What inspired you to write A Shot at Love?

I’ve always loved sports, especially Chicago-based sports, and it dawned on me while I was in college that I rarely saw women's sports on TV. In fact, coverage of women's sports was weak across the board--on regular TV, on social media, on sports news channels, and even within the realm of romance novels. There is a whole subgenre of romance books dedicated to sports, but those stories almost always follow a male athlete. I wanted to subvert expectations and have it be her story. 

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Why did you choose the WNBA as the backdrop?

The WNBA really exemplifies how women's sports can be impactful, powerful, and inspiring. I actually started watching the WNBA regularly the year the Chicago Sky won their championship. Seeing Candace Parker (who's from my hometown!) hugging her daughter and lifting the trophy high, I knew there were stories there that needed to be shared.

 

Is Annie’s story based on a real athlete?

She’s not based on one person, but she’s inspired by many of the incredible athletes I've watched throughout the years. Her experiences dealing with negative media attention and misogyny are struggles many women face within the realm of sports. They unfortunately have to manage a lot more criticism than their male counterparts. I created Annie to show both the struggles and triumphs many women athletes face.

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What makes this book different from other sports romances?

Most sports romances feature male athletes as the romantic leads. In A Shot at Love, the woman is the one with the fame, the pressure to win a championship, the career on the line. Her love interest is a sports reporter. I wanted to switch the expected roles while still having some of the tropes fans love--fake dating and second chance romance. 

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What themes do you hope resonate most with readers?

Mostly, I want readers to understand how sports can be representative of our society. Sports showcase the best of humanity — our passion, our determination, our joy, and our community. They can also put social issues under a microscope--whether that be racial discrimination, sexism, ableism, etc. I also hoped to portray a healthy and emotionally mature second-chance relationship where characters were encouraged to grow and evolve. Everyone can relate to wanting a second chance!

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Will there be more books in this world?

Absolutely! Each book in the series will spotlight a new heroine and a different sport—from tennis to track to flag football. They’ll be linked by tone and theme, so readers can jump in anywhere. Though you might see some familiar faces make a cameo if you go in order!

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What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you?

I never played sports beyond grade school. I've always been a fan of the game — the high stakes, the statistical breakdowns, the inspirational moments —but I'm just a regular fan. Fans are such an important part of the sports world, and I'm so proud to share important stories from that world!