The Marriage Betrothal: Engagement Edition

Marriage Mayhem #4

by Aja Foxx

~ Kyue ~
Finding out that I was engaged was a bit of a surprise, especially since I hadn't agreed to it. Finding out that my fiancé was business tycoon Lucas Kincaid was a shock. Family betrothal agreement or not, I may end up murdering this guy before I marry him.

I liked my life just the way it was. I did not need some arrogant jerk coming in and trying to dictate to me how I should live it. Yes, he was sexy as hell, but that didn't mean I was going to follow his orders. Maybe it was time to show my new fiancé who he was really engaged to. Not sure he was going to survive the introduction.

~ Lucas ~
I'd known for years that there was an old family agreement that betrothed me to Kyue Panich. We each came from socially elite backgrounds, were well educated and reasonably attractive. We both knew the score so I did not see what the problem was, but Kyue had been a thorn in my side since our first meeting.

Now that the wedding plans had started, maybe it was time to show Kyue that his little temper tantrums wouldn't get him very far with me. I had a reputation to uphold and I refused to allow some mouthy little brat to tarnish it. I was fairly certain that I could find a paddle somewhere.


Warning: Gay erotic romance. The material in this book contains explicit sexual content that is intended for mature audiences only. All characters involved are adults capable of consent, are over the age of eighteen, and are willing participants.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, Contemporary, Fiction, Ebooks

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2023

Reviews

[Lelyana's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. And Kyue and Lucas's relationship was kind refreshing. I liked how Kyue didn't bow to Lucas easily, hell he didn't until the end.
This probably a fanfic like some says, but it was entertaining.

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I’m not sure why I like marriage contract stories. In real life it would hack me off. In fiction, I find it irresistible. The characters were lovely and the story sweet. Enjoyable read.

[Carol Koen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's be clear, this book is the kind of fanfiction that I would have read when I was 14 years old.

That's not a problem at all if you're not seeking for a story that makes any sense, because this one surely doest not mostly of the time.

Let's start with Lucas, the stereotype of the rich assholes who thinks that he is better than everyone. And with him we have Kyue, another rich dude who thinks that is better than Lucas because he lives like a "normal person" (clearly the kind of rich people who enjoys being praised on LinkedIn for wearing a simple t shirt, while his clothes cost more than my rent).

I was really enjoying the story and I was really considering to give it 4,5 stars, because it really made me laugh sometimes.

But the last scene with Kyue revealing his but secret. What kind of BS was that?

Like, he was not some kind of mafia king or had any trauma, he just used a guy name to be a trader and liked to "not be like other guys", and basically sell his statues.

There's limits in life, even in fanfictions. So that's why I took 1 star.

[P Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely my favourite book in the series!

I was cracking up when Kyue put Lucas in his place in the beginning. Lucas thought he could bulldoze his way through the arrangement and he was proved wrong at every stage. Kyue kept Lucas on his toes and Lucas became a better man for it.

These two guys had crazy hot chemistry. These two were beautiful together and the author captured their hunger, need and growing feelings for each other perfectly.

[G. R. M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

AND I HATE FANFICTION.

Light-hearted and rather funny narrative at first, too bad that it sounded to me way too similar to the Thai BL series "Cutie Pie"... I don't know if it's done on purpose or a cosmic coincidence, the disagreeable feel was there either way... and I didn't finish the read...😴

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a difficult one for me. It's my least favourite of the series and I think a lot of that is because of how much I disliked Lucas for 85-90% of the book. Kyue was fantastic as a character and I liked the plot (I love how much Aja's books remind me of my favourite action films, they might not be realistic but they're tons of fun which to me is way more important). For that reason, I've given this a four because I think maybe it was just my reaction to Lucas. I've gone into more detail but listed it as a spoiler just in case (and so you can ignore my rant if you want haha).

Honestly, Lucas was a horrible person. His superiority complex was the size of the sun and his general lack of manners was atrocious. I know the point is that he changes and softens through the book, but honestly, by the time he starts to come around I just disliked him so much that it didn't help. I think my biggest problem was the number of huge red flags he gave off. First, you don't engage in any kind of kink without talking (I'm not saying you have a conference with contracts etc per se, but a general conversation to at least get consent is a must unless the book is specifically meant to be dark). You certainly don't talk about using paddles and ball gags without some pretty clear consent. If you don't have consent and start talking about hitting your partner because they aren't doing what you want, that's not kink, it's abuse. I know the author was not at all intending for that but kink so often gets a bad rap because abusers justify their actions based it being a 'kink'. Secondly, it seemed like Lucas didn't see Kyue as a human being. He was just a thing that needed to be checked off. Half the time it seemed like Lucas had agreed to adopt a pet. He didn't care who Kyue was, he didn't care what his life was like, he didn't care that he had a life outside of being Lucas's husband. Treating people like property is not okay and Lucas did (to be fair he was like that with everyone to some extent, but it was worse with Kyue). Thirdly, on I believe their second in person meeting Lucas reacted physically towards Kyue because he was frustrated. Again, that's not kink it's physical abuse and it's not okay (unless it's set within a deliberately dark romance, in which case it's still abuse but it makes sense within the story). There are other things, but those were the big three for me. You can't just 'I love you' out of that kind of behaviour. The Lucas at the end was so much better and I wish he'd been just cold and standoffish instead of a walking red flag in the beginning. I can come back from cold and a bit rude, I can't with the other stuff.

As I said though, I loved Kyue. He was a total sweetheart and honestly I don't think he was so much a brat as just someone who knew their worth and wasn't willing to be walked all over. He stood up for himself and I loved that about him. Yes he agreed to something he didn't want but he knew why, it wasn't blindly doing what others told him, it was because he wanted to protect his family and I can understand that devotion and loyalty. I enjoyed the subplot and getting to see old faces again too. I love that even when it doesn't seem like it at first, everyone's lives are interwoven. I'm really enjoying the series and definitely looking forward to more!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

My favorite book in the series so far. It was better developed, although I think it could have been even more, since it had a plot to it.

Families agree to marry off their children when they are old enough. The moment arrived to meet Kyue, young, independent, adventurous, brat, full of principles and convictions. Who finds out on the eve of his engagement that he's engaged, revolt, tantrums and sighs, he agrees to marry, but of course he's going to make his fiancé work for it. The fiancé, Lucas, filthy rich, arrogant, believes he can get what he wants, he is aware and accepts his engagement. For him it is nothing more than another acquisition, a business. Of course, the handsome man is mistaken, he soon discovers that he will need to review his attitudes if he wants his marriage to happen.

Even though I said this was my favorite book, there are still things I can't stand here. Especially the arrogant way that Lucas treats Kyue, he arrives as if he owns the guy. Saying that he was going to paddle Kyue's ass, as if he didn't need permission for that. Commanding and commanding, as if the other were nothing. I hate it when authors create main characters like that and then everything is forgotten like it was nothing.

Another thing I didn't like is the repetition of the character's name by the other in a given scene. An example, sex scene, "Kyue groans, I squeezed Kyue into my body. I bit Kyue in the earlobe, Kyue arched her back. Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue Kyue..." Painful.

The first half of the book is about the couple's quarrels, slamming the phone in the face and huffing and puffing. Could have developed this story, more action, but that's what we have for today.

I liked the characters in the other books that appeared, although they had some contradictory things.

The couple had chemistry, I really liked the two together. I waited for the wedding and already jumped to the end of the book. Do what? Smile and wave.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 4 in the "Marriage Mayhem" series. This was a good read. When Kyue Panich was informed by his grandfather that he is to be married he is outraged he doesn't want to marry someone that he doesn't know and when his grandparents arrange a dinner for them to meet it doesn't go well. Lucas Kincaid is a man used to getting what he wants he is a business tycoon and when Kyue refuses to conform to his ideas he is confused. Lucas is a friend and frat brother to Jake and the gang, so he calls them to help him understand what is going on. Kyue is independent and stubborn he doesn't want anyone running his life. I liked Kyue right away I had to warm up to Lucas because he was very controlling, but I was glad that he softened and learned how to compromise. I loved that he was surprised to learn that Kyue owned his own racing track and that he made motorcross bikes. Lucas also learned that Kyue is not a spoiled brat that he worked for everything that he has he didn't take money from his family he lived in a one-bedroom loft and didn't have servants. When a woman in a bar approached Lucas in a bar his heckles go up when she says something that he didn't tell her. I also liked that Kyue can defend himself and he did it well. Someone is trying to kill Kyue and I thought I knew who it was I was wrong. Turns out Kyue is a multi-millionaire on his own and that was before he signed a huge contract for one of his prototypes. This was a good read with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Shawn Cha · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok, but can use some work

I like the book but it can use some work. Like when reading through Lucas POV you don’t need to constantly use Kyue name in every sentence just like a few since we already know that Lucas is talking to him. Book was ok I found the villain to be anticlimactic and didn’t really fit in well to bring it as a whole.
You cannot keep writing about Lucas getting a paddle and then we never even get to read it. You have Lucas buy all these delicious debauchery items and we never even get to read it :/.
Book is soft and sweet I just found Lucas to be out of character. A man who is so refined and always kept his emotions intact to become so frazzled in less than 2 weeks. I know that kyue can be stubborn but it’s not like Lucas had asked for this marriage as well and he seemed so willingly.
What I also did not like about Lucas character is that he knew since he was 15 he was gonna be married and instead of finding a way out of trying to find out more about kyue he was like welp gonna go sleep around till the last moment where I have to marry then I’ll be the faithful dutiful husband. Like in reality that’s just despicable, since kyue never knew the arrangement.
In the book kyue is known to know last characters from previous books but it is never emphasised anymore as to how he knows a person from Lucas group.
I think the book has potential, just how it was executed that lacked that finesse.

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5 stars

This is a favorite from the series. I LOVED that Kyue stood up to Lucas. Lucas was a man used to getting his way. As a businessman he’s ruthless and very formidable. As a fiancé… not so much. He barks orders at Kyue and expects him to obey. News flash, he doesn’t and it enrages Lucas.

Most premises of the series require that you suspend your disbelief, this one included. Lucas and Kyue’s families had an arrangement. The men were promised to each other when they were young. It was agreed that when Kyue was old enough and had finished his education, he and Lucas would be married.

This story begins a few weeks before the wedding. Kyue and Lucas get to know each other. Kyue has a stubborn rebellious streak and is very independent. Lucas is used to people jumping to attention when he walks into a room. It’s quite entertaining to see them react to each other.

*****

POV… multi first person

Standalone or series… book 4 in series CAN be read as a standalone

Hangover… slight

Recommend… yes

Reread… yes

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much, the characters were strong and both endearing in their own ways. That said u have to close your eyes to the completely ridiculous premise of this story. These guys were bethrowed to each other to pay a debt, Lucas s family's debt. If they didn't go through with it, K's family would lose a lot of money, that made zero sense since they were the ones to lend money to Lucas's family years ago, they hold the power in this dynamic, why would they agree with such a silly payment from which they get nothing, not the money they lent or anything else. They agreed to rent out their nephew if those that borrowed money from them couldn't pay them back, the whole deal made zero sense.
I let go of that silly notion bc arranged marriage is my favorite & the book had everything u could want despite the silly reasoning for the marriage. Both MC were strong, their banter funny, there was some drama and cuddles, everything I enjoy. The sexy times were 🔥

[Lynx · Rating 3 out of 5]

walking red flag, improbably ending.

Lucas was in many ways a walking red flag.
I’m glad it worked out for them. However the only reason Lucas changed was because Kyue was so firm and confident, and tbh, male. I disliked how it perpetuated the myth that loving someone will change an abusive person to a loving, healthy, non-abusive person. Love does Not fix or heal all.
Kyue would set firm healthy boundaries and Lucas viewed them as temper tantrums. And wanted to “spank” aka physically assault Kyue in order to assert his dominance because he didn’t like being told no. Lucas viewed most people as simply existing to serve him, including Kyue. Yay it changed. In reality that’s extremely unlikely to happen.
A clear example of toxic masculinity. And toxic patriarchal culture. In 99.99% of relationships with a guy like Lucas, it would have ended in a seriously abusive relationship.
Also. There are no ethical billionaires. Ever.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyue Panich found out he was engaged to business tycoon Lucas Kincaid which was a surprise as he had never agreed to it. Apparently, it was due to an old family agreement but Kyue was determined that it would not change his life he just hoped that his fiancé could get used to it. Lucas had known about the arrangement for years and so had no idea what the problem was in the entire arrangement. Wedding plans had started so he decided to show Kyue that his temper tantrums wouldn't get far with him.

I loved this story with the head-to-head between Kyue and Lucas and the guessing game as to who would win the battle of wills between them. My guess had always been Kyue although I think in the end they both won as they had a prize in each other. I loved the surprise around his identity revealed at the end which explained one of his requirements. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[Brian_Kindle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF - Didn’t like the characters

I had to stop reading this book around the 40% mark because one of MC’s annoyed me to no end. I thought Kyue was extremely unlikeable so I just couldn’t keep reading. I appreciate that he has a strong will and knows what he likes, but he just comes off as an asshole. I was confused because a lot of reviewers said they enjoyed the funny banter, but all I saw was a self absorbed douche. He also kept calling the other MC, Mr. Kincaid - at first I thought it was funny (and I didn’t mind that he called him this at all), but gosh, he says this so freaking much on purpose to irritate the other MC, I started getting irritated. I did a word search in kindle to see if it ever stops, but it doesn’t so that was a nope for me too. Also, last but not least - there’s zero chemistry between these two.

[SJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read in Goodreads reviews of mm books that read like an mf romance, meaning that the plot line and an MC could be interchangeable with a male/female romance. I think that this book could be an example of that. The familiar story of the arranged engagement since the MCs were much younger is the plot line here. Handsome and commanding Lucas is fine with the long time betrothal between he and pretty, slightly built and very long haired Kyue, the young grandson of a wealthy business owner. Without the marriage going through now that Kyue is out of college, the grandparents will lose everything to Lucas.
Kyue is adamantly opposed to the marriage, he has never met Lucas, and when they do meet Kyue is rude, abrupt, and dismissive of Lucas and the wedding plans. This behavior has alpha Lucas panting with desire to f* Kyue and spank him, both repeatedly. Kyue gives in to his growing desire for Lucas and they fall into bed.
Does this plot sound familiar to any readers of bodice rippers? It does to me. The writing was okay. Kyue is a daredevil motorcycle rider and designer, Lucas is beside himself with fear at every race, someone is stalking and trying to rub out Kyue, and Lucas’s circle of old friends is enjoying watching their friend fall on his face and pride in pursuit of Kyue.
This is not a bad book, I left it at 58% after sticking around for the first sex scene. I just wasn’t in the mood for a meh-ish mf.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, it feels like I read some books to punish myself. This one I may (also) read just to see if the Designated Twink will resist the Designated Alpha A-hole. Because just because it's two guys doesn't mean you can't include the toxic tropes from hetero-mance! And hey, he mostly did! He was actually not all talk and knew how to say no and stay independent (which in romance is an achievement to make it work). Anyway, once I decided to ignore all the flaws and continued with the torture, I mean, reading, I kind of enjoyed this Dramatically Intense whirlwind where the main character gets put on the floor... by the other main character. In a quick (bordering on insta) love.

[Phyllis Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

only on page 2, but seriously

There is a contract, I highly doubt the legality of it in general, requiring the marriage of two people by a certain date. The contract was signed by adult family members requiring minors, at the time it was written, to marry as adults. This would be highly questionable as a plot device, but this is for a M/M marriage. At the time the contract would have been signed, not only could they not have legally married, but there would have been to reason to think it would ever be legal in this country.
I will try to keep going, but this author is making me crazy.

[moonydew · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars…
Damn two bad ones in a row. I feel like the shorter books in the series are always worse. Maybe they aren’t fleshed out enough or maybe there is a lack of supporting material but I am not convinced these two ever fell in love. Kyue is … fine. He annoys me and honestly being defiant for not reason is soooo 2010s. Like not calling your husband but his first name is just so weird and purposely picking fights is so bleh. Lucas is an idiot and clearly doesn’t know how to have a boyfriend but he def got a bit better. Also the whole artist thing with Kyue is so yawn. Like omg your so special and mysterious stfu.

1/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears.

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

Great addition to the series. I absolutely loved Kyue. I loved that he stood up to Lucas throughout the story. Lucas took me a bit longer to like. He was so arrogant and pompous that it was hard to warm up to him. I did come to like by the end of the story but if I honest, I'm not sure if his transformation is 100% believable. Still, it's make believe so I didn't let that bother me and enjoyed the book.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to watch the character development

Another interesting book by Aka Fox. Kyue is an amazingly fantastic character who is so versatile in his life achievements. A pleasure to read. Meanwhile Kincaid is an ass who deserves everything he gets from Kyue.

There are a couple passages that don't make sense, such as the paddle; I genuinely thought the author was trying to live out their own fantasies again through the characters, but nothing happens... Strange.

Have fun reading!

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely the best of the series. Lucas is a clueless billionaire, who while he knows what a toilet . bowl brush is, has definitely never used one. His sense of privilege annoys husband-to-be, Kyue. But it's actually quite amusing. And the fact that he's willing and able to drop his bullying ways is quite endearing. It makes up for his early behavior.
Overall, a quick, fun read.

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Million Stars!!!

Omg I love this freaking series!! Seriously can’t get enough of it! The characters come alive and entwine you around their little finger. Aja never cuts corners, when she makes a man bad you can count on him leaving a room full of tears in his wake! And the tension in my chest with every paragraph, Woof, my heart!!!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book in the series.

This book is very in keeping with the rest of the series, and typical Aja Foxx. They are light, quick reads that are a bit unbelievable at times, but fun all the same.

There are also cameo appearances from the characters in the previous books, definitely recommend if you like this type of book.

[Cornithia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

I enjoyed this book. It’s probably my favorite one out of the series. The main characters didn’t just click. They has to work at their relationship. They had to get to know each other. They had to communicate, compromise, and make changes to who they were as individuals before they could become a couple.

[Janvi Rakshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea why I read this, but this was basically Cutie Pie the Series fanfiction... (I hope), with even the name of the main character being the same so. I don't know if I missed a memo about this being that explicitly, but I am hoping. But even without that, the romance was... just not good enough. Did like MC though, personally think he deserves better.

[Christopher Babick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

As usual Aja Foxx delivered again. I have never been disappointed reading one of her books. This was a delight. The beginning of the story I was a bit pissed off with one of the characters. That soon dissolved into something quite delightful. There was also suspense. Romance. And a mystery. I highly recommend it.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my


They were so many twist interns to this book, but they all tied into each other, and they all made a great storyline the way that this author showed and made her story come together perfectly is amazing. Anyways, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a cute, soft and strong romance, with two very handsome men!

[Ivan Sumblingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite!

This book in series has the right balance of fun, angst, drama, and romance. Our MCs, Kyue and Lucas really have great chemistry! I'm glad that the other casts are back as well (some cameo). I really love Kyue and is my favourite of all the series characters starting from book 1😍.

[Janice Mason Milam2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot as usual

The 2 main characters are fairly well defined they make a hot combination I would like to have a sequel to this story of Lucas and Kyue. They make an explosive combination.

Kyue with his exotic background and the surprises he brings to the table. One story is not enough.

[Earlene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars😀

Taming of the shrew, much? Otherwise the storyline was pretty good👍. The characters have their moments and I loved the characters from the previous series being in this storyline🤗😄.