Charming as a Verb

From William C. Morris YA Debut Award-winning author Ben Philippe comes a whip-smart and layered romantic comedy with two Black leads. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jenny Han.

Henri “Halti” Haltiwanger can charm just about anyone. He is a star debater and popular student at the prestigious FATE academy, the dutiful first-generation Haitian son, and the trusted dog walker for his wealthy NYC neighbors. But his easy smiles mask his tireless work ethic and burning ambition to attend his dream college, Columbia University.

There is only one person who seems immune to Henri’s charms: his “intense” classmate and neighbor Corinne Troy. When she uncovers Henri’s less-than-honest dog-walking scheme, she blackmails him into helping her change her image at school. Henri agrees, seeing potential upside for himself.

Soon, what started as a mutual hustle turns into something more surprising than either of them ever bargained for.…