Karen Booth
When I was a teenager, my cousins and I lived for People Magazine. We would save up our money and as soon as we had enough, we’d race to Walgreens or the grocery store to buy the latest issue. Spoiler alert: I was a teenager before the internet was a thing.
I suppose I’ve always been a sucker for celebrities, but growing up in small-town Minnesota, with not a lot of money, made all of those glamorous things you see in magazines just that much more glam-o-rous. Reading People was my equivalent of getting on a plane and flying to another country, something I didn’t get to do in real life until I was well into my 20s.
So when my editor sent me an email last week saying my book, NOT SO FAST, was going to be in the June 9th issue of People Magazine? My teenage self squealed and kicked her feet, while my present-day self shed an actual tear. Because I put a lot of hard work into my books and it doesn’t always get recognized or seen by a whole lot of people. This will be seen by a whole lot of people. And I couldn’t be more grateful. If you happen to catch it on shelves, I hope you’ll think of me, or at the very least your teenage self and all of the amazing things you’ve done to impress the person you used to be.
I’m so excited (and relieved!) to say that NOT SO FAST has arrived in the world, fully formed in eBook, audio, and trade paperback formats. This book has been such a labor of love, and not just because I’m a huge Formula One fan. It’s because Mia and Xander wormed their ways into my heart and simply wouldn’t let go.
A writer always wants to reach the point where the characters in their imagination become three-dimensional people. Sometimes it’s very hard work. Like chiseling something out of stone. It wasn’t work with Xander and Mia. As soon as I had the smallest essence of them, they started talking to me, walking around in my head, sometimes waking me up in the middle of the night, and becoming a big part of me. They are two people with very big dreams and even bigger hearts and I loved watching them find each other, find love, and make it work for both of their lives. I loved the laughs, blushed at some of the things they said, and delighted in their very different personalities. I hope you take a chance on NOT SO FAST and I hope you love Mia and Xander, too. You can find the book at retailers everywhere and online. If you need something to point you in the right direction, go HERE.
You’re probably not surprised to learn that I’m an introvert. It’s part of what makes my job so perfect–I’m completely content to stay home all day, dreaming up stories and keeping my people-ing to a minimum. I’m not entirely sure why it takes so much effort for me to go out and engage with others, other than the fact that I am also an empath, and therefore spend much of my social time soaking up the emotions of everyone around me. Believe me–if there is something “off” in a room, I will sense it!
But here’s the other side of this coin: I love meeting readers. I love talking to them about books, sometimes mine, and other times books written by other amazing authors. I think all readers have at least a little introvert in them–a part of their soul that loves the idea of ducking under the covers with a flashlight and reading until the wee hours.
So, since I love meeting readers, I am going on a mini tour of NC bookstores in support of NOT SO FAST. If you are in or near Chapel Hill, Jacksonville, or Durham when I am, I sincerely hope you’ll stop by and see me! I will reward you with a hug (if you’re a hugger), as well as some stickers and a NOT SO FAST bookmark. Fun for all, introvert or not.
The eBook and audio of Not So Fast are here! I’m super excited for the first wave of readers to get their hands on Xander and Mia’s story. It’s fun and funny with banter and lots of spicy moments. But don’t take my word for it! Here are a few quotes:
“A sizzling romance that blends the fast-paced world of Formula One with undeniable chemistry. With sharp banter, steamy tension, and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers spark, Mia and Xander’s story will keep readers racing to the finish line.” –Carly Robyn, author of Drive Me Crazy
“Booth […] delights with a deliciously spicy sports romance.” —Publishers Weekly starred review
“Full of passion, wit, and high-octane F1 racing… Xander and Mia’s chemistry burns up the pages! One of my favorite reads of the year!” —Amanda Weaver, author of Fast & Reckless
You can get the eBook and audio from your favorite retailer. It’s also available in Kindle Unlimited. I hope you decide to check out the eBook or audio. And if you’re waiting for the trade paperback, it won’t be too much longer. May 27 is the release date. You can preorder from all online book retailers or get a signed copy with special bonuses from three amazing indie booksellers:
Flyleaf Books | The Ripped Bodice | Love’s Sweet Arrow
All three ship throughout the U.S. The Ripped Bodice has limited international shipping. Contact them for more info. And thanks for checking out Not So Fast!
If you love rom-coms, I hope you’ll join me, Adele Buck, and M.C. Vaughan on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:00 PM EDT on Zoom for The Afterglow Books Fall Rom-Com Romp!
