First published 2026
Ro works as a patient navigator helping people access gender-affirming care in Florida's increasingly dangerous political climate. They live with partner Liam in an isolated cabin, finding refuge in their imperfect but precious relationship. Ro has recently received an autism diagnosis and discovers solace in "Mad Eden," an online fantasy series about dragon riders that becomes their fixation. Their fragile peace fractures when three forces collide. Quentin, the volatile teenager they help parent, arrives planning to start testosterone at college. A routine patient video call spirals into serious consequences. The fantasy world of Mad Eden pulls Ro deeper into obsession. As their carefully constructed life crumbles around them, Ro must find the courage to act like the heroes in their beloved stories without losing themselves or betraying Liam. Thomas weaves autism and time perception into the narrative structure, creating a story that confronts identity, morality, and survival in a world that refuses to accept difference.
Genres: fiction, romance, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, identity-crisis
Setting: Florida
Period: Contemporary
304 pages · Hardcover · MCD
Content warnings: anxiety, depression, mental-illness