Cover Image: The Love Rematch

The Love Rematch

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Member Reviews

I am not a fan of reality tv. I think it's ridiculous to call something "reality" when there's nothing even remotely realistic about it at all. Anyway... that said, this book was ok.

The plot is a bit unrealistic - girl's mom goes on national TV to beg someone to find her daughter a boyfriend, so girl gets cast on a Bachelorette-type reality show - but it was basically a fun read. I'm not a big fan of either the second chance or miscommunication tropes, so I was definitely not the target audience for this book. There were some things about the "love story" that were sus; they don't talk. about anything. It's really frustrating. However, there are going to be a lot of people who really like this book, and that's great. I think this author has a lot of potential.

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Omg I did not expect how much I would enjoy this book (tbh I had low expectations, and it definitely exceeded)! It was witty, it was adorable, it was perfect. I devoured this book in one sitting and had so much fun reading it. I love the dynamic of all the characters and really enjoyed the reality TV dating show theme (especially with an interfering mom lol). This book was clearly predictable, but the author kept me wanting more and continuing. And yes, it was cheesssssy too, but it worked for me, though at some points I just wanted to fast forward. If you're looking for an easy, quick, fun second chance (that covers some important topics), this has it all. It was heartwarming with a splash of The Bachelor's but with a twist (and it was nice getting an insider’s perspective on how scripted and twisted Hollywood/reality TV is). Overall, I enjoyed this! Check it out!

what I liked:
- SAM literally the best sister
- second chance tropes

what I didn’t like:
- misunderstanding
- characters can be slow
- super repetitive

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I thought this book was super cute. I really enjoyed the fun storyline of having Emily be the leading lady in a dating show. The overall character development was well done. Both the FMC and MMC showed growth and emotional maturity throughout the book. I am not the biggest fan of the miscommunication trope, but I think it was done in a believable way in The Love Match. I think this is a great romance read and will definitely recommend it. Can’t wait for the sequel for Connor and Sam’s story!

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Hilarious, funny, and very romantic. I loved this book! What a fun take on a romance story! The characters were hilarious with such chemistry and the writing was done so well. I loved the plot and the 2 main characters plus the twin sister and mom. This book gave me all the feels. A very fast read and exactly what you need if you’re in a reading slump!! More please!!

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The Love Rematch was a second chance romance that was filled with reality tv show fun! This story started off absolutely hilarious and as the pages flew by, we got to see the emotional side too. With a little bit of spice and a lot of heart, this story had the perfect amount of angst.
“Revenge,” Sam repeats. The word emerges like the sun bursting over the horizon of a brand-new day. “Do it, Em. Make him hurt.”

The first chapter pulled me right in and I couldn't stop laughing. When Emily's twin called her, and said their mother was on TV with a sign to get Emily a date I was glued to the pages. Her mortification became my own! And she went viral. When she was offered the lead on The Love Match, similar to the Bachelorette, Emily couldn't say no. It was the publicity she needed for her business to go to the next step. Yet she had no clue that her ex, Jake, worked on the show. Seven years ago Jake left her in the middle of the night. The story unfolded in both Jake and Emily's POVs, making it so easy to fall in love with their story.
The undercurrent in the air clicks into place.
He finally understands her hidden message.
Game on.

Emily worked at her mom's flower shop and did her jewelry business on the side. She had hoped that her jewelry business would become her full time job someday. So while she was hesitant about being the lead on The Love Match, her twin sister gave her the nudge she needed. To grow her business. And when she realized that Jake was on the shower, her sister nudged her again. Revenge was what was going to get her through this experience. She got to flirt with 30 different men as her ex-boyfriend watched it all. Emily was strong, witty, quiet and so easy to adore.
“America will love you, if you give them the chance.”
The floorboards creak as he climbs onto the sill.
“Give them that chance, Em. Let them in, and they’ll fall. Trust me. It’s impossible not to.”

Jake's reaction to Emily being the new lead on the show he was producing was priceless! And as he watched her interact, flirt and even kiss the men, I loved seeing how jealous he was! I wanted him to feel all the pain! Yet as the story unfolded, we got moments into their past when they were younger. Those peaks showed how beautiful their young love was, and it was so easy to fall in love with younger Jake. Then as we got to see what his life was like, my heart towards him continued to soften. Especially when he was kind to Emily in the present. I literally wrote in my notes 'I don't want to like him, but he is making it impossible'. If you love tortured heroes, Jake is for you. I understood him inside and out, and even why he did what he did in their past.
She stops and spins on her heels to face him, wrath personified. “My name is Emily. And you know what? You’re right. I didn’t cheer in high school. I wasn’t the type. I couldn’t have cared less about football . My first boyfriend was the school loner. He wanted to be a director, a bit like you actually. And you know what he taught me? Even the nerdy boys can break your heart, so you might as well date the ones with muscles and enjoy yourself.”
He should admit defeat.
He should apologize.
He should relent.
Instead, he puffs up his chest.

The fire and anger between Jake and Emily felt so real. Neither of them seemed to hold back, except when it came to talking about their past. It felt like that was the line that couldn't be crossed. So as Jake offered Emily peace offerings, helped her out at times, or was thoughtful, she too found herself softening towards him. It didn't help that she was still attracted to him and that their past love was so beautiful. I was nervous for her and her heart. All the while, we got to see the behind the scenes of the show and it was fascinating! As Emily kissed some of the men, I was smiling while also gasping out loud. Somewhere along the way I was head over heels in love with Jake. And I wanted them together. But there was so much healing that they both needed to do. And they desperately needed to talk about their past too.
A lump forms in the back of her throat. It’s full of the what-ifs— questions she’s never been able to get rid of, even after seven years of wondering, because deep down she wants the other life, the one she thought they were going to have until it all fell apart.
Does he feel the same?

I would love to see The Love Rematch turn into a movie! The writing was so easy to read, the storyline was smile inducing and the characters were multifaceted. When you add to that two plot twists that I didn't see happening, this book made for a fabulous second chance romance. Now I'll be patiently waiting for the next book.... by Chapter 16 I was begging for someone to get their own story and I can't wait to see how that story plays out!
“You were everything, Em,”Jake whispers. The soft confession hits her with the force of a tsunami. She can’t move, can’t run. She’s caught in the wave with no control over her sense.

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This was the cutest book! I loved the whole concept of the dating show. It made me feel as if I was watching the bachelorette but with even more insight! The romance was so cute in this book too! I loved how it was a second chance romance, and I think the author handled this trope in the perfect way because second chance is often hit or miss for me. I loved how this romance was a great escape from reality but also had some real things that happen to people. Again, the author balanced this so well! I can't wait to read Sam and Cooper's romance next!

My only downfall about this book is that I really wish it was written in first-person. I feel like the book would have flowed better if this were the case. However, I was easily able to get used to it, so it really was not that big of a deal.

If you love dating shows, specifically the bachelorette, this would be the perfect book for you!

Thank you netgalley and Kay Marie for the arc of this book!

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When Emily sees her mom on national television with a sign that reads “Emily Ann Needs a Man” in hopes of getting her daughter on the popular Bachelorette-esque dating show, she knows she’s in trouble. After the actual female lead bows out and her mom goes viral, Emily is asked to be the lead. And there she realizes that Jake, the boy that broke her heart 7 years earlier, is now a field producer for the show.

Jake left Emily one night after high school and both experienced the heartbreak of his decision. Now he has to watch her date 30 men to find her new love match.

I loved this book and the insta-chemistry of Emily and Jake. While I don’t like watching dating shows, I love the behind the scenes aspect of the book. I liked that we got both of their POVs but I disliked how long their miscommunication took to be resolved. It started to drag a bit. And I loved how Kay Marie set up the sequel. I will read that one when it comes out next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this eARC. The Love Rematch is out now.

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This was a fun lighthearted read. As a big fan of bachelor and bachelor nation, I was very excited for this book! The couple is sweet but not the most believable as a couple.

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This was a fun, short read for me. A story about second chances and reality style tv show. The plot was a little drawn out and at times I found myself asking why don't the characters just communicate, however that would be a whole different story.
Easy, enjoyable light heart read.

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.

This story was cute! Emily is cast on a dating show and we get some fun bachelorette-like BTS with her which, as a reality TV connoisseur, I thoroughly enjoyed!

What didn’t work for me in this book was too many secrets… or maybe too much miscommunication. I love the drama of a good reveal, but I felt like the things that were kept from us as a reader were more frustrating than anything. Since I didn’t know what the characters were dealing with, I didn’t get a chance to get fully invested in their stories as individuals then didn’t really care about them together. I also felt confused at times with the quick flash backs and found myself rereading parts when characters would slip between past thought and present action.

I loved the premise of this one and I do think it’s a fun read for folks who enjoy Bachelor/Bachelorette inspired books!

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The love rematch by Kay Marie

4/5 ⭐️ 8/10

Emily’s mother goes on national tv to try to get Emily her perfect match. Emily has been single for the last 7 years since her high school boyfriend left without saying goodbye. After her mother’s appearance on TV Emily is approached to become the new lead for a reality dating show with 30 single men.

I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I loved Emily’s character and I really connected with her. She comes across as quite reserved at the start but she also is able to stand up for herself and her beliefs.

I’d highly recommend this book and would definitely read another book by this author.

Thanks to Kay Marie and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

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I absolutely adored this book! It spoke to my inner reality tv junkie and pop culture heart. It was UnReal meets The Bachelor mixed with a whole lot of angsty second chance romance! Oh the drama! If you are a fan of any of the above then this is the effect book for you! I will be sitting here impatiently waiting for Book 2!

Very very well written and I felt like it touched on some big issues in a thoughtful way. Thank you to the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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I love the style of book that plays off of reality tv and as a fan of Bachelor Nation, I loved the Bachelorette setting. Also, this was a super quick read because I found the plot engaging.

We start the book with Emily's mom completely embarrassing her on t v and personally I would never recover. I'd either die of embarrassment or never leave my house again. BUT thankfully it worked out for Emily.

I loved seeing Emily and Jake get a second chance while their past was woven into the story. That way we still get all the emotions but it doesn't break up the timeline or the scene. I honestly just want to hug both of them and be their friend.

So much angst. And I needed them to just say screw the show fro the get go and get back together. Can't wait to read more by the author (I'm ready for Sam's book!!) since Kay Marie is a new-to-me author!!

Thank you NetGalley & Kay Marie for an eARC of this book! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Second Chance Romance
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ Reality Television
✔️ Revenge
✔️ 3rd Person POV

Let me start of by saying that I’ve never watched The Bachelorette before. It’s never caught my attention, but this book made me want to go binge watch every single season!

Second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope, but I was HOOKED from the very beginning! Not even joking! The beginning of the book is exactly how you capture a readers attention, and keep them wanting to read and find out more.

The writing? Immaculate! Seriously, I’m in love with the pace and writing of this book. I don’t get lost when the characters are talking about a scene in the past. It’s very easy to follow along, and the way this book made my cry! I was not okay y’all.

The emotions that this book is making me feel y’all! I can actually feel the longing and the hurt in each of the characters POV. I love when a book can make me feel all the emotions, and this book did exactly that! One minute I’d be laughing, and then next I wanted to cry.

I love Jake, and I’m not sorry! How could I not when I can feel his longing and his pain????? I was rooting for him right away, and I won’t apologize. In real life, you’d never catch me simping over a guy whose name begins with a “J”, but I’d do it for Jake! That’s how much I love him!

I also love Emily. The way the author brings her to life and makes the readers fall in love with her is amazing. She deserves all the happiness and love in the world! I truly loved her character! She made me cry, and laugh, and basically any and every emotion possible!

I cannot wait to read the second book! It’s not a want, it’s a NEED! I’m literally so excited! As soon as Sam came back in, I was hoping we’d get her book, and I’m so excited!

This author is going on my list of books I’ll automatically read if they’re written by them! If you’re a fan of second chance romance, and beautiful writing, then you need to read this book!

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This book started with a bang — a flower shop owning and wedding obsessed mom, who wants to find a man for her small business owning jewelry designer daughter à la holding up a huge sign with a beautiful picture and catchy hashtag on national morning television….and as if that wasn’t bad enough served a side of piping reality show tea only few are privy to😅. As the story progresses we find out the history between the FMC and the MMC. And more importantly see how their less than ideal current situation (she’s a single gal who’s supposed to find love with one of 30 guys on national television, and he’s one of the producers on said show)!!!

This is perfect for readers that love:
✨Dating Reality Show Settings (Think The Bachelorette)
✨Dual POV
✨Laugh Out Loud Scenes/Lots of hi jinx
✨Women Owned Small Business Rep
✨Close Proximity
✨Workplace Romance
✨Second Chance
✨School Sweethearts
✨Closed Door /Mild Spice


This book was SO much fun! Having never watched The Bachelor or The Bachlorette, I want sure if I was going to like this book or not but this is definitely in the top 10 of my favorite books so far this year!!! It was a light, fun, perfect palette cleansing from all the thrillers that I’ve been reading!!!

4.75⭐️

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[ BOOK REVIEW ]

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩
𝘉𝘺 𝘒𝘢𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦
𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥: 𝘛𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 .. 𝘖𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳 16, 2023!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

This book had me hooked from the very first page! The Bachelorette meets second chance romance … give me all of it!

What would you do if you woke up one morning to see your mom on the most popular news show begging for you to be the next star of the reality dating show that millions of people watch? Well, Emily Peters could definitely tell you how she felt. Not only did her twin sister convince her to go, but she finds out her high school love who broke her heart 7 years prior is now a producer for the show! It was entertaining that Jake watched 30 different men were fighting for Emily’s heart. Emily did make Jake suffer a bit through all of it .. as her sister’s voice would be on repeat in her head, REVENGE.

Emily was so likable, funny, and relatable. She has been through so much and it had me rooting for her the whole time because you just wanted her to be happy in the end.

Jake’s fears from his childhood trauma continued to follow him through his adulthood and it was so heartbreaking to read all the struggles, but also loved seeing his growth and journey through forgiveness.

Overall, this was my first book by Kay Marie and I am looking forward to reading more by her. If you love a light, fun rom com with second chance romance, reality TV setting, dual POV, and forced proximity then The Love Rematch is for you!

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I really enjoyed this book for the ride it took me on. Definitely read if you are a fan of the Bachelor reality show! This was a good read and I really did enjoy it. Meet Emily and Jake who dated years ago, broke up, and experienced their own versions of heartache. Fast forward to when they meet again - Emily is a new contestant for a show and Jake works on the production team, and how they deal with it behind the scenes of this reality show Emily is now on. Read if you like: second chance romance, forced proximity, secret relationship, revenge plotting and heart-aching issues. This is a recommended read and was a 4 star experience for me.

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So good! The book was fast paced and the characters well developed and very likeable. Great read, I will be buying this book for my friends this holiday season!

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This was seriously one of the cutest books I’ve read this year and was such a feel good story! I loved the chemistry and banter between the two main characters, and I’m still gushing over how sweet they were. Definitely going down as a favorite this year and will recommend to all my book besties! 🤎

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A second chance romance full of humor, chemistry and some spice. All wrapped into a reality tv show starring none other than FMC and her LONG LOST BEAU producing it?! What could go wrong? Or I guess, what could go right?

Emily Peters finds her mom one morning on NATIONAL TV pleading with America to find her a boyfriend, after her boyfriend left her 7 years ago when they were teens.….

Fast forward to Emily landing a sport on The Love Match, a reality tv dating show similar to The Bachelor as the new lead. Emily expectant to find love, had no idea she’d also find Jake, her ex who broke her heart, producing the show! Now the ultimate revenge takes place… Jake gets to watch Emily date 30 male contestants. And we soon find out that Jake has never been able to move on from Emily emotionally, even though he physically went away.

The synopsis, and other reviews made me know I HAD to read this book! If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, this story is for you!! If you’re a fan of dual POV’s, and romance, this book is for you. I absolutely loved The Love Rematch so much.

Thank you NetGalley, Kay Marie for this advance reader copy! All opinions are my own.

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