Romance readers, buckle up for a ride that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, with a healthy dose of social commentary that’ll make you think twice about those skincare party invitations cluttering your Facebook feed. Alexa Martin delivers her signature blend of laugh-out-loud humor and genuine emotion in “How to Sell a Romance,” a standalone contemporary romance that tackles the predatory world of multi-level marketing with the perfect amount of snark and sincerity.
Plot That Hooks From Page One
Emerson Pierce is living the teacher struggle in all its underpaid glory when she gets swept into the glossy, promise-filled world of Petunia Lemon cosmetics. What starts as a desperate attempt to supplement her kindergarten teacher salary quickly spirals into financial chaos, setting the stage for one of the most relatable heroines in recent romance fiction.
Enter Lucas Miller, an investigative reporter with a personal vendetta against MLM companies after his ex-wife’s involvement with Petunia Lemon contributed to their divorce. When these two meet at a hotel bar during a Petunia Lemon convention, neither expects the scorching one-night stand that follows—or the awkward revelation that Lucas is the father of one of Emerson’s students.
Martin masterfully weaves together themes of financial vulnerability, female friendship, workplace dynamics, and the pursuit of genuine connection in a world full of artificial promises. The MLM subplot isn’t just window dressing; it’s integral to both character development and the larger commentary about how vulnerable people become targets for exploitation.
Characters That Feel Like Real People
Emerson Pierce: The Heart of the Story
Emerson emerges as one of those heroines you immediately want to be friends with. Martin captures the authentic voice of a dedicated teacher struggling with financial stress without ever making her seem pathetic or naive. Her journey into the Petunia Lemon world feels believable because Martin shows us exactly how these companies prey on good-hearted people facing genuine financial pressure.
What makes Emerson particularly compelling is her growth throughout the story. She starts as someone who’s conflict-averse and people-pleasing, but circumstances force her to find her backbone. Her fierce protectiveness of her students and her eventual willingness to stand up to bullies showcase character development that feels earned rather than convenient.
Lucas Miller: More Than Just a Brooding Hero
Lucas could have easily been a one-dimensional “grumpy single dad” archetype, but Martin gives him layers that make his motivations and actions feel authentic. His bitterness toward MLM companies stems from real trauma—watching his marriage crumble under financial strain and manipulation. His investigative work isn’t just a convenient plot device; it’s a mission born from personal experience.
The single father dynamic adds depth without falling into tired tropes. His relationship with his daughter Isla feels genuine, and his co-parenting challenges with his ex-wife Jacqueline provide realistic tension that many readers will recognize from their own lives or observations.
Supporting Cast That Shines
The MLM World: Villains You’ll Recognize
Martin’s portrayal of the Petunia Lemon culture hits frighteningly close to reality. Principal Nora Stone serves as the perfect embodiment of how these companies corrupt relationships, turning friends into predators and creating toxic hierarchies disguised as sisterhood. The “sisters in skincare” with their matching tattoos and cultish behavior provide both comic relief and genuine unease.
Keisha: The Friend We All Need
Emerson’s best friend Keisha steals every scene she’s in with her no-nonsense attitude and fierce loyalty. Her skepticism about the MLM world provides necessary comic relief while also serving as the voice of reason that Emerson desperately needs.
Writing Style That Sparkles
Martin’s prose strikes the perfect balance between accessible and clever. Her dialogue crackles with wit, particularly in the banter between Emerson and Lucas. The author has a gift for creating moments that are simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny and deeply romantic.
The pacing moves at a clip that keeps readers engaged without feeling rushed. Martin knows when to slow down for character development and when to ramp up the tension, particularly in the latter half when the stakes become higher for both Emerson’s career and their relationship.
Contemporary Issues with Heart
What elevates this book above standard contemporary romance is Martin’s willingness to tackle real social issues. The MLM storyline isn’t played for cheap laughs—it’s a serious examination of how these companies exploit financial insecurity and social isolation. The portrayal of teacher pay struggles, workplace harassment, and the challenges of single parenting adds layers of authenticity that ground the romance in real-world concerns.
Steam Level and Romance Development
The romantic development between Emerson and Lucas unfolds naturally, with their initial attraction complicated by legitimate obstacles. Their one-night stand feels organic rather than gratuitous, and their slow burn toward a real relationship is satisfying without being frustrating.
The steam level sits comfortably in the middle range—hot enough to make you fan yourself but not so explicit that it overshadows the emotional connection. Martin excels at writing chemistry that translates off the page, making readers genuinely invested in seeing these two work things out.
What Works
- Authentic dialogue that captures how real people actually speak
- Social commentary that enhances rather than overwhelms the romance
- Character growth that feels earned and realistic
- Supporting characters who serve the story rather than just filling space
- Humor that emerges naturally from situations and personality conflicts
Areas for Improvement
While “How to Sell a Romance” succeeds on multiple levels, a few elements could have been stronger. The resolution of the MLM storyline feels slightly rushed compared to the careful buildup, and some secondary plot threads involving Emerson’s workplace drama could have used more development.
The villain’s motivations, while clear, sometimes veer toward cartoonish territory. A bit more nuance in depicting how seemingly normal people become so deeply invested in MLM culture would have added even more authenticity to an already strong portrayal.
Comparison to Martin’s Previous Work
Fans of Martin’s previous novels, including “Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes” and “Better than Fiction,” will recognize her signature style: contemporary women dealing with real-world problems while finding love and friendship. This book continues her trend of incorporating social issues into romance without being preachy, though the MLM angle gives it a more satirical edge than some of her previous work.
Her Playbook series (“Intercepted,” “Fumbled,” “Blitzed,” “Snapped”) focused on the sports world, while her standalone novels have explored bookstore culture and female friendship dynamics. “How to Sell a Romance” feels like a natural evolution, combining her gift for workplace romance with sharper social commentary.
Similar Reads for Romance Fans
If you enjoyed “How to Sell a Romance”, consider picking up:
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry – For similar wit and emotional depth
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren – For workplace enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- “The Proposal” by Jasmine Guillory – For contemporary romance with social awareness
- “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert – For character-driven romance with real-world issues
- “The Flat Share” by Beth O’Leary – For unique storytelling and authentic relationship development
Final Verdict: A Romance That Delivers
“How to Sell a Romance” succeeds as both an entertaining romance and a smart piece of social commentary. Martin has crafted a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and possibly examine those MLM invitations in your inbox with a more critical eye.
This is contemporary romance at its best—characters you care about facing real problems while finding genuine connection. The MLM angle gives the book a unique hook that sets it apart in a crowded genre, while the core romance delivers the emotional satisfaction readers expect.
For anyone who’s ever been tempted by promises of easy money, struggled with financial stress, or simply enjoys romance with substance, this book offers exactly what the title promises: a masterclass in how to sell a romance that readers will actually want to buy.
- Perfect for: Fans of workplace romance, readers who enjoy social commentary with their love stories, anyone who’s ever side-eyed an MLM recruitment pitch
- Content warnings: Financial stress, workplace harassment, manipulation tactics, mild language
- Bottom line: Alexa Martin delivers another winner that proves contemporary romance can be both entertaining and enlightening. This is a book that will stick with you long after the last page, and isn’t that exactly what great romance should do?