This month we’re getting to know Kristina Forest, romance author and March’s Digital Cover person. Author of the recently released The Partner Plot, her heart-warming romances have swept up readers in both the adult and young adult spaces. We got the chance to chat with her about her latest Vegas-set story, writing in multiple markets and ask her about some of her favorite authors and books.

The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest

Violet is a successful celebrity stylist. Xavier is a high school basketball coach. Their lives have gone in completely different directions since their early days as high school sweethearts. But when a chance encounter in Vegas becomes an unplanned elopement, both see an opportunity to capitalize on married life. The act soon becomes a little too real though as old feelings bubble to the surface despite how unlikely it is to make their separate lives work.

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What was your inspiration for writing The Partner Plot?

After writing The Neighbor Favor, I knew that the follow up book would be about Lily’s second oldest sister, Violet, and I knew that her story was going to be about finding love after heartbreak. I also really love the marriage of convenience trope, and I wanted to find a way to work that into the plot. The story kind of took off from there.
This book has a few favorite tropes (second chances, “fake dating/marriage”), what drew you to these themes?

My introduction to the romance genre was through historical romance, and I’ve always loved seeing the marriage of convenience trope be executed in historical settings. I wanted to use that trope in a modern day story. Because Violet begins the story after a public, embarrassing breakup with her ex fiancé, I felt that in order for her to fall in love again, it would have to be with someone who already knew her and who she could comfortably open up to again, and that’s where the second chance trope came in.

You’ve written successful YA and adult fiction novels. How does your approach differ in each category and what are Kristina Forest hallmarks that readers can find in all your work?

I think the main difference between my approach to YA and adult are the motivations of my characters. In my YA novels, the characters usually have a goal that’s related to school or their futures after high school. In my adult novels, my characters are already settled in their careers, so they’re more so asking, “Okay, what now?” The stakes are also different, because naturally what is important to an adult tends to differ from what’s important to a teenager.

Regardless of age range, I think that all of my books are heartfelt and have warmth. I want all of my stories to feel like a warm hug.

Your last novel The Neighbor Favor was met with such an enthusiastic reception. What can readers of that book look forward to seeing in The Partner Plot?

If readers have read The Neighbor Favor, then they will remember Lily’s older sister Violet. The Partner Plot is Violet’s story where she gets to take center stage. Violet and Lily are quite different. Where Lily was quiet and introverted, Violet is outspoken and pretty confident overall. But I think both stories have the same vibe. Lily and Nick also make a cameo in The Partner Plot.

What are some of your favorite recent reads centered around Black love?

A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon, The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton, Prisoner of Love by Beverly Jenkins, Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant

Who are a few authors that inspired you?

Helen Hoang, Lisa Kleypas, Jenny Han, Tia Williams

Where do you hope the future of the romance genre is headed?

I hope that the romance genre continues to expand to be more inclusive for BIPOC authors.

Can you share what you’re working on next?

My next book The Love Lyric is about Violet and Lily’s oldest sister Iris and that should publish in 2025.