The Close-Up

February 14, 2022
Smith (Simmer Down) delivers a light hearted, if not entirely sure-footed, romp. Journalist Naomi Ellorza-Hays is ready to give up on romance entirely after the latest in a string of disastrous relationships. When, during commiseratory drinks, her cousin suggests she kick off her relationship ban by flirting with a handsome stranger, Naomi drunkenly agrees. In this state, it takes her a minute to realize that the man she’s chosen is Simon Rutler, the cam guy she watched throughout college. Unbelievably, Simon is so charmed by this brief drunken conversation that he tells Naomi she’s “the most beautiful, hilarious woman met in a long time.” She responds by puking on his shoes. Her only consolation is that she’ll never have to see him again—that is until her boss assigns her to interview Simon, now a relationship therapist teaching men to be better partners. When this first interview goes viral, they’re forced to keep working together, leaving them determined to keep things professional. But even as they both try dating other people, they can’t quite shake their romantic connection. Luckily for readers, as the pair get to know each other, their chemistry becomes much more plausible. Smith’s fans will be pleased. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary.