Unlucky in Love

Unlucky In Love

by Kiva Hart

Two hearts, one night, and the kind of magic only New Year’s Eve can bring.

Event planner Lina Ramírez has one never mix business with heartbreak. But when her ex hires her firm to plan his engagement gala, pride won’t let her refuse. The problem? She can’t face him alone.

Enter Theo Calder—a charming actor who agrees to play the part of her perfect boyfriend for one unforgettable New Year’s Eve. What starts as a practical arrangement soon turns into something real as midnight—and their chemistry—steal the spotlight.

Set against glittering lights and second chances, Unlucky in A Contemporary Romance With A Little Bit of New Year’s Eve Magic is a sweet fake-dating romantic comedy about love found when plans fall apart.
Perfect for fans of Hallmark warmth and happily ever afters.

Genres: Romance, Novella

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 9, 2025

About the author

Kiva Hart is a passionate romance author known for her ability to weave steamy, heart-pounding love stories with unforgettable characters. With a love for exploring intense chemistry, forbidden romance, and emotional conflict, Kiva creates stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's enemies turning into lovers, brooding heroes falling for bright-eyed heroines, or love blossoming in the most unexpected circumstances, Kiva’s books are filled with sizzling tension and heart-stopping moments.

Reviews

[Nadine Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faking it makes it Real!

5🌟
Theo is by far the best! Adrian can go kick rocks. Lina deserves the joy, light and color Theo brings as her hired boyfriend for the gala that she had to throw for her ex Adrian and his fiancee. Theo has her back in every manner, and best believe Lina's boundaries begin to crack with how charming he is. Adrian continues to make digs at Lina in regards to Theo and her professionalism, and Theo stands up, defending Lina every time. A blow up happens, Lina says its not real but after a visit from Adrian one night to her apartment, she realizes that she indeed does want Theo. Love the happy ending epilogue and Mark's little snippets.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, Hallmark-like rom-com. Fake boyfriend turned real boyfriend- what more could you want? This story follows a successful event planner, Lina, who has been asked to plan the engagement party of her ex. She agrees but also hires an actor to be her pretend boyfriend at the engagement party. What starts as a business deal- turns into actual love. This was a cute story that gave you all the feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Asulley4785 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love is a delightful, heartwarming romance that perfectly balances humor, tension, and heartfelt moments. Kiva Hart does an incredible job bringing Lina and Theo to life—Lina’s wit and charm perfectly complement Theo’s protective yet vulnerable nature. Their chemistry leaps off the page, making every interaction feel authentic and engaging.
I loved how the story explored the ups and downs of love, the little moments of awkwardness, and the deep emotional connection that grows between the characters. The plot moves at a comfortable pace, with just the right amount of conflict and tension to keep me hooked from start to finish.
This book is a perfect mix of sweet, steamy, and laugh-out-loud moments. Kiva Hart has a real talent for crafting relatable characters and memorable romantic moments. Unlucky in Love is an absolute must-read for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy a story that’s as heartwarming as it is fun.

I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[Sandy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable, lighthearted, grin-inducing, sentimental story.
Lina - rational, structured, spreadsheets, order, lined up, rigid, guarded. Theo - a dreamer, charming, kindhearted, irresistible, spontaneous, confident, chaotic. He disarms her, loosens up, makes her smile and laugh. Time for assessment, changes, and acceptance.
Their childhood defines their past and present, but being together, they complement each other, making something new, something great.

I should check out the swing dance to remind myself what it looks like.
Interesting to know what Theo's latest job will be.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kiva's Unlucky in Love series, and this might have been my favorite. The story of Lina and Theo is beautiful, though she hires him to be her fake boyfriend, it feels like she opens the door to feeling again. I love the way Theo is ths sunshine in this story, I think you will want your own Theo by the time you finish reading the book. As always the book is fast paced, and you get trapped in how beautifully the story develops. You will want to watch out for Theo's roommate, and all the humour in this book. I just loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Lina and Theo...this is their story.... a fun fast paced rom/com drama.... Lina is an event planner and it's New Year's Eve but, her ex hired her company for his engagement party and she just can't arrive alone.. she just can't !! so, she hires Theo, an actor to play her devoted boyfriend for the night... he's swoony and perfect !! but, he's just acting right ? so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachelle Whynott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the first three unlucky in love books but this by far is my favorite of them. I feel like Theo was a walking green flag. The story between Lina and Theo was sweet and pure. Theo gave Lina time to think, relax and really figure out what she wanted. He wasn’t pushy or trying to put her in boxes that stopped her growth or her personality which is the exact opposite of her ex. I loved watching Lina grow into herself at the gentle encouragement of Theo. This was very well written and I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fatima Salih · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic firecracker bursting with charm and emotional vulnerability. Lina’s determination to stay composed and Theo’s steady warmth make for irresistible tension. Their pretend relationship slips into sincerity with every stolen glance, every unexpected softness. Set against the shimmer of New Year’s Eve, this book delivers joy, redemption, and the thrill of love found just after everything falls apart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for Unlucky in Love: A Contemporary Romance with a bit of New Year's Eve Magic...

Lina is a even planner she heirs Theo to be her fake boyfriend he is an actor for he exs engagement party on New Years Eve that she has to plan. They have a great time. After he did such a good job that she get his boss to give him a permanent job that that create just for Theo. These two are perfect together. Theo helps her slow down and shows her their is more to life than he schedule and spread sheets. Off to read the next one.

[Reann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Unlucky in Love series, and this might just be my new favorite book! I read it in one sitting and stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it—it was impossible to put down.

Theo Calder kept a smile on my face for the entire book, not to mention on Lina’s (the FMC) face as well. He was the perfect fake boyfriend in more ways than one. I especially loved how supportive he was of Lina, always encouraging her without putting her down or trying to take over. Their chemistry and dynamic were just wonderful.

This is a sweet, delightful read that truly captures the magic of New Year's Eve. Highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight to read!

A love story at its best - where the spreadsheet icequeen meets the funny, supporting and kind jester that makes her cold heart thaw and brings color to her monochrome life.
Lina and Theo has the meet-cute of a lifetime and the sweetest love confession in form of an employment contract just to stay in each others orbit.

Will 10/10 recommend you to read this and I could see myself re-reading this as a seasonal shot of love near the end of the year.

[Tylar Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story about Lina and Theo, two completely opposite people who managed to bring out the best in themselves. Lina an event planner is hired to plan her exs engagement party and hires Theo an out of work actor to be her boyfriend for the event. She's meticulous and he's spontaneous but they work. Very sweet short romantic book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Unlucky in Love series so much - funny, entertaining, sweet and emotionally deep.
Lina and Theo is real power couple. He is the chaos to her control, the Jazz to her spreadsheet, her hired temptation. Professional Charmer. Loved this duo, their interactions and jitterbugging.
Engaging and funny read, you can't stop smiling while reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

STOP wasting anymore time and start reading this 5-star romance book by Kiva TODAY. It is a romantic story about Maeve and Eli that have a type of romance that is sweet and romantic. If there was just one romance book out there that I thought should become a movie that Kira has written it would be this one right here. It's that terrific of a story.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an adorable read. It’s not spicy if that’s what you’re looking for. It is however, a cute book about two people who were antisocial introverts who against the odds they fall in love. This book had me smiling and it’s just a feel good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chyenne Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start with awe! This book was delightful and adorable. This is the type of partner you wish to find in life—someone who sees you value even in the quirks you use as armor. One hundred percent would recommend to a friend to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth story in Unlucky in Love, another engaging short story in the series. Lina and Theo's story was exceptionally well-written, featuring great characters and a compelling storyline that culminated in a very satisfying happy ending. I highly recommend it! I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlucky in Love: A Contemporary Romance With A Little Bit Of New Year's Eve Magic is the fourth book in the Unlucky in Love series. This was a sweet, quick read romance that kept you turning the pages and rooting for the characters. I enjoyed this book and this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lina is in a bit of a pickle when her ex hires her company. Theo is there to help her out. I love the unexpected feelings and connection that Lina and Theo have. I loved that Lina overcame the mental struggles she was dealing with right on New Year's Eve. I loved this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot - I kind of wish it was longer though! The potential is there for it but other than that a great read!

I loved the way the characters were created and the tension between Lina and her ex - and the way Theo stands up for her!! I love it!

I really recommend this series of Unlucky in Love - these are short and sweet clean romances that is perfect for the holidays!

[Lauren Meuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet Hallmark like story and another great addition in the series, but I find that it can be read as a standalone. I loved the setting and the description of everything and how the characters changed throughout the story. I highly recommend this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, great characters, banter, fake relationship, drama, holiday romance, steamt and HEA.
This one is my favorite out of the Unlucky In Love series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must-read. Lina is an event planner that hires Theo to be her fake boyfriend and ends up turning into her real boyfriend. This is an adorably sweet lighthearted contemporary read with delightfully sweet moments and some loud out loud moments.

[Arabella Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this book had me laughing, I couldn't put the book down, let's just say I was ready to call out for work. This is a good book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassandra Chanthachaem · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a cute romance book. Simple hallmark feel. You can picture and feel all the emotion in the writing.

[Kennedy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book i love the storyline and characters thanks for writing it can't wait for the next one.

[Sarah Bogunovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It reminded me of a hallmark movie and it was so sweet, a quick read too. I read it in 2 sittings😋