I’m so excited to kick off my June blog with some fantastic news—All About Kissing the Pearl is featured on iHeartsApphfic.com! With Pride Month here, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate stories that shine a light on sapphic voices, authentic love, and all the beautiful, messy moments that come with them.
This month is all about visibility, joy, and embracing who we are, so I can’t think of a better moment to share a little behind-the-scenes and some thoughts about the book that means so much to me.
So, let’s hop, skip, and jump right in as I share some highlights from the feature, little insights, and what inspired Kissing the Pearl. Grab a cup of tea (or something stronger!), get comfy, and join me on this journey!
Why this book and why now?
Because I wanted to write a story about two amazing women who finally say, “Nope, that’s not working for me anymore.”
Kissing The Pearl came from this place of wanting to celebrate bravery—the kind of bravery it takes to face your past, all the messy bits, and still choose to open your heart. Lucy’s been burned before and doesn’t believe in forever.
Alex? She never even got a chance to try, thanks to her controlling mom moving her around like a chess piece. Neither had the space to just be themselves or to trust love.
Right now feels perfect to tell this story because so many of us are learning to break free from what’s expected, to rewrite the rules, and to claim our own happiness. And honestly, who couldn’t use a reminder that it’s okay to say no—and then be brave enough to face what comes next?
Oh, and the steamy parts? They’re not just window dressing. I wanted the heat to be real, raw, and fully part of the story—because queer women deserve that kind of love: layered, intense, and unapologetically passionate. These women aren’t perfect, and their connection isn’t neat or tidy, but it’s magnetic and completely theirs.
So that’s why this book, and why now—because it’s about owning your story, your desire, and the beautiful chaos of being human.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
It feels incredible—like finally breathing out after holding your breath for way too long! There’s this mix of excitement, nerves, and pure joy all swirling together. Sharing Kissing The Pearl means opening up a part of myself and my heart that’s been quietly simmering for a while, and now it’s out there, ready to meet readers who might see a bit of themselves in Alex and Lucy.
I’m so proud of the story I’ve created—one that’s honest, messy, sexy, and hopeful all at once. It’s like inviting people into a conversation about love, bravery, and what it really means to choose yourself. Honestly, it’s a little scary but mostly thrilling to know that this story is finally living its own life beyond me.
And the best part? Hoping it sparks something for readers—whether that’s a smile, a tear, or a rush of courage to say “no” to what no longer serves them. Sharing this book feels like planting a seed of connection, and I can’t wait to see how it grows.
Your characters are throwing a party—what’s the theme?
“Come As Your Inner Power”—Cosplay Edition.
Guests would arrive dressed as whoever makes them feel the most unstoppable. Think: badass warrior queens, intergalactic rebels, mythical goddesses, vintage pilots, moody detectives, or even sharp-suited antiheroes. Glitter, leather, silk, wings—nothing’s off limits.
Alex would show up in something sleek and commanding—maybe a gender-flipped James Bond-meets-Valkyrie look, all high glamour and dangerous confidence. Lucy? She’d be in full Top Gun mode but reimagined—think vintage bomber jacket, aviator shades, and combat boots, but with a wicked edge (and maybe a very non-regulation neckline).
The vibe? Fierce fun. Mood lighting, custom cocktails named after iconic characters, a DJ spinning dark pop remixes, and a photo booth with wind machines, obviously. Because for these two, fantasy isn’t about hiding—it’s about celebrating exactly who you are, unapologetically and with flair. WOW – I hope my name is on the list 🙂
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
If Kissing The Pearl had a signature dessert, it would 100% be Eton Mess—but with a twist, of course.
It’s light and playful on the surface—crushed meringue, whipped cream, fresh strawberries—all sweet chaos and summer heat. But underneath that messy swirl is something unexpectedly satisfying. Tangy, rich, and just a little wild. It’s not perfectly plated or overly polished, but that’s exactly what makes it irresistible.
Just like Alex and Lucy—beautifully imperfect, emotionally layered, and oh-so-easy to fall for. It’s the kind of dessert you don’t eat delicately. You dive in, get a little messy, and love every second of it.
Find out more....
There’s so much more to discover about Kissing the Pearl—from behind-the-scenes stories to what inspired the characters and themes.
If you want to dive deeper, you can read the full feature over at iHeartsApphfic.com.
Huge thanks to the wonderful team at iHeartsApphfic for the opportunity to share my work and for supporting sapphic voices. I’m truly grateful!
#SapphicReads #PrideMonth #WomenLovingWomen #QueerRomance #RomanceReads #IHeartSapphfic
Sometimes, the hardest but most beautiful thing we can do is gently let ourselves be who we truly are, even when it feels easier to stay hidden.
Jamie Loghan
Until Next Time x
