Mister Marriage

by Amelia Simone

Jimmy's first kiss with Melena tanked hard and ended where they least expected. One expensive diagnosis later, a marriage of convenience doesn't sound so bad. Melena gets his insurance. Jimmy gets someone to come home to. The pledge: one year, drama-free. Fated to fail or fated to fall?

Jimmy Torres
My life as a firefighter revolves around serving and protecting. The last thing I wanted was to be the kiss of death. When Melena collapsed at my feet, I knew I’d do everything in my power to help the woman who’d already stolen a piece of my heart. Our marriage was a match made for mutual convenience, but my feelings were anything but. Did Melena share my malady? Or was I the only one suffering from a different kind of heart ailment?

Melena Nemitz
Jimmy was amazing when I needed him most. His insurance was life-saving in more ways than one. My faulty heart may recover medically, but something tells me Jimmy’s impact is long-term. He’s been so kind, but does it mask something more, or am I alone in thinking this marriage deserves a real shot?

Humor and all the feels abound in this modern marriage of convenience romance. Mister Marriage is book 2 of the Self-Made Series and can be read as a stand-alone or after Mister Romance.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Marriage, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2021

About the author

Upcoming Release
Hidden Harbor, the first book in an all-new series set in the San Juan Islands, launched 6/26/25. Happy reading!

Latest Release
Melting Point, a novella in the Campfire Council Series, is out now and available in Kindle Unlimited!

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About Amelia
Amelia Simone is the author of flirty, fun romances set in the Pacific Northwest, including Hidden Harbor (Book 1 of the Evergreen Rescue Series), Mister Romance (Book 1 of the Self-Made Series), Formula for Love (Book 1 of the Excelling @ Love Series), and Forbidden Flame (Book 1 of the Campfire Council Series.)

On sunny days, you can find her lounging on her deck, sipping coffee and working on her latest book. She specializes in writing lighthearted, hopeful romances that feature relatable, everyday characters who are looking for love. She’s a firm believer in writing dessert books with plenty of sweet, flirty banter, teasing, and spice. Her goal is to deliver stories that give you a serotonin boost and leave you with a smile.

When she’s not writing, she’s wrangling her kiddos, indulging in food and wine adventures with her better half, or out back trying to revive her garden. (Hey, sometimes things die, it’s fine.)

Reviews

[aly ☆彡 (on vacation) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started this for second redemption and I do love Jimmy's story more.

It was sweet and the POVs were more fun, but still not a fan of the writing. The book progresses too slow and I was bored at one point. Especially when you read too much romance, so it would take a bit more effort to be impressed with an average written book.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, and a little bit different, marriage of convenience romance. You find out the convenience is one that is what you’d think was a small type of thing, but really is big when you think about it. It has to do with health insurance. Such a crazy thing, but something that is so needed, especially when you have an unexpected health issue and are self-insured. Melena had gone into business for herself, even moving a little ways from her family so she didn’t feel guilty if they decided to just help her out and give her the money when she needed things. And I get that. I have a wonderful family who is there to help me out whenever I need it. But I wonder if some of the reason I get into financial trouble at times is because I have that help. But not complaining, I’m very grateful and wouldn’t give my family up for anything.

Jimmy, oh Jimmy made me swoon. He was the perfect guy I think. I mean, firefighter, so hot guy, check. And then sweet, offering to take care of Melena in that way? Plus he was a good cook. Pretty please can I have my own Jimmy? True, there was the spark between them, and that’s why he was so ready to settle down with her, but he wanted a house, and that was what he was getting out of the marriage with Melena. It was interesting reading about how they had to write a letter to win the bid on the house they wanted, because I had to do that to get my house. I’d never heard of people doing that until about 2 years ago when I was trying to get my current house in the early stages of this crazy housing market we have right now. I also have to mention that in my head, I pictured Jimmy as a guy I know who is a firefighter, so it might have made this a little bit personal for me.

The steaminess was a lot of waiting and once in awhile a bit of temptation and thoughts of what they were wanting, because Melena’s heart condition, among other things, meant they had to take it slow. The story had a few dramatic points, but overall just seemed like a really, really realistic real life story, without drama for drama’s sake. Misunderstandings due to lack of communication was also realistic in my opinion. Both of them gave little hints, but never came out and said the specifics, worrying about putting themselves out there if the other didn’t feel the same. But I feel the little hints and all that they gave were ones people might do in real life, and it wasn’t completely just blowing off the other person and making them think they weren’t interested in more than the year they’d originally agreed on.

Again, a very sweet story, and I hope to read more by this author in the future!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Jungian.Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow Jimmy who is a firefighter whose duty revolves around serving and protecting. It has almost become his human nature to protect people. so when his first kiss with Melena results in her finding out about her heart condition, he decides they should get married so that she can be on his medical insurance.

Melena agrees and this is how we see them both circle each other. I mean because of her heart condition, they cannot do anything sexual and risk her heart giving out. Then when she finally gets the surgery, Jimmy gets in a car accident on his way to work which means no intimacy except the one that brings them emotionally together.

When Melena's family finally finds out that she got married, they came to visit and that period was a time of solidification of the feeling that grew between them.
I loved reading this book because it was focused more on emotional relationship and comfortability than steamy scene (which are nice) but this book was a lot more.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by the author. It was a very enjoyable, quick read. There was no unnecessary drama between Jimmy and Melena. Their story is pretty straightforward. It was a sweet and funny read. Jimmy wanted to help Melena, so he proposed a marriage of convenience to her. While they are helping each other, their chemistry and attraction start to kick in. And they find themselves falling for each other.

[Andrea]

DNF'ed @ 61%

This is not a bad book, I just wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. However, I think the fact they enter a marriage of convenience because she needs better health care is one of the best uses of this trope I have ever seen.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 stars. Perfectly nice, sweet book. But felt a bit shallow.

I probably won’t be trying this author again. Nothing remarkable. Just fine.

[Melenareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Simone has written some of my favorite recent reads. She's got a knack for writing interesting characters and an engaging plot with a good mix of humor, drama, and romance. I have enjoyed a number of her books and Mister Marriage is another winner.

Jimmy and Melena have an unconventional start to their relationship. She needs expensive medical care and he thinks she can help him look more attractive as a home buyer vs being a single person. Their marriage of convenience helps with both those situations, but becomes inconvenient as their feelings begin to change. I thought the development of their relationship was so well done! It didn't feel rushed or too drawn out. They had great chemistry and it was believable that they would start to fall for one another.

I really like Amelia's writing and storytelling style. This series is amazing so far and I definitely recommend her Affinity Guild series as well.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia Simone has written a 5-star book. This is the story of Melena and Jimmy. Melena and Jimmy have been on their third date and are back at her apartment and he is kissing her when all of a sudden she passed out. He has a hard time waking her up. Jimmy is a firefighter and he is getting ready to call 911 when she starts to come to. He talks her into going to the hospital. What she finds out is not good. She has a heart arrhythmia. She is worried about the bill since her insurance plan is not so good for the self-employed. The medication they give her is going to be eight hundred dollars per refill. Jimmy comes up with a plan to help them both. Jimmy is wanting to buy a house but it seems like since he is single no one wants to sell to him. Melena needs better insurance. Jimmy's insurance plan is a good one since he works for the city. After Jimmy takes her home and leaves, he calls his sister and gets answers to a few questions. After he gets the answers, he sends Melena a message asking her to marry him. After she reads the message, she thinks he is joking with her. When they talk, he explains why he sent the message to her. He tells her that he will send her a copy of his benefits for her to look over and then for her to make up her mind. After she gets the email. she is surprised to see all his plan covers. They get together to discuss things and they decide to do it. Andi, Jimmy's sister is not too happy to hear that he is getting married and she lets him know she is not happy with him. The plan they come up with is for them to stay married for a year and if either one of them found someone else they would get a divorce. Melena passed out again and Jimmy takes her to the hospital and her doctor tells her that her medicine is not helping her heart and now she needs surgery to fix it. On the day of the surgery, Jimmy is going crazy. The surgery is taking longer than the doctor said it would. A few days after her surgery, Jimmy is at work and he gets into an accident. Mark, supervisor calls Lelena and tells her that Jimmy is at the hospital and he is coming to get her. Lisa is there with her when she gets the call. When they get to the hospital, Lelena finds that Jimmy is in emergency surgery for his leg and internal injuries. Lelena knows how she feels about Jimmy but she doesn't know how he feels about her and she is scared to find out.
Will Lelena and Jimmy tell each other how they feel and stay together?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I didn’t realise before starting that it was part of a series. That doesn’t matter at all, this can definitely be read as a stand alone.

Melena and Jimmy haven’t been dating for long (just a few dates) when Jimmy makes his move and goes in for a kiss that changes everything. With Melena’s new diagnosis comes the stress and worry about how she’s going to afford it and Jimmy steps in with a solution. If they were to get married her medical bills and his loneliness won’t be a problem anymore right? Never mind the chemistry between them, of course they can do this thing without feelings getting involved, right?

I had such a soft spot for Jimmy, the firefighter who’s a genuinely nice guy. I was desperate for these two to figure things out and realise what they had together.

This is an enjoyable read. It’s funny, sweet and well worth a read.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Simone is a new to me author, and I really enjoyed Mister Marriage. Jimmy doesn't like to come home to no one while Melena has an expensive medical issue that she needs good insurance for so these two decide to enter into a marriage of convenience for one year, no muss no fuss. Neither counted on the fact that the sparks they're throwing as they spend time together is going to make things a bit more complicated, or is it fate?! I always love the fake marriage trope since we all know how it's going to get as people try to maneuver something that develops into more than fake but it isn't so easy as the question becomes will they or won't they?! There's a lot of fun as these two on a new journey that seemed to be written in the stars (without that bum heart that is), so you really don't want to miss out on this sweet story that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[JelaReads]

DNF. The pacing of this book is odd. It starts off immediately with the characters hooking up before a medical emergency stops them. Then, the pacing is a snails pace especially with the relationship build. The dialogue gets repetitive - like the author is trying to drag out the story to reach a certain page count. I did like how the characters actually posed questions and concerns about how their marriage of connivence would work. It felt natural - as opposed to characters just immediately agreeing and jumping in. This book had potential - it just needing some editing and fine tuning with the writing and pacing.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great new author for me to follow.

Melena and Jimmy definitely had some personal trials to get through in this story. Having your date pass out while you’re kissing was terrifying for Jimmy. Fortunately, his training kicked in. Jimmy pretty much forced Melena to the ER to find out why she passed out and staying with her.

While helping each other through their problems, the two fall in love. No big fights, no big trials, just a good story and great characters. A definite pleasure to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy is a firefighter who wants to buy a house but feels his single status is stopping him. Melena has just started dating Jimmy and has just recently discovered a heart issue. Jimmy suggested that they get married to solve both issues. His hope is that being married will help him get a home and help her get better health care. What really happens is that their chemistry grows stronger then ever. This was a very enjoyable quick read. It’s was funny and had some great sweet moments that I enjoyed. I would definitely read another book by this author.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this series and is Jimmy and Melena’s story. Jimmy is a firefighter, and when he and Melena have just started dating when she passes out during a kiss, which has him taking her to the ER. When Melena needs expensive medical treatment, Jimmy comes up with a solution for both, which is a marriage of convenience which will mutually benefit them both. This is a well written story which has engaging and realistic characters, and is sweet, humorous, and entertaining story. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.

[TLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mister Marriage is actually part of the Self-Made series but can defiantly be read as a stand-alone. It was a quick read with a marriage of convenience trope. The convenience part was for Melena to have health insurance and Jimmy to look more stable for work and purchasing a house. The characters were likable and easy to connect with. It was a sweet, simple, and entertaining story. I am glad I discovered this author and would recommend the book.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in A marriage of convenience romance. (Self-Made Series) Jimmy and Melena made a deal for one year to share what their need from each other . Can Jimmy have a Melena who already stolen a piece of his heart. And can Melena gets Jimmy insurance or will she follow her heart that is already falling for the Jimmy and make this marriage real .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet marriage of convenience story that doesn't has the normal trope for this. It's an enjoyable read with likable characters and getting to know them was a thrill through the author's writing.
Can Jimmy and Melena give their marriage a shot or miscommunications get in the way?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !!! love Jimmy !!! swoon worthy !!! OMG !!! love Melena ...sweet lady... this is their story... 3rd date is the charm... right ? Melena passes out when Jimmy is kissing her...the start...the plan... the marriage... just loved it !!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Genny Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

There ain’t a doubt I laughed

Don’t mind the nonsensical opener- this book had me heels over head jealous. The banter. The suspense. The slow-burn that not only had me(the reader) anticipating the skills but the characters too. And yet, the romance, the deep passion felt from the couple didn’t need the bedroom to change what they had.

[Asparagoose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the low angst level in this story. The only complaint is I wish there was more closure with the Andi situation. The last we see of her she's being a total bitch to Melena and calling her out for being a fake wife, and then we never see her again. I wish either Melena had called her out for her behavior or there'd been a scene where she gets told.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

I love Jimmy. If all guys were like him the world would be an amazing place. He is hot, cooks, kind, and a family guy? What more could you ask for? I mean he abstained from sex for months because he didn’t want to hurt her. Freaking saint.

[Kathryn Hawks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dumbest book ever soooo bad

[Michelle Labelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I had to skip most of this. I loved the concept, but I found the pacing and writing a slog.

[K. Williford · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute one

This is a different love story- friends to lovers doesn’t even cover it. Convenient or sympathy?? I did enjoy it.