Just another teen reading books: July 2022

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Eva Leigh!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Eva Leigh, the author of How the Wallflower Was Won, which releases in September! She is also the author of multiple other books, including The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes, which is out now.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, How the Wallflower Was Won?

Finn Ransome has to marry in order to keep his inheritance, but respectable brides aren't plentiful in the gaming hells where he spends his nights. Bluestocking Tabitha Seaton needs to be married in order to be part of one of England's most esteemed intellectual societies. A marriage of convenience seems to be exactly what the gambler and the scholar need, especially when they both agree that developing feelings for each other is off the table. However, their perfectly logical arrangement is threatened by the explosive passion neither can deny...

The first book in the series, The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes, released earlier this year! Would you like to tell everyone a little about it?

Thanks to a massive scandal, Kieran Ransome has a year to find a respectable bride or else he's cut off without a cent. In order to reform his rakish reputation, Kieran turns to the most respectable woman he knows, his best friend's sister. Celeste Kilburn is on the verge of an unwanted engagement to a stuffy earl, and she's desperate for a little adventure and scandal before she's tied down forever. She agrees to help Kieran find a suitable bride...in exchange for wild nights with the scoundrel...

Random Question! What’s your favorite color?

It varies! But more often than not, it's blue.

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on the third book in the Last Chance Scoundrels (I described books one and two above), which is a second chance romance between a rough-around-the-edges rogue who jilted his bride on their wedding day (for reasons), and a year later, they find themselves stuck together at a house party on a remote island. Readers of this series have been clamoring for this hero's story, and I can't wait to give it to them!

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

Three historical romance novels that have recently rocked my world are "A Caribbean Heiress in Paris" by Adriana Herrera, "The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes," by Cat Sebastian, and "A Lady for a Duke" by Alexis Hall. They're SO GOOD, and the future of historical romance. For contemporary romance, I loved "Dating Dr. Dil" by Nisha Sharma, and the Rose Bend series by Naima Simone.

Thank you to Eva Leigh for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Eva Leigh is a USA Today romance author who has always loved romance. She writes novels chock-full of determined women and men who are here for it. She enjoys baking, spending too much time on the Internet, and listening to music from the ’80s. Eva and her husband, author Nico Rosso, live in Central California.

Here are a few links:

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Maya Prasad!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Maya Prasad, the author of Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things, which releases in October!

Would you please tell us a little about your book, Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things?

Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things is the story of the four Singh sisters over four seasons as they navigate new passions, breathtaking kisses, and the bustle of their father’s cozy cliffside inn. It takes place in the drizzly and dreamy Pacific Northwest, and is a celebration of sisterhood, identity, and the love all around us. It would be great for fans of Jenny Han and LITTLE WOMEN.

The book takes place in all four seasons, so I have to ask: Which season is your favorite?

I live for summer. It’s truly glorious in the Pacific Northwest, a break from the relentless cloudy skies and rain that we’re so famous for. It generally doesn’t climb above the 80s or get humid, so the sun really just feels wonderful on your skin. In June, twilight lasts till after 10pm, and I love getting out to the water and swimming or beachcombing with my kiddo. (We also have lovely beaches).

Fall and sweater weather and warm drinks are a close second, though!

Random Question! What’s your favorite movie?

I really don’t have just one, so here are a few of my faves. Currently, my go-to rom-com is definitely TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE, which makes me happy when I’m in a funk. I grew up rewatching Meg Ryan rom-coms over and over again, including SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, YOU’VE GOT MAIL, and FRENCH KISS. I love the humor in THE PRINCESS BRIDE and used to be able to quote it line for line. I also enjoy the very specific kinds of humor in Wes Anderson films—RUSHMORE is a longstanding favorite. Finally, kid adventures like THE GOONIES are totally up my alley.

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I’m working on the untitled sequel to DRIZZLE, DREAMS, AND LOVESTRUCK THINGS! While the first book takes place over the course of a year, the second book takes place all in just one day. I love experimenting with unique structures, so it was a lot of fun to take on the challenge of fitting big emotions and epiphanies over the course of one wild, windy day.

I also have an upcoming kids’ chapter book series, starting with SEJAL BATTLES SUPER STORMS. It’s about an Indian American girl who uses sciences and her trusty cardboard box to fly into the eye of a hurricane to try to save her family’s Diwali celebration. These will publish with Simon & Schuster/Aladdin in 2023.

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

I mainly read YA romance, and I’m a huge fan of Jenny Han, Maurene Goo, and Sandhya Menon. I love all of Rachel Lynn Solomon’s books also, both her adult romances and her YAs. Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of books by fellow ’22 debuts, and I highly recommend A

LITTLE BIT COUNTRY by Brian D. Kennedy, BEING MARY BENNET by JC Peterson, and ALL THAT’S LEFT IN THE WORLD by Erik J. Brown. In 2023, I’m very much looking forward to THE LOVE MATCH by Priyanka Taslim.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog! Happy reading everybody!

Thank you to Maya Prasad for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Maya Prasad is a South Asian American author, a Caltech graduate, and a former software engineer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys hiking, canoeing, and raising her budding bookworm kiddo. Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things is her debut YA novel, to be published by Disney-Hyperion in October 2022.

Visit her website www.mayaprasad.com or find her on Instagram and Twitter @msmayaprasad.

Here are a few links:

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Bethany Bennett!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Bethany Bennett, the author of Dukes Do It Better, which is out now! She is also the the author of multiple other books, including the first book in the series, Any Rogue Will Do.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, Dukes Do It Better?

Dukes Do It Better is the third book in my Misfits of Mayfair Trilogy. This is my single mom and reluctant duke/piratical sea captain story, focusing on Emma and Malachi. While each book is written as a standalone, the series is heavily interconnected, so I recommend reading them in order. That way, when you have all three couples on the page in this one, you get the full measure of fun and found family. I’d suggest Emma and Malachi’s story if you like sexy historical romances, baby goats who destroy everything, graverobbing that somehow turned funny, and a tattooed hero who is utterly gone for his woman.

Did you always want to be an author?

Yes, but I was scared. For decades, the thought of putting these stories on paper for all the world to see, terrified me. It wasn’t until I decided fear wouldn’t dictate my life anymore, that I finally committed myself to the dream of writing. After that, it was all about pushing past the fear, embracing mentorship from other writers, and actually doing the thing. Writing. Not just wishing or making mood boards on Pinterest. Writing. A RWA writing contest landed me an amazing agent, and the rest has been a wild ride.

Random Question! What’s your favorite flower?

I’m a sucker for tulips, daisies, and peonies. My garden is a wild tangle of perennials, because I love flowers but hate fussing with the actual work of gardening. Really, I love almost any flower except lilies. Lilies remind me of funerals, so I think lilies smell like dead people. Not logical, I know. Brains are weird things.

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I just signed another contract with Grand Central Forever for 2 books in a new series. My Bluestocking Booksellers will focus on working class Regency heroines and the aristocratic men who steal their hearts in the family bookstore.

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

Oh, this is a hard question. I have so many favorites! Although, I do tend to stick to romance for my relaxation reading, so that narrows the field somewhat. Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie is an all-time fave. Anything by Tessa Dare or Eloisa James, of course. I’ve also been enjoying the extensive backlist of Pippa Grant, Virginia Heath, and Nicole Locke. Some recent books I’ve loved were by Anne Aguirre, Rebekah Weatherspoon, Catherine Stein, Samara Parish, Kate Bateman, and Daphne Chase. The list could go on and on. One of the best things about writing, is connecting with other authors and discovering how wickedly talented they are!

As to the books I’m looking forward to, I have to confess an addiction to the holiday stories we get each year. They start popping up on Netgalley right when the weather begins to be unbearably hot (sorry, Summer. I’m from Alaska. I don’t like you). Holiday romances about snow, gingerbread, and mistletoe are how I get through these sticky, sweaty months.

Thank you to Bethany Bennett for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Bethany grew up in a small fishing village in Alaska where required learning included life-skills like cold-water survival, along with several other subjects that are utterly useless as a romance writer. Eventually settling in the Northwest with her real-life hero and two children, she enjoys mountain views from the comfort of her sofa, wearing a tremendous amount of flannel, and drinking more coffee than her doctor deems wise.

Here are a few links:

Review: Something Fishy This Way Comes (A Whit and Whiskers Mystery)!

Review: Something Fishy This Way Comes (A Whit and Whiskers Mystery) by Gabby Allan

In Gabby Allan’s second Santa Catalina Island-set mystery series with a rom-com twist, boat tour guide Whitney Dagner, her chonky cat Whiskers, and Whitney’s not-so-ex police diver boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood...

Take in the wild beauty of Santa Catalina Island with tour guide and eclectic gift shop owner Whitney Dagner. On the itinerary: dramatic Pacific coastlines, diverse marine life, and murder!

Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner’s daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery—someone’s dead body . . .

One of Whit’s best boat tour client’s, Leo Franklin was young and newly engaged when he unceremoniously took his own life. Only it doesn’t seem like that’s what really happened—not after the suspicious activity displayed by his family’s old rivals at the scene of his death. As a bitter, generations-long feud between Leo’s kin and the local Ahern clan comes to a head, Whit and her police diver not-so-ex-boyfriend must lead a dangerous investigation into years of scandal and bad blood to figure out who’s innocent . . .and who’s covering a killer’s tracks.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: I really enjoyed the plot of this one! The mystery kept me guessing, and this was one of those mysteries where I kept changing my mind about which person I thought was the culprit.

Characters: The characters in this series are all great, from Whit, to her family, her boyfriend, her best friend, and all the quirky residents of the island!

The Cover: I like it!

Overall: This was another excellent book in the Whit And Whiskers series. I highly recommend these books to anyone looking for a new cozy mystery to read!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: Accomplished!

Review: Accomplished by Amanda Quain

Georgiana Darcy gets the Pride & Prejudice retelling she deserves in Accomplished, a sparkling contemporary YA featuring a healthy dose of marching band romance, endless banter, and Charles Bingley as a ripped frat boy.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Georgiana Darcy should have been expelled after The Incident with Wickham Foster last year – at least if you ask any of her Pemberley Academy classmates. She may have escaped expulsion because of her family name, but she didn’t escape the disappointment of her big brother Fitz, the scorn of the entire school, or, it turns out, Wickham’s influence.

But she’s back for her junior year, and she needs to prove to everyone—Fitz, Wickham, her former friends, and maybe even herself—that she’s more than just an embarrassment to the family name. How hard can it be to become the Perfect Darcy? All she has to do is:

– Rebuild her reputation with the marching band (even if it kills her)

– Forget about Wickham and his lies (no matter how tempting they still are), and

– Distract Fitz Darcy—helicopter-sibling extraordinaire—by getting him to fall in love with his classmate, Lizzie Bennet (this one might be difficult…)

Sure, it’s a complicated plan, but so is being a Darcy. With the help of her fellow bandmate, Avery, matchmaking ideas lifted straight from her favorite fanfics, and a whole lot of pancakes, Georgie is going to see every one of her plans through. But when the weight of being the Perfect Darcy comes crashing down, Georgie will have to find her own way before she loses everything permanently—including the one guy who sees her for who she really is.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: I really liked the plot! A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's younger sister Georgie's POV? Obviously I wanted to read that! And I'm happy I did! I love how the author reinterpreted the story to fit present day, and I loved reading about Georgie finding herself.

And maybe this is random? But while reading about Georgie and Wickham (who is a jerk and I hated him), I kept thinking of this lyric from Illicit Affairs by Taylor Swift:

"And you wanna scream

Don't call me "kid"

Don't call me "baby"

Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me

You showed me colors

You know I can't see with anyone else"

Not the whole song, but I just feel like that particular lyric fit so well.

Characters: Based on what I wrote above, I think you can tell that I loved having Georgie as a narrator! I also liked Fitz, and this version of Lizzie! And I thought Georgie's love interest was great.

The Cover: I like it!

Overall: This was a wonderful modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice, and I highly recommend this YA novel!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Monday, July 25, 2022

Review: A Duchess by Midnight!

Review: A Duchess by Midnight by Charis Michaels

Charis Michaels will make you believe in fairy tales.-- #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn

USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels concludes her Awakened by a Kiss series with another enchanting romance, this time telling the real story of Cinderella's stepsister and the man who can't help falling in love with her.

A Former Ugly Duckling...

Miss Drewsmina "Drew" Trelayne is a former awkward child and one-time wicked stepsister. Raised by a bitter, overbearing mother, Drew is all grown up and has made peace with her orange hair and bean-pole height. Her transformation has inspired her dream of opening a finishing school that emphasizes inner beauty, capability, and confidence. But launching a school costs money so Drew must begin with private clients who pay well and don't ask many questions.

A Reclusive Duke...

Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, lives alone on his Dorset estate, forced by scandal into a smuggler's life. When his estranged sister arrives with her two daughters, he feels obligated to give the girls a proper Season. Venturing back to society could clear his name and provide his vagabond nieces with a better life. Who better to help than the striking Miss Trelayne?

A Midnight Kiss...

Affording Drew's services isn't a problem for Lachlan, but his growing desire for her is. As his nieces warm to her gentle charm, he is overwhelmed by her unique beauty and open manner. When they're caught in a scandalous embrace, nothing short of marriage will save all of them from further scandal.

Can a marriage made in haste be love's saving grace?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: If you mention fairytales, I am immediately interested. If you mention Cinderella, I am even more interested. And then you say told from the "evil" stepsisters POV? Of course I'm going to read it! I love how Charis Michaels took the tale of Cinderella, and gave it a new historical romance twist, with what happened after the happily ever after.

Characters: Drew was an absolutely wonderful main character, and I loved her relationship with Lachlan. The supporting characters were all great, from his family, to her sister, "Cinderella".

The Cover: It's really pretty, I love her dress!

Overall: This was an absolutely fantastic romance, that I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Meredith Schorr!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Meredith Schorr, the author of As Seen on TV, which is out now!

Would you please tell us a little about your book, As Seen On TV?

As Seen on TV is a lighthearted romantic comedy about a New Yorker who is fed up with city life and obsessed with Hallmark movies and Gilmore Girls. When she has a chance to go to a small-town on a work assignment, she hopes to meet friendly and quirky locals and perhaps have a small-town romance of her own with the hot vet or handsome single mayor only to discover Pleasant Hollow is nothing like what she sees on tv: there’s no charming bakery or cute seasonal festivals, the people aren’t all that “pleasant” and while she does find love, it is not at all what she thought she wanted or nearly as straight-forward as in the TV movies.

Did you always want to be a writer?

Actually not. I didn’t discover my love of writing until I was about 30! In fact, my sister used to write a lot of assignments for me growing up J

Random Question! What’s your favorite word?

I don't have a favorite word but my favorite adjective to hear in connection with my own book is DELIGHTFUL. My hope is to delight readers with my stories!

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I have another book coming out next summer called Someone Just Like You. It’s an enemies-since-childhood to lovers, opposites attract, forced proximity romcom set in Manhattan. Molly and Jude lived across the street from each other growing up and were both the youngest of three children with parents who were best friends. Complete opposites, they never got along and spent most of their formative years competing with each other and pulling not very goodnaturedly pranks. Now at 27, they are forced together to help plan a surprise co-anniversary party for their parents. Hijinks ensue, followed by a grudging friendship ripe with sexual tension. When they discover they’ve both been dating a version of each other’s doppelganger for a decade, it raises the question: why are they seeking in romantic partners what they claim to hate about each other? They eventually get together, only for their differences and past secrets to threaten their happy ever after.

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

This is so hard because I read so much and love romance! But some of my favorites include The Hating Game, People We Meet on Vacation, Part of Your World, The Charm Offensive, One Last Stop, Matchmaking for Beginners, The Wedding Ringer, The Boyfriend Project, Mr. Wrong Number, The Dead Romantics. I'm looking forward to reading Love in the Time of Serial Killers, The Hook-up Plan, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Love Interest (not out until 2023).

Thank you to Meredith Schorr for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: A born and bred New Yorker and lifelong daydreamer, Meredith Schorr fueled her passion for writing everything from restaurant reviews, original birthday cards, and even work-related emails into a career penning romantic comedies. When she’s not writing books filled with grand gestures and hard-earned happily-ever-afters or working as a trademark paralegal, she’s most often reading, running, or watching TV…for research, of course. She is represented by Melissa Edwards at Stonesong. Meredith’s trade paperback debut with Grand Central Publishing/Forever, AS SEEN ON TV, will be published on June 7, 2022.

Here are a few links:

Review: Long Story Short

Review: Long Story Short by Serena Kaylor

Beatrice Quinn has spent sixteen very serious years studying to get into Oxford University. Homeschooled and a whiz at statistics, Beatrice knows that she belongs at Oxford, where she will finally find people who understand her. She thought the hardest part would be getting in, not convincing her parents to let her go. They’ve put a halt to her plans until she can prove she’s able to make friends with people her own age and function in social situations. Their solution: Shakespearean theater camp and a detailed list of teenage milestones to check off. She has six weeks to show her parents she can pull off the role of “normal” teenager and won’t spend the rest of her life hiding in a library.

Unfortunately, hearts and hormones don’t follow any rules, and there is no textbook for teenage interactions. When she’s adopted by a group of eclectic theater kids, and immediately makes an enemy of the gorgeous popular son of the camp founders, she realizes that relationships are trickier than calculus. As the summer draws to an end, and with Oxford on the line, this girl genius stumbles through illicit parties, double dog dares, and more than your fair share of Shakespeare. But before the final curtain falls, will Beatrice still feel like Oxford alone is enough?

Serena Kaylor’s debut, Long Story Short, is a fun rom-com with a whole lot of heart about friendship, first love, and learning to take a chance on yourself.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Plot: I enjoyed reading about Beatrice making friends, falling in love, and learning more about who she is, and what she really wants.

Characters: The characters were all fantastic! And while I liked the romance, and thought it was cute, the friendships were what really made the book for me! Her friendship with Mia and Nolan was so nice, and definitely had found family vibes. I loved it!

The Cover: It's fun, I like it!

Overall: I loved this book so much, and I absolutely can not recommend it enough! I was in a book slump when I picked up Long Story Short, and this book pulled me out of it! I highly recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Amy Noelle Parks!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Amy Noelle Parks, the author of Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra, which is out now! She is also the author of multiple other books including The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss, which is also out now.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra?

Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra is romantic comedy about an aspiring magician who falls for her biggest rival in a summer magic contest before she realizes who he is. When they're not competing (and falling in love), Lia and Beckett spend the summer trying to rid their resort town of the magicians who are using their skills to con tourists.

What was the inspiration for the book?

My parents live in a Wisconsin resort town with a local magician that definitely provided the backdrop. And then I was really interested in writing about a different kind of STEM girl than the ones in my first books. Lia is playful and a little silly and cares about clothes and makeup and wants to use her math talents to do magic instead of solving proofs.

Random Question! What’s your favorite time of year?

Summer, always.

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I got really interested in con artists while working on Lia and Beckett, because there's actually a lot of overlap with magic, so I'm working on a story about teenage con artists and thieves that I'm currently calling Fool Me Twice.

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

Favorites include Charming as a Verb by Ben Phillipe, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn and Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon. I'm looking forward to reading Kristina Forest's latest, Zyla & Kai.

Thank you to Amy Noelle Parks for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Amy Noelle Parks is a professor of education at Michigan State University. When she’s not using One Direction lyrics as writing prompts, she’s helping future teachers recover from the trauma inflicted on them by years of school mathematics. She lives in Michigan with her husband and two daughters. Her books include the young adult novels Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra and The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss and the middle grade novel Summer of Brave.

Here are a few links:

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Claire Kann!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Claire Kann, the author of The Romantic Agenda, which is out now! She is also the author of multiple other books, including the 2021 release, The Marvelous.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, The Romantic Agenda?

The Romantic Agenda is an adult contemporary romance starring Joy who is in love with Malcolm, who is dating Summer, who is best friends with Fox, who likes Joy! And they’re all spending an important weekend together where they’re finally forced to confront the tangled situation they’re in. It’s a messy, very queer love-square loosely inspired by My Best Friend’s Wedding.

Did you always want to be an author?

I didn’t! I wandered aimlessly for a while, working to support myself before deciding to go to college. I realized I wanted to be an author after taking a creative writing class.

Random Question! What’s your favorite flower?

Chrysanthemums. When I was a wee child, I read a picture book about a mouse ballerina called Chrysanthemum. It’s been my favorite word and flower ever since.

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

Currently I’m working on the second book in my middle grade duology Suitehearts. The first book releases January 3, 2023!

I’m also working on my second adult romance. It has a ridiculously long title, a fun premise, and the kind of asexual representation that I’ve always wanted to but never written before. I often say I’m working my way across the asexual spectrum as a joke but really, I’m quite serious about it.

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

Favorites:

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

I’m looking forward to:

The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe

Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter

Thank you to Claire Kann for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Claire Kann is the author of several novels and an award-winning online storyteller. In her other life she works for a non-profit you may have heard of where she daydreams like she’s paid to do it. She loves cats and is obsessed with horror media (which makes the whole being known for writing contemporary love stories a little weird, tbh).

She is represented by Carrie Pestritto of Laura Dail Literary Agency.

Here are a few links:

Friday, July 22, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Kate Bromley!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Kate Bromley, the author of Here for the Drama, which is out now! She is also the author of Talk Bookish to Me, which released last year.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, Here for the Drama?

Here for the Drama is a contemporary rom-com novel that centers around an aspiring playwright who travels to London with her famous/slightly overbearing boss and finds herself juggling her job, her artistic ambitions, and a secret romance, all while trying to carve out her own place in the chaotically wonderful theater-world.

Did you always want to be a writer?

Maybe I did subconsciously, but I never thought it was an actual possibility for me. I wound up being a nursery teacher for almost seven years before I really tried to pursue writing and somehow, it ended up becoming a reality.

Random Question! What’s your favorite color?

Probably pastel pink because my grandma always told me she liked it when I wore that color.

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I’m currently editing my third novel! Another rom-com, but this one is set in Italy.

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

My favorite romance read is probably The Hating Game, but I also loved the The Love Hypothesis, and Set on You. I’m looking forward to reading Book Lovers, By the Book, and Something Wilder.

Thank you to Kate Bromley for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Kate Bromley lives in New York City with her husband, son, and her somewhat excessive collection of romance novels. (It’s not hoarding if it’s books, right?) She was a preschool teacher for seven years and is now focusing full-time on combining her two great passions -– writing swoon-worthy love stories and making people laugh.

Here are a few links:

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Lucy Keating!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Lucy Keating, the author of Ride With Me, which is out now! She is also the author of multiple other books, including Literally, which is also out now.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, Ride With Me?

Ride With Me is about a teen named Charlie, who is desperate to get out of her small Massachusetts town and see the world. Charlie loves her town but feels she's outgrown it, and she's ready for her next step, and as a result, she maybe isn't treating the town/those in it with enough kindness and respect. Until one night, while driving for her school's ride-share service, she backs into Andre's car. Andre is the school's resident party boy, he loves their town and everyone in it. In order to avoid being reported to the ride-share company, Charlie agrees to drive Andre around for free, and of course, their differences rise to the surface immediately. Through fights, misunderstandings, and makeups, Charlie and Andre each help the other gain a new perspective on their world.

Did you always want to be an author?

Yes! But I think I was afraid to say so. As a kid I was always filling notebooks with stories, writing in a journal, and as I got older, writing dramatic romance screenplays on my hot pink iMac in high school! I was afraid to commit to my dream, however, so I went into publishing first, and from there was ready to make the leap: I can DO this! I AM doing this already! My advice to writers is simply: if you are writing, then you are a writer. Simple as that. Don't be afraid to own that dream.

Random Question! What’s your favorite thing to bake?

Ugh, fantastic question. Since this post is coming out in the summertime, I'll share that there's a strawberry cake on Smitten Kitchen that is simple, delicious, and impossible to mess up! You make a simple butter cake and then layer halved strawberries on top, and when it bakes, it becomes this delicious jammy thing. HIGHLY recommend. Also, second runner-up. the choc chip cookie recipe on the back of Trader Joe's chocolate chips are the best cookies I've ever made :)

If you’re able to talk about it, what are you currently working on?

I've been hard at work on a weird thriller/adventure story for about 3 years now [gasp!] I've never written a mystery so it's taken me a long long time, but I think I'm finally getting there! I can't wait for people to see it one day. Of course, there is romance in it, too!

What are some of your favorite Romance books? And what are some you’re looking forward to reading?

I love anything written by Katie Cotugno. How To Love, Top Ten, Birds of California. She writes YA and Adult romance, and she does romantic banter/flirting better than ANYONE. I'm also currently listening to "Yinka, Where Is Your Husband?" On audio right now, and loving it.

Thank you to Lucy Keating for participating in this event! :)

Here are a few links: