Below, you will find an official bio, high-resolution author and cover images, and book info. For additional information or inquiries, please contact Kate Testerman at KT Literary or email Jamie at jamiepacton@outlook.com. You can also find Jamie on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok.
AUTHOR BIO
LONGER BIO
Jamie Pacton is a bestselling, award-winning Young Adult and Middle Grade author who grew up minutes away from the National Storytelling Center in the mountains of East Tennessee. She has a BA and MA in English Literature, and currently teaches English at the college level. While pursuing her dream of being an author, she worked as a waitress, pen salesperson, lab assistant, art museum guard, bookseller, pool attendant, nanny, and lots of other weird jobs in between. Her writing has appeared in national and local magazines, and she spent many years blogging for Parents.com. Currently, Jamie lives in Wisconsin with her family. Her YA contemporary books include Furious, Lucky Girl, and The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly. Her YA fantasy novels include, The Absinthe Underground and The Vermilion Emporium. Her adult fantasy romance debut, Homegrown Magic, is forthcoming from Del Rey in 2025. Find Jamie online at www.jamiepacton.com and on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @JamiePacton.
SHORT BIO
Jamie Pacton is a bestselling, award-winning Young Adult and Middle Grade author who lives in Wisconsin with her family. Her YA contemporary books include Furious, Lucky Girl and The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly. Her YA fantasy novels include, The Absinthe Underground and The Vermilion Emporium. Her adult fantasy romance debut, Homegrown Magic is forthcoming from Del Rey in 2025.
AUTHOR PHOTO
Photo credit: Adam Pacton
Click the images to download high-resolution versions.
BOOKS
Cover design by Andie Lugtu
BUY LINKS
Title: The Absinthe Underground
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Hardcover: 300 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Peachtree Teen
ISBN-10: 1682634922
ISBN-13: 978-1682634929
SUMMARY
Moulin Rouge meets Holly Black in a thrilling sapphic friends-to-lovers romantasy!
For Sybil Clarion, the Belle Époque city of Severon is a wild, romantic dream, filled with cafés, cabarets, and glittering nightclubs. Eager to embrace the city’s freedom after running away from home, she’s traded high-society soirées for empty pockets and barren cabinets. At least she has Esme, the girl who offered Sybil a home, and maybe—if either of them dared—something more.
Ever since Esme Rimbaud brought Sybil back to her flat, the girls have been everything to each other—best friends, found family, and secret crushes. While Esme would rather spend the night tinkering with her clocks and snuggling her cats, Sybil craves excitement and needs money. She plans to get both by stealing the rare posters that crop up around town and selling them to collectors. With rent due, Esme agrees to accompany—and more importantly protect —Sybil.
When they’re caught selling a poster by none other than its subject, Maeve, the glamorous girl doesn’t press charges. Rather, she invites Sybil and Esme to The Absinthe Underground, the exclusive club she co-owns, and reveals herself to be a Green Faerie, trapped in this world. She wants to hire thieves for a daring heist in Fae that would set her free, and is willing to pay enough that Sybil and Esme never have to worry about rent again. It’s too good of an offer to pass up, even if Maeve’s tragic story doesn’t quite add up, and even if Sybil’s personal ties to Fae could jeopardize everything she and Esme have so carefully built.
PRAISE
★ “In this haunting tale, Pacton weaves a romantic and thrilling story of ambition, magic, and peril. Sybil and Esme’s chemistry is palpable, and Pacton’s lush portrayal of Severon as a city filled with art and beauty reminiscent of fin de siècle Paris adds additional layers of enchantment and appeal to the setting.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“A sweetly undemanding, cozy sapphic romance sprinkled with magic and adventure.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“A delightful, magical tale that’s as comforting as a hot cup of tea.”—Kirkus Reviews
What BookTok is saying about The Absinthe Underground!
“My heart is so full after reading The Absinthe Underground! The Moulin Rouge setting, the enchanting magic, and the lush writing – it’s a must-read!” —@megstearoom
“A lush tale of sapphic pining, heists, and a fae world that will enchant you.” —@emilysarahart
“Sapphic pining for your bestie, a heist in Fae, and the feeling of a cozy fantasy!? Pacton truly strikes a goldilocks chord with this one. The Absinthe Underground gave me everything I wanted and more!” —@booksdogsandcoffee
From Booksellers and Librarians!
“In this beautiful story about found family and adventure, Sybil and Esme embark on a journey between the human world and the world of the fae. As secrets are uncovered, so are desires. If you enjoy sassy heroines, a good heist, and a friends-to-lovers story, then this is the book for you.” —Indigo, Schuler Books, Grand Rapids, MI
“In The Absinthe Underground, Jamie Pacton weaves a tender, unabashedly sapphic love story with a thrilling heist wrapped in a fairytale. Cozy and adventurous, heroines Sybil and Esme form an unstoppable duo they you can’t help but cheer for.” —Mike Lasagna, Barnes and Noble Poughkeepsie
“For lovers of Barbie and the Diamond Castle & for those who claimed it as a sapphic story, this is your book! A dazzlingly enchanting portal fantasy filled with the whimsy, & overflowing with sapphic yearning. An ultimate cozy comfort read!” —Faye Larson, Indigo Bookseller
“There is no shortage of enchantment in this sapphic romantasy and readers will pine for another visit to Severon.” —Megan Nigh, Teen Services Librarian, Kenosha, Wisconsin
From Authors!
“Behold: the queer Belle Époque fantasy of my dreams, brimming with yearning and adventure and written by a true master of whimsy! From cats in cozy clock towers to schemes in the glittering world of Fae, Pacton spins a tale that enchants like a glass of absinthe.” —Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
“An enchanting romantasy brimming with glittering, intoxicating prose and wild Fae magic. These quick-handed thieves will steal your heart from your first meeting, and their escapades will keep it racing until the last page.” —Elizabeth Kilcoyne, Wake the Bones, William Morris Award finalist
“Thrilling and romantic, The Absinthe Underground is an intricately woven tale filled with sapphic yearning, daring thieves, and glittering fae magic. I loved every word of it.” —Alicia Jasinska, author of The Midnight Girls
Cover design by Lisa Marie Pompillo
BUY LINKS
Title: The Vermilion Emporium
Release Date: November 22, 2022
Hardcover: 400 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Peachtree Teen
ASIN : B09RP9VJSY
ISBN-10: 1682634884
ISBN-13: 978-1682634882
SUMMARY
The heart-wrenching story of The Radium Girls meets the enchanting world of Howl’s Moving Castle. Jamie Pacton’s fantasy debut is a story of timeless love and deadly consequences.
It was a day for finding things . . .
On the morning Twain, a lonely boy with a knack for danger, discovers a strand of starlight on the cliffs outside Severon, a mysterious curiosity shop appears in town. Meanwhile, Quinta, the ordinary daughter of an extraordinary circus performer, chases rumors of the shop, The Vermilion Emporium, desperate for a way to live up to her mother’s magical legacy.
When Quinta meets Twain outside the Emporium, two things happen: One, Quinta starts to fall for this starlight boy, who uses his charm to hide his scars. Two, they enter the store and discover a book that teaches them how to weave starlight into lace.
Soon, their lace catches the eye of the Casorina, the ruler of Severon. She commissions Quinta and Twain to make her a starlight dress and will reward them handsomely enough to make their dreams come true. However, they can’t sew a dress without more material, and the secret to starlight’s origins has been lost for centuries. As Quinta and Twain search the Emporium for answers, though, they discover the secret might not have been lost—but destroyed. And likely, for good reason.
A powerful and romantic adventure set in a whimsically magical world. Jamie Pacton’s fantasy debut is the story of timeless love and deadly consequences.
PRAISE
“A hauntingly romantic fantasy adventure.”
Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
“Packed with fantastical adventures, heartfelt whimsy, and delightful characters, The Vermillion Emporium is as luminous as starlight lace itself. Jamie Pacton will make you believe there is magic to be found around every corner.”
Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
“A heartfelt and dazzling triumph.”
Foreword Reviews, starred review
“Whimsical, poignant, and enchanting, The Vermilion Emporium deftly weaves magic, romance, and loss into a story that lingers with the reader like starlight.”
Margaret Owen, author of The Merciful Crow and Little Thieves
“A feast for the senses . . . .”
Kirkus Reviews
“Pacton’s enchanting fantasy sweeps you into a world of starlight and moon shadows and holds you spellbound long after the final page.”
Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune
Design by @novellapixel
Illustrations by @theminaprice
BUY LINKS
Title: Lucky Girl
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Hardcover: 240 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Page Street
ISBN-10: 1645672085
ISBN-13: 978-1645672081
SUMMARY
In Jamie Pacton’s hilarious and poignant sophomore novel, a teen wins the lotto jackpot and suspicion and jealousy spread through her small town before she can claim her prize. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell and Becky Albertalli.
58,643,129. That’s how many dollars seventeen-year-old Fortuna Jane Belleweather just won in the lotto jackpot. It’s also about how many reasons she has for not coming forward to claim her prize.
Problem #1: Jane is still a minor, and if anyone discovers she bought the ticket underage, she’ll either have to forfeit the ticket, or worse…
Problem #2: Let her hoarder mother cash it. The last thing Jane’s mom needs is millions of dollars to buy more junk. Then…
Problem #3: Jane’s best friend, aspiring journalist Brandon Kim, declares on the news that he’s going to find the lucky winner. It’s one thing to keep her secret from the town, it’s another thing entirely to lie to her best friend. Especially when…
Problem #4: Jane’s ex-boyfriend, Holden, is suddenly back in her life, and he has big ideas about what he’d do with the prize money.
As suspicion and jealousy turn neighbor against neighbor, and no good options for cashing the ticket come forward, Jane begins to wonder: Could this much money actually be a bad thing?
PRAISE
“Lucky Girl is for every person who has ever felt unable to help those they love, stuck and yearning for a better life, and unwilling to give up on themself – or others.”
Noelle Salazar, USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls
“This emotionally complex book is a gorgeous portrayal of small-town life, complicated family relationships, mental health, grief, and friendship that will make you question the concept of ‘good luck.’”
Lizzy Mason, author, in Bookish/NetGalley’s 2021’s Must-Read YA Novels According to YA Authors
“With heart, humor, and honesty, Lucky Girl explores what it truly means to have enough. Jamie Pacton has written another smart, relatable heroine readers will rootfor to the last page (and beyond!).”
Joy McCullough, author of Blood Water Paint
“A sweet, thoughtful, and quick romp, perfect for readers wanting some laughs while also looking for answers to some of life’s biggest questions about love, death, self-worth, and, of course, money.
School Library Journal
“This contemporary novel remains wonderfully true to its world and its characters throughout.”
Booklist
“Readers who think they know exactly what they’d do if millions of dollars landed in their lap will think again after reading Pacton’s thoughtful novel.”
BookPage
“With a fresh take on the many forms of love and grief, Pacton brings readers a unique dramedy about a girl and her lotto ticket.”
Jennifer Dugan, author of Hot Dog Girl and Verona Comics
“To say that this book hit me out of the blue would be a gross understatement. Here I was, thinking I could read a chapter of this before going to bed and boom, it’s three hours later and I have a new YA contemporary favourite….Lucky Girl encompasses everything I want and need in a good YA contemporary—fast-paced narration without forfeiting fleshing out characters, conundrums that make you think about your own choices in life, and plunging into emotional topics that will have you reeling.”
Design by @novellapixel
Illustrations by @theminaprice
Title: The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly
Release Date: May 5, 2020
Hardcover: 384 pages
Language: English
Publisher: Page Street
ISBN-10: 1624149529
ISBN-13: 978-1624149528
SUMMARY
Joust like a girl.
Moxie meets A Knight’s Tale as Kit Sweetly slays sexism, bad bosses, and bad luck to become a knight at a medieval-themed restaurant.
Working as a wench―i.e. waitress―at a cheesy medieval-themed restaurant in the Chicago suburbs, Kit Sweetly dreams of being a knight like her brother. She has the moves, is capable on a horse, and desperately needs the raise that comes with knighthood, so she can help her mom pay the mortgage and hold a spot at her dream college.
Company policy allows only guys to be knights.
So when Kit takes her brother’s place and reveals her identity at the end of the show, she rockets into internet fame and a whole lot of trouble with the management. But the Girl Knight won’t go down without a fight. As other wenches join her quest, a protest forms. In a joust before Castle executives, they’ll prove that gender restrictions should stay medieval―if they don’t get fired first.
BUY LINKS
PRAISE
“A rousing, funny, feminist workplace fantasy that also takes a frank look at modern poverty.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Kit is passionate about history and gender equality, and her enthusiasm carries this quirky tale of a modern battle set on an old-timer stage.”
NPR
“This mix of workplace comedy, working class struggle, and gender equality activism is sure to please YA fans, whether or not you’ve ever picked up a sword or ridden a horse.”
Cecilia Cackley, East City Bookshop
“A sharp comedy and a poignant, unflinching portrayal of the working poor that will have you laughing one moment and determined to change the world the next. You won’t be able to put it down until you see if this Lady Knight comes out on top.”
Melissa Poston, The Novel Neighbor
“As a former serving wench, I can confirm this book is accurate. As a current bookseller, I can confirm this book is AMAZING. A must-read for everyone who ever dreamed of wielding a sword and jousting into the sunset.”
Amanda Quain, One More Page Books
“Full of high-octane sass, girl-power, quirky historical tidbits, and just the right amount of delicious romance. A fun, page-turning delight.”
Joy Preble, Brazos Bookstore
“For every girl who’s been told she can’t, and shows them all that she will. This fun and feminist book stole my heart from the first page.”
Sonia Hartl, author of Have a Little Faith in Me
“For anyone who’s ever had a roadblock to their dreams. A funny, fierce, inclusive story that will leave you feeling ready to draw your own sword and ride into battle. Kit is my champion!”
M.K. England, author of The Disasters and Spellhacker
“[The Life and Medieval Times of Kit Sweetly] is a strong voice for feminism and workplace equality. Fans of Rainbow Rowell will appreciate the relatable characters and a cause to root for.”
School Library Journal
“A smart, fun, feminist romp with lots and lots of heart. You’ll be cheering for Kit Sweetly all the way on her quest to be seen and heard as she is.”
Brittany Cavallaro, New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Charlotte
“Hilarious and heartfelt, Jamie Pacton’s debut is not to be missed.”
Mike Lasagna, The Barking Goose Bookstore
“Curl up with a blanket and some cocoa, for reading this book in one sitting is certain to be a knight to remember.”
Rachel Strolle, Teen Services Coordinator, Glenside Public Library District