WES
“Pardon me,” I said as I weaved my way around the lounge’s patrons, eyes focused ahead at the tall men standing at the far end of the room.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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WES
I stepped into the restaurant, Union, lifting my head long enough to greet the hostess in front.
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Jazzy
I twisted my steering wheel to the right, guiding my car to the curb. My head bobbed in time to the beat of the song streaming from my phone’s speaker. The song was rough, the beat raw and very unpolished, and I loved that the most about it.
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.
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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When I asked readers to let me know which short stories from Forbidden: An Anthology they wanted me to continue, the overwhelming request was for August and Genesis’s story. And that didn’t surprise me. These two were really good on page. Tack on their storyline and how they came to be, and you have an unconventional friends-to-lovers story I couldn’t wait to work on. Their story was so unique, as they were dealing with grief (Genesis had a harder time than August) and this tamed attraction they’d had for each other since they were teenagers. And while they had given into those desires in the anthology, Meant to Be really gave their love roots. But one particular chapter brought this love story back on track—and it came after a moment that seemed too big to forgive.
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August Hall is a character that started as just a plot point. I loved that I got to give him a voice by the time we reached his story in Meant to Be. We first met him through Genesis Garner in her short story in Forbidden: An Anthology, and from there, I always knew I wanted to build him out. I’ve always wanted to create a main character who was a chef. There’s just something about a man who knows his way around a kitchen. And in August’s case, his kitchen is where he transforms healthy food into savory cuisine.
The situation he found himself in with Genesis was one I really enjoyed writing. The angst and quiet determination that pulsed through his character helped Meant to Be stand out in the Forbidden series. August is like a quiet storm—and we loved getting caught in him.
Let’s get to know August a little more intimately.
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DUANE
I stood in front of my full-length mirror, adjusting the collar beneath my fitted blazer. I ran my hands down my jeans and stepped back far enough to see my sneakers in the mirror.
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It’s a typical busy day at the Buy The Block Back (BTBB) headquarters in the heart of Brownsville, Brooklyn. The offices are abuzz with activity—workshops in session, a couple of community meetings taking place, and the scent of fresh coffee permeates the air. Jeremiah Rhames, the man behind the BTBB initiative, sits at his desk in his personal office. The room is modest but comfortable, filled with workbooks, photos of the neighborhood, and his framed vision for the future.
“A lot has happened since Loveless,” he commented as he leaned back in his chair. “A lot of good.”
And I couldn’t wait to explore all that good with one of my favorite MMCs.
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We can’t do a month full of grand gestures and not discuss this chapter in Envy. It’s the chapter that marks the ultimate turning point in Mykal’s journey of self-discovery. Before this moment, she was trying to live a life worthy of her father’s love and approval. That need for validation led her down a road of bad decisions—followed by more bad decisions—which landed her crashing an intimate night between Desmond and his friend-with-benefits, Faith. What should’ve been the most mortifying moment of her life ends up becoming the exact thing Mykal needed: a redemptive moment wrapped in one of the most thoughtful grand gestures.
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Joi Friday’s story was one not many people were excited for when I announced I’d be continuing her short story from Forbidden: An Anthology. Readers simply didn’t like her—and honestly, I couldn’t blame them. But I also couldn’t resist the challenge.
When I created her for “Decadent Contradictions – Sponsor for Hire,” I fleshed her out completely, flaws and all. But I also made sure to include the why. Her choices weren’t always great—many were incredibly selfish—but Joi lived a life that made her think happiness was tied to what she could touch, wear, or spend. And I was more than ready to show her otherwise. But let’s see what really makes our girl tick, shall we?
Let’s get to know the infamous Joi Friday a little more intimately.
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DIANA
“Well,” my therapist, Dr. Hayes, said as she crossed her legs in the chair across from me. “It’s been a while.”
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Have I told you how much I love writing alternate story endings? Because I really do 🥰. And capturing Summer and Jayce in this alternate ending is exactly why I love it so much.
These two will forever hold a special place in my heart. They were the ones who started it all—the foundation of a seven-book series. They walked so the other books could soar.
And now, I’m beyond happy to capture the very start of the next chapter in their fictional lives.
Enjoy!
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All of the grand gestures this month have been at the hands of the MMCs, but this one? This one belongs to Joi Friday in Loveless.
Now, her grand gesture may not have come with a physical price tag, but it definitely cost her something. The moment Joi decided to take a chance on something she never thought was possible—walking away from the life she attached her identity to, giving up what wasn’t serving her, and choosing herself—was the moment she handed her heart over to the man who actually deserved it. And that gesture? Priceless.
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Jeremiah Rhames made his first appearance in the No Fraternizing series when he interrogated Lila Moore after she was picked up during Romello “Mello” St. Claire’s arrest. From the moment I created him, I knew there was more to his story. He wasn’t as much of a standout as Mello, but as a young NYPD detective, I saw the potential for depth, struggle, and growth. What started as an outline quickly turned into a fully realized character. Jeremiah was an old soul, a man who had every opportunity to leave the hood he grew up in but chose to stay and make it better. And for that, he’s a favorite.
Let’s get to know Jeremiah Rhames a little more intimately.
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DUANE
The buzz of the door, signaling that Diana was letting me in, shocked me a little.
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It’s a chilly afternoon in the heart of Manhattan, but the air feels warm inside the charming chocolatier shop. Located in a cozy corner near the edge of the bustling shopping district, the shop offers a variety of decadent hot chocolates in every flavor imaginable—perfect for a cold day. The room is softly lit, with dark wood paneling and shelves lined with gleaming jars of rich cocoa powders, exotic spices, and decadent truffles. The gentle hum of jazz music plays in the background, and the scent of melting chocolate is intoxicating.
Joi Friday, dressed in a stylish yet casual outfit—an oversized sweater, designer jeans, and boots—sits at a small table, taking a break from the shopping spree she’s just completed.
“This was Jeremiah’s idea,” she insists when my eyes drop to the bags. “He said I’ve been working really hard and deserve to treat myself.”
Several shopping bags lie at her feet, some brimming with luxury items, others containing purchases she’s made with more thought, now that she’s learned to better balance her life. She sips on a dark chocolate hot cocoa, her eyes reflecting a sense of quiet contentment. Her thoughts seem to be with her husband, Jeremiah, as she catches her breath for a moment before diving back into retail therapy.
“Shopping used to be my therapy,” she says, smiling softly as she looks around the cozy space, her voice carrying a newfound sense of peace. “But since marrying Jeremiah, I’ve realized that I’ve learned how to spend in ways that truly benefit me. It’s not just about the things I can buy—it’s about the value I place on my time, my experiences, and the love in my life.”
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I could not wait to write Mello’s story. He was a standout character in parts 2 and 3 of the No Fraternizing series, and honestly? I just wanted him to find love. I love a good redemption arc, and They Call Me Mello was his in a way. He left New York to lay low, but in the process, he found a permanent home for his heart.
And while there were plenty of grand gestures throughout his story, this one in chapter seven? Still warms my heart.
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Though we didn’t get to experience They Call Me Mello through Rayelle’s eyes, seeing her through Mello’s perspective gave us a clear enough picture. This headstrong, independent woman switched her hips into Mello’s world and turned his temporary stay in Miami into a permanent one. She was just what he needed.
I personally loved her character. She was flawed, real, and genuine at heart. She had the kind of quiet strength that made Mello reflect on everything he thought he knew about love. And much like her now husband, Rayelle has a story of her own.
Let’s get to know Rayelle Bell a little more intimately.
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DIANA
I sighed, staring up at my ceiling. I’d been working all day, nonstop—more than I usually did on a Monday—but I needed the distraction badly.
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Romello will always be Romello. It was good catching up with Mello in this alternate story ending. I’ve always wanted to return to him and Rayelle, and I was happy to do it this way. We’ll be seeing Mello again soon—where? I don’t know yet. But if you know me, you know past characters always have a way of popping up when they’re needed. For now, enjoy this alternate ending from Mello’s spinoff. He’s still THAT guy!
ROMELLO
“Yeah,” Rayelle said ahead of me. “Just give me like three minutes.”
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If you ask me, every part of Wrath is a grand gesture from Asher, starting from when he first sees Lauryn escaping into her building after getting fired, to him moving into her building. This story truly showed how a good man can make a woman feel soft in a world she always viewed as hard.
While there were plenty of moments where Asher proved his love through actions, this moment in chapter sixteen was one of the most necessary. It was the grand gesture that got Lauryn comfortable enough to do something she never thought she’d do—find comfort in a man’s company.
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Romello “Mello” St. Claire was a character that stole attention from the very first scene he appeared in. We couldn’t forget the way he pulled up in front of Kuts Kings or the presence he made known when he stepped into the shop in part two of the No Fraternizing series. From his first appearance to his final one in part three, readers have always wanted more Mello. And they got it in both his short story in Forbidden: An Anthology and his spinoff romance, They Call Me Mello. There’s a lot to love when it comes to Mello, and just like the other characters we’ve dived into, he’s got an interesting backstory.
Let’s get to know Mello a little more intimately.
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DUANE
It was after hours at The Sneaker Vault, and I’d just returned to my office after letting my final employee, Xav, out through the door before locking it.
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Vlog #2 is now live! In this episode, I share what’s coming up, including some insight on My First, My Last’s spinoff My Only and a sneak peek at the next serialized romance coming to Brookelynite Daily.
Click the video below to start watching!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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DIANA
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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DUANE
I pulled open the bistro’s door and stepped inside, my attention already on Kelli as she helped a customer at the register.
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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.
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Mr. & Mrs. Jones had a lot of standout scenes—some that made us swoon, others that made us cry. But this chapter? This chapter in chapter twenty-three made us applaud Amir Jones for going to get his woman.
By this point, Amir and Melodee’s marriage has reached a boiling point. The emotions, the tension, the loss, the pressures of Hollywood—it all piles up, and Melodee decides that Los Angeles just doesn’t feel like home and probably never will. It’s a breaking point, but instead of signaling the end, this chapter shifts things toward a new beginning for one of my favorite couples.
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Much like his wife, Danyelle, I took a liking to Clyde based on his and Danyelle’s story. Whenever I develop side characters, their stories are never as detailed as the main characters. I usually create their profiles as brief summaries, and if I feel there’s a story worth telling, I don’t hesitate to explore it. That’s exactly what happened with Clyde Ali. His love for Classic R&B and the intrigue of his relationship with Danyelle—starting when she was just his little sister’s best friend—were all driving forces behind me taking a trip down memory lane to tell the origin of their love story.
Let’s get to know Clyde Ali more intimately.
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⚠️ Trigger Warning: Emotional Abuse & Manipulation
This episode contains discussions of past emotional abuse, manipulation, and distressing relationship dynamics as Diana recounts her experiences. Reader discretion is advised. If you find this content triggering, please take care of yourself and proceed with caution.
DIANA
I blinked my eyes awake, opening them to my dim bedroom. The weight in my bladder was what woke me, but the warmth of Duane’s arm resting on me kept me right in place.
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Yup, it’s official—I’m in love with these two lol. A short story wasn’t enough. Neither was this alternate story ending! We need to talk more about Clyde and Danyelle because, honestly, I love them!
We first met them briefly in When Life Gives You Sunsets and then on Valentine’s Day in their story Living Out a Love Song, and now we’re catching up with them on another Valentine’s Day. So, sit back and enjoy their alternate story ending.
And if you haven’t read about them yet, please do!
DANYELLE
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Living Out a Love Song delivers one of the most highly anticipated moments in the story with this chapter. Up until this point, we were clued in on the secret romance between main characters Danyelle Hayes and Clyde Ali. We knew they had been seeing each other behind closed doors, unbeknownst to Danyelle’s best friend, Clarke—who also happens to be Clyde’s younger sister. We had also been given glimpses of how their love story began, dating back to their teenage years. But in this chapter, Clyde decides he’s done loving Danyelle in secret, and when he makes his move, it’s a moment neither she nor the readers will ever forget.
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I knew from the outline for Girl Code that I would really like Melodee. Truthfully, her story started as a what if question that my mind ran away with. I loved how much of an around-the-way girl Melodee was—down-to-earth and deeply devoted to the people she loved, for better or for worse. She’s a lover girl at heart, someone who cherishes her relationships and the idea of love and romance. Despite the heartbreak she experiences and the disappointment of divorce, she still believes in love. And she and I have that in common—we love love.
Let’s get to know Melodee Delon-Jones a little more intimately.
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DUANE
“What do you know about Diana’s ex?”
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Mykal and I sat in the modern, open-plan headquarters of The Ellis Daily, with large windows framing the city skyline. The hustle of journalists typing away at their desks and the occasional ringing of phones fills the background, but Mykal has carved out some quiet space in Desmond’s office. It’s a bright, welcoming atmosphere, with the scent of fresh coffee lingering in the air. Desmond’s office is minimalist, but there’s a certain warmth to it, especially with a large desk scattered with personal touches—a photo of Mykal and Desmond from their trip to Hawaii, a few framed mementos of their accomplishments, and the first edition of The Ellis Daily proudly sitting on his shelf.
Mykal looks relaxed, comfortable in the environment Desmond has built with his new venture. There’s a baby step away from the whirlwind pace that comes with running a major newspaper, yet her presence here as an editor feels both intentional and right.
“Sometimes life just takes you where you’re supposed to be, and you just have to trust it,” Mykal says with a smile as she sits back, reflecting on everything that led her here.
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Just Friends is my first self-published friends-to-lovers story, and it’s the one that sparked my love for the trope. Chapter three perfectly captures why I adore this theme. It’s more than just two friends reconnecting—it’s about the comfort and ease of two people who feel so natural around each other, even after years apart. While this story recently underwent a creative reboot with the release of the Author’s Cut, chapter three still holds the charm that makes friends-to-lovers stories so lovable. And it all starts on the night of Noah’s surprise birthday party.
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