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Hemingway Fairytales
It Started in the Chatroom
Nathan Hemingway was looking for a wife…
Protect the family. That is my duty.
At least, that’s what I tell myself when I learn of mom’s untimely death.
As the oldest, I must oversee our family estate.
There’s only one to do that, I have to be married…
…and I haven’t even had a girlfriend in years.
I meet Ciara online, and she is perfect.
Cute. Friendly. And best of all, not in love with me.
We make a deal: get married for the estate and don’t catch feelings.
But what do I do when I can’t hold up my end of the bargain?
Not falling in love has never been so hard.
It Started in the Chatroom is a marriage of convenience story loosely based on the classic Cinderella tale. Readers should be prepared for laugh-out-loud moments, a cooking class gone awry, and the swoon that comes with falling in love unexpectedly. This is the first book in the series, but readers can enjoy it as a standalone.
Protect the family. That is my duty.
At least, that’s what I tell myself when I learn of mom’s untimely death.
As the oldest, I must oversee our family estate.
There’s only one to do that, I have to be married…
…and I haven’t even had a girlfriend in years.
I meet Ciara online, and she is perfect.
Cute. Friendly. And best of all, not in love with me.
We make a deal: get married for the estate and don’t catch feelings.
But what do I do when I can’t hold up my end of the bargain?
Not falling in love has never been so hard.
It Started in the Chatroom is a marriage of convenience story loosely based on the classic Cinderella tale. Readers should be prepared for laugh-out-loud moments, a cooking class gone awry, and the swoon that comes with falling in love unexpectedly. This is the first book in the series, but readers can enjoy it as a standalone.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
53 people are currently reading
1735 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Marie
7 books92 followersCrisis handler by day and writer by night, Jessie often finds herself wrapped up in the tales of humanity. She cultivated an appetite for a good love story from the moment she read her first Sarah Dessen book, and it led to her desire to create some stories of her own.
When she’s not writing or providing resources for students at a small SoCal college, she can be found driving into the sunset while listening to the Foo Fighters, sinking her toes in the sand, or reveling in the beauty of a good meal. She also enjoys hanging out with her better half and her favorite tiny human.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, her website, Goodreads and Amazon.
When she’s not writing or providing resources for students at a small SoCal college, she can be found driving into the sunset while listening to the Foo Fighters, sinking her toes in the sand, or reveling in the beauty of a good meal. She also enjoys hanging out with her better half and her favorite tiny human.
You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, her website, Goodreads and Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 9, 2023
I dug it
This was an enjoyable read. Ciara and Nathan were an interesting match. I liked how Nathan's family welcomed Ciara, and I loved Estelle. Brooklyn...ehh. lol I understood her concern over the suddenness of Ciara getting with Nathan but the constant rudeness and assumption-filled prejudice got old quick.
And while I loved that Ciara and Nathan came together in the end, she surely had me sighing in frustration. lol She was so quick to bite her tongue and not speak up when something was wrong, she worried too much about what folks thought, and she jumped to conclusions based off an overheard (and meaningless) conversation. I was mad at her right along with Nathan. lol He surely wasn't perfect but the way it ended up with her making it seem like he was the main one in the wrong...I didn't love that. That whole thing seemed like a forced third act breakup attempt that dimmed my enjoyment.
But I was invested in what happened and how things would turn out. Some parts even made me laugh, which is an extra bonus. This was my first read from this author and I'm looking forward to more.
This was an enjoyable read. Ciara and Nathan were an interesting match. I liked how Nathan's family welcomed Ciara, and I loved Estelle. Brooklyn...ehh. lol I understood her concern over the suddenness of Ciara getting with Nathan but the constant rudeness and assumption-filled prejudice got old quick.
And while I loved that Ciara and Nathan came together in the end, she surely had me sighing in frustration. lol She was so quick to bite her tongue and not speak up when something was wrong, she worried too much about what folks thought, and she jumped to conclusions based off an overheard (and meaningless) conversation. I was mad at her right along with Nathan. lol He surely wasn't perfect but the way it ended up with her making it seem like he was the main one in the wrong...I didn't love that. That whole thing seemed like a forced third act breakup attempt that dimmed my enjoyment.
But I was invested in what happened and how things would turn out. Some parts even made me laugh, which is an extra bonus. This was my first read from this author and I'm looking forward to more.
May 27, 2024
meh
I wanted to like this so much - i love a good marriage of convenience story - but jeez, the lack of chemistry they had at the beginning was rough. Then once that finally started to come together, it came unnecessarily undone because of one person over analyzing a conversation and letting some haters fuel their inner saboteur. And then the last few chapters are a speed through of several months with no real addressing of issues or movement toward progress and BOOM it’s all good and HEA in the epilogue? Not earned at all.
I appreciate the callout of the friend and MOH - she was a piece of work and needed to be called on her shit behavior. I also wish we got more of the other bestie - she was interesting when we got to see her (also - Ciara’s dad basically disappeared from the book even though there was a lot of interesting things to develop with him and Ciara and her moving away from home, but hey🤷🏾♀️).
Like I said, I really wanted to like this, but it was made very difficult for me to like.
I wanted to like this so much - i love a good marriage of convenience story - but jeez, the lack of chemistry they had at the beginning was rough. Then once that finally started to come together, it came unnecessarily undone because of one person over analyzing a conversation and letting some haters fuel their inner saboteur. And then the last few chapters are a speed through of several months with no real addressing of issues or movement toward progress and BOOM it’s all good and HEA in the epilogue? Not earned at all.
I appreciate the callout of the friend and MOH - she was a piece of work and needed to be called on her shit behavior. I also wish we got more of the other bestie - she was interesting when we got to see her (also - Ciara’s dad basically disappeared from the book even though there was a lot of interesting things to develop with him and Ciara and her moving away from home, but hey🤷🏾♀️).
Like I said, I really wanted to like this, but it was made very difficult for me to like.
October 13, 2023
This was a really cute read. Very light and would be a good pallet cleanser. At times the FMC frustrated me with her choices (I never understand how a character gets verbal and physical confirmation of a situation and still arrives at a ridiculous conclusion).
Overall the book was entertaining and cute.
Overall the book was entertaining and cute.
October 11, 2023
Pretty contrived most of the time and the ending was too abrupt for me.
May 13, 2023
Y'all, Jessie has absolutely outdone herself! This is one Cinderella story that will have you wishing upon a star for your very own Prince Charming! Nathan and Ciara are the epitome of couple goals, true love, and opposites attract- in the very best of ways. The discussion of grief, loss, familial expectations and obligations all struck me so honestly and poignantly that I found myself marking them, noting them, and trying to find a way to share them because I felt them to the very core of myself. The truth and authenticity of Jessie's characters bring them to life in a way that's so hard to find in romance writing these days. Honestly, I don't have enough good things to say about this book, I absolutely loved it, so much so that it was painful to put down! I'm a die-hard fan, and Chatroom just solidified my reasons for being so. Excuse me, I need to go find myself a Hemingway College sweatshirt, so I'll see y'all on another page!
May 28, 2023
The best way to describe this book is wholesome. A Cinderella retelling that was like married at first sight via an app. No ball, but Ciara was looking for her prince charming, who she found in Nathan Hemingway. Their relationship was easy, and I liked how they communicated when things shifted. However, the looming end, which came at the 95% mark, happened, and I wasn't sure how that would get sorted it out. They get their HEA and everything was tied up really sweetly. The family dynamics and friend groups were also very sweet. It was good to see they both had friends outside of each other. It was also so touching to have Ciara's dad really work through the loss of his wife on page. The discussion on Black men's mental health was woven in seamlessly.
CN: death of a parent/spouse, income insecurity, anxiety, grief, gambling, classism, bullying
Thank you to Jessie Marie for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
CN: death of a parent/spouse, income insecurity, anxiety, grief, gambling, classism, bullying
Thank you to Jessie Marie for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
After the first few chapters, I couldn’t put it down! Loved the change in perspectives/narrators and that really kept the story moving along and made for a quick read.
I laughed out loud a few times and had my partner wondering what I was reading! Without giving too many spoilers, I definitely picked up on some evil stepmother vibes from one character and a few gracefully woven in nods to other Cinderella characters or iconic outfits! ;)
There were multiple relatable moments of the perils of modern and online dating, yet with a hopefulness and romance that was inspiring!
I applauded the depictions of Nathan’s grief and mentions of receiving support for mental health.
I laughed out loud a few times and had my partner wondering what I was reading! Without giving too many spoilers, I definitely picked up on some evil stepmother vibes from one character and a few gracefully woven in nods to other Cinderella characters or iconic outfits! ;)
There were multiple relatable moments of the perils of modern and online dating, yet with a hopefulness and romance that was inspiring!
I applauded the depictions of Nathan’s grief and mentions of receiving support for mental health.
November 12, 2023
enjoyable love story
I won this book on Goodreads.
I really enjoyed getting to know Nathan and Cici. Lots of ups and downs as they navigated their relationship. I liked getting to know the Hemingway family and the brief look at the towns people. I wish there was a bit more story of CiCi’s dad and Brooklyn. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.
I won this book on Goodreads.
I really enjoyed getting to know Nathan and Cici. Lots of ups and downs as they navigated their relationship. I liked getting to know the Hemingway family and the brief look at the towns people. I wish there was a bit more story of CiCi’s dad and Brooklyn. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.
February 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed this story for what it was. I like the Cinderella retelling aspect and how Ciara and Nathan's relationship blossomed. There were some cute swoon worthy moments but there were also moments that threw me for a loop.
Won't spoil it and I do think it's a good read just wished the end wasn't so rushed and a few other things in the book but overall I was entertained.
I enjoyed this story for what it was. I like the Cinderella retelling aspect and how Ciara and Nathan's relationship blossomed. There were some cute swoon worthy moments but there were also moments that threw me for a loop.
Won't spoil it and I do think it's a good read just wished the end wasn't so rushed and a few other things in the book but overall I was entertained.
June 3, 2023
Good book
I enjoyed meeting Ciara and Nathan as they navigated marriage after an online introduction. They fell in love so fast but still had insecurities to work through along with a conniving cousin and a doubting best friend. But they were able to find their HEA!
I enjoyed meeting Ciara and Nathan as they navigated marriage after an online introduction. They fell in love so fast but still had insecurities to work through along with a conniving cousin and a doubting best friend. But they were able to find their HEA!
June 5, 2023
The Hemingways are a sight for sore eyes. I enjoyed this story and all of the details. The fake marriage angle was a fresh look for this story. I believed them as a couple and as newfound friends forever, hopefully...
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December 31, 2024**It Started in the Chatroom is now live!**
Make sure to get your copy today! On Amazon and KU: https://a.co/d/3IHoHxo
Also check out my website!: https://jessiemarieauthor.com
Make sure to get your copy today! On Amazon and KU: https://a.co/d/3IHoHxo
Also check out my website!: https://jessiemarieauthor.com
May 31, 2023
It took some time…
It took a while to pick. Up but I’m glad I saw this love story through to the end. I would definitely read more…
It took a while to pick. Up but I’m glad I saw this love story through to the end. I would definitely read more…
June 2, 2023
5 Stars!
This book was the best cure as I'm fighting a cold! I was taken by the story and pulled along the characters' journey!
This book was the best cure as I'm fighting a cold! I was taken by the story and pulled along the characters' journey!
September 26, 2023
5 stars!!!!
What a great read. The characters were so lifelike. Almost like they could be anyone you know IRL. Loved the book and will continue o read the next one.
What a great read. The characters were so lifelike. Almost like they could be anyone you know IRL. Loved the book and will continue o read the next one.
October 31, 2023
I enjoyed this book! I wasn’t the biggest fan of the third act breakup, felt kind of rushed towards the end
November 27, 2023
3.5⭐ Cute, lighthearted, and fun. Just a sweet happily ever after book. Definitely a feel good story.
January 12, 2024
Cute read!
March 18, 2025
Imposter Syndrome
The imposter syndrome was annoying. I don’t blame him for not responding. And she still wasn’t accountable. I had to skip the last few pages. But overall ok.
The imposter syndrome was annoying. I don’t blame him for not responding. And she still wasn’t accountable. I had to skip the last few pages. But overall ok.
December 9, 2023
I enjoyed reading Nathan and Ciara story. M. Marie wrote a great story about couples meeting online and falling in love. Nathan and Ciara had to learn to let their relationship grow. I loved the way this story developed.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews