Interview with Lexxi James, Author of Sealed: The Wedding – NewInBooks

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Honestly, I wasn’t ready to let Harrison and Ava go. Readers fell hard for the grumpy ex-SEAL single dad, the Hollywood sweetheart he never saw coming, and the three kids determined to keep her forever. But with Harrison, Ava, and three adorable little chaos gremlins in the mix, I knew there was still so much more in store for them. I wanted to write the kind of romance that feels like the grand finale. Big emotions. Protective hero energy. Family moments that make your chest ache. And two people trying desperately not to fall even harder in love while the entire world keeps throwing obstacles at them.

At its core, SEALED: The Wedding is about choosing love fully. Not halfway. Not conditionally. Harrison and Ava both have to learn that real love doesn’t ask you to become smaller. It asks you to trust someone enough to stand beside you while you chase the life you want.

Also… I may or may not have enjoyed every last second of Harrison’s kids. This family truly deserved a happily ever after.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

In the first book SEALED, it was “Gone, Gone, Gone.” For SEALED: The Wedding, it’s definitely Risk It All by Bruno Mars.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love books in every form, but romance will always have my heart. My reading list is packed with everything from emotional contemporary and small-town romances to morally gray anti-heroes and darker love stories. There’s just something magical about watching two people fight their way toward each other despite the odds. And yes, it’s absolutely my favorite genre to write, too. I love creating emotionally messy, deeply flawed characters, turning their world upside down, and making them fight hard for love.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

So very many. I just finished “Crooked” by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward, along with “Beach Read” by Emily Henry, both of which completely reminded me why I love romance so much. Right now I’m in the middle of “My Rules” by T. L. Swan, and next up on my TBR are books from Sara Cate, L. J. Shen, and Elsie Silver. Honestly, my TBR pile grows faster than I can read because I feature so many authors in my newsletter. And I’m always looking for good recommendations!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Harrison designing Ava’s wedding ring was probably my favorite scene to write. I’ll try not to spoil too much, but he only ducked into the jewelry store to hide from his family for five minutes with absolutely zero intention of buying a ring.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I tend to carry my pink sparkly MacBook around like it’s a tiny emotional support animal. I even bring it with me in the car on short drives because I’m convinced the second I leave it behind, my brain will suddenly produce the most perfect scene in literary history. Sometimes, I don’t even open it. My better half will look at me and go, “So… the laptop just came along for the ride?” Yes. And it loved it.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

You know the saying, “Dance like no one’s watching”? Mine is probably: write like no one’s reading.

I have to love the story first. I have to fall in love with the characters, the banter, the emotional moments, the heartbreak, all of it. Because the second I start writing for trends or expectations instead of emotion, I lose the joy.

So I try to write the kinds of books that would keep me up way too late saying, “Okay… one more chapter.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That real love doesn’t ask you to become less.

At the heart of my books, no matter how crazy, emotional, funny, or messy things get, I always want readers to walk away believing they deserve a love that feels safe, consuming, supportive, and real all at once.

Also… a slightly unhealthy obsession with grumpy fictional men is perfectly fine.