Author Monica Richardson is back with an unexpected tale of extraordinary love.
Tell me about your novel, The Unexpected Affair.
The Unexpected Affair is the fourth book in The Talbots of Harbour Island series. It’s Whitney Talbot’s story—she’s the school teacher who lives in Dallas, Texas, and literally bumps into to the handsome (yet difficult) Lane Martin. She and her college friends have this Man Menu that lists all of the things that they require in a man. Lane doesn’t fit the qualities on the Man Menu, yet he manages to capture her heart anyway.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wanted to write about a man who was an ordinary, hard-working, blue-collar, sexy-as-heck, hunk of chocolate goodness, who was a good man capable of loving a woman just as much as those other wealthy heroes we read about in romance novels.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
Lane came with a past of hurt and pain, but love comes in all different packages. And sometimes we miss out on love because we come with these preconceived notions or blueprints of what we think it should be. When really it just is what it is. The truth is, we should open our hearts to the unexpected.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I’ve recently gone through some life-changing events over the past year and a half. Divorce, aging, deep sadness, even considered giving up my writing career. I’d sacrificed so much of my life to my family and career over the years, that I didn’t know who the heck I was outside of that. So I decided to dedicate the past year of my life to discovering who I am as a woman. Not as a wife, mother, writer, but just as a woman—just Monica. I decided to celebrate me. And let me tell you, I’m having a blast. And I absolutely love the woman I’ve discovered. And I offer no apologies.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I know it probably sounds cliché, but I really love both Terry McMillan and Eric Jerome Dickey. They both sparked my fire for reading and writing contemporary fiction. And I know that whatever book I pick up of theirs, it’s going to be consistently good writing, and I will be thoroughly entertained. Every single time.
What’s next for Monica Richardson?
Currently I have two books left in my contract with Harlequin’s Kimani Romance. They will both be part of the Talbots series. However, I’m also working on a special project with another author friend. It is completely stretching me outside my box. I think that readers h will see a different, more edgy side of my writing—literally. I can’t wait to share, but not just yet.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I so appreciate my readers, and those who have contributed to my career over the years. It’s because of you that I didn’t give up. I believe I have stories that still need to be told.
To learn more about Monica Richardson, visit her website or connect with her on Instagram and Twitter (@island_romance), or Facebook (Monica RichardsonReaders).
Use my affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Unexpected Affair.
