Interview with K.K. Allen, author of Under the Bleachers

What can you tell us about your new release, Under the Bleachers?

Under the Bleachers is a Contemporary Sports Romance about navigating the crossroads of life and letting go of the past in order to give everything to your future. This is an emotionally beautiful romance with a deeply woven plot and fun characters who are also flawed. Monica Stevens welcomes casual distractions—specifically chocolate, fashion, and boys—until a night of innocent banter with Seattle’s sexy football star complicates everything. To have a future, we must first deal with our pasts. But what if the two are connected? Readers will fall in love with Monica’s sassiness and swoon over Zachary’s sweet vulnerability. This novel is a standalone with secondary characters from Up in the Treehouse. You do not need to read Up in the Treehouse prior to reading Under the Bleachers.

What is the last book you read?

I’m between books right now. I finished A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart and loved every second of it. Pure poetry. It’s one of those intensely emotional stories that you honestly can’t put down. I highly recommend it. I’ve got an ARC of Ginger Scott’s A Boy Like You overheating my Kindle right now. I can’t wait to devour it in one sitting like I usually do with her books!

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

Hardest choice ever! Always Colleen Hoover. I just love her brain and would love to have a casual chat with her. Nicholas Sparks, of course, because everyone knows he’s been a huge inspiration to me as a writer. And my soul sister (at least I’m convinced she is), Anna Kendrick! I haven’t read Scrappy Little Nobody yet but I’m sure it’s amazing.

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

Some of my best reading memories as a child were spent reading Sweet Valley High with my best friend, Tasha. It’s her fault I love books, by the way. But I just wanted to be part of the Sweet Valley gang, hang out at the Dairy Burger, and fall in love with Todd, Ken, or even Bruce. Ha!

What’s your spirit animal?

Apparently, I’m a bee! Typically, I’m not a fan of bees, but in this case, I’ll let it slide ;). Basically, if someone tells me I can’t achieve something, or if I can sense their doubt, it only makes me more determined. I also love helping others realize and go for their dreams! Under the Bleachers is about realizing your dreams too, but you have to be open to finding them and ready to work hard.

How do you like to spend a rainy day?

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book or watch a movie with my son. We’re all about popcorn—anytime, anywhere—and our current favorite movie is Trolls!

What scene in Under the Bleachers was your favorite to write?

Under the Bleachers has been my favorite book to write so far, but also my most challenging. The characters are fun and share ridiculous banter, but there are hidden layers of issues that I had to sort through to tell this story. A lot of it had to be told subtly because that’s just who these characters are. But there is a “mudding” scene that is your not-so-typical date, and the perfect moment to see their chemistry together and what could be.

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

When I first decided to share my love for writing with the world, there was a quote I found that inspired me to move forward. Now, I share it with others and hope that they will find the courage to let go of the fear and live their dreams too. “Let your dreams be bigger than your fears, your actions louder than your words, and your faith stronger than your feelings.”

K.K. Allen is the author of the new book Under the Bleachers. 

Connect with K.K. Allen:
Author Website
 Twitter