If you’re in need of a Gossip Girl fix, Blissful Lies just might do the trick. Look beyond the sprawling mansions, the glitzy couture gowns and the strappy Jimmy Choos and you’ll find a tangled web of lies, deceit, lust and betrayal. And it all hits the fan when five close friends stumble upon some dirty little secrets. The torrid affairs, the backstabbing, the jealous glares – it all brings back fine memories of Blair and Selena’s incessant fights over Lonely Boy.  

I caught up with the author Jennifer Brown-Thomas for some juicy details about her debut novel. Read on for more about the Blissful Lies movie, her fashion line, and what’s up next!

What made you decide to become an author?

Well, I wasn’t really planning this. My career plan was to graduate from TCU and continue on to law school. I’ve been writing for most of my life, and now it’s just blossomed into this amazing career. I’m so thankful.  

How did you come up with the idea for Blissful Lies?

Blissful Lies is such a fun storyline. I loved coming up with the characters because they are all different, but the same. They’ve struggled through some enormous challenges that no one around them knows about. To the outside, they’re privileged and almost elitist, but they’ve faced struggles and they’re trying to live their lives as normal as possible anyway. I just sat down one afternoon and started working on the screenplay, from there the story was born. I love it.  

What draws you to the world of the rich and powerful? 

It’s a world that’s interesting. It seems as though the extremely wealthy tend to adhere to a different set of rules and regulations, so I know I enjoy reading these types of stories—I hope everyone else does too! 

Of all the characters in the book, which one would you like to spend an afternoon with? Why?

Addison Hamilton. She’s amazing. She’s accomplished and on-point about everything she does. And finally, this woman who has sacrificed so much for her career and family is indulging in something for herself for once. She’s my favorite character, but they’re all unique and fun in their own ways. 

What do you hope your readers will get out of this book?

A small break from reality. I know how hard life can be and how much work it takes to get from day to day, so I hope my readers will get the chance to enjoy the story and take a few minutes for themselves. 

What’s next for you? 

So much! We’re so excited to be launching the first installment of a trilogy series in the fall. Vindictive Grounds is such an amazing story. I can’t wait to share it with all of you. We’re launching a clothing line called Kinsley Kouture in the fall and just established a non-profit organization called Kinsley’s Kure. It’s been a huge year so far! Stay tuned. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you all for taking the time to chat with me. I love having the opportunity to reach out to readers. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.  

More about the author: At just 25 years old, Jennifer Brown-Thomas is a celebrated book author and movie director. Her first novel, Blissful Lies, combines both of her passions. At the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, she presented Blissful Lies (the movie) starring Emmy award winning actress, Leann Hunley. YTINIFNI Pictures is working to bring the film to DVD and on-demand television this spring. Jennifer is a married, Texas Christian University graduate and mother of one. Her newest venture, LBT Enterprises, is set to launch a fragrance, a children’s clothing line and more. Watch for more novels from Jennifer – the next on its way is Vindictive Grounds. In February, Jennifer will begin directing the film version of this novel. She says, “It definitely has more of the explicit sexual contact comparable to Fifty Shades of Grey.” Find more about Jennifer on her website, blog, twitter,Facebook and Goodreads.