Most Eligible - by Isabelle Engel (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Bachelor meets Funny You Should Ask in this laugh-out-loud rom-com debut about a journalist who goes on reality TV only to find her country music star one-night stand is the host.

Georgia Rose is not going on the hit reality dating show Love Shack to find love. She's there to write a killer exposé on the producers, which will guarantee the journalism job of her dreams. But when Georgia's unforgettable one-night stand from the year before, country singer Rhett Auburn, steps into the Malibu mansion as the season's new host, all of her carefully crafted plans unravel.

Caught up in the drama of backstabbing contestants, producer blackmail, and death-defying dates, Georgia must keep her identity--and history with Rhett--a secret. Despite the lies between them, it isn't long before Georgia and Rhett's heated behind-the-scenes moments start to feel more genuine than the romance Georgia's faking for the cameras. But with her assignment unfinished and the executive producer on her tail, a second chance with Rhett could be her riskiest move of all.

Review Quotes

PEOPLE's "Hot New Romance Reads to Heat Up Your Valentine's Day"
Town and Country Magazine's "Best New Romance Novels to Read in 2026"
The Nerd Daily's "Swoonworthy 2026 Romance Book Releases You Need"
Women.com's "Our Most Anticipated Books For Winter 2025/2026"
SheReads's "Most Anticipated Romances of 2026"
E! News's "Alone on Valentine's Day? Cozy Up to These Romance Books"
PEOPLE's "Things That Are Making Us Feel the Love Right Now"

"This book felt like watching our favorite reality TV series--compulsively readable, indulgently gossipy, and certifiably binge-worthy."--Book of the Month

"Engel's fast-paced, witty debut is a great addition to the reality-TV romance genre. Perfect for fans of One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London and If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy and a must-read for all Bachelor devotees."--Library Journal

"Honestly you don't even need to watch or enjoy The Bachelor to adore this sparkling reality dating show romance from Isabelle Engel. I loved the heat and history between contestant Georgia, who's not-there-for-the-right-reasons, and Rhett, her one-night-stand who's now hosting the show. And I was legitimately on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Georgia might uncover about the seedy underbelly of the show, and how everything was going to resolve. No spoilers here, but I did NOT see that finale coming!"--Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of The Art of Catching Feelings

"Isabelle Engel has crafted an absolutely stunning rom-com debut packed with heart and humor. I was captured by her sharp voice and wit from the very first page! Most Eligible is a must read for anyone who has spent three hours of their Monday night watching overly produced singles attempt to find love, and a must read for anyone who loves a laugh out loud romance that will leave you swooning. Engel is a writer to watch!"--Falon Ballard, USA Today bestselling author of Change of Heart

"Most Eligible is a sure hit for fans of swoony second-chance romances, reality TV, and juicy behind-the-scenes drama. Georgia and Rhett have steamy chemistry from page one and it makes the slow burn love affair simmer that much more. This book absolutely deserves the final rose!"--Mallory Marlowe, USA Today bestselling author of Love and Other Conspiracies

"Laugh out loud funny and all too topical, Most Eligible is the rom-com of the moment. I was swooning and gasping every chapter! Hands down, this was the most fun reading experience I've had in a while. Consider me Engel's biggest fan. If you want a guaranteed happily ever after, skip The Bachelor and read this instead."--Clare Gilmore, USA Today bestselling author of Perfect Fit

"Isabelle Engel's debut is as deliciously addictive as its reality TV influences. From the dreamy love interest and hilarious cast of supporting characters to the cheeky call-outs of classic Bachelor tropes, Most Eligible will delight fans of reality dating shows and 90s rom-coms. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Engel pulled back the proverbial curtain, allowing readers to sneak backstage and eavesdrop on the juiciest on-set gossip. I adored this book from start to finish and was so sad to turn the last page!"--Lindsay Hameroff, author of Never Planned on You

"Most Eligible is like your favorite reality TV show--full of drama you can't look away from, villains you love to hate, and characters so filled with such breathless longing that you're rooting for their happily ever after no matter what. This book was absolutely bingeable and a triumph from debut author Isabelle Engel. The humor had me giggling, the social commentary was poignant, and the spice level was definitely TV-MA. I couldn't put this one down and I know you won't be able to either!"--Denise Williams, author of Just Our Luck

"Take the romantic set-up of The Bachelor, add in the drama, betrayals, and back stabbing of Unreal, and make it laugh-out-loud funny and you'll get Most Eligible, the swoony and sexy debut romance from Isabelle Engel. With a cast of characters you'll love, others you'll love to hate, and twists you won't see coming, this book is unputdownable and a pure delight!"--Meredith Schorr, author of RoomMating

"This is THE book for Bachelor lovers. Most Eligible is witty, smart and absolutely overflowing with chemistry. This is a fresh new take on a reality dating show romance, and I couldn't put it down."--Betty Cayouette, author of One Last Shot and creator of Betty's Book List

"Like the reality TV shows it's based on, Most Eligible is escapist, charming, and sneakily heartfelt. I was hooked from page one! Engel's writing is incredibly clever, witty, and inclusive. What an incredibly fun ride!"--Neely Tubati Alexander, author of Love Buzz and Courtroom Drama

"As juicy as a season of the best reality TV! Ripe with scandal, steam, and will-they-or-won't-they tension, Most Eligible is the perfect read for fans of page-turning romances full of heart. Isabelle Engel has written a showstopper of a debut."--Holly James, author of Name Your Price

"Tension and secrets and drama! Most Eligible encapsulates everything I love about reality television! The winks and nods to shows like The Bachelor were a delight, as were the unexpected twists, forbidden romance, and the chemistry between Georgia and Rhett! I thoroughly enjoyed this read!"--Naina Kumar, USA Today bestselling author of Flirting with Disaster

"Most Eligible combines the juicy behind-the-scenes drama of a Women Tell All episode of The Bachelor with one (or more!) sweet romances, a splash of investigative journalism, and a sly comedic twist, culminating in the Most Dramatic Final Episode ever! Reality TV wishes it could have this much fun."--Amanda Sellet, author of Hate to Fake it To You

"As juicy, dramatic, and addictive as an episode of reality television! With its dating show premise and pitch perfect Miss Congeniality twist, Most Eligible is sure to win over Bachelor Nation and reality skeptics alike. Isabelle Engel brings the swoon and the charm to every page. Most Eligible made my reality TV-loving heart soar."--Ellie Palmer, author of Four Weekends and a Funeral

"I absolutely loved this book. Filled with humorous twists and palpable tension, this sparkling debut is perfect for fans of The Bachelor, Unreal, and The Charm Offensive. I laughed, I gasped, and I thought critically about what our reality TV consumption says about our desire to forge true connections. I can't wait to see what Engel does next."--Iman Hariri-Kia, author of The Most Famous Girl in the World

"If you love reality dating shows (or love to hate them), Most Eligible will sweep you off your feet. Full of intrigue, sizzling chemistry, and all the behind-the-scenes drama you could ever want from a season of The Bachelor, Isabelle Engel's rom-com is a real winner."--Laura Hankin, author of One-Star Romance

"Brimming with all the nuance, entertainment, and glittering detail that makes us fall in love with our favorite reality dating shows, Most Eligible is a can't-miss romantic triumph. This debut is ready to make its readers swoon, sweat, and cheer!"--Courtney Preiss, USA Today bestselling author of Welcome Home, Caroline Kline

"Like the best reality TV, Most Eligible sizzles with drama and intrigue on every page. You'll want to binge Isabelle Engel's sharp, sexy debut in one sitting."--Ava Wilder, author of Will They or Won't They

About the Author

Originally from New England, ISABELLE ENGEL (she/her) now lives and works in Washington, D.C. She has an MA in English literature from George Washington University. When she's not imagining ways to make reality TV even more dramatic, she can be found reading, doing dance fitness, and petting other people's dogs. Most Eligible is her debut novel.