We chat with author Erin La Rosa about her new release Plot Twist, which is a friends-to-lovers rom-com and a hilarious and spicy romance about romance author Sophie Lyon’s ironic secret going viral: she’s never been in love.
Hi, Erin! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello, friends! My name is Erin La Rosa and I’m a romance author. My first book, For Butter or Worse, was based off of The Great British Baking Show, and my latest novel, Plot Twist, is about a romance author who can’t finish her second book…a bit meta!
I never know what’s interesting about me, but here’s what I love: cooking, cats, cults, pop culture, and spending time with my adorable (mostly) kids. If you’re wondering about the cults thing…yeah, I’m kind of a geek about researching them, watching documentaries, the whole thing. I’m most obsessed with one from the ‘70s that was called “Source Family,” and they ran a hip restaurant on the Sunset Strip in LA.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve been writing in some form or another since I was a little girl. I’d write in my diary, write songs, create plays with my little brother. I was always in my head, and creating other worlds. My 3-year-old daughter does this too, and I wonder if she’ll end up a writer as well.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: It was a children’s version of The Bible—I went to Catholic school…is this why I’m obsessed with cults?!
- The one that made you want to become an author: Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald. It’s gorgeous!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: I think about Nora Goes Off Script a lot. There’s something super comforting about that book.
Your latest novel, Plot Twist, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Funny. Sweet. Sexy. Squirrel. Pottery.
What can readers expect?
If you’re familiar with romance, then you can expect a friends-to-lovers romance with a lot of heart. Sophie and Dash unexpectedly connect and help each other through a difficult time in each other’s lives. Kirkus Reviews said my book has “robust sex,” (seriously lol), so this is a novel with spice as well!
Where did the inspiration for Plot Twist come from?
I have a friend who is a YA novelist—she writes super sweet romances. When I went to her wedding, she said in her vows that she wrote about love for years, but had never experienced it until she met her husband. I thought that was so interesting—a romance writer who had never been in love. And that’s how Sophie came to be!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really have a soft spot for Dash. I loved that he’s a former teen heartthrob who is just trying to do the right thing. He comes off as tough, but is honestly so vulnerable and in need of a friend, who he finds in Sophie. I loved that he’s a pottery guy, and finds comfort in crafting. I loved writing about his sobriety journey. He’s just a really special character who I will always keep a piece of with me.
What do you love about the romance genre?
Romance is an escape in its purest form. I’ve found romance to be such a comfort when I’m going through difficult times. You can listen or read one and you know that no matter what, these characters will have a happily ever after.
It doesn’t hurt that so much of the genre celebrates female pleasure and is so empowering in that sense!
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on my third book, which will come out in 2024! It’s speculative romance, which means there’s a bit of magical realism baked in. I’ve comped it to 13 Going On 30 meets Sliding Doors. It will talk in depth about that “WHAT IF?!” question so many of us have.
Lastly, are there any 2024 book releases that you’re looking forward to?
Absolutely, yes! I’m so excited for Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen. I got to be on a panel with Lauren, and she discussed all of the research she did for the book—which included talking to actual rocket scientists at the Jet Propulsion Lab. I think it’s going to be fabulous and can’t wait to read it!
