First of all, if you’re still here, please know that I love you! It’s been a long, long time since the last run of Love In Print, my terrible and self-indulgent otome romance series about a girl named Reiko and all the possible ways her story could unfold. I’m still so happy that I wrote it, even if I do want to hurl every last Google doc into a volcanic inferno by now. The experience connected me to so many people and even led to some of my most enduring friendships, online and offline. Thank you again, if you ever took the time to read.
2020 has been a raging dumpster fire of a year, and I’ve been thinking about how comforting it can be to vanish into a story for a while. Writing Love In Print brought so much light into my life, and although there isn’t much I can personally do about 2020 being 2020, I can at least rewrite an old office romance to be less garbage than it was originally. (I hope???)
Anyway, TL;DR, Masaru’s fully revised main route will run on Wattpad two days a week, starting December 25th. You know, just in case someone’s Christmas wish list included a lighthearted rom-com about workaholics who hate weddings and are then made to attend three of them. I’m still mean, nothing’s changed.
More details will be posted here between now and the 25th. I will answer any and all messages that appear in my inbox, including anything along the lines of, “MARIKO TBH WHY ARE YOU BRINGING THIS BACK INTO MY LIFE WHEN I LITERALLY NEVER ASKED”
Til next time, I hope you’re happy and staying safe!!
xo Mariko
Artwork for the series is, of course, by the incomparable @makuo-san!
Do you remember when I used to ink lineart and had only one blog on Tumblr? I don’t either, but Love In Print is still here so it must’ve happened. Please check out my dear friend’s work!
Evie’s recovering from a tragic loss and the story picks up when she’s on the cusp of rejoining life; of doing fun things and allowing herself to find enjoyment in them. Of course, it helps to have a really good friend, and in her case, it’s Danny. I adore their relationship and what an important secondary character he turns out to be. There’s nothing I didn’t like about Danny. I wish I knew someone like him.
Ethan is a surprise. He’s presented as a rich, talented, good looking singer who seems to have the Midas Touch – he’s successful with anything he does. The author makes it clear that he works hard to get where he is, but he is also at a pivotal moment in his life. Fame has its downsides and what he needs is balance. But where can he find it, and what will it look like? The most endearing and cute thing about him is his puppy. The author shared just enough for me to get the impression that Ethan really adores his furry buddy.
Ms. Easton’s writing is able to capture the nuances of emotion and paints them with words so readers get the feeling they’re experiencing them too. The breathless anticipation, the yearning and the joys of discovering they are more than physically compatible – it’s off the charts fantastic. Yes, the bedroom door is open but it’s not described like a reader is standing over them, giving a narration of details. No, I found just enough to be happy they had such wonderful satisfying sparks between them. I was happy that they were happy.
The conflict is basic. Can she get beyond her loss and grab the promise of a future filled with love? Can Ethan trust that their budding relationship is strong enough to trust her with his secrets? That what he feels is real and could it survive long distances and separation? Do they each feel for each other what they think they feel for the other? Such basic, human questions that if answered correctly can lead to a happiness only found in movies.
I should give warning – there are tears. Not mine though. No. The characters experience a catharsis or two and with emotions that passionate and deep, tears are a release and part of the healing.
I didn’t get all the movie lines in the book but I totally got the Horatio Alger reference. It was quite clever of the author; being able to weave quotes throughout the dialogue as part of the dialogue. It was fun.
The story wraps up with not only an HEA for Evie but for Danny too. I am enchanted with how upbeat, positive, romantic and tender this novel is and heartily recommend this book to anyone looking for a well told, feel-good romance.
In my next book, I’m mounting a whole-ass new musical at the Cadillac Palace Theater in Chicago. I can’t wait for you to get to know Paige when she gets the role of a lifetime.
I haven’t even sent it to my publisher yet, so I don’t know when it will be out, but keep an eye on my posts!
My current inspiration for the next book. I can’t wait for you to watch Paige shine. And if you’re missing theatre, check out my debut novel LOVE ME A LITTLE at the links in my bio!
If you love audiobooks, Love Me A Little is available on Audible! Have you ever fallen in love with someone performing onstage? Evie has. Link is in my bio!
On Canvas debuts April 27, but you can preorder it right now! And if you haven’t started the series, now is a great time to pick up Picture It on sale for just 99 cents too!
