What do you think?
Rate this book
Married on a Dare
I never planned to get married in Vegas.
Especially not to my sister’s best friend.
But one drunken challenge, one Elvis impersonator, and a very impulsive set of vows later...
I wake up next to Sophia Russo—with a ring, a headache, and no clue what comes next.
She’s brilliant, sharp-tongued, and allergic to anything that looks like romance.
We agree it’s temporary. A mistake we’ll quietly undo.
Then she moves in.
Just until we figure things out.
The press is watching. Our families are in meltdown mode.
And somewhere between fake kisses and real mornings, I fall for her—for real.
But nothing prepares me for the moment she looks me in the eye…
and tells me she’s pregnant.
Now I’m about to lose the one thing I never meant to keep—
Unless I can prove to her this wasn’t a mistake at all.
Especially not to my sister’s best friend.
But one drunken challenge, one Elvis impersonator, and a very impulsive set of vows later...
I wake up next to Sophia Russo—with a ring, a headache, and no clue what comes next.
She’s brilliant, sharp-tongued, and allergic to anything that looks like romance.
We agree it’s temporary. A mistake we’ll quietly undo.
Then she moves in.
Just until we figure things out.
The press is watching. Our families are in meltdown mode.
And somewhere between fake kisses and real mornings, I fall for her—for real.
But nothing prepares me for the moment she looks me in the eye…
and tells me she’s pregnant.
Now I’m about to lose the one thing I never meant to keep—
Unless I can prove to her this wasn’t a mistake at all.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2025
293 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 2, 2025
Sophie is the last of her friends to be single, at her friend's wedding she is approached by Liam, Ava's brother. Their banter is great throughout the story. After a few tequilas too many they end up in front of an Elvis impersonator getting married and she wakes up alone. A month later she is at Liam's office telling him she is pregnant. Their HEA is well-written and not to be missed.
June 27, 2025
A chaotic, slow-burn romance that made me laugh, swoon, and clutch my chest like a rom-com junkie on a sugar high.
Listen, I love a good accidental Vegas wedding trope. But Married on a Dare? Joy Carlyle didn’t just give me the trope—I got the sass, the heart, the baby bombshell, and a whole damn emotional rollercoaster I didn’t see coming.
So here’s how it went down (for me, reading this, not the characters—though honestly, I felt like I was living it): I dove in expecting light, flirty fun. I mean, it’s a drunken dare wedding with the sister’s best friend—classic setup for giggles and shenanigans. But what I got? A full-on love story that grabbed my heart by the collar and would not let go.
Sophia is everything I love in a heroine. Wicked smart, emotionally guarded, dry sense of humor that had me grinning so hard. She doesn’t fall easy, and when she does—it’s quiet, messy, and real. And then there’s our surprise husband: charming, a little cocky, and utterly blindsided by how hard and fast he's falling for her. The way he looks at her like she's his whole world? Yeah. I melted.
Their banter? Chef’s kiss.
Their chemistry? Through. The. Roof.
Their fake-to-real romance arc? Utterly addictive.
But then, BAM. Pregnancy reveal. And I’m not talking drama-for-drama’s-sake—it hit with emotional weight. I could feel Sophia’s panic, his longing, the sudden, terrifying stakes of losing something you didn’t even know you needed. It was tender, intense, and grounded in this deeply satisfying kind of vulnerability that made the romance feel earned.
There’s fake dating, unexpected domestic bliss, awkward press coverage, and those quietly devastating moments where you realize oh no, I actually care. It’s that perfect blend of hilarity and heartache, wrapped up in a whirlwind marriage you want to fight for.
This book gave me butterflies and belly laughs, and then turned around and made me feel in that raw, quiet way good romances always do. I didn’t just believe their love—I rooted for it. Because sometimes the best things in life start with an accident… and end with a forever you never saw coming.
If you’re into:
• Accidental marriage chaos ✔️
• Sassy, emotionally armored heroines ✔️
• Cinnamon roll heroes in denial ✔️
• Found family + baby on board ✔️
• And a slow-burn that makes your heart ache in the best way?
Do yourself a favor. Read this book.
And maybe don’t drink near a Vegas chapel unless you're ready to catch serious feelings. 😘.
Listen, I love a good accidental Vegas wedding trope. But Married on a Dare? Joy Carlyle didn’t just give me the trope—I got the sass, the heart, the baby bombshell, and a whole damn emotional rollercoaster I didn’t see coming.
So here’s how it went down (for me, reading this, not the characters—though honestly, I felt like I was living it): I dove in expecting light, flirty fun. I mean, it’s a drunken dare wedding with the sister’s best friend—classic setup for giggles and shenanigans. But what I got? A full-on love story that grabbed my heart by the collar and would not let go.
Sophia is everything I love in a heroine. Wicked smart, emotionally guarded, dry sense of humor that had me grinning so hard. She doesn’t fall easy, and when she does—it’s quiet, messy, and real. And then there’s our surprise husband: charming, a little cocky, and utterly blindsided by how hard and fast he's falling for her. The way he looks at her like she's his whole world? Yeah. I melted.
Their banter? Chef’s kiss.
Their chemistry? Through. The. Roof.
Their fake-to-real romance arc? Utterly addictive.
But then, BAM. Pregnancy reveal. And I’m not talking drama-for-drama’s-sake—it hit with emotional weight. I could feel Sophia’s panic, his longing, the sudden, terrifying stakes of losing something you didn’t even know you needed. It was tender, intense, and grounded in this deeply satisfying kind of vulnerability that made the romance feel earned.
There’s fake dating, unexpected domestic bliss, awkward press coverage, and those quietly devastating moments where you realize oh no, I actually care. It’s that perfect blend of hilarity and heartache, wrapped up in a whirlwind marriage you want to fight for.
This book gave me butterflies and belly laughs, and then turned around and made me feel in that raw, quiet way good romances always do. I didn’t just believe their love—I rooted for it. Because sometimes the best things in life start with an accident… and end with a forever you never saw coming.
If you’re into:
• Accidental marriage chaos ✔️
• Sassy, emotionally armored heroines ✔️
• Cinnamon roll heroes in denial ✔️
• Found family + baby on board ✔️
• And a slow-burn that makes your heart ache in the best way?
Do yourself a favor. Read this book.
And maybe don’t drink near a Vegas chapel unless you're ready to catch serious feelings. 😘.
July 7, 2025
Sophia Russo was at her best friend’s wedding one minute and waking up in Vegas with a ring on her finger and Liam King ,Ava her best friend’s brother…oh bother. Now what has she done ? And with Liam King ,the son of a gun! She’s remembering grown up groomsmen crying alas about their bro leaving their group chat at the reception yesterday so what’s happened since ,she thinks with a wince ? “ No date, Sophia? Color me shocked.” “Because bringing a plus one to watch my best friend get married while I cling to singledom sounded so appealing?”“Hey, nothing wrong with being single.Look at me. Single, thriving, the picture of domestic bliss.”“Domestic bliss. Right. You’re basically a Pinterest husband in disguise.” I think the lady doth protest too much ,because she has always secretly held a torch . It’s just his playboy ways…But oh my days she’s sunk . Remembering Elvis and her being drunk . Now they’re here with a wedding band each on their left hand! Oh dear! Liam wakes up with a heavy head and Sophia Russo in his bed or him hers ,he’s not sure as she’s staring so demure. His head is pounding but he needs grounding ,got to work it out .It’s quite astounding. Of this being real he’s not in doubt but they got to work things out and fast before people start to suspect . What they decide to do next has gossips chattering all day and all night about this couple who are now dating . Way to work it you two ,what did they do? Decide to fake date ,well they had to save face ,now they’re stuck and when he visits back home there’s just the one bed, well they are married ,enough said. Sure they get along but she’s undone ,she’s always thought him a bit of alright and now she’s forced to sleeping with him at night . Liam runs a million dollar company but his reputation is annoying the board . So he needs them onboard . She moves in temporary as the press camp out on the lawn interested in every little thing and reporting it. Oh ….But the thing is they get used to their circumstances and he takes his chances and she romances . She’s left holding the baby and where is he .Oh dear what will be occurring when the baby starts stirring ,where’s daddy to be? Does it come good and then welcomed to the family with open arms ? Read this great book with all the angst the charms and humour too. This is the great storytelling that Joy Carlisle does do. Brilliant writing ,ever so inviting and wonderful prose. Awesome storyline ,it’s positively inspiring,divine! It’s romantic ,it’s frantic it’s rather nice with sublime spice too ,woohoo!
June 30, 2025
What I've come to anticipate and love about Joy Carlyle's stories are the fascinatingly complex characters she brings to life, and the exceptional circumstances they find themselves in.
In Married on a Dare, it is the female main character that stands out and the profound identity crisis she experiences as a result of a drunken dare to marry and a subsequent unexpected, totally unplanned pregnancy. Throughout the book, my heart felt heavy as I bore witness to her highs and lows while she dealt with the repercussions of her surprise marriage and pregnancy. With the way Ms. Carlyle wrote about the FMC's struggles, I could feel the emotional upheaval she was going through, and I kept waiting for that moment when she'd finally pull through. When she finally did, I'd rejoiced, my faith in the strength of a woman's fighting spirit renewed.
Of course, with a strong FMC like that, I dare not discount the contribution of the MMC in making this an unforgettable story. If she had been the one to spiral and nearly shatter, he had been the one who remained steadfast and grounded, acting as her unwavering anchor that kept her from spiraling to the point of no return. He was truly someone you would want to be by your side come hell or high water, as he would never stray from your side. I'd loved his character for that.
Truly, this was yet another emotionally intense book that I had the pleasure of reading. I'm thankful to Ms. Carlyle for granting me the opportunity to read an early free review copy. I write this review voluntarily.
In Married on a Dare, it is the female main character that stands out and the profound identity crisis she experiences as a result of a drunken dare to marry and a subsequent unexpected, totally unplanned pregnancy. Throughout the book, my heart felt heavy as I bore witness to her highs and lows while she dealt with the repercussions of her surprise marriage and pregnancy. With the way Ms. Carlyle wrote about the FMC's struggles, I could feel the emotional upheaval she was going through, and I kept waiting for that moment when she'd finally pull through. When she finally did, I'd rejoiced, my faith in the strength of a woman's fighting spirit renewed.
Of course, with a strong FMC like that, I dare not discount the contribution of the MMC in making this an unforgettable story. If she had been the one to spiral and nearly shatter, he had been the one who remained steadfast and grounded, acting as her unwavering anchor that kept her from spiraling to the point of no return. He was truly someone you would want to be by your side come hell or high water, as he would never stray from your side. I'd loved his character for that.
Truly, this was yet another emotionally intense book that I had the pleasure of reading. I'm thankful to Ms. Carlyle for granting me the opportunity to read an early free review copy. I write this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2025
Sophia is lets up tight, never colouring outside the lines kind of person. Who may have a very soft spot for Liam the complete opposite and believes job first and relationships are a no go.
Liam runs a multi billion company but his reputation is in the mud. He is know as a play boy and the board are getting annoyed with him.
At Liam’s sister’s wedding and Sophia’s best friend he dares Sophia to let loose, well a few glasses of champagne the two end up married.
Liam see this as good thing as the board will see him as stable, lets say Sophia is not happy. But agrees to play along. One kiss leads to much more.
Sophia needs Liam to prove himself and he doses, after a lot of miscommunication.
You will laugh, you will wonder why, ohh the spice is good and the characters are brilliant.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liam runs a multi billion company but his reputation is in the mud. He is know as a play boy and the board are getting annoyed with him.
At Liam’s sister’s wedding and Sophia’s best friend he dares Sophia to let loose, well a few glasses of champagne the two end up married.
Liam see this as good thing as the board will see him as stable, lets say Sophia is not happy. But agrees to play along. One kiss leads to much more.
Sophia needs Liam to prove himself and he doses, after a lot of miscommunication.
You will laugh, you will wonder why, ohh the spice is good and the characters are brilliant.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2025
Best friend’s brother trope..yes please! Sophia Russo’s life takes a wild turn when she wakes up in Vegas married to Liam. He is her best friend’s brother and notorious playboy. One minute she’s at her best friend’s wedding and the next she’s waking up wearing a wedding ring trying to piece together a night involving Elvis and drunken vows. To save face and avoid scandal the two decide to fake date while navigating their accidental marriage.
Their arrangement becomes more complicated and more real when Sophia finds herself pregnant. This book is a delightful read full of love, banter and a bit of chaos. I highly recommend!
Their arrangement becomes more complicated and more real when Sophia finds herself pregnant. This book is a delightful read full of love, banter and a bit of chaos. I highly recommend!
July 1, 2025
Married on a Dare: A Best Friend's Brother, Surprise Pregnancy Romance (The Billionaires' Convenient Vows)
An unexpected Vegas marriage under the influence of alcohol sets the stage for this captivating romance. While you might expect the usual drama that comes with this trope, the characters in this story have real depth. As the story unfolds, your connection to them grows stronger—you’ll laugh, shed a tear, and feel their pain. But most of all, it’s the strength of their emotions that truly pulls you in.
An unexpected Vegas marriage under the influence of alcohol sets the stage for this captivating romance. While you might expect the usual drama that comes with this trope, the characters in this story have real depth. As the story unfolds, your connection to them grows stronger—you’ll laugh, shed a tear, and feel their pain. But most of all, it’s the strength of their emotions that truly pulls you in.
October 4, 2025
enjoyable read, but needs some editing and there was a missed opportunity
I enjoyed the story but I feel like I was set up to hear about decisions both the main characters made in college effected the way they are interacting now. I was waiting for a dialogue that revealed past hurt and the efforts to bring about healing and wholeness. What happened between the carefree Sophia in the college photo albums and the rigid Sophia of modern day? How had Liam hurt her back then and why? I get the impression he was in love with her even then.
I enjoyed the story but I feel like I was set up to hear about decisions both the main characters made in college effected the way they are interacting now. I was waiting for a dialogue that revealed past hurt and the efforts to bring about healing and wholeness. What happened between the carefree Sophia in the college photo albums and the rigid Sophia of modern day? How had Liam hurt her back then and why? I get the impression he was in love with her even then.
June 28, 2025
I love Joy Carlyle's work. Enjoyable, heart felt, and spicy. Everything you look for in your next romance read.
A drunken wedding. A best-friend's brother. Two people that have known each other forever. What could go wrong. Sophia and Liam don't know what to do with each other. But
, when lifes responsibilities keep pushing them together, they can't help but give into what they've been hiding from.
Another great, schmexy read, for Joy Carlyle.
A drunken wedding. A best-friend's brother. Two people that have known each other forever. What could go wrong. Sophia and Liam don't know what to do with each other. But
, when lifes responsibilities keep pushing them together, they can't help but give into what they've been hiding from.
Another great, schmexy read, for Joy Carlyle.
July 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Its not how I thought this story would go after starting it but it is a journey! Sophia is a character that so many women needed. While I did not go through Sophia's exact pregnancy journey, there were a number of aspects that I really related too. Its so hard to be a working (pregnant) mom. Thank you for allowing me and other women to be seen. Parenting is hard and I like Liam kept trying and showing up. It is so real! I definitely recommend this story!
June 26, 2025
I loved everything about this book. I cried with Sophia as she spiraled. I worked with Liam as Sophia spiraled. I felt Sophia's depression. I absolutely love Finn! And I seriously laughed out loud for the whole epilogue. It has such a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts that are just so real to many, many people. Highly recommend
June 29, 2025
I loved reading Married on a Dare by Joy Carlyle! Sophia and Liam's story has everything you want in a really great romance story. Their story was well written, entertaining, chemistry and passion. This is one book you will want to add to your Kindle.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2025
Sophie is in Las Vegas to attend her best friend's wedding. At the reception, she is confronted in the bar by Liam, her best friend's hot, wealthy brother, on who she has always had a crush. Next morning, Sophie wakes up in bed with Liam with a ring on her finger and a marriage license on the coffeetable.
July 4, 2025
“I DEVOURED this book in one sitting. The Vegas wedding trope, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and surprise pregnancy.Yes, yes, YES. The banter between the characters had me laughing out loud, but it was the slow-burning emotional build that made me feel every twist. Sophia is a force, and I loved watching her walls slowly come down. This book was romance gold.
July 31, 2025
First off:
Trigger warning for Post Partem Depression
Super funny, I laughed hard almost the entire book.
Could have used some clean up. For example: one part said unzipping his jeans and the next paragraph said he removed his sweatpants. Nothing too big but still enough to bug me.
I would read more from this author.
Trigger warning for Post Partem Depression
Super funny, I laughed hard almost the entire book.
Could have used some clean up. For example: one part said unzipping his jeans and the next paragraph said he removed his sweatpants. Nothing too big but still enough to bug me.
I would read more from this author.
September 10, 2025
Missed the mark.
This book wasn’t what it was cut out to be. It was mainly just Sophia whining, complaining and running from her own decisions. It was excessive and irritating at best. I’m not sure why Liam stuck around. This book will try your patience. Not worth the time it took to read it.
This book wasn’t what it was cut out to be. It was mainly just Sophia whining, complaining and running from her own decisions. It was excessive and irritating at best. I’m not sure why Liam stuck around. This book will try your patience. Not worth the time it took to read it.
June 27, 2025
I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging storyline, which featured drama, attraction, chemistry, and the discovery of love. The MCs are defined, perfect for one another, likable, and engaging. I liked this book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 28, 2025
Joy is not only a PHENOMENAL author, but this romance book is as well. I totally devoured reading this book in a day and what a day I had reading all about Liam and Sophia. If you have never read anything by Joy, I Highly Recommend this book right here.
June 28, 2025
A great story
The romance between Sophia and Liam is a great one. Loved the wedding and the family relationships. The icing on the cake was baby Dylan in. Just a really great romance.
The romance between Sophia and Liam is a great one. Loved the wedding and the family relationships. The icing on the cake was baby Dylan in. Just a really great romance.
July 11, 2025
Old dare
When she was 12 and he was 14they made a pact to marry each other if they were not married by the age of 30. They are in Vegas for his sisters wedding and he dares her to get married. Great story chaotic characters . laughter, tears an emotional coaster ride!!
When she was 12 and he was 14they made a pact to marry each other if they were not married by the age of 30. They are in Vegas for his sisters wedding and he dares her to get married. Great story chaotic characters . laughter, tears an emotional coaster ride!!
August 19, 2025
Emotional
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Everything from happy to sad to frustrated to recognizing PPD. If life gave them lemons they made the sweetest lemonade cake.
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Everything from happy to sad to frustrated to recognizing PPD. If life gave them lemons they made the sweetest lemonade cake.
August 7, 2025
❤️❤️🫶🏾
Liam for the win… ❤️❤️ I really enjoyed reading this book. Liam stayed with her through thick and thin without judgment. I deeply fell in love with Liam’s character🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
Liam for the win… ❤️❤️ I really enjoyed reading this book. Liam stayed with her through thick and thin without judgment. I deeply fell in love with Liam’s character🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾
August 17, 2025
Married in Vegas! Shock!
Grew up together! You would think this would never happen US! Parents do not think he is good enough! This is HEA time! Adults please!
Grew up together! You would think this would never happen US! Parents do not think he is good enough! This is HEA time! Adults please!
dnf
September 21, 2025Too AI
Story line turned me away
Story line turned me away
October 1, 2025
Dare you to put it down
Once again Joy made me laugh, cry and laugh again. Loved being on Liam and Sophie’s ride. Their struggles are realistic, especially their family and friends. I totally got Sophie’s fears for her career and then the baby.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once again Joy made me laugh, cry and laugh again. Loved being on Liam and Sophie’s ride. Their struggles are realistic, especially their family and friends. I totally got Sophie’s fears for her career and then the baby.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews