Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Connie Evans has always been suspicious of "nice guys," thinking they usually hide some nasty secrets. But that belief gets flipped when she meets her neighbor, Henry Samuel Beckett, or Beck for short. He is a cheerful book editor who wears a bow tie and delivers baked treats to her door. Even though he seems super friendly, Beck tells Connie that he’s been single forever. To dodge questions from his coworkers, he impulsively claims he’s married.

Beck's lie is close to being discovered at a company writing retreat. To help him, Connie pretends to be his wife. As they share a small space and participate in the retreat's activities, their fake relationship starts to feel real. This situation pushes Connie to face her trust issues and consider that Beck might be nicer than he seems.

The book offers several romantic tropes that I like, such as the fake marriage trope and somehow the close proximity. It was a fun read, and you will probably enjoy it more if you don’t bring logic into the equation. The believability factor of the story is not its strength. Beck, despite being such a charming character, felt more fictitious than real. A man in his thirties, who is a virgin and has never kissed, seems almost unreal.

If you are seeking a light and enjoyable read, this book may be worth exploring. However, it's important to keep in mind the believability aspect, as it ultimately hinges on your personal interpretation of the story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book.

This was so cute and funny!
Connie’s neighbor Beck is kind, burly, thoughtful, a little shy, and like Connie, a huge nerd. He’s seemingly so perfect that Connie assumes he must secretly be the worst man on the planet. I can’t say I can blame her since we’ve all been fooled by a “nice guy” before.
Once she learns he truly is a nice as he appears and has gotten himself into a pickle by telling the office bully that he has a wife she decided to help him by accompanying him to his work’s writing retreat. She discovers sharing a bed with this perfect man and pretending to be his wife is going to harder than expected. Not only for practical reasons but because she is quickly falling for him.
Beck is so adorable and considerate. I loved seeing him gush over Connie’s love for sci-fi and how nervous he got around her. I’m such a sucker for a shy book boyfriend. Connie is not only funny but fiercely protective of her friends. He is just the kind of friend and partner Beck needs. Bonus points for the forced proximity/one bed and body positivity.

Trigger: Co-worker bullying

This is a hilarious romantic comedy with a gentle giant who is a cinnamon roll. This has a HEA.

Henry Beckett (Beck) is an American who is being bullied by a co-worker that leads him to create a fictional wife. Beck is the nicest, sweetest guy who some may think is a little gullible because he tries to see the best in people.

Hazel, FMC, is very skeptical of Beck because she hasn’t had good experiences with men in her past. After learning of Beck’s situation she pretends to be his fake wife.

I couldn’t stop laughing at some of the banter between characters. Beck was such a gentle giant and I enjoyed how protective Hazel was for him. Overall , I would recommend this book to friends. This author is a must buy for me.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to provide feedback. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am often SO picky with plus-size FMCs, and this one did not disappoint! There was lovely character growth and development and fantastic banter. My girl was loved on fabulously by our MMC and that's always wonderful to see. I love seeing plus-size ladies as full (pull intended), complex characters who think about things other than their weight and this was a great example. Definitely reccommend!

A second Ted Lasso inspired rom-com that's as much as a winner as the first. It has wonderful plus size representation, and also a good level of spice. The MMC is such a cinnamon roll that you root for the two of them to make it from the start. It is a swoony and sweet romance that draws you in and leaves you wanting more!

I normally love Charlotte Stein (I LOVED HUNGRY WEREWOLF, for example), but this one didn't hit for me. It felt like it was relying more on character archetypes than characterization and thus the overall arc felt underdeveloped and didn't catch my interest very much.

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for premise. I love a cinnamon roll MMC, especially when he’s built like a lumberjack. And I love a bada$$ yet insecure (#relatable) FMC!

2 stars ⭐️⭐️ for execution. Oh the banter was excellent! But it was 90% of the book and repetitive.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book! This is my honest review.

This book surprised the heck out of me. I was not sure what to expect and I certainly did not anticipate enjoying this one as much as I did. Charlotte Stein's writing is phenomenal and I am blown away by the refreshing and memorable romance story she gave us. I found myself laughing out loud, swooning, and kicking my feet over Connie and Beck. So good!!!

Thank you so, so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for the arc <3

I really wanted to like this book but I just could not bring myself to find any redeeming qualities. I could not get past the way the MMC spoke. “Gosh golly” and “dilly of a pickle” were some of the few phrases I could not move past. It seemed like it was meant to be quirky but it didn’t truly fit the story. Out of respect for this book and the author, I will not be posting my review on public sites until after the publishing date. I think this book was sadly just not for me but the right audience will love it.

Some day a book is going to be written featuring a Ted Lasso-coded MMC that makes him as attractive as he is on the show but today is not that day and My Big Fat Fake Marriage is not that book. Stein does spice SO WELL but everything about this feel short for me.

*My Big Fat Fake Marriage* is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and swoon-worthy moments! Connie (Hazel) and Beck’s chemistry is irresistible, with witty/nerdy banter that will keep you turning pages. Beck is the ultimate cinnamon roll hero—kind, cheery, and utterly lovable—while Connie’s relatable skepticism adds the perfect counterbalance.

The fake marriage trope is handled with charm, and as the sparks fly during their shared retreat, you’ll find yourself rooting for these two to turn their staged love into the real deal.

Charlotte Stein’s "My Big Fat Fake Marriage" is a rollicking romantic comedy that delivers both humor and heart in equal measure. With its endearing characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, this novel is a perfect escape into the world of love and misadventure.

The story centers around Julia Hart, a feisty and independent woman who finds herself in a bit of a pickle. When her ex-boyfriend gets engaged to her younger sister, Julia concocts a plan to save face and avoid the pity of her well-meaning but overbearing family. Enter the charming and roguishly handsome Owen, who agrees to pose as her fiancé for the duration of the wedding festivities. What starts as a harmless ruse quickly spirals into a series of hilarious and heartfelt escapades that challenge both Julia and Owen in unexpected ways.

Stein excels at creating relatable and lovable characters. Julia is a strong and sassy protagonist with a sharp wit and a penchant for getting herself into awkward situations. Her insecurities and vulnerabilities are portrayed with authenticity, making her a character that readers can easily root for. Owen, on the other hand, is the quintessential romantic hero with a twist. His easygoing nature and hidden depths make him a perfect match for Julia, and their chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet.

The supporting characters in "My Big Fat Fake Marriage" add richness and depth to the story. From Julia’s quirky best friend who is always ready with a snarky comment to her meddling yet well-meaning family members, each character contributes to the novel’s vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Stein’s ability to create a lively cast of characters that feel like real people is one of the novel’s standout features.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of "My Big Fat Fake Marriage" is its humor. Stein has a knack for witty dialogue and comedic timing, making the interactions between characters feel fresh and entertaining. The situations that Julia and Owen find themselves in are often hilariously over-the-top, yet they are grounded in the reality of their emotional journeys. The balance between comedy and heartfelt moments is expertly handled, ensuring that the novel remains engaging and emotionally resonant.

The fake relationship trope is given new life in Stein’s capable hands. While the premise is a familiar one in the romance genre, Stein’s unique voice and clever storytelling make it feel fresh and exciting. The progression of Julia and Owen’s relationship is handled with care, allowing their feelings to develop naturally over the course of the novel. Their journey from fake engagement to real love is both satisfying and heartwarming, making for a deeply enjoyable read.

Stein’s writing style is engaging and accessible. Her prose is crisp and evocative, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a perfect balance of fast-paced action and quieter, introspective moments. The dialogue is sharp and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions.

"My Big Fat Fake Marriage" also explores themes of self-discovery and the importance of being true to oneself. Julia’s journey is not just about finding love, but also about finding herself and embracing her true desires and aspirations. The novel’s exploration of these themes is both uplifting and thought-provoking, adding depth to the romantic comedy format.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a little different from what I usually read. I loved reading about each character, not just what they were saying but what they were feeling. Hazel and Beck came together in an unconventional way and the unexpected sparks were not only on fire, in a make you feel it too, it was satisfying in more than one way. I never rooted for a romance so much in a book. I loved everything about this book that had me constantly laughing too. Book provided by NetGalley.

Nice guys are liars and manipulators in Connie's experience, and she has been waiting for the other shoe to drop about her massive, baker, mustachioed, American neighbor, Beck. Obviously, what man wears bow ties and says "might sorry" and "holy moly" if they're not a serial killer???

When Connie is sure she's discovered his murder board, she learns he lied to a colleague (who's out for his job) that he had a wife in a moment of panic. And when Connie meets this jackwad, before she can think it through, she defends Beck and says she's his wife!

Now, they need to spend two weeks sharing a bed at a writing retreat, pretending to be married, and learning they're more similar than they thought.

Starting with how quickly she feels safe to show her true self, and share her given name (Hazel), with Beck, to the yearning and passion between them, the story built steadily and had me hooked! I couldn't put this down as the characters kept pulling me back in. Despite the premise, there was low-drama and a focus on Hazel's growth.

Hazel's inner struggle as she tries to unlearn what she was taught about the world, and feels uncomfortable accepting a future full of the same shit, was growth I enjoyed seeing. She was yearning to break free from the shell she wore, and seeing how Beck's natural acceptance and care was lovely.

You get protective and jealous and acceptance and lots of spicy scenes with such emotion - it was such an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Read for: fake marriage, forced proximity, one-person POV (FMC), plus-size rep, England setting, virgin MMC, opposites attract (they think so), "opens up hiding behind half-truths and sarcasm"

*I do wish we got Beck's POV at least once, maybe a bonus epilogue because you know he's besotted/feral/head-over-heals for her and I want to see it firsthand!*

4.5 stars
3 spice

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. This was overall a good book. I enjoy these rom com books with the happy endings. They're usually a good quick read for me and a palate cleanser in between more serious and heavy books. I loved the main male character Beck. The main female character Hazel/Connie was ok. Normally I'd give this book 4 stars but it's getting 3 because the characters knew they communicated better with writing and yet it still took them almost the entire book to realize that they wanted each other forever.

I rated My Big Fat Fake Marriage 4.5 stars and rounded up to 5.

If you want to read a spicy book about a cynical plus size woman that lies about being married to a cinnamon roll (that is a cross between Ned Flanders and Kenneth from 30 Rock) and have to spend a writing workshop sharing the same bed/cabin, this book is for you! I laughed throughout it and the spicy scenes were very, very spicy. It was cute and wholesome and wonderful. I didnt realize there was a previous book, but now that is on my TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun read.
✨️Grumpy x sunshine
✨️Fake marriage
✨️Forced proximity
This was my first book by Charlotte Stein. It took me a bit to get used to her writing. It wasn't bad, just different. I loved these characters. They were a bit awkward but also endearing. Connie and Beck were adorable. It was lovely to see these characters represented and not your standard people with perfect bodies and looks to match.
I don't want to give too much away but if enjoy the tropes, please read. This was a great reprieve from the same old, same old standard rom-coms.

I'd like to thank St.Martins Pres and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.


Expected publication March 11,2025.

3.5 stars 🌟

🤍 Her POV
🩷 Neighbors to Lovers
🤍 Fake Marriage
🩷 Close Promixty
🤍 One Bed
🩷 Cabin Vibes
🤍 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🩷 Slow Burn
🤍 Writing Retreat ✍️

This was such a fun and sweet read about Hazel and Beck's love story. How their fake marriage turn into something real between them.
Hazel was suspicious of nice guys since her experiences were not so great. When her neighbor is a nice guy who gives her pies and other dessert goodies. She didn't believe he was actually a nice guy. Hazel met the most green flag man in the world! 💚💚

Hazel is helping Beck out by pretending to be his wife for the writing retreat.They are going to have to share a bed together. How fun! It seemed like Hazel's switch was flipped way on when it came to Beck in nature settings, honestly.

Beck was a true gentleman to Hazel that it surprised me he could be a dirty talker. Beck was so polite and innocent that it made Hazel feral. It saddens me when Beck doesn't believe that Hazel would be interested in him. I was rooting for them to end up together 🩷
Definitely slow burn 🔥

Cute and spicy- but a little bit on the boring side. I dragged through this and wasn't sure I was going to finish. Not the best by Stein.

Oh, this one was a <i>delight</i> — charming, sweet, and a surprising amount of spice to boot. I can definitely see the Ted Lasso inspirations here but there's also enough done to make these characters feel wholly their own and bold in ways that show could never, TBH. The only thing I would've liked to see more of was Hazel and Beck's relationship after the retreat, after they ultimately decided to be together, and before the transition into full-on marriage for real, as that part of the book felt a little too neatly resolved. But it's a minor quibble in the overall scheme of things, which is to say I gobbled this book up in basically a day with no regrets about having done so.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this edition from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.