What do you think?
Rate this book
The Race for Riches or Romance #3
Love in La La Land
Reality TV, riches, and a race for romance—with the glitz and glam of the Hollywood spotlight!Yes, please! Sign me up. An all-new season is filming in America’s renowned movie town, and the directors are hunting for contestants with the enticing Want to sparkle under the city lights?Bria Harper doesn’t date city boys, especially manscaped stuck-up ones with styled hair and trimmed goatees. But she’ll compete in any setting for a million dollars! As much as she wants to enter the competition alone, using her military skills and crafty strategies to win, the race requires a partner. Rick’s equally hungry to win the money, but the show’s dramatic rules have thrown them a curveball—America will vote the couple they deem to be the most “in love” as the winners. Will they have to fake an engagement to convince the fans they’re in love? If so, she can never let her feelings become real because she doesn’t do forever!Rick Turner gladly exited the Hollywood scene, leaving behind an unfulfilling career as a cameraman on the very show his friends are encouraging him to compete as a contestant on now. After years of filming false narratives and dealing with his toxic ex-wife, he’s more interested in genuine relationships. But Bria’s real—he can feel it—and though she’s his polar opposite, she’s too good to resist, even while she’s encouraging him to fake an engagement in front of his manipulative ex. Trusting love again won’t be easy, but perhaps he can bend the rules and play the game for a chance at love? As long as he doesn’t get his heart broken again in the process!Love in La La Land is a full-length, open-door romance that is best read as the third in the series. It features an emotionally charged opposites-attract romance.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2023
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Lisa S. Gayle
6 books35 followersLisa S. Gayle lives in the beautiful, mountainous Pacific Northwest. She enjoys traveling and all things outdoors, including hiking, camping, and s'mores. She's a soccer mom who loves to take her family on adventures while attempting to keep up with her energetic husband and children.
She specializes in contemporary romance and believes in falling in love with a happily ever after.
Receive notifications on her upcoming books:
Newsletter Signup ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/lisasga...
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/LisaSGayle
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 1, 2024
I loved the first book in this series, was a little disappointed by the second, so was interested to see what this third book held.
I'm pleased to say it served its purpose in redeeming the series for me.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a lot from this book when I clued on it was going to be Bria & Rick. I got Bria but..... really? Rick, the goatie guy camera man? That’s the best the author could come up with?
Well, I’m ready to eat my words!
Rick as a character is utterly loveable. His honesty and straightforwardness are refreshing, and he is a good match to Bria's own straightforwardness and independence.
I loved how this book took both characters out of their comfort zones and developed them both as individuals and as a couple.
I was pleased to see that, unlike the second book, this one did not require a good working knowledge of characters from previous books to follow the story line. It basically let you know at the start who Bria and Rick were and where they had joined the overall story/world and that was all you needed to know.
Little surprise twist at the end (totally unrelated to Rick & Bria) that I liked.
Excited about the spinoff book. Love to see how things go with Brendan and Gigi
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - possibly
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes
I'm pleased to say it served its purpose in redeeming the series for me.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a lot from this book when I clued on it was going to be Bria & Rick. I got Bria but..... really? Rick, the goatie guy camera man? That’s the best the author could come up with?
Well, I’m ready to eat my words!
Rick as a character is utterly loveable. His honesty and straightforwardness are refreshing, and he is a good match to Bria's own straightforwardness and independence.
I loved how this book took both characters out of their comfort zones and developed them both as individuals and as a couple.
I was pleased to see that, unlike the second book, this one did not require a good working knowledge of characters from previous books to follow the story line. It basically let you know at the start who Bria and Rick were and where they had joined the overall story/world and that was all you needed to know.
Little surprise twist at the end (totally unrelated to Rick & Bria) that I liked.
Excited about the spinoff book. Love to see how things go with Brendan and Gigi
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Am I glad I read it - yes
Was it a waste of my time - no
Would I sit down and read it all over again - possibly
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes
October 28, 2024
Book three in the series and I was ready for another round for riches or romance.
An enjoyable read, but not my fav.
While this book started off a bit slow (with mostly a reintroduction of all the characters), things picked up when filming started.
I liked Bria and Rick together, but I was a bit annoyed at the way mostly Bria approached their romance. Her doubts and there I say angst was not really it for me.
Loved Alex as always.
Would love to see more of the behind the scenes elements!
The ending was way too sappy and HEA for me. I do not really care for that type of epilogue. Seeing the people from the last books was fun, but very honestly I had forgotten some of their stories so it took a bit of energy for me to remember things.
The bonus epilogue was a better surprised, will be interested to see how that develops.
3.5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
An enjoyable read, but not my fav.
While this book started off a bit slow (with mostly a reintroduction of all the characters), things picked up when filming started.
I liked Bria and Rick together, but I was a bit annoyed at the way mostly Bria approached their romance. Her doubts and there I say angst was not really it for me.
Loved Alex as always.
Would love to see more of the behind the scenes elements!
The ending was way too sappy and HEA for me. I do not really care for that type of epilogue. Seeing the people from the last books was fun, but very honestly I had forgotten some of their stories so it took a bit of energy for me to remember things.
The bonus epilogue was a better surprised, will be interested to see how that develops.
3.5 stars rounded down.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
December 21, 2023
I received a digital ARC of this book. This is the 3rd book in the The Race for Riches or Romance series. It could technically be read as a stand alone, but most of the characters in this book were in the first two. So I recommend reading them in order. They do also reference events from the first two books throughout this one. Bria wants to go back on The Race for Riches or Romance for season 3, but she needs a partner to go on with her. She’s already won before, so she hopes she can find a good enough partner to win with again. She goes to her friend Cooper, who was also on the competition show previously to see if he has any guy friends that could be her partner. Cooper meets up with his guy friends and they all think Rick should do it. But he used to be a cameraman on that show and left because it was so slimy (duh…reality tv show!) but Cooper begs him to do it as a favor to him so he agrees. Bria and Rick are complete opposites. She’s former military and he’s prissy. When they get to the show, a surprise is thrown in their face from the beginning. Can they get through this competition to win a million dollars each? Will they also leave in love? Rick is interested in love, but Bria is only in it for the money. Which goal will win out in the end? You’ll have to read to find out!
January 30, 2024
Although I haven't read the first two books in The Race for Riches or Romance, I was able to follow the plot of this book quite easily.
Bria has been on the reality show in the past and won a million dollars. That is a fortune, but it's quickly gobbled up by expenses for her mother's care and other expenses. She needs to be on the show again and win more money. She ends up being partners with Rick who worked behind the scenes on the show in the past. Bria is tough as nails after being in the military and with her natural confidence. Rick is a little bit squeamish, but strong.
The two slowly become closer despite Rick's ex being one of the contestants. Bria is afraid to get too close to Rick except when being on camera. She claims it's all about the money for her. Rick begins to fall for Bria even with her tough exterior.
There is plenty of sizzle for romance fans. I am definitely not a reality show watcher. The one in this tale is part romance and part stunts that fit better with icky contests. Both situations are very well written. I loved the descriptions of the setting that the contestants got as rewards for passing certain challenges.
My only reason for not giving this book a higher rating is the constant use of "ya" by Bria's character started to get on my nerves.
I recommend this novel for those who like romance with a few twists.
Bria has been on the reality show in the past and won a million dollars. That is a fortune, but it's quickly gobbled up by expenses for her mother's care and other expenses. She needs to be on the show again and win more money. She ends up being partners with Rick who worked behind the scenes on the show in the past. Bria is tough as nails after being in the military and with her natural confidence. Rick is a little bit squeamish, but strong.
The two slowly become closer despite Rick's ex being one of the contestants. Bria is afraid to get too close to Rick except when being on camera. She claims it's all about the money for her. Rick begins to fall for Bria even with her tough exterior.
There is plenty of sizzle for romance fans. I am definitely not a reality show watcher. The one in this tale is part romance and part stunts that fit better with icky contests. Both situations are very well written. I loved the descriptions of the setting that the contestants got as rewards for passing certain challenges.
My only reason for not giving this book a higher rating is the constant use of "ya" by Bria's character started to get on my nerves.
I recommend this novel for those who like romance with a few twists.
January 3, 2024
I have read and loved the two previous books in this series and found the different take on a reality challenge one that was well placed for Rick's story and showed how much he has changed from Gotee Man in books one. It was fun to revisit with my favorite characters from the first books and see new characters get the chance to grow. Rick and Bria had the perfect mix of " I was burnt but I will not fall in love again, ever" and a wonderfully fun electric connection at the same time. This was a good He Falls First and He Falls Hard story that allowed for some.Wonderful comic moments, especially since Bria's Army background had her more set for the wilds while Rick was more in his event in the city. Leaving the woods and jungles behind, this time we travel to Hollywood and a different kind of competition that makes of use of a different type of fight for survival!
Although this is book three in the Race For Riches and Romance, I think anyone can easily fall into this book since all the key information needed is provided and well integrated. But, having read the first two books will help you understand some of the side conversations and get the humor a little more easily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although this is book three in the Race For Riches and Romance, I think anyone can easily fall into this book since all the key information needed is provided and well integrated. But, having read the first two books will help you understand some of the side conversations and get the humor a little more easily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2024
This is a really fun reality tv-trope, and the third book in a very good series. The book can be read as a standalone, although characters from the prior stories appear again in this story. The “Race for Riches or Romance” show moves to Hollywood for its third season. Bria has a chance to compete again. She really needs the money but has to find a partner who will pretend to be in a relationship with her. Their friends persuade Rick (a former cameraman on the show) to be her partner. Bria and Rick discover that the producers have added some twists to the season, including the fact that viewers will pick the ultimate winner and that Rick’s cheating, mercenary ex-wife is also competing. There are well-written dual points of view and a few plot twists as the characters fall for each other and face the show’s challenges. I downgraded a half star because Bria’s speech sent me into a sinkhole of research (for ex. she says “ya” instead of “yeah.”) and I don’t like goatees. The characters’ styles were so different that their strong mutual attraction felt odd. Overall, the story is so good that the hiccups were minor. Super-engaging, very romantic, with heat and a satisfying HEA. Recommended. I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2024
Bria is prior military; she is tough, outspoken, and only in it for the money. But she seems to know Copper and Amity from the first book.
For ethical reasons, Rick is against the show, but he is way more hipster than I expected. The fact that he was a cameraman for the show before makes this much more intriguing. Of course, he gets quilted into it, and the first meeting with Bria shows how much these two characters are opposites. You could even go so far as to say they may have switched roles like "Freaky Friday" but with a male and female. Their coffee order alone has me chuckling.
We get a time jump from the first meet and greet to the beginning of the race. They are both on season three of The Race for Riches or Romance. I love the truthful pre-challenge and the honest answers.
This book gets steamy as their connection grows, but Bria is still scared to open up to another person. She is challenging but also hides away when things become uncomfortable. Rick is like an open book; he is easy to read and understand.
The connection between the characters' perspectives needs to be improved throughout the challenges. We do learn a lot, but seeing things from their perspectives, their POV could be better described. Bria is a tough nut, and I'm surprised she did that, but it makes for great drama.
This book ends sweet but is different from how I expected it. It is a heartwarming meet cute opposites contemporary romance.
For ethical reasons, Rick is against the show, but he is way more hipster than I expected. The fact that he was a cameraman for the show before makes this much more intriguing. Of course, he gets quilted into it, and the first meeting with Bria shows how much these two characters are opposites. You could even go so far as to say they may have switched roles like "Freaky Friday" but with a male and female. Their coffee order alone has me chuckling.
We get a time jump from the first meet and greet to the beginning of the race. They are both on season three of The Race for Riches or Romance. I love the truthful pre-challenge and the honest answers.
This book gets steamy as their connection grows, but Bria is still scared to open up to another person. She is challenging but also hides away when things become uncomfortable. Rick is like an open book; he is easy to read and understand.
The connection between the characters' perspectives needs to be improved throughout the challenges. We do learn a lot, but seeing things from their perspectives, their POV could be better described. Bria is a tough nut, and I'm surprised she did that, but it makes for great drama.
This book ends sweet but is different from how I expected it. It is a heartwarming meet cute opposites contemporary romance.
December 19, 2023
Bria is a strong stubborn woman who has secrets about her life she's not keen to share. But she's also loyal to friends and would help them without question. When she turns up and asks Cooper for his help he knows she must really have good reason. Rick has had his fair share of the limelight of reality tv, and dealing with his ex wife who was anything but real. He's decided he'd only every get involved with another woman when it was real. Now he finds himself put in a position of helping a friend and finding out things aren't always what they seem. Can he really believe and trust again or is Bria no different from the other women he's known. This book is great and totally draws you in Bria is a complicated character who just needs drawing out. I really enjoyed this book and recieved it as an ARC copy this is my own honest opinion and review
December 29, 2023
I’m absolutely loving this series from Gayle - a must-read!
I’m a huge fan of Lisa S Gayle and believe she’s completely underrated and not enough readers out there know her name - she is absolutely a brilliant author who knows how to wow me, and I can definitely be a picky reader and hard reviewer (and I’m up to 450 this year!).
This, being the third in an incredible series, is by far my favourite. I happened upon book one when searching one of the lesser-known review sites last year, and I’m so glad I took a chance on it from the interesting cover and blurb. It’s lead me through three of my new favourite books and I must emphatically shout from the rooftops how much I love them all, how amazing her writing is, how sell she writes the characters, their banter, the Race for Riches or Romance reality TV world… it really just sucks you right in.
Bree and Rick are characters we met in the earlier books, so to bring the, back and team them up in a relationship of convenience for the show was a stroke of genius. We had a lot of secrets and a lot of strategy (being a survivor meets amazing race type show), with the side characters from the original books and new ones coming in. I really enjoyed that this particular race season had extra roadblocks with the ex wife and all the challenges that brought in! Bree and Rick were completely opposites but … opposites attract!
If you didn’t catch it above, I absolutely recommend this book, and the entire series, to all romance readers. It’s just so darn good! Well deserved 5 stars. I can’t wait for more books!
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I’m a huge fan of Lisa S Gayle and believe she’s completely underrated and not enough readers out there know her name - she is absolutely a brilliant author who knows how to wow me, and I can definitely be a picky reader and hard reviewer (and I’m up to 450 this year!).
This, being the third in an incredible series, is by far my favourite. I happened upon book one when searching one of the lesser-known review sites last year, and I’m so glad I took a chance on it from the interesting cover and blurb. It’s lead me through three of my new favourite books and I must emphatically shout from the rooftops how much I love them all, how amazing her writing is, how sell she writes the characters, their banter, the Race for Riches or Romance reality TV world… it really just sucks you right in.
Bree and Rick are characters we met in the earlier books, so to bring the, back and team them up in a relationship of convenience for the show was a stroke of genius. We had a lot of secrets and a lot of strategy (being a survivor meets amazing race type show), with the side characters from the original books and new ones coming in. I really enjoyed that this particular race season had extra roadblocks with the ex wife and all the challenges that brought in! Bree and Rick were completely opposites but … opposites attract!
If you didn’t catch it above, I absolutely recommend this book, and the entire series, to all romance readers. It’s just so darn good! Well deserved 5 stars. I can’t wait for more books!
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
December 29, 2023
This is book 3 in Gayle's The Race for Riches or Romance series and can be read as a standalone, however the characters from the previous 2 books in this series are in this book so for the best overall experience I would recommend reading in series order if able. Bria wants to participate in season 3 of the reality show our series is titled for but needs a partner - friend Cooper talks his friend Rick into participating. Bria and Rick are complete opposites and with most reality shows a twist is thrown their way. Will these two be able to survive the show much less win for a million each or find a HEA love?!? This show, I mean book will captivate you with it's drama, characters and storyline. Well writen with a smooth storyline - I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2024
Ok… this book was such a fun read! I read the first book in the series also and it was so fun to read more about both Bria & Rick and also catch up with the main characters from the first book.
I love the "reality TV" angle that this series has.. it adds a fun element to the story and lots of challenges and conflict.
I loved how Rick was able to work through his past and give love another shot and he truly showed Bria nothing but love throughout the book.
My only problem is that I wish I read the second book in the series before this one (all on me) because they discussed and interacted with characters from that book and I felt a tad bit lost. I would still consider these stand alone books though.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the "reality TV" angle that this series has.. it adds a fun element to the story and lots of challenges and conflict.
I loved how Rick was able to work through his past and give love another shot and he truly showed Bria nothing but love throughout the book.
My only problem is that I wish I read the second book in the series before this one (all on me) because they discussed and interacted with characters from that book and I felt a tad bit lost. I would still consider these stand alone books though.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2024
****may contain spoilers****
Bria comes across like Melissa McCarthy in the movie Bridesmaids. I did read the first book, but can’t remember her persona and if I liked it. The “Ya” and “humph” are annoying throughout the book.
Rick is a bit harder to read at first, but I did not like how all the guys (and then the women) made him sign up for the show.
He’s not happy after a divorce that left a bitter taste in his mouth and when two of the other contestants are his ex-wife and their marriage counselor she left him for for, Bria agrees to be his partner and become a love interest during this show. Problem is Rick is all in for Bria and love, but Bria keeps mentioning winning the race and money and that irks Rick.
Bria, Bria, Bria. Her attitude during the whole book and how she treats Rick made her very unlikable and didn’t deserve anything. Sadly two stars less for this main female character. Rick deserves better.
The Epilogue didn’t convince me to like Bria. Sorry, but the bonus epilogue was so much better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bria comes across like Melissa McCarthy in the movie Bridesmaids. I did read the first book, but can’t remember her persona and if I liked it. The “Ya” and “humph” are annoying throughout the book.
Rick is a bit harder to read at first, but I did not like how all the guys (and then the women) made him sign up for the show.
He’s not happy after a divorce that left a bitter taste in his mouth and when two of the other contestants are his ex-wife and their marriage counselor she left him for for, Bria agrees to be his partner and become a love interest during this show. Problem is Rick is all in for Bria and love, but Bria keeps mentioning winning the race and money and that irks Rick.
Bria, Bria, Bria. Her attitude during the whole book and how she treats Rick made her very unlikable and didn’t deserve anything. Sadly two stars less for this main female character. Rick deserves better.
The Epilogue didn’t convince me to like Bria. Sorry, but the bonus epilogue was so much better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2024
Bria & Rick: Book 3 of The Race for Riches or Romance: Opposites attract/ fake relationship/ second chance at love/ reality TV RomCom: Can be read as a standalone, but it is best read in order. New twists are added to the show, and the rules can change at any time. This aspect kept me addicted and needing to know what happens next. The characters really make this series, and I recommend reading them all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2024
I cant stand Bria.
I get it she's the tough I'm not like other girls pick me type. It's annoying. She almost made this 2 stars. It's okay. The first book was best
I get it she's the tough I'm not like other girls pick me type. It's annoying. She almost made this 2 stars. It's okay. The first book was best
November 28, 2025
Of the three books in this series this one is my favorite!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews