Introduction
What if a little white lie about being married spiraled into a steamy, laugh-out-loud romance you never saw coming? My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein, released on March 11, 2025, is a contemporary romance that takes the fake dating trope and turns it into a deliciously fun ride. From the acclaimed author of When Grumpy Met Sunshine, Stein introduces Connie Evans—a jaded writer with a knack for spotting “nice guy” facades—and Henry Samuel “Beck” Beckett, a bow-tie-loving editor who’s too sweet to be real. This book is a must-read for anyone craving a blend of humor, heart, and heat that’ll keep you hooked from the first awkward hello to the last sultry kiss. Get ready to fall hard for this irresistible rom-com.
Book Summary
Connie Evans has built a fortress around her heart, convinced that nice guys are just ticking time bombs of hidden flaws. Enter Beck, her new neighbor—a towering, mustachioed teddy bear of a man who leaves baked goods in their shared hallway and radiates golden-retriever energy. When Beck confesses he’s told his publishing house he’s married to dodge a bully, Connie impulsively steps in as his fake wife at a company party. Their ruse escalates at a writers’ retreat, where forced proximity—one bed included—ignites undeniable sparks. As they navigate nosy coworkers and their own insecurities, the line between pretend and real blurs. Stein crafts a tale brimming with witty banter, slow-burn tension, and a plus-size heroine finding love without compromise—making it a standout in contemporary romance.
Author’s Style and Craft
Charlotte Stein’s writing is a masterclass in rom-com alchemy—wry, warm, and wickedly sexy. Her prose dances with humor, as in Connie’s quip, “I’d rather plunge my face into cake than trust a nice guy,” setting a tone that’s both relatable and riotous. The narrative unfolds through Connie’s sharp perspective, a choice that immerses you in her guarded yet hopeful mind. Pacing is a slow simmer, building delicious tension until it boils over into steamy scenes that scorch the page. Stein’s dialogue is a ping-pong match of charm—Beck’s earnestness clashing with Connie’s sass—while their growth from awkward allies to lovers feels organic. It’s a style that wraps you in a cozy blanket of laughs, then sets it ablaze with passion.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
My Big Fat Fake Marriage digs into trust, vulnerability, and the masks we wear to protect ourselves. Connie’s distrust of “nice guys” is a shield forged from past betrayals, a mirror to society’s often-toxic dating culture. Beck’s lie about marriage symbolizes the lengths we go to fit in, while their fake union becomes a chrysalis for real connection. Themes of self-acceptance ripple through Connie’s journey as a plus-size woman, her body celebrated rather than critiqued—a quiet rebellion against beauty norms. Love, here, is a leap of faith, bridging cynicism and sincerity. Stein asks: can we unlearn our defenses to embrace something true? The answer unfolds like a love letter to resilience and hope.
Strengths
This book shines with its characters and chemistry. Beck is a cinnamon-roll hero—gentle, nerdy, and unabashedly himself—whose dream of “reading papers in bed with someone” melts your heart. Connie’s prickly exterior hides a tender core, her wit a perfect foil to his sweetness; their retreat kiss is a fireworks display of earned intimacy. Stein excels at blending humor with heat—the retreat’s one-bed trope is a masterstroke, turning awkwardness into electric anticipation. The plus-size representation feels authentic, never forced, enriching the narrative with body-positive joy. These elements elevate the reading experience, making it a rom-com that’s as comforting as it is exhilarating, leaving you grinning and swooning in equal measure.
Areas for Improvement
Even a gem like My Big Fat Fake Marriage has its flaws. The lack of Beck’s POV leaves his inner world a tantalizing mystery—some readers might crave his lens on their blossoming love. The retreat’s resolution feels a tad rushed; after such a slow build, the leap to “real marriage” could use more breathing room. Secondary characters, like Beck’s bully Doug, fade too quickly, missing a chance to deepen the stakes. A few more pages exploring their post-retreat dynamic could smooth the transition. These quibbles don’t dim its sparkle—romance fans may overlook them—but a touch more depth could turn this delight into a masterpiece.
Comparative Analysis
In contemporary romance, My Big Fat Fake Marriage rivals The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon) with its nerdy charm, but swaps STEM for publishing flair. Compared to Stein’s When Grumpy Met Sunshine (Amazon), it trades grumpy-sunshine for fake-marriage spice, yet keeps her signature wit. It echoes Beach Read by Emily Henry (Amazon) in its writerly backdrop, but stands out with its plus-size heroine and steamier edge. Stein challenges rom-com norms by centering body positivity and vulnerability, crafting a fresh, feel-good escape that’s uniquely her own.
Target Audience
This book will captivate romance readers aged 18-35, especially fans of steamy rom-coms and fake-dating tropes. Think Tessa Bailey lovers or BookTok enthusiasts who adore slow burns and golden-retriever heroes. Its plus-size representation resonates with those seeking diverse love stories, while its humor suits book clubs craving lighthearted discussion. Content warnings include explicit sex scenes and mild bullying references—perfect for mature readers unfazed by heat. If you’re after a funny, sexy read with heart, My Big Fat Fake Marriage is your next binge-worthy delight.
Personal Impact
My Big Fat Fake Marriage snuck into my soul like a sneaky batch of Beck’s cookies—warm, sweet, and impossible to resist. Connie’s guarded hope hit close to home, echoing my own dating wariness, while Beck’s earnestness restored my faith in kindness. I laughed, blushed, and lingered over their retreat nights, feeling both giddy and grounded. It’s a story that left me lighter, dreaming of love that blooms from pretense. You need this joyride—it’s a hug and a spark in one irresistible package.
Conclusion
My Big Fat Fake Marriage is a rom-com triumph—funny, fiery, and full of heart. Charlotte Stein blends tropes and tenderness into a story that’s as addictive as it is uplifting, proving fake love can turn gloriously real. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone craving a sexy, laugh-out-loud escape. Grab it on Amazon and let Connie and Beck sweep you away—because sometimes, the best truths start with a beautifully told lie.
About the Author
Charlotte Stein, an RT and DABWAHA-nominated author, has penned over fifty works, from steamy novellas to novels like When Grumpy Met Sunshine, hailed as “a triumph” by The New York Times. Hailing from Leeds, England, she lives with her family, indulging in jelly turtles, terrible sitcoms, and the occasional hunk obsession when not writing. Known for deeply emotional, sexy romances, Stein’s wit and warmth shine in My Big Fat Fake Marriage. Visit CharlotteStein.net, Macmillan, and Goodreads for more.
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FAQ Section
What is My Big Fat Fake Marriage about?
It’s a rom-com where Connie pretends to be Beck’s wife, leading to real love at a writers’ retreat.
Is it a standalone novel?
Yes, though it features cameos from When Grumpy Met Sunshine.
Who is Charlotte Stein?
A celebrated romance author known for witty, steamy stories.
What themes does it explore?
Trust, vulnerability, self-acceptance, and love’s unexpected turns.
Is it spicy?
Very—expect high-heat scenes that sizzle.
Any content warnings?
Explicit sex and mild bullying references.
How’s the humor?
Sharp and delightful, with laugh-out-loud banter.
Does it focus on plus-size representation?
Yes, Connie’s journey is body-positive and authentic.
What’s the writing style like?
Warm, funny, and immersive, with a sexy edge.
Will there be a sequel?
No plans yet, but Stein’s world is ripe for more.
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Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books - Known for its humorous and insightful reviews, this site also features a podcast and community discussions about romance novels.
Heroes and Heartbreakers - This site provides reviews and recommendations, highlighting both popular and lesser-known romance novels.
Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
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