Read the all-new Special Anniversary edition of True Surrender, a contemporary #MilitaryRomance by Tracey Cramer-Kelly @TraceyCramerKel #RLFblog #SecondChance
An Army officer is rescued from Afghan terrorists in Tracey Cramer-Kelly’s contemporary military romance, True Surrender. Aaron thinks the worst is over when he loses his leg to amputation, but the biggest battle – for his heart and soul – is just beginning…
Tracey, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about True Surrender.
True Surrender by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
Genre: contemporary military romance
Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13
Her heart was broken…
Widowed mother and prosthetics designer Holly Rossiter jumped at the chance to work at Holbrook Military Medical Center in California. Helping amputees put their lives back together was both heartbreaking and magical. But when her newest patient is the man who once broke her heart, she must confront their past and his uncertain future.
His body was broken…
His rescue from Afghanistan terrorists offered Major Aaron Bricewick a second chance at life. But what will he do with that life if the loss of his leg derails his military career aspirations? He’s done battle before, but this time it’s personal, as he’s forced to face his internal demons and his feelings for the woman he left behind.
Can love mend them both?
When Aaron uncovers secrets from the past, it sends him on a hunt for the truth of what happened in Afghanistan and puts their budding romance at a crossroads. He chose the military over Holly once before, and this time it’s not just her heart on the line. When violence touches his life again, will Aaron choose his duty to the military, or will he surrender to a life—and love—he never thought he could have?
Why did you write this book?
Our armed forces members, veterans and their families have always been near and dear to my heart (starting with my own service as an Army combat medic).
When I first wrote True Surrender (note that this is an all-new Special Anniversary Edition that was substantially revised/rewritten), PTSD was just starting to get serious attention, and we had servicemembers coming home with missing limbs. Soldiers tend to be viewed as emotionally invincible, but we know from today’s headlines that that isn’t the case (even now, veterans are taking their own lives at an astonishing pace).
I started encountering real-life veterans who inspired me with their courage in the face of obstacles (I’ll be profiling some of them in my “12 Days of Veterans” coming up soon). I wanted to call attention to the struggles of these veterans, and to do so in a way that kept the reader emotionally engaged. What better way than through romantic fiction?!
With the character of Aaron Bricewick, I wanted to show that a person can experience incredible obstacles and come out the other side, transformed and stronger. And in Holly’s case, I wanted to show the internal struggle that those who love these special people go through. Ultimately, True Surrender is a story about courage, hope, faith and – of course – love!
(Note: Every November, I donate all book royalties to a military charity. Visit https://www.traceycramerkelly.com/book-sales-to-benefit-cru-military/ for this year’s details.)
What is your favorite genre to read?
I do love reading military romance (big surprise); but I’m a total sucker for (physically or emotionally) wounded heroes of any kind! I’m not a big fan of insta-love (or insta-lust for that matter); I much prefer a slow burn. I’ll occasionally read a rom-com if I feel like I need to lighten up, but more often I choose books that tackle heavy themes. (For example, the characters in my Lawson Family Series deal with survivor guilt, domestic violence, physical disability and addiction.)
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m revising the second book in my upcoming series, Reno in Flames, while also writing the third (the first is done, hoorah!). Though most of my books feature sensual scenes and send the really sexy stuff “behind closed doors,” this series is an exception (as is my Army Ranger Trilogy… and The Longest Run)!
What books will we see from you in coming months?
If all goes as planned, the Reno in Flames series will kick off in March 2022 with book #1, tentatively titled “Fighting Fire.”
Can we get a Sneak Peek of True Surrender?
Absolutely! Check out the prologue at https://www.traceycramerkelly.com/chapter-1-true-surrender-military-romance/ (You can also view the book trailer here: https://youtu.be/kgtDW91q4DM)
Where to buy True Surrender
Publisher https://payhip.com/authortracey
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UGWH8W
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/true-surrender-tracey-cramer-kelly/1117759672
iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/true-surrender-a-military-romance/id1175203282
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/true-surrender-1
Tracey Cramer-Kelly Social Media
Many experiences influence my writing, and I’ve been known to undertake unusual endeavors (such as firefighter training and learning to fly a helicopter) just for the sake of the experience.
Being an Army-trained combat medic (and civilian EMT) and a “biker chick” for over 30 years has had significant influence in my books, but even “ordinary” events can strike a chord or inspire a character or plot idea.
To support my writing habit, I work part-time as a youth sports EMT/trainer and manage the family business (Leader Motorcycle). I’m a soccer fanatic who’s blessed with a very understanding husband and two (almost-grown) children who put up with the “embarrassment” of a motorcycle-riding, romance-writing mom!
Website https://www.traceycramerkelly.com/
Blog https://www.traceycramerkelly.com/blog
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TraceyCramerKelly/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/traceycramerkelly/
Pinterest https://pinterest.com/traceycramerkelly
YouTube https://youtube.com/twiggletproductions
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1242964.Tracey_Cramer_Kelly
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tracey-cramer-kelly
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Tracey-Cramer-Kelly/e/B002BLYE1C
Get to know Tracey Cramer-Kelly better – and get her exclusive novella, “Breathe” for free! – by signing up for Tracey’s Teasers: https://www.traceycramerkelly.com/special-offer/
