What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Playing Games?
Playing Games was inspired by a lot of things, but mostly, it came from a place where we wanted to see two very opposite characters—a star quarterback and a neurodivergent genius—fall in love. We wanted to experience a love story that showcased accepting someone for who they are fully and with opened arms. And that’s exactly what Playing Games is all about. Also, Lexi, the FMC in Playing Games, is actually a reader-beloved character from our earliest series and there was a huge request for her to get her own book.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Playing Games, what would they be?
Blake Boden’s song would be “R U Mine?” by The Arctic Monkeys.
Lexi Winslow’s song would be “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova.
We also have a great playlist for Playing Games that you can find here.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
We both love reading the same genre we write–contemporary romance, but Max also enjoys reading Fantasy and Monroe enjoys reading Thrillers.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Max: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Monroe: The Crash by Freida McFadden
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There were a lot of scenes in Playing Games that we loved writing. The opening scene between Blake and Lexi, when Blake convinces her to grab “dorm room pizza” with her was so much f un. Their banter and chemistry was off the charts and really set the tone for the book. Honestly, pretty much any scene in Playing Games with Blake and Lexi’s addicting banter was our favorite to write.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Lately, we’ve been taking week-long trips together to write a first draft. But the quirkiest thing about the trip is that we never write in the same room. LOL. We write in separate rooms, but during breaks gab and gush over the book we’re writing.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“Pivot!” -Ross Gellar This is definitely a bit of an inside joke between the two of us, but it has served us well. In the funniest way possible, it showcases a never-give-up mindset.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
The one thing we would want readers to take away from Playing Games is this: “Love isn’t about making perfect sense. Love is about finding someone who sees your quirks and calls them magic.”
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