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.

Tim Wong loves lion dancing. Sure, the sport led to heartbreak last year, but he can’t think about that now. Not when his team is preparing for regionals.

Then Tim’s sifu decides his perfect dance partner is the boy who ghosted him: Xichen Lim, right off a flight from Singapore to New York. That means sharing a lion costume, trusting each other through gravity-defying routines, and putting his life in the hands of the guy who crushed his heart.

To win the title, they’ll have to move as one. But with every practice, it becomes harder to tell where old wounds end and second chances begin. Can Tim trust Xichen with more than just the next leap?

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