Blurring the line between fiction and reality…
Mia Brady never imagined her romance novels would become bestsellers, much less inspire a hit TV show. However, after signing a deal to write the final book of the series, she’s struck by a serious case of writer’s block. Her fans are clamoring for a passionate payoff, but Mia’s own experience with heartbreak—and current lack of real-life romance—is getting in the way. Do friends who become lovers ever truly have a happy ending?
Gavin Lane would like to think so. As Mia’s ride-or-die BFF, he’s been by her side through it all and convinced himself his crush on her is a thing of the past. He’s not about to let his feelings ruin their friendship, and never will. But things get complicated when Mia pitches a bold idea to help save her career: testing out tried-and-true love story tropes…together.
From workplace romance to fish-out-of-water, Mia and Gavin embark on a series of “experiments” to spark a little creativity—but they are not prepared for the flame that ignites between them. Does their friendship even stand a chance when pure fantasy suddenly becomes a little too real?
Release Date: Aug 12, 2025
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Canary Street
Price: $12.99
Romance novelist, Mia Brady, is experiencing writer’s block as she struggles to finish off her popular series. The books have picked up momentum, and a new TV show is on the rise. However, if she can’t find her mojo, she will leave fans disappointed. Her best friend, Gavin, suggests that they go on a few mock dates to spark some creativity.
Gavin knows he is playing with fire. He has always held a crush on Mia. Though he has never once made a move on her due to their friendship, he knows this could potentially be a mistake. He loves having her in his life, so why would he gamble like this?
Gavin is so sweet and kind. I instantly liked him for Mia. The friendship is all about the vibes. Yes, he knows the dates are supposed to be fake, but he never pretends for one second, which I loved. Mia, on the other hand, takes a bit longer to develop feelings.
Why three stars instead of five? Mia. Just plain and simple. The story started to drag because of her. She is constantly in her head about her newfound feelings for Gavin. Her thoughts on friends turning into lovers got in the way. She just couldn’t imagine that a relationship could develop from a friendship. Despite Gavin showing her throughout the book that he was all in, she kept taking tiny baby steps. There is little to no angst outside of that.
At this point, when I read romance novels, I want to experience some sort of passion with the characters. Mia and Gavin’s passion was behind the door, so I never got to feel like that evolved into parts of a friendship. I am told that, but the physical intimacy is lacking, which kind of turned me off.
Overall, fans of the friends-to-lovers trope will still enjoy this book.
~ Samantha