Inside The Character: Getting to Know Rayelle Bell from They Call Me Mello

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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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Romello “Mello” St. Claire from They Call Me Mello

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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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.  

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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.  

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Clyde Ali from Living Out a Love Song

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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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Melodee Delon-Jones from Girl Code and Mr & Mrs Jones

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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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Everett Peters from Gluttony

There’s not enough words to express how much I love Everett Peters and his emotionally and self-aware self! I always wondered how the children of therapists would be like, and I got the chance to live vicariously through Everett and his sister Eryn. Everett’s story, Gluttony, is the longest story I’ve written to date. It was pages of detailed development that resulted in a story rich enough to sink our teeth into. For a seven deadly sin I thought I wouldn’t know what to do with, Everett made that journey such a pleasure.  

Let’s get to know Everett Peters more intimately.  

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Desiree Armstrong from Twice in Love

Desiree Armstrong’s story was short but impactful. Readers fell in love with her and her husband almost immediately upon meeting them. This is the magic of a short story—it demands getting to the heart of the characters quicker than a novella or slow burn. Her story was unforgettable (pun intended) and left a lasting first impression. It takes a special kind of person to navigate the journey back to themselves the way Desiree had to after losing her memory.

Let’s get to know the FMC from Twice in Love more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Apryl Wilde from Gluttony

Apryl Wilde is definitely one of my standout characters. She’s successful, headstrong, and has a knack for turning life’s hardest hits into fuel for her fire. She’s one of my alpha women characters, a type of FMC I truly love writing. Apryl was, and still is, the perfect other half of the fifth book in the Love is Cure series, with most readers liking her instantly. Let’s dive deeper into Apryl’s story and uncover what makes her tick.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Zane Armstrong from Twice in Love

Readers loved Zane Armstrong from scene one. His patience stood out immediately, followed by his unwavering, devoted love for his wife, Desiree. After her near-tragic car accident left her without any memory of him, Zane didn’t feel defeated—he rose to the challenge. Through heartfelt efforts, he guided them both down memory lane, recreating their cherished moments and taking readers along for the emotional ride. Though Zane and Desiree’s story in Twice in Love is short, it’s undeniably sweet.

Let’s get to know Zane, the man who stole hearts from the very beginning, more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Jaleel Gordon from Home for Christmas and Home Before Midnight

Jaleel Gordon is a fan favorite. He’s loyal, devoted, and loves him some Eva Gordon. When we first meet him, he’s a husband and father excited to return home for the holidays. This theme continues throughout the follow-up story to the holiday short, Home for Christmas, titled Home Before Midnight. And the follow-up only made us love him more.  

Let’s get to know Jaleel Gordon more intimately.  

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Eva Gordon from Home for Christmas and Home Before Midnight

Eva Gordon is one of those characters who feels like a warm hug wrapped in a love story. She’s the definition of grace, balance, and knowing your worth, even when life throws curveballs your way. When I created Eva, I wanted her to represent the kind of love that doesn’t just exist for someone else but also for yourself. She’s deeply relatable, from her bubbly personality to her firm boundaries, and her story is one of resilience, healing, and rediscovering love on her own terms. Eva’s journey in Home for Christmas was a joy to write, and she’s a character that stays with you long after the last page.  

Let’s get to know Eva Gordon more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Meki Knight from Unsilent Knight and A Love Deferred

Meki Knight is a reader favorite because he’s far more than what his surface suggests. When we first meet him in Unsilent Knight, Meki comes across as a bit aggy, with little patience for our FMC, Cadence. But as his character unfolds, particularly in A Love Deferred, we discover a deeper, more endearing side of him that’s impossible not to fall for. Meki is a man shaped by his past, someone who seeks love and isn’t afraid to admit it—even if it takes time.  

Let’s get to know Meki more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Cadence Nice from Unsilent Knight and A Love Deferred

I’ve had some favorite characters over the years, but if you asked me which character I identified with the most, it would be Cadence. I injected a lot of myself into her character makeup. Working in IT (as I did in my twenties) and loving yoga (a practice I’ve been committed to for many years) are just a couple of our shared traits. Though we are different in many ways—especially her fear of love—Cadence mirrors me in her love for order, planning, and organizing. She’s a favorite of mine and of readers, too.

Let’s get to know Cadence Nice, now Cadence Knight, more intimately.  

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Kai Avery

Kai Avery is the kind of character that embodies ambition, style, and the pursuit of greatness in every sense. He’s sharp, creative, and unrelenting when it comes to achieving his goals. As one of the most driven men in my book world, Kai’s journey is about more than just success—it’s about balance, vulnerability, and finding the courage to pursue what truly matters. His charisma and undeniable talent make him unforgettable, but it’s his growth that makes him truly stand out. Whether you’re rooting for him or frustrated with him, one thing is certain: Kai leaves an impression.

Let’s get to know Kai Avery more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Desmond Ellis III

Desmond Ellis is a character who doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the Love is Cure series… but that’s just my opinion. He’s truly an amazing man—one who knows the meaning of sacrifice and embraces it wholeheartedly. Not only is he kind, but he’s also incredibly smart and altruistic. He has all the ingredients of the perfect book bae because, let’s be honest, he is the perfect book bae. Desmond came into Mykal’s life at exactly the right time because the path she was on wasn’t leading anywhere good. Everything changed the moment he “stole her job” 🤭.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Mykal Jones

Mykal Jones is a character who sparks strong opinions among readers. Many find her difficult to like, even after her transformation by the end of Envy, while others empathize with her choices, even if they don’t agree with them. One thing is certain—Mykal leaves a lasting impression. Her story is raw, unapologetic, and at times, challenging, but her growth? Absolutely top-tier. 

Let’s dive deeper into who Mykal truly is.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Zoe Stewart

Zoe Stewart is a series favorite, and for good reason. She’s down to earth, easygoing, and tells it like it is—even if her honesty might be taken the wrong way at first. Zoe values her relationships deeply and comes across as an incredibly relatable character on the page. There isn’t a single negative thing we can say about Zoe. She embodies the virtue of all virtues and was influential enough to spearhead the development of a new town that will set the stage for the next era in my book world.

Let’s get to know Zoe, now Mrs. Greene, a bit more intimately. 

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Inside The Character: Getting to Know Rylee Daniels

Rylee Daniels is one of my favorite characters, if not my favorite, that I’ve created thus far. I don’t shy away from saying that because it’s true. I love all of my characters, but Rylee is a standout. She’s strong without realizing it, brave despite her uncertainty about where life is taking her, yet willing to go along for the ride. She stole my heart as just an idea, but when I developed her character, I fell in love with her as an individual trying to make it in the game of life. Her friendship with Lennox was one I loved exploring, and her future in my book world is a bright one.

Before we go any further, let’s get to know Rylee Daniels a little more intimately before we meet her again!

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Bryant Greene

Bryant Greene was a character I liked the moment I created his character summary. Besides being good friends with one of my favorite characters—Lennox Walker—Bryant’s journey to success was impressive. Now, greed is the vice I’m no fan of. I can’t take it when someone with so much still wants more, especially when that “more” means taking from people who have far less. But Bryant and his greedy ways didn’t completely turn me off. His growth in book three of the Love is Cure series was fun to write and even better to read.

Let’s get to know Mr. Greene a little more intimately.

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Inside The Character: Getting to Know Leelah Waters from Lust

Leelah Waters was our second virtue in the Love is Cure universe, and her personality is one that a lot of readers loved, myself included. She mastered the balance between her soft side and her firm, more authoritative side, creating a dynamic that Pryce Williams couldn’t wait to return to. Leelah is one of the virtues who can relate to the vice she’s paired with because, at one point in her life, she was caught up in that same vice. Some readers felt she made Pryce work too hard to earn her affections back, while others thought she didn’t make him work hard enough! Personally, I think she handled everything with the perfect amount of grace, bringing both her and her high school sweetheart to a conclusion they could enjoy and heal from—together.

Let’s get to know our girl Leelah a little more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Pryce Williams from Lust

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

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

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

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

Let’s get to know Trey more intimately.

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Inside The Character: Getting to Know Serenity Payne from In Love, I Trust

Serenity Payne is a character I admire. She’s been driven from the time she was a little girl, and the moment she had the chance to create a life she’d love, she seized it. However, Serenity has also lived much of her life in fear and self-protection—constantly on guard, not wanting to experience the same heartaches she saw the women around her endure, particularly in love.

Serenity took living vicariously pessimistically, and for understandable reasons. Let’s get to know the FMC of a story that, if it hadn’t existed, we might never have gotten From Friends to Forever.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Naazir Goodman From Ebb & Flow

Naazir Goodman is an MMC I think of often, and I genuinely like him. The contrast between his personality and his outer shell is intriguing. The fact that he was more than what met the eye in Ebb & Flow is one of the reasons his character made a lasting impression… not only on me, but on readers too.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Nubia Merci from Ebb & Flow

Nubia Merci. A personal favorite of mine. Nubia’s story started as a free download for my subscribers, and if I’m not mistaken, it was one of the first free offerings I shared with my mailing list, aside from the sign-up stories. Readers fell in love with Nubia just as much as I did, and they often asked if her and Naazir’s story would continue. Of course, it was an automatic yes. And not only because I loved these two as a couple, but because I was simply in awe of Nubia’s character.

Let’s get to know the woman behind the name a bit more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Asher Truesdale from Wrath

Asher Truesdale stepped into my mind, then onto the page, and instantly stole my heart. I can’t even discuss him without blushing. He’s one of my favorite book baes, if not my absolute favorite (don’t tell Amir!), and for very good reason. His patience is the most attractive thing about him, but the man is full of traits that radiate excellence.

Let’s dive into the man who has become an instant favorite for many of us—the incomparable Asher Truesdale.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Lauryn James from Wrath

Lauryn James is by far one of my favorite heroines. I have never written a character like Lauryn. Mainly because I always feared that I would feel too deeply as I wrote  a story like hers and her experience with trauma. I dreaded writing her story because of this. There was even a moment in the writing process where I felt I needed to take a break to conduct my version of a character Q&A. I had to do that because I’d developed her guarded character so well, she was even guarded towards me! But once Lauryn let me into the bones of her character, I was rooting for her from inception. To this day, I would ride for Lauryn James.

Let’s get to know a character who truly deserved the happily ever after she received.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Yusuf Baldwin from When Life Gives You Sunsets

Yusuf Baldwin is part of my new school of book baes who have waltzed onto my pages and stolen my heart without apology. Simply by being his amazing and vulnerable self, Yusuf is truly a character readers couldn’t help but love and feel for.

My heart ached as I wrote his story. By every sense of the word, Yusuf did everything right, yet his life didn’t seem to reflect that. And not once did he hold back on the page, letting his feelings, his hurt, and eventually his healing shine through.

We know Yusuf well, but let’s get to know him even better.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Clark Ali From When Life Gives You Sunsets

Clarke Ali made her first appearance in my book world in When Luke Met Juliette. She was the outspoken friend at the Valentine’s dinner table, and though she had only a few lines, it was enough to give readers a taste of her character. Readers got to know Clarke much better in her story, When Life Gives You Sunsets, a beautiful tale about love and healing hearts.

Clarke later appeared in my Valentine’s Day short story, Living Out a Love Song. This story was set in the past and showed a younger Clarke Ali. Clarke is one of my favorite characters. Her name is one I fell in love with the moment I gave it to her, and she’s the risk-taking, life-exploring spirit that gave When Life Gives You Sunsets its sunny feel. Let’s get to know her more intimately.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Luke Lockett from When Luke Met Juliette

Luke is one of those characters I knew readers would have mixed feelings about. He doesn’t fit the perfect image of the book bae who does everything right. He’s brash, brutally honest, and unapologetic about it all. And honestly, I really love that about him. He isn’t the most amiable person to read about, and he doesn’t say the things you’d expect from a book bae. He’s flawed in his thinking and a product of what happens when prevention goes too far.

Despite this, Luke’s heart is pure, and he is giving in so many ways. A nurturer by nature, the way he loves would surprise people who judge him only by what they see on the surface. And for that, I adore him.

Let’s dive into Luke’s backstory to get a better understanding of who Luke Lockett is.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Juliette Hart from When Luke Met Juliette

Juliette Hart is a character favorite for me. Most of my heroines are usually fighting the feeling of falling in love out of fears brought on by their own consciousness. While at the start of When Luke Met Juliette, Juliette is doing everything to avoid falling for a guy again, she hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of love. She’s just prioritized her career. As luck would have it, prioritizing her career creates a magnetic force that pulls her headfirst into love.

Let’s get to know our girl Juliette Hart, the girl with the gorgeous red hair, a little better.

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Inside The Character: Getting to Know Summer McKoy From Pride

Readers have two reactions to the mention of Summer McKoy’s name. They either sigh in annoyance at what they remember her character being like or they laugh at one of the many audacious or pompous things that came out of her mouth without a care in the world who she offended.

Despite that, Summer McKoy is one of my favorite characters I’ve created. Her personality challenged me to find the good in her so I could tap in and tell her story in a realistic and relatable way. Even to this day, when she appears in a cameo in a story, I genuinely love catching up with her. Because Summer is Summer and you can always depend on her being herself… for better or for worse.

Let’s get to know the character who kicked off an entire seven-book series with seven little words – “Ugh, what am I even doing here?”

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Jayce Martin from Pride

Jayce Martin is by far one of my favorite book baes ever. He just takes the cake when it comes to his compassionate heart and his gentle approach as an alpha. His heart is so big and filled with so much love, he can find the good in just about anyone, including his love interest Summer McKoy.

While others may write off certain people, deciding they are incorrigible or incapable of changing, Jayce challenges that thinking with his selfless approach. He’s simply the best. Let’s get to know the MMC of Pride.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Simeon King from Sloth

Simeon King made his first appearance in my book world in the friends-to-lovers story So This is Love. At the end of that story, and in the author’s note, I mentioned to readers they would see him again in a story of his own. Sloth is that story.

When I first wrote my character summary of Simeon as a side character in So This is Love, I knew I wanted to develop him further. He was a dreamer, relying heavily on his dreams and confidently attesting to doing so. That alone made me want to know more about the smooth-talking sports agent who got Dallas to let down his guard, set aside his jaded view about sports agents, and actually hear what Simeon had to say.

Let’s get to know the MMC that stole my heart from his first appearance in my book world.

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Inside the Character: Getting to Know Eryn Peters from Sloth

Eryn Peters has been a character I have truly looked forward to working with. From the moment I created the summary of her character for her appearance in Gluttony (the fifth book in the Love is Cure, Vol. 1 – Vices & Virtues series, and her brother’s book), I knew she would be a character worth developing.

Though she was a side character in Gluttony, Eryn is the definition of main character energy. Let’s dive into the character known as Eryn Peters to get to know her intimately.

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