Booked on You

Love Unwritten #1

by Lyra Parish

I kiss and tell, then profit from it. He's the first man I want to keep off the page…

My ex destroyed my life and my ability to write a single decent sentence. So I do what any desperate romance author with a contract on the line would do…take a workcation. I rent a bubble gum pink cottage in a touristy town and promise myself no distractions.

Then I meet my temporary landlord.

He has a jawline that belongs on a warning label and the kind of confidence that tells me he breaks hearts for a living. Each morning he makes me coffee and has me laughing. Every night I write scenes I swear aren't about him. Even though I know better.

I’ve built my career writing about my relationships.
Every man. Every crush. Every heartbreak. Every dirty little detail.
My readers are going to love him.
That's exactly what I'm afraid of.

This is an opposites-attract spicy romcom where he falls first and fast. It's a standalone with a happily ever after.

Genres: Rom Com, Forced Proximity, Romance, He Falls First, Small Town Romance, Contemporary

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

About the author

Lyra Parish is a hopeless romantic obsessed with writing spicy Hallmark-like romances. When she isn’t immersed in fictional worlds, you can find her pretending to be a Vanlifer with her hubby. Lyra loves coffee, the great outdoors, authentic people, and living her best life.

To learn more, please subscribe to Lyra's newsletter: https://bit.ly/lyraparishnewsletter

Reviews

[ari ⁠♡]

dnf @ 13%.

This book lost me almost immediately. The insta-attraction was way too much for me. They were kissing by chapter 6, and the lust developed faster than I could even remember the FMC’s name🤷🏻‍♀️

[The Rampant Reader]

Thanks to Lyra for the gifted copy.

“Providing and protecting is my kink, Scarlett.”

This book had so much emotion and connection. It was like the main characters actually were soulmates and we were just getting a glimpse into their meet-cute. I loved the banter and snark between them and that they understood each other immediately. The rooster’s name is Harry.

Vibes: Workcation, soul mates, artsy

Tropes:
Romance Writer FMC
Forced Proximity
Strangers To Lovers
Finding Your Person
Caretaking
Cinnamon Roll MMC

[Bianca]

While I have loved majority of Lyra's books, this was not her best. Everything about this felt surface level, especially the characters. I couldn't connect to either MCs, and there was little depth to their relationship. I hate to say it, but pumping out books this quickly is being reflected in the pages.

*I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Ashley (AshleyReadsBooks614)]

Not a shocker… I loved another Lyra book!!

Without giving much away… I loved the MMC in this book because he was spunky, flirty, gave great banter and was the confident one from the first chapter. It was refreshing to not have him being dark and broody the entire book. (Side note, I also like dark and broody 😂 I’m confusing lol)

I loved the connection between the FMC & MMC. I loved the support and friendship they formed from the beginning. I also loved Millie. Except in that ONE scene… Why Millie?!?! Call next time!!!! Hahahaha

The characters who stole the show for me were Harry and Willow. If you know, you know!!!

Thank you Lyra for the opportunity to read this eARC.

[Juliette]

This book gives nothing..
It was so boring! Both MC's are wet blankets without any personality, just weird insta-love without motivation or connection. I kept hoping it would become clear why they are attracted to each other or what they have in common except from being ~arTiSTs~ but no.. the MC's have no or chemistry 🙄

Spoiler
The caption that the FMC, who is supposed to be a great writer, wrote for the social media post was so bad! You cannot convince me this woman can write great romance novels.
The MMC also gave nothing.. he was only there for cooking and providing some (boring) spice.

[Amity Bailey]

This book sucked me right in and kept me so invested!! I absolutely adored these two and their immediate chemistry! The heat, the humor, and the emotions this one brought just gave me all the feels! Scarlets character was such a strong, independent FMC who was a little guarded. Ezra is her new landlord a top tier MMC! He is swoony, attentive, and the distraction Scarlett definitely didn’t need

These two had the best relationship from the start and watching it grow was just fantastic! This book was a beautiful second chance romance, full of healing, pinning, and so much character growth! I was just head over heels over these two!!

Both characters navigating their pasts & personal loss, while getting to know each other and doing it together just gave the best feeling good vibes. I didn’t want to see their story end, but man was it such a beautifully done one!!

Highly recommend this if you love a good second chance romance with emotional depth and the most lovable characters! I can’t wait to see what comes next!!

Thank you Lyra for this early copy!!

[Hazel]

As always Lyra Parish delivered a book that sucked me in and kept me interested.

Scarlett, low in confidence due to losing her creative spark and nearing the deadline to submit a book, leaves New York and heads to Charleston.

Ezra, a potter opens the door to Scarlett who is renting the cottage at the back of his garden and sparks fly immediately.

The chemistry is there from the start and the flirtatious chats add to the build up of the relationship which was always set to be hot.

I really enjoyed this book which was relatively straightforward in its storyline. There was no third act breakup although both characters had some big decisions to make and challenges to overcome.

Thanks to Lyra for the advanced copy.

[Angel]

Strangers to lovers! This was such an amazing read, anything by this author is an instant read for me.

She’s come to town to work on her book and he just happens to be in her way. Is he what she’s been looking for ? Or is her past experiences gonna let her not see the good in this man?

[Ashley]

Another amazing book by Lyra that had me hooked from start to finish. A perfectly written story with 2 perfect characters. This book was adorable and perfect all the way around.

When Scarlett’s ex destroys her life and her ability to write she decides to take a little vacation to escape and work on her writing to not lose the contract that’s on the line. She rents a cabin in a cute tourist town then she meets her landlord… Ezra is a walking warning label but can Scarlett resist?

These 2 were perfect together. I also love when the FMC is a writer and uses the MMC as the focal point in her writing. Lyra your books never fail to have me hooked!

Thank you Lyra for another amazing ARC! 🥰🫶🏻🩷

[Jennifer]

I really enjoyed this. Ms Parish aways writes in an easy to read approachable style, but normally we get a build up between her characters, not so with this, this time the attraction and connection between Ezra and Scarlett was instant and it worked so well for them and the storyline.
Scarlett is struggling with writers block; as a romance author a very public, nasty, personal breakup leaves her with no inspiration for her follow up book. Thinking a change of scenery will help, she rents a cottage from Ezra in the back of his house.
Ezra is a fabulous character, he makes no secret of the fact that he wants her and does all the little things to make her life easier.
Their backgrounds and exposure to public life mesh well and make them perfect for each other, and their blossoming romance makes him Scarlett’s perfect muse.
It’s not overly deep but it has its moments, plenty of steam, and other characters that lend much to the story. We get moments with ex’s, a fabulously quirky aunt in Millie (though Ezra needs to limit her access to his house – IYKYK) and tonnes of personality and humour in the form of Harry, a rooster with anger management issues and Willow, feline overlord. For example, this scene was perfection and so relatable, a version of this happens daily at my house…
“I wake to Willow walking across my chest with an entitled meow.
“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter rubbing my hand over my face. “You’re supposed to let Harry crow first.”
Lately, she’s been impatient for breakfast. But also, this cat has never once gone without, even when she was a stray.” 🤣 🤣 🤣
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot!!

[Melissa (honeybee.reads)]

Booked On You is book 1 in the Love Unwritten series and it stole my heart. From the start I was hooked and it sucked me right in until the end. Yes, they have an instant connection and yes their relationship does move fairly quickly, but if anyone can make it work it's Lyra. This storyline was great for this type of insta-lust. I just feel like they both meshed together so perfectly, their banter, the chemistry they had and the friendship they developed. They just clicked and it was beautiful to watch evolve. I loved the setting, it was just so cozy and warm. The whole book just made me happy and giddy. It just gave off good vibes throughout and I truly loved that, like a hug in a book.

I really loved how Scarlett & Ezra were dealing with their past relationship issues, but didn't let it affect their current relationship once their barriers were down.
No third act breakup for the win! I truly loved that there was no drama or miscommunication, truly refreshing to read. It was a very easy read, not overly deep, straight to the point, spicy and swoony. They both deserved happiness and each other.

Overall, this was a great start to this new series and I can't wait to see where Lyra goes with the next characters.

🎧 The narration by Samantha Summers & Ryan Lee Dunlap was so good. I truly enjoyed listening to them and their voices. I felt they meshed well together, portrayed the emotions perfectly and brought the story to life. I always love listening to this author's work in audiobook form. Always a great experience.

✨ Thank you to @lyraparish for my gifted copy & audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Karla Andreina]

Our lives are a combination of moments and circumstances that takes us exactly where we are meant to be.

Sometimes life can be extremely sad and full of grief, we loss people we love around the way and we need to find ways to navigate around that grief, for both Scarlett and Ezra, their art was a way to process traumatic experiences and growth from them, Scarlett with her writing and Ezra with the pottery.

Ezra honored his mom every single time that he created a new piece, he honored her by putting her middle name as the name of his brand. He upheld her legacy by continuing to give other artists the opportunity to create art.

I loved that he can have a piece of his mom through Scarlett books, a beautiful memory of when they meet, it seems like somehow Ezra’s mom manifest their love story and then destiny brought them together, they were always meant to be together and I’m sure that for Ezra it is very special to know that his mom loved the love of his life.

I loved how commited he was with Scarlett and with her profession. He took the time to buy her book and to read it in order for him to understand her and her past in a better way.

Scarlett and Ezra are the epitome of soul mates, their souls were intricately connected. I fell in love with their love story.

Ezra returned Scarlett her hope and Scarlett returned his faith. They found peace in each other. They were the calm after the storm.

It takes courage to choose someone and to love them forever, Scarlett and Ezra are magic together.

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore)]

One of my favourite things about Lyra Parish’s books is that there are never any 3rd act breakups. The couple have a journey, but they also communicate with each other; they handle issues that come their way, but they handle them together. It’s a very refreshing change.

So, Scarlett is struggling to write her next best seller following a bad breakup. Scarlett has a tendency to put a lot of her own life into her books, and her ex couldn’t handle it, felt he was misrepresented (he was, but in a good way; she actually wrote him redeemable qualities, yet in reality he was a tool!) So she heads into Charleston, to a cute pink cottage to lick her wounds and write the book her agent is chasing her for.

Her landlord is Ezra, and oh my word people, get your O-coins ready for this man is the biggest green flag that ever walked the earth. He’s kind, artistic, caring, thoughtful and generous. And instantly attracted to Scarlett. He was hurt by an ex too; she wanted him to give up his art for her, and when he refused, she flounced off in a huff.

Scarlett and Ezra deserved each other so much; they were both just what the other needed to heal old wounds and start over. They bring out the best in each other; Scarlett’s words start flowing again, and Ezra finds new energy to bring to his pottery. When things start to escalate with their fame invading their space, they work together and find a way to control the narrative.

I am such a sucker for anything this author writes; I can’t get enough of her work.

[Leti]

Ezra and Scarlett had instant chemistry the second they met. He owns the cottage she rented to finish her book, problem is, she hasn’t been able to write for 2 years and her deadline is in 7 days, but there’s something about this small town, and her connection with the landlord that has opened her back up. This is one of those feel good, spicy hallmark books with no 3rd act break up, a snarky cat, and a wild rooster who you don’t want to make eye contact with 🤪. But seriously.. Ezra is 100% book boyfriend material and Scarlett is using him as her muse! Such a cute book.

I received an e-ARC copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are completely my own

[Monique Costella]

I could not get over this adorable cover! This is the cutest cover I have seen on a book. I love the art work inside and that each chapter had art on it too. This book was everything and more. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. This book had such a good love story and it had all the best Hallmark vibes. I love that she rented a cozy cottage and the owner was Ezra who is the attractive, tattoo covered eye candy. Scarlett is a struggling author who suffered writing block and decided to travel to the adorable pink cottage to get some inspiration and man did she find it when she met Ezra.

[Tina Buchberger Oase]

Once I had this book in my hands, I didnt want to put it down!
Lyra's story about Ezra and Scarlett was everything.
Scarlett is a writer suffering from a writers block due to a public breakup and came to Charleston to clear her mind.
Ezra is a potter who run his own business. He has a cottage on his property that he has rented out to Scarlett to allow her a safe place to write.
Once she sees him, he gets into her mind and becomes her muse for her book.
He takes care of her in ways that she didn't know a man could and she becomes someone to him that just fits in every way.
Along the way they both realize that they are each others missing piece to their puzzle.

[Claudia, Cmarie927]

Arggggh!
I love this author, but this hit a bit flat for me.

I really wanted to connect with Scarlett and Ezra, and enjoy their chemistry, but their energies just didn't work for me.
(100% a "me" problem.)

I encourage you to read more from this talented and creative author. Her catalog of work is very enjoyable and I look forward to her next release.

[Taylor Stroud]

Okayyy this book was SO cute! 😍 I literally read it in like 24 hours because I could not put it down. The chemistry was chemistry-ing, the romance had me smiling, and the spice. Such a fun, easy, feel-good read with just the right amount of everything. Lyra Parish has officially made me want to read whatever she writes next! ❤️📖

[Candice]

3 seems to low but 4 seems to high. I'd honestly give it a 3.75 if I could. I liked this book, but I did not love it. Maybe it is my cold heart but it's a little too woo woo emotional or me, yes I realize it's romance book but it felt a little overly woo for me. I typically LOVE all Lyra Parish books, this one felt different.

[Brianna LeClere]

Massive thanks to Lyra for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team!

Lyra is an instant yes author for me. She crushed it again with this one! Ezra and Scarlett - love to rival. This is a summer must read!!

[ShannonsParty]

Everyone needs a lil pink cottage

This fast paced, insta love, of two 30-somes, is the perfect summer read. We have a shattered and depressed romance author who has rented out a small quaint pink cottage in Charleston. Little does she know that the tall dark and handsome guy she is renting from is just the thing she needs to get her mojo back. This book and their feelings move very fast, but in a mature way. They know what they want and they are not wishy washy about it. You are rooting for them from the beginning.

Light on the spice, HEA guaranteed.

[Kaity]

super swoon-fest <3 <3 <3

[Sarah S]

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️
Kind of boring 😬

[Brianna Moore]

ARC Review!
I ate this book up. I loved Ezra & Scarlett so much! This book had me in feelings and I truly enjoyed every moment of it! I cannot wait for the next book!🤍

[Courtney]

There's something extra special about a book about books/writers. I loved that this was a story within a story, with the relationship between Ezra and Scarlett playing out in real life and in her book she was writing. The background with his parents, their shared understanding of each other, the picturesque atmospheres of the cottage and the beach house ... it all had such feel-good feels!

[Plot Approved]

I loved this book. The characters are just so damn good to each other and I loved the way it unfolded. I have a lot of favourite Lyra Parish books, but this one just took first place.

[Kadee Miller]

I loved the characters in this book! It took me awhile to get fully into this book, but once I did, I was hooked! The love story kinda happened too fast for me, there wasn’t much of build to it. The plot was super cute and I loved the story!

[H]

Really liked this story. Recluse author rents a cottage to try and write her next book and a recluse famous artist cross paths and discover they can be loved and an artist without having to change who they are. Really beautiful love story. ❤️‍🔥💯🥰

[Evelyn R]

Small Town Romance
Creative Type FMC/MMC
He falls first and harder
She’s a writer and he brings main character book boyfriend energy

This was kind of a miss for me. We have Scarlet who,s a writer and trying to make her comeback after a very public break up and whom her best selling novel was about. Ezra is the moody man she is renting a cottage from.
The story from the beginning felt very surface level and I think we missed the opportunity to really connect to them in a way that we connect to her other characters. I never felt that instant pull to them and a lot of Scarlet felt repetitive and didn’t have the character growth I hoped to see. I didn’t really feel invested until about half way through the book and it was only towards Ezra’s character and personal journey.

The story and the characters had so much potential to go from an okay book to a great book. Still an easy vibes read though.

Special shout out to our deranged roster Harry. He gives major Hey-Hey vibes. Especially the way she describes his crow.

[ashlin.reads]

I loved these two so much! I always enjoy reading a book when the main character is an author. I like to think in my head that we are getting a glimpse of the real author mixed in with the story which is so fun.

Scarlett is an author on a deadline needing a vacation to try and get her creative spark back. Ezra is the cottage owner who is renting to Scarlett. He had me giggling and swooning as soon as he showed up in the story. The banter between them both was so funny and I loved how he pushed back at Scarlett to get her to get out of her head. They each had their own history but that brought them closer because they truly understood each other. Ezra's aunt was hilarious and full of meddling, which I love in a book.

The narration for this one was so much fun! Samantha Summers and Ryan Lee Dunlap really brought this one to life. Both narrators were a perfect fit for these characters and really kept me hooked into the story. They put in so much emotion and humor into the story which made it so enjoyable.

While this had some moments of high emotion, it really was a fun, lighthearted read so if you are in the need for that I highly recommend this one!

Thank you Lyra and team for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!