Dear reader,
It’s cute to meet you! Welcome to Love, Underlined, your new online community for romance readers. Each month we invite one of our romance authors to answer a romance-themed Q&A. This month, Kristy Boyce, author of the swoon-worthy Dungeons and Drama, shares her favorite romance tropes, her book crushes, and more! Read on for the inside scoop.
Love,
Underlined
Do you remember the first romance novel you read?
I distinctly remember reading Twilight. I kept walking into bookstores and seeing the black covers, so I bought one just to know why it was everywhere. (Naturally, I was obsessed after that, haha!) In terms of contemporary YA romance, I think my first author was Kasie West!
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading Witty in Pink by Erica George. It’s a YA Regency romance and I absolutely adored it! It’s like a YA version of Bridgerton. 😊
What are your favorite tropes?
I honestly love almost every trope, but I think a favorite has to be fake dating! That’s why I chose to include it in Dungeons and Drama—there’s just so much fun you can have with two people who need to pretend to be attracted to each other when they’re not . . . and then you get to make them realize they don’t need to fake it any longer!
Who’s your book crush?
Oh wow, pulling out the hard questions now! I’m going to stick with fantasy because it’s too hard to pick my favorites from YA rom-coms. For YA fantasy, I’d say Will Herondale from Cassandra Clare’s the Infernal Devices. For adult fantasy, it has to be Xaden Riorson from Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. What can I say, I love a brooding, tattooed love interest!
What inspires your writing?
My inspiration comes from many places, but I certainly pull from my own life and experiences. I love writing about my interests, whether it be D&D, musical theater, marching band, or European travel. Plus, I married my high school sweetheart, which makes it easier to write romances about teen characters! Having said that, I’m also inspired by music and movies and the world around me.
What is your favorite part about writing romance?
There’s something very special about finding another person who sees you and loves you for who you authentically are. I love writing those particular moments—where the main character is vulnerable or nervous and the love interest understands and validates them. So many people are searching for those experiences in real life, so it’s fun to give that to my characters!
Share with us an out of context quote from your book! (Bonus points for anything swoony or full of banter).
“I like when you mess with me. I like everything you do with me.”
Describe your book in three emojis.
🎲🎭💕
Love, Kristy Boyce