“I also believe in compatibility. In falling in love. In two people finding each other because perhaps they were meant to, but in them also making it work when they do.”
Elena Armas has once again delivered a heartwarming and enchanting romance with The Fiancé Dilemma. The story follows Josie Moore, a woman with a complicated romantic history, and Matthew Flanagan, a man who finds himself in an unexpected role as Josie’s fake fiancé. Set in the charming small town of Green Oak, North Carolina, the plot is sculpted around the classic fake dating trope, but with a fresh and inviting atmosphere that makes it feel new and exciting. We already met these characters in the author’s previous novel, The Long Game; however, each novel can be read on its own.
Josie is an extremely likable heroine. She’s funny, caring, a bit quirky, and someone who just wants to be loved. She does have her own set of insecurities, past trauma, and daddy issues, which are a prominent part of her character, making her relatable and endearing at the same time. Also, after having suffered many losses, her bond with her ‘grandpa’ Mo and her sister Adalyn is also quite touching, adding an extra layer of warmth to the story.
Matthew, the male lead, is the epitome of a golden retriever-like romantic interest. He’s charming, patient, protective, and always puts Josie first. However, underneath all that, there’s a more complex and layered personality making him a compelling and lovable character. The chemistry between Josie and Matthew is unmistakable, and their hilarious and brilliant banter makes their fake engagement feel surprisingly real.
The plot is filled with humour, sensitivity, and a touch of spice. Josie and Matthew’s relationship is well-crafted and nuanced, with their interactions ranging from tender to fiery. The supporting characters, most of which we already met in the previous book, also add depth and charm to the story.
While the novel is not without its flaws—such as a lack of depth in explaining Josie’s past engagements and a desire for maybe more of Matthew’s perspective—The Fiancé Dilemma is a delightful and heartwarming read. The small-town setting, a strong sense of community, and well-developed characters make it stand out.
Armas has once again proven her ability to create drool-worthy romances that hit you right in the feels and will have you giggling at all times. The Fiancé Dilemma offers a beautiful balance of humour, heart, and heat, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance this summer.
The Fiancé Dilemma is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 30th 2024.
Will you be picking up The Fiancé Dilemma? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Josie Moore has given the opposite sex—and love—plenty of chances. Four exactly, if you count all her failed engagements, and five if you include the absentee father who kept her existence a secret until very recently. So when her father decides to announce his retirement with a splashy magazine piece about the family, Josie realizes her romantic history is a complicated PR issue.
Matthew Flanagan is in the mud, literally. Not only has he been fired from his job, but also the tires of his car are stuck in the muck after taking a wrong turn as he enters Green Oak, North Carolina. So, he grabs a duffel with his essentials and goes in search of a place to crash until he gets his life back on track. But instead, he finds his best friend’s sister, Josie, greeting him as her fiancé.
What starts as a big messy misunderstanding quickly turns into an arrangement with Matthew playing a new role as doting fiancé. A fifth engagement—and a stunt, at that—makes Josie’s stomach turn, but every dilemma requires a choice between equally undesirable alternatives, and Matthew doesn’t seem to mind becoming one more number in a colorful list of grooms-that-never-were. Despite the ring on her finger, Josie knows this is only temporary, even if the rest of the small town believes that the fifth time’s the charm.
