Conveniently Hers: A Hearts in Hartsville Novel

by Ivy L. James

In the United States, Mariana Mitogo is struggling to make ends meet. Then she’s named to receive a huge inheritance that would erase all her debt. The she has to be married for six months to receive it, and her dating life is nonexistent.

In the small European kingdom of Ìovoria, her Internet friend Silvina de los Reyes has drained her bank account to support her family. Desperate to get her mom the heart surgery she needs, Silvi interviews for a better-paying job that would take her from Àverness to Hartsville, Virginia. When she’s offered the position but can’t get a work visa, Mariana offers a solution that benefits both of them—a fiancé visa and a quick wedding.

If anyone finds out it’s a green card marriage, Silvina will be deported. Mariana faces a colossal fine and jail time. Good thing they’re committed actors.

But as they pretend to build a life together, the lines blur between charade and reality. Will they dare to choose the love that feels more honest every day?

Conveniently Hers is a lighthearted sapphic friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience romance set in a small town. It is book 1 in the Hearts in Hartsville series.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2025

About the author

Ivy L. James wrote her first story on Post-it notes as a child. Since then, she has graduated to regular paper and enjoys writing sapphic romance and poetry. Her work has appeared in the Stygian Collection (Stygian Society), Seers and Sybils (Brigids Gate Press), Horns (Bullshit Lit), HerStry, Snowflake Magazine, and Scavengers Literary Magazine, among others. She lives in the USA.

Reviews

[Gio.reads.sapphic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot was really good but I think it wasn't delivered in the best way, maybe a bit more page could have done the difference - there was also lack on the characters description - I seriously stuggled to immagine both of the MCs. Despite it all I still finished it in less than 2 days so there is definitely is something good about this book.

Now to the best part, the tropes:
- Marriage of convenience
- Forced Proximity
- Small town
-Best friends to lovers
- Only one bed
-Slow burn
-HEA
- Queer awakening
-Plus size rep
- Demi x bi
- First time
- Kissing for "practice"

so if you like any of these you should give it a chance, everyone is different - maybe for you it will be 5⭐, who knows?

3.5 ⭐ - 3🔥

TW: financial struggle- absent father- severe heart problem (MC's mum)

[ash (smokedshelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to the author for providing me a copy of their book in exchange for an honest review.

this was truly a quick and light read, which i really needed between some of the more fantastical stories i was reading at the same time. this follows two internet friends as they apply for a marriage visa after both dealing with some financial difficulties. of course marrying your best friend for visa benefits or an inheritance wont cause any developed feelings! never! this was so slice of life which i really appreciated.

it really felt like we were following real twenty-somethings try to navigate this new relationship and living arrangement. there was everyday problems from settling into your new shared apartment to your parents disliking your new wife. and of course budding feelings that may or may not lead to some miscommunication. while i came to really care for mariana and silvi, it did take me a bit to adjust to their voices as i felt like they blended a bit in the beginning. and the narration felt very much like we would hit each action with little descriptions. but once i settled in to the style i began to enjoy the story much more.

i do totally think they could’ve avoided a LOT of their issues and arguments with like ONE sit down conversation. and honestly, i kind of wish isla forced them to sit down and have said conversation. she tried to gentle parent a bit and i think it ended up hindering their growth. but i forgive her because overall isla is my GIRL. i know we’re unlikely to get a book for her given she’s aroace but i would still love a platonic relationship story for her. and i’m certainly intrigued to see the rivals to lovers story that is certainly brewing there!

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lighthearted sapphic romance. Fake relationship, marriage of convenience, internet friends-to-lovers.

I liked that despite them being long-term friends already, the book still portrayed their relationship as a slow-burn. The plot was good, and both reasons for the marriage weren’t unrealistic or far-fetched. The characters were likeable, and though some miscommunications were frustrating and could’ve been avoided with an honest conversations, they weren’t irritating and long-lasting. I liked their dynamic, they were really adorable together. Mariana’s self-discovery was portrayed amazingly, and I truly enjoyed it. Also very grateful for the dictionary!

I think the book could really benefit on some more character descriptions, though. It was hard to imagine them at times.

Other than that it was a good book. Quick, cozy romance with enjoyable characters. I enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[turtle_reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a simple reader: I see marriage of convenience and I pick up the book. But what keeps me reading are the characters. And Mariana and Silvina captured my heart from the start. Their friendship, already a decade long before we ever meet them, feels very real and provides the foundation for a slow-burn that was so heartwarming I didn't want it to end. And Mariana's demisexuality added a much-appreciated layer to the relationship that I found very relatable as a demisexual person who's felt many of the same things Mariana feels about herself in this story.

The conflict in this story is mostly low stakes, and the plot is incredibly cozy and domestic. There are so many little moments of affection, humor, and feelings these two have for each other while doing everyday activities, it just made me smile every time I went to pick up the book.

It's a warm, delightful read I'd recommend to anyone who wants a slow-burn that doesn't make you suffer.