LET'S WELCOME RHONDA JAMES AUTHOR OF: JERSEY GIRL

LET'S

WELCOME

RHONDA JAMES

AUTHOR OF:

Rad-Reader:  What made you want to write this story?

Rhonda:  I've always loved the idea of forbidden love. And the whole "Best friend's sister" always gets me. 

Rad-Reader:  Where did the idea come from?

Rhonda:  Brantley and Cassie came to me in a dream. I'd been in the middle of a project that I wasn't overly thrilled with and one night I had this crazy dream about a hot hockey player and his best friends. I remember waking up from that dream and rushing out to grab my laptop. I sat down and started typing and couldn't get the words down fast enough. I've never had a book come together as easily as Jersey Girl did. Those characters just wouldn't stop talking. Each and every day the words poured out of me and I was so deeply in love I didn't care how much sleep I lost in the process. 

Rad-Reader:  How long did it take you to write the book?

Rhonda:  Four months from start to finish. I wanted to make sure everything was just right before I sent it off to be published.

Rad-Reader:  How did you develop the two main characters?  Are they similar to anyone you know?

Rhonda:  It's funny because I can't recall putting a lot of thought into them. I just kept replaying that dream over and over and used those images as my guide. I feel that Cassie is probably a combination of myself and several girls I knew growing up. Many of us had times when we'd fallen for someone we weren't supposed to fall for. The whole concept of wanting what you can't have played a huge part in B and Cassie's love affair. It also made it a lot of fun to write!

Rad-Reader:  Why did you choose hockey over other sports to write about?

Rhonda:  I love hockey. Growing up, I had a thing for Steve Yzerman. I still do!!

Rad-Reader:  Scotty has a girlfriend why are none of the other guys allowed?  Or just not her?

Rhonda:  The other guys can have girlfriends, they have just chosen not to. As far as Scott was concerned, his sister was off-limits. I think it was because Scott knew what 'players' they all were. I truly believe he didn't want to see his little sister get hurt.

Rad-Reader:  What is with this Justin ex?  Did he physically hurt her?

Rhonda:  Not in the sense that he beat her. But he was verbally abusive and very controlling. He wasn't always that way but became that way over time. I never went into a lot of detail, but I feel Justin was controlling because he didn't want Cassie discovering what a lying cheat he really was.

Rad-Reader:  Cage like’s Cassie.  Why doesn’t he just ask Scotty to date, Cassie?

Rhonda:  Because he wouldn’t man-up! Don't get me wrong. I love Brantley. He stole my heart from the moment we met. But I really wished he would have told Scott to go F--- himself. Scotty was protective over Cassie, but the longer he dated Ashley the more temperamental he became. I think the guys all felt it was easier not to rock the boat and sneak around instead. Also, it played into the whole "no commitment" rule B had made for himself.

Rad-Reader:  I understand him avoiding her but why was he all-out mean when at the bar with the redhead?

Rhonda:  Because Brantley was actually drunk that night in the bar. He wasn't intentionally being mean. He was merely being an idiot. Plus, he thought if he was rude then she wouldn't come around and he wouldn't be tempted by her. See... IDIOT! LOL

Rad-Reader:  Ashley sounds possessive or is it that Scotty is self-absorbed that he won’t find the time for his sister?

Rhonda:  A little of both. In Jersey Girl we see Scott Rivers at his absolute worst. But he wasn't always a prick. In Save My Heart (which is Scott's book) you meet the man behind the mask. While he still isn't always at his best, you get to see that he truly wants to make things right again.

Rad-Reader:  Brantley seems like a nice guy so why does Scotty wants him to date his sister?

Rhonda:  Scotty is just your average big brother who "knows" his sister may be sexually active but having his best friend date her would take that awareness to a whole new level. And he can't handle it.

Rad-Reader:  Once Cage hears about his dad, we hear no more.  He was going to talk to Candy.  Will he now talk to Cassie?

Rhonda:  Well, seeing as how Candy was actually Cassie, he actually did talk to her about his dad. Part of what my intention with that was to show how self-absorbed we can become. If we aren't careful, we can hurt those we love. That is exactly what happened with Brantley's parents. 

Rad-Reader:  What happens to his dad?  Are his parents getting a divorce?  Was he having an affair?

Rhonda:  No. You later learn that his dad wasn't fooling around physically. But he did emotionally turn to another woman for support and advice instead of trusting his wife. But I reveal that his parents work things out.

Rad-Reader:  Scotty seems like he is ghosting his sister.  Why?

Rhonda:  Ashley demanded too much of his time. She was bossy, but she was also very focused on her future and the attention she gave Scott really stroked his ego. In his book, Save My Heart, you learn that somewhere along the path of life Scotty sort of lost his way.

Rad-Reader:  What is the thing with Davis?  Does he have a crush on Cassie?  Is that why he’s playing so bad?  Since Brantley is spending time with her?

Rhonda:  Davis actually does have a bit of a crush on Cassie. Davis is this amazing guy who never settled down. He admires what Cassie and Brantley share. Not the sex aspect, but the genuine friendship and idea of knowing you're with someone who only wants the best for you. It's what he grew up with and what he secretly longs for. He finds it in his own story, Fire and Ice.

Rad-Reader:  Ashley seems like she has or wants total control of Scotty.  What does she have on him?  Like what he did to her for their one on one dinner.

Rhonda:  Ashley basically has Scotty by the balls, only he was too blind to see how whipped he was. He does start coming around though. It isn't until the big blow-up with B and Cassie that he finally saw how out of control his life had become.

Rad-Reader: Is Scotty feeling whipped by her?  She seems like she has plans set for him, her and his career.

Rhonda:  Scott is a pleaser. He may be a leader on the ice and with his friends, but he is easily influenced by others and what they think is best for him. You see and learn more about that in Save My Heart.

Rad-Reader:  Is Ashley why the team is not jelling?  Since Scotty is not around?

Rhonda:  I wouldn't necessarily blame Ashley, but she sure isn't helping the situation. I believe it had more to do with the fact that most of the high scoring team members had graduated the year prior and the team is now made up of younger talent and they just haven't found a rhythm yet.

Rad-Reader:  Scotty has turned to be a total disappointment.  I don’t know why they're worried about him and his rules.  Why are they?

Rhonda:  We are seeing Scott at his absolute worst. These guys have known him for a long time. Since before he met Ashley. And they know she is the problem. they just don't know how to help Scott see what they see.

Rad-Reader:  Cage seems to be running from his fear of commitment to a girlfriend.  Doesn’t he realize that’s what he is already doing now with Cassie?

Rhonda:  No. And that is what frustrates Cassie the most. Knowing of his fear yet experiencing the tender way he speaks to her. The way he holds her. Protects her. Makes love to her. She knows in her heart there is more to what they share than they are letting on. She just doesn't know how to make him realize it.

Rad-Reader:  Or is he long term like Scotty with Ashley who doesn’t want to have a carry-over girlfriend to the pros?

Rhonda:  Cage has always dreamed of playing professional hockey. He's signed his intent to play with the Detroit team. But unlike Scott, he would be willing to walk away from it all once he realizes he's in love with Cassie. That he's been in love all along. Once he's able to admit it, he knows in his heart she is worth more to him than anything else. 

Rad-Reader:  Will there be a follow-up book?

Rhonda:  There already is. Most readers may not realize that Cassie and Brantley have their HEA told in a separate book that is titled, B my Forever. When I wrapped up Jersey Girl, I intentionally ended it without an Epilogue. In fact, It's the only book of mine that doesn't have one. But as their story unfolded, I knew I wanted to write their wedding story. However, I didn't want it to be only a chapter or two. I wanted to go into more detail. And those two characters made it easy because they never stopped talking! LOL

Rad-Reader:  If your book was made into a movie who would you want to play…

Cassie:  AnnaSophia Robb
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/159807486765599144/

Cage:  Kris Letang (younger)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/517421444670275234/

Scotty:  Gabriel Landeskog

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/159807486765599135/

Rhonda:  I honestly never gave it a lot of thought but when I looked at your picks I was floored! You nailed each one of them to a tee!!! Great job!

Rad-Reader:  What song or songs best describes your book as a whole or parts of your book with the characters in mind?

“Let’s Go Home – Ella Henderson & James Arthur”

When Cassie and Cage meet there was an instant connection.  More importantly, there is a friendship.  Neither was what others would be with to the normal eye.  But they work.

https://youtu.be/NQF_Y7H_5XA

“After You – Meghan Trainor”

After that first kiss, she wanted “B”(Brantley Cage) badly no matter what.  But her brother’s crazy Bro Code spooked “B”.  He started ghosting her then when she found her in her dorm, he came around, but was it all of him?

https://youtu.be/yTh5H5z9gnY

Just Friends – Ally Barron

When they put the roadblocks up so “B” could honor her brother’s crazy bro code.  She was so hurt though each time would introduce her as Scotty’s Little sister.  Treating her as less than what they had that first day.

https://youtu.be/v-X3YrL4hhc

“Chance Worth Taking – Mitchell Tenpenny”

“B” has kept his heart heavily guarded after a bruising break up freshman year.  No girlfriends for him.  When is BFF’s sister arrives in his bed without notice his world changes and his heart starts to crack for the better?

https://youtu.be/C-ihMdk0xeo

Rhonda:  I absolutely love those songs! One song that stood out over and over was “Charlie Puth's "One Call Away." That song seemed to embody everything that B was to Cassie. In her eyes, he truly was her Superman.

https://youtu.be/BxuY9FET9Y4

Rad-Reader:  What is your favorite type of music?

Rhonda:  I love all kinds of music. 80's. Country (old and new). Boy Bands (love me some BSB). Classic Rock. I listen to Spotify while I'm writing and each book has a specific playlist that matches perfectly with the story being told.

Rad-Reader:  What is your favorite food?

Rhonda:  Fried chicken and Mexican food

Rad-Reader:  What other genres would you like to try your hand out?

Rhonda:  I would love to write Suspenseful Romance. I also am a sucker for the whole high school (think senior in HS) romance books. Not the bully romance. I hate bullies. But I am a sucker for young love and the whole art of falling into love when you are young and naive.

Rad-Reader:  What was the first book you ever published?

Rhonda:  Across the Miles which I published in March of 2015. It seems like a lifetime ago.

Rad-Reader:  What is the next project you have coming out?

Rhonda:  I am honored to be a part of Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward's Cocky Hero World. I will be writing a story based off of the characters in Cocky Bastard. My book, Charming Bastard, will feature a thirty-something veterinarian that's taken by surprise when his estranged wife shows up not only in the town he now resides in, but the veterinary practice he works in. It's a second chance romance. Those are my favorites! I can't wait for you to read it later this year!

Rad-Reader:  Where can our readers buy your books?  Links

Rhonda:  All of my books can be purchased on:

Amazon

All other platforms:

Jersey Girl

Fire and Ice

Save My Heart

B my Forever 

Rad-Reader:  Where can our readers find you on the Web?  Links

Rhonda:  Bookbub→https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rhonda-james

Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/authorRLJames/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rljames.author/?hl=en

Join Rhonda’s Roadies, my reader group →

https://www.facebook.com/groups/575794762600243/ 

Amazon → http://viewauthor.at/RhondaJames

Rhonda,
Thank you for being with us.  We had been gone for awhile due to illness and the holiday so we are so glad that you were able to be with us.  I truly enjoyed your book and your characters.
Char