I’m always excited when I really enjoy a book and then see that the author is releasing a new book. Which is the case with Kevin van Whye. I loved Date Me, Bryson Keller and I’m really excited about Kevin’s new book Nate Plus One. Today is my stop on the book tour for that book hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours. I had the honor of sending Nate a few interview questions. So keep on reading to find out more about the book and the author interview.
Nate Plus One by Kevin van Whye
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Publishing Date: May 10, 2022
The gorgeous new feelgood LGBTQ+ romantic comedy from the author of Date Me, Bryson Keller!
Two boys. Two bands. Two worlds colliding.
Nate Hargraves – stage-shy singer-songwriter – is totally stoked for his cousin’s wedding in South Africa, an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime. Until he finds out his sleazeball ex-boyfriend is also on the guest list.
Jai Patel – hot-as-hell high school rock-god – has troubles too. His band’s lead singer has quit, just weeks before the gig that was meant to be their big break.
When Nate saves the day by agreeing to sing with Jai’s band, Jai volunteers to be Nate’s plus-one to the wedding, and the stage is set for a summer of music, self-discovery, and simmering romantic tension. What could possibly go wrong . . . ?
‘One of the most adorable, big-hearted, charming books in existence’ – Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, on Date Me, Bryson Keller!
Book Links
Goodreads
Amazon
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Book Depository
Indigo
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Author Interview
What inspired you to write Nate Plus One?
With Nate Plus One I wanted to write a story set in my home country and share that with my readers. So that was really the start, and then I looked at some of the tropes that I love such as friends to lovers. There’s also a rom-com that I love called The Wedding Date starring Debra Messing, Dermot Mulroney and a blonde Amy Adams, and so I wanted to do a gay YA take on it.
What has been your favorite part of your publishing journey so far?
My favorite part is always seeing the finished product. There’s something so rewarding to hold a book that you’ve put your blood, sweat and often tears into.
Describe Nate Plus One in five words or less.
Friends to lovers. Happy ending.
What is your favorite quote from this book?
“I am not a morning person—I have never been and probably will never be—so the fact that I am up before the sun and currently heading to the airport is a crime against humanity. And the universe will be hearing from my lawyers.”
What do you hope readers take away from Nate Plus One?
I wrote this book in the middle of the pandemic and lockdown, and for me it was an escape. And so I hope that the readers get to feel that they can take a brief trip while reading this novel. And above all else I just want my readers to be happy while reading the book.
What is next for you? Anything you can tell us readers about?
I’ve been hard at work on my next book which follows a boy named Love, who doesn’t believe in love but finds himself falling in love for the first time.
If you were a character in Nate Plus One, what kind of character would you be?
Probably a background character. Like Nate I hate the spotlight and so would be perfect as classmate A or something.
Tour Schedule
If you’re curious about what people thought of Nate Plus One or other posts, click here for the full schedule. There are a lot of amazing bloggers and bookstagrammers participating on this tour.
About the Author
Kevin van Whye was born and raised in South Africa, where his love for storytelling started at a young age. Kevin is the author of Date Me, Bryson Keller. He lives in Johannesburg, and when he’s not reading, he’s writing stories that give his characters the happy rom-com endings they deserve.
Author Links
Nate Plus One sounds like another book I’ll really love and need to read soon! What are some of your favorite contemporary books? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.