20 stories
The Arabic Poetry Night | ليلة الشعر العربي
At a Brooklyn poetry reading, she recites verses that make him remember everything. He's the audience member who approaches after—and never leaves.
The Islamic Bookshop | مكتبة الكتب الإسلامية
A rare Islamic texts dealer in Cairo. A scholar who needs what only she can find. Their search for manuscripts becomes a search for something more.
Astronomy Tower
Astronomer Layla studies stars from her remote observatory. When astrophysicist Dr. Singh visits to collaborate, their research transcends science. 'Al nujum shahda 'ala al hubb' (النجوم شهادة على الحب) - Stars witness love.
Bookshop Blessing
Bookseller Karima curates rare Arabic literature. When professor David seeks an obscure text, their search leads to more than manuscripts. 'Al kitab yiftah abwab' (الكتاب يفتح أبواب) - Books open doors.
Cardiff Bay
Welsh assembly researcher Rhiannon finds herself working late with a charming journalist. Their debate about devolution becomes something more personal.
Diriyah Discovery
Museum curator Dalal protects Diriyah's heritage. When restoration expert Marc challenges her methods, their debates become something more heated. 'Al athar tiwassal al qulub' (الآثار توصل القلوب) - Artifacts connect hearts.
Durham Scholar
In the ancient university city, rare books librarian Margaret discovers that the visiting American professor wants more than access to manuscripts.
Midnight Majlis
Philosopher Layla hosts intellectual gatherings in her home. When visiting professor Adebayo joins her circle, minds meet before hearts. 'Al hiwar tariq al haqiqa' (الحوار طريق الحقيقة) - Dialogue is the path to truth.
Oxford Don
Visiting scholar falls for the formidable Dr. Abimbola, whose expertise in medieval manuscripts is matched only by her expertise in after-hours tutorials.
Oxford Press
Last letterpress printer Elizabeth maintains traditions that Oxford University Press once epitomised. When typography scholar James needs demonstration, she impresses more than paper.
Qatif Quarters
Architect Layla restores historic buildings in Qatif's old quarter. When historian Sami collaborates on preservation, their professional respect deepens into passion. 'Al jidran tihki qisas' (الجدران تحكي قصص) - Walls tell stories.
The Bookshop Encounter
Nadia runs a struggling Urdu bookshop in Manchester. When handsome literature professor Imran starts coming in regularly, she discovers his interest extends beyond the books.
The Bookstore Owner's Chapter
Mahogany Books has been the heart of Black DC for decades. When an author starts hosting regular readings, she discovers some stories write themselves.
The Chess Club Checkmate
Patricia dominates the senior center chess club. When a new player challenges her throne, the competition becomes something far more intimate.
The Library Love
Librarian Fatima works late cataloguing Urdu texts. When researcher Kamran starts requesting books just to see her, their quiet exchanges become something worth writing about.
Greenwich Glow
Astronomer Dr. Ife shows visitors the stars at the Royal Observatory. When photography student Marcus stays for a private evening session, she introduces him to celestial bodies of a different kind.
Islington Intrigue
Antique book dealer Adaeze trades rare volumes from her Islington shop. When collector Marcus seeks a forbidden text, she shows him that some knowledge is gained through very personal instruction.
The Podcast Host
She runs a podcast about Somali diaspora experiences. He's the guest she's been trying to book for months—a rising author who finally said yes. The interview goes off-script when he asks about her experiences, and the mics catch everything.
The Book Club Meeting
She runs a Somali women's book club in Harlesden. He's the author whose book they're discussing—showing up unexpectedly because his aunt is a member. When the book talks about desire and the club gets heated, she finds herself alone with him after.
Between the Lines
She runs a Somali women's book club—reading diaspora authors, discussing identity over tea. He's the brother who keeps dropping off his sister and staying for the discussions. Literary analysis becomes something more when they start reading each other.