Character Q&A: Romello “Mello” St. Claire

On a sunny afternoon in Miami, Florida, I watched as Mello settled comfortably in a plush outdoor armchair, positioned under the shade of a large umbrella near the poolside. At his insistence, we sat in the backyard of his sprawling oasis in the heart of Miami.

“I would’ve gone bigger, but my wife is modest. ” Mello chuckled over the rim of his iced tea. “Anything she wants though, she’s got it.”

Dressed in casual yet impeccably tailored attire—a linen shirt paired with tailored shorts and crisp Jordans on his feet—his demeanor was confident yet approachable, reflecting the blend of New York grit and Miami cool that now defined his character.

What he called modest was sincerely beautiful from every angle. Their Mediterranean-style home featured stucco walls, arched windows, and terracotta roof tiles, making the backyard feel like its own private retreat. The entire ambiance was relaxed yet sophisticated, a testament to Rayelle’s impeccable taste.

With the low hum of R&B playing from hidden speakers, the mood was set, and Mello was more than forthcoming with his answers to my questions.

Q: Mello, it’s great to catch up with you. How’s life treating you as a family man in Miami?

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Wrath Chapter 11: “Let her go”

Let me start by saying that I love that we all agree on one thing – Asher is that guy. It usually is a toss-up when it comes to my book baes. I personally love them all, from the picture of perfection heroes to the flaws-and-all guys, but sometimes what I find to be redeeming qualities aren’t what some readers agree with, and I can respect that.

When I first developed Asher Truesdale’s character on the page, I fell in love with him. As his story in Wrath unfolded and he showed, more than told, just how incredible he was, he skyrocketed to the top of my book bae list, a spot that was kept warm for many, many years by my absolute fave, Amir Jones.

This scene in Wrath that appears in Chapter 11 is a testament to why I love this guy so much, and for two reasons. He’s not who you think he is at first sight and, as they say, he stands on business.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Inside the Character: Getting to Know Simeon King from Sloth

Simeon King made his first appearance in my book world in the friends-to-lovers story So This is Love. At the end of that story, and in the author’s note, I mentioned to readers they would see him again in a story of his own. Sloth is that story.

When I first wrote my character summary of Simeon as a side character in So This is Love, I knew I wanted to develop him further. He was a dreamer, relying heavily on his dreams and confidently attesting to doing so. That alone made me want to know more about the smooth-talking sports agent who got Dallas to let down his guard, set aside his jaded view about sports agents, and actually hear what Simeon had to say.

Let’s get to know the MMC that stole my heart from his first appearance in my book world.

Background

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

From Friends to Forever: Episode 5 – Trying to Make Sense of it All

RYDER

I lowered my black shades over my eyes the moment I stepped out of my building’s front door. Showered, fresh, and in need of both answers and food, I stepped to the curb to cross the street.

“Hey Ryder,” I heard as I crossed. The voice was from one of our town’s newspaper vendors who waved as well.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

From Friends to Forever: Episode 4 – Trying to Avoid

KELLI

I blinked my eyes awake and groaned the second my tired eyes caught a glimpse of the sunlight pouring in through my windows. 

I inhaled the air and detected traces of the earthy clay I worked with and the natural oak wood of my shelves where I stored my pottery projects, both completed and in progress. My lavender and eucalyptus essential oils lingered in the air as well, but there was something new I smelled.

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

Introducing “From Friends to Forever”

To say I’m super excited to introduce my latest serialized romance, From Friends to Forever, would be an understatement. Set in the charming town of Rose Hill, New York, this story is extra special because it brings back two characters you might already know and love. And I know how much we love reconnecting with my story’s side characters.

Remember Kelli Sutherland from In Love, I Trust? She was Serenity’s childhood friend and the sweet manager at Serenity’s bistro, Bellyful. Well, In Love, I Trust is part of the Rose Hill series, a dope collaboration I did with ShanicexLola. When Shanice reached out to me about this project and described Rose Hill, I fell in love with the idea instantly. And now I’m returning there to tell another one of those love stories that makes Rose Hill one of the most beautiful fictional towns on the page.

That brings me to Ryder Wallace. He first appeared in my story One Mic as a contestant on a music reality show. I enjoyed developing Ryder’s character, and he became a favorite of mine. His passion for music and his complicated feelings about his hometown made him someone I knew had more stories to tell. In One Mic, Ryder mentioned his best friend Kelli, and that got me thinking about their story. Since then, I’ve been waiting to make a temporary home in their lives.



Read More

From Friends to Forever: Episode 3 – Trying to See Something

KELLI

I balanced the takeout bag in one hand while trying to slide my key into the front door’s lock.

The Thai restaurant I stopped by earlier was short on staff, so I couldn’t help but volunteer to assist them with their late afternoon and evening rush.

The restaurant’s owner, Anong, was so grateful for my help, and I was happy to give it.

There wasn’t a business in Rose Hill I didn’t help in. We were a town of small businesses. Our shop owners relied on the people of Rose Hill to keep things opened and running. Young and old, and of all races, we were a community, and that’s what I loved the very most about Rose Hill.

Which is what I always try to explain to Ryder.

As soon as I got the key in the lock and turned it, the door gave way and opened to the view of Rose Hill and the man who was just on my mind, Ryder, sitting on the couch, staring at the TV. A TV that was off.

I glanced at the TV, then back at Ryder. “Hey?”

He looked over at me and chucked his chin, refocusing on the blank screen.

“Okay.” I snickered to myself. “It’s that kind of Rose Hill return, yet again.”

Subscribe to continue reading

Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.

From Friends to Forever: Episode 2 – Ryder

RYDER

“Thank you,” I said to my driver as I pushed the door open. “Have a great rest of your day.”

The moment my feet touched the concrete of the sidewalk, I inhaled a valiant breath. My chauffeur, who picked me up from the airport, dropped me off in front of the building that housed my condo.

Mine and my best friend Kelli’s condo.

I sighed.

I was back in Rose Hill, New York. Again. Always back in Rose Hill when things didn’t go as planned.



Read More

From Friends to Forever: Episode 1 – Kelli

KELLI

“Have a good one, Robin,” I said to a customer as I handed her a Bellyful logo bag. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She smiled back at me, accepting her bag. “Yes, you will.”

I snickered as I closed the register and walked from behind the service counter.

“It’s all yours, Shawn,” I said to one of our cashiers. I pointed at him next. “And remember what I told you.”

He chuckled, then licked his lips. “No flirting. Got it. I’mma be good, promise.”

I rolled my eyes while suppressing my smile. “Yeah, okay. Hard to believe when you’re doing the very thing I told you not to do right now. Stop licking your lips, okay? Because why are you licking your lips?”



Read More
1 2 3