Heartwood, also called duramen, dead, central wood of trees. Its cells usually contain tannins or other substances that make it dark in colour and sometimes aromatic. Heartwood is mechanically strong, resistant to decay, and less easily penetrated by wood-preservative chemicals than other types of wood.
Rosalia ‘Lia’ Cavalcante has left a life of wealth and privilege for one of hard work. She’s eager to prove herself as a journalist and when she gets the chance to write about Teo Como, the son of her favourite author, she believes she finally has the chance to prove she’s not just a pretty face. But Teo isn’t easy to work with – he has secrets and regrets that made him run away from the world, and Lia will need all of her skillset and wits to draw him out of his shell.
The story will contain elements not suitable for everyone, including explicit sexual content, descriptions of violence, and swearing. I provide content warnings for sexual content and violence, but not swearing.

Chapter titles are subject to change up until the day of posting.