BLURB:

Two former high school sweethearts get a second chance in this marriage of convenience romance by Kristina Forest, author of The Neighbor Favor.

To Violet Greene, fashion is everything. As a successful celebrity stylist, she travels all over the world, living out her dreams. Professionally, she’s thriving, but her personal life is in shambles. After surviving a very public breakup with her ex-fiancé six months ago, Violet is now determined to focus on her career. But life hands her something—or rather, someone—that might derail everything…

Xavier Wright did not expect to run into his high school girlfriend Violet—the girl he once thought he’d marry—on a birthday trip to Vegas. As a high school teacher and basketball coach, he rarely leaves his New Jersey hometown, so what were the chances? But when the initial shock wears off, they decide to celebrate together. They feel young and reckless as they party the night away—and reckless they clearly were when the following morning, they wake up beside each other with rings on their fingers.

Their impulsive nuptials might be a blessing in disguise, though, when they realize that both of their careers could benefit from the marriage. So they play the part of a blissfully wedded couple. Yet when their passion comes hurling back, they realize their feelings are just as real as they were back when they were teens. But are their lives too different to stick it through or will they finally get a happy ending?

MY THOUGHTS:

When life throws curveballs (or bans TikTok for a hot minute), sometimes you just need a good book to whisk you away. The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest did just that for me—what a heartwarming, feel-good read!

Let me just say, I was hooked from page one. Xavier and Violet had me smiling, cheering, and occasionally yelling at my book like a true unhinged book lover. Fake dating, high school sweethearts, a second chance romance, a pretend Vegas wedding—this book is like the ultimate romance buffet, and I wanted seconds.

Xavier, my boy, you’re the MVP. A high school English teacher who also coaches basketball? Dreamy. I loved how grounded and kind he was, even when he was wrestling with big decisions about his career. And Violet? A total boss as a stylist. Together, they had this undeniable spark that made me giddy. Kristina Forest wrote their chemistry so well that I could feel the tension and warmth between them.

Can we talk about the vibes? Forest nailed the small-town nostalgia, and the high school flashbacks had me right there, like I was walking the halls with them. I couldn’t stop picturing Xavier as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Philly roots and all, especially with his cousin Raheem making an appearance. Genius touch.

Oh, and as a Jersey girl, I squealed every time New Jersey popped up. When they went to Montclair for dinner, I literally clutched my heart. Representation matters, even if it’s just a dinner spot!

But can I be real for a second? I lowkey hoped their fake Vegas wedding would turn out to be real. Like, how wild would that twist have been? Either way, the journey to their happily-ever-after was so satisfying. I found myself rooting for Xavier to stay at Willow Ridge High because, hello, he’s changing lives there! And yes, I definitely got misty-eyed a few times.

The epilogue was perfection. It wrapped everything up in the coziest, sweetest way, and now I can’t stop daydreaming about taking a dip in a heated pool.

The spice level? Think a warm cup of cocoa with a hint of cinnamon—sweet, light, and comforting. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

If you’re craving a heartwarming romance that feels like a hug, The Partner Plot is a must-read. It’s got charm, nostalgia, and a love story that’ll leave you smiling long after the last page.

Favorite Lines:
“In Xavier, Violet found what she hadn’t been able to find in anyone else. A kindred spirit, an understanding. A mutual support of each other’s desires and dreams.”

“Honestly, I’m married to my career, and I’m not ashamed to say that. If I give my career everything I have, the chances of things working out in my favor are high.”

“Our marriage might be fake and temporary,’ ‘but I hope we can give this thing between us a try for real because… I can’t bear the thought of losing you again.”

Y’all, my heart is so full. 💕