Genres: Contemporary

“Nicole writes a deeply moving story about a young man struggling with lupus, his sense of self-worth, family loss and separation, and sexuality. With an amazing cast of characters and rich depictions of New York that bring the city to life, WE ARE MADE OF SCARS & STARLIGHT is a story that stays with you. A must-read.”

–Matthew Arnold Stern, author of THE REMAINDERS

When twenty-five-year-old Kai Larsen agrees to pose as his best friend Mariah's date at a family gathering, he doesn't expect to fall hard for her twin brother, Ray. Anxious, magnetic, and achingly off-limits, Ray is everything Kai has ever wanted. But coming out to Ray means risking Mariah's privacy – and their friendship.

As Kai and Ray continue to meet, Kai finds himself trapped in a tangle of half-truths and unspoken feelings. Told in luminous prose, We Are Made of Scars & Starlight is a tender, heartbreaking novella about disability acceptance, queer chosen family, and the courage it takes to be seen.

WE ARE MADE OF SCARS & STARLIGHT is a contemporary novella from Vine Leaves Press about a found family, queer romance, and self-love. Order from the press or get a signed copy through Flyleaf Books.

A content warning: Content in this book includes depictions of ableism, characters struggling with their mental health, chronic pain, grief, homophobia, and transphobia. There are also mentions of addiction, death, and medical trauma.