Cover Story

Pop culture and sapphic romance collide in a world still ruled by tabloid exposés of queer celebrities, in this endearing rom-com from Laskey (So Happy for You). It’s the mid-aughts, and the frantic pace of Ali’s demanding job as a Hollywood publicist helps provide a distraction from her grief over the death of her partner, Natalie. Enter Cara Bisset, a hot young actor whose new romantic comedy it’s Ali’s job to promote while keeping Cara’s lesbianism out of the gossip blogs. Sparks soon fly between the two, and Ali finds that it’s not just the paparazzi she needs to keep at bay—it’s her own incendiary attraction to Cara that needs restraining. When things come to a breaking point and Cara’s career hangs in the balance, the women must decide whether to keep their relationship in the shadows or step into the limelight. Lively banter and electric flirting between the distinct and well-developed leads delight. Excerpts from fictional blogs provide fun background, but the novel is somewhat overloaded with period references and pop culture touchpoints that slow the plot’s momentum. Still, fans of Amy Spalding’s For Her Consideration will find a lot to like. Agent: Alexa Stark, Writers House. (Mar.)