Trust Fall

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter, comes a rags-to-riches rom-com about a small-town girl whose family inherits a fortune and moves to New York City, where she meets a big-city boy hiding an explosive secret.

Julia is just a small-town girl from Nebraska who loves her peaceful life. But when her elderly next-door neighbor—who just happens to be a secret multi-millionaire—leaves everything to Julia and her family after his passing, Julia is swept away to live in a historic brownstone in New York City and attend an elite private school for the super-rich.

It should be a dream come true. Wrong. Julia doesn’t fit in at her new school; worse, she’s failing. Enter Damion, the mysterious and handsome tutor who will get Julia back on track. Except Damion has a secret. He is the great-nephew of the man who left everything to Julia’s family. Damion doesn’t buy for a second that the person who was like a father to him would leave his home to strangers. And he’s determined to prove it.

To uncover the truth, Damion schemes to earn Julia’s trust. Not an easy task with Julia unsure about this rich boy with a rebellious personality. But the more time Damion spends with Julia, the more his plan begins to backfire. Because he is falling for the enemy—and the enemy is falling for him.

As Damion and Julia figure out where they belong, can they see past their differences and act on their feelings, or will the trust Damion has worked so hard to gain fall apart?

Lynn Painter is the USA Today and New York Times Bestselling Author of BETTER THAN THE MOVIES. She writes romantic comedies for teens and adults, and when she isn't reading or writing, she can usually be found binge-watching rom-coms or shotgunning energy drinks.

Julia’s life changes overnight when her family inherits a fortune from a beloved elderly neighbor. Suddenly, she leaves her small Nebraska town behind for a historic brownstone in New York City and an elite private school filled with wealthy students who seem to know rules Julia never learned. Meanwhile, Damion is grieving, too. His late great-uncle was the one person who encouraged him to follow his own path rather than the future his wealthy parents have planned for him, and he can’t understand why the man he loved would leave everything to strangers. Both teens balk when Damion is assigned to be Julia’s math tutor, but Julia desperately needs help, and Damion sees an opportunity to prove his assumption that Julia’s family are grifters. Determined to resist their mutual attraction, the two teens weaponize sarcasm and mock flirting to hide their true feelings. But the more time they spend together, the harder they fall. Alongside romance, Painter explores trust, identity, and fitting in. The glitzy backdrop of New York’s wealthy social scene adds plenty of theater. While there is abundant innuendo, on-page romance is limited to (very steamy) kissing. When combined with strong language and teenage drinking, this makes for a story best suited to high schoolers. Main characters are cued white. VERDICT Painter’s many devoted readers will be eagerly awaiting this newest novel, but it is perfect for any fans of enemies-to-lovers romances. Highly recommended for all teen collections -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW ― 7/10/26

A surprise inheritance thrusts a small-town Nebraska teen into Manhattan’s elite society—and the orbit of a boy who’s determined to prove she doesn’t belong.

Julia Lowell’s life changes overnight when the 80-something man they know as Lou leaves his fortune to her family instead of his New York City relatives. Lou, who lived in a fishing cabin, was a regular customer of the Lowells’ small grocery store and became a family friend. To inherit, they must live in his Upper West Side home for at least six months, and Julia and her twin brother must attend Gardenwood Academy, a Gossip Girl–esque private school. Julia struggles to navigate her rude, privileged classmates—like Damion Rutledge. Unbeknownst to her, Lou—whose real name was Remington—was Damion’s beloved great-uncle. When a teacher assigns Damion to be Julia’s math tutor, he seizes the opportunity to search Uncle Remi’s house, which he believes is his by right, for evidence of the Lowells’ deceit. But as suspicion gives way to genuine feelings, Julia and Damion, who are cued white, question their assumptions about one another. Painter delivers her signature blend of banter, slow-burn chemistry, and emotionally grounded characters. Told in the leads’ alternating points of view, the familiar enemies-to-lovers setup is complicated by Damion’s secret and Julia’s past heartbreak. While the story follows a predictable path and resolution, the central relationship feels earned and heartfelt.

A classic rags-to-riches romantic comedy with irresistible chemistry and heart. (soundtrack) (Romance. 14-18) -- Kirkus Reviews ― September 1st issue