DIRECTOR'S CUT, a new sapphic romance from Carlyn Greenwald, is out now!
After taking a guest teaching gig, Oscar-winning Valeria Sullivan finds herself trapped in a battle of wits with her sexy co-professor, but can she keep her cool when things heat up in and out of the classroom?
At twenty-nine, Valeria Sullivan is a celebrated, award-winning actress. But when her acting options start to decline and her attempt to transition to directing is complicated by a bad interview on a late night show, Val decides she’s had enough of Hollywood. Intent on pursuing a neglected passion, she pours herself into a guest professorship at USC, hoping to transition to academia fulltime.
Standing in her way is her co-professor, Maeve Arko, whose brilliance and beauty is matched only by her contempt for Val. As Val rises to the challenges that teaching throws at her, though, Maeve starts to soften, and soon sparks are flying.
Now with a job and a girlfriend she adores, Val should be happy. But Hollywood isn’t done with Val quite yet. Her directorial debut, Oakley in Flames, starts getting attention, and soon Val has to choose between her obligations to her class—and Maeve—and the burgeoning dream Hollywood career she may not be ready to leave behind.
Design: Maddie Partner
Art by: Leni Kauffman
Preorder DIRECTOR'S CUT from your favorite retailer!
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Advanced Praise for DIRECTOR'S CUT:
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“Transcending traditional contemporary romance tropes to put a spotlight on the intersections of love and mental health, this deliciously spicy and achingly sweet romance showcases Greenwald at her best...The romance with Maeve is lovely, but even more compelling is Val’s personal growth as she works through social and internal barriers to love. Add in plenty of pop culture references, and the result is romance gold."
—Publisher's Weekly, starred review
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"Like the movie musicals her characters dissect, Greenwald captures the sizzle, joy, anxiety, and intimacy of careerdom and love in Hollywood and academia. The characters feel viscerally alive. They are swoony, and messy, and wonderfully real. Val’s journey as a newly-out Hollywood starlet-turned-director in search of happiness, and all the pressure it entails, is superbly crafted. Greenwald tackles difficult issues and realistic challenges with poise, character, and empathy. Not to mention the Hollywood Theater Kid in me was doing cartwheels the whole time; I would die to take Val and Maeve’s class. With the real-world insight of an indie film, and the romance of a big-budget romcom, Director’s Cut dazzles.”
—Emma Alban, USA Today bestselling author of Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend
“Greenwald’s fresh dialogue and complex heroines toggle between Hollywood glamour and academia in a way that feels totally effortless. Director’s Cut is delightfully sweet, sexy, and I can’t wait for what comes next!”
—Zoraida Córdova, USA Today bestselling author of Kiss the Girl
“Hollywood meets academia in this sapphic love story that'll have you reaching for the popcorn. With plenty of steam, mlm/wlw solidarity, and a touching look at mental health and personal growth, Director's Cut is a delight.”
—TJ Alexander, author of Second Chances in New Port Stephen
“With a perfect mix of Hollywood glamour, engaging academia, and authentic queer love, Director’s Cut brings movie magic to the page. Despite being a massive star, actor-turned-director Val is grounded and relatably messy, and her journey to finding love with Maeve — and with her authentic self — makes this story sing.”
—Susie Dumond, author of Queerly Beloved and Looking for a Sign
“With Greenwald in the director’s chair, one-of-a-kind voice and sharp Hollywood detail light up this fun and passionate romance. Val and Maeve’s relationship is at once resonant with meaningful questions and utterly charming. Vivid, steamy and smart, Director’s Cut is a rom-com to remember.”
—Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Breakup Tour
“Carlyn Greenwald has done it again! With glossy prose and shining voice, Greenwald has crafted a captivating love letter to both the power of film as well as our most transformative relationships. Driven by a sweeping, swoony, (and steamy!) romance, and decorated with enough film references to delight any cinephile, Director’s Cut will have you glued to your seat. Pass the popcorn.”
—Becky Chalsen, author of Kismet
“Witty, horny and told with poignant authenticity, Director’s Cut puts queer love center frame. The vulnerability of Val’s experience is delivered through a thoughtful lens, and Greenwald manages to blend the larger-than-life Hollywood setting with a beautifully grounded and relatable love story. I cried, laughed, and yearned—this book has it all.”
—Rebekah Faubion, author of The Lovers
“Greenwald’s sophomore novel explores the complexities of celebrity and the challenges that being in the public eye can have on being one’s true authentic self. The relationship between Maeve and Val is equal parts scorching hot and achingly vulnerable, while the story’s blending of Hollywood and academia offer a fun take on the work-place romance! Director’s Cut will have readers clamoring for a sequel!”
—Jenny L. Howe, author of On the Plus Side
“Carlyn Greenwald's voice is pitch perfect in Director's Cut—from her hilarious commentary on Hollywood and celebrity, to her honest portrayal of mental health struggles. I couldn't put this down!”
—Erin La Rosa, author of For Butter or Worse
“With a gripping and passionate sapphic love story and an authentic, honest behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Hollywood starlet, Director’s Cut is a showstopper of a romance. Crafted with a deep love for film and storytelling, Val and Maeve’s academic rivals-to-lovers relationship will have readers swooning and glad they have a front-row seat to watch them fall in love.”
—Mallory Marlowe, author of Love and Other Conspiracies
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