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A Fake Marriage Romance #4
The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage
Two best friends, one romantic tropical vacation, and a week pretending to be married.
Jobless and heartbroken, Peyton Burrows jumps at the chance to spend Christmas in Hawaii with her best friend since childhood. Chances are good that a tropical getaway will take her mind off all her troubles. But the lanky boy who kissed her in high school is now a gorgeous hunk with a sweet streak big enough to give her cavities.
Matchmaker Gus Grant wants nothing more than to mend his best friend's heart. He plans a relaxing time for her at his new resort, not expecting a nosy reporter to question his bachelor status. When Peyton blurts out that they're married, he goes along with the ruse to protect his reputation and save his newest business venture.
Will their fake marriage cement their determination to remain friends or will it blur into something they’ve both been looking for?
Jobless and heartbroken, Peyton Burrows jumps at the chance to spend Christmas in Hawaii with her best friend since childhood. Chances are good that a tropical getaway will take her mind off all her troubles. But the lanky boy who kissed her in high school is now a gorgeous hunk with a sweet streak big enough to give her cavities.
Matchmaker Gus Grant wants nothing more than to mend his best friend's heart. He plans a relaxing time for her at his new resort, not expecting a nosy reporter to question his bachelor status. When Peyton blurts out that they're married, he goes along with the ruse to protect his reputation and save his newest business venture.
Will their fake marriage cement their determination to remain friends or will it blur into something they’ve both been looking for?
294 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2018
334 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 15, 2018
Another great book by Bree Livingston. Payton is jobless and heartbroken but realizes she has feelings for her best friend, Gus. Gus has always had feelings for Payton but wasn't sure how to tell Payton, so he decided to show her. However, they both kept failing to realize how the other felt and afraid of losing their best friend, they continued to hide their real feeling. Thankfully, they both realized about the same time that their feelings were mutual.
This book is a great cuddle up by a fireplace clean, romantic read.
This book is a great cuddle up by a fireplace clean, romantic read.
April 5, 2019
Enjoyable to read
This is one story that doesn't highlight details of sexual intimacy that is fun and so enjoyable to read. Friends to lovers stories is always inspiring and good to read. I'd say easy to read and clean Lol romance comedy.
This is one story that doesn't highlight details of sexual intimacy that is fun and so enjoyable to read. Friends to lovers stories is always inspiring and good to read. I'd say easy to read and clean Lol romance comedy.
May 6, 2020
I enjoyed the basic story line of this book. I even liked Gus and Peyton and their were some super cute interactions and scenes in this book. I guess it was the way it had to be but it took way too long for me for them to reach a conclusion. This is a quick read so that might sound contradictory but I got really tired of the lack of communication and misunderstanding. It just went on a bit too long for me. I got super tired of the lines "We're just friends" "He/She just wants to be friends" or other variations. I think because it flip flopped so much like within a paragraph or a few sentences. I just feel like if they were best friends they should have known more about each other than they seemed to. It was pretty frustrating at times. Despite that because I liked both characters I did like the book and there were some really cute parts. I just wish there had been less internal dialogue of we're just friends then a relatively quick though it was cute resolution. I wanted a longer resolution since I waded through the inner "friendship" dialogue. I get that this is what the story was about and it had to be the conflict I just wish there had been a little less. Overall I really did love Gus and Peyton and Ty and the overall story was cute. I liked it.
August 3, 2019
Peyton and Gus
Peyton and Gus have been best friends since they were nine-years-old. Due to a misunderstanding in high school they've never thought that they could be anything more than just best friends. But when a boat reporter wants to know why the owner of a matchmaking software program is still a bachelor, Peyton blurts out that he and she are actually married.
Sure that the deception only has to last one week, they decide not to undo the lie, but with each passing day the lie keeps escalating. The sad thing is that they both love each other but are afraid of being hurt if they tell the truth.
This is a very good story but the "just friends" thing went on for far too long.
Peyton and Gus have been best friends since they were nine-years-old. Due to a misunderstanding in high school they've never thought that they could be anything more than just best friends. But when a boat reporter wants to know why the owner of a matchmaking software program is still a bachelor, Peyton blurts out that he and she are actually married.
Sure that the deception only has to last one week, they decide not to undo the lie, but with each passing day the lie keeps escalating. The sad thing is that they both love each other but are afraid of being hurt if they tell the truth.
This is a very good story but the "just friends" thing went on for far too long.
August 11, 2020
Somethings I liked. I liked the main characters. I liked Ty’s character. It was kind of interesting to have a male matchmaker in the story. Alaska and Hawaii were interesting settings. I liked the ending.
Things I didn’t like as well. I do not really love the friend zone to marriage trope. It always makes one friend, usually the male, be such a doormat and so giving and self-effacing. This wasn’t quite as bad in that regard as come stories but I didn’t care for it. Gus was the ever-giving, non-demanding friend. Of course, there has to be crappy communication, too. I didn’t notice this was a friend-to-husband trope when I chose it.
Generally speaking, I liked the story. I will read more by the author.
Things I didn’t like as well. I do not really love the friend zone to marriage trope. It always makes one friend, usually the male, be such a doormat and so giving and self-effacing. This wasn’t quite as bad in that regard as come stories but I didn’t care for it. Gus was the ever-giving, non-demanding friend. Of course, there has to be crappy communication, too. I didn’t notice this was a friend-to-husband trope when I chose it.
Generally speaking, I liked the story. I will read more by the author.
February 3, 2024
Sweet contemporary romance
Romance, sweet, contemporary
Gus and Peyton’s story is a sweet fake marriage trope. Gus saves Peyton from two current disasters, her fiancé breaking up with her, and losing her job, but what are best friends for?
Christmas in Hawaii at the grand opening of Gus’ matchmaker resort? Perfect escape from a Juneau winter for Peyton. In the process old/current feelings lurk, and a reporters remark leads Peyton to rescue Gus, and declare they are married. Snowballing to a real marriage where they finally get their HEA. Sweet read more of a 3.5 for me as a reader though.
Romance, sweet, contemporary
Gus and Peyton’s story is a sweet fake marriage trope. Gus saves Peyton from two current disasters, her fiancé breaking up with her, and losing her job, but what are best friends for?
Christmas in Hawaii at the grand opening of Gus’ matchmaker resort? Perfect escape from a Juneau winter for Peyton. In the process old/current feelings lurk, and a reporters remark leads Peyton to rescue Gus, and declare they are married. Snowballing to a real marriage where they finally get their HEA. Sweet read more of a 3.5 for me as a reader though.
November 4, 2018
I have a love/hate relationship with fake romances. I love people falling in love with someone they didn't expect to, but I hate how they hide their feelings because they are too afraid. I get the fear, I really do, but sometimes I just want to shake them and wake them up. Peyton and Gus have been best friends since childhood. They have an amazing relationship. I love how well they know each other and care for one another. This is a beautiful story, even if it can be frustrating at times. I love Peyton and Gus and enjoyed their story.
December 3, 2018
The Matchmaker’s Fake Marriage by Bree Livingston (3 1/2 stars)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say I again, Bree Livingston writes the best kisses! She also keeps it clean and wholesome while working the slow-burn like no other ...
This was a sweet novel about best friends and the miscommunication that keeps them from admitting their love.
Of course, it all works out with some swoon-worthy kisses and some intense moments. Just good, clean romance!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say I again, Bree Livingston writes the best kisses! She also keeps it clean and wholesome while working the slow-burn like no other ...
This was a sweet novel about best friends and the miscommunication that keeps them from admitting their love.
Of course, it all works out with some swoon-worthy kisses and some intense moments. Just good, clean romance!
*poor, **ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special
August 9, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the novel The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage: A Sweet Fake Marriage Romance Book Four by Bree Livingston and this review was given freely.
Unrequited love and a friends to more romance where the couple do not want to admit their feels for fear of loss. Three times unlucky in love Alaska resident Peyton thought she lost everything when she lost her third fiance and her job just before Christmas only to find love with her best friend Gus the dating app billionaire at his Hawaiian "Matchmaker's" resort.
I purchased a copy of the novel The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage: A Sweet Fake Marriage Romance Book Four by Bree Livingston and this review was given freely.
Unrequited love and a friends to more romance where the couple do not want to admit their feels for fear of loss. Three times unlucky in love Alaska resident Peyton thought she lost everything when she lost her third fiance and her job just before Christmas only to find love with her best friend Gus the dating app billionaire at his Hawaiian "Matchmaker's" resort.
November 3, 2018
-‘Was it really her fault that she picked guys who seemed great and then turned out to be horrible? It wasn’t like she had a flag flying that said, Welcome, losers. Was it really so bad to want to be loved?’-
A very sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed it a lot. My only criticism is that it was a bit too long. I felt the
pacing was a bit off and the story just went a bit longer than it should have. Otherwise, I would have given it a solid 5 stars.
A very sweet, clean romance. I enjoyed it a lot. My only criticism is that it was a bit too long. I felt the
pacing was a bit off and the story just went a bit longer than it should have. Otherwise, I would have given it a solid 5 stars.
January 4, 2019
Best Friends And?
Justine is writing an article about Gus's new resort, and she's giving him a hard time about being premier matchmaker in the country without finding his own match.
He and Peyton have been best friends forever, and she can't stand to see the hassle. So she jumps in and --and things escalate. And escalate. And
And Livingston does her usual good job of creating a great story of fun characters in a fantastic setting.
Recommended for all lovers of romance.
Justine is writing an article about Gus's new resort, and she's giving him a hard time about being premier matchmaker in the country without finding his own match.
He and Peyton have been best friends forever, and she can't stand to see the hassle. So she jumps in and --and things escalate. And escalate. And
And Livingston does her usual good job of creating a great story of fun characters in a fantastic setting.
Recommended for all lovers of romance.
January 9, 2019
Hawaii sounds good about right now. This was a cute story. I just got frustrated with the fact that they are best friends but never communicate and think what they think the other is thinking. It got annoying. I understand romances need the whole conflict but, gah. Love the ending though when they finally communicate and discover what they have been secretly hoping. Plus the beach thing. He was sexy.
May 2, 2020
Alright
I'm so over best friends not wanting to tell each other how they feel for fear of ruining the friendship. If one of you has fallen, the friendship is ruined! Grow a spine and be honest! It's fine if they're in high school, but for like 10 years?? Sigh. And there isn't really much matchmaking here - the guy isn't really a matchmaker, just an app builder billionaire. Oh well
I'm so over best friends not wanting to tell each other how they feel for fear of ruining the friendship. If one of you has fallen, the friendship is ruined! Grow a spine and be honest! It's fine if they're in high school, but for like 10 years?? Sigh. And there isn't really much matchmaking here - the guy isn't really a matchmaker, just an app builder billionaire. Oh well
February 20, 2021
To much back and forth without confessing
It was a cute story about two best friends realizing they love each other, but there was too much back and forth without true communication and it started to get old. Just blurt it out already and get it over with. Maybe reading this whole fake marriage series one right after the other is too much. They all start to sound the same. I probably wouldn't read this one again
It was a cute story about two best friends realizing they love each other, but there was too much back and forth without true communication and it started to get old. Just blurt it out already and get it over with. Maybe reading this whole fake marriage series one right after the other is too much. They all start to sound the same. I probably wouldn't read this one again
August 3, 2021
Marrying.the Matchmaker
I enjoyed reading about Gus and Peyton. They had grown up as next door neighbors and best friends since young children. They had helped each other through some difficult times. When a journalist is too persistent about Gus’ love interest Peyton tells her they are married. The lie mushrooms until even her family believes it. What happens when the lie comes to light? Will they still come out as friends?
I enjoyed reading about Gus and Peyton. They had grown up as next door neighbors and best friends since young children. They had helped each other through some difficult times. When a journalist is too persistent about Gus’ love interest Peyton tells her they are married. The lie mushrooms until even her family believes it. What happens when the lie comes to light? Will they still come out as friends?
July 20, 2019
Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match!
This was not one of Bree Livingston's best book in this series. It was a nice read.. except that every page I kept hearing the words....my best friend etc..... I thought I would scream. But, that is me.
It has a great storyline. Love the characters. Definitely had the happily ever after I was looking for.
This was not one of Bree Livingston's best book in this series. It was a nice read.. except that every page I kept hearing the words....my best friend etc..... I thought I would scream. But, that is me.
It has a great storyline. Love the characters. Definitely had the happily ever after I was looking for.
September 13, 2019
Best Friends to Forever
I loved the story, but I really wanted to throttle the characters for being so slow to realize they loved each other. The story had a bit more of a faith element, which I loved. I feel comfortable saying that Bree keeps it clean. I never know when I find a new-to-me author. Anyways, read the series. You will love it!
I loved the story, but I really wanted to throttle the characters for being so slow to realize they loved each other. The story had a bit more of a faith element, which I loved. I feel comfortable saying that Bree keeps it clean. I never know when I find a new-to-me author. Anyways, read the series. You will love it!
July 2, 2021
Friends
This couple has been friends forever. Peyton has had bad luck when it comes to guys. Gus has been by her side through them all. Now they are pretending to be married to help his resort. They are fighting their feelings because they think the other doesn't feel the same way.
This couple has been friends forever. Peyton has had bad luck when it comes to guys. Gus has been by her side through them all. Now they are pretending to be married to help his resort. They are fighting their feelings because they think the other doesn't feel the same way.
November 10, 2018
Beautiful Unexpected Romance
This is a sweet and endearing little romance with characters that you will definitely fall in love with and enjoy their journey towards true love and forever.
This is a sweet and endearing little romance with characters that you will definitely fall in love with and enjoy their journey towards true love and forever.
November 16, 2018
Fun dream-come-true story
Totally unrealistic, but totally fun & very romantic. It amazes me how one little lack of communication can rob us of years of delight. I wonder how much this happens in real life?
Totally unrealistic, but totally fun & very romantic. It amazes me how one little lack of communication can rob us of years of delight. I wonder how much this happens in real life?
January 12, 2019
So cute!
Lots of kisses and sweet moments make this a swoon worthy read, though some parts were a little repetitive. I still enjoyed it a lot and can't wait to read more from this author!
Lots of kisses and sweet moments make this a swoon worthy read, though some parts were a little repetitive. I still enjoyed it a lot and can't wait to read more from this author!
January 11, 2020
Matchmaker’s fake wedding
This was a fun book to read. And kind of frustrating since I knew they should be together. Communication is the key. And they is no better story to convey that lesson than this one. Very enjoyable.
This was a fun book to read. And kind of frustrating since I knew they should be together. Communication is the key. And they is no better story to convey that lesson than this one. Very enjoyable.
May 7, 2020
Review of The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
This was a very good book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
February 12, 2021
Hmm, not my favorite book from Bree. If they were really that great of friends, talking on a regular basis, they would have been able to communicate their feelings sooner. There seemed to be a lot of assumptions by all parties. And this book reminded me how much I can't stand reporters, Justine!
August 10, 2025
Gus and Peyton as best friends, best friends since childhood. Their romance is a warm-hearted friends to lovers story. Great character development. I loved their care and consideration for one another!
November 9, 2018
☺☺☺☺
A nice story of the "friends to lovers" type. Nice writing and good characters make this an entertaining read. Enjoyable
A nice story of the "friends to lovers" type. Nice writing and good characters make this an entertaining read. Enjoyable
November 15, 2018
Loved It
Such a cute book. I love it when best friends fall in love because when you marry the right one you become best friends.
Such a cute book. I love it when best friends fall in love because when you marry the right one you become best friends.
November 28, 2018
Loved it
As with all of these books I loved reading it. Talk about lack of communication. This book is full of what we all tend to do in relationships.
As with all of these books I loved reading it. Talk about lack of communication. This book is full of what we all tend to do in relationships.
September 5, 2019
Entertaining
This was a fun book full of misunderstanding and angst. Two best friends fall in love in spite of themselves.
This was a fun book full of misunderstanding and angst. Two best friends fall in love in spite of themselves.
December 10, 2019
AMAZING!!!!
This is an amazing book!! His and Peyton are such a cute couple. But are they confused!!! But they do finally get things straightened out!!!!
This is an amazing book!! His and Peyton are such a cute couple. But are they confused!!! But they do finally get things straightened out!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews