Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner

Accidentally Marrying

by May Alder

I signed a document without reading the fine print and got tricked into a jailhouse wedding.

I thought I was signing a waiver to attend a dance with a randomly assigned inmate as part of a new outreach program at the prison where my mom met my dad. I accidentally signed a marriage license instead.

Thanks to Mom’s trick and her hankering for a grandbaby, I’m now legally responsible for housing and feeding the scariest, bossiest man I’ve ever met for the next three years.

But a baby and happily ever after with the brutally handsome felon fourteen years my senior are not in my plans. Nor are they in his.

So we’ll grin and bear it as nothing more than reluctant roommates, and then we’ll go our separate ways…right?

Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner is a deliciously over-the-top, spicy age-gap romance about a grumpy ex-con who’s ready to move on with his life, his introverted stranger-turned-involuntary wife, and their happy little accidents.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Spicy, Contemporary Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

About the author

May Alder would like to thank her life-long maladaptive daydreaming disorder and rampant #daddyissues for the storylines that have been brewing in her mind for years. Her need to turn them into something productive, a positive instead of a negative, has spurred her to write her stories and release them into the world.

Reviews

[Hannah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started off sooo good, but then there was some weird OW drama. It was basically just a big misunderstanding, though, so it felt pointless and kind of ruined the vibe of the book for me.

preread
I've been reading a lot of romantasy so I'm looking for something REALISTIC..like *accidentally* marrying a prisoner!!!!!

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the couple 🥵🤌🏼
Couldn’t give it 5 stars because their family annoyed me a lot! 😂
The h’s mom in particular. I didn’t like that the h’s mom ignored her practically the whole book. The h would call her over and over but she never answered her phone and her mom even ran away from her when the h saw her. I know it was explained that the mom had to that so the h would have to spend time with the H but idk I didn’t like it. ESPECIALLY when the h & H have that misunderstanding and the h is crying and feels all alone and just wants her mom and when the h tries to call her mom of course she doesn’t answer. I also didn’t like finding out the family tampered with her BC. I didn’t care when we found out the H tampered with it (I know, I know I’m a hypocrite) but it bugged me how much the mom and basically the whole town meddled with everything. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, it totally seemed like the H’s ex was still pinning for him through her actions. Interrupting them in the bathroom, showing up at their place IN HER ROBE, saying she would have waited for him if she knew he’d get out so soon?!!!!! Asking for a hug and then kissing him and playing it off like it was a habit, um ma’am you’re married and he’s been in jail for a couple of years ??? 🙄 I’m glad we got the H’s pov during that scene and we got to hear how disgusted he felt when she kissed him and loved that he wiped his mouth and said “what the f*ck?” to her 👏🏼 also, didn’t like how much she texted him and seemed annoyed when the H said the h was also coming to that practice. And then later we learn that apparently no she’s not still in love with the H and she loves her husband so much and he’s her soulmate and blah blah blah. I was like um okay sure. Anyways just had to rant about the H’s ex. 😅 She never grew on me even later when everything is all good between everyone and they can joke about things I was like 🙄

I hope this doesn’t deter anyone from reading this book because I did enjoy it and I loved the couple 🫶🏼 I just didn’t care much for the family. 😅

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

May Alder truly never disappoints!

[Sally Jask-eh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner was a riot. This author’s characters are so vivid it makes it easy to get immersed in the wackiness. I have loved so many in this accidental series. this one was endearing yet still steamy and full of beefcake.
Conrad O’byrne marries Mirabeth to get released from jail early. Mirabeth thinks it is just a dance, then awkward hilarity ensues. Complete with complicated in-laws and a bad cat.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh how to have a meddling mama like hers because I'm sick of waiting for mine.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just trully enjoy May's writing/storytelling , what else can I say

[Emily Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw this book and once again, May Alder did not disappoint!

The premise of this book made me laugh and I knew I was in for a great read that would make me smile. I love that this book features characters from the Berenson Trucking books and the quirky unreal people who live in the town 😂.

The chemistry between Mirabeth and Conrad was so hot and I loved the ‘just the tip’ and how it never was just the tip 🥵

The only thing I would’ve liked was more! I wish it was longer and had more time with them. LOVED IT and can’t wait for the next which I hope might be Conrad’s sister 🤞🏻😂🥰

I received an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[St.Peaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
🌶️: 3/5
RELEASE DATE: 06/02/26

I have never liked a 3rd person drama or cheating plot.
BUT THIS ONE!!!!
MAY ALDER YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN 👏👏
The drama, the crazy, the sweet and romantically unhinged!!
*chefs kiss perfection 🤌🤌

This book is so unhinged i was mostly speechless throughout this book 🤣
It's so fun and so cute!
And "Just the TIP"!!!! AAAGGGHHHH I'M DEAD!! 😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️💀💀
And Merlin IS SOOO ADORABLE 😍💖

If you're looking for a fun, funny, unhinged novella to start your year with JUST THE TIP.. LOOK NO FURTHER!!!

Book Contains:
- Accidental Marriage
- Size Difference
- Grumpy × Sunshine
- Breeding with Pregnancy
- 3rd Person Drama
- Insta Love
- Age Gap
- C💦m Play
- "Just the Tip"
- Birth Control Tempering

🍑 HAPPY READING YALL!!!! 🍑

[Mandy Pettit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner is one of those reads that is absolutely unrealistic, and yet completely perfect for what it is. These easy, fluffy romances are my weakness, and this one scratched that happy, comfort-read part of my brain in the best way.

Mirabeth is genuinely precious, and Conrad being a clean-freak prisoner who starts organizing her apartment had me giggling more than once. The story moves quickly and feels like a sweet, slightly dirty palate cleanser that is meant to be enjoyed without overthinking. Even though their marriage is accidental, these two become completely smitten with each other in no time, and it is hard not to smile watching it unfold.

I received a free ARC copy from the author and all thoughts are my own.

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

May Alder has done it again! This was SO good. It was spicy, swoony, and some scenes had me cackling out loud from some over-the-top antics. The spice was hot hot hot, like next level chili pepper. I was a melty mess at times, iykyk! But it also had some really sweet tender moments- I love when a man is in tune with his emotions like Conrad was here. I really enjoyed this one, and I especially loved our Berenson Boys cameos!

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely crazy and I mean that as a compliment.
It’s fast, chaotic, and wildly theatrical in the best way. The romance moves fast, the chemistry is there, and the over-the-top energy feels intentional rather than accidental. I didn’t overthink it, i just let it be the unhinged, fluffy escape it clearly wanted to be, and I had a genuinely good time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it’s unrealistic. Of course! It’s fiction! Was I entertained? Yes! The just-the-tip scene was hot—worth reading just for that scene alone. The whole deal with the b!rth control tampering—once again, it’s unrealistic, but I don’t care. I thought the book was fun. Loved the cameos. Conrad’s ex did irritate me, but I believe that was intentionally written that way. The story was a good time.

[Daisy Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads like a backwoods telenovela, which isn’t really a complaint. It was campy, and funny, and silly.

It was much more light-hearted than the Whirlwind series books, so I guess keep that in mind if this is the first book you’ve read by this author. The other books in that universe are much darker and more violent.

[Gail Chandler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars for Mirabeth and Conrad. It was a quirky, fun story with meddling family, a cranky cat and some secrets.

It was nice that mutual attraction was immediate and the family history and link to the prison. Better than I expected!

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Read in KU

[Canadianmombooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

May is the queen of a whirlwind romance. I loved how this tied in with the whirlwind series and especially with Elliot making an appearance. The chemistry and spice was on point. Conrad was a good guy I was just wanting a bit more of a conflict in the story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast burn

[Ashley - The Tattered Page]

TROPES:

⛓️‍💥Ag3 g4p: 37 year old f3lon / 23 year old artist
⛓️‍💥”Just the tip”
⛓️‍💥Grumpy / introverted sunshine
⛓️‍💥Praise k!nk
⛓️‍💥BC tamp3ring & 🤰
⛓️‍💥Small town romance
⛓️‍💥Berenson Trucking cameos

[Jody Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely bonkers, but in the best way. Not one bit of it stands up to close scrutiny, nothing about the premise is legally possible, SEVERAL people in this book should lose their license or certification to practice in their various fields immediately and be held accountable for civil or criminal liability. Did I care? Nope. I laughed a lot reading this book and had a great time. I am choosing to think that Alder meant it as a farce in the theater sense of the word, "a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations."

Mirabeth thinks she is attending a dance at a local low-security prison (just stop thinking about realism now; no brain, no headache) and signs some waivers that turn out to be marriage license paperwork, and is blind married to prisoner Conrad for three years. Sure. Among the paperwork was an agreement to basically feed and house her new husband, so home to her studio apartment they go, armed only with "helpful articles such as How to Help Your Felon Feel at Home and What to Expect When You're Expecting a Felon's Baby."

It's very theatrical. Her disastrously messy apartment ("How can you live like this?") he cleans for her while she's in the bath, her nightmare cat that of course loves him, the way characters flounce off stage at any conflict allowing confusion and misunderstandings to ensue, comically broad side characters mugging it up as hard as they can. Characters have vividly oversized reactions, fighting and throwing things and fleeing the scene. They threaten to throw up when kissed by someone else, if aroused their partner can make no sudden moves lest they give chase (my kindle note - Is he a bear?), naturally they can't resist each other no matter the setting or company. This is an Alder book, so while there is a discussion of birth control, it's both immediately abandoned and tampered with, and there is no discussion of any outcome to a surprise pregnancy other than a baby.

I'm not here to tell you this book is a searing examination of our carceral state or the lack of good faith rehabilitation effort made with a population of the incarcerated who are mostly poor or people of color. It's not. But Alder does have a lot to say about the for-profit prison industrial complex that she slips in. And she flat out says on page "Then lesson learned - if someone is rushing you, it's better to walk away than to blindly sign your life away." which everyone should take to heart. As always with her books, there is a strong community looking out for one another, and there to remind Conrad that Mirabeth makes her own choices about what do to and where to go.

I really enjoy Alder as a writer, much more so once I realized I needed to approach her world like I would any alien planet. The rules are different, it's definitely not the culture and mores I know, but the characters obey the rules of her universe. And of course like the good denizens of Not-Hoth, for example, her MMCs are very service oriented towards their FMCs.

Thank you to the author for the arc.

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5✯

-dual POV
-no separation
-pushing away from h
-no cheating
-fake marriage turned real
-non virgin h (celibate for a while)
-H celibate for at least 5 years (the time he spent in prison)
-no insta love :(
-h(23)/H(37)
-the heroine was dumb, immature and dramatic
-ow: the H's ex fiancée caused a bit of drama - she broke up with him when he went to prison (they lived together for the last year of their 3-year relationship) and then married his older brother and had a kid with him (the H said his feelings for her ended the moment she started dating his brother)... his ex showed up at the MCs apartment in the middle of the night, half-dressed, she wanted to apologize to him for leaving him when he needed her the most and for giving her kid the name the H wanted to give his first child, she asked him if they could be friends, he said no, then she asked him if they could at least be civil with each other for her son's sake, she wanted him to have a good relationship with his uncle, the H agreed, when she was saying goodbye she asked him if she could give him a hug, he accepted just bc he wanted her to finally leave but she put her arms around his neck and pecked his lips, the hero wiped his mouth with disgust, she apologized and said it was just stupid force of habit, she promised him that it was an accident and asked him not to tell her husband bc it would break his heart, the hero also made her promise not to tell the h bc he didn't want to upset her but he didn't know that she had seen the kiss... apparently the OW didn't have any feelings for the H, she said she could barely look at him without being disgusted that they used to be together, that she could throw up just thinking about it, she told her husband in front of everyone that he was her soulmate and that if he went to prison she'd wait a lifetime for him... even after all the things she said it made me feel uncomfortable knowing that she's always going to be in their lives, the whole thing was weird to me and although she seemed sincere I never liked her, like if you're sooo in love with your husband how do you so easily kiss a man that you haven't seen in 5 years? also, I can't forget when she told the hero that she wouldn't have married his brother if she had known that he'd get out so soon aaaand she also seemed to get annoyed when the H told her that the heroine was also coming to see his nephew's game 🙄...
-I didn't feel a deep love between the MCs, he was too horny which was expected since he spent so many years in prison but that made me feel like any woman would have turned him on, I know he said that he didn't feel anything for his ex but at the beginning of the story he was so horny he felt his cock flag when he thought of his ex 😒(atp he was already married to the h but wasn't in love with her yet), I kinda forgave him for that when he gagged at the thought of having children with his ex
-BC tempering
-epilogue: 3 years later -married with a kid and another on the way

[darkreadswithnalieee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner by May Alder

This book is laugh-out-loud funny, ridiculously chaotic, and way hotter than it has any right to be. Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner takes an already unhinged premise and fully commits to it—no brakes, no shame, just vibes, spice, and emotional damage.
Mirabeth is a sweet, anxious, cat-obsessed FMC who gets tricked into what she thinks is a prison dance… only to walk out legally married to Conrad O’Byrne, a freshly released, intimidating, gruff, incredibly hot former inmate. The setup alone is comedy gold, and the execution is even better. The confusion, the panic, the paperwork stamp that seals her fate—it’s pure chaos in the best way.
Conrad is the definition of grumpy, bossy, protective MMC with a soft center he pretends doesn’t exist. He’s huge, intense, deeply loyal, and absolutely feral about his wife almost immediately—even though both of them insist this marriage is “only for three years.” Their dynamic is chef’s kiss: forced proximity, opposites attract, constant bickering, accidental tenderness, and explosive sexual tension.
The humor throughout the book genuinely lands. From Mirabeth’s dramatic inner monologue, to Conrad’s deadpan reactions, to the absolutely unhinged side characters (including coworkers, family, and prison staff who are way too involved), the story never takes itself too seriously—but still delivers emotionally when it needs to.
And the spice? Whew. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s dirty, frequent, and intensely intimate. The progression from “don’t touch me” to “can’t keep our hands off each other” is fast, messy, and insanely hot. Conrad is dominant, vocal, and obsessed, while Mirabeth surprises herself by fully leaning into desire instead of fear. The dirty talk alone could knock someone out.
Where the book really shines, though, is the emotional conflict. The presence of Conrad’s ex-fiancée (now married to his brother) creates genuine tension and insecurity. Miscommunication, jealousy, and hurt feelings feel real—not dragged out for drama’s sake—and Mirabeth’s emotional spiral when she thinks she’s second choice hits hard. The pregnancy reveal only raises the stakes, forcing both characters to confront whether this marriage is really fake… or if they’ve already fallen too deep.
By the end, this book delivers on humor, heat, heart, and chaos. It’s ridiculous in the best way, emotional without being heavy, and addictive from start to finish.
If you love:
accidental marriage
grumpy, possessive MMCs
forced proximity
high spice
humor mixed with emotional tension
…this book is an absolute must-read.

[Loco Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bleh! My least favorite May Alder book to date! It started off...okay and interesting and wasn't exactly insta-love, but also it didn't actually develop from anywhere either. Also, I know the helpless brat heroine is kind of her thing, but this h was SUPER annoying and childish. They just kinda start having sex out of nowhere and the h agreed awfully readily to sex after fighting so hard to not have anything to do with him. When it really went downhill was the whole wild assumptions with the ex that could have been resolved in one 2 minute conversation. Also, context clues. The h was a total idiot. I get you the overall campy, satirical vibe of the book means you can't take anything seriously, but 7+ years for a marijuana "trafficking" charge for a grown man with a job and a dying brother? Come on 🙄🙄🙄 In the words of Ditzy McDumbitch, "Make it make sense!" I've lived in Texas and while they're bad, no one really cares about weed any more unless they're using it to help keep a repeat offender behind bars. I realize the whole marrying a convict thing is significantly more dubious, but the marijuana charge bothered me more for some reason! 🤣 If that had been the only thing though, that wouldn't have effected my overall opinion of the book, because that's just a personal thing. The way that H's ex-fiance marrying the H's brother was handled was terrible and unsatisfying though. Those are the type of people you can't just normalize. Also, the whole thing switched on a dime and the OW went from actively trying to get back with him to acting like he was gross. Just because he no longer was in love with her doesn't mean what she did wouldn't still hurt or make him angry. It's human psychology and the idea that they'd all just be cool with each other and do a 180° was more ridiculous than I was prepared to reach I guess. Also, I enjoy a good breeding kink, but this author has an obsession beyond that, like a quiverfull kink. She's enjoys showing the aftermath of the breeding with all the "team full of kids" which is just so not my thing. Probably because I have a 3 and 6 year old and I know that kids is where sex and romance goes to die 🤣 Maybe it's just me, but it's a lot less sexy that he's keeping you up with dick all night when you know you're going to get a diaper in the face at 5am and an entire day of kids to be responsible for. To each their own but it isn't for me. I feel like the author traded in all of her edge for OTT fantasy scenarios that are similar to what 100 other bad to mediocre authors write. Probably taking a break from this author for a while, may try again after a year or so.

[cuore__di__carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENG/ITA REVIEW

ENG
What happens when you find yourself married with a handsome, possessive, protective inmate?

BLURB
Mirabeth was just trying to help the inmates of her small town prison to feel better with a charity dance; so why after signing some documents she is now married to one of them? And what if Conrad is huge, handsome, protective and sweet?

I love May Alder’s books! They’re always full of delicious main and side characters and a perfect balance between romance, comedy, angst and passion. There are sweet moments as well as scorching hot encounters and her MMCs are always amazing and wholesome.

Here Mirabeth and Conrad come from two different worlds, but they grow closer as they figure out how much they need to love and beloved. They were perfect together. Can’t wait to read more of May’s books!

RATE: 5/5

—

ITA
Cosa succede quando una giovane grafica finisce accidentalmente sposata a un carcerato… mentre pensava solo di proporsi per una danza di volontariato? E cosa succede quando un obbligo diventa un vero e proprio piacere?

TRAMA
Mirabeth viene spinta da sua madre, infermiera nel carcere della loro piccola cittadina, ad offrirsi volontaria per un’iniziativa di integrazione: dovrà partecipare ad un ballo con i detenuti. Giunta lì, però, le vengono fatte firmare delle carte e, senza che se ne renda conto, si trova sposata al mastodontico, aitante Conrad. Il loro contratto matrimoniale prevede un minimo di tre anni di convivenza. Quella che inizia come un’avventura strampalata, si profila presto come una storia dolcissima piena di passione, capace di salvare entrambi.

Conrad e Mirabeth sono una coppia agli antipodi, eppure ogni momento condiviso, ogni tocco rubato fomenta la loro attrazione e soddisfa il loro bisogno di amore. Come sempre, i libri di May Alder sono pieni di personaggi deliziosi e perfettamente connessi, di sentimenti genuini ed eroi super protettivi. Bello bello, un’ottima lettura comfort, breve, divertente e intensa!

VOTO: 5/5

[booking _with_romancegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ray of sunshine and a ex-con with a thing for the tip and falling in love

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

My Thoughts 💭

She may be sunshine and a little dramatic with an organized chaotic mess, but this FMC can make a broody ex-con feel loved and wanted in every way possible.

This is by far a whirlwind romance it is insta love, between two people who were thrown together by an accident because of meddling moms.

I couldn't put this down it is very fast pace also it's light and fluffy but yet there are some parts of this book that will get you in your feelings and I will say I shed a few tears.

When Conrad says the word tip you melt completely, one of the microchopes that I love in this book is size difference and it is so descriptive and you see it so much play out in this book whether it's in the bedroom or it's just in their general Life.

Another thing that I absolutely love is she is not afraid to put her emotions out there but yet she also can shut down at the drop of a hat and that is so realistic for a girl her age and the life she has.

I loved Merlin he is a cat everybody once but is so picky with who he gives love to and I love that Conrad was able to form a bond with him because that first scene in the beginning of Conrad walking into her apartment for the first time is priceless.

Conrad may say the wrong things and he may mess up purely because of miscommunication but that man can grovel and can redeem himself and show the dedication to win her over.

Overall if you're wanting a light and fluffy fast-paced with some funny banter I would say go for it get yourself a cozy blanket and a snack and have all the feels come to life in this book.

[Ups, look at the time · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner — 4 stars

Let me start by saying this is absolutely 4 stars for enjoyment, not quality because this whole plot is completely ridiculous… and yet I had the time of my life reading it.

I could not stop laughing. The smut was hot as hell. The entire premise sounds like someone came up with it during a fever dream and somehow it WORKED.

Basically, our girl’s mother desperately wants grandbabies, so she convinces her daughter to sign what she thinks is a waiver to attend a prison dance program — you know, one of those rehabilitation things to help prisoners socialize again.

Except surprise!!!

It was not a waiver. It was a marriage certificate.

So now she accidentally has a husband. A literal prisoner. And not just any prisoner — one with a massive breeding kink and a very serious “I need to get my wife pregnant immediately” agenda.

Tell me this doesn’t sound insane.

The whole story is unbelievable from beginning to end, but the author somehow writes it in such a fun way that I genuinely did not care. I never skimmed once. Every chapter had some new chaotic thing happening and I was just sitting there eating it up.

And honestly? That’s worth a lot to me. I don’t need every book to be a literary masterpiece if I’m having this much fun. Sometimes I just want chaos, obsession, ridiculous scenarios, and hot tension, and this book delivered exactly that.

Was it realistic? Absolutely not. Was it absurd? Completely. Did I enjoy every second anyway? Unfortunately yes.

[Soft Nectarine ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

OUTRAGEOUS scenarios and FILTHY smut! She signed a paper without reading it & oopsie now she’s MARRIED TO A PRISONER 💍🩶

“It’s been so long since I’ve been with a woman. I’m fucking starved.”

Mirabeth thinks she’s signing a waiver to attend a prison ball but she just signed up for a wedding with a RANDOMLY ASSIGNED PRISONER! It’s a new prison project to help with overcrowded prisons & a declining birth rate….GENIUS policy all around! Before you know it the two are tackling national priorities HEAD ON 💦💦

These two were complete opposites but ended up complimenting each other perfectly. Conrad was actually incredibly caring and exactly what Mirabeth needed to round out her chaotic life ✨ The combination of age gap, size difference & breeding kink made for adorably forbidden FILTHINESS *chef’s kiss*

💍 ‘just the tip’ *spoiler: it’s never just that*

💍 he calls her ‘princess’

💍 he loves covering her in his cum & rubbing it in

This was a lighthearted romance with adorable characters & surprisingly vulnerable moments. He needed her just as much as she needed him 🩶✨ The entire plot line honestly made me howl with laughter!

4.5 ⭐️

prisoner x civilian
chaotic fmc
insta love
caring mmc
breeding kink
age gap
dirty talk
size difference
meddling in-laws
angry cat
HEA


Thank you to May Alder for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ARC REVIEW~

As always, May has hit it out of the park. I don't think May has ever written anything I didn't absolutely fall in love with!

I love the premise of this new series and May DELIVERED!! Conrad is all ex-con yumminess with the melty good boy we want inside. He was completely droolworthy (just like ALL of May's MMCs) but Conrad had a little something extra thrown in that I really appreciated and made him stand out as a favorite. Mirabeth is the DEFINITION of naive, but she was sooooo freaking hilarious and, while this level of naiveté would normally get on my nerves, she was just adorable.

I loved every second of this absolutely unbelievable and over the top story! It was so unrealistic but EVERYTHING I needed.

And the BIG BOYS CAMEOS?!?!?! I was DYING and kicking my feet with joy every time the gang showed up. That group of characters is one of my "family" worlds and I relished in getting to experience their world from a different view point.

The spice, of course, was on point, just as expected for May. Conrad was FERAL and Mirabeth was his perfect match!

Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series from the other authors, and I'm thinking I might need to make another visit to Big Boys of Berenson Trucking.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner by May Alder is a swoony, surprisingly tender romance that hooked me fast. Mirabeth thinks she’s attending a harmless low-security prison dance to support her nurse mom—only to discover she’s been accidentally married to an inmate as part of a three-year rehabilitation program. Talk about a plot twist.

Enter Conrad O’Byrne: big, broody, and serving time for a crime tied to protecting his brother. What starts as a “fake” marriage quickly turns heartfelt as Conrad’s guarded heart softens to Mirabeth’s kindness, strength, and genuine warmth. Their slow-burn connection feels earned and sweet, with plenty of emotional depth.

Just when happiness seems possible, the past shows up—literally—in the form of Conrad’s ex-fiancée, now married to his brother. Old wounds, unresolved feelings, and family tension threaten everything they’re building. Can love grow strong enough to withstand the weight of history and circumstance?

This was a charming, emotional read with a unique premise, a cinnamon-roll-in-disguise hero, and a heroine easy to root for. Perfect if you love heartfelt romance with just the right touch of angst. 💕📖

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

What do you get when you have a prisoner who wants a shorter sentence, meddling family members and a FMC that doesn’t read the fine print before signing…. Accidentally Marrying the Prisoner by May Alder.

This book was insta love at its finest and I loved it. Mirabeth attends a “dance” at the low- security prison her mom works at. She gets more than just a dance from Conrad O’Byrne, an inmate with 3 years left of his sentence for a minor crime. She gets a 3-year marriage commitment as part of a project to help with overcrowded prisons & the declining birth rate.
They begin to have real feelings for each other during their fake marriage. Their chemistry in the bedroom mixed with the gentle way Conrad cares for Mirabeth day-to-day brings out all the emotions.

I loved the cameos from the Berenson Trucking crew, it made Mirabeth and Conrad feel more familiar in a sense. Elliott was ready to step in if needed.

They encounter a small disagreement, fueled by family involvement and after a bit of work, they overcome it together. I truly enjoyed this quick read by one of my favorite authors.

[Marcus Sonnier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would, at least at first. The start hits the ground running in terms of quality, pacing, and plot. I loved the character personality and how silly the prison scene was without being too insane.

When we get to the middle I couldn't help but feel like May seemed to lose sight of this pacing, though. Felt like there was a lull, almost like she didn't really know what to put in the story at this point so it kinda slowed down a lot save for a few specific scenes.

Then we hit the ending and it was...
Way too fast.
Everything happened same-day and it was one bam bam bam right after the other with no break for the reader to breathe and then it ends. Right there.
It was meant to be heartwarming, but I couldn't help but feel rushed.

Still, the silly characters are something I've just come to anticipate from May Alders' books, and I've begun to find something endearing in that so I won't talk about them this time.

I'll give 3/5 again this time, I really wish I could have added more, but I really felt the middle and end of the book just didn't shape up to meet the standards and expectations of the beginning.