What was the last book that you read that you’d now recommend?

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE by Rachel Lynn Solomon. The spice factor is immaculate, and of course, it contains Rachel’s signature wit and depth.  

Have you read any classics lately that you were reading for the first time? 

No. 

Do you re-read books? And if yes, what was your last re-read?

I rarely re-read books. But my last re-read was The Simple Wild by KA Tucker. 

What are your go-to genres? 

Romance and thriller. 

What is your favorite childhood book?

The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot. 

What books are on your bedside table right now?

None. 

Do you bookmark or dogear your page in a book? 

Dogear (yes, I’m a monster)

What is your ideal reading setting? 

Anywhere under the warm sun 🙂 

Tell us about your favorite indie bookstore? 

The Ripped Bodice and Happily Ever After Books. 

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

None. 

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?

None. 

Where do you get most of your writing and editing done?

My home office. 

Does writing energize or exhaust you? 

Drafting exhausts me, but editing tends to energize me.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Four.   

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I read my early reviews up until the book is officially published. Of course, the gushing reviews are such an encouraging force to keep writing more books! For the negative, I try not to take reviews too personally because no book or author is for everyone. As a bookstagrammer, I know how subjective the reading experience is.   

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? 

Don’t give up. Keep writing!   

When you’re not reading or writing, what are you doing?

Working at my day job, cuddling with my goldendoodles, binge watching trashy reality TV. 

What are your three favorite things right now? 

None.  

Your favorite travel destination and why? 

Italy – I went there on my honeymoon and again this past year. I love how diverse the and utterly scenic the landscape is. You can go from being in the mountains and rolling hills, to the Mediterranean coast within 7 hours. The food isn’t too shabby too 😉 

What’s your favorite meal and go-to drink order?

Nachos and diet coke 🙂 

What six people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?

None. 

If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, and who would play you?

Romantic drama! I would dreamcast Lana Condor to play me.  

What’s the last TV show or movie you watched that was really good?

None.

You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?

Any song from the Frozen 1 or 2 soundtrack. Or Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. (note, I am a terrible singer lol) 

If you were being taken to a deserted island and could only bring one book, what would it be? 

A very long fantasy book to keep me occupied!

BUY EXES & O’S BY AMY LEA FROM: AMAZON / BOOKSHOP

EXES & O’S BY AMY LEA is:

One of the books on our Best 2023 Romance Books list, and our 2023 Winter Minimalist Reads List, and it’s one of the six books discussed on this podcast episode.