Dear Reader, Do you remember the first romance novel you read? I’m always jealous of people who know the title of their very first romance. I don’t remember the title, but I do remember how I got my first romance novel. . . I stole it. From my mom. And can I tell you something? Not so long ago, when I was very much an adult, I casually mentioned that I’d been reading romances since I was ten or eleven, and my mother was absolutely shocked. I had assumed she figured it out at some point and just never brought it up! But I do remember the first romance novel my mom recommended to me when I was sixteen: Born in Fire by living legend Nora Roberts. And while I had probably read it before, my mom handed me that book at the right time in my life, when I was starting to concretely form opinions on the types of relationships I wanted. I (re)read that book knowing my mom wanted to share her love of romance novels with me and thought I would appreciate that delightfully swoony story. Now, over twenty years later, my very first romance novel is here. The Accidental Pinup is a story that has been percolating in my mind for years. It has existed in different iterations and scenarios, but somehow boudoir and pinup photography, the inclusive lingerie line of my dreams, and two people working together when they really don’t want to combined into the book you’re about to read. Romance is a genre that has oodles of discussion possibilities—whether it’s about the decisions characters make, society’s double standards, or friend group dynamics (are you a Cassie, a Dana, a Sam, or a Kit?). I hope you find something to talk about with your book club after reading The Accidental Pinup. And, at the very least, you can talk about the first romance novel you stole . . . I mean, read, . . . and how it shaped you into the reader you are today. Enjoy!
Danielle n o s k c a J
s n o i t s e u Q n o i s s Discu 1. Cassie is an accomplished photog- 4. Cassie has created an awesome rapher, but she has never modeled before when she finds herself on the other side of the camera. How do you think she handles the sudden change in plans when her dream of the campaign was within reach?
2. Boudoir and pinup photography
have grown in popularity in recent years, empowering all forms of beauty and personal expression. Have you ever had/considered having a sexy photo shoot?
3. Despite a difficult upbringing,
Reid has made big strides professionally. Meanwhile, Cassie, who owns her own studio and has achieved some success, hasn’t made the professional moves she knows she’s capable of handling. How do you think the challenges they both faced affected the people they have become? How do they overcome their differences?
team of coworkers and friends at her photography studio, Buxom Boudoir. Out of Dana, Sam, and Kit, which of Cassie’s friends would you want to hang out with most? Talk about a time in your life when your friends really went above and beyond to help (or challenge) you.
5. Reid and Russ have a strained
relationship, and as Reid gets to know his brother better, he wonders if his distance, both emotional and physical, hindered Russ when he was growing up. What do you think of Reid’s decision to “spy” on Cassie to ultimately help his brother?
6. The fun and dynamic Chicago
setting for this novel offered some local flair beyond the usual touristy spots. Where would you visit—from this story or otherwise—if you could spend a weekend in Chicago? Do you have any favorite books or movies set there?
s n o i t s e u Q n o i s s Discu (Cont.) 7. Cassie and Reid have vastly
different relationships with their parents. Discuss the differences and how you think these relationships shaped them as people.
8. Body positivity, body confidence,
and even body neutrality are all important movements to accept bodies as they are, no matter their size, and are incredibly important to Cassie and her work. How does Cassie’s perception of her body change throughout the story? How does Reid’s reaction to her in lingerie make her feel? How did it make you feel?
9. Discuss Reid’s final grand gesture
at the body positivity pool launch party for Dreamland. Do you think it was enough to warrant Cassie’s forgiveness?