Welcome to Writer Wednesday, everyone! If you’re from the United States, you’re likely celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow. Well, what better to whet your appetite than a tasty, bite-sized interview with a fellow romance author?
Today we’re serving up Arlene Hittle, author of sports romances, geek romances, reimagined fairy tales, and more! And if her author pic doesn’t make you totally want to hang out and split some pie with her, well, I don’t know what will!
So settle in for this calorie-free but oh-so-delicious appetizer of Arlene and her books. Take it away, Arlene!
Which type of romance do you love most and why?
To write, I love contemporary romance. I enjoy taking a thoroughly modern look at love, life and family—both the kind we’re born into and the ones we choose. When I have time to read, it’s a toss-up between contemporary (a la Jill Shalvis, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Kristan Higgins) and historical, preferably set in Victorian times—although Regency will do in a pinch. Anything with a duke or earl—or even the Duke of Earl—and a feisty heroine makes me happy.
Name two things people don’t know about you.
- I’m not much of a drinker. With the way my characters booze it up, you’d never guess it!
- I haven’t turned on the TV since moving into my new place in May 2015. The set’s not even plugged in. I do, however, watch a select few shows on Hulu—and I’m sorely tempted to subscribe to Netflix in time for this week’s “Gilmore Girls” reunion shows. [ML says, “Do it!” Though I still have to get through season 7 of the original.]
What’s your favorite romance novel of all time, and why?
I’m tempted to say Gone With the Wind, but with its ending, it’s not strictly a romance.
So I’ll go with Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Lady Be Good. I fell in love with the hero, Kenny Traveler, a disgraced pro golfer trying to restore his career, from his first appearance on the page. Heroine Emma is captivating from Page 1, too.
And Now, A Bit About Stealing the Southpaw
A potentially career-ending injury sends Arizona Condors pitcher Luis Castillo home to Miami to rehab and recuperate. He hasn’t even unpacked the rental car when he runs into his ex-best friend’s kid sister. She’s not a kid anymore, but she remains the main reason he ran as far and fast as he could six years ago. A successful college baseball career and two good years on the mound with the Condors did nothing to change what they did, or help him forget its consequences. He doesn’t deserve Randi’s warm welcome—and she sure as hell shouldn’t still look at him that way.
Miranda Vega sets out to convince Luis to take a chance on their relationship, which came to a premature end the night her brother found his baby sister in the arms of his best friend. The discovery sent Ricky into a vehicle, a near-head-on collision and ultimately a wheelchair. To get the boy—now man—she started crushing on at puberty and still loves today to believe Ricky’s accident wasn’t his fault, Randi needs a game plan. With any luck, she, Ricky and a Little League team in serious need of coaching will be able to notch the win.
Even with a bum left arm, Luis is a skilled opponent, adept at getting in his own way. But Randi grew up stubborn. And this time, she’s playing for keeps.
Find Stealing the Southpaw here:
Universal Book Link | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Amazon Print Edition
A Bit About Arlene:
Arlene Hittle is a Midwestern transplant who now makes her home in northern Arizona. She suffers from the well-documented Hittle family curse of being a Cubs fan, which can no longer be considered a curse, courtesy of the 2016 World Series Champion Cubbies. Longtime friends are amazed she writes books with sports in them, since she’s about as coordinated as a newborn giraffe and used to say marching band required more exertion than golf.
Want to connect further with Arlene? Find her online here:
Twitter | Facebook | Website | Newsletter | Instagram | Goodreads
Thanks so much for joining us, Arlene! It was a pleasure to have you here.