Zeta Rodgers Needs to Relax

A fling results in an accidental pregnancy in Moon’s plodding debut. Zeta Rodgers meets Ash Cross when, while catching up with friends at a bar, she steps outside for some fresh air to avoid a fainting spell brought on by her vasovagal syncope. Ash, having slipped outside to avoid his friend’s matchmaking efforts, introduces himself to Zeta and the two have a one-night stand. Zeta ends up pregnant, and when she’s unable to contact Ash, she prepares to raise the baby alone. The pair unexpectedly reconnect, however, when Ash, stepping in as the CEO of his family’s construction company after his father’s heart attack, discovers that Zeta is his company’s newest programmer. Ash now faces the dual challenges of adjusting to his new corporate role and proving he’s all in on building a future with Zeta, not just because of the pregnancy. Moon handles the accidental pregnancy trope well, documenting the journey realistically. Unfortunately, Zeta’s insecurity about Ash’s ability to commit slows the momentum, and the couple’s prolonged miscommunication makes the resolution feel overly drawn out. It’s a hard-earned happily ever after that only the most patient readers will stomach. (Nov.)