March 30, 2020
Skilton, the pseudonym of collaborators Sarvenaz Tash (Virtually Yours) and Sarah Skilton (Fame Adjacent), puts a multicultural millennial spin on You’ve Got Mail in this laugh-out-loud romance. Recently heartbroken Miles Ibrahim and broke L.A. transplant Zoey Abot meet-cute while fighting for the best table at the East Village cafe from which they both happen to be freelancing as ghostwriters for rival online dating companies, sending flirtatious messages on behalf of app-shy clients. Their clients match, but it’s Miles and Zoey who fall in love, even as they both believe their connection is with the other’s client. Unaware of each other’s online alter egos, they also grow closer IRL. But what starts as a clever take on ’90s rom-com tropes falls into the trap of the inevitable third-act miscommunication, resulting in a frustrating conclusion to an otherwise enjoyable romance. Still, Skilton delivers solid laughs—Zoey’s former boss, a Carrie Fisher–esque actor, and her emotional support ferret especially steal the show—and a cute central couple. Rom-com fans will find this one well worth their time. Agent: Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Literary.