3.5/5
The Love Lie is a second novel in the Love Match series. The first in the series; The Love Rematch follows Emily while the second one follows Sam, her twin sister. I was not confused or lost, even without having read the first in the series, so don't let that detere you.

This was a nice, easy, bingable romance. You want a cowboy romance? a reality tv romance? Small town romance? You can get all of that in this easy read. I would recommed for romance lovers, or anyone who wants an easy summer read, by the beach, on a barn or even in your bed.

The writting style was fast pace and with internal monologues, two POVs and dialogue. I did have a slight difficult start, as the narration in the first chapter gave very Wattpad vibes, tellings us everything, instead of showing us. However that was probably a recap from the first novel in the series and didn't stop me from enjoying the rest of the romance. I must say they were some plot holes and unrealistic plot lines, however I did not feel like it affected my read.

Both characters were lovable, I was rooting for them and enjoyed watching them interact. The twin swap was a fun, unrealistic addition, which was lovely. I must say I binged this with passion.

[ARC netgally - Independently published - comes out on Sep 24 2024 ]

"A city girl.
A country boy.
A fake engagement in front of 10 million viewers.
What could possibly go wrong?"

An interesting take on the fake engagement trope, but also a fake relationship in front of millions of viewers! Also opposites attract, and grumpy/sunshine, with a HEA - shut up and take my money!
This book is the perfect mix of plot, steamy tension and a sprinkle of spice. A real cosy, comfort read!
The main characters are both lovable, and you really want them to sort out their issues and work on their happily ever after! There is great character development, beautiful descriptions of scenery and places, and interesting side characters.
I haven't read a Kat Marie book before, but I will be from now on! This is the second book in the Love Match series, and evdn thougy I will be going back to read book 1, the Love Lie, could definitely be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed this book!
Thank you to Net Galley, and Kay Marie for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review

This fake engagement, public lie, and a strangers-to-lovers, opposites attract like chemical combustion story was fabulous from page one until the ending.
Kay Marie is now a one click author for me.
Impersonating her sister is nothing new to Samantha. She and Emma have been doing it since they were kids. But impersonating her and falling for the guy Emma is supposed to marry on a dating reality show? Yeah, that’s a new one for the sisters.
What Samantha thinks is going to be an easy way to help her sister turns into a situations he can’t control – and she’s a control freak!
Falling for the cowboy heartthrob wasn’t on her to-do list today. But that list? Gone out the window the minute she meets him.
Thanks to netgalley and the author for a sneak peek at what is sure to be a hit with the romance reading crowd! 5 well deserved stars.

I feel like I've read this concept before and it was good but it wasn't as good as the other one I read with this concept. I liked the characters though, just didn't fully like some of the plot points.

I love the tropes. Reminded me of the parent trap a bit- but it was a cute read. I read in one sitting.

4.5 stars!! I haven’t read the first one (I didn’t know there was a first until the end of this one), but that didn’t hinder the experience at all! Really easy to fall into and keep up with! I really liked the concept and the tropes (twin swap, fake engagement, forced proximity, and city girl x cowboy) If you’re a fan of cheesy romances, you’ll probably like this one!

The second book in the Love Match series takes place only moments after the ending of The Love Rematch. With the focus now on Emily's twin Sam we find out what happened to the final man standing on The Love Match (think the Bachelorette)

I found Sam to be a more interesting character with her spicy barbs and stubborn ways over Emily in the first book. Although it could be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading this one after finishing The Love Rematch as you get to go into the story with a better understanding of both Sam and Cooper.

This was such a fun read, I’ve been in such a cowboy romcom mood and this did not disappoint! It had me laughing and falling for both our MC’s pretty soon after I first met them

3.5 stars
This was a really fun book. I liked the premise and haven't read any other books similar. I found the first half of the book a little bit slow, but it picked up a lot in the second half. I wasn't a huge fan of the "insta-love" aspect and felt the relationship could probably have been built on a bit more in the first half of the book to make it a little bit more believable. I liked both of the main characters and their growth throughout the story. I also really enjoyed the author's writing style.
I haven't read the first book in the series, so will definitely be going back to read that. I'm also looking forward to the next book in the series that they teased towards the end of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC copy.

I will always be a Kay Marie fan!!! Her writing is just top notch! The banter with all the characters is just chefs kiss! I really love this story! I was a huge fan after the love rematch but the love lie just made me love this world even more!!! Cooper is 🥵🥵🥵🥵 literally the best character!!! I love Sam and how real she is I related a lot to her and her struggles! I cannot wait for book 3!!! Also make sure you read the bonus scene after!!!!

This was my first book by Kay Marie. I did not realize it was the second in a series but I don’t feel like it hindered my reading experience any.

If you enjoy reality TV dating shows this book is for you. It’s a cute romcom. The two main characters are different in so many ways but the chemistry and attraction keep things interesting. I love the banter between them.

The book is a little slow in the beginning but that doesn’t stop you from wanting to continue and see what happens next with Sam and Cooper!!

Thank you NetGalley, Kay Marie, and Xpresso Book Tours for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Much like the first book, I loved this one! I seriously loved Cooper in the first book, was even a little bit sad that he couldn't be the MMC, so I was so happy to see him get his own moment in the sun.

I don't always love reading romance books where the main premise is wrapped up in a huge lie, especially a national live tv one. I love fake engagement/dating, but I don't love the twin switch aspect. That's the main reason I'm knocking this down a star! I also just didn't get that 5 star feeling, but I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves cowboys and a little bit of enemies to lovers :)

✨ARC Review ✨

It took me a while to get into the flow of the book. But once I did I really enjoyed the story. Fake relationships have always been kind of my favourite trope. The characters were likeable, and had an individuality of their own. Their chemistry was over the roof! A little love banter is always swoony.

I did have some issues too. Like the third person point of view is not my thing. And the first half of the book for me was a little slow.

But overall the book was really good. And the hints of the next lead for the third book was also exciting.

Thank you NetGalley, and Author Kay Marie for sending me this ARC.

*Thank you Netgalley and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️ Rating: 4/5

TROPES:
♡ Instant attraction
♡ Cowboy MMC
♡ Opposites attract
♡ Fake engagement

This was a really fun read, especially the second half of the book. The jet setting element and cowboy mmc was especially enjoyable to me personally. I also really loved the ending and felt it was very heartwarming and sweet.

I didn’t realize this was a sequel so I’ll have to read the first one next. The groundwork was set nicely for a third novel which I look forward to reading as well 💗

This was a cute read! My only wish was for more character development for Cooper. He was so sweet but I felt he could have used more depth. Overall though as a Bachelor fan I enjoyed this and would buy this author again!

OMG this book was so much fun from the beginning and that continued the whole book. It’s a 4.5 star read and on my top ten books of the year. I can’t believe I’m reading so many amazing books lately. I loved Sam immediately and because she also lost her mind when she saw Cooper, so did I. That description, damn what an introduction! Cooper, what can I say about Cooper that Sam hasn’t already. He is EVERYTHING! I absolutely adored and lived for the tension. It was never will they won’t they with them it was definitely a WHEN will they and that had me so excited. Everyone needs to read this book when it comes out, you won’t regret it!
Kay Marie, you are incredible and I’m going to be reading all of your books after this. I can’t wait to purchase this book when it comes out.
Thank you NetGalley and Kay Marie for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions expressed in the review are my own.

2.5⭐️ rounded up

- opposites attract
- fake engagement
- twin-swap
- force-proximity
- cowboy MC
- dual POV

Sam’s sister needs to chase after her one true love and leave the Bachelor style reality TV show before the final engagement episode, so Sam agrees to take her place (parent-trap twin switch anyone?) all she has to do is let the last two men standing down gently, on national television. Except Cooper walks out and he’s so damn hot Sam loses her mind and says yes to his proposal. No big deal they just have to be fake engaged and spend a week in a bungalow together, then they can break up on the follow up episode - without anyone finding out they are fake engaged and without anyone finding out Sam isn’t her sister.

Great concept, mid execution.

I could not handle the constant (every other line) comments on how bad they wanted each other. If you’re ok with insta-lust then you might be able to look past that and get to the better part (second half). I also couldn’t handle the entire chapter of text message conversation. Why?

Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Reads for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Loved the main male character! This is a good book if you enjoy reality dating shows and banter. The main girl was a bit too stereotypical, but it’s a nice easy read.

The Love Lie is tender, fun, and everything you could want in a modern romcom! Kay Marie's writing is approachable and inviting, allowing readers to become totally immersed in Sam and Cooper's story. The Love Lie is perfect for any fan of the Bachelor franchise, and I will absolutely be recommending it at the next Bachelorette Monday with the girls!

This book was so different than any I’d read recently! I love a good fake engagement and the added dramatic irony of pretending to be her twin was so fun! I love a good cowboy hero, and this book gave The Unhoneymooners vibes (loved!). Cannot recommend it enough.