Plus, get your exclusive first look at the cover.
After seeingRentas a college student, Lam was inspired to pursue a career in theatrical costume design.
Entertainment Weeklyhas your exclusive first look at the cover below.
‘Something Cheeky’ by Thien-Kim Lam.
The romance, which hits shelves March 4, 2025, follows designer Zoe Tran and director Derek Bui.
Derek has loved Zoe since college, but he’s never been able to confess his true feelings.
And if all goes well, they’ll transfer to Broadway.
As a proud demisexual, Zoe has only ever seen Derek as her best friend.
But when they start to collaborate on their dream project, they grow closer than ever.
Can they set aside their creative differences long enough to let their relationship take center stage?
Check out the cover below and read on for more from Lam.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Where did you get the inspiration forSomething Cheeky?
Are you a fan of musical theater or did you work in that world yourself?
I was already a theater major but seeing a professional production sealed my love for musicals.
As a former costume designer, I wanted to give readers a different perspective on producing a musical.
Theater is collaborative art.
A Vietnamese Cinderella rock musical.
Tell me more about this concept.
Tam and Camwas my favorite childhood Vietnamese fairytale.
Its way more exciting and violent than the western version.
Tam Cinderella meets her emperor through the help of a god and a magical talking fish.
What I loved most was that the story didnt end at the wedding.
Why did you choose to set it in that world rather than just going straight for NYC?
Were lucky to have many new musicals workshopped here.
I didnt think NYC would be ready for aTam and Cammusical.
Why was it important to you to represent a person who identifies as such?
I recently came out as demisexual and wanted to highlight this part of the asexuality spectrum.
When I learned of this term, everything clicked for me.
Since Zoe had friend-zoned Derek years ago, it takes her some time to realize her true feelings.
Theres still plenty of spicy scenes, so dont worry!
The cover love the bright colors.
Was there a specific reason for choosing those?
I love it so much!
Credit goes to the Avon team and my cover designer Andressa Meissner.
I only asked for two things: to show both characters and Mr. Bobbins, Zoes orange tabby.
I sent my team pictures and Playbill covers ofSixandK-Popfor the vibes I wanted for the cover.
Did you have particular models or references in mind for the way Zoe and Derek look here?
Researching hot celebrities is a perk of being a romance writer.
Since Zoe is plus-sized, I immediately chose Vietnamese American actress Kelly Marie Tran ofStar Warsfame as a reference.
Shes not plus-sized, but not skinny by Hollywood standards.
I love her energyandshes a musical theater nerd.
She also shows off her amazing pipes in Democracy inSoft Powerat the Kennedy Center 50th celebration.
How can anyone not fall in love with her after that?
Being demisexual means I need to connect with celebrities on a deeper level than looks.
I settled on Australian actor Desmond Chiam, but with glasses.
He hasnt gotten the notice he deserves as an actorandas a sexy celebrity.
Zoe is wearing pants, woot.
What led to that?
Zoe is wearing one of her own designs: a modern take on the Vietnamese ao dai.
It was important to me that Zoe represents her Vietnamese heritage on the cover.
I even designed and made my ao dai-inspired wedding dress.
Tell me about this cat in the background.
The opinionated, but adorable Mr. Bobbins might be my most favorite thing on the cover!
Youll have to readSomething Cheekyto see how their rocky feline friendship evolves.
