To celebrate Michael and Annie’s book, I’ve got some delicious romance freebies, including your chance to win a signed paperback. But first, here’s an interview with billionaire tech investor Michael Garwood, hero of The Billionaire’s Christmas Castle: A Silver Fox Holiday Beach Town Romance.

Thanks for talking to us, Michael. Let’s start with where you’re from. 

I’m from Bellevue, Washington, near Seattle. It wasn’t until I went to college that I realized how unusual it was to grow up in a penthouse apartment. All my friends at school had a similar lifestyle, you know? Drivers to pick us up, nannies to keep us fed and entertained. It’s a comfortable life, but sterile and boring compared to Trappers Cove.

Tell us a bit about The Billionaire’s Christmas Castle.

You mean, besides being the best of the Trappers Cove romance books? (Sorry, Jesse and Ryan.)

BCC is the story of how I met Annie Scott, owner of Auntie Annabelle’s Antiques Attic, then made a royal ass of myself before finally persuading her to give me a chance, despite her well-earned distrust of wealthy people.

But BCC is more than just a love story—it’s about learning to follow my own conscience, and finally understanding the true meaning of family. (Hint: it has very little to do with blood and lots to do with heart.) It’s also about how a tacky castle and a funky beach town taught a Scrooge like me to love Christmas.

What did you think the first time you saw Annie Scott?

I believe my exact thought was, “Yowza!” She just glowed, you know? She’s into vintage fashion, and she has this knack for combining things from different eras to create a look that’s at once chaotic and perfectly harmonized. Not to mention her lush curves, her honey-gold hair sprinkled with silver, her determined chin and take-no-bullshit attitude. And those eyes! Pale blue with a rim of indigo, they saw right through me from the very start.

What was your second thought?

“Focus, Garwood. You’re here to work, not to schmooze pretty women.”

Was it love at first sight?

Let’s call it intense attraction at first sight. Love came later, once I got to know her better. She didn’t feel the same about me, though. As soon as she figured out who I was, she went all prickly.

What do you like most about her?

Annie’s a truth teller. She’s kind, but when hard facts are called for, she doesn’t sugar-coat them.

How would Annie describe you?

A little slow on the uptake? It took me way too long to understand the barriers between her world and mine. But now that she’s pulled my privileged blinders off, we have a good time together. A very good time.

What is your biggest fear?

Tough question. I guess it’s never contributing something that really matters. I mean, we’re put here on earth to make a difference, right?

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Okay, don’t laugh. I’ve always identified with Tony Stark. He’s just an ordinary mortal, but he uses his smarts and resources to accomplish great things. And he can fly—who doesn’t dream of doing that?

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? 

My sister Violet once told me that our parents’ love comes with strings, and I’d never be happy until I cut them—the strings, that is, not Mother and Dad. Anyway, I’m so glad I listened.

Thanks for reading!