REEL LOVE

At a glitzy Las Vegas influencer convention, two teens form a secret partnership that could spark chaos on and off camera.

Jamie Webb, a “half-Black, half-white” 17-year-old, prefers life behind the scenes of her influencer grandma BamBam’s social media empire. But things get complicated when BamBam’s nemesis, fellow #Granfluencer Buzzy Timmons, shows up with her cute grandson, Ethan Wyatt, who’s cued white. When the TrendCon founder announces a video contest with a $150,000 prize that could launch Jamie’s film school dreams, she’s eager to enter. The catch? She realizes it’s “as much a popularity contest” as about art, and without her own social media presence, she doesn’t stand a chance. Jamie knows she shouldn’t fraternize with the enemy, but Ethan invites her to team up and enter—and sparks fly. They just have to keep their plans secret from their feuding grandmothers. Their covert escapades grow increasingly flirty even as Jamie grapples with her overbearing parents’ expectations that she go to business school and her guilt over keeping secrets from her supportive grandmother. The premise of dueling senior influencers is original and entertaining, and the Vegas backdrop offers opportunities for cinematic flair. Woolridge deftly balances high-energy hijinks with heartfelt themes of independence and identity. Jamie and Ethan’s chemistry is sweet, and their creative collaboration adds believability to their satisfying relationship.

Readers looking for a romance with heart and humor will be thoroughly entertained.