Sometimes there’s nothing better than a little romance and this February, we’re kicking off the month of love with our latest Guest Editor Sandhya Menon and her new book Of Curses and Kisses. Get to know more about the New York Times bestselling author below and tune in all month as we reveal some of her favorite reads.

Order your copy of Of Curses and Kisses now!

@hooked_to_books

What was the inspiration behind Of Curses and Kisses? 

I’ve always had a deep and abiding love for boarding school novels, as well as fairy tale retellings. I remember thinking, when I was in the middle of watching Gossip Girl, “I wish there was a series that was set at a boarding school but was also a series of contemporary fairy tale retellings, that had Gossip Girl vibes.” And then I went, “Oh, wait a minute. I’m an author!”

Did you always know you wanted to write books? If not, what was it that pushed you to become a writer?

Definitely! I’m one of those writers who was practically born writing. I never thought I could do this for a living until I was much older, however. I began self-publishing under a different name when I was in my late twenties and my kids were just babies. That then evolved into a relationship with my literary agent, who then helped me land the contract for my first book When Dimple Met Rishi! I feel very lucky to have had such a convoluted and yet seemingly predestined path to becoming published!

 Which authors do you admire most?

Again, so hard to choose! I really love getting to know people on social media. Some of the authors I really love are: Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera, Stephanie Garber, Karen Strong, Samira Ahmed, Sabina Khan, Andrew Shvarts, Nalini Singh, Roshani Chokshi, Brittney Morris and so many others!

*Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. These picks are editorially selected, but if you purchase, She Reads may get something in return. We are a participant in the Bookshop Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Bookshop.org while simultaneously supporting local bookstores.