The Turning Point: Ayla Samuels’ Choice in My First, My Last

For most of My First, My Last, readers were faced with the frustrating truth: Ayla and Hassani were each other’s person — but life, and the people they loved, kept them apart. The story had several pivotal moments, but none more defining than their college graduation day. Not because of the milestone itself, but because it was the moment we reached the fork in the road… when Ayla had to choose to be with Hassani, or let him go.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Xander Cox from Ready or Not

Xander Cox is one of those book baes you didn’t think you’d like very much but turned out to be a diamond in the rough… the rough being the circumstances that brought him into the spotlight. When Last Comes Love (the story Ready or Not spins off from) ended, readers weren’t exactly ready to watch the FMC, Rylee, move on from the MMC, Lennox. But then they met Xander—the new MMC in Ready or Not—and things got complicated. Xander is perfect, and I can’t wait to return to his and Rylee’s story to make us all fall even harder for him. There’s a lot more to Mr. Cox though.

Let’s get to know Xander Cox a little more intimately.

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Character Q&A: Ayla Franklin (neé Samuels)

We’re sitting in the living room of Ayla and Hassani Franklin’s home, beneath one of the many skylights that dot the ceiling.

“My only input that I have to always point out whenever we have people here,” Ayla laughs, “is that the skylights were my idea!” She grins. “People are always fascinated that Hassani designed everything, even me, so I have to make sure they know I played a part in it, too!”

Their home holds deep meaning for both of them. Made of stone, wood, and glass, it’s a stunning blend of elegance and warmth. Large windows let in natural light, offering a breathtaking view. The living room is spacious, with beautiful furniture that gives the space a welcoming, lived-in vibe.

Ayla leans back into the plush sofa, her smile warm and reflective.

“There’s a funny story behind this furniture here in this living room,” she says, her eyes twinkling. “Your readers will find out soon enough.”

She takes a deep breath, settling into the moment as she reflects on her journey—her marriage to Hassani, the challenges they’ve faced, and the love that has remained at the heart of it all. As the spinoff My Only has just concluded, but the readers haven’t experienced it yet, this is the perfect time for Ayla to share her thoughts.

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Lust Chapter 16: “I’m going back to Oakland”

When it comes to Pryce Williams, readers are divided—it’s either they loved him or hated him. No in between, and I could totally see why. Pryce is an unapologetic alpha. Even when he’s done something that might be seen as unforgivable, he’s going to do everything he can to be forgiven. As was the case in Lust. He made decisions in his younger years that resulted in him breaking the heart of the only woman he’s ever loved—and the only woman he believes ever truly loved him. It took him years to come to terms with that and accept that he wanted her back. He made some very major decisions to get her back and show her he’d changed. Unfortunately… they just weren’t enough, inevitably leading us to this breakup scene.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Malika O’Shea from the Love, Hate & Revenge series

Malika O’Shea as the baby sister of the O’Shea sisters is the most calculated. She’s my favorite because she lives in her head and isn’t afraid to manifest even the craziest of situations, but with a purpose. Her story was one of the most interesting. The first villain a lot of us were rooting for. And although Malika had the most salacious story among her sisters, there’s more to her than what’s shown in the parts of her story.

Let’s get to know Malika O’Shea more intimately.

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I Hate That I Love You: Episode 12 – Embers

WES

The clatter of my house keys as I dropped them on my kitchen counter echoed throughout the space. I didn’t bother turning on the lights when I walked through my townhouse’s front door. The day and night had been long as hell. And I couldn’t decide if the gravity of it was because we were so close to the event or because I hadn’t seen or spoken to Jazzy since that day at Kings Theatre.

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Alternate Story Ending: Mikayla & Phillip (Love, Hate & Revenge series)

You know things are bound to get interesting when Mikayla is involved. Every time I check in with the O’Shea sisters—especially Mikayla—I’m reminded that I’m nowhere near done with them. This won’t be the last time we see Mikayla and Phillip. But for now, enjoy!

MIKAYLA

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The Turning Point: Cadence Nice’s Choice in A Love Deferred

Welcome to The Turning Point — a new series where I unpack the exact moment everything shifted for one of my characters. Not the whole chapter. Not the full arc. Just the moment that changed everything — for better, worse, or both.

We’re starting with Cadence Nice from A Love Deferred. The night before Meki leaves Brooklyn, she’s faced with a choice that could alter both their lives. And she makes it.

Throughout my novella A Love Deferred, Cadence Nice was sure to create a solid boundary between herself and Meki Knight. She thought she had their situationship figured out — had tucked it neatly into the box of “not that important.” But somewhere along the line, love got in the way. When Meki announced his promotion and shared that he’d be moving 3,000 miles away, Cadence was faced with a choice. It didn’t just change her… it changed the story. And it all happened the night before he was set to leave Brooklyn.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Mikayla O’Shea from the Love, Hate & Revenge series

Mikayla O’Shea is one of those characters I really like on page. She’s impossible, unpredictable, and the girl has a fuse shorter than the fireworks used in the Macy’s July 4th fireworks show out here in New York City. She does not play and is the livelier sister, unapologetically. She’s passionate through and through, and sometimes that passion can come across as overwhelming, but she is Mikayla O’Shea to the bone. But there’s more than what meets the eye with this middle sister.

Let’s get to know Mikayla O’Shea more intimately.

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Character Q&A: Hassani Franklin

For his Q&A, Hassani and I meet in his office, tucked away in the glass-walled corner of Bryant Greene’s office building. The office is sleek and modern, with two computer monitors on his desk, a high-backed leather chair, and an unobstructed view of the entire building. His eyes drift toward the photo of him and Ayla on their wedding day in Jamaica, the only personal touch in the otherwise minimalist space.

Right now, he’s preparing for the next phase of the Greene Gardens project, the dream project he’s spearheading. The transition from meetings and planning to the actual construction of the properties is about to begin, but we catch up just before all the heavy lifting starts. It’s a brief break from the whirlwind of work and the new chapter in his life.

“I’m really looking forward to it…” Hassani grins. “This is the start of something big for both work and home. We’ve got a lot ahead of us.”

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My Only Sneak Peek

We’re less than a month away from the release of My Only, the spinoff to My First, My Last!

Reuniting with Ayla and Hassani has been the treat I’ve been patiently waiting for. Their story is one of highs and lows, tests and triumphs—and I can’t wait for you to take this journey with them.

For now, here’s your sneak peek at My Only… a moment plucked straight from their honeymoon.

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Sloth Chapter 19: “I’m going to play with the toy again, up here and on your bed…”

Much like her brother’s story, Eryn’s story in Sloth was destined to be a slow burn, but hers was a second chance romance. Readers waited one whole book to get to Eryn’s story, especially after it was revealed that her ex-boyfriend was Simeon King—a man readers fell in love with from my friends-to-lovers story So This Is Love. Throughout Sloth and up until this moment, we all wondered how these two would get to where they were here. And honestly, they did not disappoint, giving me one of the most memorable intimate encounters I’ve ever written.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Ayla Franklin (neé Samuels) from My First, My Last

It’s no secret at this point. Ayla Franklin (née Samuels) has a special place in my heart. Her story came to me in a dream, and once I fleshed her character out, she stuck with me from that moment forward. Writing her story with her now-husband Hassani was such a breeze. It felt like being transported into their world, committed to getting them to their happily ever after… and to keep them there. We literally watched Ayla grow on the page, and her evolution pays off in the spinoff to My First, My Last—My Only.

Let’s get to know Ayla a little more intimately.

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Character Q&A: Asher Truesdale

Asher and I are tucked away in a private study room at Langston University’s study hall. He’s taking a break between classes to chat before heading back to finish his day. He’s eager to wrap things up on time because tonight, he and Lauryn have planned a child-free evening together. Their daughter, Eres, is staying with Lauryn’s aunt for the night.

“We’re going to keep it simple…” Asher grinned. “Movie, dinner, and home for a quiet night in bed reading. I’m excited already.”

On that note, I decided to start with Lauryn and Eres, and Asher was more than happy to gush about his little family and his plans to grow it.

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My First, My Last Chapter 20: “… I’m scared of losing myself in someone else”

Chapter 20 captured the third time in Ayla and Hassani’s story when they were intimate. It’s one of the most significant intimate scenes because much like the others, it pivoted the story in a new direction—this direction a little more uncertain. This chapter gave us a moment we’d been waiting for with these two. It creates a false high because we know what happens after it. But beyond the unknown, it’s sincerely a beautiful homecoming-like moment that holds a special memory we’ll see uncovered in the spinoff to this story, My Only.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Hassani Franklin from My First, My Last

Hassani Franklin was an instant favorite in my book world. He was definitely a favorite for me. There have been several character breakdowns I’ve done on Hassani—that’s how much of a fan I am. He is the total package. The only thing missing for him was a love that gave him life, which he found in his friend Ayla.

Let’s get to know Hassani a little more intimately.

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Alternate Story Ending: Lila & Manny (No Fraternizing series)

Did you read my short second-chance romance, Maybe This Time Will Be Different? If you did, then you’ll remember how the story opens. The short follows Omar Harris, a barber at Kuts Kings… the same Kuts Kings from my No Fraternizing series.

Anyway, in Maybe This Time Will Be Different, Lila and Manny from No Fraternizing make a cameo. Their appearance serves as an update from their last one in Loveless (book 4 in the Forbidden series), when Lila was pregnant. So it’s a bit of a surprise when it’s alluded that she might be pregnant again. Especially when she’s first caught running off to the bathroom and Manny casually mentions she’s had an upset stomach since the day before. Then again when she runs out of the shop after Omar’s son’s mother jokes about Lila not knowing she’s experiencing pregnancy symptoms.

Well, this alternate ending picks up right where that moment in Maybe This Time Will Be Different left off! I had to revisit it. And, as usual, I feel like these two have another story in them.

What do you think?

Enjoy. 🥰

LILA

It was quiet. A little too quiet. So quiet I could hear my heart pounding… loud, steady, and distracting.

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No Fraternizing, Pt. 3 Chapter 14: “Do You Think You Can Keep Your Voice Down?”

The No Fraternizing series was a lot of fun to write as a whole, but this chapter was a culmination of all that fun and really the calm before the storm. By the time we make it to part 3 in the series, a lot has transpired, relationship dynamics have shifted, and Manny and Lila—though still on shaky ground—are moving toward something more than casual. This chapter that captures Lila and Manny’s intimate encounter doubles as both sugar and spice in the most unpredictable way.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Emmanuel “Manny” Perez from the No Fraternizing Series

Much like his love interest in No Fraternizing, Emmanuel “Manny” Perez was my very first male main character. The same day I created Lila Moore in my head, Manny came to life too. A flawed character who respected order and rules—even when doing so was complicated and inconvenient. Manny was the kind of character I connected with the moment he appeared on the page.

Let’s get to know Manny more intimately.

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Character Q&A: Lauryn James

Lauryn insisted we meet at a charming bookstore cafe nestled on a quiet corner in Manhattan. It wasn’t far from Langston University, where her husband, Asher Truesdale, was wrapping up another intense day of PhD studies. 

“I wanted to meet here because it’s close to LU,” Lauryn explained, her smile softening as she adjusted her baby girl in her arms. “Asher’s coming after class. We’re going to grab dinner together.”

We settled into a cozy corner near the back of the café, the sound of clinking mugs and low chatter filling the background. Lauryn’s baby, Eres, was peacefully asleep against her shoulder, her small hands curled gently in the crook of her mother’s arm. With only an hour to chat before Asher joined us, Lauryn and I got right into our conversation about marriage, the possibility of more children, and the exciting new project her father had been working on.

The warmth of the moment felt easy, natural… a reflection of Lauryn’s journey. She was once closed off, guarded by pain, but now, in this space, she radiated a calm confidence. As our time together ticked on, I couldn’t help but marvel at how much she had changed since the early days of Wrath.

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Wrath Chapter 20: “Lauryn… May I?”

On a list of stories that challenged me as a storyteller, Wrath tops the list. I was sincerely terrified to write this story. Not because I thought it wouldn’t be good, but because of how much I knew I’d have to anchor myself in my character, Lauryn James. My friends-to-lovers love story Last Comes Love took a lot out of me after I wrote it, and I was concerned that Wrath would do the same. And it did—but in such a beautiful way, much like LCL. I told myself Lauryn’s story would be a progressive journey toward happily ever after, with surprising pivots that would feel like the end of the world but were really just part of the necessary path. And one of those pivots happened in chapter 20… the chapter that captured Asher and Lauryn’s first intimate encounter.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Lila Perez (neé Moore) from the No Fraternizing series

Lila Perez (neé Moore) is the FMC who started it all for me. She was the very first self-published character to appear in my very first self-published story, No Fraternizing, Pt. 1. I thought her up after visiting a barbershop with my boyfriend (now husband), and she lived rent-free in my head from that moment on. Lila was the first character I ever fleshed out to completion—one who came alive on the page beyond anything I could’ve imagined. She’s like the Eve of my book world… the first to walk its terrain. And I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else to go first.

Let’s get to know Lila Moore a little more intimately.

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Ebb & Flow Chapter 7: “I Doubt I Can Be As Happy With Someone Else, Naazir”

If there was one couple I could say I rooted so hard for, it was Nubia and Naazir. When I originally worked on their summer romance in the short story An Unexpected Love, I fell hard for them. They were truly my introduction to opposites attract. From different worlds but drawn to each other with the commonality of being in love with something deeper than the surface could ever reveal. I really love these two. So it was important they reunited after those very painful chapters we had to endure… which in the future we will tackle. But for now, let’s get into this reunion we so needed between a couple whose souls were intertwined and simply destined to be.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Joelle Victors from Indecent Arrangement

Joelle Victors may not have had much airtime in my book world, with only a short story and an erotic suspense, but once you meet her you won’t forget her… or her story. I’ve toyed with the idea of giving Joelle a spinoff story, but nothing has come to me naturally yet. Still, I loved how twisty and crazy her tale was and really liked Joelle as an FMC. Some of her history was hinted at in her story, but there’s so much more to know about Joelle.

Let’s get to know Joelle more intimately.

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Character Q&A: Zoe Greene (neé Stewart)

Zoe Greene (née Stewart) was always one of my most grounded characters, and when I asked to meet her for her Q&A, she insisted we sit down in her baby boy’s nursery. Located in the sprawling estate she and Bryant now call home in Long Island, Zoe welcomed me into one of the newly renovated rooms, where she and Bryant have made so many memories with their son already. 

The nursery is cozy, with soft dove-gray walls (a compromise with Bryant, who wanted everything blue), and gentle string lights add a warm glow to the space. A plush rug underfoot contrasts the polished wood floors, and the crib is flanked by shelves of carefully chosen baby books and stuffed animals. The soft hum of a baby monitor can be heard in the background as her baby sleeps soundly. Zoe and I relax on the couch, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the crib, a picture of calm and contentment. 

Zoe smiles as she sips her tea. “I never thought I’d be a mom,” she admits, glancing back at her son. “But now? I couldn’t imagine life without him.”

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Greed Chapter 15: “Zoe, I’m In Love With You”

I love all of the stories in the Love is Cure, Vol. 1 – Vices & Virtues series, but Greed is definitely one of my favorites. I had never written a fake dating trope before this book, and I realized how much fun it is to play with a storyline like that. Even in fake dating though, feelings can get involved—and that’s exactly what happened here. What started off as a strategic plan quickly turned into something real. Bryant, a man who’s all about his money, comes to understand that while money can get you a lot of things, it can’t replace true love. And once that becomes clear, he sets out to get back to the one woman who makes him want to choose love over dollar signs.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Dallas Roque from So This is Love

Dallas was an MMC we all loved from his short story in Forbidden: An Anthology. He was the brother with the level head and the friend of Ayanna Dale. He had love for her from the moment they met during their freshman year, but bad decisions and a fear of compromising the easy friendship they fell into kept both Dallas and Ayanna from taking things to the next level. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with Dallas wherever he is.

Let’s get to know Dallas a little more intimately.

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Last Comes Love Chapter 15: “… I Miss You”

Last Comes Love was a tough read for a lot of readers. It was hard for me too. But this chapter? It was one of the sweetest in the entire book. What I’ve always loved about friends-to-lovers stories is that the history between the characters runs so deep. That history is the core of their love, the foundation underneath all the intimate moments. And that’s also what makes a breakup between friends so hard to sit through—and even harder to recover from. In this chapter, the reunion between Rylee and Lennox is one of those rare scenes that just feels… perfect. It’s almost movie-worthy. And it all starts with Rylee’s water breaking.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Ayanna Roque (neé Dale)

When I developed Ayanna’s character, I just knew a time would be had with her. She was the around-the-way girl who wasn’t quite raised to be that way. Her parents did everything they could to raise a suburban princess, but Ayanna just wanted to be around people who were down-to-earth. Her story in Forbidden: An Anthology was so scandalous, but it’s the lick-back many dream of after being done wrong. Her spontaneous “act now, think later” attitude is entertaining to read on the page. She lives life by the seat of her pants and isn’t too hung up on herself to be seen doing it. She’s one of my favorite heroines who frustrates me to no end—and I love her.

Let’s get to know Ayanna a little more intimately.  

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I Hate That I Love You: Episode 3 – Static & Sparks

JAZZY

“Mmm,” I moaned the second I walked through the front door and made my way down the long corridor to the kitchen. “Now Mama Bishop, you know you don’t have any business cooking food that smells this good.”

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Character Q&A: Bryant Greene

The pristine office sparkles effortlessly, as if it was born to do so. Bryant Greene, the multi-billionaire and a different man than he once was, insisted I meet him in his high-rise in Manhattan for an interview. Perched on the top floor, his corner office offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline, where New York’s tallest buildings glitter beneath the late afternoon sun. Despite it being nearing midday, activity buzzes across the floor, never slowing down. 

“We’re still very much involved with developing Greene Gardens,” Bryant informs me, settling into his high-back leather office chair. “Though many residents are calling it home, there’s still a lot more work to do. Work I’m looking forward to tackling every day.”

Since he was already in the mood to discuss Greene Gardens, that’s where we start for his very first Q&A with me.

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So This is Love Chapter 20: “Because of You”

The amount of readers who said that Ayanna tried their patience with this story was overwhelming. It made me feel really good about the characters I created, because despite the situation these two found themselves in, you all were still rooting for them! I loved Ayanna and Dallas from the time they became more than names in an outline, and my main reason for getting through the frustrating moments in So This is Love was so I could get to this chapter in their love story. Chapter 20 was the reunion we thought we were going to get when Ayanna randomly decided to visit Dallas in Oakland in a chapter prior. And it was worth the wait… at least to me it was lol.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Genesis Garner from Meant to Be

Genesis Garner’s story in Forbidden: An Anthology was the only romance amongst the five stories. It was based on a random question I wanted to see played out on the page. A woman who believed she was living her forever, only to be faced with two crushing situations in one night, felt too layered not to explore. And Genesis, to me, was an intriguing character. Her continued story, Meant to Be, was one of the first unconventional romances I’ve written—and I’ve been hooked ever since. Genesis carries a lot of pain, and much like her friend-turned-lover, August Hall, she experienced the loss of a parent at an early age, which helped shape who she is.

Let’s get to know Genesis a little more intimately.  

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Coming Soon to Brookelynite Daily…

Last month on Brookelynite Daily, we wrapped our third serialized romance. This month, we’re starting a new one. The heat is up. So is the tension.

I Hate That I Love You is the fourth story coming to my premium newsletter. It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance about two A&Rs with beef who are being forced to work together for a good cause. They’ve got history. And yes, there’s the baby sister’s best friend trope in the mix too.



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Alternate Story Ending: Nubia & Naazir (Ebb & Flow)

How excited I was to create an alternate ending for these two. Just saying their names—Nubia and Naazir—makes my heart warm. I love them deeply. Not too many words here, because you’ve got to get to the story. Enjoy! I know I did writing it…

NAAZIR

I shifted my attention from the canvas in front of me to Nubia. Smiled as I studied her, sitting as still as she could, covered only with a white silk sheet. She held a bulk of the fabric around her full breasts.

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