I do. For that, I’m truly grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A big thanks to Claudia Schoepper, who proofread both Siren and My Valentine. You always do a fantastic job at spotting things both Shannon and I miss. We are grateful to you for your time and effort.
To Jo Swinney and Isa Jones from Joandisalovesbooks: You’ve done many of my cover reveals, review tours, and release blitzes, and you have always done a stand-up job. Thank you, as always, for all of your hard work. I can’t wait to finally meet you at RARE London this year. You girls rock!
I want to also thank Kimberly Michelle Wright, who is the absolutely stunning model on the cover of My Valentine, and also the new cover for Siren. For those of you who are asking, the original cover for Siren was banned from Amazon, so I had to get a new one. What better cover than one with the same model who is on My Valentine?
My thanks to Dave Kelly, who photographed Kim on both shoots. You always have a fantastic eye for capturing the right moments. You’re photographs are stunning.
To Kellie Dennis from Book Cover by Design. What can I say about you? You always do a kick-arse cover. You never fail to disappoint, my friend. Thank you.
To Leigh Stone, from Formatting by Leigh, thank you so much for formatting My Valentine. You did Siren for me, so it was a no-brainer. The inside—as always—looks beautiful.
Obviously, I can’t go without thanking my family. They support me one hundred percent, and for that, I’m truly grateful. I love you all to bits!
And lastly, to the readers: Thank you so much for sticking with me through the good and the bad. I know some of my work hasn’t been loved by all, so I’m eternally grateful for your loyalty. I will be bringing out more books as the year progresses, so I hope you enjoy most. Whatever the outcome of what you think or feel, I value your opinion. I will always value a reader’s opinion. As I stated above, you are what helps me to grow and develop as an author. I know I can do better. I can always do better.
All the best to everyone for 2018.
Love and light,
Jaimie xx