Love You Wrong

Love You, Maine #0.5

by Julia Kent

Two young do-gooders working to change the world find friendship and maybe more in a cutthroat business, but when the stakes are higher than they ever imagined, will a betrayal bring them together—or ruin everything?

Kellan “Kell” Luview is a new man. He left his tourist-trap small town and his dad’s business behind in rural Maine for a position at an environmental policy think tank in Washington, D.C. More comfortable climbing trees than talking about them, he’s determined to stretch his wings as he builds a new life with an ambitious girlfriend and smart friends who are just as dedicated as he is.

Despite his love for his work and the excitement of D.C., he feels pulled in too many directions when his girlfriend Alissa starts acting weird, his best friend Rachel needs an embarrassing, public rescue, and his mom hints that things are not going well at home in Luview–“Love You”–Maine, where every day is Valentine’s Day.

As a shocking betrayal shakes the very foundation of everything he believes in, Kell must decide who to trust, who to challenge, who needs him most—and figure out fast whether Rachel’s warnings about his girlfriend are credible.

Or yet another tactical maneuver in a city founded on them.

Unraveling the mystery of who to believe pits Kell against Rachel in a battle where the truth is uncertain and hearts are just collateral damage as ambition rules over feelings.

But Kell’s had enough.

More than enough.

Time to decide what kind of man he is—and who to trust.

Love You Wrong is a novel-length prequel (40,000 words), introducing New York Times bestselling romantic comedy author Julia Kent’s new Love You, Maine series. If you love rom coms about friends who are meant for more, deep intrigue, big misunderstandings, tests of loyalty, and small town/big city clashes, then pick up this prequel and try out a new-to-you series.

**Audiobook narrated by Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton!**

Read all the books in the series:

Love You Right

Love You Again

Love You More

Love You Now

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Amazon, Friends To Lovers

170 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2022

About the author

Sign up for my newsletter at: https://jkentauthor.com/newsletter/

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 2 million books, with 5 New York Times bestsellers and more than 21 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French, German, and Italian, with more titles releasing in the future.

From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire in a rom com).

She also writes romantic suspense as Meli Raine, sexy shifter romances as DJ Jennings, billionaire shifters as half of the author team Diana Seere, and co-authors with Elisa Reed.

She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where she is the only person with the gene required to change empty toilet paper rolls.

She loves to hear from her readers by:

Email at jkentauthor@gmail.com

Twitter @jkentauthor

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor

Instagram @jkentauthor

Visit her at http://jkentauthor.com

FORTHCOMING:


Love You Again (Love You, Maine, #2), July 19, 2022

Ten First Kisses (anthology with my story, Shopping for a Booty Call), August 12, 2022

Love You More (Love You, Maine, #3), October 11, 2022

Love You Now (Love You, Maine, #4), January 3, 2023


Author photo credit: Felix Rust http://www.felixrust.com

Reviews

[Dona's Books]

So. Much. Dialogue.

I just couldn't get into the style of this one.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an adorable story and I cannot wait to get to the next book! It was fun seeing all these characters in their work as environmental activists but on the government side of it. I really hated Alissa, Kell’s girlfriend. There was a lot of fun with the funny parts of the story, the “death of the Lemur” and the funeral for it. But a lot of the misunderstandings that led to the heartbreak and disruption of our two main characters at the end was sad. So much that it makes me so ready to get my hands on the next book! Julia Kent is one of the best rom-com authors I’ve read and this story is right up there with all the other books I’ve loved from her.

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urk! These two are bound and determined to break my heart, and we’re still kind of only just getting to know them. From the very first words on the page, I was falling for Kellan and Rachel. These “friends” have all the comradery and spark of the best couples even though they’re mostly fighting it. That’s probably why Kell takes it so hard when everything spins out of his control, but I was giving him a solid stink-eye for some of his behavior in the end. Now that we’ve seen how it all went wrong, I’m dying to see how they’ll make it right.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a freebie through Amazon. An entertaining novel that made me laugh out loud was exactly what I needed. The characters were fantastic! Although I haven't read any Julia Kent books before, and this isn't my usual genre, I can tell that her writing is amazing. Highly recommend.

[Laura Reads Too Much · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm LOVING Kell & Rachel!! 🥰🥰

I've been a longtime fan of Julia's work and when I heard she was releasing a new series, I couldn't wait to get stuck in...
Well, this teaser of a prequel has me screaming for more!!

As you've read from the blurb, Kell is from the small town Love You, Maine. His family were the founders of the place and it's alllllllll about love.

But he takes himself off to the big city of DC but soon realises that people are fake! He's used to people having each others back, but the new place people would stab you in the back with a smile on their faces!

Then we have Rachel, who is in the same boat, but only so far as moving away from her home town. Her family is more cold, separate from each other and rather self-obsessed, but not her. She's quiet, kind, loyal and has a major crush on Kell

But when a massive misunderstanding happens and they part on bad terms, you'll be left screaming at your screen because you want more!!

I'm so excited for what's to come - top marks Julia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Erin Branscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite series from Julia Kent. Love this new series. I read the first before no read this one. So excited to continue with this series. A feel good New England series. ❤️

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited for this new series! This prequel was the perfect set up to get things going and I can’t wait to read the next story.

Kell is from a small town but left to work in D.C. to help create environmental policies. His girlfriend is just as ambitious as him so he’s ready to take on the world. He also becomes best friends with Rachel. Something’s not right in the working world Kell is in and Rachel tries to warn him. But all the events leading up to it leaves Kell seeing Rachel as his enemy.

I loved Kell and Rachel’s friendship in this book. You can tell that they were truly friends and wanted the best for each other. I hate what they went through but I know it’s going to lead to bigger and better things. There will definitely be some laughs on the way because Julia Kent has a knack for writing amazing rom com books. The set-up for the next book has me anxiously waiting for the next book.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You Wrong is a great series starter. It’s a prequel story that introduces Kell Luview, a wide eyed young man from a small town in Maine. He is working for a nonprofit in D.C. and learns about back stabbing coworkers the hard way.

When Kell finds out that he has been used and betrayed he doesn’t know if he can trust anyone, not his girlfriend, his coworkers or even his best friend, Rachel.

“It wasn’t every day that Kell Luview saw a human-sized lemur walking down 14th Street in Washington, D.C.”

I loved this series introduction and can’t wait to read more.
-5 Stars-

[Basak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, Love You Wrong is a pretty long prequel to a new series by Julia Kent and I think I am already falling in love. Kell is a sweetheart who left his little hometown for D.C. to work as a fellow for environmental policy along with a few friends and one of those said friends is Rachel. Rachel and Kell are a bit like kindred spirits and form an immediate kinship. Unfortunately, Kell has a girlfriend so Rachel is definitely in the friend zone but fate takes over and secrets unfold. Unsettled feelings and misunderstandings have a way of messing everything up and that gives us, the readers, the first glimpse of an exquisite new series.

[Christina Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love You Wrong is an introduction to Julia Kent's new book world - and I am all in!
I am a HUGE fan of her Shopping Series; that series is a tough act to follow.
But, I am excited to get to know these new characters and this new town of Luview, ME.
Julia has already roped me in with this novella - bring it on!

[Jo-Ann Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kell Luview is from The town of Love you Maine and he works in DC as a fellows in environmental policy at a NGO. He left his small town to try to make a difference along with his co workers, Rachel, Alissa his girlfriend, John and many more. They are all looking ot make a better world and has their time is up at the NGO are all applying for jobs in the real world. Rachel is the daughter of an older Hollywood starlet and her high achieving entertainment lawyer father and brother. She is furthering her education by going to Stanford for her MBA. As Kell is getting more and more frustrated with his girlfriend ghosting him, he realizes that he might have a spark with his friend Rachel, but neither are acting on it. But betrayal changes everything for him and deciding to turn his life around is easy. No spoilers, funny, quirky, insightfull, heart breaking story. But when you come from a town when everyday is Valentine's day, can you really close your heart? I absolutely love this first view of what will be a fabulous adventure, with a lot of craziness lurking behind the trees!!!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books by Ms. Kent. Her books are hysterical. She comes up with the most crazy and zany circumstances for her characters. Teddy and Erin as Kel and Rachel were fabulously performed. They were able to convey what the town of Luview is all about.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel and getting to know Kell and Rachel. Kell finds out that everyone he works with are not quite honest including his girlfriend and makes a major decision in his anger. Rachel the one friend he thought he could count on makes a blunder that ruins their friendship. Looking forward to seeing Kell and Rachel in a few years and see if their feelings have changed.

[Frances Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lies and deceptions

So much deceptions are portrayed in this book, and Julia Kent does a beautiful job of writing this story. Kel is a young man working in an advocate program for the government. Rachel is also working for the same group, and she has feelings for Kel, but he is dating her old roommate, so they are just friends.
Kel’s girlfriend is a strong willed, manipulating woman, and is using Kel for his connections. Rachel makes him aware of this, and his uncle does too. Kel is heartbroken about what his girlfriend has done, and turns to Rachel for sympathy, but his girlfriend comes in and turns him against Rachel. The job that Kell had applied for, is offered to him, but someone has sent damaging info to the job, after Kel finds out about the sent info, and a family emergency, he decides to go home. There is no HEA, but the book continues.
I’ve read several books written by Julia Kent, and she is on of my go-to authors, because of her great writing, and I always recommend her books.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this prequel and can not wait for the next book in this new series from author Julia Kent.
Rachel and Kel are friends that work together at an environmental agency, trying to clean up the world and save endangered animals.
I didn't like Alissa, you get the feeling from her that she is a no-good person from the start of the story. The way she brushes off Kel when he tries to make time for them together, she is just not a great girlfriend.
When Rachel exposes what Alissa is doing to Kel, he can't believe it, then Alissa shows up and throws it back as if Rachel was helping her in the betrayal. Kel doesn't know who to believe.
The only thing he can do is go home, back to Luview "Love You", Maine. The only place he knows everyone and who to trust.
This is where this one ends, Kel is gone back to Maine, Rachel is heading to Stanford and she doesn't think she will ever see Kel again. So I can not wait to see what happens five years later when Rachel is sent to Luview Maine for her job and runs into Kel. It will be a bittersweet meeting or something to blow up your kindle. Either way, it will be a great story.

[Amy Friedentag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this introduction into a new series… from friends-to-enemies… to hopefully lovers? This author never disappoints with her laugh-out-loud, crazy situations that pull you in right from the start. I loved the characters, the office setting and rivalry, and the play on Kell’s last name--what a fun concept for a town! This is just the tip of the iceberg and I can’t wait to see what happens between Rachel and Kellan, if their friendship survives and turns into something more, and what the loving town of Luview has in store for us!

Listened on audio: The narration was top-notch, as Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton are the perfect duo… bringing the funny and seriousness as they elevated these characters and story with a performance that brought this entertaining tale to another level. Can’t wait for the next book!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to Julia Kent's new "Love You Maine " series. We meet Rachel and Kell while they are working in Washington DC at an environmental policy think tank. Kell grew up in a small town in Maine called Luview where his family owns a tree business. Rachel is from California and her parents are high profile and prominent. Kell has a girlfriend but Rachel is his best friend. This with Kell and Alissa get weird and Rachel tries to warn him along with trying to maintain their friendship. All sorts of things blow up and Kell makes some rash decisions. I am so looking forward to Love You Right to see what happens next with Kell and Rachel! I want to thank Julia Kent for the opportunity to read this in advance of its release.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awkward Misunderstandings!!

I loved this intro to Luview (love You) Maine.

Our hero is Kellan “Kell” Luview, who’s family founded the town. We meet him in DC where he is interning in environmental policy. His girlfriend is Alisaa (and his boss), his friend Rachel also works there. He is unprepared for the competitive and backstabbing environment. He was eager to get away from the city where Love is the theme, but is rethinking that decision.

When one person completely blindsides him, he believes everyone is involved, and misunderstandings rule the day. We get a glimpse of the next story, and I truly can’t wait to get my hands on it!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with Kell having some communication problems with hie girlfriend Alissa, who is slowly becoming more withdrawn from him, but he’s not sure why.

Shortly after his good friend Rachel needs to be rescued from almost being run over in the street, the endangered animal Leo is killed, & she is able to free herself by taking off her costume (but she has almost no clothing underneath, so that’s interesting, to say the least).

Then there’s the so called funeral, which is more funny weird than anything, with some weird party games & cake (cake is always good!).

Kell really deserved more than Alissa, though, for sure.

This book really makes me want to read more about Kell’s hometown. I can’t wait to read the next books!

I received this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Julia Kent's books! A new series is so exciting. Luview, Maine where ever day is Valentine's day, where Kellan Luview is from( named after his ancestors) and his bestfriend Rachel Hart is from California. His girlfriend, Alissa used and set him up for his family connections, and took their friend Rachel down with her. Feeling deceived by both he ended his relationship with both and left to go back to Luview, Maine after his father had an accident (both occurred at the same time... fate or coincidence.?. Looking forward to the next book... 5 years later in Luview, Maine, where love is everywhere♡♡♡♡

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Love You Wrong, a novella written by Julia Kent. This book is the beginning of a brand new series about a town called Luview Maine. We meet Kell Luview as his life goes through a major change that will continue to affect him for years to come. Rachel gets caught in the middle of the scheming of others. Will they ever meet again? I can’t wait for the next one!!

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I am a huge Julia Kent fan and the idea of a brand new series is music to my ears. This is the story of Kellan Luview and Rachel Hart. Friends who have bonded over Nordic Noir. But when Kellan is blindsided by his girlfriend and then by Rachel (or so he thought) his world falls apart. So excited for this new series, love this prequel, lots of potential.

[Jamie Speck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Julia Kent introduces to a new group of characters and has us laughing out loud. We meet Rachel and Kell while they are working in DC. Who knew a lemur costume could be so funny and lead to a blowup that will lead us to Luview Maine where everyday is Valentines Day. This prequel has my attention and I can't wait to dive into the rest of this series.

[Maria Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Kent's first in a new series hits the spot straight away. I was instantly drawn in by these characters. As always with Julia's books the characters are incredibly well- written and feel like real people, forming instant likes and dislikes as you read. I flew through this book and can't wait for next one.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yea! A new series from Julia Kent. This is the prequel to the Love You, Maine series. Right off the bat the story line and characters grab you. It is like reading real life. I laughed and cried and rooted for team Kell and Rachel. Julia has the ability to make you feel the emotions of the people you're reading about. I can't wait for the next book.

[Linda Dossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prequel to Julia Kent’s newest Love You series and let me just say, this did not help with my impatient anticipation for the first book. We meet Rachel and Kell. The turmoil and miss understanding abound. The evil Ms. Kent, is probably snickering and rubbing her hands together with glee. Can not miss this one and the price can not be beat. Grab it and then wait, like the rest of us. Lol

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel introduces us to Kell and Rachel who are our main characters in Book 1, Love You Right. While it lightly introduces us to the iconic town we will be living in for the next several books, it doesn't take place there. Here we learn what drives both Kell and Rachel during this specific moment in time. In the usual Julia Kent fashion, we have mishaps that bring out both the best and the worst in her characters. Kell may feel like he is shaking off his small town past, but he can't change who he really is inside and he soon learns that betrayal is around every corner.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when two kind-hearted people, working for the same non-profit whose cause they believe, are suddenly faced with the brutal reality of government politics? We're introduced to Kellen (aka Kell) and Rachel, who both wanted to branch out after college in pursuit of a life outside their family expectations. As they near the end of their internship in pursuit of their next job, the blinders are ripped off their eyes when those they trusted suddenly seem to turn on them. Something happens which causes Kell to rethink his priorities, especially about who to believe when conflicting stories shatter his world. What will he do to try and hold it together?

[Leigh Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I need to see them get their HEA. I think Kell overreacted a bit though. For a sweet, steady, level headed guy I wish he had at least given Rachel a chance to explain. It was heartbreaking!

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 LOVE YOU WRONG STARS!! This was an introduction and it was perfect....I am hooked. I can't wait for the next one.