
Only Friends
A Novel
Lydia San Andres(Author)
Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Published on 10. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-1-6680-9806-6 (ISBN)
Description
"A delightful romantic comedy debut!" -Olivia Dade, USA TODAY bestselling author of Zomromcom and Spoiler Alert
"An excellent and unique premise...San Andres's love for Regency romance comes through." -Library Journal
Fans of The Regency Vows and For the Love of Austen series will adore this sexy and charming rom-com debut about an aspiring screenwriter and a gorgeous model teaming up to create regency era thirst content for online fans.
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer's block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she's rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dashwood Bennet has been modeling for years, though recently, his current portfolio includes some more risque shots. However, he never imagined that after his encounter with Mariel, he'd be putting on his regency breeches just to take them off again...in front of the camera.
Dash is the answer to Mariel's prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he's the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she's created that captured her attention and won't let go. Third, he's more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he's her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
"An excellent and unique premise...San Andres's love for Regency romance comes through." -Library Journal
Fans of The Regency Vows and For the Love of Austen series will adore this sexy and charming rom-com debut about an aspiring screenwriter and a gorgeous model teaming up to create regency era thirst content for online fans.
After being fired from her day job, unceremoniously ghosted, and facing a bad case of writer's block, twenty-six-year-old aspiring screenwriter Mariel Rivera is one spilled coffee away from crying on the subway. When she's rescued from a Times Square kerfuffle by a very handsome model dressed in regency costume, Mariel has no idea her life is about to change.
Dashwood Bennet has been modeling for years, though recently, his current portfolio includes some more risque shots. However, he never imagined that after his encounter with Mariel, he'd be putting on his regency breeches just to take them off again...in front of the camera.
Dash is the answer to Mariel's prayers in more ways than one. First, he saved her from an unruly mob. Second, he's the perfect person to play the Duke of Harding, a character she's created that captured her attention and won't let go. Third, he's more than game to be the face of her spicy historical shorts. And last but not least, he's her perfect partner both in business and in the bedroom. But being work-partners-with-benefits can complicate things. Will their partnership survive or are Mariel and Dash doomed to not have their happily ever after?
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 205 mm
Width: 134 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
218 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6680-9806-6 (9781668098066)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Lydia San Andres lives and writes in the tropics, where she can be found reading, sipping coffee, and making excuses to stay out of the sun. As much as she enjoys air-conditioning, she can sometimes be lured outside with the promise of cookies and picnics. Find her on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and TikTok @lydiaallthetime and on her website lydiasanandres.com.