Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Lumberjack Captain America indeed. I loved Beck and Hazel SO MUCH. This was such a cute story and the spicy scenes were so on point. I need me a man lick Beck apparently. He was genuinely so sweet and caring and I loved how Hazel slowly realized this and believed he was a good guy and not some lowkey asshole. The book was also hilarious. I laughed out loud at so many parts as I was listening to it. Everythign about this book was perfect!! I loved the narrator too!

I really enjoyed the tropes in this book.
Fake Marriage/Fake Dating
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Curvy FMC
Romantic Comedy
Nerdy MC
Force Proximity

Connie who’s been burned by “Nice Guys” in the past has a hard time trusting an actual nice guy(cue her neighbor Beck).
Beck, who claimed to be married to his work has to figure out what to do for a work trip. Beck then asks Connie to accompany him on this trip and pretend to be his fake wife. Not knowing if his co-workers would believe it or not they had to keep up the act. But will they fall for each other during that 2 week period. I loved the Connie could basically try out a relationship with a super sweet guy like Beck, but I don’t like that she could deserve a relationship with suck a kind soul like Beck. I don’t like that they both think they don’t deserve a relationship with a genuine person. The tension between these two is insane and I cannot take it. I love that Connie is a plus sized woman because they don’t get proper representation in books usually. Their relationship was a slow burn and had a little bit of spice. Overall this was a great read and makes me want to read more books from Charolette Stein.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this ALC(advance listening copy). I wrote this review voluntarily.

I came to Charlotte Stein from When Grumpy Met Sunshine and loved how fun and sexy her book was, and My Big Fat Fake Marriage delivers the same. I also loved the cameos of Mabel and Alfie from WGMS.

Hazel is jaded and cautious, but also pure-hearted so when she learns her neighbor, Beck, lied about having a wife because of a bully at work, she decides the best solution is to claim that role and show that bully what’s what. Unfortunately what she thinks can be a quick turnaround of “oh we got divorced after all” turns out can’t be the case because the writer’s retreat she’s been looking forward to? Beck is the one running the whole thing and now there’s only one bed.

I really enjoyed how obviously smitten Beck is from the beginning, and Hazel’s complete inability to recognize it because she’s never been treated with care or the manners that Beck gives freely. I also loved how horny this book is, and how sexy things are between Beck and Hazel. The way Hazel describes both her own fat body and Beck’s large figure brought extra layers of delight to me reading the book.

Imogene Wilde’s narration really added to the humor and worked perfectly to bring Hazel to life.

This was a really fun, lighthearted jaunt that brought joy to a stressful week. I love Stein’s humor and look forward to more books from her!

Such a sweet & sexy read with the perfect whimsical romcom energy. I can honestly say that Beck was a one-of-a-kind love interest, the likes of whom I have never even encountered in romance, but I was so here for it!

Read if you like: cinnamon roll heroes, fake dating, mustachioed men with old-fashioned manners, & when SHE’S the one instructing HIM.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a copy of the book.

⭐⭐⭐
Thanks to @netgalley, @macmillan.audio and @stmartinspress for this ARC.

It so cutesy! Neither Connie nor Beck can imagine that the other could possibly like them romantically. But a brash coworker of Beck's sparks a fury in Connie and she says her and Beck are married. Now they must go on a writer's retreat together.

Definitely check this book out!

This book took me by surprise. I could see the romance developing but did not know how quickly it would all build. There is really no way there is a man so sweet but it has you dreaming that there is. For sure a light-hearted rom-com that will have you laughing out loud.

3.25 ⭐️

I have pretty mixed feelings about this one! I’m a SUCKER for a fake marriage / forced proximity book, but this one was a bit far fetched / awkward for me?

I liked the premise of the book, and the FMC was relatable. I enjoyed the overall writing style. it was bingable and was an easy read.

I didn’t vibe with the MMC. I felt like his character wasn’t believable. He’s in his mid 30s and he’s never even had a kiss before? I don’t know… it felt…. far fetched. I felt the spice was REALLY awkward. I know it’s supposed to have that aspect about it, but it just felt very cringey and while i respect it, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

The inner monologues were a bit much for me as well… i didn’t feel like there was much of any character growth and there was only sexual tension imo, and no emotional tense or angst grown.

Lastly, i read this via digital AND audio, and as a major audiobook consumer i hated this audio. I don’t feel like the narration was sold at all, and maybe with a different reader it would have been better, but there was no emotionality in the narration at all.

Overall… It wasn’t bad, but i feel like i will forget it rather quickly. It wasn’t great, but wasn’t bad. 🤷🏼‍♀️

My Big Fat Fake Marriage
By Charlotte Stein
Narrated by Imogen Wilde
Macmillan Audio

Release: 3/11/25

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the advance listen copy! 💖

💫Connie and Beck enter into a fake marriage to hopefully save Becks career. Connie is used to all the wrong guys, so when Beck turns out to be a genuinely good guy…she is in for a surprise. Connie and Beck are in for quite a week at a writers retreat as they stumble through a pretend marriage, even more so as the feelings become real.

💫 This book was a fun listen! Connie had realistic experiences with men and the dating world, especially as a plus size woman. Beck felt overly done cinnamon roll at times but was very likeable. Nicely done spicy scenes and a lot of them! This book is in British English and narrated as such.

First I want to give a big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

3.5 ⭐️
2🌶️

This audiobook was super cute! If you like fake marriage, golden retriever energy, one bed and forced proximity this book is for you! This is a light, fun, easy read! 🩷

I absolutely adored their notes back and forth to each other, the little banter and the man characters personalities! You have a 30 something year old man who’s never even kissed someone and a tough/confident FMC!

Overall I loved this story and I do recommend! I absolutely love Beck, the MMC, as he is the perfect little cinnamon roll!

This was such a cute listen and cute story. Imogen Wilde does an excellent job narrating both English and American accents.

I really enjoyed the story but could have done without all the sexy time details.

Overall, a solid listen (as long as there are no children around!) with well-developed characters.

This book took me on an emotional journey filled with heartfelt moments, witty banter, and characters I couldn't help but fall in love with. At its core, it’s a story about connection, self-discovery, and the courage to accept love—even when it feels unfamiliar or undeserved.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is how Beck and Hazel communicate. Their relationship begins with handwritten notes slipped under Hazel’s door, a quiet yet profound way for Beck to express his thoughts and emotions. As their bond deepens, their conversations shift to email, where their witty banter truly shines. These exchanges create a foundation for honesty and vulnerability, making their love story feel raw and authentic.

Hazel is an absolute standout—her humor had me laughing out loud multiple times. She’s witty, sharp, and effortlessly funny. Beck, on the other hand, is a sweetheart—kind, awkward, and incredibly endearing. His naivety plays a huge role in the story, particularly in how their marriage of convenience unfolds. His desire to be a gentleman and treat Hazel with respect is something she’s not used to, which makes their dynamic even more compelling.

Beyond the humor and romance, what really resonated with me was Hazel’s emotional growth. While she helps Beck navigate their arrangement—including guiding him through intimacy—she slowly realizes her own needs. For so long, past relationships taught her that love was transactional or fleeting. But through Beck, she learns that she not only wants a meaningful relationship, but she deserves one. That realization adds a depth to the story that makes it so much more than just a romance—it’s a journey of healing and self-worth.

This book is a perfect mix of humor, heart, and emotional depth.

3.5 stars

First of all, I would like to say that this book's spice level caught me completely off guard. At times, it was down right filthy. I've only listened to the audiobook of this story, but I have to say that this is an incredible listen, and I think the inner dialogue - which reminded me a lot of Bridget Jones - is something that comes across really well when listened to.

Was I attracted to Beck literally at all... no. I loved his sweet demeanor and quirks, but he really wasn't doing it for me personally. Now, Beck WAS doing it for my girl Hazel, and it was just such a fun twist from Hazel having so many bad relationships that she doesn't trust that Beck is all golden retriever until she sees him being treated the way she's been treated.

This was a quick read with a fairly simple plot, as it mostly just focused on Hazel and Beck, but it was so sweet and entertaining to listen to!

My Big Fat Fake Marriage
A Novel
by Charlotte Stein
Narrated by Imogen Wilde

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

Imogen Wilde did a great job narrating this book!

This romance book is seriously unusual. I loved it though.

Imagine the most dorkily dressed guy ever - and that’s Beck. He is the cheesiest cheeseball ever, and it’s a shame he isn’t real. He’s nicer than the nicest guy you’ve ever met, and sexier too.

Imagine yourself in the ways that all of the naysayers and haters have ever thought of you, and imagine you allowed yourself to believe every foolish thing that ever left their heartless mouths. Imagine only being your real self with your besties and inside your own head - and that’s Hazel.

This is a NSFW audiobook. Do NOT listen to this at work.

I highly recommend this book. Just be aware that it’s erotic and sexy as hell.

Enjoy yourself!

Okay, this was the cutest! First off, if you start a book talking about an adorable man bringing you intricate pies, I am IN! Fill that book with the yummiest inexperienced cinnamon roll of a man, a curvy but confident woman, and throw them together in a room with one bed? I AM IN! There were times when Beck seemed a little over the top with his sweetness, but honestly? I just loved him. And the chemistry and spice between him and Hazel was off the charts!! So many butterflies! And the audiobook narration was fantastic!

3.5 stars! This writing and vibe started out giving that classic, old-school Meg Cabot or Jennifer Weiner early 2000s feel and I was immediately here for it. Then once the plot picked up, it was more obvious it was in today’s timeline and that’s when the spice kicked in.

I’m a sucker for fake married, forced proximity, she thinks she falls first. That’s my BREAD AND BUTTER. But the pacing in the third half felt rushed. I wanted more of them falling in love, more comeuppance for the jerk coworker, and to see our couple having fun together outside of the bedroom or emails.

It was still a fun and very quick read. I read it all in one day!

The audiobook narrator does a fantastic job. I’m definitely looking her up to see what else she narrates.

Thanks to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏻

An enjoyable sweet, fake marriage, opposites attract, romance.
Engaging, funny characters, if not a little over the top and a lovely happily ever after. Connie doesn’t trust men. Any of them. Ever. Henry is her very sweet, kind neighbor, just happens to be the nicest of nice and at the same time little self confidence or experience with women in the personal sense. When, through a riotous misunderstanding and sort of invasion of his privacy, his biggest secret is revealed and together they hatch a plan to help him out. They were kind of adorable. I enjoyed the listen that got me to the HEA.

Uprated from what would have been a 3.5 rating if half stars were available.

Sweet, spicy, and utterly deletable!

Connie is a love cynic and convinced nice guys are only every faking it to get in your pants - until she meets Beck, who is actually nice... without any ulterior motives. Since he’s the sweetest man on the planet she can’t help but jump in to rescue him, by pretending to be his WIFE.

What’s to love…
- fat MCs and body positive narrative
- teddy bear MMC who is also the most nerdy, goofy, wholesome, perfect human.
- inexperienced (him) + experienced (her)
- fake marriage!
- forced proximity
- only one bed (oh no!)
- bookish book (editor MMC, writer FMC)
- A++ banter

What’s not to love…
- I prefer just a bit more of a balance between emotional engagement and spice and this leaned heavier on the spice. I think the character development suffers a tiny bit for it.
- I am an absolute SUCKER for the super sweet, super nerdy, just wants to be LOVED and LOVE someone else, genuinely good guy. Give me the extreme - ones that can’t curse and who get sick from trying to lie and Beck is definitely that! That said, some might find Beck a little unrealistic and silly!

🎙️- The narration is single POV and Imogen Wilde did an absolutely fantastic job! Overall it was a highly enjoyable performance. 5/5 would recommend the audio!

🌶 - The spice starts in Ch 18 and makes an appearance in pretty much every chapter till the book ends. I thought the build up and progression of spice was absolutely delicious!

4 Stars! Thank you so much NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Griffin for this ARC audiobook of My Big Fat Fake Marriage.

I will start this review off by saying that I am not usually an audiobook person, I prefer make up the voices in my head and experience books that way. However, I could not pass up the opportunity to listen to Charlotte Stein's newest book, especially after loving When Grumpy Met Sunshine. This book does have a different vibe than previous Stein books but I thoroughly enjoyed the cinnamon roll MMC and his ridiculously cute personality. The FMC, Connie, was not necessarily my favorite but I did like her journey to embracing her true identity and the relationship she had with Beck. The story in general is fairly cheesy as other reviewers have mentioned but if you want a cute, light-hearted, fake dating/marriage rom-com I would definitely suggest giving it a listen or a read.

The audiobook was narrated by Imogen Wilde and I believe she did a great job. The main character's voice was easy to follow and flowed well with nice pauses where appropriate. The other characters in the book were given different voices (by Imogen) to differentiate them from Connie and I believe she did wonderfully. I had such a pleasant experience from this audiobook, that I think I'll start to look into listening to more books in the future.

DNF @ 11%. Couldn't get into it the story at all. Then remembered I felt the same way about When Grumpy Met Sunshine too...

Thanks to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for an advance copy

𝐀𝐋𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

🎧𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
ℐ𝓂ℴ𝑔ℯ𝓃 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝒹ℯ 🎙️

ꨄ𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞
♥︎𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬
ꨄ𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭
♥︎𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐌𝐂

✨𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈✨
𝐈𝐬 it possible for a story to be both sweet and very, very steamy (horn3y)? Well, this book manages to do both and I loved every minute of it!

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐬 is very distrustful of nice guys, and Henry Samuel Beckett (Beck) is the nicest, sweetest man ever. When she accidentally blurts out that she’s Beck's wife to his awful co-worker, things escalate, and now they have to go to a writers retreat and pretend they are indeed married.

𝐈 absolutely loved listening to this story. 𝐈𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞 has a lovely voice with a smooth American accent and she gives Beck a swoon-worthy male voice. The narration truly adds to the story, and combined with the fantastic writing, it makes for a perfect match.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 the main characters, oh my god, the main characters are so sweet and lovable it almost gave me a toothache. They stand up for each other when needed and their interactions had me smiling like a fool! Connie's tendency to overthink things is hilarious, while Beck's charming and honest nature can charm even a snake. Beck makes manners sound sexy! Only Beck can romance you with his little notepad! 🤭 This love story is one that you don't want to miss. Trust me, it's like sinking your teeth into the sweetest cinnamon roll!

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this ALC. All thoughts and opinions shared here are entirely my own.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟒.𝟓⭐️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟑/𝟓🔥