3.5 out of 5. I love Elena Armas books, The American Roommate Experiment is spectacular so any new book by her will be an automated read for me. It was also great that it was a direct continuation of the Long Game and both Adelyn and Cam feature prominently in the book. The book was a bit slow to start, but it sped itself up and the cute ending was adorable so it went up in stars and my appreciation. I think my main issue with this book and why its not ranked higher even though I enjoyed it and its a super cute romance is that throughout it it just felt too much like a copy of runaway bride. Not just inspired by but very much a retelling of the story. Its a fabulous story to use, but then the originality factor is not there. I do love the added family dynamics and that gave it a little bit of a spin.

This was a cute story that I enjoyed a lot! The characters and plot were written well and I throughly enjoyed the ending.

I loved this book! The protagonist, Josie, is literally ME! i laughed out loud, swooned and awwwed throughout the book!
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After a really long time I enjoyed a contemporary romance book! If you love a messy protagonist, fake engagement and slow burn romance then YOU HAVE TO PICK THIS ONE !!
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This book comes out on July 30th 2024! Add it to to your TBR!

Sadly I had to DNF this book nearly halfway.
The beginning of the story was so hard to get through. Josie is quirky to the point of obnoxious and I don’t think I could get through the rest of the book with her.

I also had some issues with the plot set up. It didn’t make any sense why Josie would feel pressured into fixing her father’s public image when he has nothing to do with her. Not to mention, I don’t see how it would be beneficial to end a FIFTH engagement.
The way that she pulled Matthew into her scheme felt very inorganic to me. And pushing him into it after repeatedly being told no was not cool. I don’t think this author is for me unfortunately.

This was an insanely strong 4.5 ⭐️

I am in love with Matthew Flanagan and that man is FILTHY ❤️‍🔥🤭

This book really suffered from not being dual POV. Matthew always loved Josie and went along with this insane harebrained scheme to get MARRIED and it made no sense!

The fake dating trope is one of my faves and I’ve been so excited for this story since we met these two in the previous book. ❤️ I loved Matthew and Josie so much and just seeing them fall for one another. This was sexy, swoony, and probably my favorite by Elena Armas (yet)!
Thank you to Atria Books for an e-galley of this book. All opinions are my own.

tbh i feel like 3⭐️ is acceptable for this one.
sloooooooooooow to start. a lot could have been avoided with you know- COMMUNICATION.
the ending was the best part tbh.

THANK YOU TO THE ABSOLUTES BABES AT ATRIA FOR APPROVING MY NETGALLEY REQUEST FOR THIS BOOK!!!

Just when I thought NOTHING could top The Long Game, this book SWOOPS in and just blows me away.

I don’t even think I can properly express how much I love this book. The entire thing was PERFECTION!

Our characters are messy and real and genuine. Their stories flow beautifully, and I loved watching their growth. I really really really love Josie and Matthew. (I also really enjoyed that no one ever seemed to call him Matt LOL.) The way that these two connected and interacted had me GIGGLING AND KICKING MY FEET!! I AM A BLOND MMC DEFENDER OKAY!! People say that they don’t like blond men in books, but I DO! Matthew literally made me so angry that he doesn’t exist irl.

Josie is an angel, and being in her head was a joy to experience. I really felt everything she did, and it really enhanced the story for me. I also loved that it was singular POV. As much as I would’ve loved being in Matthew’s head a little more than just that one chapter at the end, I really to appreciate a book that is able to make me feel like I’m in the love interest’s head without actually ever being in their POV.

I loooooved seeing Adalyn and Cameron again too. Those two are probably in my top favorite book couples of all time, and knowing that they really do live happily ever after made it so much more special.

I do honestly feel like this book and The Long Game were written by a different author than TSLD and TARE. Elena has improved so much as a writer, and I cannot wait to see how else she wows me.

4.5 stars

“beautiful things shouldn’t be boxed. It eventually dims their light.”


𓏲 he fall first and harder
𓏲 no third act breakup
𓏲 sister’s bestfriend
𓏲 fake dating
𓏲 small town
𓏲 slowburn

upon completing this book, I am convinced that Elena Armas is preferably suited to author slow-burning narratives through a single perspective. this writing pattern was similarly employed in her debut novel 'The Spanish Love Deception', which remains my benchmark for this author’s work. and i’m glad to declare that 'The Fiancé Dilemma' has come close to surpassing it.

“rough is good. It feels good. you’re perfect.” “wrong.” He swatted at my ass. “I’m perfect for you.”


I was utterly enchanted by the fresh and inviting atmosphere of Green Oaks, which was skillfully rekindled from the previous book in the series. I delighted in revisiting the charming small town, where a strong sense of community and family permeated every aspect of its residents' interactions. the way everyone looked out for one another, with a warmth and loyalty that bordered on familial, was truly heartwarming. moreover, I loved reconnecting with some of the beloved characters and youngsters introduced in the first book, whose return added an extra layer of depth and nostalgia to the storytelling.

“and that’s because you’re in it. that’s because it’s you. pnly you. I don’t care about firsts when I have you.”


Josie, the female protagonist, shone with a radiant warmth and resilience, bravely navigating the numerous obstacles she faced, a true ray of sunshine despite the heartbreaking loses and challenge she went through. her bond with her self-proclaimed 'grandpa' Mo was particularly endearing. Matthew, the male lead, embodied the perfect blend of protective instincts and hidden depths, his public persona as a golden retriever-like hero expertly masking a more complex and layered personality behind closed doors. I was especially enamored with the contrasting facets of his character, as his tender lover's heart was juxtaposed with a more seductive and spicy side.

”there was never a choice. I don’t give a shit how corny or cliché this sounds, but I knew when I saw her, and I know now more than ever before. I don’t need her to walk down an aisle, wear my ring, or sign her name on a dotted line. she’s my happy. the rest is only important when you need it and everyone should fucking know that.”


the plot-line was sculpted around the good ol’ fake dating arc with a palpable chemistry masterfully interwoven into the fabric of the story ricocheting between Matthew and Josie. i particularly appreciated how the bond was thoughtfully crafted and nuanced with their hilarious camaraderie, brilliant repartee and fire banter, making it easy to overlook the fact that everything was, in fact, a cleverly crafted act. a charade. all in all, it was a surprisingly fun and heartwarming read.


many thanks to NetGalley and the author, publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is hands down my favourite Elena Armas book yet. I have a history of finding her FMC’s very annoying, and while Josie’s “quirkiness” could definitely be over the top, she really wasn’t so bad. Mr. Matthew Flanagan, on the other hand…. HOT DAMN. He could call me anytime.

Give this book a read if you like:
- small town romance
- fake engagement/engagement of convenience
- a healthy dose of dirty talk
- impeccable flirtation
- fun characters
- romance books that give you that warm & fuzzy feeling

Unfortunately, I was super disappointed by this book. I have LOVED Elena in the past but this new series just hasn't been it for me so far. I gave The Long Game 3.5 stars and I was surprised that I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but it wasn't horrible. The Fiancé Dilemma was just plain bad. I felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie. The premise of the book made no sense to me. Why should Josie care that her absentee father is going to have a bad image because of what he did to her? He WAS awful to her, so why should she help him? And don't get me wrong, I understand she has daddy issues (although Josie tried to deny this), but c'mon! I wanted to shake her and tell her to get a grip! The fact that Josie just went along with everything her dad's PR said was so annoying too. She could never say no or set any boundaries. She also basically forced this "fake engagement" thing on Matthew and didn't take no for an answer, which didn't sit right with me. Additionally, she didn't seem to understand why FAKING AN ENGAGEMENT was a big deal when Matthew originally refused. Josie was honestly so selfish and kind of a pathological liar. She roped everyone into her mess (that wasn't even her mess in the beginning), plus she has so many daddy issues it's insane and if there's one thing I hate, it's characters who are in denial of their mental health issues and refuse to get help.

I am giving 2 stars because I felt like Josie and Matthew did have good chemistry, Matthew was sweet, and the book was quite funny at times. There was also decent spice and the slow-burn was delicious. Unfortunately, everything else was so confusing to me because I have LOVED Elena's books in the past, but the Fiancé Dilemma literally felt like it was written by someone else.

TROPES:
- Fake Engagement
- Small town
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- Single POV

Thank you to Elena Armas, Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Congrats on the upcoming release!

📚💍 Okay, book fam, buckle up because this book is a ride you do NOT want to miss! ✨

Josie Moore has had more failed engagements than a rom-com heroine, but when her dad's retirement announcement threatens the family's image, she needs a plan—and fast. Enter Matthew Flanagan, freshly fired, and literally stuck in the mud. Their first “fiancé” meeting? Priceless! 😂

The fake engagement trope gets a fresh, sassy twist with Josie and Matthew. Their chemistry is SPICY, their banter is SHARP, and the tension is off the charts!! 🔥

Seriously, go grab a copy on release day, July 30, 2024, and thank me later! 😍

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book was just okay for me. I liked the characters and the trope, but I feel like we need a little bit more substance from our romance novels these days.

Elena Armas is known for being a slow burn queen and she continues her streak with this book! Overall, I liked it. Like all her books (I’ve read every one but The Long Game), I do believe it could be 150 pages shorter. I’m on the train that contemporary/NA romances should not be more than 400 pages MAX.
Josie and Matthew are cute, but I felt the story fell flat? Now, I read purely for enjoyment and the butterflies, so I’m not an overly critical person when it comes to romances. I read through the whole book and didn’t really feel much for the characters. I wanted them to have their happy ending, I just wasn’t so invested. The Green Oak citizens were adorable, their love story was cute, and it's easy to digest.

Book: 3
Spice: 3
adult contemporary romance, fake dating/engagement

Thank you NetGalley and Atria books for the ARC!! I always appreciate it.

I loved The Spanish Love Deception but The Long Game and The Fiancé Dilemma just didn’t hit with me. But thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to dig in early!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute but predictable fake fiancée romance. I was not as invested in Josie and Matthew as much as I was in Adalyn and Cam but the small town setting is charming and overall vibe remains.

I’m so thankful to have been approved for an eARC of this book! And even more thankful that I’ve been able to get my hands of ARCs of both of Elena Armas’ last two books!! I absolutely loved reading The Fiancé Dilemma!! It took me a few days to finish reading because of work, but this was one of those books that I really just couldn’t set down and when I did I was constantly thinking about getting back to reading it. The story was easy to follow and I absolutely ADORE Josie. It was so nice to see all the different characters from The Long Game come back and be a part of Josie’s story as well. A part of me wishes that this book had been longer and that I got more of Josie and Matthew because the ending was just not enough for me 😭 This book had its moments, was an easy to follow read all while being cute and heartfelt. I absolutely loved this book, much more than The Long Game if I’m being honest, and I’d absolutely recommend reading it upon release on July 30th!

I love this author and this books was great! I really enjoyed the tropes, as well as the character development! Her characters are so realistic and lovable, and I didn’t want to put it down!

I really enjoyed The Long Game, and when I realized this book was about Josie, I had REALLY high hopes. I couldn’t wait to see her get her happy ending. Unfortunately this book fell a little flat for me.

In the first half of the book, Matthew’s character (MMC) felt really two dimensional. I really wanted more of getting to know him as a person, which we don’t see until much later into the book. It also felt like his situation was an afterthought until the end. Like if he is faking an engagement and EVERYONE in his life believes it is real, I feel like we should have seen him telling his family and having Josie talk to them much sooner. The beginning of their relationship felt forced and it was a bit of a drag to get through.

However, the second half of the book was phenomenal. The chemistry and cute dynamic was finally there. I am glad that I stuck it out because we finally see Josie stick up for herself with regards to her family situation (especially with a very nice man backing her up). Overall, not a big fan of how this book started, but I love how it ended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. These are my own thoughts.