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For Love or Scandal

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A sham wedding ignites an irresistible spark between a once-disgraced director and the wedding planner of her dreams.

Laney Menendez, a once-celebrated Hollywood director, has a chance at a comeback. The catch? She must first marry her brother’s soap-star boyfriend to stop him from being outed by a tabloid.

For Laney, the lavish fake wedding is meant to be all business, until she meets the wedding planner, Jennifer Acosta.

Their attraction is instant and undeniable. As Laney and Jennifer work closely planning the wedding, stolen moments stoke the flames of a passion too powerful to resist.

When Jennifer learns the truth of Laney’s fake marriage, she faces an impossible follow her heart or protect her hard-won reputation. With Hollywood watching, will the pressure to keep up the lies drive them apart?

Immerse yourself in this steamy tale where fantasy and reality entwine. Love makes its own rules, and for Laney and Jennifer, the fake wedding of the year may just be the start of something real.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2023

95 people are currently reading
519 people want to read

About the author

J.J. Arias

36 books1,238 followers
Hello! And thank you for finding me!

I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.

My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.

If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.

So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!

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5 stars
341 (50%)
4 stars
232 (34%)
3 stars
84 (12%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
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6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Marsden.
Author 5 books87 followers
April 27, 2024
I loved this book! Genuinely can't think of a bad thing to say about it. It was well written, I loved Laney and Jennifer as individuals and together, and I loved their story. Finally a book where the MC's are the same/similar age lol.

I especially liked that there was no stupid 3rd act break up. Arias managed to create drama external to them as a couple, something other romance authors seem to struggle with for whatever reason, and it was great. I never doubted the strength of their feelings for each other, which I do when couples in other books break up for silly 3rd act break up reasons.

Another fantastic book! On to the next!
Profile Image for Linda.
864 reviews134 followers
August 6, 2023
Very low on angst and drama with sexy scenes that just get hotter as you move along. Loved the chemistry between Laney and Jennifer, 2 very likeable characters, with all the looks they got going for each other, swooning over each other when apart, talking through their wants/needs, and being honest about their feelings.

A delightful read. 4+ ⭐️
Profile Image for Clara Addicted to sapphic books.
366 reviews260 followers
August 1, 2023
J.J Arias writes very different characters with various jobs and tropes : enemies to lovers, age gape, wedding planner-bride etc...
But what they have in common is that they will give you feelings, steam, and off the charts chemistry. This book is no exception.
The talented writing made the attraction palpable to the reader in an almost immersive way : Laney's clear attraction and Jennifer fighting her own feelings at first. I didn't expect to dive in the story almost from chapter 1.
Despite the circumstances of how they start being involved with each other, not once Laney and Jennifer's have been dishonest with each other concerning their feelings. The development of the relationship is really healthy with a lot of communication. Laney and Jennifer are both really likable, with their own vulnerability and they are perfect for each other. I also really like Tommy's character and really felt for him.

Few authors have this ability to communicate this much feelings with a perfect balance of dialogues and narration. Arias is one of them.
I always end up living and truly feeling the story, which is all I expect from a good read. Arias is just one of my favorite writers and you can never go wrong with her books. I really look forward to the spin off with the Dominion's serie. Arias gave a glimpse with Damage control short story (from her last newsletter) and I already have the hots for Natalia.
Profile Image for Sprinkles.
203 reviews336 followers
August 22, 2023
Um, okay, wow??

I've been needing a very sexy, chemistry-filled, fluffy romance with the occasional bit of drama and this delivered. Really.

I knew this was by an ex-fanfic writer before looking J.J. Arias up! Arias gives the reader (me!) what she wants. And I wanted an illicit affair, but of the low conflict variety. The title/cover really made me think otherwise at first.

Yes, don't be scared if you're one of those people who cringes easily. We get juuuuust enough drama to make it work. And we get many, many scenes of the main characters, Laney and Jennifer (marry me! I love your dimples!) to the point that I felt spoiled. I giggle and enjoy being spoiled.

It's completely what I needed. Many authors could go the angsty route and give us chapter after chapter of them being far distances apart, as their respective careers would enable. However, Arias is kind to us.

The sex. Yay, the SEX. And the pining until the sex. And the dirty talk. The funny one-liners. I approve of it all.

The side characters, Matteo and Tommy, weren't bothersome to me, either. I liked what they added.

Just a lovely read all around. Five stars!
Profile Image for Teddy.
337 reviews53 followers
July 7, 2023
JJ Arias is brilliant at writing chemistry and delivers with steam. This book has everything I wanted in a lesbian romance. Despite the premise, it was low angst high swoon. I loved the characters, the opulence, the love. Also, I’ve worked in event planning and the author nailed the job with so many sharp specifics. The references to film were also so well done. I don’t know if JJ has experience in both industries or just did solid research, but bravo. The perfect summer read.

Short summary: When Laney agrees to marry her brother’s telenovela star boyfriend as their beard, she hopes not only to help them but ride his coattails to jumpstart her failed career as a director. The last thing she expects is to fall for their wedding planner. When Jennifer learns the truth of Laney’s situation, she must decide whether she can live with the facade and risk her reputation, or if she wants more.

Thank you to the author. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
46 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2023
Goodness gracious. This one was sooo good! High on heat and low on angst! There was a role-playing scene that made my soul leave my body. JJ Arias kills it again!
Profile Image for Jamie (TheRebelliousReader).
6,884 reviews30 followers
December 3, 2023
5 stars. While writing this review it made me realize just how much I loved this so I’m bumping it to a five. My first J.J. Arias book and what a banger! I loved the romance in this. It’s complicated but so, so good. Laney is a film director but she needs a career comeback and has to marry her brother’s famous actor boyfriend so that he doesn’t get exposed. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Jennifer is the wedding planner and she and Laney immediately hit it off and again things get a bit complicated. Jennifer doesn’t know that the wedding is going to be a lavender marriage so she has conflicted feelings about having feelings for a client. Laney though is all in and has no problem going after what she wants. This was everything. Fantastic writing, a great cast of characters and a scorching hot romance between two really wonderful women. Their chemistry was great from the start and I enjoyed the way they both fell head over heels for each other. They’re both mature and there’s no third act breakup. There’s external drama that the group has to work through but Jennifer and Laney deal with everything together which I appreciated so much. They were perfect for each other and really balanced each other out well.

This was sexy, low angst, fun, and so fucking romantic. I cannot wait to explore more of Arias’s backlist because I need more of her writing.
Profile Image for currentlyreadingbynat.
871 reviews103 followers
July 19, 2023
Every time I finish a J.J. Arias book I honestly feel blown away. This was one that when I finished, I sat and reflected. This could possibly be in the top three novels by Arias for me - it was absolutely brilliant.

When J.J. Arias sent me the ARC, she mentioned that it's a light, steamy, swoony and fun romance. I felt like this really came across when reading. Although Laney and Jennifer have some serious aspects in the way of their romance - mainly Laney's marriage to her brother's boyfriend, this romance feels easy in all the best ways. They have mutual attraction, they communicate well and their relationship feels equal. They honestly were such a joy to read. Meanwhile, they have all this but then off-the-charts chemistry that leads this book to be incredibly spicy. 🔥🔥🔥

I can't recommend this enough. I loved everything about it. It's currently available on KU - get on it ❤️

A big thank you to J.J. Arias for the ARC. I honestly feel so incredibly fortunate I get to read her novels and I can't wait for her new series, the Dominion series. RTC on her teaser, Damage Control.

Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tegan Rosenbaum.
74 reviews12 followers
September 16, 2023
So satisfying! An enchanting and periodically lust-filled romance with lovely MCs and a few modest twists. The story was everything that it advertised itself to be - a low angst, decently steamy, well written, sham wedding trope romance! Loved it.
Profile Image for Heather.
29 reviews7 followers
July 14, 2023
Arias, I can’t get enough of your writing. Thankfully, you write books faster than I can read them 🤣

One of the most visceral love declarations I’ve ever read. I was there. I felt it. I can’t recommend this enough. One of her most heartfelt novels to date.

And again, anyone who can make me laugh and cry on rotation throughout the book deserves 5 solid stars. Fantastic. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5

Thank you to the author for the ARC. 💜
Profile Image for cloverxheart.
215 reviews12 followers
October 23, 2025
DNF at 26%
This was nowhere near what I was expecting it to be.
We were just thrown into it without getting to know the characters or any explanation.
The first chapter starts with them already knowing each other and I felt like I was missing something, like I was supposed to know them already and had somehow skipped some chapters - did not enjoy that at all.
And I have no idea for how long they had even know each other and worked together on the wedding, so the pacing was strange.
On page 2 Laney was already horny for her.
Honestly wanted to DNF after 5 pages but I tried to keep going, it just got worse.
This book is just Horny.
The characters weren't likable either and the whole wedding planing was boring too.
I've read 4 books by this author and I only really enjoyed one - When Dusk comes.
So sadly I believe her books aren't for me, which is super sad since the premises always sound so good.
And yes, I do rate most of my DNFs, cause if the book was so "bad" I couldn't even finish it, it deserves 1 star.
Profile Image for Lucky Luc.
124 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2024
Very likable characters and Arias’ trademark sizzling love scenes. Just a little long.
Profile Image for Sky. .
348 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2023
4.25 ⭐️

“Laney breathed her in, capturing her bottom lip between her teeth before giving it a tiny tug and kissing her harder. There was nothing in the world but Jennifer.”


Holy shit!

First let me start by saying i wasn’t really sure if I wanted to read this book because it has the kind of fake marriage that I don’t like but i was bored and didn’t know what to read and decided to give it a go and I’m glad i did!!!!

The start of the book was a little confusing to me because I felt like I started in the middle but then everything got better

All The characters were amazing the writing is beautiful, the story may not be new but the way Arias write it will definitely keep you hooked 😉

The chemistry between Laney and Jennifer was FIRE 🔥
I Loved them both very much, the way their relationship developed was really incredible 🥺

“You wanted me to fuck you in your wedding dress?”
Laney’s fingers were blindingly fast as she moaned. “Yes,”


Oh holy fuck the SPICE?????? let me tell you when i went into this I haven’t expected the amount of spice i got!!!!! Every sex scene was better than the one before it!!! 🥵🥵

This is definitely my second favorite book by Arias and I can’t wait to read more by her 🔥🔥
Profile Image for tenthmuse ☆.
141 reviews17 followers
July 9, 2023
this book has one the most heartwarming love confessions that’s i’ve ever read. jj arias has done it again!!
Profile Image for Maliha.
345 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2025
what a beautiful book

the romance between jennifer and laney was sooo soft, like they actually liked each other?? and it made me happy, it was a very pleasant surprise


edit: lol i realize now how low the bar was for me back then?? i mean. the mcs actually liking each other was apparently what did it for me 😭😭
Profile Image for Jen.
222 reviews11 followers
July 12, 2025
4.5 stars. Chemistry and heat gets an A+++ in this book. The plot was a little far fetched for me to fully enjoy but the characters really carried this book for me.
Profile Image for Chelsea Pitsos.
107 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2025
I will literally read any and every release from JJ Arias. As I cruise through all of JJ’s previous books, I am glad I picked this one up as I enjoyed it right away!
Profile Image for Stephieloohoo.
93 reviews8 followers
March 11, 2025
This was the first book I've read (so far) by J.J. Arias and I absolutely loved it. I really liked all of the players in this story. I really liked that there was no third act dramatic breakup and the characters decided to grow together and forward together. It's really nice to see books in this genre do that, vs. the opposite. I like that Jennifer and Laney embraced each other and their goals and were there for each other. I def. recommend this read!
Profile Image for SSA.
384 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2024
This was an incredibly horny book from start to finish. I think I would have liked this book more if I wasn’t in a reading slump. It felt really long. Jennifer and Laney’s dynamic wasn’t really fun to read for me. I like books that have more angst and drama and this story was surprisingly low angst. Based on the premise, I thought there would be more high stakes and conflict either from outside the relationship or within the relationship.

“Laney led her through the soundstage and toward Natalia Flores’ office set. ” This was such a weird book to read because I read the dominion series first. It made me think that those characters aren't real people but characters played by actors for a TV show.
542 reviews3 followers
February 24, 2024
I can't remember how I discovered J.J. Arias' work but it only took one book to become a big fan. This is definitely a steamy romance with great characters and story line but her sense of humor was working overtime as sparky one-liners kept catching me by surprise
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,071 reviews517 followers
February 21, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars


This book was a fun find for me with a both a new-to-me author and narrator. The story has scenes in settings such as Miami, Puerto Rico, and California, and there is a warm sense of place. The book has a lot of moving part, but the main draw and the main story revolves around Laney and Jennifer.

If you don’t read the blurb, the opening scene might make you think this is a different story, as Laney and Jennifer are tasting wedding cakes. But it’s stated in the blurb that Laney agreed to marry Mateo in order to stop gossip that wondered if he is gay. Mateo and Laney’s brother, Tommy, are on-page characters, but the points of view of the story are only from Laney and Jennifer.

The book is long and the audio was over 10 hours, giving plenty of time to dive into the Laney and Jennifer’s characters. We get a great sense of where they have been in life and their attraction to each other is intense, with descriptive passages of their feelings. The story shifts from intimate moments between the two of them to the chaos that is building in their lives regarding Laney’s fake marriage.

Read Michelle's audio review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for Lauren .
117 reviews
June 15, 2024
Can I get one Jennifer, please?!

This book was hot before it even started, and I was definitely drawn in by the cover. Which is certainly Jennifer. This book was hell to the yeah spicy and so sweet.

The characters were all loveable and well developed. Laney was adorable, kind, and her own level of spice! I had to slow down while reading at work. I felt like people could tell I was getting to a good part! Some of the wording was repetitive, but other than that, it never dropped the plot.
Read it. It's so easy to get lost in the characters of this story. For love or scandal?! Let's do both!
Profile Image for Maria Silva.
13 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
OMG!

I don't know where was this during my JJ deep dive a couple of months ago but this is defense one of my favorites! NO ONE does flirty banter like JJ Arias! I lover her low angst stories and full of spice with a good plot. Not only does this one makes mention of my beloved Puerto Rico (born and raised) but it kept setting the standard higher. Just when I thought it was good, it got better. I can feel the book hangover already. Probably will read a couple of JJ's book back to back!
Profile Image for Chelles.
663 reviews
March 16, 2025
ForLove or Scandal

This is actually my first J.J. Arias book, whom I immediately knew was going to be a favorite author of mine! And now, 9 books later, I am always looking for my next J.J. Arias read (or re-read).

This was definitely a different take on the "fake dating trope" since the fake dating is not between the MCs. Still, there was no shortage of charged exchanges, passionate moments, secret rendezvous, and sweet & spicy romance! Laney and Jennifer were everything that kept you turning the pages. Their dynamic was amazing!!

Profile Image for Vibeke.
313 reviews10 followers
February 6, 2025
J.J. Arias have wrote several books and she always delivers! The tropes differs this one is a coming out bridal romance. I like the book and was entertained throughout the whole story but unfortunately it is not my favourite J. J. Arias book!
The audiobook version was greatly narrated by Kingsley Rose 5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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