Dear reader,
It’s cute to meet you! Welcome to Love, Underlined, your online community for romance readers. Each month, we invite one of our romance authors to answer a romance-themed Q&A.
This month, Celeste Dador, author of Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights, shares the romances that first made her swoon, the tropes she can’t get enough of, her ultimate book crushes, and what inspired her charming Fourth of July love story. Read the full Q&A for banter, butterflies, and plenty of summer-night sparks.
Love,
Underlined
What was the first romance novel you read?
Good question! It’s not a romance genre novel, but the first romance that I crushed over when I was around age 12 was between Alanna and Prince Jonathan (I won’t spoil this one) in Alanna: The First Adventure by the legendary Tamora Pierce.
The first actual romance that I recall resonating with me was when I was around 14, called Simple Gifts, a sweet Christmas anthology featuring adult romance greats Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught.
I love how a holiday or season can add depth to a story’s tone and plot, as if it were another character. It makes sense now that I gravitate toward seasonal stories like Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights, which takes place around the Fourth of July.
What romance are you currently reading?
In the young adult space, I’m enjoying my author friend Kristy Boyce’s Rolls and Rivalry, which is a delightful, fun read. Reading Kristy’s books truly feels like stepping into high school hallways with all the fun, exciting, and scary aspects of new experiences and first loves.
What are your favorite tropes?
So many! If you’ve read Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights, you know that holiday, royal/celebrity, and forced proximity are my bees’ knees. I should also shout out forbidden love and fake dating, which I’ll end by saying—with a wink—“watch this space.”
Who’s your book crush?
Gimme broody à la Conrad Fisher or Anthony Bridgerton anytime.
What inspires your writing?
Writing the book I wish existed, which is usually a cozy, joyful, fun, and welcoming place to escape to.
What’s your favorite part of writing romance?
Banter. Pining. And when my characters realize they love each other. Swoon!!!
Share with us an out-of-context quote from Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights! (Bonus points for anything swoony or full of banter.)
I scoff. “I had an archivist from the National Archives help me.”
He lifts his hands in surrender, but now it looks like he’s trying not to laugh. “Well, you might want to get a second opinion. I put them in the correct chronological order.”
We stare at one another. I can’t tell if I’m more irritated by him suggesting I’m wrong or the fact that he doesn’t care when things are out of order. Or maybe it’s the tiny, annoyingly cute smirk emerging on his face.
As we stare at one another, it’s like the air is as thick as a hot and humid DC summer day. I suddenly wish I wore more deodorant.
Describe Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights in three emojis.
🎆😘 & the American flag!
