Betty Cayouette: This Book Taught Me How Magical Revising Can Be

Betty Cayouette, an accomplished author and viral content creator, is set to release her new adult romance novel, I Kissed Her First, through Saturday Books on August 25, 2026. Known for blending vibrant storytelling with authentic experiences, Cayouette’s latest work channels her passion for music and food into a narrative that captures the exhilaration of concert tours and the complexities of early adulthood.

Cayouette, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Brandeis University who now resides in Salem, Massachusetts, gained widespread recognition for her TikTok and Instagram account @bettysbooklist, which ranks among the top book recommendation platforms globally. Her presence in major media outlets such as The Boston Globe and The London Times underscores her influence in literary circles.

The inspiration for I Kissed Her First emerged as live concerts made a comeback, reigniting Cayouette’s enthusiasm for music events. She recalls the thrill of securing tickets to high-profile shows and the immersive experience of attending performances in challenging weather conditions. This resurgence of concert culture sparked her imagination about the behind-the-scenes world of touring artists, particularly the dynamic environment of a European music tour.

In parallel, Cayouette observed a growing trend on social media: private chefs sharing glimpses of their culinary creations for elite clients, including celebrities and pop stars. This intersecting interest in gastronomy and music served as a catalyst for the novel’s premise, which revolves around a private chef hired to accompany her favorite singer on tour. The setting combines the glamour of international travel with the intimacy of personal and professional discovery.

I Kissed Her First marks Cayouette’s third publication with Macmillan and her debut with Saturday Books. Distinct from her earlier adult romances, this novel delves into themes of identity and self-exploration through the lens of two protagonists in their early twenties. The narrative’s coming-of-age elements reflect Cayouette’s intent to portray nuanced sapphic experiences, a representation she feels is essential and underrepresented in contemporary literature.

The writing process for the novel was extensive, beginning in the fall of 2024 and involving a rigorous revision period throughout 2025. Cayouette highlights the transformative power of revision in shaping the story’s depth and resonance, noting that this project demanded more extensive rewrites and additions than her previous works. Her collaboration with editors at Saturday Books was instrumental in refining the manuscript.

Music played an integral role beyond the story itself. While Cayouette previously preferred silence during writing, the soundtrack of live concert recordings, particularly fan-captured performances, became a source of inspiration and emotional support during the drafting and editing phases. One notable influence was a TikTok video featuring Noah Kahan’s live rendition of an unreleased song, which provided a poignant backdrop for her work.

Cayouette’s hope is that readers, especially those seeking queer narratives, will find visibility and joy in the novel’s portrayal of sapphic romance. The story promises a blend of glamour, heartfelt moments, and settings ranging from Provincetown’s vibrant scene to the luxurious atmospheres of European tour stops.

Beyond storytelling, Cayouette offers a reflective perspective on the writing journey itself. She emphasizes the importance of embracing the creative process for its intrinsic enjoyment rather than focusing solely on the commercial aspects of publication and promotion. Her approach encourages fellow writers to savor the craft and find fulfillment in the act of creation.

As anticipation builds for the August 2026 release, I Kissed Her First stands as a testament to Betty Cayouette’s ability to weave contemporary cultural elements with timeless themes of growth and connection, promising to enrich the landscape of new adult romance literature.