Month of Men Tour: Simone Elkeles

I am taking part in Simon and Schuster's Month of Men tour and I had the privilege to interview Simone Elkeles. I love her novels and had lots of fun asking her questions.

I (along with many other readers) fell in love with the Fuentes brothers but I have to say that Alex has to be my favourite. Which Fuentes brother is your favourite?

I get asked this question often and I still can’t choose!  All of my characters, but especially my Fuentes brothers, are like my own children - I could never pick a favourite! There’s something I love about each one of them.  I love how Alex has a heart of gold and would do anything to protect his family.  I love Carlos’ sarcastic personality (because that’s so like me) and the way he doesn’t back down from a challenge.  For Luis, I love that he’s so thoughtful and truly cares about how another person feels.  I could just never choose between them!

What was your inspiration for all the love interests in your novel? Are any of them based on real people?

Alex was partially inspired by this super cute guy named Luis that worked at my local bagel shop. He’s Mexican, he has that “it” factor – you can’t help but look at him when he walks in the room, he’s got tattoos, and has a certain swagger that is so “Alex” to me!  I finally told him that he was my inspiration and his friends who work with him think it’s hilarious and they make fun of him all the time about it.  Most of the time I make up my characters and they’re a mixture of a bunch of people I know.
  
If you were to write a novel in a different genre to your other works what genre would you like to write?

I think I would like to write a time travel novel.  Really, though, I adore writing romance.  It’s my favourite genre to read because I love happy endings!  I love that romance novels have the power to make you laugh and cry and that make you want to be the hero or heroine in your own life story.

Can you tell us a little bit about what you are working on at the moment?

I’m working on a new series about four football players in high school and the girls they fall in love with.  The first book is going to be out in the U.S. in October.  Don’t worry, the books are all romances and you don’t have to know anything about football to enjoy it!  I’m not allowed to release too many details about it yet, but I hope to be revealing information on my Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simone-Elkeles-Fan-Page/101698336559632) soon!  I will also post information about a Perfect Chemistry movie if there is one in the works…keep your fingers crossed that will also go into production this year!

Also if you haven't already seen the new covers for Simone's Leaving Paradise Series here they are!























Thank you to Simone Elkeles and Simon and Schuster! Make sure you read the rest of the Month of Men tour posts here!