Hard Launch

by Jenni Mojaverian

For Nicky Rhodes, working as an artist manager is her favorite kind of chaos. As indie-pop up-and-comer Ethan Amin’s closest confidante, she handles everything from awards shows to overseas touring with her trademark unflappability. With his head in the clouds, and her feet on the ground, they make a formidable team.

When fan-favorite actress Maya Singh needs a fake boyfriend to throw tabloids off her trail, Ethan seems like the perfect candidate. Nicky is well on the way to securing it all for her client–the critical acclaim, the sold-out shows, and now the enviable personal life. If only he seemed satisfied with it.

As he plays his part in a scripted romance with a Hollywood starlet, Ethan and Nicky embark on a global tour, determined to make the most of his newfound fame. But the closer he gets to stardom, the more he and Nicky’s purely platonic partnership begins to feel like the biggest charade of all. After spending years devoted to others’ success, Nicky is forced to confront the possibility that trying to make Ethan’s life appear perfect won’t make either of them happy.

Two friends, forty-four cities, and one fake relationship. Can playing pretend launch their careers into the stratosphere? Or will Ethan and Nicky’s unresolved feelings make his rising star implode?

334 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Jenni Mojaverian is a writer based in Nashville, TN. She started writing stories at age fourteen, after discovering her first literary loves: Nick Hornby and Meg Cabot. Her go-to karaoke song is “Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways.
Hard Launch is her first published novel.

Reviews

[Zachary Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a funny and whole-hearted romance!
i felt right at home (away from home) in the descriptions of life on tour.
ethan and nicky were both cracking me up, and i really liked maris & maya as well.
now i want to go to tokyo!

[Lauren Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This goes toe to toe with so many of my favorite romance books, and after a bit of a reading slump (at least for actual physical books…I’ve been ruined by audiobooks), this book pulled me right out, and I spent the weekend devouring it.

I had the fortune of reading some of Jenni’s early work when we were in high school—she has always had an immense talent at storytelling and creating cool characters who I could see myself knowing or wanting to know. Excited to continue reading her work!

[Chelsea Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a total delight. A slow burn of a will they won’t they that makes the ride worth it because of course they do.

So much heart, so well written. My compliments to the chef!

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEED a man this obsessed with me

[Miyano · Rating 5 out of 5]

IM SO EXCITEDDDDD

[Diane Eberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading Hard Launch. Very entertaining. Romance isn't usually my genre but I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to pass it on. Looking forward to Jenni's next book!!

[Katie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the slow burn of this book! I could’ve done without the epilogue tbh. At times I felt like the protagonist’s insecurities were frustratingly hindering to her as a character but I know that’s the point🥲 I guess it felt too immature and young at times for her to be SO insecure as a person and in her 30’s. Who hurt you? YOU CAN BE LOVED! ITS OKAY!!!

[Laura Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect summer read! Hard Launch takes you behind the scenes with your new favorite musician Ethan, and his super-organized (and maybe slightly in denial) manager, Nicky. As Ethan heads out on his first world tour, Nicky is right there beside him - handling all the chaos, putting out PR fires, and trying really hard to ignore the sparks flying between them. Music, travel, fake dating drama, and slow-burn tension keeps you hooked the whole way through.