Crash into Crush

Two tweens trying to get their driver’s permits to appease their respective parents end up in a fake dating scheme in this hilarious upper middle grade rom-com perfect for fans of G.F. Miller and Nashae Jones.

Josie Jordan is heading to the biggest day of her life so far: her driver’s permit test. As the daughter of a legendary NASCAR driver, Josie feels huge pressure to pass. Meanwhile, Dash Dawson would rather be back home in Manhattan than taking a driving test, but his parents’ financial struggles have them stuck in the Midwest for the summer. After landing at the DMV at the same time, Josie and Dash accidentally distract each other during their respective tests, resulting in both of them failing in spectacular fashion…and blaming each other for it.

Dash didn’t even want his permit, but now failing is just another way he’s a disappointment to his parents. To show them he’s capable of taking something seriously, Dash signs up for a remedial driving course. Before Josie even leaves the DMV, her dad ambushes her with a livestream meant to celebrate her big day, so she pretends she passed. Now she has to get her permit for real and in secret…by joining the same class as Dash.

On a collision course once again, Dash and Josie bicker even as sparks fly. Then Josie’s dad sees them together, and seeing her web of lies about to crumble, Josie panics and says she and Dash are dating. Whoops. Against all odds, a fake relationship could save them both some grief—as long as real feelings don’t get involved!