He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack was a charming enemies to lovers tale of work colleagues stuck in close proximity as they celebrate a destination wedding in a beautiful rustic resort.

Liddy and Callum have the perfect meet cute and then an unfortunate turn of events sees them turn into enemies and boss and employee for the next two years.

In a turn of events, this unlikely couple end up fake dating and they start to develop real feelings for eachother.
Liddy uncovers a side of Callum that challenges her and her own perceptions of herself. She starts to realise her worth, to speak her mind and go after what she wants. Callum also starts to realise his protective walls have been built too high and that he has actually developed real deep feelings for Liddy.
There was a lot of character development which was really interesting to read, along with their internal dialogue.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, and considering it is written in third person (Dual POV) - which I'm usually personally not a fan of reading - I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it. It was so well written and easy to follow, which with an extra language thrown in is mindblowing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing and Annabelle McCormack for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack Releasing on July 16th 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Fake Dating, Boss X Employee, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, One Bed

When perfectionist Lydia Winnick’s world collides with her infuriatingly attractive and cocky boss, Callum Scott, during a fateful flight to Costa Rica, sparks fly in more way than one.
On her way to celebrate her sister’s destination wedding at a resort, Liddy slips up and makes a terrible mistake. Then her life takes an unexpected turn when Callum shockingly covers for her, forcing them to pretend they’re dating. With an heirloom wedding dress lost in transit and a web of lies spinning out of control, they embark on a week-long misadventure that blurs the lines of fiction and reality.
As tensions rise and attraction simmers to a boil, Liddy discovers a side of Callum that challenges her perceptions. Yet the more their connection deepens, the tighter the knot of deception becomes. Can their growing bond withstand the heat, or will the tangled web they’ve woven unravel in a blaze that could wreck her sister’s happy day?

In HLMK we see Enemies to Lovers, Boss and Employee relationships, Fake Dating, and a dilemma of a lost family heirloom… that gave me secondhand anxiety as a wedding venue manager myself. Whilst Liddy is prepping for her sister’s destination wedding in Costa Rica and Callum trying to avoid his ex-fiancée and mother during the wedding prep; these two find their way to each other but also find themselves. Callum must face his past and the worries about what others think of him and Liddy must learn how to put herself first and put aside her people-pleasing needs. Although I did have a hard time getting into the book due to a reading slump it was worth the wait, just like waiting for Callum to finally realize his feelings are true.
HLNK was a very fun read and perfect for a day by the water this summer, a lake, pool, or a beach in Costa Rica preferably. We see trials of love and hate, personal growth, and webs of lies, putting aside some crazy twists that stressed me out the love story and lovable characters hooked me in! If you loved the recent movie Anyone But You, you’ll love He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack

REVIEWS POSTED ON.... GoodReads under Samantha Bryan, @Bookishbryan Instagram, Barnes and Noble under the pen name BookishBryan

Liddy has just moved to London from the States and she and Callum have a meet-cute at a small bookstore when they both try to buy the same guidebook and there is only one copy. He needs to buy it for his new co-worker, who he hasn't met but has decided he doesn't like already and will try and get fired. She wants it to help her explore her new city. They flirt, they banter, they flip a coin for the book and when Liddy ends up with the book, Callum puts his number in the back. Later that night, at a welcome dinner with her new employer, she meets her new boss, Callum. The same boss who already doesn't like and wants her fired. Yikes!

For the next two years, they work alongside each other, tolerate each other and generally avoid each other at all costs. When Liddy's sister's wedding approaches, she must travel to Costa Rica as the Maid of Honor with the best man, Cullen. Cullen is dreading returning to Costa Rica, where he spent time as a child, since his mother and his ex-fiance will be there. He doesn't want his mom pushing them to get together so when the wedding dress that Liddy was supposed to be in charge of gets “lost”, he proposes a plan. He will help her get the dress back if she pretends to date him to keep his mother off his back.

These two must learn to get along and work with each other to make sure this wedding is a success. Especially when hijinks ensue including a lost wedding dress, a stressed out bride, a saucy granny, and a MIL wedding takeover.

This book is an adventure in itself! I really liked the relationship between the two main characters. They really did have a connection even though they started off as enemies. They both have their reasons for behaving the way they do and when they communicate with each other, those are the best parts of the book. It feels very real!

The ending was cute, even though I wanted to slap Cullen for being oblivious and not self-aware. I enjoyed the dynamic not only between the two main characters but also all the family members. It was a fun destination wedding where things went wrong, where they went right and where everyone ends up happy.


Huge thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

My review will be published/posted on Amazon and Instagram @mycuppacoffee_books on 7/15/2024

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Annabelle McCormack – first time reader
Genre: Romance,
Troupe: Forced Proximity, Fake Relationship, Enemies to Lovers, One Bed

He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 16 July 2024

When Lydia Winnick's meticulously organised life collides with her infuriatingly charming and confident boss, Callum Scott, on a serendipitous flight to Costa Rica, sparks fly in ways neither of them expected.

Heading to her sister's destination wedding at a luxurious resort, Liddy makes a critical mistake. Unexpectedly, Callum comes to her rescue, prompting them to invent a fake relationship on the spot. With a precious heirloom wedding dress lost in transit and a web of lies rapidly escalating, they embark on a week-long adventure that blurs the lines between truth and fiction.

As tensions rise and their mutual attraction grows stronger, Liddy discovers a side of Callum that challenges her initial impressions. Yet as their bond deepens, so does the complex web of deceit they've spun.

In my view, "He Loves Me Knot" has its highs and lows. While it started out well, I found the initial animosity between the main characters, Lydia and Callum, somewhat unconvincing. The plot also took several unrealistic turns that made it challenging for me to fully engage with the story.

However, what stood out positively were the personal growth arcs of Lydia and Callum. Their journey towards self-reflection, where Lydia confronts her people-pleasing tendencies and Callum grapples with his disregard for others' opinions, was handled well and added depth to their characters. The dynamics among other family members and friends were complex yet well-managed.

Overall, "He Loves Me Knot" explores themes of love, deceit, resilience, forgiveness, and personal growth. Despite its sometimes unrealistic plot twists, the depth of character development in the latter part of the book redeems it.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author, Annabelle McCormack, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I really enjoyed this book! It follows Liddy, who travels to her sisters wedding alongside her arrogant, womanising boss Callum, who is a groomsman. Liddy is in charge of bringing her sister's wedding dress, but when it gets stolen in the airport she's terrified of letting her sister down. So, Callum suggests a deal, he'll cover for her and help her find the dress, if she pretends to be his girlfriend so his mum doesn't nag him about getting back with his ex-fiancee.

This book was really well written and well paced, I enjoyed the premise and haven't read a book like this before. I adore both fake dating and enemies to lovers so having both in one book was a dream come true. I felt really connected to the characters, especially Liddy, who has struggled with a disability and believes she is les because of that. I don't have the same disability but I do relate to being thought of as less so I loved her journey. I thought Callum was really interesting, he definitely has previous trauma because of his ex and his parents, I really enjoyed his chapters and getting to see him try to work through it.

This book addressed disabilities and their individual traumas in a really realistic way, and I really appreciated that.

Overall, I loved this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the following tropes:
-enemies to lovers
-fake dating
-one bed
-forced proximity
-dual pov
-third person narrator
-disability rep

This was such a fun read and i Really really want to visit costa rica now! But not in rainy season… 😅 Liddy and Callum had the perfect meet cute but then a twist keeps them apart for over 2 years…. And in 2 years A LOT OF miscommunication and misunderstanding can happen…. Which creates one of the main troupes of the story!

The angst that comes with this book is sooo good and just right! I love the back and forth and I hate the back and forth! 😂😅 but it was so well written it’s one of the best miscommunication troupes ive read!

Not to mention my FAVOURITE troupe of all fake dating! Did i already say well written this was? I loved it!! So make sure you go get this on release day!!! On July 16!!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
☀️Fake Dating
☀️Boss/Employee
☀️Forced proximity
☀️One Bed
☀️Miscommunication
☀️Open Door
☀️Dual POV

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

From the "get go" as my mother would say, this book had me saying almost out loud, "oh-oh!" As in my stomach would be in a knot imagining what it would be like to be in the shoes of Liddy and the mistake she makes. Then to read what she and her very sour boss end up doing to correct the issue, makes the reader hang onto the edge of their seat. As they go through the different scenarios they put themselves through, you also learn more about their character, especially her sour boss turned charming, and why Liddy simply can't let this mistake ruin her sister's wedding.

A bit of spice but not too much.

As in her other books, Annabelle McCormack had me go through every emotion I could go through and then some. Certainly not a book to be reading right before bed!

Highly recommend!

Ugh this was such a good book. I loved how much Cal reassured Liddy every step of the way and helped her realize she can do anything she wants to do.

“The only thing holding you back is you. Nothing else can stop you.”

This story has it all. Drama, humor, romance, travel, and some spice. From fake dating to happily ever after. Family arguments to forgiveness.

When Annabelle McCormack released See You Next Fall, I purchased the Kindle eBook but let it sit in my TBR stack for quite awhile (about 7 months). I picked it up the other day and realized I really enjoyed her writing and noticed that she had another book coming out that was the sequel to her first book. I requested it, got it and read it in a dizzying 2 days.
Let me start by saying these sisters (Elle and Lydia) are sister goals! How they support each other and with each book you can feel their desire to look out for one another.
Callum is the character that hides behind a mask of indifference to protect a heart that has been broken and never healed. Broken from an ex-finance' and from a mother who did a very bad job of making the right choices where her son was concerned. Liddy and Cal work together but they have chemistry before they ever realize they work at the same company.
Years later, they are about to attend the wedding of Liddy's sister to Cal's best friend and there are endless supplies of monkey wrenches throwing them together ( a literal monkey IS involved).
Sometimes when rom-com books write several mis-steps into the plot, it gets a little weary and bogged down in tiresome ways they have to get themselves out of the predicament. I didn't feel that these obstacles that came up were so far-fetched as to make me want to roll my eyes. I could see all of it happening and leading to more time for our main characters. I was rooting for this couple once the layers were peeled back on Callum's hard edges and Lydia came into her own confidence. Oh and Granny is one of my favorites in this book! Only issue I had was Elle's over-reaction to the truth that the main characters have kept from her. Seemed out of character. Really was a minor issue. 4.5 stars rounded up!

I really enjoyed this book! I’m now looking forward to reading the rest of the authors works!

I adore the fake relationship trope. Liddy and Callum became two loveable characters with their own baggage. I loved their initial meeting which lead to them becoming enemies. However, the miscommunication in the book did get a bit tiresome towards the end.

The humour of the book was well delivered and the dress storyline really improved the main plot as well. A good, fun and enjoyable romance set in paradise.

I am giving this book a 3 stars ! In this book we find that Liddy and her boss relationship is a little estranged so you might guess that being apart of her sisters wedding party is even weirder for the both of them ! Especially when plans go astray and they have to come up with a solution…fast . He loves me knot was a super easy fast paced read and I really enjoyed it !!! I always am a sucker for a fake dating trope and this one delivered in so many ways! The storyline was super funny as well as the characters ! It was so fun and interesting to read because I saw myself in Liddy in a lot of ways ! Everything about her screamed me and that made this book so much more enjoyable ! all of the other characters were super well written especially Elle and Quinn ! I also really loved how kiddy was able to find some self confidence and be sure in her self. Seeing that someone else was struggling with something similar really made me feel seen in that light. But being able to see Liddy realize that what she offered and just by being herself she simply was enough ! I think why I stuck with three stars was because I didn’t fall in love with Callum. I just had no real connection with him and found him to be really pessimistic. I also just felt as though their relationship was super rushed and wasn’t super super deep ! I wish we would’ve saw them more as a couple as I think that would’ve made me connect with the characters more ! But overall would definitely recommend this book :)

A beautiful tropical background, enemies to lovers and fake dating all recipes for a fun book. This is a nice summer beach read that has a lot of funny mishaps and movements. The characters do have some growth which is nice to see but there is not a lot of depth to story. There are a lot of tough themes that are addressed but are not developed well enough to get the story to where it needs to go. This is an overall fun read but definetly lacks depth and character development. It also has a lot of far fetched moments that are convenient to the plot line.

He Loves Me Knot is an easy and engaging read, with themes of fake dating, romance, personal growth, forgiveness, family and trust. This book has it all: a bit of drama, some great twists, romance, humour and travel, all set against the beautiful Costa Rica.

This was a really enjoyable read, and great escapism.

Thank you to the publisher Victory Editing ,the author Annabelle McCormack & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Annabelle McCormack for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book #2 in the series but ok as a standalone.

Lydia moves to London to start fresh. Right before starting her job she meets a man who intrigues her only to find out he is her boss and he’s upset she’s joining his team and plans to get rid of her as soon as he can.

Callum is a closed off workaholic who has a reputation for hookups, high expectations and little praise.

Lydia makes a mistake when on the way to her sister’s destination wedding and is surprised when Callum offers to help her if she helps him by pretending they are dating.

The story moved quickly and was entertaining. I enjoyed that they had a 2yr history so it was enemies to lovers instead of strangers to lovers and didn’t feel insta-love which is always a struggle for me.

There were a lot of characters but they were pretty easy to keep everyone straight. Granny was a hoot.

I liked the representation for invisible disability and the personal growth by both Liddy and Callum. They each had some previous trauma to address that was holding them back.

Title: He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: July 16th 2024

In He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack, perfectionist Lydia Winnick's life is turned upside down when she collides with her attractive and cocky boss, Callum Scott, during a flight to Costa Rica for her sister's wedding.

After making a mistake, Liddy is surprised when Callum covers for her, forcing them into a fake dating scenario. With a lost heirloom wedding dress and a series of lies complicating things, they embark on a week-long adventure that blurs the lines between pretense and reality.

As tensions rise and attraction grows, Liddy discovers a different side of Callum that challenges her initial perceptions. Their deepening connection tightens the web of deception, raising the stakes for both their relationship and her sister's big day.

Will their growing bond withstand the pressure, or will the tangled lies unravel everything?

What I Loved:

* Enemies to Lovers Trope: This classic trope is executed brilliantly in He Loves Me Knot. The transition from mutual irritation to undeniable attraction between Lydia and Callum is both entertaining and satisfying.

* Fake Dating with Real Consequences: The fake dating scenario adds layers of tension and humour. The way their faux relationship starts affecting their real feelings keeps the reader engaged and rooting for them to realise their true emotions.

* Engaging Characters: Lydia is a relatable perfectionist, while Callum's cocky exterior hides unexpected depths. Their character development throughout the story is well-paced, making their journey believable and heartfelt.

* Tropical Setting: The lush, vibrant backdrop of Costa Rica adds an extra layer of allure to the story. The exotic location enhances the romantic atmosphere and makes for a perfect summer read.

* Humour and Misadventures: The series of mishaps and humorous situations that Lydia and Callum find themselves in are delightful. These moments add a lighthearted touch to the romance and keep the story fun and engaging.

* Sizzling Chemistry: The chemistry between Lydia and Callum is palpable and intense. Their interactions are filled with witty banter, steamy moments, and genuine connection, making their romance compelling.

* Themes of Perception and Growth: Lydia's journey to see beyond her initial perceptions of Callum and embrace her feelings is a significant theme. It adds depth to the story and highlights personal growth and acceptance.

* Heartwarming Conclusion: The resolution of their tangled web of lies and the ultimate realisation of their feelings is heartwarming. The story wraps up in a satisfying manner that leaves the reader with a smile.

He Loves Me Knot by Annabelle McCormack is a delightful mix of romance, humour, and personal growth. With a captivating enemies-to-lovers trope, a fake dating scenario filled with real emotions, and the beautiful setting of Costa Rica, this book is a perfect summer read. Lydia and Callum's journey from irritation to love is engaging, and their sizzling chemistry makes the story a page-turner. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a cute, romantic escape.

Thank you to The Publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op ,The Author Annabelle McCormack & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Lydia y Callum se conocieron en una librería, coquetearon, él la invitó a una cita, pero cuando se da cuenta que es su jefe él se vuelve frío porque no sale con nadie del trabajo .


Dos años después el capítulo empieza con Callum besándose y tocandose con alguien del trabajo que resultó ser la compañera de piso de Lydia. Miranda se la pasa burlándose del enamoramiento de su amiga y en esa escena con Callum le dice que que no pueden ir a su casa porque su compañera de piso está en casa y que tiene un enamoramiento por él.

En esos 2 años él se la pasó acostandose con muchas mujeres y al final le dice que todo ese tiempo el estuvo enamorado de ella.


Liddy es una tonta, le dice que la va a lastimar y su cerebrito lo interpreta como que le importa, o sea le acaba de decir que las mujeres son JUGUETES para él y que el sexo no significa nada más que placer, luego termina llorando porque la lastimó. Pero eso no es lo peor, cuando terminan su acuerdo es ella quien va a rogarle para que sigan juntos.





Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet romcom. I devoured it and am still thinking about it. I can’t wait for others to read it!