I don’t know how to describe my feelings on this book other than to say it was a soft read. I don’t mean that in any sort of bad way at all. I greatly enjoyed the story of Connie aka Hazel and Beck. They are tiptoeing their way around each other because, quite frankly, they have both had the worst luck when it comes to the opposite sex. So when they find that they click and get along so well, neither trust what is right in front of their faces.

Charlotte Stein is a master at writing a single POV story where you never doubt what that other character is feeling. You would think that would mean it is obvious to the character whose POV is seen, but somehow the author always makes it make sense that that isn’t the case. Hazel is so clueless when it comes to how gaga Beck is over her. That, on top of her waiting for him to do a 180 on her and act in some horrible manner, had her always pushing Beck away just as they were opening up. Poor Beck, what is he supposed to think other than he is not the man for Hazel?

I absolutely adore Beck. He is the biggest cinnamon roll of all cinnamon rolls. He doesn’t hide it, he doesn’t even seem to know the extent of his kindness. It’s just who he is, and it’s marvelous. That also means he can be a bit of a doormat, and I hated that for him. I love how quickly Hazel comes to his defense and puts herself between Beck and those who treat him poorly. Even before she barely knew the guy! Hazel may think she’s rough and tough, but she’s also a big softy at heart.

While there are will they or won’t they moments, some past hurts that inform their actions, and a deadline to their fake arrangement that neither wants to stick to, there isn’t a lot of angst or drama in this book. That’s what I meant by soft. It’s so sweet, even when Hazel is getting in her own way.

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.**

Have you ever wanted to read what it’s like to fake date the MOST cinnamon roll man possible? If so, this book is for you. Beck is such a sweet and innocent human, and Hazel is volunteering her trusts-no-man self to help him look good in front of his workplace bully. Their fake relationship was cute, and I loved the end of this book!

Sometimes it felt like Beck was way too innocent, like there is no way a six foot five 37 year old man is too embarrassed to use a single innuendo or is constantly putting himself down while he’s talking. It got old after a while. Fortunately this was part of his character arc, I just wish it happened a lot sooner than it did.

Overall a cute love story, very horny, and the note writing scenes were some of my favorites.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the early copy!

My Big Fat Fake Marriage is a fast, enjoyable read. The main trope is right there in the title, and it’s worth suspending belief and just going along for the ride. FMC Hazel is an aspiring writer, jaded about men, love, and life in general. Beck, our MMC, is the very best cinnamon roll. Their personal growth along with their growing feelings for each other made for a satisfying read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an eARC. Opinions are my own.