Character Q&A: Dallas Roque

On a vibrant evening in Oakland, California, I found myself in the bustling locker room of the East Bay Coliseum where the Oakland Flames had just secured a hard-fought victory. The atmosphere was charged with energy, remnants of the game still lingering in the air. Players were celebrating their win, laughter and shouts echoing off the walls, but Dallas Roque was taking a moment to unwind.

Dallas, still clad in his team gear, sat on a wooden bench, a towel draped over his shoulders, his expression a blend of exhaustion and exhilaration. The locker room was adorned with Flames memorabilia, the scent of sweat and victory palpable. It was the perfect setting to discuss his recent marriage to Ayanna and the journey that had led him to this moment.

As I settled in across from him, he flashed a warm smile, clearly still riding the high of the game. “Ready to talk about my favorite subject?” he quipped, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. It was clear that this was not just a conversation about basketball, but about the new chapter in his life as a husband.

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In Love, I Trust Chapter 11: “So… You Don’t Trust Me?”

In Love, I Trust stands as one of my very few small-town romances—my first and only, if I’m not mistaken. And honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted any other characters to be my first. It was also a first for me in terms of writing about a couple who met online, specifically in the comments section on Instagram. There are several chapters in In Love, I Trust that I truly love and that move the story forward. But this chapter? This chapter is where everything is laid out on the table regarding Trey and Serenity’s relationship. Most importantly, it’s the moment where the wall Serenity has been holding up is addressed—the wall Trey has been consciously working to break down. Of all places, it’s a pre-wedding dinner that forces them to confront their issues, holding up a mirror to their relationship and pushing them to get real about its future.

The Setting

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Pryce Williams from Lust

Pryce Williams is a character I truly adore. If I had to describe the type of character that challenges me to look past my own preconceived notions to tell their story with an unbiased lens, it’s Pryce. He’s a flawed character, and honestly, flawed characters are my best to work with. It’s easy to say you don’t care for him because of his decisions. But when you crack open his shell and look at that man inside, you realize there’s so much more to meet the eye. Love him or hate him, Pryce made Lust a page turner.

Let’s get to know the man who represented the second vice in the Love is Cure series intimately.

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Alternate Story Ending: Serenity & Trey (In Love, I Trust)

My social media couple. The only social media couple in my catalog, I think! These two met in the most unique way… in the comment section of an Instagram post! You got to meet them as Kelli and Ryder’s engaged friends in From Friends to Forever. Now, they’re back with an alternate ending that plays on how they first met—arguing over palm oil and jerk seasoning. But this time, things are different. In Love, I Trust will celebrate its one year anniversary this month so this extra time with them is right on time.

I hope you enjoy this alternate ending to In Love, I Trust as much as I enjoyed writing it. Who knows, these two might still have a little more story left in them!

SERENITY

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Envy Chapter 1: “You Can’t Buy Me”

Mykal, the main character in Envy—book four in the Love is Cure, Vol. 1 – Vices & Virtues series—is probably the most hated character in the series and maybe even in all of my book world. But I personally loved her growth in Envy! Yes, she was a jealous person who made some questionable decisions, but one thing you can’t deny about Mykal is that she was a go-getter. Her motivations may have been toxic, but when Mykal set her sights on something, she often got it. One of the core premises of Envy was her intense desire for the editor-in-chief position at the magazine she worked for, For The Culture. This chapter serves as a prelude to her ambition to rise to the top, and it’s also where we get Envy’s meet cute!

The Setting

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Inside The Character: Getting to Know Trey Everest from In Love, I Trust

Trey Everest first appeared in When Luke Met Juliette as Luke Lockett’s best friend. He shines in a brief but impactful scene, giving Luke advice that helps him land the love of his life, Juliette. Trey is levelheaded, a great friend, and an adventurer at heart. When I created his character summary, I was immediately drawn to his story. Pairing him with Serenity and the unconventional way they meet felt right, and their story practically wrote itself. Despite Serenity’s hesitation and trust issues, Trey never wavered—and we loved to see it.

Let’s get to know Trey more intimately.

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You’re Cordially Invited: With Love, Ayanna & Dallas

The time has come to witness the final chapter of Ayanna and Dallas’s love story — a love we’ve all grown to admire, cherish, and root for since the very beginning. With Love, Ayanna & Dallas is a standalone short story that brings us front and center to their long-awaited wedding.

If you’ve been following their journey from So This is Love to their appearance in Sloth, you’ve seen the highs, the heartbreak, and the moments that defined their undeniable connection. This wedding, however, is their crowning moment.

Picture this: A sparkling glass dome, red roses in bloom, and the electric anticipation of forever. It’s the kind of wedding that feels like a warm embrace — intimate, magical, and filled with every emotion that reminds you what love is all about. 



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Character Q&A: Ayanna Dale-Roque

On a bright afternoon in Oakland, California, I found myself in the stunning kitchen of Ayanna Dale’s sprawling mansion nestled in the hills. The space exuded elegance with its tasteful decor, soft lighting, and breathtaking views of the city skyline beyond the large windows. As I took a seat at the beautifully set kitchen table, Ayanna smiled warmly, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.

“This is the table where Dallas asked me to marry him,” she said, her voice filled with fondness. “Well, when he presented the ring and told me to wear it to let him know it was a yes.” 

The moment felt charged with history, a symbol of the love and commitment they had built together. Ayanna, dressed in a laid-back yet stylish outfit, radiated a sense of warmth and openness. As we settled in, the atmosphere was relaxed yet intimate, inviting a candid exploration of her journey as a newlywed and the emotions that come with it. 

With the gentle hum of life outside and the comfort of their home surrounding us, it was the perfect setting to delve into the complexities of love, commitment, and the joy of a new chapter in her life.

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