Thank You for Holding by Julia Kent and Elisa Reed

Having it all is a fantasy, right? Carrie Shelton thought her boyfriend was too good to be true. Her best friend’s brother? A guy who loved antiquing? Who cuddled on the couch while watching foodie YouTube clips and talking about artisanal spices? Who helped her accessorize her outfits? Right. Fantasy. So when he ran off with Kevin, the owner of an antique shop, right before his sister’s wedding, Carrie’s life went from fantasy to nightmare. As maid of honor, she can’t back out of the wedding. And her ex is the best man—but now he has his own best man. She needs a date. Stat.

Enter Ryan. Sure, he’s a hot male stripper at the O Spa where she works as junior designer, but he’s a few years younger and just, you know—a friend. Perfect. She needs a friend more than she needs a boyfriend. A weekend of playing her boyfriend so she can save face is a lot to ask, but for some reason Carrie doesn’t understand, Ryan’s all in. Enthusiastic, even. Especially when it comes to physical displays of affection. Public kisses turn to private confessions, and pretty soon, Carrie can’t tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Because if Ryan’s just pretending he’s in love with her, then why does the chemistry between them—and between the sheets —feel so real? Carrie can’t settle for almost, though. She’s already done that. She’s not putting her life on hold anymore. Turns out Ryan won’t, either. He’s holding out for more.