We chat with author Allie Samberts about Not on the Same Page, which is an opposites-attract romance set in the publishing world, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Cara Bastone.
Hi, Allie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a romance author by night and a high school English teacher by day. Books are my life! But when I’m not doing those things, I’m also a wife and a mom to two beautiful (and sometimes wild) children and one beautiful (and sometimes wild) dog. If I have time, I love knitting and sewing. I like to run, too! We live in the Chicago suburbs.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
Like a lot of authors, I started writing when I was very young. I always love stories and reading, and when I got to around fourth or fifth grade, I started keeping notebooks full of stories and ideas. I created characters and worlds that were so meaningful to me. I knew I wanted to be an author someday when I was really little.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Probably Brown Bear, Brown Bear or something else by Eric Carle, but the first book that really sparked my interest was Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
- The one that made you want to become an author: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Can I pick two? The End and Then by Hannah Bird and Soft Flannel Hank by Eliza MacArthur
Your latest novel, Not on the Same Page, is out August 18th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Steamy, funny, heartwarming, emotional, unputdownable
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect my signature humor, but with a heartwrenching twist. Trina and Casey both have difficult pasts and family and work situations they’re navigating as they first try to escape those pressures by sleeping together, and then as they both slowly realize what they are really looking for is love—someone to share the pressure with and lighten the load. It’s a really special story in that way.
Where did the inspiration for Not on the Same Page come from?
I had already written Not a Strong Enough Word, which is the first in the series, and Trina was one of my favorite characters. She gave Scarlett some much needed tough love, but she also set her food and made sure she was taken care of. She was fiercely loyal and a great friend, so I knew her story needed to be told. And Casey was this steadfast, logical character who was Trina’s complete opposite. I wanted to explore that dynamic in their workplace. Sprinkle in a little forbidden romance and forced proximity and the story came together pretty quickly.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Trina’s friend Isabella is another favorite of mine. Female friendships are always equally important to the romance for me in these stories, and I loved writing a character that could match Trina’s honesty and straightforwardness but who also grounded her.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
This book is truly proof that sometimes it takes a lot of grit and determination to get words down on the page. I had a lot going on personally when I was writing this book, but I kept showing up, and ultimately, I wrote a story I’m really proud of.
What’s next for you?
The third and final book in this series comes out on November 10! It’s called Not the Way it Ends and it follows our favorite silver fox, Anastasios, in an age gap, travel romance.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I truly enjoyed Enemies to Lawyers by Letizia Lorini and The High Life by Anise Starre! Those are two books that should be on everyone’s TBR, for sure.
