The Fiancé Favor: A Slow Burn Marriage of Convenience

by Joanna Kimber

She's on the run with nowhere to go. He's the grumpy innkeeper who offers her a roof...and maybe a way to stay.

Gayle lives by a simple work hard, plan for the worst, and pray for the best. Her life has been a relentless pursuit of stability until one devastating event turns her into a fugitive. Forced to flee the island she calls home, Gayle leaves the life she built and the family she loves.

Crescent Bay is supposed to be a temporary stop. But when she arrives in the sleepy coastal town, a desperate favor leads her to Jiraiya a brooding innkeeper with a struggling Bed & Breakfast and no patience for strangers.

Their deal is she'll help revive the inn, and he'll give her a job and a place to stay. Between the town's quirky charm, the freedom from her past, and the quiet intensity of the man she's living with, Gayle starts to imagine a new kind of future when her haunting reality presents a hopeless dilemma. Unable to return home, and with only three months to stay in the country, her only solution is a marriage of convenience to the one man who sees through her walls and makes her feel truly alive.

Perfect for lovers of grumpy x sunshine, marriage of convenience, slow burn chemistry, and emotional Black romance with heart.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Ash Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a slow-burn boss and employee romance featuring a strong female main character who’s a first-generation Jamaican immigrant. The spice level is mild, but the yearning and chemistry between the leads are absolutely top-tier!

Gayle is a hardworking Jamaican woman who’s forced to leave Jamaica due to a difficult situation. As she adjusts to her new life, she begins to fall in love with her new home—and with her boss. But if I’m being honest, it’s clear that he fell for her first. This story is just so adorable! We love a male character who notices the little things, goes the extra mile, and truly cares about the woman he wants.

Overall, a sweet and heartfelt read that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a slow-burning romance with genuine connection and a touch of cultural pride.

[Shon]

All imma say is I wanted her sister to face more consequences. Maybe that happened off page but she had my blood hot. Gayle took a hot minute to grow on me, but considering the circumstances, I get it. The romance was sweet








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TW: ICE mentioned and present on-page; considering the current political climate, that may be sensitive for some readers.

Thanks to the author for the ARC 💜

[Manuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read from Joanna Kimber and just like the first one, I really enjoyed her writing style!
I will say, this is not a lighthearted romance. If you have any trauma in regard to Immigration then I would say this is not the book for you as it is a huge part of the plot.

But, with that being said. I really enjoyed this book! I love the main characters Gayle and Jiraiya (and Mary!)
I found the characters to be believable and Gayle's struggles all throughout the book had my heart hurting. Also, I loved how crazy Jiraiya was from the start when it came to Gayle. His POVs had me cracking up.

If you're looking for a short (only 24 chapters!) heartfelt story, then look no further!!!

[Kayybereading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Slow burn for sure but such a cute love story!

[Coia Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

This was such a cute love story full of 🌶️ tension. I was over here like drop them drawls already! LMAO. Definitely a slow burn, but everything played out so beautifully. Even with the tension surrounding immigration and deportation, it was still a great read. I love Joanna’s writing style too. She made what could’ve been basic moments sound so magical. Will definitely be reading her other books!

[Stacy L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of Joanna Kimber’s ARC team, I received an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

TW: This book includes a scene involving an ICE agent that may be triggering for some readers.

This book gave me exactly what I needed: hope, heart, and that slow-burn magic that makes you believe in unexpected love.

Neither Gayle nor Jiraiya were looking for love. Their connection began with a favor—something meant to be temporary. After a traumatic situation forces Gayle to flee her home in Jamaica, she lands in Crescent Bay, Virginia, thanks to her friend Tony. She ends up at Jiraiya’s family-owned B&B, and when her immigration status puts her future at risk, Jiraiya steps in with a bold solution: they’ll get married. Just on paper. Just pretend.

But as they spend time together—going on dates to make things look real, learning each other’s routines, fighting the growing feelings—it becomes clear the lines between real and pretend are blurring. And that’s the beauty of this book. The slow-burn tension. The vulnerability. The emotional layers that sneak up on you.

Let’s talk tropes:

✅ Fake dating (with a purpose!)

✅ Small-town charm

✅ Found family

✅ He falls first

✅ Just enough spice

✅ Real emotional stakes and satisfying payoff

I loved the chemistry between Gayle and Jiraiya. Even before true feelings developed, there was undeniable tension and warmth between them. You could feel the pull. And I especially connected with Jiraiya, given his complicated relationship with his mother—it added real emotional depth that felt personal.

The side characters added richness to the story without ever distracting. Eden (Jiraiya’s cousin), Mary and her crew of gossiping aunties, and the town of Crescent Bay itself made for a cozy, authentic backdrop that enhanced the romance and gave us those found-family vibes I adore.

The pacing was spot-on. It never dragged, never rushed. It built in a way that allowed the emotional beats to land while keeping you invested the entire time.

This is not my first Joanna Kimber book, and it absolutely won’t be my last. She’s become an auto-read author for me, and The Fiancé Favor is yet another reason why.

[Breana · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
A gorgeously written, heartfelt slow-burn romance that lingers long after the last page.

This book was everything. A beautifully written slow-burn romance with yearning that made my chest ache, quality spice, and so much emotional depth wrapped up in a cozy small-town setting. It's tender, heart-wrenching, and quietly powerful.

Trigger warning: The story thoughtfully and unflinchingly explores issues around immigration and ICE. The stakes are real and the characters' experiences are deeply moving, especially given today's climate.

Let’s talk about Jiraiya. DEVOTED is honestly the only word that fits. From the moment he meets Gayle, he’s all in—but not in a pushy or overbearing way. He’s whatever she needs: a friend, a sanctuary, a quiet strength, or someone who knows when to step back. His love is soft, respectful, patient—everything Gayle has been denied for so long. I swooned more times than I can count.

And Gayle... what a powerful, nuanced character. She’s been a caretaker all her life, especially to her younger sister Jayelle and even to her own mother. When she’s forced to leave everything behind to protect her sister, it becomes a reluctant but necessary chance to grieve and reclaim herself. Her emotional journey—coming to terms with the loss of her father, her homeland, and the life she imagined—is beautifully and painfully honest.

This isn’t just a love story between two people; it’s also a story about self-love, healing, and finding home when the one you knew is gone. If you love deep character work, romance with substance, and stories that don’t shy away from real-world issues, this one’s for you.

[BayLe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first generation American in my family I really enjoyed this book. For her character to have kind of a small role in the story, reading Gayle’s mother felt like falling into a warm hug. I cried and laughed and cried laughing! This was definitely a slow ass burn but I believe it was well worth the simmer cook. The chemistry and steam between Gayle and Jiraiya was so good and hot. As someone who religiously binge watches 90-Day Fiance this book actually fed me a little bit. The trials and tribulations Gayle had to go through as an immigrant migrating to America is a tale as old as time but I like that this was one with a happy ending. Outside of being a first gen American I resonated with Gayle so much as the eldest daughter in my family. I hurt with Gayle for all the sacrifices she had to make for her siblings because I’ve been there. The frustration I had with Jayelle is beyond me but I understand the desperate desire to want to make a way. Esp when you don’t have much. I love that Gayle was able to find family in Crescent Bay. The way Gayle’s new community accepted and assured her is truly the American Dream. I will say, for a book titled The Fiancée Favor I kinda wish there was more time of them being fiancé’s? Like, I enjoyed the way it was written but the idea of having to get married doesn’t even come to her til 50% of the book. I’d love to read a second part to this story on how they navigate having children and the cultural differences between the two and how they love each other through them. This was a great read and a really warming way to wrap up Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

[lia ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️ | arc review

first, thank you the author for the arc 💌! as a child of jamaican immigrant parents, with one parent coming to the us legally on a visa, overstaying her welcome, and having to marry to obtain her green card to be able to go back home to the life she left behind so many years ago, including her own children, & eventually becoming a us citizen, i left like i was reading my mother’s life through her own eyes.

reading gayle’s story of having to run away from her homeland to a foreign country she’s never been to… has no family there, and having to watch her back every turn she made in fear that someone would recognize her and deport her back, opened my eyes even more to how scary it may be for someone in that situation. especially in this day and age, i believe reading stories like this, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction is so important, because to be quite honest, ALL of us (except the native americans) are descendants of immigrants.

i do think that my own family’s experience with the procedure of obtaining their green cards was different than gayle’s, but it still showed the fear as well as the determination for any immigrant who just wanted to feel safe wherever they went. and i loved how jiraiya never judged gayle, and how him and the rest of the people of crescent bay had her back, even when they barely knew her. it’s a community of people like that that allows for one to be successful, and it reminded me so much of my mom’s journey, and i love that.

[SMV · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way that man was DEVOTED! There's really no better word to describe the way Jiraiya cares for Gayle. He may have become enamored by her instantly, but the way he is willing to be whatever she needs, a friend, a safe place, a protector, or to give her space when she needs it...that's devotion!

Gayle needed time to figure out who she was without her family and all the responsibilities of being the provider and parental figure to them, including her mother. She needed to mourn the loss of her home country, her siblings, and finally have the space to grieve for her father.

While Jiraiya may have fallen hard and fast, he understood that he needed to earn her trust. To be that safe and stable place for her. And I loved that even though he was willing to enter the marriage of convenience, he was still honest about wanting more with her.

This book was a beautifully written slow-burn romance, with lots of yearning, quality spice, and lots of heart in a cosy small town setting.

"I hate when I get like this. Fixated on one thing, seeking it out and picking it apart until I’ve discovered every soft corner and sharp edge. It’s why I’m an engineer, why I’m good at building things. It’s not so great when the object of interest is a person, and worse when that person is one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever laid eyes on. Gayle Thomas. Welcome to Crescent Bay." - Jiraiya

[Jasmine Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word! I ATE this book up; it was so good.

Gayle is an immigrant from Jamaica, hoping to escape a mess that she didn’t make when she finds refuge with Jiraiya, an owner of a bed and breakfast that needs a deeper makeover.

Gayle has a degree in hospitality and Jiraiya has a home and American-born citizenship. They need each other, desperately.

Jiraiya is what book boyfriends are made of: charming, sweet, attentive, observant, patient, and understanding.

Gayle is the most deserving woman of the a man like him. She spent her whole life caring for others and she got to be soft with Jiraiya.

This story was so refreshing and had the perfect amount of drama and romance which kept me hooked in every chapter. I finished it in one day, and I need more 😂 Plus love a good slow burn and this one delivered, plus the “that’s my wife” moments in this marriage of convenience were everything!

I loved the cultural elements that gave someone like me a taste of Jamaican life without overwhelming me and leaving me lost (thank you for the glossary!)

Character development, the romance, the moments of almost spice that lead up to the burn, the found family, were all perfect.

This is definitely a book I will come back to over and over when I’m on the mood for romance. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC and Ms. Kimber for her amazing story.

[Norell Alesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I had a difficult time getting into this at first. The reason Gayle had to escape from Jamaica seemed kind of convoluted, and the beginnings of her relationship with Jiraiya were clunky at best. I didn’t know if I was going to like this, BUT as the story continued it found its flow and I began to enjoy myself. The novel really picks up and finds its footing once Gayle and Jiraiya get married. That’s when the chemistry between them began to feel natural and easy. Where I didn’t find them convincing as a possible couple before, I started to fall in love with them as they fell in love with each other. I loved how once they got together, they were open and honest with each other. There was no silly third act breakup, no miscommunication trope, it was just two people falling in love and finding strength and family in each other. Despite the slow and at times confusing start, I really came to enjoy this.

TW for a scene involving an ICE agent. With everything going on in America right now, the scene made me feel anxious. It’s brief, but I want anyone planning to read this to have the warning.

[Shica · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
Title: The Fiance Favor
Author: Joanna Kimber

Gayle's been through so much—working herself to the bone to keep her family afloat, only to have everything ripped away in a heartbeat. Suddenly she's on the run, landing in a quiet coastal town she’s never even heard of, completely alone.

That’s where she meets Jiraiya—the owner of a struggling B&B that desperately needs her touch. Their deal is simple: she helps fix up the place, and he gives her a place to stay. But what starts as a business arrangement quickly turns into something much deeper. The townspeople are quirky and lovable—but it's the slow burn between Gayle and Jiraiya that really got me. He sees her. Not just the pretty face or the tough exterior—he sees the woman underneath, and it’s everything.

The emotional depth in this story was beautiful—Gayle’s vulnerability, Jiraiya’s complicated family dynamics (can we get more of that in a sequel, please?), and the slow, steady unfolding of trust and love had my heart in knots.

Then just when things feel like they might finally be okay, reality crashes back in. Gayle’s time is running out, and the only way she might be able to stay? A fake marriage to the very man who’s gotten under her skin.

If you’re in the mood for 24 chapters of heartfelt romance that blends found family, cultural richness, and slow-burn magic, add this to your list! This is my first Joanna Kimber book, and it won’t be my last.

📖 Releases July 8 on Amazon – go preorder it!
Thanks @netgalley & Joanna Kimber for this :-)

[_dulcekk · Rating 5 out of 5]

lemons into lemonade

I didn’t want this story to end. I enjoyed the pace of the story and how Gayle & Jiraiya didn’t rush, even when the marriage of convenience came about. Both of them were guarded based on past & present circumstances; they had to learn how to trust one another in their own way, on their own time. Jiraiya was such a grumpy sunshine… but his thoughtfulness was so warming. I enjoyed Gayle’s personality a lot and how she arrived and brightened up the place slowly but surely. This story was touching; having to sacrifice your livelihood to save your family isn’t for the faint and Gayle was brave… braver than she thought she could be. “Home is wherever you are”. I simply adored Gayle and Jiraiya together!!! This was a new-to-me author and I cannot wait to read more by her.

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute read that I enjoyed. Gayle's sister, Jayelle, pissed me off so bad. I don't like how Gayle sacrificed herself to save her sister. My sister would've definitely been SOL messing with me. Gayle coming to Cresent Bay was for the best, though. She ended up finally living her life for herself. I loved seeing her growth. Jiraiya was exactly what Gayle needed. He was standoffish at first, but he came around. The little things he did for her were so sweet. He really saw her and gave her what she needed. His family was trash, and I'm glad he went no contact. This is a true slow burn, but it was enjoyable.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favor for a Favor

This is my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed this story. The title alone had me intrigued and since it had some of my favorite tropes I decided to give it a read.

Gayle and Jiraiya started off on the wrong foot but once they connected the story really took off. It has everything I wanted and needed in a slow burn romance. Chemistry between characters is a must me for me when reading and theirs is now on my list of favorites of all time. I plan on reading more from this author and if you’re thinking of reading this book do yourself a favor and download it!!

[Shurida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I wanted more spicy scenes 😂 but I’m totally aware this was a slow burn romance. Living in a world currently where immigrants are afraid of what will happen to them, this book was written with that in mind and written very well. I also understood where Gayle was coming from with only knowing how to take care of other people and not knowing how to accept help. I wanted more backstory on Jiraiya’s family dynamics but overall it was a good book!

[Jazsmen Winfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marriage of convenience but falling in love! One of my favorite tropes because they’re fun. This book was very well written. It had my attention since the beginning. So much was going down so day then the book slowed down for a bit but want to slow. I love the main characters. I definitely related to Gayle as being the oldest and having the responsibility sense. Sometimes you just need to put yourself first!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Joanna Kimber’s work and this one was another great story. This was a unique love story between Gayle and Jiraiya, and this story does deal with immigration and sponsorship but it really is done well. I love that we have to warm up to the characters but once they get together, I was all in. I wish we could have gotten more on both sides of the family but I like how they stood up for each other. Would definitely recommend 😊

[Nichole Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet slow burn

These characters and their slow burning love kept my attention for days. I'm going to wonder how they're doing at random times over the next few months because they felt so real. The pining and sweet gestures and the connection...gahhh 🥹 Perfection!
This was beautifully written with some real life issues. It's definitely in my top 5 reads to 2025, and I have to go read every book in Joanna's catalog now!

[Anesty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this was just a cute little book! This was my first work from this author and I have to say, I enjoyed reading it. It was nice, it was cute, a simple romance story. The characters were so cute and very likable. The two main characters are so adorable I can’t!

I really enjoyed this book!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well done. From the accuracy in the depiction of Jamaican culture to the current immigration climate in the USA. This was a slow burn marriage of convenience and I didn't want it to end. Our main characters were fully developed on page and had their own stories that came together beautifully. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Breesayshey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC read was an awesome one! I was so intrigued because of being an ESL (English as a second language) teacher seeing the experience of an immigrant and the real scary experience of coming to another country seeking solace. I could relate to Gayle being the strong force in her family and taking on the weight of responsibilities that were never meant for her. Jiraiya was a stubborn cutie who I appreciated swooning over when he did romantic things for Gayle. This was one of my favorite reads of Joanna’s and of the year!

[Kokola Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a buddy read with my book club girlies from BWRT. It was a cute read, I enjoyed it!

[Donnakay'sBookWorld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and would love to read more from the author. The storyline Sealy unique and engaging and I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. The longing, and attraction between the characters were palpable!