Behind the Scenes

by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Overview

Fans of Abby Jimenez and Meryl Wilsner will fall in love with this hilarious and refreshingly authentic novel about second chances, pugs, and finding the perfect muse . . .

Business consultant Rose Josten might not have officially reached “pug lady” middle age, but she’s already got the pugs—along with their little Gucci coats and trash-lovin’ appetites. Still, life is good, with her work, her sisters, and a secret hobby creating incredibly tactile (if surprisingly sexy) mindfulness videos. So why does it feel like it’s not quite enough? Which is exactly when former filmmaker Ash Stewart enters camera left, and Rose’s world suddenly goes full technicolor . . .

Ash never looks at anyone. Not since her ex ripped her heart from her chest in Spielberg-esque style, crushing Ash’s reputation, dreams, and directorial career in one brutal blow. But Rose is altogether different. She’s curvy, beautiful, and just so damn put together. And her business expertise might be Ash’s best bet for getting her last film—and her last chance—financed. Now if they can just keep their attraction under wraps, Ash’s lost dream could finally come true. But are they creating movie magic . . . or setting the stage for disaster?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538709252
Publisher:	Grand Central Publishing
Publication date:	01/31/2023
Pages:	352
Sales rank:	188,435
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 7.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Karelia Stetz-Waters (she/her) writes happily-ever-afters for women who love women. Her novels include the Out in Portland series and Satisfaction Guaranteed.

She lives her own happily-ever-after in Oregon with her wife of over twenty years. Karelia has a BA in comparative literature from Smith College and an MA in English literature from the University of Oregon, and she currently teaches English at Linn-Benton Community College. Karelia loves to hear from readers. Be sure to stay in touch by signing up for Karelia’s newsletter, available on her website.
 
You can learn more at:
KareliaStetzWaters.com
Twitter @K_StetzWaters
Facebook.com/KareliaStetzWatersAuthor
Instagram @KareliaStetzWaters

Editorial Reviews

★ 10/03/2022

This gentle, satisfying contemporary romance from Stetz-Waters (Satisfaction Guaranteed) about two perfectly gorgeous, perfectly talented professional women stumbling into one another at an animal rescue fund-raiser and becoming the perfect balm for each other’s hurts is escapism with no apologies. Rose Josten is 38 and prepping as efficiently and predictably for her midlife crisis as she does for her job as a Portland, Ore., business consultant. Ash Stewart, 40, is a brilliant filmmaker trying to get back in the game both romantically and professionally after a devastating car accident and divorce. Rose’s offer of a free one-hour consultation turns into love almost effortlessly, and though it’s not all smooth sailing from there, the entirely believable bumps in the lovers’ road are very much not the point. Nor is this the kind of rom-com dependent on over-the-top pratfalls. Instead, Stetz-Waters woos reader with unabashed sweetness lavishly sprinkled with girls’ gossiping nights, punk rock T-shirts, and a running gag about Pottery Barn decor. The result is irresistible wish fulfillment that will surely leave readers with a smile. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

Escapism with no apologies.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A fairy tale-perfect happy ending guarantees smiles as the last page is turned."—Bookpage, starred review

“Rose and Ash’s feelings for each other are never in doubt thanks to Stetz-Waters’ expertly written longing and lush love scenes. And a fairy tale-perfect happy ending guarantees smiles as the last page is turned.”—Bookpage

"Satisfaction Guaranteed is a standout romance with humor, heart and two characters who step out of their comfort zones together."—BookPage, starred review, on Satisfaction Guaranteed

"A truly funny rom-com that’s full of heat and heart."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Satisfaction Guaranteed

"An enchanting must-read."—Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Satisfaction Guaranteed

"Incredibly satisfying."—The Washington Post on Satisfaction Guaranteed

"This book is sapphic, it slaps, and it’s singlehandedly giving sex toy rep in romance. More of that please!"—Elite Daily on Satisfaction Guaranteed

"Highly recommended."—Library Journal, starred review, on Worth the Wait

From the Publisher

11/01/2022

Two women navigating past traumas fall in love during the process of pitching a film about two women falling in love while navigating past trauma. Rose Josten is a savvy business consultant (and secret ASMR artist) whose younger adult years were dominated by ensuring her sisters' well-being in the wake of their parents' deaths. After a chance meeting and a well-timed request, she's brought in to help director Ash Stewart convince an investor to fund Ash's first solo project after separating from her producer ex-wife. Stetz-Waters (Satisfaction Guaranteed) effectively balances Rose's struggle to make her own happiness a priority with Ash's gradual journey toward regaining her self-confidence after a messy divorce and a disabling accident. Readers who relish dark moments and misunderstandings may be disappointed, as potential conflicts between Rose and Ash are resolved within pages through forthright conversation—but this open communication is appropriate to the characters, who are both emotionally generous yet worried about having their own secrets revealed. VERDICT Recommended for libraries where feel-good, low-conflict contemporary romances are in demand.—Katelyn Browne

Library Journal

★ 2022-11-16
Two successful career-minded women kick off a tender romance at an animal rescue fundraiser, but they must contend with lingering grief and heartbreak to reach their happily-ever-after.

Thirty-eight-year-old Rose Josten is an affluent consultant at Integral Business Solutions with a deep love for her rescue pugs and the finer things in life. While attending a fundraiser for the Humane Society, she meets a mysterious woman who, on first impression, seems very much her opposite. Ash Stewart, who's 40, feels more at home in ripped jeans and band T-shirts than designer clothes, but from the first time she meets Rose, their banter is flirtatious and easy even though Ash is still carrying the emotional remnants of a divorce and limping from a particularly horrific car accident. A talented filmmaker, she's hoping to finally see an important and personal project come to fruition. When Ash approaches bombastic billionaire Irene Brentworth to contribute funding, she knows it's a long shot. Surprising no one more than Ash herself, Irene is interested and asks to see a more fleshed-out proposal. Hoping to help Ash get ready for the big pitch, her friend and employee Emma reaches out to the highly sought-after Integral for a consultation. When Rose agrees to take the job, she has no idea she'll soon be reunited with the mysterious woman she chatted with at the fundraiser. Most of the conflict is internal, with Rose concerned about hitting her midlife crisis and Ash trying to rebuild her professional career. It's lovely to see a romance between two women older than their 20s. Rose and Ash are settled in their careers and their passions and are confident about who they are and how they want to be perceived by those around them. Stetz-Waters balances humor with a touch of charming satire; the words sweet and earnest are just the start to describing this slow-burn romance.

A delight from start to finish.

Kirkus Reviews

For listeners of Sapphic romance, Lori Prince’s voice is the sound of love and everything that goes with happily-ever-afters. In this story of two hearts needing healing and affirmation, business consultant Rose Josten and filmmaker Ash Stewart meet during a pivotal moment in their careers. As they prepare a Hail Mary movie pitch to secure funding, they grow closer, and Prince’s warm, empathetic characterizations develop as naturally as their relationship. Business mixes with pleasure as they travel between Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, their playful chemistry alternating with serious moments of reflection on intimacy and fulfillment. Listeners using headphones can experience the special effects of Rose’s artistic outlet, ASMR videos, for which Prince adopts a staccato articulation. A wonderful production about starting anew. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2023 - AudioFile

For listeners of Sapphic romance, Lori Prince’s voice is the sound of love and everything that goes with happily-ever-afters. In this story of two hearts needing healing and affirmation, business consultant Rose Josten and filmmaker Ash Stewart meet during a pivotal moment in their careers. As they prepare a Hail Mary movie pitch to secure funding, they grow closer, and Prince’s warm, empathetic characterizations develop as naturally as their relationship. Business mixes with pleasure as they travel between Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, their playful chemistry alternating with serious moments of reflection on intimacy and fulfillment. Listeners using headphones can experience the special effects of Rose’s artistic outlet, ASMR videos, for which Prince adopts a staccato articulation. A wonderful production about starting anew. J.R.T. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

FEBRUARY 2023 - AudioFile