Sheila Goss is taking us into the world of Hollywood in her latest release. I recently spoke to her about Worth the Risk.
Tell me about your latest book.
Worth the Risk is a glamorous, emotionally layered romance set in the high stakes world of Hollywood. It follows an ambitious woman who has built her career under the spotlight and a man whose fame brings both opportunity and temptation. As attraction grows, secrets and public pressure threaten everything they are trying to build. At its core, the story explores love, trust, ambition, and what it truly means to risk your heart when the whole world is watching. It is also the first book in my Women of Hollywood Collection. No One Has to Know and Off Script are the other books and will be released later this year.
Why did you decide to write it?
People often view celebrities as characters in a movie or a book, but I wanted to show that they are just like everyone else. They have real feelings, deal with real issues, fall in love, get hurt, and make mistakes. Setting the story in Hollywood allowed me to explore fame and vulnerability at the same time and show the human side behind the spotlight.
Who is your favorite character and why?
My favorite characters from Worth the Risk are Charlotte and Sean. I love Charlotte’s realness because she’s strong yet vulnerable in a way that feels honest and relatable. And I love how Sean defies stereotypes by being completely transparent about his feelings for the woman he loves.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I fell in love with the written word when I was about four years old. My mom read to me when I was a baby and toddler, and once I started reading on my own at four, I developed a deep love for books that’s stayed with me ever since.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
My day job is as a technical writer, so I’m actually already in the profession I want to be in. I enjoy translating complex information into clear, usable content and creating documentation that helps people do their jobs more effectively. Writing has always been at the center of my career, so this role aligns naturally with my skills and interests.
What author would you fangirl over?
I would absolutely fangirl over Brenda Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, and Kimberla Lawson Roby. I’ve been a day-one fan of their work. Each of them helped shape my love for storytelling and showed me what was possible for Black women in publishing.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Recently, I loved A Forever Kind of Love by Farrah Rochon, and I also had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany Warren. Both stories really stood out to me for their heart and strong sense of community.
What books are you most excited to read next?
Love in Space by LaShaunda Hoffman, Seasoned with Love by Danyelle Scroggins and With Love from Harlem by ReShonda Tate,
What’s next for you?
Working on edits for books two and three in my Women in Hollywood Collection: No One Has to Know and Off Script.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and appreciate the continued support from readers who connect with my stories.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Worth the Risk by Sheila Goss.
To learn more about author, screenwriter, story architect Shelia Goss, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Email: sheliagoss@aol.com
Website: www.sheliagoss.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelia.goss
Instagram: instagram.com/sheliamgoss