Second Chances and Lion Dances

In the companion novel to the acclaimed Fake Dates and Mooncakes, Dylan’s cousin Tim, now seventeen, is forced to team up in a lion dance competition with the boy who ghosted him after their summer fling, reopening old wounds—and igniting new sparks.

For Tim Wong, lion dancing is more than just a sport. It’s the one thing he’s ever chosen for himself. The person who almost ruined that? Xichen Lim, the fellow lion dancer who broke Tim's heart a year ago. But Tim tries not to think about that, especially now that his team is heading to regionals.

Then Xichen appears in Tim’s lion dancing studio. Not only did he move from Singapore to Brooklyn and will be joining the troupe, but he’ll also be performing as one of the lead lions… with Tim.

When it’s clear their lack of communication is making their once flawless synchronization anything but, they’ll be tasked to spend hours practicing outside regular sessions. But will that work? Will Tim be able to trust Xichen again, or will he let his fears win and lose everything he cares about?

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs