The Sweetest Charade

April 26, 2021
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.

June 4, 2021

DEBUT James's debut is a delightful opposites-attract fake-relationship romance with a decidedly modern flair. When social media influencer Delysia Daniels accidentally tags travel history professor Alexander Abbot-Hill in a somewhat racy photo, both Delysia's and Alexander's online personas get an immediate boost. They soon realize--with the help of Delysia's publicist and the temptation of a luxury train tour--that playing things up for the cameras could be mutually beneficial to them both. But, as the world falls in love with their romance via social media, Delysia and Alexander each come to realize that there's far more to each other than their public personas suggest. Can a relationship that began so superficially survive in the real world? Readers may feel just as transported by the behind-the-scenes look at the world of influencers as they will by Delysia's trip back home to Dubai; James brings both to colorful life in her writing. The sweetly sexy romance between two seemingly dissimilar characters is a bonus. VERDICT A solid addition for public library collections.--Rebecca Moe, Alden Ewell Free Lib., NY

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