Another Dispatch from Los Angeles

I'm so exhausted.

I want ten naps.

Dear Readers,

I don’t even know how to talk about the last week in Los Angeles! I personally am safe. I have been safe. I did not have to evacuate, though the Eaton Fire is closer than I would like it to be, and the closest evacuation order was only one mile north of me.

But also it’s hardly Just About Me. I am heartbroken for those who’ve lost so much - their homes, their businesses, their community gathering places, their stuff. I think about stuff a lot, because I know we should all have less stuff and buy less stuff and consume less stuff but also I like stuff a lot and it brings me a lot of joy (take that Marie Kondo) and I’m sad for people who lost theirs. I think that’s the piece that’s small enough I can wrap my head around, the idea of losing my stuff. I think anything bigger is almost unfathomable.

You’ve probably already given money but if you’re still looking for places, I would love to direct you to the Pasadena Humane Society who is doing incredible work for animals injured in the fire. Here’s also a great resource for finding GoFundMes that are in desperate need of more money. Scrolling this list is heartbreaking — so many people. So many homes. (SO MUCH STUFF!) Anne Helen Petersen put together an incredible list of ways to help people in LA RIGHT NOW.

The other thing is that it might be hard to tell from the national coverage, but LA is very big and much of it seems almost the same as usual on the surface. The air smells better (no one lecture me of course I’m masking up), there’s no visible smoke on the horizon, and many things continue/resume. I have never accepted shit-talking of LA, a city that can be very silly sometimes but is also jam-packed with creative folks doing incredible work and supporting the hell out of each other. If you’ve read any of my books you know this. I love LA!

OK moving on to things about me, I did get some good news recently in the form of two beautiful trade reviews for On Her Terms that I’m excited to share with you. First, from Library Journal:

Spalding’s third installment in the “Out in Hollywood” series, after At Her Service, offers a heartwarming exploration of self-discovery and personal growth through the lens of a fake-dating romance. The novel follows Clementine, a marketing professional fresh out of a relationship and now grappling with her bisexuality, and Chloe, a confident dog groomer. Their fake relationship, initially a convenient arrangement, becomes a catalyst for Clementine’s journey of self-acceptance and openness. Spalding’s writing shines in its portrayal of complex emotions and evolving relationships. The novel deftly handles family dynamics, exploration of sexuality, and the importance of supportive friendships. While the fake-dating trope is familiar, Spalding’s execution feels genuine. She continues to demonstrate her expertise in crafting WLW narratives with authenticity and charm, filled with nuanced characters, emotional depth, and lighthearted moments.

VERDICT This is a delightful read for fans of contemporary sapphic romance, especially those who appreciate stories of personal growth alongside romantic development.

Next, a starred review from Publishers Weekly!:

The sparkling third installment in Spalding’s Out in Hollywood series (after At Her Service) features a newly single 30-something woman rediscovering herself. Clementine just left her boyfriend of nearly 20 years because he was ready for marriage and children and she doubts she ever will be. Now, bisexual Clementine is ready to try dating women for the first time and heads to an L.A. gay bar—only to be catcalled by two creepy men on her way in. Coming to her rescue is Chloe Lee, whom Clementine has met before at a party. Together, the pair head into the bar, where Clementine explains her newly single, “baby gay” status. Chloe, who needs a date to an upcoming wedding, offers to give her some experience in queer dating through a fake relationship. Genre-savvy Clementine has read enough romance novels to know this is a bad idea and initially rejects the proposal. Later, however, when explaining her breakup to two married friends, she can’t stand the pitying looks they give her and claims to be in a new relationship to get them off her back. The ensuing fake dating scheme is a light and humorous vessel for Chloe’s and Clementine’s feelings to grow. Their banter is electric, and it’s a joy to watch Clementine come into her own. This is a treat.

It was nice to get these reviews during a scary time. Thanks for letting me share them with you.

xoxoAmy

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