How to Survive a Modern-Day Fairy Tale

Cruz debuts with a sweet modern-day Cinderella story that pairs an adorably nerdy cookie entrepreneur and a driven tech mogul. Claire Ventura and billionaire Nate Noruta meet cute when Claire nearly hits Nate-whom she does not recognize-with her car in Long Beach, Calif. When she later dines at Nate's new restaurant, the coincidental encounter sparks a red-hot romance. Nate is all in from the start, while Claire's insecurities and tendency to run away threaten to end the relationship as quickly as it began. It's a dynamic that grows frustrating; readers will want to shake Claire as she consistently refuses to accept the love of a hero who's almost too perfect to believe. Still, Cruz's multifaceted characters force readers to care about them from the first page, and Claire and Nate's second date-which kicks off with a private flight to Paris-is positively swoon-worthy. Meanwhile, the supporting cast-particularly Claire's grandmother, work bestie, Todd, and outrageous sister, Ro-add depth and color. It's a bumpy ride, but there's plenty to make it worthwhile. Agent: Naomi Davis, Bookends Literary. (Dec.)