When I Think of You

Ariel’s sensitive debut explores the experiences of people of color in Hollywood. Kaliya Wilson’s big dream of becoming a film producer brought her to Los Angeles—where she got stuck in a dead-end receptionist job. A chance to kick start her career finally comes but from the last person she expected: Danny Prescott, a rising hot-shot director and Kaliya’s college ex. Danny offers Kaliya a chance to work on his next production, and despite the heartbreak she’s still healing from, she seizes the opportunity. Their reunion brings back memories of film school and reignites Kaliya’s passion for cinema—along with her old feelings for Danny. Working together fosters their attraction, but faced with the hard truths of the film industry’s overwhelming whiteness—along with an on-set scandal that threatens to divert production—Kaliya must figure out whether staying in Hollywood—and with Danny—is right for her. Danny and Kaliya rediscover their old rhythms at a believable clip, making it easy to see why their relationship works, and Kaliya proves a wonderful heroine whose strength and passion in the face of adversity will have readers cheering. Ariel is an exciting new voice in romance. Agent: Kim Lionetti, BookEnds. (Mar.)