He Loves Me Knot

Wanderlust #2

by Annabelle McCormack

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?

He Loves Me Knot is a scorching tale of enemies turned lovers, fake dates with real consequences, and a passion that burns hotter than the tropical sun. Indulge in the sizzling, open door romance of Lydia and Callum as they navigate the thin line between love and lies.

Genres: Romance, Summer

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Annabelle McCormack writes historical romantic fiction, fantasy romance, and contemporary romance packed with sprawling adventures, epic love, and soulmates who just can’t stay away from each other (even when the world is falling apart). If there’s a sweeping love story with high stakes and deep emotions, she’s probably writing it—or at least dreaming about it while chasing down her next cup of coffee.

When she’s not wrangling words, she’s wrangling five home-schooled kids, a couple of dogs, and an unreasonable amount of books in Maryland. If life had more hours (and less laundry), she’d be traveling, painting, or becoming a professional pastry chef. For now, she’s content with baking, reading, lifting heavy things at the gym, and plotting her next great escape—er, novel.

Follow her adventures (both literary and domestic) on Instagram, or sign up for her newsletter at her website!

Reviews

[Mobena - introvertbookgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay wait what i finished this in one sitting 😂 LOVED IT SO MUCH!!! this book started right out the gate and i loved it - it’s set in london/costa rice and i loved the complete opposite setting! it FELT like i was reading a vacation and having a vacation myself! Lydia (liddy) and Callum - who have A LOT of history- were so cute and two unhinged peas in a pod i loved them so much. i loved the disability rep with liddy and i love callums arc- not many books have MMCs who have amazing growth stories and dive into them and j really loved his ending. i didn’t realize this is the second book and elle has her own - im going to read that one next 😝 also dying to find out who the next book will be about!!! logan??

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

He Loves Me Knot #2 Wanderlust
3✨

[Kims.reading.nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Liddy & Callum 😍 This was such a sassy and sexy enemies to lovers read, set between beautiful Costa Rica and the city of London. I was pulled into the story from the first page and couldn't stop giggling at the injustice of their meet cute.

Fake dating is one of my favourite tropes, and Author Annabelle McCormack has really done it justice. This is one of the few I've read that really feels like it could be a real scenario. I know many of us have put up with crazy circumstances to keep a bride and groom happy on their special day!

I was lucky enough to receive an E-ARC of this book (I loved book 1 in the series) and can't wait to continue on with the series in future 💕

[Jill Elza · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Loves Me Knot had me hooked from the very first chapter. This is book two in Annabelle McCormack’s Wanderlust series, but it is an interconnected standalone that can be enjoyed on its own.
Lydia Winnick is traveling to Costa Rica for her sister’s destination wedding when she encounters her cocky and infuriatingly attractive boss, Callum Scott. After Lydia makes a terrible mistake, Callum unexpectedly covers for her, forcing them to pretend they are dating.
Between the missing heirloom wedding dress, the growing web of lies, family complications, and their undeniable attraction, Lydia and Callum’s tropical trip quickly becomes one chaotic adventure.
I loved the fake-dating and enemies-to-lovers tension, but the emotional depth made this more than a fun vacation romance. Lydia and Callum are both forced to confront their fears, question the choices they have been making, and look beyond their original assumptions about each other.
One of my favorite quotes was:
“How many times have I chosen to do what I know will make me miserable because it’s easier? Because changing what I’ve been doing means facing a different fear?”
That quote perfectly captures one of the strongest themes in the story. Sometimes remaining in an unhappy but familiar situation feels safer than risking an unknown future.
The romance, humor, family drama, destination-wedding chaos, and character growth created such an entertaining and heartfelt story. I loved this book and cannot wait to continue exploring the Wanderlust series.

[Christina Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by this author, it will not be my last.

***ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op***

- Boss/Employee
- Fake Dating
- One Bed

This was an enjoyable read for any fan of the fake dating trope. Both main characters had things to get through, and they helped each other along the way. When you thought they got past one hurdle, another was thrown in the mix.

Liddy and Cal were made for each other.

Everyone should have a Granny in their lives.

Can we assume the last book I. This series will be Kyle's?

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story! I loved how Callum and Liddy got to spend a whole day together and be honest with each other about how they felt. I also felt really bad for Callum's mom but I can totally understand where he was coming from. I think I would've felt the same way too, it is heartbreaking. Callum and Liddy's relationship went from 0-60 real quick and that was whatever. I don't really feel like Liddy's struggle with her scoliosis was part of the story, it felt a little random and like, the author kept coming back to it every now and then to keep it relevant in the story even though it wasn't. And the same for Callum... his struggles tracked because he was going back to the place that brought him so much pain and heartache but I'm glad that he and Liddy were able to work through their things together and overcome them. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bookish Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love stories that completely transport you to another world, this book is an absolute must-read.

The standout element for me was the incredible romance build-up between Liddy and Callum. Their chemistry crackles from the start, but watch out for Callum's character arc—his evolution and growth throughout the story is beautifully written and deeply satisfying.

It is so well-balanced!
The Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers and fake dating done to absolute perfection.
The Setting: The lush, vibrant backdrop of Costa Rica comes alive on the page.
The Atmosphere: The exposure to different cultures and environments made me feel like I was traveling right alongside the characters.
The Plot: Packed with fun adventures, chaotic family dynamics, and a high-stakes race to save a destination wedding.

I love books that offer true escapism, and this one delivered.

Thank you to Crowns and Chaos PR and Annabelle McCormack for this review copy.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was just something delightful and complicated in the way that Callum and Lydia found each other. From the bookstore meet cute flipping a coin over a guidebook to being on the same early morning flight, they challenged each other and brought humor.

There was just something about the way that this story interwove a complicated past in terms of family as well as relationship for Callum and physical disability and feelings of inadequacy for Lydia that grew them individually and as a couple.

Getting to explore culture and experiences in Costa Rica and see how they dealt with roadblocks and the unexpected was a fun way to move the story along. The HEA was achieved in a unique way that was emotional and mature based on circumstances, family, and matched the ages of the characters. I love how characters did not give up or took time to reflect and act accordingly. I can't wait for more in this series!

Thanks to Crowns and Chaos PR and the author for this gifted copy. These opinions and comments are my own.

[Kristina Dowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is more of a 3.5⭐️ for me! Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC!

Overall, the concept is cute and one I can get behind. I love a good fake dating story. Callum and Lydia were fine as characters - they had a decent story and conflicts to resolve. I did enjoy their bantering when they were together. Spicy scenes were well written and well-placed within the story, too!

I think what lost me was that it just got a little... too much? They had the strangest things happen to them on their trip. The implosion of their fake dating scheme could have easily been avoided and I think some of the resolution felt too easy/convenient. I struggled to get into the book during the beginning too and at the end, I felt the HR stuff was unnecessary.

It was a cute, quick read. Just not my favorite thing ever this summer.

[Terri McCarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liddy and Callum's book in the Wanderlust series was a good time! This was an immersive read for me, and the audio version is very enjoyable! I've listened to both the first three books in this series on audio, and I can definitely recommend them. The production and voice acting was well done, it was a single narrator, Elizabeth Grace, but she does such a great job, that you don't think about needing more voices.
I read this interconnected standalone series out of order, inadvertently, but it was no issue. This group of found family and real family portrayed in the series are very compelling and it's woven together nicely. Very much looking forward to the 4th book in the series coming this summer!

[Torey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. The character growth was great, there were funny moments and touching moments. Some of the issues that plague them are over the top but are entertaining. I am shocked her cell phone was not broken or damaged, it seems like it should have some sort of problem after the fiasco it went through. Id really like to be on a beach in Costa Rica right now, the hammock sounds dreamy.

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

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Kamyl Palma · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Lydia moved to London for a new job, she unintentionally met a stranger at a bookshop who argued for the same book she wanted to get not knowing he’d be her boss. Years later, they crossed paths on the same flight to Costa Rica for Liddy’s and Callum’s sister and friend’s wedding respectively. Upon landing in Costa Rica, they weathered the storms just to give Elle and Quinn the best wedding they’ve always wished for. During those times, Liddy and Callum had no choice but to know tidbits of each other as they spent the days solving the issues that arose.

Trope: Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn
This book was an easy, light, and quick read. I enjoyed the plot despite the slow pace. I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know how and when the romance between Liddy and Callum will progress. There’s just a lack of strength to support Callum’s issues given his personality, but this novel had me at the end. I could say that this is one of the best epilogues I have ever read so far.

Thank you Victory Editing, Annabelle McCormack, and Book Sirens for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Kaytie | readbykaytie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Netgalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC. What a fun, summery, feel-good read. It was a taaad bit slow burn even though the prologue set the scene for their romance. I really loved that both MC's had their own issues to work through and their insecurities that were holding them back both romantically and in their day-to-day lives. They pushed each other to grow and break down barriers. Also the grandma. She was the start of this whole book. I want to be her when I'm older. The ending was very meh to me though personally. The wrap up literally happens in the last 2% of the book. The wedding (which the whole book leads up to, literally doesn't happen until 92% of the way in) and to me just made the pacing feel off. I loved the homage paid to the culture and history of Puerto Rico and the intermixing of Spanish and English.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Wanderlust Contempory Romance series and I read book 1 - See You Next Fall pretty much straight before this book.
I'm no stranger to Annabelle's work and absolutely loved the Brandywood series and having loved book 1 too, I couldn't wait to dive right into this second story.

 

I loved that the setting, some of the characters and definitely the trope were completely different in this second story which sets this apart from the usual small town romance reads I've done so far.

The timeline runs on from the first book and I'd definitely recommend that you read these in order - as major spoilers for the first book in here. So much so, that I really don't want to say much about the plotlines.
But, let's just say that in this book we are mainly following Liddy's (Lydia - Elle's sister) story.

For reasons that I cannot disclose 🙄 - we do see quite a few of the characters from book 1 returning and it was great to see everyone again and to see them all in a different setting. Especially seeing how things have developed since we left them.
There were some great new characters that were introduced too and seeing the connections and conflicts that came about between them all added even more colour and excitement to the story.

I loved this new setting which was both glorious and stressful, showing us the good and the bad side of travelling to Costa Rica.
There were so many events that created tension in the story but then the scenes on the beaches, the hot springs and the waterfalls really made this sound such a gorgeous place to visit.

The development of Liddy and Callum's "friendship" was wonderful to watch and of course there were some great super spicy scenes (and I'm not just meaning the peppers!).

Another brilliant read and I'm excited for the next book in the series - I have a couple of ideas about who might be starring next - I can't wait to see if I'm right....

 

 

**This was another re-read for me, this time as the audio book and again, I thought the narrator was amazing.

 

This brought back all the same feels as I got the first time around and I really liked the way the narrator portrayed each of the characters and their moods and banter throughout.

 

This is such a great series and it was lovely heading back to revisit Liddy and Callum's story**

 

 

 

[Mallory Moureau · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Megan Bajorek · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍
I really thought I couldn't love Annabelle McCormack's contemporary romance any more than I already do. But naturally I was wrong!

Although Quinn and Elle hold a special place in my heart, I'm head over heels for Liddy and Callum.

Definitely a favorite of mine and I strongly reccomend if you like:
-Sunshine vs Grump
-He Falls First
-Second Chance Romance
-Fake Dating
- Disability representation

I really enjoyed Liddy's drive and spunk and determination to keep it together when it seems the literal universe was testing her at every turn. She is written with realistic resilience and fire that I can really relate to especially when it relates to her disability and limitations.

Callum was so enjoyable to read largely because despite being emotionally closed off and unavailable, he was an accurate representation of how deeply rooted trauma can really sneak up on you. Callum's reaction to his own relationship woes and the decision to essentially shut down on relationships and love, were a long rooted result of childhood trauma he probably never even knew impacted him. Plus dealing with it the way he did is a classic male with limited emotional intelligence trope which let's face it, is accurate to what most men and women experience.

I am a sucker for fake dating and love it even more when the couple is on vacation or at a wedding, etc. because it puts a realistic time limit on the getting to know and getting real part of starting a relationship. Sure it's not the best way to determine if a relationship is worth pursuing after returning to real life, but in some ways it is the perfect program for seeing if a relationship is possible or right especially in today's frequent online dating and talking for months typical behavior. Couples in this setting are forces to have all the conversations like the superficial stuff but also the deep stuff as well as the physical intimacy, all three of which are imperative in determining if any kind of future exists. I should note that I only believe this kind of setting and journey works for grown and established adults who can respond with maturity and decency as Liddy and Callum demonstrate. Both characters were able to participate in moments of vulnerability with one another despite never having shared some of these feelings and thoughts with anyone else because they were allowed to spend a lot of time together, uninterrupted and actually with compassion and empathy versus waiting months to bridge that gap back in the non-vacation world.

[Samantha Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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
Thank you, Annabelle McCormack, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

He Loves Me Knot
4/5 Stars

Maid of Honor Lydia is on her way to romantic Costa Rica for her sister’s destination wedding when a dire mistake lands her in a pickle that’ll ruin the wedding if she doesn’t fix it. A proposition from groomsman Callum, who just so happens to be her prickly boss, leaves them both pretending they're dating, and him offering to save the day. What should have been a simple compromise turns very convoluted when through a series of Lemony-Snicket-Style Unfortunate Events, they’re drawn closer together than either could have expected. Can they make it through the tangled web threatening to choke out their freshly budding romance?

What I Liked-
THE DRAMA: If you are someone who loves drama, this book is perfect for you. There was no shortage of it, from the airport mishap, to the I Want You, I Can’t Have You. There’s love drama, there’s family drama, there’s friend drama. There are loveable characters, and a character or two you’re welcome to loathe, as well. They all played their own parts, and it was delicious.
THE SETTING: I’ve never been to Costa Rica, but I felt like I was there. The author did an incredible job at describing everything really well, so that you could easily picture where the characters were. I could practically smell the rain, and hear the bustle of the farmer’s market.

What I Didn’t Like-
THE TYPE-SETTING: In my opinion, there was a little bit too much of the characters going back and ‘thinking’ about something that had been said to them, or around them, which was often shown in Italics. I’m all for characters ruminating on important things they’ve been told, but having just read said thing a page or two before, I really didn’t need the entire sentence(s) to be repeated to me.

Conclusion: This was a quick, fun read. I do love a good dramatic, emotional love story - and that’s exactly what I got with this book. I even got knocked in the feels when something happens toward the end. Not quite tears, but it warmed my heart.

Triggers: Profanity, Sex, Cheating

Good Quote: “At least mine might be fixable. You’re screwed. Except…not really, on account of your itty-bitty member.” (LOL)

I received this book for free and this is my honest review. Thank you so much to Annabelle and BookSirens for the opportunity.

[Rachael Patera · Rating 4 out of 5]

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-fiancé 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.

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

[Madonna Fortin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanking the Author for this Advanced Print Reading Copy for my Honest Review!! Pura Vida! -xo-m

“…and for anyone who has ever felt the sting of being rootless. May you find a home in someone safe, and in the strong bonds of friendship. I know your loneliness and this one’s for you.”
~ Annabelle McCormack

reading this touched me. I didn’t want to put it down. As a flight attendant on the move & hard to be in touch with -I’m always in airplane mode- the loneliness is REAL! Every night I send praise up that I was strong enough to push through another grueling workday knowing there was no “light” at the end of the tunnel - just emptiness. No one to come home to.

He Loves Me Knot takes us to a bookshop in search of a guidebook. Having moved to London from Nashville, Lydia finds the smell of books comforting… it reminds her of home. (I stroll to bookshops/libraries within walking distance from my hotel for this same familiarity. The Author touches on remembrance of home which comforts me - and makes her a favorite.) Heading to her sister’s destination wedding, Lydia ends up on a flight with her boss, Callum. In charge of transporting the (heirloom) wedding gown, Lydia somehow manages to misplace it. Callum covers for her and they assume letting friends and family believe they’re in a relationship as they embark on a mission to retrieve the lost gown. Pretending leads to attraction, leads to tension, leads to confusion and forbidden office romance. Perceptions of romantic feelings blurs reality as one is openly willing to love the other. The other party involved feels the insecurity of not being enough, and is stubborn to let on that feelings are mutual. Boundaries are set, but lies are spinning out of control and they have to continue the romance because friends and family are now involved and concerned. More twists but I don’t want to spoil anything. I enjoyed this book and the unraveling of feelings, as well piecing together how things would work themselves out. (Yay for happy endings!) …and speaking of… 5 Stars out of 5 for the sexy moments! Makes for excellent beach reading, or anytime you’d like an escape to the stories Costa Rica.

#HeLovesMeKnot by #AnnabelleMcCormack #BookReview #ARC
#GoodreadsChallenge book 20 in 2024

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alyson- FictionAly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and Annabelle McCormack for an advanced digital copy of this book.

When Lydia Winnick misplaces the bride’s heirloom wedding gown while traveling to her sister’s destination wedding in Costa Rica, she finds help from the most unlikely of places- her arrogant and cranky boss, Callum Scott. Having had his heart broken in the past, Callum is determined never again to let anyone get too close, and he especially likes to keep his work and private lives separate. When a series of events ends in the pair pretending to be a couple, their natural chemistry makes it increasingly difficult for them to maintain professional boundaries. But as the lies they tell in order to keep up their charade continue to mount up, Lydia and Callum could end up watching everything come tumbling down.

He Loves Me Knot was lighthearted and funny, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. What worked the most for me was the dynamic between Lydia and Callum. There was an electricity uniting them that literally sizzled on the pages, but at the same time, it felt genuine and believable.

Costa Rica acted almost as another character in this book, providing an idyllic setting that was both beautiful and unique. Exquisitely described and artfully dispersed within the story, I found myself googling places that action took place and dreaming of going there one day.

Perhaps my favorite character in the story was Lydia’s grandmother, who is over the top, brutally honest, and gloriously unfiltered. Every time she made an appearance, I was grinning from ear to ear wondering what she would do or say next.

Overall, this was a perfect summer read. The FMC and MMC are warm and engaging, and they easily have you rooting for them throughout the course of the story. There are moments of both angst and joy, laughter and tenderness, and all of them will leave you eagerly turning the pages of this delightful book.

[Tita · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I want to thank Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this arc!

„I’m falling in love with you. And it terrifies me. But the only thing that scares me more is facing a future without you in it“

I gave this book a total 3.5 out of 5 stars.

What I liked:
1. The Writing
The writing in this novel was beautiful. There was just the right amount of descriptions which felt vivid and real. You could tell that the author spent a lot of time trying to find the exact right adjectives to describe the surroundings.
The dialogue was great as well. Nothing about it felt stiff. It was extremely easy to read, and still did not seem trashy or poorly written.
2. The premise and storyline
If I am completely honest, the first two thirds of this book were worthy of five stars. The premise was nothing new but the story still felt fresh and fun. I grew to love the characters (except fort he mmc… more on that later) and became more and more invested in the storyline.
Bonus points for the first scene being in a bookstore.

What i did not like:
1. The mmc (Callum)
I am so so sorry but Callum was just annoying. In the fist 100-200 pages I really liked him. I saw the potential. But the way he handled certain things just pissed me off. Like, yes, I get it, you were hurt. But it is not that difficult to JUST BE HONEST!!!!!!!
2. Lack of originality
I know I already said this book felt fresh, but there were still a few scenes that I felt like I had read before. For example a scene in which Callum is playing football on the beach. It just reminded me of the spanish love deception.

In the end the negative aspects of this book were sadly enough for it to receive only 3.5 stars.
I also just noticed that this is the second part in a series, but I am not sure yet if I want to read the first one…

As always, this review will be published to Goodreads, StoryGraph and Netgalley. I will also post on Instagram about this one, but in a shorter format.

[Sherry Steveson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.stars rounded up!

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has great parts and not so great parts, in my opinion. It started promising but the ‘hate’ between the main characters was not very well substantiated. I felt Lydia overreacted quite dramatically to Callum snubbing her after finding out she’s his employee. There were several other unrealistic twists and turns which made it harder for me to connect to the story, but I liked the personal growth of the main characters and their much needed self-reflection: Lydia cared too much about what other people thought and Callum cared too little about what other people thought. Both really had to take a hard look in the mirror, and I liked how that was handled.
I also very much liked the Costa Rica setting; it made me get to know more about the culture, the language and the local delicacies. Very well done!
The granny irritated me a lot; she was abrasive and pushy and I wouldn’t have accepted her behavior. The other family and friends dynamics were often complicated but handled well.
It’s a story about love, lies, loss, joy, betrayal, forgiveness, heartbreak, facing your fears and growing as a person. As I’ve said, the plot twists are often unrealistic but the personal growth and the depth at the second part of the book makes it all worth while.
He loves me knot is book 2 of the Winnick series but can be read as a standalone. The characters from the previous book feature in this one but you don’t have to have read the first book to understand the flow of the story.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Florida Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Loves Me Knot was a fantastic read! I am new reader of author Annabelle McCormack and did not know what to expect. I was completely engaged in the first few pages and didn't want to put it down! It is essentially an enemies to lovers/ fake dating trope that unexpectedly moves into a quest to save Lydia's sister Elle's perfect vision of a destination wedding held in Costa Rica. Lydia is an intelligent, driven young woman who lived with a very relatable, but seldom showcased disability. The reality of living with the disability was shown truthfully without sadness. Callum is her good looking, emotionally closed, player boss who hides his own personal scars beneath his aloof persona. Lydia and Callum are forced to work together and there are so many twists, turns, frustrations and revelations that it pulls at the heart. As they face the challenges, they begin to see the real buried beneath the professional facade. Respect grows, leading to both attraction and apprehension.
All of the main and supporting characters, which include family and friends are well developed, authentic characters that adds layers to the story. The conversations and reactions of those characters were natural and realistic. Granny, with her hilarious one - liners was the best surprise of all!
He Loves Me Knot is more than a simple rom com. It is filled with engaging characters, deep tender conversation and steaming chemistry that is set in the beauty of Costa Rica. It is an exceptional book that will hit all the feels!
I received an Advance Review Copy and am leaving my voluntary review based solely on my reading experience.

[Mae of Scotland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Annabelle McCormack for the digital arc of He Loves Me Knot.

He Loves Me Knot is a cute, spicy and quick read packed full of holiday vibes with a tropical location. The premise of this book sound great with an enemies to lovers work colleagues couple who have to fake date for a host of reasons as they attend a wedding for their family and friend in a tropical paradise. The writing is good with lots of banter, conflict and zinging chemistry between the main characters, Callum and Lydia. The spicy scenes are well-written, intimate and add an emotional charge to the attraction between Callum and Lydia as they fake their relationship with their nearest and dearest.

I think this story was a little busy in place as so much goes on in terms of plot events and conflict - I think you could of cut half it out and still had the same story outcomes. It felt much of it was distraction from the main plot that I cared about and everything just fell into place far too easily for a resolution. The pacing was all over the place, making it hard to keep up and keep everything straight for me. There is a lot of characters to balance out and they can all get a little confusing as most of them aren't easy to distinguish from one another unless its Callum and Lydia. I'm very confused by the title too - apart from Libby's sister's wedding the main characters have nothing to do with tying the knot.

Sadly not the right romance match for me, but I know others who like big hosts of characters, far-flung tropical destinations and soap opera styled action and drama will enjoy this book.

[Tracys Book Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia Winnick and Callum Scott are enemies. Who find themselves on a destination wedding adventure.

Lydia's sister Elle and Callum's best friend Quinn are getting married. Will they call a truce to help save Elle's wedding dress before the wedding? Can they become friends? Never. Partners in crime? Absolutely.

He Loves Me Knott is book 2 in the Wanderlust Series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading See You Next Fall first.

I always love an enemies to lovers story, especially when the forced proximity causes them to make choices that push them over the edge.

The whole family is in attendance for this wedding set at Callum's home. The home he has avoided for years. Now, it's time to face his past during one week of adventures that may destroy his future.

Lydia endures one disaster after another on this destination wedding adventure. The situations she and Callum are thrown into make this story an adventure in itself.

Meddling siblings, parents, friends, and of course , granny keep their story entertaining. When they find themselves in a web of lies that threaten to hurt the ones they love. They are forced to make some hard decisions.

Lydia and Callum have banter, chemistry, and a love worth fighting for, but will the lies they are swimming in drown them before they can?

I loved this story with all of its layers. The family drama, the friends, the details of Costa Rica, the chemistry between Lydia and Callum, and all the side stories that brought this book to life.

He Loves Me Knott is the perfect summer read. Don't forget to read the epilogue because that is where your heart will melt for Callum.