about coming back

Last Friday I revealed the title of my next book, Every Ordinary Thing, which comes out in early 2027. I was so excited to share this little crumb of information with readers who were so patient with me while I found my way back to my car.

graphic perfectly created by @jennas.bookclub

But I was also—to no one’s surprise!—extremely anxious. I didn’t really sleep Thursday night, and when I did, I got stuck in weird dreams. I hadn’t posted on Instagram in over a year and hadn’t announced book news in longer, and you know me, I have a never-ending dread of being perceived.

I also wondered if what I was announcing wasn’t exciting enough? Just a title! The hint of a release date! Romance is a fast-moving river of a genre—incredible books are released every week, exciting announcements are made every day, and I wasn’t sure if me saying, “hey, I’ll have something for you next year!” was worthy of mentioning. For a long time, when I thought about coming back to social media, it was with the intention of dropping a finished cover and blurb. I felt like the only way I “deserved” (whatever that means) to come back was when I had not only written something, but polished it and made it beautiful and then placed it in front of you so we could celebrate it together.

I’ve always been like this, by the way. A million years ago, in the middle of wedding planning, my best friends/joint maids of honor said, “Why are you doing everything on your own? Let us be part of the journey with you! We want to know what’s going on.” I remember it to this day, despite it being a million years ago, because I forget all the time that I don’t have to do things alone. That I can bring people into the process with me. That they are in fact joyful and eager to do so. And in return, I get to witness that joy and eagerness, and it creates this little, beautiful photosynthesis in my brain and creative spirit.

And of course that’s exactly what sharing this little bit of information about my next book did for me. I have quite a bit of work to do in revisions, but seeing readers’ excitement has buoyed me so tremendously. I’m so excited to share more about Summer and Dylan in a few months (Emily, I’m still incredibly sorry that that’s your brother’s name).

In the meantime, I’ll share a beautiful graphic made by Jess, which features a little teaser with the necklace:

graphic created by @booksarebetterjess

And I’ll also share the playlist, which I think also has some hints as to what this book is about:

And with that, I’m off to revise! Happy Gal/Pal/Valentine’s Day to those of you who celebrate. I hope you’re taking good care of yourself, the people you love, and your community.

xoxo

jess

P.S. If you haven’t read these recent releases, please go snatch them up because they’re fabulous!

Our Ex’s Wedding by Taleen Voskuni: tender, vulnerable, with two scenes where they save each other’s lives!! Taleen always infuses her books with Armenian culture, and it’s rich and vibrant against the backdrop of the wedding of the MCs’ mutual ex.

Honey Bee Mine by Sarah T. Dubb: gorgeous and richly told, with a hot dad and also reflections on the importance of community, a reminder we desperately need right now.

Dirty Hit by Livy Hart: few people can write banter like Livy, and she’s at her best here in this propulsive, hot, and beautifully emotional hockey (!!!) romance. Leo + Sadie 5ever.

Sunk in Love by Heather McBreen: I love second chance and marriage in crisis, and Heather executes these dynamics perfectly. Plus Liam wears a backwards baseball hat and swim trunks, hello??

Racing Hearts by Ann Adams: just started this on audiobook and I LOVE it. This story about a competitive rower training for the Olympics with a (very) hot coach. Perfect for anyone currently devouring Olympics content.