Wants and Needs

A hilarious and brilliantly observed novel about coming of age when you thought you already had: a story about commitment and independence, about starting all over again, and finding different ways to love along the way. Independence seems to be drifting away from Misty. Just months ago, she was living with her fiancé and planning their life together. Now she’s single, back in her childhood bedroom, on crutches from knee surgery and relying on her mother to help her with the smallest of tasks. This isn’t how thirty-two was meant to look. When Misty turns to dating apps, she's immediately intrigued by charismatic, handsome Christopher—so intrigued that she doesn't even notice the acronym "ENM" on his profile. By the time she discovers that it stands for "Ethical Non-Monogamy"—and that he’s in a long-term open relationship—she already feels such undeniable, dizzying chemistry that she decides to give things a go. And so Misty makes a pact with herself to date Christopher for the next six weeks while his partner is away. It’s all part of her plan: she wants to learn to become less attached, and to prepare herself for her next "real" relationship. But is what she wants really what she needs?

About the Author :
ROXY DUNN’s debut novel, As Young As This, was a Best Book of 2024 in the Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Times Style. She is also a screenwriter and alumna of the BBC Comedy Room. Her scripts have been optioned by several production companies, and her pilot Useless Millennials was commissioned and broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Wants and Needs is her second novel.

Review :
Praise for Wants & Needs: "A funny, deeply perceptive novel about desire, commitment, and the drastic (sometimes questionable) measures we'll take to avoid ourselves. Dunn writes with an honesty and intimacy that would be scary if the book wasn't so much fun." —Morgan Dick, author of Favourite Daughter “Roxy Dunn writes so smoothly about the limitations—and liberations—of adult love with such delicacy and honesty. This is a timely novel about things that are, conversely, timeless: self-worth, desire and the deep questions of the heart.” —Claire Daverley, author of Talking at Night "Addictive, hilarious and moving. I was totally charmed by this sensitively rendered and emotionally astute portrait of modern love. Roxy Dunn’s voice is so fresh, funny and human. I missed Misty the moment I closed the book." —Francesca Reece, author of Voyeur “I just knew I was going to inhale it when I read that first page. So enjoyable and well observed and the writing is just so good and moreish. I loved it.” —Catherine Airey, author of Confessions “Roxy Dunn is oh so good on love. The big feelings. The thinking (and overthinking). The thrills and the spills. Wants and Needs is witty, warm and seriously sexy. A story about what we desire and deserve.” — Chloë Ashby, author of Wet Paint “Narrated by a refreshingly offbeat heroine, Wants and Needs is a thoroughly amusing coming-of-age (in your thirties) novel written with wit, honesty and tenderness.” —Claire Powell, author of At the Table “A tender novel about the pursuit of love . . . Dunn writes with a perceptive frankness.” —Amy Twigg, author of Spoilt Creatures