note #3: march 2023

Spring changes, Spotify favorites, and a lack of mermaids

“Nothing ever seems impossible in spring, you know.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Ingleside

INTRODUCTION

Let’s start on a low note: I’m sorry to disappoint, but this newsletter does not, after all, contain a look at my love for The Little Mermaid and why it means so much to me. This exploration is still coming, but it’s a very personal topic and I need a little more time with it. I’m hoping to have it ready by the time the live action movie comes out in May, so please stay tuned!

Spring is here, though, and while I’m not a fan of the warmer weather, I’m feeling rather excited about this season and what it may have in store. Spring always puts me in a lay-in-bed-with-a-romance-novel-and-a-record-on kind of mood, and I often find myself gravitating toward brighter, yet retro colors like teal, rust reds, and pinks. I long for my days to feel like a Casey McQuiston novel—it’s a very specific aesthetic that I know you all just get—and perhaps that means it’s time for a reread of Red, White and Royal Blue and One Last Stop.

Vibes and aesthetics aside, spring is also a time for change and I am knee-deep in changes, all of them good! Exciting things are happening at work, which you might see me talk about on social, and my offline life has a couple of very special events happening that has me feeling overwhelmed in the best way possible.

So, hello, spring. It’s nice to see you.

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FROM MY SHELF TO YOURS

I haven’t been reading much these days and Goodreads is telling me that I’m thirteen books behind schedule, so yay me! I did recently read Christina Lauren’s True Love Experiment, though, and it was spectacular. Not surprising, though, since CLo never disappoint.

So, instead of some mini-reviews, here are a few books I’m excited to read:

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill: A trans pianist makes a New Year’s resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things in Edward Underhill’s heartfelt debut YA rom-dram, Always the Almost. (Cover and description from Wednesday Books)

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead: Coming May 9, The Boyfriend Candidate is a contemporary rom-com starring a shy librarian looking to spice things up who ends up fake dating a politician after photos of them escaping a hotel fire go viral. (Cover from Harlequin)

Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai: In this inspired contemporary fantasy, a Chinese immortal and a French elf navigate romance, family loyalty, and workplace demands. In her debut novel, Mia Tsai has created a paranormal adventure that is full of humor, passion, and depth. (Cover and description from Tachyon Publications)

The Art of Scandal by Regina Black: “A seductive, sweltering debut” (Rachel Lynn Solomon) filled with romance, artistic ambitions and political scandal, when a betrayed political trophy wife falls for a much younger man and reconsiders her idea of life and love.Available August 1st. (Cover and description from Grand Central Publishing)

Want to purchase or pre-order these books? I highly recommend shopping via Bookshop or directly through an indie bookstore, if possible! Not sure where to go? Here are three suggestions:

Transom Bookshop
Little District Books
Love’s Sweet Arrow

Note: These are not sponsored or affiliate recommendations, just stores I genuinely want to support!

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DEEPLY OBSESSED

Here’s a round-up of all my latest obsessions ranging from upcoming books, TV/movies, Broadway, music, and everything in between!

• “reckless driving” by Lizzy McAlpine featuring Ben Kessler: I’m a little late to the Lizzy McAlpine party, but I’m now a huge fan and haven’t stopped listening to five seconds flat. “reckless driving” is one of those songs that’s extremely catchy with lovely lyrics and a duet that’s full of conflict and emotion. If you like Olivia Rodrigo and Gracie Abrams, take a listen:

• “Regret Me” by Daisy Jones and the Six: Like everyone else, I’m utterly entranced by Amazon Prime’s adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones and the Six. I’m not fully caught up yet, but I’m really enjoying seeing this story come to life on screen and I’m able to connect to it more than I did when I read it. My favorite song is “Regret Me” and even though some of the lyrics feel a bit clunky, it’s a bop and I can’t stop bopping along to it.

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DEFINE “PUBLISHING”

As a reminder, if you have a question about publishing that you’d like me to try to answer, please submit it via this anonymous Google form.

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Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read what I have to say. It means a lot, truly.

Lots of love,
DJ