The Partner Plot

Forest (The Neighbor Favor) offers a witty take on fake marriage in this fun second-chance romance. High school sweethearts Violet Greene and Xavier Wright once dreamed of a life together, with Violet working as a celebrity stylist and Xavier playing in the NBA. Things did not go according to plan, however, and Xavier broke Violet’s heart to allow her to follow her dreams. Ten years later, Violet is professionally thriving, but her heart has never recovered—and it takes another hit when her famous ex-fiancé, Eddy Coltrane, publicly humiliates her. Xavier, now a high school basketball coach, has many regrets—but his biggest is pushing Violet away. During a chance meeting in a Vegas casino, Violet and Xavier rediscover their connection—so much so that, after a reckless and drunken night, they wake up married. Instead of going for a quick annulment, they decide to milk the marriage for the professional benefits it can bring to both their careers. Along the way, their old flame reignites, leading both to learn a sweet and insightful lesson about what is truly important in life. Readers will root for Violet and Xavier as they come to understand that career success means little without a special person to share it with. Agent: Sara Crowe, Sara Crowe Literary. (Feb.)