The One About Swoon
Romances, Paella, and Permanent Jewelry: Just Another Friday Night
Filed under: Things I Love About America (Besides Cocktails and Book People)
Last Friday, I toasted to inclusive patriotism with a cherry-lime gimlet. Then I closed the laptop and stepped into my other role: author in the wild. Specifically, with Swoon Booksellers inside The Commons, where romance books, permanent jewelry, paella, and Mr. Liz all collided in the best possible way.
If you’re imagining a cozy-chic, pink, mobile bookstore packed with romance nerds, spicy paperbacks, and a surprising number of people willing to weld metal to their limbs for fashion, you’re absolutely right. It was peak indie Americana and I loved every minute.
A few highlights... with drink pairings, of course:
🍸 The “Start With the Damaged One” Martini
When a nice couple of beer drinking ladies at Pangea asked which book of mine to start with, I blurted:
“How do you feel about emotionally damaged real estate agents?”
I’m hoping they went over to the Swoon truck and bought Floor Time.
So naturally, I’m pairing this moment with a classic dirty martini. Strong, complicated, and just a little salty, just like Sara*!
🍹 The “Mr. Liz Got Recognized” Paloma
Yes, he smiled. Yes, he said “I’m not really shy.” Yes, he absolutely is.
A grapefruit Paloma fits: bright, chill, surprisingly popular, and goes down smoother than expected, just like Mr. Liz in a crowd. (He is definitely NOT shy).
🥂 The “Permanent Jewelry Panic” French 75
Cheers to those who got sparkly forever-welded to anything that night.
This calls for a French 75: bubbly, impulsive, and deceptively powerful. Just like that tiny bracelet now living on your wrist for eternity.
📚 The “People Actually Came To See Me” Pour-Your-Own
It’s always humbling thing, when someone asks you to sign their copy of your book. It feels like a mix of champagne and whiskey, sort of a celebration, AND a responsibility. So that’s your cue to make a half-glass of each and toast to the writers and readers who still believe in real stories and real connection.
🧃 The “Safe Space Spritz” (Mocktail)
For my sober or sober-curious friends:
2 oz pomegranate juice
1 oz lime
Top with sparkling water
Garnish with mint and a little sparkle (edible glitter optional, emotional sparkle required)
Perfect for sipping while discussing book boyfriends and late-stage capitalism.
🍺 The “Liz’s Fav West Coast Style Pangea Brew”
A couple of the folks at the Swoon truck said that Mr. Liz and had to try Pangea’s beers. So we did. And I found a lovely IPA, lower on ABV than style standard but also ever so slightly less hoppy which made for a nice outdoor drinking sesh. Mr. Liz had the Mexican Lager, his personal fav.
Events like this are why I still believe in the magic of community. Of bookstores. Of shared space and shared stories. Patriotism doesn’t always wear a uniform or wave a flag. It sometimes looks like INDIE books on a shelf and a local romance-loving, mobile bookseller creating a safe space for all of us. And I’ll drink to that.
What’s your favorite book event memory? Or: What’s your ideal book-signing drink? (Mocktail, beer, or glitterbomb cocktail welcome.)
xoxo
Liz
*Ya gotta read it to get it!
P.S. 89% Unfiltered is always a safe space—for strong drinks, soft hearts, and spicy paperbacks.
P.P.S. If you grabbed a book Friday night, comment and let me know what you picked!
Here’s a lil’ gallery of photo fun from the evening. P.P.P.S. Pangea brewing is GREAT! AND I found out about something called The Booty Shop from my new drinking pals. Must investigate….workouts AND champagne. Sounds like a winner to me!
