Reluctantly Yours By Erin Hawkins Apr 2026

The story centers on , a high-powered CEO who has tirelessly rebuilt his father's media empire. Despite his professional success, his single status has become a liability with a traditionalist businessman he needs to impress for a critical deal. To bridge this gap, Barrett tells a "little white lie" about being in a committed relationship.

The central premise involves the protagonists pretending to be in love to land a business deal.

, a fiery and petite editorial assistant at the prestigious St. Clair Press, finds herself in a precarious position when Barrett catches her using his family's penthouse without permission. Leveraging this, Barrett blackmails her into acting as his fake girlfriend for business events. What starts as a cold, transactional arrangement quickly complicates as Barrett finds himself intensely attracted to Chloe, and Chloe discovers the "heart of gold" hidden beneath his brooding, icy demeanor. Key Tropes and Themes Reluctantly Yours by Erin Hawkins

Erin Hawkins is known for writing steamy romantic comedies that balance humor with high "spice" levels. Reviewers on platforms like Goodreads and Romance.io frequently mention the book's "immaculate" steam, including specific popular scenes and the natural, unforced humor between the characters.

Initial interactions are marked by tension, blackmail, and clashing personalities. The story centers on , a high-powered CEO

Barrett's dry, brooding nature contrasts with Chloe’s "sassy" and spirited personality.

Readers and reviewers often highlight Barrett's early and intense interest in Chloe, despite his attempts to remain professional. The central premise involves the protagonists pretending to

by Erin Hawkins is a spicy, billionaire, fake-dating romantic comedy that serves as the first installment in her Unexpectedly in Love series. Published in June 2022, the novel follows the high-friction, high-heat relationship between Barrett and Chloe. Plot Summary