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lurker_stalker's review against another edition
1.0
I hate giving a book a single star but I really didn't like it at all. I wanted to. I'm a fan of a well done faux marriage/romance story but there was just so much going on with The Marriage Masquerade - and not much of it dealing with a growing attraction or love - that I just wanted to be done with it. I'll explain a bit of what stood in the way of an enjoyable read for me...
The biggest issue is the fact that a year went by and Taylor and Jaden never really talked with each other about anything of consequence. There was never any discussion of love or showing the couple growing together. Suddenly five months had gone by and each were feeling lust and love but never spoke about it. Then a year was gone and it was pretty much the same thing.
Instead of spending time with Taylor and Jaden, we were told about how awful the grandfather was (super awful), how broken Taylor was, Jaden dealing with an ex, figuring out why Sam had a job when he didn't do anything, who this mysterious grandmother was, best friends Annie and Alex, and Jaden's recovery with the help of a huge sea turtle. But not much relationship building. And absolutely no communication.
While I always appreciate an ARC, I can't recommend this one.
The biggest issue is the fact that a year went by and Taylor and Jaden never really talked with each other about anything of consequence. There was never any discussion of love or showing the couple growing together. Suddenly five months had gone by and each were feeling lust and love but never spoke about it. Then a year was gone and it was pretty much the same thing.
Instead of spending time with Taylor and Jaden, we were told about how awful the grandfather was (super awful), how broken Taylor was, Jaden dealing with an ex, figuring out why Sam had a job when he didn't do anything, who this mysterious grandmother was, best friends Annie and Alex, and Jaden's recovery with the help of a huge sea turtle. But not much relationship building. And absolutely no communication.
While I always appreciate an ARC, I can't recommend this one.
agentkp's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
It took me so long to get through this one, the characters aren't all that lovable. They are mostly sad which I get but it felt like they were pretty much defined by that. We don't really get scenes of them being people outside their traumas. The relationship too, the went from practically strangers to in love so fast and we don't get to see them fall in love, not really. The way all their problems could also be solving by talking and they have 0 actual conversations in the entire book was a huge disappointment.
esdeecarlson's review against another edition
2.0
**This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
2 stars
A sapphic marriage of convenience story set in a tropical paradise. If this is your trope candy, you’ll love this book. For me, there was not enough substance behind the premise.
While the idea was cute and the setting was beautiful, with Charlotte the giant sea turtle easily the best part of the story, this book disappointed me in several respects. I thought that a personal trainer and client romance could be really lovely and present a number of opportunities for relationship building, but that never materialized. The characters didn’t feel “real” to me, and neither did I believe in their deepening affection for one another. Ultimately, it’s a cute story, but it left no impact on me.
2 stars
A sapphic marriage of convenience story set in a tropical paradise. If this is your trope candy, you’ll love this book. For me, there was not enough substance behind the premise.
While the idea was cute and the setting was beautiful, with Charlotte the giant sea turtle easily the best part of the story, this book disappointed me in several respects. I thought that a personal trainer and client romance could be really lovely and present a number of opportunities for relationship building, but that never materialized. The characters didn’t feel “real” to me, and neither did I believe in their deepening affection for one another. Ultimately, it’s a cute story, but it left no impact on me.
impulsive_decision8am's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
While I did enjoy the fake marriage trope and that sea turtle made me cry.
The romance wasn't really believable and fell flat for me. In addition to that, I found Taylor quite annoying sadly.
The romance wasn't really believable and fell flat for me. In addition to that, I found Taylor quite annoying sadly.
kburns2004's review against another edition
4.0
Read this in one sitting, the story was so compelling. I did experience some whiplash for the end since it felt so rush. I really just want to go visit the b and b and hang out with my new book friends
kjanie's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5 stars
This was a fun book to read, but it fell a bit flat for me. It had some of my favourite tropes, like a marriage of convenience, and a pretty light tone, yet I just wasn’t enjoying myself as much as I would have liked. While I think the physical chemistry between the characters was definitely there, I really wasn’t sold but a deeper romance. A lot of the important getting to know each other happened off the page, so it was hard to really root for our characters. I think the shortness of the book didn’t help that, it definitely felt rushed at points.
In saying that, I do think there is a place for predictable and lighthearted romances like this, even if the development of the relationship isn’t the best. It was a book that put a smile on my face, the plot was fun and the setting in a B&B in Hawaii was really magical. So if you are looking for a sweet story like that, then I would definitely still recommend this, even though it wasn’t my favourite.
This was a fun book to read, but it fell a bit flat for me. It had some of my favourite tropes, like a marriage of convenience, and a pretty light tone, yet I just wasn’t enjoying myself as much as I would have liked. While I think the physical chemistry between the characters was definitely there, I really wasn’t sold but a deeper romance. A lot of the important getting to know each other happened off the page, so it was hard to really root for our characters. I think the shortness of the book didn’t help that, it definitely felt rushed at points.
In saying that, I do think there is a place for predictable and lighthearted romances like this, even if the development of the relationship isn’t the best. It was a book that put a smile on my face, the plot was fun and the setting in a B&B in Hawaii was really magical. So if you are looking for a sweet story like that, then I would definitely still recommend this, even though it wasn’t my favourite.
elvang's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
This was a quick and enjoyable romance. I like fake marriage tropes and a story featuring a tropical escape to Maui sounded like the perfect summer beach read.
Taylor had a difficult relationship with her late grandfather and is shocked to discover he has willed her his property in Hawaii. The will stipulates she will get the deed when she has been married for one year. Jayden, recovering from a bad relationship and a bad accident, agrees to marry her physical trainer Taylor with no strings attached, hoping some time in a tropical paradise will speed up her healing process. There is attraction from the start but the twelve month countdown begins the moment they step off the plane and into their temporary life together. Neither woman is eager to take a chance at love.
I liked the setting and the potential for some exorcising of memories when it was clear the B&B Taylor inherited needed some renovations. I was hoping both Jayden and Taylor would bond with the work but Jayden remained aloof and on her own letting Taylor and hired help Sam do most of the reno work. Both women keep their troubles and their interest in each other so well hidden it was frustrating waiting for one to admit their attraction to the other. Their romantic time together felt short thanks to some serious lack of communication issues. Maui and an unforgettable sea turtle named Charlotte did work their magic on Jayden’s mental and physical well being which was a highlight for this reader. Taylor’s story helped explain her actions but I didn’t see a lot of growth in her character.
I chose to read this book looking for a light and pleasant summer read and felt rewarded for my decision. The author could have gone deeper into her characters and the choices they made but I still enjoyed this brief escape to the beach.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This was a quick and enjoyable romance. I like fake marriage tropes and a story featuring a tropical escape to Maui sounded like the perfect summer beach read.
Taylor had a difficult relationship with her late grandfather and is shocked to discover he has willed her his property in Hawaii. The will stipulates she will get the deed when she has been married for one year. Jayden, recovering from a bad relationship and a bad accident, agrees to marry her physical trainer Taylor with no strings attached, hoping some time in a tropical paradise will speed up her healing process. There is attraction from the start but the twelve month countdown begins the moment they step off the plane and into their temporary life together. Neither woman is eager to take a chance at love.
I liked the setting and the potential for some exorcising of memories when it was clear the B&B Taylor inherited needed some renovations. I was hoping both Jayden and Taylor would bond with the work but Jayden remained aloof and on her own letting Taylor and hired help Sam do most of the reno work. Both women keep their troubles and their interest in each other so well hidden it was frustrating waiting for one to admit their attraction to the other. Their romantic time together felt short thanks to some serious lack of communication issues. Maui and an unforgettable sea turtle named Charlotte did work their magic on Jayden’s mental and physical well being which was a highlight for this reader. Taylor’s story helped explain her actions but I didn’t see a lot of growth in her character.
I chose to read this book looking for a light and pleasant summer read and felt rewarded for my decision. The author could have gone deeper into her characters and the choices they made but I still enjoyed this brief escape to the beach.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
laurxndxx's review
4.0
This book was a perfect light read about 2 friends who make a marriage pact, which turns into a sapphic love story. Some parts seemed rushed and unrealistic, but with it taking place throughout a year that is understandable. Overall, it is perfect for an uplifting read.
shereadstales's review
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital galley of this book.
It’s been a minute since I’ve posted on here. I’ve been doing some reading, but largely horror and nonfiction. I think, for morale, I should get back into more fluffy romance. Speaking of which, this one was a delightful, beach romp, perfect for summer reading.
Taylor Braxton’s grandfather left her his B&B in Maui, but only if she gets married and stays so for a year. He knew she was a lesbian and couldn’t ever marry, so there’s no way she’d get it. Except, we live in a marriage equality world, and so when Jayden Wheaton agrees to a year of marriage, it seems like the perfect arrangement. It’s quite simple as long as neither woman catches feelings. Except, the more time they spend together, the more things might get a little complicated.
Morale has been low, and this was a nice, pleasant romance to boost my spirits a little. I finished it a while ago, when it was still full summer, so it was nice to fantasize about being on Maui and not at work in the heat. I’m behind on these reviews, so you can definitely grab this book anywhere right now, especially if you for some reason don’t love fall and need a summer throwback.