Photo by Nichanh Nicole Photography |
Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance every free second she can scavenge and is semi-retired from her fifteen-year career as a defense litigator. She loves food, wine, and travelling, and incidentally so do her characters, in books like The Dating Dare and A Sweet Mess. Jayci lives in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys with boundless energy, and a fluffy rescue whose cuteness is a major distraction.
Visit Jayci online:
Lizzy "Overachiever" Chung, Esq. has her life mapped out neatly:
* Become a lawyer. Check.
* Join a prestigious law firm. Check.
* Make partner. In progress.
If all goes to plan, she will check off that last box in a couple years, make her parents proud, and live a successful, fulfilled life in L.A. What was not in her plans was passing out from a panic attack during a pivotal moment in her career. A few deep breaths and a four hour drive later, Lizzy is in Weldon for three weeks to shed the burnout and figure out what went wrong. And what better place to recharge than the small California town where she spent her childhood summers with her best friend, Jack Park.
Jack Park didn't expect to see Lizzy back in Weldon, but now he's got three weeks to spend with the girl of his dreams. Except she doesn't know of his decades-long crush on her--and he intends to keep it that way. She's a high-powered attorney who lives in L.A. and he's a bookkeeper at his family's brewery who never left his hometown. He can't risk their friendship on a long shot. Can he? When Lizzy decides that the local bookstore needs a little revamp, of course, Jack is going to help her bring it back to life. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore there might be more than just friendship among the dusty shelves and books...
"Lee seamlessly spins a tale that offers her readers laugh-out-loud moments, with touching pages of raw honesty and heartfelt passion. A romance full of heart and second chances."
--Kirkus
"Lee has written another heartwarming, upbeat, rom-com featuring Korean American protagonists in the ultimate friends-to-lovers plot."
--Library Journal
What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
One reader emailed to thank me for writing A Sweet Mess. She said her sister bought her a copy the same day she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told me that losing herself in Aubrey and Landon’s story helped her through her surgery and treatment.
One reader emailed to thank me for writing A Sweet Mess. She said her sister bought her a copy the same day she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She told me that losing herself in Aubrey and Landon’s story helped her through her surgery and treatment.
Her email meant everything. What more could I want from my writing career? Helping that brave, beautiful woman in and of itself made everything I went through to become a published author worthwhile. Her words inspire me to keep writing even through the toughest times.
What is something you learned from your previous books that you applied to Booked on a Feeling?
I need to follow my instincts. I have to stop listening to my inner critic and let my words spill out onto the pages. And if I put my heart into my stories, it will touch my readers’ hearts. My writing has been described as “raw” and “vulnerable,” and it is terrifying to let myself be raw and vulnerable on the pages, but I believe that my readers deserve nothing less than my everything—my truth.
If Booked on a Feeling were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I would request that we do an open casting call for all the incredible Asian actors who are yet to be discovered—those who haven’t had a chance to shine because there aren’t enough leading roles for them in Hollywood.
What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
The last book I read was The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I absolutely loved it and heartily recommend it. It’s beautifully poignant and contemplative. It stayed with me for a long time.
If we were to visit you right now, what are some places you would take us to check out?
I love hanging out at Torrance Beach. It’s a quiet, local beach with a beautiful view of the peninsula, and a few minutes’ drive to a quaint “village” filled with shops and restaurants with beach town vibes.
I would also take you guys to the Getty Museum. The architecture, garden, and views alone constitute art, not to mention the exhibits.
What is your favorite summertime beverage?
Alcoholic? Or non-alcoholic? Haha. I love a tropical iced tea on a hot summer day. Ooh and boba milk tea. Yum. A chilled sauvignon blanc? Ice cold prosecco? Margarita on the rocks?
Oh, boy, I’m thirsty now.
Thanks to Jayci for chatting with us and to St. Martin's Press for sharing her book with our readers.
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Giveaway ends August 2nd at midnight EST.
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Book Lovers by Emily Henry was great!
ReplyDeleteThe Beach Trap by Ali Brady! Karen S
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ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Veil
ReplyDeleteI'd recommend Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney, because it's a great locked room mystery with a huge twist at the end. I didn't see it coming!
ReplyDeleteSusieqlaw: Hotel Nantucket
ReplyDeleteWe Were Dreamers by Simu Liu
ReplyDeleteVerity by Colleen Hoover
ReplyDeleteSummer Place by Jennifer Weiner
ReplyDeleteTHE LIVESHIP trilogy by Robin Hobb
ReplyDeleten/a
ReplyDeleteVacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore
ReplyDeleteThe Maid
ReplyDeleteSummer Island by Shelley Noble
ReplyDeleteSmaller Sister, a middle-grade graphic novel, difficult subject matter (eating disorders) but really well done.
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Veil
ReplyDelete