Check out our interview with Stephanie Archer, author of "The Wild Card."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
I've been building to Coach Ward and Jordan's book for the entire Vancouver Storm series, but there's one element in this book, belonging, that was inspired by my own background. Before writing romance novels, I was an engineer. It's a male-dominated environment that I never felt welcome in. I was often the only woman in the room, and treated differently than my male peers. I still remember the moment I found out my male colleague (with the same job as me, same level of experience) received a bonus three times my own. My goal with writing "The Wild Card" was to show what a male-dominated work environment could look like if you had men like Tate Ward, who wanted to make women feel welcome. Tate Ward is the boss I needed but never had: he cares about his players and organization, he considers everyone important no matter what their role is, and he goes out of his way to make everyone feel like they belong.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
It's about reading what you love and rejecting any shame around it! In the romance genre, we are very familiar with people making fun of us for reading what we love, but there's nothing wrong with reading about two people falling in love, or books that have sex in them. I'm proud to be a romance author and romance reader. It's an incredible genre that uplifts people, and there's a place for everyone.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
It's accurate to the world around us! My job is to make readers feel seen, and if there wasn't any diversity in my books, I wouldn't be doing my job. As a straight white woman, I have not lacked for representation in pop culture, so it's especially important that I show diversity. I want all readers to feel safe and seen when reading my books.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
"The Wild Card" is the last book in the Vancouver Storm series, about the beloved single dad, Coach Tate Ward (nicknamed Daddy Ward by my readers) and Jordan, the prickly, anti-social bar owner. To save the team from being sold, her father, the owner, forces her to take a job in team management, and Jordan and Tate must work together closely to get the Vancouver Storm to the Stanley Cup. This is, at it's core, a book about two secretly lonely people falling in love and finding a place where they belong. Sometimes, belonging is another person, sometimes, it's a whole hockey team conspiring to set you up! I wanted to give my readers the most satisfying finale to the Vancouver Storm series, and I hope "The Wild Card" delivers.
What can fans expect from your book?
"The Wild Card" is funny, heartfelt, and romantic. You will fall head over heels in love, not just with Tate and Jordan, but with Bea, Tate's 9-year-old daughter. You can expect some major hijinks from the team as they realize Tate and Jordan are perfect for each other, many found family moments, and some intriguing new additions to the Vancouver Storm family.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
It's a secret! There will be another Vancouver Storm series, but not yet. I can't tell you anything about the book I just finished writing, but I know my readers are going to love it!
