In this week’s Jen’s Jewels, we turn up the heat with bestselling author Jane Costello, whose latest rom-com IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE blends the chaos of perimenopause with the challenges of motherhood in a hilariously heartfelt tale. Join us as Jane shares the inspiration behind her witty and poignant story, the creation of her dynamic characters, and how she masterfully balances comedy with life’s more serious moments. Whether you’re navigating midlife or simply love a good laugh, you won’t want to miss this engaging conversation about finding joy, love, and self-discovery amidst the beautiful mess of life.
Jennifer Vido: It’s IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE tackles midlife with humor and heart. What inspired you to write a rom-com that blends the chaos of perimenopause with the relatable challenges of being a mother?
Jane Costello: More than anything, this was the book I wanted to read. I’d written bestselling romantic comedy for years in the UK but moved away from the genre to write emotional love stories under the pseudonym Catherine Isaac. But when I hit my late-forties I found myself looking for a smart, funny, uplifting romantic comedy that touched on all the things I was going through myself: perimenopause, raising teenagers, attempting (and most of the time failing) to find some kind of work-life balance. I knew when I couldn’t immediately find one that this was exactly the book I needed to write.
Jen: Lisa Darling is a complex character juggling motherhood, career, and personal struggles. How did you develop her character, and what aspects of her journey do you relate to most?
Jane: Lisa isn’t based on one person, but I’ve taken inspiration from the experiences of many of the women I know. She’s extremely capable, does not suffer fools and has learnt the hard way that she doesn’t need a man to complete her. But she’s so keen to roll up her sleeves and get things done that she ends up drowning in responsibilities. When she’s winning in one part of her life, the wheels are coming off in another. I definitely relate to that myself, as well as certain other elements of her personality – such as how much she adores her kids despite the battles she faces with them, and how close she is to her terrific friends.
Jen: The book highlights the messiness of midlife in a refreshingly honest way. Why was it important for you to explore this stage of life in such a humorous yet poignant manner?
Jane: As women we’ve traditionally been conditioned to see middle age as something to dread. A time when your sex life dies, your body goes west and, basically, when all your fun times are over. I didn’t want to pretend that there weren’t challenges. Of course there are. But with an increasing awareness of menopause and women’s health, we’ve raised our expectations of this life stage. It has the potential to be wonderful. I wanted to write something that reflected the real challenges but also celebrated the women we’ve become once we’ve hit our forties.
Jen: Zach Russo brings a fiery spark to Lisa's life. What drew you to create such a dynamic character, and what role does he play in Lisa’s self-discovery?
Jane: Well, I loved creating Zach. As well as being blisteringly hot in all the usual ways – he’s handsome and witty - I wanted him to be emotionally available, a great dad, and a true ally to women, which he proves himself to be in one particular workplace scene early on. He plays a huge role in re-igniting something Lisa was convinced was long gone – desire – and ultimately leads her to put herself at the top of her to-do list for the first time in years.
Jen: How do you balance the comedy and the more serious themes in the book, like perimenopause and supporting a friend through breast cancer treatment?
Jane: To write a book about women in their late forties and suggest that nothing awful or difficult had ever happened to any of them felt too disconnected from real life for me. By this age, we’ve all either been through some tough times ourselves or at the very least know someone who has. Also, in my experience, laughter and tears often rub alongside each other in real life. I’ve always written books that acknowledge the fact that, even during dark times, human beings still somehow find the ability to laugh.
Jen: As a busy TV executive, Lisa’s life is chaotic and unpredictable. How did you reflect the realities of modern motherhood and professional life in her character’s story?
Jane: From bitter experience! I’ve got three sons and was a single parent myself for a while. It is not easy. It’s a cliché but it really is a juggling act in which you’re constantly on the verge of dropping a ball - or three. That said, so many funny moments happened over the years with my kids that, as well being a portrait of life for a single working mom, this novel was always going to lean heavily into the comedy!
Jen: The book touches on the importance of choosing yourself. How do you think Lisa’s journey resonates with readers, particularly those navigating similar challenges?
Jane: For me, that was the happy ending I really wanted to chase for a woman like Lisa. Yes, this is a romance, but the resolution is not about simply getting her man. It’s about her rediscovering a fundamental part of herself. That, I think, is the message that readers have loved most about the book.
Jen: What's next for you? Do you have another project in the works, and can readers expect more stories in this same vein?
Jane: I am in the process of writing a follow up, with a different lead character but set in the same world. Lisa, Rose, Nora, Jeff will all be making a comeback. I’ve written 15 novels in all, but this is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. It’s been both a challenge and an utter joy because I really love these characters so much.
Jen: Who are some of the authors or books that inspire your writing, and what’s currently on your reading list?
Jane: I have an eclectic mix of favorites which includes David Nichols, John Boyne and Jojo Moyes. I’ve recently discovered and loved books by Emma Grey and Annabel Monaghan so now have the pleasure of working my way through their backlists, which is a major treat.
Jen: What’s the best way for readers to connect with you and stay updated on your upcoming projects? Are you active on social media?
Jane: I’m very active on Instagram, so yes do come, follow me and say hi. I also have a newsletter that I send out each month, with book recommendations, news and offers. When readers sign up they also get access to a load of free content, such as bonus epilogues and short stories. They just need to go to my website.
Jen: Learning more about IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE and your creative process has been a pleasure. I’m sure readers will appreciate your insights and humor just as much as they’ll enjoy the book!
Jane: Jen, this has been fantastic! I’ve loved these questions, thank you so much.
Hilarious, relatable, and delightfully swoon-worthy, It’s Getting Hot in Here is the laugh-out-loud, coming-of-middle-age, rom-com meets mom-com readers have been waiting for.
In this "celebration of midlife and all its marvelous messiness,” Lisa Darling, a high-flying TV executive and twice-divorced mother of two, is navigating life with an opinionated teenager and a pet-obsessed grade-schooler, organizing PTA events, and supporting her best friend through breast cancer treatment, all while in the throes of perimenopause. It’s no wonder her to-do list is on overdrive and she never has time for Pilates or that DIY interior design project she keeps setting aside.
But when LA-based media hotshot Zach Russo swoops in as a temporary stand-in for her best friend’s job, Lisa starts feeling overheated and flustered. But that’s just the menopause, right? She chooses to believe her hormone replacement therapy needs some adjusting, until she finds herself in a sexy—and seriously ill-advised—cinch with him. As things snowball, Lisa has to confront these long-forgotten feelings and ask herself if she’s finally ready to choose herself.
Romance Comedy [Zibby Books, On Sale: October 15, 2024, e-Book , / eISBN: 9798990630451]
JANE COSTELLO writes bestselling romantic comedy books that celebrate all that’s great about midlife - and make you laugh about anything that isn’t.
She is the Sunday Times bestselling author of 15 novels, five of which were published as Catherine Isaac.
Her new book, IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE, is a spicy rom com about a 40-something TV exec and mum-of-two navigating perimenopause, a moody teenager, the to-do list from hell . . . and some delightfully steamy thoughts about a handsome new colleague at work.
Her novels have been translated into 26 languages, selected by the Richard & Judy Book Club and she has won a Romantic Novelists’ Award twice. She was born in Liverpool, where she still lives with her husband and three sons.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry, earning acclaim as the award-winning author of the Gull Island series. Her debut novel, "Serendipity by the Sea," secured the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. In 2024, Vido's talent garnered further accolades, with Baltimore Magazine readers naming her Best Local Author in their annual Best of Baltimore poll, while the Baltimore Sun acknowledged her with an Honorable Mention in their Best of 2024 Author category. When not writing fiction, she interviews authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, leads water exercise classes, and directs a legal nonprofit. Currently residing in Maryland, she and her husband are proud parents to two grown sons and a rescue dog named Fripp.
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