Dannie Tinker’s story is a very special part of this series for me because she is a fighter. After growing up in care, she learned early on that survival is the only thing that matters. She’s sharp, guarded, and fiercely independent—the kind of character who doesn’t just break the rules, she dances on them.
Writing Dannie was a journey in exploring how someone who has been through so much learns to let their guard down. When Killian O’Neill explodes into her life, it’s a total war of wits. He is the polar opposite of her—bold, brash, and full of an energy that completely throws her off balance. I loved writing their dynamic because beneath all the smirks and the ego, there is a real connection waiting to be found.
For me, the heart of this book is about the courage it takes to trust someone when your past has taught you that trust is a luxury you cannot afford. Just as Dannie starts to peel back Killian’s layers and see the kindness underneath, her past comes back with a vengeance. It’s the ultimate test of her survival skills.
This is the final book in the New Beginnings series, and it feels like the perfect way to close this chapter. Dannie’s story proves that no matter how many rules you’ve had to break to survive, everyone deserves a chance to find a place where they finally belong.
