From Libraries to Love Stories: A Conversation with Gabriella Gamez

In today’s post, we’re excited to introduce debut romance author Gabriella Gamez! Gabriela recently released her first adult romance novel, The Next Best Fling, and we had the chance to chat with her about everything from her writing journey to rediscovering gaming during the pandemic. Whether you’re a romance reader, a gamer, or an aspiring author, Gabriella’s story will inspire you. Let’s dive into her creative process, favorite games, and must-read book recommendations!

Gabriella’s Writing Journey

Like many authors, Gabriella’s passion for writing started at a young age. She vividly remembers getting her first laptop in middle school, long before stable internet was a thing. Without the internet to distract her, she spent hours writing in Microsoft Word and would turn to playing solitaire whenever writer’s block hit—a habit she still maintains to this day.

Fast forward to 2019, when Gabriella began to take her writing more seriously. Inspired by the online book community, she learned the ins and outs of traditional publishing and started querying agents. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though—her first manuscript didn’t land her an agent, but her second attempt did. Now, with her debut book The Next Best Fling out in the world, Gabriella has fully embraced her journey as an author.

Rediscovering Gaming During the Pandemic

Although writing was always Gabriella’s dream, another creative outlet came back into her life during the pandemic—gaming. Gabriella recalls her childhood love for video games, particularly her days spent playing Pokémon on her Game Boy. Like many of us, the pandemic gave her the time to rediscover hobbies from her youth, and she found herself immersed in the gaming world once again.

The game that sparked this renewed passion was Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Its peaceful world-building and creative freedom allowed her to relax and unwind. Gabriela says she spent countless hours perfecting her island while listening to audiobooks—a perfect blend of her two favorite pastimes.

Since then, she’s expanded her gaming collection. Some of her favorites include Breath of the Wild, an open-world adventure game that challenged her with its intricate gameplay, and Stardew Valley, a nostalgic farming simulator that she recommends for fans of games like The Sims.

Book Talk: The Next Best Fling

Of course, we couldn’t talk to Gabriella without discussing her debut novel, The Next Best Fling. The story follows Marcella Ortiz, who has been harboring unrequited feelings for her best friend for over a decade. When she finds out he’s getting engaged, Marcella decides it’s time to move on. Enter Theo, her best friend’s older brother, who complicates matters by drunkenly confessing his feelings at the engagement party. Marcella and Theo end up in a fake relationship, but as their chemistry heats up, their feelings for each other become all too real.

Gabriela loved writing the electric chemistry between Marcella and Theo, and she’s a sucker for big romantic gestures. She describes the experience of writing the book as both challenging and fun, especially when it came to crafting those heartfelt love confessions.

Gabriella’s Book Recommendations

Gabriella is a talented author and an avid reader with excellent book recommendations. If you’re looking for a romance that pushes boundaries, she suggests picking up The Bride Test by Helen Hoang. Gabriella credits Helen with transforming her understanding of what romance novels can be, and The Bride Test remains one of her all-time favorites.

Another must-read on Gabriella’s list is Kate Clayborn’s Chance of a Lifetime series. She especially recommends Luck of the Draw, which centers on three friends who win the lottery and how that windfall changes their lives. Gabriela loves the emotional depth and self-discovery in Clayborn’s writing, which goes beyond romance to explore the complexities of life and relationships.

The Balance Between Romance and Women’s Fiction

One thing that stands out in Gabriella’s writing and the books she enjoys is the balance between romance and personal growth. She appreciates stories that go beyond romantic relationships and delve into the characters’ inner journeys. For her, books like Kate Clayborn explore what people want out of life, not just in terms of love but in their goals, desires, and self-realization. This blend of romance and self-exploration is something Gabriella strives to bring to her own writing as well.

Where to Find Gabriella Gamez

Want to stay updated on Gabriella’s latest projects? You can find her on her website, gabriellagamez.com, where she shares writing updates and more. She’s also active on Instagram at @GabbyWritesALot and occasionally posts fun, lighthearted content on TikTok. Don’t hesitate to reach out to her on social media—she loves connecting with readers!

Conclusion

Gabriella Gamez is a creative force to watch. From her journey as a writer to her gaming passion and insightful book recommendations, she brings a fresh and fun perspective to the world of romance. Be sure to check out The Next Best Fling, and if you’re looking for your next great read or game to play, Gabriella’s suggestions won’t disappoint.