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Second Draft
A bestselling fantasy author. A British actor. And a celebrity crush that turns all too real at San Diego Comic-Con.
Second Draft is a smart, slow-burn celebrity romance featuring forced proximity, fandom chaos, and the blurred line between fiction and real-life desire.
Breakout fantasy author Emma Whitehart has her life neatly under control — corporate by day, writer by night, and a careful avoidance of romantic entanglements. Fictional men are safer. Celebrity crushes are harmless.
Or so she thought.
When Emma arrives at San Diego Comic-Con to promote her bestselling debut novel, she comes face to face with Darren Cole — British actor, internet heartthrob, and the true inspiration behind her morally grey, fan-favorite villain.
As if meeting him wasn’t overwhelming enough, it turns out Darren has read her book. And he is… intrigued.
Thrown together over a whirlwind weekend of panels, signings, press events, and a fandom determined to ship them into orbit, Emma and Darren find themselves navigating forced proximity in the public eye — where every look is analyzed and every interaction goes viral.
As circumstances keep pulling them together, the line between fiction and reality begins to blur. But real feelings come with real risks — to reputations, careers, and carefully protected hearts.
Against the chaotic backdrop of Comic-Con — filled with banter, chemistry, and fandom energy — the story asks the question every writer both fears and dreams
What happens when the fantasy steps off the page and into real life?
Second Draft is a smart, slow-burn celebrity romance featuring forced proximity, fandom chaos, and the blurred line between fiction and real-life desire.
Breakout fantasy author Emma Whitehart has her life neatly under control — corporate by day, writer by night, and a careful avoidance of romantic entanglements. Fictional men are safer. Celebrity crushes are harmless.
Or so she thought.
When Emma arrives at San Diego Comic-Con to promote her bestselling debut novel, she comes face to face with Darren Cole — British actor, internet heartthrob, and the true inspiration behind her morally grey, fan-favorite villain.
As if meeting him wasn’t overwhelming enough, it turns out Darren has read her book. And he is… intrigued.
Thrown together over a whirlwind weekend of panels, signings, press events, and a fandom determined to ship them into orbit, Emma and Darren find themselves navigating forced proximity in the public eye — where every look is analyzed and every interaction goes viral.
As circumstances keep pulling them together, the line between fiction and reality begins to blur. But real feelings come with real risks — to reputations, careers, and carefully protected hearts.
Against the chaotic backdrop of Comic-Con — filled with banter, chemistry, and fandom energy — the story asks the question every writer both fears and dreams
What happens when the fantasy steps off the page and into real life?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
7 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 18, 2026
Second Draft | Kate Leone | 5 ⭐️
Something settled on his expression. “You know what? I’m coming over. What’s the room number?”
His certainty hit like a jolt—sharp and unexpected. She blinked hard, forcing the tears back. “Darren, really, I’m fine. I just need—”
“Emma.” His voice dropped to something low and dangerous. “Room number.”
She swallowed, shaking her head. “Don’t you have, like, twenty thousand fans waiting for you somewhere? Just let me—”
“Room. Number.”
This book. THIS BOOK. I was supposed to be doing homework or a million other things, but I just kept coming back for just "one more chapter."
The characters were not only compelling but very real. Emma's imposter syndrome was deeply relatable, and throughout the story, I found myself deeply invested in the choices Emma was making. Even when I was yelling at her inside my head "NO. BAD. DON'T DO THAT" the choices were still so in character and heartbreaking. As for the MMC? Darren is now my new top book boyfriend, and that is saying something. The balance of kindness and strength, flirtatiousness and nerdom, just AGH. So good. Was their love somewhat tropey at the beginning? Yes, HOWEVER, that was very clearly intentional, and it grew past that as the book went on. Overall, such well-developed individual characters and relationship dynamics.
The side characters were also really well done (Leah, I'm looking at you). The friendship between Emma and her agent, Leah, was truly heartwarming, even when they were on the rocks. And the nerd representation of Comic-Con? Amazing. The depiction of fan culture, the nerd community, and sometimes the toxicity that comes with that felt realistic and added another dynamic level to the story.
This author is going to be one that I keep my eye on for future releases! Such a wonderful romantic story, and I will be recommending this to all my nerds and fanfic lovers out there.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital ARC*
Something settled on his expression. “You know what? I’m coming over. What’s the room number?”
His certainty hit like a jolt—sharp and unexpected. She blinked hard, forcing the tears back. “Darren, really, I’m fine. I just need—”
“Emma.” His voice dropped to something low and dangerous. “Room number.”
She swallowed, shaking her head. “Don’t you have, like, twenty thousand fans waiting for you somewhere? Just let me—”
“Room. Number.”
This book. THIS BOOK. I was supposed to be doing homework or a million other things, but I just kept coming back for just "one more chapter."
The characters were not only compelling but very real. Emma's imposter syndrome was deeply relatable, and throughout the story, I found myself deeply invested in the choices Emma was making. Even when I was yelling at her inside my head "NO. BAD. DON'T DO THAT" the choices were still so in character and heartbreaking. As for the MMC? Darren is now my new top book boyfriend, and that is saying something. The balance of kindness and strength, flirtatiousness and nerdom, just AGH. So good. Was their love somewhat tropey at the beginning? Yes, HOWEVER, that was very clearly intentional, and it grew past that as the book went on. Overall, such well-developed individual characters and relationship dynamics.
The side characters were also really well done (Leah, I'm looking at you). The friendship between Emma and her agent, Leah, was truly heartwarming, even when they were on the rocks. And the nerd representation of Comic-Con? Amazing. The depiction of fan culture, the nerd community, and sometimes the toxicity that comes with that felt realistic and added another dynamic level to the story.
This author is going to be one that I keep my eye on for future releases! Such a wonderful romantic story, and I will be recommending this to all my nerds and fanfic lovers out there.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a digital ARC*
February 23, 2026
The fact that this is a debut novel is astonishing. I loved the humor, the writing, and the absolute real emotions woven throughout.
Told in a single POV of Emma, we get her self-deprecating humor, but also her determination and raw emotions. Emma is a debut author, first time at comic con, where she officially meets her long time actor crush, Darren Cole. What starts as a brief meet cute, turns into a whirlwind of romance.
I connected with Emma, a lot of her story is told through battling insecurities, fears and self-doubt. She reaches her limit when it seems that everything is crashing down on her and the pressure unbearable. It was at times frustrating when she made one mistake after another, hurting those closest to her. However, I loved that she took accountability and her determination to set things right despite her insecurities.
The relationship between Darren and Emma was done over the span of a week, and a slow-burn, with a third act. But it was the in-between moments that endeared me. The chemistry and banter was there, as well as, the genuine connection. It felt real between them and I loved how cute they were together.
Overall, I totally recommend this book. It had a fun premise of a debut writer and actor, during comic con. It was nerdy and such fun read. A perfect palette cleanser.
🔥 Heat level: Closed-door
🫢 Language: mild language used, no F-words.
Told in a single POV of Emma, we get her self-deprecating humor, but also her determination and raw emotions. Emma is a debut author, first time at comic con, where she officially meets her long time actor crush, Darren Cole. What starts as a brief meet cute, turns into a whirlwind of romance.
I connected with Emma, a lot of her story is told through battling insecurities, fears and self-doubt. She reaches her limit when it seems that everything is crashing down on her and the pressure unbearable. It was at times frustrating when she made one mistake after another, hurting those closest to her. However, I loved that she took accountability and her determination to set things right despite her insecurities.
The relationship between Darren and Emma was done over the span of a week, and a slow-burn, with a third act. But it was the in-between moments that endeared me. The chemistry and banter was there, as well as, the genuine connection. It felt real between them and I loved how cute they were together.
Overall, I totally recommend this book. It had a fun premise of a debut writer and actor, during comic con. It was nerdy and such fun read. A perfect palette cleanser.
🔥 Heat level: Closed-door
🫢 Language: mild language used, no F-words.
February 26, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before I begin, I must admit that I've been on an Aurora Ascher/Hell Bent series kick. So taking a chance on a closed-door romance was a bit of a shock to my system. That said, I definitely recommend Second Draft if you're looking for something sweet, quick and with A LOT of feelings.
The basic plot revolves around a weekend at the San Diego Comic Con. Emma (FMC) is an author who is currently promoting her book. She runs into Darren (MMC) who is not only a British actor, but is also her celebrity crush. The rest of the book then follows Emma and Darren throughout their Comic Con weekend.
While it is written in 3rd person, it is told entirely from Emma's side. You get a very real insight to Emma's darkest feelings - her insecurities, anxieties, fears. With this, you also get all the butterflies Emma experiences around Darren. The author does a very good job at making you feel every single emotion Emma feels. You feel the nerves she has around Darren, the fears she has when she comes across issues and the excitement she has when it all comes together.
You really get an inside look into Emma's struggles and eventual growth. The book teeters on being a teeny bit less of a romance and a teeny bit more on personal growth. Darren seems to be sure of who he is and where he is in his life, whereas you get to experience Emma go through it all. It's refreshing to be able to relate to a character so well (a corporate girlie recognizes data and deadlines!).
I only have two very small issues, which were not bad enough to bump any stars off of my rating:
Overall, I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a sweet romance that brings back memories of having your first crush. I laughed, I cried, I wished I had tickets to this year's Comic Con!
Before I begin, I must admit that I've been on an Aurora Ascher/Hell Bent series kick. So taking a chance on a closed-door romance was a bit of a shock to my system. That said, I definitely recommend Second Draft if you're looking for something sweet, quick and with A LOT of feelings.
The basic plot revolves around a weekend at the San Diego Comic Con. Emma (FMC) is an author who is currently promoting her book. She runs into Darren (MMC) who is not only a British actor, but is also her celebrity crush. The rest of the book then follows Emma and Darren throughout their Comic Con weekend.
While it is written in 3rd person, it is told entirely from Emma's side. You get a very real insight to Emma's darkest feelings - her insecurities, anxieties, fears. With this, you also get all the butterflies Emma experiences around Darren. The author does a very good job at making you feel every single emotion Emma feels. You feel the nerves she has around Darren, the fears she has when she comes across issues and the excitement she has when it all comes together.
You really get an inside look into Emma's struggles and eventual growth. The book teeters on being a teeny bit less of a romance and a teeny bit more on personal growth. Darren seems to be sure of who he is and where he is in his life, whereas you get to experience Emma go through it all. It's refreshing to be able to relate to a character so well (a corporate girlie recognizes data and deadlines!).
I only have two very small issues, which were not bad enough to bump any stars off of my rating:
1. It's a bit pop culture-y. This normally does not bother me, but I didn't know what a Dune stillsuit looks like. Sorry, I still haven't watched the movies!
2. Not enough Darren or epilogue stories. Kate Leone provides a chapter told from Darren's side if you sign up for her newsletter. This is NOT an ad to subscribe, but it was definitely a nice gift. While this book has a prologue, it seemed too short for my own personal taste. It would have been nice to see just a smidge more story after their HEA.
Overall, I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a sweet romance that brings back memories of having your first crush. I laughed, I cried, I wished I had tickets to this year's Comic Con!
February 28, 2026
Second Draft by Kate Leone is a funny, emotional and surprisingly deep contemporary romance, and the debut novel for author Kate Leone. I’d say she hit it out of the park.
It’s the story of sudden bestselling author Emma, whose romantasy novel has inspired legions of fans, and given Emma a serious case of Imposter Syndrome. Dragged to San Diego Comic con by her publicist (a force of nature who totally deserves her own book), she crosses paths with British actor Darren Cole, who Emma’s had a crush on for years and who may or may not have been the inspiration for the dark, edgy antihero of her novel.
Emma and Darren find themselves thrown together over the course of the convention - by turns it’s hilarious, tense and very affecting, and both author and actor are forced to look a little more deeply into their own feelings than they were prepared for.
The writing flows wonderfully – you’d never guess this was the author’s first book. She totally immerses the reader in the geeky world of cosplayers, fanatic shippers and everything else you’d expect to find at Comic Con. She also doesn’t shy away from showing her heroine at her worst, which I was really impressed by.
Highly, hugely recommended!
It’s the story of sudden bestselling author Emma, whose romantasy novel has inspired legions of fans, and given Emma a serious case of Imposter Syndrome. Dragged to San Diego Comic con by her publicist (a force of nature who totally deserves her own book), she crosses paths with British actor Darren Cole, who Emma’s had a crush on for years and who may or may not have been the inspiration for the dark, edgy antihero of her novel.
Emma and Darren find themselves thrown together over the course of the convention - by turns it’s hilarious, tense and very affecting, and both author and actor are forced to look a little more deeply into their own feelings than they were prepared for.
The writing flows wonderfully – you’d never guess this was the author’s first book. She totally immerses the reader in the geeky world of cosplayers, fanatic shippers and everything else you’d expect to find at Comic Con. She also doesn’t shy away from showing her heroine at her worst, which I was really impressed by.
Highly, hugely recommended!
January 21, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC for free so that I could leave a review!
I really enjoyed this book! It did NOT read at all like a debut novel for the author. It reads like she’s been writing for a while. (Maybe she has!). I really loved the atmosphere. Comic con?? Author meets Star and a little *magic* happens. The relationship between the characters felt natural, but also quick. The book is very much insta-love if you will. Although both characters say they know the other from reading their book or watching their shows/movies. There is 0 spice in this book, so if you’re looking for that this is 100% the book for you. Tons of pining though! As well as some super cute kissing scenes.
The build up to the climax was really good but afterword it’s pretty much over, faster than I would’ve liked. It’s a second act? (Final act break up/get back together plot line) Which is fine, no qualms about that! Just personally wish we saw a little more of how they got to where they were instead of a 6mo time jump. Other wise I have no complaints and will absolutely read from the author again! 😍 Loved the ride, writing style and the characters!
I really enjoyed this book! It did NOT read at all like a debut novel for the author. It reads like she’s been writing for a while. (Maybe she has!). I really loved the atmosphere. Comic con?? Author meets Star and a little *magic* happens. The relationship between the characters felt natural, but also quick. The book is very much insta-love if you will. Although both characters say they know the other from reading their book or watching their shows/movies. There is 0 spice in this book, so if you’re looking for that this is 100% the book for you. Tons of pining though! As well as some super cute kissing scenes.
The build up to the climax was really good but afterword it’s pretty much over, faster than I would’ve liked. It’s a second act? (Final act break up/get back together plot line) Which is fine, no qualms about that! Just personally wish we saw a little more of how they got to where they were instead of a 6mo time jump. Other wise I have no complaints and will absolutely read from the author again! 😍 Loved the ride, writing style and the characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Go read this book!
It’s been ages since I read a romance book (been happily stuck in fantasy/romantasy land) and I feel like I’ve been missing out because this was so good.
Kate Leone’s writing was engaging and never felt trite (which is one reason I hadn’t read many romance books lately). The characters had believable dialogues, and you were right there feeling all the emotions of the FMC along the way, from her love of her own characters (Emma is a writer) to her imposter syndrome as she goes from podcast interviews to panels at the convention where the story takes place.
This is a “just one more chapter” book and I feel lucky to have gotten to read an advanced copy. ARCs can be hit-or-miss and this was a definite hit for me!
It’s been ages since I read a romance book (been happily stuck in fantasy/romantasy land) and I feel like I’ve been missing out because this was so good.
Kate Leone’s writing was engaging and never felt trite (which is one reason I hadn’t read many romance books lately). The characters had believable dialogues, and you were right there feeling all the emotions of the FMC along the way, from her love of her own characters (Emma is a writer) to her imposter syndrome as she goes from podcast interviews to panels at the convention where the story takes place.
This is a “just one more chapter” book and I feel lucky to have gotten to read an advanced copy. ARCs can be hit-or-miss and this was a definite hit for me!
February 22, 2026
Wow! If I could give a book 6 stars I would. Second draft is a charming fast paced contemporary romance that features a debut romantasy author and an actor. Emma is attending Comic Con for the first time and meets her celebrity crush/inspo for one of her main characters, Darren. Their chemistry and banter was next level and I devoured this book! 10/10 would recommend. It’s unique to get the behind the scene view of comic con and the forced proximity chaos they get into is wildly entertaining. Plus I loved her PR expert/friend Leah. She was a powerhouse! So many great things packed into this book. Kate Leone’s book is very well written and wildly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
*Thank you to Kate Leone for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book*
*Thank you to Kate Leone for sending me a digital ARC copy of the book*
February 21, 2026
I loved it.
It was fun and fresh.
It was so different from the other books I read recently. I literally couldn't stop smiling as it was so engaging.
I fell in love with both characters, even with some ups and downs.
It is written in third person, but as a reader I really felt what the characters were going through, even more than some other books written with dual povs.
I also appreciated that there weren't any spicy scenes and at the same time it was obvious the tension and the chemistry between them.
As I said, I loved it, but I would have preferred a longer epilogue. I read the book all at once and the book was over too soon.
*ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion
It was fun and fresh.
It was so different from the other books I read recently. I literally couldn't stop smiling as it was so engaging.
I fell in love with both characters, even with some ups and downs.
It is written in third person, but as a reader I really felt what the characters were going through, even more than some other books written with dual povs.
I also appreciated that there weren't any spicy scenes and at the same time it was obvious the tension and the chemistry between them.
As I said, I loved it, but I would have preferred a longer epilogue. I read the book all at once and the book was over too soon.
*ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion
March 8, 2026
What a fantastic read, I loved the characters and the storyline. I’ve not read anything by this author before but will definitely be adding to my tbr
Emma is a new author finding her feet. Darren is an actor who Emma based her leading man on. They meet at Comic con and sparks fly as they start to spend more time together.
When Emma is thrown into a bad light with the press and the fans, some damage control needs to happen but things don’t go that way and Emma makes a mistake and can’t take it back.
Will she be able to make it right with Darren or has she lost her chance ?
Received from author to leave a honest review
Emma is a new author finding her feet. Darren is an actor who Emma based her leading man on. They meet at Comic con and sparks fly as they start to spend more time together.
When Emma is thrown into a bad light with the press and the fans, some damage control needs to happen but things don’t go that way and Emma makes a mistake and can’t take it back.
Will she be able to make it right with Darren or has she lost her chance ?
Received from author to leave a honest review
February 4, 2026
Excellent book in the romance genre!
A nice flow and easy to read made it difficult to put down. I finished it in 2 days during my vacation. The characters are thoroughly described without it becoming tedious, making them alive and real. The same goes for the surroundings.
All-in-all I'd like to read more from this author! I hope it will be the book that the author who is the main character of "Second Draft" is promoting in the story. It seems to have both an intriguing story as well as being in the same genre...
A nice flow and easy to read made it difficult to put down. I finished it in 2 days during my vacation. The characters are thoroughly described without it becoming tedious, making them alive and real. The same goes for the surroundings.
All-in-all I'd like to read more from this author! I hope it will be the book that the author who is the main character of "Second Draft" is promoting in the story. It seems to have both an intriguing story as well as being in the same genre...
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Kate for sending me a copy of your book to review!
This was SUCH a fun read. Celebrity crush meets real life at Comic-Con?? Yes please. I loved the forced proximity, the fandom chaos, and all the tension. Sooo much slow-burn longing, not super spicy but still totally addictive. Emma and Darren’s chemistry was chef’s kiss and I loved how the story played with the whole fiction vs real life thing.
It’s flirty, funny, and chaotic in the best way!
Available on KU
This was SUCH a fun read. Celebrity crush meets real life at Comic-Con?? Yes please. I loved the forced proximity, the fandom chaos, and all the tension. Sooo much slow-burn longing, not super spicy but still totally addictive. Emma and Darren’s chemistry was chef’s kiss and I loved how the story played with the whole fiction vs real life thing.
It’s flirty, funny, and chaotic in the best way!
Available on KU
March 4, 2026
This book was BEYOND good!! Had me hooked from beginning to end! Had fun banter, great world building, and overall a fantastic romance! A fantasy author Emma goes to comic con and Darren actor meet. Emma has always been in love with Darren and based the main character after him. They meet and the rest you will have to read to find out!! This was such a fun and amazing read!! Highly recommend!!
February 3, 2026
Second Draft was SUCH a fun read! The pacing was perfection, the storyline was adorable, and the banter was SPOT ON!
You will LOVE this story if you love:
🩷 nerding out over Comic-Con vibes
🩷 morally grey actors who are ACTUALLY green flags IRL
🩷 FMC fantasy writer
🩷 stuck in an elevator🔥
🩷 slow burn + tension
🩷 British accents 🥵 (need this one on audio asap pls)
Thank you SO MUCH Kate Leone for giving me the opportunity to read an e-arc of your debut and thank you for sharing Emma and Darren with us 🥹
You will LOVE this story if you love:
🩷 nerding out over Comic-Con vibes
🩷 morally grey actors who are ACTUALLY green flags IRL
🩷 FMC fantasy writer
🩷 stuck in an elevator🔥
🩷 slow burn + tension
🩷 British accents 🥵 (need this one on audio asap pls)
Thank you SO MUCH Kate Leone for giving me the opportunity to read an e-arc of your debut and thank you for sharing Emma and Darren with us 🥹
February 9, 2026
HOLY MOTHER!! I instantly fell in love with this book. It was the perfect amount of quirky and heartfelt. The emotions the characters went through felt so real.
I’m a major romance reader, and sometimes these books can start to feel a little…. monotonous. This book is NOTHING like that. I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough. Even with the HEA, I want more. I’m hoping for a whole series with these characters. I could read this over and over again.
I even wanted to read Emma’s book, okay?! The plot to the book sounded delicious, and I’m trying to convince the author to write it…for scientific purposes of course. How cool could that be?
I have no notes. This was as close to perfection as one can get for me. 5/5.
I’m a major romance reader, and sometimes these books can start to feel a little…. monotonous. This book is NOTHING like that. I was hooked. I couldn’t get enough. Even with the HEA, I want more. I’m hoping for a whole series with these characters. I could read this over and over again.
I even wanted to read Emma’s book, okay?! The plot to the book sounded delicious, and I’m trying to convince the author to write it…for scientific purposes of course. How cool could that be?
I have no notes. This was as close to perfection as one can get for me. 5/5.
February 24, 2026
No sé que le vio Emma a Darren.
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