Australian author Eva Frances shares a few thoughts about her new book, The Next Round

Australian author Eva Frances shares a few thoughts about her new book, The Next Round. 

Based in Sydney, Eva writes contemporary romances with more than a touch of spice. Her debut novel, The Next Round, was released in December last year in time for summer beach reading. It has since received five-star reviews and, in March, was named a five-star rated Romance finalist in the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Literary Award—the only Australian title in the finalist shortlist.

Tell us about your book.

The Next Round is a friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance written in a dual timeline. It follows the story of two friends before and after their more-than-friendship ruptured. After five years, Andie and Chris are thrown together in a mix of professional and personal circumstances, and old and new feelings are stirred and shaken up. Seen through the eyes of Andie, we see her assess and re-assess her feelings, as the puzzle pieces reveal in a “will they/won’t they” slow burn. It’s a tale of old friends becoming more, despite the seemingly insurmountable emotional obstacles between them. 

What was the inspiration for your book?

The story has been simmering in my mind for at least ten years. It is essentially a love letter to Sydney with characters who are loosely based on my favourite people. The story itself is even more loosely based on relationships and random events in my life, which I’ve pieced together into its own story.

I also felt like there weren’t enough mainstream contemporary romance novels that were set in Australia. For various reasons, mainly marketing-related, romances (and beach reads!) are typically set in the Northern Hemisphere. I wanted to capture our summers in Oz, where we say ‘Christmas’ and ‘beach’ in the same breath! 

Why do you love the romance genre?

I love the optimism of the genre and the idea that love still conquers all, regardless of the era that we live in. Jane Austen and the Brontes ruined me in the best possible way when I was a schoolgirl. I’m still obsessed with the genius of their storytelling and try to capture even a fraction of their magic in my manuscripts, albeit adding a bit more steam and spice. As a long-time reader of all things HEA, I am continuing the dream (or delusion, maybe?)  by now writing spicy contemporary romances. 

What’s in the cards after this book?

I’m releasing another title later this year, but I’m not committing to a release date yet. It will follow the story of two characters in the same world as The Next Round. We have been introduced to them, and we get to find out more about their story. I can’t wait to share it!

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