Guess and Pray

Wilcox Grove #3

by Kim Swizz

Eli Chambers doesn't do relationships. He respects the hell out of women, but that linked-life, tied-together, found-your-person setup is not for him, and he's always sure to be clear about that. Still, he's a damn good time...

Iris Sutton is a young, single mom whose life revolves around her daughter and her dedication to her job as a paralegal. She's responsible, dedicated, controlled, reliable—she's stable. And when the boy-turned-man from her past pops back up, she knows that what Eli offers is all wrong for what she needs.

After a few stumbles, Eli and Iris find themselves fast friends, battling through the challenges tax season loves to bring. But things get tricky when Iris's unwelcome ex, Archer, blows into town and demands she return to him. In a panic, Iris claims Eli as her very serious boyfriend. Ever the protective and helpful friend, Eli steps up to maintain the ruse until Archer takes the hint and gets lost.x

A fake relationship doesn't count, and feelings won't get involved. This is going to be just fine...

Guess and Pray is a small-town, fake dating, single parent, opposites attract, open-door romance.

352 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

After nearly half a decade of practicing law, Kim Swizz is now a recovering attorney, living her best life writing small-town romance. Kim has always had a passion for creative writing but has never published a novel (unless you count the book she wrote and had bound in first grade, a titillating story entitled “The Cat is Eating”) — until now. She is excited to leave behind the days of drafting contracts and start this new chapter.

A forever Jersey girl turned former Arizona resident, Kim now calls Boston home with her husband, though they love to travel together.

When she is not writing spicy scenes or making her readers cry, you can find her crocheting tiny things, knitting, embroidering, cross-stitching, bullet journaling — you get the point.

Kim is never without her emotional support Kindle and is an avid F1 fan, keeping up with news on all of the drivers, but mostly Carlos Sainz.

Kim is an unapologetic Disney adult who loves the smell of fall, small animals, and dancing her heart out (and Carlos Sainz).

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

your honor, she slayed again

[mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

slutty eli my man my man my man

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing third book to the Wilcox Grove series and I’m so happy we’re back!

This might have been the sweetest book in the series. A small town romance with found family and a single mom learning to do something for herself again. Iris was a strong FMC who constantly puts her daughter Sam first. Seeing her allow the joy to find her was beautiful.

Now Iris has met our MMC Eli in the past but he doesn’t remember her. Honestly I was expecting a bigger punch on why he couldn’t remember her but that’s okay. I forgive it because Eli was exactly what our girl needed. The way he protects not just Iris but Sam as well? My ovaries were fainting. Archer can go kick rocks trying to disturb the peace but also bless his dumb actions for bringing Iris and Eli together. His reasoning to not wanting a relationship made sense but also maybe he needed a year of therapy. I’m glad to see him progress enough to allow himself that love he didn’t realize he wanted. Things get mildly spicy. I give it 2 🌶️ out of 5.

I also loved seeing the other two couples and seeing one of them really take the next step! I love a good epilogue. 🥹

Overall a cute and entertaining read. Counting down the days when we hopefully come back to this small town. Thank you so much Kim Swizz for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Ila Sikorski · Rating 5 out of 5]

the most beautiful “ending” to wilcox grove. for those who maybe need the reminder that it’s never too late for a new beginning.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful to have received an ARC of this book! And I was so excited to return to Wilcox Grove.

I loved Wilcox Grove from the start with the small town New England vibe and dynamic characters (ahem, even the side characters like Grateful Bob 🩷).

That being said, Guess and Pray was absolutely my favorite of the three. I tried to savor this book and not read too fast, but I couldn’t put it down and devoured it.

Eli, the man that you are. 💕

Highly recommend this one!

[Kay Hersh · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

4.5⭐️

“You have every right to do what you want to do for you sometimes. You can be a good mom and be good to yourself at the same time,”

Thank you Eli (& Kim) for this reminder ❤️
I loved and appreciated Guess & Pray so much. As a mom, seeing how Eli treated and loved Iris’ daughter hit right in the ovaries. And I adored how much Eli made sure Iris knew it was okay to be Iris too. And loved her curvy body too 😉

Iris is a baddie and an incredible mom, and deserves her guard dog, Eli. And Piper was right: “I just want to point out that all the romance books with fake dating end with the couple realizing they’ve got real feelings for each other,” Piper says ominously.

And I’m a sucker for fake dating.

You’re gonna want to read this if you love:
❄️ Opposites Attract
❄️ Fake Dating
❄️ Single Mom
❄️ No-Dating MMC
❄️ Small Town

These books will forever hold a special place in my heart. Barefoot Lake was my first ever ARC, the first time I was brave enough to try something out of my comfort zone by applying to be an ARC reader and reviewing. Then Barefoot Lake became one of my favorite books (peep my favorites shelf on StoryGraph) and now I recommend it to everyone I know. And now here I am, having been an ARC reader for In the Stars Rewritten AND Guess and Pray — the whole series. What an honor, truly.

Kim, thank you for the opportunity to read these ARCs and for giving us characters that feel like family. Can’t wait to read what you create next ❤️

[Parker parkers_bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easily takes the cake for my favorite book in this series. I thought these two were so unbelivable cute and the daughter is written so well. I get annoyed when the kids are there just for the troupe, it feels unrealistic. This cute little sweetheart of a kiddo is here throughout the whole book in her own fun quirky ways. It added a lot of fun layers to the story. The couple on their own are so amazing- we’ve got Iris, our single mom. She’s a queen, she's a diva, she's raising a kid all on her own without complaint. She loves her life in Wilcox Grove (I would too). She’s relatable. Despite her blood family not being supportive and making her think she can’t do this on her own she's a full DIVA! She’s got it. Eli- oh my LORD ELI!!!!!! I have no real words just lots of reactions of me screaming crying screaming throwing my book and doing a demonic ritual to make this man real and make him mine. He’s- everything. Respectful when he needs to be- disrespectful when he needs to be... he's a gentleman- he's good with the kiddo- he's a dream. I loved this more then words. Ill never tire of Wilcox Grove

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author. I have been a fan from the first two books in the Wilcox Grove universe! I first met Kim Swizz at Fan Expo Boston, and I fell in love with her writing and her small town romance books!
I really enjoyed the third installment of the interconnected standalone romance novels. Eli and Iris are such a cute and fun couple to get to know in their story. Throughout the whole story I had trouble putting my kindle down because I wanted to just keep reading! Eli is such an enjoyable character, on how he just wants to be the guy to help others, his family, his friends and now even Iris with her daughter. Those interactions were very heart warming. I hope to see more of Wilcox Grove in the future.
I highly recommend this story, and while it is a stand alone book... I suggest reading the first two installments to get to know the side characters in the story, and to see Eli before we actually get to know him more.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Sutton is a single young mother to a smart four daughter called Sammy and works at her uncle law firm as a paralegal . She has friends that spent time with but all of them are in relationships and the only single man of the group is Eli Chambers a known playboy with golden heart . Eli is an accountant and with the tax season approaching he works with her as he does her uncle taxes for the law firm so they spent a lot of time working side by side and even have Sammy with them . Eli is attracted by Iris but he doesn't do relationships . When Iris ex boyfriend and father of Sammy comes at her work and tells her that he want to be a family she tells him that she is dating with Eli so he can stop bothering her . When he doesn't stop Eli and Iris are start going on a dates around Wilcox Grove to been seen . But their friendship turns to a love that will unites them .
I received this book from the author and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

i dont really read a single mom x playboy trope but this was probably my favorite book of the wilcox grove trilogy🥹 it may be the nerd in me and having just graduated from law school last year, but i loved all the legal things sprinkled in from everything tax law to the RO, to iris finally embarking on the journey of becoming a lawyer, her dream job🥺

i had the honor of meeting kim at two book events for her previous wilcox grove books and loved how her experience and knowledge as a former tax attorney were incorporated in this story. of course, i love kid characters and sam was def the highlight for me, esp since she loves to read🫶 and eli with his fear of losing someone you feel so strongly for/love so deeply + having someone else’s happiness tied to you was something so relatable🥺 can’t wait to see what kim has in store next, i absolutely loved my time at wilcox grove and again so wish literary lake/barefoot bake existed irl!!

thank you to the author herself for an e-ARC!!🩵

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Swizz...what have you done to me! Guess and Pray was absolutely fantastic! I loved every single word, beginning to end, of this story. I felt the feels y'all!! This story brought out all the emotions, happiness, love, lust, fear, protectiveness and so much more. Eli and Iris are everything! These two characters were beyond phenomenal and I genuinely enjoyed reading every moment of their story. From strangers, to friends, to so much more. And I of course have to give a shout out to the adorable Sam, she's such a cutie and I really enjoyed her character. I loved seeing the character development and seeing the relationship grow and flourish. Kim Swizz completely knocked this one out of the park y'all!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had the pleasure of having this as an advance read, prior to its publication date.

This was a really enjoyable read, and I loved the relationship between Eli and Iris and how slowly it builds throughout the story. If you love a slow burn, then this certainly burns 🔥

Even through Eli is struggling with his feelings towards Iris and also Samantha, he is very protective when he is around them, particularly when Iris's past unexpectedly comes back to haunt her.

Although Guess and Pray is part of a series, I feel it could be read as a standalone.

A lovely story with hardly any angst and incorporates a fantastic friendship group

💕 Strangers to Lovers
🏡 Small Town Romance
💗 Fake Relationship
🤱🏻 Single Mum
😘 Opposites Attract
🖤 Stalker Ex

[Alissa Pawsbookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another super cozy and cute small town romance in this series! I loved getting to know Eli and Iris more and seeing all the other characters from the first two books in this series! What starts out as a little bit of fake dating to keep her slimy ex away, slowly turns into more. I loved the connection that Eli and Iris had as well as the immediate connection that Eli has with Sam. I love a cute kid in a book! Iris and Eli both have some good character development both separately and together. Just a really good story all around with some great emotional depth. My only one nit picky ick is when other adults called Iris "Mama" but thats probably just a me thing.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
This book, like the first two, is so incredible. Wilcox Grove is a special place filled with amazing people and amazing stories. Kim is truly a wizard and will make you feel all your feelings while reading. Eli and Iris have a lot to offer each other, even when their brains make them not want to move forward. And we cannot forget about Sam! She is the coolest kid!! Like I said in my Barefoot Lake review, Grateful Bob is probably my favorite side character I’ve read. Kim doesn’t just write incredible MCs, all the characters are fantastic. This book is one you don’t want to miss.

[Elise A Peculiar Mademoiselle]

Guess and Pray
Wilcox Grove Book 3
Kim Swizz

If @authorkimswizz writes it, I KNOW I will love it. I have been obsessed with this series since book 1's Brawny man.

Eli and Iris just may be my favorite though. I see so much of myself in Iris, with my anxiety, and the fear of passing that to my kids.

And who doesn't love a hot man that isn't afraid to love a single mom?!?

I have triplet 4 year olds right now, and Sammy stole the book for me because of that.

I love everything about this book and I simply can't recommend it enough! Its out now so run and get it!

[magicallyaimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Iris and her daughter Sam were such lovable characters and I was happy to see Eli find his happy ending. I missed Barefoot Bake, Literary Lake, and all the charming Wilcox Grove characters. GRATEFUL BOB, you’re still the man! It was so nice to be back in one of my favorite fictional small towns. I’m a mood reader so to read this in late February was perfect for the winter snowy vibes! ❄️

When I first saw the title for GUESS AND PRAY, I thought it sounded a little religious but it was in no way saintly 😆

Thank you Kim Swizz for the ARC!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ ARC Review – Guess and Pray by Kim Swizz ⭐

“And I think I perish on the spot.”

Absolutely loved this one! There’s something so special about the world Kim has created. This town feels real, like a place you’d actually want to move to, grab coffee at the local café, and run into familiar faces who feel like old friends.

Another win from Kim. I’ll happily read anything she writes! 💖

Pretend I wrote this in my glitter pens ✨

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY GOD!!! Eli’s story was what i hoped for and so much more. The foundation for this “friendship” between Iris and Eli made me connect with them so much more, understanding where and why each of them were the
way they were. A beautiful story and the perfect amount of dirty. Kim knocked it out of the lake again.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review - Started 2026 off with a bang with Guess and Pray. This book truly had me feeling alllll the emotions and I love Eli and Iris so much. Such a great read all around!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness Kim does it again. Another beautiful story. Iris and Eli are sheer perfection. If you haven’t read any Wilcox Grove…start now before this releases! Full review to come!!

[Marissa Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful, emotional, gut-wrenching, spicy AND perfect comedic timing…this applies to both the story of iris and eli and who they are to their core 🫶🏻

[Tara Genzlinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the Wilcox Grove series and I can't wait for the next one!

[Kristyn LaFrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️

Five stars! I’ve loved all of the Wilcox Grove books, but I think Eli might be my favorite man from the series (minus Grateful Bob, of course). I loved Eli and Iris’ story and watching Eli grow over the course of the three books. Him with Sammy…oh my ovaries 😍

I’ll definitely miss Wilcox Grove, but I can’t wait to see what Kim has in store for her next book!

[Brittany Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Coming February 24th 🩵
4.5 ⭐️

I am so grateful to have received this ARC from Kim! Being able to travel back to Wilcox Grove was such a blast. Seriously, can I move to this small town already? It felt nostalgic to see my favorite characters from the previous books and how they’re doing now.

Guess and Pray was the cherry on top. Iris is a strong, hard-working mom who works for her uncle as a paralegal. She has the cutest daughter who makes the story even more enjoyable. Eli, the town local, swoops in and is the definition of actual perfection. His golden retriever energy made me swoon throughout the entire book.

Also, can we give a special shout out to the incredible Grateful Bob? That man continues to make me giggle and gives the best life advice.

Highly recommend this cozy read!