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Synopsis

A rival children’s book author and illustrator become reluctant friends over their mutual need to advance in their careers in this heartwarming, character-driven, slow-burn romcom set in fall NYC.

In a city that never sleeps, Flora is desperate to wake up and finally land her first big break. But if your twenties are supposed to be the best years of your life, Flora’s off to a terrible start. Five months into her move, she’s barely scraping by—her closest companion a silent roommate, and her first major freelance job slipping through her fingers. Her best chance at making it is surviving the one commission no illustrator before her could: a notoriously impossible-to-please author who (quite rudely) rejects every single draft she submits. Flora’s timeline is short—and she’s running out of chances.

To nail this project, she’ll have to lean into the dark, moody themes of his writing—no small task for someone known for illustrating woodland creatures in top hats. When she’s on the brink of giving up, a chance encounter with a surly stranger changes everything. Fletcher Harding, neighbor, a friend of her roommate, and a dark literature connoisseur, needs help writing a column on romance novels to achieve an advance in his career. Flora, a firm believer in happily-ever-after’s, he decides is the perfect tutor.

On a hazy walk home, the two strike a deal: she’ll teach him about love stories, and he’ll teach her how to embrace the shadows in her work. As their creative boundaries blur, so do the ones between their growing friendship and something far more. But with both of them carrying the weight of their pasts—and the futures of their careers hanging in the balance—can they really trust a story where love is the final chapter?

Especially when Flora realizes the author critiquing her work is the very man she’s falling for.

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Understanding Our Spice Level Ratings

Not sure what spice level is right for you? Use this guide to find books that match your comfort level with romantic content.

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Level 1 - Sweet & Mild

Tender moments and stolen kisses. Sweet and innocent romance. No sexual content whatsoever. Perfect for all ages.

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Level 2 - Warming Up

Chemistry is building with passionate kissing. Light physical affection and touches. Intimate moments are hinted at but not shown on page. Sensual but not explicit. Closed door or Fade to Black

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Level 3 - Getting Spicy

At least one intimate scene that readers experience on the page. Physical descriptions are present but tastefully written. Sensual and engaging without being overly graphic. Suitable for most adult readers.

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Level 4 - Fire Alarm

Two or more explicit intimate scenes with detailed descriptions. Frequent sexual content woven through the story. Varied and adventurous encounters. Not for the faint of heart.

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Level 5 - Whew! Hot Damn

Multiple explicit intimate scenes throughout the entire book. Detailed, graphic descriptions of sexual content. Varied and adventurous acts featured prominently. May include kink, BDSM, or other mature themes. Strictly for adult readers seeking maximum heat.