Only Friends
A Novel
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
“A delightful romantic comedy debut!” —Olivia Dade, USA TODAY bestselling author of Zomromcom and Spoiler Alert
“An excellent and unique premise...San Andres’s love for Regency romance comes through.” —Library Journal
Fans of The Regency Vows and For the Love of Austen series will adore this sexy and charming rom-com debut about an aspiring screenwriter and a gorgeous model teaming up to create regency era thirst content for online fans.
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer’s block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she’s rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dashwood Bennet has been modeling for years, though recently, his current portfolio includes some more risqué shots. However, he never imagined that after his encounter with Mariel, he’d be putting on his regency breeches just to take them off again…in front of the camera.
Dash is the answer to Mariel’s prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he’s the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she’s created that captured her attention and won’t let go. Third, he’s more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he’s her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
San Andres pivots to contemporary romance (after the Regency-set Caribbean Courtships series) with this lighthearted if somewhat unstructured rom-com. Aspiring New York City screenwriter Mariel Rivera is struggling to overcome writer's block and make ends meet after losing her job. When a handsome model named Dash saves her from being trampled by a Times Square mob, Mariel thinks he'd be the perfect fit for the steamy historical romance script she's working on. Mariel and Dash agree to collaborate, bringing to life Mariel's character, the Duke of Harding, by creating spicy Regency content for social media. The pair's attraction grows the more they work together and soon leads to a friends with benefits situation. Mixing work with pleasure has complications, especially as the Duke's popularity skyrockets and Mariel is forced to deal with her insecurities if she hopes to achieve her own happy ending. San Andres makes the most of her city setting with vibrant descriptions and a wonderfully diverse cast. Though the plot meanders a bit and Dash and Mariel's characterizations stay very surface level, there are still plenty of cute and swoon-worthy moments. Readers seeking a low-angst romance with a touch of heat will be pleased.