Book excerpt: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of facial hair must be in want of a shave. And tidying. And a fake date. My name is Holly Hyman. I love order and prime numbers—and I’m in trouble. The company I work for is pivoting, and not in a way I like. Our new management? Alex Chortsky, a gorgeous, scruffy Russian devil. Our new direction? VR entertainment of the spicy kind. Maybe I wouldn’t mind it so much if my life’s work wasn’t meant for children. Or if I hadn’t accidentally hooked up with a VR version of my wickedly handsome boss. The only way to save my dream project is to make a Faustian bargain. For one night, I pretend to be Alex Chortsky’s girlfriend. What could possibly go wrong? NOTE: This is a standalone, raunchy, slow-burn romantic comedy featuring a quirky, nerdy Anglophile heroine, a scorching hot Russian hero, and an unruly, oversized puppy. If any of the above is not your cup of tea, run away now. Otherwise, buckle in for a laugh-out-loud, feel-good ride.