Ruby Basu was first introduced to the Mills & Boon True Love team at the 2020 Romantic Novelists Association conference. Assistant Editor Hannah Rossiter was captivated – instantly! – by Nathan and Saira’s story, falling head-over-heals for their reunion romance and, after developing the story with Ruby, acquired the book in December.

Ruby’s debut Mills & Boon novel, Baby Surprise for the Millionaire is out now. Congratulations, Ruby!

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Tell us about yourself. Our readers want to know!

I live in the beautiful Chilterns with my husband, two children and our dog. I recently set up as a freelance solicitor – I love working for myself so I can have the flexibility to choose when I work or write or nap.

Why did you want to become a romance writer?

I fell in love with romance ever since I read the Sweet Dreams teen romance series (which is really showing my age!). From those I moved on to Mills & Boon. There are probably very few sub-genres of romance I don’t like. Although I’ve tried writing different genres I always come back to romance. I love exploring the complexities of people and their relationships but with the guarantee of a happily ever after.

What were the steps in your journey to becoming a published author?

Like many aspiring authors, I’ve been writing for as long as I remember but, although I have the first few chapters of many books in boxes and computer files, I never wrote the words ‘The End’ until I finished Nathan and Saira’s story in December 2019.

I’m a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association which usually holds a summer conference where members can have appointments with industry professionals. In 2020 they offered virtual appointments so I took a deep breath and asked for an appointment with Hannah Rossiter. She asked for my full manuscript. She then gave me some really constructive revision notes. I sent the revised book back to her in October and, although I still can’t believe it, here I am.

What one piece of advice would you offer aspiring writers?

I think the usual advice like follow your dreams, keep writing and never give up is true, but I’m also a great believer in setting goals, making plans and taking actionable steps; accept what’s in your control and what isn’t; and measure progress from where you started rather than how far away you may be from your goal. Also try to build your writing support community- whether that’s in real life or online.

What did you do when you got the call from Harlequin?

At the beginning of December, when I knew I wouldn’t be able to have my usual Christmas with my extended family, I was feeling subdued when I got an email from Hannah asking for a video chat. From the call stories I’ve read on this website, part of me know it could be THE CALL but I think my brain went into protective mode, coming up with other reasons for the video chat – a polite face to face no, more revisions and isn’t the call usually a phone call?

Initially we did talk about whether I could fit in timing of revisions with something else I was working on and, when I said I thought I could, she offered me a contract. I think my brain went into disbelieving mode so I don’t remember much of the call after that, apart from the video freezing at one point, but Hannah said she would send an email. When I received the email, I showed it to my husband and he confirmed it had really happened – the best early Christmas present I could ask for.

Now, let’s hear from Ruby’s Editor, Hannah Rossiter

It was, quite simply, love at first sight, with Ruby’s debut title, for Mills & Boon! When I first read Nathan and Saira’s story, at the 2020 Romantic Novelists Association conference, I was bowled over by her effortless storytelling. I was, after reading just the first chapter, desperate to keep reading! And, to my delight, Nathan and Saira’s story – filled with passion, emotion and glamour… – just got better, after every page. I am so proud to be publishing Ruby’s debut!

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Baby Surprise for the Millionaire by Ruby Basu

By Lauren Gardiner