The Deal Was Never LoveWhat if the relationship you agreed to fake became the love you never expected?Evie Hartley is fiercely independent, ambitious, and utterly exhausted from the relentless demands of her family and career. When her well-meaning—but overbearing—parents insist she attend a high-profile gala with a "e;suitable"e; partner, she reluctantly agrees… on one condition: the relationship is purely contractual.Enter Alex Mercer, the enigmatic and irresistibly charming entrepreneur with a reputation for keeping everyone at arm's length. For him, agreeing to a fake relationship is just another deal—one that's convenient, controlled, and temporary.But what begins as a carefully orchestrated arrangement—filled with playful banter, strategic appearances, and a shared goal of keeping everyone satisfied—slowly begins to crack. Subtle glances linger a little too long. Words meant to comfort start to carry weight. In moments of vulnerability, the façade slips, revealing the human hearts beneath.As their paths intertwine, jealousy sparks, emotions intensify, and boundaries blur. Both Evie and Alex must confront their past wounds, insecurities, and fears of loss—all while navigating a connection that is rapidly becoming more real than either of them intended.The Deal Was Never Love is a slow-burn romance that explores the intoxicating tension between pretense and authenticity. It's a story of passion, emotional intimacy, and the thrilling chaos of discovering that love is not a deal to be negotiated—it's an unexpected, unstoppable force that demands surrender.Perfect for fans of:Emotional slow-burn romances with cinematic tensionFake relationship tropes that evolve into authentic loveCharacters with depth, vulnerability, and real-life strugglesIntimate, character-driven storytelling that makes the heart ache and soarDive into this addictive romance and discover what happens when pretending to love turns into loving without pretense.