About this Event
Still riding the high of Heated Rivalry? by Tom Vellner is your next must-read—a perfect pick for fans of queer rivals-to-lovers sports romances.
In conversation with queer rom-com author M.A. Wardell, Tom will discuss the inspiration behind a story that seamlessly balances devotion to family, a deep love of athletics, and—most importantly—staying true to oneself. The result is a romance that’s electric on the court and tender off it.
Event tickets include a copy of Tom Vellner’s Thirty Love. Books by M.A. Wardell will also be available for purchase at the event. Guests are welcome to bring books from home to be signed during the meet-and-greet portion of the evening.
EVENT DETAILS
- 6:30 PM: Doors Open – Settle in, grab a drink from our cafe and wine bar, and get ready for a great discussion!
- 7:00 PM: Discussion Begins – Tom Vellner and M.A. Wardell will dive into Thirty Love.
- 7:45 PM: Q&A Session – Your chance to ask the author anything!
- 8:00 PM: Signatures, Snapping Pics, and Salutations – Meet the author, get your book signed, and snap a photo.
- 8:30 PM: Last call - Grab your final pour from the wine bar.
- 9:00 PM: Event Wraps Up – Thanks for joining us!
Tickets are limited, so grab yours soon! If the event sells out, you can join the Eventbrite waitlist by selecting “Reserve a spot” followed by “Join Waitlist”. Should any spots open up, you’ll have 24 hours to register before we offer it to the next person.
ACCESSIBILITY
Check-in will take place at our front entrance on Brattle Street. If you have any accessibility needs, you're welcome to use our side entrance (located on the right side of the building), which is wheelchair accessible and has a ramp.
Guests who would benefit from priority seating or any additional assistance are encouraged to reach out in advance — just email us at [email protected]. We're more than happy to make arrangements to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.
We’re always learning and looking for ways to make our events more accessible. If you have suggestions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you!
BOOK PICKUP POLICY
If you purchased a book with your event ticket but can’t make it to the event—and don’t request a refund—we’ll happily hold your book for pickup for up to 30 days after the event date.
We’ll be in touch via the email you provided at checkout to help coordinate pickup. After 30 days, if we haven’t heard from you or made other arrangements, we’ll consider the book abandoned property and may donate it or return it to inventory so it can find a new home.
Thanks so much for your understanding and for supporting our events—we love doing this with you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tom Vellner is a writer, editor, and mediocre tennis player. A former staff writer at BuzzFeed, he has also contributed to VICE, Thrillist, ACLU Magazine, and more. He lives in the Hudson Valley with his husband and two dogs. THIRTY LOVE is his debut novel.
ABOUT THIRTY LOVE
Things heat up on and off the court for two tennis rivals in this steamy debut gay sports rom-com, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Casey McQuiston.
American tennis star Leo Chambers is determined to win the US Open by thirty, the age when many players feel retirement looming. He’s just a year away from that dreaded birthday, but he can’t find his focus—considering he hasn’t told anyone he’s gay, he’s clashing with his strict coach (who also happens to be his dad), and he still can’t figure out how to beat his longtime nemesis on tour, Gabe Montoya, who, well, hits different. Gabe is playing better than ever, and Leo can’t seem to escape him—and maybe he doesn’t want to escape him.
Leo’s other obstacle is Sascha Volkov, a Russian legend who has such a powerful influence on the tennis world, he would destroy Leo’s career if he found out that he’s gay.
No distractions, Leo reminds himself. But when Gabe makes a shocking announcement, Leo is thrown off his game—in more ways than one. Ready? Play.
Thirty Love is a must-read for fans of queer sports romances.
ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER
Writing as M.A. Wardell, LAMBDA Literary Award nominee Matt writes spicy queer rom-coms. His goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse representation of flawed and damaged characters who find healing through love. Matt loves rom-coms and has always wished for better representation, so he's writing the stories he wishes existed. The queer men in his stories are flawed and messy. Helping them find their HEA is Matt's passion.
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Start your day with expertly crafted espresso drinks, artisanal pastries, and more. In the evening, the bar comes alive with wine, cocktails, sweet treats, charcuterie plates, and more. Enjoy seating indoors or on our covered patio.
To stay in the loop, visit the and look for events listed under “George Howell Coffee & Wine Bar” at our Lovestruck Books & Cafe location!
Cafe Hours | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Bar Hours | Sunday – Wednesday: 4:00pm– 8:00pm, Thursday – Friday: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO
Your presence at the Lovestruck Books & Cafe event acknowledges that you have been informed of the potential to be documented as part of a video or photo release, and that you grant permission for your likeness to be included in publication of any footage.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lovestruck Books & Cafe, 44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, United States
USD 28.52
