The Partner Plot (The Greene Sisters #2) by Kristina Forest – second chance romance with fake marriage

The Partner Plot is a charming and entertaining second chance romance with fake marriage and high school sweetheart tropes.

Previous Book in Series

The Neighbor Favor (Book 1)

Synopsis

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?

Review

The Partner Plot is a delightful fake marriage romance featuring Violet and Xavier, former high school sweethearts who haven’t crossed paths in 11 years—until fate (and a wild night in Las Vegas) reunites them. After an unexpected party, too many drinks, and a fake wedding ceremony, they wake up married. While they intend to brush it off as a mistake, things take a turn when Violet, in a magazine interview, claims she’s married to avoid questions about her ex.

The news spreads quickly to their hometown, and for the sake of their careers, they agree to keep up the charade for four weeks. Close proximity and cozy domesticity rekindles their feelings that never was gone in the first place. It was interesting see what they will do at the end of the four weeks, how they will reveal the reality and if they can give their love chance with different career and life style.

The writing is engaging and fun from the start. I loved Violet and Xavier’s reunion, as well as the gradual reveal of why they broke up all those years ago. Violet instantly became my favorite character (and my favorite Greene sister). Outgoing and rebellious on the outside yet deeply caring on the inside, she has built a name for herself as a celebrity stylist.

Her professional dedication is admirable, but she struggles with work-life balance, often neglecting her own well-being. It takes breaking her ankle for her to finally pause and reassess her life. Living with Xavier not only fills a void in her heart but also pushes her to open up and take a chance on love again. Her hesitation is understandable, and watching Xavier prove he wouldn’t repeat past mistakes was incredibly rewarding.

Xavier undergoes a compelling transformation. Once a cocky, overconfident teenager, he is now a man shaped by heartbreak and setbacks. A sports injury during his freshman year, coupled with his breakup with Violet, shattered his confidence, making him believe he wasn’t worthy—of a great career or even Violet. As a high school teacher and assistant coach in their hometown, he has settled for less than he deserves. However, living with Violet forces him to confront his fears and realize his true worth. Seeing him grow into a better, more self-assured person was one of the highlights of the book.

The second-chance romance combined with the fake marriage trope works beautifully in The Partner Plot. The chemistry between Violet and Xavier is sizzling, their vulnerabilities and struggles feel real, and their love is far more mature this time around. The story is packed with fun, heartfelt moments.

While much of it is predictable, it’s executed in a way that remains entertaining. Their decision to come clean to their family near the end leads to a chaotic and hilarious small-town gossip fest, giving the book a perfect, lighthearted conclusion.

Overall, The Partner Plot is a charming and entertaining second chance romance with fake marriage and high school sweetheart tropes.

What to Expect in The Partner Plot–

Second Chance Romance
Drunken Vegas Wedding
Fake Marriage
High School Sweetheart Reunion
Sizzling Chemistry
Fashion + Sports
Small town romance

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
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Have you read this or wish to read?
What is your favorite fake marriage romance?

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