Eli never thought he'd get past the first audition for a dating reality show. Awkward, self-conscious, and far more at ease behind a laptop than on stage, he expected to be sent home before the first episode ended. Instead, the producers cast him as one half of the season's biggest "rivalry." His opposite? Carter confident, magnetic, and annoyingly good at charming the cameras.

The producers push for drama, so Eli and Carter deliver: sharp banter, playful sabotage, and every ounce of tension the audience craves. But when challenges turn ridiculous and late-night confessionals stretch too long, the line between staged performance and something real starts to blur. Fans online are already pairing them as the season's surprise couple, though Eli knows how dangerous it can be when the whole world is watching.

As the public vote raises the pressure and off-camera moments cut too close, Eli is forced to ask himself what's true. Is his connection with Carter just part of the game or is it something he can't walk away from when the lights finally go out?

When the last confession arrives, will Eli be ready to make it matter?

Like every tale in Love Out Loud, their journey proves that laughter and love make the best pairing.

Part of the Love Out Loud collection, these standalone romantic comedies spotlight the joy and hilarity of falling in love when life is at its messiest. Whether it's clashing neighbors, travel gone wrong, reality TV chaos, or the ridiculous rules of modern dating, each story blends banter, heart, and a sweet male/male romance that ends on a high note. Perfect for readers craving comedy with a tender core, this series proves that the loudest laughs can come with the softest hearts.