I'm Making A List

Or two!

I know I’ve been MIA, but it’s my favorite time of the year so I’m here with some updates and to spread some holiday cheer.

We’re three months out until my sophomore book, THE LOVE SIMULATION, releases on March 4th! The Love Simulation follows Brianna, the youngest Rogers sibling, as she tries to save her school’s library in the most reasonable way possible—by joining a Mars simulation!

A passionate vice principal and a guarded science teacher compete for a grand prize, only to realize their budding relationship might be the real jackpot.

Brianna Rogers has been told a time (or six) she needs to stop jumping into things head first. But when the principal rescinds his approval for a library upgrade, deciding to spend the money on a football field instead, she sees red. Literally. Brianna throws her hat in the ring and joins a team of teachers who will spend their summer in a Mars simulation. As the sister of an astronaut, this should be easy, right? What she didn’t count on was the last-minute addition to the team—Roman Major: science teacher, son of the principal, and too handsome for his own good.

Roman and Brianna have been hot and cold all year, and living in close quarters intensifies their animosity and attraction. Brianna is sure he’s been sent by his father to sabotage them, foiling their chance at prize money that will cover all of the school’s actual needs. But each day, Roman proves himself to be a dedicated teammate—and Brianna finds herself falling harder and harder. While it’s clear the feeling is mutual, she can’t shake the sense that he’s hiding something. As the simulation nears its end, Brianna realizes she may have to make an impossible choice, between the school she’s dedicated herself to, and the man who has won his way into her heart.

Let me y’all something. this book almost did me in! When writers lament about how hard it is to write their second book, it’s so true. Vincent and Amerie from The Kiss Countdown lived in my head for two years, and there was no deadline or expectations to finish their story. I pretty much wrote when the vibe struck. On the other hand, I felt like I had to speed date Brianna and Roman to understand their motivations and love, while also dealing with self-doubt and questioning if I could actually write a second book. The majority of authors I’ve spoken to have felt the same way about their second books, so even though I know I’m not alone in my experience, it was a hard process to push through. But in the end, I did it! And not to toot my own horn too much, but I believe I was able to write something that is fun, fluffy, and funny. If you can imagine a world where Abbott Elementary meets Big Brother, know that you’ll be in for an adventure when you read The Love Simulation.

Pre-Order THE LOVE SIMULATION

I will be partnering with a local independent bookstore to provide signed copies and artwork to those who pre-order. More information is to come in February.

Also, ICYMI, I’ll be attending Love Y’all Book Fest in Atlanta February 14-16th. I’m so excited to connect with readers and authors, and I will also be doing a giveaway for an early printed copy of The Love Simulation!

---

While I was away from social media, I spent a lot of time reading and just generally finding more books to hoard…that is, fill my bookshelf with. If you are still considering which books you want to receive as gifts from family or friends, or which one you’ll treat yourself to, check these out!

• Second Tide’s The Charm by Chandra Blumberg

• Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit

• The Truth According To Ember by Danica Nava

• The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce

• Love In Bloom by Lucy Eden

• Frequent Fliers by Noué Kirwan

---

Speaking of Christmas. What is on your TBR during the month of December? My tree went up the third week of November, and I’m going to continue to fully immerse myself into the season with nonstop Christmas books, Christmas movies, and Christmas baking shows! So, if you need some recommendations for your holiday reading, give these books a try:

• Last Christmas Crush by Mia Heintzelman

• Gnome One Like You by Tobie Carter

• Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

• Snow King Catches His Snowflake by A.E. Valdez

• Snow Place Like Home by Lacey Baker

• The Takedown by Carlie Walker

If I missed any of your favorite holiday books, please let me know the in comments. In the meantime, thanks for reading!