February 02, 2015

Interview with Priya in Heels author - Ayesha Patel!



Title: Priya in Heels
Author: Ayesha Patel
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Multi-cultural
Publication: August 28th, 2014

A new adult title from Entangled’s Embrace imprint…

Love doesn’t conquer all…does it?

Priyanka Patel is the epitome of an obedient daughter. She’s finishing up her medical residency at one of Houston’s busiest emergency departments, and has agreed—albeit reluctantly—to marry the man her family has chosen for her. The only thing that can derail the “perfect” life laid out before her is the sexy musician down the hall who wants into her life…and into her bed.

Tyler O’Connor has been infatuated with Priya since she treated his sprained ankle in the ER, and after saving her from a brutal attack, he can't get her out of his head. When Priya puts her family's wishes before their relationship, agreeing to an arranged marriage with another man, Tyler is devastated.

But love is fierce and unreasonable and clashes with the carefully sculpted life her parents want for her. Is going after her heart such a big deal, or will it truly unravel Priya’s world?


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"Priya in Heels is an exquisite mix of culture, romance, and humor all brought together by two characters you can't help but love from the get-go. It's a must read!" ~NYT Bestselling Author Anna Banks

"Sweet and sexy with a dash of spice." ~USA Today Bestselling Author Nicola Marsh

"Chemistry jumps off the pages in this sexy-fun tale of family, “firsts," and doing anything for true love. I swooned over Ty right along with Pree!" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Ophelia London

A moving story about a girl at a crossroads between her Indian culture and what's expected of her, and the American boy who's stolen her heart.” ~USA Today Bestselling Author Cindi Madsen

"A thoroughly entertaining romance that deftly captures the enduring conflict between conservative Indian traditions and contemporary American culture." ~Shobhan Bantwal, Award-Winning Author of the Dowry Brid





Ayesha Patel was born in the rich and colorful state of Gujarat in western India before moving to Texas. She quickly found her footing in languages and creative writing and weaves her diverse background into her stories. She currently lives in the beautiful, though rainy, state of Washington with her husband. With a splendid view of Mt. Ranier behind her, a cup of coffee in her hand, and a ridiculously fast laptop at her fingertips, Ayesha is thrilled to explore the literary world. 



Interview with Ayesha!


A little about myself and my upcoming release:
I was born in India, raised in Texas, and currently living in the Pacific Northwest. I grew up perfectly comfortable embracing both the Indian and American cultures, as well as many other cultures. I work in the medical field because I love medicine and science, but writing is a passion that has grown alongside medicine. My latest release, Priya in Heels, brings in so many things from real life, including medicine, culture clashes, people, places, events, love, and heartache. So when Priya chooses loving an American over the traditional demands of her family, her entire world crumbles.

Do I read reviews of my books and what do I do when I read a not-so-nice one?
I shouldnt read reviews, but once in a while I do. Of course, there are ones that arent five stars and all flattery. I immediately become depressed, which is why writers shouldnt read reviews for their own books! But then, I have to remember that books are entertainment and very subjective. I dont like every book, movie, song, etc. out there, but that doesnt mean I think any of the people behind their art are worthless. I move on to the next book, movie, song, etc, and I know readers will, too. I will never respond to negative reviews, no matter how personally I may take it. That isnt professional, and Im not a confrontational, argumentative, in-your-face person, anyway. I hope that when people write negative reviews of anything, that they keep it professional, too. Theres a nice way to say you didnt like something.

How did I come up with the book title, Priya in Heels?
I chose the name Priya because its a very common Indian name, and thanks to shows like The Big Bang Theory (Rajs sister), most know how to pronounce Priya. Priya hates high heels. Shes comfortable in sneakers. But loving someone beyond your control and living a new life is a lot like donning that pair of scary high heels and learning to only be comfortable and confident, but embracing the new you.

Do you find it hard to kill off your characters? (Spoiler Alert)
Yes! Ive grown very close to my characters, and in the case of the character who dies in Priya in Heels, I cried so hard writing those scenes. I literally had to step away from the computer several times and compose myself. But, thats also because the character is based on a real person, who is very dear to me.

Do I have a book in my house that is destroyed because Ive read it so much?
No. Growing up, I was taught to always respect the written word. Books were not to be mistreated because they carried within them knowledge and the progress of civilization, no matter the content, the written word itself is valuable. We never dropped our books or stepped on them or allowed them to become wet and brittle. Yes, there are books that Ive read many times, but Im so careful with my books that they are in new condition. If its a hardcover, I always remove the outer cover and leave it on the shelf until Im done reading. If its a paperback, I try not to bend the pages too much, and place something heavy on it when Im done so that it stays closed. Even in college, my textbooks (which I still have) are like new. I could never bring myself to highlight anything!

Cat or Dog?
Dog. I have two puppies named Gambit and Rogue

Heels or Flats?
Flats. Im just not that graceful.

Coffee or Tea?
Im going to go with the stereotype and say tea.

Spring or Summer?
Spring! Everything is blooming and its not dreadfully hot.

Mountain Views or Ocean Views?
I currently have a mountain view, but its too cold, so hopefully in the next year, Ill have an ocean view!






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