Queen B’s Decree: Lemons and Lies was a sweet little YA, focusing on Valeria and Gage and their fake dating escapades. When Valeria needs a math tutor to pass (and graduate high school), she makes a bargain with Gage—he’ll tutor her and help her pass, and she’ll be his fake girlfriend and help him plan his parents’ charity auction. Like Michael Scott says, it’s a win-win-win.
These two were cute together, learning more about each other and becoming true friends (who maybe have more feelings). But I felt like the majority of the story focused on their respective home lives. Gage and his parents’ pressure to follow in their footsteps, regardless of what he wants. Valeria and her physically (and emotionally) absent mom and the distance she’s felt this year with her twin.
The pacing on the romance was a bit quick, but I still enjoyed the story. I’ll be looking for more from this author in the future!
Book: Lemons and Lies by Alexis Castellanos
Series: standalone
Genre: YA
Plot Devices/Tropes: fake dating