Perfunctory Affection

Is it better to live a lie of perfection when the truth is too ugly to survive?

Meg wants a normal life. Her new artistic style, born in the depression of her mother’s death, is poised to take the art world by storm, if she could just overcome the debilitating anxiety caused by the car accident that scarred her boyfriend, Austin. Encouraged by her therapist, Meg pushes outside her comfort zone to befriend Haley, a guest instructor at the university where Meg teaches. Haley is everything Meg wants to be: charismatic, confident, and perfect, but when Austin expresses his worry that Haley is changing Meg too fast and leads her to realize that Austin is trying to keep her afraid and needing him, Meg kicks him out of her life. Or at least, she tries.

Kim Harrison, author of the number one bestselling Urban Fantasy Hollows series, brings to life a world terrifyingly near to our own, where what’s real and what shouldn’t exist twine together in the madness of a troubled mind desperate for a way out. But when the truth is reveled, the question remains, is it better to live a lie of perfection, or cleave to an ugly reality that will destroy you?

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Horror Thriller

Release date: March 31, 2019

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Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison is a literary force whose work blurs the lines between urban fantasy, science fiction, and thriller, creating stories that captivate and intrigue readers from all walks of life. Born in Michigan, her journey into the world of writing was shaped by a deep love for characters who live on the edge of magic, mystery, and the everyday. Harrison's stories are set in dark, vivid worlds that resonate with both fans of supernatural tales and lovers of the unknown, earning her a dedicated following and a coveted spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

Her most well-known work, The Hollows series, introduces Rachel Morgan, a tough-as-nails witch navigating a world filled with vampires, werewolves, and unpredictable magic. Set in a world where the supernatural is as much a part of life as the ordinary, the series combines fast-paced action with complex characters and rich world-building. This unique mix has earned her praise for creating stories that feel fresh yet timeless, weaving together elements of horror, humor, and heart in every book.

Harrison's writing is known for its compelling mix of humor and grit, with characters that feel like old friends—flawed, brave, and ever-evolving. She also writes under the pen name Dawn Cook, where her focus shifts to high fantasy, adding another layer to her versatility as an author. From young adult novels to graphic novels and anthologies, Harrison’s works span a range of genres, but her skill at crafting memorable characters and weaving them through intricate, often perilous, plots remains a constant.

With over two dozen books to her name, Kim Harrison has solidified her place as a master storyteller who thrives in the realm of the fantastical, yet deeply understands the nuances of human emotion. Whether she’s introducing readers to a world of magic and monsters or a gritty urban landscape, Harrison excels at making the extraordinary feel utterly relatable.

As she continues to work on new projects—most notably, new installments in The Hollows series and other urban fantasy endeavors—Kim Harrison proves that there’s always more magic to be uncovered. And for her readers, each new adventure is just as thrilling as the last.

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen the world the same way as others. I’ve always had a certain need to create worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary." - Kim Harrison

Her work continues to inspire and entertain, offering a blend of heart, humor, and the unexpected—always leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter in her ever-expanding universe.