The Rom Con - by Devon Daniels (Paperback)

About the Book

"After a particularly brutal breakup, Cassidy Sutton has had it with dating. So when her grandmother gives her a 1950's dating guide entitled 125 Tips to Hook a Husband, she decides to turn the retro advice into an ironic "What not to do" article for Siren, the popular online women's publication she writes for. And who better to secretly test the old-fashioned tips on than Jack Bradford, chauvinistic creator of rival men's site Brawler? She'll write an article that will entertain female readers everywhere and embarrass their sexist nemesis at the same time. Two birds, one stone. But her perfect plan soon proves to be anything but. Those vintage courtship tips Cassidy was so quick to poke fun at? They actually seem to work, calling her most closely-held beliefs into question. Even worse? Jack isn't falling for any of her tricks-and it's not long before their 'fake' relationship starts to feel like the realest one of her life. As her cat and mouse game starts to spiral out of control, Cassidy has to decide if she's playing to win, or if she's willing to lose it all for love"--

Book Synopsis

A modern battle of the sexes about a journalist who hatches an elaborate plan to take down her professional rival, in a rom-com perfect for fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

After a particularly brutal breakup, Cassidy Sutton has had it with dating. So when her grandmother gives her a 1950's dating guide entitled 125 Tips to Hook a Husband, she decides to turn the retro advice into an ironic "What not to do" article for Siren, the popular online women's publication she writes for. And who better to secretly test the old-fashioned tips on than Jack Bradford, chauvinistic creator of rival men's site Brawler? She'll write an article that will entertain female readers everywhere and embarrass their sexist nemesis at the same time. Two birds, one stone.

But her perfect plan soon proves to be anything but. Those vintage courtship tips Cassidy was so quick to poke fun at? They actually seem to work, calling her most closely-held beliefs into question. Even worse? Jack isn't falling for any of her tricks--and it's not long before their 'fake' relationship starts to feel like the realest one of her life. As her cat and mouse game starts to spiral out of control, Cassidy has to decide if she's playing to win, or if she's willing to lose it all for love.

Review Quotes

"A rip-roaringly fun and sexy novel that calls into question our beliefs about vulnerability and connection. I felt every heartbeat in this one."
--Annabel Monaghan, national bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer

"Refreshingly smart, heartfelt and laugh-out-loud funny. Daniels once again delivers an absolutely flawless rom-com."
--Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan

"Perfectly encapsulates the whip-sharp hilarity and nostalgia of How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, but for a modern audience. Masterfully paced, The Rom Con's scorching slow-burn will have readers giddily kicking their feet in anticipation. Consider me dazzled!"
--Amy Lea, international bestselling author of Exes and O's

"Sharp, witty, and fun... the perfect reminder that you're at your best when you're being yourself."
--Lacie Waldon, bestselling author of The Layover

"Readers will delight in this sweet and sexy rom-com....Perfect for fans of the movie How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days!"
--Woman's World

"Full of likable characters, bizarre and antiquated dating tips inspired by real lifestyle magazines and books, examples of healthy relationships, and ample steam, Daniels' tale will find fans among readers who recall those crazy Cosmo tips or who have seen the sour side of dating apps."
--Booklist

"[F]ake dating, workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, and slow burn--all with a happily-ever-after ending. The Rom Con is perfect for readers who enjoy classic romantic comedies and... the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."
--Shelf Awareness

"If the Doris Day/Rock Hudson battle-of-the-sexes rom-com classics had a baby with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, the result would be The Rom Con. Devon Daniels has written a surprising, sexy slow-burn romance that's packed full of enough pop culture references to keep any romantic comedy fan happy."
--Kerry Winfrey, author of Faking Christmas

"I devoured this book. Part How to Lose a Guy a in 10 Days and part Fifty Shades of Grey. Yes, you read that correctly. Daniels captures the very core of what I love most about a rom-com: sexy anticipation and soulful longing wrapped in quick-witted prose. Jack and Cassie are the couple we can't help but root for, and The Rom Con is the perfect rom-com. Daniels has created an absolute gem."
--Rochelle Weinstein, author of This is Not How it Ends

"With winks to How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, The Rom Con strikes the perfect balance between feminine and feminist with its clever premise, reminding us that 'old' does not mean 'over.' Readers will delight in the pop culture references from both the past and present, delicious tension, and witty dialogue. This hilarious and heartwarming love letter to classic romance movies and spunky grandmothers everywhere is going on my favorites list!"
--Meredith Schorr, author of As Seen on TV and Someone Just Like You

Praise for Meet You in the Middle

"Sharp, clever repartee propels this irresistible, very modern, wonderfully warm and optimistic romance that asks the eternal question, do opposites really attract?"
--Jayne Ann Krentz, New York Times bestselling author

"...[M]ore timely than ever...it's the kind of book that will leave you feeling gleeful."
--USA Today

"Daniels has written one of those romantic comedy masterpieces that makes your stomach flip, your heart explode, even as you can't help but laugh out loud at the sheer cleverness of the writing. Absolute perfection--the best romantic comedy I've had the pleasure of reading, ever."
--Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author

"Smart, sexy, and satisfying! Daniels has penned an engaging enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance set against a beltway backdrop that gives an insider's look at the people and politics of Washington D.C., while maintaining the heart and humor of two people falling in love against all odds. I loved it!"
--Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author

"Fans of The West Wing will enjoy this charming enemies-to-lovers tale!"
--The Washington Independent Review of Books

"Sassy, sweet and deliciously sexy, Meet You in the Middle is a wickedly fun read. Loved it!"
--Nicola Marsh, USA Today bestselling author

"A grin-worthy workplace romance perfect for fans of The Hating Game. The chemistry sizzles and the prank war is a crowd pleaser, but what brings it home is the characters' hard fought mutual respect."
--Michelle Hazen, author of Unbreak Me

"Well-written, touching, and whip-smart...It's not just the rom-com we desperately need in 2021, it's the rom-com we deserve."
--Evie Magazine

"A charming debut, adorable and a perfect rom-com read. A really enjoyable ride."
--Future Female Leaders Book Club

"Chemistry so electric it sparks right off the page...I couldn't get enough. This was such a satisfying book."
--Hitha Palepu, creator of 5 Smart Reads

"Great writing and the slow, intense burn keeps you engaged...Truly a romance for our time."
--East City Bookshop

About the Author

Devon Daniels is a born-and-bred California girl whose own love story found her transplanted to the Maryland shores of the Chesapeake Bay. She's a graduate of the University of Southern California and in her past life worked in marketing, product design, and music. When she's not writing, you'll find her clinging to her sanity as mom, chef, chauffeur, and referee to four children, or sneaking off with her husband for date nights in Washington, DC.