Just for the Cameras (Standard Edition) (Bay Area Players, 1)

Author: Meghan Quinn

Genre: Sports Romance / Romantic Comedy

Book Rating: ⭐ 8.5/10

Spicy Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5

Description

Graydon St. John is known for two things: being an elite defensive end for the San Francisco Foghorns and being extremely grumpy. Public appearances are not his thing, and after a PR disaster in the league, the last place he wants to be is participating in a media stunt at the local zoo.

Unfortunately for him, that’s exactly where he ends up.

Maple Baker, the passionate zookeeper responsible for the flamingo exhibit, loves her chaotic flock of pink birds and the peaceful life she’s built caring for them. What she doesn’t love is arrogant athletes invading her space—especially one with a bad attitude and a reputation for avoiding the spotlight.

When the zoo launches a public outreach campaign, Graydon and Maple are forced to work together in front of cameras. Their obvious dislike for each other becomes part of the entertainment, and soon they’re pretending to flirt for the media.

But the more they play along, the harder it becomes to tell what’s real and what’s just for show.

Between viral fame, personal struggles, and growing feelings neither expected, Graydon and Maple must figure out whether their connection is just another PR stunt—or something worth risking everything for.

Tropes

Sports romance • fake dating • grumpy × sunshine • enemies-to-lovers vibes • forced proximity • workplace romance • witty banter • slow-burn attraction