Hard Launch

For Nicky Rhodes, working as an artist manager is her favorite kind of chaos. As indie-pop up-and-comer Ethan Amin's closest confidante, she handles everything from awards shows to overseas touring with her trademark unflappability. With his head in the clouds, and her feet on the ground, they make a formidable team.

When fan-favorite actress Maya Singh needs a fake boyfriend to throw tabloids off her trail, Ethan seems like the perfect candidate. Nicky is well on the way to securing it all for her client-the critical acclaim, the sold-out shows, and now the enviable personal life. If only he seemed satisfied with it.

As he plays his part in a scripted romance with a Hollywood starlet, Ethan and Nicky embark on a global tour, determined to make the most of his newfound fame. But the closer he gets to stardom, the more he and Nicky's purely platonic partnership begins to feel like the biggest charade of all. After spending years devoted to others' success, Nicky is forced to confront the possibility that trying to make Ethan's life appear perfect won't make either of them happy.

Two friends, forty-four cities, and one fake relationship. Can playing pretend launch their careers into the stratosphere? Or will Ethan and Nicky's unresolved feelings make his rising star implode?