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The 30-Day Engagement
Emory needs a win, a promotion…and a date to her ex-fiancée’s Hollywood wedding in this sapphic fake-relationship rom com.
Emory Jordan has been rising through the ranks of the boys’ club at a venture capital firm in New York, where she’s competing for her dream promotion. When Emory’s estranged ex-girlfriend Mari—who broke off their engagement to pursue her acting ambitions—sends her a wedding invitation, it’s the perfect opening for Emory to pitch a business deal to Mari’s new tech mogul fiancé. More importantly, it’s a chance for Emory to prove to Mari that she has moved on from their breakup. The wrench in her she’s been putting work at the top of her to-do list, and there’s nobody she can ask to be her plus-one.
But Emory has a knack for business strategy. Bliss Tully, a struggling florist with a good-vibes-only attitude, accidentally stabs her with a cactus, and Emory sees an opportunity . Bliss is short on trust—her father’s white-collar crimes left her with a deep aversion to the business world—but she’s also short on cash, so she agrees to pose as Emory’s fiancée. The job is only for a month and pretending should be easy money. Right? Mari’s wedding approaches, and Emory and Bliss grow closer, all too aware their engagement is nothing more than a thirty-day sham. As far as kissing the bogus bride, though, they both want to say I do ….
You are cordially invited to the fakeout in this slow-burn contemporary romance about letting go of the past—and loving your future.
Emory Jordan has been rising through the ranks of the boys’ club at a venture capital firm in New York, where she’s competing for her dream promotion. When Emory’s estranged ex-girlfriend Mari—who broke off their engagement to pursue her acting ambitions—sends her a wedding invitation, it’s the perfect opening for Emory to pitch a business deal to Mari’s new tech mogul fiancé. More importantly, it’s a chance for Emory to prove to Mari that she has moved on from their breakup. The wrench in her she’s been putting work at the top of her to-do list, and there’s nobody she can ask to be her plus-one.
But Emory has a knack for business strategy. Bliss Tully, a struggling florist with a good-vibes-only attitude, accidentally stabs her with a cactus, and Emory sees an opportunity . Bliss is short on trust—her father’s white-collar crimes left her with a deep aversion to the business world—but she’s also short on cash, so she agrees to pose as Emory’s fiancée. The job is only for a month and pretending should be easy money. Right? Mari’s wedding approaches, and Emory and Bliss grow closer, all too aware their engagement is nothing more than a thirty-day sham. As far as kissing the bogus bride, though, they both want to say I do ….
You are cordially invited to the fakeout in this slow-burn contemporary romance about letting go of the past—and loving your future.
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Published February 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 20, 2023
Emory Jordan needs a date to her ex fiancee's wedding asap and the first woman who crosses her path seems like a great candidate. Bliss Tully is trying to start a business that provides flowers and plant greenery to corporate offices after getting laid off from her graphic design job during covid. The plant business is slow growing and the offer to make some money while posing as Emory's fiancee for 30 days is too good to pass up.
This was a great debut book from Waverly Decker. I really liked both MCs and the story being told from both perspectives really helped the reader connect to both of them. The fake relationship trope is always fun and the author did a great job with the chemistry between Emory and Bliss. I really loved Selma, she was such a great maternal figure. I'd have liked to see a bit more of Francis too, it would have been nice to see a bit more of the relationship between Emory and her best friend. There are a few scenes in the lead up to the LA trip that really illustrate the growing relationship of Emory and Bliss but I think we could have done with a little bit more in that lead up. I really liked the end though and the epilogue was perfect. It was a wonderful debut and a great story I could see myself rereading in the future.
This was a great debut book from Waverly Decker. I really liked both MCs and the story being told from both perspectives really helped the reader connect to both of them. The fake relationship trope is always fun and the author did a great job with the chemistry between Emory and Bliss. I really loved Selma, she was such a great maternal figure. I'd have liked to see a bit more of Francis too, it would have been nice to see a bit more of the relationship between Emory and her best friend. There are a few scenes in the lead up to the LA trip that really illustrate the growing relationship of Emory and Bliss but I think we could have done with a little bit more in that lead up. I really liked the end though and the epilogue was perfect. It was a wonderful debut and a great story I could see myself rereading in the future.
October 1, 2023
I really loved these characters and got so involved in their story. Emory was so upright and a little uptight while Bliss was, well, blissful. It was uplifting, and the ending was so positively romantic. Totally refreshing.
January 21, 2023
This is a nice Romcom. I would give it a 3.5
Upside: i am always in for a fake romance, the pace is good and the meetcute was sharp. Pun intended. Both characters are cute
Downside : i couldn't FEEL the attraction between the characters right away. I was missing the description of how they felt deep down to know : what drawn them to one another, when things started to really shift. It would have emphasize to the sexual tension and the slow burn. Because the proposition from Emory to Bliss came a bit out of nowhere.
But the plot is good even if i didn't understand why Emory waited so long to go after Bliss. But the final big gesture was really romantic
Overall this is a promising debut novel.
ARC provided by book sirens and the author in exchange of an honest review
Upside: i am always in for a fake romance, the pace is good and the meetcute was sharp. Pun intended. Both characters are cute
Downside : i couldn't FEEL the attraction between the characters right away. I was missing the description of how they felt deep down to know : what drawn them to one another, when things started to really shift. It would have emphasize to the sexual tension and the slow burn. Because the proposition from Emory to Bliss came a bit out of nowhere.
But the plot is good even if i didn't understand why Emory waited so long to go after Bliss. But the final big gesture was really romantic
Overall this is a promising debut novel.
ARC provided by book sirens and the author in exchange of an honest review
September 16, 2023
3.5 ⭐
La historia me gustó, porque es diferente a lo típico de las relaciones falsas, al principio no entendí porque requerían un compromiso de 30 días para un evento de fin de semana, y es justo ahí donde esta lo bueno, porque pasan ese tiempo conociéndose y enamorándose y cuando llegan al gran evento ya están tan centradas en ellas que es lo único que importa.
La verdad me agrado esta nueva forma de contar un cliché, es una forma de darle la vuelta y lo interesante es que entiendes que el enamoramiento de las protas no fue sacado de la manga.
La calificación es un poco por el rumbo qué tomo el camino al final, fue un poco raro, pero la conclusión en si estuvo balanceada.
La historia me gustó, porque es diferente a lo típico de las relaciones falsas, al principio no entendí porque requerían un compromiso de 30 días para un evento de fin de semana, y es justo ahí donde esta lo bueno, porque pasan ese tiempo conociéndose y enamorándose y cuando llegan al gran evento ya están tan centradas en ellas que es lo único que importa.
La verdad me agrado esta nueva forma de contar un cliché, es una forma de darle la vuelta y lo interesante es que entiendes que el enamoramiento de las protas no fue sacado de la manga.
La calificación es un poco por el rumbo qué tomo el camino al final, fue un poco raro, pero la conclusión en si estuvo balanceada.
April 8, 2025
4.5 Stars
February 16, 2023
This was an ok read for me. I think it has a lot of potential, but it unfortunately did not deliver. While I think it was a cute storyline and I didn't hate the characters, I do feel like they could have used some more work and development. The proposition between Emily and Bliss came out of no-where, and it honestly threw me off. Overall, cute concept, but more details would have been great.
May 2, 2025
This was an enjoyable novel that was hard to rate. Cutting to the chase: the novel was good; the romance was lackluster.
So, if you are looking for a well written and enjoyable novel and you don’t care as much about the romance, this could be 5ish-stars. The characters, side plots, and details were all well written. There were a lot of great elements in this novel to enjoy. There were a few individual scenes in particular that I absolutely LOVED!
If you are looking specifically for a romance novel, then this one is like 2-3 stars in that department. The romance is there (its apparently the central premise) but it was just so underdeveloped and at times even absent. There wasn’t very much attraction, longing, pining, conflicted feelings, etc.
With the above stated I would probably end up giving this a 4-stars, because ultimately a well written and enjoyable novel deserves that. However, then I think about the bit with the miscommunication/non-communication, the characters making wild assumptions and running with them, and the things that could only happen because they were guided by the Hand Of Plot, and ill round down to 3-stars on this one. Still an enjoyable novel, but there are many I would recommend over it if asked.
So, if you are looking for a well written and enjoyable novel and you don’t care as much about the romance, this could be 5ish-stars. The characters, side plots, and details were all well written. There were a lot of great elements in this novel to enjoy. There were a few individual scenes in particular that I absolutely LOVED!
If you are looking specifically for a romance novel, then this one is like 2-3 stars in that department. The romance is there (its apparently the central premise) but it was just so underdeveloped and at times even absent. There wasn’t very much attraction, longing, pining, conflicted feelings, etc.
With the above stated I would probably end up giving this a 4-stars, because ultimately a well written and enjoyable novel deserves that. However, then I think about the bit with the miscommunication/non-communication, the characters making wild assumptions and running with them, and the things that could only happen because they were guided by the Hand Of Plot, and ill round down to 3-stars on this one. Still an enjoyable novel, but there are many I would recommend over it if asked.
January 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌵✈️💍💐
I really enjoyed this book. It did take a little while to get into at the start but once it got to the contract, I couldn’t put it down.
I love the way that the trope of a fake dating always turns into love and there was no exception with this story. I enjoyed the characters I love seeing the grumpy versus sunshine type situation happening with Emory and Bliss.
This was a great debut by Waverly and I can’t wait to see more books from her.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌵✈️💍💐
I really enjoyed this book. It did take a little while to get into at the start but once it got to the contract, I couldn’t put it down.
I love the way that the trope of a fake dating always turns into love and there was no exception with this story. I enjoyed the characters I love seeing the grumpy versus sunshine type situation happening with Emory and Bliss.
This was a great debut by Waverly and I can’t wait to see more books from her.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2024
I have read text books that contains a more engaging and exciting plot.
Basically this book is fine. But it is incredibly generic. You could read the blurb of this book and that would be enough.
I feel like I have read this exact book multiple times over and this one doesn't manage to bring anything new to the trope. And that is not enough for me anymore.
It is veey similar to Alexandria Bellefluer's "The Fiancée Farce", but lacks the pining, charm and strong characters. Would recommend The Fiancée Farce over The 30-Day Engagement any day.
Basically this book is fine. But it is incredibly generic. You could read the blurb of this book and that would be enough.
I feel like I have read this exact book multiple times over and this one doesn't manage to bring anything new to the trope. And that is not enough for me anymore.
It is veey similar to Alexandria Bellefluer's "The Fiancée Farce", but lacks the pining, charm and strong characters. Would recommend The Fiancée Farce over The 30-Day Engagement any day.
December 25, 2025
I felt like the story was too rushed. Didn’t really feel onboard with whatever was happening between the characters.
The part I liked was how a conversation with Mari helped Emory process her feelings and get the closure which was long overdue.
The end was sweet where Emory waits on the pavement for Bliss and they finally actually spoke about their feelings. That is the only reason I’ve given this book 3 stars.
The part I liked was how a conversation with Mari helped Emory process her feelings and get the closure which was long overdue.
The end was sweet where Emory waits on the pavement for Bliss and they finally actually spoke about their feelings. That is the only reason I’ve given this book 3 stars.
January 23, 2023
The 30-Day Engagement was such a surprise. The story and banter is well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters, Emory and Bliss, as they got to know each other.
This is Waverly Decker's debut novel, and she should be proud of this one.
For those who love a good fake dating trope, this one is for you. It tells the story of Emory, who's invited to her ex's wedding and in desperate need of a date to take along as her plus one. Plant extraordinaire, Bliss, is in the right place at the right time, and takes up Emory's offer to be her fake-date turned "fiancé".
The combination of personalities between a corporate type who can't stop working vs a fly-by-your-skirt nature lover is always going to be a good pairing, and Decker did not disappoint.
Highly recommend!
I received an ARC for free, thanks for the opportunity BookSirens. This is a voluntary review.
This is Waverly Decker's debut novel, and she should be proud of this one.
For those who love a good fake dating trope, this one is for you. It tells the story of Emory, who's invited to her ex's wedding and in desperate need of a date to take along as her plus one. Plant extraordinaire, Bliss, is in the right place at the right time, and takes up Emory's offer to be her fake-date turned "fiancé".
The combination of personalities between a corporate type who can't stop working vs a fly-by-your-skirt nature lover is always going to be a good pairing, and Decker did not disappoint.
Highly recommend!
I received an ARC for free, thanks for the opportunity BookSirens. This is a voluntary review.
March 12, 2025
The 30-Day Engagement is a fun take on the fake date to a wedding trope. After Bliss and Emory have their painful meet-cute the story arc follows the expected path for the genre. There are several amusing scenes as they work through the business of getting to know each other. The secondary cast is small, but generally supportive. The angst level is relatively low until an almost willful misunderstanding pushes the plot into melodrama territory. Eventually Bliss and Emory come to their senses in time to provide the reader with a satisfying conclusion.
May 23, 2024
It'd been a while since my last fauxmance, and I'm glad I picked this one up.
Such opposing characters, (as usually the case in these scenarios), but who are so endearing. Bliss truly matches her name and Emory, such a sweet soul underneath all the pain and fright.
Sometimes letting go is the best way to move forward indeed
Such opposing characters, (as usually the case in these scenarios), but who are so endearing. Bliss truly matches her name and Emory, such a sweet soul underneath all the pain and fright.
Sometimes letting go is the best way to move forward indeed
January 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this sweet fake fiancée romance. Watching Bliss and Emory getting to know each other whilst fighting it was cute and funny.
Both characters were so likeable and even the usual formula at the end didn’t seem contrived or forced.
Great book!
Both characters were so likeable and even the usual formula at the end didn’t seem contrived or forced.
Great book!
October 1, 2023
Loved it!
I really loved these characters and got so involved in their story. Emory was so upright and a little uptight while Bliss was, well, blissful. It was uplifting, and the ending was so positively romantic. Totally refreshing.
I really loved these characters and got so involved in their story. Emory was so upright and a little uptight while Bliss was, well, blissful. It was uplifting, and the ending was so positively romantic. Totally refreshing.
August 10, 2023
Cute debut with future potential, but not quite there yet
June 2, 2024
To be honest, I read this almost two months ago and cannot remember much about it, except that I enjoyed reading it.
December 25, 2025
really cute grumpy x sunshine
March 2, 2023
I am so grateful that Waverly has written this story of love! It is hot, where needed, sensitive, contains plenty of angst too.
This is a charming story that drags the main characters in to a challenging love that guarantees no happy ending. They must learn from each other to survive and stumble to a place where only love can survive. It brought me to tears, had me laughing out loud, giggling like a school girl and just happy. This type of story is so needed in our crazy world. So, yes I recommend this book, ask you to buy it and tell your friends to do the same.
This is a charming story that drags the main characters in to a challenging love that guarantees no happy ending. They must learn from each other to survive and stumble to a place where only love can survive. It brought me to tears, had me laughing out loud, giggling like a school girl and just happy. This type of story is so needed in our crazy world. So, yes I recommend this book, ask you to buy it and tell your friends to do the same.
June 26, 2024
The 30 day Marriage is a classic fake marriage love story. This is a nice read offering a pleasant distraction into the lives of Emory and Bliss- polar opposites who play the fake love story for different reasons. Emory is a reserved, once scorned woman who is looking to make a large career move with securing a massive client. Bliss is an outgoing plant lover who is looking for the chance to stand on her own two feet. Once these two meet, they realize that they are able to strike a deal with an expiration date- meaning that they both win. The 30 day Marriage is a good read for anyone looking for a cute fake to real love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
Sweet story. I am not big on fake romances but seriously … they rarely stay fake. And I love creativity’s.
February 19, 2023
Making notes here so I don't forget why I DNF'd this at 35%. The dialogue, mostly and the characterization left a lot to be desired for me. I appreciate quirky but in this case, just leaping to unrealistic topics completely spoiled immersion in the story and events for me.
December 27, 2023
I love the premise of this book and enjoyed both the characters (especially Emory), but found the execution lacking and I never totally saw the romance between them
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews