Let's Talk Romance Books with Shameez Patel!

Lorelei Buzzetta Author

Ready to get to know the romance author of NEXT LEVEL LOVE? 💕

Welcome to Let’s Talk Romance Books with Shameez Patel!

In this Q&A, Shameez Patel shares a few fun facts about herself, what readers can expect from her stories—including tropes and the inspiration behind her latest book! 

Let's Talk Romance Books with Shameez Patel...

What are you currently reading?
I’m currently listening to Babel by RF Kuang and beta reading a super secret book for a friend.

Do you have any pets?
I have four cats. Turbo, Charger, Nala and Squeak. I’ve also discovered that four is technically the legal limit. Ha!

Coffee or tea lover?
I love a decaf cappuccino with almond milk and rooibos tea (a South African tea) with regular milk (a bit controversial around here).

Name one thing on your bucket list.
I’d love to see Stray Kids live.

Weirdest or unique thing you own.
This is a tough one. Nothing comes to mind. Though, if I think long and hard, I’d say the backstage pass I won at a Mika concert in Italy. I’d spent a lot of money and time getting there and struck gold by randomly being selected to go backstage as it happened to be his last show of the summer season.

Do you have any hobbies or particular skills? 

Well, I guess I am able to design roads and analyse traffic! (Just like Lincoln and Elizabeth 😉)

Did you always dream about becoming a romance author?
I’ve always wanted to write and publish novels with romantic plots. Not necessarily romance (though I love a romance novel). I also love fantasy romance, mystery romance and anything with a romantic subplot.

What three important facts can readers expect to find in all your books?
Most of my books are HIGH tension, low spice, and full of banter—regardless of the genre. My fantasy novels are a little spicier (open door, but not too much).

Readers can also expect found family in my stories and personal growth.

What inspired you to write NEXT LEVEL LOVE?
Next Level Love is a URL to IRL workplace romance about a pair of gamers who have been chatting online and developing a relationship over years, only to end up unknowingly working together in a civil engineering office.
I was excited to explore civil engineering in fiction and emphasise the importance and beauty of online friendships. Lincoln is a ADHD-riddled genius, different to my other heroes and he immediately stole my heart. Elizabeth, my walking-talking strobe light was his perfect match and I was thrilled to be able to tell their story.

What do you hope readers will experience or gain when reading your stories?

Next Level Love has a heavy theme of grief and as mentioned, ADHD rep—I hope my readers find comfort in the representation. Beyond that, I hope they feel loved and safe while reading.

What are you currently working on, and where can readers follow and contact you? 
I’m working on a bit of a different genre, but can’t say too much yet.
Readers can find me almost everywhere under “@shameezwrites”.

www.shameezwrites.com

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Author bio:

SHAMEEZ PATEL was born and raised in Cape Town, and lives there with her husband, child, and four cats. During the day, she juggles her time between parenting and working in the automotive industry—but at night, she escapes to new worlds that always have someone to fall in love with.

Her new charming and geeky romantic comedy, Next Level Love, is out now.

My Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ NEXT LEVEL LOVE by Shameez Patel

💖 What I Loved

- Fun, heartfelt, and emotional — this story made me smile, laugh, and cry

- Watching Lincoln and Elizabeth fall in love through both text messages and real-life moments felt so natural and real

- Each chapter starts with texts adding to their connection and growth

- Thoughtful ADHD representation, which felt authentic and relatable


Tropes: Online connection → IRL romance, emotional slow build, enemies to lovers

Chemistry: Sweet, genuine, emotionally grounded

Heat Level: Closed-door

Tone: Lighthearted, swoony, and full of heart

🌟 My Quick Take

A sweet, closed-door romance with genuine characters, meaningful ADHD representation, and a love story that grows beautifully over time — perfect for readers who love emotionally rich, feel-good romances.

Categories: : Author interview, Book Spotlight, Q&A, Rom Com, Romance book