The most amazing thing has happened!
I got a book deal!
With Penguin Random House Australia.
What a dream come true!
This was not on my bingo card for 2024 but I’m so thrilled (and nervous) and grateful (and nervous, it’s a recurring theme). But seriously, so much has happened in the last few months that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it all. The short version of this story is that earlier in the year, I pitched a story to Penguin Random House (omg, Penguin Random House!!!) and to my imposter syndrome’s immense shock, they liked it and are going to publish it in late 2025! I can’t tell you too much about it yet other than it’s a swoony and spicy romance and my cast of characters are so delicious. This truly would never have happened without the support from everyone who has read my stories, shared my work and encouraged me. I’m so thankful for you all. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. An extra-special, extra-grateful shoutout to Chris Ebbs and the team at PRH for believing in me and my stories. I’m just a puddle of emotions over it all.
But enough about me, did you know that …
Would you just look at all these gorgeous stories written by Australian authors? What a line up! There are so many amazing stories by Aussie authors but here are a few of my faves and some from my TBR as well!
Faded Fragments by Mandi Kontos. A debut urban fantasy with werewolves, witches and mummies? And this gorgeous cover? I’m so looking forward to reading it!
Light Up My Heart (A Point Perry Christmas) by Joanne Speirs. Revist the charming small town of Point Perry and discover how second chances can be a gift when you’re brave enough to risk your heart.
Mortgage of Convenience by Dani McLean. Marriage of convenience + brother’s best friend + Dani McLean’s signature sass and steam? Yes. Please. (Special shout out to the thigh grab on the cover too. *chef’s kiss!*)
Novel Problems by Elizabeth Luly. A sapphic summer romance featuring a best-selling fantasy author and a warm-hearted cafe-bookstore owner, perfect for your next beach read.
Quinn, by design by Jennifer Raines. She’s antiques royalty, he’s relentlessly modern. Sounds like a match made in opposites attract heaven to me!
Rules in Love by Bindi Kennedy. Have you ever wanted someone so desperately you’d risk everything for one kiss?
Such a Small World by Jordan Clayden-Lewis. A speculative queer love story wrapped in memories that won’t stay buried.
The Insufferable Adam James by Brooklyn Dean. One immature dare. Two childhood enemies. Three kisses to bring him to his knees. #tellmemore
The Retreat by Stephanie Hazeltine. The Retreat is a place to relax and reconnect. Unless someone is there to get revenge. Spoiler alert: someone is.
Waiting to Score by Elouise Tynan. Calling all sports romance fans who also love fake dating and college settings!
And as if I’m not going to mention my own spicy Australian small town stories too! Have you visited Wattle Junction yet? There’s something for everyone with forbidden attraction (Billie + Wyatt in Wattle It Be?), opposites attract (I’m looking at you, Owen + Alice in The Reality of Us) and friends-to-lovers (hey, Nate + Eloise in The Story of Us).
I’ll be back again soon with more news, that ‘special’ thing I teased in last month’s newsletter, a recap of the Romance Writers of Australia’s annual conference and—as always—more book recs (because you can never have too many books on your TBR)!
Happy reading,
Em x