KG: Oh, there’s literally almost nothing that hasn’t been touched or transformed in this book. There are a couple of characters who were some of my favorites that had to go for different reasons. But there was a whole sequence where Ari worked as a comedian on a cruise ship…
KR: No!
KG: Yup. There was a whole cruise ship section, but it just seemed like a bridge too far, and so eventually I cut the whole thing, and that’s probably one of the biggest changes. But maybe I’ll save it for another book, because I do find cruise ships really fascinating. I did a lot of research. I’ve watched so many “cruiser” channels on YouTube. My YouTube recommendations are screwed forever.
KR: I love it. I actually started to write a story about yachties, because I have always wanted to be one. I thought there could be so much good scandal that would happen on a yacht. So I do understand the love of the cruise ship culture.
KG: And we also agree that, as you wrote in your book, pants are the worst.
KR: And tequila. We both have excellent taste in tequila! Each of our characters drink Casamigos.
KG: And both of our books are pretty spicy! How did you approach incorporating spice level into your book?
KR: I think steam in romance books is having its day right now. People are looking for fun stories and then some hot sex.
KG: Yeah, I feel like it can be weirdly controversial sometimes, but I do think that when you’re writing romance, there’s something nice about the story “paying off” in a way that you can actually describe without just emotion. It’s satisfying for the reader. There’s plenty of books I love that have zero steam, but I find that when people can skillfully portray sex and intimacy, it really helps to drive home the development of a relationship. And I think that was perfectly done in your book.
KR: And I think with my book, there’s lots of things that wouldn’t really happen in real life. Let’s hope. You don’t do a spell and wind up in an alternate reality. But it’s fun to imagine, and then I also wanted to deliver with fun, satisfying, steamy sex as well.
KG: You know, reading your book reminded me of the 2000s era of romantic comedies, like 13 Going on 30, or Just like Heaven. Where there was a sprinkling of fairy dust and somebody could live a different aspect of their life. It brought back a lot of those vibes.
KR: It’s funny you say that. When I wrote this, we were smack-dab in the middle of the pandemic, and those types of movies were all I wanted. I couldn’t read; my brain just wanted to watch movies where I already knew the ending. I just wanted that predictable comfort of a little bit of whimsy. That was my mind when I wrote this: I don’t want to be here. I just want to escape. I want something that makes me happy the entire time I’m reading it.
KG: Absolutely. That’s what made it so easy for me to just fly through it, because I was enjoying every moment. Is that what you look for when reading romance, too? For me, as a reader, there’s nothing better. There’s no better sign than when I can just read something straight through and don’t even want to take a break to eat a sandwich. I just want to keep reading. That’s the sweet spot for romance, because it just feels right to read.
KR: Yeah, I love to get my heart torn out. I love angst. Sometimes. But sometimes I just like easy, enjoyable reading. And I think that there’s a whole bunch of different types of romance books out there, and you can choose your adventure. What are you in the mood for? What’s your kink? What’s your trope? What are you feeling tonight? And you can find something excellent for every different situation. That’s why I love romance.
Kate Goldbeck’s Guide to New York City
Restaurants
ARTURO’S COAL OVEN PIZZA （106 W HOUSTON ST., NEW YORK, NY 10012）： My partner grew up nearby and he introduced me to this absolute gem. This is not a slice place. You sit down, look at the—er—eclectic paintings on the wall, order an entire pizza （I suggest bacon and mushroom）， and enjoy live entertainment because there’s a whole-ass piano in there. Also, several years ago, I was eating here with my partner and “It Had to Be You” came on, which I interpreted as a sign.
THE SMITH （1900 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10023）： The location of Josh’s date that is interrupted by Ari. The Smith is basically like a small, upscale chain that’s themed like “a real New York restaurant.” It’s perfectly solid, and this location is right across the street from Lincoln Center.
KATZ’S DELICATESSEN （205 E HOUSTON ST., NEW YORK, NY 10002）： Brodsky’s is definitely a nod to this Lower East Side icon. Everyone should go here at least once, but make sure you pay attention to the ticket system. In addition to the pastrami, they have great hot dogs! Oh yeah, and I think they maybe shot a scene from some movie in here once?