LETS WELCOME NICOLE McLAUGHLIN AUTHOR OF: SHOULD'VE BEEN YOU

LET’S WELCOME NICOLE McLAUGHLIN

AUTHOR OF:

Rad-Reader:  How did you come to write this storyline?

Nicole:  The theme of this MAN ENOUGH series is the hero needing to overcome some kind of insecurity or vulnerability in order to have a happy ever after with his heroine. SHOULD'VE BEEN YOU has a flawed hero for sure. He has a past full of abuse and a co-dependent relationship with his best friend.

Rad-Reader:  What prompted the idea?  Did you hear someone talking about, experience it, or it just came to you?

Nicole:  Funny enough, it initially started with a photoshoot. My other job is a portrait photographer. A few years ago, I was doing a session for a family that runs a small cattle operation. The father was so proud of his bull he wanted me to take some photos of it, which I loved. I remember vaguely asking "so...one bull...for all those cows?" He just grinned and something to the effect of "Yep, he can handle it." I just thought that was the funniest thing, and knew it could be the thoughts of a romance hero. The first scene was born.

Rad-Reader:  Who are Becca and Jase as characters?  Do they immolate anyone in your real life?

Nicole:  Becca is a fraternal twin, and what you might call the quiet one. She wasn't as popular, wasn't as outgoing, and finally moved away to find herself outside of her twin sister--who sadly was best friends with Becca's childhood crush. Jase--that crush--is the good ol' boy that's also a little clueless and a little damaged. But I adored him. And no, I don't think they're directly anyone I know, but all my characters have pieces of people I've known throughout my life.

Rad-Reader:  How does Hannah fit in?

Nicole:  Hannah is the twin that forcefully (manipulatively) claimed Jase as her own long ago. I knew that writing this sort-of-triangle was not going to work for some readers, but I just had to do it. Their co-dependent relationship is odd and unhealthy, and maybe not "heroic" for a romance hero to have that kind of connection with a woman that's not the heroine, but I also think those relationships are real. I just really wanted to explore that. I do wish it hadn't been planned to be a novella because I would have liked to dive in a little more. Luckily, we will get to know Hannah better in book 4. :)

Rad-Reader:  Why had Jase never notice Becca before or had he?

Nicole:  He did, and I imagine he was always noticing her as they grew up. But his insecurities kept him from doing anything about it.

Rad-Reader:  Why did Hannah tell both Jase and Becca such a lie that Christmas day?

Nicole:  Hannah has her own set of issues, and at the time I'm sure she was being selfish and acting like a child her age might. Just goes to show, you never know how your words can affect those around you. Or for how long!

Rad-Reader:  Why had Jase allowed Hannah to take over his life so much did he expect to one day marry her?

Nicole:  I think they'd just sort of used one another. I think one reason it lasted as long as it did was that he spent a lot of his twenties deployed. Hannah always had her cake and eat it too. I think of them sort of like "My Best Friend’s Wedding." Maybe they'll get married if they're lonely. Maybe they won't. But if they were going to do something about their relationship, wouldn't they have done it by now? But that doesn't mean they don’t' get jealous when the other moves on.

Rad-Reader:  Becca was the one that took care of Jase that Christmas Eve, Hannah was nowhere to be heard of on that on that horrible night.  Why?

Nicole:  I imagine Hannah was there, and if I had to guess, she was snooping around the doorway eavesdropping, which might have led to her poor choice the next day.

Rad-Reader:  Why did Brian think what his did was less of a betrayal that was Becca did?  When in fact it was more.  Because he never did address his part in the whole mess.  Only hers.

Nicole:  I'm guessing he was deflecting, and I also think he felt a deep betrayal because it was Jase. He'd always had a feeling. I do think he knew he was in the wrong, but her admission threw him a curveball so it was easy to focus on what she'd done wrong.

Rad-Reader:  Why is Jase afraid to commit to anyone especially Becca?

Nicole:  Because he's a guy?? ha-ha. No, kidding. Probably because he's witnessed so much unhealthy love in his life. Thank goodness he had the Walters to give him sort of positive perspective. Plus, I think his weird friend zone with Hannah kept him from getting too close to anyone else. Becca was the first one to test that.

Rad-Reader:  Did Hannah scare poor Aiden off after they slept on the couch?

Nicole:  Oooh, you'll have to read book four, which I LOVE. We get to see those two on the couch. I just adore Aiden, who has a lot of secrets of his own.

Rad-Reader:  How did Jase learn to stay so positive after all he went through at home?

Nicole:  I think having the Walters as his neighbors were his saving grace. I also imagine the military gave him some things he lacked as a child. Confidence, stability, structure. It's not that he's unaffected, he just chooses not to dwell there.

Rad-Reader:  Hannah never seems to find her place where does she go from here?

Nicole:  Hannah is at a crossroads, isn't she? She's realizing that what she's been doing isn't working, her best friend and fall back guy is...no longer available in that capacity. And she's broken off an engagement that she knew in her heart wasn't what she wanted. I'd love to say what happened next, but I don't want to spoil it. ;)

Rad-Reader: Do Hannah and Aiden try dating?

Nicole:  My lips are sealed until May when the next book comes out. Let's just say...they try something...:)

Rad-Reader:  How did you develop Hannah’s character?  Is she like someone you know?  She has a lot of energy and wound tight.

Nicole:  I know Hannah comes off as kind of unlikable, but I love her. Isn't Hannah all of us at some point? I mean, we've all done and said things we don't mean or that we regret. We've all had relationships that we know are unhealthy, whether with romantic partners or friends. But Hannah is not all that she seems. I've loved writing her book and I can't wait for everyone to read it.

Rad-Reader:  If your book was made into a movie who would you have play…

Becca:  Ashley Victoria Benson
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/318981586079390551/

Jase:  Bonner Bolton
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/566749934347497063/

Hannah:  Elizabeth Olsen
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/122160208626235178/

Tim:  Ed Harris (younger)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/507640189239766859/

Nicole:  I LOVE your choices. Can I just use them? I have to admit, I'm horrible at imagining real people as my characters. I really should do it more because it does help to actually look at a face and imagine those people acting out scenes. Often even when I'm reading someone else’s book I have trouble imagining characters in detail. They almost are just bodies with blurry faces! ha-ha. I'm weird, I know.

Rad-Reader:  What song best describes you two characters or your book as a whole?

"Marry Me – Thomas Rhett"

Because this song is about the almost missed opportunity of marrying the woman of his dreams.  All the heartache in between watching her with someone else.

"Singles You Up – Jordon Davis"

Because he knew he had made a mistake waiting so long not finding out for sure back in the day if Becca could have the same feelings.  Now she had a fiancé.

"Never Stop (Wedding Version) – SafetySuit

Once Jase figured out how he felt and made his 
feelings known he made his declaration to Becca.

Nicole:  Oh, I like those! I don't know if it describes my characters or book, but I did listen to a lot while I was writing. I usually draft to music.

"I Could Use a Love Song" by Maren Morris 

Rad-Reader:  What is your favorite hideout to write?

Nicole:  I love to take my laptop to my bed and write but sadly I can't do it for long without my back hurting. ha-ha. Getting old sucks.

Rad-Reader:  What is your favorite dessert?

Nicole:  Oh wow, I wish I only had one. I do love the Chris's Outrageous Cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory. It's ridiculous. Once in a blue moon, my husband and I will go in just to get a piece of cheesecake and take it home. This one takes me like three sittings to eat it's so insane. A combo of brownie, cheesecake, chocolate cake, chocolate fudge, german chocolate filling, and of course whip cream. Man, it's been awhile...

Rad-Reader:  Your favorite author and why?

Nicole:  Just one??? I will read anything Lisa Kleypas rights. I love to read historical romance.

Rad-Reader:  What advice would you have given to the young Nicole if you could have?

Nicole:  Oh man, that's deep. Probably to dream big and don't wait for things to happen. Make them happen.

Rad-Reader:  If you could go back in time a meet anyone who would it be?

Nicole:  My father passed away when I was ten. If I could go back I'd spend the day with him. Even just a moment. Whatever I could get I'd take it.

Rad-Reader:  What is your next project and when will it be out?

Nicole:  I write another series that is out in paperback. It's called the Whiskey and Weddings series and is about three guys that open a whiskey distillery and then find themselves operating the most sought-after wedding venue in town. Book two comes out February 27th and it's called MAYBE THIS TIME. The first book, MAYBE I DO, is out now!

Rad-Reader:  Where can our readers buy your books?

Nicole:  The digital series is available through all e-book retailers. The paperbacks are available at most, bookstore and also through all e-retailers.

Rad-Reader:  Where can our readers find you on the Web?

Nicole:  Everywhere! I have to admit, though, I love Instagram and enjoy connecting with readers there.

www.nicolemclaughlinbooks.com
www.facebook.com/nicolembooks
www.instagram.com/nicolemauthor
www.twitter.com/nicolemauthor

Nicole,

Thanks so much for being with us.  This was a fun book to read.  The whole twin element was interesting to see it wasn’t always the overly beautiful one that took the prize, in the end, this time.  The quiet sweet turtle got the prize this time.  Thanks for taking the time to be with us I know with deadlines looming it can be hard.  But now you are a 1 Rad-Reader Misfit so come back anytime and use our Shout Out: An Author’s Place to let us all know about new books coming out.

Char