All good things must come to an end, which is the case with Rae Lyse’s Sun Series. I recently spoke with her about the final installment, Thirty.
Tell me about your latest book
Thirty is the fourth and final installment of The Sun Series. I like to call it a “bonus story.” It’s a sort of follow-up to my second book, The Endgame. In The Endgame, we meet both of the main characters from Thirty, but they’re only minor characters. In Thirty, Andre and Natasha are no longer just best friends to the main characters. They’re fleshed out with their own stories. Just like the other installments in The Sun Series, I explore several themes in this book such as the criminal justice system and its treatment of young black men, sexuality and religion, gang culture, the resulting trauma from gun violence and of course BLACK LOVE!
Why did you decide to write it?
As always, a reader pointed out to me that a particular character deserved to have their story told, and I agreed. We met Andre in my second book, The Endgame, where a huge secret is revealed about him and his best friend Josiah. Although Andre is only a minor character in The Endgame, he definitely made a lasting impression on readers (and myself as the author). He absolutely deserved his own story.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I’m not sure! I would like for them to take whatever resonates with them most from the story. For me, one of things that resonated with me the most was the main characters’ resilience.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
Cliché—but you can do whatever you put your mind to. I’ve struggled with self-esteem issues for most of my life, but one thing I’ve realized now after writing three (now four books) is that I can literally do any freaking thing. The world is my oyster. I never hesitate to tell people what I’m capable of anymore. I’m comfortable with ME now. If there is something you’ve been wanting to do your entire life but you’ve never felt capable of doing it, I’m here to say you CAN do it.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I wouldn’t! I love my day job as a social worker and my night job (lol) as a romance author.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
When I was a little girl. I’ve always been an avid reader and writer.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
I used to write fanfiction as a pre-teen (how embarrassing, lol).
What books have you read lately and loved?
I haven’t read anything in seven months! I can’t read, write, work, and live all at once. Ha! Typically, I read after I finish whatever I’m working on.
What books are you excited to read?
Young, Rich, and Black by Nia Forrester! It’s an oldie but goodie and one of my favorites by her. It’s also a signed copy, so I feel like I need to experience it all over again.
What’s next for you?
Definitely more love stories. I plan to start a new series. I have ideas brewing. The fun thing about writing is that your imagination can take you anywhere.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
No. Thank you for this awesome opportunity!
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Thirty.
Rae Lyse is a Texas-based romance author who enjoys reading and traveling. With a background in social work and a love of romance, she seeks to blend the two by crafting love stories about some of the most complex characters. To learn more about Rae visit her website www.raelysebooks.com or connect on social media
Instagram: Instagram.com/raelysebooks
Facebook: facebook.com/raelysebooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/rae_lyse