The Open Era Debut Bash with Edward Schmit

Join us for a special evening celebrating the release of with debut author Edward Schmit in conversation with bestselling romance author Sarina Bowen. Equal parts swoony, emotional, and exciting, The Open Era drops readers courtside into the pressure cooker of the US Open, where newly out tennis star Austin Hardy is suddenly carrying the weight of history while trying to keep his anxiety, his game, and his growing feelings for rival player Diego Cruz from spiraling out of control.

Expect a conversation about queer love stories, mental health, ambition, and all the tension that comes with falling for the one person standing across the net from you. After the discussion, stick around for a meet and greet and book signing to toast this unforgettable debut and chat with Edward about the romance, rivalry, and behind-the-scenes inspiration that brought Austin and Diego’s story to life.

EVENT DETAILS

• 6:30 PM: Doors Open – Settle in, grab a drink from the George Howell Coffee & Wine Bar, and get ready for a great discussion!
• 7:00 PM: Discussion Begins – Edward and Sarina will dive into Open Era Debut .
• 7:45 PM: Q&A Session – Your chance to ask the author anything!
• 8:00 PM: Signatures, Snapping Pics, and Salutations – Meet the author, get your book signed, and snap a photo.
• 8:30 PM: Last call - Grab your final pour from the wine bar.
• 9:00 PM: Event Wraps Up – Thanks for joining us!

Tickets are limited, so grab yours soon! If the event sells out, you can join the Eventbrite waitlist by selecting “Reserve a spot” followed by “Join Waitlist”. Should any spots open up, you’ll have 24 hours to register before we offer it to the next person.

ACCESSIBILITY

Check-in will take place at our front entrance on Brattle Street. If you have any accessibility needs, you're welcome to use our side entrance (located on the right side of the building), which is wheelchair accessible and has a ramp.

Guests who would benefit from priority seating or any additional assistance are encouraged to reach out in advance — just email us at [email protected]. We're more than happy to make arrangements to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.

We’re always learning and looking for ways to make our events more accessible. If you have suggestions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you!

BOOK PICKUP POLICY

If you purchased a book with your event ticket but can’t make it to the event—and don’t request a refund—we’ll happily hold your book for pickup for up to 30 days after the event date.

We’ll be in touch via the email you provided at checkout to help coordinate pickup. After 30 days, if we haven’t heard from you or made other arrangements, we’ll consider the book abandoned property and may donate it or return it to inventory so it can find a new home.

Thanks so much for your understanding and for supporting our events—we love doing this with you!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edward Schmit is an author based in New York City. From theatre kid to graphic designer to creative director, he’s always exploring new ways to tell stories. A passionate mental health advocate, he’s worked in the nonprofit space for more than seven years. The Open Era is his debut novel and combines three things close to his heart: queer love stories, mental health awareness, and the most beautiful sport in the world: tennis.

ABOUT THE OPEN ERA

Recently-turned-pro tennis player Austin Hardy has been out since high school and it’s never been a big deal. That is, until he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament. Suddenly, being gay is a huge deal, with headlines to prove it.

Unprepared for this new spotlight, Austin’s anxiety disorder hits a breaking point, and he trips and falls at practice. Right next to the very attractive, very talented, and probably straight Diego Cruz, ranked second in the world.

The two professional rivals start a friendship off the court. But between their flirty banter, mixed signals, and looming showdown, Austin is thrown further off his game by Diego.

With the eyes of the world on Austin, the weight of history on his shoulders, and Diego across the net, he must decide whether love means nothing or if it means everything as he battles for the trophy during an electric two weeks at the US Open.

ABOUT THE CONVERSATION PARTNER

Sarina Bowen is a #1 Amazon bestselling author, and a 24-time USA Today bestseller. Her books have appeared on “best of” lists from The New York Public Library, Barnes & Noble, Audible, Elle Magazine, Goodreads and Lit Hub.

Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina graduated magna cum laude from Yale University with a BA in economics.

A New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country in the 1760s, Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. She lives with her family on a few wooded acres in New Hampshire.

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