Fool for You by Rina Gray - Synithia Williams

Hey all! I love having authors visit my blog. Today I’m talking to Rina Gray. Her debut book, Fool for You, was released by Crimson Romance in July. Fool for You is a friends to lovers romance (one of my favorite themes) and it was a very fun read.

Hi Rina and welcome to my blog! Let’s start with you telling me about yourself.

By day I am a digital marketer in the hospitality industry. I married my college sweetheart and we live in the Smyrna area. I love spending time with my family and I often go on group vacations with my friends.

Tell me about your Fool for You.

Sports journalist and perpetual optimist, Melanie Foster has loved Damien Richards since he found her at age twelve, lost in the Southside of New York City. All grown up, Melanie snagged her dream job and now she’s ready to snag her dream man. She activates Operation: I’m Gonna Make You Love Me, a plan to convince her best friend that his spoiled fiancée isn’t the woman for him. She is.

What was your inspiration for the novel?

I love and hate unrequited love stories. Books and Movies like Splendor in the Grass, Sense and Sensibility and Jane Eyre were my passions! I love a good HEA and when they didn’t end the way that I’d expected, I was crushed. It would seriously ruin my day! As such, it was IMPERATIVE that I write an unrequited, friends-to-lover book that had a happy ending.

Do you have a favorite scene from your book? Which one and why?

Have you ever had a crush on someone and then found out they were with someone else? *Gasp!* Okay, I’m channeling my inner thirteen-year-old, but honestly, I love this scene because you can feel Melanie’s heart breaking.

The Scene:

“You’re marrying V-Vanessa?” Melanie’s eyes darted between Damien and the offending object in her hand.

Despite the coolness from the ring, a pool of liquid heated at the base of her stomach. Pressure built.

Not slow, but fast. Supersonic fast. The pressure rushed up and seeped through long, jagged cracks that had formed across her chest.

She tossed the ring onto the table like dice. Rolling and spinning, the silver band toppled in front of Damien. “I didn’t know that … ” She cleared the large achy clump that blocked her throat. “I didn’t know that you and Vanessa were serious. Or engaged, for that matter. Oh, wait, that’s not right. You couldn’t be engaged because you haven’t asked her yet. But I didn’t know … didn’t realize you were serious about her.” She was babbling but couldn’t stop herself. Either ramble like a lunatic or cry like one.

Do you have any other projects coming soon?

Why yes I do, and thank you for asking! My debut novel is book #1 of 3. It’s a standalone and the series connects friends who have a “crush” on someone. I’m wrapping up It’s Been You, an enemies-to-lovers book and I’m about a third of the way into the last book, Crazy for You. Lord willing and the creek don’t rise, I should be wrapping the last book in the series in six weeks.

For someone who’s afraid of trying a new author tell me why should they give your novel a try?

I’m a reader first, and a writer second, so I completely understand that someone would have a fear of trying someone new! If you’re like me, you have a book budget so the price better be worth it! But honestly, download a sample of my work (or go to my website www.rinagray.com) and check out an excerpt. Or, download a sample on Amazon. But if you like a sweet, contemporary romance with a hint a spice, and a nice friends-to-lovers romance, then try me!

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

#1 Own it! You are a writer—a pre-published writer. I was so ashamed of telling people about my passions, that it showed in my work. #2 Study your craft. Just like it took you time to learn, grow, and perhaps master your job, the same is true for writing. Buckle in and enjoy the ride. Every word you write brings you a step closer to mastering your craft! #3 Be kind to yourself. Have patience and be compassionate to yourself. It’s so funny that we have the patience of Job for other people but we can be downright mean to ourselves. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies. Step out of your way and let yourself fly.

Last fun question, if money were no object what hobby would you pick up?