Every new book brings with it a new opportunity to procrastinate by making a new book playlist. I kid! Actually, I find playlists hugely helpful. Since I write, revise, and promote a book over a period of months or even years, nothing helps me get into the headspace of a book the way music does. In my latest book, BAD REPUTATION, a Hollywood himbo’s attempted comeback via a steamy adaptation of a historical novel hits a snag when he falls for the show’s new intimacy coordinator. And its playlist is hopping.   Cinema – Benny Benassi and Gary Go I dig the electro-beat of this song. It feels like audible bubble gum, and that’s definitely the vibe of parts of this book. But the lyrics also resonate with BAD REPUTATION. “You are my cinema, I could watch you forever”: the singer is using a metaphor, but that’s exactly what Maggie thinks about Cole.   Comeback Kid – Sleigh Bells The working title of BAD REPUTATION was Comeback Kid, and I used to listen to this song every writing session to get started. Both Cole and Maggie have bad reputations that aren’t earned, and they both want a fresh start. “I…

Hey, everyone! I’m Emma Barry, and my newest book is FUNNY GUY. Sam Leyland might be the funniest guy on television, but he hates being the butt of the joke. Except when his ex-fiancée releases a hit song extolling his flaws to the world, that’s exactly what happens. To get away from the unwanted attention, Sam hides out with his childhood best friend. Bree is the calm center of his world, and they know everything about each other—almost. Bree’s never told Sam that she applied for dream job across the country, nor has she spilled the beans that she’s in love with him. But it’s pretty hard to keep secrets in a 500-square foot New York City apartment, and now, it’s this stand up guy’s time to fall.   F is for feelings. Yes, there are moments of caustic wit and humor in the book. But there’s loads of angst, joy, pining, and heartbreak too. At one point, Bree compares Sam’s emotions to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day balloons, but that’s true for both of them. Bree simply hides it better.  U is for unexpected, because Bree most definitely does not expect that her romantic longing will ever be reciprocated.  N is…

1–What is the title of your latest release? CHICK MAGNET 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? A sunshine-y social media influencer whose brand revolves around backyard chickens moves to a small-town post-break up, only to clash with her grumpy neighbor, a veterinarian who’s been hate watching her content. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? It’s a straightforward case of writing what you know: I am a Virginia backyard chicken keeper (though I’m not an influencer!). 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Oh yes. I’m definitely a female protagonist-centered romance reader. I always want to write heroines that I want to be friends with and that I want to root for. I have so much empathy for Nic. My goal was to give her the HEA she deserves. 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Grumpy. Wounded. Vulnerable. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this book? By the end of 2023, economists estimate that 50% of veterinary practices in the US will be owned by large corporations, an increase from fewer than 20% only a few years ago. There’s so much change and pressure on the field right…