Weapon of Choice-Beverly Mason

Weapon of Choice-Beverly Mason

Q: Can you tell us a little about your latest book, Weapon of Choice?


Of course! In the first novella of the duet (book two coming soon), we meet Brielle- a single mom
of 3 who is finding herself again after the dust finally settling from her divorce. After putting
herself on the back burner for too long, she decides it's time to take advantage of the kid’s time
away with their dad over the holidays. That’s where Carson comes in. He’s younger, sexy, and
here on leave from Marine Corp training. He was everything she was looking for in a temporary
distraction, but things get complicated as they both fall hard and fast.


Q: Weapon of Choice is part of a novella duet. Can you tell us a bit about the duet and
what readers can expect from the second book?


I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that book one ends on a cliff hanger. You’ll just
have to keep reading to see how their story really ends.


Q: What inspired you to write Weapon of Choice?


It’s a blend of reality merging with fiction, as everything I create is. A mix of my own experiences
fueled my story, but I was inspired to tell it after reading “Leave Me Behind” by K. M. Moronova.
It was delicious and dangerous, which made me want to try my hand at a military-inspired tale of
my own.


Q: How did you develop the chemistry between Carson and Brielle?


I was fresh off a rough heartbreak, which made it really easy to develop that part of the story. I
just tried my best to recreate those feelings. The highs I’d enjoyed while it lasted, and the lowest
of lows I felt once it was through.


Q: Their pasts play a big role in the story. How did you approach writing those darker,
emotional elements?


I think we all have baggage. Our pasts and experiences shape our internal realities so much,
even subconsciously at times. They both have a tangible fear of commitment that I tried to
convey to the reader through the characters individually and within their dynamic. I have a deep
interest in the intricacies of the human mind, how we react due to our processing of trauma and
influence. I lean really heavily on that facet of knowledge to try and portray the history of my
characters.


Q: Did any scene or moment in the book come to you first, or did the story unfold
gradually?


The story definitely came to me gradually. I’m a “pantser,” as in “writing by the seat of my pants,”
if you’ve ever heard that expression. I try to plan certain things out, but I mostly just let the words come to me. I’m super guilty of having an endless collection of ideas in my notes app. At
times, it’s even just scribbling down fleeting ideas that I don’t want to lose on a scrap of paper to
come back to later.


Q: Without giving too much away, what’s your favorite twist or moment in Weapon of
Choice?


I think my favorite moment is the New Years scene. It was authentic and raw. It felt quite special,
and I’m very proud of how it turned out.


Q: How do you balance dark romance and steamy scenes while still keeping the
emotional depth of the story?


I can be transparent here and admit that this is something I want to strive harder to maintain in
the second book. It’s a delicate balance, especially in a novella. There just aren't a lot of pages!
Going forward, I’d like to keep that same level of intensity during those intimate moments we
loved in book one through quality over quantity in book two.


Q: Can readers expect any surprises or cliffhangers at the end of the first book?


Yes! As I previously mentioned, Weapon of Choice does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. Don’t
worry, though. Favorite Regret, the second novella in the Ghost Protocol Duet, will be published
in 2026!


Q: Are there any hidden details, Easter eggs, or inside jokes in the story for attentive
readers?


I think there are some music lovers, especially Sleep Token fans, who will appreciate minor
details within the books. While Brielle does have a personality that I think many readers will
appreciate, that’s definitely something I am exploring further in a few of my upcoming novels.


Q: What do you hope readers feel after finishing Weapon of Choice?


I hope that my readers are moved by the whirlwind that is Brielle and Carson. I aim to capture
my readers' attention and their hearts with my characters. Weapon of Choice is my baby. So
mostly, I just hope that everyone who takes the time to read it can find something they enjoy
about the story and keep coming back for more.


Q: How do you approach writing the second book in a duet while keeping continuity and
suspense?


Here comes my vulnerable side once again...It’s honestly kind of hard! Even though Weapon of
Choice had an open ending, it still had a sense of finality to it for me, personally. In order to keep
continuity, I go back and reread certain sections often to avoid any plot holes or things that just
don’t make sense for that character. I want to tell a good story, so it’s really important to me that
I check myself.

Q: What do you enjoy most about writing dark romance?


Pushing the boundaries and getting creative. Dark romance is a place of exploration, and it is so
thrilling to me. You are teetering on such a thin line, but it’s fun! I think I enjoy reading and
writing dark romance so much, because I’m a non-conformist at heart. I don’t think we are
meant to be cookie-cutter. To me, it feels like a safe place to express the darker side of my
personality and my mind.


Q: Are there any characters or dynamics in the duet that were particularly fun or
challenging to write?


Writing Carson’s character was a lot of fun, but it was a bit challenging to write certain things
from his perspective. I’m not a man, so there were moments that I was like, “Does that even
make sense?” It was a learning experience, and I definitely think it improved my ability to write
from different points of view.


Fun & Personal Questions


Q: If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?


I would like to spend a day with Carson! I mean, who wouldn’t? He is sexy and charismatic. I
wrote him just as much for myself as my readers. I’m sure we could have all kinds of fun in 24
hours.


Q: Coffee, tea, or something else while writing?


Coffee! I’m such a coffee addict. Hot in the morning, iced in the afternoon.


Q: Do you have a favorite writing snack or ritual?


I do like to grab a treat when I write in the mornings. A sweet little pastry from a nearby bakery
to fuel my writing sesh. As far as rituals go, I love to write in my office with low lighting and
music. I get so much creative inspiration from my favorite artists!


Q: How do you relax or recharge when you’re not writing?


Lately, I’ve really been into watching anime, doing word search puzzles, or playing Stardew
Valley. If not those, I’m 100% reading or engaging in my guilty pleasure of doom-scrolling.


Rapid-Fire Questions


Q: Early bird or night owl?


Early bird


Q: Favorite romance trope?

Fated Mates or Grumpy/Sunshine


Q: Favorite book or author?


Myself! Just kidding...Sarah J. Mass, currently.


Q: Guilty pleasure TV show or movie?


Twilight


Q: Cats, dogs, or something else?


Cats


Q: Mountains or beach?


Either!


Q: Writing playlist or silence?


A mix of both


Q: Last book you couldn’t put down?


A Court of Wings and Ruin


Q: One word that describes your writing style:


Evocative


Q: Favorite way to celebrate finishing a book?


Crying


Q: Favorite social media platform to connect with readers?


Tiktok


Q: Favorite scene to write from Weapon of Choice?


New Years scene or spicy scenes


Q: Something readers might not know about you:


I’m a mom! <<<---We love this <3


Q: Any advice for aspiring romance authors?

Just go for it! Don’t regret never taking that chance!

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