Crash

Love transcends class difference in this saucy fake relationship romance from Lush (the Burning Secrets series). Genevieve “Evie” Cooper is struggling to raise her younger sister after their parents’ deaths, leading her to accept an outrageous offer: she agrees to fake-date her former boss in exchange for $100,000. Millionaire Alex Jenkins was born in a world of privilege, but his playboy reputation makes his grandmother hesitant to hand over the reins of the family business. To prove her wrong, and to prevent his smarmy cousin from landing the CEO position, Alex recruits Evie to act as his fiancé. As their fake romance turns real, Evie worries the differences in their social statuses and wealth will put his family off of her, while Alex worries that she’ll never be able to overlook his checkered past. Lush sets up some intense family conflict for Alex that never quite pays off, but the relationship itself provides plenty of drama to keep the pages turning. This slow-burn romance is a welcome blend of sweet and spicy. (Jan.)