Interview with Mia Heintzelman, Author of Mixed Match

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Romance

24 Mar 2020

What can you tell us about your new release, Mixed Match?

Mixed Match is the second book in my All Mixed Up contemporary romance series. It follows Sophia Kent and Everett Monroe who fall in love while unknowingly fighting over a house that’s sentimental to them for different reasons. It’s a enemies to friends to lovers story.

Tag: Will this unsuited pair clash? Or is it a… Mixed Match

Here’s the blurb:

Sophia Kent used to be a badass knife-wielding chef. Nowadays, she’s lucky if she can remember to put on a bra. Between the move to Portland and unpacking boxes, she’s glad there’s only one name on the title. Unfortunately, at the door there’s a gorgeous messenger with a document claiming she’s not the rightful owner.

Dead-set on getting his grandmother’s house back, real estate investor Everett Monroe is determined to see the thief go down, even if he has to deliver the summons himself. Only, the beautiful mess at the door is charming, sexy—and nothing like the man whose family’s been feuding with Everett’s for generations.

He doesn’t know whether she’s a pawn or a player, and she doesn’t know he’s not just a messenger, so after a few “chance” meetings, when she enlists his help to find a location for her restaurant, he agrees. After all, in thirty days there’s going to be a hearing granting him ownership and she’ll be long gone. Except, somewhere between sunset mountain hikes, brilliantly lit musical bridges, and picturesque Japanese Gardens, a dangerous attraction weaves its way between the secrets and lies. Forced to confront the truth, Everett must ask himself what good a home is without the one you love to share it with.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I wrote a book in the third grade and immediately knew I wanted to write books. After I was advised against it by a family member, it took me until I was in college to realize the dream had never left me. I ended up with many careers including bank management, until I recently made the decision to take a leap of faith and write full-time.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Oh, man. Only five?
1. Long Shot – Kennedy Ryan
2. The Hating Game – Sally Thorne
3. The Idea of You – Robinne Lee
4. Behind Closed Doors – B.A. Paris
5. Coming of Age in Mississippi – Anne Moody

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

This would be an absolute dream. Definitely, Kennedy Ryan. Her books are amazing and such an organic, emotionally relevant level. I’d ask her how she embodies her characters so deeply and seamlessly. We don’t write the same type of books. Mine are modern, funny, pulse-racing contemporary romance experiences, but hers edge of on the side of human darkness while maintaining deep love. It’s amazing.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is the question, “what if?” It’s taking some part of everyday life and twisting the emotions and characters to see what happens with a little tweak. I love creating characters, but the worlds and circumstances I drop them into are the most fun.

What is a typical day like for you?

Since the Corona virus and social distancing, my day is filled with finding creative ways to help my kids learn and exert energy while I write, edit, get social online, and prepare my newsletter content. When the house is finally calm, I read for me.

What scene in Mixed Match was your favorite to write?

I love meet-cutes. When Sophia and Everett meet, they’re technically enemies, but she doesn’t know it, so there’s instant attraction and all kinds of lovely, heated desire bouncing between them.

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

My favorite is “Nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream.” It’s about faith, timing, and putting in the hard work to realize goals and passions. For me, it’s about not only seizing the moment, but creating the moments that matter. Specifically, in my decision to write full-time.