just finished the ARC and omg. My impression of Matthew in The Long Game was kind of lackluster, but my opinion has done a full 180 now. 💛 He was soooo sweet and Josie was so relatable (I cried at least 3 times ahaha). I read this in basically one sitting, it was that good! The deli scene 👀 The fitting room scene 😩 thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for approving me for this!! I will be purchasing on release day 😌

It was the biggest surprise when I received an email that I was approved for my very first NetGalley ARC in exchange for an honest review! I want to give a huge thank you to NetGalley, Atria, and Elena Armas for this opportunity. I am beyond grateful!

Genre: romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🌶️🌶️
Trigger warnings: Anxiety, Death (in the past), Online Harassment, Marriage/Failed Marriages

This book made me feel:

Josie and Matthew were not what I was expecting at the beginning but after a few chapters and getting a feel for the story I just knew I was going to love them and the moments between them just kept getting better and better.

The beginning of the book was a little hard for me to get into. I think it’s mainly because I was expecting a different kind of opening, but it initially wasn’t really pulling me in as much as Elena’s previous books. But I did like Josie from the start. She was a really interesting character in The Long Game and I was looking forward to learning more about her as well as Matthew who I also feel like we didn’t get to see a bunch from in the first book.

The main plot did feel a bit far-fetched at first, but I do believe it was developed with her personal reactions in mind really well. Because although I don’t think I would’ve reacted as she did, it truly made sense with her past and her general people-pleasing ways.

The middle spiced things up. I loved the banter between Josie and Matthew as the Story went on. It was honestly the perfect blend of funny and serious. Honestly I was highlighting full paragraphs and full conversations. I just wanted to save everything. Matthew was so sweet and patient to Josie. Together they were hilarious. And they were still able to talk about serious topics.

As I suspected we totally learned more about Josie and Matthew’s pasts, but mostly Josie as the plot was mainly surrounding her and her past. But it made me want to reread The Long Game to see her again while knowing her backstory. We didn’t get as much about Matthew until the very, very end, but it was really impactful for me where it was placed. And I also want to reread this book with what he says at the end in mind.

I was expecting more community events to happen and even to see more of the side characters from the previous book. They did make appearances, but I also wasn’t upset by the lack of some appearances because it does make sense for this story’s direction. We did get a little goat yoga which was fun. And there we loads of references to The Long Game which I enjoyed but I don’t think would make someone who did read it miss out on anything in this book aside from maybe a few minor details.

The wine scene that Elena had been teasing on Instagram played out beautifully. I had my own suspicions again because that’s just how things go when someone puts an idea into your head, but I absolutely loved it. Plus all the other wedding preparation scenes had me kicking my feet, giggling, and blushing.

Josie and Matthew just truly complimented each other so well, Josie’s love language of acts of service and Matthew’s of physical affection. The gifts of food and the constant touchy-feely scenes, but also the mouth on this man.

The ending was both what I expected and not. It felt a little bittersweet, but it was also refreshing because it was different. It suited our characters.

Favorite Character:

Grandpa Moe - When he first appeared, I immediately jotted his name under my favorite characters. He was so funny throughout the entire book. One scene that particularly stood out to me was him “fixing a light in Josie’s joint”. He was also really protective over Josie like she was his granddaughter. I loved seeing the relationship between him and Josie. I also feel like it’s not very often you get to see a Grandpa figure or at least I haven’t read very many.

Matthew - This man. He was absolutely amazing. The way he treated Josie. The way he spoke about her. The way he loved her for her. The way he wanted her to just be herself. I just feel like there’s not enough words to convey my feelings about him. I loved him in The Long Game and I was a little hesitant towards him at the beginning of the book, but he just absolutely blew me away. He is seriously so perfect.

Josie - I loved learning about her past and her feelings and why she did what she did. I also felt so bad for her and the situation she was out in. I did feel connected to her a lot throughout the book. She’s a people-pleaser which I definitely can relate to. She’s also a bit of an overthinker and didn’t have the greatest self-confidence; which our lovely Matthew tried to help her with, because he truly cared about her and wanted to be there for her, but it was hard for her to accept his help because she’s always been independent.

Pedro Pigscal - I cannot not mention the iconic little teacup pig who had several appearances. Perfect name. But also just Matthew holding the little pig made me smile every single time.

Favorite quote:

“normal is what you make of the cards fate hands you”

“But sweetheart," he said a lot louder. "Of course I would love you if you were a worm." He winked. "I'd build you a tiny box and carry you in my pocket anywhere i'd go.”

"I know you can," he said "But you won't."
“We handle shit together. I don't care if you can do it on your own. You shouldn't have to."
I... wasn't used to this. Usually, people let me take the issue off their hands.

He was baiting me, he was trying to prove a point only because I refused to admit it. Because I'd opened up, taken a step outside my cocoon of safety, and then gone right back into it. But didn't he understand? How terrifying it was for me to peek my head out?
Especially when it was him on the other side. Especially when he saw so much, knew so much, was so deep into the tangle I was.
Especially when he was a little right.

Beautiful things shouldn't be boxed. It eventually dims their light.

"I asked you for your thoughts," he said matter-of-factly. One raspberry went flying into his mouth. "Why would I complain about your sharing with me?"

The only thing that matters right now is you.

It was truly unfair how much he loved to eat and how happy it made me to watch him.

I haven't been able sleep," | explained, keeping my voice up, happy. Normal. "Which is not rare with me. My head sometimes doesn't shut up.

Matthew smiled. "So you think I'm pretty."

It's what makes it so beautiful. So unique. She's brave and resilient and can overcome anything.

I loved that he was sweet and funny and clever and the way he never thought there was something wrong with me.

With every man I've been with. I've molded myself and tried to fit, and sure, I fell in love with certain things that I made mine but. . .It's never worked.






* * * * * warning: this last one is a spoiler * * * * *















The first time I heard about Josie was through a text." . . . "It was from Adalyn, and it read: I think I've just met your soul mate."
Adalyn laughed from her seat. "I'd forgotten about that."
"I haven't," Matthew said, his eyes still on me. "Do you remember what I texted back, Ads?" "You asked for a picture. Of your future wife."
All the air in my lungs left me, and I could only sit there, in that chair, staring at Matthew as his smile widened and widened, making a spot in my chest swell, taking all the space.
"That's right," he confirmed. "And all I got was a laughing emoji. I was genuinely curious, and I wanted to press for more information. What did she look like? Would she laugh at my shitty jokes? What color were her eyes? How did she smell? Did I stand a chance?"

While this is a standalone it is best to read second, and I made the blunder of not doing so. For the best experience read as a series! Thank you NetGalley!

Oh my GOSH! This was so so so good! I think Josie and Matthew maybe one of my top 5 favorite couples! Just the craziness that Josie always finds herself in the middle of and then he is there to help her and keep her grounded. Just so damn sweet! I really can't wait for a physical copy of this book and to read more by Elena!

After meeting Josie and Matthew in The Long Game, I was super excited to read this one!

I liked being back in the small town of Green Oak and all the characters (and animals) that come with it. The slow burn was deliciously slow. Elena always does an amazing job at building that tension.

I also liked the cameos of Adalyn and Cam from The Long Game and seeing where they have ended up.

But I think my favorite thing was the ending! No spoilers, but the HEA was different from the way a lot of romance books end and I loved that.

The only thing that I wish the book had was dual pov throughout. I didn't quite connect with Matthew as much, since everything was from the pov of Josie. We do end up getting his backstory throughout and eventually get insight into his feelings, but I missed being inside the head of the MMC as the story progressed. I think that's just a personal preference thing though.

Otherwise, I enjoyed it quite a bit and would definitely recommend it!

Thanks to Atria books for the opportunity to read and review early!

Points for Matthew's flirting alone. That wine and blindfold scene? Whew. By no means did this book reinvent the genre (or tropes), but I had a decent couple of days with this book.

As someone who tried but found myself uninvested in Elena Armas's earlier works, I really enjoyed The Long Game and was excited to dive into this one. Unfortunately, while still an improvement over some of her other titles, this book did not reach the level of enjoyment I felt for The Long Game. Though I can see the potential in the book and what Elena was trying to achieve here, I felt the writing and the plot meandered needlessly at time. And because there was nothing inherently very memorable amidst all that meandering, the characters and book suffered.

I wish we delved into the characters a bit more. I don't think Matthew's personality or motivations outside of his interactions with Josie came through, while Josie's character development dragged so much it almost feels like she went nowhere, but maybe it's because we're in her head so much since this was a single POV book. There were various bits set up here and there that we could've dived deeper into to solidify Josie and Matthew as separate characters and for their relationship together, but I thought it everything was dealt with so superficially. For a whirlwind fake engagement for a Runaway Bride, I really think we could really afford to pick up the pace and intensity here.

Would I recommend anyone to read this as a standalone? Probably not - I personally think it is best enjoyed having read The Long Game, else it would feel a bit like being dropped in the Middle-of-Nowhere, NC. That said, fans of Elena Armas or The Long Game would probably appreciate this more than a casual first-time reader.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC!

I was excited to read this book as I loved The Spanish Love Deception and The American Roommate Experiment! Her third book, The Long Game fell flat for me and I was hoping that this book would move in the right direction, but this wasn't it. The story was ok, nothing that interesting, and it is one I will probably forget a week from now. I thought the initial meeting in person of Josie and Matthew and the subsequent fake engagement just happened too fast and was unrealistic. It didn't make sense that Josie was trying to please her father when she hardly knew him and hadn't him met in person. There were some cute moments, but overall it was just ok.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC!

I have officially finished the fiancé dilemma by Elena Armas so let’s get into the review: I loved this book and it was a 5 star read for me. I enjoyed how it reminded me of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or the Wedding Planner, both amazing 90s early 2000s rom coms. It had just enough of an outlandish character and plot that it was clearly not going to happen in real life but I mean that was the point right? I will say it took a while for Josie (FMC) to realize she was in love with Matthew (MMC) and that was maybe a little too slow for me but y’all, the way you could so clearly tell that Matthew is in love with her just made me swoon. This was a 5 star read for me because it was funny, had a good pace, and the spicy scenes were so well done! The fiance dilemma is released July 30th and I cannot wait to get my hands on a paperback copy

New favorite book by Elena Armas! Loved Josie and Matthew's story! Such a fun and romantic read. Loved seeing old characters in this book again, too! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this arc!

While it’s not 100% necessary to read The Long Game first, I strongly recommend it.

The Fiancé Dilemma takes off running, leaving us as rushed and confused as our main characters Josie and Matthew. It’s fast paced and funny. Clever and a great continuation to the series. (I hope we get more!)

Josie is still struggling with the news of her semi famous (and uber rich) father and the half sister she never knew she had when suddenly she’s “messing with his image” and, in a moment of desperation, in possession of a fake fiancé who just happens to be her new sister’s best friend.

Matthew, who is the ultimate book boyfriend, rolls with the punches and goes along with everything way too easily. It takes us a long time to find out his side of the story but I think it’s worth it.

Staying in Josie’s POV keeps things chaotic and Mathew’s character just the right amount of mysterious.

I’ll admit, the story has some serious similarities to the movie Runaway Bride, but they acknowledge them and move on.

If you’re looking for a good palette cleanser after some more series books with a pig named Pedro Pigscal, you’ve come to the right place.

I want to first thank NetGalley and Atria Books for this amazing ARC.
If you love classic 90’s rom-com’s this book is for you. Small town romance, runaway bride and a “swoon worthy” fake fiancé - are what the perfect romances are made of.
I LOVED Matthew Flanagan. He embodies the perfect book boyfriend. Josie was quirky, smart and loveable as a main character.
I am giving this book 3.75 ⭐️ only for the length. I thought this book was a tad bit too long around the 50%-60% mark for myself.
Ultimately, I love reading anything Elena Armas releases and The Fiancé Dilemma was no exception.
#NetGalley #AtriaBooks

People really love Elena's books and I'm not here to take that away from them, I don't know if it's me or her, but I really struggle with her writing. Something about the books moves too fast, and everything just falls right in to place to the point where it's really kind of not believable and that takes me out of the story. I'm not sure if I'll try another of her books, but I received the ARC and I'm always happy to read and review them. I'll say for those that enjoy her other books, I would recommend this to you, but for those who might be on the edge of deciding whether they like her writing style or not, this may not be for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.

- small town romance
- fake engagement
- cinnamon roll MMC
- slow burn

The tension and banter between the main characters was done so well! I found Josie’s quirks annoying at first, but I was rooting for her in the end. Matthew Flanagan is literal perfection! 🔥 However, I felt like the story was missing something. I would have loved a dual POV. There were many times when I wanted to be in Matthew’s head.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend if you like 27 Dresses/Runaway Bride vibes.

“What if I can’t give you any f*cking firsts, so I want to make sure I get a chance at being your last?”

I read a whole book in one day. This book. This whole book in one day.

Firstly, thank you to Elena Armas and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Secondly, Elena Armas!! You evil genius- this book was perfection! The tension, the build up, the banter, the absolute perfection that is Matthew Flanagan. I need one of those, do you get them on Amazon??

This book was magic- literally. I’ve loved every book Elena has written, but I think this might be my favorite.

I really wanted to love this because the cover, description and title were so good! Then I was 100 pages in and ended up DNFing because i really could not get into it.

I adore Elena Aramas' writing style and characters. The stories are always so fun and sweet. The characters feel like real people...and this is why The Fiance Dilemma is my least favorite of her books so far. Josie is wonderful but Matthew feels like a placeholder instead of a fully developed character. This is still a fun read and quite charming but it ranked well below her other books for me.

This was my first Elena Armas book and I absolutely loved it. I am simply obsessed with this book and could not put it down, I was hooked on to every word. Throughout the book I found myself smiling as I was reading, giggling, and blushing. It also gave me butterflies!! Both Matthew and Josie were lovable characters. Josie is relatable in some ways. She’s funny, overthinks, is a people pleaser, and has a tendency to put others first before thinking of how she is feeling. I love how Matthew would comfort her and could read her so well whenever she was anxious. His actions meant so much to her and helped her relax. They’re so cute together! I adore them. Their banter, tension, and chemistry was 10/10. Matthew is a king. I love this man. You could tell Josie was all he ever saw, he’s so obsessed with her I LOVE. Don’t even get me started on his nickname for her. I swooned every time.

I will be running to the bookstore to get my physical copy on release day! I can’t wait to read more of of Elena Armas books.

The Fiancé Dilemma picks up with Josie and Matthew in a whirlwind fake engagement while they both balance their true feelings. This one had all my favorite tropes and was the perfect amount of cutesy without being overly cheesy.

I’m secretly hoping the next book is Bobbi and the single daddy farmer 👀

Just what my romance reader heart needed from Elena Armas. I was a bit hesitant about picking up this book as it is a stand alone sequel of sorts to The Long Game, which was not my favorite. But this one was definitely worth reading. The mmc might be the best one from the author yet, and he had all the good qualities I like in a hero in a romance. Attentive, funny, kind, caring, obsessed with the heroine and not afraid to show it. I do wish we had gotten more of his backstory and personality, but that’s not as easy to do when it’s a Single POV like this one. And while at times I was a bit irked with the “quirky” stuff that came out of her mouth I still felt a lot for her. Specially with her mom and dad issues. I’m glad that the exes did not bring an unnecessary or excessive amount of drama to the plot, and the conclusion of the story was very satisfying to me.🥰

Simply put, this book was cheesy. I appreciated that the characters did have actual personality traits, but I felt like they were static and there was no character development. Matthew as a MMC was a little too caveman for me, and I honestly felt like his personality did not match who he was at the beginning of the book. Josie was your typical saccharine-sweet hometown girl. The ending wrapped too quickly with many conversations still needing to be had. Honestly, it should be a 2.5 stars, but I rounded to 3- just based on my personal preferences. It fits your typical rom-com stereotype, so fans of the genre will probably love this read.