Hot Desk A Novel
Hot Desk A Novel by Laura Dickerman, published by Simon and Schuster on September 2, 2025, is a 368-page work that explores the dynamics of rivalry and connection within the post-pandemic publishing industry. The story centers on two rival editors, Rebecca Blume and Ben Heath, who are compelled to share a “hot desk.” Their initial interactions consist of passive-aggressive Post-it notes left on a shared cactus, but the stakes rise dramatically when a revered literary figure passes away, prompting both to vie for a career-defining opportunity.
Readers will find a narrative that spans decades and generations, delving into themes of ambition and legacy. As Rebecca and Ben’s rivalry intensifies, the plot also reveals a historical connection between Rebecca’s mother, Jane, and the literary legend, taking the reader back to 1982 Manhattan. The novel intertwines elements of city life, women’s fiction, and workplace romance, offering a multifaceted look at the challenges faced by women in the publishing world.
Official synopsis Publisher
Younger meets Writers & Lovers in this rollicking, sparkling, and funny novel that spans decades and generations of a family in the publishing industry.
In the post-pandemic publishing industry, two rival editors are forced to share a “hot desk” on different days of the week, much to their chagrin. Having never set eyes on each other, Rebecca Blume and Ben Heath begin leaving passive-aggressive Post-it notes on the pot of their shared cactus. But when revered literary legend Edward David Adams (known as “the Lion”) dies, leaving his estate up for grabs, their banter escalates as both work feverishly to land this career-making opportunity. Their fierce rivalry ultimately forces each to decide how far they’ll go to get ahead, what role they want to play in the Lion’s legacy, and what they mean to each other.
As their battle for the estate gets more heated, Rebecca learns of a connection between her mother, Jane, and the Lion. The story travels back four decades earlier to when Jane arrives in Manhattan and meets Rose, soon her best friend. Jane and Rose are two strong, talented young women trying to make their mark in the publishing world at a time when art, the written word, and creative expression were at their height. But one fateful day during the April blizzard of 1982 will change the course of Jane’s life, and of their friendship, forever…
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