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A Fine Line
A rivals to lovers scenario where the sparks between two small town campaign managers are hotter than the competition.
Calliope Simons is in over her head. After a career failure deposits her back into her childhood bedroom in Ragansville, GA, she eagerly takes on managing her former mentor’s mayoral campaign. If she’s going to achieve her lifelong dream of running a major political campaign, Calliope has to win—or face the collapse of her career before it ever really starts. Unfortunately, as passionate as she is about her candidate’s progressive plan to transform the small town she loves, that might not be enough to match the sleek professionalism of the other campaign’s manager, Emerson the guy who rejected her for a different campaign months before due to her lack of experience. The same guy she kissed after a round of drinks and a surprising show of support.
Emerson Palmer has an impressive resume, but he’s lacking inspiration after a rare loss has him rethinking his purpose. When he takes a meeting with a less than worthy candidate, he’s only thinking about mending his bank account. But when he finds out that Calliope, the woman who turned his life upside down months before, is leading the opposition, he jumps at the chance to be closer to her.
Orbiting each other as they campaign for their respective candidates, Emerson offers Calliope a way to cool the tension that threatens to boil over at every one night together to finish what they started with that first kiss. But once isn’t enough. Soon, they’re relying on each other for more than physical release, and eventually, Calliope has to decide if a career in the political trenches is right for her—and if her professional rivalry with Emerson could ever be exchanged for a romantic collaboration.
A Fine Line is for lovers of optimistic small-town arcs like Leslie Knope’s city council run in Parks and Rec and smoldering friends-to-lovers stories such as B.K. Borison’s Business Casual – and for anyone who ever rooted for The West Wing’s Josh and Donna to finally act on their sizzling chemistry.
Emerson Palmer has an impressive resume, but he’s lacking inspiration after a rare loss has him rethinking his purpose. When he takes a meeting with a less than worthy candidate, he’s only thinking about mending his bank account. But when he finds out that Calliope, the woman who turned his life upside down months before, is leading the opposition, he jumps at the chance to be closer to her.
Orbiting each other as they campaign for their respective candidates, Emerson offers Calliope a way to cool the tension that threatens to boil over at every one night together to finish what they started with that first kiss. But once isn’t enough. Soon, they’re relying on each other for more than physical release, and eventually, Calliope has to decide if a career in the political trenches is right for her—and if her professional rivalry with Emerson could ever be exchanged for a romantic collaboration.
A Fine Line is for lovers of optimistic small-town arcs like Leslie Knope’s city council run in Parks and Rec and smoldering friends-to-lovers stories such as B.K. Borison’s Business Casual – and for anyone who ever rooted for The West Wing’s Josh and Donna to finally act on their sizzling chemistry.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
8 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Guinn
1 book11 followersAs an opera singer with a love of sharing emotional, romantic feats of triumph in song, Penelope Guinn always longed to share stories that weren’t already written. For the past several years, they’ve been sowing their oats and sharing their writing in fandom spaces on AO3 where they’ve built a wonderful following of readers. Their combined works have received over a million hits.
writer of:
romance, compatible weirdos, messy MCs, pining/yearning enthusiast, third act breakup and miscommunication truther
things I like:
contemporary settings, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, banter used as foreplay, paranormal, historical romps, forced proximity, food lovers
writer of:
romance, compatible weirdos, messy MCs, pining/yearning enthusiast, third act breakup and miscommunication truther
things I like:
contemporary settings, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, banter used as foreplay, paranormal, historical romps, forced proximity, food lovers
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The burn is fast but the feels are slow in A FINE LINE as rival campaign managers heal old hurts and bang their way to love.
Calliope and Emerson have a "Like Calls to Like" chemistry–driven and traumatized. Losses early in their lives, the nature of their business, and a most dreadful meet-cute didn't give them a robust emotional vocabulary. But they don't need much of that when they channel their rival campaign energy into banging. Turns out they are well versed in how to supress and compartmentalize, as well as put a B&B four poster queen through its paces.
The easy part is their sparring partner-like chemistry. They rise to every occasion to quip and rib and maybe jab a clipboard or two, but it serves as the gateway to so much more. Calliope and Emerson love to challenge each other. It's like they fight to test how much of their worst side the other can handle. The reality though is their unlikable-too-messy-ness isn't a flaw but a perk to knowing the totality of someone who brings you to life.
Their journey is populated by a charming ensemble cast. Calliope may have a strained relationship with her immediate family, but they are present. She has campaign staff and a friendly working relationship with her candidate. You see the support she has and often shoulders ahead without because of her "I have to donit myself" point of view. She carries a sense of isolation that Emerson works very hard to work around. You'll want to gleefully punch the "villain" politician who talks in word soup metaphors and looks at you like you're stupid for not understanding. He's a necessary evil though so be prepared.
A FINE LINE challenged me also in a way all my favorite stories do. It starts with Calliope and Emerson making frustrating choices and I'm asked to be patient. So I imersed myself in what all their little life moments were trying to tell me. Learn how now them is shaped by their past, their family, their anxieties. What lies they tell themselves. What needs they have when they put themselves first. It was a joy to discover them page by page.
Thank you author, Penelope Guinn, for the advanced digital copy to read and review.
Calliope and Emerson have a "Like Calls to Like" chemistry–driven and traumatized. Losses early in their lives, the nature of their business, and a most dreadful meet-cute didn't give them a robust emotional vocabulary. But they don't need much of that when they channel their rival campaign energy into banging. Turns out they are well versed in how to supress and compartmentalize, as well as put a B&B four poster queen through its paces.
The easy part is their sparring partner-like chemistry. They rise to every occasion to quip and rib and maybe jab a clipboard or two, but it serves as the gateway to so much more. Calliope and Emerson love to challenge each other. It's like they fight to test how much of their worst side the other can handle. The reality though is their unlikable-too-messy-ness isn't a flaw but a perk to knowing the totality of someone who brings you to life.
Their journey is populated by a charming ensemble cast. Calliope may have a strained relationship with her immediate family, but they are present. She has campaign staff and a friendly working relationship with her candidate. You see the support she has and often shoulders ahead without because of her "I have to donit myself" point of view. She carries a sense of isolation that Emerson works very hard to work around. You'll want to gleefully punch the "villain" politician who talks in word soup metaphors and looks at you like you're stupid for not understanding. He's a necessary evil though so be prepared.
A FINE LINE challenged me also in a way all my favorite stories do. It starts with Calliope and Emerson making frustrating choices and I'm asked to be patient. So I imersed myself in what all their little life moments were trying to tell me. Learn how now them is shaped by their past, their family, their anxieties. What lies they tell themselves. What needs they have when they put themselves first. It was a joy to discover them page by page.
Thank you author, Penelope Guinn, for the advanced digital copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A political, small-town, rivals to lovers romance. I really enjoyed this read.
Emerson and Calliope are on opposing sides of a mayoral election. The tension between these two isn't just political. As they begin to take things further, each of them contemplate what this could mean, not only for themselves but also the election.
A Fine Line is a wonderfully written, dual POV romance.
Emerson and Calliope are on opposing sides of a mayoral election. The tension between these two isn't just political. As they begin to take things further, each of them contemplate what this could mean, not only for themselves but also the election.
A Fine Line is a wonderfully written, dual POV romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Fine Line is a very cute political campaign romance. I enjoyed the story, the writing and the neat little bow on the end. Its everything you want from a fluffy little romance story.
A few minor details for me, Calliope felt unnecessarily aggressive and/ or defensive and leaned too hard into the dramatic jilted lover at the beginning and they werent even lovers at that point. I had the same feeling with the banter at the beginning. It felt more like taking shots rather than cute banter.
Overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others.
A few minor details for me, Calliope felt unnecessarily aggressive and/ or defensive and leaned too hard into the dramatic jilted lover at the beginning and they werent even lovers at that point. I had the same feeling with the banter at the beginning. It felt more like taking shots rather than cute banter.
Overall I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was just what I needed over the holidays - smartly written, erotically charged, work rivals to lovers. I stored it up so I could consume it (almost!) in one go, escaping into an unfolding love story set in a quiet corner of southern America.
The connection between the two protagonists follows a wonderfully haphazard trajectory, keeping the reader invested, as the story navigates a six or so months ‘getting to really know you’ period. Enjoyed the first person insights from these two, particularly the awakening of Emerson’s deeper attraction to Calliope. Refreshing to have an intelligent male character with depth and nuance.
There’s a diverse supporting cast of warm, prickly and loyal friends, colleagues and family who add to the small town world building.
The author is also a master at writing believable spicy scenes that don’t shy away from the good stuff - hot, with not a sniff of cringe.
A quality modern romance offering from this new indie author - can’t wait for the next one!
The connection between the two protagonists follows a wonderfully haphazard trajectory, keeping the reader invested, as the story navigates a six or so months ‘getting to really know you’ period. Enjoyed the first person insights from these two, particularly the awakening of Emerson’s deeper attraction to Calliope. Refreshing to have an intelligent male character with depth and nuance.
There’s a diverse supporting cast of warm, prickly and loyal friends, colleagues and family who add to the small town world building.
The author is also a master at writing believable spicy scenes that don’t shy away from the good stuff - hot, with not a sniff of cringe.
A quality modern romance offering from this new indie author - can’t wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a wonderful debut romance! Think rivals to lovers: a fast physical burn and a slow emotional burn. Calliope and Emerson have such strong Anne and Gilbert vibes (Anne of Green Gables—iykyk), and it's so fun to watch them spark against each other. There are real stakes here: Calliope is so invested in her candidate and her town and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life, and Emerson is someone who had that, lost that, and is figuring out his next step. You can see both how clearly right they are for each other while also understanding why that's harder for them to accept: they're both passionate, smart people, and I love seeing them figure out that their person is standing right in front of them. Bonus points for the great supporting cast, in particular, Emerson's father!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured A Fine Line in a single day and genuinely could not put it down.
This is rivals-to-lovers done right - sharp banter, unresolved tension, and that delicious “we should not be doing this” energy simmering under every interaction. The chemistry between Calliope and Emerson is immediate but layered, built on shared wounds and hard-earned vulnerability.
Emerson is officially on my book boyfriend list. Down bad, loyal, capable of both weaponized charm and quiet tenderness? Yes please. The emotional payoff felt earned, not rushed - and that’s what made it hit.
If you love:
• feisty, competent FMCs
• men who fall first and fall hard
• small-town politics with bite
• banter that absolutely counts as foreplay
• rivals-with-benefits tension
…this one’s for you.
A stunning debut that balances heat, heart, and healing. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
This is rivals-to-lovers done right - sharp banter, unresolved tension, and that delicious “we should not be doing this” energy simmering under every interaction. The chemistry between Calliope and Emerson is immediate but layered, built on shared wounds and hard-earned vulnerability.
Emerson is officially on my book boyfriend list. Down bad, loyal, capable of both weaponized charm and quiet tenderness? Yes please. The emotional payoff felt earned, not rushed - and that’s what made it hit.
If you love:
• feisty, competent FMCs
• men who fall first and fall hard
• small-town politics with bite
• banter that absolutely counts as foreplay
• rivals-with-benefits tension
…this one’s for you.
A stunning debut that balances heat, heart, and healing. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Fine Line is a rivals to secret lovers to more, set to the chaos of a small town mayoral race, where our love interests are campaign mangers for opposing candidates.
I really enjoyed this book! I am pretty new to the contemporary romance genre and can't always get into them easily. This story however was a very easy read with humor, sexy times, and even a few tears.
I thought the chemistry between Calliope and Emerson was good, I love a man who's life perspective is changed by a single encounter with a woman. I also love Calliope's personal growth and how she became more confidant in her role and her actions with the policitcal race as the story went on.
This book was funny, sexy and in my opinion, definitely worth the read!
I really enjoyed this book! I am pretty new to the contemporary romance genre and can't always get into them easily. This story however was a very easy read with humor, sexy times, and even a few tears.
I thought the chemistry between Calliope and Emerson was good, I love a man who's life perspective is changed by a single encounter with a woman. I also love Calliope's personal growth and how she became more confidant in her role and her actions with the policitcal race as the story went on.
This book was funny, sexy and in my opinion, definitely worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Fine Line is a sweet romcom about two people involved but on opposing sides politically. The characters were well developed and we get to learn about who they are and where they come from. Although they initially approach the relationship with the same intentions, that eventually changes. The author does a commendable job with the plot and the writing. Overall I liked the story of Calliope and Emerson, but, it was hard for me to get into the story for at least the first 50-60%. It was sort of dragging on for me. Eventually it hit a point where I became more invested in how their story was going to play out. I enjoyed seeing the little glimpse 2 years later.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(Thanks to Penelope Guinn for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for a review)
Clear your schedule because you’re going to resent any responsibilities that get in the way of reading this book! I loved every minute, and I was torn between needing to know what happens in the end and wanting to really absorb the beauty and humour of the writing.
I knew I loved Calliope and Emerson from the moment I met them, in the middle of their messy rivals with benefits situation. The author does an amazing job building these characters, their motivations and backstories and the reasons they are drawn to each other (sometimes against their rational judgment).
The story is written in dual POV, and I really loved getting to know both of the main characters that way.
I think you will love reading this story if you enjoy contemporary romance/romcoms with really clever writing, and especially if you like the dynamic of Anne and Gilbert of Green Gables fame but in a modern small town politics setting.
So many more than 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV
Tropes:
Rivals with benefits and banter!
Spice and swoony romance!
Contemporary small town politics!
Feisty FMC x Down Bad MMC!
The MMC gives the FMC a nickname she hates at first but then loves!
Clear your schedule because you’re going to resent any responsibilities that get in the way of reading this book! I loved every minute, and I was torn between needing to know what happens in the end and wanting to really absorb the beauty and humour of the writing.
I knew I loved Calliope and Emerson from the moment I met them, in the middle of their messy rivals with benefits situation. The author does an amazing job building these characters, their motivations and backstories and the reasons they are drawn to each other (sometimes against their rational judgment).
The story is written in dual POV, and I really loved getting to know both of the main characters that way.
I think you will love reading this story if you enjoy contemporary romance/romcoms with really clever writing, and especially if you like the dynamic of Anne and Gilbert of Green Gables fame but in a modern small town politics setting.
So many more than 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dual POV
Tropes:
Rivals with benefits and banter!
Spice and swoony romance!
Contemporary small town politics!
Feisty FMC x Down Bad MMC!
The MMC gives the FMC a nickname she hates at first but then loves!
Review of advance copy received from Author
-ARC READER-
This story pulls you in from the start - the very first page. The characters are so real and fun and definitely a bit messy. It’s an absolute masterpiece story of enemies to lovers. It doesn’t skimp on making sure you feel the wild ride these characters are going on. I genuinely laughed out loud, fanned myself and felt the longing and love throughout the book. I couldn’t put the book down even when I was supposed to be sleeping. Make sure if you read it you have the willpower to take breaks or clear your schedule. This is a great story and a must read!
This story pulls you in from the start - the very first page. The characters are so real and fun and definitely a bit messy. It’s an absolute masterpiece story of enemies to lovers. It doesn’t skimp on making sure you feel the wild ride these characters are going on. I genuinely laughed out loud, fanned myself and felt the longing and love throughout the book. I couldn’t put the book down even when I was supposed to be sleeping. Make sure if you read it you have the willpower to take breaks or clear your schedule. This is a great story and a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A FINE LINE has the feel of a small town rom-com film you want to see with your best girlfriends at the theater that sells cocktails. Calliope and Emerson have a rivalry tempered by their clandestine affair during a tense mayoral election. It's hot, messy fun bracketed by whip-smart dialogue. The book promotes Parks and Recreation vibes, but I get more Moonlighting between this duo, which definitely isn't a bad thing.
February 17, 2026
Penelope is one of my favorite romcom authors, so when she offered me an ARC, I was delighted! Right now many people might shy away from having a politics B-plot in their stories (or reading such stories), but Pen does handle the issue gracefully, providing us with some levity at a time when we can’t seem to agree on much. Her writing is steamy as always and I loved the tension between the FMC and MMC! Emerson is just… very hot! Looking forward to her next novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't normally read romance novels but did read this one because a friend recommended it to me. I absolutely love it! I've preordered it on Amazon. I absolutely loved it!. Fair warning - the sex is hot! But the characters and the underlying story are what kept me glued to the book. It's one of those books that I was sorry when it was over.
February 17, 2026
I have was hooked by the first few chapters I did not want to put this book down, normally I tend to stay away from books regarding politics but this was written in such a respectful way that it was truly worth the read!! The romance between the characters is written in such a powerful way!!
February 18, 2026
romance isn't usually my go-to genre, but it was recommended and I'm so glad I listened. Snappy dialog, fantastic relationships that feel like people you actually know and a relationship that really pulls you in. Excited to see what else Guinn has coming.
March 4, 2026
A fantastic debut novel! I loved watching the emotional journey from rivals to lovers of Calliope and Emerson unfold. Great banter and spicy sex scenes - what more could anyone want 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this book at 2AM on a Wednesday and I am STILL thinking about it.
If I had to summarize this story, I would say this story is centered around a woman and her balance of hope, career, love and family.
Pen makes you sit with your own choices, and the reflection is by no means escapism. You really need to carve out time to sit with Calliope and you can't help but root for your younger self when watching her realize certain paths that were taken. She doesn't need or want pity, but it is such a relief to read about a woman who will try everything within her power to try to get what she wants (and rightfully deserves). Pen writes with such maturity (meaning I know most romantic plots are portrayed as young adult, but this is a WOMAN), and injects so much life lived into her prose that it is practically poetry the way you sift through Calliope and Emerson's thoughts. I did have to pace myself to read this lovely story, because I by no means could just plow through it. I did need a minute to switch from reading from Calliope's (love you, Cricket) to Emerson's perspective, but it was such an interesting way to portray their motivations and decisions, that I adapted pretty quickly.
I will be first in line for any of Pen's writing, and cannot wait to hold this in my hands. BRAVA!
“but until his blood, sweat, and tears are a part of the clay here." - amazing, life-changing.
If I had to summarize this story, I would say this story is centered around a woman and her balance of hope, career, love and family.
Pen makes you sit with your own choices, and the reflection is by no means escapism. You really need to carve out time to sit with Calliope and you can't help but root for your younger self when watching her realize certain paths that were taken. She doesn't need or want pity, but it is such a relief to read about a woman who will try everything within her power to try to get what she wants (and rightfully deserves). Pen writes with such maturity (meaning I know most romantic plots are portrayed as young adult, but this is a WOMAN), and injects so much life lived into her prose that it is practically poetry the way you sift through Calliope and Emerson's thoughts. I did have to pace myself to read this lovely story, because I by no means could just plow through it. I did need a minute to switch from reading from Calliope's (love you, Cricket) to Emerson's perspective, but it was such an interesting way to portray their motivations and decisions, that I adapted pretty quickly.
I will be first in line for any of Pen's writing, and cannot wait to hold this in my hands. BRAVA!
“but until his blood, sweat, and tears are a part of the clay here." - amazing, life-changing.
Review of advance copy
When Emerson and Calliope cross paths, it's fireworks at first sight. When they find themselves at odds on opposite sides of a small town political campaign, their electric chemistry and banter leads them into a "benefits" situation. And from there... ROMANCE.
Anyway, this book is for anyone that loves intelligent, driven characters, sizzling heat, witty banter, and conflict that feels real and earned. Calliope is no damsel in distress; she's fierce and determined, and she also grows throughout the plot. Emerson is no alpha-hole, but he's assured and secure... until he falls fast and hard for his campaign's rival manager. They respect each other, even as they argue, and we all know that means looooove.
Anyway, read this book. 5/5.
Anyway, this book is for anyone that loves intelligent, driven characters, sizzling heat, witty banter, and conflict that feels real and earned. Calliope is no damsel in distress; she's fierce and determined, and she also grows throughout the plot. Emerson is no alpha-hole, but he's assured and secure... until he falls fast and hard for his campaign's rival manager. They respect each other, even as they argue, and we all know that means looooove.
Anyway, read this book. 5/5.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews