In MY BIG FAT FAKE MARRIAGE by author Charlotte Stein, the reader goes on a lust to fantasy coming to life ride. We follow an aspiring writer Hazel aka Connie who ends up being a fake wife to book editor Henry Beckett and going on a work retreat he's organised.
Hazel is already half in lust with Beck, given they're across the door neigbours, implanted there by Hazel's best friends and him feeding her delicious baked treats. Beck comes across as a charming, Southern modern-day Mr. Darcy-esque man with mannerisms and language that wouldn't be amiss in a Jane Austen era only American. At times I felt his manner of speaking - complete with catchphrases and usage of quotes was similar to a proper Southern woman, only it was Beck, maybe that's how men in the South speak too. Beck is an American, I believe, though the story is set in England. However, the location has no role as the story is focused on the dialogue between Beck and Hazel and on Hazel's inner dialogue which is a front-seat view of her lusty fantasies featuring Beck.
The thing that put me off was almost 60-70% of the book was filled with details of Hazel fantasizing and lusting after Beck. There's a whole chapter dedicated to them kissing and from there it progresses to them experiencing everything a romantic couple does in the exploring each other stage. The core of the story in which Hazel has trust issues when it comes to romantic relationships due to past experiences and being plus size, is only explored in passing and overshadowed by her lust and fantasizing. Beck, who hasn't had much experience with passionate romance in the past and is hesitant due to his proper manners feels like a role reversal with a shy and another extrovert partner.
Overall the story presents us with shy, quirky characters going with the flow initially, who only get to know each other emotionally once their physical attraction has had an outlet.
A lot of inner dialogue Hazel has as she is in close proximity with Beck reminds one of how it is to objectify a person whom you find physically attractive and would like to do things to. It was empowering to see a strong, opinionated woman go for what she wants albeit by taking baby steps and behaving exactly like she would want a man to treat her. This was the part I liked the best about how Hazel walks Beck through their romantic milestones.
I'd say it's a perfect read for those days when you feel a little less confident or want a nudge to go for what you want.
Connie has always distrusted nice guys. In her experience, they’re just waiting to reveal some horrible secret. And then she meets big, adorable, Henry Samuel Beckett—editor extraordinaire, lover of bow ties, sweet and so cheery she struggles to believe he’s real.
Until Henry Samuel Beckett—or Beck, as he’s known to most—tells her the secret underneath his sunny surface: He’s been single all his life. But in a moment of panic, he’s told everyone at his publishing house that he’s married. And when Connie, an aspiring writer herself, can’t help defending him, she ends up being the fake wife he doesn’t actually have.
When they head off on a writing retreat, surrounded by people convinced this must be a ruse, both of them can't help but agree. Until they share their first kiss, their first touch, their first time in only one bed. Side by side, every night, as the simmering tension builds…Connie starts to wonder if this might be real after all.
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