The Love Lie

De: Monica McCallan

Narrado por: Lori Prince

A year ago, Sydney King was a successful pro tennis player with a long-term boyfriend, a plan for the future, and a shot at fulfilling all her dreams.

Now, she has a cheating ex-boyfriend and a career-ending injury, and—quite frankly—things could not be going worse for her.

She hopes that returning home to Stoneport, Massachusetts, will be the reset her life needs—until she finds out her ex's wedding to the woman he cheated with is the social event of the season.

The last person Sydney expects to find camaraderie with is her former fiancé's sister, Reese Devereux. Back home after the purchase of a local inn, Reese has wounds of her own and seems even less enthused about her brother's wedding than Sydney.

When an unexpected mix-up creates the perfect story that she and Reese are dating, shockingly, Reese runs with it. Sydney knows it's a bad idea, but being on Reese's arm gives her the chance to pretend life is just a little bit more in her control than it feels.

Both women are coming home to their pasts, but it's up to them to decide what they want their futures to look like.

Contains mature themes.

©2024 Monica McCallan (P)2025 Tantor Media

great book awesome narration

Fake romance to lovers is well done. The main characters actually talk to each other and don't assume things. Also and most importantly there is NO break up in the story. The main characters realize that they have true feelings for each other and talk about feelings and give each other room for feelings and pace to develope.

Hammy family drama but refreshing protagonists at the romantic core. a solid return!

Glad to see the author return and in strong form.
A refreshing take versus typical fair due to the fact the drama is coming from the family dynamics and internal struggles on identity/path, and no overdone 3rd act breakup. While the families are over the top it feels intentional for comedic and dramatic effect/plot. side characters abound.
Also, nice to see the concept career/path/identity as core concern rather than careers being an afterthought or workplaces just a backdrop for the book.
Sydney and Reese approached things with communication and introspection as refreshingly adult protagonists in the middle of the chaos.
Only letdown is the sudden feeling of the ending (even though it had a great bang) with plenty of loose ends. The epilogue felt overly saccharine but in line with the trajectory of the protagonists… and just a bit too easy. Ultimately a romcom after all.

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Monica's best work yet! Always such an incredible author! A must read!! You won't regret it

More excellence from Monica McCallan!

I adored this book, just like all of Monica McCallan's stories. I listened via audio, and Lori Prince did a fabulous job narrating as always. Lots of depth to the characters, unique story line, with Sydney the retired tennis pro first fake dating, then falling for her ex-boyfriend's sister Reese. Both Sydney and Reese were extremely likeable and good people, doing all the right things for everyone except monster brother Grant and unethical dad Tripp. Good balance of sweet and spice, highly recommended!!!

omg!!

omg 😳 Monica plugged a character ( Caroline Parker) the formidable divorce attorney from Haley Cass's book " When you least expect it " !!! how awesome is that !! and this book was awesome 👍👍👍

Love with Wit and Humor

This turned out to be one of my most favorite books. It is a great balance of banter, love, and humor. I seriously enjoyed it. And to have Lori Prince narrate it is the icing on the sapphic cake!

The ending was fabulous!

Monica is becoming one of my favorite sapphic authors and Lori Prince nails the narration again! I liked the storyline and a must finish till the end - without giving anything away, the ending was priceless!

The best of Monica

This is my new favorite book my Monica McCallan, and another outstanding narration by Lori Prince.

Don't mess with the quiet ones

Between the great story by Monica and the excellent narration by Lori I was hooked from the first paragraph and held on from there. Fake dating, cheating, family interference and drama and professional stress would usually crater any chance at a relationship but Sydney and Reese have a common enemy and the enemy of my enemy makes for a fun trip to being a couple.

Not every HEA is a couple commiting to each other, sometimes it is knowing when to walk away that makes a good ending and this book allows for the happiness that accompanies choosing a path of ones own and not just once. And the fiance reveal is spectacular.

Instant Chemistry

The twist on this fake dating trope is amazing. Absolutely loved Reese and Sydney and their instant bond. You could feel the immediate chemistry which didn’t feel rushed. Unexpectedly funny as well and great side characters. Can’t wait to read/listen again!