Too Series
Get a behind-the-scenes all-access pass to the Too Series by Kelly Thomas!
***Synopsis***
I live in Jacksonville Beach, FL. All my characters live somewhere in Jacksonville.
It centers around a group of family and friends. A brother and sister in the series, own a pub called Shot in the Dark, so a lot of the characters get together in the pub going forward.
What is the sub-genre and trope? Did your characters lead you to this genre or was that decided before the story began?
I write contemporary romance stories. I’m a brand-new author. Falling Too Hard was my first Enemies to Lovers story that I wrote… and I loved it!
Jaxson the main male character loved pushing all of Maggie’s buttons. It was really a fun book to write. I loved both of the main characters.
Are you more character or plot-driven?
Character driven, the plot is just to throw in some spice as I hate when couples break up over silly reasons.
However, my fourth book Never Too Late is about Sandra Harris and she witnesses a murder, that story more than any other is plot driven.
With many main and secondary characters, how do you keep them separated in your mind? Do you have a story/vision board above your workspace?
Basically yes. I always remember the characters, but I’ll forget what name I gave them, so I have a list of their name and what they look like in my mind, also I’ll write shy or bold… characteristics like that. As many of my secondary characters become the main characters in the next book.
I know from previous interviews that characters take on a life of their own. Were any of the characters in this series determined to take their own direction instead of where you initially wanted them to go?
Yes, my third book in the series Moving Too Fast. Every time I would try and write Hunter a certain way, he wanted to remain this nice conservative guy. So, I decided to play that up in the story. And he because a nice conservative guy that loves sex. LOL! There’s an unexpected pregnancy in that book and Hunter started reading all these pregnancy books and then started talking to Rebel’s belly, as he read it creates a bond with the unborn child. I swear I didn’t mean to have him do that… it just happened as his character developed.
Are any of the male POVs based on anyone you know?
My husband is the inspiration in all of my main characters. When he provokes me that’s Jaxson. I love to dance so he’ll grab me in the kitchen when a song comes on the radio and that’s Hunter. So, yeah. He’s in every one of my main male characters.
Are any of the female POVs based on anyone you know?
Well, I have two sisters and one is sweet and one is sassy. So again, it’s those traits that I put into each of my leading female characters. Also, I give each one of them the perfect ass (because that’s what I’ve always wanted – to have a really sexy butt and sadly I don’t).
Was there any one character/scene that was harder to write about than the other?
It’s always hard for me to write the conflict. You know that thing that prevents the couple from admitting how they feel. So, instead I decided to write something in the plot that brings about that ‘ah-ha’ moment when the guy or girl finally realize they have fallen in love.
What is your favorite book in the series?
I like Moving Too Fast because of how Hunter takes care of Rebel since she’s expecting. While it still had plenty of romance and steamy scenes. There’s a lot of precious moments where they realize they created a child, and they focus on creating a good marriage.
I know that we aren’t supposed to have “favorites” as far as our children, but seriously, who’s your favorite character and why?
Jaxson. He’s a private investigator and was constantly rubbing Maggie the wrong way. He delighted in provoking her.
Series question - Who is your favorite couple and why did you decide on their dynamics?
Falling Too Hard. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had writing a book and it was because of their instant attraction and how they both infuriated each other.
Yet, they couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. Both insisted they weren’t dating.
How do you get inside these characters’ heads to find their perfect HEA?
This sounds a little weird, but each character is looking for something different. Rebel lost her parents, so she wanted a family and stability (but thought she was fine being alone). I think all of my female characters are open to finding their perfect love.
Most of the guys aren’t looking for marriage, they don’t want to settle down. It’s finding that perfect match – that girl they can’t live without that changes their mind.
What scene in this book/series sticks out the most for you? Why?
In Moving Too Fast, Hunter had a goal to be a politician and help change the world. He realized in the book that his dream had changed after meeting Rebel and getting her pregnant.
I think that happens to all of us. Our dreams change as we live our life. New dreams take the place of old dreams but that doesn’t mean they are less meaningful. Just different.
Series - Were any of the books harder to write than others?
Never Too Late. It’s the first time I’ve written about an older couple (Jake’s mother from In Too Deep), she’s a widow.
She’s the first character that is lonely, but definitely not needy. She witnesses a murder and that starts a series of events where she’s the bait to draw out the bad guy.
This question is if you write in MULTIPLE POVs not just the hero and heroine - I love the multiple POVs in a book. It’s not just the hero and heroine, but we get inside the heads of multiple characters throughout this series. I feel that it gives the story further depth. Do you think you will write another book or series following this multiple POV outline?
Yes, as I grow as an author, I can see myself wanting to delve further into the secondary characters. Especially the bad guys. It would be great to hear their disgusting thoughts!
How long did it take you to write this book/series?
Honestly, I have no idea. As I write late at night or early in the morning. I have always loved to read shorter romance books, so I tend to write shorter romance books. Once I start writing though, I don’t want to do anything else until I come to a stopping point. And that could take hours!
How did you come up with the title for your book and series?
I typically do everything on my computer. However, for the titles I grabbed a tablet and pen and just started brain storming.
Once I selected In Too Deep which was a fake fiancée romance… and they were in too deep with their lie and couldn’t get out of it gracefully. The other titles just worked.
Falling Too Fast – Jaxson and Maggie fall too fast for each other.
Moving Too Fast, Rebel becomes pregnant and everything moves too fast for them.
Never Too Late…well you get the idea! Its an older couple who didn’t think they would find love again.
If you met these characters in real life would you get along?
Absolutely, I love each and every one of my main characters with all their different idiosyncrasies!
Series question – Did you know in advance that you were going to write this as a series or did one of the characters in book one demand their own story?
As I wrote the books, the secondary characters became main characters based on their personalities.
As I was writing Moving Too Fast, a secretary named Paige is very shy and dresses down, as she doesn’t like to be noticed. I know that she will be the start of my next series. She’s going to turn into a knock-out! I can’t wait to see what happens to her!
If your book/series were made into a movie, which actors do you see as playing your characters?
LOL! I purposely don’t put a face on the covers. I tend to only want to see a man’s strong jaw line. Because I get this picture in my mind of the main characters and nobody better mess with that.
I also don’t think my books will ever hit the big screen and I’m fine with that. I want people to think of a moment in the book that makes them smile in the middle of their workday. That is my goal.
Can you give us a hint as to what we can expect next? Whether a new book and series or a sequel to an existing series? Can you share a small tease?
Back to Paige, she’s a secretary in Moving Too Hard and she wears big sweaters to hide her figure and pulls her hair into a tight ponytail. She wears glasses.
I don’t have all the details worked out in my mind yet, but I know that Hunter and Rebel will be recommending her as a fake fiancée or wife to some drop-dead gorgeous man who will take one look at her and wonder how it will work.
Later when he meets her again, he won’t recognize her as the same shy unattractive girl he met. He will be shocked at how gorgeous she is. I think I will have her eye color be unusual behind her big glasses… I will have a lot of fun with her!
I used to love dressing up and doing my makeup and hair with my sisters. Paige is going to be a true hidden knock out! (I haven’t started writing that book yet, but when I described her in Moving Too Fast, the ideas started flowing. I had to put the ideas on pause while I finished Never Too Late.)
I think Paige’s story will be the start of my next series.
I'm a true romance junkie. I love romance! I love reading romance books; I love writing romance books.
I love everything about romance.
I have a sign above our door that reads: 'and they lived happily ever after.'
It's more than just my motto! ;o)
When I was single, my friends would ask me if I was 'looking for Mr. Right?'
I would shake my head and reply, 'No, I'm waiting for Prince Charming. He's just taking his time showing up.'
Well, he at last did show, and you guessed it, we fell deeply in love.
I've now been happily married to the love of my life for quite a few years.
My handsome husband is the inspiration for all of my lead male characters!
We currently live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, as we love the sand and the sun.
I'm also an avid gardener and love to cook. So, lo-and-behold, many of my main characters do too!
I tend to write very early in the morning or late at night... depending on when the mood strikes me or when I find my inspiration.
My husband has gotten used to me saying, 'just one more line...'
My sister’s joke that I've been writing stories since I was a teenager, and now I've finally been able to write them down!
I am finally pursuing my passion!
Connect with Kelly:
Email: KellyThomas@blankslatepublications.com
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r3inKV
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092267142796
Newsletter Signup: https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/395821/sites/92506536248607915/6xZFXf
When Jake needs a fiancée, it's Haley to the rescue!
I have been in love with Jake all of my life! He is HOT. Like panty melting hot!
But I’m invisible to him, he only sees me as his best friend’s little sister and completely off-limits.
Until one night he sees me in a bar…and he doesn’t recognize me.
Moving in with him wasn’t part of the deal. Falling into bed with him wasn’t either.
As a chef, I thought I could handle the heat, but when the sparks begin to fly!
Someone is going to get burnt!
That is no excuse for him to accuse me of stealing his luggage!
After he almost got me arrested at the airport. I truly hate the man!
Sexy, arrogant men are so not worth my time!
I’m a fiery redhead with a temper to match. We’re like oil and water.
I’ve sworn off men and made a promise to myself and all my friends - No more relationships!
Jaxson and I can’t stand each other, but we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other either.
So, he agrees to my terms: A ‘good time only, no strings attached’ torrid affair.
But the more I’m around him, the more my heart is in danger of getting broken.
By a man that I hate, or do I?
He has his entire life planned out and doesn’t like surprises!
Rebel, a sassy, sexy, bar owner wasn’t planned.
After a hot, steamy, one-night stand…he’s gonna be a dad!
Surprise!
Detective Ben Tucker:
I've been ordered to protect Sandra Harris at all costs, as she witnessed a murder and is now the target.
I have been trying to bring in Raphael Jarvis, a vicious criminal for over a year, but somehow he's evaded all my efforts.
Now, I may finally have the chance to bring him down, but only if I use Sandra as bait.
Sandra Harris:
I'm the widow of a very wealthy man. Ben and I had a recent passionate affair.
Now, I'm relying on him and his team to keep me alive.
Forced together, we can't deny our attraction to each other anymore.
We are from two very different worlds.
I trust him with my life, but can I trust him with my heart?
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