Headspace

by Jill Tew

From award-winning sci-fi romance author Jill Tew comes a romantic space opera romp that's Firefly meets Emily Henry, where a rebel spaceship captain's relationship with her estranged husband goes from "only one bed" to "only one body".

Nix Rowland is fine on her own, thanks. As captain of the Atalanta, she carried her crew through the Solar Wars, and when the resistance got pummeled into space dust, Nix charted the crew’s path away from accusations of treason to land more legitimate gigs. She didn’t need anyone’s help. Certainly not from her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Ethan Argos, who deserted her and the crew two years ago when things got emotionally turbulent.

When Ethan suddenly turns up begging for Nix’s help, he’s got the Union on his tail and a secret that threatens to tear the galaxy apart. Nix has tried to block out the pain he caused, but stars be damned, he’s always been her weakness. With the Union tracking Ethan’s every move, Nix uses some questionable early-stage technology to secretly harbor his consciousness inside her own mind. Now all she and Ethan have to do is stop rehashing the past long enough to change the fate of the universe.

How hard could it be?

Headspace is a swoony second-chance romance about falling for someone all over again—when you have no choice but to let them in.

Genres: Science Fiction

Unknown Binding

Expected publication May 11, 2027

About the author

Jill Tew is the critically-acclaimed author of dystopian romance and middle grade novels that imagine Black girls in exciting new worlds. Her debut novel The Dividing Sky (2024) was a Top 10 Kids Indie Next Pick, and was selected by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Bookshop.org, and Reactor Magazine as one of the Best Young Adult Books of the Year. Her middle grade debut Kaya Morgan’s Crowning Achievement will be available in April 2025.

A graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Jill lives in Atlanta with her family. She is also a co-host of the Afronauts Podcast, which provides writing tips and community for Black aspiring speculative fiction writers. When not writing, she can be found stress baking, gardening, or belting showtunes in the carpool line.

Reviews

[jenny reads a lot]

If you're thinking, "Jenny, how tf did you get so lucky?"

The answer is probably bc I love Waterworld.

| IG | TikTok |

Thank you to the author for the early copy of this book! All opinions are my own.

[Marissa]

I see romantic space opera, I add to TBR. Its really that simple 💥🚀✨

[Kelsea Yu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm already a huge fan of Jill Tew (go read The Dividing Sky & An Ocean Apart if you haven't yet!), so when I got an early copy of Headspace, I dove in with big hopes...and was still absolutely blown away!

Second chance romance is a tough trope to pull off, but Jill Tew did a beautiful job of it! The dual timeline worked really well--I loved getting to see Nix and Ethan work through their problems in the present while also watching them fall in love in the past. These two have my heart forever.

One of my favorite things about Jill's writing is that she balances serious moments and topical issues with heart and humor. There were hard-hitting moments where my heart ached so much, but I also legit laughed until my cheeks hurt.

I don't say this lightly: Jill is a phenomenon. Do not miss out on her fantastic books!!!

[J.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon, still recovering from it (in a good way)!!! It will be your best read of the year!!!!!

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I was a beta reader and when I saw ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR. Do it.

Think.... Aurora Cycle meets Star Wars meets Treasure Island 😍

[Megan Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge fan of Jill Tew's books for a while, The Dividing Sky and An Ocean Apart were amazing, and Headspace is no different. My goodness this book.

Jill seamlessly layers humor, heart, and intriguing character arcs. The second chance romance was so well done, and I was rooting for Nix and Ethan from the very start. Jill also blended dual timelines perfectly, creating a full and a satisfying narrative and complex emotional journey for Nix and Ethan.

This is a book you don't want to miss out on! So make sure to order it and add it to your tbr!