She thought the best love affairs only happened in books . . . Traumatized by the deaths of her parents three years ago, Natalie Hewitt lives an introverted life, taking college classes during the day and working as a barista in a coffee shop at night. A passionate reader, she uses the writing of the world-famous and reclusive novelist Rafael Melendez Mendon to assuage her grief. His words are the only refuge from her pain, and she is certain his characters are better company than anyone she could meet in real life. Julian Kovac is a millionaire and a recluse. He lives a life of self-imposed seclusion in order to protect a secret, and honor his dying mother's last wish. He walks into Natalie's cafe one summer evening and both of their lives are forever altered by the intense, slow-burn love that blooms between them. But Julian's secret is both the most wonderful revelation Natalie could possibly imagine . . . and the very thing that could tear them apart. Contains mature themes.