I was very lucky to be raised by an extremely kind man, but didn’t recognize how to seek out kindness in partners until I hit my thirties. Michael from SO SWEET gets the most flack for this. In the past I’ve heard readers comment on my heroes being too nice. Can you talk a bit about writing this aspect of the story? It seems clear that this story has things to say about toxic masculinity, particularly in the characterization of Rafe. My friends are extremely important to me so I like giving my heroines the same kind of support. Flawed, but so necessary for survival in this wacky world. I love the way Sarah Kuhn and Alyssa Cole write friendships. What are some of your favorite friendships in romance novels? One of the things I love about the romance genre and your work in particular is how often friendships are really valued.

I really appreciated Sloan’s relationships with her friends in Rafe, and how important they were for her. I picked it back up with Holley’s blessing. Holley Trent and I came up with the original concept for a whole nanny series back in 2016, but then Trump was elected so we shelved it to focus on our sanity. What made you want to write this particular story? I needed to insert some happiness into my life. I hadn’t gotten out of bed in days because someone thought keeping brown children in cages was a good idea. What authors or books have you been reading lately that you would highly recommend?ĭanielle Allen and Carla de Guzman are two recent new to me authors that I’ve loved! Readers should check out Sweatpants Season and If The Dress Fits. Missy Elliot and Rihanna doing the soundtrack to your favorite romantic movie/TV show. You can find Rebekah and her books on twitter at and her website An Interview with Rebekah How would you describe yourself to a new reader just discovering your work? Rebekah is from Southern New Hampshire and now lives in Southern California where she will remain because she hates moving. Rebekah Weatherspoon is a multi award-winning romance author whose contemporary romantic suspense Beards & Bondage titles were two of The Ripped Bodice’s best-sellers and named Best of 2017. It is definitely going to be a comfort reread for me, and I’m excited to share this interview with Rebekah about this amazing book! A Bit About Rebekah Her new contemporary m/f romance Rafe is hilarious, hot, and full of heart, and feels exactly like the fluff we need in this historical moment. Many of her books are comfort reads for me, and I pick them up repeatedly when I’m having a rough time. I’ve been a fan of Rebekah Weatherspoons romances for years, and especially love the way she writes characters with strong and distinctive voices, combines humor and heat, often centers queer characters in her books including her m/f romances, and writes heroines I want to be friends with.

Rafe by Rebekah Weatherspoon