Oh my!

Cross-posted to Substack.

We’re a little late with the newsletter today, but in my defense, my seniors’ last day was Wednesday, and ever since, my timeline has been pretty messed up. That really felt like a Friday. Imagine how rude I found it to wake up the next morning and realize it was still Thursday.

But…onward!

I have to say, I am still (mostly) on the morning smoothie train! And I’m sorry to report that cutting back on caffeine is actually helping me sleep better and keep my brain clearer. Replacing it with fruit and water is also contributing to me feeling really good. So is walking our (new) new dog, Piper. (For those of you on socials with me, you probably saw Ziggy. Ziggy did NOT like my son, so we wanted to make sure everyone was safe and happy and give her the chance at a home without small kids. So now, we have Piper, and she is wonderful. We absolutely love her.) I’m starting to feel the benefits of actually taking care of myself…as opposed to saying I’m taking care of myself and willing it to be true. But also, it’s almost summer. So that probably helps.

And don’t worry, I will not proceed without paying the dog tax. Here is Piper!

I really wanted to do a title reveal for my work in progress today, but as much as I love leaning into chaos and doing whatever I want, I’m really shifting gears with this one, and I want to make it special. So, that means I’m not ready to do a title reveal yet. I’m so sorry!

BUT I can tell you that I’m 51,000 words into the first draft. My alpha readers are reading along with me as I go, and they are loving it. This book is going to kick off a trilogy that is actually a true trilogy. The points of view will shift, but the plot will continue, so you actually have to read them in order.

The way I’d describe these are kind of cozy-witchy-paranormal-romcom, where the setting is familiar but the vibes are totally different. Modern setting, slightly elevated but still normal language, minimal technology, and magic. Plus, all the banter, humor, interesting backstory, romance, and that tug on your heartstrings you’ve come to expect from me. AND covers designed by the one and only Lorissa Padilla. (I’ve seen the first draft, y’all. It is BEAUTIFUL!)

And it’s starting this fall. (EEEEK!)

So, instead of a title reveal, here is a vibey picture for you to start getting you excited. I absolutely love these characters and this world, and I cannot wait to tell you more!

Who’s excited???

If you’ve read and loved Not a Strong Enough Word, I would love it if you could leave a review, especially on Amazon! I know we are all trying to avoid the platform right now, but when books are submitted for audio and translation, that’s the first place they look. Reviews there really help! So if you can, please review your indie favorites!

I have a lot of signings coming up! Save this page and refer to it for the most updated info on signings, conventions, preorders, and more!

First up is my signing at The Last Chapter in Chicago! I would LOVE to see you there. This is a ticketed event, so purchase your tickets here if you’re planning to come!

Already read Not a Strong Enough Word and looking for your next romance? Kelsey Painter just released a new book that you should check out!

Phoebe Barlowe needs a comeback.

After a traumatic event puts her stand-up comedy tour on hiatus, she’s out of material and out of options. Her agent pitches something different—Ballroom for Better, a charity ballroom dancing competition show. Phoebe can earn money for others while also earning back the public’s favor. Reluctant but desperate, she agrees. Now all she has to do is survive her snobby dance partner.

When Cyrus Hayes agrees to dance on Ballroom for Better, he thinks his only problem will be that one of the judges is his runaway bride. But when he meets his celebrity partner, he realizes he is in for more than he bargained for. Phoebe Barlowe is crass, sloppy, and worst of all—tardy. He isn’t sure he can stand this stand-up comic.

Despite their animosity, learning to dance gives Phoebe something she thought she lost forever. And dancing with Phoebe gives Cyrus the spark he was certain his ex had taken. Long hours at the dance studio lead to longer conversations outside of it. Before they know it, staying in the competition means more to them than they ever thought it would.

Everything changes when their hearts are at stake.

Read now!

Also, check out Dani McLean’s newest!

Faking it never felt so real.

IVY

It’s over. Eight years of meetings, ‘document emergencies’ (whatever they are), and covering up my tattoos, and now a company-wide redundancy has finally pulled my name out of a hat. Exit: stage left.

So much for making the responsible choice. Giving up theatre to work a lifetime locked to a keyboard was supposed to show I was a grown up, except all it’s ever been is a role I forced myself into, and I’ve been playing it for so long I’m not sure who the real Ivy Hawkins is anymore.

There’s no other answer when Lincoln Reeves offers me the chance to be anyone I want for a night. Saying no to those piercing grey eyes would be impossible… And then I immediately ruin it by sticking my foot in my mouth. Now I’m playing the part of his fake girlfriend, while desperately trying not to fall for my own act.

LINCOLN

One night. It’s not nearly enough, could never be enough where Ivy is concerned, but she’s itching for an adventure, so that’s what I’ll give her.

Playing her boyfriend isn’t a hardship, but it’s one more lie separating me and my family, and the closer Ivy and I get, the more it threatens to unravel everything I returned from London to fix.

Read now!

I hope you are all getting ready for summer and lining up those summer reads! Let me know what you’re reading in the comments, or drop a note about my new book’s vibes!

Happy reading!
Allie