Rae Flowers is a forty-year-old divorced woman who realizes her life lacks the excitement she deserves. She strikes a bargain with her younger friend, Zach Bastien, a man known for his charm and string of casual relationships. Zach agrees to act as her fake boyfriend to help her gain confidence in the dating world. However, Zach hides a personal reality: he identifies as demisexual and has spent years masking his need for an emotional bond before physical intimacy. Their arrangement forces both characters to confront their insecurities regarding age, sexual identity, and the fear of genuine vulnerability.
Readers interested in the intersection of demisexuality and romantic fiction will find a rare, detailed depiction of a neurodivergent protagonist navigating attraction outside of typical societal scripts. This story appeals to those who enjoy the tension of the fake-dating trope and want a narrative that treats later-in-life discovery with dignity. A reader walks away with a clear perspective on how setting healthy boundaries and communicating specific needs can lead to a healthy partnership, regardless of past relationship history or age.
Practical, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2019
- Language
- EN
