This Is Not A Love Story: Four Thrilling New Books Flipping Valentine’s Day on Its Head

Valentine’s season usually comes with the temptation of chocolates, roses and glossy love stories — but last night at Waterstones Piccadilly, the conversation was anything but conventional. Curated by Dark Matter, This Is Not A Love Story celebrated love in all its messy, thrilling and unexpected forms: from deep friendships and family bonds to obsession, revenge, and love gone dangerously wrong.

What made the evening particularly refreshing was how it centred Black and Brown women beyond tired stereotypes, exploring desire, power dynamics and relationships with honesty, humour and nuance.

Hosted by Sarah Gwyonyoma, the panel brought together four remarkable authors. Sarvat Hasin (Strange Girls) reflected on the quiet heartbreak of friendship break-ups, reminding us that love isn’t only romantic. Lolá Ákínmádé(Bitter Honey) discussed narcissism, evolving with age, and why she chooses to centre Black women in spaces where Black culture is often invisible. Imani Thompson (Honey, out 7 May) explored themes of narcissism, modern dating, and contemporary cult-like dynamics that inspired her, such as Killing Eve. Leodora Darlington (The Exes) spoke candidly about desire and power, hinting that “daddy issues” play a role in her main character.

The discussion was smart, funny and, at times, sharply insightful. From questioning if it’s embarrassing to have a boyfriend to whether 2026 might be the year we all choose to settle, the audience was laughing, thinking and fully engaged.

Kai Lutterodt with **Imani Thompson** and her new book *Honey*, out 7th May | Photos *@the.soho.girl*

On a personal note, I ended the evening with a sweet surprise, quite literally: winning a copy of Imani Thompson’s Honey after spotting a sweet on my seat (which, I’ll admit, I’d demolished by the time the first question was asked, but at least I kept the wrapper as evidence!) A small but perfect reminder that thoughtful events can leave both intellectual and tangible takeaways.

Flying solo this Valentine’s? Grab a book, get cosy, and let someone else’s killer story keep you company.

Discover more events by Dark Matter here: www.darkmatteragency.co.uk

Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl