Erin Hawkins’ Reluctantly Yours takes the beloved fake-dating trope and infuses it with charm, heat, and just enough heartache to keep the pages turning. Barrett, the cold, business-first heir who has built his father’s media empire back up, finds himself in need of a girlfriend—not for love, but for appearances. Chloe, his mother’s hardworking and book-loving assistant, stumbles into the role after a bachelorette party mishap puts her at Barrett’s mercy. What begins as a reluctant bargain quickly turns into a delicious push-and-pull between two people who were never supposed to mix but can’t seem to resist each other.
What really works here is the chemistry. Chloe’s warmth, wit, and quiet resilience melt through Barrett’s icy exterior, and their banter sparks with the perfect balance of tension and flirtation. Barrett’s initial control-freak, no-feelings-allowed attitude makes his gradual unraveling all the more satisfying, while Chloe’s journey from self-doubt to finding her voice adds depth beyond the romance. The fake dating setup gives way to stolen glances, unexpected tenderness, and those “oh no, this feels real” moments that readers of the trope live for.
At its core, Reluctantly Yours is about learning to risk vulnerability for love, even when business, pride, or fear stand in the way. Hawkins layers the romance with just enough workplace and family drama to keep things interesting, but it’s the emotional payoff—the realization that love can’t be managed like a deal—that makes the story shine. It’s witty, heartfelt, and steamy in all the right places, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and fake dating who crave that satisfying moment when the reluctant walls finally crumble.
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