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Marital Bliss #1
Surprise Groom
Can two men fake their way to marital bliss?
Caleb Taylor is shocked to learn his family could lose Bliss Island Resort — their home and livelihood — unless he makes use of a clause to marry the child of investor Louis Chastain. Sofia Chastain is more like a sister than a love interest, and Caleb isn’t ready to sign over his future. But Sofia has a brother, and Caleb has a plan ...
Julien Chastain was disowned at fifteen and has made a life as a go-go dancer in Miami, but he lives paycheck to paycheck. When his childhood friend proposes an outlandish marriage contract, he thinks he’s crazy. But it’s a chance at a future that’s tough to pass up.
Caleb and Julien must present themselves as an authentic couple for the legal loophole to work, but the lines between “fake” and “real” keep shifting as they navigate intimacy, public scrutiny, and sabotage.
Love isn't part of the plan, but plans change. If they can outsmart Julien's father and prove their love is worth more than a transaction, they just might find a true happily-ever-after.
Caleb Taylor is shocked to learn his family could lose Bliss Island Resort — their home and livelihood — unless he makes use of a clause to marry the child of investor Louis Chastain. Sofia Chastain is more like a sister than a love interest, and Caleb isn’t ready to sign over his future. But Sofia has a brother, and Caleb has a plan ...
Julien Chastain was disowned at fifteen and has made a life as a go-go dancer in Miami, but he lives paycheck to paycheck. When his childhood friend proposes an outlandish marriage contract, he thinks he’s crazy. But it’s a chance at a future that’s tough to pass up.
Caleb and Julien must present themselves as an authentic couple for the legal loophole to work, but the lines between “fake” and “real” keep shifting as they navigate intimacy, public scrutiny, and sabotage.
Love isn't part of the plan, but plans change. If they can outsmart Julien's father and prove their love is worth more than a transaction, they just might find a true happily-ever-after.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
316 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Jamison
83 books1,002 followersDJ Jamison writes a variety of queer men finding extraordinary love through M/M Romance! She is a lifelong reader and has always loved writing and editing, with a ten-year journalism career before she began publishing romance. She has books in ebook, print, and audio, as well as German, French, and Italian translations.
DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
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DJ lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.
Join DJ's mailing list at http://tinyurl.com/DJandCompany
Join her FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/DJandCompany
Follow her on Ko-Fi for bonus content: www.ko-fi.com/ReadingDJ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
June 2, 2019
~2.5~
Something about this author's writing irks me. She is heavy-handed in the telling, but the emotions described aren't always present on page.
While I liked the MCs and adore the fake boyfriend/fiance trope, the lack of communication and constant drama with Julien's father, Louis, killed the story for me. I don't even know what to make of Julien leaving. I hate that martyr bullshit.
Plus, since it was apparently so easy to handle Louis at the end, why didn't they do it in the first place?
I also wanted Caleb's sexual awakening to be more organic and passionate.
I'm complaining, but this isn't a bad book. The ending is all the happy things.
Something about this author's writing irks me. She is heavy-handed in the telling, but the emotions described aren't always present on page.
While I liked the MCs and adore the fake boyfriend/fiance trope, the lack of communication and constant drama with Julien's father, Louis, killed the story for me. I don't even know what to make of Julien leaving. I hate that martyr bullshit.
Plus, since it was apparently so easy to handle Louis at the end, why didn't they do it in the first place?
I also wanted Caleb's sexual awakening to be more organic and passionate.
I'm complaining, but this isn't a bad book. The ending is all the happy things.
May 8, 2019
I had a difficult time with this story.
It was push and pull the entire time. Pushed me away and then pulled me back in.
I almost gave up and threw in the towel (which is a rarity for me) but I held on.
In the end, I'm glad I didn't give up.
Can I recommend it? I'm not so sure....
Things wavered from 2 stars to 3.5. Overall, I think I can settle on 3.
Why the 2?
Well, frequently I had a hard time believing things.
For example...if my best friend left and 10 or 12 years passed I can't imagine NOT recognizing them. Like...what?
The reuniting scene at the club didn't jive with me.
Caleb couldn't find Julien when he was shipped away but when he actually had an incentive that benefitted him, he found him online. AND he was still using the same name. Okay? Guess he didn't really look very hard the first time. The same thing goes for his mom. Nope. Not buying it.
BUT...I genuinely liked both Caleb and Julien. And I wanted them to find their HEA.
Bestie's to boyfriends (or fiances) is typically one of my favorite tropes.
But I never felt their bond.
And I think the sexual discovery thread of this tale could have been stronger.
The potential for an amazing scene fell short in my opinion.
The setting was fabulous.
The characters were charming.
But...I couldn't connect with the writing. Pushed me out of the scene again and again.
This was my first experience with Jamison and I don't think we are a great fit.
Bummer. :/
It was push and pull the entire time. Pushed me away and then pulled me back in.
I almost gave up and threw in the towel (which is a rarity for me) but I held on.
In the end, I'm glad I didn't give up.
Can I recommend it? I'm not so sure....
Things wavered from 2 stars to 3.5. Overall, I think I can settle on 3.
Why the 2?
Well, frequently I had a hard time believing things.
For example...if my best friend left and 10 or 12 years passed I can't imagine NOT recognizing them. Like...what?
The reuniting scene at the club didn't jive with me.
Caleb couldn't find Julien when he was shipped away but when he actually had an incentive that benefitted him, he found him online. AND he was still using the same name. Okay? Guess he didn't really look very hard the first time. The same thing goes for his mom. Nope. Not buying it.
BUT...I genuinely liked both Caleb and Julien. And I wanted them to find their HEA.
Bestie's to boyfriends (or fiances) is typically one of my favorite tropes.
But I never felt their bond.
And I think the sexual discovery thread of this tale could have been stronger.
The potential for an amazing scene fell short in my opinion.
The setting was fabulous.
The characters were charming.
But...I couldn't connect with the writing. Pushed me out of the scene again and again.
This was my first experience with Jamison and I don't think we are a great fit.
Bummer. :/
May 15, 2019
Surprise Groom is a dual POV, marriage contract turns real romance, with amazing character arcs, smart dialogue, hot sex, a great supporting cast including a gross villain ready to ruin everything, and a happy ending.
I absolutely loved the first 85% of Surprise Groom.
Miscommunication made the happy ending bittersweet for me, because I was still too mad to enjoy it fully.
If you are looking for a really sweet, steamy, and entertaining read with a happy ending I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves that little bit of angst that comes from miscommunication, or even those who just plain don't mind miscommunication at all. I would still recommend, but caution those like me to be prepared so it doesn't ruin it for you.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Surprise Groom provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I absolutely loved the first 85% of Surprise Groom.
Miscommunication made the happy ending bittersweet for me, because I was still too mad to enjoy it fully.
If you are looking for a really sweet, steamy, and entertaining read with a happy ending I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves that little bit of angst that comes from miscommunication, or even those who just plain don't mind miscommunication at all. I would still recommend, but caution those like me to be prepared so it doesn't ruin it for you.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Surprise Groom provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 1, 2019
What a joy that was! I think this has just jumped to the top of the list for my favourite DJ Jamison reads.
It's a common trope but here given a bit of twist with an old friend, confused feelings, a devious father and a slow burn friendship rekindled which just worked perfectly.
I loved everything about this, from prickly Julian realising that Caleb might be more than just a way to get back on his feet, to Caleb realising he probably had feelings for Julian way back when they were just a pair of young kids.
The bad guy's never over the top, the supporting cast fits in well and provides great background, the island descriptions are gorgeous and the conclusion just made me happy.
I hope there's going to be more as I'd love to find out about Rory and the dancers from Julian's old club!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
It's a common trope but here given a bit of twist with an old friend, confused feelings, a devious father and a slow burn friendship rekindled which just worked perfectly.
I loved everything about this, from prickly Julian realising that Caleb might be more than just a way to get back on his feet, to Caleb realising he probably had feelings for Julian way back when they were just a pair of young kids.
The bad guy's never over the top, the supporting cast fits in well and provides great background, the island descriptions are gorgeous and the conclusion just made me happy.
I hope there's going to be more as I'd love to find out about Rory and the dancers from Julian's old club!
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
June 21, 2024
This was cute! I don’t usually like the fake dating trope but it worked for me with this book. It isn’t perfect but I’ve been in the mood for this kind of story lately. I loved the setting, a small island in Maine. I liked the supporting characters and I really liked Caleb and Julian.
May 16, 2019
One of my secret passions is a good "marriage of convenience" romance. It's probably from cutting my teeth on Barbara Cartland and all those virginal governesses and strong silent men in tight breeches. DJ Jamison does a stellar job of taking a standard trope and updating it into a tale of two boyhood friends who marry - Caleb to save the family wedding business on Bliss Island, and Julien to settle his debts, end his career as a go-go-dancer, and mostly to stand up to the father who threw him out when he was 15.
Caleb has always missed the shy, quiet boy who dressed in khakis and heavy sweaters. So when he next sees Julien dancing in a Miami bar, glistening with body oil and rocking some sparkly boy shorts, he's stunned ... but behind the chiseled muscular beauty, Caleb can see Julien's guarded expression, the brittle smile.
When Caleb brings Julien to Bliss Island as his fiance, it's a delicious blend of confusion on Caleb's part as he has always identified as straight (except for some disappointing teenage experimentation) and longing on Julien's part for their charade to become something real. And it's a slow process but well worth the wait as Caleb realizes he's bisexual and very much attracted to Julien. This might have started as a marriage of convenience, but it gets very real (and very sexy) and soon neither man wants this to be a faux marriage - they are all in.
However, after a wonderfully delectable build-up, I feel the ending is way too abrupt and the villain of the piece - Julien and Sofia's father Louis Chastain - for all his supposed business acumen, reads as a vindictive jerk without much of a plan other than intimidation. Although this book is over 300 pages, I would have gladly read another 50-60 pages that more fully developed the ending rather than the race to a finish in the final 10% of the book.
I love this twist on the classic theme of a marriage of convenience and enjoyed the well-fleshed out characters of Caleb and Julien. The setting of Bliss Island - a lovely little gem of an island with the sole purpose of providing the perfect wedding - is lovely, and the way Caleb and Julien find themselves utterly and completely in love is really beautiful. However, for me personally, the ending was just way too abrupt and rushed. 4 stars for "Surprise Groom" and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Caleb has always missed the shy, quiet boy who dressed in khakis and heavy sweaters. So when he next sees Julien dancing in a Miami bar, glistening with body oil and rocking some sparkly boy shorts, he's stunned ... but behind the chiseled muscular beauty, Caleb can see Julien's guarded expression, the brittle smile.
As tough as he acted, it wasn't really who he was inside. Julien had developed a hard outer shell for defense, but Caleb still knew the boy underneath. And more than anything, he wanted to protect that boy from the world, even though he knew it was far too late for that.
When Caleb brings Julien to Bliss Island as his fiance, it's a delicious blend of confusion on Caleb's part as he has always identified as straight (except for some disappointing teenage experimentation) and longing on Julien's part for their charade to become something real. And it's a slow process but well worth the wait as Caleb realizes he's bisexual and very much attracted to Julien. This might have started as a marriage of convenience, but it gets very real (and very sexy) and soon neither man wants this to be a faux marriage - they are all in.
However, after a wonderfully delectable build-up, I feel the ending is way too abrupt and the villain of the piece - Julien and Sofia's father Louis Chastain - for all his supposed business acumen, reads as a vindictive jerk without much of a plan other than intimidation. Although this book is over 300 pages, I would have gladly read another 50-60 pages that more fully developed the ending rather than the race to a finish in the final 10% of the book.
I love this twist on the classic theme of a marriage of convenience and enjoyed the well-fleshed out characters of Caleb and Julien. The setting of Bliss Island - a lovely little gem of an island with the sole purpose of providing the perfect wedding - is lovely, and the way Caleb and Julien find themselves utterly and completely in love is really beautiful. However, for me personally, the ending was just way too abrupt and rushed. 4 stars for "Surprise Groom" and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
May 24, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
D.J. Jamison is a new author to me and this latest release, Surprise Groom, has definitely cemented the idea that I will be checking out this author’s other work as soon as possible. Before anyone worries, this is not a “gay for you” trope, but rather a story about a man who had a pretty traumatic experience in his teens that caused him to bury his attraction to men for quite some time. Caleb is bisexual and it takes reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Julien, for Caleb to realize that he buried his desires so long ago due to this past event. Since then, Caleb has dated women, but never found one that could handle his single-minded focus on work and making Bliss Island into a premiere wedding destination until he brings Julien home—and Julien falls in love with the island almost as deeply as Caleb has already.
What unfolds in this story is a set up marriage of convenience that becomes so much more before either man even walks down the aisle. Caleb, in essence, comes out in this novel and begins to understand that the feelings he had for the opposite sex had been buried under guilt, fear, and a bit of trauma that he had never really dealt with before Julien helped expose the underlying cause. Caleb and Julien are magical together; their chemistry is palpable and their inner turmoil over how their relationship is quickly changing is very realistic. I absolutely loved how the author had these two guys communicate their feelings and fears to one another. It was so refreshing to see two men actually handle conflict maturely and effectively—that to me was the best element to this story overall.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
D.J. Jamison is a new author to me and this latest release, Surprise Groom, has definitely cemented the idea that I will be checking out this author’s other work as soon as possible. Before anyone worries, this is not a “gay for you” trope, but rather a story about a man who had a pretty traumatic experience in his teens that caused him to bury his attraction to men for quite some time. Caleb is bisexual and it takes reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Julien, for Caleb to realize that he buried his desires so long ago due to this past event. Since then, Caleb has dated women, but never found one that could handle his single-minded focus on work and making Bliss Island into a premiere wedding destination until he brings Julien home—and Julien falls in love with the island almost as deeply as Caleb has already.
What unfolds in this story is a set up marriage of convenience that becomes so much more before either man even walks down the aisle. Caleb, in essence, comes out in this novel and begins to understand that the feelings he had for the opposite sex had been buried under guilt, fear, and a bit of trauma that he had never really dealt with before Julien helped expose the underlying cause. Caleb and Julien are magical together; their chemistry is palpable and their inner turmoil over how their relationship is quickly changing is very realistic. I absolutely loved how the author had these two guys communicate their feelings and fears to one another. It was so refreshing to see two men actually handle conflict maturely and effectively—that to me was the best element to this story overall.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and thought it was going to be a 5 star read. Unfortunately, it has one of those crappy breakup scenes right before the end of the book. When they get back together everything happens so fast you can barely enjoy it.
I love Caleb and Julien. Their’s is a super sweet slow burn romance . So even though I got upset with it towards the end, it’s still a good read.
I love Caleb and Julien. Their’s is a super sweet slow burn romance . So even though I got upset with it towards the end, it’s still a good read.
February 6, 2021
3.25 stars.
Caleb and Julien were childhood best friends. That ended quickly when Julien was sent away for being gay. Ten(ish) years later Caleb is about to loose everything he has because of his fathers bad handle with money. One of the people Caleb's family own money is, Juliens father. What Caleb didn't know is that his father added a clause in the contract for the loan he took from Juliens father. A clause that would extract the debt in total if Caleb married one of the children of Juliens father. Said father except it to his daughter, since Caleb is straight but Caleb has other plans... Julien was thrown out for being gay and have never looked back. Making a living by being a go-go dancer, he's far from the innocent kid he was before. When Caleb seeks him out his both skeptical and a little intrigued. Sure, he would need the money Caleb is offering him for being his fake husband, but would he be able to go through with it?
I've had this book on my tbr for a really long time, wanting to read it but at the same time not. You all know how I feel about GFY by now. Lately I've been more open to it so I finally read this book. I don't know if you can call this book GFY though. Caleb is bisexual. He's just been hiding it for himself, so far back in his mind after one bad experience with a guy he didn't really reflect about it until he met Julien again.
Both Caleb and Julien have had to deal with past hurts, but the way they are with each other are extremely sweet. I loved the moments when there was just Caleb and Julien figuring out what they actually feel for each other.
The whole story with Juliens father felt a little forced though. He's flat and one noted and just plain evil. While I found the MC's and the good guys well fleshed out, the bad guys wasn't. It got boring really quick. I usually love this author's writing but the pace in this book didn't work out for me. The first 60% are all about the faking and slowly getting to know each other again, trying to get rid of some of the insecurities. The first time they got together happened around the 60% mark and it was too late. From there on and forward the story felt rushed. It felt shallow. I needed more romance. When Julien pulled the whole running away because I'm a martyr stunt around the 90% mark, I knew that this book wouldn't end with me feeling all that satisfied. Sure the ending was sweet and Caleb and Julien got their HEA, but a little of that magic I felt in the beginning was lost.
Caleb and Julien were childhood best friends. That ended quickly when Julien was sent away for being gay. Ten(ish) years later Caleb is about to loose everything he has because of his fathers bad handle with money. One of the people Caleb's family own money is, Juliens father. What Caleb didn't know is that his father added a clause in the contract for the loan he took from Juliens father. A clause that would extract the debt in total if Caleb married one of the children of Juliens father. Said father except it to his daughter, since Caleb is straight but Caleb has other plans... Julien was thrown out for being gay and have never looked back. Making a living by being a go-go dancer, he's far from the innocent kid he was before. When Caleb seeks him out his both skeptical and a little intrigued. Sure, he would need the money Caleb is offering him for being his fake husband, but would he be able to go through with it?
I've had this book on my tbr for a really long time, wanting to read it but at the same time not. You all know how I feel about GFY by now. Lately I've been more open to it so I finally read this book. I don't know if you can call this book GFY though. Caleb is bisexual. He's just been hiding it for himself, so far back in his mind after one bad experience with a guy he didn't really reflect about it until he met Julien again.
Both Caleb and Julien have had to deal with past hurts, but the way they are with each other are extremely sweet. I loved the moments when there was just Caleb and Julien figuring out what they actually feel for each other.
The whole story with Juliens father felt a little forced though. He's flat and one noted and just plain evil. While I found the MC's and the good guys well fleshed out, the bad guys wasn't. It got boring really quick. I usually love this author's writing but the pace in this book didn't work out for me. The first 60% are all about the faking and slowly getting to know each other again, trying to get rid of some of the insecurities. The first time they got together happened around the 60% mark and it was too late. From there on and forward the story felt rushed. It felt shallow. I needed more romance. When Julien pulled the whole running away because I'm a martyr stunt around the 90% mark, I knew that this book wouldn't end with me feeling all that satisfied. Sure the ending was sweet and Caleb and Julien got their HEA, but a little of that magic I felt in the beginning was lost.
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2019/11/01/...
Rating: 4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step away
Rating: 4.5 Stars – perfection is only half a step away
Read
April 24, 2023Dnf. Stopped reading about 40% in. Ugh..the premise was so promising too. But Julien’s never ending insecurity turned me off. It might have been better if some of that had been edited out.
June 22, 2024
Overall I enjoyed this book, I like marriage of convenience stories so I was willing to let a lot of contrived stuff slide but the dramatic moment in the last part of the book was too much even for me. But that aside, I liked the queer awakening/acceptance aspect, and the MCs had a lot of chemistry that made the fake-to-real relationship plot feel believable.
June 26, 2019
‘Surprise Groom’ is a wonderful variation on the fake marriage/marriage of convenience idea, a story filled with family drama and personal revenge, and a very entertaining look at two best friends who lost touch only to find themselves reunited twelve years later. “Fake it till you make it” is a central theme and puts this much-praised skill (and sometimes well-meant advice) in a new light. The idea is to pretend to be self-confident and able to do something in order to make people believe you are capable – until you eventually succeed. I have never seen it applied to marriage though, and the result is definitely worth reading. The story is very original, has adorable characters, and the romance between two men who used to be friends and think they are entering a “business deal” when they get married is all the sweeter for neither of them expecting to fall in love.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 9, 2019
harmless. Started better than it ended. - 3*
I read this 3 days ago and mostly I have no thoughts or feelings left over. It is fairly low angst even though the author threw in some incredibly idiotic drama near the end. Still the main characters were sweet and I liked their old friends reuniting and finding love story. I did not like any of the stuff with Topher.
I read this 3 days ago and mostly I have no thoughts or feelings left over. It is fairly low angst even though the author threw in some incredibly idiotic drama near the end. Still the main characters were sweet and I liked their old friends reuniting and finding love story. I did not like any of the stuff with Topher.
May 9, 2019
I received a free copy to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This was a fast read that had a sweet story and a beautiful setting. I liked both Caleb and Julian but I honestly didn't feel the chemistry that I thought I would or was expecting. Besides Julian's crazy dad, there wasn't much angst to this book. If you like the fake marriage trope than you will enjoy this book. The setting is by far my favorite part of the book, I could imagine Bliss Island and wanted to be there and see it for myself. Hopefully the next book in the series I will be able to feel the connection and chemistry between the two MCs.
This was a fast read that had a sweet story and a beautiful setting. I liked both Caleb and Julian but I honestly didn't feel the chemistry that I thought I would or was expecting. Besides Julian's crazy dad, there wasn't much angst to this book. If you like the fake marriage trope than you will enjoy this book. The setting is by far my favorite part of the book, I could imagine Bliss Island and wanted to be there and see it for myself. Hopefully the next book in the series I will be able to feel the connection and chemistry between the two MCs.
May 20, 2019
Marriage of convenience books tend to be lighter, fun reads with a good dose of chemistry, and I was excited to read Surprise Groom after seeing the blurb. Although there was a lot to like about the first book in the author’s new Marital Bliss series, it had ups and downs for me. That said, I think this book will end up being a win with many readers because the characters are great, the setting unique, and the story interesting.
Surprise Groom hooked me early on. I liked Caleb right away and wanted to see him succeed in saving his family’s private island wedding resort. I also liked how clever his plan was and immediately liked Julien when he was introduced, especially the way he contrasted with Caleb’s quiet, reserved personality. Despite really enjoying the characters and even thinking they made for a cute couple, I struggled to feel the chemistry between them. Was I happy when things started happening between the two, of course. Was there a palpable longing or attraction coming from them, not so much. I guess I wanted less telling and more showing from them. That said, I still was pretty happy with the way the story was progressing until the latter part of the book. There were a few conflicts that arose as things came to a head that had me starting to question things- like why Caleb and Julien’s family claimed to miss him but never put in any real effort to find him for 12 years, Julien’s sister’s relationship with her father, and Caleb’s bicurious history. To top it off, the main source of angst revolved around a few persistent failures for both Julien and Caleb to communicate honestly with each other, especially at the end of the book; and as I was pulled from the story, I had a harder time dismissing those little bobbles and the lack of tangible chemistry. Overall, I did really like the setting of Bliss Island and the couple, but unfortunately Surprise Groom ended up not quite delivering what I had hoped for when I started.
*eARC received via Signal Boost Promotions. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Surprise Groom hooked me early on. I liked Caleb right away and wanted to see him succeed in saving his family’s private island wedding resort. I also liked how clever his plan was and immediately liked Julien when he was introduced, especially the way he contrasted with Caleb’s quiet, reserved personality. Despite really enjoying the characters and even thinking they made for a cute couple, I struggled to feel the chemistry between them. Was I happy when things started happening between the two, of course. Was there a palpable longing or attraction coming from them, not so much. I guess I wanted less telling and more showing from them. That said, I still was pretty happy with the way the story was progressing until the latter part of the book. There were a few conflicts that arose as things came to a head that had me starting to question things- like why Caleb and Julien’s family claimed to miss him but never put in any real effort to find him for 12 years, Julien’s sister’s relationship with her father, and Caleb’s bicurious history. To top it off, the main source of angst revolved around a few persistent failures for both Julien and Caleb to communicate honestly with each other, especially at the end of the book; and as I was pulled from the story, I had a harder time dismissing those little bobbles and the lack of tangible chemistry. Overall, I did really like the setting of Bliss Island and the couple, but unfortunately Surprise Groom ended up not quite delivering what I had hoped for when I started.
*eARC received via Signal Boost Promotions. The author and PA had no influence over this review*
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
July 6, 2025
4 surprising stars.
This author never cease to amaze me. Her imagination is overwhelming.
Without giving away the plotlines, I will simply state that I throughly was into this book. The plot was sweet, loving and contained a offshoot of deception and greed. The protagonists, Caleb and Julien, haven't seen or heard from one another for 10 years. But Caleb (I personally did not think the name suited someone from upper Northeast) needs Julien to help him save his family's Bliss Island Resort from being taken over by Julien's horrible father, Louis.
The remainder of the book deals with the two mens' growing feelings toward one another, as well as devising a plan to thwart Louis's plan to underhandedly take the resort. That plan is the main crux of the book.
The world building is terrific, the dialogue filled with feelings and humor, and the supporting characters are a marvel.
FYI... Caleb is straight (?) and Julien is completely out.
This author never cease to amaze me. Her imagination is overwhelming.
Without giving away the plotlines, I will simply state that I throughly was into this book. The plot was sweet, loving and contained a offshoot of deception and greed. The protagonists, Caleb and Julien, haven't seen or heard from one another for 10 years. But Caleb (I personally did not think the name suited someone from upper Northeast) needs Julien to help him save his family's Bliss Island Resort from being taken over by Julien's horrible father, Louis.
The remainder of the book deals with the two mens' growing feelings toward one another, as well as devising a plan to thwart Louis's plan to underhandedly take the resort. That plan is the main crux of the book.
The world building is terrific, the dialogue filled with feelings and humor, and the supporting characters are a marvel.
FYI... Caleb is straight (?) and Julien is completely out.
March 25, 2021
This book was overall fine, but the last 15% or so was dreadful (contrived breakup) and finally I'd gotten fed up with the legal clause necessitating the entire fake relationship too.
The legal clause thing: I never understood why they needed it to look like a real marriage. If I remember correctly, it just said he had to be married to a child of Louis, not that it was a "real" marriage. Legal is legal, isn't it? What court is going to be like "omg this is a business transaction between friends, this is fraud"? None. I suspend disbelief all the time for romance books of course, but this finally got my goat with the "taking the marriage to court for being fraudulent" bit.
The dramatic leaving was eye rollingly cliche. I will leave you with no words (bc NDA which is ludicrous) because I am doing it for youuuu~ pls stop. Have a conversation. Consult a lawyer. Apparently you had blackmail leverage the whole time anyway, if anyone used their words.
Overall, it wasn't terrible to read, it did definitely drag at points, but the absurdities and contrived breakup made me mad.
The legal clause thing: I never understood why they needed it to look like a real marriage. If I remember correctly, it just said he had to be married to a child of Louis, not that it was a "real" marriage. Legal is legal, isn't it? What court is going to be like "omg this is a business transaction between friends, this is fraud"? None. I suspend disbelief all the time for romance books of course, but this finally got my goat with the "taking the marriage to court for being fraudulent" bit.
The dramatic leaving was eye rollingly cliche. I will leave you with no words (bc NDA which is ludicrous) because I am doing it for youuuu~ pls stop. Have a conversation. Consult a lawyer. Apparently you had blackmail leverage the whole time anyway, if anyone used their words.
Overall, it wasn't terrible to read, it did definitely drag at points, but the absurdities and contrived breakup made me mad.
October 30, 2019
I actually liked this book
My first by this author and you know, I only had 3 major issues, which is shocking for me LOL I get that some gay characters come through a certain way, and we all have preferences. Personally I’m not fond nor do I like reading about the “bitchy”, “diva” ones that refer to each other as women. They’re men who like me , not women. I also felt like there were some some things that were not super clear, and the story dragged a little for a bit there. All these things together knocked it down to a 3. I did enjoy reading the way their relationship progressed, I felt they were a cute couple, I liked that Caleb totally accepted Julien in every way. I REALLY wish we’d gotten more details about their real wedding day the way we got about the fake one though. So yeah, not bad, not great, enjoyable.
My first by this author and you know, I only had 3 major issues, which is shocking for me LOL I get that some gay characters come through a certain way, and we all have preferences. Personally I’m not fond nor do I like reading about the “bitchy”, “diva” ones that refer to each other as women. They’re men who like me , not women. I also felt like there were some some things that were not super clear, and the story dragged a little for a bit there. All these things together knocked it down to a 3. I did enjoy reading the way their relationship progressed, I felt they were a cute couple, I liked that Caleb totally accepted Julien in every way. I REALLY wish we’d gotten more details about their real wedding day the way we got about the fake one though. So yeah, not bad, not great, enjoyable.
June 20, 2019
Nice
This story was nice. Julien was kicked out of his home and sent away when his tycoon father found him in a compromising position. He had to learn to take of himself by any means possible. He thought he would never return to his home state again until someone from the past showed up. In order to save his family's business and legacy Caleb must step out on a limb and locate long list Julien and convince him to help. They use to the best of friend as children but now they are basically strangers. The two decide to work together but must overcome several obstacles in their way.
This story was nice. Julien was kicked out of his home and sent away when his tycoon father found him in a compromising position. He had to learn to take of himself by any means possible. He thought he would never return to his home state again until someone from the past showed up. In order to save his family's business and legacy Caleb must step out on a limb and locate long list Julien and convince him to help. They use to the best of friend as children but now they are basically strangers. The two decide to work together but must overcome several obstacles in their way.
May 7, 2019
This was a fantastic read! I started this book feeling a little unsure. The cover is gorgeous and the blurb was interesting, but I’ve read A LOT of fake marriage/fake romance novels over the years, to the point where I feel like I find them a little repetitive and unoriginal at this point. But honestly? When I saw the cover and read the blurb I thought “I really have to give this one a go!” And boy am I glad I did, because I enjoyed it so much!
For the first few pages, I wasn’t sure where this was going. All the stuff with Louis about the marriage clause seemed a bit random and I was unsure...
but then suddenly BOOM I was hooked and I could not stop reading!
Everything about this story worked for me. I absolutely adored the main characters. Julien and Caleb were brilliant and it’s rare that I love both MCs this much... usually at least one of them ends up being daft and annoying me in one way or another! But I just loved these two so much, they were great as individuals but together they were PERFECT.
I loved that they were friends first. Their friendship and their feelings for each other just felt so real, and it really was very beautiful. The connection and the growing chemistry between the two men was SO AMAZING AND WONDERFUL. Like honestly, I was HOOKED on it. The emotions in this story.. gahhh my feels were all over the place and I couldn’t stop reading. I was so eager to get to the end so I could see their happy ending, but at the same time I didn’t want to finish the book too quickly because I didn’t want it to ever be over. But I was so eager to reach that moment when Julien and Caleb finally acted on their feelings and I wanted it so much that my heart actually ached for it!!
I know I’ll be reading this book again in the very near future because it was just wonderful and made me so happy. I honestly could not recommend this more. You must read this!!! It’s emotional and funny and hot... and it’s absolutely the most perfect romance!
*i was provided a copy of this title by Signal Boost in exchange for an honest and fair review. Thanks so much for this one - I loved it!
For the first few pages, I wasn’t sure where this was going. All the stuff with Louis about the marriage clause seemed a bit random and I was unsure...
but then suddenly BOOM I was hooked and I could not stop reading!
Everything about this story worked for me. I absolutely adored the main characters. Julien and Caleb were brilliant and it’s rare that I love both MCs this much... usually at least one of them ends up being daft and annoying me in one way or another! But I just loved these two so much, they were great as individuals but together they were PERFECT.
I loved that they were friends first. Their friendship and their feelings for each other just felt so real, and it really was very beautiful. The connection and the growing chemistry between the two men was SO AMAZING AND WONDERFUL. Like honestly, I was HOOKED on it. The emotions in this story.. gahhh my feels were all over the place and I couldn’t stop reading. I was so eager to get to the end so I could see their happy ending, but at the same time I didn’t want to finish the book too quickly because I didn’t want it to ever be over. But I was so eager to reach that moment when Julien and Caleb finally acted on their feelings and I wanted it so much that my heart actually ached for it!!
I know I’ll be reading this book again in the very near future because it was just wonderful and made me so happy. I honestly could not recommend this more. You must read this!!! It’s emotional and funny and hot... and it’s absolutely the most perfect romance!
*i was provided a copy of this title by Signal Boost in exchange for an honest and fair review. Thanks so much for this one - I loved it!
May 9, 2019
Wow...talk about a lot of drama. This book is full of it but in a very good way. One straight man...,one gay man...., a debt to be paid...., and a marriage contract to pay the debt....., What could possibly go wrong????? Well to answer that question, soooo much. But that is what made this such an incredible read. And I am so glad that this is going to be a series because I will definitely be reading the next book after reading this one.
Caleb has found himself in a no win situation. When his dad passed away, Caleb and his mother found out that the island they own is up to its eyeballs in debt. But to make matters worse one of the debts has been called into play that will turn Caleb’s life upside down if he makes good on the clause drawn up in the original contract. Caleb has to marry into the Chastain family. The contract between Caleb’s dad and Louis Chastain states that if the debt is not paid in full then Caleb can marry a child of the Chastain family and he debt will be thrown out the window.
So now that Louis is coming to collect and wants Caleb to marry his daughter Sophia, Caleb knows that he is fixing to be fighting a losing battle. But in the midst of this a plan emerges and if Caleb can pull it off, two people may a new chance at a better life. Now Caleb just has to track down the son of Louis that he threw away and convince Julien to go along with his plan.
Julien is blown away when his childhood best friend turns up out of the blue with a crazy plan for the two of them to get married to save his island. Not only is the plan crazy but what’s crazier is the fact that Caleb is straight and willing to marry a gay man.
Can two men with different reasons for a marriage contract make thing loom real in order to accomplish their goals? What happens when the friendly feeling on both men’s part start to turn to something more? Is Caleb really attracted to Julien or is he just trying to save his home and business? What will happen when Louis puts the pressure on and ends up with some information that could destroy everything that Caleb and Julien are starting to build between the two of them?
This was such an incredible read. I sat down this morning and started it and could not put it down. There is so much drama and twist and turns that I was captivated from the very beginning of the book. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and see what DJ Jamison comes up with next!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Caleb has found himself in a no win situation. When his dad passed away, Caleb and his mother found out that the island they own is up to its eyeballs in debt. But to make matters worse one of the debts has been called into play that will turn Caleb’s life upside down if he makes good on the clause drawn up in the original contract. Caleb has to marry into the Chastain family. The contract between Caleb’s dad and Louis Chastain states that if the debt is not paid in full then Caleb can marry a child of the Chastain family and he debt will be thrown out the window.
So now that Louis is coming to collect and wants Caleb to marry his daughter Sophia, Caleb knows that he is fixing to be fighting a losing battle. But in the midst of this a plan emerges and if Caleb can pull it off, two people may a new chance at a better life. Now Caleb just has to track down the son of Louis that he threw away and convince Julien to go along with his plan.
Julien is blown away when his childhood best friend turns up out of the blue with a crazy plan for the two of them to get married to save his island. Not only is the plan crazy but what’s crazier is the fact that Caleb is straight and willing to marry a gay man.
Can two men with different reasons for a marriage contract make thing loom real in order to accomplish their goals? What happens when the friendly feeling on both men’s part start to turn to something more? Is Caleb really attracted to Julien or is he just trying to save his home and business? What will happen when Louis puts the pressure on and ends up with some information that could destroy everything that Caleb and Julien are starting to build between the two of them?
This was such an incredible read. I sat down this morning and started it and could not put it down. There is so much drama and twist and turns that I was captivated from the very beginning of the book. I cannot wait for the next book to come out and see what DJ Jamison comes up with next!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
May 10, 2019
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This book is both highly entertaining and completely ridiculous. A complicated and completely implausible set of circumstances force Caleb to propose a fake marriage to Julien, his childhood friend and current Miami go-go dancer. Julien’s father makes for a dastardly villain and flamboyant Julien makes a lasting impression on Caleb’s high society friends in Maine.
Whew. Even the story premise is exhausting. Honestly? The book only works because it never takes itself too seriously. Caleb and Julien are both immensely likeable and I love their friends and family. I also love the OTT villains and the plot twists worthy of daytime telly. The chemistry between Caleb and Julien is crazy hot and the sexual tension between them is delicious. There are a few fabulously steamy scenes.
This is a sexy, funny and sweet story. It’s an easy beach read or a bubble bath escape. It won’t work for readers who need their stories to be believable but does work as a fun, steamy romp. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’ll look for more from this author in the future.
This book is both highly entertaining and completely ridiculous. A complicated and completely implausible set of circumstances force Caleb to propose a fake marriage to Julien, his childhood friend and current Miami go-go dancer. Julien’s father makes for a dastardly villain and flamboyant Julien makes a lasting impression on Caleb’s high society friends in Maine.
Whew. Even the story premise is exhausting. Honestly? The book only works because it never takes itself too seriously. Caleb and Julien are both immensely likeable and I love their friends and family. I also love the OTT villains and the plot twists worthy of daytime telly. The chemistry between Caleb and Julien is crazy hot and the sexual tension between them is delicious. There are a few fabulously steamy scenes.
This is a sexy, funny and sweet story. It’s an easy beach read or a bubble bath escape. It won’t work for readers who need their stories to be believable but does work as a fun, steamy romp. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’ll look for more from this author in the future.
May 21, 2019
This lovely story is made up of a combination of some of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience and best friends to lovers.
When Caleb finds out there is a way to erase his father’s debt by marrying an old business associate’s offspring, he tracks down the son and strikes a deal to try and save his home.
He doesn’t plan on falling in love with his former best friend, in fact he’s quite surprised by his attraction the other man.
This is a well written and enjoyable story.
Recommended
*ARC provided for review
When Caleb finds out there is a way to erase his father’s debt by marrying an old business associate’s offspring, he tracks down the son and strikes a deal to try and save his home.
He doesn’t plan on falling in love with his former best friend, in fact he’s quite surprised by his attraction the other man.
This is a well written and enjoyable story.
Recommended
*ARC provided for review
May 17, 2019
I loved this one. Fake marriage tropes can go either way, but this one went in all the best ways. I loved the pacing, the chemistry, the dialogue, and the build up to something real. Definitely recommend this one!
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
February 11, 2022
a Fun and exciting romance
This looks like it’s the start of a series of romances. This was a fun but improbable romance! I think it’s definitely worth the time to read though; the characters are fantastic!
This looks like it’s the start of a series of romances. This was a fun but improbable romance! I think it’s definitely worth the time to read though; the characters are fantastic!
May 18, 2019
Great start to a new series
I really enjoyed this one! Julien and Caleb were childhood friends until Julien was sent away because he is gay. Now, a decade later, Caleb searches him out at a club in Miami to recruit him to help save his livelihood and home, a private island off the coast of Maine. Julien is such a fun character, refusing to be anyone but himself, even around reserved upper class society. The journey these two take to fall in love is beautiful. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series!
I really enjoyed this one! Julien and Caleb were childhood friends until Julien was sent away because he is gay. Now, a decade later, Caleb searches him out at a club in Miami to recruit him to help save his livelihood and home, a private island off the coast of Maine. Julien is such a fun character, refusing to be anyone but himself, even around reserved upper class society. The journey these two take to fall in love is beautiful. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series!
June 15, 2019
I enjoyed the start but wished the majority of the love scenes weren’t off the page. A bit too much drama too quickly resolved at the end. Overall a sweet story.
March 21, 2022
Caleb est sur le point de perdre l’île et l’hôtel dont sa mère a hérité de sa famille. À la suite du décès de son père, il se rend compte qu’il est endetté jusqu’au cou et la seule manière pour lui de s’en sortir c’est de se marier avec l’un des enfants Chastain. Le père Chastain avait prêté de l’argent au père de Caleb et avait mis cette clause dès le début. Il veut avoir la main sur la propriété de Caleb, mais à aucun moment il ne s’attendait à ce que Caleb épouse non pas Sofia, comme l’avait espéré le père, mais Julien l’enfant déshérité à cause de sa sexualité. Mais entre les deux jeunes hommes, les souvenirs d’enfance vont revenir à la surface et peut-être que des sentiments inespérés vont apparaître.
C’était une lecture sympa dans l’ensemble. Le livre se lit assez bien, il n’y a pas vraiment de temps mort et la plume de l’auteur est fluide. Je n’ai eu aucun problème et je l’ai lu d’une seule traite en une journée (en ce moment je lis quasiment tous mes livres sur une journée, il faut que je ralentisse un peu haha). J’ai aimé découvrir l’histoire de Julien et de Caleb et de voir comment ce dernier allait faire pour ne plus avoir de dette.
Comme je le disais, c'était une lecture sympa, mais sans plus. J’ai aimé passer du temps avec les personnages, mais je ne me suis pas vraiment attaché à eux. Dans l’ensemble, ils sont assez sympa, mais il m’a manqué quelque chose pour que je les intègre vraiment. Pour moi, il y avait un petit peu de “plat” dans les personnages, ils manquaient de peps par moment. Je ne saurai pas définir avec précision ce qu’il manque, mais c'est l’impression que j’ai eu.
Julien, j’aurai bien voulu qu’il soit un peu plus vindicatif envers sa mère et son père. Par moment je l’ai trouvé un peu trop “cool” par rapport à ce qu’ils lui ont fait vivre et je trouve ça dommage parce que dès le début on nous dit que Julien déteste ses parents, mais le problème c’est que j’ai eu l’impression que cette haine n’était pas aussi virulente qu’on nous le laisse penser. A contrario, j’ai eu l’impression que Caleb était plus violent dans ses parents et dans ses gestes envers Louis (le père de Julien), qu’il était plus dans le combat. C’est vraiment ce point là qui m’a le plus géné.
Malgré cela, Julien, tout comme Caleb, est un personnage intéressant à suivre. On voit bien qu’il s’est battu pour être libre et ne plus dépendre de sa famille homophobe. On peut facilement faire le parallèle avec Caleb, mais lui se bat pour sauver son île. Ils ont tous les deux des combats différents, mais ils mettent la même niaque, la même envie pour y arriver. C’est vraiment le trait de caractère qu’ils partagent le plus (d’ailleurs je n’ai pas vraiment eu l'impression d’avoir eu affaire à deux personnes différentes dans leur caractère). J’ai apprécié de voir la façon dont ils se battaient pour obtenir ce qu’ils désiraient, en plus ce caractère les a rapproché en quelque sorte.
Dès le début de l’histoire, on se doute que Julien n’est pas totalement insensible aux charmes de Caleb et on sent que même dans son adolescence, ce n’était pas totalement différent, mais il va lutter. Il va lutter pour ne pas tomber amoureux de son faux-mari, parce que c’est bien connu : il ne faut jamais mélanger plaisir et boulot. Enfin ça c’est la théorie, dans la pratique et surtout dans ce genre du livre, on sait très bien qu’ils mélangent toujours le travail et le plaisir. Enfin bref, j’ai aimé l’évolution de leur relation. Ce n’est pas forcément lent, ni forcément rapide, c’est un entre-deux plaisant à suivre.
J’ai senti que Caleb n’était pas non plus insensible à Julien, mais qu'il refusait de succomber à cette attirance qu’il ne saurait qualifier correctement. Est-ce que c’est seulement de l’attirance? Est-ce qu’il le trouve juste beau? Est-ce qu’il y a plus que cela? J’ai bien aimé les moments de questionnements qu’il a eu, et en particulier dans une scène. Cette scène en question débloque de nombreuses choses, de nombreuses révélations et j’ai senti que le roman basculait à ce moment-là. Il y a eu ce moment de bascule important qui a complètement changé la dynamique du livre et surtout l’histoire en fond.
En parlant de l’histoire en fond, j’ai bien aimé le fond de l’histoire et surtout que la romance ne se repose pas sur l’éternel “mon ex m’a invité à son mariage et j’ai dit que j’avais quelqu’un”. J’ai aimé que cela change et surtout qu’on découvre au fur et à mesure des réelles intentions de Louis. J’ai trouvé que l’intrigue était bien amenée et qu’elle renforçait la romance et inversement. Ce ne sont pas deux choses complètement différentes, juste elles se complètent.
En résumé, c’est une romane sympa, mais sans plus pour moi. Je n’ai pas eu le petit plus qui fait passer une lecture sympathique à une bonne voire très bonne lecture. J’ai passé un bon moment et je suis contente d’avoir découvert la plume de l’auteure et s’il y a d’autres oeuvres traduites en français, je les lirai pourquoi pas. Même si le bilan est plutôt mitigé , j’ai bien aimé ma lecture qui était assez détente.
C’était une lecture sympa dans l’ensemble. Le livre se lit assez bien, il n’y a pas vraiment de temps mort et la plume de l’auteur est fluide. Je n’ai eu aucun problème et je l’ai lu d’une seule traite en une journée (en ce moment je lis quasiment tous mes livres sur une journée, il faut que je ralentisse un peu haha). J’ai aimé découvrir l’histoire de Julien et de Caleb et de voir comment ce dernier allait faire pour ne plus avoir de dette.
Comme je le disais, c'était une lecture sympa, mais sans plus. J’ai aimé passer du temps avec les personnages, mais je ne me suis pas vraiment attaché à eux. Dans l’ensemble, ils sont assez sympa, mais il m’a manqué quelque chose pour que je les intègre vraiment. Pour moi, il y avait un petit peu de “plat” dans les personnages, ils manquaient de peps par moment. Je ne saurai pas définir avec précision ce qu’il manque, mais c'est l’impression que j’ai eu.
Julien, j’aurai bien voulu qu’il soit un peu plus vindicatif envers sa mère et son père. Par moment je l’ai trouvé un peu trop “cool” par rapport à ce qu’ils lui ont fait vivre et je trouve ça dommage parce que dès le début on nous dit que Julien déteste ses parents, mais le problème c’est que j’ai eu l’impression que cette haine n’était pas aussi virulente qu’on nous le laisse penser. A contrario, j’ai eu l’impression que Caleb était plus violent dans ses parents et dans ses gestes envers Louis (le père de Julien), qu’il était plus dans le combat. C’est vraiment ce point là qui m’a le plus géné.
Malgré cela, Julien, tout comme Caleb, est un personnage intéressant à suivre. On voit bien qu’il s’est battu pour être libre et ne plus dépendre de sa famille homophobe. On peut facilement faire le parallèle avec Caleb, mais lui se bat pour sauver son île. Ils ont tous les deux des combats différents, mais ils mettent la même niaque, la même envie pour y arriver. C’est vraiment le trait de caractère qu’ils partagent le plus (d’ailleurs je n’ai pas vraiment eu l'impression d’avoir eu affaire à deux personnes différentes dans leur caractère). J’ai apprécié de voir la façon dont ils se battaient pour obtenir ce qu’ils désiraient, en plus ce caractère les a rapproché en quelque sorte.
Dès le début de l’histoire, on se doute que Julien n’est pas totalement insensible aux charmes de Caleb et on sent que même dans son adolescence, ce n’était pas totalement différent, mais il va lutter. Il va lutter pour ne pas tomber amoureux de son faux-mari, parce que c’est bien connu : il ne faut jamais mélanger plaisir et boulot. Enfin ça c’est la théorie, dans la pratique et surtout dans ce genre du livre, on sait très bien qu’ils mélangent toujours le travail et le plaisir. Enfin bref, j’ai aimé l’évolution de leur relation. Ce n’est pas forcément lent, ni forcément rapide, c’est un entre-deux plaisant à suivre.
J’ai senti que Caleb n’était pas non plus insensible à Julien, mais qu'il refusait de succomber à cette attirance qu’il ne saurait qualifier correctement. Est-ce que c’est seulement de l’attirance? Est-ce qu’il le trouve juste beau? Est-ce qu’il y a plus que cela? J’ai bien aimé les moments de questionnements qu’il a eu, et en particulier dans une scène. Cette scène en question débloque de nombreuses choses, de nombreuses révélations et j’ai senti que le roman basculait à ce moment-là. Il y a eu ce moment de bascule important qui a complètement changé la dynamique du livre et surtout l’histoire en fond.
En parlant de l’histoire en fond, j’ai bien aimé le fond de l’histoire et surtout que la romance ne se repose pas sur l’éternel “mon ex m’a invité à son mariage et j’ai dit que j’avais quelqu’un”. J’ai aimé que cela change et surtout qu’on découvre au fur et à mesure des réelles intentions de Louis. J’ai trouvé que l’intrigue était bien amenée et qu’elle renforçait la romance et inversement. Ce ne sont pas deux choses complètement différentes, juste elles se complètent.
En résumé, c’est une romane sympa, mais sans plus pour moi. Je n’ai pas eu le petit plus qui fait passer une lecture sympathique à une bonne voire très bonne lecture. J’ai passé un bon moment et je suis contente d’avoir découvert la plume de l’auteure et s’il y a d’autres oeuvres traduites en français, je les lirai pourquoi pas. Même si le bilan est plutôt mitigé , j’ai bien aimé ma lecture qui était assez détente.
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