Stranger things have happened A novel

West (We Met Like This) delivers a humorous if slightly far-fetched take on the fake dating trope. Sutton returns to her hometown to care for her mother after a car accident. Their relationship is strained and Sutton knows she probably needs therapy to address their traumatic past, but she hasn't found the time. When a stranger in a bar starts bad-mouthing therapy, Sutton jumps in to defend the practice. Turns out, this is her childhood best friend Tara's new fiancé, Michael, who's resistent to Tara's attempts to get them into couple's counseling before walking down the aisle. Michael bets that "two strangers could go to couples therapy and the same generic advice," and Sutton takes him up on it, agreeing to pose as a couple with Michael's brother, Elijah, whom she thinks of as "Villain Pretty Boy." As they attend therapy sessions and do couple-y activities, the pair develop an unexpected bond and consider dating for real--until an improbable reveal rocks the foundation of their relationship and causes Sutton to question everything. This late plot twist somewhat undermines West's message about the virtues of therapy. Meanwhile, many of the leads' genuine traumas remain unresolved, leaving some uncertainty about their future together. Still, there's plenty of fun and laughter to be had along the way, and Sutton proves an endearing heroine. West's fans will be well pleased. (Apr.)