Sara Desai Interview - The Marriage Game

Photo Content from Sara Desai

Sara Desai has been a lawyer, radio DJ, marathon runner, historian, bouncer and librarian. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, kids and an assortment of forest creatures who think they are pets. Sara writes sexy romantic comedy and contemporary romance with a multicultural twist. When not laughing at her own jokes, Sara can be found eating nachos.

        

  

What inspired you to pen your first novel?
I have always been a writer, but my work as a lawyer meant I had little free time to pursue my dream of writing a novel. A serious illness gave me the chance to reevaluate my priorities and I decided to take that leap and here I am!!

Tell us about your new book, THE MARRIAGE GAME!
A high stakes wager for office space pits hopelessly romantic recruitment consultant, Layla Patel, against ruthless corporate CEO, Sam Mehta as they interview the ten suitors her father has chosen for her to marry.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
The authors who most inspire me are the ones who can create a world so detailed and believable that I can get totally lost in their stories. Nalini Singh, JR Ward and Patricia Briggs are my go-to authors when I want an escape. I am also inspired by authors like Kristen Ashley, Jodi Ellen Malpas, and Alexa Martin who create drool-worthy alpha heroes.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
I love receiving emails from fans who have found comfort or joy in my books during dark times in their lives.

TEN REASONS TO READ THE MARRIAGE GAME

• 1. Laugh-out-loud romance
• 2. A scene involving shapewear
• 3. Enemies to lovers who banter without mercy
• 4. Big noisy Indian family
• 5. Matchmaking father
• 6. Meddling Aunties
• 7. Crazy best friend (plus her pakora-loving dog)
• 8. Off-the-charts chemistry
• 9. Mouth-watering Indian food
• 10. Bollywood dancing

What was the single worst distraction that kept you from writing this book?
My three girls who are in constant need of attention!

What do you hope for readers to be thinking when they read your novel?
I hope they have some laughs, learn a few recipes and feel inspired to try out a few Bollywood dances!

For those who are unfamiliar with Layla, how would you introduce her?
Feisty, funny, charming, bubbly, loud, self-assured and loves to eat!

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would love for Sam to meet Jane Austen’s Emma, because her matchmaking and free spirit would drive him crazy.

You have the chance to give one piece of advice to your readers. What would it be?
Support your indie bookstores!!

What part of Sam did you enjoy writing the most?
I loved writing his grumpiness, knowing that it really hid a heart of gold.

A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.

After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he's forced to share his space with the owner's beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.

As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game.

Praise for THE MARRIAGE GAME

"[An] enticing debut." —SheReads

“The Marriage Game is the most delicious read! From the humor, to the heartwarming family bonds, to the off the charts chemistry, it's impossible for me to love this book anymore. I can't wait for more from Sara Desai!” —Alexa Martin, author of Intercepted

“I fell hard for The Marriage Game from the moment I read Layla and Sam's dynamite meet-cute. It's a hilarious, heartfelt, and steamy enemies-to-lovers romance.” —Sarah Smith, author of Faker

"Desai’s delightful debut is a playful take on enemies-to-lovers and arranged marriage tropes starring two headstrong Desi-American protagonists. Rom-com fans should take note of this fresh, fun offering.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This witty and delightful story about family, forgiveness, and letting go is utterly satisfying. Desai’s first book will be a hit with fans of Sonya Lalli’s The Matchmaker’s List." —Library Journal

You can purchase The Marriage Game at the following Retailers:

        

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you SARA DESAI for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Copy of The Marriage Game by Sara Desai.

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