Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé

Buffed & Polished #2

by Liz Alden

Every time Rory Fox walks into my small-town bar with her leather jacket, dark braids, and resting bitch face, I fall a bit more in love.

That’s right, folks, I’m officially off the market and hanging up my reputation.

She’s the grumpy to my sunshine, the black cat to my golden retriever, the Morticia Addams to my Gomez—without the accents and the creepy kids.

Rory’s an outsider in the small town of Here, New York, but as we Herevians like to say—you belong Here. Or at least, they do as long as the town can stay alive. The ski resort that brings in tourists is up for sale and our jobs are all at stake.

When I inherit my grandmother’s enormous diamond ring, I know exactly what to do with it—sell it and use the money to pool together with my friends and save our town. If only my terrible family—my negligent mom and small-time drug dealing brother—don’t hear about this windfall.

But first, I’m going to pull the biggest prank of my life—in front of the whole bar, I’m gonna propose to Rory.

I hope she’ll laugh her head off.

Instead . . . she says yes.

Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé features fake dating, small-town romance, and a smitten hero who falls in love despite her claws. There’s a cranky meddling grandmother, found family, and a biker chick who uses eye rolls and deadpan humor to protect her soft and gooey heart. This steamy romance is book two in the Buffed & Polished series, but can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

My Direct Store: https://lizalden.myshopify.com/

2026 Releases
Bailey Bangs Her Brother’s Best Friend: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Bailey
Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Rory
Cava with My Colleague: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/Cava
The Gift of the Matchmaker: https://www.lizalden.com/ubl/matchmaker


About Liz

I spent ten years traveling the world on a sailboat with my husband. He is not a secret rockstar, nor a grumpy farmer, nor a coworker I accidentally saw naked. I only see him naked intentionally.

Many of my books are based on my travels all over the world – from the Caribbean to Polynesia to Europe. I know exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped in to friends worldwide. I’ve been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally I get paid to write or sail.

Now I’m in my small town era, both in fiction and real life. I live in Western Massachusetts with a big backyard that would be perfect for a goat if only SOMEONE would let me have one. I like my men to be sweethearts, the bedroom door wide open (with a splash of something new!) and the women to be independent and mature.

You can read free short stories in all her series at https://www.lizalden.com/

Connect with Liz:
Facebook > https://facebook.com/lizaldenwriter
Twitter > https://twitter.com/lizaldenwriter
Instagram > https://instagram.com/lizaldenwriter
Pinterest > https://www.pinterest.com/lizaldenwri...

Reviews

[Aga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Liz Alden and NetGalley for this ARC, out May 26th.

This is the second book in the Buffed & Polished series, and it was such a sweet, spicy, small-town romance.

Rory is pure cat energy: independent, sharp, opinionated, and absolutely not here to be managed by anyone. She is also caring for her even more opinionated grandma, who is a whole personality in herself.

Morgan, on the other hand, is giving full golden retriever vibes — which feels very fitting considering he owns a golden called Princess. He works at the bar, side hustles at Buffed & Polished with his friends, and has the kind of found-family village around him that makes small-town romance so comforting. But underneath all that warmth, he is also dealing with a very toxic mother and brother, and my heart did hurt for him.

When Morgan fake-proposes to Rory, she says yes to stop her grandma from moving to yet another home across the country. Practical? Yes. Chaotic? Also yes. But Rory has no idea that Morgan’s feelings are becoming very real, very fast — and suddenly this fake engagement might not be so fake after all.

This was such a lovely story about two fiercely independent people, both shaped by difficult pasts, learning how to trust, soften, and open themselves up to love. Sweet, spicy, emotional, and full of small-town charm.

I need another book in a series.

A 5-star read for me.

[Syduction · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️|🌶️🌶️

Read if you 🖤
💍 fake dating/engagement
🏍️ black cat/golden retriever (both figuratively and literally)
🍺 found family
🖤 small towns
📦 surprise sex toy shipments
👵 manipulative grannies (but like in a mostly good way?)

Rory Rides her Fake Fiancé is book 2 in the Buffed and Polished series, and follows Morgan, a hometown here(o) with a tumultuous family life, and Rory, a a nomad orphan with avoidance issues. Despite that fact that everything about their own personal situations and histories scream enemies, the pair have a banter-heavy, flirtatious patron-bartender relationship until a joke goes awry and they find themselves pretending to be engaged for the sake of Rory’s very perceptive, blunt, and nosy grandmother.

There’s spice, banter, meddling friends, a very minor suspense subplot, and animals that essentially replicate their respective MCs to an absolute T. The only reason I rated it a 4 star is because I do think there were some aspects that felt a little rushed (or even summarized/skipped over) and others that we lingered on a bit too long.

I received an advanced ebook copy from Liz Arden via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series and more fun ensues. This book is about Morgan a bar tender and Rory the enigmatic biker who rides into town every two weeks. I don't give spoilers so you can read the other reviews for those. What you do need to know is that there are more fascinating and quirky characters in this book as in the first one. Each one is really well fleshed out and the humour that a lot of them bring to this book is just wonderful.
We have Morgan and his exuberant dog Princess, Rory the spiky and intriguing biker and her grandma who nearly steals the whole show.
The story is incredibly well written and once you start you won't be able to put this book down.
As ever I give warnings in case anyone is upset by certain things, this book has some blooming marvellous sex scenes in it and if that offends you I think this may not be for you. I really enjoyed them however, they are incredibly well written as you would expect from this author. There aren't many and they certainly don't overtake the storyline.
I would whole heartedly recommend this book that can be read as a stand alone but if you read the first book then the characters in this one may make more sense.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rory & Morgan ❤️

⛷️Morgan works as the bartender in the Catskills town of Here. He’s created a found family of friends who support and care for him since his own family’s causes more trouble than they are worth.

⛷️When Rory, a biker with black cat energy returns to the bar every two weeks, Morgan starts looking out for her, calling her “his queen”. What he doesn’t know is that Rory’s stops at the bar are when she’s in town to visit her grandmother, her only relative, at the care home.

⛷️When Morgan plays a trick on Rory, asking her to marry him, the last thing he’s expecting is for her to accept. Soon the story is going to come back to bite them.

✏️This is the second story in this sweet series, it follows Bailey and Silas’s, friends of Morgan’s, story. I loved pairing of the dark and mysterious Rory and obvious people pleaser, dad of doggie Princess (get it?) Morgan. The banter is great, and I wasn’t sure where some of the suspense was going. The stories loop from one to the next, can’t wait to see how the future of Here turns out.

Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/read.athon2021

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Buffed & Polished series, which is set in a small town called Here. :) I have read the first book & really enjoyed it, but the books are interconnected standalones, so you don't have to have read the first book.

I really love the friend group that this series portrays! They do a good job doing life together & being intentional about getting together regularly.

This book is about Morgan (one of the friend group), who is a bartender (& part time cleaner with his group of friends who do "strip cleaning") and Rory... I love Rory's grandma! She's sassy and classy and adds a lot to the book!

The book is full of LOL moments - I love the box of toys that was delivered to their door. 😂😂

The one thing I didn't like about the book (and why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5) is that Rory is bi... I feel like it was 100% unnecessary & didn't add anything to the story.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author (Liz Alden), publisher & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Buffed and Polished series, a standalone with interconnected characters from the small town of Here. Morgan is the bartender and one of Kit’s cleaners, I mean who doesn’t love a man who cleans? Topless might I add! - Sold already!! He also fell in love at first sight with Rory, with all his sunshine golden retriever vibes - aka absolute sap for her. Rory on the other hand is ALL black cat, she’s sassy, guarded, a little bit grumpy and all dressed in black to go with the attitude. Between her eye rolls and Morgan’s banter, it’s no wonder the chemistry these two have is sizzling. Despite the book title, it’s a slow burn of forced proximity tension, lingering looks and make you melt kisses because Morgan is playing the long game with skittish Rory, and boy does that pay off! All the family found vibes for this one as Rory finally belongs Here!! Loved it, love the series so far and can’t wait for more!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Liberty Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is going to be good when you laugh out loud reading the Dedication. I did just that, and I loved, loved, loved every minute of this book. Be warned, though, that once you start reading, you won't want to stop. Morgan is the perfect golden retriever hero (ironically having one named Princess). He is a goofball, hiding the hurt left behind by an abusive drug addict mother and brother. He hides his affection for Rory under playfulness that will make you laugh (when he dances at the bar, I laughed so hard my husband asked what was so funny).

Rory is a black cat FMC with a hidden backstory that makes her runner when it comes to relationships. Her grandmother is cantankerous, but they love each other. It's decisions related to that relationship that drive most of the book.

The sale of the ski resort continues to drive a significant subplot of this interconnected series. I cannot wait for Kit's book.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A hilarious - and VERY steamy - romance of a grump and a sunshine. Rory even has a grumpy cat while Morgan has a bouncy golden retriever. (Its not a subtle book.) Morgan flirts outrageously with Rory every time she comes to the bar he bartends at, hoping to bring a smile to her face.

When Morgan inherits a ginormous diamond ring, he knows he is going to sell it to help invest in his best friend's business idea that will help save the small town from economic ruin - but first, he thinks it would hilarious to use it to fake propose to Rory, just to make her laugh.

Rory, meanwhile, is dealing with a grandmother even more grumpy than her, who has been prodding her to get out more and find someone. When a giant diamond ring is thrust in her face, she kneejerk says yes - and Rory and Morgan find themselves in a fake!engagement. Rory wants to make her grandma happy, and get her off her back about dating for a minute - and Morgan is willing to go along just to make Roy happy.

The book is almost constantly funny, even when the steam is turned up, but balances thigs out from becoming too saccharine by both having some heavy emotional baggage to deal with.

It is a quick, fun read and I heartily recommend if you are in the mood for funny and a rock solid guarantee of a happy ending.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about Morgan, the bartender, that brightens Rory's day. Every two weeks she stops in for a beer and tots and the welcome that only he can give. Morgan is completely infatuated with Rory, though she believes he is just flirting as part of his job. When he proposes to her as a joke to make her smile, she says yes. They agree to a fake romance to appease her grandmother and spend the next few months getting closer. Grandma makes sure to push them together as much as possible to try and speed things along. When she discovers the engagement is a fake, everything stops in it's tracks. Will Rory discover she really misses him? Is it too late? Sweet and steamy with many cameos from Here, NY. Great second installment into the series that just keeps getting better. Really fun read.

[Julie Unold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the series, set in the town of Here. What I love about it is that I get to 'see' my favs from book one, Bailey and Silas, while getting a good look at some characters I've 'met' in passing. When books create a little haven for me, I'm thrilled. We saw a bit of Morgan, but this time around, our favorite bartender is front and center. While you don't need to read book 1...let's be honest, you want to!

While Morgan gives off golden retriever vibes, Rory isn't a gal who is easily led. A little trauma goes a long way, and I love how their lives intertwine and how they support each other! Of course, there's a bit of drama, but knowing who has your back and having faith in them is truly the gooey center of this book. Happy ending with a nice tease for book 3. If you are interested in a feel-good book, look no further!

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé. Learning more about the small town of Here and the people there is so good, I loved them in book 1 and seeing them in book 2 has only made me love them more. Morgan and Rory had chemistry from the beginning and I loved their banter. Rory had a really strong personality but was also really kind and had her own insecurities she battled. Morgan was like a walking green flag. He was such a good man and really protective of Rory I really like how we see him step in when he feels someone might be hurting Rory. Morgan’s friend group (the same ones we met in book 1) are such awesome friends and I love getting to know them more. I adore the animals in this series. I’m super excited about some of the ideas floated in this book and can’t wait to read more about them and see what happens in book 3!

[Derice Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and advance copy of this book & all the opinions are my own.
I loved this book & cannot wait to read more books that include Morgan and his group of friends. I also enjoy reading about the creative way the guys clean housed for extra money. Rory was a surprise that slowly revealed itself. She didn't want to fall for Morgan because she didn't know how long she would be around but he worked his way into her heart & had you rooting for the couple to get together. Liz writes quirky characters that you love to meet and the next story appears to be another adventure waiting to be revealed.

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, cozy, and an easy follow-up to the first book in the series. Rory and Morgan fully lean into the black cat/golden retriever dynamic… like, even down to the pets… which was a little on the nose, but still worked because their personalities balanced each other so well. 🐈‍⬛🐕💛

I liked that it touched on deeper themes without getting too heavy, keeping things light and readable. The small-town, found family vibes were definitely the highlight again, and the community felt warm and supportive in a way that made this a super cozy read. ✨

Thank you to NetGalley and Liz Alden for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute, quick read.

This book is the second in the Buffed & Polished series, and is a significant step up from the first book. It's clear the author has progressed in skill and storytelling since the earlier book in this series.

Morgan is a delightful golden retriever MMC and Rory is a perfect black cat match. The fact that he has a golden retriever, and she has a black cat is a bit on the nose, but they make a nice contribution to the story.

And I just love a crotchety meddling old lady trope.

Will definitely continue with the series, even if the titles are a bit silly.

Thanks to Liz Alden & NetGalley for the opportunity to read & review!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. Morgan — bartender and occasional half-naked house cleaner — is completely smitten with Rory from the start. Rory, with her motorcycle and tough exterior, is much harder to crack. But when she agrees to his spontaneous proposal, the chaos and chemistry really kick in.

The town of Here feels like its own character, and between the quirky friends and Grandma stealing scenes, it’s impossible not to smile while reading. What starts as a fake engagement quickly turns into something very real, and the chemistry between Morgan and Rory is absolutely 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Loved every minute of it.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh Rory and Morgan. The true definition of black cat X golden retriever vibes!

Rory is our motorcycle babe that is a tough nut to crack. And Morgan is our flirty bartender who makes it his goal to crack Rory! 

And he does in every way! 

I absolutely adored the addition of Rory's bisexuality and how it was handled! We seriously need more bi positivity in romance books and Liz did a beautiful job!

If you live for a meddling grandmother, small town and maybe a couple of surprises you’ll absolutely adore this sweet (and spicy 🤭) romance book.

As usual Liz leaves me begging for the next book because how can you end it here! I must have Kits story, like now!

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Here and completely obsessed all over again 🩷 Small town shenanigans, a golden retriever MMC with endless charm, and a black cat FMC who never stood a chance? Absolutely my kind of book.

Morgan is impossible not to love. He’s sweet, funny, determined, and somehow manages to charm literally everyone around him… including Rory’s crotchety grandma 😂 Watching Rory slowly crumble under the force of his sunshine personality was perfection.

This series already has me in a chokehold and now I’m counting down the days until Kit & [REDACTED]’s story 👀

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manipulating Grandma
Hilarious! Romantic and funny. Morgan is such a sweetheart and the way he charms everybody, making friends with everybody, shaking the bad influence from his mother and brother is just heartwarming. Finding out halfway through the story why Rory is as pricky as a porcupine leads to understanding and forgiveness. The cat and the dog – and of course grandma – are the reason for many laughs and more warm feelings. It’s all happening Here. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Morgan and Rory are intriguing characters who captured my attention from the start and held it until the very end. I enjoyed their romance and the path it took to get to their HEA. These two are fun to spend time with, and I hope we get to see more of them in the rest of the series. The secondary characters – both human and animal – added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

Check the trigger warnings

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series is another fun installment by Liz Alden.
Rory Rides gives us Rory, a chick in a leather jacket, who rides into town every 2 other week to visit her grandmother. She looks the part of a motorcycle girl.
Morgan, the local small-town bartender, instantly is attracted to Rory at first sight. He loves his small town and they take the place of his family, which is pretty dysfunctional.
We have fake dating/engagement, lots of spice and a sweet small town to love. There are some very good spicey scenes that I enjoyed.
Liz Alden writes novels that make me smile and swoon.

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Morgan is so swoony and every time he says “ My Queen” it makes me think of Westley saying “As You Wish.” Morgan and Rory have such different personalities. Morgan is a happy, fun guy and Rory is a snarky, deadpanned woman. She doesn’t want him to see her amusement at his behavior, but she just can’t help it, which totally eggs him on. I loved seeing her slowly getting immersed into Here. Her grandma was a hoot and I loved how Morgan just accepted her cranky self and won her over the same way he did Rory.

[danie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Liz and Netgalley for the ARC!

Liz is by far one of the best small town romance writers out there. I thought Bailey's story was great, but Rory's was even better. The writing was incredible, the story flowed well, it was low-angst, which I personally enjoy, and overall it was just a great story. Morgan was a great character, I absolutely loved all of his POV'S and watching as he got Rory to slowly fall in love with him was great. I can't wait for the next one in the series!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan and Rory had chemistry from the beginning and I loved their banter. Rory had a really strong personality but was also really kind and had her own insecurities she battled. Morgan was like a walking green flag. He was such a good man and really protective of Rory. I really like how we see him step in when he feels someone might be hurting Rory. Morgan’s friend group (the same ones we met in book 1) are such awesome friends and I love getting to know them more.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I loved every second of it. It moved really fast but it was well written and everything made sense. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!! I’ve become addicted to Liz Alden books. They are always quick spicy and heartwarming reads. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rory Rides Her Fake Fiancé is the second book in the Buffed and Polished series by Liz Alden. The titles in this series are catchy. The start of the book was very interesting, but it slowed down a little in the middle. However, I liked the characters, especially the grandma, though a side character. Nice read.
I got the ARC from the author via Netgalley. This is my honest feedback

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

I was not expecting this to be a slow burn but it really worked for them. Rory needed time to trust Morgan and see that she could belong. They were really cute and I love the friend group.

I received an arc through netgalley.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great small town romance. Funny, steamy-sweet, with lots of chemistry.. Very likable characters.

[Victoria Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Buffed & Polished series. Morgan is the outgoing bartender that everyone loves, he moonlights for his friend’s (topless) cleaning service. Yes please!! Kayla is a bit of a loaner who is trying to keep her grandmother happy. The last thing she wanted let alone expected was to actually fall in love. These characters are so relatable and funny. This book has all the feels and fun. I can’t wait for the next one!!!