"A heartfelt, romantic story from an author at the top of her game." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Liese expertly portrays a woman’s growth and newfound romance in this engaging and complex novel." —Library Journal (starred review)

From USA TODAY bestselling author, Chloe Liese, a loathe-to-love story about a kindhearted librarian who has spent life playing the supporting role yet finds her bold inner heroine when forced to work with an antagonistic, brooding writer, leading her to discover she's more than broken character—she's become the love interest.

Helen Holloway has always been the reliable side character—the supportive best friend, the fun aunt, the helpful librarian who always knows the perfect book recommendation. Stories are her escape hatch, the one place ordinary women get to be bold, reckless, and unforgettable.

Then she meets bestselling thriller author Sam Cartwright.

From his first infuriating email, Sam makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the library fundraiser being planned in his hometown—or with Helen. But somewhere between brainstorming sessions and late-night arguments, Helen begins to see the lonely man beneath Sam’s carefully crafted reputation—and to question the role she’s assigned herself.

Because for the first time in her life, Helen might not be the side character after all. She might be the love interest.