In August 2024, I’m excited to combine two of the loves of my life: cruising and LGBTQ+ fiction and romance. I hope you’ll consider joining me on the first Rainbow Readers Cruise! Until then, I’d love to introduce you to one of the attending authors, Alexander C. Eberhart.

About Alexander C. Eberhart

Alexander grew up in the Metro Atlanta Area his entire life, moving from suburb to suburb, just on the outskirts of the city. He’s always had a passion for writing, even from a young age. He still lives on the cusp of Atlanta, with his husband and their pets.

Alexander has penned five Young Adult novels, all revolving around the Atlanta area, and enjoys bringing an underrepresented setting to life in imaginative and (sometimes) hilarious ways.

When not crafting quality queer fiction, Alexander works for a local company in the service industry and enjoys running D&D campaigns for his friends.

Interview

If drinks by the pool are already a given, what are you most looking forward to about the Rainbow Readers Cruise?

Believe it or not, this will be the first in-person author event I will have attended since publishing my first novel in 2017. I can’t wait to meet readers (new and returning) face-to-face and celebrate the art I love so much. That, and it’ll also be my first time on a cruise ship! Fingers crossed, I won’t get seasick!

Which of your books would you recommend as the best way for readers to get to know you before meeting you on the cruise?

This is a bit of a loaded question for me. LOL. I would say if you’re not averse to angst, my second book Lock & West is by far my most popular title. It follows the story of two high school boys, total opposites in almost every way, falling for one another despite a plethora of obstacles, both personal and external. Please make sure to check out the trigger warnings, but I assure you, it’s worth the emotional ride. And the boys do get their happy ending, I promise. (The audio is also brought to life by the FABULOUS Joel Leslie, so that doesn’t hurt either).

If angst isn’t up your alley, then check out my summer road trip title, One Perfect Moment. This title follows two best friends (and their band) on a cross-country trip where one is trying to work up the courage to confess his love for the other, all the while dealing with the close proximity and travel shenanigans. Much lower angst level and sweet as pie, One Perfect Moment is a great summer read!

And of course, I’d be remiss if I neglected my newest title, Theoretically Straight, released November 18th, 2023. This is for my “exvangelical” crowd or anyone who grew up in the church and struggled to reconcile their faith with their identity. Co-authored with my best friend in the world, Amy Bailey, you’ll follow the story of Theo and Caleb as they overcome religious preconceptions and ultimately arrive at acceptance and love.
Phew, that’s a lot. I’ll shut up now ^.^;

Which of your characters (from any story) would you most like to go on a cruise with?

Oh boy! I’d have to say I’d love to go on a cruise with Taye from the sequel of my first novel, Here Goes Nothing. Taye is an amazing non-binary owner of the coffee shop that Chris works at during Here Goes Nothing, and they are an amazing supporter of his poetry as well as a defender of his against his bigoted father. All that, and they know how to party! Taye would be a blast to hang out with, on and off the page.

Even if you don’t use this trip as fodder for a future project, most stories require a bit of research. Can you tell us the coolest thing you’ve learned while researching for your work, regardless of whether it made it into the text?

Oh, this is a fun one! I would say that, for my novel Ghosting You, my main character Tommy uses his dad’s old Nikon in his photography, so I did a deep dive into the process of how to develop film and actually incorporated it into one of my favorite scenes in the book. It was absolutely fascinating, and I have so much respect for those who suffer through that labor of love!

Hey, this is supposed to be a review blog! Recommend your favorite book that I should read and review by another author joining us on this high-seas adventure.

Hmm…. Tough call! But I’m going to have to give it up for Daryl Banner and his vampire romance, Kissing With Teeth. I wasn’t expecting such an emotional response, but Kyle’s story really hits you in the feels, and I loved the chemistry between him and Elias. A great title!

Finally, what other projects are you working on currently?

With the launch of my newest YA [young adult] title, Theoretically Straight, I’m now working on an adult title that I should have more details to release soon. It’ll be a paranormal romance, which should be ready in time for spooky season next year. Follow me to find out more details as they become available!

Connect With Alexander C. Eberhart

Website
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

About the Rainbow Readers Cruise

The Rainbow Readers Cruise celebrates the readers and creators of LGBTQ+ fiction and romance. The cruise departs from the Port of Fort Lauderdale on August 19, 2024, and returns August 23, 2024, with stops at Key West and Coco Cay (Celebrity’s private island). Along the way, meet and mingle with some of your favorite LGBTQ+ fiction and romance authors and creators, as well as attend panels, meet and greets, small group social activities, and the Signing at Sea. Plus, the cruise itself, with fabulous destinations, food and drinks, entertainment, and more. You can find all the details about the Rainbow Readers Cruise on our website: https://rainbowreaderscruise.com.