A smart, sexy, and witty romantic comedy—perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Sally Thorne—about a twentysomething who lives out every woman’s fantasy: getting paid to give men who do us wrong a taste of their own medicine. But when a previous target unexpectedly shows up at her office, she’s forced to rethink her life as a professional heartbreaker.
We had the pleasure of chatting with Sonia Hartl about her debut adult novel, Heartbreak For Hire! Releasing on July 27th, Sonia chats about writing, book recommendations, and so much more!
Hi, Sonia! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi, thank you so much for having me! I’m the author of both YA and adult romances and when I’m not writing or reading, I enjoy playing board games with my family, attempting to keep my garden alive, or looking up craft projects I’ll never get around to completing on Pinterest. I was the Managing Director for Pitch Wars 2020, and I live in Grand Rapids with my husband and two daughters.
How has the first half of 2021 been for you?
Busy! I drafted an adult romcom at the beginning of the year, and have spent most of it revising and preparing for a new project as well.
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!
First book I remember reading: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
First book that made me want to become an author: The Babysitters Club #10: Logan Likes Mary Anne by Ann M. Martin
One I can’t stop thinking about: The Rehearsals by Annette Christie. I read an early copy of it last year, and it had burrowed into my heart and lives there now.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I started writing short stories in elementary school, then moved on to angsty poetry in middle school, journaling in high school, and finally tried my hand at writing novels in college. Writing has always been a part of my life in one form or another.
Your new novel, Heartbreak for Hire, is out July 27th 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Funny, sexy, smart, extra, cat
What can readers expect?
A funny and steamy escape. The premise is fun and over the top, and I wrote it with every intention of it being a break from reality with a fast-paced blend of humor and heart.
What was the inspiration behind Heartbreak for Hire?
I thought the idea of revenge as a business would be a lot of fun to explore, and I loved the kind of delicious conflict built into falling for a target.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
When writing a romcom it’s always a challenge to ensure the comedy is as present as the romance, and since humor is such a subjective thing, it’s always difficult to know if your jokes are landing properly. Though I firmly believe that if I can make myself laugh, then I’ll undoubtably make someone else laugh too.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved all the times Brinkley and Mark were sparring on-page together. Banter is my absolute favorite thing to write, and when there is a deep and underlying attraction, it makes the friction between two characters that much more intense.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Best: Keep your eyes on your own paper. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparisons, but it’s so unhealthy and takes away from energy you could be using to write.
Worst: You have to have publication credits before an agent will even look at your query. This is false, and I spent a lot of years building up a portfolio of short story writing credits that were ultimately unnecessary, thinking I had to have them to query.
What’s next for you?
I have a YA paranormal romance, The Lost Girls, coming out on September 14th. It’s like John Tucker Must Die, but with vampires, and make it gay.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
My favorite romance of 2021 has been The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan. It’s honest, vulnerable, and filled me with every emotion, all at once. It was the perfect book.
My favorite YA of 2021 is Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey. One of the funniest and best YA romcoms I’ve read in a while with banter and pranks, but also some excellent family moments.
