I absolutely devoured the first book of this series so I went into this one with high hopes and loved this one even more! I think this is easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. The insta-lust, only one bed immediately had me hooked. The reality tv drama but also cowboy romance?? Amazing. Their chemistry is everything, the angst and wanting and tension, and even some suspense. I literally could not read this fast enough.

I quite enjoyed the first book in this series, The Love Rematch, so I was really looking forward to this sequel about Emily’s identical twin sister Samantha, and her top contender from the Bachelorette style reality show, Cooper.

The plan that was cooked up between Emily and Cooper so they could each benefit from the success of the show, have a short engagement, and then go on their separate ways had a wrench thrown in when Emily’s ex, and production crew on the show, won her heart, and then her sister Samantha showed up in the Maldives, the finale location, right before the proposal, with dire medical news from Emily’s doctor… which led to Samantha and Cooper somehow accidentally engaged on the show in front of millions of viewers, and not being able to back out of it right away… having to stay cooped up in newly engaged bliss for a week, for the sake of the show.

What a great storyline, and the way that Kay Marie played around with the idea of a Bachelorette type show and the unique character motivations and the twin swap - forced proximity, island setting and a few other great moments thrown in, makes for such a fun romcom! It’s an easy and quick, entertaining read.

I definitely recommend this book, but it’s far more enjoyable with the background of the first book. I’m now looking forward to the next in the series, following Samantha’s roommate’s brother, the new lead in the show’s next season. Can’t wait! I have to read her other series to hold me over. Thank you to NetGalley for an early review copy. This is my honest feedback.

This book is a sequel to The Love Match, which I do think is important to read before this because you get so much context. Sam swapped places with her twin Emily for this show and instead of breaking it off with the #1 guy, she says yes and they have to fake their engagement in a way. It did feel pretty insta lusty and I feel like we didn’t get to know Sam as a person much, just a few stories of what she went through with Emily years ago. I really liked what we did get to know about Cooper, but again their relationship just felt more surface level to me. I did like the ending and how their solved the problem with the show and how they can be together.

This isn’t getting a low rating because it’s that bad, but I just didn’t care for it at all. It’s hard to enjoy a book when you don’t connect to the characters and I wasn’t inspired to pick it up and read. It did go by kinda fast but it was more of a background read for me unfortunately. We got a few time jumps throughout which made us miss a lot of context and just get the main points of the book which made me feel like I missed out on a lot of growth between them. They didn’t have a whole lot of in-depth convos and how some of the writing/grammar was, was annoying to me (paragraphs taking up half-to a whole page with no dialogue from the other character). I do think some people will really enjoy this book, but it just wasn’t for me.

I received a digital copy from NetGalley & the publisher of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Arc Review:
Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 2 🔥🔥
Cover Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- Dating Show Setting with Reality Tv Shenanigans
- A Fake Engagement in Paradise
- Twin Swap
- Cowboy X City Girl
- Opposites Attract
- Enemies to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Insta Lust
- Dual POV
- Forced Proximity (Only One Bungalow)
- Banter, Banter and more Banter
- And Enough Steamy Tension To Make You Scream

The Love Lie is the second book in The Love Match series, The Love Lie is an enemies to lovers, fake engagement romance between a workaholic city girl and a cocky cowboy.

Cooper is our MMC and he is a cocky cowboy with a restless spirit and Sam is our FMC and she’s a boss lady from the city. I think that our couple had a lot of chemistry which made their relationship more enjoyable to read about.

At the start I wasn’t quite sure if I’d like this book but the more I read the more I enjoyed. The book was really funny and the characters were enjoyable.

I would like to thank the author Kay Marie and NetGalley for letting me be apart of the arc team for this book I enjoyed reading it.

Cute cute cute!! I love this series and I don't know why its not more popular. These couples are adorable and the banter is hilarious. I think I liked The Love Rematch just slightly more, but both were great rom com, swoony, spicy reads. Definitely recommend for an easy, feel good, romance.

This was such a cute romance! Very cowboy romance takes on reality romance with a hint of love at first sight.

I did read this book as a standalone, without reading the first one, but I feel that I was able to jump right in and didn’t have any problem keeping up. While it’s clear there’s additional character information in the first book of the series, it’s definitely not a must read.

Overall, this was really enjoyable. The characters were funny, there was interesting banter, and the book is pretty short and a cute quick read.

I’ll definitely be digging into the author’s backlog!

I gave this book 5 stars because even though I wanted to absolutely SHAKE the nonsense out of the FMC, Sam...the book still gave me a super warm feeling. Thankfully, I was given the opportunity to read this first book in this series...unfortunately, now I have to wait for the third book in this series.

If you're looking a book that is a quick, easy read - this is the book for you.
If you're looking for a book with spice, but not too much - this is the book for you.
If you're looking for a book with a guaranteed HEA - this is the book for you.
If you're looking for a book that makes you feel warm and cozy - this is the book for you.

Seriously, I enjoyed this book so much. I started it this morning, and couldn't bring myself to put it down. I love how much Cooper loved Sam, and how he was willing to be patient. I wasn't a huge fan of Sam's, but she grew on me by the end. I just wish we had more of an interaction between Sam and Emily considering how much of a part their relationship played in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Kay Marie for giving me a chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I started this book 2 days ago and safe to say is that i’m obsessed!! I would never stop reading the fake dating trope plus it mmc being a cowboy i’m obsessed.

I am so thankful to have gotten an ARC of this one!

I read it in one day and I loved it! Sam is hilarious, and relatable. I love that she’s a twin because it made me put myself in her shoes.
Cooper is a DREAMBOAT.
I also love Nina, that B.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives too!

This story had me laughing, raging, tearing up, etc. it reminded me fondly of the Unhoneymooners, which I’m also obsessed with.
I loved the “bachelorette” theme of i
I am so thankful to have gotten an ARC of this one!

I read it in one day and I loved it! Sam is hilarious, and relatable. I love that she’s a twin because it made me put myself in her shoes.
Cooper is a DREAMBOAT.
I also love Nina, that B.

This story had me laughing, raging, tearing up, etc. it reminded me fondly of the Unhoneymooners, which I’m also obsessed with.
The plot was well written, the pace was incredible (I never felt bored), and then ending was perfect. I highly recommend!!

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

Kay Marie crafts a delightful, laugh-out-loud romance filled with all the tropes romance readers love: fake engagement, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and a tropical paradise. The second installment of *
The Love Match series stands on its own and takes readers on an entertaining journey as Samantha Peters and Cooper—the annoyingly sexy cowboy—navigate a whirlwind of unexpected emotions during their week-long reality TV escapade.

Samantha, a driven and work-obsessed city girl, is roped into pretending to be her identical twin sister on a hit reality show, only to find herself engaged to Cooper, a laid-back country boy with an infuriating tendency to challenge her at every turn. The chemistry between the two is electric from the beginning, with their bickering and banter providing much of the novel’s charm. Despite their opposing personalities, the forced proximity of sharing a bungalow in paradise allows them to see beyond their differences, which leads to the possibility of something real growing from their fake engagement.

The fake engagement trope is perfectly executed here, with the added drama of a reality TV show and a ticking clock until the cameras go down. Readers will find themselves rooting for the pair as they navigate yacht tours, romantic dinners, and sunset parasails, all while trying to convince themselves that their growing attraction is just for show. Kay Marie masterfully builds tension as Sam and Cooper resist their undeniable connection, making the slow burn both frustrating and exhilarating.

The Love Lie is a fun, flirty, and thoroughly entertaining romance that will leave readers swooning over Sam and Cooper’s love story. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who enjoys a good dose of humor with their romance, set against the backdrop of a dreamy tropical adventure. With its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and satisfying romance, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

Pretending to be her twin on a reality TV show, Samantha accidentally gets engaged to a charming but annoying cowboy. Stuck in paradise, they play the part of a happy couple while their constant bickering turns into something more. As their attraction grows, will the deception turn into true love or heartbreak?

This is a perfect romcom for fans of the rivals to lovers trope.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

• ARC REVIEW •

Release Date: 9/24

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I adored this read from start to finish! It was such a fun swoony rom-com that kept you reading. I was rooting for Sam + Cooper the entire time because how could you not?! They were both lovable characters who I easily related to. This is a perfect book for girlies who love reality dating shows and grew up loving “The Parent Trap.” I must also acknowledge the beautiful slow burn and tension in their relationship = 🧑‍🍳’s 😘🤌🏼

Summary:

“A city girl.
A country boy.
A fake engagement in front of 10 million viewers.
What could possibly go wrong?”

Sam is pretending to be her identical twin sister on the set of a popular reality TV show + her potential fiancé is an annoying cowboy who she can’t seem to settle any argument with. A moment of impulse leaves them accidentally engaged for the whole world to see. This wasn’t their plan.

Their new plan = ride out a week in paradise sharing the same bungalow so the producers don’t catch wind of the truth. Break up as soon as the cameras go down. And live happily never after…

Expect:

-fake engagement
-slow burn
-cowboy MC
-twin swap
-dual POV
-forced proximity
-opposites attract
-terminal illness reference

Thank you NetGalley, the author and Xpresso Reads for this ARC in exchange for my honest review ✨

The beginning of the book was a little slow for me but once I kept going, it was great! The lead characters, Sam and Cooper are fantastic. Who doesn't love an opposites attract, cowboy main character, and a dual POV book! Something that I didn't know I was going to enjoy so much was the twin-swap aspect of the book. It added something different to the story that I am not used to and it was fun!

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book early!

The Love Lie, by Kay Marie, is a quick-paced, fun novel. I could tell where this story was going from early on, but the trip there was delightful! The characters are very distinct and believable (though not at all like those pictured on the cover with the "real" cowboy being much beefier, and the color of that suit on the leading lady is...well, read and you'll know.  Twin-swapping, fake relationships taking turns, steamy angst... what a fun book! While a light, often laughable read, there are heavier undertones that add complications to the anticipated ending. I wasn't sure how Kay Marie would tie up the ending, but it was perfect! Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.


By the second page, I realized I knew and loved all these characters. This is the sequel to The Love Remarch, which is a fantastic book that you should pick up along with this one if you haven't already read it. The Love Lie could be a stand-alone, but you may get confused in the beginning.

I loved this book as much as the first one and look forward to the next Kay Marie novel.

First of all, thank you NetGalley for this ARC copy of The Love Lie by Kay Marie.

This book had several of my favourite tropes, including those of fake engagement, insta love/lust and forced proximity.

I was hooked on the characters and the story that Kay has created for these MCs. There was so much flirty banter between the two and I often found myself going "nawww"

I love me a good cowboy romance and feel as though this book ticked all my boxes

As a dating reality TV show junkie, I am an absolute sucker for this conceit in a book format! As soon as I finished the first book in this series "The Love Match," I was already clamoring for this sequel and I'm so happy that it lived up to the first one. The characters are great. There are a lot of sexy scenes. It's got a semi-enemies to lovers vibe with forced proximity. The only thing I wanted a little more of in this was about Emily's reaction in the ending. The relationship between the twin sister MCs is really special and it felt like a bit of a gap. Overall, a really fun ride from start to finish!

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Read This Book If…you love The Bachelorette or Shania Twain!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Love Lie by Kay Marie

Genre: romance
Series: The Love Match # 2
Spice Level: 2/5🌶, steamy, fade to black
Setting: Maldives, NYC, rural Nebraska
POV: dual, 3rd person, present tense
Tropes: fake engagement, insta lust, forced proximity, opposites attract, twin swap, reality tv, city girl/country boy, cowboy, one jet ski, one horse, “good girl”

My Thoughts:
I loved the first book in this series and was so excited to get the next book! There are so many tropes here that I love and they were all done well.

This book picks up right after the first, so I’d recommend reading them back to back. There’s quite a bit of setup for the second book and IT WAS WORTH IT.

These two were so horny for each other, I was begging for a little bit of spice, but besides one scene, it’s very much off-the-page. They had great chemistry and banter and I enjoyed every moment with them.

There are several parts that made me laugh out loud, so I can’t recommend this read enough!

Memorable Quote:
“What makes you so sure, cowboy?”
“We’re inevitable, darlin’.”

Thank you to the author for my advance copy!

Thank you to Kay Marie, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 ⭐️

Although I didn’t like this book as much as the first one I still enjoyed it! It did take me a little bit to get into it but once I did I loved Cooper. I wasn’t that big of a fan of Sam but I can appreciate her tenacity.

I love that they stuck to the whole aspect of the live show with a little bit of a twist. If you’re a fan of Love Island, the Bachelor/Bachelorette, etc. - this series is for you!

I’m super excited for the next book!