The Rom Con by Devon Daniels (Meet You in the Middle) is the charming story of Cassidy Sutton, an editor and writer for a feminist web magazine, and Jack Bradford, co-owner and -founder of a rival men's website. When Cassidy dumps the man she's been seeing, she receives some interesting advice from her 90-year-old grandmother: date like it's the 1950s. Reluctantly, and only because of her love for her grandmother, she decides to try it--and write about it for work. When she learns Jack's identity after a meet-cute at a press event, her story becomes about more than dated courtship rituals as she begins to date him for her article.
Told in the first person, the romance between Cassidy and Jack is sweet and genuine, despite beginning in a lie. Jack is the quintessential male lead--sensitive, adoring, handsome, and rich. Cassidy is funny and knows herself, which is what initially draws Jack to her. The spice is there, but it's not the main point of the novel. The relationships among the side characters are well-developed and add depth to the story without detracting from the romantic plot.
Tropes include fake 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 draws inspiration, as noted in the story itself, from the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. -- Alyssa Parssinen, freelance reviewer and former bookseller