We chat with author Andie J. Christopher about her new release Unrealistic Expectations, which follows a relationship therapist who gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, so she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy.
Hi, Andie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a contemporary romance author, who writes kissing books that feature unlikeable heroines (like myself) finding love despite their flaws. And I also coined the term “Stern Brunch Daddy.”
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t have my nose in a book whenever I could. I learned to read about three weeks into Kindergarten, and then I couldn’t stop. I didn’t think about writing my own stories until I found romance novels. I started my first category romance at about age 13, I think?
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
The first book I remember reading was Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss. The one that made me want to become an author was probably Laid Bare by Lauren Dane. The one I currently can’t stop thinking about is The Art of Scandal by Regina Black.
Your latest novel, Unrealistic Expectations, is out September 26th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Therapist dates f*ckboy for publicity.
What can readers expect?
Jessica, the female main character, gets dumped the day her dating advice book for straight men comes out. It only makes sense for her to date her rake of a college friend, who is trying to do some reputation control.
Where did the inspiration for Unrealistic Expectations come from?
It actually came from TikTok! I somehow got on relationship advice Tok, and the most consistent advice was to be wary of having a “spark” or “chemistry” with someone on a date. I sort of wanted to play that advice out. What if someone who is an expert on relationships settles for someone with whom she has no spark? How does that advice play out over a decade later? And then, what happens when she gives in to the spark? Is it always dangerous? A terrible idea? Or will it lead to happily ever after. (Spoiler alert: it does!)
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really love the scene where Galvin, the male main character, stands up to Jessica’s mom. I really love the small-scale but important heroics of setting a boundary where you’re partner can’t.
Do you have any top books featuring the fake dating trope?
Can I be shameless and say Not the Girl You Marry and Not That Kind of Guy by me? I explore different aspects of fake dating in both of those books.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a few things I can’t talk about yet, but I’m planning on publishing some stories for fun via my Substack, The Stern Brunch Daddy Digest.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
My top reads from the summer were: The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay, An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera, Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma, Knockout by Sarah MacLean, and Shucked by Kate Canterbary.
