We chat with author Shameez Patel about Playing Flirty, a charming and geeky romantic comedy where the game is on for two nerds who love to outplay each other . . . even when their hearts are on the line, perfect for fans of Olivia Dade and Jen DeLuca.
Hi, Shameez! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi. Thank you for inviting me. I’m a South African author of romance and fantasy. I’m a mom, an engineer, and instead of sleeping, I spend my time figuring out exciting ways to make (fictional) people fall in love.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I fondly remember using both mine and my mother’s library cards to take out ten books instead of the four I was allowed on just my kiddie card. While I can’t pinpoint the discovery of my love for stories (I do believe I was born with that), I can tell you that, around the age of ten, I wrote a story titled The Treasures of Zombie Island. There wasn’t a single zombie, but there was a tortured, morally gray character with a sloppily written redemption arc.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Something by Roald Dahl, but I can’t remember which one. Possibly Matilda?
- The one that made you want to become an author: Also possibly Matilda.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Also Matil— No, I’m kidding. I don’t think there’s any one book I think about all the time. It depends on my mood. Most recently, for obvious reasons due to my new release, The Hobbit has been on my mind.
Your latest novel, Playing Flirty, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Sexy geeks do fun things.
What can readers expect?
Playing Flirty is equal amounts swoon, sexy, and silly. Readers can expect a lot of banter as the two protagonists, Rose and William, attempt to outplay one another at every opportunity: board games with friends, arcade games, video games, and even flirting.
Readers should also expect hobbit references. Many of them. Actually, it’s a love letter to the Lord of the Rings disguised as a romantic comedy.
Where did the inspiration for Playing Flirty come from?
It’s a little strange how this upbeat novel was inspired by my sadder moments. Playing Flirty came to me during the pandemic when we were all working remotely and social distancing. I missed my friends so much. I missed the simplicity and joy of playing a board game with them. And it was that longing that brought Rose, William, Shaun, Neema, Claire, and Lincoln to me.
In addition to this, I’ve always wanted to write stories featuring brown people who are just having fun.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I enjoy each of them for different reasons. But one of my favorite things was being able to write about adults who still love board and video games, adults who cosplay and fangirl. We’re often expected to outgrow these things and leave them behind in our teen years, but why should we?
While I’ve always been a lover of board and video games, writing Playing Flirty inspired me to play more. I’ve gone back and rediscovered my love for games, old and new. So far, I’ve had a few readers tell me that too.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Plenty. Playing Flirty was the book that taught me how to write romcoms. I had to be patient as I revised and rewrote and edited and edited and edited until it was coherent. The learning curve was steep, but Rose and William kept it fun. As long as I’m having fun while writing, I know I’m doing something right.
What’s next for you?
Another book in the Playing Flirty universe will be announced soon. Different games, different geeks.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
I’ve been lucky enough to read a few 2025 debuts: Unromance by Erin Connor, Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift and You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon. I’d recommend all three. I’m really excited about Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid, Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan, and Work in Progress by Kat Mackenzie. I’ve been promised a steamy holiday novella by Nuhaa Bardien, and Suzanne Collins is the (traumatic) gift that keeps on giving.
There are more I’m forgetting, but I don’t keep a physical list. I just have titles and trope graphics floating around in my brain.
