First things first: Charlotte Stein definitely knows how to write a hot sex scene. This book rates five out of five chili peppers on the spiciness scale.

Now, for the plot... Connie's neighbor, Beck, is an American editor working in the U.K. The two of them pretend to be fake-married when they attend a 2-week-long writing retreat, mainly because Beck's mean co-worker, Doug, is a bully. Connie, who has been disappointed over and over again by rotten boyfriends, gradually falls for Beck. Bring on the "only one bed" and lots of sexual tension!

We eventually learn that Beck, who is in his late 30s, is still a virgin. My main problem with the book is that there was no backstory whatsoever! It's mentioned in passing that he grew up in Kansas—were his parents religious? He doesn't seem to have any hang-ups in that regard, but why would a tall, well-built guy who apparently had a successful college sports career never have had a girlfriend? We're led to believe that he's awkward and nerdy, but awkward, nerdy guys get laid all the time! There should have been something else there to help explain it, but since the whole story is told from Connie's POV, we never really get to know Beck as well as we should.

Finally, Beck had a real "heigh-diddly-ho, neighborino" way of speaking that reminded me of an unholy cross between Kenneth the Page from "30 Rock" and Ned Flanders (interestingly, both of those characters are Christian fundamentalists). Charlotte Stein is British, so I wonder if she simply had trouble getting into the head of a character from the American Midwest.

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for the review copy, via NetGalley.

Charlotte Stein really hit her stride with her latest work. She writes FMCs who reflect modern challenges. The romance between Connie and Beck was sweet and eventually just the right amount of spicy. I was surprised by the cameos from Stein's previous book. Highly enjoyed.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book, this is my objective review. This the second in a series (follow-up to When Grumpy Met Sunshine). And although we first met Connie and Beck (our main couple here) in that book and Alfie and Mabel make an appearance in this book, this book does work okay as a standalone. That said, go read that one too because it's highly enjoyable.

Connie, our fmc, is jaded and burned by the skeevy type of "Nice Guys" in the past so she has a hard time trusting an actual nice guy (her neighbor Beck) when he makes an appearance. The bare bones book description is that Beck claimed at work to be married, and so he asks Connie to be his pretend wife on a 2-week writing retreat that Beck is managing and that Connie already planned to attend. Can they believably maintain the ruse or will Beck's a-hole co-worker see right through it? And can they both keep their hearts intact when the 2 weeks are up? Beck is written like a caricature of an earnest American nerd, with the speech patterns of a character from "Fargo." Personality-wise he is deeply noble and decent. Physically, picture an American Henry Cavill with a mustache, who leans *hard* into his geeky interests and also wears bow ties. Whereas Connie is a closet nerd who subverts her inner geek with the shiny facade of a cool girl that she was taught to wear like armor. The book is written from a single 1st-person POV from Connie's perspective, but the author has a talent for writing internal monologues that do a great job of revealing things about both the character and who- or whatever the character is observing. The writing is a bit over-the-top but in a really enjoyable way. I love that Connie latches on to the idea that she can try on a relationship with a sweet guy like Beck, while it simultaneously makes me sad that she doesn't think she deserves a real relationship with someone who is kind. And what frustrates me about fictional couples like this is that neither thinks they deserve the other, and so the assumption builds to sustained misunderstanding (that we have to trust will get resolved for the HEA). And I get that it builds tension, which I'm not here for. What I *am* here for is the dawning realization that they were wrong and that what they want *can* also be the exact thing they truly deserve. If you like hyperbolic and semi-dense introspective monologues laced with humor and heat, this will be the book for you. I really like how Stein crafts her female main character's inner thoughts: when she's on her game, they're so relatable and work so well to set the scene that you don't really notice the lack of active events. One last note: as with her other books, this one is very open-door. So maybe be careful where and how you listen to an audiobook of this story!

This one was really cute! I thought Beck’s personality, while endearing, is never encountered in the wild so it was a bit unbelievable, but this is fiction and I love the vulnerability it presented that we normally do not see from MMCs. He was the ultimate cinnamon roll.

Hazel has experienced the worst side of the male species, and while it’s left her a little bitter, she’s still very lovable and I think the way she handled Beck’s growth in becoming comfortable with himself and sexuality was handled well overall.

This was a fake marriage story that blossomed into a real relationship, and it’s one of my favorite tropes!

Thank you St. Martin’s Griffin for the copy for the review!

The cover on this book is what made me want to try it out. I LOVE a plus sized MC and a cinnamon roll MC!
We have Beck who we see in "When Grumpy Met Sunshine" and the one bed trope is another thing I love but something about this book just fell flat for me.

An interesting concept that struggles under the weight of poor writing and lack of character development.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

The characters seemed to have complex personalities but I don't think the author had fully fulfilled her goal for the personalities of the FMC or MMC in this book. Hazel talks about her parents causing the mental anguish or insecuries she had, along with multiple negative relationships with men but we don't get to experience any of this aside from her point of view, in the moment. I don't think her background is talked about enough for us to fully appreciate her mindset, or acknowledge any of her growth. I felt like the FMC had a major "victim mentality" which came across negative, again, partially because we didn't get much into her past.

Regarding the MMC, I loved that we have a soft kind-hearted "cinnamon roll" male. Some of his quirks though were unrealistic and seemed to be forced, like the way he spoke. It made it cringe-worthy at times. Overall though he was a sweetheart.

The "issue" within the book seemed like it could have been easy by just telling the rude coworker to pound salt. It would have prevented the entire scenario, and I feel another reason to make the pretend marriage happen would be better for the story overall.

The writing itself was done quite well, and the spicy scenes were incredible. I liked the slow burn side of it but once it got going, it felt like the spicy scenes overpowered the rest of the story.

I didn't dislike this, but I wouldn't go back to read it again. Overall, it wasn't bad, but there were things that could have been done different to make this more enticing.

good romance and enjoy this author. I really enjoyed that they found love while in a fake marriage. love that they both enjoy writing and that they both were good for each other.

Charlotte Stein’s My Big Fat Fake Marriage is a charming, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that will leave you rooting for its quirky characters and swooning over their slow-burn chemistry. This delightful “fake relationship” romance offers readers the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat, proving that sometimes the most unconventional of situations can lead to genuine love.

Connie, our protagonist, is the perfect mix of sarcastic, smart, and refreshingly cynical about romance. Her distrust of “nice guys” feels understandable—and relatable. Enter Henry “Beck” Samuel Beckett, the sweet, unassuming editor with a bowtie and a big heart, who somehow finds himself telling a wild white lie about having a wife. When Connie jumps in to save him from embarrassment, she unexpectedly becomes the “wife” he didn’t really have.

The fake marriage trope is nothing new, but Stein’s take on it is delightfully fresh, mainly due to her unique characters. Beck’s charming awkwardness is perfectly balanced with Connie’s down-to-earth skepticism. Their chemistry feels natural, sparking from their shared vulnerability and mutual respect, and it doesn’t take long for readers to become invested in their dynamic. The setting of a writing retreat brings added charm, placing Connie and Beck in close quarters, where they can’t avoid their feelings (or each other) for long.

As they navigate their fake marriage, the slow-burn romance builds beautifully, especially in those small, intimate moments—sharing a bed, exchanging looks, and slowly peeling back layers of vulnerability. Stein’s writing brings out both the humor and the raw emotion of these moments, making the connection between Connie and Beck feel organic and deeply satisfying.

Aside from the romance, the book shines in its exploration of themes like trust, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to let go of fears and take a chance on love. The author does a wonderful job of balancing humor with heartfelt moments, giving the story depth and warmth. The supporting cast, especially the fellow writers at the retreat, add another layer of humor and insight, helping to round out Connie and Beck’s story.

If you’re a fan of fake marriage or forced-proximity tropes with characters who are equal parts adorable and complex, My Big Fat Fake Marriage is for you. Stein captures the emotional rollercoaster of falling in love when you least expect it with charm, wit, and sincerity. This book is the perfect blend of fun and feels, and it will leave you smiling long after the last page. Highly recommended for rom-com lovers who adore a well-written, heartwarming journey from “fake” to forever.

I almost didn't give My Big Fat Fake Marriage, by Charlotte Stein, a chance when I first started reading it. Some of the things Beck said, or maybe the wording he chose just made me not interested. I continued for the sake of completing a review and am glad I did. Everything falls into place, and you figure out the word choices, actions, and descriptions are a part of what makes Beck Beck! This one ends up being a witty romance that you'll not want to walk away from.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

Connie has always distrusted nice guys. In her experience, they’re just waiting to reveal some horrible secret. And then she meets big, adorable, Henry Samuel Beckett—editor extraordinaire, lover of bow ties, sweet and so cheery she struggles to believe he’s real.

Until Henry Samuel Beckett—or Beck, as he’s known to most—tells her the secret underneath his sunny surface: He’s been single all his life. But in a moment of panic, he’s told everyone at his publishing house that he’s married. And when Connie, an aspiring writer herself, can’t help defending him, she ends up being the fake wife he doesn’t actually have.

When they head off on a writing retreat, surrounded by people convinced this must be a ruse, both of them can't help but agree. Until they share their first kiss, their first touch, their first time in only one bed. Side by side, every night, as the simmering tension builds…Connie starts to wonder if this might be real after all.

This novel was so sweet and the characters were just SO GOOD. I loved this from start to finish. I am absolutely going to be checking out Ms. Stein's backlist.

This book was so cute! Both main characters secretly liking each other for real but not believing the other one could be interested! She’s afraid to try for real love for fear of rejection, he’s afraid he’s not good enough for her! Close proximity takes care of that!!

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Beck is such a delight. Especially alongside Connie… Or Hazel, if you’re nice enough 💁🏻‍♀️

Charlotte’s storytelling is just like chatting with a girlfriend, and I quite literally have been devourrrrring everything she puts out!

“Niceness this intense is always a scam. Or at least, it’s always been a scam in my experience.”

“He’s like a complicated adult story, told via the medium of a beautiful pop-up book.”

“I don’t make any sense for someone like him. I’m a mess. He’s tidy. I’m all sharp edges and brittle bits.”

“It’s honestly all I can do not to hunt down the women who’ve done this to him, vigilante style. Like a rom-com version of John Wick, getting revenge for someone killing this man-shaped puppy at the start.”

“I can see exactly why you enjoyed them, just by going on your descriptions. I can tell that you just want a little love alongside your laser beams.”

“It’s apparently hot, to know someone cares.”

“This was just supposed to be fun, and now it’s a million things I hardly realized I desperately wanted.”

“I’ve never known anything like this. The way it feels to be so cared for, so tightly held, so wanted. It turns me inside out.”

“With Beck, you’re not waiting for crumbs. He’s already made ten loaves and is just waiting to see if you want them.”

I almost DNF’d this one after a few chapters, but decided to stick with it. I usually enjoy a cinnamon roll hero, but Beck was so ridiculously nice and perfect that it felt over the top. Normally, I can go with the flow in romance novels, but Beck was just a bit too much—his kindness and dorkiness were almost hard to believe. It took me a while to warm up to the book because of that, but as the story went on, his character did get a little more believable. The spice was fine, but honestly, I wasn’t in the right mood for it, and the book didn’t quite set the tone I was hoping for. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t the book for me.

4.5 ⭐️ Who knew the literary equivalent of Ned Flanders could be so hot? This lovable romance from Charlotte Stein is a perfect escape from reality. When Beck is harassed at work by a macho male type, his writer neighbor agrees to go to a retreat with him, posing as his wife. Who doesn't love a fake dating trope, especially when it is also working as a fake marriage? The characters were true to themselves and realistic. I found myself rooting for both of them as individuals as well as a couple. My only issue was the slooooow burn. It was too slow for me, but it might work for those who love the trope. Admittedly, it's not my favorite, so I'm biased.

I'll definitely reread this one when it's released in March 2025.

Thank you so much to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this early release of My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein

3.75 rounded up to 4 stars. I enjoyed My Big Fat Fake Marriage. Beck and Hazel were lovable, if flawed, characters that I liked getting to know. Beck absolutely gave Ted Lasso vibes and I liked Hazel's humor, wit, and charm. This book was surprisingly spicier than I thought it was going to be but I didn't mind! I have already recommended this to many people and will absolutely read more Charlotte Stein novels in the future.

My Big Fat Fake Marriage serves up an entertaining cocktail of fake marriage and forced-proximity tropes, with a side of bow ties and literary angst. Beck, our cinnamon roll hero, is adorably too nice—bordering on cartoonishly sweet, complete with “oh fudge” exclamations. Enter Connie, a woman with trust issues and a wit as sharp as her skepticism about Beck’s niceness. Cue their fake “marriage” at a writing retreat to ward off his annoying coworkers, and you’ve got the perfect setup for rom-com gold.

The chemistry between Connie and Beck takes its time, giving us a slow burn that holds out until 75% of the book—a feat in the world of fake relationships! However, the pacing sometimes drags, with long internal monologues that could use a trim. And while the steamy scenes are well-executed, the romantic payoff feels a tad forced. Beck’s character, while endearing, risks feeling overly saccharine, and Connie’s mistrust of men is familiar but slightly overplayed here.

All in all, if you’re in the mood for quirky characters, a charmingly awkward hero, and some witty banter, My Big Fat Fake Marriage will satisfy

Thanks so much to Charlotte Stein and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC of this book.
FAKE DATING
FORCED PROXIMITY
GRUMPY VS SUNSHINE
BOOK NERDS
THE CONFLICT WAS A LITTLE BIT OFF
I love the dynamic between her characters. Author can really write great banter. I felt the author rushed the story near the end. Also, MMC did not hit the mark for me. I guess I like my men a little dark. I am going to look for other books by the other. I loved her writing style.

I think I would have liked this story more if it was dual POV. I would have liked to have understood the MMC a little more.

Being confined only to the FMC’s thoughts was frustrating to me. I knew she was an unreliable narrator so I could guess when she was interpreting situations wrong, but having to do that was very tiring. And her thoughts lingered on some things too long, but didn’t give enough about other things that could have added to the story. This could be just me, but I got this feeling of progressing through large chunks of the story in a hazy cloud when I wanted to see more. The days at the retreat were mostly sped through when I would have expected there to have been more opportunities for them to get to interact, instead of just rushing to the bedroom scenes.

I think the emotional notes of the story could have been explored a little more. And I think a lot more could have been done with the fake dating/marriage plot.

Overall, this was a nice story, but it wasn’t quite the story I was expecting.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me access to an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness, I loved this book! Beck was absolutely adorable. I want more LIs in romance novels like him!! And i love the plus-size rep with Hazel. This is one of my favorite contemporary romances I have ever read, it's definitely a new favorite for me. Overall I would highly recommend reading it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.