Publication date: April 25th 2024
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Excerpt

"Oh look, here's your boyfriend now."

"Hey, Kent," a voice said behind me.

My "just friends" backed away, but they didn't go far. Alexandria and Grayson weren't the only people watching either. I could see several students and a few teachers had paused to watch the interaction between Sam and me.

This was it.

Phase one of the plan.

When I turned, I was ready, in the zone, the fake romance zone that is.

But then I got a look at Sam. He was smiling extra wide, and his eyes were round too, like a cartoon. My own expression nearly faltered, but I shook it off and stayed in character, as I rushed to close the gap between us. Keeping my smile, I lowered my voice so only he could hear.

"What's wrong with your face?" I whispered.

"What do you mean?" Sam said, still smiling way too big.

"You look crazy. Stop that."

"Do I?"

"Your teeth are blinding everyone in a mile radius," I gritted out. "For goodness sake, Bishop, tone it down a notch."

"But I'm really happy to see you," he said.

With a sigh, I shook my head. "Too much, far too many teeth."

Sam's face went back to normal in the next breath. "This better?"

"Yes, much," I said.

"Hey, it was your idea to bust out the heart eyes," he said.

I lifted a brow. "I believe I said to look happy."

"Really happy."

"Okay, but the goal is to convince people we're in love," I said, "not scare small children."

Sam laughed, but movement behind him caught my attention. Brisa was walking arm-and-arm with Cooper down the hall. They were coming this way. My eyes widened, and I looked back at Sam with urgency.

"Pick me up and spin me around," I said.

"Huh?" Sam said.

I put my hands on his shoulders and tried not to shiver as his hands went around my waist in response.

Confession: The attempt failed.

"Brisa and Cooper at 12 o'clock," I whispered as pleasurable shivers raced up and down my spine. "Pick me up and spin me. Like we're reuniting after a long time apart."

"You think that's realistic?"

"I think it's romantic."

Sam looked unconvinced.

"Come on, Bishop," I said quickly. "Spin me. They're almost here. You're supposed to be my boyfriend. Right?"

He met my eyes and gave me a soft, genuine smile so unlike the one he'd been wearing before. "Anything for my girlfriend," he said.

Then I was flying.

Or at least it felt that way.

I gasped as Sam lifted and turned with me in his arms. This wasn't on my list, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why. It was wonderful. Sam's hands were warm on my waist, and butterflies danced in my stomach as I clung to his neck.

"Oh yeah," he said into my ear, "this is much more believable."

"Whatever, Bishop," I said unable to hold back a breathless laugh.

Round and round, we went, and when he finally set me down, I felt unsteady.

"I think you should leave the romantic gestures to me," he said.

"Not a chance," I replied. Looking around, I didn't see Brisa anywhere. The crowd of onlookers began to disperse, and there weren't as many people left in the hall. But she had to have walked by us. "Did Brisa see?"

"Don't know," he said. "Your hair was in my face."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. It was nice."

Brow furrowed, I gave him a look.

Sam just shrugged. "You have nice hair."

"You still say the most random things," I said, thinking back to when we were younger.

"You're random," he replied.

"And come up with the lamest insults."

"You're the lamest."

"Thank you for proving my point."

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About the Author

Cookie O'Gorman Bio: Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, and BOOKWORM are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, and The Total Knockout. Her newest release SWEETHEART came out on April 25, 2024!

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