the manipulative villain from the contemporary romance novel Aquamarine
When it comes to people hiding their real intentions behind a charming facade, no one does it better than George Monroe. He’s one of the most diabolical villains I’ve created to date. He almost makes the homicidal Craig Walker, from my contemporary romance novel, The Stalker, look like a choirboy in comparison. However, Craig was so evil he even scared me, so he remains at the top of the list.
George was born into the music business. Both of his parents were rock musicians, and his father started up Alicorn Records when he couldn’t land a recording contract. The label was a huge success in England, so when George became an adult, his father sent him to Los Angeles to start up Alicorn Records, U.S.A.
George is, in essence, the “casting couch” character I wanted to create with Calvin Michelson in The Scandal. However, the “Me Too” movement began when I was in the early planning stages for that particular romance novel. Therefore, I had to change Cal from a sexual manipulator to a misunderstood man who’s been falsely accused. Mind you, I’m not complaining. That plot twist worked quite nicely.
Like Cal, George is a man who can never be satisfied with just one woman. While he doesn’t demand every female singer have sex with him to land a record contract, he has been known to occasionally take an aspiring woman under his wing. When he does, we’ll just say he expects more than a simple, “Thank you,” in return.
George happens to be in the right place at the right time to meet Tonya Clairborne, a young music student who is working as a model to help pay for college. He sees a genuine talent in her, so he offers to mentor her. Tonya eagerly accepts his offer, not realizing it will come at a very high price.
George is a completely fictional character. He’s not inspired by anyone I’ve actually known, although there are plenty of George’s out there.
Marina Martindale
Aquamarine is available on Amazon, Barnes&Noble.com, and other online booksellers.