Blog Tour: Surprisingly Us by Erin Hawkins

A fake relationship between childhood friends has a reformed playboy and determined dancer wondering if opposites really do attract.

Surprisingly Us, an all-new must-read, spicy rom-com from bestselling author Erin Hawkins is now available!

Colette

I’ve spent the last eighteen years of my life living and breathing dancing, there’s been no time for anything else. Now, as a seasoned member of The City Ballet, my goal of becoming a principal dancer is within reach. But in order to land a pivotal lead role, the choreographer wants more passion and emotion in my dancing. The problem? My lack of experience with relationships and love. The solution? I need to start dating, if only as research for the coveted role.

I’m used to drilling footwork. Repetition. Muscle-memory. But how can I practice dating?

I never imagined Rhys Spencer, my childhood friend and notorious ladies’ man, would be the answer.

Rhys

I’ve only come back to NYC to claim my trust fund, but being faced with losing control of my parents’ legacy foundation to my cousin and rival has me rethinking my plans. Though my reputation as a ladies’ man paints me in an unfavorable light with the foundation board and has me desperate to change my ways, if only temporarily.

My childhood friend, Colette Davenport, is the perfect fake girlfriend. She’s talented, gracious, and stunning. With her on my arm, I’ll have no problem convincing the board I’m the right man for the position. Everyone is shocked by the pairing of the sweet, yet determined ballet dancer and a tattooed bad boy with a BIG reputation.

When the competition intensifies, and I blindside Colette with a new proposal, things start to heat up. Soon, I’m on my knees for a different reason and I’m breaking all our rules.

With every kiss, every touch, I’m even more desperate to have her. To keep her for myself. I never want our arrangement to end, and no one is more surprised than me.

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Looking at the binder, I’m starting to get nervous. It’s one thing for him to take me out on a date to practice, but tonight, we’ll be in front of other people and we need to convince them we’re together. The best way to calm my nerves is to have a plan in place.

“So, we’re childhood friends who recently reconnected and are now dating.”

“Yeah, that seems plausible.”

“So, what do you need me to do tonight? Any special requests?” I ask, hoping that if I have a task or purpose, it will help me focus on that and take the pressure off the situation.

His gaze skims over me, and I feel every inch of it. When his eyes reach mine, the intensity of his stare is like a punch to the gut. The hazel of his eyes, greenish gray with flecks of gold, has been pushed out by darkness. There’s a good five seconds where I’m not sure I’m breathing. The air in the car is thick and hot. Then, Rhys’s mouth splits into that devilish grin of his.

“Pretend you like me.”

It’s hard not to roll my eyes at his request.

“I do like you. I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I didn’t.”

“You know what I mean.” The reality is I won’t have to pretend. I’m attracted to Rhys. Whether I should be or not, when he’s around, my body reacts. Maybe that’s what is making tonight feel important.

“Just be yourself, but also be madly in love with me.”

I scoff playfully. “All you said was I needed to like you.”

He grins. “Just thought it would be the perfect opportunity for you to practice.”

My brows lift. “Is this relationship one-sided? Or will you be falling over yourself, madly in love with me, too?”

“Is that what you want?” he asks, his gaze falling to my lips.

Rhys Spencer hopelessly devoted to one woman? That would be a sight to see. That woman being me? I can’t see it happening.

“We should do whatever is best to make you look good with the board.”

“In that case, all you’ll have to do is stand next to me.”

I shake my head, laughing again.

“You should save this flattery for the board members.”

“It’s true.” He slides his hand in mine. “Thank you for doing this with me.”

I look down at our joined hands. A flicker of something pinches my chest. Pretending to like Rhys tonight won’t be a problem, it’s being able to tell the difference between what’s fake and what’s real that is starting to concern me.