Token: A Novel
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Exes fake-date their way back to love amid a race relations scandal in this bold contemporary romance from Kendall (Played). Three weeks into a temp job, Kennedy Mitchell's boss offers her $10,000 to pose as the only Black member of the company's media relations team to woo a new Black client. Bogged down by student loans, Kennedy agrees--and the experience sparks an idea. She and her white best friend, Aurora, go on to start Token, a PR firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. But Kennedy's not expecting Nate Vaughn, Aurora's brother and Kennedy's onetime lover, to come to Token for help. His employees are suing him for discrimination, and though Kennedy refuses to take Nate on as a client, she does attend the press conference he holds to address the suit. When reporters become aggressive, Kennedy comes to Nate's defense, sparking questions about her relationship with Nate. Naturally, the couple agrees to fake date to save face. The romance itself unfolds as expected, but it's the fearless exploration of the hardships of being Black in white spaces that sets this apart. Kendall explores the nuances of interracial dating while still offering plenty of levity throughout. Readers looking for romance with grit should snap this up. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Jan.)

Kennedy Mitchell's got it all: brains, beauty, and a successful business. As the cofounder of the PR company, Token, she helps corporate clients recover their reputations after public blow-ups and assists them in diversifying their staff. After ending a serious relationship, following yet another unwanted proposal, she decides to lay low and stay single for a while. When her best friend's brother, Nate, is embroiled in a scandal at his company, Kennedy immediately jumps to his defense. But these two have a sexy past that neither has been able to forget. Working on Nate's case necessitates pretending to be a couple, a situation that becomes more real every day. VERDICT This smart and steamy novel from Kendall (Played) will appeal to readers who enjoy their contemporary romance with a healthy dose of social commentary and story lines featuring fake dating and strong female friendships. Give to fans of Jasmine Guillory.--Migdalia Jimenez

Kennedy Mitchell's got it all: brains, beauty, and a successful business. As the cofounder of the PR company, Token, she helps corporate clients recover their reputations after public blow-ups and assists them in diversifying their staff. After ending a serious relationship, following yet another unwanted proposal, she decides to lay low and stay single for a while. When her best friend's brother, Nate, is embroiled in a scandal at his company, Kennedy immediately jumps to his defense. But these two have a sexy past that neither has been able to forget. Working on Nate's case necessitates pretending to be a couple, a situation that becomes more real every day. VERDICT This smart and steamy novel from Kendall (Played) will appeal to readers who enjoy their contemporary romance with a healthy dose of social commentary and story lines featuring fake dating and strong female friendships. Give to fans of Jasmine Guillory.—Migdalia Jimenez

Exes fake-date their way back to love amid a race relations scandal in this bold contemporary romance from Kendall (Played). Three weeks into a temp job, Kennedy Mitchell's boss offers her $10,000 to pose as the only Black member of the company's media relations team to woo a new Black client. Bogged down by student loans, Kennedy agrees—and the experience sparks an idea. She and her white best friend, Aurora, go on to start Token, a PR firm specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. But Kennedy's not expecting Nate Vaughn, Aurora's brother and Kennedy's onetime lover, to come to Token for help. His employees are suing him for discrimination, and though Kennedy refuses to take Nate on as a client, she does attend the press conference he holds to address the suit. When reporters become aggressive, Kennedy comes to Nate's defense, sparking questions about her relationship with Nate. Naturally, the couple agrees to fake date to save face. The romance itself unfolds as expected, but it's the fearless exploration of the hardships of being Black in white spaces that sets this apart. Kendall explores the nuances of interracial dating while still offering plenty of levity throughout. Readers looking for romance with grit should snap this up. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Jan.)