velvet paradise (ftm x fem)
...come with us inside our velvet paradise
Renowned in the R&B music realm, Jaire Woods, also known as "Jaja Slidin'," commands respect as a top-tier producer and songwriter, boasting multiple GRAMMY Awards and spearheading the thriving record label, Chosen 4 Eternity Records (C4E). His journey is a testament to overcoming obstacles, navigating daily challenges exacerbated by his ADHD, compounded by the complexities of being a Black transgender male. Despite the burnout from his demanding life, Jaire seeks change, finding solace in the idea of forming a band with his talented college buddies. However, their enthusiasm is marred by one dilemma: no one wants to step up as the lead vocalist. Enter Alaia Mondesir.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, but raised in the vibrant streets of New Orleans since the age of three, Alaia's American dream revolves around becoming a celebrated R&B sensation. Unfazed by naysayers, from classmates to her own parents, Alaia's infectious humor and captivating charm have garnered her a substantial following on TikTok and Instagram. Yet, despite her online success, Alaia's musical aspirations struggle to take flight. Following a heart-wrenching breakup with her ex-fiancée, Alaia fully commits to her dream, relocating to the pulsating heart of Los Angeles, where she finds refuge with her vivacious news anchor cousin, Amor. Three months into her LA adventure, Alaia is on the brink of an unexpected, life-altering opportunity.
"velvet paradise" details the genesis of a Black and queer band. During their journey, they learn more about one another and their histories. Secrets get revealed. Drama transpires. Amidst everything, everlasting kinships, and an unshakable love forms.
...come with us inside our velvet paradise
Top Rankings achieved:
#3 in FTM
#6 in risetofame
Vibe: spicy, hilarious, ADHD main, trauma healing, spiritual connection, childhood healing, forgiveness, emotional, music industry drama, friendship, cozy
Warnings: This book contains adult language and adult topics pertaining to sex, sexuality, drug use, abuse, and trauma. Please read at your own discretion.
Starring
**These characters are completely fictional and in no terms related to the person they are portrayed as. Cast members are only a representation of what the characters look like**
The Band
Broderick Hunter as Jaire "Jaja Slidin'" Cassius Woods, 27
Pronounced: "Jah-ear"
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: April 11th (Aries)
Born: Memphis, Tennessee
Band Role: Guitarist/Vocalist
If you hear "Jaja Slidin' on this hoe" or "Jaja, this shit slidin', boy," brace yourself for a top-notch production that will thump through your speakers. Jaire has amassed a vast fortune and an extensive network of contacts thanks to his work as a record label owner (Chosen 4 Eternity Records), producer, and songwriter. Despite the heart eyes under his Instagram posts, he craves for someone who'll love him despite his imperfections. If that someone exists.
Mariama Diallo as Alaia Lovelie Mondesir, 25
Pronounced: "Ah-lay-uh"
Pronouns:Â she/her
Birthday: August 4th (Leo)
Born:Â Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Raised: New Orleans, LA (arrived at the age of 3)
Band Role:Â Lead Vocalist
Alaia has one goal: to be a world-famous superstar. She'll take out anyone or anything that gets in her way. She has thousands of followers on social media because of her humor, stunning looks and captivating Haitian accent. If only those followers listened to her damn music.
Abdulaye Niang as Harlem "Harlem Hates New York" Canon Knight (26)
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: November 18th (Scorpio)
Born: Harlem, New York City, New York
Raised: Portland, Oregon
Band Role: Drummer/Rapper
Harlem is a rapper-producer who adds grungy rock and an emo flair to trap beats. Jaire and Harlem spent countless nights in their dorms challenging each other's production expertise. The rap star is a wild child at heart, never wanting to be tied down by convention or routine. He keeps his friends entertained with his zany and unpredictable antics.
Kehlani as Adriana "Drizz" Magnolia Murphy (26)
Pronouns: she/he/they
Birthday: May 28th (Gemini)
Born: Los Angeles, CA
Band Role: Keyboardist/Vocalist
The award for "Most Panties Thrown at a Recording Artist" belongs to Drizz. College buddies with Jaire, Drizz's rise to fame as an R&B sensation, came shortly after Jaire's ascension as a record producer. Drizz's unchanging coolness can easily charm any woman. Drizz is proudly "for everybody" 'cause is it really love if the homies can't get none?
Coco Jones as Elise Riana Givens (27)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: January 2nd (Capricorn)
Born: Atlanta, GA
Band Role: Bassist/Vocalist
If you don't want the truth, why are you talking to Elise? Six GRAMMYs and still on the rise, Elise has kept it real since Jaja used to slide to pick up her up from Popeyes. Elise is a songwriter and vocal coach to the world's most adored vocalists. She's always behind the scenes, but she's ready to hit the stage.
Lovie Simone as Cassandra Nicole "Cassie" Leslie (24)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: July 16th (Cancer)
Born: Los Angeles, CA
Band Role: Assistant
Even with social anxiety, Cassie makes a statement with her artsy, stylish fashion choices and perfect, coiffed afro. Cassie's artwork, both her paintings and digital creations, has a price tag of thousands of dollars. She devotes her free time to relaxing with her girlfriend and her cat. When Cassie becomes bored with being cooped up, she takes on the task of being an assistant for velvet paradise.
Ryan Destiny as Serenity Mahogany Childs (née Woods) (29)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: October 12th (Libra)
Born: Memphis, TN
Band Role: Manager
Serenity is Jaire's big sister, who does not play about him. After working years at her husband's successful PR company, she adopts the role as manager for velvet paradise. She's friendly, but don't cross her. Once you flip her switch, it's hard to turn her off. So, please don't piss her off. And dear God, DO NOTÂ talk shit about Jaire.
The Roadies
Normani as Amor Marie Pierre-Mondesir (26)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: February 18th (Aquarius)
Born: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Raised: New Orleans, LA
Amor is Alaia's best friend and cousin. The news anchor's attractiveness has made her a viral sensation on a weekly basis. While she's reporting the latest murder in Los Angeles, somebody's man is sliding into her DM.
Sharon Alexie as Mariah Lianne Florence (26)
Pronouns: she/they
Birthday: December 17th (Sagittarius)
Born: Paris, France
Raised: New Orleans, LA
Mariah is Alaia's ex-fiancée. Yes, fiancée. The two had an interesting relationship, but despite Mariah's love for basketball, she doesn't have time for games. While Alaia attempts to reach stardom in Los Angeles, Mariah is an assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Madsion B (IG: @madisonmbt) as Sundae "Sunni" Kristian Carter (26)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: June 27th (Cancer)
Born: London, UK
Sundae is a British baddie who spends her free time conquering Los Angeles and globetrotting. She and Alaia are top Black influencers on TikTok. As "mutuals,"Â they spend a lot of time chatting in the DMs. Alaia can't help but wonder, "Where the hell is she getting that money from?"
Tyler Lepley as Romain "Rome" Zeke Hudson (29)
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: March 10th (Pisces)
Born: Philadelphia, PA
Rome is a retired NFL star with too much time on his hands. He has seven baby mamas and still counting. Let us all pray Alaia doesn't become his eighth.
The Fam
Aaron Pierre as Dion Kendrick Childs (32)
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: August 30th (Virgo)
Born: Chicago, IL
As an entrepreneur, Serenity's husband, Dion, has achieved significant success. As the owner of one of the best PR companies in Los Angeles, he has established invaluable connections. Although he has accomplished much, Dion has a goofball personality and a habit of giving unsolicited advice.
Jahi Di'Allo Winston as Chance Tremon Woods (17)
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: May 13th (Taurus)
Born: Memphis, TN
Chance is Jaire and Serenity's little brother who loves to aggravate them, even from afar. An elite basketball talent, Chance aspires to be in the NBA. For now, he has to choose the right college to please his mom.
Mahershala Ali as Cordell "Dell" Cassius Woods (51)
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: July 31st (Leo)
Born: Memphis, TN
Dell is the cool parent, and the primary source of support for the Woods' children. He dwells in the opulent suburbs with his physician wife, but don't get it twisted, he's still hood.Â
Gabrielle Union as Dr. Keena Mary Woods (53)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: December 29th (Capricorn)
Born: Memphis, TN
Dr. Keena (and you better say doctor) is the matriarch of the Woods family. They love her (when she isn't giving them a hard time). She can be a mess at home, but she keeps it tidy in the delivery room. As a trusted OB-GYN, she has birthed hundreds of babies with care. It's seldom that same care goes to her birth children.
Garcelle Beauvais as Judeline Gaelle Mondesir (54)
Pronouns: she/her
Birthday: July 9th (Cancer)
Born: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Judeline is Alaia's mother, who has too many issues to count. The mother and daughter duo have been bumping heads since childhood. If they start fighting, just get out of their way and duck.
Jimmy Jean-Louis as Frantz David Mondesir (56)
Pronouns: he/him
Birthday: October 30th (Scorpio)
Born: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Frantz is Alaia's father who excuses his wife's injustices against his daughter. He believes Alaia is a child who should stay in her place. Good luck with that, chile.
