Imperfect Illusions by C. A. Hollister

A Night of Passion. A Lie That Changes Everything. Valerie Peters thought she was finally ready to move on from her broken engagement when her best friend, Lisa, sets her up on a date with Wayne, a charming man who shares her love of art and photography. But a perfect night of passion and pleasure turns into humiliation when she discovers Wayne is more than a blind date—he’s a male escort, hired by Lisa in a misguided attempt to help her heal. Desperate for a fresh start, Val escapes to a luxury resort in the Utah mountains, only to discover her room is double-booked. What’s worse, Wayne is there there for his sister’s wedding, but when family tensions push him to the edge, Wayne proposes a solution neither of them can refuse: they’ll share the room, keep up appearances, and go their separate ways after the wedding. But sharing close quarters proves more complicated than either imagined. As their forced proximity melts into a genuine connection, Val finds herself drawn to the man behind the façade, while Wayne begins to believe he’s worthy of more than his mistakes. Just when they’re ready to admit their feelings, a ghost from Wayne’s past threatens to destroy everything. Can Val and Wayne overcome the lies and betrayals that keep pulling them apart? Or will their chance at love slip away before it’s even begun? A slow-burn romance full of emotional tension, second chances, and the fight for love against all odds.