The Boyfriend Project

Rochon (the Holmes Brothers series) woos readers with ample wit and charm in this low-drama workplace romance. Samiah Brooks’s life takes a turn when she finds out via Twitter that her beau is cheating on her with two other women. In the applause-worthy confrontation that follows, Samiah loses a boyfriend but forges fast friendships with the women he’s cheated with, who join her in kicking the jerk to the curb. The trio, who dub themselves “Squad Goals,” makes a pact to forgo relationships for six months to focus on self-care and self-improvement. But then Samiah’s tech company hires dreamboat Daniel Collins, and Samiah becomes unsure that she’ll be able to keep her promise. Though Samiah and Daniel strike up a comfortable, flirtatious camaraderie that quickly becomes less work and more play, Rochon keeps their romance on a slow simmer as both put their career obligations before their desire to be together. Readers will long for greater emotional connection between the romantic leads but appreciate the emphasis on female friendship and empowerment. This effortless rom-com makes up for its lack of romantic conflict with an extra helping of sweetness. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (June)