June 7, 2021
Soul mates arrive at the crossroad between friendship and love in the charming second rom-com from writing duo Sarvenaz Tash and Sarah Skilton (Ghosting: A Love Story). Nina Shams and Sebastian Worthington meet in college while watching Castles of Rust and Bone, a TV show that becomes the foundation for their friendship. Both cherish their intense connection and will do anything to protect it—even if that means denying their romantic chemistry. When college ends and the show is canceled, their unresolved feelings for each other lead to an abrupt, uncertain farewell. Five years later, CoRaB is rebooted, and Nina lands a job with the television network airing it as interim social media coordinator. She’s shocked when the gig brings her face-to-face with Sebastian, who’s a production assistant on set. But as the pair pick up where they left off, both recall a theme from CoRaB: “when you kiss a friend, the friendship dies.” Is whatever they could become worth losing what they have? Nina and Sebastian’s connection is undeniable, and the novel shines in its intricate plotting and carefully crafted parallelism between the show and the central relationship. Packed with angst, tenderness, and humor, this is sure to enchant. Agents: (for Skilton) Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Agency; (for Tash) Ashley Herring Blake, Rees Literary.