We chat with author Sara Desai about ‘Til Heist Do Us Part, which is a romantic-comedy caper where diamond necklaces, billionaires, Mafia bosses, and student loans are all in a day’s work for Simi Chopra and her ragtag heist crew.
Hi, Sara! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I had many jobs before becoming a writer including radio station DJ, bouncer, librarian and finally a lawyer. Now I get to live my dream on Vancouver Island with my three little monsters and one big one writing romantic comedy and mystery.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love stories and spent hours in our public library. When I was six years old, our library held a story contest and I won first place with a story about witches and haunted houses. I knew then my future career was set!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: “Are You My Mother?” by Dr. Seuss
- The one that made you want to become an author: Andrew Lang’s Fairy books
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Princess Bride
Your latest novel, ‘Til Heist Do Us Part, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Action adventure murder mystery mayhem.
What can readers expect?
A heist with more twists and turns than you can count, lots of laughs, juicy banter, heart warming moments, delicious villains, grovelling, a pulse-pounding road trip and, of course, a happy ending.
Where did the inspiration for ‘Til Heist Do Us Part come from?
I’d been rewatching the Ocean’s movies and decided I wanted to write a heist but with a comedic element.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved the character of Simone, the socialite who is out of touch with the real world but has a good heart and deep secret.
What do you love about the romance genre? What do you hope for its future?
I love the promise of a happy ending and having the opportunity to watch two people who fall in love and discover they were meant to be together (especially if they start off as enemies!). I also love the support and friendship I’ve found in the romance community and being able to share my love of romance with so many wonderful people.
What’s next for you?
A super secret project…shhh!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
I’ve been reading lots of romantasy this year and loved Spark of the Everflame, Daughter of No Worlds, and Quicksilver. I’m looking forward to Nisha Sharma’s, Marriage and Masti, and Nisha Tuli’s conclusion to the Artefacts of Ouranos series, Tale of the Heart Queen.
