Only for You

A fake relationship tests the bonds of friendship in Curtis’s adorable second Sapphire Springs romance (after Forever with You). Emily Holland’s New Year’s resolution is to stop pining over Tim Fraser, who’s been her best friend—and unrequited crush—since high school. But her resolve crashes and burns when Tim asks her to pose as his girlfriend to ward off all the attention he’s getting after being dumped by his fame-seeking ex on her reality TV show. Emily reluctantly agrees in exchange for Tim hosting her grandmother’s birthday on one of his tour company’s boats. Tim quickly becomes addicted to their just-for-show kisses, and as his feelings shift, he suggests they try a real relationship. Emily’s joy is short-lived, however, as Tim soon buckles under his fear and uncertainty about ruining their friendship. If they hope to work things out, they’ll both have to reevaluate what they want from their lives and from each other. Curtis gives the endearing couple plenty of space to do so and the pair’s strong emotional bond, easy camaraderie, and real sense of history makes it easy to see both why they’re friends and why they’re meant to be. This charming small-town romance is sure to win hearts. [em]Agent: Stacey Graham, Three Seas Literary. (Aug.) [/em]