A writer revisits her past in search of good material, only to find love in the eyes of a painter who's off-limits.

Isabel Martinez is going to be a published author. But first, she needs an idea for her book. When her high school bully—the beautiful, wealthy Natalia Aranaz—extends an inexplicable invitation to spend the summer with her and her friends in her lavish mansion, Isabel accepts—but only for research.

Kieran O'Connor has spent the past year in a creative slump. He's got an exhibit due by the end of summer, but he's only been able to sketch one thing: the girl haunting his dreams, who he's certain he made up but still can't help falling in love with. Now she's standing in front of him, impossibly real and more beautiful than he could have ever imagined. 

It should be the easiest Happy Ever After ever secured, but there's just one problem: everyone knows Natalia is in love with Kieran, and if she finds out he's has been spending all his nights painting Isabel, all hell will break loose.

Neither Isabel nor Kieran wants to hurt Natalia, but they still can't help but be drawn to each other. Between hot nights spent bonding about art and summer days navigating the complex dynamics between the other guests, Kieran and Isabel must choose between the safety of everything they've ever known and the risk of losing it all to build a better future—together.

Hot Nights, Cold Shoulders is a forbidden summer romance featuring:

• An artist MMC x writer FMC

• Forced proximity

• Forbidden love turned secret dating

• Mental health rep

• Open door spice

• Class commentary

• A diverse cast of characters

Perfect for thought daughters who read both Abby Jimenez and Sally Rooney.

Content Advisory

Spice level: High

This book contains explicit language, sexually explicit scenes, mentions of sexual assault, infidelity (not by the main characters) and suicide, drug use, bullying, daddy kink (only in name; not dd/lg), a pregnancy scare, unprotected sex, discussions of religion.