The Love Audit

Work rivals feign newlywed bliss in this diverting rom-com from Eden (Love in Bloom). It’s been 13 years since a rift between patriarchs ended the business relationship of the Morgan and Carter families, and scions Jasmine Morgan and Derek Carter still hold a grudge. Both now work in PR at MasonCorp and both are assigned to create a campaign for small town Miller’s Cove, Fla., which MasonCorp hopes to develop into a tourist destination. Only the more successful of the two will keep their job. Upon arriving in Miller’s Cove, Jasmine and Derek learn that the town is hostile to corporate outsiders and so don’t correct the townsfolk’s assumption that they are a honeymooning couple. As faking feelings leads to the real thing, the pair learn the history of the town, which was founded by three tight-knit families seeking to preserve the idyllic spot for future generations. The closer they grow both to each other and the locals, the more difficult the idea of turning in their assignments becomes. It’s endearing to watch the leads’ animosity change to love, even as misunderstandings between them give rise to plenty of romantic angst. Eden keeps the plot moving with both personal and professional drama, resulting in a fun romp that readers won’t want to put down. (Dec.)