I’ve been waiting for this moment for what seems like FOREVER. Jack and Poppy are so incredibly special to me. I’m sure it feels like authors say this all the time, but this is a true book of my heart—a book that helped me fall in love with writing all over again, a book that challenged me, a book that helped me grow as both an author and person. I’m incredibly proud of it and I love that it’s finally on bookshelves everywhere!

So thrilled to welcome you all to Diamond Bay, FL, and Fable, the hottest new restaurant on the Treasure Coast! <3

HEARD, CHEF

want to hang out with me on tour?

Some stops are sold out (thank you!!) but there are still tickets left at others! Check out the updated graphic below to celebrate Hot Chef Summer with me + fabulous indies + even more fabulous friends!

I can’t wait to kick things off tonight at my sold out event in Northport Books! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

A few notes!

• The Atlanta stop is now sold out, but there may be tix available for a signing-only line.

• Alexa Martin unfortunately had a conflict with the event in SLC, so now I will be joined by the lovely Kath Richards! I can’t wait.

• The virtual event through Book Lovers is open to anyone anywhere, even though the store is based in Edinburgh!

TOUR TIX

plus!! it’s new release tuesday!!

I’d also love to highlight some of the amazing romances sharing a birthday with YES, CHEF! Check out these wonderful authors!

• Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar

• Thighs Wide Shut by Hayley Fleming

• Not that Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine

• Married with Benefits by Ellie Palmer

• The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert

and last but not least… I wrote an essay for People!

Yes, that People! I’m a huge fan of them and love their book coverage, so it was an absolute honor to write about all the inspiration behind Yes, Chef! Check out the essay below to whet your appetite (ha) for Yes, Chef!

PEOPLE ESSAY!!!!!!

This release day is a dream come true so far. Thank you so much to everyone who has gotten excited about my lil chef romance. It means the world to me! If you see Yes, Chef out in the wild, share a pic with me!

July is officially the busiest month I’ve had in… forever, maybe, to be honest. I’m scrambling to finish quite possibly the hardest revision I’ve attempted yet, promote Yes, Chef ahead of its release in less than 2 weeks (!!), prep for my tour, do all the necessary behind the scenes admin stuff (seriously, why are there so many emails?), and like, keep myself and Hazel alive and hydrated. So. Perhaps you will forgive me for straight up forgetting to share the news that I have another release this year???

I’m so excited to finally share…

…an audio first novella coming out from Spotify September 22nd! I am SO obsessed with it. Writing it was a really fun challenge, and I’m thrilled with the result—it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a friends-to-lovers romance. Spotify is recording this beauty in duet (!!!) with narration by Monica King and Patrick Dubois, and I CANNOT WAIT for you all to hear it!

(Also, I got the final cover yesterday, and Reader, I screamed.)

Here’s the official description:

A charming new romance from USA Today bestselling author Grace Reilly, in which a determined ceramics artist and her surfer best friend navigate a fake relationship at the wedding of the man she left behind–available only in audio.

When ceramics artist Evie Bartlett walked away from her polished Southern life, she left behind a fiancé, a future she never wanted, and everyone else’s expectations. In the cozy beach town of Port Laurel, she’s finally built a life around her art, along with an unexpectedly close friendship with laid-back Logan Pierce.

But when Evie is forced to attend her ex-fiancé’s lavish wedding, a panicked lie to her meddling mother leaves her scrambling for an instant boyfriend. Now Logan is headed to Hilton Head as her fake date, where one small deception, one shared room, and undeniable chemistry force them to confront feelings they’ve both been hiding.

Narrated in duet by Monica King and Patrick Dubois, Have Your Cake is a friends-to-lovers romantic comedy packed with sharp banter, simmering attraction, and impeccable vibes.

And what are these vibes, you ask? 🌊

💜 Luke x Lorelai energy
💜 Quirky small town ➡️ destination wedding
💜 Fake dating (but he’s down bad from the start 🥲)
💜 She’s the scrappy artist, he’s the laid-back surfer
💜 Only one bed (duh)
💜 Beach s*x
💜 Child-free main characters
💜 Novella
💜 And again, DUET!!!!!

HAVE YOUR CAKE is available for pre-save on Spotify now and will be available everywhere you listen to audiobooks! I’m not sure if those platform links have populated yet, but check it out on Spotify HERE! (A pre-save would be lovely, if you’re excited about it too!)

T-MINUS 2 WEEKS UNTIL YES, CHEF 🍊

While I’m super excited for HAVE YOUR CAKE, I’m also absolutely geeking out over the fact YES, CHEF is nearly in the world. Thank you to everyone who has supported this book so far—it’s thanks to you that it’s getting such great buzz! I got finished copies in not too long ago, and they look STUNNING:

The pink + yellow combo is gorgeous in person and will make a fabulous addition to anyone’s summer TBR, just sayin’.

There’s still time to preorder this beauty and/or secure your tickets to see me on tour! Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far! As a reminder, if you’re interested, you can:

• Order from Scribbles Bookshop*, The New Romantics, or Book Lovers Bookshop (UK only; limited quantities left so snag yours now!) to get it signed with exclusive character art!

  • *We’re actually super close to a fun milestone for this preorder, so if you’re interested… 🙂‍↔️

• Order from Barnes & Noble

• Order from Amazon US

• Order from Bookshop.org

• Order from Waterstones

• Order from Amazon UK

• Order the audiobook from Libro.fm

When it comes to the tour (!!), I can’t wait to hit the road soon and celebrate with you, the indies I’m partnering with, and the author friends graciously taking the time to support me + this book! ICYMI, here’s where I’ll be:

TOUR TIX!

A few updates about it:

• My event at Lovebound Library in Salt Lake City with Alexa Martin is sold out, but you can still add yourself to the waitlist! (Eeek! Thank you! It was a secret hope of mine that I would sell out a tour stop.)

• My event at Cupid’s Bookshop in Philly with Nisha Sharma is running very low on tix, so if you’re interested, snag yours ASAP!

• Tickets are also running low at Northport Books and in LA with The Fleuria, so grab yours now if you’re interested!

That’s all I’ve got for now—I’m due back in the revising cave STAT. Love you!! Thank you for cheering on me and my books!! (Next newsletter, I will do another giveaway of one of my last remaining ARCs.)

P.S. if you want more info on the chaos that is my life, follow me on Instagram or Threads (I’m trying that platform yet again lmao)

I have more to say below about book stuff—namely, the Barnes & Noble preorder sale that’s happening currently, plugging my tour stops again in case you’d like to join me and author buds as we chat about hot chefs, and a newsletter exclusive giveaway of one of my last remaining ARCs—below, but first, I wanted to chat about Tessa Dare, the joys of backlist reading, and the armadillo I saw last night that felt like a sign from the universe.

communing with past selves

If you’ve heard me chat about books, you know how much I adore historical romance. It’s my ultimate comfort, my bread and butter, the books I go to when I want an escape. I don’t even look at the blurbs most of the time before diving in—I will devour entire backlists from histrom authors indiscriminately.

Right now, I’m doing that with Tessa Dare. Her books are set in Regency England, like many are, but they’re a little offbeat and madcap. They’re quick—she can do so much with a single line, which I admire—and often tongue-in-cheek funny, yet layered with serious character wounds. In short, Tessa Dare’s writing feels incredibly balanced to me. Every book I’ve picked up so far has been an absolute delight. She’s so talented!

Tessa, unfortunately, doesn’t write anymore—I believe something having to do with health issues—but luckily for me, she has a big backlist of books to explore. I know there’s a lot of pressure, especially in online bookish spaces, to keep up with the endless carousel of new releases. There’s always something new to read, new to review, new to hype up. It can feel like backlist titles aren’t worth your while. But I adore a good backlist. I love watching an author grow across books—seeing what sparks for them every time, where they experimented, how inspiration found them. There’s comfort in being able to dip into the same well, all in a row. It feels like having a conversation with the author, one that drifts across space and time. You’re interacting with who they were when they wrote the book. Opening a time capsule of sorts, and examining the treasures inside. The books might be years old to Tessa, but to me they’re new, immediate, delightful.

When the pressure of release day feels too much, I try to remind myself how much I delight in backlist. YES, CHEF isn’t backlist right now, but sooner than later, it will be. Someone will hopefully pick it up years down the line and experience it in their present while it’s my past, and in a way, we’ll have a little conversation in the ether. Maybe they’ll reach out to let me know they read it. Most likely they won’t. Regardless, it will be part of their experience, just as it was part of mine. That’s one of the best things about art: it reverberates outward, touching lives in ways the artist can’t predict.

I do plan to see if there’s a way to contact Tessa Dare and tell her how much I’ve enjoyed pouring over her body of work. Even if there isn’t, I hope she knows people are still reading her words. Maybe I’m just feeling sappy, but I love, love, love how words never expire.

the armadillo

Oh my gosh, friends. Without going into many boring details, life has been busy and rough lately, and last night, I saw an armadillo frolicking (this is the right term to use, yes) on the grass by my apartment building, and it broke something open in me. It looked so happy. So carefree. I’m aware I was projecting my feelings onto it, but whatever. Anthropomorphism is one of my favorite human quirks, actually, and I’d never seen an alive armadillo before. I’d just been telling my mom about how I wanted to see one, and less than a week later, there it was, the two of us having a chance meeting at 9:30pm on a Monday. I burst into tears. (Look, that isn’t saying much when it comes to me—I cry all the time. But still. It felt good.)

The armadillo had no idea, of course. But I’m glad I saw it. It felt like a sign from the universe that the things we want are out there. That random bits of magic are out there. When I’m in the right moment to cross paths with nature—a rainbow, a pretty bird, an exceptionally cute dog, an armadillo running in circles on the grass like an adorable little alien creature—randomly, it always feels like a gift. Thanks, little buddy.

b&n is having a sale (and other book stuff)

If you’ve read this far, thank you. It’s that awkward time of year again where every author you know (or don’t know but somehow see online) is posting about B&N’s preorder sale. This is as weird for us authors as it is for you, I promise, but it must be done. Plus, it’s a good sale! If you’re interested in snagging YES, CHEF for 25% off—a little present to yourself when July rolls around—you can do so here:

check it out!

So many other good books are on sale too! Might I recommend Entities to Lovers by Mallory Marlowe, The Final Score by Lana Ferguson, Sunflower Season by Danica Nava, Let’s Kiss and Tell by Joss Richard, Die for Me by Shirlene Obuobi, Fossil Feud by Maggie North, or In Every Future, It’s Us by Katie Naymon, just to name a few?

If you’re interested in preordering YES, CHEF through an indie instead, get it signed with character art from one of the following awesome stores!

Scribbles Bookshop

The New Romantics

Book Lovers Bookshop (UK only)

And finally, the YES, CHEF tour is happening soon! I can’t wait for next month, which will hopefully be filled with lots of laughter and food talk and summery vibes. If I’m coming to a bookstore near you, I’d love to meet you! (And if you come to the Long Island event, you will likely run into my family.)

Tickets HERE!

Btw, the virtual event through Book Lovers has a super low cost ticket option that doesn’t include the book, in case you’re not in the UK but still want to see Chelsea and I yap together!

last but not least: a giveaway

I’ve been meaning to do some newsletter only giveaways, and here’s the first! If you’d like a signed and personalized copy of the UK ARC of YES, CHEF (yellow cover) + some goodies, fill out the poll below. I’ll choose a winner randomly later this week. International okay!

Okay bye for now!! Love ya, angels!! xx

I mean seriously, look how cute this thing is. HOW IS IT A REAL ANIMAL?! It looks like it’s about to ask me to tea.

FX’s The Bear’s final season is out June 25th (I’m not ready to say goodbye to Syd and Carmy)

YES, CHEF is out July 21st!

Tony, the Anthony Bourdain* movie, is out August 7th

Every month has something fun and chef-y going on! It’s a dream for people like me, who ate really good sweet corn last night and is still thinking about it. (God, I love summer produce.) I’m going to pretend that the teams behind The Bear and Tony planned everything around July just for me ;)

*If you’re not familiar with Anthony Bourdain, he was a fantastic chef and really fucking cool person, and his book Kitchen Confidential inspired a lot of Jack’s story. If you’re into documentary television, check out No Reservations—one of best travel/food shows out there.

Now, that aside, I have a confession: I’m getting so tired of talking about my own book.

Not that I don’t love it! Not that I’m not super excited about it and can’t wait for you to read it! Not that I don’t think it’s the best thing I’ve written so far! All of that is true. Also true is that it’s exhausting to talk about the same thing over and over again, especially when I’m at the point in revising a different book where my brain is mush.

SO.

The rest of this newsletter is me rambling about some of the art I’ve been enjoying lately. Spoiler alert: I’m having a love affair with Apple TV. YES, CHEF stuff—including a fun link to it being read now (!!) on Netgalley today only, if you’re still hoping to read it early—below!

Reading:

I’ve been reading less than I’d prefer right now, but that’s generally what happens when revising has me in a chokehold. However! I do have a few recommendations for you:

• Chase Me if You Can by Heather Frances, out June 23rd

  • This gave me the romance I craved from Twisters! It’s such a fun, sexy, deep debut. I love learning something new when I read, which is probably why I love STEM romance despite being someone who dreaded math and science in school. Heather is an actual storm chaser (AKA a complete and total badass) and all her knowledge absolutely comes through in this book!

• The Rebel Seeks a Wife by Sophia Travers, out now!

  • Sophia is one of the loves of my life (she has graciously put up with many, many writing breakdowns of mine) and her new book is out TODAY!!! It’s her take on friends to lovers, which means it’s deliciously fraught and full of drama. He needs a wife for Reasons and she’s his bodyguard and need I say more?! Yum. Do yourself a favor and start the month off right with this.

• By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin - out now!

  • Alexa Martin is one of my favorite authors, and her newest release—her take on cowboy romance—is, as always, absolute perfection. Her books are like warm, funny hugs, and I always end up reading them in basically one sitting. Treat yourself to this one, and then join us to chat about BtB and YC in Salt Lake next month! (More deets below.)

Watching:

Apple TV has really been bringing the content lately. I’m watching season 2 of Your Friends & Neighbors, just finished Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and started Widow’s Bay last night.

• Your Friends & Neighbors falls under the “rich people do bad things” category, which is one of my favorites (especially onscreen, when you can see the wealth—this show does a fantastic job of it). The first season was zany and a bit dark and also quite contained—I had no idea how they were going to pull off another season, but they’ve managed to create something that is really, really delicious. Honestly, it’s best to go into it without much info and just let it unfold. Jon Hamm, as always, is excellent.

• Margo’s Got Money Troubles got me in the feels. Oh my god. I LOVED it. I haven’t read the book, but I will be remedying that in the near future. The cast is fantastic, the writing is so delicious, and the topics it delves into—everything from sex work to motherhood—are handled in such nuanced way. Also, as someone who likes all that weird alien shit, I appreciate Margo’s art. I cried a lot, which doesn’t mean much considering I cry at everything, but still! I got emotional! I wanted to punch the guy who got Margo pregnant (not a spoiler, it’s the premise of the show) in the mouth! I can’t wait for season 2! Do yourself a favor and watch this ASAP.

• Widow’s Bay I just started, and so far, it’s the right blend of humor and horror to keep even a scaredy cat like me watching. (People who like horror, explain it to me? Why do I want to relax by watching something that might make me pee my pants and not want to look into mirrors for days?) Matthew Rhys is one of my favorite actors (if you haven’t watched The Americans yet, turn that on immediately), and the atmosphere is like, workplace comedy meets a Stephen King novel? In the most delicious way? Basically, he plays the mayor of a New England island town that is super creepy and possibly cursed—but he just wants to revive things with an influx of tourism. Cue a delicious mix of dread and humor.

YES, CHEF stuff:

If you’ve been wanting to read YES, CHEF early, now’s your chance! Avon has made it “read now” on Netgalley US for today only! Download it here:

YC on netgalley!

If you’re looking to preorder, consider getting it signed from one of the following lovely indie bookstores! You’ll get art prints, too!

🍒 Scribbles Bookshop

🍑 The New Romantics

🍊 Book Lovers Bookshop (UK only)

And, in case you missed it, I’m hitting the road this July to talk all things hot chefs and romance! Come hang out with me and author friends next month at the following amazing indie bookstores:

Tickets are getting low at some stops, so if you’re interested in attending, snag yours today! Check out all the deets here:

hang out with me on tour!

Grateful as always for your support! xx Here’s the Hazel tax. Look how big she’s getting! ☀️

Here’s all the tour deets—some are hosted at the bookstore while others are off-site. All are ticketed and I expect stops to sell out, so snag yours ASAP! I hope to see you there!

🍒 LONG ISLAND, NY

• Tuesday 7/21 | 6pm EST | @ Northport Books, in conversation with Jennifer Iacopelli (Game, Set, Match) and Meagan (@ readwithmeags)

• What’s special about it: It’s a launch event in my hometown! I’m so excited to go back. If you’re in NYC or the surrounding areas, Northport is a lovely town and an easy LIRR ride! Tickets HERE.

🍒 PHILADELPHIA, PA

• Wednesday 7/22 | 6:30pm EST | @ Cupid’s Bookshop, in conversation with Nisha Sharma (Marriage and Masti)

• What’s special about it: I’ve admired Nisha for ages and I can’t wait to meet her in person! Also, the event will have homemade pop tarts from a local baker! The pop tarts are VERY important to the story, so they’ll be both meaningful and delicious! Tickets HERE.

🍒 ATLANTA, GA

• Thursday 7/23 | 7pm EST | @ All the Tropes, in conversation with Julie Olivia (If It Makes You Happy)

• What’s special about it: Julie is one of my best author buds (she suffers through so many rambling voicenotes from me), and this will be our first time meeting in person!! Expect so much laughter and fun. Tickets HERE.

🍊 ORLANDO, FL

• Friday 7/24 | 7pm EST | @ The New Romantics, a joint event with Naina Kumar (Just a Highland Fling), Ellie Palmer (Married with Benefits), and Victoria Lavine (Not That Kind of Proposal)

• What’s special about it: Naina, Ellie, Victoria and I all have something very important in common: our latest books release on July 21st! It’s going to be amazing to team up with them to celebrate all four of our delicious new romances. Also, Florida for a Florida-set book! Tickets HERE.

🍒 LOS ANGELES, CA

• Saturday 7/25 | 6pm PST | Farm-to-table dinner party hosted by @ The Fleuria x Sweet Antelope, in conversation with Lauren Okie (Tropesick), Lindsey Kelk (Hit or Miss), and Mallory Marlowe (Love at First Sighting)

• What’s special about it: This event is a bit different—it’s a dinner party + romance chat all in one! Sweet Antelope creates amazing menus using food grown on their property, so it’s going to be super memorable and totally in line with the spirit of YES, CHEF. Plus, the company? Incredible. Tickets HERE.

• Note: Tickets are VERY limited for this event due to space constraints, so if you’re interested, make sure to get yours ASAP!

🍒 VIRTUAL EVENT

• Monday 7/27 | 7pm GMT / 2pm EST | @ Book Lovers Bookshop, in conversation with Chelsea Curto (In Stormy Weather)

• What’s special about it: I’m super excited to have a virtual event this tour! While it’s hosted by a UK bookstore, anyone can join in around the world! Chelsea and I are gonna YAP. Tickets HERE.

🍒 SALT LAKE CITY, UT

• Monday 7/27 | 6pm MST | @ Lovebound Library, in conversation with Alexa Martin (By the Bootstraps)

• What’s special about it: I’ve admired Lovebound from afar for ages now and I’m so thrilled to finally get the chance to visit! Plus, Alexa is one of my fave authors, so I was absolutely starry-eyed when she agreed to join me for this event! It’s gonna be a blast. Tickets HERE.

🍒 DES MOINES, IA

• Tuesday 7/28 | 6:30pm CST | @ Shelf Love DSM, in conversation with Peyton Corinne (Unbound)

• What’s special about it: Iowa holds such a special place in my heart (for reasons to be revealed at the event), and I adore Peyton! I know her outfit will be fire and she’ll bring all the coolness I lack. I can’t wait to chat with her! Tickets HERE.

🍒 DENTON, TX

• Wednesday 7/29 | 6:30 CST | @ Plot Twist Bookbar, in conversation with Chelsea Curto (In Stormy Weather)

• Why it’s special: I’m not sure how I managed to get Chelsea (who is the sweetest and also so freakin’ cool) to chat with me twice in one tour, but I’m running with it! It’ll be an ~In Stormy Chef~ moment! Plus, there will be pastries. With butter from France. And cocktails. Do with that information what you will ;) Tickets HERE.

Whew! It’s going to be a busy week. I can’t wait! xoxo grace

P.S. If you can’t make any of these stops but would like a signed copy of the book, I have preorder campaigns running through three amazing indies, all with art print goodies while supplies last! Check ‘em out:

Scribbles Bookshop

The New Romantics

Book Lovers Bookshop (UK)

That’s all for now! I’ll leave you with this absolutely delish Poppy & Jack art I can’t. Stop. Staring at. (Available as a preorder print through Scribbles!)

byeeeeee! xx

I’m not sure where the time went. I didn’t intend to go so long between newsletters, but all of a sudden it’s April 21st, which means YES, CHEF hits shelves in exactly 3 months, and I am? Genuinely floored? For so long this book felt like it was coming out next decade instead of anytime soon, but now we’re nearly there! Physical galleys are in the world and they are gorgeous. Lots of you have been reading it early. I’ve seen sneak peeks at how Jack and Poppy’s story has been received, and I’m relieved it seems to be Michelin-star worthy. To everyone hyping up this book and encouraging others to add it to their TBRs—thank you!

preorder news!

If you’ve been waiting to hear about ways to snag a signed copy, I’m excited to share that there are three preorder campaigns going for YES, CHEF!

If you’re UK based, preorder from Book Lovers Bookshop to receive the book with a signed bookplate and two gorgeous art prints. Obsessed with Jack’s tattoos in both!

Check it out <3

For my US friends/anyone wanting more shipping options, preorder from Scribbles Bookshop or The New Romantics for a hand-signed copy and equally stunning art prints!

The New Romantics

Check it out <3

The art print by Eva García shows off one of my favorite scenes in the whole book, and I absolutely will be getting it framed for my office.

Scribbles Bookshop

Check it out <3

I absolutely adore both of these art pieces!! They each show off an important moment in the book and the artists nailed them!

I know authors sound like broken records on this topic, but preorders really do help us so much! Publishers sit up and take note when they see healthy preorder numbers, and preorder campaigns like these help indie bookstores just as much as they do authors. If you’re interested and able, please consider supporting YES, CHEF with the preorder of your choice <3

And yes, we love ebook and audiobook preorders too, plus library requests!

event news!!

I will have more news on US tour stops soon—eek!—but one event has been announced, and it’s a fabulous virtual one hosted by Book Lovers! Join me and my love Chelsea Curto as we chat all things YES, CHEF (and IN STORMY WEATHER, I’m sure) on July 27th:

Tickets here!!

There are two kinds of tickets, one that includes the book and one without, so if you just want to hang out with us on Zoom and/or aren’t in the UK, there are options! We hope to see you there!

what I’m up to:

I’ve been busy this year! In addition to spreading the news about YES, CHEF, I’ve been working on two (as of now unannounced) projects. I’m on deadline for them (line edits for one, developmental edits for the other) and I adore both so much. I can’t wait to talk more about them! (I’d promise it’ll be soon, but, you know, publishing.) They are new, fun challenges that have really helped me grow as an author.

I just got back from an awesome book event in Syracuse, NY hosted by Lit Actually and the Syracuse Mets! It was so much fun. I had a blast meeting readers, cheesing out with Rebecca Jenshack in person finally, and squeezing my love Stephanie Archer again! Authoring is a lonely game sometimes, so I always cherish being able to hang out with colleagues and readers! Thank you to everyone who came out xx

Like many others, the audiobook of Project Hail Mary absolutely destroyed me. I can’t wait to see the movie! I need to find a time to see it in theaters. I’m enjoying season two of Your Friends & Neighbors, the fact baseball is back in my life, and of course the beginning of the NHL playoffs (even though my team isn’t in it). And I’ve been spending lots of time with Hazel, my tiny ween! She’s nearly four months now and an absolute terror. I love her and her hairy little Grinch feet.

If you want more updates on her (and book stuff too), I’m most active on Instagram right now. Come say hi!

Thank you again for all the love and excitement for YES, CHEF. It’s an absolute book of my heart and I hope it hits for you the way it did for me. We are getting so close, y’all!!!

Happy February! I hope you’re ready for some updates! Lots of news below, rounding out with recommendations of a few books I’ve been enjoying recently. Let’s dive in!

I finally get to send a newsletter with an update I’ve been waiting for: YES, CHEF is available for request on Netgalley! If you’re someone who likes to read and review books early, check out the link below! My team at Avon Books is handling all ARC requests, so please be kind 💛 Physical advanced reader copies should be landing sometime soon, and when that happens, I will be giving away a few copies, so keep an eye on both your email and Instagram.

Request YES, CHEF on Netgalley!

If you’ve read First Down, you know that James calls Bex “princess” in a “I want to worship the ground you walk on” way. Which was delightful to write and still gives me warm fuzzies. In Yes, Chef, Jack calls Poppy “princess” from time to time too… but the vibe is more like “God, brat, seriously?” and “I can’t believe I’m so attracted to you and it makes me growly.” I’m obsessed with their grumpy/sunshine dynamic. It was SO much fun to write and so classic romcom in the best way.

And if you’re looking for preorder links, check ‘em out here:

preorder links!!

in other news…

1. hang out with me in a brand new B&N?

If you’re in the St. Lucie, FL area, a new Barnes & Noble is opening this Wednesday, 7/18, at 9am—and I’ll be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony! I’ll also be signing after AND Avon is sending 15 bound copies of YES, CHEF for me to give away, so it’s going to be a party! If you can, come hang out with me and relish that new bookstore smell. Find all the details at the link below:

BN OPENING!

2. Penny and Cooper are on sale!

If you’ve been looking for a reason to add the ebook of Breakaway to your collection, here’s a good one: it’s only $1.99 on all retailers through 3/3! For way less than a coffee you can buy a book full of lots of friends with benefits shenanigans, emotional healing, and of course, hockey. Perfect to read during week 2 of the Olympics, in my opinion.

Breakaway <3

3. okay, so, this isn’t book related… but I am getting a puppy!!!

I’m so excited. Also nervous. So, so nervous. She’s a mini doxie, sort of a birthday/celebration for me since I’m turning 30 in March (eep) and I love her already. I haven’t named her yet, but look how cute! I’m picking her up later this week <3

My parents ALSO got a mini doxie recently, and I hope they’ll be best friends. Here’s Finn, who is just the best boy ever:

4. I turned in a book last month!

It’s terrible (for now) but also fabulous (and magical) and while I love writing contemporary romance, it was fun to stretch my wings in another area (of romance, obviously). I’ve been teasing it badly and will continue to tease it until I’m allowed to say more xx

book recs xx

I’ve been trying my best to keep reading as much as possible, even with how busy things are. I’ve been getting more into audiobooks recently, which has definitely helped! If you’re looking for a new read, might I recommend:

• Love at First Sighting by Mallory Marlowe

  • I listened to this on audio and it was FABULOUS. The narrators did an amazing job! Mallory is so talented—her voice is fresh and fun and she’s great at writing action and romance together. This book involves an influencer and a Men in Black-esque agent working to uncover a conspiracy… possibly involving aliens. Plus, dual pov, delish dirty talk, and did I mention action?! I’m an action romcom fan all the way and this delivered.

• How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

  • Alexa Martin is one of my favorite authors, hands down. I’ve loved her work since her OG football romance, Intercepted, and everything she’s done since has hit so well! This book is a true joy—Emerson, the FMC and narrator, is a total sweetheart and so funny, and her love interest, Luke, is hot single dad perfection. He’s a reporter trying to take down a MLM skincare brand, she’s the broke kindergarten teacher sucked into the company’s scheme, and of course she’s his daughter’s teacher. Perfection, everyone. Read it!

• The Wild Card by Stephanie Archer

  • I’m so proud of how far my friend Stephanie has come since the start of the Vancouver Storm series! The last installment, The Wild Card, released at the beginning of the month. It wraps up the series so perfectly! Plus, more single dad perfection with Coach Ward! I think this cover might be my favorite of the series, too:

If you have any puppy name suggestions, I’m all ears! And if you do end up reading Yes, Chef early, I hope you enjoy Jack & Poppy!

More on preorder campaigns etc. soon xx

I hope you’ve all had a relaxing, enjoyable end to 2025. I love Christmas, so this month is always a fun one. The liminal space between Christmas and January 5th or so is exciting, too—I truly enjoy reflecting on the year and planning for the next.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share my favorite reads of 2025, give an update on YES, CHEF (we’re almost entering her year!!), and look ahead a bit. Plus, a Barnes & Noble preorder sale! 2026 is going to be a fun one :’)

goals + books

I started the year hoping to read 100 books. I didn’t quite get there; I’ll end the year with 81, but I’m still very happy with that number! I had the opportunity to read books by colleagues early, discover new-to-me authors I’m now obsessed with, and simply enjoy sinking into my first and forever love, stories. I mostly read romance across a mix of subgenres. Here are some of my favorites from the year, in no particular order. I of course recommend them all!

• All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens

  • Elizabeth was a new-to-me author this year, and I am completely obsessed with her now! Her writing style is zany and funny and authentic, and I can’t wait to keep exploring her backlist. All Superheroes Need PR is an absolutely delish SF/monster romance, and the second in the series, All Superheroes Need Photo Ops, is out now (and high on my TBR)!

    • SF romance, spicy.

• The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie

  • Lauren is also published by Avon, and I had the absolute pleasure of helping her celebrate her debut in person at an event! The Best Worst Thing left me breathless. Her writing style is sharp and achingly romantic. She loves to write about messy people and relationships and the raw, real ways we go through life. I am SO excited for her sophomore book, Tropesick, out June 16th!

    • Contemporary romance. Some spice, with literary writing.

• Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

  • I read a ton of Lisa Kleypas this year, so it was hard to narrow down to one favorite, but if I have to pick, Devil in Spring takes the cake. I adore Gabriel and his family, Pandora is delightfully weird and one of my favorite heroines ever, and I read basically the entire thing in one afternoon on the porch. Perfection! This is part of the Ravenels series.

    • Historical romance, spicy.

• Not Safe for Work by Nisha J Tuli

  • I haven’t read Nisha’s romantasy yet (it’s on my TBR!), but I absolutely loved her debut contemporary! It was full of tropey deliciousness, sharp commentary about being a woman of color in STEM, and finding your own path despite expectations—a theme I adore in contemp romance especially. All around a delight! I can’t wait to see what she does next.

    • Contemporary romance, spicy.

• The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

  • I discovered India Holton’s work this year, and I am, not to be dramatic, in love with her. She is so talented, so clever, and I’m so envious of her writing style. This is a Victorian-set romance, but with a twist: the main characters are both scholars, studying magical birds! The second in the series, The Geographer’s Map to Romance, is also excellent (and grumpy-sunshine perfection). What I love most about India’s writing is her characterization, and how she brings neurodivergency into her books effortlessly. I have the ARC of the third in the series on my Kindle (The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire, out April 21st) and I’m waiting for the exact right moment to read it because I already know I’ll love it—maybe it’ll be my first of 2026?

    • Historical fantasy romance, some spice.

• Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti

  • If Alexandra has no fans, I’m dead. I LOVE HER. She writes the most delightful historical romance (although she has a paranormal in the pipeline!), and this F/F romance about rival gothic novelists is absolute perfection. There’s a (possibly haunted) old manor! A mystery! A cute dog! Really hot sex! I already want to reread it, and I don’t do that a lot. I’m super excited for her next historical, Scandal of the Summer, out June 23rd.

    • Queer historical romance, spicy.

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  • I don’t want to say anything too specific about this one except that it was exceptional, so well researched, and made me cry hysterically for the last third. I cry easily, but usually not like that! This was my first TJR (I know, I know) and I absolutely plan to read more from her. There’s a F/F romance at the core of this book that was just stunning. Please read it! It’s best to go in with as little info as possible. Let yourself get lost in the experience.

    • Historical fiction set in the 1980s, some sexual content.

• Breakout Year by KD Casey

  • This M/M baseball romance was SO SO GOOD OMG. Honestly, I’d recommend it if you’re in your Heated Rivalry era—it’s complex, deals deeply with the complications of being a queer professional athlete, and reads so, so smoothly. KD is a force.

    • Queer contemporary romance, spicy.

• Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

  • I’ve read about half of the Psy-Changeling books now—I had to take a break because it got a bit dark to smash back to back—but the first in the series is still my favorite. I love Sascha and Lucas and the entire entry into this twisted world. Foundational reading for anyone who loves paranormal romance, IMO.

    • Paranormal romance, some spice.

• I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

  • The book that reminded me, again, how much I enjoy nonfiction and memoirs. I read it in nearly one sitting, cried through a lot of it, and left desperate for more of her voice. Good thing her first novel, Half His Age, is coming out on January 20th! I can’t wait.

    • Memoir.

• If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

  • If forced to pick only ONE favorite from the year, it would be this one. If It Makes You Happy is full of everything I adore in contemporary romance: sharp, well-drawn characters, a realistic journey to love, and so much heart. Please read it; you’ll absolutely fall for Cliff and Michelle! He’s a single dad and a baker in small town Vermont, and she’s the reserved corporate woman running her late mother’s bed and breakfast. Plus, an adorable dog, a quirky cast of side characters, and best of all? It’s set in 1997. The Halloween scene lives in my mind rent-free. I’m so excited for her next book from Berkley, Love Felt Like This, out Sept 8th!

    • Contemporary(ish) romance, slow burn to spicy.

• Poisoned Ivy by Ava Rani

  • This book is everything I love in new adult romance, wrapped up with a mystery! Ava is so incredible at blending swoon and spice with emotional depth and social commentary, and she doesn’t miss here. You’ll absolutely fall for Conrad and Malena and their complicated journey. Plus, Conrad does crew! I can’t wait for the next in the series, as well as Out of Her League, a standalone surgeon/footballer romance out May 12th!

    • Contemporary college-set romance, spicy.

• The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

  • If I had to describe this book in one sentence, I’d call it a warm hug. It made my heart so incredibly happy. Cozy magic, a great cast of diverse characters, and humor blended with so much heartfelt emotion (and a little romance, of course). I can’t wait to read her next witchy book, A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping.

    • Romantic cozy fantasy, teensy bit of spice.

• Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi

  • Surprising, deliciously hot, and so incredible. He’s literally Lucifer, she’s oddest one in a family of odd women, and the other guy… well… let’s just say this Bible fanfiction holds no punches. I adore Akwaeke’s writing style; they don’t waste a single word. I loved the book so much I immediately went out to buy the hardcover—and if you know me, I’m not a hardcover fan, so that’s huge.

    • Poly (MMF) paranormal romance, spicy.

• Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian

  • I begged my publisher to let me read this early, and fortunately they agreed. It was AMAZING! It’s an M/M romance about lead actors on a Star Trek-esque show (who maybe can’t stand each other). Plus, an adorable dachshund named Edie. It reminded me of all the years I spent reading Star Trek fanfiction. Cat Sebastian already writes amazing queer historical romance, and this foray into contemporary was an absolute hit. I can’t wait for everyone to read it—out March 3rd!

    • Queer contemporary romance, some spice.

• No Place Like You by Jillian Meadows

  • Jillian just keeps getting better and better! I adored this friends-to-rivals-to-lovers romance. It has a fun, fresh twist on the fake dating set-up. Theo is hot, Fable is relatable, and the entire thing wraps up so beautifully. I can’t wait for it to come out so everyone can experience their journey! Out March 10th!

    • Contemporary romance, spicy.

• Playing for Keeps by Alexandra Bellefleur

  • This was my first book by Alexandra, and I’m kicking myself that I haven’t read her work sooner—she’s so talented and I loved every moment of Playing for Keeps. It’s a very hot F/F romance about the publicists of a Travis Kelce-coded football player and a Taylor Swift-coded musician who need to work together once their clients begin to date. Out January 6th, so hardly any time to wait!

    • Queer contemporary romance, spicy.

• Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

  • I’m so glad I’m reading the Big Shots series! Tessa is absolutely at her best with these books, especially Fangirl Down. I’m a golf fan, so it was really fun to see a golf romance in action! Plus, Wells and Josephine are so endearing, and it was lovely watching them get their HEA. I gobbled this up, and I’m making my way through the rest of the series now. Super excited for the latest, Catch Her if You Can, out January 20th!

    • Contemporary romance, spicy.

Do we have any fave reads in common? Any book recs for me for 2026? Let me know; I love getting recommendations!

For 2026, I don’t plan on setting a goal of a specific number of books I’d like to read—instead, I’ll try to read more physical books (as much as I love my Kindle, turning the pages is nice!) and make an effort to read one nonfiction book a month.

In other personal goals—I also started doing Pilates in March of this year, and now I’m at over 100 classes! I’m really proud of myself. I love when I’m in the studio and can’t wait to continue in 2026 :)

yes, chef updates

Earlier this month, I finished copyedits on Yes, Chef! It’s getting so close to being a real book. That’s the last stage it goes through before the publisher puts ARCs together, so I’d expect to see it start floating around on Netgalley etc in January or February. As a reminder, my publishers will be handling all advance reader copies for this one—Avon in the US/CA, and HQ Stories in the UK/Commonwealth!

If you’re in the US and interested in signing up to possibly receive an ARC, HERE is the form! I am SO incredibly excited to share Jack and Poppy’s story with you. I’ve been waiting for it to be 2026 for ages, and now we’re nearly there. I hope I’ll be able to do some events around Yes, Chef’s launch in July to make it extra special. Keep a look out for more info on that, plus special preorder campaigns with indie bookstores, once we get further along.

Speaking of preorders, though…

barnes & noble preorder sale!

It’s happening again! Barnes & Noble is running a fabulous sale on preorders for Rewards and Premium members, December 30th - January 1st. Use code PREORDER25 at checkout; as always, Premium members save an additional 10%. Yay!! I will definitely be using my Christmas BN gift card for this ;)

Please consider supporting me and Yes, Chef with a preorder! I know it gets spoken about a lot, but preorders truly do help authors, especially in the traditional publishing space; they signal to publishers and retailers alike that readers are excited for an upcoming book, and that can lead to more support, orders, etc. It’s like watching a television show in-progress instead of waiting until the end to show the studio you’re interested in future seasons :)

Here are three excellent reasons to preorder Yes, Chef:

And three sillier reasons:

1. I worked super hard on the chapter titles 🤭

2. There’s a cat named Gator in it, and he hunts lizards 🦎

3. Pop tarts are used as a love language 💓

You can preorder Yes, Chef through the sale here ⤵️

BN Sale!

And if you’re looking for more 2026 romances to get excited about, here’s a totally non-exhaustive list of what I’m looking forward to:

• Dearly Departed by Chip Pons

• The Wild Card by Stephanie Archer

• Next Level Love by Shameez Patel

• The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest

• In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto

• Chase Me if You Can by Heather Frances

• The Missed Connection by Tia Williams

• The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit

• Mutual Discord by Liana De la Rosa

• The Open Era by Edward Schmit

• Bromantasy by Máire Roche

looking ahead

Despite not having a new release, 2025 ended up being a really good year, professionally speaking: Yes, Chef came together and I’m so proud of it, I moved to a new agent and I’m very happy with the decision, I went to Germany on a book tour, I met readers at multiple cons/events and had a blast, I sold something secret that I’m so excited to be working on, and something else that I’m thrilled to be working on…

I can’t wait to share Yes, Chef and those surprises in 2026! Thank you for being on this ride with me. I’m so grateful to everyone who read my books, recommended them, gifted them, borrowed them through the library, shouted about them online, and more this year. It means the world to me!

Happy New Year, and cheers to 2026 <3

Hi hi hi!

I meant to write a newsletter… a few months ago. I swear! But summer snowballed into fall, and I worked on Yes, Chef edits and then worked on edits again, and drafted the first third of a secret project (!!), and went to Connecticut for a dose of autumn, and now it’s November (!!) and we FINALLY have an absolutely perfect cover for YES, CHEF!

Can you hear me screaming? It’s been TORTURE to keep this gorgeousness a secret! I teared up as soon as I got the sketch; the team at Avon and Leni absolutely knocked it out of the park. I love the bold, pink lemonade vibe—perfect for a book set in South Florida!—and all the fun little accents (🍆😏). And Jack and Poppy, of course! I adore Jack’s scowl and floppy hair and chef’s jacket and his TATTOOS!!!!!! Poppy’s adorable braid and little smirk—because she loves to annoy Jack, haha—and her influencer-ready look. They are grumpy/sunshine perfection and I cannot WAIT to share this story with you all <3 (And don’t forget Gator! Wait until you meet him. He’s precious. Just not to lizards.)

One note: the release date has changed to July 21st, 2026. My team is working to give this release the best support possible, hence the slight date change. It will be worth it, I promise!

ABOUT YES, CHEF:

If you can’t take the heat…get out of the kitchen.

After a public meltdown in the dining room of one of Manhattan’s most elite restaurants, Chef Jack Hartman is back in his South Florida hometown. Angry, grieving, and saddled with the unwanted storefront his late mentor left him, his life is spinning out of control. And that’s before Poppy Winfield, the blond, bubbly, utterly infuriating daughter of his former boss, shows up at his dock.

Poppy needs to escape. From her disapproving family, her horrible ex-boyfriend, and her reputation as someone who has never taken anything seriously. But more than that, she wants to prove herself—and she has just the plan to do it. Unfortunately, that plan involves Jack Hartman, the most arrogant, prickly, intimidating man she’s ever had the pleasure of throwing a shrimp at.

She knows Jack is desperate to come back from his unceremonious firing, so she proposes a deal: working together to open a revamped version of his mentor’s restaurant. He’ll handle the menu, and she’ll use her skill as a social media influencer to sell the hell out of its grand opening. If she and Jack can make the restaurant a success, it’ll be an accomplishment no one can deny—and a ticket for them both to return to New York.

Jack is intrigued, but only on his terms: if Poppy’s going to work for him, she must learn the ropes of the entire business. Including how to cook. From him.

As sparks fly both in and out of the kitchen and tensions reach a boiling point, Poppy and Jack are left wondering--could they be a perfect pairing? Or is this whole experiment a recipe for disaster?

THE TROPES!

If you’ve watched The Bear and wished it had more kissing, this book is for you. If you’re into dirty-hot men who love playing with knives, this book is for you. If you regularly think about the deli scene in When Harry Met Sally (like me, okay), this book is for you. If you’ve ever wished someone would sexily teach you how to make pasta, preferably while leaning you over a countertop… well, this book is really for you ;)

This book is a love letter to so many things that are important to me: food and cooking and the connections it brings us, to start. Family—especially the one we choose—and friendships. The process of starting over, and finding oneself, and having courage to live life without compromises. Living as an adult with ADHD. Jack and Poppy’s love story is hot, deep, and real, and I learned a lot about myself in the process of working on this book. I absolutely cannot wait to welcome you to Diamond Bay, Florida, and Jack’s houseboat, and of course Fable, one of the hottest new restaurants on the Treasure Coast. Bring a bathing suit, think of your favorite food memory, and get ready to settle in 🩷💛

More news will be coming soon re: ARCs, preorder campaigns, possible signings for next year, etc, but for now, let me leave you with the preorder links! Get ready for 2026: Hot Chef Summer with me! ⬇️

PREORDER YES, CHEF

I hope you love it as much as I do!!!! Bye for now!

Happy September! Summer passed by in a flash. I’ve been in the revising cave, happily working away on Yes, Chef so it’ll be perfect for next June :’)

But! You don’t have to wait to order it! Barnes & Noble is having one of those nifty preorder sales, so you can snag Yes, Chef for 25% off with code PREORDER25 (and members get an extra 10% off!) Preorders are super important for trad authors, and I’d be so appreciative if you’d consider preordering now and/or spreading the word to bookish friends! They help signal interest to my publisher (Mother Avon) and bookstores, in this case Barnes, that readers are looking forward to its release! Which definitely helps with nifty things like promotions and possible special editions… ;)

If you’ve watched The Bear and were like, delicious, I’d love this with approximately 50% less shouting and 100% more kissing… Jack Hartman and Poppy Winfield are ready for you <3 <3 <3

Look at this nifty placeholder cover Avon made! The typography? Well… *chef’s kiss*

SHOP BN SALE!

And because I can’t help myself, here’s a snippet 🤭

As I pour in a little of the vinegar, thick and sweet, she scrapes the bottom of the pan.

“That’s it. Don’t be shy.”

Her arm jerks, nearly launching a few pieces of onion onto the stovetop. “Hartman—”

I realize how close I’m standing. Way too close for my sanity. “Sorry.” I lurch away, even as I ache to mold our bodies together, fingers inching under that crop top to feel her breathe.

“Like this, Chef?” she asks, head tilting back to meet my gaze.

Fuck me. “Yeah.” I swallow, hard. “Just like that.”

I’ve been sharing fun little teasers and progress updates on Instagram, so if you’re looking for more, consider giving me a follow over there and join my broadcast channel!

Instagram!

peace love and pasta xx spread the word!!

I know it’s a bit of a bummer to talk about a book that’s not going to be available for 11.5 months, BUT I am excited to share that YES, CHEF, my next contemporary romance from Avon, is coming out June 16, 2026!

We have an official release date!! It’s on retailer websites and everything!! I’m so happy that things are finally moving in the right direction. The cover and complete blurb is coming soon, but there *is* a little teaser blurb attached to the listing, which I’ll share here:

Are you excited to meet Jack Hartman and Poppy Winfield??

Here are the deets:

🍊 Grumpy x Sunshine

🍊 Dual POV

🍊 ADHD Rep (both of them!)

🍊 Spicy AF (of course)

🍊 Only One Houseboat

I know authors talk about preorders left right and center, but they do truly help us, especially on the trad side of things, so if you’re interested in supporting this book early (way early, lol), here are the links:

Barnes & Noble

(You can snag this for 25% off as part of their Members preorder sale! Use PREORDER25 when you check out :D )

Bookshop.org

Amazon

In terms of work, right now I’m revising this book so it’s perfect for you all next summer (HOT CHEF SUMMER LET’S GO!!), and also working through notes from my agent on the secret romantasy thing I keep teasing. Both are going well, and I’m really happy to be in such a good place, writing-wise.

In other news, I’m heading to Germany (!!) later in July to do a little tour, courtesy of my German publisher, Cove! This will be my first time visiting Germany, which is SUPER cool—I’ve wanted to go for ages :) And being there to meet readers is the icing on the cake!

The CoveLit festival in Hamburg is unfortunately sold out, but I’ll also be in Stuttgart and Nuremberg, stopping at the local Thalia stores! (Literally a dream come true! Huge author bucket list item for me!!) If you’re in the area, I’d love to meet you.

Here are the links for the two other tour stops:

Stuttgart

Nuremberg

I believe registration is required for the one in Stuttgart on the 28th of July, but the one in Nuremberg on the 29th, you can just show up to :)

I absolutely adore the German editions of my books—look at those sprayed edges! Can’t wait to meet y’all in person and yap about the Callahans.

Additionally, I’m sure you’ve heard about this already, but it’s Amazon Prime Day (Days?) now through the 11th, and the paperback of Wicked Serve is on sale as part of that promotion! Shouting into the void over and over about buying my books gets a little old, but I promised Mother Avon I would share, so if you’re looking to complete your Beyond the Play collection, now is a good time to snag the fourth book! Link here:

Wicked Serve on Sale!

Thanks, friends :’)

On a more personal note, I’m a little behind on my reading goal of 100 books, but inching close to 50 books so far this year! I’ve been devouring Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling series (currently on book 6… of 15, lol) and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for some old school shifters and incredible world building. The series is a bit dark, however, so do your research before heading in <3

I’ve also passed 50 Pilates classes since early March! I’m so happy that this is part of my routine now. I’m still taking all level 1 classes, but I’ve expanded into doing the cardio sculpt ones regularly! The first studio milestone is 100 classes and I can’t wait to reach it :)

And last but not least, I got highlights in my hair for the first time ever!! The stylist made it look extra pretty yesterday, and I felt very ~fantasy~ coded.

So excited to share more YES, CHEF things with y’all as time rolls on! Have a great rest of July <3

I just wrote a little over 30k in about two weeks. This came on the heels of writing a pitch + detailed synopsis and doing character development for this project just a smidge earlier in June. I’ve alluded to it a bit on Insta, but this is all for a proposal, a new project I’m hoping a publisher will want—and yes, while it’s romance, it’s also fantasy! I had a great time working on it, and you will get to read it eventually, whether it’s with a publisher or indie.

These are the vibes in emojis (!!)

🐺🌕🩸✨👑💌🖤🪢💍💐🦇⚡️∞🕯️🔮

30k in two weeks is much faster than I had been writing previously for… ages. I don’t know when I became so slow, really, but the further I’ve gone in the romance space, the harder it has been to produce words. (I mean, okay, I do know—perfectionism and pressure are bitches.) There’s a reason why YES, CHEF is coming out next summer; last year, I wrote and scrapped an entire book that I hated, and everything got thrown out of whack. I was thinking about that book, and even YES, CHEF (which I adore, don’t worry!), and how those experiences differed from writing this fantasy romance? romantasy? paranormal? proposal. Burnout snuck up on me, and I didn’t realize just how long it took me to recover until I dove into a new project that reminded me how much I love this whole writing thing.

So, yeah, just before Wicked Serve came out last year, I asked my editor if we could pull the book I’d been working on. She was supportive, fortunately, but that meant I needed to go back to the drawing board and write YES, CHEF. After the whirlwind of Wicked Serve’s release and lots of travel, I finally got in the groove of writing again last fall. But YES, CHEF didn’t come easy. It certainly wasn’t a 30k in two weeks sort of situation. I clawed my way through it, simultaneously retreating from social media. The instincts I had were correct—I needed to recharge. To breathe. To prove I still had it, that I wasn’t a one series fluke, and get to the point where something new would blossom in my mind.

And then the other day, looking at my proposal draft, I realized that I really have gotten to the other side. I’m back to using Insta (which I missed, after lots of distance!), I’m reading a ton, I’m moving my body and journaling and generally feeling good. And I’m working. A lot!

All this is to say, it’s okay if life is difficult and you’re not sure why, and give yourself grace if you’re experiencing burnout. Time will help, and so will proving to yourself that you’re capable of continuing the things you’re passionate about. Sometimes you don’t know just how un-okay you’ve been until you come out on the other side and realize how things have changed. Cheers to my good friend Sophia Travers for helping me come to that realization <3 (And keep your eyes out for her upcoming billionaire romance, The Heir!)

instagram content?

I know this is my newsletter, but I am an Insta girlie at heart, and I’d love to connect a bit more on there. Let me know in the poll below what kinds of posts you’d be interested in!

new releases from friends <3

If you’re looking for your next read, check out these new stunners from Olivia Hayle, Stephanie Archer, and C.W. Farnsworth! Fake dating billionaires, enemies-to-lovers hockey romance, and boss/assistant accidental pregnancy! What more could you want out of your TBR :’)

🩷 Brother's best friend

💚 Virgin heroine

🩷 Fake dating

💚 Dating + spice lessons

🩷 Slow burn

💚 Lots of praise

🩷 He helps her get over her people-pleasing!

Sometimes the fantasy isn’t just the billionaire... it’s someone teaching you how to set a boundary and praising you for it. Also there’s kissing. Lots of it. For practice (obviously.)

Out now! Read it here: https://geni.us/thefakinggame

The only way to get my inheritance? Marry Alexei Volkov—the grumpiest enforcer in the NHL, a brutally handsome jerk, and the last man I’d ever fall for.

In public, we act as besotted newlyweds, but in private, we’re at each other’s throats. He’s competitive, arrogant, and surly. The guy’s never cracked a smile in his life. He’s jealous of my colleague, glares at my high heels, and insists he’s not attracted to me. He’s only marrying me for citizenship.

Fighting with Alexei is more fun than expected, though, and beneath his grouchy exterior, Alexei is surprisingly caring, protective, and generous.

He cooks for me and worries about my safety.

He sends me flowers with secret meanings and spends way too much money on me.

He makes me sleep in his bed and calls me his wife.

For a guy who said he’d never fall in love with me, Alexei’s doing a good impression of it… and now I’m wondering if this marriage is fake after all.

Out now! Read it here: https://mybook.to/GlovesOff

Playboy heir to an empire, Kit Kensington has it all: money, status, looks, power. As Kensington Consolidated’s newest employee (and future CEO), Kit arrives ready to exceed the high expectations that accompany his last name. However, when his new assistant turns out to be Collins Tate, he finds himself off-balance for the first time in his life.

With one glaring exception, Collins Tate has spent six years carefully avoiding the immature billionaire who seems to be universally adored by everyone else. Following an ill-advised bet, which resulted in a night with him, Collins is determined to return to being the one woman who finds Kit resistible. Except she really needs a fresh start and a new job.

Surprisingly, working with Kit isn’t awful. Shockingly, they make a good team. For the first time in years, Collins starts to feel like she made the right decision.

Until their agreement to pretend that night never happened becomes impossible.

Kit Kensington might be a decent boss. But he’s the last person Collins would have picked as the father of her child.

Too bad … it’s too late.

Out June 24th! Preorder here: https://geni.us/antiherocwf

hey, south florida!

Last but not least, if you’re in the area and a baseball fan, consider coming to tomorrow night’s Marlins game for their Book Swap Night! I’ll be there with author J Sterling to chat all things books in a discussion hosted by the Girl Please podcast! More info and tix below. The panel starts at 5:30 with the game at 7:10!

Info/tix here!

And, of course, you can find out more info about my books HERE.

Until next time! xx

Last week, I sent my editor an email that essentially went “PLS CAN I SHARE THE TITLE OF MY NEXT BOOK ASAP, I LIVE IN FEAR SOMEONE ELSE WILL USE IT FIRST AND I NEED THIS GD TITLE” (but like, nice and polite and professional), and because the universe was smiling upon me that day, she said yes!

Yes, Chef, to be precise.

This book.

Y’all.

I am. So excited. To share it.

Get ready for…

…my next standalone contemporary romance from Avon Books, YES, CHEF, coming Summer 2026!

Heard? Good.

I know Summer 2026 feels approximately ten thousand years away right now, but I promise it’s going to be worth the wait. Jack and Poppy, my ADHD disaster babies, have enough chemistry to set the kitchen on fire (perhaps literally, but you didn’t hear it from me).

This book is a love letter to so many things that are special to me: South Florida, which will be our lush, heat-filled setting, cooking, one of my favorite forms of connection, and, of course, food—food memories, food experiences, food love. There WILL be hooking up in the kitchen. There WILL be one bed (or, more accurately, one houseboat). There WILL be a grumpy, tattooed, bearded chef who can’t stop thinking about the sunshine-and-hurricane of a woman who just crashed into his life/kitchen. Most importantly, there will be a love story between two characters with a lot to prove—to each other, their families, and the world.

Just how I like it.

Keep your eyes peeled here and on socials for more updates as I’m allowed to share the release date, cover, blurb, etc! This is going to be such a special one. Thank you for your patience and support—it was so lovely to see how many of you are excited for this at Beachside :’)

I have some other exciting things in the works that shall remain secret for now, but I’m thrilled to let this cat out of the bag. Finally!!

P.S. Beachside was AMAZING. Thank you to everyone who stopped by my table to say hello! I’m forever in awe of your love for my lil books <33

Love and croissants xx

beachside book fest

If you’re coming to Fort Lauderdale this week for Beachside, make sure you stop by my booth! I’ll have swag + giveaways, and of course I’d love to meet you! See below for where my table will be set up, and some FAQs. I can’t wait to welcome y’all to my sunshine state! ☀️

FAQs:

• What will you sign?

Books (any edition!), sticky notes, notebooks, and memorabilia.

• Is there a limit?

Nope! If the line gets long, however, my assistant and I may have to adjust.

• Will there be books available to purchase?

I will NOT have books available at my table. However, my books will be available for purchase from the on-site event vendor, Steamy Lit!

• Are photos allowed?

YES! I am more than happy to take photos :)

If you have any other questions ahead of the event, please feel free to reply to this email, and I’ll get back to you!

help us celebrate the release of THE CHARMER!

If you’re local, or in the area ahead of the convention, come see the lovely, talented, wonderful Ava Rani, in conversation with me (eek!) as we celebrate the release of the third and final book in her Biotech Billionaires series, The Charmer! Limited tix are still available and can be purchased here:

Join Us!

The entire Biotech Billionaires—think Gossip Girl meets Succession—series is such a fun, fresh take on billionaire romance, and if you haven’t started it yet, dive in with the first in the series, The Spare! (And prepare to fall in love with Sloan and Marcus.)

bonus content: now (finally) on my website!

I know this took me a million years to do, but for my friends outside of North America, the extended epilogues for the first three books in Beyond the Play are finally available for download on my website! Additionally, for everyone, the Valentine’s Day-themed bonus story I wrote for Wicked Serve is there! Dive back into the Callahan family today if you’re missing them like I am:

BONUSES!

Also, if you’re on the lookout for a new read, might I recommend India Holton’s Love’s Academic series? The first two books are available, and I absolutely DEVOURED them. Like, I couldn’t sit still, I kept wanting to throw my kindle (positive), they are ROMANTIC and MAGICAL and SO CLEVER, and now my new goal in life is to meet India one day so I can tell her how much I love her. Tragically, it would likely involve travel to New Zealand, and the thought of being on a plane for that long makes me break out in hives, but I loved these books so much that I’d consider it.

The series is essentially Victorian-era romance BUT WITH MAGICAL SCIENCE (dangerous, magical birds! magically-charged weather!) and I’m serious when I say I’ve never read anything like it:

Needless to say, I can’t wait for the third book <3

Pilates is still happening (yay!) and my favorite instructor at the studio, Erin, always puts together a workout that kicks my ass… but it’s totally worth it, because she also makes me laugh continuously throughout class. It’s the first time in my life I’ve felt truly joyful during exercise. The other day we were arching our backs and extending our arms back, fingers laced together, and we’re all quiet, right? Focused. Leaning into the fabulous stretch. And then into the silence, Erin moans, so loudly, “Oh, Christian Grey! I promise I’m a good girl!”

Chaos.

Imagine twelve women ranging from their twenties to their seventies breaking out into startled, roll-on-the-floor laughter. Someone shouted out that Erin would make a fabulous audiobook narrator, which I totally agree with. She knows how to sell it! I’m already thinking about how I can use her as inspiration for a character in a future book…

No one at the studio knows what I do for work, but naturally, it was extra funny for me, the secret romance novelist. Yes Christian Grey indeed 🫡

I hope to see you at Steamy Lit and Beachside, and cheers until next time!

(teensy tiny spoilers for TWL ahead fyi!)

I don’t know about you, but I wish I was at the White Lotus right now (before any of the drama goes down, of course). Something about this season has me in a chokehold—maybe it’s purely the aesthetics, or maybe it’s the slow unraveling of each group’s storylines. Maybe it’s Aimee Lou Woods’ cheerful, sly sarcasm (“Like a little boy’s dream!”) or Jason Isaacs’ convincingly terrifying bouts of drug induced hallucinations, or how the trio of women on their “victory tour” are cracking into pieces like the protagonists of a delicious Liane Moriarty novel. (For those who don’t know, she’s the genius behind Big Little Lies. My favorite of hers is Truly Madly Guilty.)

I love unexpected obsessions. I liked the show’s first two seasons, and but this one is richer and deeper and more foreboding, and it has drawn me in on all levels: watching episodes multiple times, trawling Reddit for theories about the finale, listening to the companion podcast, reading every cast interview I can get my hands on. I hope someone is writing the meta novel about a TWL-esque show being filmed where there’s an actual murder on set, not just a fake one. (If I wrote it, it would undoubtably turn into a weird romance novel that’s light on murder and heavy on sex, so it’s best I stay away.) If that’s been announced already and I missed it, please send it my way—I can’t be the only author thinking in that direction!

I do think there are definite weaknesses this season—pieces of backstory I’m desperate for, and interactions that feel just a tad forced or too slowly drawn out—but I’m ready for the finale on Sunday. Well, mostly ready. I have several faves I would be very sad to see killed off. Belinda and Pornchai better be safe. If I’m writing another newsletter next week and it’s full of tears, you’ll know that Rick and Chelsea didn’t get their HEA. (I know they’re sort of toxic, but I also believe they’re actually soulmates, okay?! Leave me alone, Redditors.)

If anyone wants to hear my thoughts on the subversion of the age gap trope as it applies to TWL, I’m ready to launch into it. It’s there, simmering. And it’s providing some inspiration…

Anyway, I love media that has no right answer, and where each character’s point of view is so sharply drawn it’s hard not to empathize with them, even if you don’t like them, and Mike White is great at that kind of writing. It’s filling my well to the brim, which is a delightful feeling. If you have any theories on the finale, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I want to hear them!!

surprise: mckee hockey jerseys are here!

Another place I’ve always wished I could go is McKee University, naturally. I think this is common with authors: we create spaces we wish we could exist in, and we breathe enough life into the outline that hopefully you, the reader, will also say yeah, I wish I could spend the day watching Cooper play hockey or get a drink from The Purple Kettle made by Mia. Well… I can’t get you to McKee, but one of the coolest merch opportunities *ever* opened up a while ago, and I’m super excited to share that Novel Grounds has officially licensed McKee Royals hockey jerseys available for both Cooper and Nik!

Isn’t it amazing???!!! I love this design so much. Check out the backs:

(It’s too bad that the book boyfriend doesn’t come with the jersey.)

These beauties are LIVE on the Novel Grounds site! Check ‘em out below and purchase to show your McKee U pride!

McKee Hockey Jerseys

and a few more updates:

1. Avon is releasing a mass market edition of Stealing Home on April 29th! It’s so cute in person, y’all <3 This size is totally stadium-approved and ready to accompany you this baseball season!

I believe the rest of the series will follow later this year, but I’m not sure of all the details right now. If you spot it at your local retailer once it’s out, share it with me! I love book sightings.

2. I unfortunately will not be attending Apollycon this year - I am so sorry! It no longer worked with my schedule. I will, however, still be at Beachside Book Fest in May and Romantically Yours in August! I hope everyone going has a fantastic time.

On the reading front, March was a slow month; I only read four books total (but they were all very good, including a lovely sports romance coming out later this year that I had the privilege of blurbing!)… but I have really settled into Pilates, and it sounds a little weird to say it’s my hobby, but yeah, it’s totally becoming my hobby. If only my younger self could see me now.

Happy April to all of you and have a happy reading month!

This month always feels approximately ten thousand years long, and after the way February whisked by, I need it. In terms of work, I am settling into my new project, the one that sprang into my brain nearly fully-formed (always bodes well for a project). It involves a really fun craft challenge that I’m excited to tackle, which has been a great distraction as I wait on revisions from my editor on the book I turned in last month.

As a reminder of the ~vibe~ of said I-cannot-announce-it-until-Avon-lets-me-but-I-am-so-bad-at-secrets project:

It’s been nice to have time away from it, to clear my head and really feel ready to look at it objectively in edits, but I am itching to get back into that world. This balance of holding two fictional worlds inside my head instead of just one is new for me. (Both are standalone contemporary romances.) I am nervous! I want to do a good job at revising my The Bear-esque book while sinking into the next one, which I’d liken to… hmm. Hopefully Nora Ephron meets Ali Hazelwood? We’ll see how it comes together. Whatever your goals for March, I hope you’re making good progress too.

Side note: Wild & Windy West was so fun! Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth to say hi <3

I’m forever striving for balance, which of course is easier said than done, but I am continuing to read at a nice clip—and I’ve taken up a new hobby: pilates!

The pilates kicks my butt. I adore it. I have congenital heart disease, so sometimes exercise can be difficult for me, but I’m finding that pilates is in that sweet spot of exercise that pushes me while still being something I enjoy. I’ll let you know how I feel in a month or two (or hopefully six) but I love the way it makes me feel right now, so I’m considering that a win. Also, it requires me to actually leave my office and interact with people: an added bonus! Sometimes working from home while living alone can be, well, a bit lonely.

And as for the reading… y’all. I know I can’t shut up about Lisa Kleypas. I know I’ve been reading her books on and off for THREE MONTHS NOW. I can’t stop. I won’t stop. Thank god she has such a robust backlist. I would wholeheartedly recommend pretty much any of her books, but the one I just finished—Marrying Winterborne—was quite possibly my fave so far out of everything she’s written.

All you need to know: she’s quite determined to be ruined by him, and he’s gone for her from the moment that becomes apparent…

I know it’s early in the year, but when I’m looking back on what I’ve read in December, this is absolutely going to be high on the list. It’s a pitch-perfect Victorian-era historical romance. Rhys Winterborne—gruff, cunning, wolfish Welshman that he is—is to die for. Helen Ravenel is everything I love in a heroine: strong and determined, but in her own quiet way, and deeply devoted to those she cares about. This is the second book in the Ravenels series, and while it does stand alone, for the best experience, I would recommend reading the first one in the series, Cold-Hearted Rake (also excellent!) first, as Rhys and Helen’s relationship begins in that one.

Gah. It’s SO GOOD. This is historical romance at its finest, Lisa Kleypas at her finest, and all around one of the best books I’ve ever read, period. I’m going to buy a physical copy for my collection purely to annotate when I re-read it.

And in case you missed it… I wrote a Wicked Serve bonus story!

Catch up with Nik and Izzy after their book as they celebrate two Valentine’s Days—a holiday that is always special for them…

Read it for free HERE!

Izzy

The sight of our small family, united for yet another holiday, makes me smile.

After years of Valentine’s Day evenings together, I ought to expect the roses. Nik gets me a dozen pink roses three times a year: Valentine’s Day, my birthday, and Mother’s Day. As I peer closer, however, I notice two bouquets in his hands: my usual soft pink, and a smaller bunch of white roses studded with purple violets…

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Read the rest!

Bye for now! xoxo

“first & future” gives a glimpse into two more Valentine’s Days that Nik and Izzy share—the first they spend in California, and one that takes place after the time jump epilogue at the end of Wicked Serve. This sweet and spicy bonus story is a newsletter exclusive, just for you! Thank you so much for subscribing to my little corner of the internet. I really appreciate all your support!

I’ve been dying to put together bonus content for Nik and Izzy, and it was so special to spend time with them again after so long. Keep scrolling for a sneak peek, and then hop on over to Bookfunnel, linked below, to read your free, exclusive bonus story!

Izzy

The sight of our small family, united for yet another holiday, makes me smile.

After years of Valentine’s Day evenings together, I ought to expect the roses. Nik gets me a dozen pink roses three times a year: Valentine’s Day, my birthday, and Mother’s Day. As I peer closer, however, I notice two bouquets in his hands: my usual soft pink, and a smaller bunch of white roses studded with purple violets…

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Read the rest!

Before we say goodbye for now, I have exciting news! For a limited time, every donation to Every Girl Deserves Happily Ever After will be MATCHED thanks to the generosity of publishers Penguin Random House and their imprint Berkley Books, and Kensington Publishing! 💖📚

That means your gift goes TWICE as far to help end child marriage and give girls the futures they deserve. ✨

Don’t miss this chance to double your impact! Donate today:

Donate to VOW for Girls

If you’re at Wild & Windy West this weekend, swing by my booth for some free merch and to say hi! I’d love to meet you <3

And of course, let me know what you think about Izzy and Nik’s future!

Earlier this week, I finally turned in a complete draft of my next book to my editor at Avon! It took me much longer than I anticipated to get into the groove of writing again, and I’m relieved (and so thrilled!) to finally get past the block that had been keeping me from typing “the end” on something new. And even better, I have my next project lined up, so I’m diving right into that while waiting on revision notes!

I can’t say much about what I just finished drafting yet, but because my self control is very, very thin, I will say that this is perfect for fans of The Bear:

In JAW we trust, seriously. I can’t get enough of this guy.

Aren’t chef’s whites so hot? The collar… the buttons… 👀 okay, I’ll stop. But seriously, I can’t wait to share more about this book with you. It feels like a serious level-up for me, and as someone who strives to make each book better than the last, I’m thrilled about it. Yes, Chef!

Now, I have to shout out the tool that singlehandedly changed the way I work: Focusmate. This isn’t an ad or promotion; it’s genuinely my favorite work hack ever, and it’s useful for anyone who is struggling to focus on a task. Without it, I fear that this book would still be half-written on my computer, languishing, which would be good for absolutely no one! The incomparable Kyra Parsi introduced it to me, and I owe her a basket of thank-you kittens for encouraging me to try it. Seriously.

Focusmate partners you with someone in the world who also needs to get something done for a set period of time (25, 50, or 75 minutes). You introduce yourself and your goal for the session, they do the same, and then you work in silence together, cameras on, in a grown-up version of parallel play. When the session is over, you come together to share your progress, say goodbye, and you’re on your way to the next session.

One of the things I love most about it is that you can book sessions in advance, and it syncs to your calendar. I’ve booked an entire week’s worth of sessions sometimes, so I know exactly when I’m working and for how long. The peer pressure of missing an appointment keeps me on time and on track, and it feels so good to finish a session and know I made concrete work progress. I’ve met people who are working from home like me, but also people doing housework, paying bills, etc. It’s great for all kinds of tasks. I definitely recommend giving it a try.

wild & windy west is next week!

And I hope to see you there :) As a reminder, I won’t be selling books at my table, but I will have plenty of merch to give away, and the bookseller on-site will have my books in case you want to purchase them there!

• I will be set up in the Cira ballroom, and I’m happy to sign whatever you’d like, including bookplates and indie editions of my books.

  

• Photos are okay; my assistant Bri will help facilitate everything.

On Friday morning at 10am, I will be participating in the hockey romance discussion panel, moderated by audiobook narrator Tor Thom! I’ll be chatting all things hockey romance alongside Michelle Hercules, SJ Sylvis, S. Massery, and Teagan Hunter. Hope to see you there!

Every Girl Deserves Happily Ever After

Before we say goodbye for now, I want to bring up something heartbreaking and serious: Did you know that every three seconds, a child becomes a bride? This global crisis impacts 12 million girls around the world each year.

This is why I'm proud to join some of my favorite fellow authors and be a part of the romance fiction community's partnership with VOW for Girls.

Together, we’ll fund programs that expand girls' access to education, foster leadership, and help them navigate a future free of child marriage.

Want to join me? The link to donate is below, and the best part is thanks to generous funders who support VOW’s operating costs, 100% of funds raised by the general public go directly to programs that help close the book on child marriage:

DONATE to VOW for Girls

last but not least…

…an update on my reading progress! As you might recall, a major goal I’ve set for myself this year is to read 100 books. I’ve read 15 books so far in 2025, which has been utterly delightful, and my TBR is getting very long and wonky. I finally upgraded to one of the new Kindle models, and have been basking in how fast the pages turn. On Monday, after turning in my draft, I took myself out for a celebratory treat, and of course my Kindle came along:

Until next time xx

2024 slipped by with a whimper, and honestly, I don’t mind. By the time December came around, I woke up most mornings wishing I could burrow underneath a blanket like a small woodland creature, my kindle in hand. That’s how I spent that magical time in between Christmas and New Year’s: I fell down a Lisa Kleypas rabbit hole, and I haven’t found my way out yet.

I know historical romance isn’t especially fashionable right now, but for me, nothing in romance comes close to the way a good historical makes me feel. I go into them with absolutely zero information: no blurb, no anything, just trust in the author and a good clinch cover. Something about the fantasy they provide—a world with balls and duels and danger, ruled by strict edicts and customs, with the threat of being compromised in each kiss—hits like nothing else. If you’re looking for a series to kick off the new year, I’d go no further than The Wallflowers. Lisa Kleypas has a unique readability that makes it nearly impossible to put down her books.

And amidst all this reading, it gave me an idea.

It’s not a project I can talk about yet. In fact, I’m excited to hold this one close to my chest. I’m not sure when I’ll be writing it (I’m still on deadline for my next Avon book; more on that below) but I’m daydreaming about the world constantly. I haven’t been this creatively energized in a long time, and I forgot how glorious it feels. The sense of freedom and possibility is unmatched. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that it’s in a different romance niche (not historical, though the influence is there) and I think it’s just what the doctor ordered, so to speak, this year.

But I was going to talk about resolutions.

I’ve done years with resolutions, and years without them. I’ve been trying hard not to put too much importance on the beginning of the year; we can change habits and develop new routines whenever, after all. But I haven’t set a reading goal in ages, and since it feels appealing this year, I’m going for it: I’m going to read 100 books between now and the end of the year.

It’s not just a writing decision, although I write better and more creatively when I’m actively reading. I thought about this newsletter, and what I wanted to share with you, especially after stepping back from social media for a bit, and all I could think of was to talk about what I’ve read recently. I also thought about what has made me happy lately, and right at the top was taking my kindle on an adventure. As always, I’m on the lookout for another hobby (I took a pottery class in Nov and Dec, with mixed results), but frankly, my first hobby will always be reading, and pretending otherwise does me a disservice just as much as it curtails my creativity.

I have other things I’d like to accomplish this year, both personally and professionally, but this crosses the boundary between both neatly. Whatever your ambitions for 2025, I hope reading is high on the list :)

a good thing I wrote recently:

My good friend Sophia Travers did this in a recent newsletter with her work-in-progress, and I’m being an unrepentant copycat because I loved it so much. I’m still working on my next book for Avon, a standalone contemporary, and by some miracle, it’s going well. I can’t wait until I can chat about these two:

“Take a sip of your drink.”

There’s a curious note in his voice, so I listen without protesting. He holds out something. When I reach out to take it, he shakes his head again. My breath stutters. I sway closer, and so does he.

Our gazes catch, blue on green. His fingertips brush my lips as he feeds me the small morsel. He caresses my bottom lip with his thumb before easing away.

The gesture freezes me so thoroughly, I don’t remember that I have something in my mouth until my taste buds are overcome with flavor. It’s cheese. Nutty, rich, and yet like silk in my mouth. He watches as I swallow, those irreverent eyes shaded by the tree’s branches.

We’re close enough that it’d take no effort at all to touch. No effort to kiss, our mouths messy with flavor.

“Good?” he asks.

I nod, mesmerized by the way he’s looking at me. There’s a raw, almost carnal edge to his expression. I feel stripped down, even though we’re in public. The banyan canopy might as well be a curtain. We’re ensconced in our own little world.

“Tell me what you taste,” he says softly.

“Is this a test?”

“Close your eyes and think.”

It does feel like a test, and one I don’t want to fail. I close my eyes. His fingertips tap against my lips. He places another sliver of cheese on my tongue.

This time, I let it melt intentionally. My focus—usually so scattered—narrows to this one point. Even with my eyes closed, I can sense his nearness. I want to please him. I want to ace this test.

“Caramel,” I finally say. I’m surprised by my own answer, but it’s the truth. “It’s like toasted caramel.”

“Clever girl.”

They’re dramatic and sexy and full of so much delicious banter, and frankly, I feel like I’m leveling up with this book. The day we finally announce will be one of the best days of the year.

2025 conventions:

I’ll be heading on the road again for a few cons this year! In the first half of the year, come see me at:

• Wild & Windy West | Phoenix, AZ | Feb 14-15

• Apollycon | Washington D.C. | April 9 - 13

• Beachside Book Fest | Fort Lauderdale, FL | May 16-17

I won’t be selling books directly from my table, but I will have free Callahan swag to give out, and my books will be available on-site from the sponsored bookseller at each event. I hope to meet some of you!

Last but not least, thank you for making 2024 so amazing. The Callahans gained an even wider readership with each release, and I still pinch myself whenever I remember Wicked Serve launched onto the USA Today Bestseller list along with the first three books in the series. Thank you to the moon and back for helping to make a lifelong dream of mine come true <3

I hope you have a happy, healthy, fulfilling year! Until next time xx

I hope you had a lovely October. For the most part, I’ve been in the writing cave/forest/what-have-you, writing a frenemies to lovers dynamic I just adore. (Sometimes my job is great: after this, I get to write about a wet dream! Nothing like being a romance author.) As the end of the year approaches, I’ve started to do more reflection, and I thought it could be interesting (I hope?) to share a little about the book I wrote 90% of earlier this year… before throwing it out. If that interests you, keep reading, and hang around for the end, where I’ll share some book recs and other things I’m digging right now!

the rise and fall of summer cummer

Stephanie Archer gave my work-in-progress from earlier this year the most charming nickname, didn’t she? Lol. Earlier in the year, I sat down with my editor, hammered out some pitches for the book after Wicked Serve, and chose one to start on. It was a summer-set standalone contemporary romance, hence the nickname; the eventual real title we settled on was Since that Summer, which I don’t mind sharing with you because if I rewrite this book, it’ll most likely get a new title entirely. I planned out how I wanted things to go. I did my spark sheet, my playlist, my Pinterest board. I fleshed out my characters with the help of my friends, editor, and agent, we nailed down a deadline, and I started writing.

Except I couldn’t write. I was moving at a snail’s pace, and each word felt like pulling teeth. It was the most horrible feeling in the world. Here I was, on the verge of having my books available widely through Avon/HarperCollins, with another two books under contract from them, and my job was to write the next thing, and I couldn’t do it.

I felt like a miserable failure.

Looking back, I think this was for two reasons:

1) I had a lot of trouble separating the creation of new work from the business of promoting existing/upcoming work.

Even though the majority of the Beyond the Play series was released indie first, the transition to traditional publishing involved a LOT of extra attention. Plus, I was hyping up the upcoming newest book. I had four release days this year and spent a ton of time promoting them. I don’t regret this, because the books did do very well upon re-release (thank you!!), but it did make it hard to bury myself in a cave and get new words down without outside voices creeping in. I couldn’t write without thinking about what would play well on social media, and what readers would think about the book elements, and whether anyone would like it.

It was like trying to write in front of a live audience, and I hated it.

2) I was writing an off-brand book.

I didn’t realize this at first, but in my efforts to make sure I was writing what I thought should come next, I ended up going down a path that wasn’t totally truthful to what I like to write. The draft, as it progressed, didn’t really sound like me. It was too sad, and I didn’t like coming back to it day after day. I tried to put things I loved into it, but in the end, I didn’t have enough.

It was a good concept with a strong premise, and yet it wasn’t the right book for me to be writing.

I worked on it for as long as I possibly could (and nearly got to the end, kicking and screaming, with several deadline pushes), but in the end, I realized I really didn’t want this book to be the next thing I published. I owed better to myself, and also to my readers. When I finally went to Avon in July and told them that I couldn’t publish this book as is and we needed to change directions, I didn’t feel bad about it or regret it.

I still felt like a failure, though—the author who couldn’t deliver a promised book and screwed up her publishing schedule—so it was interesting to hear author friends of mine describe what I did as courageous.

I didn’t feel all that brave—I still don’t—but now that time has passed, I can see it. It takes guts to throw out an almost-finished book and start a new one from scratch. It takes guts to communicate that to the publisher you’re working with, and to stick by the decision. It wasn’t one I undertook lightly, but when I thought of next summer and releasing that book as is, I just about shriveled up from exhaustion and unhappiness. If I didn’t want to even think about telling my readers about it, how could I live with publishing it? It’s true that books are products, but it’s also true that they are art, and at the end of the day, it’s my name on the cover. I’ve written plenty of things that have not and will not see the light of day. Unfortunately, this was one of those things, at least for now.

Yes, this means that there will be a longer wait for my next book. I’m not entirely sure of the publication timeline right now so I won’t make promises, but I’m focusing on writing a book I love first, and then working out how to present it to the world. My editor has been so supportive and patient, which I recognize is really amazing and not a given in this industry. This is the book I should have been writing from the beginning, but unfortunately, it took me a while to recognize that. Next time, if a project isn’t working, I’m hopeful I will be able to confront those feelings sooner.

I still love the summer book characters and would love to rework the story into something that feels more “me,” and I’m hoping to be able to think about that when I’m waiting on revision notes for the current book. But! One step at a time. First, I get to keep spending time with [redacted] and [redacted] in [redacted] (sorry not sorry), and hopefully, I’ll be able to build a stronger foundation for releases beyond this one.

I know you WILL love this next book, and I really, really hope you’ll wait for me…

miss irrelevant

One of the most difficult parts about making this decision was accepting that my publishing schedule would change. The differences in release timelines between indie and trad publishing are pretty stark; it’s not like publishers can whip up a book in a month’s notice the way indies can. I couldn’t push it by several months and start over the way an indie author can when they’re having deadline trouble. By pulling back a book that was already scheduled (but not yet announced), it meant giving up the slot entirely. I was terrified of being forgotten, of showing up to my next birthday with a cake and no one to celebrate with, so to speak—and truthfully, I still am. I’m absolutely terrified that when I do talk about this new next book, it’ll be like shouting in the middle of a rave.

I’ve mostly made peace with the fact that I would rather take my time with a book I love than publish a book I hate purely to get the next release out. I never want to give you less than a book I feel 110% happy with. But even though it feels right, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck. I really wanted to have a new release sooner rather than later. It’s so easy to look at other authors announcing their next releases and feel like crap, so I’ve had to be careful about keeping my eyes on my own paper. To do that, I’ve pulled back from social media significantly, which has its advantages and disadvantages. I never want my readers to feel like I’m ignoring them, but also, I know I’m easily distracted and have trouble maintaining momentum. I hope to reevaluate in the future, because I truly love connecting with readers and authors and being part of the bookish space, but at the end of the day, I know I need to write more books, and this is how it has to happen.

As always, thank you for listening and being here xx

new releases from friends!

Guess who has new books out? C.W. Farnsworth and Olivia Hayle! If you’re looking for more delicious billionaire books to add to your TBR, check these out:

FALSE GOD by C.W. Farnsworth

She’s America’s It girl. He’s Britain’s most eligible bachelor.

First impressions are supposed to last … but they’re losing track.

Summer in the Hamptons is predictable. Lavish parties. Polo matches. Private yachts.

So, the surprise arrival of Charlie Marlborough causes an excited stir throughout the higher echelons of society. The upper crust he’s come to impress. Wealthy elites he has to impress or risk losing everything.

Billionaire heiress Lili Kensington isn’t dazzled by Britain’s youngest duke. In fact, she’s not awed by him at all. She resolves to stay far away from New York’s newest deity, but that proves to be a harder task than she anticipated.

The only daughter and eldest child of American royalty, Lili is well acquainted with unwavering attention. She’s used to fake flattery and whispers about her family’s immense wealth. Accustomed to men trying to cajole their way into her bed and her bank account. Yet Charlie’s disregard for the obvious aspects of her identity only makes her more confused about his true character.

Each time their privileged worlds collide, Lili’s and Charlie’s perceptions of each other shift. They put on acts in public, but stop performing when they’re alone. Motivations become murky. Attraction develops into intimacy. Lust starts to look a lot like love.

She swore she’d never fall for a false god.

He never intended to fall at all.

Even patricians can’t lay perfect plans …

LINK: geni.us/falsegod

BETWEEN THE LINES by Olivia Hayle

The mysterious stranger I spent an unforgettable night with is the billionaire who ruined my life… and now I have to live with him.

He's all green eyes, mussed hair and a dirty mouth. He’s good at strip poker, and even better at what comes after.

Two weeks later, I walk into a meeting in LA with the subject of my next memoir... and it’s him.

Aiden Hartman. My hot one-night-stand, and the billionaire owner of Titan Media, the company that ruined my life and made me change my name.

Now I need to spend two months at his side or risk losing my next contract. Living in his Bel-Air mansion, shadowing him daily, and writing his memoir.

Aiden invites me into his world of wealth. He brings me as his date to movie premieres and buys me expensive dresses. But he won’t tell me everything I need for the book.

We argue in his office, and I taunt him in bikinis by his pool. It’s a dangerous game we’re playing, especially when Aiden offers me a deal too good to refuse.

He’ll spill all his secrets… if I tell him mine.

LINK: https://geni.us/betweentlines

what I’m loving right now

• These pumpkin protein muffins are a delicious seasonally-appropriate snack, and so easy, even I could bake them. I might make another batch this afternoon! Definitely add the pepitas to the top for a fun crunch.

• Ruby Dixon’s latest, Bull Moon Rising, was delightful and as weirdly smutty as I could have hoped. I loved it so much I bought the hardcover before I even finished the ebook, and I’m not even a hardcover person.

• Holiday Baking Championship is back, and I can’t even express how happy I am about it. I might not be great at baking, but I love watching baking shows!

Bye for now! Time to add some more spice into this book that will (I promise) eventually be in your hands <3