Alternate Story Ending: Dallas & Ayanna (So This is Love)

The update I was too excited to make lol. I have wanted to check in with these two since their glimpse in Glimpses, Vol. 2. These two are headed into a new era in their relationship and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them. But before that, let’s check in with them in this very cute alternate ending. I hope you love it as much as I clearly did writing it 🥰. Enjoy!

AYANNA

I snickered at the doorway, watching Dallas fuss with the final parts he held for the too-expensive crib, mumbling to himself.

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So This is Love Chapter 5: “We really need to talk, YaYa”

From the moment we met Dallas and Ayanna in Ayanna’s short story in Forbidden: An Anthology, it was clear these two were more than just friends. Ayanna could say all day that she only hooked up with Dallas to get back at his older brother Dominick for cheating on her, but there was something deeper there. Something that couldn’t be explained away as revenge or convenience.

When their story continued in So This Is Love, that tension only intensified. And while there are plenty of standout chapters in that book—some we’ve already unpacked and others we still need to—Chapter 5 is the one where neither of them can deny that there’s love simmering beneath all that heat.

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Archetype Deep Dive: Luke Lockett

When I created Luke Lockett’s character, much like many of the MMCs and FMCs before him, he was just energy without a name. And even from that energy alone, I knew he would either be a hit or a miss with readers. The one thing that has remained consistent about Luke is that you either like him or you hate him.

He’s blunt. Brutally honest. And he knows nothing about sugarcoating. Growing up in a house full of girls who outnumbered both him and his father made him slick-mouthed and quick on his feet. He can go toe-to-toe with the opposite sex without feeling the need to concede, regardless of how beautiful he finds her. Luke is not susceptible to feminine charm at all.

His no-nonsense attitude shows up in his interpersonal relationships, in his days as a college hoop star, and now as the coach of Langston University. In short, Luke doesn’t play that with anyone. But when he loves you, he really loves you. The armor comes off, only to be rebuilt around protecting that love.

All in all, Luke is against anything that feels like the status quo. If the group is moving one way, he’s going the other. Because to him, there are no leaders in herds.

What is his archetype?

The Rebel.

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Character Q&A: Zane Armstrong

We’re at a dimly lit bar tucked just off a busy Brooklyn avenue. The kind of place that doesn’t advertise itself loudly. Exposed brick walls. Low amber lighting. A long polished wood counter worn smooth by time. The hum of muted sports commentary from a mounted television blends with the soft clink of ice in glasses.

It smells faintly of whiskey and cedar.

Zane Armstrong sits at the bar in plain clothes, shoulders broad beneath a fitted dark tee, jaw shadowed with the end of a long shift. His badge is nowhere in sight, but the weight of his job lingers in the way he scans the room before settling.

He’s ordered something dark. Neat.

It’s been a long day. A hostage situation that almost turned fatal. The kind of call that spikes your adrenaline and refuses to leave your bloodstream even after it’s over.

“The calls aren’t always crazy,” he mumbled over the rim of his drink before taking a measured sip. “But when we get them… we get them.”

He exhales slowly.

“I come here when I need to decompress. The last thing I want to do is bring this feeling home to Desiree.”

The mention of her shifts something in him. His shoulders loosen just slightly.

That’s my cue…

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The Turning Point: Melodee Jones’s Choice in Mr. & Mrs. Jones

Readers—and I—fell head over heels in love with Melodee and Amir in Girl Code, so of course we were excited to reunite with them in Mr. & Mrs. Jones. Newly married and navigating life as husband and wife, they attempt to build their marriage in one of the most challenging cities in the world to stay grounded—Los Angeles, California.

Though they maintain Amir’s loft in New York City, most of their time in this sequel is spent in L.A. while Amir works on a film. And with that stay comes pressure. Distance. Temptation. Grief. Ego.

Ironically, the turning point that saves their love happens the night Melodee decides to leave it.

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Draft Diaries: Entry #02 (Audio) – Setting the Tone

Today’s Draft Diaries entry is an audio diary 🎧.

I’m sharing my thoughts on the upcoming series trailer for Love is Cure, Vol. 2, why I’m choosing to introduce the series this way and what this moment represents in the larger process.

Listen in 🎧.

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Alternate Story Ending: Melodee & Amir

It’s always a treat revisiting one of my favorite couples in my book world. No long intro, this one doesn’t need it 🥰. Enjoy! ❤️

MELODEE

“Aight, let’s go, babe,” Amir said, leaning over his velvet seat and in Melodee’s direction.

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Twice in Love Chapter 6: “Zane, I remember you”

We couldn’t explore a Valentine’s Day theme of love finding its way back without talking about this chapter in Twice in Love. Zane and Desiree’s story found me randomly in the middle of a conversation with my husband and grew into something so memorable that I still revisit it from time to time. Especially this chapter, the one where Desiree does the thing she never believed she’d be able to do again… remember her husband, Zane.

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Archetype Deep Dive: Xander Cox

In a few days, you’ll get to know Xander Cox a lot better. While you received a solid introduction to him in Ready or Not, in Here Comes Love, I’m confident his presence will stay with you long after you close the book on his and Rylee’s story.

Xander is the quintessential man’s man. An alpha with a super soft heart and demeanor. He never runs from a fire. In fact, it’s his job to run toward them and fight. But truthfully, he’s a lover more than a fighter. A man who acts from his heart and speaks from his soul. Xander knows all the right things to say and do and could easily be described as Prince Charming in Jordans.

What is his archetype?

The Protector.

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Sneak Peek: Here Comes Love

I was going through the content calendar earlier this week and realized I didn’t schedule a sneak peek for Here Comes Love. That was totally unacceptable in my eyes, so I had to put together a little glimpse into my new release, which will be available next week on February 19th.

It’s the conclusion to Rylee Daniels’ journey in my book world and, friends, this one is really a must-read.

Check out the sneak peek below, and remember to mark your calendars for Thursday, February 19th. 

Enjoy!

XANDER

“So?” he asked, pushing his hands into his jeans pockets.

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Character Q&A: Danyelle Hayes

We’re inside a small boutique yoga studio tucked along a tree-lined Brooklyn street. The space smells faintly of eucalyptus and lavender. Exposed brick lines one wall, soft instrumental music hums low in the background, and sunlight filters through sheer curtains, landing gently across polished wood floors.

A few women quietly roll up their mats as the afternoon class ends. Danyelle Hayes remains seated cross-legged on hers, spine straight, skin glowing, her energy calm but alert. She’s dressed in a matching workout set that looks more stylish than athletic.

“I don’t come here to work out,” she says with a giggle, brushing a curl from her face. “I come here because it counts as movement for me. I hate working out but I love eating, so this is like… a healthy compromise.”

She checks the time on her phone.

Two hours before school pickup. She’s the PTA president. There’s a meeting tonight at the brownstone. Her calendar is full, so she makes me promise this will be quick.

Still glowing, still grounded, I don’t waste time.

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The Turning Point: Danyelle Hayes’s Choice in Living Out a Love Song

We first met Danyelle Hayes briefly in When Life Gives You Sunsets. She appeared as a side character, introduced as the best friend of FMC Clarke Ali. Through dialogue between Clarke and her brother Clyde, and Clarke’s own narration, we learn that Danyelle is married to Clyde.

The moment I drew that connection in Clarke’s character summary, I knew Danyelle and Clyde had a story worth telling. And while every element of Living Out a Love Song was fun to write, Danyelle’s turning point—set on Valentine’s Day—remains one of my favorite moments to revisit.

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Draft Diaries: Entry #01 – Starting the Heart of a Series

I have wanted to publish Draft Diaries from the start of this newsletter, but I’m someone who likes to do things in steps. With the conclusion of Rylee Daniels’s journey upon us, I’m excited to start fresh again with a new series. But not just any series… volume 2 of the Love is Cure series.

I’ve always known I wanted Love is Cure to be represented in volumes. Deciding to write seven thematic stories in volume 1 was a big goal, but I figured I could do it one step at a time, and I did. That series challenged me, but I feel it set me up to do great things. And I’m looking forward to volume 2 showing that.

So I wanted to start this content series with a blog post, bringing you into the process of creating a series from start to finish. Let’s get started with where I am in the process.

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Truth or Dare: Episode 14 – Truth – I Know What This Is

MALIK

Hip-hop blasted around me as I swung my arm back, positioning my feet just right to get the momentum I needed. Once I settled into the perfect angle, I took quick steps to the top of the lane and catapulted the shiny bowling ball down the narrow pathway. I watched, my head moving left to right as the ball glided smoothly along the wood, touching no sidewalls, offering nothing but clean form.

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Alternate Story Ending: Luke & Juliette (When Luke Met Juliette)

I loved this couple from their outline. And when I wrote their story, I sincerely had a time. I love writing the tropes I deeply love, and right up there with friends to lovers and second-chance romances is enemies to lovers tucked neatly between the two. This update is a beautiful one. I smiled so hard writing it, my cheeks hurt 😂. I hope you smile through it, too! Enjoy ❤️.

JULIETTE

Cognac and cigar smoke greeted me at the door the instant I stepped inside. The space was the usual caramel brown and soft lights, but it was emptier than usual.

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When Luke Met Juliette Chapter 8: “I’d like if you stayed, Juliette”

This was the chapter we’d been waiting for ever since that unforgettable prologue in When Luke Met Juliette. One of these days, we’ll have to break down that prologue in its own commentary… but today, we’re here for the moment…

The moment Luke and Juliette finally put down their weapons—and their armor—and meet face-to-face again.

Sure, they’re technically meeting to complete the interview both of them need. But if you’ve read this story with your whole heart, you know that was just the excuse. The real reason reveals itself in Chapter 8 which was that these two were always destined to be.

They just had to see it for themselves.

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Archetype Deep Dive: Rylee Daniels

I’ve made no secret of how much I adore Rylee Daniels. It could be because her first story was the first one I stepped out of my comfort zone to write. Rylee and her story with Lennox challenged my perception of love stories and how they end, and whew, I’ve grown from that.

Rylee’s strength is unassuming. On the surface, she seems to have it all, even when she doesn’t. She’s a go-getter and a silent leader. Very self-disciplined and willing to sacrifice without thinking twice. She’s been dealt difficult hands and practices the art of allowing, unintentionally. And although her first response to pushback, Rylee is an acceptor of fate, even when she doesn’t want to be.

She handles things with grace and makes moves from her heart.

What’s her archetype?

The Sovereign.

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Character Q&A: Clyde Ali

We’re in Clyde and Danyelle Ali’s Brooklyn brownstone, the kind of home that feels warm before you even step fully inside. The kitchen smells like sautéed onions and something slow-simmering on the stove. Clyde stands at the counter in a fitted tee and apron, moving comfortably between chopping, stirring, and glancing at the clock.

Danyelle took the kids to gymnastics practice. Their daughters are tumbling somewhere across the borough while their young son tags along. Clyde is using the quiet window to get dinner started before the house fills back up with noise and energy.

“I have to be mindful about being less fancy when it comes to dinners for my girls,” he laughs, shaking his head. “They’re not into none of the stuff I make at the restaurant. They turn their nose up at Gouda whenever I put it in their mac and cheese.”

The way he says my girls tells me everything I need to know. Him mentioning family and cooking feels like the perfect place to begin before he fully switches into dad and husband mode.

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The Turning Point: Rylee Daniels’s Choice in Last Comes Love

Throughout Last Comes Love, we watched Rylee Daniels and her best friend Lennox Walker’s relationship shift right before our eyes. What began as a silly pact made during Rylee’s twenty-first birthday dinner evolved into the two of them fulfilling that pact and creating a child together.

With every chapter, we wondered how these two would move from friends to lovers, and when it happened, it didn’t arrive all at once. It came in waves.

But it was the night Rylee walked into Lennox’s room, finally asking for the “favor” he told her she could ask for whenever she was ready, that truly shifted the story and marked one of Rylee’s most defining turning points in Last Comes Love.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Wesley Bishop from I Hate That I Love You

The very stoic Wesley Bishop. Writing opposites-attract romances is especially satisfying when one half of the pairing is as immovable as Wes. He is rigid, disciplined, and unapologetically set in his ways. So pairing him with a woman he swore he couldn’t stand felt like an irresistible challenge. As he so aptly admits in his serial, Jazmine Reeves is the only person who truly sees him. Wes is the kind of character you don’t forget once you meet him, and because he guards himself so fiercely, there’s far more to his story than what appears on the surface.

So, let’s get to know Wes Bishop a little more intimately.

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Alternate Story Ending: Jazzy & Wes (I Hate That I Love You)

Jazzy and Wes gave the enemies-to-lovers story I was craving when I decided to work on their story. And they’re still going strong. We’ll be seeing a lot more of these two, especially Jazzy… hint, hint 😉. Once our Draft Diaries series starts, you’ll know exactly what I mean. For now, enjoy this cute update from our subworld’s lovely new couple.

JAZZY

An impatient driver behind the wheel of a yellow taxi pressed down on his horn, adding some profanity to the noise, as he waited at a green light behind a car.

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My Only Chapter 14: “I’m married, Harper. Married”

This was the chapter we’d all been waiting for, and hopefully it didn’t disappoint.

The moment Hassani was finally faced with the reality of his work relationship with Harper.

The moment she confessed to sabotaging a massive building project just to get close to her “work husband.”

Throughout My Only, readers were practically yelling at Hassani to open his eyes. To see what was happening. Or maybe more importantly… to see what he was allowing to happen.

And in Chapter 14, everything came to a head—in his office, late at night—with the kind of clarity that leaves no room for excuses.

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Archetype Deep Dive: Hassani Franklin

Honestly, Hassani stole my heart the moment his character profile was complete. There was something about this boy from Long Island—a humble athlete who dreamed of seeing something different in his hometown—falling for the girl from Brooklyn that felt like magic.

It didn’t take long for readers to fall for him either. Hassani and Ayla might’ve frustrated us with their push and pull, but they stole our hearts in the process. We were invested in his growth. In whether or not he’d get the girl he clearly fell for at first sight, and what he’d do to keep her once he did.

Hassani has a way with words. He knows how to make people feel seen, valued, even adored. And while he sometimes struggles to read people’s true intentions, deep down, he’s a lover of love. A romantic at his core. And he’s never been afraid to show it. He doesn’t shy away from commitment. He wants it. He thrives in love, and when he’s in it, he’s all in.

So what archetype does that make him?

The Charmer.

Hassani Franklin’s Archetypes

• Primary: The Charmer
• Secondary Influences: The Hero, The Lover

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Character Q&A: Micah Black

We meet Micah on his break from classes at Le Cordon Bleu, just a few blocks away from the campus, in a small Parisian square tucked between stone buildings and narrow streets. A fountain sits at its center, water trickling steadily as students, locals, and tourists drift in and out of the space.

Micah leans back on the edge of the fountain, one leg stretched out, the other bent, a small paper cone of roasted almonds and dried cherries resting in his hand. It’s an unassuming choice for someone who spends his days preparing intricate dishes, but he doesn’t seem bothered by the irony.

“I retain information and work better on an empty stomach,” he says with a hearty chuckle, shrugging. “I don’t know why that is, but it just works for me to eat light while I’m at school.”

There’s an ease to him here. A quiet confidence. The kind that comes from finally standing where you once only dreamed of being.

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The Turning Point: Arielle St. James’s Choice in How to Lose Control in 42 Days

From the moment we meet Arielle St. James in How to Lose Control in 42 Days, it’s clear she’s put together. Immaculately so. Not just on the outside, but internally as well. Arielle is the fixer. The holder of things. The one who steps in before anyone else can even decide if they need help.

Carrying her family’s legacy on her shoulders wasn’t something imposed on her. It was something she willingly accepted. Believing only she could manage what bore the St. James name, she trained the people around her to depend on her. And in doing so, she lived in a constant state of stress, mistaking it for responsibility.

That wasn’t a sustainable way to live. And all it took was a young bartender walking into her establishment to awaken a craving she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge. A desire for a fresh start, far away from the life she’d convinced herself was non-negotiable. That desire becomes the seed of Arielle’s turning point.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Jazmine Reeves in I Hate That I Love You

Jazmine Reeves was always going to be a challenge to write. I knew that the moment I finished her character summary. She’s an infectious personality and unforgettable from the instant she appears in Episode One of I Hate That I Love You. Loud in presence, bold in opinion, and fearless in conviction, Jazmine is the kind of woman who takes up space without apology. But beneath that tough exterior is a true sweetheart for the people she loves. She’s a lover before she’s a fighter… though make no mistake, Jazzy will roll up her sleeves and stand her ground when necessary. As one of the FMCs anchoring this sub–book world, Jazmine isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be seeing plenty more of her in the future.

For now, let’s get to know Jazmine a little more intimately.

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Alternate Story Ending: Ivy & Leo (Raising Love)

I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and Raising Love is easily one of my favorites. From the moment I got the idea to tell Ivy and Leo’s story, I knew I’d love every step of the journey,  and I absolutely did. Catching up with these two feels like something that should happen more often… but maybe that’s just me being biased.

See for yourself. Enjoy!

IVY

I pulled the door open and stepped inside, one hand balancing a coffee tray, the other gripping my large bag.

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Raising Love Chapter 18: “I Caught Feelings For You, Ivy”

Raising Love has quickly become one of my favorite friends-to-lovers stories in my catalog.

At the core, it’s about what happens when two people who never pictured raising a family—especially not together—become guardians overnight and slowly build a home, a rhythm, and a love neither of them saw coming.

By Chapter Eighteen, everything we’ve seen Ivy and Leo struggle with—the loss of their friends, the confusion over their relationship, the baby in the middle of it all—shifts into something solid. Something beautiful. This chapter gave us a soft but powerful resolution we didn’t know was possible back when they first stepped foot in Greene Gardens.

And Leo’s softer side? It steals the scene.

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Archetype Deep Dive: Ayla Franklin (nee Samuels)

Ayla Franklin (née Samuels) is one of those characters who feels like family. I’ve spent so much time with her, from her teenage years all the way to the moment she walked down the aisle to marry her childhood friend. She was first inspired by a dream, her energy more than anything else: this beautiful soul who’s weathered life’s hardest lessons and learned how to turn pain into something meaningful.

Ayla is honest with herself, but she keeps a lot tucked away. She’s a loyal friend, an even more devoted lover, and someone who both fears and adores the world. Her greatest value is safety. She’s always seeking it, in people, in places, in promises. She believes in the good, even when her mind tells her not to. Even when it costs her.

What’s her archetype?

The Innocent.

Ayla’s Archetype(s)

Primary: The Innocent

Secondary Influences: The Loyalist, The Ingenue

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Character Q&A: Arielle St. James

We’re in Le Marais, tucked into one of its quieter streets where cobblestones curve gently beneath wrought-iron balconies and ivy climbs the sides of centuries-old buildings. It’s late afternoon—golden hour in Paris—when the light softens everything it touches. The café Arielle and I chose sits just off Rue de Turenne, all small marble tables and bentwood chairs, the low buzz of conversation blending effortlessly with the ceramic clink of espresso cups.

Arielle St. James sits across from me, impeccably dressed even in her most laid-back state. A tailored camel coat, a silk dress beneath, oversized sunglasses resting beside her cappuccino. Her posture is still deliberate, still composed, but there’s something lighter about her. Less armor. More breath.

“I nap now, you know,” she says with a quiet laugh, her gaze drifting toward a couple passing hand in hand. “And no matter how many naps I take, I can’t seem to get tired of sleeping. Micah calls me sleeping beauty.”

She’s been in Paris long enough to know its rhythm. Long enough to stop counting days. Long enough to admit—at least to herself—that while she loves Paris deeply, New York still lives somewhere in her bones.

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The Turning Point: Eva Gordon’s Choice in Home Before Midnight

Eva Gordon’s turning point comes early in Home Before Midnight. By the time we arrive at book two in the Home for the Holidays series, we already know that Eva and Jaleel have reconciled. Their separation has ended. Divorce is no longer on the table. They are actively choosing each other again.

So when Eva returns home from shopping, casually takes a pregnancy test before meeting up with Jaleel, and finds that her “just to make sure” moment results in a positive test, it’s a quiet but meaningful shift. One she chooses to hold close until she can tell her husband face to face.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Esme Bennett from When Love Just Happens

Esme Bennett is the kind of character in my book world who quietly exists on the sidelines, offering support, warmth, and insight to the main characters we fall for. I create side characters like her intentionally, always with the hope of returning to them later, keeping the thread between stories alive. And Esme is worth returning to. She’s a gentle romantic, optimistic about love but not consumed by it. Love finds her unexpectedly in When Love Just Happens, and I loved that journey for her. As a friend, she’s steady and sincere, and that same steadiness spills into her love story. You’ve come to know Esme through the eyes of others and through her own quiet strength.

Now, let’s get to know Esme a little more intimately.

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Alternate Story Ending: Eva & Jaleel (Home for Christmas)

My favorite holiday couple. My only holiday couple, actually 🥰.

Eva and Jaleel have become my unofficial holiday staples in my book world. I get asked often if they’ll ever get a full-length novel, and honestly… I don’t know. I just love these little peeks into their life.

Like this one.

Spending another Christmas with them gave me exactly what it needed to give… warmth, reflection, and a reminder of why they work so well. And I hope it does the same for you.

Merry Christmas, my favorite subscribers in the world. I hope you enjoy this story and this day. 🤍

EVA

“Oooh!” Jaleel shouted. “You cheating!”

I tipped my head back in laughter, then covered my mouth when I leveled my attention back on him.

He shook his head as he turned to the pile of money scattered on the floor in front of him.

“Now how can I cheat in Monopoly?”

“You done bought up all the properties on the board,” he fussed, sifting through the cash. “How much rent I owe you?”

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Home for Christmas Chapter 3: “How could I have forgotten how much power Jaleel had over me?”

Home for Christmas is hands-down my favorite Christmas romance I’ve written. There’s something about this story that’s soaked in Christmas magic—both in the storyline and the characters.

Chapter three may be short, but it gives us a powerful glimpse into the love Eva and Jaleel built—one that’s not as easy to walk away from as Eva once believed.

This is the chapter where Jaleel returns home for Christmas. And while the focus is on a simple dinner table moment, there’s nothing simple about how it feels for Eva to have her man back home, even if only for the night.

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Archetype Deep Dive: Jaleel Gordon

Jaleel Gordon is the kind of character I love writing. The kind who will do whatever it takes to make his life right again, especially when it comes to love.

When we meet Jaleel in Home for Christmas, there’s no mystery about what he wants. He wants his family back. He wants to get back in good with his wife. And from the moment he’s on the page, he doesn’t just talk about it, he shows up, and he doesn’t stop showing up.

He’s a loyal man, through and through. Devoted not just to his family, but to his team, his city, and the life he’s worked hard to build. Even though he plays on a professional basketball team, his greatest title is “husband.” From the time he was too young to know better, Jaleel had one goal: build a life with the woman he loved. So when that life is put in jeopardy, he doesn’t make excuses. He makes a way.

But he’s not only a committed partner. He’s a team player. Sacrificial, thoughtful, and strategic. The kind of man who thinks about the long game and acts for the greater good, even if it costs him in the short term. He’s got a complex… but it’s the good kind. He’s the kind of MMC that reminds us what emotional maturity looks like on the page, and we love to see it.

So what archetype does that make him?

The Hero.

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Truth or Dare: Episode 7 – Dare – Cross The Line

PRESLEY

I stood at the curb with a group of smiling, waving parents, all of our attention pinned to the giant coach bus idling ahead of us. Teenagers packed the windows, too many to count, some waving frantically, some flashing peace signs, my teen included.

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Character Q&A: Ryder Wallace

It’s late in New York City, the kind of night where the streets hum softly and creativity feels suspended in the air. I meet Ryder Wallace inside a recording studio tucked away in a quiet Midtown building. The space is dimly lit, warm with amber lights reflecting off soundproof walls and polished hardwood floors. Vinyl records from legends past line one wall, while a large mixing console sits at the center of the room, blinking softly as if still breathing from the work just done.

Lionel Barnes, the R&B icon Ryder is currently collaborating with, wrapped up for the night not too long ago. The booth still smells faintly of incense and fresh coffee, and Ryder hasn’t rushed to leave. He’s settled into the studio couch, headphones resting around his neck, prepared to listen back to the track and make notes before meeting Lionel again.

“Lionel relocated to New York City just for me so we could work on his album,” Ryder says, shaking his head with a quiet smile. “When he called, it was right around the time Kelli and I started our thing, and I didn’t want to leave. Can you believe that? For the first time in my life, I didn’t want to leave Rose Hill.”

There’s a stillness to him now. Not the restlessness of a man chasing something, but the calm of someone who’s finally found where he belongs.

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The Turning Point: Ayla Franklin’s Choice in My Only

Throughout My Only, Ayla Franklin existed in a timeline that led her to tell her husband, Hassani Franklin, that she wanted a divorce. And as devastating as it was to read her say those words, for Ayla, it was how she reclaimed her power. It was the moment she returned to the woman she used to be.

After The Blueprint section of the book, the wedding and honeymoon phase, there was one thing noticeably missing from Ayla’s life. Something that had always been a part of who she was before marriage. Her camera.

Her reunion with it, an unofficial side character in the story, became her turning point. Not because it fixed everything instantly, but because it brought her home to herself.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Kelli Sutherland from From Friends to Forever

In In Love, I Trust, Kelli Sutherland was the perfect side character. She asked the kinds of questions that forced her best friend, Serenity, to think and offered support even when she knew her friend was standing in her own way. I’d always planned to give Kelli her own story after creating her character summary for In Love, I Trust. And while I was brainstorming Ryder’s character for One Mic—after deciding he would be a Rose Hill, NY resident—I knew Kelli would make a great addition to my book world.

She’s already given us glimpses of who she is, but let’s get to know Kelli a little more intimately.

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Alternate Story Ending: Esme & Malcolm (When Love Just Happens)

You know we had to check in with these two, right? The second couple to kick off a whole world of serialized romances here in Brookelynite Daily,  and now officially the first to get a full alternate ending update.

When we last left Esme and Malcolm, they were curled up on his couch, still waiting to hear whether Malcolm’s son, Mason, got into the school that started their entire story… the reason Malcolm invited Esme into their home, and the place where tutor turned into true love.

Now, a full-circle moment awaits.

Enjoy!

ESME

My eyes scanned the words on the page as my finger made a slow path beneath each sentence. I mouthed it once… then again.

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