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  • Published: 11 May 2027
  • ISBN: 9780593817568
  • Imprint: Jove
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

The Sidekick



What happens when the sidekick from a rom-com screenplay stumbles into the real world? From the author of One-Star Romance and screenwriter of the Netflix film Don’t Say Good Luck comes a magical love story about a supporting player ready to step into the spotlight.

Lou and Cassidy are characters in a romantic comedy screenplay, living in a glossy New York where grand gestures always work and happy endings are guaranteed. Cassidy is the star, destined for true love. Lou is the loyal best friend, written to deliver pep talks and chase taxis in designer heels. 

But when their creator dies before finishing the script, Lou falls into the real world—alone. This New York is louder, harsher, and not to be rude, but are all the people 30 percent less attractive? Then she meets Tom, a grieving widower who has no idea why a woman claiming to be from his late wife’s screenplay is standing in his apartment.

It’s clear that Tom needs a sidekick to help him get back out there. If Lou uses all her skills to find him true love, surely she’ll be sent home. (And when she gets back, she’s going to adopt a cat. She deserves it!)

But then she starts getting to know Tom. And, for the first time, she starts getting to know herself, in all her messy, unscripted glory.

Now Lou faces an impossible choice. She can help the man she’s falling for find love with someone else, and return to a tidy happy ending. Or she can stay in the real world, risking a life and love with no guarantees.

  • Published: 11 May 2027
  • ISBN: 9780593817568
  • Imprint: Jove
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 368
  • RRP: $39.99
Categories:

About the author

Laura Hankin

Laura Hankin is the author of several novels, including One-Star Romance and Happy & You Know It. Her writing projects for film and TV include the Netflix movie Don't Say Good Luck. She lives with her family in Washington, DC, where she once fell off a treadmill twice in one day.

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Praise for The Sidekick

Praise for One-Star Romance

“Laura Hankin has written a deftly tender love story about growing up, getting better, and finally learning to see each other clearly. A joyful read.”—Elle

“Hankin performs a magic trick with this book, turning the most unlikable (and relatable) of characters into flawed protagonists worth rooting for. Natalie and Rob are the definition of 'right person, wrong time,' and because the story spans multiple years, we get the pleasure of seeing them make mistakes, grow up, and grow together. It’s real, refreshing, and romantic.”—The Washington Post

"A terrific novel! It had a great slow burn and thoughtful maturity about what it means to grow up and was laugh-out-loud funny. I thoroughly enjoyed it."—Jodi Picoult