The Kiss Countdown

Fake dating and Black joy animate Easton’s adorable debut. Houston event planner Amerie “Mimi” Price feels like her life is falling apart when she is fired from her job and left without a place to live after her boyfriend, Derrick, dumps her. Unwilling to burden her aging parents with her financial hardships, she doesn’t know where to turn. An unexpected solution arises after she spills coffee on Vincent Rogers, a quick-witted astronaut and all-around good guy. When this disastrous first meeting is interrupted by Derrick and his new girlfriend, a panicked Mimi lies and claims Vincent is her new man. Vincent goes along with the charade and asks Mimi if she wouldn’t mind keeping it up in front of his overly invested family in the months leading to his upcoming space mission. In exchange, Mimi can move in to the spare room in Vincent’s house. This fake dating scheme morphs into a cute, chuckle-worthy slow-burn romance. Easton takes her time building comfort and trust between the leads, making their love affair feel cozy and grounded, even as the plot around them moves at a fast clip. Easton is a writer to watch. Agent: Jem Chambers-Black, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Apr.)