Early readers are completely unhinged
People are reading Not on the Same Page! And they love it!
Cross-posted to Substack.
Early on in the writing process, authors learn that whatever negative thing they think about their book, they’re wrong. You think it’s the worst combination of words the English language has ever seen? Wrong. You think there are unfillable plot holes that your audience will tear apart? Wrong. You think your main character is insufferable and unredeemable? Wrong.
Sometimes, even the positive things you think about your book aren’t quite hitting the way you thought they would. (But I won’t outline those specifics, because hello, imposter syndrome—I don’t need to see you today.)
And that’s where beta readers come in. Beta readers are trusted readers and other authors who read an early draft—either before or after editing—to give the author a sense of what the reader experience is. Are there scenes that drag, questions left unanswered, unsatisfying spice scenes? (Yes, this last one happened to me. You can thank one of my beta readers for Ryan’s glasses staying on in Not a Strong Enough Word.)
But every once in a while, a story hits right from the beginning. My beta readers for Not on the Same Page fell in love with this story early, and they had a lot of things to say about it. So I’m going to let them do the talking today.
But first…
Last time I was on here, I was expounding the virtues of matcha. I know I’m late to that game, but I’m kind of obsessed? Lately, I’ve been putting a teaspoon of matcha powder, 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1/2 cup of coconut water, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder in a Blender Bottle, shaking it up, and pouring it over ice. Caffeine, electrolytes, calcium, and protein in a refreshing summer beverage? Yes please. And it tastes so good.
My beta readers for Not on the Same Page understood the assignment, that’s for sure. I’ve made no secret about the fact that this book was difficult to write. It took a while for me to get inside Casey and Trina’s head, to figure out what made them tick. But once I did, their story came together beautifully. I’m so excited for you to read them!
For now, enjoy the unhinged comments my beta readers left on the very first draft. (You can click on each image to enlarge it.)
And, I don’t want to brag, but my husband just finished reading it, and he says it’s my most technically perfect story to date. Which doesn’t sound exciting or swoony, but my Enneagram type 3 heart pretty much exploded with the praise.
So what are you waiting for? Preorder now, or request it on NetGalley!
Not a Strong Enough Word – June 2, 2026 * Not on the Same Page – August 18, 2026 * Not the Way it Ends – November 10, 2026
Preorder now to get the limited edition sprayed edges and goodies from your favorite indie bookstore!
Events
I can’t wait to meet you!!! Grab tickets now! And if you’re going to be at Writers on the River this weekend, make sure to come say hi. I’m giving away a free Not a Strong Enough Word with book purchase while supplies last (and I’ll have the Leade Park special editions)!
I’ve also added a bunch of local (to me) tour dates for Not on the Same Page. Come hang out with me!
Coming up…
July 11 at 1-4 PM
Writers on the River
Peoria, IL
July 22 – Q&A and Signing for Not a Strong Enough Word
In conversation with Kara McDowell
Under the Cover KC in Kansas City, MO
July 26 – In conversation with Gabbie Hanks for Nasty Little Secrets
Partners in Crime Bookstore in Chicago, IL
July 30 – Q&A and Signing for Not a Strong Enough Word
In conversation with Jillian Meadows
Love and Other Books in Ferndale, MI
Preorders
We all know preorders are open for Not on the Same Page, but I’m excited to announce that I’m teaming up with three indie bookstores to offer HAND SIGNED preorders! If you order from The Atlas Collective, Love’s Sweet Arrow, or The Well Red Damsel, your book will come with an art print and it’ll be hand signed by yours truly. Some shops are even offering personalization options. So check it out and grab yours!
AND your preorder (in any format from anywhere) will give you the chance to get some extra exclusive goodies and an invite to a virtual event with me! So save your receipt, because more information is coming soon!
A call for help
If you know me, you know my love for Ambar Cordova. She’s the sunshine in our romance community, and she’s going through some very tough times. She needs our help. I won’t go too far into her story, but if you can help in any way, please do. And now is a great time to read her WONDERFUL books, too. They’re so good, y’all.
Small beach town | Black cat x doberman | Forced proximity | Fake dating | Found family | One night stand | Found family | Dual POV
If you have an ARC and you’re reading Not on the Same Page and loving it, please let me know!!! I cannot wait for everyone to meet Casey and Trina. (Plus, as you can see, unhinged comments are my favorite.)
Happy reading!
