The Bubbly Bulletin: May Edition
All the May book news fit to print!
Hi! I’m so happy you’re here! The Bubbly Bulletin is typically for paid subscribers only, but in the spirit of my birthday tomorrow, I’m sending this one out to everyone! If you like what you read and want to join Club Bubbly, you’ll get access to this monthly newsletter and The B.R.A.D. Book Club, plus a subscriber-only chat and even more perks that are in the works!
Welcome back to The Bubbly Bulletin! Once again, we’re looking back on all the good book news from this month—and forward to so many exciting releases and adaptations to come. Today we’re talking about Emily Henry, Carley Fortune, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Omaha Steaks (LOL!), judging romance books by the cover, the joy of reading retreats, and, of course, June releases we can’t wait to get our hands on!
May seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye! Blame the great books taking up my evenings and all the outdoor activities taking place in the sunshine. I feel like my summer TBR was already a mile long, and putting this Bubbly Bulletin together turned it into a marathon. I am so excited for what’s to come in June—including two BR&B highlights to look forward to right here on Substack:
My conversation with
will be live on Substack June 5 at 3 p.m. PT/5 p.m. CT. We’ll be chatting about Carley Fortune’s new book, One Golden Summer! Click here to be notified when we go live—free for all!I’ll be kicking off my Cake with Katie author interview series. These bite-sized Q&As will normally be in newsletter form, but since I’ll be with
IRL for her book tour, I’ll be filming this first one for your viewing pleasure! Expect the video mid-June. Have a question you’re dying for me to ask her? Share it in the comments!
Let’s start with some news sure to make many of us feel very on trend. This month, Vogue wrote about the rise of romantasy with women—specifically mothers. So, if you’ve ever felt a little strange reading about winged men and faeries—rest assured, it is literally in vogue! Enjoy your favorite book boyfriends in peace.
While we’re talking BR&B favorites, The New York Times graciously gifted us a crash course on Emily Henry and her books (find my latest review here). In this excerpt from the article, one bookseller perfectly sums up why Emily is so beloved by her readers, and I couldn’t agree more:
“Booksellers often recommend Henry’s novels to readers who are new to — or skeptical about — romance, and see her as a gateway between mainstream literary fiction and the genre. Reading her books is ‘a completely satisfying experience’ on a literary and emotional level, said Leah Koch, a founder and owner of the Ripped Bodice bookstore.”
I have to say, I found it slightly misleading that they titled the article “Everything You Need to Know About Emily Henry.” It should really have been called “Everything You Need to Know About Emily Henry’s Books,” because we still know virtually nothing about her personally. But, I can appreciate how private she is. Maybe one day, when she’s 90, she’ll invite a bunch of aspiring writers to her estate to compete for her final book. Sorry—when I think “wildly famous private author,” my mind immediately goes to a murder mystery! But hey, Emily has said she enjoys a thriller and has even done some writing in the genre that has yet to see the light of day (👀).
Though the woman behind the books might be a bit of a mystery, I’m sure we could all pick an EmHen book cover out of a lineup—thanks to their bright, bold colors and iconic illustrated style. While hers are certainly distinctive, the general trend toward cartoon-like illustrations begs the question (hilariously) posed by this Washington Post article: “Where have all the torsos gone?” “Fabio,” they claim, “is a critically endangered species.” (This one literally made me laugh out loud.) I loved hearing from the creators of some of our favorite covers. One artist talks about keeping her covers intentionally vague so they don’t interfere with the reader’s imagination—something this reader appreciates! Apparently, publishers had fears that Fabio and his peers were intimidating less-seasoned romance readers. Who wants to dip a toe into the waters when they’re infested with shirtless Fabios? (I do.)
Speaking of romance book covers, Publishers Weekly did a deep dive into 831 Stories’ uniquely uniform covers and the thought behind them. Each of the imprint’s titles features a geometrically blocked design in two distinct colors and a gold embossed cupid colophon, making them instantly recognizable. I love my pink-and-red copy of Big Fan (review here) as both a book and room decor. I have their latest release, Set Piece, on my *read immediately* list!
Carley Fortune, who graced us with her latest book earlier this month, penned a piece for NYT titled “These Romance Novels Have Big, Dark Secrets”—color me intrigued! The article is dedicated to some of her favorite books that pack more of an emotional punch than you’d expect from the aforementioned colorful cartoon covers. Carley has also teamed up with some other big names (like Emma Roberts and Zosia Mamet) and The Novelry, an online writing school, to judge a new literary contest that aims to jumpstart an author’s career! All you need is one idea and three pages, and you could receive $100,000, as well as yearlong support, to develop your idea into a complete book.
While we’re on the topic of fresh new authors, Omaha Steaks wrote a romance novel. Yes, you read that right. What started as an April Fool’s joke turned into an actual novella about a woman who is in a cooking rut, goes searching for recipes online, and starts chatting with OmahaSteakGuy1917. The entire book, Certified Tender, was written by the creative team at Omaha Steaks, and they now have a Meat-Cute collection for sale, which includes the book, four filet mignons, steak fries, and a bottle of wine for $99. I think this idea is genius and so fun! I love a company stepping out of their comfort zone. You can download the book for free here.
Another author making headlines this month, Taylor Jenkins Reid was profiled in a Time article that actually peels back the curtain on a pretty private person. TJR opens up about her own self-doubt as a writer, thoughts on her adaptations, and the publishing industry’s pressure on authors. Most of TJR’s novels are not firmly in the romance genre, which I think keeps certain readers from picking them up and exposes her to more criticism, which she recounts working through below:
“One person called [Malibu Rising] ‘Candy Land Franzen.’ She remembers how she talked herself out of the sting. ‘Because I know you’re trying to insult me, it hurts,’ she says. ‘But I am not writing as complex stories as Jonathan Franzen—that wasn’t the point. So it probably is Candy Land Franzen. And maybe I love being Candy Land Franzen. ... I’m chasing a feeling,’ she says. ‘Maybe it doesn’t matter if I’m fancy. Maybe I’m just fun.’”
Someone should tell that reviewer that this “Candy Land Franzen” author allegedly just signed a five-book deal for $8 million per book. I thought I couldn’t get more excited for Atmosphere, TJR’s next release (more below!), until I read this in the article: “‘It just felt like time for me to write a very high-stakes, dramatic love story,’ she says. She asked herself: ‘What is my Titanic?’” Full body chills! You can find my TJR reviews here: Malibu Rising, One True Loves, and Carrie Soto Is Back.
Circling back to book deals, this fascinating New Yorker piece discusses writers trying to circumvent the tiresome and, at times, discouraging publishing ecosystem in place by writing stories on Substack and connecting directly with readers. This includes both established authors and newer names who are writing and publishing fiction and nonfiction on a weekly basis. The article highlights Substack’s sense of community as a driving factor: “But Substack’s literary influence, if it ends up having any, might come less from the fiction that is published there and more from the platform’s role as a new hub for people interested in literature and its possibilities.” If you have an author you’re reading on Substack, please let me know in the comments!
Another trend I’ve noticed amongst bookish communities: some BR&B book clubs are mixing up their usual once-a-month meetings and getting together for a reading retreat! They rent a house, pick a book, and dedicate the weekend to chatting about it, reading without interruptions, and enjoying delicious food. And this isn’t just a BR&B phenomenon—Condé Nast Traveller notes the popularity of book retreats, and this quote from a professional retreat organizer really captures their appeal: “On the retreats, it’s almost as if I’ve given these women permission to relax.” Also, I see the messages—official BR&B book retreats are on my vision board for the future!
If a retreat isn’t in the cards for you right now, you might be able to find a favorite bookshop escape closer to home! Between May and June, the lucky romance readers of Milwaukee are welcoming TWO romance bookstores. The stores, Thirst Books and The Well Red Damsel, are just a mile from each other, making an afternoon of book shopping very convenient! TWRD started as a pop-up bookstore in a liquor store (my kind of vibe!) and has expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop opening in June. Looking for a romance bookstore near you? Check out this locator. More of a thriller reader? Murder & Mayhem rounded up mystery-themed bookstores all over the country here!
Some of these bookstores are going above and beyond selling romance—they’re bringing it to life! This NYT story reports the uptick of proposals and nuptials taking place at independent bookstores all over the country. A favorite of mine is the wedding featured at Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, a gorgeous Boston bookstore I was able to visit earlier this year! Everything about the shop is well done, and this wedding was no exception.
I’ll end this month’s bulletin with a piece Katherine Center did for The Nerd Daily. It reminded me a bit of her author’s note at the end of Hello Stranger (which I loved! Review here). It’s all about predictability in romance novels and why it’s important. If you’re a Katherine fan—or just a romance fan—I would give it a read! As she perfectly puts it, “The central question in a rom-com is never ‘will they or won’t they?’ Because they will. They definitely will! The central question is how much will we all enjoy the ride. And the answer to that is never predictable.”
New-release announcements from authors we know and love!
Alice Feeney, author of psychological thrillers like Rock Paper Scissors (review here), announced her next book via Instagram and says it has one of her favorite twists yet. This is quite the promise coming from the queen of utterly shocking twists! It’s called My Husband’s Wife and will be released in January.
For fans of the Heartstrings series by B.K. Borison, we’ve got a release date for book two, And Now, Back To You. This one will follow Jackson, the weatherman from First-Time Caller (review here), and Delilah, the woman who was driving him nuts. Just the glimpses I got during FTC have me giddy for this book. Expect it February!
Jenny Holiday, the author of my favorite holiday book Duke, Actually (five- star holiday romance! Review here), has announced Book Club Boyfriend as her next project. The book will be about a serious author who publicly refuses to let a famous actress feature his book in her book club. Turns out, he needs her help with his next book. I am swooning over this enemies-to-lovers premise!
This is where I bring you a beverage-related tidbit!
There is a theme in the cocktail-and-book-lover world (a niche world, but a world I am happy to be a part of!), and that is ACOTAR-themed cocktail books. Where were these beautiful books when I was reading the series a few years ago and needed pairing ideas?! It might be time for a reread and a cocktail party! (Been on the fence about ACOTAR, but these cocktail books have your interest piqued? Check out my review for the whole series here!)
The Unauthorized Court of Cocktails released at the end of April and has my favorite cover of the three! The recipes are categorized by liquor: “A Court of Gin,” “A Court of Vodka,” etc. It includes appetizers as well, and I need to know what Smutty Bites are!
The Unofficial A Court of Thorns and Roses Cocktail Book might have the least creative title, but it has some of the most interesting drinks: Nesta’s Dirty Martini, Tamlin Tequila Cocktail, The Bloody Amren, Rhysand’s Calming Tea (a mocktail!), and more!
A Coupe of Thorns and Rosé was the first of this trio published, and it is organized into fanciful chapters like “What to Serve Your Shadow King” and “Fruits of the Fae.”
The latest news on which of our current (or soon-to-be) book obsessions are being adapted for the big screen!
We Were Liars: This adaptation has been in the works at Amazon Prime Video, and the series finally has a release date—and it’s this month (June 18)! The YA psychological thriller by E. Lockhart is about an ultra-rich family and the secrets they keep. I haven’t read it yet, but you better believe it’s on my summer TBR now. (Buy the book)
Listen for the Lie: I thoroughly enjoyed Amy Tintera’s perfectly paced thriller about a gruesome murder that happened five years ago and the wildly popular true crime podcast that reopens this can of worms by making the case its latest focus. Universal will be adapting the book into a series with the writer behind Nine Perfect Strangers, the show adapted from Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same name (season two just released, BTW!). (Read my review | Buy the book)
My Oxford Year: Written by everyone’s favorite audiobook narrator Julia Whelan, this romance novel set at Oxford is beloved by many and has been on my TBR for far too long! The movie adaptation, starring Sofia Carson, will be released on Netflix later this year. (Buy the book)
Every Summer After & Meet Me at the Lake: In her newsletter this month, Carley Fortune shared that ESA is very close to shooting season one with casting currently under way, and the film adaptation of MMATL is moving along “beautifully” behind the scenes! (Read my reviews: ESA & MMATL | Buy the books: ESA & MMATL)
Shield of Sparrows: I read (and loved!) this slow-burn romantasy by Devney Perry this month and was delighted to learn there are already plans for an adaptation with Amazon MGM Studios and the creator of John Wick writing the script. The announcement article also mentions that the author’s romance series The Edens is in TV development at CBS Studios. I had no clue, and now I want to finish the series ASAP (I’ve only read Indigo Ridge (on KU), but I majorly enjoyed it!). (Read my review | Buy the book)
Forever, Interrupted & Atmosphere: In the Time TJR profile discussed above, I learned that her 2013 release, Forever, Interrupted, is in development with A24 for Netflix, with Laura Dern and Margaret Qualley executive producing and starring in it. *Adds to TBR* And TJR’s highly anticipated upcoming release, Atmosphere, is already in the works to become a movie! (Buy the books: Forever, Interrupted & Atmosphere)
Georgie, All Along: I was totally charmed by this story by Kate Clayborn about a woman starting over in the town she grew up in, and it was just announced that A Cup of Happy Productions will adapt it for the big screen. I love this company’s mission—they have the “sole intent to create romance films and television series that see, support and understand female audiences.” (Read my review | Buy the book)
The Off-Campus Series: The cast was recently announced for the Amazon Prime Video TV adaptation of this college B.R.A.D. series by Elle Kennedy. I am excited about all the new (to me!) actors and cannot wait to watch! (Buy the books)
A few of my favorite book-focused finds for your shopping pleasure!
Emily Henry designed a limited-edition silk scarf with Echo New York, maker of gorgeous silk goods. The summery pattern is inspired by midcentury glam Palm Springs and her love of books—$100 from each sale goes toward the American Library Association. There are only 100 in production, making it a true collector’s item, so snag one quickly! If you want to fashion the scarf around your head, may I suggest these adorable Clare V. sunnies and this gauzy white button-down (Target also makes an excellent one, and who can beat $17.50?!)? You will look like you stumbled from the pages of an Emily Henry novel!
While we’re talking bookish buys… my merch preorder is still live through June 6! This release includes cozy sleep shirts, snuggly crewnecks, the classic Rather Be Reading embroidered hat, and an XL mug, plus some exciting summer additions—a towel I can’t stop obsessing over and a true book lover's beach bag. Check everything out here!
Books releasing next month that I’m especially excited about! Please share your most-anticipated release in the comments!
Side note: This is not a book, but I am thrilled to watch Materialists from A24 in theaters on June 13. It’s a love-triangle romance between a matchmaker played by Dakota Johnson, her ex played by Chris Evans, and her dream guy played by Pedro Pascal. Swoon.
June 3
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A sweeping romance between two female astronauts set against the backdrop of NASA’s 1980s Space Shuttle program. I think this may be my most anticipated book of the month!
Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh: Kirkus Reviews (a very serious book review publication that always intimidates me) sold me with: “Fans of Crazy Rich Asians, Schitt’s Creek, and White Lotus will get more than their fix of backstabbing and danger. A delectable and drama-filled thriller.” I am a fan of all three!
June 10
With a Vengeance by Riley Sager: A thriller that takes place on a luxury train ride from Philadelphia to Chicago written by Riley Sager? Literally say no more.
Caught Up by Navessa Allen: Everyone and their mother has read Lights Out (Truly—my mom read it after hearing me talk about it as a B.R.A.D. Book Club option!). With this sequel coming out, I think it’s finally time for me to read book one!
Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver: Ever since reading One Day In December (review here), Josie is an auto-buy author for me. This book is about a former soap opera actress “playing” (impersonating) a romance author on a book tour, as the true author wants to remain unknown. She is accompanied on the tour by the book’s very handsome agent, and this sounds like my kind of road trip-ish romance!
Far and Away by Amy Poeppel: After loving The Sweet Spot (review here), I preordered this book as soon as I could. The story is about two women who decide to do a house swap that goes horribly wrong (horribly wrong in a general fiction way, not in a thriller way!). Amy infuses humor and charm into everything she does, and I’m sure this book will be filled with it.
Last Night Was Fun by Holly Michelle: This book is described as “You’ve Got Mail meets The Hating Game,” and I know I shouldn’t just blindly fall for book marketing, but… how can I possibly pass that up?! It is about a data analyst for a professional baseball team and the coworker she hates, as the two compete for the same promotion.
Jill Is Not Happy by Kaira Rouda: A road trip thriller about a married couple with dark secrets!
June 17
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston: Ashley’s The Seven Year Slip (review here) and The Dead Romantics (review here) are such departures from typical romances (she always has a little bit of magic sprinkled in her stories, but they’re rooted in reality), and I love them both. This book is about two musicians and the song they both can’t get out of their heads.
Gloves Off by Stephanie Archer: This is the fourth and final book in the Vancouver Storm series, but it can be read standalone (I read and loved The Fake Out as a standalone). This one follows a woman who can’t get her inheritance unless she fake marries a grumpy NHL hockey player. I will read basically anything that involves fake marriage, and Stephanie Archer knows how to write a hockey romance!
Someone Knows by Vi Keeland: Author of many spicy B.R.A.D.s (The Rivals is a favorite of mine) dips her toe into thrillers with this debut about a college professor with a deadly past.
June 24
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell: Lisa knows how to write a gripping thriller, and her new releases always go right on my TBR. This story about three women and the man they have in common is no exception!
Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino: Founder of Megababe, this author’s debut is about a woman looking for love in NYC and learning to accept herself.
Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler: Author of one of my favorite 2023 romances, Mrs. Nash’s Ashes (review here), this story is a treasure hunt friends-to-lovers romance.
This is where I share a few books I've read and loved that were released in the coming month in years past. My hope is for short library wait lists and new-to-you books!
June 2024
Quicksilver (new special edition releasing in August!) by Callie Hart: Fill the Rhysand-sized hole in your heart with one of last summer’s hottest romantasies, and get it read before its Netflix adaptation releases! The story follows the same framework as a lot of my favorite fantasies: a human girl who possesses some sort of special skillset meets a tall, dark, and hot-as-hell mythical creature, and their adventure begins. Find my full review here!
June 2022
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan: I will never forget when I picked up Annabel’s debut adult novel—it was my favorite romance of the year! Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, this celebrity-normal person love story starring a divorced mom of two and Hollywood’s very hot leading man is like a romance-novel breath of fresh air. You can read my review here.
June 2020
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand: My favorite Elin novel, hands down. This released during the summer of 2020—and boy, did we need it. It is the perfect escape to Nantucket and must be on your TBR if you haven’t picked it up yet! Full review here.
June 2016
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware: I gobbled this book up on vacation before my BR&B days, and it’s probably my favorite Ruth Ware book. Atmospheric and moody, the story is set on a luxury yacht and follows a travel journalist who witnesses a woman getting thrown overboard, but when everyone on the ship is still accounted for, the cruise continues on. I can’t wait for the follow-up, The Woman in Suite 11, releasing in July! Preorder B&N’s very cool sprayed-edge version of the book.
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Editor: Elizabeth Czapski
Cannot wait to have cake with you!! 🍰
Loved seeing this peek behind the paywall. Was finally the nudge I needed to subscribe! Also I’m already RSVPing yes to the vision board BR&B retreat.