What’s Up With Rose?

I saw the tweet sometime in between books two and three in my Accidental Love series. A reader wanted to know: “What’s up with Rose?”

It was a good question. In the first book in the series, Wrong Bed, Right Roommate, Rose talks a big talk like she’s happy with her boyfriend, Jason. But her friends have reservations about him. How come he never wants to hang out in their social circle? Why is he always too busy, important, and into himself to prioritize Rose and her close-knit circle of friends?

By the second book, Wrong Bed, Right Girl, Rose and Jason are engaged—and her friends are even more concerned for her. They call Jason “Mr. Fancypants,” but it’s clear the term isn’t exactly endearing. What started as gentle ribbing becomes more serious. They’re trying to be more open-minded, thinking that since he’s going to be in their lives from now on, they’d better make an effort. But “Mr. Fancypants” still has his nose stuck in the air.

I thought a lot in books one and two about how to set up Rose’s story for my next release, Wrong Bed, Right Man. I knew from the beginning that Rose’s story would NOT be about finding an HEA with Mr. Fancypants. I don’t think any reader will start off Wrong Bed, Right Man wanting her to be with him—whether they’ve met Rose before this book or not! But how was I going to get her out of that relationship so she could experience what true love looks like?

And then I wondered…what would her friends say?

In some ways, it’s not up to them. It’s so important to learn to make your own decisions about who to love. Sometimes the friends and family who claim to be “so concerned” about us don’t have our best interests at heart. At best, they don’t fully know who we are and what we need to be happy. At worst, their intervention comes come from bigotry and can be a form of control and abuse.

But Rose’s group of friends in the Accidental Love series all want what’s best for their besties. I really felt for them as I tried to capture that fine line between supporting a friend while still being honest. No one wants to alienate a friend or drive her away—and risk making her even closer with the not-so-great guy in question. But it’s also important not to pretend that a mediocre relationship is somehow amazing.

It can be so hard as a friend to know what to say when someone you love is dating someone you…don’t. Do you tell them exactly what you think? Or is it better to keep your mouth shut? How do the protocols change when you fear for someone’s safety and well-being, versus knowing they’re settling for someone who doesn’t speak to their whole heart?

I wish I knew the answers to these questions! I know that all I can do as a friend is be a good listener and make it clear that I’m not going anywhere, no matter what. For Rose’s circle of friends, it’s a question of when to practice “tough love,” and how “tough” that love should be. I think Rose is lucky to have such an amazing group of women to lean on, who care about her and will stick by her through and through. Even when everyone is wondering, “What’s up with Rose?” she doesn’t have to go through her hard times alone.

I hated sticking Rose with Mr. Fancypants in books one and two, before she gets to meet the true love of her life. But I think, looking back, that she wouldn’t change a thing. Rose grew stronger and more independent when she left her fiancé. She learned for herself what she wanted in a relationship—and what she’d never put up with again. I think Owen is a pretty lucky guy to have found her! I know her friends are all relieved when she winds up with someone so wonderful, who’s kind, hardworking, down to earth, and always makes time to hang out with her great group of friends.

So if you’ve been wondering “What’s up with Rose?” now’s the chance to find out. And if you’re meeting her for the first time, welcome! I know you’ll love the best friends in Accidental Love and all the surprises in store for them.

One person who comments will win a digital copy of Wrong Bed, Right Roommate, Accidental Love book 1.