Only Friends

San Andres pivots to contemporary romance (after the Regency-set Caribbean Courtships series) with this lighthearted if somewhat unstructured rom-com. Aspiring New York City screenwriter Mariel Rivera is struggling to overcome writer’s block and make ends meet after losing her job. When a handsome model named Dash saves her from being trampled by a Times Square mob, Mariel thinks he’d be the perfect fit for the steamy historical romance script she’s working on. Mariel and Dash agree to collaborate, bringing to life Mariel’s character, the Duke of Harding, by creating spicy Regency content for social media. The pair’s attraction grows the more they work together and soon leads to a friends with benefits situation. Mixing work with pleasure has complications, especially as the Duke’s popularity skyrockets and Mariel is forced to deal with her insecurities if she hopes to achieve her own happy ending. San Andres makes the most of her city setting with vibrant descriptions and a wonderfully diverse cast. Though the plot meanders a bit and Dash and Mariel’s characterizations stay very surface level, there are still plenty of cute and swoon-worthy moments. Readers seeking a low-angst romance with a touch of heat will be pleased. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (Feb.)