Title: The Naysayers
Author: Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
Publisher: Little A
Publication Date: January 13, 2026
Format Read: Kindle e-ARC
Category: Literary Fiction
A story about the tug-of-war between hope and cynicism, and what happens when someone profits from your lowest moments.
We’ve all seen cartoons where a character has an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, offering advice that’s anything but helpful. But what if those little voices in your ear were real? The Naysayers by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke runs with that idea in the best way. Naysayers work for Naysay, Inc., whispering just the right suggestions into the minds of clients handpicked by companies eager to profit from their vulnerability. Things get complicated when two fiercely competitive Naysayers end up assigned to clients who fall in love. Now they’re forced to team up to break the couple apart, all while catching feelings for each other. It leaves them with a choice: keep this pair separated, along with themselves, or take a risk and fight for their own fairytale.
This story is an absolute blast to read. It’s loaded with pop-culture references that even the most out-of-touch grandma would recognize, many of them tied to real-world mishaps the Naysayers proudly claim: “You’re welcome, Real World.” I laughed out loud more than once, and when I wasn’t laughing, I had a goofy grin plastered on my face. This book is just pure fun.
Megan and Ben, along with Lily and Jasper, make excellent leads. Could they have been explored more deeply and intimately? Absolutely. But I still felt like I had enough to relate to them and root for their success. Megan and Ben’s banter is genuinely fun, and the sexual tension is unmistakable. Their chemistry feels inevitable, especially with their clients mirroring their own dynamic so closely. I did wish a few shifts in their jobs and relationships unfolded with a more gradual build, but nothing ever felt confusing or unearned.
The story explores themes of hope vs cynicism, greed vs humanity, and corruption vs conscience, and it pulls it off in a way that is genuinely enjoyable to read. You won’t be breaking your brain trying to unpack these ideas. Instead, you’ll be laughing and crossing your fingers for love to win the day. The writing is clean, modern, and fast-paced, with a competitive romcom edge. It’s accessible, energetic, and incredibly easy to sink into.
I found The Naysayers to be a highly entertaining read. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy romcoms or cleaner romance. The banter is fantastic, and while the spice level is basically nil, the emotional payoff is still there. You’ll find yourself rooting for all the couples involved.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓 – A clever, big-hearted romcom with a twisty little conscience.
Let’s Discuss: Would you take advice from a little voice whispering in your ear, or immediately file an HR complaint?
Find out more about The Naysayers by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke at their website.
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I read a digital copy made available by Little A through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.