I enjoyed my ARC copy - Thank you Netgalley!
Wow - Elena Aramas delivers again. Quite spicy, and fun! Looking forward to more books of hers over the years.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

If you had told me 2 years ago that Elena Armas would write a mmc that I would love as much as Aaron Blackford, let alone a BLOND man, I would have never believed you. But Matthew Flanagan has entered the chat!!

I have adored each and everyone one of Elena Armas’ books, and this one is no different. I loved Josie in the long game, and so glad we got to hear her story!!

The Fiancé dilemma follows Josie, mayor of Green Oak, coffee shop owner, small town organizer— she basically does it all. What she doesn’t do is complete the walk down the aisle— which is how she finds herself single after 4 failed engagements. When her absentee (very rich, very powerful) father decides to come back into her life, Josie is told her romantic history is hurting her (and therefore her father’s) image- so she decides to do what any other girl would do, and that is to pretend she’s engaged to the first man she sees— who happens to be her sister’s best friend.

a fake engagement, he falls first, touch her and die (in a sweet, small town kinda way) — I couldn’t put this book down!! The podcast to get Josie’s backstory was genius, and of course, getting more of Cam and Adalyn was icing on the cake!! (Highly recommend reading The Long Game before picking this one up!!)

The book does start fairly quickly- before you know it Josie is a fiancée again. I also wish we had more about her dad- I feel like he was more of a background character throughout, when the whole dilemma is due to him, but thought that the ending rounded it out well!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc— pick this up when it comes out in July!!!!

I loved The Long Game so so much. And I was so excited for this book because it continues with some of the characters. But this was so difficult to read and enjoy. I wasn't interested in the characters, Matthew was especially dull and one-dimensional, or the plot. Also, I had such a hard time reading this, I kept losing my place and forgetting what I read

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed the overall story but also found myself skimming the book. I just wanted to know what happens and didnt really care about some of the side characters and even the situation with Andrew. I didnt really feel the daddy issues. He just wasnt around and there was nothing really to go off on. I just think it was pointless. I understand the basis of Josie and Adalyn is because of Andrew but his parts in the book felt like filler. We barely get any interactions.

I did like Matthew as the romatic interest. The way he feels and loves Josie is what every girl wants. Reading Josie’s dialogue and thoughts made me really feel when she was anxious or just spewing words when nervous. The book was fast paced for sure. Some parts I thought were kind of superfluous, but I understand it was needed to support the chemistry of the two main characters. When Josie was having her panic attack in her dress and Matthew came in to help her, that made me cry and miss my own boyfriend. I wish we could have seen Josie meet Matthew’s family.

Thank you to Netgally and the publishers for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love Elena armada’s writing. I was so excited to see a sequel book to the first. The characters are well developed and the storyline is adorable.

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me. The plot felt super forced and unrealistic. I can suspend disbelief only so far. I love Elena Armas work and I will definitely read more of her work in the future as the writing was good - I just kept getting thrown out of the story

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

Josie and Matthew fake an engagement to address her father’s PR situation and in the midst of fake wedding planning and small town hijinks feelings shift and their relationship changes. The Fiancé Dilemma is a classic Elena Armas slow burn romance.

Slow burn fake fiance contemplating rom com single point of view (except the last chapter. From the cover I thought it was a why choose romance, but I wasn't disappointed at only one male main character. The mmc was a fantastic book boyfriend; a sexy golden retriever with just a little bit of bite (when protecting his female lead), very physically affectionate, and a dirty mouth. The plot was VERY rom com and sometimes a bit much (and the story a bit long) but overall a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and will definitely read The Long Game (the first book that stars the bffs) next. Even though these are standalone books I think I would've preferred reading that first.

Still processing my thoughts on this one. The Fiance Dilemma is a follow-up to The Long Game, so the characters are not new; however, unlike some series, if you haven't read the first book, it will be very difficult to get into this one.

This book portrays Josie as super flighty and irresponsible almost without really diving into the pain of her childhood - I think the why of this is because it was covered in the first book. Without that context, I think readers will find her a difficult character to empathize with.

I think that my biggest issues are that it felt like there were a lot of missing parts to this story. Ideas or topics that seemed relevant were glossed over and my only guess is because I've forgotten something that I read in the first book...or I'm just looking for answers t0 round out a plot.

Where do I even begin. I was alittle weary about reading this was I wasn’t a huge fan of the roommate agreement. However, after I read the long game I just couldn’t wait to read Mathew and Josie’s story .Let me tell you she did not disappoint in this book.
I couldn’t put this book down. Absolutely adored every second of it. Mathew and Josie are just the cutest and I love the chemistry with every interaction they have is to die for. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I can’t wait to have all my friends read ❤️❤️
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Elena Armas for an opportunity to read an eARC of this amazing book.

Boy oh boy, when I found out this was Josie and Matthew's love story, I immediately began reading! I was thrilled to be back in Green Oak, with these characters.

We start out with Josie in her bathrobe, face mask on, and covered in strawberry jam. And oh yeah, also with a ring from a previous engagement stuck on her finger. She answers the door and begins being criticized by Bobbi Shark, her father's PR agent, for her four broken engagements, which is causing commotion on a popular podcast. After seeing the ring on Josie's finger, Bobbi realizes another engagement could be the solution to the PR crisis.

Matthew, who came into town for a breather after losing his job, just so happens to be in the right place at the right time. Josie sees him walking by her house, covered in mud after getting his car stuck. He doesn't even recognize her, after all, they'd only ever talked over FaceTime and in a group chat created by Adalyn. But Josie acts like Matthew is her fiancé, and Matthew, being the sweet guy that he is, plays along.

As it happens, the solution to the PR solution is not just another engagement, but a wedding. That will happen in under two months. Planned by Bobbi, funded by Josie's father, Andrew. With Josie and the totally-not-fake fiancé, Matthew, as the couple to be married.

Of course, we follow the pair as they go through wedding preparations, but it was even more beautiful to see Josie wrestle with her past and how she thinks her reputation has shaped her, and we get to see the transformation as she realizes that what other people think or say might not always be true. And of course, her faithful "fiancé" is by her side through it all, not letting her walk away from her own love story.

I love Matthew so much. He honestly could do no wrong in my eyes. Josie was a bit harder to like, but I grew to understand her and want the very best for her (which obviously was Matthew, duhh).

Elena Armas is basically an auto read for me, I adore the way her characters interact and the way that they grow. Not only in ther character or as people, but they also seem to grow on me as a reader. Thank you Elena, for yet another beautiful story ❤️

And thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas is a charming and heartwarming romance. With a mix of humor and drama, the author writes of fake engagements and second chances. The characters are relatable and well developed, and the chemistry between Josie and Matthew is sizzling! The story is engaging, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end.

I did enjoy book 2, Josie and Matthew’s story. However, there were some cringe moments lol. After finding out her dad is a millionaire public figure, Josie accidentally wrangles in Matthew (Adalyns bff) to pretend to be her fiance for a PR scheme. I feel they left off on a weird note and we didn’t get a final feel to Adalyn/Cam’s story either.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc! I was so excited to read Elena Armas’ new book since I’ve loved all her previous ones.

The fiancé dilemma was a fun, cute follow up in the long game series (ft. Matthew, yay)! Fake dating, friends to lovers, and more are covered in this book.

It was a little more insta-lovey than I thought, but I kept forgetting that we do get to know these characters in the previous book, so it makes more sense in that context. I loved Matthew’s POV at the end and wish we could’ve gotten it throughout — I feel like it would have made the love story make sense sooner. Overall, though, I enjoyed this read!

"The Fiancé Dilemma" by Elena Armas is a charming blend of heartwarming moments, tension-filled anticipation, and sizzling chemistry. While some may crave more depth, the story's emotional journey and character growth make for a satisfying and engaging read. Fans of Armas' previous works will find this a worthy addition to her repertoire, and newcomers will be drawn into a world of captivating storytelling and heartfelt emotions. Highly recommended for romance enthusiasts seeking a feel-good, emotionally resonant read.

this was such a cute and heartwarming book. the found family and soulmates trope had my heart feeling so happy. and leave it to Elena Armas to give us an amazing lead up filled with tension and angst for the spice.

Josie was adorable and I wanted to hug her forever. she was so relatable with her sweetness and how she rambled when she would get anxious. but Matthew definitely stole for show for me. he was protective and down BAADDD for her. the way he showed her what it was like to have a man who loved her and not the aspect of her was amazing. i just wish we had more from his pov because i needed to get inside that man’s head!

I was a big fan of The Spanish Love Deception and The American Roommate Experiment. The last two books fell a little flat for me. I did enjoy this one more then The Long Game but the story was all over the place. Josie and Matthew could have been great if there was a little more depth there. Honestly if it was dual pov and we could understand Matthew’s perspective earlier I might of loved it more. It was still an enjoyable read.

Where do I even start?? First of all, I LOVED the Spanish Love Deception, but was wary after reading The American Roommate Experiment because I didn't love it quite as much. But man oh man, did Elena pull out ALL the stops for this one!

Matthew Flanagan may be on of my favorite MMCs of all time. Give me a broody but emotionally intelligent simp all day every day. And while I had a harder time connecting with Josie, the storyline needed a little bit of *emotional damage* to really move it along. But the thing about it is, I love a plot that is going to give the "help me help myself" moment that ACTUALLY gives the healing that is needed to help the character grow. And lord help me, the spice. Sir, please come running to my rescue ANY day of the week.

This is what I call a "jalapeño margarita" book - the best balance of sweet and spicy, easily drinkable, something you're going to want to keep coming back to and will get you absolutely smashed if you're hoping for that!

This author cannot write a bad book!! I absolutely adored following the side characters from The Long Game in their own novel. It has to be in my top 3 favourite books written by Elena to date. Everything about this book was incredible, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these characters grow into these beautifully written and authentic people.

Thank you for this arc! It was a fun read. It was a little cheesy for ME but 3 stars. I would definitely recommend this to a friend though I do wish I read the first book before this one. I think it would of changed a bit for me