Let's talk about Maria Hernandez 🌸 (Updated)

She's feisty, strong-willed, and bold; some might even say, she's just like her father. Meet Maria Hernandez.

We first meet Jorge Hernandez's daughter in The Devil is Smooth Like Honey and, she continues to be one of the most popular secondary characters throughout the series. Unlike a lot of children in books, Maria isn't falling into the background. She has many storylines of her own, which form into intriguing subplots.

With a flair for the dramatic, Maria has often been involved in creative pursuits such as acting and music. Her goal to 'become famous' concerns her father, who believes the world of fame and fortune is a path to misery full of vultures and disappointment. As a strict disciplinarian, Jorge often is abrupt and harsh with his daughter in tone, causing his wife Paige to swoop in and remind him that this will not support his goal to be closer to his daughter.

It's an ironic twist when readers learn that Maria is a victim of bullying. While her father is a blood-thirsty and aggressive criminal, he feels powerless when his daughter is a casualty of other kids. Then again, where Maria starts as a victim, she often goes overboard when she retaliates, indicating that she is a chip off the old block. Needless to say, Jorge spends a lot of time in the principal's office, often yelling at school officials.

As much as she likes to see herself as a grown-up, Maria still carries the innocent eyes of a child that adds contrast to the books while bringing out the softer side of all other characters in the series. She often shines a light on the heart of Jorge Hernandez, showing that as much as he's a criminal without a conscience, he's also a father that loves his children more than anything. ❤️ ❤️

Let's talk about the media guy, Tom Makerson 📰(Updated)

Tom Makerson may be a secondary character in the series, but he plays a valuable role in the organization. When it comes to public perception, Makerson makes Jorge Hernandez look like a hero while his enemies like the devil. Talk about spinning a story!

Makerson came along in And the Devil Will Laugh when Jorge Hernandez needs someone he can control in the media. After having some issues with the newspaper Toronto AM, Jorge decided to cut (literally) the editor out of the picture. He picks someone else to take over the paper and in turn, take care of his profile in the media. When we meet Makerson in the first chapter, it becomes clear that he is intimidated by Hernandez and will do whatever he wants. Which, of course, is exactly what Jorge Hernandez wants.

Throughout the series, Makerson grows more comfortable with Hernandez, and the two work quite well together. Not only does Makerson create a pristine image of the CEO of Our House of Pot, but he's also given some big news tips from Hernandez that end up being breaking stories and, in turn, enhancing his career. Of course, there are always fringe benefits if you do what Hernandez wants, like having your condo paid off, but that's not for a couple of books later.

Do power and money slant the media? Is there corruption behind closed doors? I think we both know the answer to these questions.

Who's the Greek God? Let's talk about Alec Athas 🇬🇷(Updated)

If you're familiar with my current series, chances are you've already encountered the politician that Jorge Hernandez snidely refers to as 'The Greek God'. We first met Alec in A Devil Named Hernandez, and unlike so many secondary characters, he has managed to survive through each book.

Alec is reluctant to get involved with Jorge Hernandez, knowing of his reputation but sees no way out. He's a powerful man who's quite intimidating. Also, he does have the ability to help Alec make some headway in politics which, in turn, will give Alec the opportunity to make a difference, which is his whole motivation for getting into the political game. He wants to make the world a better place.

The reader immediately sees the contrast between the two characters: a 'good vs. evil', which is why Jorge views the 'Greek God' as his nemesis. Unlike himself, Alec has a history of social work and helping people, whereas Jorge Hernandez has a history of intimidating and torturing those who go against him. The two men tend to complement one another, and sometimes it's up to Alec to be the voice of reason, but as the series moves forward, we begin to recognize what we see with all the salt of the earth characters in the series. Eventually, they all start to become like Jorge Hernandez.