if we were us started out as a 114,000 word manuscript called victory lap and i remember reading it the first time and loving the characters but also knowing that k.l. had to cut something like 30,000 words for this manuscript to even be sellable. to cut those words, my favoritest section of the book had to go. and i will apologize to you guys...especially everyone who wants more nick in this story...because, yeah, that was the part i made her cut.
and yet, we had to do it. for word count. for pacing. it absolutely had to go. and to be fair, more nick was added in other parts to balance out the fact that this large chunk was gone.
when we got the notice that sourcebooks wanted this story, it was such a thrill. i believed in this story so much and it's always wonderful to find someone else who believes in it too. and they have been incredible. the marketing team has been so on-point with everything they're doing to build buzz, especially given that this market is doubly tough due to being a crowded marketplace and then there's covid-19 and all the bookstore closures. so, like, order this book from your favorite indie or bookshop.org or barnes and noble or our evil overlord.
okay, okay, so maybe you also actually want to know what this book is about? it's about two best friends who love each other, but who aren't in love with each other. everyone at their elite boarding school assumes that one day charlie and sage will be an item. but then luke morrisey shows up on campus and catches charlie's eye. and sage has long been harboring a secret crush on charlie's laidback sporty twin, nick. for #reasons they do not disclose their relationships to each other. but things get complicated and they have to face the changes the future holds as they graduate high school and how falling in love can change the nature of a best friendship.
this is not just a straightforward contemporary romance and that's one of the reasons i love it so much. it's also about the power of friendship and how much meaning and impact they will have on your life. k.l. writes stories with some real emotional depth, but there's a lighthearted sweetness there too. so even when things are hard and heavy, it's done with a gentle, loving touch. partly because these characters are so real to her. she adores them, and as a reader you feel that intensely.
anyway, i could go on and on and on. but please read this book. it's special and deserves all the love.
**if we were us will publish on june 2, 2020. i have read this book from its early drafts to finished product, one of the perks of being the author's literary agent.
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