Fall Author Boutique Spotlight: Meet Kari Ann Gonzalez
- Heather Burkett-Ocasio
- Jul 30
- 7 min read
An Author Q&A
I love this series. One of my favorite things about these Q&As is discovering the little details that make each author unique. Kari Ann Gonzalez writes elegant Regency romances full of longing glances, ballroom intrigue, and happily-ever-afters—but she's also the kind of person who keeps a jar of "Author Treats" on her desk, decorates her writing space almost entirely in pink...and genuinely enjoys monster truck shows.
If you've ever wondered what goes into creating a Regency romance that transports readers straight into the English countryside, you're in for a treat.
I'm also excited to share that Kari will be joining us as one of the featured authors at the Fall Author Boutique: A Cozy Literary Pop-Up Experience on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in St. Augustine, Florida. Whether you're already a fan of historical romance or simply love meeting the people behind the stories, you'll have the chance to chat with Kari, browse her books, and hear more about her writing journey in person.
Until then, grab a cup of tea (or perhaps a pink tumbler filled with fruity electrolytes!) and enjoy getting to know Regency romance author Kari Ann Gonzalez.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself and what first inspired you to become a writer.
As a child, I loved making up stories and engaging in vivid imaginary play. It made sense as I got older to write those stories down. I began writing short stories when I was 8 or 9 and have loved putting pen to paper ever since.
Q. What made you decide to write Regency romance?
There are several reasons. Regency romance is full of all the small details (a lingering glance, the slight flutter of a fan, or a secret letter with a wax seal), and it’s those details that breathe life into these stories and draw us into the lives of the characters. Also, I enjoy finding ways for my characters to navigate through the restrictions of societal pressures and rules of comportment to achieve personal growth and their eventual happily-ever-afters.
Q. What is your favorite part of being a professional writer and published author?
I love everything about it! From writing the books to meeting the readers, it’s a joy to be in this creative space. Writing is often a mostly solitary endeavor. As authors, we dream up these stories. We spend countless hours writing, polishing, and refining them, usually on our own. But when I meet readers and hear how they connected with the characters I’ve spent all this time with, and who mean so much to me, I’m happy I could send my books out to the world for others to enjoy. It’s delightful to pull readers out of our busy modern era and drop them into a beautiful English countryside or ballroom for a while.
Q. Where did the idea for your latest book come from?
My newest book is currently in edits. It’s called An Imposter in Mayfair, and it was born from the idea that we all feel out of place sometimes, and it’s what we do in those moments that tells us who we truly are. Grace, the main character, comes from a home with challenging family dynamics. In order to save those she cares about most, she pushes through all the discomfort of being in a new place where she doesn’t fit in at all. Grace’s story leans into those feelings of uncertainty and awkwardness while showing how hard it can be to break free of toxic family relationships and make a way for oneself in the world.
Q. Currently, there are four books in the Heatherfield series. What do the books have in common, and what makes them different?
Each book is a standalone part of an interlocking series. There is a different female main character for each book, and we see the 1815 London Social Season through their points of view as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of high society drama in their own stories. What makes these books unique is that they are essentially four parts of one large story, with each book told from a separate point of view. A character might disappear for a few days in one book, and in another book, we see where they’ve gone and what they’re doing. Readers can read any one book and not feel lost, or they can read them in order and experience the full Social Season through all four points of view.
Q. One reader said of your Heatherfield series: “If you are an Austen or Downton Abbey fan you will love this novel.” How does that comment make you feel?
It’s a huge compliment. Austen and Downton Abbey were immensely successful in immersing their audiences in their worlds and making the characters feel real. If readers are having those kinds of feelings when reading The Heatherfield Series, then as an author, I feel honored.
Q. How many more books do you foresee writing in the Heatherfield series, or is the series now complete?
The Heatherfield Series contains four books and is now complete. I recently announced in my newsletter that An Imposter in Mayfair is going to be the first book of a new series. This series will be called The Friends of Heatherfield, and it’s a spin-off series from Heatherfield (book one). While the first series took place in 1815, this new series will take us through all the drama and excitement of 1816. Readers who fell in love with The Heatherfield Series will meet several new characters while still having an opportunity to catch glimpses of some old friends along the way.
Q. What’s your favorite romance trope to write—and which one would you never touch?
I will always have a special place in my heart for enemies to lovers. The journey from intense dislike to love is always fun. As far as a trope I would never touch, I’m not sure. I just know I would never fail to give my readers the happily ever after that romance stories should always have.
Q. What’s one scene you’ve written that still makes you smile (or cry) when you think about it?
There is a scene in Wisteria Hall which pulls at my heart. The main character, Violet Pembroke, has found love, and then lost it. In this scene, she is at her most vulnerable, and we experience the moment—well, I can’t go any further without giving away spoilers, but if you read the story, you’ll know the scene when you come to it!
Q. Paint a picture for us—what does a typical writing session look like for you? (Favorite drink, music, distractions, etc.)
I’ve been told by my author friends that I romanticize my writing. Writing is never something which feels like a chore or work. I look forward to sitting down in my cozy pink office and diving into my stories. A typical writing session for me has a fresh bouquet of flowers from my husband in a vase on my desk, lit candles glowing, mood lighting, and a few songs playing on repeat. I have a special golden jar of “Author Treats” filled with various candies and snacks I only get to enjoy while writing. I fill my (pink) tumbler with whatever fruity electrolytes I’m craving. Then I sit in my (pink) plush chair and get lost in the story I’m writing on my (also pink) keyboard.
Q. What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
While my stories are deep and full of heart, romance, and elegance, I have a rather large and eclectic range of interests. I think the one that surprises people the most is my love of monster trucks. I have to say, my 11-year-old son has always been glad I can enjoy a truck show from time to time.
Q. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring authors?
The difference between wanting to write a book and becoming someone who has written one is simply that you keep going until you finish. Maybe it will take years. Maybe it won’t. The timeline doesn’t matter. The point is to finish! And don’t worry if that first draft is really…not good. Its purpose is to exist. You can polish it later. Just keep going until you get that first draft completed!
Q. What are you working on next?
I’m currently in edits for An Imposter in Mayfair, but I’ve also just completed a full, detailed outline for the next book in that series, so when Imposter leaves my hands and goes to my editor, I’ll be taking some time to write that next book. I can’t wait!
Q. What part of the Fall Author Boutique are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to meeting the other authors who are going to be at the event. There are some very talented individuals attending, and it’s going to be so nice to meet them in person. I also can’t wait to meet the readers and talk to anyone who comes up to chat. It’s exciting to be around others who share a love of books!
Q. Where can readers connect with you online?
Website: http://www.authorkarianngonzalez.com
Facebook: Kari Ann Gonzalez Author Page
Instagram: karianngonzalez_author_page
TikTok: kari.ann.gonzalez
A heartfelt thank you to Kari Ann Gonzalez for taking the time to share more about her writing journey, her beautiful Heatherfield series, and the exciting stories still to come. It was a pleasure getting to know the inspiration behind her Regency romances, and we wish her continued success as she begins this exciting new chapter with her upcoming Friends of Heatherfield series.
If you'd like the opportunity to meet Kari in person, we hope you'll join us at the Fall Author Boutique: A Cozy Literary Pop-Up Experience on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Shanty & Co., located at 96 South Dixie Highway in St. Augustine, Florida. You'll have the chance to meet Kari, browse her books, chat with fellow readers, and spend the afternoon with eight talented Florida authors representing a variety of genres in a warm, cozy literary atmosphere.
Kari, thank you again for being part of our Author Spotlight series. We can't wait to welcome you to the Fall Author Boutique and are looking forward to spending the afternoon working alongside you as we celebrate great stories, wonderful readers, and Florida's vibrant indie author community.
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