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Match with a Mess: Smut Feel Good Romance
She’s all rules. He’s all reckless. And now they’re getting married.
Tariq knows three things for
Football is life. Fame is fleeting. And Chloe Carter—guarded, brilliant, breathtaking Chloe—is completely off-limits.
She shut him down years ago. Now she’s his boss (technically) because she's the team's PR manager, and his daily torment. Too sharp to fall for his charm. Too untouchable to risk again. But when a green card disaster leaves Chloe staring down deportation, Tariq offers the a fake marriage. Strictly business. Zero feelings. One bed.
He sincerely wants to help. He's not supposed to fall even harder.
Chloe has always lived by the
Work hard. Stay ahead. Don't rely on anyone. Especially not men like Tariq Johnson—cocky, famous, impossible to ignore. She’s spent years building a life that’s safe, spotless, and hers… until everything crashes. Her boyfriend walks away. Her visa gets denied. Her walls start to crack.
And Tariq, of all people, offers to save her.
She’s not supposed to say yes.
She’s definitely not supposed to fall for his chaos, his family, and his ridiculously kind heart.
But when the line between fake and real begins to blur, will love be enough—or will they walk away pretending it never mattered?
Tariq knows three things for
Football is life. Fame is fleeting. And Chloe Carter—guarded, brilliant, breathtaking Chloe—is completely off-limits.
She shut him down years ago. Now she’s his boss (technically) because she's the team's PR manager, and his daily torment. Too sharp to fall for his charm. Too untouchable to risk again. But when a green card disaster leaves Chloe staring down deportation, Tariq offers the a fake marriage. Strictly business. Zero feelings. One bed.
He sincerely wants to help. He's not supposed to fall even harder.
Chloe has always lived by the
Work hard. Stay ahead. Don't rely on anyone. Especially not men like Tariq Johnson—cocky, famous, impossible to ignore. She’s spent years building a life that’s safe, spotless, and hers… until everything crashes. Her boyfriend walks away. Her visa gets denied. Her walls start to crack.
And Tariq, of all people, offers to save her.
She’s not supposed to say yes.
She’s definitely not supposed to fall for his chaos, his family, and his ridiculously kind heart.
But when the line between fake and real begins to blur, will love be enough—or will they walk away pretending it never mattered?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2025
7 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Kate J. Blake
70 books141 followersKate J. Blake writes spicy romance novellas for naughty readers who love hot heroes and happily-ever-afters.
Originally from Ukraine, Kate currently resides in Southern California, enjoying the warm weather all year round.
Kate used to work as a stylist, and loves everything about fashion. She's a fan of online shopping, and buys tons of useless stuff, trying to convince her husband that she possibly can't live without all of that.
Kate reads 100+ books a year, but still orders many more titles than she could ever possibly read. She loves binge-watching romance TV shows and always misses her writing deadlines.
Kate has visited 30+ countries, and is not planning to stop travelling any time soon. You can find out more about her trips through her social media accounts.
Originally from Ukraine, Kate currently resides in Southern California, enjoying the warm weather all year round.
Kate used to work as a stylist, and loves everything about fashion. She's a fan of online shopping, and buys tons of useless stuff, trying to convince her husband that she possibly can't live without all of that.
Kate reads 100+ books a year, but still orders many more titles than she could ever possibly read. She loves binge-watching romance TV shows and always misses her writing deadlines.
Kate has visited 30+ countries, and is not planning to stop travelling any time soon. You can find out more about her trips through her social media accounts.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 30, 2025
Match with a Mess is Book 2 of the LA Guardians series. It's a steamy, opposites-attract, fake-dating, marriage of convenience to real love, girl gets her football player romcom. Chloe is the smart and sassy PR manager for a pro-football team. Tariq is a hunky player who she thinks is a playboy. He's asked her out but she has shut it down. But when she faces the possessive of deportation, Tariq steps in to help her out. This one made me laugh out loud and swoon at times. Both realized they may have misjudged the other. The chemistry was hot and the ending was happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2025
As a reader who thrives on high-stakes romance with a side of delicious banter, Kate J. Blake's "Match with a Mess" immediately caught my attention. This book dives headfirst into a fake marriage trope, blending it seamlessly with an enemies-to-lovers dynamic and a compelling "boss/employee" twist. It’s a story where "she's all rules, he's all reckless," and their journey to the altar is anything but conventional.
From the outset, I was captivated by the premise: Chloe Carter, the guarded and brilliant PR manager, finds her carefully constructed life crumbling due to a green card disaster. Her only lifeline? A fake marriage to Tariq Johnson, the cocky, famous football player who also happens to be her boss (technically) and a constant source of professional headaches. Their history is already complicated—Chloe had shut him down years ago, and now he's her "daily torment." The stage is perfectly set for a "strictly business, zero feelings, one bed" arrangement that, as any good romance reader knows, is destined to ignite.
What truly shone for me was the intricate dance between Chloe and Tariq. Their initial interactions are sharp, witty, and filled with a palpable tension born from professional exasperation and undeniable attraction. I loved watching Chloe, with her meticulous nature and fierce independence, navigate Tariq's chaotic world. She's strong, resilient, and her journey of learning to trust and embrace vulnerability was incredibly well-developed. Her past, marked by loss and a deep-seated need to prove her worth, made her incredibly relatable.
Tariq, on the other hand, was a delightful surprise. Beneath his public persona as a charming player and a "PR nightmare," I discovered a man of profound depth and unwavering loyalty. His secret, long-standing love for Chloe, revealed through his internal monologues and his confessions to his best friend, Jace, completely won me over. He's observant, protective, and relentlessly pursues Chloe not just out of desire, but from a genuine, deep-seated affection. His willingness to propose a fake marriage to save her visa, and then to truly fight for her heart, showcased his incredible growth. The scenes where he's genuinely good with kids during their mentorship campaign were particularly heartwarming, adding layers to his character beyond the headlines.
The plot moves at a fantastic pace, fueled by the visa deadline, the demands of their PR campaign, and the ever-present threat of their "fake" relationship being exposed. The legal board meeting where they have to "perform" their love story was both hilarious and incredibly tense. Tariq's loud, warm, and wonderfully meddling family added a rich, authentic backdrop, and their immediate acceptance of Chloe was a beautiful touch. The emotional stakes are consistently high, especially as Chloe grapples with her fear of getting hurt and her reluctance to admit her true feelings, culminating in a dramatic airport scene that had me on the edge of my seat.
The chemistry between Chloe and Tariq is electric, building from simmering tension to explosive passion. Their intimate moments are explicit and deeply felt, reflecting the intensity of their connection. Kate J. Blake delivers on the "spicy romance" promise, ensuring that when these two finally give in, it's earned and utterly satisfying.
My Verdict: "Match with a Mess" is a compelling, emotionally charged, and genuinely fun read. It masterfully executes the fake marriage trope, delivering a powerful story of two strong-willed individuals who find real love in the most unexpected—and public—of circumstances. If you love a hero who falls hard and a heroine who learns to let down her guard, this book is an absolute must-read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5 Stars)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5 Chili Peppers)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the outset, I was captivated by the premise: Chloe Carter, the guarded and brilliant PR manager, finds her carefully constructed life crumbling due to a green card disaster. Her only lifeline? A fake marriage to Tariq Johnson, the cocky, famous football player who also happens to be her boss (technically) and a constant source of professional headaches. Their history is already complicated—Chloe had shut him down years ago, and now he's her "daily torment." The stage is perfectly set for a "strictly business, zero feelings, one bed" arrangement that, as any good romance reader knows, is destined to ignite.
What truly shone for me was the intricate dance between Chloe and Tariq. Their initial interactions are sharp, witty, and filled with a palpable tension born from professional exasperation and undeniable attraction. I loved watching Chloe, with her meticulous nature and fierce independence, navigate Tariq's chaotic world. She's strong, resilient, and her journey of learning to trust and embrace vulnerability was incredibly well-developed. Her past, marked by loss and a deep-seated need to prove her worth, made her incredibly relatable.
Tariq, on the other hand, was a delightful surprise. Beneath his public persona as a charming player and a "PR nightmare," I discovered a man of profound depth and unwavering loyalty. His secret, long-standing love for Chloe, revealed through his internal monologues and his confessions to his best friend, Jace, completely won me over. He's observant, protective, and relentlessly pursues Chloe not just out of desire, but from a genuine, deep-seated affection. His willingness to propose a fake marriage to save her visa, and then to truly fight for her heart, showcased his incredible growth. The scenes where he's genuinely good with kids during their mentorship campaign were particularly heartwarming, adding layers to his character beyond the headlines.
The plot moves at a fantastic pace, fueled by the visa deadline, the demands of their PR campaign, and the ever-present threat of their "fake" relationship being exposed. The legal board meeting where they have to "perform" their love story was both hilarious and incredibly tense. Tariq's loud, warm, and wonderfully meddling family added a rich, authentic backdrop, and their immediate acceptance of Chloe was a beautiful touch. The emotional stakes are consistently high, especially as Chloe grapples with her fear of getting hurt and her reluctance to admit her true feelings, culminating in a dramatic airport scene that had me on the edge of my seat.
The chemistry between Chloe and Tariq is electric, building from simmering tension to explosive passion. Their intimate moments are explicit and deeply felt, reflecting the intensity of their connection. Kate J. Blake delivers on the "spicy romance" promise, ensuring that when these two finally give in, it's earned and utterly satisfying.
My Verdict: "Match with a Mess" is a compelling, emotionally charged, and genuinely fun read. It masterfully executes the fake marriage trope, delivering a powerful story of two strong-willed individuals who find real love in the most unexpected—and public—of circumstances. If you love a hero who falls hard and a heroine who learns to let down her guard, this book is an absolute must-read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5 Stars)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5 Chili Peppers)
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2025
I received a free copy of this book that I am voluntarily reviewing.
Chloe is the public relations officer for a pro football team and has worked hard to get where she is in her career. Just when everything is getting to perfection it appears that she is about to be deported. Losing all that she has worked for is not an option, so when Tariq offers her a solution she takes it, but the time that she is spending with Tariq shows her that what she thought that she knew about him is nothing like the real man. Will Chloe’s feelings change when she sees the man he is and not the one that he portrayed, will what was meant to be an arrangement be something so much more?
Tariq has wanted Chloe since the moment that he set eyes on her but with his reputation as a playboy she knocked him back, at first he was shocked but never gave up hope of one day showing her who he was, but with her being the PR manager she was basically his boss. Learning that she was about to be deported he offers her an arrangement, a marriage so that she can have a green card. What will Tariq do when his feelings become more than he expected and he wants more than just an arrangement with Chloe, and he wants it all?
Really great read, the characters are relatable and enjoyable with fantastic banter and of course fun and lots of laughter. I would recommend this book and many others by this author. 4.5*
Chloe is the public relations officer for a pro football team and has worked hard to get where she is in her career. Just when everything is getting to perfection it appears that she is about to be deported. Losing all that she has worked for is not an option, so when Tariq offers her a solution she takes it, but the time that she is spending with Tariq shows her that what she thought that she knew about him is nothing like the real man. Will Chloe’s feelings change when she sees the man he is and not the one that he portrayed, will what was meant to be an arrangement be something so much more?
Tariq has wanted Chloe since the moment that he set eyes on her but with his reputation as a playboy she knocked him back, at first he was shocked but never gave up hope of one day showing her who he was, but with her being the PR manager she was basically his boss. Learning that she was about to be deported he offers her an arrangement, a marriage so that she can have a green card. What will Tariq do when his feelings become more than he expected and he wants more than just an arrangement with Chloe, and he wants it all?
Really great read, the characters are relatable and enjoyable with fantastic banter and of course fun and lots of laughter. I would recommend this book and many others by this author. 4.5*
August 21, 2025
This was a well written and nicely paced enemies to lovers sports romance with hints of boss/employee tensions included. The main characters, Tariq and Chloe, were extremely well developed and both showed significant growth throughout the course of the story. There were side characters as well that helped move the story forward and ensure readers got the "full experience". I personally enjoyed the times when his family was engaged as well as the scenes with Jace. The plot seems relatively straight forward. In a VISA crisis, he proposed a marriage of convenience. The hang up came with the perceived boss/employee relationship they both felt, as well as the shared attraction. The more time they spent together, the more they learned about the real person (not the one they thought they needed to be). This story is full of feeling and revelation, heartache and joy, tension and peace. While there's spice, it's not overdone (but is satisfying😉) and it's certainly well deserved. I hope you enjoy getting to experience this story as much as I did.
I did receive a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I did receive a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
June 13, 2025
This is the second book I've read from Kate and I've loved them both. The characters are amusing and amazingly well written with good depth. We see their personalities shine through.
The story was interesting and funny. I laughed out loud more than once (bit embarrassing on the train but worth it!) and found myself looking forward to what was coming next.
I loved Tariq, he was sweet and charming even if he did start off as a womaniser he was still loveable. Chloe is fierce and independent but her growth to trusting someone else was so lovely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was interesting and funny. I laughed out loud more than once (bit embarrassing on the train but worth it!) and found myself looking forward to what was coming next.
I loved Tariq, he was sweet and charming even if he did start off as a womaniser he was still loveable. Chloe is fierce and independent but her growth to trusting someone else was so lovely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2026
Match with a Mess by Kate J. Blake was a modified work place romance between Chloe and Tariq. Tariq is in love with his publicist, Chloe and does crazy random things to get her attention. Chloe views Tariq as a problem and pain she must endure. To the public, he is an outstanding athlete with a bad reputation for dating so many women, he can't remember their names. Chloe is not impressed and fed up with his antics, but then circumstances force them together. What will happen when Chloe learns that there is secret side to Tariq that he hides from the public?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
She shut him down once and Tariq was still feeling the aftereffects but when her life implodes leaving her in a bind he steps in with a solution to her problems. It was only supposed to be a fake marriage, but close proximity has feelings developing quickly. Will Tariq lose his heart and gain happiness with Chloe. This story drew me into Chloe and Tariq and had me cheering them on through this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Chloe is a PR manager for a pro football team.
Tariq is a professional athlete and one of Chloe's problems.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, sports, workplace, forced proximity, fake marriage, secret crush, professional athlete, football, HEA romance.
A special thank you to Kate J Blake and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tariq is a professional athlete and one of Chloe's problems.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, sports, workplace, forced proximity, fake marriage, secret crush, professional athlete, football, HEA romance.
A special thank you to Kate J Blake and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 22, 2025
I'm not into football, but I was interested in this for the problems the characters faced, and of course for the romance. I was concerned for Chloe and the possibility of her being deported.
What will her future be like?
The book is short, but it's a good story.
I think Kate J. Blake deals with some interesting issues here.
3 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What will her future be like?
The book is short, but it's a good story.
I think Kate J. Blake deals with some interesting issues here.
3 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2025
Chloe's wonderful mess - Tariq's the bane of Chloe's existence, his off-field antics a PR nightmare. If only she knew he behaved badly to get her attention. She might have fallen in love with him as quickly as he did with her and saved herself a few headaches. A little steamy, a lotta good, this shorty is guaranteed to bring a smile and maybe a few laughs.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2025
Chloe is in charge of PR for a football team and Tariq is one of the football players. She thinks he’s a player and worse, basically his boss. When she needs a visa to stay in the country , he offers a fake marriage for her green card. What happens when feelings get involved? Great novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2025
A little longer than my previous read by this author and found myself thinking of the current situation many are facing within their country. Loved the characters and their story that ended with the hea we love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2025
Chloe needs help and Tariq is the one who steps up for her. As his team's PR manager she should be off-limits but he can't deny his feelings for her any longer. A steamy read with work colleagues/friends to lovers and a fake (or not) marriage.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
This enemies-to-lovers/forced proximity/workplace romance/sports romcom/
its always been you/reverse grumpy sunshine, is a well written with a solid plot. I enjoyed the storyline and how Tariq and Chloe navigate their relationship. The chemistry made for steamy reading!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
its always been you/reverse grumpy sunshine, is a well written with a solid plot. I enjoyed the storyline and how Tariq and Chloe navigate their relationship. The chemistry made for steamy reading!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
Well written short story.
The characters were very appealing and likeable. Plot was intriguing. World building was sol7d. All in all a very good read. Recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very appealing and likeable. Plot was intriguing. World building was sol7d. All in all a very good read. Recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2025
I have never read a book by this author before, and I was incredibly surprised and the best way! I love the tension and banter between the fmc and Mmc. Cute plot line!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews