Just another teen reading books: Summer Lovin' 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:

Monday, July 25, 2022

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:

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:

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Erin La Rosa!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Erin La Rosa, the author of For Butter or Worse, which releases Tuesday!

Would you please tell us a little about your book, For Butter or Worse?

For Butter or Worse is the story of two celebrity hosts of a popular cooking show—think Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood of Great British Baking Show, but hot thirtysomethings—who have to fake date in order to save their careers. If you're into romance tropes, then this has enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, a cinnamon roll hero, and slow burn all rolled into one funny beach read of a book!

Did you always want to be an author?

I was definitely always writing—I had lots of notebooks as a kid, and whether it was a diary, or my poetry/lyric notebook, I was constantly jotting things down, creating stories, and enjoyed the act of writing. But I didn't really know I could be a writer, or even consider that as a career, until a teacher in high school told me that I was a good writer and should think about doing it! I loved books at that point, and her encouragement was the push I needed to really have that desire.

Random Question! What’s your favorite food?

I love this question, because I love food! I go through cycles, where I'll love something so much, eat way too much of it, and then have to move on. The food I am sort of hooked on at the moment is Oreos. It's not traditionally "gourmet," but I read a book where they were constantly eating Oreos and now I can't stop either!

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

For Butter or Worse is part of a series, so I'm working on my first round of edits for the second book in the series! The second book will follow Sophie, Nina's sister (Nina is the leading lady in my first book), and her journey to find a happily ever after. I love my second book, maybe even more than my first, so I'm excited to be diving into it now!

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

My all-time favorite romance books are Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, which reminded me so much of Bridget Jones's Diary, and The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang, which just totally destroyed me in the best way possible. And I'm debuting this summer with so many other incredible romance books that I can't wait to read—Ava Wilder's How to Fake It in Hollywood, Long Past Summer by Noué Kirwan, and In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae!

Thank you to Erin La Rosa for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Erin La Rosa has written many highly engaging… tweets, as a social media manager. But on her way to writing romance, she’s also published two humorous non-fiction books, Womanskills and The Big Redhead Book. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters (one human, two feline).

Here are a few links:

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Summer Lovin’ 2022! Interview With Emily Sullivan!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Emily Sullivan, the author of The Hellion and the Hero, which releases in August! She is also the author of multiple other other books, including The Rebel and the Rake, which is out now.

Would you please tell us a little about your book, The Hellion and the Hero?

The third book in my League of Scoundrels series is a second-chance romance between a socially radical widow and the naval captain turned private investigator who once broke her heart.

What was the inspiration for the book?

I knew I wanted to write a historical romance featuring a widow, so when I was pitching my series to Forever I thought that could work for the third book. I was also inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion to make the hero a former naval captain.

Random Question! What’s your favorite word?

Yes.

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

I can’t say too much just yet, but I am working on something new that I hope to share soon!

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

Oh man! Well I love every romance by Sherry Thomas, but especially Luckiest Lady In London. Her Lady Sherlock series is also amazing. For contemporaries, Lucy Parker’s Act on It and Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn are two favorites.

My TBR is totally out of control. There are so many new books that I can’t wait to read, but especially A Caribbean Heiress In Paris by Adriana Herrera, A Lady For A Duke by Alexis Hall, and Heartbreaker by Sarah MacLean

Thank you to Emily Sullivan for participating in this event! :)

Author Bio: Emily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance set in the late Victorian period.

She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.

Her other talents include baking chocolate chip cookies, correctly identifying guest stars in old Simpsons episodes, and not overwatering her houseplants.

Here are a few links: