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The Love Lie
A year ago, Sydney King was a successful pro tennis player with a long-term boyfriend, a plan for the future, and a shot at fulfilling all her dreams.
Now, she has a cheating ex-boyfriend and a career-ending injury, and—quite frankly—things could not be going worse for her.
She hopes that returning home to Stoneport, Massachusetts will be the reset her life needs—until she finds out her ex’s wedding to the woman he cheated with is the social event of the season.
The last person Sydney expects to find camaraderie with is her former fiancé’s sister, Reese Devereux. Back home after the purchase of a local inn, Reese has wounds of her own and seems even less enthused about her brother’s wedding than Sydney.
When an unexpected mix-up creates the perfect story that she and Reese are dating, shockingly, Reese runs with it. Sydney knows it’s a bad idea, but being on Reese’s arm gives her the chance to pretend life is just a little bit more in her control than it feels.
Both women are coming home to their pasts, but it’s up to them to decide what they want their futures to look like.
Now, she has a cheating ex-boyfriend and a career-ending injury, and—quite frankly—things could not be going worse for her.
She hopes that returning home to Stoneport, Massachusetts will be the reset her life needs—until she finds out her ex’s wedding to the woman he cheated with is the social event of the season.
The last person Sydney expects to find camaraderie with is her former fiancé’s sister, Reese Devereux. Back home after the purchase of a local inn, Reese has wounds of her own and seems even less enthused about her brother’s wedding than Sydney.
When an unexpected mix-up creates the perfect story that she and Reese are dating, shockingly, Reese runs with it. Sydney knows it’s a bad idea, but being on Reese’s arm gives her the chance to pretend life is just a little bit more in her control than it feels.
Both women are coming home to their pasts, but it’s up to them to decide what they want their futures to look like.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
505 people are currently reading
2121 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCallan
17 books1,503 followersMonica McCallan was an enthusiastic fan of romance novels before she began writing them.
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
Writing is her passion project, and she currently lives in Philadelphia, working at a startup which gives her lots of great inspiration for the settings and storylines of her contemporary romance novels.
She lives with her partner and two tiny dogs, cannot parallel park to save her life, enjoys playing pool a few times a week, and has enjoyed every second of the craft beer explosion these last few years.
Join her mailing list here: http://bit.ly/MonicaMcCallanLesfic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
December 22, 2024
I think the Love Lie is Monica’s best yet! Why am I just now finding out her and Haley Cass are married?? I almost screamed! This book was soooo amazing. I could relate to both main characters, Sydney and Reese but also Hallie!
I also liked that the toxic and crappy characters didn’t get a redemption arc. They got Karma.
The amount of spice and how it was written was perfect too!
I also liked that the toxic and crappy characters didn’t get a redemption arc. They got Karma.
The amount of spice and how it was written was perfect too!
February 25, 2025
Both MC are really likeable, both a bit lost in their lives after being betrayed and they both find love ans solace with each other. I was surprised by the real mature and really healthy communication between Sydney and Reese. The book is really sweet and the love story evolves and matures like good wine. It's perfect if you are in a currently tough headspace right now. It just lacked a bit angst and drama for my taste (it doesnt havecto be between the MC's I am all for no third act break up). Yay to me feeling better and being a masochist again! McCallan's writing has matured, immersive feeling wise. The plot was less predictable this time and you will find everything that you are looking for in a romance novel. The secondary characters had depth too, especially Reese's mother. I really liked Brynn and wish she finds happiness...with Hallie maybe?...
May 23, 2025
3.5 stars - a cute zero angst romance with likable main character characters.
I’m only giving it 3 1/2 stars because I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the leads and found myself skipping paragraphs and even sex scenes which I never do.
Also, the author does a lot of internal monologue between lines of dialogue, which drives me batty. You know where one character will say something and then there’s a page and a half of internal thought process before the next line of dialogue and by that time you’ve forgotten what the hell they’re talking about? It’s my least favorite thing ever.
Don’t let my review influence you overly. Lots of people love this book and if you’re looking for something easy on your nerves with all the drama happening outside of the couple, this might fit you to a T. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
I’m only giving it 3 1/2 stars because I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the leads and found myself skipping paragraphs and even sex scenes which I never do.
Also, the author does a lot of internal monologue between lines of dialogue, which drives me batty. You know where one character will say something and then there’s a page and a half of internal thought process before the next line of dialogue and by that time you’ve forgotten what the hell they’re talking about? It’s my least favorite thing ever.
Don’t let my review influence you overly. Lots of people love this book and if you’re looking for something easy on your nerves with all the drama happening outside of the couple, this might fit you to a T. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
April 18, 2025
ETA: audiobook re-read: just as fun as I thought it would be! Lori Prince made this one even better. McCallan’s early few books had potential but some things that didn’t quite work for me, but she has really hit her grove and has become a reliable must read, for me.
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It’s great to see a new book from Monica McCallan! This was a lot of fun. I loved both MCs, their relationship was equal parts sweet and sexy, and I had a great time. 🤞 Lori Prince eventually does the audio, because I’ll bet that would only enhance the experience.
~~~~
It’s great to see a new book from Monica McCallan! This was a lot of fun. I loved both MCs, their relationship was equal parts sweet and sexy, and I had a great time. 🤞 Lori Prince eventually does the audio, because I’ll bet that would only enhance the experience.
February 6, 2026
Do you know what’s sexy? Open communication between two adults.
“I find you attractive and I’m starting to have feelings for you. What should we do about that?” OMG, fanning my face swooning… Okay, I jest. Mostly.
If you love a sapphic romance with low angst, this is it. The author does that trick where the main conflict is outside the couples growing relationship. That allows the MCs to work as a team to resolve the not-between-them problems. In this case, the first FMC, Reese’s, very dysfunctional family. You can read the book description for the deets, but yeah, Reese and the other FMC, Sydney, were rock stars for each other.
My only complaint is the story could have been tightened up in the middle, but that’s a quibble.
Anyway, brava author. I don’t think McCallan was a professional tennis star, but she sure wrote a character like she was, so gold star for research. Cheers.
POSTSCRIPT: If you feel the need to unfriend me for using the word “deets,” I completely understand.
“I find you attractive and I’m starting to have feelings for you. What should we do about that?” OMG, fanning my face swooning… Okay, I jest. Mostly.
If you love a sapphic romance with low angst, this is it. The author does that trick where the main conflict is outside the couples growing relationship. That allows the MCs to work as a team to resolve the not-between-them problems. In this case, the first FMC, Reese’s, very dysfunctional family. You can read the book description for the deets, but yeah, Reese and the other FMC, Sydney, were rock stars for each other.
My only complaint is the story could have been tightened up in the middle, but that’s a quibble.
Anyway, brava author. I don’t think McCallan was a professional tennis star, but she sure wrote a character like she was, so gold star for research. Cheers.
POSTSCRIPT: If you feel the need to unfriend me for using the word “deets,” I completely understand.
February 22, 2025
I think this is my favourite Monica McCallan book so far. Definitely my favourite couple of hers.
This author came to be the equivalent of drama-free good time for me, but this was another level of comfort reading, honestly.
This author came to be the equivalent of drama-free good time for me, but this was another level of comfort reading, honestly.
April 15, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOO MUCCCHHHHH!!!!
PLEASE Monica, I beg, I need the Brynn/Hallie spin-off! 🙇♀️🙏
PLEASE Monica, I beg, I need the Brynn/Hallie spin-off! 🙇♀️🙏
January 7, 2026
This was such a satisfying, cozy read. I loved how everything tied together by the end. There were multiple endings wrapped up, and while there was one outcome I was secretly hoping for, I didn’t expect the way it played out and ended up loving it even more because of that.
At first, I actually thought I’d be shipping different characters (Haley and Reese), but I completely fell for Reese and Sydney. I also really loved the supporting cast. Bridget, Haley, and especially the moms added so much heart to the story and made it feel full and lived-in.
The fake dating setup felt a bit out of the blue at the start, but once it settled in, the pacing worked really well. I never felt the urge to pause. I just kept listening. The spice came later and was absolutely worth the wait. It fit the story and made sense for the characters.
What stood out most to me was how the story involved more than just the main couple. Everything felt woven together, and there was real growth across all the characters.
My only tiny complaint is the cover. It didn’t match the story for me and made me assume it was something totally different. Had I read the preview sooner, I would’ve picked this up months ago.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s a 12 hour and 34 minute audiobook and I finished it in three days, which says everything.
At first, I actually thought I’d be shipping different characters (Haley and Reese), but I completely fell for Reese and Sydney. I also really loved the supporting cast. Bridget, Haley, and especially the moms added so much heart to the story and made it feel full and lived-in.
The fake dating setup felt a bit out of the blue at the start, but once it settled in, the pacing worked really well. I never felt the urge to pause. I just kept listening. The spice came later and was absolutely worth the wait. It fit the story and made sense for the characters.
What stood out most to me was how the story involved more than just the main couple. Everything felt woven together, and there was real growth across all the characters.
My only tiny complaint is the cover. It didn’t match the story for me and made me assume it was something totally different. Had I read the preview sooner, I would’ve picked this up months ago.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s a 12 hour and 34 minute audiobook and I finished it in three days, which says everything.
January 20, 2025
This was a very enjoyable read by Monica McCallan. I've read most of her books and this one is near the top, it's good to read a new book from her.
Both MCs were well developed and likable. Reese is a business, IT person, who has developed software for hotel management. She has grown up adoring her father and wants to join his hotel group. He doesn't have her join his business, instead her brother Grant is welcomed into the the business. Grant is a cheater and a completely hedonistic jerk.
Sydney is a world class pro tennis player who gets injured and has to retire. She has engaged and dating Grant for 6 years, and comes home from a tennis match to find him cheating on her. Sydney meets Reece by accident and they decide to prank Grant by pretending that they are dating.
McCallen did a great job in developing the MCs and side characters. The scene in Stoneport and at the inn were well done and easily visualized. The scenes involving the tennis world were good. And I think the side characters of Hallie, Reece's mom, dad and brother were very well done and added to the story. I also liked that the book had a decent plot for a romance story, there was more to it than romance.
And the angst was at a normal level between Reece and Sydney, they were discovering their relationship and taking it at a sensible pace. The business side of the plot was good and the mystery of how it would shake out kept me interested.
Both MCs were well developed and likable. Reese is a business, IT person, who has developed software for hotel management. She has grown up adoring her father and wants to join his hotel group. He doesn't have her join his business, instead her brother Grant is welcomed into the the business. Grant is a cheater and a completely hedonistic jerk.
Sydney is a world class pro tennis player who gets injured and has to retire. She has engaged and dating Grant for 6 years, and comes home from a tennis match to find him cheating on her. Sydney meets Reece by accident and they decide to prank Grant by pretending that they are dating.
McCallen did a great job in developing the MCs and side characters. The scene in Stoneport and at the inn were well done and easily visualized. The scenes involving the tennis world were good. And I think the side characters of Hallie, Reece's mom, dad and brother were very well done and added to the story. I also liked that the book had a decent plot for a romance story, there was more to it than romance.
And the angst was at a normal level between Reece and Sydney, they were discovering their relationship and taking it at a sensible pace. The business side of the plot was good and the mystery of how it would shake out kept me interested.
July 22, 2025
Monica McCallan has done it once again.
I loved Sydney. I loved Reese. What I loved the most was that they didn’t have to hurt each other in order to have a happy ending.
There was just enough drama to keep me going, and boy do I love a good fake-dating trope. The two MCs knew what they wanted and went for it.
Sydney, a newly retired tennis player who got cheated on by her long term boyfriend comes home to figure out what she wants with her life while staying at her best friend’s family’s inn.
Reese, a woman who’s tried to keep her life separate from her family and forced to sell her company and decided to buy an inn with her newly received money.
The two pair together to mess with Sunday’s ex, who just happens to be Reese’s brother.
I loved every second of this book, and anything I read from Monica gets nothing less than a 4 star. This one really was pushed up to the top though, and was brilliantly written.
I loved Sydney. I loved Reese. What I loved the most was that they didn’t have to hurt each other in order to have a happy ending.
There was just enough drama to keep me going, and boy do I love a good fake-dating trope. The two MCs knew what they wanted and went for it.
Sydney, a newly retired tennis player who got cheated on by her long term boyfriend comes home to figure out what she wants with her life while staying at her best friend’s family’s inn.
Reese, a woman who’s tried to keep her life separate from her family and forced to sell her company and decided to buy an inn with her newly received money.
The two pair together to mess with Sunday’s ex, who just happens to be Reese’s brother.
I loved every second of this book, and anything I read from Monica gets nothing less than a 4 star. This one really was pushed up to the top though, and was brilliantly written.
February 20, 2025
5 ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It struck the perfect balance between lighthearted fun and minimal conflict, making it a delightful read. The main characters, Sydney and Reese, had such a charming dynamic, especially as they navigated their unexpected fake relationship after Sydney’s ex stumbled upon them in a rather compromising moment. The secondary characters were equally lovable, from the ever-supportive friend in Hallie to Brynn's demure presence. It left me wondering if we might get to dive into their stories next. Now, how interesting would that be?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It struck the perfect balance between lighthearted fun and minimal conflict, making it a delightful read. The main characters, Sydney and Reese, had such a charming dynamic, especially as they navigated their unexpected fake relationship after Sydney’s ex stumbled upon them in a rather compromising moment. The secondary characters were equally lovable, from the ever-supportive friend in Hallie to Brynn's demure presence. It left me wondering if we might get to dive into their stories next. Now, how interesting would that be?
December 19, 2024
I generally enjoy Monica McCallan's romances but this one was not quite up there for me and the main reason is that I didn't really feel much chemistry or see any particular conflict for these characters. It's very low angst, which is great, but I need some conflict for a story worth telling, small as it may be.
In this case, we have two main characters who are successful and independent, but going through some rough patches with their personal and professional lives, which is completely unrelated to them fake dating and falling for each other. My main issue was that fauxmances are only interesting if the people are learning about each other and getting to fall for each other during the fake dating and there is some reason they can't actually just date each other. In this case, the shock value is their respective families knowing they're together, since one of the MCs was formerly in a long-term relationship with the other's brother, who cheated on her. There is not one single reason why, if they find each other attractive to begin with, they can't just have a regular date and relationship, which takes the wind out of my sails a bit when enjoying a romance.
I also didn't find anything surprising about the plot here. I'm reasonably sure there may be a sequel with getting together, I knew one MC's mom would likely end up , and that Grant would do the .
Combine the two and this book just didn't grab my attention as much as others by this author have, but hopefully, others will enjoy it more. Bonus points for a Caroline Parker reference, though, love to see wives' literary universes colliding.
In this case, we have two main characters who are successful and independent, but going through some rough patches with their personal and professional lives, which is completely unrelated to them fake dating and falling for each other. My main issue was that fauxmances are only interesting if the people are learning about each other and getting to fall for each other during the fake dating and there is some reason they can't actually just date each other. In this case, the shock value is their respective families knowing they're together, since one of the MCs was formerly in a long-term relationship with the other's brother, who cheated on her. There is not one single reason why, if they find each other attractive to begin with, they can't just have a regular date and relationship, which takes the wind out of my sails a bit when enjoying a romance.
I also didn't find anything surprising about the plot here. I'm reasonably sure there may be a sequel with getting together, I knew one MC's mom would likely end up , and that Grant would do the .
Combine the two and this book just didn't grab my attention as much as others by this author have, but hopefully, others will enjoy it more. Bonus points for a Caroline Parker reference, though, love to see wives' literary universes colliding.
December 12, 2024
Dare I say her best book to date? Recently reread Monica’s entire collection of books and this one is definitely right up there with my favorite. Enjoyed it so much that I finished it in a day.
January 22, 2025
Come for the feels, stay for the brilliant ending.
There are two villains in this story, and the comeuppance they receive in the final chapter is glorious!
Sydney and Reese barely know each other. Sydney was engaged to Reese's brother until she caught him cheating a year ago, and Reese has long been estranged from her family.
When Sydney's ex sees the two women together he assumes they are dating and he is furious. Sydney and Reese decide not to disavow him of this misconception and they play up their "relationship" at several family functions leading up to Sydney's ex's forthcoming wedding - to the woman Sydney caught him cheating with!
The Love Lie is a delightful "fake dating" romance. Both Reese and Sydney are in the process of redefining their lives after major shake-ups, and as they do this, together and apart, their mutual attraction becomes increasingly apparent to each of them. It is a somewhat slow burn, allowing the two women to get to know each other and to stew a little in their growing desire. And once that breaking point is reached their intimate scenes are deliciously hot.
My wife mostly reads books I recommend and I'm pushing this one straight to the top of her list, and if Sapphic romance is your jam I highly recommend a place for it on your own list.
There are two villains in this story, and the comeuppance they receive in the final chapter is glorious!
Sydney and Reese barely know each other. Sydney was engaged to Reese's brother until she caught him cheating a year ago, and Reese has long been estranged from her family.
When Sydney's ex sees the two women together he assumes they are dating and he is furious. Sydney and Reese decide not to disavow him of this misconception and they play up their "relationship" at several family functions leading up to Sydney's ex's forthcoming wedding - to the woman Sydney caught him cheating with!
The Love Lie is a delightful "fake dating" romance. Both Reese and Sydney are in the process of redefining their lives after major shake-ups, and as they do this, together and apart, their mutual attraction becomes increasingly apparent to each of them. It is a somewhat slow burn, allowing the two women to get to know each other and to stew a little in their growing desire. And once that breaking point is reached their intimate scenes are deliciously hot.
My wife mostly reads books I recommend and I'm pushing this one straight to the top of her list, and if Sapphic romance is your jam I highly recommend a place for it on your own list.
September 26, 2025
4.5 stars
I knew I’d love this because I’ve enjoyed all of Monica’s books. Plus, narrated by Lori Prince? Perfection.
I never thought I’d like the whole fake dating thing but it’s a cute trope, especially when done well. This had some great dynamics, plots and amazing side characters (Hallie, mainly).
This books written in third person with 2x POV’s. Brother’s ex girlfriend, fake dating, return to hometown, slow burn, messy family dynamics, former pro tennis player. 4x spicy scenes.
I knew I’d love this because I’ve enjoyed all of Monica’s books. Plus, narrated by Lori Prince? Perfection.
I never thought I’d like the whole fake dating thing but it’s a cute trope, especially when done well. This had some great dynamics, plots and amazing side characters (Hallie, mainly).
This books written in third person with 2x POV’s. Brother’s ex girlfriend, fake dating, return to hometown, slow burn, messy family dynamics, former pro tennis player. 4x spicy scenes.
August 29, 2025
I read it in one day! Read the sample. Didn't want to stop reading...... read it every opportunity during the day, including snatching time waiting to meet friends!
There was something compelling about the relationship and seeing the mains come out on top together.
There was something compelling about the relationship and seeing the mains come out on top together.
December 28, 2024
Interesting book that kept me entertained. Excellent back characters and the 2 MC lived in this. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2025
Great novel!
Loved how this love story developed and turned out! The zinger at the rehearsal dinner was on point! So awesome! Love all of Monica McCallan's work!
Loved how this love story developed and turned out! The zinger at the rehearsal dinner was on point! So awesome! Love all of Monica McCallan's work!
December 10, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I have actually read this twice now so I’m well overdue for a review. If you want a comforting and cathartic sapphic romance this is such a great one to curl up with.
I’m yet to read something by Monica that I’ve disliked but I do have to say this is my favourite so far, and the background characters are so gripping (I really adored Brynn) so I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for book two.
The writing style is a joy to read, and I love how both characters actually spoke about their emotions and wants rather than the age old miscommunication trope.
Rep// Bisexual MC, Sapphic MC. Central relationship is Sapphic / WLW.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// cancer struggles and medical worries, divorce, cheating SC, family struggles, change of career due to injury, misogyny, sex on page.
I’m yet to read something by Monica that I’ve disliked but I do have to say this is my favourite so far, and the background characters are so gripping (I really adored Brynn) so I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for book two.
The writing style is a joy to read, and I love how both characters actually spoke about their emotions and wants rather than the age old miscommunication trope.
Rep// Bisexual MC, Sapphic MC. Central relationship is Sapphic / WLW.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// cancer struggles and medical worries, divorce, cheating SC, family struggles, change of career due to injury, misogyny, sex on page.
December 27, 2024
Excellent!
December 15, 2024
This little gem of low-angst book was the perfect cozy read. Monica McCallan is one of the best out there and The Love Lie is proof. We follow Reese and Sydney through their fake dating scheme, along with Sydney’s best friend, Hallie, she needs her own book, btw. Reese and Sydney both have their own baggage to deal with and they work through it beautifully. Reese is particularly impressive in her development. The story starts with both MCs post-breakup and each at a crossroad in their careers.
As always, Monica is the master of the slow burn and she does not disappoint in this one. Sydney and Reese’s characters could be quite ripe for the same old miscommunications and unreasonable breakups that I often read in WLW romance books, luckily Monica McCallan creates the tension elsewhere in the story. I’m so stoked that she released this early and I will be awaiting the audiobook release. Love, love, love The Love Lie. I’m not lying, I love it.
As always, Monica is the master of the slow burn and she does not disappoint in this one. Sydney and Reese’s characters could be quite ripe for the same old miscommunications and unreasonable breakups that I often read in WLW romance books, luckily Monica McCallan creates the tension elsewhere in the story. I’m so stoked that she released this early and I will be awaiting the audiobook release. Love, love, love The Love Lie. I’m not lying, I love it.
February 5, 2026
This is an enjoyable read.
March 26, 2025
After reading so many good reviews, my expectations were clearly too high. I’m disappointed and I hate that I am!
It’s not a bad book. It’s simple and nice, not much drama, everything just flows. However, it’s soooo BORING.
The main issue is the relationship between one of the MCs, Reese, and her family (father and brother, more specifically). And at first it was fine, but it got soooo repetitive and boring very quickly. Same dynamic, same problems. It was too much thinking about the past and how much they’re assholes to everyone, and much less DOING something interesting. I skimmed the last 20% so hard, that I read it in like 15 minutes.
The romantic relationship in the book lacked something. I don’t quite know how to put it into words, but the closer I can explain it is that it lacked spark. I seriously don’t know, I just know I was underwhelmed. It felt hollow. The epilogue? Unrewarding. I can’t put my finger on what was off, I just deeply disliked it.
I love the rare dynamic in romance books where the couple doesn’t fight or have issues, and instead the issues are with their surroundings. I adore the idea of “us against the world” and lovelovelove when the pair doesn’t split up in the third act because of a stupid thing that is solved in like 10 pages by a conversation, or a serious issue that is magically solved. I really really like when we don’t have the third act breakup, that’s what I’m saying!! So in theory I should’ve loved (or at least really like) this book. I love family drama, I love fake dating, I love no breakup, I love strong friendships and supporting parents. So why did this book fall flat for me???? I wish I knew!!! It just felt hollow and I’m so sad I didn’t like it.
It’s not a bad book. It’s simple and nice, not much drama, everything just flows. However, it’s soooo BORING.
The main issue is the relationship between one of the MCs, Reese, and her family (father and brother, more specifically). And at first it was fine, but it got soooo repetitive and boring very quickly. Same dynamic, same problems. It was too much thinking about the past and how much they’re assholes to everyone, and much less DOING something interesting. I skimmed the last 20% so hard, that I read it in like 15 minutes.
The romantic relationship in the book lacked something. I don’t quite know how to put it into words, but the closer I can explain it is that it lacked spark. I seriously don’t know, I just know I was underwhelmed. It felt hollow. The epilogue? Unrewarding. I can’t put my finger on what was off, I just deeply disliked it.
I love the rare dynamic in romance books where the couple doesn’t fight or have issues, and instead the issues are with their surroundings. I adore the idea of “us against the world” and lovelovelove when the pair doesn’t split up in the third act because of a stupid thing that is solved in like 10 pages by a conversation, or a serious issue that is magically solved. I really really like when we don’t have the third act breakup, that’s what I’m saying!! So in theory I should’ve loved (or at least really like) this book. I love family drama, I love fake dating, I love no breakup, I love strong friendships and supporting parents. So why did this book fall flat for me???? I wish I knew!!! It just felt hollow and I’m so sad I didn’t like it.
April 22, 2025
I have a feeling there will be a sequel with Brynn and Hallie
January 16, 2026
Sydney King has gone from a top tennis pro, injured, and an ex girlfriend to a cheating boyfriend. So, she goes to visit Hallie, her best friend in Stoneport,Mass. There she meets Reese Deveraux, her ex's older sister. Within the last yr, Grant, her ex has proposed to Brynn, the woman he cheated with. So, Sydney and Reese come up with a plan, that they met earlier and are dating. To get under Grant's skin. This is a fun book to read! A fantastic fake dating, so HOT, love story!! I LOVE THIS BOOK! A FAVORITE! 5 stars!
April 10, 2025
DNF at 50 percent. Love Monica's work, but this one missed the spot. Zero developments
December 28, 2025
A low angst fake dating romance 💞
The book definitely has its sad moments but overall a very sweet and healing read. No big blowups or anything threatening their relationship at all. It's kind of surprising with the plotline, but i loved it 😍
The book definitely has its sad moments but overall a very sweet and healing read. No big blowups or anything threatening their relationship at all. It's kind of surprising with the plotline, but i loved it 😍
January 31, 2025
Nice and sweet but not enough angst, drama or sexual tension. Got bored about 80% of the way through.
And, whilst we’re here, the sex scene in the pool? A sapphic romance surely knows better than to think that situation would lead to anything but a sub par experience and thrush.
And, whilst we’re here, the sex scene in the pool? A sapphic romance surely knows better than to think that situation would lead to anything but a sub par experience and thrush.
June 30, 2025
Best fake relationship to love
I have read in a long time. I stopped reading this type of book but this caught my attention. I loved the consept and the characters.
I have read in a long time. I stopped reading this type of book but this caught my attention. I loved the consept and the characters.
November 24, 2025
4.5/5 stars
nothing i love more than authors proving me that fake dating can be GOOD but when it's sapphic? cherry on top
nothing i love more than authors proving me that fake dating can be GOOD but when it's sapphic? cherry on top
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