Alexa Martin returns with her most ambitious romantic comedy yet, delivering a story that’s equal parts swoon-worthy romance and scathing social commentary. “How to Sell a Romance” tackles the predatory world of multi-level marketing schemes through the lens of enemies-to-lovers romance, creating a narrative that’s both entertaining and surprisingly educational.
The Setup: Two Hearts, One Scheme
Emerson Pierce embodies the modern working woman’s struggle—a kindergarten teacher whose passion for education can’t quite pay the bills. When her boss Nora introduces her to Petunia Lemon, a seemingly empowering skincare MLM, Emerson sees it as a lifeline. Martin captures the initial allure of these companies perfectly, showing how they prey on women’s desires for financial independence and community belonging.
Lucas Miller enters as our cynical hero, an investigative journalist still reeling from his divorce—a casualty of his ex-wife Jacqueline’s obsession with the very same company Emerson joins. When these two collide at a hotel bar during a Petunia Lemon convention, the chemistry is immediate and electric, even as they remain oblivious to their opposing positions in what will become a personal war.
The discovery that Lucas is the father of one of Emerson’s students adds delicious tension to their budding relationship. Martin expertly navigates the ethical complexities of teacher-parent relationships while maintaining the romantic momentum that keeps readers invested.
Character Development: Flawed but Lovable
Emerson Pierce is Martin’s strongest heroine to date. Her journey from MLM hopeful to whistleblower feels authentic and earned. Martin doesn’t make Emerson stupid for falling for the scheme—instead, she shows how intelligent, caring women can be manipulated by companies that exploit their genuine desire to help others and achieve financial stability. Emerson’s evolution from people-pleaser to someone who stands up for herself provides satisfying character growth.
Lucas Miller could have easily fallen into the bitter ex-husband trope, but Martin gives him depth and vulnerability. His initial hostility toward Emerson makes sense given his personal history, and his gradual transformation from cynical journalist to supportive partner feels genuine. The way he champions Emerson during her school board hearing showcases character growth that extends beyond romance into genuine partnership.
The MLM Exposé: Educational Entertainment
Martin’s research into MLM tactics shines throughout the narrative. The Petunia Lemon scenes—from recruitment parties to upline manipulation—ring disturbingly true to real MLM experiences. Nora Stone emerges as a particularly chilling antagonist, using her position as school principal to recruit vulnerable teachers while maintaining plausible deniability.
The author successfully balances entertainment with education, never letting the MLM exposé overshadow the romance but ensuring readers understand the real dangers these schemes pose to families and friendships. The pyramid structure metaphor works on multiple levels, representing both the business model and the way these companies build their success on the desperation of others.
Romance Elements: Chemistry with Substance
The romantic tension between Emerson and Lucas crackles from their first encounter. Martin excels at creating sexual chemistry that feels both immediate and developed. Their physical relationship progresses naturally, with steamy scenes that serve character development rather than existing purely for titillation.
What elevates this romance above typical enemies-to-lovers fare is how their opposing positions on Petunia Lemon force them to examine their own beliefs and biases. Lucas must confront his blanket judgment of MLM participants, while Emerson learns to trust her instincts over people-pleasing tendencies.
Secondary Characters and Subplots
- Jacqueline Miller serves as more than just the jealous ex-wife. Martin portrays her as a victim of MLM manipulation, showing how these schemes can transform decent people into desperate, manipulative versions of themselves. Her presence creates realistic complications without feeling contrived.
- Keisha, Emerson’s best friend, provides comic relief while serving as the voice of reason. Her loyalty to Emerson anchors the story in genuine friendship.
- Isla, Lucas’s daughter, never feels like a plot device. Her interactions with Emerson showcase the teacher’s genuine care for children while adding stakes to the romance.
Writing Style and Pacing
Martin’s prose maintains the breezy, conversational tone that made her previous works successful while tackling weightier subject matter. The pacing occasionally stumbles during MLM explanation scenes, but the author generally balances exposition with action effectively.
The dual POV structure allows readers to understand both Emerson’s gradual disillusionment and Lucas’s professional drive, creating narrative tension that extends beyond romantic misunderstandings.
Areas for Improvement
While “How to Sell a Romance” succeeds as both romance and social commentary, some elements feel underdeveloped. The school board hearing climax, while satisfying, resolves rather quickly considering the buildup. Nora’s comeuppance feels slightly too convenient, and some supporting characters could use more development.
The book occasionally prioritizes message over character development, particularly in scenes detailing MLM tactics. While educational, these moments sometimes slow narrative momentum.
Themes and Social Commentary
Martin doesn’t shy away from addressing systemic issues affecting women: underpaid teachers, the pressure to find additional income streams, and the way MLMs exploit female friendship and ambition. The book serves as both entertainment and warning, showing how legitimate desires for financial independence can be weaponized against vulnerable people.
The author also explores themes of trust, authenticity, and the difference between helping others and being taken advantage of. Emerson’s journey from giving everything to others to setting healthy boundaries resonates beyond the romantic plot.
Comparison to Martin’s Previous Work
Fans of Martin’s “The Playbook Series” and “Better than Fiction” will recognize her signature blend of humor, heart, and social awareness. “How to Sell a Romance” represents growth in tackling more complex social issues while maintaining the light, entertaining tone that defines her brand.
This novel feels more ambitious than her previous standalone works, using romance as a vehicle for genuine social commentary rather than simply providing escapist entertainment.
Similar Reads and Recommendations
Readers who enjoy “How to Sell a Romance” might appreciate:
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – For enemies-to-lovers romance with situational comedy
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry – For romance between characters with opposing worldviews
- “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang – For romance that addresses real-world issues with sensitivity
- “The Proposal” by Jasmine Guillory – For contemporary romance with strong character development
- “In a Holidaze” by Christina Lauren – For romance with deeper themes beneath the surface fun
Final Verdict: A Romance with Bite
“How to Sell a Romance” succeeds as both romantic entertainment and social commentary, offering readers a love story that doesn’t shy away from real-world issues. While it occasionally prioritizes message over narrative flow, Martin’s latest effort represents her most ambitious work to date.
The book serves multiple audiences: romance readers seeking chemistry and character development, and general fiction readers interested in MLM exposés wrapped in accessible storytelling. Martin proves that romantic comedy can tackle serious subjects without losing its essential entertainment value.
This isn’t just a love story—it’s a cautionary tale about predatory business practices, a celebration of female friendship, and an examination of how genuine desires for community and financial independence can be exploited. Most importantly, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read that will leave you both satisfied with the romance and more informed about the dangers lurking behind seemingly innocent business opportunities.
