Character Q&A: Jayce Martin & Summer McKoy (Couples’ Edition)

It’s a crisp morning, just a few months before Summer and Jayce’s wedding. They’re having brunch at an upscale cafe in the heart of New York City, just off Fifth Avenue. The restaurant has an elegant feel, with marble floors and walls decorated with fresh flower arrangements. Natural light pours in from the large windows, illuminating the table set with beautiful, mismatched china. 

There are plates of warm croissants, fresh fruit, eggs benedict, and an assortment of cheeses. A bottle of rosé champagne is chilled in an ice bucket on the table, along with mimosas for a refreshing touch. Summer, always a fan of indulgence, smiles as she sips her drink while Jayce looks on, his hand resting comfortably on her knee.

“This is one of our favorite places to visit,” Summer noted, turning to smile at Jayce.

“And the most expensive,” Jayce joked, Summer reacting by playfully pinching his arm. 

“But…” Jayce leaned in just a little to leave a kiss on Summer’s lips. “… she’s worth every penny and more. Ain’t that right, baby?”

Summer beamed with pride. “Yes, I am.”

Their relaxed smiles and soft laughter fill the space with an easy warmth, reflecting the love they’ve built together. 

Subscribe to continue reading

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

Ray & Jay Episode 11: “The Bed”

Ray & Jay was one of those stories where you felt the tension from the start. A second chance romance with so much history and so many unresolved emotions—it was bound to be messy in the best way.  

There were plenty of episodes where Ajani fought his way back into Rayla’s heart, but episode 11? This was the one. The moment Rayla finally let her guard down enough for him to slip back in.  

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 Danyelle Ali (Hayes) From Living Out a Love Song

Danyelle Hayes (now Danyelle Ali) started as a side character in When Life Gives You Sunsets. While we first meet her now-husband, Clyde Ali, in earlier chapters of the summer romance, Danyelle makes her appearance when Clarke needs a little guidance while unexpectedly falling for a grieving Yusuf Baldwin on vacation. Though Danyelle didn’t appear in many chapters, her story with Clyde had me hooked. When I started developing her character for the When Life Gives You Sunsets spinoff, I wasn’t just locked in on her love story—I was locked in on her.  

Let’s get to know Danyelle Hayes a little more intimately.  

Subscribe to continue reading

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

Character Q&A: Luke Lockett & Juliette Hart (Couples’ Edition)

It’s Valentine’s night, and the cozy, low-lit ambiance of NoHo Cigar Lounge sets the perfect backdrop for a night of intimate conversation. The rich, smooth scent of cigars mingles with the faint sound of jazz playing softly in the background. Over at the bar, the dim lighting glints off the high-end liquor bottles, while the quiet hum of the city outside blends with the warmth of the room. Seated in one of the brown leather quilted armchairs, Luke leans in toward Juliette, his hand wrapped comfortably around her waist as he whispers something in her ear that makes her smile. Her eyes reflect the flickering candlelight from a nearby table as these two show how far they’ve come from their college rivalry days. 

“I love coming here,” Juliette voiced right after taking a sip of her whiskey. “Especially since we’ve reconnected. It’s our little spot, you know? Feels like home now.”

Subscribe to continue reading

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

Cali & Lee Episode 11: “It’s For Calese”

Cali & Lee was a story I knew I’d love even as just an idea… after I redeveloped it. The original version followed only Calese, but after writing stories with dual points of view, I don’t think I can ever go back. Both Calese and Levi had something to say, and their perspectives made the story richer.  

There were a lot of moments in this serialized romance where these two were fighting—either for what was happening between them or against it. But this episode… episode 11? This was the one we were all waiting for. And trust me, it was worth it.  

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 Amir Jones from Girl Code and Mr. & Mrs. Jones

Amir Jones is by far my favorite book bae of them all. And trust me, with every new story and character I create, there’s plenty of competition. But Amir? He still stands in a league of his own. What I love about him is that he’s not perfect, and he never pretends to be. His flaws are what make him real, and he owns them without hesitation. He stepped onto an outline one day and has been living in my head rent-free ever since.  

Let’s get to know Amir Jones more intimately.  

Subscribe to continue reading

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

Friends-to-Lovers… but make it complicated

Two years ago, I created a post recommending my stories to readers who were new to me. That post—which is long overdue for an update—was my way of helping readers find the right book based on the kind of mood or reading experience they were looking for.  

Not all my books are the same, and neither are my characters. My stories focus on building a book world filled with people from diverse backgrounds and personalities. No two characters are alike, and that’s exactly how I love it.  

With my catalog growing and my worlds becoming more connected than ever, I wanted to bring back book recommendations based on vibe, mood, and the kind of story you’re in the mood for.  

And what better way to start than with my favorite trope to read and write… friends-to-lovers. 

Let’s start with one of my faves 🥰.  

📚 Girl Code (Friends to Lovers… but make it your best friend’s ex)



Read More

Alternate Story Ending: Amir & Melodee (Girl Code/Mr & Mrs Jones)

This Valentine’s Day marks seven years of Mr. & Mrs. Jones 🥳.  

When I wrote this story, I knew in my bones that these two would always be a comfort couple for me. That couple I could check in with anytime and fall in love with love all over again.  

And this alternate ending? It gave me everything I needed.  

I think it’ll do the same for you too!  

This time, we’re heading back to a pivotal moment from Girl Code—the story that Mr. & Mrs. Jones is a sequel to.  

They’re back in Jamaica, having a full-circle moment, and we get to see every second of it.  

Enjoy.  

MELODEE

It’s Valentine’s night in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The outdoor stadium, just a stone’s throw from the beach, is packed with thousands of screaming fans. 

Subscribe to continue reading

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

1 2