The Valentine's Hate

October 17, 2022
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.

November 1, 2022

Lissette Alonso ends up on a plane next to her old nemesis Brian, who managed to single-handedly ruin every Valentine's Day for 10 years in a row, starting in second grade. Lissette is the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding while Brian has an obligation at a fan and media event for a movie based on his first book. Happy to be going their separate ways after landing, Brian and Lissette are irritated when they discover they are staying at the same resort. Brian is usually private and reserved, but the fate of the movie rests on his shoulders. Having the married lead actress hitting on him is also adding to his social anxiety. When Lissette realizes her cheating ex-boyfriend is attending the wedding, faking a relationship with Brian for a few days seems to be an easy way for both to survive the weekend with their dignity intact. It comes as a deep shock to both when they feel an intense attraction to each other. VERDICT Halston (The Maid) has written an escapist read full of laughs and heat. Believable character background stories make this rom-com an enjoyable story.--Nicole J. Suarez

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