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The Marriage Deal : Sunset Falls: A Fake Marriage Romantic Comedy
A stuck-in-his-ways-grump meets his match in a small town’s feisty, fun-loving sweetheart.
Whoever said you shouldn’t marry for money hasn’t been duped by love like me.
Since the moment I first laid eyes on Briggs Alder, we’ve done nothing but argue. I might have done him dirty by jumping off a cliff to what he assumed would be my death, but the man did retaliate. Publicly.
He rode into our small town on a multi-million-dollar inheritance. Now, he’s got grand ideas about fixing it up. Trouble is, Briggs has done a bang-up job of ensuring the town hates him, and now he thinks I’m going to be his quick fix—by marrying him!
I would say no if the biggest mistake of my past didn’t thrust me into financial ruin at the ripe old age of twenty-seven. I can only hope that the man won’t be the biggest mistake of my future. Because, as bad of an idea as I know it is, I said yes to the marriage deal of—well, let’s just hope it won’t be hell. For me, anyway.
He doesn’t know it, but I’ll be bringing home more than a few rescue animals, as any good wife should do. He wants our act to be authentic, I endeavor to deliver.
Until danger from my past resurfaces…
This small-town romance is sprinkled with humor that will have you laughing out loud, but be prepared for the splash of suspense that will have you gasping into the pages. The fall is delicious and giddy and rich with banter that will have you turning the pages just to see what she says next…and his floored response.
Near Kisses
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Fake Marriage
Grumpy X Sunshine
Hilarious Banter
Dynamic Characters
No Cheating/OW Drama
Loyal, Good Man
This book is book one in the Sunset Falls Series, but can be read as a standalone.
Whoever said you shouldn’t marry for money hasn’t been duped by love like me.
Since the moment I first laid eyes on Briggs Alder, we’ve done nothing but argue. I might have done him dirty by jumping off a cliff to what he assumed would be my death, but the man did retaliate. Publicly.
He rode into our small town on a multi-million-dollar inheritance. Now, he’s got grand ideas about fixing it up. Trouble is, Briggs has done a bang-up job of ensuring the town hates him, and now he thinks I’m going to be his quick fix—by marrying him!
I would say no if the biggest mistake of my past didn’t thrust me into financial ruin at the ripe old age of twenty-seven. I can only hope that the man won’t be the biggest mistake of my future. Because, as bad of an idea as I know it is, I said yes to the marriage deal of—well, let’s just hope it won’t be hell. For me, anyway.
He doesn’t know it, but I’ll be bringing home more than a few rescue animals, as any good wife should do. He wants our act to be authentic, I endeavor to deliver.
Until danger from my past resurfaces…
This small-town romance is sprinkled with humor that will have you laughing out loud, but be prepared for the splash of suspense that will have you gasping into the pages. The fall is delicious and giddy and rich with banter that will have you turning the pages just to see what she says next…and his floored response.
Near Kisses
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Fake Marriage
Grumpy X Sunshine
Hilarious Banter
Dynamic Characters
No Cheating/OW Drama
Loyal, Good Man
This book is book one in the Sunset Falls Series, but can be read as a standalone.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
16 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Alannah Carbonneau
68 books373 followersBorn and raised in Alberta, Canada, Alannah Carbonneau is only a short drive away from the Rocky Mountains that have a staring place in so many of her novels. With seventeen novels and counting currently available on Amazon, Alannah is not only a full-time author, but a full-time mom of two beautiful boys, and wife to an amazing man who always has her back. She lives in a rambling ranch house that needs way too many renos and has one too many cats, but she is happy and in love.
With a solid circle of friends and family, and a very manly, supportive husband who does his best to make sure his family is taken care of, Alannah’s novels feature manly men (sometimes they can be a LOT manly) and friend/family relationships weaved into the stories, because life is about a whole mess of people, and although this is fiction, the best fiction is sprinkled with sweet (and sometimes not so sweet) bits of reality.
Because she loves romance, Alannah writes Contemporary and New Adult Romance. Soon to be released is the Creekwood Valley Series that has ties to the reader beloved Donnelley Brother Series, where light suspense and romance weave to create titillating stories that not only steal your heart but keep you on the edge of your seat. She is the author of the highly rated Teach Me Series, an emotional read about love, life and lessons learned. Our Dark Design is a standalone erotic romance peppered with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, and The Choice is an entirely unconventional standalone romance about three.
She is currently working on a Cross World Fantasy Romance Series for Adults she can’t wait to share with you, because this will feature hot men who are a little bit dominant and a lot protective who are head over heels in love with stubborn, magnificent women.
When Alannah isn’t writing or spending time with her three men, she can be found in her garden, or with a paint brush in hand. But no matter where she is or what she’s doing, you can bet that she’s thinking of a love story she can share with you.
With a solid circle of friends and family, and a very manly, supportive husband who does his best to make sure his family is taken care of, Alannah’s novels feature manly men (sometimes they can be a LOT manly) and friend/family relationships weaved into the stories, because life is about a whole mess of people, and although this is fiction, the best fiction is sprinkled with sweet (and sometimes not so sweet) bits of reality.
Because she loves romance, Alannah writes Contemporary and New Adult Romance. Soon to be released is the Creekwood Valley Series that has ties to the reader beloved Donnelley Brother Series, where light suspense and romance weave to create titillating stories that not only steal your heart but keep you on the edge of your seat. She is the author of the highly rated Teach Me Series, an emotional read about love, life and lessons learned. Our Dark Design is a standalone erotic romance peppered with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, and The Choice is an entirely unconventional standalone romance about three.
She is currently working on a Cross World Fantasy Romance Series for Adults she can’t wait to share with you, because this will feature hot men who are a little bit dominant and a lot protective who are head over heels in love with stubborn, magnificent women.
When Alannah isn’t writing or spending time with her three men, she can be found in her garden, or with a paint brush in hand. But no matter where she is or what she’s doing, you can bet that she’s thinking of a love story she can share with you.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 23, 2025
This book was a page turner and a heartfelt tale of love after a broken heart. I enjoyed the way the book flowed and wasn’t overly sappy or dry with just the right amount of Spice. The addition of animal companions in the story is heart warming and whimsical. A very enjoyable read. If you love reading Romance you will love this book. Thank you to Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this as a free advanced reader copy.
October 9, 2025
A stuck-in-his-ways grump meets his match in a small town's feisty, fun-loving sweetheart.
Whoever said you shouldn't marry for money hasn't been duped by love like me.
Ever since Lilah and Briggs Alder met, all they've ever done is argue. Lilah might have done him a dirty by jumping off a cliff to what he had assumed would be her death, but the man did retaliate. Just publicly.
Briggs decided to ride into their small town on a multi-million-dollar inheritance. Now, Briggs has these grand ideas about fixing it up. The trouble is, Briggs has done a bang-up job of making sure that the entire town hates him, and now he thinks that Lilah is going to be his quick fix – all by marrying him!
Lilah would have said no if the biggest mistake of her past hadn't thrust her into financial ruin at the ripe old age of twenty-seven. Lilah can only hope that Briggs isn't going to be the biggest mistake of her future. Because, even though Lilah knows that it is a bad idea, she says yes to the marriage deal – Lilah just hopes that it doesn't turn out to be a marriage from hell. At least for her anyway.
Briggs doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be bringing home more than just a few rescue animals, just like any good wife should do. If Briggs wants their act to be authentic, she's going to endeavour to deliver.
At least that is, until danger from Lilah's past resurfaces...
This small-town romance is sprinkled with humor that will have you laughing out loud, but be prepared for the splash of suspense that will have you gasping into the pages. The fall is delicious and giddy and rich with banter that will have you turning the pages just to see what she says next…and his floored response.
Tropes: Near Kisses, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Fake Marriage, Grumpy x Sunshine, Hilarious Banter, Dynamic Characters, No Cheating/OW Drama, and Loyal, Good Man.
This book is book one in the Sunset Falls Series, but can be read as a standalone.
The Marriage Dear is book 1 in the Sunset Falls Series A Romantic Comedy by Alannah Carbonneau. I first fell in love with Alannah's writing with her Persephone and Hades series and as soon as I knew that she had a new book out I knew I had to get my hands on it. And I have to say that I loved this small-town romance and the two main characters in this story are just so enjoyable to read.
Lilah's story broke my heart. Her toxic ex left her flat broke after he stole her savings and when he had gotten everything he wanted from Lilah and there was nothing left to take, he took off knowing just what he was leaving Lilah with. And yet Lilah is still this sunshiny small-town girl who manages to see the good in others.
Briggs is completely opposite to Lilah and is a pure grump. But, he's focused on his business and he always has the town's best interest not only at heart but also in mind. He also realizes that there are times when he has to convince the townsfolk who are resistant to his changes that his plans are for the best of the town and he means no real harm to anyone.
From the first moment that Briggs and Lilah meet they are at each other's throats. They do nothing but argue and fight. And I love the way that they circle each other and then to fix their problems Briggs comes up with this fake marriage solution to fix their problems.
I just love what a 'firecracker' Lilah really is. She is constantly challenging Briggs every time he turns around and even after they get “married” she brings all her rescue animals with her to the farm they are suddenly sharing.
I love how their marriage began off as fake but just as quickly turned real and you can see that they can't keep their hands off each other and you quickly see that they are falling in love with one another and that they are going to have a fun marriage that is full of pushing and pulling.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Marriage Deal, it really is another great read by Alannah Carbonneau and I really enjoyed the added element of danger when Lilah's ex turns up.
If you enjoy fake marriage, HEAs, elements of danger, a firecracker FMC, and a grumpy MMC then you'll enjoy The Marriage Deal.
Whoever said you shouldn't marry for money hasn't been duped by love like me.
Ever since Lilah and Briggs Alder met, all they've ever done is argue. Lilah might have done him a dirty by jumping off a cliff to what he had assumed would be her death, but the man did retaliate. Just publicly.
Briggs decided to ride into their small town on a multi-million-dollar inheritance. Now, Briggs has these grand ideas about fixing it up. The trouble is, Briggs has done a bang-up job of making sure that the entire town hates him, and now he thinks that Lilah is going to be his quick fix – all by marrying him!
Lilah would have said no if the biggest mistake of her past hadn't thrust her into financial ruin at the ripe old age of twenty-seven. Lilah can only hope that Briggs isn't going to be the biggest mistake of her future. Because, even though Lilah knows that it is a bad idea, she says yes to the marriage deal – Lilah just hopes that it doesn't turn out to be a marriage from hell. At least for her anyway.
Briggs doesn't know it yet, but he's going to be bringing home more than just a few rescue animals, just like any good wife should do. If Briggs wants their act to be authentic, she's going to endeavour to deliver.
At least that is, until danger from Lilah's past resurfaces...
This small-town romance is sprinkled with humor that will have you laughing out loud, but be prepared for the splash of suspense that will have you gasping into the pages. The fall is delicious and giddy and rich with banter that will have you turning the pages just to see what she says next…and his floored response.
Tropes: Near Kisses, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Fake Marriage, Grumpy x Sunshine, Hilarious Banter, Dynamic Characters, No Cheating/OW Drama, and Loyal, Good Man.
This book is book one in the Sunset Falls Series, but can be read as a standalone.
The Marriage Dear is book 1 in the Sunset Falls Series A Romantic Comedy by Alannah Carbonneau. I first fell in love with Alannah's writing with her Persephone and Hades series and as soon as I knew that she had a new book out I knew I had to get my hands on it. And I have to say that I loved this small-town romance and the two main characters in this story are just so enjoyable to read.
Lilah's story broke my heart. Her toxic ex left her flat broke after he stole her savings and when he had gotten everything he wanted from Lilah and there was nothing left to take, he took off knowing just what he was leaving Lilah with. And yet Lilah is still this sunshiny small-town girl who manages to see the good in others.
Briggs is completely opposite to Lilah and is a pure grump. But, he's focused on his business and he always has the town's best interest not only at heart but also in mind. He also realizes that there are times when he has to convince the townsfolk who are resistant to his changes that his plans are for the best of the town and he means no real harm to anyone.
From the first moment that Briggs and Lilah meet they are at each other's throats. They do nothing but argue and fight. And I love the way that they circle each other and then to fix their problems Briggs comes up with this fake marriage solution to fix their problems.
I just love what a 'firecracker' Lilah really is. She is constantly challenging Briggs every time he turns around and even after they get “married” she brings all her rescue animals with her to the farm they are suddenly sharing.
I love how their marriage began off as fake but just as quickly turned real and you can see that they can't keep their hands off each other and you quickly see that they are falling in love with one another and that they are going to have a fun marriage that is full of pushing and pulling.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Marriage Deal, it really is another great read by Alannah Carbonneau and I really enjoyed the added element of danger when Lilah's ex turns up.
If you enjoy fake marriage, HEAs, elements of danger, a firecracker FMC, and a grumpy MMC then you'll enjoy The Marriage Deal.
September 27, 2025
Enjoyable small-town romance. I really liked the two main characters in this story. Lilah is a sunshiny small-town girl who is flat broke having been fleeced of her savings by her toxic ex. Briggs is a grumpy focused businessman who has the town’s best interests at heart but needs to convince the resistant townspeople of that fact. I loved the way these two circle around each other especially after Briggs offers a fake marriage to solve both of their problems! Lilah is a ‘firecracker’ and challenges Briggs at every turn including bringing home rescue animals to the farm they share. Their faked relationship soon turns real and they cannot keep their hands of one-another. This is a thoroughly good read, with a touch of danger when the ex turns up as well as the obligatory HEA.
October 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I think the ending wrapped up way too quickly, and felt rushed, but otherwise it was a very well done book. Briggs and Lilah are a cute couple and I loved seeing them go from a fake relationship to a real one. You could tell they deeply cared for one another throughout the book. I would love to see them in future books and hopefully with those 4 kids and some more animals at their home!! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I received an arc copy of this book for an honest review.
October 12, 2025
If you are looking for a just a feel good romance this is the book. It is super enjoyable, I enjoyed Lilah’s sass and the overall relationship between her and Briggs. Briggs proposes a marriage of convenience and Lilah is desperate to get out of the trouble her ex put her in so she reluctantly agrees. Only Briggs quickly realizes he wants the marriage to be real, and that’s when things get fun. This book will have you laughing at Lilah’s antics and swooning at Briggs and his big heart. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
October 2, 2025
ARC Review, thx Alannah Carbonneau
Among all the dark romance mafia novels, this light rom-com story is refreshingly enjoyable. I couldn't put the book down and enjoyed the banter, the spice and the flow between Lilah and Briggs. There's good chemistry between the two protagonists. This book is simply a joy to read.
Among all the dark romance mafia novels, this light rom-com story is refreshingly enjoyable. I couldn't put the book down and enjoyed the banter, the spice and the flow between Lilah and Briggs. There's good chemistry between the two protagonists. This book is simply a joy to read.
October 13, 2025
It was doing good until it got to the Vet bashing paragraph about 60% in, which let's be honest was just the author voicing her opinions through the characters. I've lost colleagues due to suicide in this profession - #Notonemorevet - you read books to escape and well.. guess you can't even do that. Won't be picking up another book from this author.
October 14, 2025
This book was so good! I laughed, smiled, and kicked my feet so much reading this. Lilah gave Briggs all he could handle and then some, and she taught him to loosen up and smile. And Briggs showed her that not all men were out to use her or take advantage of her. Their chemistry was insane, and their banter was hilarious. I can’t wait for the next book to dive back into this world!
September 30, 2025
At first I wasn’t so sure about this book as the reason for the fake marriage seemed a bit far fetched to me, but once I got into it I couldn’t put the book down. The fireworks between Lilah and Briggs keeps the book interesting .
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
December 5, 2025
This was a funny, cute, romantic story, with slow burn, immediate chemistry, and a swoon-worthy MMC. Loved the dual POVs, as well as the overall pace and how the story unfolded. I wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed abrupt, and more was added as far as details added in but overall a wonderful story with potential for more for Sunset Falls!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews