Hi everyone,

This newsletter is weeks late. I planned to send it out at the beginning of the month, and then I planned to send it out the second week of September, and now we’re midway through the month. My excuse is that I’m once again back in the throes of a first draft, which means that I have very little brain power or mental space at the end of the day to write much else. I’m using my last few brain cells to write this newsletter lol. (You’re receiving this on Tuesday morning, but I’m writing it Monday night.)

Heartsick publishes in three weeks! So crazy. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I abandoned a different YA novel two summers ago. I’d felt like such a failure. I remember lying on my bed and dramatically staring up at the ceiling like Hey Arnold in that one episode when his pig Abner ran away. But that moment was a testament to 1) trusting my gut, and 2) accepting that sometimes it’s better to wait than rush. I’m glad that I waited because waiting led me to writing Heartsick. I’m really excited for people to read Margot and Isaac’s story.

Heartsick is currently available for preorder! The signed preorder campaign with Inkwood Books and Kiss & Tale Bookshop, which comes with a custom art print, ends on September 30th, and you can find more info here. The preorder link for all retailers can be found here. And there’s a Goodreads giveaway running that ends tomorrow.

I won’t be going on tour for Heartsick, but I am doing an event at my hometown indie romance bookstore, Kiss & Tale in Collingswood, NJ on October 8th at 7pm. I’ll be in conversation with Betty Corrello (I loved her most recent book 32 Days in May). This event is ticketed but each ticket comes with a copy of Heartsick. If you preordered/plan to preorder Heartsick from Kiss & Tale for the preorder campaign, you can email the bookstore and they’ll set you up with a seat only ticket. Tickets/more info about the event can be found here!

What I’ve been reading over the last couple months:

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello - I read this one in August. It’s a emotionally poignant romance novel with sharp humor about a woman who’s been recently diagnosed with Lupus and the summer romance she has with a former actor. At times this book made me laugh and and it also made me tear up. I really enjoyed it and loved that much of the story took place at the Jersey shore.

Night Song by Beverly Jenkins - this was a Beverly Jenkins historical romance that I hadn’t read yet, and it’s become a new fave. Cara Lee Henson is a school teacher in Kansas who comes across Sergeant Chase Jefferson, a soldier in the Tenth Calvary. She’s determined to keep her reputation in tact and not get involved with a soldier, but it’s hard to do that when Chase is determined to woo her! I read this one in August too. I always learn something new when reading books by legends like Ms. Bev. Reading (and rereading) books by authors like her and Lisa Kleypas really helps me to hone my craft and become a better writer. Their books are also just so engrossing.

The Prince of Midnight by Laura Kinsale - speaking of another historical romance author whose books I read and reread, Laura Kinsale is also on that list. Right now I’m reading The Prince of Midnight. One thing about a Laura Kinsale novel is that you never end up where you started. Even the plot description on the back of the book doesn’t fully encompass where the story will take you. I say that because it’s hard to quickly pitch any of her books lol. But essentially this a story about a woman who travels to France in search of The Prince of Midnight, a man who was once a highlander, because she needs his help in getting revenge on the religious cult leader who orchestrated the murders of her family. And it looks like the ebook is on sale for $1.99!

What I’ve been watching:

The Gilded Age - My best friend has been trying to get me to watch this show for forever, but I finally got around to it after I saw some clips of Peggy being in a love triangle in season 3. I binge watched seasons 1 and 2 to get to this love triangle, and I finally just started season 3. Admittedly, I came to this show for Peggy, but the other characters and storylines are interesting too. (If you like the Gilded Age too and are looking for books that give the same vibe, I’d suggest Joanna Shupe. One of my faves by her is A Daring Arrangement.)

Theater Camp - I randomly watched this movie on Hulu a couple weeks ago, and I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard while watching something (other than The Office). It’s about a group of people who are trying to keep a theater camp in business after the owner/founder falls into a coma, and it’s shot documentary style. Ayo Edebiri has a small role playing a woman who’s pretending to know how to teach drama. It’s hilarious.

K-Pop Demon Hunters - like many, many others I loved this movie! I think it’s pretty amazing how this movie has garnered fans of all ages. My four and five year old nieces love this movie too. My four year old niece in particular showed me that she knows every word to the opening song lol.

Love, Brooklyn - this movie was a love triangle starring Andre Holland, Nicole Beharie and DeWanda Wise. It was so good. Great acting, great writing. And some scenes took place in one of the neighborhoods where I used to live. It looks like this movie got a limited theatrical run, but if it’s playing at a theater near you, I highly suggest seeing it!

Caught Stealing - I saw this for Zoe Kravitz and Regina King, and I was pleasantly surprised by Austin Butler’s performance! There’s also a very cute cat in this movie.

I’m looking forward to watching The Morning Show when the new season starts. And I want to watch The Paper.

That’s it from me for this newsletter. I leave you with this picture of me sitting between Edward Cullen and Fabio during my signing at Cupid’s Bookshop in Philly last month. Sadly, these cutouts do not belong to me; they belong to the bookstore. But if you’re in the Philly area, I definitely recommend paying Cupid’s Bookshop a visit. They have a great selection of romance novels and merch!

Until next time!

Kristina