Book release party! Elise Wayland's RIVALS TO LOVERS

Join us to celebrate Elise Wayland's debut RIVALS TO LOVERS! Elise will be joined in conversation by Elizabeth Davis, author of the The Player Next Door.

Fun fact: Elise (née Rachel Mans McKenney) wrote this viral satire piece for McSweeney's back in 2022: "We Are a Picturesque Small Town and We Refuse to Be the Setting for Your Romantic Comedy."

Ticket cost includes a $10 off coupon at the event to be used in store.

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About the book:

One classic novel. Two adaptations. A competition that shakes up everything.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, this steamy rivals-to-lovers romance set in Manhattan features two writers fighting to write the adaptation of their favorite classic novel.

Mo Denton has been obsessed with the classic feminist novel The Proud and the Lost for as long as she can remember. When Mo puts everything she has into writing a modern adaptation of her all-time favorite book, her agent Yuri loves it—but can’t pitch it anywhere. The original author’s estate must approve any adaptation, and so far, it has never allowed one to go forward.

The agent who represents the estate—Wes Spencer—is also working on an updated version of the beloved story. Promoting Mo’s project would go against Wes’s own interests, and he’s reluctant to bring it to Estelle Morgan, the elderly daughter of the original novelist.

But when Yuri contacts Estelle herself, Estelle invites Mo and Wes to her home for a weekend where they will pitch each book to her and let her decide whose book will be approved–and whose work will be destined for deletion.

Soon, Mo and Wes realize that they have more in common than just their love of the original book. As they grow closer and wait for the estate’s decision, will the secrets Wes is keeping ruin the bond between them, or can they find their way to a happy ending?

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About the authors:

Elise Wayland is a Midwestern writer and humorist, recently published in The New York Times, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Scary Mommy, McSweeney's, and other outlets.

Elizabeth Davis is a full-time nerd whose interests include cold weather, rainy days, coffee, Minnesota Public Radio, and rom coms where characters’ homes vastly outstrip the income they would get from their jobs. Born and raised in suburban Milwaukee, she now lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children.

She has published two novels so far, The Player Next Door and I Love You, I Hate You, and one day aspires to achieve every romance novelist’s dream: to have her books made into movies people watch while hungover on a Sunday afternoon.

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Books by both authors will be available to purchase at the event. However, if there is a titles that you are especially keen to purchase for signing, it is highly encouraged to order ahead of the event for store pickup.

Can't make it to the event? Preorder RIVALS TO LOVERS by 8/15 for a signed, personalized copy. Please note the name to be inscribed at checkout.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tropes & Trifles, 2709 East 38th Street, Minneapolis, United States