The Payback Proposal: an accidental marriage romance

by Olivia Isley

A fake date. A real mistake. A forever consequence.

Ness Riley is reinventing herself. She had no choice but to flee California after her fiancé left her for her own sister.

Luckily, she meets Matt Keys, her neighbour. He’s got a great job, great cat, great…biceps. He’s the perfect guy to introduce her to the real London.

When her parents show up demanding Ness attends her estranged sister's wedding back in the US, Matt jumps at the chance to be neighbourly. She can’t show up alone. Matt needs a favor. It’s a win-win.

But after a drunken meeting during the bachelor/bachelorette party in Vegas, Ness and Matt wake up with hangovers, questions, and shiny new rings.

Annulling the marriage is the smart thing to do. The wedding was an accident, after all. Only, now they’re falling for real. Ness knows ending the relationship will ruin her, and change her life forever. But it just might ruin Matt, too.

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2026

Reviews

[Ange Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good solid 4 stars, 2 stars for Spice. While this maybe the 3rd book of the series, it is a standalone. I haven't read the previous 2 and author did a good job at leaving it as a standalone.

I really felt for Ness who has to deal with harsh criticism of her family and praise for her younger sister. She finds out at dinner that her fiance announced his wedding to HER sister! Her family wanted her to be ok with it and help with the wedding, what nerve! She finally has enough of putting up with them and moves to England. After a year of distance and not communicating, her parents rudely shows up and demands her to be involved in the wedding.
By then, Ness develops a good friendship with her neighbor, Matt. They find time together and she also bonds with his cat.Anyhow, it came about they both need a fake arrangement to help each other out. Matt is super supportive and patient with her when it comes to dealing with her toxic family and ex fiance.
The spice is low at first but picks up later. I was beginning to worry if there was any spice because at first it was closed door a bit and fade to black. Like they shared a bed but no mention if they cuddled or what happened after some intimacy. It was also a nice change that the author didn't mention size of his package as most romance books tend to go into detail about a guy's size.
I like the gradual relationship that Matt and Ness finally pursue and that gave them a solid foundation.

While the author did a good job with giving much detail in perspective's thoughts, I felt some details were too much, and some given too little, especially with the characters appearance. Like we don't find out about the color of Ness' eyes till the end, ,and nothing on Matt's eyes.
It also felt a bit redundant on how often Ness mentions on how no one understands how she feels about her family and talking about her ex-fiance. But I guess if she has to be around them for the wedding, that her feelings for her ex would still be there to deal with. I like that the book didn't have a 3rd act breakup and that Matt handled it maturely and rather than fight and walk away they calmly discussed the issue and talked about it.

Thank you, Ollivia Isley for letting me be an ARC reader for your book. It was a good read

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a fake dating scenario so throw in some payback to a horrible family and an accidental marriage as well and I'm all in! 😍
Matt and Ness are neighbours and barely registered each other for the first few months after Ness moves in, then the poor girl gets locked out of her flat and Matt becomes her knight in shining armour to offer her safety from the cold while she waits for a locksmith. What begins as acquaintances soon blossoms into a friendship and brings forth this fake dating scenario that will help both of them in their separate times of need - but who knew getting blackout drunk on a stag party in Vegas would end in marriage? Not them! 😂
As they navigate this new relationship we truly see how much a green flag Matt is as he supports Ness with her horrible sister and parents and how Ness will try and help Matt in any way she can to support his business.
I loved reading Ness grow as a woman and learn to trust again and how Matt becomes more sure of himself and how he could actually start seeing himself in a relationship. And that ending?! Absolutely perfect and not what I was expecting at all! 😮
Highly recommend reading this if you're a fan of fake dating, payback on mean families, an adorable cat, and a couple who support each other and are the greenest of flags! 💚

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes first because this one?? CHAOTIC, FUN, and LOWKEY EMOTIONAL 👀💍🔥

• fake dating → accidental marriage
• Vegas chaos 👀
• neighbours to lovers
• forced proximity 🖤
• “this was supposed to be fake…” energy

Yeah… I was hooked IMMEDIATELY.

The Payback Proposal starts with drama (fiancé + sister betrayal?? already messy 😮‍💨) and then somehow escalates into full-on Vegas chaos—and I LOVED every second of it 👀🔥

Ness is trying to rebuild her life, keep things together, and NOT spiral…
…and then Matt shows up.

And Matt??
Supportive, charming, a little too easy to lean on… and suddenly this fake situation starts feeling way too real 🖤

The Vegas moment??
Yeah… that’s where everything flips.

Because waking up married was supposed to be a mistake…
but the feelings?? Not so much 👀

What really got me is how it balances the chaos with actual emotion. It’s fun and messy, but there’s still that deeper layer of healing, trust, and risking your heart again 🔥

✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the fake dating → marriage trope is DONE SO WELL
• the chemistry feels natural and builds quickly
• the mix of humor + emotion is perfect
• it’s addictive from start to finish

✨ If you love:
• fake dating gone wrong (or right 👀)
• accidental marriage
• romcom chaos with heart
• supportive, swoony MMCs

This one is messy, romantic, and completely bingeable 👀💍🔥

[Ashh C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love > Money

Everything about this book I liked and for some reason the ending left me feeling blah… and I honestly don’t understand why. I SHOULD be happy about it. I understand the reason the choices they made and I’m happy for them but I don’t know I was expecting something else.. I don’t wanna say it fell flat for me. the whole book was big impact one thing after another.. it was great and then the ending was just the ending.. I don’t know. I’m so proud of the FMC I just was expecting more… or maybe it’s just “what comes next” I really don’t know. I really enjoyed the book until the end I guess hahaha


Reasoning for my argument /Spoiler : STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT YET!!! If you have please let me know if you agree(if you haven’t then read the book and then come back to read my opinion haha 😂) …



They didn’t need to get divorced. She still could have chosen him and stayed married. She could have rejected the inheritance… leave the family like she did and not take the money or accept it and donate the money. Like Matt said not all money is good money. They couldn’t have put the money to good use to make it good money. They didn’t need to keep it if they didn’t want it. I understand it was a way of showing him she didn’t want the money she just wanted him but at the same time it felt like she let that be the reason they couldn’t be/stayed married. Maybe they got remarried after 35 who knows but to me it also sounded like marriage was something special to her (not because of the money) and she gave that up. Her parents ingrained it in her that she can only have money if she was married. And her being divorced felt like she let them have that opinion/rule. She could have proven to them that she was happily married without the money and still told them to F*ck off and be out of her life. Just my opinion anyways…

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I absolutely flew through it!

I've enjoyed each of the books in the London, With Love series more than the last and this one continued on that streak.

The FMC, Ness-not-Vanessa, grew so much in the course of the book. As we learn more of Ness and her background, I was cheering for her and Matt. As they bond across the hall in their apartment building; slowly intwining their lives together over more than just a shared love of Matt's cat; we get to see Ness fighting to separate herself from her past - and the real struggles that come with family ties and obligations. Meanwhile, Matt is trying to balance his growing feelings for Ness, the stress of his job and upcoming app launch. As Ness and Matt learn to lean on each other - not to take advantage, but to support each other - we watch them grow stronger as a pair even as Ness's family tries everything they can to remove her from London and from Matt.

I enjoy that the series are standalone-yet-intertwined...if you haven't read the other books you can absolutely start with Ness & Matt; but if you have read Resorting to Love and The Romance Pitch you get to see those characters popping in and out and understanding a bit of the behind-the-scenes that is touched upon in The Payback Proposal.

[Jennifer Sande · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Matt and Ness were absolutely incredible together, and I was hooked on their story from the very beginning.

I loved how their relationship started—it was such a fun and memorable setup—and the twists along the way kept the story feeling exciting and fresh. Their chemistry was fantastic, and watching their connection evolve from something convenient into something real was so satisfying.

One thing I especially appreciated was how the book handled difficult family dynamics and the impact they can have on relationships. It felt very realistic and emotionally grounded, and it was something I connected with personally. Those layers added so much depth to the romance and made the emotional moments hit even harder.

Matt’s group of friends was another standout for me. I love a strong friend group in romance books, and they brought so much humor, warmth, and support to the story. And of course, we cannot forget the true star of the book: Hippo. Absolute legend.

I also loved the ending and the way everything unfolded. It felt emotional, meaningful, and very true to the characters and their journey together.

This book was funny, swoony, emotional, and full of heart. I absolutely recommend it.

[Carly Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ness & Matt’s story.

I love a fake dating trope that ends up far from fake.

Ness’s family is the absolute worst. Always belittled by her mother; it should come as no surprise to Ness that she’s offered no support when she’s betrayed by her fiance.

Packing up & moving to England, Ness settles into her job & apartment. But after locking herself out of her home, her hunky next door neighbour, Matt, offers for her to sit in his apartment whilst she awaits a locksmith. She’s apprehensive but relaxes after Hippo the cat makes herself at home on Ness’s lap; & she & Matt soon become friends.

So when Matt agrees to be her fake boyfriend to her sisters wedding in return for Ness being his fake girlfriend at a work conference, the stage is set.

But a drunken choice after the bachelor/bachelorette nights that result in shiny new rings for Ness & Matt make the whole fake relationship a lot less fake.

Is Ness able to work through the issues she has surrounding her failed engagement, & is Matt able to convince her that he really does choose her.

[Nicole McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC from the author!
Matt and Ness are a dream! I love the fake dating, revenge, and payback to a crappy family aspect of the story.

Ness family is cruel and selfish. While her mom, is the worst. Ness finally gets away from them.

After getting locked out of her apartment, Ness meets her neighbor, Matt (and his cat). From there their friendship grows. They decide to help each other out by attending events for one another, but that also takes a turn, for the better? A few too many drinks at a bachelor/bachelorette party leads to a drunk Vegas wedding.

After their wedding all of Matt’s best qualities really start to show. He’s supportive of Ness. Ness stands up to her family. Their relationship blossoms and Ness starts to trust again.

I loved how easy Ness and Matt fell into place with each other. Their communication is chefs kiss. They really are made for each other. I loved this book!

[Heather Hamblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and I am so excited to tell yall about it!

First of all... the way the characters are written is just *chef's kiss* perfection.

Ness is a strong and capable woman except where her toxic family is involved. Around them she is small, meek and often bears the brunt of their constant disappointment.
I wanted to scream at them and there were a few times I wished I could be a character in the book so I could karate chop them all in the throat on her behalf. Not my proudest moments, but here we are.
The way her relationship with Matt unfolds is beautiful. From neighbors to friends to lovers. He sees her, accepts her, supports her in all the best ways. She finds herself with him, and I loved it.

This was the first book I have read by this author, but I am already a fan and look forward to reading more of her work.

[Bookish Barista · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was a lighter & less emotionally damaging read. It was a good reminder to not shrink ourselves for others. The book follows Ness as she tries to escape her toxic family and she brings her hot neighbor Matt as a fake date to her sister & ex fiance’s wedding. I felt like in some ways I resonated with Ness in how she would try to shrink herself to please others. I loved Matt and how kind and supportive he was. He was so good at making difficult situations easier and comedic relief. I loved Hippo the cat & the found family we see in Matt’s friend group. This was such a cute story about choosing your family and how sometimes you meet the wrong one before you meet the love of your life.

[Tracy Morrissey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book of Olivia Isley and hands down she did not disappoint!! 👊🏼

From beginning to end - the drama immediately pulls you in and keeps you locked with added elements of betrayal, friendship, and love. 💕

While throughout the book, Ness’s lack of self confidence and negative thinking is enough to make you want to shake her silly; Olivia does a great job of balancing the positive and loving neighbor Matt to keep you reading.

The slow burn of desire 🔥 with a little 🌶️ and throw in Las Vegas 🎲, sure did keep me on the edge of my seat with some giggles and laughter.


I highly recommend The Payback Proposal if you like:
💘 Fake Dating
🎀 Girl Next Door
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Family Drama
❤️ Rom Com
💖Or Just Like Romances


This one’s for you 👇🏻

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read.

What happens in Vegas!! 😜
Ness (Vanessa) and Matt start off as neighbours as Ness escapes her controlling family and flees across the country after her fiance cheats on her. Their slow burn romance builds during the book and an accidental wedding in Vegas changes into a fake dating scenario. Matt is such a sweet guy and helps Ness realise her family are awful and not looking out for her best interests. I was kicking my feet when they finally kissed. The side characters are great and we get to know a lot about them which is fantastic. This is a great romantic standalone with some spice towards the end of the book. Everything wraps up well at the end and there is also a cute cat 🐈.

Tropes: fake dating, slow burn, neighbours to lovers, Vegas wedding.

[Kelly Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 4-star read for me. I really enjoyed how Ness stayed grounded and relatable despite coming from a wealthy, high-profile family—it made her easy to connect with and root for. Ness and Matt had a great dynamic that felt natural, with just the right mix of tension and chemistry to keep things engaging.

And as always, the Quizzards delivered! Their group dynamic adds so much personality and humor to the story, and I love how they bring an extra layer of connection and fun to the overall plot.

Overall, a really enjoyable romance with strong character dynamics and a cast I always look forward to revisiting.

[M.W. Nel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the novels I’ve read of Olivia, this one has been my favourite. Her writing has improved severely and I honestly felt like a reader and not a beta-reader trying to find mistakes. I loved the characters (even though Ness annoyed me with her fitting in and acceptance problems, but Olivia did a good job to explain why Ness kept pushing her anxieties on Matt.)
I never read the blurb of a book so I’m always surprised to see where a book goes and this one definitely got me with its Las Vegas marriage twist.
As always I love the return of the side characters which only makes me want to go back and reread their stories again.
Can’t wait for Steph’s love story. 😁

[Mik B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
Beta Reader Review:
I really loved that this wasn't like every other fake dating romance. Her family is absolutely horrible and he really supports her with that.
Ness just lives across the hall and loves spending time with his cat and they do genuinely build such a beautiful friendship!
I don't want to spoil anything 🤐
It also had me giggling every now and then.

Thank you to Olivia and her team for this book, I have read one other by her in this universe and that too used popular tropes in a slightly different way. I also gave her other book 4 stars.
👏🏼

[The Literature Lizard · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5

I had the absolute pleasure of not only ARC reading this book, but also beta reading! And all I can say is this book hooked me from the fake date setup to the very last “uh oh” moment. Ness’s reinvention arc and Matt’s cheeky steadfastness make the accidental marriage plot both hilarious and heartfelt. Think stumbling into love with a hangover and actually meaning it. It’s light, witty, and oddly comforting!

Thank you to Olivia for providing me with a copy of The Payback Proposal. As always, my opinions are my own.

[MisTea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Ness and Matt's story. It is a sweet, slow-burn, story that built quite nicely. Ness, at times, really annoyed me, but her family is truly awful so some forgiveness is in order. Matt is a strong guy who does help balance her out. The love between the two grows, developing from friends to more. While the two have challenges in their relationship (accidental marriage and all), Olivia Isley does a great job weaving the two together creating a wonderful, romantic, story. I highly recommend this book!

[Kelsey Seltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the fake-dating trope in this book is different than what I’ve read before. Matt gave all the golden retriever vibes. He was so patient and supportive of Ness as she worked through her feelings of her absolutely awful family. The yearning they both had for each other was great. A little bit of spice - nothing over the top.

Overall I think it was a really great book!


*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Read with Magen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! If you love a good fake dating trope you’ll love Matt and Nessa. The way Matt steps in at the right moments 🥰 and they compliment each other so well. It’s got everything that makes a great story, toxic family to a found family, fake dating, neighbors, plus Hippo (which you’ll just have to read to find out who that is 🙃).

[Fatima Salih · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It's not the usual fake dating plot. Matt steps up when he realizes that his next-door neighbor, Ness, is being treated horribly by her parents.

I also liked how Matt makes Ness realize her worth and that she doesn't need her family's approval.

[Tania Percy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun, emotional and romantic read. I love a fake dating read that ends up being far from fake. I liked the way Ness and Matt's relationship comes together after her family being so awful.
Another great read by Olivia Isley.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review. Such a good book! Loved the fake date turned into marriage! Perfect mix of hater and spice.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had my getting all the heart strings pulled booth happy and sad.. Can’t wait to be able to get the other 2 books in the collection to learn more about the other 4 MCs and their lives..

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐ ARC

This was a cute story, just a bit slow for my taste.

Matt and Ness were adorable, definitely liked the ending of this one.

Thanks to Olivia for sending this out to me ❤️❤️

[Kala Frick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Olivia Isley for the opportunity to get a first look into Ness and Matt’s story. Ness’s family is truly awful and Ness herself is very insecure, granted her family doesn’t help with this. Matt is the best neighbor and overall friend and I really loved his story. There was a few things that was a miss in this book for me but overall the story was really fun and I liked getting to read another couple in this series! It’s not often you find an accidental marriage trope!

[Crystal Harbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this! It was such a sweet and heartfelt story. It was very satisfying seeing Ness FINALLY stand up for herself. I only question why she divorced Matt? If they both chose each other, continued their relationship, moved in with each other…why divorce? They could’ve kept the money and never saw/spoke to Ness’s family again. It didn’t have to be one or the other. But, either way, it was SO great! #ARC