The Sweetest Charade

James’s debut delivers an endearingly unlikely duo, a luxurious setting, and fun fake dating drama. Eritrean Instagram influencer Delysia Daniels came to New York for med school but dropped out when her mother got sick, with a plan to make enough money on social media to pay for her surgery. The story begins when Delysia posts a photo of herself in bed with an unidentifiable man—and accidentally tags the wrong account. African American history professor Alexander Abbott-Hill would rather work on antique train restoration than look for love—but now everyone thinks he’s dating Delysia. Delysia’s formidable agent convinces the pair to spin this misconception to benefit them both with a glamorous train trip down the East Coast for them and a group of influencers. Branded the Gilded Express, the trip will build Delysia’s brand and generate interest in Alexander’s research. The vintage train makes a romantic background for their fake relationship, with stops in cities along the way adding to the appeal. The eventual sex scenes, while steamy, don’t always feel true to the distinct personalities of the characters, and some of the obstacles the couple faces are abruptly introduced and just as quickly discarded. Still, James does a good job making Alexander’s nerdy intensity attractive and peeling back Delysia’s layers. This charming romance should win James many fans. [em](June) [/em]