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Millie Perez's 'Fair Trade' Turns a Fake Marriage Into the Realest Deal

Updated: Aug 21

By Andreina Rodriguez 



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What do you do when a one-night stand with a sexy stranger at a New York City bar turns into something more — like discovering the next morning that he’s your new boss?

Well… you marry him, of course.


That’s the setup in Fair Trade, the swoon-worthy, self-published sequel to Strikeout in Millie Perez’s New York Monarchs series — out August 14. 


Honestly, I wasn’t surprised to see Perez deliver on this one. She killed it with Strikeout, and Fair Trade goes even deeper — exploring grief, legacy, identity, and what it means to be truly seen by someone.


To Luisa Álvarez, Nicholas Stonehaven is the arrogant billionaire who ruined what was supposed to be a fun, no-strings-attached night. Now, he’s not just her boss, but the new owner of the New York Monarchs, the team she’s poured everything into to earn her position as the first female general manager in Major League Baseball. As a woman of color in a powerful position, Luisa is used to being underestimated. One of her biggest critics, Richard Pembroke, repeatedly calls her “kid,” despite reporting to her. Add in the challenges of living with the hormonal disorder PCOS and Luisa’s story becomes one of perseverance, grit, and self-worth — even when she doesn’t prioritize herself.


To Nick, Luisa is brilliant, driven, and a complete pain in the ass, in the best way possible. After the death of his estranged grandfather, Nick finds himself pulled back into a world he wanted nothing to do with: professional baseball. But there’s a twist. His grandfather left behind a personal asset Nick deeply wants, but with conditions. Nick can only receive it if he does one of two things: lead the Monarchs to the World Series, or be married for at least one year.


And since we saw how Strikeout ended, the World Series route is off the table.

Nick’s back is against the wall. Luisa’s job is on the line. So when she offers to marry him in order to protect her position and keep things in motion, it’s a strategic move for both of them. On paper, it’s a fraud marriage. In practice, though? Their hearts don’t receive the memo.


Their relationship slowly shifts from flirty emails and sexual tension to genuine vulnerability. For Nick, who has spent most of his life shielding his sister from their controlling father after losing their mother, Luisa and her close-knit Dominican family bring warmth and healing. There’s a moment when he falls sick and Luisa invites her mom and two aunts over to care for him, and the emotion in the scene is palpable. He tells Luisa, “It made me miss my mom so much, while also feeling at peace, knowing that she’d be thrilled that I’ve somehow landed in the hands of such an incredible and loving family.”


In return, Nick shows up for Luisa in every way that matters. He puts Pembroke in his place when necessary and reminds Luisa that she deserves rest and care. And when she refuses to take a break, he sends everyone in the office home so she can finally rest.


The romance in this book deserves a chef’s kiss. From their unforgettable bar encounter to the tension of realizing they’re now colleagues, and then watching them build a real connection under the guise of a fake marriage — Nick and Luisa’s story flows so naturally. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the emotional depth that takes it to the next level.


Millie Perez has crafted a love story that’s smart, sexy, and filled with heart. Fair Trade is about more than just a marriage of convenience. It’s about reclaiming your narrative, finding your people, and recognizing that sometimes love isn’t part of the plan, but ends up being the best deal you ever make.


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Visit our BookShop to order a copy of Fair Trade.


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About the Author: Millie Perez was born and raised in New York City, to Dominican immigrant parents. She's spent most of her life moving around to different places, like Puerto Rico, Miami, Boston, and even had a short stint in New Zealand. Millie has her Masters in Couples and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. After becoming a new mom, she decided to take a break from the Mental Health industry, and took a leap of faith. She wrote her debut novel, You Never Forget Your First: And He Just Might Be The Death Of Me, during her son's naps and after he went to sleep at night. 


When she's not trying to wrangle a toddler, you can find her watching Bravo or a true crime documentary. She now lives in Florida with her husband Hugh, and her son, Beau. 


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Andreina Rodriguez is a journalist from Queens, New York. Her work appears on all 12 NBC local websites, Refinery29, CNBC, Latino Rebels, The Mujerista, #WeAllGrow Latina, and Modern Brown Girl.


You can follow her on Instagram @andreina_rod or @readwithandreina, and follow her work through andreinarodriguez.com.

1 Comment


Millie Perez's 'Fair Trade' Turns a Fake Marriage Into the Realest Deal is such an engaging concep it shows how unexpected connections can turn into something meaningful. Similarly, the Beetlejuice Catherine O’hara Black Cape Coat is unforgettable in its design, adding a bold and dramatic touch that leaves a lasting impression just like a great story does.

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