Two Truths And A Lie: A steamy, slow-burn rivals-to-lovers romcom

by Annie Abel

Two writers. One legacy. Zero chance at love... allegedly.

Nora Skye has one win the fanfiction competition honoring legendary sci-fi author Lew Elliot, score the massive cash prize, and save her late father’s beloved bookstore from shutting its doors for good. Easy, right? She’s spent years writing feminist, spaceship-fueled fanfics — this is her moment.

Until John Kater enters the competition, too.

He's her infuriatingly charming, too polished for his own good, and way too good at everything. When the finalists are whisked away to a snowy cabin retreat to write, revise, and battle for the coveted publishing deal — and Lew Elliot’s legacy — Nora’s determined to keep her head down, her heart frozen, and her hands on the prize.

But the tension between them is anything but chilly.
And John’s motives? As mysterious as his smirk.

She came to win.
He came to play.
Falling for the enemy? Not part of the plot.





"Two Truths and a Lie is a witty, charming love letter to passionate, driven women and fandom culture, with a sensual and sweet romance in the center. Nora and John's rivals-to-lovers love story will have readers swooning and rooting for them from page one!”

— Mallory Marlowe, author of LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES and the upcoming Love at first sighting




Annie Abel's TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE is a stellar book! Abel has such a skilled hand - Nora and John’s relationship unfolded naturally and was full of delicious tension. The whole cast of characters is delightful - they add so much humour and heart to this story. Not only is this a brilliant love story, but it’s about two people healing from their pasts and growing into the future they’ve always wanted. This is an absolute must-read!



-- Elle Everhart, author of WANDERLUST and HOT SUMMER




I absolutely zipped through Two Truths and a Lie by Anne Alcott. A light, fun and easy-to-read romance with a fan fiction theme and both enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes – what more could you ask for? Nora is a sparky protagonist who makes you root for her from the word go, and you just know the sparks are going to fly when she encounters best-selling author John. The 3 sentences – 2 truths and a lie – at the top of each chapter were a lovely touch. This is a great debut and I can’t wait to read more from Anne.



— Jennifer Page, author of THE LITTLE BOARD GAME CAFE

Genres: Romance

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2025

Reviews

[Annie Abel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it's pretty good. I mean especially for a debut. And if you like bisexual rep and hot enemies to lovers and fandom culture and the rocky horror picture show and fat cats and many many tropes..... it may be your new favorite book. I know it's mine. But then I wrote it.

[tei hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was SO. FUN. i’ve seen the amount of love and care anne has put into this manuscript and safe to say it’s paid off: this is the perfect flamboyant, annoyances/enemies to lovers author rom-com that the world needed. a stunningly fun debut!

[s.elle.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Rom-com!

I enjoyed this cute, enemies to lovers style rom-com! I thought the characters were entertaining and enjoyed their banter throughout the book!

[Vippi · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TwoTruthsAndALie was such a fun ride — I honestly didn’t want it to end!

Think rivals-to-lovers, a writing competition, and just the right mix of banter, tension, and heart.

Fighting to save her late father’s bookstore, Nora enters a fanfic writing contest honoring legendary sci-fi author Lew Elliot… only to find herself up against John — broody bestselling author, accidental rival, and total grump.
Nora is chaotic, smart, and hilarious in the best “trying-to-keep-it-together” way, while John is the perfect combo of broody and unexpectedly sweet. Watching them go from snark to sparks? Chef’s kiss.

Also, the “two truths and a lie” at the start of each chapter? Genius move.

Annie Abel’s debut had me laughing, swooning, and feeling all the romcom vibes — I need her next book ASAP.
5 ⭐️

𝙰𝚍𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚃𝙱𝚁 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎:
♡ rivals to lovers
♡ fake dating
♡ grumpy x grumpy
♡ forced proximity
♡ lgbtq+ rep (bi MC + honorable mention to the most fantastic gay BFF/fairy godmother)

[Queerbookdad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, the only thing I have to complain about is that Annie Able doesn’t have any more books. This story has been told thousands of times but this just felt so fresh and new. I had a hard time putting this down. Nora is a hilarious and cynical, talented fanfic writer who’s is obsessed with a famous sci-fi author Lew Elliot and joins a competition to continue writing his series before he retires. The only problem is Nora’s arch nemesis John Kater is in the way of that dream. Watching their relationship grow is so fun. It’s fast paced and funny and rivals so many other rom-coms, this has fast become one of my favourite books

[Lianne Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I beta-read this book and received an ARC and ended up loving it both times. And that’s saying something, considering I’m probably one of the pickiest readers out there. True story.

If you love a good enemies to lovers, this book is for you! Nora is the perfect blend between snarky and soft and I loved her friendship with Otis. John seems pretty straightforward for a long time, until he suddenly isn’t and we all love him more for it. Add a fierce competition, a snowed-in cabin and some steamy scenes and boy…you’re in for a ride.

Buy the book, you won’t regret it!

[Ridhima · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

A cute annoyance/enemies-to-lovers age gap story, with a little bit of spice - Anniel Abel's debut novel is a fun and quick read!

The romance in this one is a slow burn, and comes to us from the first person pov of Nora, our female protagonist. The author has done a great job with giving us a black cat heroine who is fairly unlikable for the first half of the story, and also slightly relatable with her bad choices. As is fun, both the leads have bookish jobs (writers) while one also owns and manages a bookstore. The book also has LGBTQ+ rep, which is always a great item in the positives column.

I don't have much to complain, except for maybe the way the third act breakup was handled. I cannot comment on it too much without spoiling it, but I felt it could've been resolved better (and much earlier!!). I was thankful for the character arc development of Nora, albeit came a bit late. Perhaps I also wanted more from the side characters (outside of Otis, ofcourse, who deserves his own book) and would have loved an alternate POV of John as well.

Outside of that, this was a solid debut with easy writing, and I enjoyed seeing the author's part-German heritage represented via her characters in this book!

tw: death of a parent, infertility, toxic parent

Thank you to MTMC tours and the author for the physical advanced copy!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Truths and A Lie ran more emotionally than I anticipated. I enjoy the 'opposites attract' trope, especially when one person has feelings for the other without the other's knowledge. This story had quite a bit of angst to it. The “two truths and a lie” game that the characters used to interact with each other appeared light and fun, but ultimately had deeper content within the story, and I liked that. There’s some spice, some secrets, and everything does tie together pretty well. The romance part of the story is a slow burn, and at times, I thought they might not get there, but the story does end in an HEA.

Thank you to MTMC Tours and Author Annie Abel for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christy Acc · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ve Got Mail is my favourite movie!!! I loved all the rom com movie bits and well of course ‘You’re the Kathleen Kelly to my Joe Fox’ and the tattoo of freshly sharpened pencils? Yes PLEASE! Enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes and you nailed it, Annie Abel! The feels, the humour - Otis! There wasn’t anything that I disliked! Thank you for the ARC opportunity and I honestly cannot wait to read more!

[Butter Nutt Squash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was so freakin cute! I loved every minute of it even the parts that made me cry lol. Nora and John have sizzling chemistry and their banter had me cheesin so hard. absolutely adore those two together flaws and all.
and can we just take a minute to appreciate Otis and the awesome bad b*tch he is. Definitely in my top favorite side characters.
Annie really did an amazing job on this book its so captivating and pulls you in immediately. Im excited to see more of her work in the future🖤
*ARC Review*

[Hemakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start!!!
The perfect ode to fanfiction writers and rom-coms💌
It starts when Nora, desperate to save her late father's bookstore, enters into a competition to write a novel about a beloved character, win a book deal as well as a huge cash prize. She gets through the 1st round and now has to go on a writer's retreat to polish and finish her manuscript. And guess who's there as her one-of-the competitor, John Kater, her rival, a NewYork Times bestselling author and a Rich handsome bastard. Her words, not mine😅
Why is he there? What are his motives? Why is he so handsome?
(Nora's science questions)
This story is so goooood. Like it cannot be more perfect. The tension, the wit, the humour all of it, was perfect. I literally don't have more words to say.
The one liners, I freaking love them. I love Nora and John and love love love my Oaty Schmoaty💅💖 I loved how Otis was there for Nora, at every step but didn't hesitate to call out her mistakes. The relationship between Vivian and John was so wholesome. Those are the friends everybody needs in their lives.
It's so beautiful in so many ways. I love all of it, the two truths and a lie at the start of every chapter, the grief, the love, the fuck ups.
It made me laugh, cry, curious, giggle and gave me hope that maybe, it will be alright at the end.
And now, I need a movie out of this 😭 because you can never go wrong with this. Somebody get this rom-com on screen!!!!
P.S. What's up with all the rom-coms this year?!? They are sooo 🫠🫶

[Sonali Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a delightful yet heartfelt read. It mixes romance, comedy, second chances, and hidden truths, which made it stand out as a rom-com with depth. The story follows Nora Skye, a middle-class girl determined to save her late father’s bookstore by entering a competition, and John Kate, a famous author who joins the same competition but with motives of his own. Their paths cross in the most unexpected way, and I loved how their banter, secrets, and vulnerabilities slowly pulled them closer.

What stood out to me was how the book explored love, healing, and acceptance while still keeping the humor alive. Nora, with her strength despite scars from her past, and John, with the weight of his own hidden truths, were such layered characters. I especially loved how the competition wasn’t just about winning, but about rediscovering themselves. The chemistry was witty and warm, and the emotional moments balanced the laughter perfectly.

It did take me a little time to adjust to John’s secretive nature, but once the layers of his identity and reasons for joining the competition started unfolding, I was hooked. Every chapter gave me a little more insight into their messy, beautiful journey. The mix of romance, personal struggles, and hope made this such an engaging and touching story.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. It’s a rom-com with heart, and Nora & John’s journey from strangers to something more felt so real and meaningful. A wonderful story about love, loss, and finding happiness again.

Thank you so much @annieabel for writing such a beautiful book 💕

[Alaura Filbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Nora would say, THANK BOWIE! It's hard to articulate how much I loved reading this book, but it was EXACTLY my vibe. Fake dating is my favorite trope and I ate it UP! Swoony, hilarious, emotional, and expertly crafted. Nora and John are the grumpiest rivals to lovers in a fake dating situation while competing in a writing competition, all while facing the skeletons from their respective closets. While Nora is fighting to honor her father's legacy by keeping his bookstore open, John fights his attraction to her (well, kinda...) because he has his own reasons for entering the competition—even if he won't let those reasons slip. They're both so snarky and gone for each other, I love them. Nora's relationships with her mom and with Otis are both so crucial to the story and I loved how each arc played out, even when they were painful. The characters each face their insecurities and grief, they stumble through mistakes, and we come out the other side laughing through tears. The plot twists took me by surprise every time (because WOW) and it was a delight to see how everything fit together by the end. And the SPICE! I was screeching, kicking my feet, blushing, hitting pillows. Top tier. The fact that this is a debut blows my mind because Annie Abel has written pure gold and she deserves all the accolades for this delightful rom-com. TTAAL is an indisputable new favorite.

[Stella James · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two truths and a lie about this book:
-This book revived my love for romance books just when I was getting sick of predictable plots
-This book has zero plot twists
-I want to be best friends with Nora— she is everything!

You know how you hear people say they really want to get back to the good feels of a 90’s romcom? This book was IT! I even cried happy tears when I finished it.

The characters were great. Well developed and fully themselves from start to finish. Nora is the coolest girl ever and I identified with her brand of social anxiety. She was layered and made me laugh out loud and then groan in second hand embarrassment lol. She was REAL. And I loved it.

I really love the way Ashley Poston mixes elements of grief in her romances and Annie was able to incorporate this seamlessly. She had my heart fluttering one chapter, only to wrench in the next. While the romance was fun and hot and, at time, unpredictable in the best ways, Nora’s story was beautiful and heartfelt and inspiring.

The two truths and a lie before each chapter were also delightful! It gave you a small glimpse at what you were about to walk into.

And also, my lie from above is this book having no plot twists. Cause let me tell you, there’s a ton of them and while I guessed at some, others I never saw coming and they were great!

Highly recommend this book for those wanting a fun and flirty romance with heart

[Tierney Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

O M GGGG 😭
I have gone off the romance lately, tired of the same plot line over and over again. I did not have high hopes for this one but 😭😭😭 I HAVE NO WORDS 😭😭😭

I don't even know where to start. I loved it all sososo much and need this as a physical copy ASAP to keep as a trophy book.

There was so much more to this plot than your regular old romance book. The competition, the friendships, the family dymnamics, the exploration of grief, THE MULTIPLE PLOT TWIST I DIDN'T SEE COMING?!

AND OMG OTIS OMG DON'T GET ME STARTED ON OTIS 😭 All of the characters, major and minor, were so real. I had to wonder if they were based of actual people because I could seriously see them in my mind (which does not happen for me often).

And the endingggg?!?!?! No words. Just no words 😭

The inclusion of the two truths and a lie at the beginning of each chapter was also so much fun. It had me flicking pages to try and work out which one was the lie 😂

Honestly, I forget what happens in books once I've finished them but I can tell this one will be staying with me for a while ❤️

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at the edge of my seat. The push and pull from the characters was so perfect that I didn’t even mind that they kept putting off finally committing.

I loved the aspect of both characters being writers and how even though one was already published, John still saw Nora as an equal when it came to their writing and story telling. It showed really sportsmanship and devotion honestly. I felt like it was a love language on its own.

I loved how Nora didn’t let any obstacle stop her from getting her writing noticed to the point of going against all odds and stepping out of her comfort zone to have her voice heard.
I loved how John pretended to not take Nora seriously but he clearly saw so much potential on her.

Their actions towards each other was so cute I couldn’t help but gush. Especially whenever he would step in to save her from a tight bind whenever she would try and weasel herself out of a situation or conversation. It was as if even before they got together or started doing anything they were already very attune with each other.

I honestly really loved this story I finished it in one sitting!

Rate: 5🌟

[Jeanette Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave me all the romcom feels! A 6 ⭐️ read for me! Another favorite of 2025 to add to my list. I finished it in one day! Could not put it down. The way it had smiling, giggling and kicking my feet up. The way I swooned over the MMC, John Kater. The “You’ve Got Mail” references were everything(it’s my favorite Romcom btw). I loved the characters so much, they were all so memorable. Especially, Otis, he had me laughing several times. I also loved that the FMC, Nora’s mom’s name is Eva, which happens to be my mom’s name. This was a delightful slow burn romcom with just the right amount of spice. I know they say, not all books need to be adapted into films, but this is one book I’d love to see on the big screen!

Thank you so much to Annie Abel for the gifted eARC! I enjoyed every minute of it! I cannot wait to read more from you!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a triumph! Annie Abel has crafted this story beautifully . The story flows along like a song . Only the melody wrong with these two and their bickering until the flames of passion start flickering . In a cozy cabin for two the windows aren’t the only thing misting up with steam. Feminist space fuelled antics are Nora Skye’s literary bag. She’s hoping to have the competition in the bag when it comes to the battle of the publishing deal and Lea Elliot’s coveted legacy. That is ,until John Kater comes along . He doesn’t hate her far from it . Just a bit of fun he’s adept at turning on the charm to disarm her. She’s out to win all bets are off . And of this man she has had enough … if only she could tell her heart that because she needs the jump start to open up her fragile heart. This storyline is absolutely divine . The journey is awesome too . The storytelling is compelling phew 😮‍💨

[Drey Blackbeak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los primeros capítulos en la cabaña 10/10, el capítulo 43 10/10

El resto? entre meh y cringy. El libro tiene sus más y sus menos. Más de una vez los personajes me han dado el ick, pero creo que es algo propio de las romcoms..... que los personajes dan vergüenza ajena..... Además, el odio que le tiene Nora a John es ridículo, y el concurso todo el libro dándole bola para que al final acabe en...... Ajá. En fin.

Pero bueno, al principio estuve a punto de dejarlo por lo pesada que era Nora, pero la chiquilla solo tiene traumas. Y repito, los capítulos de la cabaña me han dado la vida. El jacuzzi?????? 😌✋️

[Kari Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun story written by Annie Abel.

Nora has a lot going on. Trying to save her dad's bookstore. Trying to deal with her mom's never ending grief at loosing her husband. She enters this contest to write one last story for another writer as a last ditch effort to deal with both problems.

John Krater, a popular sci-fi writer already, also enters into this contest. What is his motive though and will it backfire on Nora?

The chemistry between Nora and John is powerful. Will they be able to handle it?

I really enjoyed the story once I got into it. There was a lot going on in the story. I liked the characters a lot. The spice was not overwhelming, but definitely played well in the storyline.

Great effort by a new author!

[prachismusings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, especially the chapter headings, Two Truths & A Lie is definitely a really popular getting to know another person game but I haven't ever seen it get used in such a manner. So it's pretty unique in that sense.

And even the couple isn't sickly Sweet I mean I love my couples sweet but sometimes it does get a bit much.

They seem realistic? Maybe not ideal but good.

Also this book reads like a good fanfic. I love it 😭💕

[Chantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender, funny, slow-burn romance that feels like a blanket and a cup of tea on a snowy afternoon.

Nora Skye’s fight to save her father’s bookstore — and her rivalry with the infuriatingly charming John Kater — makes for a story full of heart, humor, and quiet depth. The snowy retreat setting is pure cozy magic, and the writing beautifully captures the joys and heartbreaks of creativity.

Perfect for anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers with warmth, wit, and a whole lot of heart.

[Amanda Sloothaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to kick Nora so many times, especially in the beginning. She's being mean and judgy, but is also stubborn and determined. She's chaos. Which, honestly, makes her such an relatable character and to see her grown (albeit a bit slow) through this story was a delight.

Then add in John Kater, the one person she hates most on the entire surface of the Earth and there comes the delicious tension. They're both complicated and butting heads at moments. It makes for a story that I wanted to keep reading despite wanting to slap Nora at times.

Overall, a good annoyance to lovers and a slow burn at that (if you ask me, there's nothing better than a good slow burn) novel that you will eat up!

A 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars for me.

[Storm ⛈️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension Queen!!

I love a spicy book the more spice the better therefore this book was slightly different that my normal 5 stars! The tension was unmatched and the build up was amazing, I found myself crying out of frustration for them to just hurry up and be happy! The ending was so rom-com but in literally the BEST way!

This book made me laugh, cry, scream into a pillow and both hate and love Annie at the same time!
For someone that loved a dark romance and spice this book was amazing and I’m sat I could only give it 5 stars not the 7 it deserves!
Everyone needs an Oatcake and I need his book! Xoxo

[Melody Ludholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora and John are complete opposites. Nora is a literal disaster with brilliant ideas and a killer best friend who supports and backs her up. John is the best selling author who puts on a front with his best friend Vivian who is his fake fiancee. Throw in a writing contest they both enter and qualify as top five and a really fat cat. This is such a well written story and i definitely could not put it down. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What attracted me to Two Truths and a Lie in the first place was the main characters being both writers and rivals. This book is one of the best reads I've had. I liked Nora and John very much and found them relatable and adorable. I loved their relationship and the slowburn added so much to their attraction and to the tension. Loved this book!

[Shannon Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this a pretty decent book. I was given the opportunity to read and review this as an ARC. I will recommend this book.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

a smutty romance, enemies to lovers theme. I think the fmc bedtime friend is my favorite character. I like that shes not a typical character kind of dark and moody.

[Rianne Van Der Heiden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I just fles through the book and couldn’t put it down. Loved the slowburn and chemistry between Nora and John. Didn’t see that big plottwist coming! Real shocker. Annie Abel wrote a stellar debut roman that has you hooked from beginning till the end! Thanks @anniewithapennie and @happilybookedpr for letting me read Two truths and a lie!

[Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Truths and a Lie by Annie Abel is a charming and heartwarming romcom that quickly stole my heart, largely thanks to its adorably clumsy female main character. Abel masterfully crafts a protagonist who is relatable, genuine, and utterly lovable—flaws and all. Her endearing awkwardness and sincere moments of vulnerability make her stand out in a sea of typical romance heroines.The story’s warmth and humor are perfectly balanced with engaging drama and romantic tension, creating a narrative that’s as fun as it is emotionally satisfying. The FMC’s mishaps and genuine personality light up the pages, making her journey one readers can genuinely root for. This novel captures the chaos of falling in love with all the messiness and magic that entails, and the FMC embodies that beautifully.Annie Abel’s writing style flows effortlessly, drawing readers in with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and characters who feel real and complex. This book is a celebration of imperfections and the joy found in the unexpected, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys romcoms that feel both fresh and deeply sincere.