The Sweetest Charade
A Fake Dating Black Romance
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
"A delightful opposites-attract fake-relationship romance with a decidedly modern flair." —Library Journal
Delysia Daniels didn’t intend any of this. Accidentally tagging the wrong person in a slightly racy photo could have happened to anyone. But when the slipup gains her thousands of followers and a much-needed opportunity, she takes full advantage. Fake dating an uptight history professor complete with the proverbial stiff upper lip will raise both their profiles, if she can just get him to agree.
Dr. Alexander Abbott-Hill isn’t delusional enough to believe his sudden popularity is due to his fascinating lectures. Agreeing to a high-profile, all-expenses-paid trip across the country isn’t exactly a hardship, although getting along with an online influencer might be. But he doesn’t plan on Delysia. She’s smart, beautiful, and far more…everything…than he’d imagined.
Fake relationship aside, neither of them is very good at pretending. Add their instant attraction and undeniable chemistry, and it isn’t long before they realize this fictional relationship is going to change their lives—just not the way they thought.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
James's debut delivers an endearingly unlikely duo, a luxurious setting, and fun fake dating drama. Eritrean Instagram influencer Delysia Daniels came to New York for med school but dropped out when her mother got sick, with a plan to make enough money on social media to pay for her surgery. The story begins when Delysia posts a photo of herself in bed with an unidentifiable man—and accidentally tags the wrong account. African American history professor Alexander Abbott-Hill would rather work on antique train restoration than look for love—but now everyone thinks he's dating Delysia. Delysia's formidable agent convinces the pair to spin this misconception to benefit them both with a glamorous train trip down the East Coast for them and a group of influencers. Branded the Gilded Express, the trip will build Delysia's brand and generate interest in Alexander's research. The vintage train makes a romantic background for their fake relationship, with stops in cities along the way adding to the appeal. The eventual sex scenes, while steamy, don't always feel true to the distinct personalities of the characters, and some of the obstacles the couple faces are abruptly introduced and just as quickly discarded. Still, James does a good job making Alexander's nerdy intensity attractive and peeling back Delysia's layers. This charming romance should win James many fans.
