The Valentine’s Hate

Halston (The Maid) pairs a feisty businesswoman and a reclusive author with explosive results. While flying from London to Cancun for a wedding, Lizzie Alonzo ends up seated next to her childhood nemesis, Brian Anderson, who is traveling to a publishing conference at Lizzie’s same hotel. Brian—now better known as B. Anderson, the author of a blockbuster series of dystopian novels that are about to be made into movies—has massive social anxiety, and when he’s swamped by fans outside the hotel, Lizzie unexpectedly comes to his rescue. After Brian blurts out that she’s his girlfriend, they’re stuck faking a relationship for the duration of their time in Mexico. The stakes get higher when Lizzie’s caught trying on her friend’s ring, leading social media to explode with rumors of B. Anderson’s engagement. But as pretending to be in love becomes falling in love for real, the jealous lead actor in Brian’s movie tries to throw a wrench in the relationship. Readers will have to suspend their disbelief to accept Brian’s massive celebrity status, but those who do will delight in this swoonworthy couple and their steamy love scenes. Clever plotting, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and a memorable cast combine to create a charming romp that romance fans won’t want to miss. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Agency. (Dec.)