Selena Gomez's Interior Design Totally Gives Chic Luxury

Olivia Bria
Apr 07, 2023

The heart wants what it wants—when it comes to houses, that is. Selena Gomez is now the most followed woman on Instagram with an estimated net worth of $85 million. From her fame onWizards of Waverly Place to her popular Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, one can only assume that she has some pretty extravagant luxury homes.

The Texas native didn’t have it all when she first started out though—in fact, she showcased her small childhood home in her recent documentary Selena Gomez:My Mind & Me. Gomez, proving the classic tale of a small hometown kid who finds worldwide stardom. This leaves us wondering: what have her houses really looked like throughout the years? Let’s analyze Gomez’s design aesthetic in her past residences, shall we?

www.instagram.com

Selena Gomez on Instagram: "The home I grew up in, from birth to 13... (no one was home when I knocked this time lol) I visit this place every chance I get. In many ways it very well could have been better than my life today, but I’m grateful for a voice that can enable change today. Even when I don’t know how to do it well or actually want it. I love you Grand Prairie. Thank you. ❤️"

Grand Prairie, Texas Home

Okay, so there wasn’t much design to analyze here, considering this house was Gomez’s childhood home in Grand Prairie, Texas. I mean, what kid really has a say in the design of the house they grew up in? According to Virtual Globetrotting, the home is now worth about $174,200 and made a grand appearance in her 2022 documentary. Gomez even took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to the house (the nostalgia has us crying!).

vimeo.com

5150 Garrett Court | Calabasas | $3,450,000

San Fernando Valley, California Starter Home

Peak Wizards of Waverly Place and Justin Bieber era (2011), Gomez purchased her first home in the Tarzana area of San Fernando Valley, California. Chic and modern is a great way to describe this 6 bedroom and 8 bathroom estate. It seems like a common theme throughout her home is white, but polished with transitional interior design choices (aka a mix of traditional and modern styles) throughout the main rooms.

vimeo.com

5150 Garrett Court | Calabasas | $3,450,000

Calabasas, California Mansion

In 2015, Gomez made a major upgrade to her real estate portfolio. The Calabasas mansion contains 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, 5 fireplaces, a full bar, outdoor kitchen, and more additional amenities than you can probably imagine (per REH Real Estate). A Spanish-style home comes to mind here (peep the red terracotta roof). Gomez opted for more stone work this time around with a vintage and bold approach to the decor—we are particularly obsessed with the wooden wine cellar and tropical-themed home theater. Fun Fact: the home is actually now owned by famous rapper, French Montana.

www.buzzfeed.com

Selena Gomez' Fort Worth, Texas, mansion that is basically its own zip code.

Fort Worth, Texas House

2015 was apparently a big year for Gomez given that she also purchased a house in Fort Worth, Texas (back to her family roots!). This time, the Rare Beauty founder took more of a muted approach to the design. Per pictures from House Beautiful, neutral tones (such as tans and grays) were featured throughout the house consisting of high ceilings, an elaborate backyard pool, and a tasteful bar in the entryway.

The decor that stands out to us the most though, is the vibrant dining room filled with random pops of color—that weirdly work together—and a nothing-but-red game room. This Texas home is much more focused on stone and masonry work, which is a far stretch from the aforementioned Spanish-style Calabasas mansion. The house went on the market after only one year, and it later underwent three price reductions before being sold in 2018. Moral of the story? Red is a good album name for your best friend, but maybe not the best choice for your room.

www.youtube.com

73 Questions With Selena Gomez | Vogue

Studio City, California Home

Gomez’s Studio City house bought in 2017 is giving ~clean girl aesthetic~. The house doesn’t really fall in line with her previous real estate portfolio, with upscale living rooms and a rustic kitchen. The main colors here are white, black, and a light teal that’s first showcased on the French doors located in the front of the home. Despite the house being built in 1951, the California estate is completely remodeled (via My Domaine). It looks like she carried some of her design methods from the kitchen with her though, because the set up looks eerily similar to her iconic Selena + Chef background.

www.instagram.com

Selena Gomez on Instagram: "Thanks @voguemagazine for stopping by my place- you’re welcome back anytime"

Encino, California Mansion

By 2020, Selena knew exactly what she wanted when decorating her mansion in Encino, California. It’s pretty much a combination of all of her previous real estate interior design inspiration. Judging from pictures on Elle, the home offers heaps of natural lighting while pulling in her favorite color combos—white, neutrals, and grays. Statement walls stand out in the more creative rooms, while stone work is etched throughout certain areas of the floors and detailed on the fireplace. The home is rustic, chic, and clean.

What’s the one thing that these properties all have in common? A grand piano is sitting in one of the separating rooms—fit for a GRAMMY winning artist. Selena, if you’re reading this, we would love an invitation to check out that private outdoor pool as well.

Upper East Side, New York City Apartment

In all honesty—we have no idea what the actress's upper east side apartment in New York City looks like, so we can’t exactly analyze her design aesthetic here. According to iHeartRadio, she did give fans a sneak peak of the space on Instagram Live, although it leaves much to the imagination. “I am so happy and lovely here in New York,” she told Vulture. ”I love living with the older generation, so I’m on the Upper East Side…I’m currently in a little cave and it’s so lovely and private.” Even though that’s all of the information we have so far, we are content just spotting her around the Big Apple as she films Only Murders in the Building.

Only a beauty mogul and pop culture phenom could have such impeccable taste. We can't wait to see the next homes Gomez adds to her portfolio, and hopefully she'll give us a fabulous tour.

Stay updated on all things celeb news with Brit + Co.

Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery

Here's Your First Look At The "Wizards Of Waverly Place" Revival

There's NOTHING like the Disney magic I felt in my favorite series growing up. Sometimes, it was the magic of coming of age, like in Lizzie McGuire, and sometimes, it was literal magic, like in Wizards Of Waverly Place. Turns out, I'm not the only one who misses Waverly Place because Selena Gomez and her onscreen brother David Henrie are returning for another installment of the hit series! Here's everything we know about the Wizards Of Waverly Place revival (fittingly titled Wizards Beyond Waverly Place) so far.

After starring in the series, the Wizards of Waverly Place movie, and The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex reunion special, the cast is "so excited" to return, according to executive producer Selena Gomez' Instagram story. "The Russo’s are excited to become a part of your family, once again, but we’ve grown," David says in an Instagram post. "2024, the year magic comes back!"

What is the Wizards of Waverly Place revival about?

Image via Disney

In this new take on the Wizards of Waverly Place world, Justin has traded his powers for a regular life without magic. But when a young wizard named Billie seeks him out, he learns that the future of the wizard world is at stake. We don't know what role Alex will play in the pilot, but we do know Selena is set to make an appearance. I'm definitely expecting her to give Justin some sassy advice — it's what Alex does best!

When does Wizards Beyond Waverly Place come out?

Image via Disney Channel

We'll see Wizards Beyond Waverly Place later this year!

Is Wizards Beyond Waverly Place a reboot?

Image via Disney Channel

The new Wizards of Waverly Place TV show will serve as a revival rather than a reboot. Instead of a new Justin and Alex, we'll see new characters as well as reappearances from our faves! In addition to David Henrie starring as a series regular and Selena Gomez making a guest appearance, the duo will executive produce.

Who's in the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place cast?

Image via Disney

Along with Selena Gomez and David Henrie, we'll see Janice LeAnn Brown as Billie, Mimi Gianopulos as Justin's wife Giada, and Alkaio Thiele as Justin's son Roman. We don't have other official cast members, but according to David Henrie (via People), they "definitely plan on bringing back the original cast for the series order."

Why did they stop making Wizards of Waverly Place?

Image via Disney Channel

There was a rumor that Wizards of Waverly Place ended so Selena Gomez could move on to different acting roles, although the actress never confirmed it. But as opposed to some of our favorite series that were cancelled out of the blue, Wizards of Waverly Place came to more of a natural stopping point by the end, and a finale made sense!

Where can I watch the Wizards of Waverly Place movie?

Image via Disney Channel

You can watch the Wizards of Waverly Place movie, all four seasons of the show, and Alex Vs. Alexon Disney+ now!

Are you excited to see the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place revival, as well as Selena Gomez and David Henrie as Alex and Justin again? Follow us on Facebook for more breaking news in the pop culture space!

Lead image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

disneyselena gomeztvpop cultureentertainmenttv show

9 Super Trendy Summer Nail Designs You Can DIY At Home

No vacation is complete without flowy maxi dresses, cute hairstyles, and allllll the summer nail designs. When it comes to summer vacation, you're in your relaxation era, and you deserve to feel good and look cute! But if you can't figure out which summer nail designs you should be paying attention to, take a deep breath! I found 10 adorable options that are stylish, yet practical so you can make your way over to the swim-up bar in style. Here's all the inspo that I'd take to the nail salon for your next appointment!

Image via abolfazl zarghami/Pexels

Short Abstract Acrylic Summer Nails

If you decide to get an acrylic or gel overlay for a couple of weeks, opt for a shorter style so that you don't have to worry about accidentally breaking them while you're dressed in tenniscore during your friendly pickleball match.

The burnt orange lines and outlines here perfectly complement the flashes of turquoise and brown in this abstract design, making it the perfect choice if you plan to spend your days lounging on Miami Beach. These nail sheets from Amazon are a great option for someone wanting to try this on a budget!

Image via Bellacures

Pops of Magenta Nail Designs

Do you live for a good surprise that's not overwhelming? Me too! It's one of the reasons why I think this summer nail design by Bellacures is the perfect for just that.

It features a light pastel pink nail polish base with two varying magenta dots near your cuticles. While you can easily achieve this look at the salon with a fresh set of acrylic nails, you also don't have to! You can DIY this at home with Olive and June's Rosy Tips as a base for your nails, and their Biggest Bow nail polish for the magenta dots!

Image via Kristina Paukshtite/Pexels

Be One with Nature Nail Designs

Summer nail designs don't have to be in-your-face to make a statement. All you need is one nail color that's associated with warmer days to truly speak to the upcoming season — like OPI's Peppermint Bark and Bite! It has a gorgeous metallic shine that'll truly make this gorgeous nail design sparkle.

Want to get the natural, earthy vibe from home? Try this Evergreen Tree Stickers nail art from Olive and June!

Image via Olive & June

Long Royal Blue French Nail Designs

Do you want your nails to do the talking for you? Opt for long, royal blue acrylic nails that are an updated version of acrylic nails. The color and length alone will make people pay attention to whatever you're saying and wearing. If that's the goal, ask your nail tech to use China Glaze's Simply Fa-Blue-Less Nail Lacquer! Want something quick and easy to achieve at home? Olive & June has a press on for that: Blue Metallic French Glue Press-OnsGlue Press-Ons

Image via Bellacures

Orange Sorbet with Sprinkles

While orange was never my favorite color growing up, I can't get enough of this colorful shade now! It's like all I can think about when I see this nail design is a yummy smoothie or sorbet popsicle that has a hint of mandarin orange in it.

If you plan to indulge in a ton of sorbet to keep cool during scorching days, it's only right that your nails match! For a less designed — but just as cute — option, try these Creamsicle Tab Press-Ons from Olive and June!

Image via Impress

Astrologically Correct

Are you the kind of person who relies on your weekly horoscope to plan your summer vacation or pick what you're gonna grab for dinner? These astrological nail designs are waiting for you.

They have a witchy vibe that guarantees they'll go with any outfit you plan to wear and that's what make them one of the best summer nail designs you can wear! While you can ask your nail tech to get creative with this at the salon, I love that imPRESS has some at-home options you can literally press on yourself!

Image via Bellacures

Short & Sweet Vibrant Nails

Keep it short and sweet with another version of a french manicure that features different colors at the top of each nail. You can go as vibrant as you want or you can opt for pastel colors! This gives you a little pop without overpowering your amazing summer vacation look I know you're slaying right now.

For a vertical, at-home take on this look, Olive and June have these Neon Lines Glue Press-Ons!

Image via Bellacures

Abstract Pastel Colors

Keep the pastel party going with another abstract idea! Bellacures nail salon suggests taking your otherwise neutral manicure to the next level by adding varying shades of pastel blues, pinks, purples, yellows, and greens to each nail. Need a press-on option as a girl on-the-go? Grab these Glamnetic Jelly Bean Short Oval Press-On Nails!

Image via Shae Devereaux/Pexels

Simple, Dreamy Vibes

Abstract summer nail designs clearly have a special place in my heart — but it's because they can be as simple or bold as you want! I like this nail set because it's great for attending summer cocktail parties, weddings, or work events without causing too much of a scene. All you need is a nice white nail polish that's not opaque (it matters) and you're all set! Don't have a steady hand? These press-ons from imPRESS will work just as well!

Which summer nail designs will you try at home or show to your nail tech during your next salon visit?

Subscribe to our newsletter for more fun summer beauty inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Bellacures

nailssummer beautybeauty trendsnail art designsbeauty

10 Interior Design Trends I'm Stealing From This Mid-Century Home With A Hollywood Past

Los Angeles is teeming with homes that have a Hollywood past, which is kind of a cool perk of living in this film-centric city. Barrett Cooke, principal and co-founder of Los Angeles design and architecture studio Arterberry Cooke, recently renovated a mid-century home in La Cañada (a city in LA County) that was originally built on a tennis court (you heard that right, just the tennis court) owned by 1935 Academy Award winner for Best Actor Victor McLagen.

Honoring the ranch-style home's original historic details and charm, Barrett and her team did an entire remodel of the home, creating a dreamy indoor-outdoor sanctuary. Here are 10 interior design trends I'm loving from this remodel.

Pop of Color, Front To Back

Colorful doors on neutral homes are always a fun detail, but extending the color indoors and to the back door elevates the entire space. A bold splash of bright yellow creates this energy that allows the neutrals to really shine.

Colorful Pillows

It's refreshing to see these bright stripes against the mid-century fireplace, which has been updated with a fresh coat of white paint. Colorful pillows keep the space fun, casual and kid-friendly.

Sage Cabinets

These retro-style cabinets in a soothing sage color balance out the vibrant color in other parts of the house. The home features earth tones, warm woods, and splashes of color that update and modernize the iconic mid-century look and feel to the home.

Terrazzo Tile

The clients are huge fans of terrazzo and Barrett incorporated the material onto the kitchen countertops and backsplash, which preserves the mid-century look.

Spathroom

The freestanding tub over a graphic green tile creates a space that's inviting, cozy and nature-inspired. Add a plant or two, some natural light, and calming earthy tones to create a spa-like atmosphere.

Passion Rooms

Designing a space for being creative, like making music, is home goals. It personalizes the home and enhances its functionality. Barrett frames the back door in the punchy yellow too!

Outdoor Tile

A pop of pink in a mid-century pattern feels modern and old school at the same time. I adore this pink tile for the outdoors – a great way to think outside typical stone and rock landscaping. Leftover tile is used also in the laundry room.

Backyard "Rooms"

Creating elevated spaces in the backyard makes the space appear larger with separate "rooms" for lounging, eating, and hot-tubbing. Note that the yellow outdoor chairs echo the door color too.

Outdoor Kitchens

Let the al fresco season begin! This outdoor kitchen offers so many benefits: it moves the cooking outdoors in the heat of summer; keeps the cook outside mingling with guests and not missing out on the action, and encourages a season or more of dining outdoors in nature, all wins!

Converted Garage

Barrett converted the garage into a guest house Here's another yellow door leading to a little kitchenette, a separate entrance to the cozy space. Love this home? Check out the whole home here!

Check out our online newsletter for more decor trend inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Photography by Joao Canziani

interior design trendshome decor trendsinterior designmid centuryhome decor

Your First Look At Pedro Pascal & Bella Ramsey In "The Last Of Us" Season 2

After a season of adventure, heartache, and lots of father-daughter bonding, we're ready to return to the world of HBO's The Last of Us. So is the rest of the internet apparently, considering "The Last of Us season 2" has almost six billion results on Google. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the show immediately started making headlines after its pilot episode, and had a viewership increase of 75 percent by the finale. The series also went on to score three Emmy nominations and a SAG Award for Pedro Pascal as Joel!

Season 2 is sure to be just as compelling as the original season, but only time will tell whether we'll see new plotlines and character arcs, or the timeline arranged in a different way. I know for sure that whatever Craig Mazin and the rest of the team decide to do will make me cry. If you have as many questions about the second season as we do, keep reading for everything you need to know before the series returns to HBO.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2

Image via HBO

The first look at Bella Ramsey as Ellie shows the teen still rocks her beanie + puffer combo, but you can tell she has much more grit and determination than we saw last season (which, TBH, is hard to believe).

Image via HBO

The first look at Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller already has fans crying because the framing and Joel's outfit look very similar to an emotional scene from the game. Plus, I think we're just ready to see our favorites onscreen again!

"Cries in long hair Joel Miller," one X user tweeted.

"All the set photos and officially released photos from The Last of Us Season 2 are making me so f-ckin happy, I can’t wait to get traumatized again," another said.

When will The Last of Us season 2 premiere?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us season 2 is set to begin filming in February 12, 2024, Craig Mazin tells Variety. HBO confirmed on Wednesday, May 15 that it would premiere in 2025.

Who's in The Last of Us season 2 cast?

Image via Hulu

The Last of Us will see Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal returning to our screens, but they'll also be joined by Kaitlyn Dever in the role of Abby. This is the one role fans have been waiting for — she plays a huge role in the second game and the fact that she's in the second season of the series shows that the action, drama, and suspense is only going to get crazier from here on out.

It was also announced that Isabela Merced will star as Dina and Young Mazino will star as Jesse. Argylle star Catherine O'Hara has reportedly been cast in a role created just for the TV show.

Will The Last of Us season 2 follow the plot of the game?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Showrunner Craig Mazin told EW that the new season "will be different just as this season was different [from the original game]."

Bella Ramsey also weighed in on the changes between The Last of Us season 2 and its first season, telling Vanity Fair that "it’s really a story about revenge and a continuation from the first season about the dangers of unconditional love." I know that The Last of Us: Part II is all about revenge, but we still don't know just how much of the game will be used in the show.

“I think that they’re always going to find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have, and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format like a television show," Pedro Pascal tells Deadline. "But I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anybody, and the truth is, I don’t actually have all of the information as of [January 2024].”

Will the time jump between games play a role in the series? Will the end of season 2 line up with the beginning of the game? We'll have to wait and see!

Will there be season 2 of Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, there will be a season 2 of The Last of Us. The show was renewed after only its second episode ever! Right now there are only two games, so we'll have to see if we end up getting a season 3.

What is The Last of Us about?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

The first season of The Last of Us follows Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), who lives in Boston 20 years after a fungal outbreak leads to the end of the world. When a plan to save his brother goes sideways, Joel finds himself smuggling teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country.

Where will The Last of Us season 2 film?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

After the first season filmed in places like Calgary, Alberta, Deadline announced on March 31 that The Last of Us season 2 will shoot in Vancouver.

Where can I watch The Last of Us?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

You can watch the first nine episodes of the show on Max. We're hoping we also get nine The Last of Us season 2 episodes — if not more!

Is Bella Ramsey in season 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, Bella will return as Ellie for The Last of Us season 2. "The only way we would ever, ever consider re-casting Bella is if [they] said, 'I don't want to work with you guys anymore,'" Neil Druckmann (the game's creator) tells EW. "And even then, we're not sure we would grant [them] that. We might still force [them] to come back to season 2."

How old is Ellie in The Last of Us 2?

Image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us: Part II, so it's safe to assume she'll be 19 in The Last of Us season 2!

Why is Ellie immune?

Image via Shane Harvey/HBO

According to Firefly leader Marlene in the season one finale, they believe Ellie is immune because her mother was infected before she could cut the umbilical cord. So, Ellie has had cordyceps with her since birth — meaning her immune system overrides any potential infection.

Your First Look At The Last Of Us Season 2 Cast

Image via Zarak/Instagram

We got our first look at The Last of Us season 2 cast when they dined at Vancouver restaurant Zarak. "Us 🤝🏼 The Last of Us," the establishment says in an Instagram post on January 24. "It was our pleasure hosting you last night." While Pedro Pascal wasn't at dinner, Bella Ramsey, creator Craig Mazin, producer Jacqueline Lesko, and newcomers Isabela Merced and Young Mazino were in attendance! Since Bella's Ellie, Isabela's Dina, and Young's Jesse are all super close in the story, some pre-production bonding sounds like the perfect way to start off season 2.

Follow us on Twitter and TikTok for more pop culture, and check back here for more news on The Last of Us season 2.

Header image via Liane Hentscher/HBO

This post has been updated.

pop cultureentertainmenttv showtv

Christina Lauren's "The Paradise Problem" Is The Sizzling Romance Novel You'll Cancel Plans To Read

If you're a classic romance girl who craves a little spice — I'm looking at you, Bridgerton fans — then Christina Lauren's The Paradise Problemis everything you need. I thought I was hooked on romantasy books, but I think this book has coaxed me right back over to the more traditional romance side — and I mean who can really have too much of either type of romance anyway, right?

But before I dig into all things The Paradise Problem, it's important to be clear up one thing: Christina Lauren isn't just one author like I initially thought. The two women responsible for bringing the world 30 romance novels are absolute powerhouses who also happen to be best friends: Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. I know — this news alone seems like it deserves it's own summer novel. Since they don't have plans to do that, we at least get to have their unified essence in the books they've written and in this lovely interview.

It goes without saying, but The Paradise Problem is the perfect way to celebrate Christina Lauren's successful romance empire. Of their newest title, Christina and Lauren feel great about it being in the world. "This one is really fun so it's like going out and just celebrating. We're not worried," Lauren says with a smile. Confidence; I love it!

Ahead, learn more about how they birthed Christina Lauren and created the characters you'll come to love in The Paradise Problem.

The Making of a Romance Novel Empire 

Image via Brystan Studios

Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings

I know besties when I see them, and this writing duo has all the makings of two friends whose bond has been deepened by more than time. Still, curiosity get's the best of me when I mention what certainly feels like an empire to me before asking, "How did you two meet?" Their knowing smile says it all — they've clearly been locked in for a while, and they remember the exact moment things clicked for them.

"In 2009 we were both writing fanfiction and reading each other's stories online. Then Lo (Lauren) was putting on a panel at San Diego Comic Con on fanworks and she invited me to be on it. So, I came out and we met for the first time, and we got along really well," says Christina.

From there, they wrote a one shot — quick fanfiction story — together, and eventually decided it was worth taking a chance on writing an entire book. The fact that both Christina and Lauren have experience writing fanfiction not only helped them prepare for their pivot into authorship, but it also got them accustomed to the honesty of online book reviews.

As far as people not knowing that Christina Lauren is actually two people, that's basically the point. "We want it [our books] to feel like they're written by one voice. We spend a lot of time editing to make sure it doesn't sound feel like two very distinct, combative voices in there," Lauren says while excitedly adding, "I mean everyday we get DM's that are like, 'I didn't know there were two of you!'"

Peeling Back the Layers of The Paradise Problem 

Warning: May contain some spoilers.

I have a deep appreciation for books that immediately call my imagination to the forefront and that's just one of the many things The Paradise Problem does as soon as you begin reading the first page. We're immediately introduced to Anna Green and "West" going their separate ways after choosing to amicably end their marriage. The kicker? See, they don't actually know each other.

How can two people essentially be strangers while they're married? Realistically, Anna and West's marriage was one of convenience. Each found themselves in a situation where their very survival relied on marriage, so they decided to become husband and wife solely on paper.

That seems pretty straightforward right? Wrong. Based on the first impressions of Anna and West, one has it together while the other is a hot mess. But, Christina Lauren is challenging us to rethink our approach to first impressions because they're not always everything. Once you start peeling back a person's layers, you can really start to understand their choices, reactions, family dynamics (and there are plenty of awkward encounters in this story on that front), and more.

Image via Jasmine Williams

Christina and Lauren knew what they wanted for these two characters in the end, but they had to figure out how to fully thread the needle for it to work — particularly when it came to West and his relationship to his family. They had his backstory, but they needed to figure out how to fully flesh out his world, parents and all. What they went with was jaw-dropping IMO, full of shady behavior, cocky attitudes, and beyond. But how does West's background and personality relate to Anna's?

"We always try to think about who's the perfect person for the characters — not who will complete them. Anna is very different. She does not come from a wealthy background, she's not super polished," says Lauren. But, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's a genuinely good person who has a loving heart that no amount of status can compete with once the layers are peeled back.

This is what begins winning West over, and the two soon begin to find there's some truth to the fictionalized relationship they have on display for West's family. Ultimately, The Paradise Problem begs readers to ask if opposites really do attract, confronting us — and our main characters — with this one scenario at a time.

Image via Jasmine Williams

In my humble opinion, The Paradise Problem feels like one of Christina Lauren's best books because it encompasses all the elements that fans of their work love. Christina says, "They love characters they either want to be or want to be friends with, heroes they want for their own, a lot of the settings..." She continues, saying, "The great thing about having a large catalogue of books is that there's something for everyone. Do you like funny books? We got you. Do you want super saucy books? We got you. Do you want something that's gonna rip your heart out? We got that too."

In case you have any doubts about that, check out all of the duo's books now and get your copy of The Paradise Problemtoday!

Be sure to watch our full interview with Christina and Lauren, officially known as Christina Lauren, on YouTube!

Lead image via Christina Lauren

romance bookssmutnew booksrom comentertainmentbooks