I’m So (Not) Over You

Jackson makes his adult debut (after the YA novel Yesterday Is History) with a multilayered queer rom-com that combines fun fake dating and second chance romance tropes while exploring timely social themes. Kian Andrews is shocked when his ex-boyfriend Hudson Rivers contacts him months after their breakup—and doubly so when Hudson says that he never told his wealthy family about their breakup and needs Kian to pretend they’re still together while his parents are in town. Kian, who has lingering feelings for Hudson, but imagined a more passionate reunion, agrees in exchange for well-connected Hudson’s promise to help advance his journalism career. Though their first attempt at playing lovers leads to a disastrous dinner with Hudson’s parents, Kian still scores an invitation to Hudson’s cousin’s wedding, forcing the pair to keep up pretenses. As the men fall back into old rhythms, they must confront their real feelings and learn to communicate. Beneath the rom-com antics, Jackson uses the pair’s differing economic backgrounds to explore wealth inequality in America. With his majority Black cast, he also highlights the intersections of class and race. This nuanced romance marks Jackson as a writer to watch in the adult sphere. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Feb.)