Romance Author Q&A: Irene Hannon (Sunrise Reef)
Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than 65 contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA’s elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work.
In this interview, Irene shares her thoughts about her latest book, Sunrise Reef.
FF: Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel, Sunrise Reef?
Here’s my one-sentence elevator pitch: When a free-spirited barista meets a buttoned-up CPA, it’s not exactly a match made in heaven…or is it?
FF: Please tell us more about Bren Ryan’s character. What makes her content with her life yet hesitant about romance?
Because of a difficult past, Bren spent many years searching for her place in the world. It was a long, challenging journey—but she found home in Hope Harbor and never plans to leave. As for her hesitancy about romance…that also stems from past experience. But if she ever does decide to dip her toe into those waters, it won’t be with someone who’s a complete opposite. Or so she thinks.
FF: How does Noah Ward’s character contrast with Bren’s, and what challenges did you face in bringing these two different personalities together?
Noah is Mr. Buttoned-Up who plans his life as if it’s a balance sheet, where everything is supposed to add up. However, free-spirit, go-with-the-flow Bren is messing up his calculations.
The challenge in bringing these two together was that they had to look beyond the surface to realize they had far more common ground than either expected. The other challenge in bringing these two together was that they lived thousands of miles of apart—and neither was open to the idea of moving. So both had to do some serious soul searching about what matters most in life.
FF: The story mentions a struggling teen that Bren and Noah help. How does this subplot contribute to the main romance narrative?
At first, it’s a point of contention. Bren steps in to help, and Noah isn’t certain that’s wise. He’s much more skeptical and far less trusting than she is. And since his father is involved in Bren’s plan too, he’s especially wary. Having this point of conflict allowed me to showcase both of my main characters’ personalities, and it also forced the two of them to interact on a regular basis, get to know each other—and find much to admire as the story progressed.
FF: What are some of the main themes covered in Sunrise Reef?
Opposites attract; don’t judge a book by its cover; learning to reprioritize and value what matters most; the importance of looking below the surface; defining the true meaning of home.
FF: What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book?
My main goal is always to entertain readers with wholesome, uplifting stories that put a smile on their face and hope in their hearts. If they gain a few insights along the way, all the better!
FF: Your background includes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense. How does your experience in different genres influence your writing style?
Storytelling is storytelling, so many of the same tools and approaches apply no matter the genre. However, there is a different tone between these two genres. Suspense requires a more clipped and taut writing style with shorter sentences and a staccato beat. Romances are a bit more lyrical and often have touches of humor. But there’s often an opportunity to incorporate elements of one in the other. I do think writing in two genres has made me a stronger writer overall.
FF: What can readers expect next from you? Are there more Hope Harbor stories in the works?
Yes, there will be more from Hope Harbor! Look for Book #12 in April 2026. And watch for book 3 in my Undaunted Courage suspense series in October 2025.
FF: Where can readers purchase a copy of Sunrise Reef?
My books are available wherever books are sold, and in many different formats—including trade paperback, ebook, hardcover, large print, and audio.
Sunrise Reef
Hope Harbor Series #11
Irene Hannon
Revell
Genres: Romance
Release Date: April 1, 2025
ISBN-10: 0800741935
ISBN-13: 978-0800741938
Book Summary:
After years of searching, Bren Ryan has found her place in Hope Harbor. Working as a barista suits her to a T, as does the laid-back vibe of her adopted town. Nothing is lacking in her life—except romance. But that’s okay. Men are a complication she doesn’t need.
Buttoned-up CPA Noah Ward isn’t looking for love, either, when he arrives in town on a mission to convince his father to move closer to him. And he certainly doesn’t intend to fall for the quirky, free- spirited woman who’s taken up residence in his father’s guest cottage. But when he finds himself sucked into her quest to help a struggling teen, might the two of them discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye?
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