Kissing The Pearl
by Jamie Loghan
Released: Apr 28, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Oh, absolutely yes—I think Lucy and I would get along famously. She’s sharp, confident, and fiercely independent—qualities I really admire. She’s been hurt, sure, but she carries that with a kind of cool strength and wit that makes her both real and magnetic. I’d probably enjoy her dry humor and no-nonsense attitude, and I think we’d have some deep, honest conversations over coffee or maybe a glass of wine.
Alex and I? I think we’d have a more complicated but meaningful connection. She’s been shaped by her mother’s control and hasn’t had the chance to fully discover herself or her needs. I’d want to cheer her on fiercely—because there’s something so brave about stepping into your own power when you’ve been pushed around your whole life. I think I’d also understand her struggle to find space for love and trust, and I’d want to be the kind of friend who’s patient but also pushes her gently toward freedom.
So yeah, I’d say I’d get along with both of them—but in different ways. Lucy’s the bold, fearless spark I admire, and Alex’s journey toward self-discovery and courage is something I’d want to support with everything I’ve got. Together, they’re the kind of people you want in your corner—and honestly, I think I’d be lucky to have them as friends.
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.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
Yes—here’s a friendly heads-up before you dive in:
Kissing The Pearl isn’t your typical romance with tidy endings or easy fixes. It’s about messy emotions, real struggles, and two women who don’t have it all figured out (and that’s exactly what makes it real). This is a story about courage—saying no when something isn’t right, facing pain head-on, and daring to reach for something better even when it’s scary.
The steamy scenes are an essential part of the story—raw, powerful, and deeply connected to who Alex and Lucy are. Their intimacy is woven into the heart of the story, showing vulnerability, strength, and connection in equal measure.
Most of all, I hope readers come away remembering that love isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth the risk.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Here’s a fun fact about Kissing The Pearl that most people wouldn’t know: the story’s setting is inspired by two places very close to my heart—one in the southeast of England and the other in Cape Town. Both places have this incredible mix of natural beauty and vibrant energy, and I wanted to capture that unique vibe in the book’s atmosphere.
So while the town in the story is fictional, it’s really a love letter to those two very special spots—where the sea breeze, the light, and the feeling of possibility come together. It’s my way of blending the best of both worlds into a place where Alex and Lucy’s story could unfold, somewhere both familiar and a little bit magical.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Oh, this is a fun one! Lucy would be all over Killing Eve. She’s obsessed with the cat-and-mouse tension, the sharp dialogue, and the fact that no one’s playing by the rules. Villanelle’s chaos and charm? Totally her guilty pleasure. And Eve’s stubborn, guarded heart? Hits a little close to home. Plus, Lucy has a thing for strong women who know exactly what they want… or at least pretend they do.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Alex’s favorite book would be The Secret History by Donna Tartt. She’s drawn to the intensity, the beautiful writing, and the way it peels back the layers of human behavior in such a haunting, intellectual way. There’s something about the dark academia vibe and the sense of being trapped in someone else’s narrative that hits home for her. Plus, she secretly loves that it’s both brilliant and a little twisted—just like the world she’s trying to untangle herself from.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
I relate most to Alex. Her journey of trying to find space and freedom in a life that’s often controlled or dictated by others really hits home for me. There’s something so powerful about her resilience—the way she quietly fights to claim her own identity and make choices that feel true to herself, even when the odds aren’t in her favor.
Like Alex, I understand what it means to balance the pressure of expectations with the deep need to just be and follow your own path. Her courage to face emotional pain and still keep moving forward is something I admire deeply—and honestly, it’s part of what inspired me to tell this story in the first place.
That mix of vulnerability and strength, the messy but hopeful process of self-discovery? Yeah, that’s where I see a lot of myself.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Great question!
The most fun to write was definitely Lucy. She’s bold, sharp-witted, and a bit of a rebel—writing her felt like riding a wave of energy and attitude. She’s got this mix of toughness and vulnerability that makes her unpredictable and exciting. Getting inside her head was like slipping into a pair of badass boots and just owning the moment. Plus, her dry humor kept things lively, even when the story got heavy.
The hardest to write was Alex. Not because she’s less interesting—far from it—but because her story carries a lot of emotional weight. She’s been shaped by years of control and pressure, and peeling back those layers took a lot of care and patience. I wanted to honor her struggle authentically without making her feel stuck or helpless. Writing Alex meant navigating complex feelings of fear, hope, and courage all at once, which was challenging but ultimately very rewarding.
So yeah, Lucy brought the fun fire, and Alex brought the deep heart—and together, they made the story what it is.
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
If Kissing The Pearl had a scent, it would be sensual, confident, and just the right amount of daring—definitely in the Narciso Rodriguez family. It would smell like freedom and desire and the kind of chemistry that doesn’t ask for permission. Intimate. Magnetic. A little wild around the edges. Just like Lucy and Alex. Just like their story.
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.
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 🙂
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
Definitely! I’m a total creature of habit when I’m writing—but in the best, cosiest way.
First things first: Rooibos tea. Always. It’s warm, grounding, and just the right amount of soothing to get me into that creative headspace. I genuinely don’t think I could start a writing session without it!
And then there are long walks—my go-to when I need to unknot a scene or let a character breathe a bit. There’s something about being out in the fresh air, away from screens and expectations, that gives the story space to bloom. I’ve had some of my best ideas mid-stride, usually somewhere between “I should just bin this” and “Wait—this could actually work!”
Tea, walking, daydreaming—it’s not flashy, but it’s magic.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with any author, it would be Sarah Waters. I’ve got a huge love for history, and her ability to bring the past alive—especially lesbian history—is just incredible. Her novels, like Tipping the Velvet, are rich with detail and emotion, and I’d love to tap into her vast knowledge about weaving historical context with compelling, messy, and unforgettable characters.
Dinner with her would be such an inspiring chance to chat about storytelling, history, and how to write lesbian stories that are both authentic and wildly engaging. Honestly, it would be a total dream to learn from someone who’s shaped so many brilliant narratives.
