How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin Book Review

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The publisher kindly provided me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Romance is the biggest scheme of them all in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from beloved author Alexa Martin.

Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn’t until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what’s the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn’t always have a chip on his shoulder … until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he’s a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she’s his daughter’s teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?

How to Sell a Romance Book Review

I’ve had Alexa Martin’s books on my TBR for ages, and I’m so glad I finally picked up one of her books. How to Sell a Romance may be my first book by her, but it won’t be my last!

How to Sell a Romance follows Emerson, a kindergarten teacher who joins beauty MLM Petunia Lemon to make ends meet—never expecting to fall for Lucas, the investigative reporter trying to take it down.

I really liked Emerson! As a teacher myself, I found so many aspects of her career so relatable, which made a lot of the story endearing to me. She’s quirky and kind-hearted—she’s just the kind of heroine you root for from beginning to end.

Lucas is a great love interest—there’s an instant spark between him and Emerson, which I loved, but even more than that, I appreciated the realistic push-and-pull in their relationship. Even though circumstances pull them apart, watching them reconnect and rebuild their relationship gives the book so much heart. Plus, the chemistry is just so undeniable!

The MLM plotline is such a fun and unique addition to the story. Petunia Lemon adds tension and humour to the plot, but it’s sad to think how many people get caught up in similar schemes in real life. It’s satisfying watching Emerson and Lucas team up to pull back the curtain on Petunia Lemon, and I think it works well in this fictional setting.

The side characters drove me a little nuts at times (except for Emerson’s best friend), but I think that was the whole point. They’re deep in the Petunia Lemon world, and their pushiness is exactly what Emerso is trying to navigate.

Overall, How to Sell a Romance is a funny and heartwarming rom-com that balances great banter, romantic chemistry, and deeper themes. If you’re in the mood for something fun and fresh with a little bit of spice, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

About Alexa Martin

Alexa Martin is a writer and stay at home mom. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a former NFL player who now coaches at the high school where they met, their four children, and a German Shepherd. When she’s not telling her kids to put their shoes on … again, you can find her catching up with her latest book boyfriend or on Pinterest pinning meals she’ll probably never make. Her first book, Intercepted, was inspired by the eight years she spent as an NFL wife.