Circling Back to You

Opposites attract when two coworkers fake a relationship in this endearing, unabashedly tropey rom-com from Tieu (The Donut Trap). Mutually pining from the start, Cadence Lim, a straitlaced analyst for Prism Realty, and Matt Escanilla, the firm’s cheeriest broker, end up forced to share a single hotel suite while on a business trip that could make or break Matt’s upcoming promotion. Workaholic Matt is under pressure to settle down from his beloved grandmother, so when she overhears Cadence in the background of a phone call, Matt allows her to believe that Cadence is his girlfriend. Cadence agrees to play the part at an upcoming Escanilla family gathering—and when their attraction gives way to a passionate night, they decide to try a real relationship. All is frothy and easy, until Cadence gets a job offer in a different city. Matt’s not prepared to do long distance, and Cadence doesn’t want to sacrifice her career for a man. It’s a significant and grounded conflict, but Cadence and Matt’s obvious chemistry and light banter make it clear these two will pull through. Cadence and Matt’s very different, but equally loving, family backgrounds only enhance their romance. This breezy outing is sure to please. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary. (June)