Sometimes the Book Boyfriend Is a Dumbass (And That’s the Point)

Author Commentary – Sweet Score

Let’s talk about Mason Michaels.

Big, loud, charming, and—for the first half of this book—completely unaware of how his actions affect people he cares about.

He’s not malicious.
He’s not cruel.
But he is… thoughtless. And privileged. And so used to getting the benefit of the doubt that he doesn’t always think about who doesn’t get that same grace.

There’s a moment (you know the one) where Zoey finds out Mason wasn’t upfront about something important. Something that made her feel like a secret. Something that shook her already fragile trust.

And for a second, she thinks:

Of course this was too good to be true.
Of course the guy like him wouldn’t really want the girl like me—not out loud.

Mason didn’t mean to hurt her.
But intent isn’t impact.

I let him screw up.
And I didn’t let him fix it right away.

Because I don’t write perfect heroes.
I write men who learn. Who listen. Who have to face themselves before they earn forgiveness.

Mason does. Eventually.
And when he apologizes? It’s not with grand gestures.
It’s with quiet truth, honest words, and consistent action.

Because Sweet Score isn’t just about falling in love.
It’s about building trust. Healing shame.
And choosing someone—over and over—even after they let you down.

Mason had to work for it.
And Zoey?
Zoey had to believe she was worth that kind of effort.

Spoiler: she is.
So are you. 💕

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Building the SASU Universe (aka How I Keep the Chaos Contained)

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Fun Friday: Glitter, Grease, and Game Film