Centerpiece

by Maia Angel, Rico Carpenter Jr. (Editor)

At Blue Hill University, a prestigious HBCU perched on the outskirts of Boston, senior Clio Clarke is the queen of control. As the editor-in-chief of the campus magazine, graduating senior Clio is used to crafting the perfect narrative. As she prepares to wrap up this chapter in her life, she believes landing her dream job will be her happy ending.

Then in comes Atlas. A transfer student with a hockey stick slung over his shoulder, Atlas is still figuring out what he wants and if he’s even allowed to want it. While Clio edits life like it’s a headline, Atlas feels as if he’s skating through someone else’s story.

As their friendship develops, Clio wonders how he fits into her story and Atlas begins to imagine a new one for himself. The line between their carefully kept roles begins to blur, but letting go of control doesn’t come easily for either of them. In her final semester when everything is on the line, will Clio dare to rewrite the ending?

Genres: Romance

403 pages, Paperback

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Maia Angel is a storyteller at heart, with a writing career that began at just nine years old when she won an award for her writing at school. Since then, she has explored a variety of storytelling mediums, including digital media, scrapbooking, and vlogging. Maia holds a B.S. in Marketing and uses her skills to highlight underrepresented voices.

Her debut novel explores the unique and dynamic forms of love that college offers, focusing on Black love and athletes in a space that urgently needs more representation. Through her engaging online presence, Maia has fostered a loyal community of readers, aspiring writers, and industry professionals who draw inspiration from her journey and expertise.

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was definitely kicking my feet up in the air with this one! This story starts with Clio Clarke, editor-in-chief at her university’s magazine who is determined to finish this chapter in her life strong. She meets Atlas, a transfer student who plays on the hockey, feeling the push and pull between what he wants and the expectations of others. Their friendship develops in a way they didn’t expect it would, their two worlds pulling them close together, challenging the roles they have embodied through their connection. I love the dynamic Clio has with all of her friends, the way everyone had each other’s back, they know how to have a good time. Like this is a state of love, bonding, trust and REAL friendship (iykyk). And the whole feel of the HBCU experience, the parties, locking in on school work and other activities was so real. It made me feel like I was in it with all of them. Atlas and Clio are so cute together, the banter was everything!!! Atlas was so reassuring to Clio even with all of the things going on in his story with his anxiety disorder, the pressure from his mom, etc. The way they bonded over enjoying art was what made their love so beautiful!! Spain was definitely the peak of the development of their relationship, it was so magical. The scenery, Atlas’ intentionality, their chemistry. Don’t even get me started on how Atlas is so firm when he wants to pour into Clio without it being pushy like HELLO?? When he told Clio that she is buying the dress, sends the money and blocks her so she can’t send it back? YESSS!! I love the duality of Clio’s character. So smart, driven, and creative, but also magnetic and someone you would love to be around I loved when Clio was there for Atlas when he was having a panic attack before the game and her knowledge on it on coaching him through it. I love how this story touches on topics like mental health, racism, family pressures, and the era in life where you are just figuring it out. I also enjoyed the fact that this book had just some spice but it it didn’t overshadow the plot and characters which is perfect! There are so many things I enjoyed about this book, but overall I enjoyed this book so much!!!.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. I really enjoyed this story of black love. It had characters with depth. It showed the genuine progression of a growing relationship with a strong friendship bond. Atlas had very strong feelings for Clio from the beginning, but he was patient, supportive, and consistent throughout. Clio’s insecurities sometimes seemed so contradictory to her strong personality. The book dealt with verbal abuse and manipulation, a potentially dangerous ex, the HBCU experience, Greek life, college life and alcohol abuse, subtle racism, the struggles of graduation college and figuring out life, travel, the arts, romance, family dynamics, black love, and a HEA. This was a relatively clean novel with some hot kisses and the mention of intimacy and sex but no details. It was a bit long and I felt like Clio’s insecurities and drinking issues became tedious. Overall, I normally read a lot of historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsey K Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I would read again, and that alone gets a 5. But I really like Atlas' and Clio's growth throughout the book. I loved that they still had a foundation of friendship.

This is Maia Angel's first book, and while it had some edits still to be made, she did an amazing job in storytelling and letting the readers really get to know the characters. I could mentally see all the characters and would honestly love to see this as a TV series.

Great job, Maia! Looking forward to future books!

[Erica Compton · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a first time author this book was pretty good! She displays the characters very well and there is depth to each one of them. Main character Clio is a strong willed and determined young lady and though she has her own battles to get through, she is there for her friends in a big way.