Review: My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Pop: 84%
My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein is a sweet, awkward, and completely heart-squishy rom-com that made me feel all the things. If you’re into nerdy characters who are just a little bit emotionally constipated but have hearts of absolute gold? Yeah. You’re gonna want this one.
The story follows Connie—sarcastic, cautious, relatable Connie—and Beck, the human equivalent of a golden retriever in bow ties. He’s shy, kind, and the kind of cinnamon roll hero who makes you want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him from the world. I connected with Connie in a big way. Her reluctance to trust the “nice guy” felt real and honest, and watching her slowly let her guard down as she fake-married her way into Beck’s life? Chef’s kiss.
The fake relationship trope is one of my favorites, and Stein nails it here. There’s so much awkward tension, sweet moments, and a slow burn that has you screaming at them to just kiss already. And once they do? WHEW. The steam sneaks up on you in the best way. It’s tender, it’s hot, and it’s got that perfect blend of “we shouldn’t” and “but we totally are.”
Now, I won’t lie—some of the side characters and world-building felt a little undercooked. I would’ve loved more depth outside of Connie and Beck’s romance bubble, but honestly? They were so adorable together, I didn’t care. If you’re in the mood for a cozy, funny, fake marriage story with lots of heart and a virgin MMC who will melt your soul, this is it.
Read if you love:
💍 Fake dating/marriage hijinks
🔥 Slow burn with a payoff
👓 Nerdy, awkward, loveable MCs
🛏 One bed… every night. You know what that means.
😳 Virgin hero energy with major tenderness
💘 So. Much. Horny.
