Fake Skating

Following her parents’ messy divorce, high school senior Dani Collins finds herself moving back to Minnesota with her mother. Despite the emotionally tumultuous reasons for returning to Southview, Dani is optimistic about the change. Maybe she’ll finally get answers about why her childhood sweetheart Alec mysteriously ghosted her. Alec, meanwhile, is too focused on maintaining his image as the star of the high school hockey team to be distracted by Dani, whom he believes broke his heart several summers ago. With the tender reunion Dani envisioned a bust, she’s more than happy to take Alec’s lead, acting like strangers at school—until a misunderstanding forces them into each other’s orbit. Alec proposes a deal: he and Dani will fake-date to endear himself to—and restore his reputation with—NHL scouts, who view Alec as a troublesome party boy. In exchange, Alec will vouch for Dani’s placement as the hockey team’s manager to help be accepted to Harvard. In this breezy rom-com, Painter (Nothing Like the Movies) crafts a tangible feeling world in which the relationship stakes are never too high, and the white-cued characters’ chemistry is magnetic, ensuring a satisfying read for romance lovers. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kim Lionetti, BookEnds Literary. (Sept.)