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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Grump and Grumpier?

Many of my ideas start with a “meet cute,” which in the case of this book, was actually a “meet scandalously!” I wanted to explore what would happen if my main character, Ana, gives in to her urges and behaves very unprofessionally with the two handsome but gruff CEOs interviewing her for a management position. Since she doesn't actually want the job, she lets herself have some fun with the two gorgeous executives. But when they make her an offer she can't refuse, she ends up in the awkward spot of working for the men, while keeping her (mis)behavior a secret and trying in vain to resist her hot bosses every day at the office.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Grump and Grumpier, what would they be?

“Dirty Little Secret” by Nessa Barrett is a good fit for this story. Because Ana believes her grumpy bosses are completely unsuitable for a relationship—for multiple reasons—she thinks her interactions with them are only about physical pleasure. Of course, her heart gets involved, and things get complicated. I’ve been creating music playlists for many of my recent books including this one (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7IVvQXuvdeJUdl5pQyREe3). Readers can search Stephanie Brother on Spotify to listen to them.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Romance has always been my favorite, especially since it comes in so many varieties. Grump and Grumpier’s main character, Ana, is also an avid reader of steamy romance, and it was fun exploring the ways her reading habits impact her life.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

With my writing, I often don't have time to keep up with my TBR list. I do better with a to-listen list, and love that I can enjoy audiobooks while doing tasks around the house or running errands. I recently listened to Happy Medium by Sarah Adler, which is a rom-com with a fun supernatural twist. An enemies-to-lovers story by Ali Hazelwood is waiting in my queue.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Ana is the HR manager for a company that has a big problem with employee retention. One of her ideas to improve people’s job satisfaction is to introduce Bring Your Pet to Work days. At first, the grumpy CEOs are resistant to the idea, and some very funny interactions ensue when the office is filled with enthusiastic furry friends.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I have several, but with rom-coms in mind, one of my mottos is that there is no such thing as a guilty pleasure. If something brings you pleasure, and it’s not hurting anyone, there’s no reason to feel guilty!

Stephanie Brother is the author of the new book Grump and Grumpier

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Scarlet D?

After writing my last book, Long Enough to Love You, I received much feedback that older, more mature women are underrepresented in romance. The story of second chances later in life seems rarely written about. The Scarlet D is a story of second chances in life and love. But Scarlet is a little different. She is the anti-woman scorned, which flies in the face of what we often believe about women and divorce. I like writing about strong women who defy societal stereotypes and attempt to move forward with conviction. It's sometimes messy, but it's real. As someone who went through a divorce, I like having that voice and perspective. And this is a much lighter story than the last one. It was a lot of fun to write.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Scarlet D, what would they be?

I have two original songs for this book! Thanks to the magic of AI, I input the two parts of this book, which were meant to be songs, Stuck and Shattered Pieces, and created music. They're on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kirsten-pursell 

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read. I love it when authors have the creative license to use history as a backdrop for their storytelling. I plan to write in that genre one of these days. And, of course, I love a good romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR pile includes The Women by Kristin Hannah and Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had so much fun writing this book. It's hard to pick just one scene. I loved how Scarlet's friendship with Missy evolved. Their interactions were fun and authentic. But the fundraiser event was a beautiful moment but also potentially catastrophic. Balancing that was fun.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do not. I have few habits when it comes to writing. No rituals. I will send myself emails if inspiration strikes when I'm away from my computer.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be true to yourself by being unapologetically you.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want readers to walk away cheering for love and second chances, regardless of age. Being open to possibility even when you're older is a gift. Ultimately, I hope readers will enjoy the story for what it is: a story.

Kirsten Pursell is the author of the new book The Scarlet D

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