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Lavish Love #1
Papers Don't Lie
Bold and ambitious.
Esmeray Hamilton was born to be married, both theoretically and practically.
When the day of her meticulously planned wedding arrives, she defies her destiny and ultimately, the man who was waiting for her at the altar, by running away right into someone else’s arms.
Or rather—the hood of someone else’s car.
With his dark and gloomy demeanor, Kai Graves becomes a catalyst and rescues her from the unforgiving claws of her fate.
Kai saved her life once, but now she finds herself at a crossroads, forced to choose between the man who gave her desired freedom and herself.
Controlled and devoted.
The billionaire CEO, Kai Graves, navigates through life with unwavering authority and thoughtfully crafted decisions.
That changes on the night of the accident when his decisions are no longer driven by rationality, and instead by the sudden presence of a certain eighteen-year-old girl.
Kai never planned to marry despite his father’s constant pleadings. He is twenty-six and has a great life, but when marriage becomes the solution to one of his problems, he has to make a choice.
Marry Esmeray Hamilton.
Tropes:
- Dual pov
- Marriage of convenience
- Dislike to like
- Touch her and die
- Billionaire
- One bed trope
- Forced proximity
- No third act break up
- age gap
- inexperienced girl x experienced man
Esmeray Hamilton was born to be married, both theoretically and practically.
When the day of her meticulously planned wedding arrives, she defies her destiny and ultimately, the man who was waiting for her at the altar, by running away right into someone else’s arms.
Or rather—the hood of someone else’s car.
With his dark and gloomy demeanor, Kai Graves becomes a catalyst and rescues her from the unforgiving claws of her fate.
Kai saved her life once, but now she finds herself at a crossroads, forced to choose between the man who gave her desired freedom and herself.
Controlled and devoted.
The billionaire CEO, Kai Graves, navigates through life with unwavering authority and thoughtfully crafted decisions.
That changes on the night of the accident when his decisions are no longer driven by rationality, and instead by the sudden presence of a certain eighteen-year-old girl.
Kai never planned to marry despite his father’s constant pleadings. He is twenty-six and has a great life, but when marriage becomes the solution to one of his problems, he has to make a choice.
Marry Esmeray Hamilton.
Tropes:
- Dual pov
- Marriage of convenience
- Dislike to like
- Touch her and die
- Billionaire
- One bed trope
- Forced proximity
- No third act break up
- age gap
- inexperienced girl x experienced man
396 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2024
612 people are currently reading
8724 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
September 11, 2025
2/5 ˖⁺‧✮
4/5 ˖⁺‧✮
i will share why 2 ratings later.
update: i forgot to say why. so, here it is.
for me there are “funny books” basically for entertainment reading; when you tired and have no interest in reading complex fantasy books.
~ it’s actually such a big problem for me, because i cannot rate this book 4 starts and then rate my favorite book also 4 stars, it seems unfair. why?
~ this book was so fun to read. the idea was interesting, characters were okay and plot was investing. the entertainment was great. but, on the other side, as a book it wasn’t good. characters were annoying, plot had gaps and sometimes had no sense. that’s why i have 2/5 for book rating and 4/5 for entertainment. really hope it makes sense!
4/5 ˖⁺‧✮
i will share why 2 ratings later.
update: i forgot to say why. so, here it is.
for me there are “funny books” basically for entertainment reading; when you tired and have no interest in reading complex fantasy books.
~ it’s actually such a big problem for me, because i cannot rate this book 4 starts and then rate my favorite book also 4 stars, it seems unfair. why?
~ this book was so fun to read. the idea was interesting, characters were okay and plot was investing. the entertainment was great. but, on the other side, as a book it wasn’t good. characters were annoying, plot had gaps and sometimes had no sense. that’s why i have 2/5 for book rating and 4/5 for entertainment. really hope it makes sense!
September 11, 2024
⤷ ꒰ 3.5 ☆ ꒱
February 19, 2025
2.75
Made zero sense but I ate it up
Made zero sense but I ate it up
February 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ Sehr oberflächlich und Chemielos. Irgendwie hat sich dieses Buch insgesamt absolut unfertig angefühlt. Ich habe ab 75% recht viel überflogen, weil ich es nur noch beenden wollte. 🤷🏽♀️
March 12, 2024
—— might contain spoilers ——
One of the worst books I’ve ever read… Personally, I don’t like to leave bad reviews and only tend to rate book (or DNF them). But this book certainly deserves a rant and I’m so mad at this book. WHAT ON EARTH WAS IT??! It’s like the writer decided to merge 5 different horribly planned plots/ themes into 1 book and making it an epic disaster… it is by far the most poorly executed book I’ve read. Not only was the writing style an issue, so was the plot, characters, themes and even the fact that realism wasn’t even a factor.
How on earth is the oh Italian mafia head suddenly under arrest, whereas throughout the book he was untouchable. What happen to the abuse that she endured from her parents. What about the other sister who is going through physical abuse from her spouse? What happened to his savior complex? How was there no follow up to that? How is every character going through abuse? What about when he blamed her for his fathers death & she just forgives him? What about when he used her like that? How is he better than Carter? Where’s the proof of him loving her instead of just wanting to save her? Why didn’t they have a conversation about that? What about her childhood? His mother’s disappearance? What was the reason? How was she able to spend so much on hotels and yet work at a bar? Why wouldn’t she stand up to her parents? On what basis would her parents demand a child from her? SO SO SOOO ILLOGICAL… nothing made sense. No connection, no depth, no clear plot line, no nothing.
A bloody waste of my time. I’ve never been so mad at an book. But I will give the author credit, despite it being one of the most disastrous books I’ve read, somehow I couldn’t DNF it. So I guess that can count for something. But seriously, I had to rant about this book cause I was so mad.
One of the worst books I’ve ever read… Personally, I don’t like to leave bad reviews and only tend to rate book (or DNF them). But this book certainly deserves a rant and I’m so mad at this book. WHAT ON EARTH WAS IT??! It’s like the writer decided to merge 5 different horribly planned plots/ themes into 1 book and making it an epic disaster… it is by far the most poorly executed book I’ve read. Not only was the writing style an issue, so was the plot, characters, themes and even the fact that realism wasn’t even a factor.
How on earth is the oh Italian mafia head suddenly under arrest, whereas throughout the book he was untouchable. What happen to the abuse that she endured from her parents. What about the other sister who is going through physical abuse from her spouse? What happened to his savior complex? How was there no follow up to that? How is every character going through abuse? What about when he blamed her for his fathers death & she just forgives him? What about when he used her like that? How is he better than Carter? Where’s the proof of him loving her instead of just wanting to save her? Why didn’t they have a conversation about that? What about her childhood? His mother’s disappearance? What was the reason? How was she able to spend so much on hotels and yet work at a bar? Why wouldn’t she stand up to her parents? On what basis would her parents demand a child from her? SO SO SOOO ILLOGICAL… nothing made sense. No connection, no depth, no clear plot line, no nothing.
A bloody waste of my time. I’ve never been so mad at an book. But I will give the author credit, despite it being one of the most disastrous books I’ve read, somehow I couldn’t DNF it. So I guess that can count for something. But seriously, I had to rant about this book cause I was so mad.
September 5, 2024
1.75⭐
She runs from a possessive guy for a possessive guy .... Right.
Also wouldn't mind the age gap if she didn't just turn 18.... What....
Yeah uh.. yeah..
Also there was no chemistry to me at all, like none. I need slow burn yearning not "I like him bc he saved me"... ERM yeah
She runs from a possessive guy for a possessive guy .... Right.
Also wouldn't mind the age gap if she didn't just turn 18.... What....
Yeah uh.. yeah..
Also there was no chemistry to me at all, like none. I need slow burn yearning not "I like him bc he saved me"... ERM yeah
February 22, 2024
The blurb was good but unfortunately the book did not deliver. The pace of the story is all wrong, with too many things happening too fast and very little emotional and character development, and because of this I felt no chemistry between the MMC and FMC. The « vilains » are given no backstory or time to explain their actions whatsoever - they’re all there and mean and this one guy is obsessed with her but then suddenly he’s defeated but we don’t know why any of them acted that way or how it was magically resolved?
Read
March 14, 2025CONGRATS ON BEING MY FIRST DNF 🎉🍾
Yall I really tried to give it a chance but this was SOOOO unserious 😭
What the hell was this plot… this read like it should’ve been a mafia romance or a dark romance but it wasn’t.
0/10 for me 🙃☹️
Yall I really tried to give it a chance but this was SOOOO unserious 😭
What the hell was this plot… this read like it should’ve been a mafia romance or a dark romance but it wasn’t.
0/10 for me 🙃☹️
February 26, 2024
3 stars!!
This is the first book I read from Maeve Hazel and sadly I wasn't a fan of it.
The premise of the book was there but failed on the delivery. This book just felt so boring to me and the characters were alright to me, nothing about them surprised to me.
I was hoping something exciting but what i got was nothing.
This is the first book I read from Maeve Hazel and sadly I wasn't a fan of it.
The premise of the book was there but failed on the delivery. This book just felt so boring to me and the characters were alright to me, nothing about them surprised to me.
I was hoping something exciting but what i got was nothing.
February 28, 2024
Dnf @ page 66
This unfortunately wasn't for me. 🥲💔
This unfortunately wasn't for me. 🥲💔
July 24, 2024
rating: ★★★★
aesthetic: 🎀🚙🩺💸💍💒🐾💜✉️🥃🛁
tropes: forced proximity, one bed, dual pov, grumpy x sunshine, dislike-to-like, marriage of convenience, age gap, billionaire, touch her and you 💀
"At first, I thought I cared about you because of my condition, but now I realize it's more. You consume my entire existence, Ray."
I was generously sent a gifted and signed copy of this book by Maeve Hazel, the cover alone was enough to convince me to read it and it didn’t disappoint.
The plot was unlike other marriage of conveniences I have read in the past, the premise that the Hamilton’s chose to only produce daughters in order to marry them off to the highest bidder to increase their social standing seems horrendous but it actually made for a really intriguing and tension heavy storyline.
Our two main characters, Esmeray Hamilton (F18) and Kai Graves (M26) had the most bazar and hilarious introduction but it almost appeared like fate that they ‘bumped’ into each other. Kai has a condition known as ‘Saviour Complex Syndrome’ a psychological condition in which the person believes they are responsible for assisting others. The author notes that this exaggerated for the sake of a fictional story, but the condition itself is real. This made their relationship interesting because despite his grumpy exterior, he always showed a soft spot for Esmeray given her family history and circumstances. But despite his condition, it was clear Kai was smitten with Esmeray, building her a room in his home purely for her bow collection and wearing purple because it was her favourite colour, he is a true gentleman.
I love found family, and it was so wholesome to read that Esmeray found that in the Graves family. This story was emotional, enticing, beautiful, and at times jaw dropping, and I encourage all romance readers to give this series a try.
aesthetic: 🎀🚙🩺💸💍💒🐾💜✉️🥃🛁
tropes: forced proximity, one bed, dual pov, grumpy x sunshine, dislike-to-like, marriage of convenience, age gap, billionaire, touch her and you 💀
"At first, I thought I cared about you because of my condition, but now I realize it's more. You consume my entire existence, Ray."
I was generously sent a gifted and signed copy of this book by Maeve Hazel, the cover alone was enough to convince me to read it and it didn’t disappoint.
The plot was unlike other marriage of conveniences I have read in the past, the premise that the Hamilton’s chose to only produce daughters in order to marry them off to the highest bidder to increase their social standing seems horrendous but it actually made for a really intriguing and tension heavy storyline.
Our two main characters, Esmeray Hamilton (F18) and Kai Graves (M26) had the most bazar and hilarious introduction but it almost appeared like fate that they ‘bumped’ into each other. Kai has a condition known as ‘Saviour Complex Syndrome’ a psychological condition in which the person believes they are responsible for assisting others. The author notes that this exaggerated for the sake of a fictional story, but the condition itself is real. This made their relationship interesting because despite his grumpy exterior, he always showed a soft spot for Esmeray given her family history and circumstances. But despite his condition, it was clear Kai was smitten with Esmeray, building her a room in his home purely for her bow collection and wearing purple because it was her favourite colour, he is a true gentleman.
I love found family, and it was so wholesome to read that Esmeray found that in the Graves family. This story was emotional, enticing, beautiful, and at times jaw dropping, and I encourage all romance readers to give this series a try.
March 27, 2024
i needed to say something about this book because i’m actually upset i spent my time reading it. like the writing was absolutely horrendous and the plot itself included too much. it was like if all three of the fifty shades of grey books/movies got put into one book just without the bdsm. also the fucking abortion part of the book caught me off guard it felt like such an unnecessary addition to the book. yea it’s sad but there was so much else going on that happened to her, was that part necessary? Also the abortion wasn’t even hers like she did it for her mother i didn’t see how that was necessary trauma to add onto the character. It didn’t affect how she was in the book so there was truly no added purpose. I truly didn’t like the age gap either like i get she was born to be married but for her first guy to be 30 something and then for the guy to save her to be 26 like we couldn’t at least make him 21. TF HE RUN HER OVER FOR TOO. AND OH MY GOD HIS DISORDER OR WHATEVER IT WAS, WAS HORRIBLE. like i’ve never seen someone so insufferable and the chemistry between them just lacked.
like i was too far in to dnf and i was actually curious to see how it ended but it was not worth the pain honestly.
like i was too far in to dnf and i was actually curious to see how it ended but it was not worth the pain honestly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
My man better be thankful like this:
“But... I didn’t get you anything,”
"You married me.”
“But... I didn’t get you anything,”
"You married me.”
October 5, 2024
5 Stars ೀ⋆₊⁺⋆
ʚ ═══･୨💍📄୧･═══ ɞ
❝“𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.”❞
I read this book all the way back in August and i started and finished it in a DAY. It was just that good! the tension, the romance, the characters, the plot it was all just so cute and i love , love, LOVED Kai and Esmeray (Ray) both as characters and together as a couple they were so fucking cute!!! This was such a short, quick and easy read and is perfect for when you feel yourself falling into a reading slump or if you unfortunately happen to be in one already :( (dw i get the feeling). I know some people didn't like this book or found it cliche, unoriginal or just boring but i beg to differ. Kai is litch one of the most perfect book bfs ever!!
❝“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.”❞
here are just some tropes for if you ever consider reading this book!:
♡Marriage of convenience
♡Age gap (not a huge one dw)
♡Dislike to like
♡Grumpy x Sunshine
♡one bed
♡forced proximity
♡Billionaire
♡Touch her and die
♡no third act break up 🙌
♡Inexperienced vs experienced
♡Dual pov
Overall: I really enjoyed this book! Ik i said the review was coming soon and then made one two months later but i hope that this encourages you to read it because trust, it's so, so adorable and you'll love Kai Graves sm.
Thank you for reading :)
ʚ ═══･୨💍📄୧･═══ ɞ
❝“𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩.”❞
I read this book all the way back in August and i started and finished it in a DAY. It was just that good! the tension, the romance, the characters, the plot it was all just so cute and i love , love, LOVED Kai and Esmeray (Ray) both as characters and together as a couple they were so fucking cute!!! This was such a short, quick and easy read and is perfect for when you feel yourself falling into a reading slump or if you unfortunately happen to be in one already :( (dw i get the feeling). I know some people didn't like this book or found it cliche, unoriginal or just boring but i beg to differ. Kai is litch one of the most perfect book bfs ever!!
❝“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚. 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.”❞
here are just some tropes for if you ever consider reading this book!:
♡Marriage of convenience
♡Age gap (not a huge one dw)
♡Dislike to like
♡Grumpy x Sunshine
♡one bed
♡forced proximity
♡Billionaire
♡Touch her and die
♡no third act break up 🙌
♡Inexperienced vs experienced
♡Dual pov
Overall: I really enjoyed this book! Ik i said the review was coming soon and then made one two months later but i hope that this encourages you to read it because trust, it's so, so adorable and you'll love Kai Graves sm.
Thank you for reading :)
October 15, 2024
2.7 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the book till like the last third it got downhill for me so I can’t give it 3 stars even though they were gute together but some things bothered me a lot and FUCK YOU RAYS FAMILY AND FUCK YOU CATER
I really enjoyed the book till like the last third it got downhill for me so I can’t give it 3 stars even though they were gute together but some things bothered me a lot and FUCK YOU RAYS FAMILY AND FUCK YOU CATER
February 11, 2024
“You once asked me why I call you Ray," I say and continue when she nods. “Do you know why? It’s because since you busted into my life like goddamn dynamite, you’ve been a ray of sunshine."
This was a fun, engaging, light-hearted and fast paced marriage of convenience book. Kai & Esmerae's story was good and their meet cute was something different (he ran her over with his car lol) but the way Esmerae made a humorous situation out of it was entertaining! The writing style was appealing and amusing which is why most of the serious parts of the book were also made out to be funny and hysterical. The last half was chaotic but really fun to read. Overall, the book was pretty cute but predictable and if you enjoy reading some adorable, non serious books with some good chemistry between the main characters and cliche "my wife" dialogues and moments, then this one is for you. So overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
This was a fun, engaging, light-hearted and fast paced marriage of convenience book. Kai & Esmerae's story was good and their meet cute was something different (he ran her over with his car lol) but the way Esmerae made a humorous situation out of it was entertaining! The writing style was appealing and amusing which is why most of the serious parts of the book were also made out to be funny and hysterical. The last half was chaotic but really fun to read. Overall, the book was pretty cute but predictable and if you enjoy reading some adorable, non serious books with some good chemistry between the main characters and cliche "my wife" dialogues and moments, then this one is for you. So overall, this was a 3.5 star read for me
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review
February 12, 2024
Rating: 4⭐/5
Book genre: Romance
(ARC REVIEW)
•
🎀 I've been curious about this book ever since I saw that it will be published. The cover is stunning, and the description seemed interesting. I was in the midst of a reading slump and needed a romance, so the book arrived just in time.
•
🎀 For me, the first 50 pages were a little more challenging, but after that, I was completely absorbed in the narrative. I finished it in a single day. The writing style was quite humorous and fast-paced, which I really enjoyed. To be honest, I have no idea when the pages flew.
•
🎀 Esmeray and I clicked right away, and I thought she was a really sweet and kind girl that I would love to be friends with. I felt bad for her because of the difficult relationship she had with her family. Kai was a huge sweetheart all through the book. It's boyfriend material, I promise. He made a mistake once, and that triggered something in me, but eventually I overcame it and realized why he had behaved that way.
•
🎀 Kai's condition caught my attention. It was incredibly intriguing to read about a topic I had never heard discussed in a book before. Since it is mentioned at the beginning of the book, it is not a spoiler.
•
🎀 The narrative developed in the right way. I never once thought that anything was going too quickly or, conversely, too slowly. The way their relationship was developed was appealing to me. I believe it was the first book I've ever read with the marriage of convenience trope, so it was really fun.
•
🎀 If you're looking for an enjoyable romance story with lovely characters and the marriage of convenience or fake dating trope, I highly recommend "Papers Don't Lie".
Book genre: Romance
(ARC REVIEW)
•
🎀 I've been curious about this book ever since I saw that it will be published. The cover is stunning, and the description seemed interesting. I was in the midst of a reading slump and needed a romance, so the book arrived just in time.
•
🎀 For me, the first 50 pages were a little more challenging, but after that, I was completely absorbed in the narrative. I finished it in a single day. The writing style was quite humorous and fast-paced, which I really enjoyed. To be honest, I have no idea when the pages flew.
•
🎀 Esmeray and I clicked right away, and I thought she was a really sweet and kind girl that I would love to be friends with. I felt bad for her because of the difficult relationship she had with her family. Kai was a huge sweetheart all through the book. It's boyfriend material, I promise. He made a mistake once, and that triggered something in me, but eventually I overcame it and realized why he had behaved that way.
•
🎀 Kai's condition caught my attention. It was incredibly intriguing to read about a topic I had never heard discussed in a book before. Since it is mentioned at the beginning of the book, it is not a spoiler.
•
🎀 The narrative developed in the right way. I never once thought that anything was going too quickly or, conversely, too slowly. The way their relationship was developed was appealing to me. I believe it was the first book I've ever read with the marriage of convenience trope, so it was really fun.
•
🎀 If you're looking for an enjoyable romance story with lovely characters and the marriage of convenience or fake dating trope, I highly recommend "Papers Don't Lie".
February 10, 2024
❥ ARC REVIEW ❥
Tropes:
𐙚༘ marriage of convenience
𐙚༘ touch her and die
𐙚༘ forced proximity
𐙚༘ billionaire
𐙚༘ one bed
𐙚༘ age gap
First I really want to say that Maeve’s writing is really easy and fast paced, so you’ll probably get lost in her books because you fly through them.
There’s a lot of characters in this book and I kinda felt a bit lost but my fav was 100% Kai. You can tell he’s hot just by his actions. He’s really sweet and takes care of everyone, he really melted my heart.
Ray was a bit childish for me, I didn’t understand some of her actions but overall she was okay. I loved her obsession with purple, I think you can really tell that purple is her colour and only hers.
If you want a romance book to read in one sitting this is a great option, and lets be honest, I know you want to read this just because it’s marriage of convenience 🤭
Tropes:
𐙚༘ marriage of convenience
𐙚༘ touch her and die
𐙚༘ forced proximity
𐙚༘ billionaire
𐙚༘ one bed
𐙚༘ age gap
First I really want to say that Maeve’s writing is really easy and fast paced, so you’ll probably get lost in her books because you fly through them.
There’s a lot of characters in this book and I kinda felt a bit lost but my fav was 100% Kai. You can tell he’s hot just by his actions. He’s really sweet and takes care of everyone, he really melted my heart.
Ray was a bit childish for me, I didn’t understand some of her actions but overall she was okay. I loved her obsession with purple, I think you can really tell that purple is her colour and only hers.
If you want a romance book to read in one sitting this is a great option, and lets be honest, I know you want to read this just because it’s marriage of convenience 🤭
April 29, 2025
Nothing can describe how much I loved this book!!!!
Kai and Ray 🥹🫶🏻 My babes!!!
Their story was so cute and easy to read. Kai was so understanding and didn't force her to do anything she didn't want! He respected her and gave her the freedom she didn't have! He even married her to save her! 🥹
It wasn't a perfect book but I really enjoyed it and was so invested in their story!
I thought it was going to be a fake marriage book but they had feelings from the beginning lmao they just didn't know itttt
In the beginning, I thought it would be a really funny book because of this scene where she bought him this dck balloon and the songgg and Kai's brothers also seemed funny but after the marriage nah! there weren't any scenes that funny!¡
"The accident caused more damage than I thought if it made you send me a nine-foot dick to my doorstep. Will visit when I get the chance. Use the money wisely this time, and don’t corrupt Kendrick again, troublemaker." ~ Kai 🥹🤭
Ray's parents were insane! like really insane!! Who lets their kids in a basement and tortures them? They even had the audacity to send a lawyer and demand that when they have a girl child they will take it !! what the actual fck??
"They were never my family.” Esmeray gulps, looking around. “You are.”
I was so sad when Kai's dad died... He didn't deserve that! I wanted more of him and actually we didn't got many scenes with him neither did we learn his background with his wife who was always mentioned as a bad mother who left their kids and then got ill...
Kendrick was a true friend for Ray and even a better brother for her! He was so worried about her from the beginning even when he didn't know her.
"Thank you, Kendrick. Really. I know you were paid to follow my ass everywhere, but no one forbade you from buying earplugs so you wouldn’t have to deal with my daily rants.”
Ah Kendrick... I was so happy when I read that he got with Raven!!! Even though I was thinking that Raven was going to fell for Ryker... nevermind 😅 I loved her happy ending with Ken and Harry!!
"Kendrick takes Harry in his arms, bumping his little nose with the tip of his finger, and when his eyes meet mine, he smiles as if he’s the happiest man in the world. Even if Harry is not his biological child, he loves him as his own."
Back to my couple... You know... I wanted more romantic scenes with them... Like we got a "romantic" dinner with Carter and not with Kai!!! jeezzz!!!
"I love her. I fucking love her, and I’ll do everything in my power to take her back, no matter what that takes. If she doesn’t want to see me, I’ll beg, I’ll kneel, I’ll do everything she asks me to do. I want her back, and that’s the only thing I care about. My only priority.
And in this moment, I regret I never told her I love her."
Kai did in fact said "I love you" a bit late but I DON'T CARE BECAUSE HE SAID IT AND REALLY MEANT IT!!!
“You’re mine. All mine,"
“I love you, Esmeray Graves.”
“I love you, Kai Graves, and I’m glad you hit me with your car.”
The confusing part was when Carter said that she was his wife... how the hell did he managed to do all thiss??!
Well, this book was in fact a good one for me! I didn't want something too long or complicated! so this book was perfect for a break! it was easy to read and fast! and the ending was worth it!
“When are you going to give me a little Harry?” my husband asks, and I lift my head up, looking at him before I burst out laughing. “What?”
I shake my head, my laughter not fading at all. “Nothing. It’s just that you held Harry for two minutes, and you' already have baby fever.”
I wanted to see them having a baby but this was even better 😂 Kai asking for a baby when in fact he even refused to hold Harry 🤭
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! It wasn't the best book but it is perfect if you want something easygoing and to read as a break from another complicated book🩷
have fun!! and enjoy it!! 😉
Kai and Ray 🥹🫶🏻 My babes!!!
Their story was so cute and easy to read. Kai was so understanding and didn't force her to do anything she didn't want! He respected her and gave her the freedom she didn't have! He even married her to save her! 🥹
It wasn't a perfect book but I really enjoyed it and was so invested in their story!
I thought it was going to be a fake marriage book but they had feelings from the beginning lmao they just didn't know itttt
In the beginning, I thought it would be a really funny book because of this scene where she bought him this dck balloon and the songgg and Kai's brothers also seemed funny but after the marriage nah! there weren't any scenes that funny!¡
"The accident caused more damage than I thought if it made you send me a nine-foot dick to my doorstep. Will visit when I get the chance. Use the money wisely this time, and don’t corrupt Kendrick again, troublemaker." ~ Kai 🥹🤭
Ray's parents were insane! like really insane!! Who lets their kids in a basement and tortures them? They even had the audacity to send a lawyer and demand that when they have a girl child they will take it !! what the actual fck??
"They were never my family.” Esmeray gulps, looking around. “You are.”
I was so sad when Kai's dad died... He didn't deserve that! I wanted more of him and actually we didn't got many scenes with him neither did we learn his background with his wife who was always mentioned as a bad mother who left their kids and then got ill...
Kendrick was a true friend for Ray and even a better brother for her! He was so worried about her from the beginning even when he didn't know her.
"Thank you, Kendrick. Really. I know you were paid to follow my ass everywhere, but no one forbade you from buying earplugs so you wouldn’t have to deal with my daily rants.”
Ah Kendrick... I was so happy when I read that he got with Raven!!! Even though I was thinking that Raven was going to fell for Ryker... nevermind 😅 I loved her happy ending with Ken and Harry!!
"Kendrick takes Harry in his arms, bumping his little nose with the tip of his finger, and when his eyes meet mine, he smiles as if he’s the happiest man in the world. Even if Harry is not his biological child, he loves him as his own."
Back to my couple... You know... I wanted more romantic scenes with them... Like we got a "romantic" dinner with Carter and not with Kai!!! jeezzz!!!
"I love her. I fucking love her, and I’ll do everything in my power to take her back, no matter what that takes. If she doesn’t want to see me, I’ll beg, I’ll kneel, I’ll do everything she asks me to do. I want her back, and that’s the only thing I care about. My only priority.
And in this moment, I regret I never told her I love her."
Kai did in fact said "I love you" a bit late but I DON'T CARE BECAUSE HE SAID IT AND REALLY MEANT IT!!!
“You’re mine. All mine,"
“I love you, Esmeray Graves.”
“I love you, Kai Graves, and I’m glad you hit me with your car.”
The confusing part was when Carter said that she was his wife... how the hell did he managed to do all thiss??!
Well, this book was in fact a good one for me! I didn't want something too long or complicated! so this book was perfect for a break! it was easy to read and fast! and the ending was worth it!
“When are you going to give me a little Harry?” my husband asks, and I lift my head up, looking at him before I burst out laughing. “What?”
I shake my head, my laughter not fading at all. “Nothing. It’s just that you held Harry for two minutes, and you' already have baby fever.”
I wanted to see them having a baby but this was even better 😂 Kai asking for a baby when in fact he even refused to hold Harry 🤭
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! It wasn't the best book but it is perfect if you want something easygoing and to read as a break from another complicated book🩷
have fun!! and enjoy it!! 😉
February 4, 2024
[ARC REVIEW💗]
⭐️: 4/5
🏹: First of all I’m so grateful to Maeve for being able to receive this ARC. It’s genuinely an honour and it was such a wonderful read!
The month of love has just begun and what’s a better way of starting this month than reading a romance book. Especially one in which he calls her “my wife.”
Guys the way I screamed when I read that because ‘my wife’ always hits different you know.
The minute I received the ARC in my mail i literally jumped and squealed. And it was totally worth the excitement because I literally finished the book in a day! It was so addictive and interesting. Esmeray and Kai have this incredible chemistry that makes you fall in love with them instantly. You can empathise with both of them at different points in the book which makes the experience quite wholesome and enjoyable.
Esmeray represented strength and how to make the best of a situation which was quite an admirable quality.
Kai was just so charming, I legit fell for him the minute his POV began. He was just so sweet and caring that it made me melt into a puddle.
Maeve has truly made me realise why I need to read all of her books now.
I’m absolutely in LOVE!
All of you need to read this right now if you want to read a marriage of convenience read!
⭐️: 4/5
🏹: First of all I’m so grateful to Maeve for being able to receive this ARC. It’s genuinely an honour and it was such a wonderful read!
The month of love has just begun and what’s a better way of starting this month than reading a romance book. Especially one in which he calls her “my wife.”
Guys the way I screamed when I read that because ‘my wife’ always hits different you know.
The minute I received the ARC in my mail i literally jumped and squealed. And it was totally worth the excitement because I literally finished the book in a day! It was so addictive and interesting. Esmeray and Kai have this incredible chemistry that makes you fall in love with them instantly. You can empathise with both of them at different points in the book which makes the experience quite wholesome and enjoyable.
Esmeray represented strength and how to make the best of a situation which was quite an admirable quality.
Kai was just so charming, I legit fell for him the minute his POV began. He was just so sweet and caring that it made me melt into a puddle.
Maeve has truly made me realise why I need to read all of her books now.
I’m absolutely in LOVE!
All of you need to read this right now if you want to read a marriage of convenience read!
February 11, 2024
This was a really cute and fast paced book which I really enjoyed, and it also has one of my favourite tropes which is marriage of convenience 😮💨 I read this quite quick and it has short chapters which makes it easier to just continue on. I loved that the fmc stayed true to herself and kept staying positive even in some bad situations.
This is the third book from this author and I have really enjoyed all of them, and her writing just keeps getting better and better.
Thank you so much to Maeve Hazel for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book 🥰
This is the third book from this author and I have really enjoyed all of them, and her writing just keeps getting better and better.
Thank you so much to Maeve Hazel for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book 🥰
February 7, 2024
Ahhh I loved this book so much. I mean, the tropes were just soooo fun and I felt every single emotion possible. The butterflies and everything 😍
It's the perfect short yet swoony romance - marriage of convenience with some forces proximity and dislike to love. What a slay 🙌
It's the perfect short yet swoony romance - marriage of convenience with some forces proximity and dislike to love. What a slay 🙌
February 12, 2024
☁️ARC Review☁️
Thank you so much for my first ever arc! ♥️
This book was so so good, it was my first introduction to Maeve Hazel and I’m so excited to read her other books now!
"my wife".
The bows were such a lovely touch especially getting to understand why she loves them 🎀! Ugh amazing.
Their chemistry was insane! I was giggling so so much, I’m obsessed with how much kai loved her.
I was never bored reading this book, I loved the plot and twists.(her parents are crazy!)
There was spice but it wasn’t the sole reason for their relationship, they actually cared for one another deeply. It was tasteful spice that actually added to the book rather than just thrown in for the sake of it.
Only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because some parts were predictable however this is still a really good romance and I highly recommend!
Some of my fave quotes:
“Being in love is a strange feeling. Not because of the way it manifests, but because of how long it lasts and burns if you are with the right person.”
“I’m glad you hit me with your car”
“Troublemaker”
“Touch her again and you will die”
Thank you so much for my first ever arc! ♥️
This book was so so good, it was my first introduction to Maeve Hazel and I’m so excited to read her other books now!
"my wife".
The bows were such a lovely touch especially getting to understand why she loves them 🎀! Ugh amazing.
Their chemistry was insane! I was giggling so so much, I’m obsessed with how much kai loved her.
I was never bored reading this book, I loved the plot and twists.(her parents are crazy!)
There was spice but it wasn’t the sole reason for their relationship, they actually cared for one another deeply. It was tasteful spice that actually added to the book rather than just thrown in for the sake of it.
Only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is because some parts were predictable however this is still a really good romance and I highly recommend!
Some of my fave quotes:
“Being in love is a strange feeling. Not because of the way it manifests, but because of how long it lasts and burns if you are with the right person.”
“I’m glad you hit me with your car”
“Troublemaker”
“Touch her again and you will die”
July 29, 2024
I’m currently shaking my head in disbelief and at the fact how fast I fell for the MMC in this book..
Kai Graves was so *throws phone against the wall*. He was so *chefs kiss*
I had so many 🦋 moments!
Not only had the story my absolute favourite tropes, the drama also got crazier and crazier. For a romance book, this story mentioned some pretty dark topics but I was eating it up so fast, my brain couldn’t even keep up with all the new information.
Little summary of the plot:
The female MC Esmeray was born to marry. With the strict rules of her parents (especially her mother) and her inevitable fate to marry a cruel man, she had no other choice but to run away on her wedding day. But fate had already set a different path for her. Because as she ran towards her freedom, she accidentally ended up in another man’s arms.. 👀
All the little dark elements in this book, made Esmeray’s situation even more terrifying and the fact that Kai has a saviour complex just added fuel to the fire. Those two were a dangerous combination considering the fact that no matter how you twist and turn it, they’d still crash into each other. When I tell you the drama was good, I mean this freaking emoji “😨”.
And oh my god.. the desperation, the tears, the despair, the pain.. it was so good. I cried with Kai but also laughed so much with Ray.
I’m so glad I finally picked up this fantastic book and I want thank Maeve for giving us such a wonderful story. I could feel their love and desperation through the pages and this only proves how much if an incredibly author you are.💜 I can’t wait for the ‘Lavish Love’ series to continue!
Kai Graves was so *throws phone against the wall*. He was so *chefs kiss*
I had so many 🦋 moments!
Not only had the story my absolute favourite tropes, the drama also got crazier and crazier. For a romance book, this story mentioned some pretty dark topics but I was eating it up so fast, my brain couldn’t even keep up with all the new information.
Little summary of the plot:
The female MC Esmeray was born to marry. With the strict rules of her parents (especially her mother) and her inevitable fate to marry a cruel man, she had no other choice but to run away on her wedding day. But fate had already set a different path for her. Because as she ran towards her freedom, she accidentally ended up in another man’s arms.. 👀
All the little dark elements in this book, made Esmeray’s situation even more terrifying and the fact that Kai has a saviour complex just added fuel to the fire. Those two were a dangerous combination considering the fact that no matter how you twist and turn it, they’d still crash into each other. When I tell you the drama was good, I mean this freaking emoji “😨”.
And oh my god.. the desperation, the tears, the despair, the pain.. it was so good. I cried with Kai but also laughed so much with Ray.
I’m so glad I finally picked up this fantastic book and I want thank Maeve for giving us such a wonderful story. I could feel their love and desperation through the pages and this only proves how much if an incredibly author you are.💜 I can’t wait for the ‘Lavish Love’ series to continue!
March 4, 2024
ARC review!!
I absolutely loved this book. It is easily one of the best reads of the year. I love kai so much (new book boyfriend alert). If Kai hit me with his car, I'd say thankyou. This book made me feel EVERY emotion. Esme and Kai are so adorable, they deserve the whole world. I literally jumped and squealed everytime Kai called her 'my wife'. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet in the air. I didn't even realise the book is over till I was reading the epilogue. This book was so addictive. Esme and Kai has so much chemistry and understanding. Their love for each other literally melts my heart.
I absolutely loved this book. It is easily one of the best reads of the year. I love kai so much (new book boyfriend alert). If Kai hit me with his car, I'd say thankyou. This book made me feel EVERY emotion. Esme and Kai are so adorable, they deserve the whole world. I literally jumped and squealed everytime Kai called her 'my wife'. This book had me giggling and kicking my feet in the air. I didn't even realise the book is over till I was reading the epilogue. This book was so addictive. Esme and Kai has so much chemistry and understanding. Their love for each other literally melts my heart.
August 12, 2024
It was super cute and I absolutely adored the couple! It was a quick read and I loveee that with romances. 🥰
April 7, 2024
1 🌟
Why did Esmeray had to be 18??
Kai is 26, and Esme is 18, making them have an 8 year age gap. Okay, okay, I’ve read a fair share of book that has age gaps. From what I’ve read before, that is not that bad. And I knew that going into this book, that it would have an age gap.
But it was the fact that Esme was going to marry a 35 year old that was paired with her ever since she was 8 and the disgusting dude was already 25.
My stomach was turning and twisting every time Esme talked about that guy, and all I wanted to do is hug the younger her. I can’t believe people who call themselves parents would to that to their own child.
And that’s the reason why I could not fathom the FMC and MMC’s age gap—Esme’s back story.
But nevertheless, I gave it a fair chance. I was starting to like it—Kai’s lavish gestures, Esme’s bows…. and that’s it.
This book could not stick to one conflict. It had a shit ton and both of the main characters were too immature to handle them.
Miscommunication happened a lot simply because they would not talk.
The conflicts also felt… too lavish. Like I said, it had a shit ton. And because of it, it did not felt like a romance book. It felt like I’m watching a telenovela, with every page I turn, another freaking conflict is handed to me.
This book is not for me.
Why did Esmeray had to be 18??
Kai is 26, and Esme is 18, making them have an 8 year age gap. Okay, okay, I’ve read a fair share of book that has age gaps. From what I’ve read before, that is not that bad. And I knew that going into this book, that it would have an age gap.
But it was the fact that Esme was going to marry a 35 year old that was paired with her ever since she was 8 and the disgusting dude was already 25.
My stomach was turning and twisting every time Esme talked about that guy, and all I wanted to do is hug the younger her. I can’t believe people who call themselves parents would to that to their own child.
And that’s the reason why I could not fathom the FMC and MMC’s age gap—Esme’s back story.
But nevertheless, I gave it a fair chance. I was starting to like it—Kai’s lavish gestures, Esme’s bows…. and that’s it.
This book could not stick to one conflict. It had a shit ton and both of the main characters were too immature to handle them.
Miscommunication happened a lot simply because they would not talk.
The conflicts also felt… too lavish. Like I said, it had a shit ton. And because of it, it did not felt like a romance book. It felt like I’m watching a telenovela, with every page I turn, another freaking conflict is handed to me.
This book is not for me.
February 17, 2024
(3.5☆)
Maeve Hazel's slow burn romance Papers Don't Lie centers on waitress Esmeray Hamilton and real estate CEO Kai Graves.
You know the kind of love that everyone hopes to experience once in their lives? That's the kind of love Kai had for Esmeray, and I relished every moment of it.
I also adored Esmeray because, despite everything that had happened to her, she continued to have optimism about life, with Kai silently supporting her in the background.
The "ugly love" scene was the only thing I didn't find all that enjoyable. This is just a preference, but that scenario really broke my heart and shattered my fucken soul.
All in all though, Maeve's writing simply continues getting better, hence this was a really sweet and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what else she has planned for her future releases!
*Thank you to Literary PR and to the author, Maeve Hazel, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
Maeve Hazel's slow burn romance Papers Don't Lie centers on waitress Esmeray Hamilton and real estate CEO Kai Graves.
You know the kind of love that everyone hopes to experience once in their lives? That's the kind of love Kai had for Esmeray, and I relished every moment of it.
I also adored Esmeray because, despite everything that had happened to her, she continued to have optimism about life, with Kai silently supporting her in the background.
The "ugly love" scene was the only thing I didn't find all that enjoyable. This is just a preference, but that scenario really broke my heart and shattered my fucken soul.
All in all though, Maeve's writing simply continues getting better, hence this was a really sweet and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what else she has planned for her future releases!
*Thank you to Literary PR and to the author, Maeve Hazel, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
February 25, 2024
[arc review] 🎀
i love this book! AND KAI MY MAN (he got me giggling and kicking my feet)😭 the way he noticed every small detail about what esmeray liked LIKE SIR PLEASE THAT IS SO ADORABLE!! i love kai and esme and their chemistry. they made me feel so many emotions. i felt so bad for esme and what she had to go through😭even though there were few parts that i wasn’t the biggest fan of, overall it was such a great book i loved the ending sm🥹
honourable mention to kendrick he was an absolute sweetheart and i love him sm🫶🏼
i love this book! AND KAI MY MAN (he got me giggling and kicking my feet)😭 the way he noticed every small detail about what esmeray liked LIKE SIR PLEASE THAT IS SO ADORABLE!! i love kai and esme and their chemistry. they made me feel so many emotions. i felt so bad for esme and what she had to go through😭even though there were few parts that i wasn’t the biggest fan of, overall it was such a great book i loved the ending sm🥹
honourable mention to kendrick he was an absolute sweetheart and i love him sm🫶🏼
March 8, 2024
i’m confused what happened with the other sister like is she just living a normal life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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