Ask An Author–The Recluse Heir by Monique Moreau

Tell us 5 things that most people don’t know about you.

Most people don’t know that I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar, East Africa. Other things that are not commonly known is that I suffer from fibromyalgia, a chronic disease, that I only got my driver’s license when I was forty years old, that I am a huge fan of old black-and-white movies, and that I have a thing for Indian jewelry.

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

I had this come up when I was writing my third book, Loki’s Luck. Loki, the hero of the story, was dealing with survivor’s guilt because his younger brother committed suicide. I had something similar happen to me, which is what prompted me to write about it. I had to step away from writing scenes when it got too emotional for me. I’d go for a walk or watch Netflix to get my mind off the emotions building inside of me. When I felt calmer, I’d go back to writing. I did this several times while writing that book.

What is the significance of the title?

The title of this book is the Recluse Heir. Each book in this series has the word “Heir” repeated in it because I want the titles to be recognizably linked together. The word “Recluse” is meant to reflect Luca, specifically. He has always felt himself to be apart from the rest of his brothers because of the way his father treated him throughout his life. He often found himself as the scapegoat for his father’s rage and reacted by becoming defiant. He is also a loner, a man who finds solace in spending time in his own company. Combining those traits, I came up with the word “recluse” to best describe him. Thus came, the “Recluse Heir.”

If you had to describe Luca and Cat (separately) in three words, what would those three words be?

This is an easy one because I did an extensive storyboard for both of these characters. Luca can be described as a loner, domineering, and intense. Cat is best described as steadfast, perceptive and intelligent, with a touch of irreverence.

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

In the genre of mafia romance, Cora Reilly has been most inspiring for me. One of the things I love most about her books is the sense of family that she creates. I feel she does this best in The Camorra Chronicles because it is a small band of brothers who are tight and bonded over their shared traumatic past. Of those books, I think Twisted Pride is my favorite. Remo is a true anti-hero, an unredeemable man who somehow finds himself having feelings for someone outside of his family. Despite the growth he goes through, he remains, till the end, unrepentant.

Favorite quote (doesn’t matter the source):

One of my favorite quotes is from the Irish poet Yeats:

‘Let us go forth, the tellers of tales, and seize whatever prey the heart longs for, and have no fear.

Everything exists, everything is true, and the earth is only a little dust under our feet.’

What was your dream job when you were younger?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a painter and artist. My parents had other expectations of me, so I did not pursue it for long after college and went to law school instead.

What is the best part of your day?

The morning is my favorite time of day. I am most productive in the morning. My husband and I wake up before our kids so we either talk or work together in silence, which is sooo peaceful.