I can't believe it

💌 Two Weeks Out, So We’re Getting Giddy

The world continues to be a dumpster fire of confusion and I’m not qualified to say anything on that front other than: reading books as an escape is always acceptable and I hope you’re finding the time for that.

Today I have a slightly abnormal newsletter, since we’re two weeks out from the release of The Slow Burn, so please forgive my yapping. But the good news is that if I’m going to have to bombard you with self-serving content, at least today I’ve got something beyond incredible.

🎨 Oh We’ve Got ART

A few months ago a content creator I follow, Caitlin Bea, posted that her dream was to design a book cover. I really admire the art she makes, so I floated the idea of her doing a special dust jacket for preorders of The Slow Burn. WELL. She knocked it so far out of the park I think my jaw is still on the floor.

If you want to know what reading The Slow Burn is like… this is it. It’s a romantic escape to Tuscany with an adorable dog sidekick and a yellow vespa with all the possibilities. I’m obsessed.

SO. How do you get this art with your book? It’s actually quite easy! Pre-order from one of the local indies we’re working with, where you also get an Italian treat. OR from anywhere, join our virtual romance pajama party and that preorder will include the dust jacket (and, you know, a fun event, but take or leave that part!).

I will also have them at my events. I really would adore seeing you guys in person. So here’s a last rundown of where you can catch me:

• New York City at The Strand with Smitten Kitchen, Broma Bakery and Ayesha Nurdjaja

• Baltimore with Ali Hazelwood (yes, we’ll talk mostly about Heated Rivalry)

• Los Angeles with Caro Chambers at The Ripped Bodice (You can also attend this virtually by preordering from The Ripped Bodice)

• Charlotte with Tarah DeWitt (mostly so I can reunite with one of my favorite humans)

• Charleston with Ashley Poston (please show me hometown love, friends)

I don’t know why these amazing women have all agreed to come talk with me, but I really hope you’ll join us.

And just to see the art again, this time in how it’s going to be on the dust jacket with the title, here she is (imagine folding her lovingly around a book!):

📚 A Major Book Recommendation

In other crazy news, somehow The New York Times took my happy book recommending to the next level because I GOT TO WRITE AN ARTICLE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES ABOUT MY FAVORITE ROMANCES THAT FEEL LIKE A VACATION. Yes, that had to be in all caps because it was a bucket list item.

But since this newsletter is all about recommending happy books, I hope you’ll give that article a read too and maybe use the opportunity to escape into a book that takes you somewhere amazing.

💛 Happy News

If you need a laugh, Nikki Glaser once again nailed her Golden Globes monologue. It’s ten pure minutes of playful mocking of beautiful people, so what could be better for a Monday morning?!

And speaking of the Golden Globes, if you are also as obsessed with Heated Rivalry as I am (and, ya know, the rest of the nation), the boys got to do their own little presenting bit and it was adorable.

Also, if you missed the bonus epilogue to Merry & Bright in the last newsletter you can still find it right here!

✨ Thanks for being here!

I always feel a little squishy when I have to be promoting my things, so truly, thank you for coming along with me. I love talking to you guys about books and recipes and the little joys and so I appreciate you indulging me in sharing a bit of my own. Hope your week is off to a good start and see you all in person very soon. xoxo

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