She's here, she's here!
I'm back after a brief hiatus with a cover reveal ...
I’m a digital marketer who specialises in email marketing … so I know that the #1 email mistake you can make is only speaking to your audience when you have something to announce – when it’s about YOU and not them. Guilty as charged! This year has flown by and between my day job (yes, I have one of those) and the excited flurry of being a debut author I’ve neglected my poor Wanderlove newsletter.
I’m off on an overseas trip shortly and I promise I’ll repent by sharing all of my reccys with you once I’m back. (I’ve spent hours upon hours scrolling TikTok so that you don’t have to!) Travel has always been an important part of my writing. I’m frequently at an airport and feel most inspired when I’m somewhere exotic and new … which brings me to the cover reveal of my December release – Never Ever Forever – a story set between Mudgee’s charming wine country and beautiful, bustling Mumbai!
Isn’t she just the cutest?! And the little cat on the cover is named Squash. Luckily protagonist Rosie Royce is not allergic, but she’s also never owned a pet so, “like a new pair of jeans purchased in a hurry at the Boxing Day sales, the jury is still out on the fit.”
Here’s some more about Rosie’s story:
Real love doesn’t always look the way you expect.
Rosie Royce is trying to live her best life. Really, she is.
But it seems like life hasn't gotten the memo. It's been six years since childhood sweetheart Wes Preston jumped on a plane and never looked back, and Rosie spends most nights spooning her laptop. If she has to swipe on one more bloke posing with a sedated tiger, she'll scream.
An impulse move to the idyllic country town of Mudgee is the fresh start Rosie needs, as she trades in her high-pressure marketing career for a laidback gig in local radio. Hell, she may even meet one of those dreamy farmers she's seen on TV.
But the universe isn't done messing with Rosie just yet. Her new job comes with a handsome but infuriating co-host, Dr Markus Abrahams, while a school reunion brings Wes back into her orbit.
When Rosie's work whisks her to vibrant, chaotic India - well and truly out of her comfort zone - a world of possibility opens up.
Does 'never ever' really have to be forever? Or is Rosie finally ready to risk everything for a second shot at love?
Never Ever Forever is an enemies-to-lovers meets second chance romance, and the good news is that she’s available for pre-order from Booktopia or Amazon right now. (with more retailers to come!)
I’m sure you hear authors say this all the time, but your pre-orders really do make a difference! Pre-order sales help build buzz and send a clear message to retailers that you’re a big deal so they’ll order more books. Thank you for helping me become a big deal. 😘
Never Ever Forever is out with Pan Macmillan on November 28, 2023 just in time for your #summeroflove!
Fancy some warm n’ fuzzies in your ears while you wait patiently for the summer of love?
That Rom Com Pod entered the chat last month – a bi-monthly podcast I launched with friend/work wife and fellow rom com author, Clare Fletcher, where we get to chat obsessively about rom coms! From meet cute to rock bottom to grand gesture, we ride the highs and lows of classic and contemporary romantic comedies and also share a few insights from behind the publishing scenes as authors of rom coms. Fair warning: we’ve been having so much fun in the recording booth that the eps are 50% giggles!
Listen to our first two episodes here and sign up to our Substack for all of our recommendations, and to get alerted when our next ep drops (heads up: 7am, next Wednesday, September 20 we’re chatting all things FAKE DATING!)
What I’ve been reading
Between the podcast and hosting a monthly public bookclub, The Listening Station, I think 2023 will end up being my biggest reading year to date (not complaining one bit!) My top reads of the year so far include: The Wakes by Dianne Yarwood, The Dangers of Female Provocation by Zoe Coyle and Dreaming in French by Vanessa McCausland. But without question, my favourite rom coms have been Love Match by my girl, Clare Fletcher, and Bound to Happen by debut author, Jonathon Shannon.
Here’s some more about my faves:
Love Match by Clare Fletcher (Penguin, September 2023)
Sparkly, nuanced and full of heart, Love Match is set in the same world and small town (South Star) as Clare’s highly-acclaimed first book, Five Bush Weddings. From the feel-good scenes with the Pink Cockatoo's footy team to Sarah's unfolding romance - I lapped it all up. And it’s sooooo funny. It really is a gem of a rom com that easily earns every one of of its five stars!
Bound to Happen by Jonathon Shannon (Ultimo Press, September 2023)
'You’ve Got Mail' just got a modern makeover. Jonathon Shannon has composed a pitch perfect rom com that will leave you completely starry-eyed and wanting more. Jonathon’s writing sings on every page – with clever characters, sparkling dialogue, and vivid Sydney locations. Bound to Happen isn’t just one for romance lovers, but I think its unique take on the genre will appeal to all readers.
That’s it from me for now! I can’t wait to share details about my upcoming trip, and all the fun I get up to with you shortly.
Yours in Wanderlove 💕
Karina x