What is the title of your latest release?
HOLDING OUT FOR A GYRO
What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Grumpy romance-cynic Chelsea has a weakness for delicious foods. Dared to open herself up to a total stranger for one evening, she stumbles into sunshine romance-junkie Bas, who just happens to be the chef at the gourmet grocery store she's addicted to. They have an instant connection, but she's not going to let just any guy sweep her off her feet.
How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
The idea for this book came from an actual bar dare one night out with friends in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I couldn’t imagine setting it anywhere else. I’ve always wanted to set a book in my hometown.
Would you hang out with your heroine in real life?
Definitely. I’m always game for shenanigans. Also, hanging with Chelsea guarantees there will be lots of good food around, not that she’ll cook any of it.
What are three words that describe your hero?
Romantic Greek chef
What’s something you learned while writing this book?
Since Bas is second-generation Greek, I wanted to learn more about Greek culture, specifically in the diaspora. I researched food, traditions, and everyday customs to accurately portray Bas and his family. I’ve been studying Greek for a couple of years now, and I keep wanting to learn as much as I can about this incredible country, so this was a great excuse to indulge my curiosity. It has been terrible for my wanderlust though.
Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
A little bit of both. I usually write about half a book with only a couple of tent poles to guide me. Then I stop and take stock of what I’ve written to make sure I’m heading in the right direction. At that point, I might do some light editing, unless I’m way off course in which case, I will bring out the big plot board and plan a bit more conscientiously. I revise a LOT once I’ve finished a draft though.
What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I have a sweet tooth, and my favorite dessert is tiramisu. For savory, I can go for Indian every day. And of course, gyros are a top fave.
Describe your writing space/office!
Until last year, I didn’t have a writing office. I’ve always plopped onto a sofa or papasan with my tiny laptop. Recently, I discovered the joys of sitting at my day-job desk with its two huge monitors so I can see multiple versions as I revise.
Who is an author you admire?
Kellye Garrett is an author who not only writes amazing, funny award-winning mysteries, she shows up for other authors time and again, building communities—from stepping in to helm Pitch Wars back in the day to co-founding Crime Writers of Color. She’s one of the most generous authors I know, and one who is never afraid to demand more from publishing. To say I admire her is an understatement. I’m in awe of her.
Is there a book that changed your life?
Actually, yes. I was on my way to grad school in French literature when I stumbled into a movie theater showing Dangerous Liaisons and fell instantly in love with the 18th century. I grabbed the book and decided to make 18th century French lit my specialization. I ended up writing part of my never-published doctoral dissertation on Les liaisons dangereuses and also published a modern-day retelling of it (Nefarious).
Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
My agent sent a very vaguely worded email asking me to call right away (with a smiley emoji), so I knew something was up. It was such a thrill to find out this book had found a home at Entangled.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
Romantasy, especially if it’s queer.
What’s your favorite movie?
The Fall (with Lee Pace). This has become impossible to stream lately which is sad. It’s a beautiful, artistic movie with a powerfully emotional story. And Lee Pace.
What is your favorite season?
Late summer, turning into fall. I’m a cold person, so I’m not crazy about the temperatures dropping, but the fall is such a drama queen, and I love the smells, the colors, the back-to-school clothes. It makes me want to do the impossible-like go hiking or bake cookies.
How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
I like someone to gift me with a massage, and then I go and get said massage. Also cake. Any excuse for cake.
What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
For TV, it’s a toss-up between Good Omens and Our Flag Means Death. For books, last year, I absolutely loved Fourth Wing and Yellowface.
What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I have to pick one? I’d have to go with Indian. Pakoras, buttered chicken, naan, jasmine rice, Gulab Jamun… Just the delicious aromas when I walk into an Indian restaurant make me drool.
What do you do when you have free time?
When I’m not writing or reading, I like to play video games. I’m a huge fan of Zelda. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but there are shows I binge when new seasons drop, like The Witcher or Wheel of Time. When I have the opportunity, I love to travel, especially with friends.
What can readers expect from you next?
I am currently working on a companion to Holding Out for a Gyro.
When it comes to love, it’s all Greek to her…in this delightfully funny and lively romantic comedy that’s bound to be a hit for fans of Kate Clayborn or Lynn Painter.
If you’re really lucky, you have a best friend who pushes you to do the stuff that scares you. We have this whole thing where we challenge each other to take some (calculated) risks and do everything we’re terrified to do. Of course, when you avoid love at all costs, that means doing the unthinkable: being vulnerable.
So for one night, I’m going to be completely and brutally real about who I am…to a complete stranger, whose mischievous and ridiculously dark eyes promise all kinds of trouble. I’ll open the darkest corners of my soul to him. I’ll admit I run from love. That I believe in mind-blowing sex, not soul mates. Hell, I’ll even tell him why.
The problem is that instead of running screaming—the way I (and any level-headed commitment-phobe) would—the hot Greek guy is actually intrigued. I shouldn’t want to kiss him. I shouldn’t want more.
But I do.
It was just supposed to be a one-off thing. Bare my soul, flee at the stroke of midnight, and never see him again. But FML, I just discovered he’s the genius chef at my favorite organic kitchen and is single-handedly responsible for keeping me, and my stomach, so happy these past few months.
He’s the perfect Greek hero.
The only problem is that when it comes to romance…I might be the perfect villain.
Romance Contemporary [Entangled: Amara, On Sale: August 19, 2024, e-Book, / ]
Mary Ann lives in central Virginia where she works as a computer programmer/DBA. She spent ten years as a university-level French professor, and her resume includes stints as an au pair in Calais, a hotel intern in Paris, a German tutor, a college radio disc jockey, and a webmaster for several online musician fandoms. She has lived in twelve states and three countries and loves to travel.
No comments posted.
© 2003-2025 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy