BOOK BOYFRIEND

Two workplace enemies begin to view each other in a different light when they both arrive at the same weeklong fandom event.

Following a breakup she saw coming from miles away, Jennifer Worth books a ticket to a weeklong “immersive experience” for fans of Elytheum Courts, a bestselling romantasy series. She’s gobsmacked to see that Scott Daniels, her nemesis at the publishing company where she works, is also in attendance, fully decked out in leather armor. Jennifer distinctly remembers Scott saying he was taking time off to attend a friend’s wedding, but when confronted about the lie, Scott tells Jennifer she can leave if his presence is disturbing her. Part of the event is a scavenger hunt, and since Jennifer and Scott are seemingly unable to get out of each other’s way—on the grounds, in the communal bathroom—they finally agree to put aside their differences and work together to solve the trail of clues. Jennifer is sick of experiencing swoony romance only in fiction, but she often feels like she’s asking for too much in the way of courtship and passion in real life. Curiously, she seems to feel sparks when she’s verbally sparring with Scott. This enemies-to-lovers romance taps into the tremendous sense of community that comes with being part of a fandom. Most of the characters are unabashed in their love for Elytheum Courts, and the event gives Jennifer the nudge she needs to walk away from the shame she carries about wanting to be swept off her feet. However, since we only get Jennifer’s point of view, the narrative feels one-sided, especially given the many assumptions she makes about Scott and his motivations for attending the experience. The humor and warmth of fan communities feels carefully crafted here, though that care doesn’t extend to the central romance.

This celebration of fandom will appeal to readers passionately entrenched in similar communities.