From the moment I picked this up, I struggled to put it down - I loved the start of it, and got completely into the characters. The storyline dropped off a little for me in the middle, but by the end, I was glued to it, again. I do enjoy a fake romance, and this one certainly had the energy and chemistry. The crush between them was evident from the start, and it was just a matter of working out when it would all happen for them. Overall, I definitely recommend this book as a fun read and a beach escape!

3.25 stars. This is the second published book by this author and also the second one I read and I find that I like the writing style. When I noticed this was a fauxmance, I was immediately sold on reading it. The book was well-structured and I enjoyed reading it, but I had some trouble connecting to the romance.

Taylor needs to marry (and stay married for 1 year) in order to inherit her grandfather’s B&B on Maui. Jayden, who’s recovering from a severe accident, is willing to fake marry Taylor (and divorce her) in exchange for free living on the island. The warm climate will help reduce the pain in her leg, so it seems like a win-win situation.

Before I go into details. When I read fauxmance, I was immediately thinking; animosity, enemies-to-lovers, and that sweet slow growing attraction. That is not the case here, they actually are already secretly crushing on each other from the start, so it’s more a friends-to-lovers storyline.

The tropical setting of the book is absolutely gorgeous and since my holiday is coming up soon this was excellent to get into the mood (not that my holidays will involve anything tropical, but still). The book is written in third person from the POVs of Jayden and Taylor. They were both very likeable and have their own voices, and I was so hoping for a happy ending for each of them. However, I found it difficult to root for them as a couple. This was mainly due to the fact that all their doubts and struggles are a constant internal monologue and there was almost no interaction or dialogue between them (they were actually often avoiding each other). There were also almost no happy romantic together moments, which is quite strange since they are together the entire book. Luckily, besides the romance there were also some interesting plot developments that captured my interest at points where I got somewhat frustrated with the romance.

And who doesn’t like pets in their stories? Normally it’s a dog or cat, but here it’s a pet in true tropical fashion, a sea turtle named Charlotte with whom Jayden bonds and their moments are an important part of the book. Did I like it, yes and no, it was super cute and important for Jayden, but the choice of animal bothered me a lot. This is an endangered species, interacting and especially feeding (which she does on the daily) is illegal and could potentially harm the animal, so yeah, there’s that. I wish another (non-endangered) animal was chosen.

I realize I sound rather critical here, and I had some issues, but there was also plenty I enjoyed. The characters are well-written, the general feelgood holiday feeling was there, and there are some good action moments and interesting revelations that I did not discuss because of spoilers.

The title alone let you know this is going to be a marriage of connivence trope. Taylor Braxton is surprised to learn her estranged grandfather has left her a B&B on Maui. The property doesn't become hers until she marries and passes her first wedding anniversary. Jayden Wheaton was in a car accident over a year ago. She has been going to a gym to work on her weight and build back muscle control. Taylor is Jayden's personal trainer at the gym. Jayden volunteers to marry Taylor.

This is a cute story and the main characters are genuinely friendly each other. I was expecting them to work together as they changed the property to the gayest B&B. Or I wanted more flirting between the two to see their relationship develop. But the characters stay more in their heads as they both deal with past issues. One of the sweetest relationships is between Jayden and Charlotte, the giant sea turtle, that she feeds daily. I get that she can talk, share her feelings and spiritually connect with Charlotte. But the logical side of my brain kept screaming out, it's illegal to feed sea turtles in Hawaii or to get within ten feet of them.

This is a quick read and I enjoyed it all in one evening. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

In order to inherit property on Maui left to her by her grandfather Taylor has to be married and stay married for at least a year. Taylor is single and unattached. What is she to do? This is a nice read on how she manages this and the misunderstandings that arise while on Maui.

Um I did not feel anything for Taylor. thought Jayden was sweet. Moreover, I felt like the story needed some type of drama it was so simple. I still found it good read, and well written. made me want to visit the place tbh

So the trope is not new but I still like it. And so I also enjoyed this one as well. It is well written and I liked that it is from both their point of views. The only thing I didnt like is that the story is played out over a year but it could as well have been a month. There are gaps of months not being told about or even mentionend really what happened. I understand that you cant tell about a whole year but those jumps in time were a little much and you didnt get really a feel for the MCs as a potential couple. Still well done!

The Marriage Masquerade is outstanding story of hope and endurance.
Taylor a personal trainer has been notified she is the beneficiary to her grandfather's will. Of course there are stipulations before she receives everything, including a B & B in Hawaii she didn't even know existed. to become the owner and get the deed she must marry and stay married for a year.
Taylor isn't interested in marriage and doesn't even have a partner what is she going to do?
She mentions this to one of her clients, Jayden who has had a secret crush on Taylor since she met her. Jayden jumps at the chance to not only spend time with Taylor but get a change of scenery.
It seems like a perfect set up for both of them, knowing that after a year they will get a divorce.
But once at the B & B things change and family secrets are unearthed.
The characters are so easy to like and you hope they can reach their happy place and see what is right in front of them.

Well I finished this in one sitting, so that should explain how compelling the story is. I didn't love the whiplash feeling I got at the end, it felt so rushed. But I really just want to be friends with all these characters, and visit the "gayest b and b" in Hawaii.

im sooooo happy that all of these tropes are finally being used with lgbt stories especiqlly marriage of convenience, one of my favorites. taylor and jayden’s relationship is so raw especially given the circumstances in which they initially get to know eachother but you can also tell throigh the writing that there’s also so much love between them. the setting is also very atmospheric and the bed and breakfast aspect also gives a glimpse of domesticity into the fake married couples life. i loved it!!!