In It to Win It

Long-lost loves compete in Cooper’s light and delightful sequel to Business Not as Usual. Fun-loving Morgan Redford is passionate about her new nonprofit, Open Arms, which aims to support young adults who are aging out of foster care. She puts in a bid on a property that could house these teens only to find that her first love and college sweetheart, sensible developer Drake Faulkner, is after the same house—and the quirky seller will accept the bid of whoever can win a series of physical competitions. When Drake’s parents died leaving him the sole guardian to his toddler twin siblings, Morgan couldn’t handle the responsibility and left him without a word. Drake was devastated, and seeing Morgan again reawakens old wounds. Still, the building in question was designed by his father, so he’s determined to stay focused, keep his distance, and win the Ironman–style showdown for the house. Meanwhile, Morgan hopes to prove that she’s matured and is finally ready for the life Drake once planned for them. There are plenty of smiles in store, if not all-out laughter, as the competition ramps up. Morgan and Drake’s palpable chemistry, emotional connection, and admirable personal growth make them easy to cheer on. Readers will be charmed. Agent: Melissa Jeglinski, Knight Agency. (Dec.)