Clay is an author who has been stuck since his parents passed the year before, running their bookstore and not writing or dating. When Syrus walks into his bookstore that all changes. Syrus is introverted and tends to avoid people, but when he gets the opportunity to narrate his favorite author's (and big crush's) book, he realizes that he might have some exceptions to his usual rules. 

I loved this novella. Clay is such a sweetheart and I love how he genuinely loves everything about Syrus and doesn't think he's "strange" or "odd". Clay loves how real and honest he is and never thinks of Syrus as different, just better. It's not explicitly stated, but Syrus has some neurodivergent traits that make it harder for him to pick up those social cues. He'd rather be by himself and stick to his rules and routines, but he can't help but be drawn to Clay. Syrus loves how Clay can put into words the feelings he has trouble expressing. 

The only thing that would make this better is if it was a full length novel. There was some mention at the end of starting a spin off series with these characters and Clay's bookstore. They are slightly adjacent to the For Him couples. Syrus's cousin is Van's brother's fiancé who actually owns the coffee shop they are always at. There are bunch of fun coincidences like that. Another sweet couple in the For Him series, and I hope we get to see them again. 

Read if you like: 
• short and sweet
• insta-feels   
• novella     

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