The Love Payoff

by Amelia Addler

He offered me a hundred thousand dollars to be his fake fiancée.

I said yes. Why wouldn't I say yes? I needed the money. It’s not greed. It’s being savvy. Plus, Leo isn’t the sort of guy people say no to. He’s tall, dark, and handsome – the sort of guy women go crazy for.

The hardest part of the sell? Convincing my loud, nosy Polish family that I’m engaged to a man—an artist!—they’ve never met. A man who won’t tell me why he needs a fake fiancée, except to say he picked me because he knew I wouldn’t fall in love.

I should’ve been insulted, but I wasn’t. I thought it would be easy, but now I have to figure out how to tell my fake boyfriend that I’m starting to have some very real feelings for him. And I can only hope I don’t get my heart crushed in the process.

The Love Payoff is a sweet romantic comedy with a smart heroine, an irresistible hero, and the answer to an age-old how much is love worth? The perfect vacation read, get your copy and start reading today!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Adult

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

About the author

Amelia Addler is an author of feel-good romantic women's fiction stories. Her books focus on the importance of family, love and hope - all intermingled with romance and mystery. Her popular Westcott Bay series takes place on beautiful San Juan Island, just off the coast of Washington State, and offers an escape for readers and arm-chair travelers alike.

Amelia lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and little dog. When she's not writing, she's busy plotting trips to San Juan Island to see the killer whales, or explaining to people on hikes that her dog is not, in fact, a coyote.

You can join her reader's email list for updates, catch pictures of her dog on Instagram, or ask her a question here on Goodreads!

Reviews

[♥Milica♥]

I'm a simple girl, I see Slavic characters, I add the book to my tbr

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

„The Love Payoff” jest jedną z największych niespodzianek moich tegorocznych lektur. Nie tyle ze względu na przygody jej bohaterów, co na to kim oni są.

Protagoniści pracują na Madison University w stanie Wisconsin, ona jest doktorem inżynierii hydrologicznej, on wykładowcą historii sztuki i artystą malarzem. Jej młodszemu bratu grozi wyrok, potrzebuje pieniędzy na dobrego adwokata, przyjmuje więc propozycję uniwersyteckiego kolegi, aby za sowite wynagrodzenie udawać przez kilka miesięcy jego narzeczoną.

Suzanna Makowski, na którą matka woła Zuzia, a wśród znajomych znana jako Anna, poważnie obawia się, że jej polska rodzina nigdy nie zaakceptuje jej narzeczeństwa z Leo Mayakovskym. Mimo że jego mama jest również Polką, ale ojciec to Rosjanin i nawet fakt, że swojego czasu więziony był przez sowieckich komunistów niekoniecznie będzie przemawiał do rodziców Anny na korzyść jej nowego partnera.

Żywe również na emigracji polsko-rosyjskie animozje są dobrze rozegranym komediowym przyczynkiem do historii Anny i Leo. A jest takich elementów znaczenie więcej, ponieważ okazuje się, że polskie pochodzenie dziewczyny odegrało decydującą rolę w wybraniu jej przez Leo. W konsekwencji do większości mniej lub bardziej zabawnych wydarzeń dochodzi w środowisku amerykańskich polonusów oraz w Krakowie, Mielcu i innych polskich miejscowościach.

Sylwetki głównych postaci są nieźle sprofilowane, język żywy, a przygody i zwroty akcji na ogół ciekawe, choć niektóre poboczne wątki niepotrzebnie, moim zdaniem, przeciążają i gmatwają fabułę. Ale oczywiście na moje wrażenia wpłynęła w największym stopniu polska i polonijna tematyka. Zwłaszcza że w dodatku do powieści udostępnia autorka zdjęcia i informacje na temat losów swojej polskiej rodziny i rozważa opisanie przygód niektórych jej członków, na przykład dziadka, uciekiniera z Auschwitz. W zasadzie najbardziej mnie zastanawia, dlaczego polscy wydawcy nie dostrzegli dotychczas Amelii Addler, choć liczba publikowanych po polsku amerykańskich autorek powieściowych romansów jest przecież bardzo duża.

[Rebecca Strachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it💕 quick binge read

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! Super cute and fun! I really liked it! The fmc was actually pretty funny!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sweet romance!

Excellent characters!! They could be people You Know, in unique situations, dipped in Polish Sauce!!
My half brother was a Gabrielski, and my best friends dad used to stomp his foot and yell, "This Is My Poland!" When he was mad...
Those Spellings: Bupchee is how my bro pronounced Grandmother! Who knows, maybe its Americanized? 8*)

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st read: 2/5 ⭐️
This isn’t so much a romance as it is bonding over loving a child. There’s no chemistry, Anna had more chemistry with her boss than Leo. I have had deeper conversations with acquaintances than these two, they’re like strangers who just decided on a whim to co-parent a child together. I got severely irritated with Anna and her family multiple times, I almost put the book down every time she interacted with her mom.
P.S. Sorry for the incoherent review, my mind is confused.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs to be turned into a movie!

What a GREAT story! This truly needs to be turned into a movie. It was perfect! The characters were endearing and the storyline kept me hooked till the very end. And I laughed so much!

[Shilo Michaelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean and cute! Loved the characters. Easy, lighthearted read! No sex! No language!

[Klara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book—it was so easy and enjoyable to read, and it kept my interest the whole way through. Even though most of the plot twists are easy to guess, the story is still charming and fun. It’s a clean, funny romance that also highlights the importance of family and learning to stand on your own two feet. I especially loved all the side characters—they added so much to the story and really helped me understand Sophie and Leo better.

Sophia is a Polish girl focused on her career, and I appreciated how the book explores her parents’ journey as immigrants to the USA. Her reflections on their struggles felt authentic and heartfelt. Throughout the book, I enjoyed her interactions with others, especially with Ken—the rich guy who’s interested in her because she’s honest and a bit of a challenge for him. I also related to her desire to take care of everyone and everything, and I liked that she eventually figures out why she’s like that and starts working on herself. Her family got on my nerves at times, but I loved how they always showed up for her when it really mattered.

Leo, the half-Russian, half-Polish artist, is another great character. He asks Anna for help, and it takes a while to find out his real reason—which turned out to be much sweeter than I expected (no spoilers!). He’s caring, but also afraid to let people in, and I appreciated that he tries to work on himself too.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what to review this book at first. So I had to think about it a bit, but at the end of the day- I was unimpressed. Anna’s family and mom made me want to put down the book multiple times. There’s a fine line between a loud ethnic family and being cruel. They were just cruel. I didn’t really see much - if any - chemistry between Anna and Leo. (I forgot his name when writing this review and had to look it up.) When they first kissed, I actually missed it because there was nothing spectacular about it and had to go back and realize ‘oh yeah that did just happen.’

The story started off with a lot of potential. It had the feel of a The Proposal meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets The Wedding Date and I was here for it. It did not live up to expectations; I was let down really early hoping that the chemistry would come, but instead the family just made the book unbearable, made hurt for her and made me mad. And it has nothing to do with them being loud and friendly, and everything to do with her mother wanting it her way or no way and every single person in the family somehow blaming their problems on her when all she does is care and do things out of the goodness of her heart. They don’t deserve her. No chemistry and they continuously let me down and i am disappointed.

[Janejellyroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable book, with characters that felt real, good pacing, and jokes that were actually funny. The trade-off? It doesn't actually feel like a romance, I can't even remember if there is an actual kiss that isn't for the benefit of convincing people of the fake engagement. I don't need spice, but I need SOMETHING to make me think the characters are falling in love and can't live without each other. This read more like the MCs became very fond of each other. I still really enjoyed the read, but it never felt much like a romance.

[Claire Carney · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want so badly to say this was a cute rom com that was so swoon worthy but it was not. the book talks more about the couples family and the major plot points are just glossed over. they have no chemistry then all of a sudden they’re in love? did not enjoy but at the same time couldn’t put down. if you like Polish history & crazy twists this book is for you.

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice Rating: 0/5 - innocent kisses.

Hilarious. Family Centered. Must read.

This book had me laughing so hard, I loved the 4th wall breaks, and the internal banter. The basic idea is silly, like who would really think to do this you know? But they way it's revealed is great. It had me guessing all these possible reasons, but the truth was left field while much more heartfelt than anything I was thinking. Typical artist brain to come up with something so elaborate and emotion evolved.

Overall this is a cute read, two people with a lot of trauma and baggage working through light trying to figure out if they are worthy of love and if they could trust another person with their heart. A lovely, warm and fuzzy feeling book that leaves you hopefully. The characters are every day characters so they are easy to slip into any person you probably know. A career driven logical person meets a whimsical artist trying to get their life together but no one believes in them.

While I don't know anything about the polish culture, the author really nailed the building of the family aspect in the story. I can't say if it's based on research or factual, but I felt the pains and joys of being a part of such a family. The way everyone's personality, language and reactions is written really builds the culture into a character in itself.

A lot of conversations and bonding happen "off screen" based on how time is passing, but I enjoyed this as it kept the plot moving forward and focused on important moments in their lives.

If you enjoy easy reads to get your mind of life stressers, this one is perfect for you!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanna (Anna) Makowski is a professor of engineering and loves her life and her big, loud Polish family, but Anna has two problems. One, her family is always trying to find her husband and their choices are not that desirable, and two, Anna is also trying to help her brother out of a difficult situation which landed him in jail. Well, the answer to both her problems came when a new professor approaches her and asks her to be his pretend fiancé, and guess what? His offer is exactly what Anna needs to bail her brother out of jail. This would not only get her family off her back, but it would help her brother. Can she really say no?

When Anna agrees to be Leo’s fake fiancé, things start to heat up. Trying to convince her family she is in love is going to be dicey. Also, Leo has not told her why he needs a fake fiancé. Can Anna and Leo pull of this charade and fool everyone?

Amelia Addler, one of my all-time favourite authors has done it again. This novel is full of family, laughs and antics while it pulls at your heart strings. The main characters, Anna and Leo are fabulous, but just wait until you meet Anna’s family. They bring such enjoyment to the story. I also loved it as my father’s family was Polish so I could relate to the traditions and values they hold dear. Thank you so much to Amelia Addler for my advanced copy that I voluntarily read and reviewed. A solid five stars my friends.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really difficult book for me to rate. The story itself is cute, but severely underdeveloped. Characters act and speak in ways that don't seem to make any sense. Anna tells her mom about the deal with Leo, then mom tells several other people, yet, somehow, most of the family is surprised at the end? And the plot holes are many. Anna can just take a random two weeks off while school is in session to hang out in Poland? There are border patrol agents hanging out in Madison, Wisconsin, who seemingly have no particular case they are working? Etc.

At the same time, some of the lines about life and mental health and coming to terms with your past literally had me crying.

So, four stars for emotion, two for story, averaging out to three overall.

[Janique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was cute and fluffy and an easy read. I have multiple books on the go right now, so this was a good “palate cleanser” between some of the heavier books I’ve been reading. I read this solely when I had a few minutes to spare on my phone (waiting for appointments, etc.). Easy to follow and didn’t require a lot of focus.
This book was free on one of my ebook emails that I’ve signed up for. I don’t think I would pay for something like this, but it was cute nonetheless. This genre is too fluffy for me personally to read more than once in a blue moon, so I can’t say the book was at fault, just not a typical genre I go for.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

The main characters were awesome — smart, quirky, and a bit hurt. The secondary characters were a whole lot of fun as they helped move the story along.

The characters' histories play a really big part the issues the couple has to muddle through. And they are the key to making things right. I loved how it all came together.

You may need a tissue to get through a couple of bits, but most is sweet and fun.

[Bernadette Cinkoske]

The Love Payoff is a sweet, fun, charming, romantic comedy. Anna and Leo are truly awesome characters and the secondary characters are just as amazing. I love Leo's reasons for needing a fiancée - once that reason is revealed. I could not put this well written book down. I was truly sorry to reach the end. At that point, I wanted to start rereading it immediately! I would give this book more than 5 stars if it were possible.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looks like I’m going to be the odd person out here. I really can’t give this one more than 2.5 and reluctantly bump it to 3. The story is OK. The characters are so-so. I could not connect with them no matter how hard I tried. They are not exactly static characters, but they really don’t develop much throughout the story. It is more that the reader gains more information, not that the characters actually grow and change. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t sad when it ended, either.

[D.S. Kinahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything: a dark, mysterious stranger, an intriguing business proposal, secret motives, a love-struck billionaire, and lots of family conflict. This is a quick read as the story moves right along and remains captivating with every disclosure. Plus, being of Polish descent, I found the cultural aspect of the novel very interesting (but, thankfully, my family was nothing like hers!) LOVED IT!!!!

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely hilarious, like fall-outta-my-chair funny. There are some heartwarming moments as well. I'm not sure that Leo was ready for Anna's crazy family. This is my first book from the author, but certainly not the last. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baba!!

From the time I could talk, I called my maternal grandmother Baba. I was told later in life that it was essentially an Americanized version of the Polish word for grandmother. Somehow, even in my childlike, ignorant state, my familial heritage shone through. I loved reading Leo and Anna's HEA!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Story!

I wasn’t roaring with laughter, but it was definitely funny and a lighthearted tale. There were a few teary moments, too. I think this is my first Amelia Addler book and I enjoyed it enough to want to read more. If you love lighthearted romcoms, then you should check it out.

[Randy Snider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, Clean, Unusual, Romantic

First time to read a book by this author. The storyline was engaging without the need for sexually explicit love scenes. There was romance, but in a form I could recommend my granddaughter read. And…I learned a lot of facts about Poland. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[Zainab Yaseen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Whatever you ignore will grow to monstrous size. The desires, dreams, and thoughts you shove into the abyss of your soul will only get bigger, until their demand for your attention crushes your ability to ignore them."

Clean and lighthearted story with mature characters and themes on life, family, and abandonment. 3.75 🌟

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved THE LOVE PAYOFF! Anna is brilliant, sweet, wants to help everybody (basically run their lives), and is completely unaware of her beauty. Leo is thoughtful, handsome, wealthy, and only cares for one mysterious thing. He’s also willing to pay Big bucks for Anna’s assistance in getting it.
This is a wonderful, clean, and humorous rom-con. Don’t miss it!

[Margaret Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious

Other rom-coms promise comedy, but this one delivers. I read this in one day. I laughed a lot. The mini villian Nikki was hilarious. Anna running off with the baby was so funny. I loved it.

[Talma Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as Polish sausage😉

I really liked the way the story was told from both Anna’s and Leo’s point of view. The characters were fun to get to know. And, there was just enough tension to enjoy the happy ending. Looking forward to reading another standalone novel by Amelia Adler.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the first half. I really enjoyed the socially awkward protagonist and the Polish immigrant culture. (Plus I'm always a sucker for a fake fiance.)

3 stars for the second half. Will perhaps work better for you if you're a big fan of babies.

[Mia's Sweetest Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story! Such a fun and interesting story. I laughed out loud multiple times but out of every character in the book can we stop and appreciate how hilarious Stanley, the dad was? He was the best!

Was a bit low on romance even for a clean book but the story was overall really fun!