So much love for this book. I love a book with high school sweethearts and in this one Violet and Xavier get a second chance at love. They loved big and fought big in high school and they just weren’t mature enough to make it work. When they run into each other in Vegas their lives are thrown off the rails a bit and they decide to go with it.
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This one has marriage of convenience, forced proximity and second chance romance. I really rooted for Violet and Xavier and I already can’t wait to get to the next book to read Iris’ HEA.

Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun book! It had some troupes that I was worried about but I think they were so well done and I really really enjoyed it.

adored this second chance romance under the lights of Vegas and totally want a physical copy! In "The Partner Plot" by Kristina Forest, readers are given a serendipitous reunion that leads to unexpected consequences.

Meet Violet Greene. She’s a jet-setting celebrity stylist whose life revolves around fashion and red carpets. She's living her dreams, but her personal life is a different story. After a very public breakup with her ex-fiancé, Violet is determined to focus solely on her career.

Meet Xavier Wright. He’s a high school teacher and basketball coach from New Jersey. Xavier never expected to run into his high school sweetheart during a birthday trip to Vegas. Yet fate has other plans. Will their chance encounter sparks memories of their past… a love that once burned bright?

Forest weaves a tale of passion, ambition, and vulnerability. Her characters leap off the page as we go on their journey. Readers explore the complexities of relationships, the allure of Vegas, and the magic of second chances. Forest's prose is as vibrant as the neon lights illuminating the Strip.

This story is both heartwarming and tumultuous. It’s a rollercoaster ride of love, secrets, and unexpected alliances I will read again and again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

REVIEW: Second chance romance

Thank you #partners @berkleyromance for my #gifted copies. #penguinrandomhousepartner #berkleyromancepartner #berkleyIG

The Partner Plot
Kristina Forest

📖 Violet and Xavier were highschool sweethearts, but their relationship ended abruptly and left them both with unresolved feelings. So a decade later, when they run into each other in Vegas, and subsequently enter a fake marriage to benefit their individual careers, they're not exactly surprised to realize their feelings didn't end after high school. But Violet is a celebrity stylist, living a high profile life of glitz and glamour, while Xavier is a teacher and coach, and according to his students, very unfashionable. Will these two be able to have a second chance at love, despite their drastic differences?

💭 Something I've learned about myself as a reader, is that I like being impressed. As someone who reads 300+ books a year, it takes quite a bit to *really* impress me. But within the first few chapters of The Partner Plot, I was impressed by Forest's writing, her characterization, and her ability to so completely pull me into this story.

The Partner Plot has oodles of depth, high stakes, crackling chemistry, well-written steam, and fantastic humor. The characters are mature, the plot felt realistic (which is something I sometimes struggle with in fake dating books), and I really appreciate the immense character growth. This book made me happy, and any book that makes me smile this much gets my full recommendation. 💕

📌 This can be read as a standalone, but is a continuation of the world created in The Neighbor Favor. I haven't read that one yet, but it didn't impact my enjoyment one bit.

📌 Available now!

Rating: 4.5 rounded to 5.

Accidental Vegas wedding between highschool sweethearts getting their second chance at love 🤭

This was so cute! I loved the cast of characters and romance between Violet and Xavier! They had great communication (and no third act breakup) which made the romance feel mature and easy to read. The setting of fashion design and high school teacher/coach was refreshing and not something I’ve read a lot of.

The tattoos?? Him keeping a photo of her in his wallet?? OBSESSED 🤭

Everything I love about a man obsessed!!

Thanks Berkley publishing for the ARC

The Partner Plot is a fake dating romcom about high school sweethearts (Violet and Xavier) reunited for a drunken night in Vegas, only to have the story of their marriage (all fake) released into the world. But of course, it is a romcom so they let it ride as the rumor was helping both of them professionally. What I really loved was watching Violet try and juggle her high power career with being there for Xavier and her family and friends. It was a more realistic look at what women face in the real world when they are pursuing their career ambitions. Violet was a strong, driven woman and so likable. The romance was very sweet, the side characters were entertaining (especially Violet’s clients and co-workers), the glimpse into the high fashion/music world was fun and overall just a frothy and fluffy read that I flew through. If you read the Neighbor Favor,

im loving this series so far! I had a feeling I was going to enjoy Violet's story quite a bit. There are so many classic story lines here (getting married in vegas, high school sweethearts, etc) but I really enjoy how Kristina Forest writes. I'll definitely be following her work in the future and am excited for Iris' story!

This was sweet. It acted as a sort of palette cleanser of sorts for me. Nothing to dramatic happened and it was low angst. Violet and Xavier were high school sweethearts that broke up in college and hadn't seen each other for 10 years. Until they happen to run into each other in Vegas one night. They have a wild night and end up "married". Thinking that was it and they'd part ways again, they both realize that they could benefit from the marriage. So they act like their fake marriage is real in hope of getting what they both want in their careers.

I liked Violet and Xavier. They both were relateable and very career focused. Xavier felt like he was stuck and needed to take another step to feel fufilled while Violet was thriving in her career, but working a bit too hard. They balanced each other out and it added to the believability of their connection since they knew each other from the past. There were moments when I got a little frustrated cause they both clearly had feelings for each other, but would only say it internally and be too scared to actually address it.

There was a little ex drama but it was handled well and finally lead to some conversations that needed to be had. I was expecting there to be a third act breakup and was pleasently suprised there wasn't one. Things were a little shakey and they desperately needed to have a long conversation, but things all ended up working out for them. Again, just a cute and feel good palette cleanser for me.

I'll need to go back and read The Neighbor Favor soon since it's techinically the first book in the series and follows Violet's sister.

💍 fake marriage
💕 second chance
🥰 high school sweethearts
👏🏼 no third act breakup
👥 close proximity
🤒 he takes care of her when she's sick

dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️

This was a fun second chance, dual POV, fake marriage romance from a fav author that was utterly delightful to read. I really loved both the main characters in this story! High school sweethearts, Violet and Xavier had a bad break up in senior year and are reunited nine years later on a random drunken night in Las Vegas.

Now a stylist to the stars, Violet is an in-demand, workaholic who ends up forced to slow down when she breaks her foot. When she accidentally implies that her and Xavier are married in an interview, the two decide to keep up the charade in order for Xavier to have a better shot at landing a new high school basketball coaching job.

Heartwarming with a bit of spice, this was an lovely opposites attract romance that involved lots of compromises as the two try to figure out how they can make a life together work. Good on audio and recommended for fans of authors like Denise Williams or Jasmine Guillory. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Steam level: some open door scenes

I've been excited for this book since I read The Neighbor Favor, and let me tell you, this second chance romance between. high school sweethearts did not disappoint!

This was absolutely everything I wanted from a second chance romance, combined with the fake marriage and "it's always been you vibes" making Violet and Xavier's love story an absolute delight from start to finish. I've read plenty of fake relationship books, but I loved the way the scheme unfolded in this book. What could be a seemingly outlandish scenario unfolded in such a natural way over the course of the story, not to mention it was absolutely hysterical how quickly the news spread like wildfire throughout their hometown. And don't even get me started on how much I loved the forced proximity and caretaking scenes.

Something I appreciated about this book when it comes to Xavier and Violet's relationship is that the prologue shows the beginnings of their relationship from when they were high school students. Not only does it establish the "it's always been you" dynamic, but it also allows you to see how much they have developed and matured in the present day, in a way that allows their relationship to last. I loved watching them relearn each other as mature adults and working through their issues. I also can't say enough how much I loved that, although they go through their fair share of struggles once they finally decide to officially get back together, there was no third act breakup (yay communication and maturity).

I loved how passionate Violet was about her career. At the same time she dealt with very real insecurities regarding her ability to have a functional personal life, and I loved watching her find the middle ground between maintaining her love of her job while also taking care of herself. I enjoyed the dynamic she had with her clients, particularly Karamel Kitty and Angel, as well as her assistant, but a true standout regarding Violet's development is her relationship with her mom. I loved seeing the pair resolve to meet in the middle when it comes to the tensions that they have struggled with.

One of my absolute favorite parts of this book was Xavier's interactions with his students (as well as Violet's brief interactions with them as well), both in the classroom and on the basketball court. I was so happy with the decision he settled on with his career path by the end of the story, and how he finally reached a place where he felt satisfied with the direction his life took.

All in all, I highly recommend this book! It gives all the classic rom-com swoon-worthy vibes, and I am so unbelievably excited to read Iris's book!

Violet Greene and Xavier Wright were high school sweethearts with big dreams. Xavier was on track to play for the NBA, while Violet dreamed of being a celebrity stylist. They also both assumed that they would always be together. When Xavier suffers a career-ending injury, however, he pushes Violet out of his life without explanation. He has no idea what his future will look like, but he can’t stand the thought of possibly holding her back from her own dreams.

Years later, a chance meeting between Violet and Xavier in Vegas starts off awkwardly but then turns into a drunken night of fun that includes the purchase of a pretend wedding package from one of the many Vegas chapels. What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas though and word gets back to their small town that these high school sweethearts have tied the knot. Everyone is so happy for them and when they realize this could benefit both their careers, Violet and Xavier decide to go along with the charade.

I really enjoyed this one! Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes anyway and Forest adding in this fake marriage of convenience just really kicked this story up a notch for me. I wanted to smack young Xavier for booting Violet out of his life. I understood his reason and thought it was noble of him but also stupid since it was clear even back then that they were soulmates. I loved seeing those flashbacks to their younger days and then watching them reconnect in present day. All of the love and chemistry is clearly still there and it was impossible not to root for them to embrace the second chance they have been given.

Thank you PRH Audio and Berkley Romance for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own. I enjoyed The Neighbor Favor, but I liked the Partner Plot even more.

Violet and Xavier were high school sweethearts but their future didn’t work out as they planned. They reunite one weekend in Vegas and get fake married. When she’s cornered about her ex-fiancé in a magazine article, she says she and her high school ex recently reconnected and married. Violet is surprised when her hometown finds out about the obscure article and she and Xavier continue to be fake married to benefit both of their careers.

I really enjoyed this! Violet and Xavier have to learn about each other as adults. Xavier’s career did not end up where he thought and he has to figure out where he wants to be. They had great chemistry and seemed to pick up where they left off. I liked that they seemed very adult about their relationship. I mostly listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration. I’m excited for more books from this author!

I really enjoyed the Neighbor Favor last year so I was really looking forward to this year. I like second chance romances so this really worked for me. Violet and Xavier were great characters and their romance felt real to me. I appreciated how their new relationship developed even with the fake marriage. Definitely would recommend and I’m looking forward to Iris’ book!

This was my first book by Kristina Forest and it was a great time. This series follows 3 sisters as they find love. I’m looking forward to reading The Neighbor Favor (Lily’s story- out now) and The Love Lyric which comes out next year and sounds amazing from the preview at the end of this book. (widowed single mom + celebrity R&B singer).

The Partner Plot follows middle sibling and fashion stylist to the stars, Violet Greene, as she rekindles love with her high school sweetheart Xavier Wright.

Imagine running into your high school sweetheart/ biggest heartbreak in Vegas and waking up in bed together the next day, fake married! This is exactly what happens to Violet. Their plans to keep their fake wedding a secret fail when word spreads in their hometown and Violet is forced to stay with Xavier on her work break while her broken ankle heals.

Xavier quickly discovers that he could use their fake nuptials to help him seem more settled for a coaching job. Over the course of 4 weeks of living together and playing house, their buried feelings quickly returned to the surface. But will their second chance end in heartbreak or a new beginning?

I really enjoyed Xavier and Violet’s journey of healing from their past heartbreak and moving forward together. The prologues gives readers a peek into their all-consuming high school relationship and how enamored they were with each other. They bonded over their shared desire to leave small town NJ behind and pursue their dreams in professional basketball and fashion styling. Their original breakup reason made sense due to their youth and Xavier needing to come to terms with his altered future.

When Xavier and Violet meet again, they are still dealing with similar issues. Xavier is insecure in his current role as HS English Teacher and Basketball coach, he doesn’t feel that it is enough for Violet. Violet shows him repeatedly in their adult relationship how much she appreciates his kindness, consistency, and affection. The caretaking scene in this one is perfect; Xavier gets a 10/10. Violet learns in their relationship how to prioritize him as a partner and pursue a work life balance which she struggles with. She learns to trust him again and communicate.

Second chance doesn’t always work for me, but this one was FAB! I loved how the epilogue brought us back to a special moment from the prologue and their first date.

Read if you like:
•Second chance romances (high school sweethearts)
•Also: Forced proximity (roommates), fake married
•Caretaking- this scene was chef’s kiss
•Dual POV
•It’s Always Been You vibes
•NJ/NYC/LA setting
•Sisterhood

Thank you to @berkleyromance for the free copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you Berkley for this free book!

Did I love this book or did I love this book? (Hint: I loved this book)

The Partner Plot is about second-chance high school sweethearts, Violet and Xavier. The young lovebirds thought they would be together forever but life after high school came for them hard and they were forced to part ways. Now, 10 years later, the two are together again by shear coincidence in Vegas and WOOPS they accidentally got married! What is one to do when you're "stuck” with the person they always thought they wanted to spend forever with, but also the fact they have to get to know them all over again. This one is sweethearts to exes to married to friends to lovers then to something else but I can’t say ;-)

I don’t normally like the second chance trope but this one felt so natural and real. Both Violet and Xavier had so much to growth to do individually that ultimately made them stronger together. This story was a breath of fresh air with the inclusion of just how badass and strong Violet was and who she grew up to be.

What to expect:
Second Chance Romance
High School Sweethearts
Vegas Marriage
Marriage of Convenience
He Falls Hard
3rd-Person Duel POV

Overall, I loved this and would most definitely recommend.

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this free ARC #BerkleyPartner

I have been waiting a full year to read Violet's story and it did not disappoint!

Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes. I enjoyed watching these two rebuild their original friendship and love. They are comfortable around each other and also very protective.

Xavier is sweet and caring but also in a transitional period in life. Violet is the wild child of the family. A bit impulsive but very confident and ambitious. While they each have a lot going on in their separate lives they are still very supportive and encouraging to one another.

I had a hard time putting this down and grinned the entire time while reading. It gave me all the lovey vibes that I was hoping for!

Even though this is on the longer side, I find that Forest has a skill for creating lovable characters and storylines that make you want to keep reading even into the late-night hours.

Also want to mention that I think this would be safe for those of you who like their romances on the lower end of the spice scale.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

“Her eyes were drawn to the tattoo of a violet inside of his right bicep. After everything, he still had his tattoo.”

Happy release day to THE PARTNER PLOT by Kristina Forest! This is a second chance romance goodness from two former high school sweethearts that are now entering a marriage-of-convenience after a night in Vegas! There’s so much pining and longing and heartfelt moments and gahhh! Such a cute romance between Violet and Xavier. And just the fact that he still had his violet flower tattoo all these years later! 🥹 And the best part? He keeps a photo of her in his wallet! 🥰

– second chance romance
– Vegas wedding
– marriage of convenience
– forced proximity

I fell head over heels in love with the neighbor favor. I couldn’t wait to see what Violet’s love story would feel like because she was so over the top just how I like. Xavier was bookbae all the way he could do no wrong in my book. I loved this read from beginning to end and it was so relatable it was like watching a movie in my mind.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkeley for the ARC.

I really liked this one! I especially loved that it felt authentic, true love, with no emotional games or breakups or manipulation. Their relationship was honest and I loved the ending

“Violet had asked Xavier who he felt he needed to prove himself to, and he hadn’t answered because he’d been too embarrassed to admit that 𝒔𝒉𝒆 was who he needed to prove himself to.”

Two former high school sweethearts get a second chance in this marriage of convenience romance by Kristina Forest, author of The Neighbor Favor.

Sooo Xavier may be one of the best written male characters I have read in recent memory. He is humble, kind, loving, and respectful of Violet. And Violet herself has some past hurts and issues to work through and, though she stumbles, she picks herself up and is equally endearing as a character.

I just simply loved this book. It is so nice to read a story with a healthy relationship happening between two respectful people. More of this, please!

The audiobook took this story to the next level for me. With dual narrators (@theaurenash and @benjamincharlesvoice) I felt like I was in this relationship with Violet and Xavier. Add in a healthy dose of side drama and some familial interference and you have yourself a nearly perfect second chance romance.

“Marriage isn’t a game. It requires patience and grace. You hear me?” 👏🏻👏🏻

Thank you @PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook #PRHAudioPartner and to Netgalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for the ARC.