The Sidekick - by Laura Hankin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Lou and Cassidy are characters in a romantic comedy screenplay, living in a glossy New York where grand gestures always work and happy endings are guaranteed. Cassidy is the star, destined for true love. Lou is the loyal best friend, written to deliver pep talks and chase taxis in designer heels.

But when their creator dies before finishing the script, Lou falls into the real world--alone. This New York is louder, harsher, and not to be rude, but are all the people 30 percent less attractive? Then she meets Tom, a grieving widower who has no idea why a woman claiming to be from his late wife's screenplay is standing in his apartment.

It's clear that Tom needs a sidekick to help him get back out there. If Lou uses all her skills to find him true love, surely she'll be sent home. (And when she gets back, she's going to adopt a cat. She deserves it!)

But then she starts getting to know Tom. And, for the first time, she starts getting to know herself, in all her messy, unscripted glory.

Now Lou faces an impossible choice. She can help the man she's falling for find love with someone else, and return to a tidy happy ending. Or she can stay in the real world, risking a life and love with no guarantees.

Review Quotes

"So much fun! The Sidekick gave me the same nostalgic happiness as my favourite 2000s rom coms, while lovingly lampooning the dynamics and tropes of the 'sidekick' characters who never had a voice in those movies. Hilarious and heartwarming, I highly recommend to any reader looking for a fun, escapist and emotionally clever read."
--Kirsty Greenwood, USA Today bestselling author of The Love of My Afterlife

"With an inventive premise and endearing characters you can't help but cheer for, The Sidekick examines rom-com tropes to craft a tender love story set in the very real world. A pure delight to read, I couldn't put it down."
--Maurene Goo, author of Read with Jenna Pick One & Only

Praise for One-Star Romance

"A terrific novel! It had a great slow burn, thoughtful maturity about what it means to grow up, and was laugh-out-loud funny. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
--Jodi Picoult

"One-Star Romance will go down in history as the most ironically named novel ever. I give five giant stars to this funny, twisty and emotionally authentic story of true love and long friendship. I absolutely adored it."
--Annabel Monaghan, bestselling author of Dolly All the Time

"Laura Hankin takes a nightmare premise for any writer--the dreaded one-star review--and with her signature charm and humor weaves it into a perfect dream."
--Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle Abroad

"I love romantic comedies, of course. But I love books that delve deeper, too, and One-Star Romance is just that. Fully realized, delightfully imperfect characters navigate heartfelt and relatable issues in this winner of a novel."
--Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of Look on the Bright Side

Praise for The Daydreams

"Once again, Laura Hankin has blessed us with a book so riveting that I emerged on the other side sweaty, exhilarated, and fully needing this to be real life."
--Samantha Bee, comedian and host of "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee"

"Catnip for anyone who feels deeply about the private lives of popstars. If you wanted Britney free, read this book. If you wanted Justin Timberlake to pay for his crimes, read this book. Juicy and heartfelt. I couldn't put it down."
--Emma Straub, New York Times bestselling author of American Fantasy

"A delicious behind-the-scenes look at stardom and the scars it leaves behind. Part mystery, part soap opera, all fun - this delightful book will give you a jolt of nostalgia while dispensing insightful commentary about being a young woman in the spotlight."
--Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Totally and Completely Fine

About the Author