Arranged Marriage

by Jason Collins

My family set me up with the Godwin heiress—but then I met the Godwin heir.

I’ve always accepted the trade-offs that come with my charmed life as a Blackwell—including the sham engagement my father arranged for me with the daughter of his business partner.

But when Laura’s flight is delayed and her brother Erik shows up instead, I figure a little recasting wouldn’t hurt—especially since the spark between us doesn’t feel like acting, despite the fact that he’s straight.

The tabloids will get their photos, and our families will be able to push the Blackwell-Godwin romance rumors to the public—but it might be more real than any of us expected...



I’m not surprised to find myself dead-set against my sister’s fake engagement to Liam Blackwell, but I sure as hell didn’t expect to want him—or any man—for myself.

I only meant to do a little vetting on Laura’s pseudo-fiancé, but now it’s just me and him here, and I’m realizing he’s anything but another rich jerk.

The paparazzi are getting their shots, but the real story is what I’m starting to feel for Liam.

My family always wanted me to take on a bigger role in the empire. But this isn’t what any of us had in mind…

This is a standalone romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2022

Reviews

[Rielle]

DNF @ 34%

Instalove and instasex, but somehow topping my list of least sexy scenes. There was zero chemistry and I couldn’t even tell the characters apart by this point. Ugh I love this trope too. Very disappointed.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding book! I adored every page of this insta-love story. Liam and Erik may have fallen for each other very quickly, but it takes them a bit to get past their assumptions and insecurities enough to confess their deep feelings. I loved the last few chapters so much.
Highly recommended author

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I found this book…

I’m not sure why I chose to dive into this story, but without even skimming the blurb, I picked it off my Kindle recommendation list and went to town. It was wonderful. I love how they just clicked, even though I really hated all the holding back and not communicating. Especially when they tried to start telling each other how they felt, it was strained and they were talking in circles. What I don’t love about this book, however, is the fact that—yet again—poor editing rears its ugly head. I don’t understand how editing has gone so far downhill since it should be easier and easier for people to do a good job. When you’re missing the big stuff more than the little, you need to reevaluate yourself and see if you’re really wanting to edit, or if you’re just wanting to read a book. I hate being “that guy”, but I’m going to die on this hill. The book was fantastic and I adored the characters and the story, but the editing ruined parts and turned others confusing. Authors deserve your best work, especially for what is charged. They’re trusting you with their heart and soul.. don’t mess it all up. OH. And the whole Nick thing at the end? Weird. I didn’t get why it needed to be there. And using that mean girl as an excuse to put it in was also weird. Why was she even invited? Could’ve done without that… ok byeeee.

[Ken Schlessinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. I’d give it 3.5 stars. The story was cute, but suffers from what I see as an all too common problem in M/M romance novels.

These books have a lot of sex scenes. Most are pretty intense and can be scorching hot. The books also usually need obstacles and speed bumps before the two main characters find their HEA. The obstacles need to be somewhat believable. Family acceptance, bi or gay awakening, outing affecting careers are some tropes.

This book didn’t have believable obstacles. Two unattached men from wealthy families agreed to an arranged marriage to help solidify business standings. No problems with family or public. The attraction the first time they met was quick and consuming. For 2/3 of the book we would be treated to scorching sex scenes where the characters were moaning each other’s names, followed by each character bemoaning their growing attraction because they knew the other guy considered their relationship to be fake. Ah, no. Didn’t buy it. The book improved once the two FINALLY admitted their feelings to each other.

[Jennifer Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Collins hits another home run (this is not a sports novel, haha). This is exactly the type of book he writes so well.

Liam is expecting to meet up with his new fiancee - an arranged marriage planned by their parents. She is delayed, which suits her brother Eric just fine, because he wants to stop the whole farce. So when he arrives to meet Liam instead of his sister, sparks fly, and lives are changed.

This is my favorite type of bi-awakening story, fairly low-angst, Eric doesn't spend a ton of time questioning why this is happening to him, and just moves forward, because he can't deny that he is obviously attracted to Liam.

We get a little bit of angst in this book, via a plot to expose their relationship as fake, by an outside source. It definitely rounds out this love story, and made it a very satisfying read! HEA of course!

[Little.Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF…


You know, I’m a sucker for a fauxmance, arranged marriage! If it’s advertised with it I’m reading it! But this one just didn’t hold me.

I kept trying rereading the last chapters for refreshing but I just never was got. I felt forced to finish but I’m putting myself out of my misery!

And as it’s nearing the end of the year I am going through my currently reading list and just biting the bullet on the books I’m just not going to come back to finish. At least not this year. Im DNFing all this I’ve gone deeper than 30% and not vibing with or wanting to restart to truly finish.

Sometimes you’re just not in the mood or headspace for the book but know or feel would enjoy another time. So if I feel I’ll come back to it I’ll just keep it in my currently reading list. Otherwise… TOSS!

This didn’t make the cut… bye bye! 👋🏽

[C.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

B team is not second rate. Liam, is prepared to do what is necessary to maintain the Blackwell reputation prestige and fortune. He is prepared to marry, his long term acquainteance, Laura. On the eve of what is to be their surprise engangement photo spread, he meets Laura's brother, Erik. He and Erik are attracted and decide they will make a better partnership. Does Laura mind? Do the families mind? Can Liam and Erik fake it to make it? Nice story, sweet. Liam and Erik are absolutely likeable. Laura is a sweetheart. The adventure of how they cement the partnership and reconcile with the families is a fun tangle. Good flow, interesting characters make up the story. We get caught up in relationships old, past and new. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIAM AND ERIK

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

This story is one where neither family cared which Godwin married the Blackwell, an aristocratic family. It was to be a fake marriage as Liam’s father wanted to retire and keep the stock in the company in good standing and with a Godwin member, another rich socialite. Erik Godwin, known as an Olympian’s boytoy, offers himself to take his sister’s place to marry Liam, a known playboy. I love this story because the two men fall in love with each other and won’t readily admit it. I also love the fact that neither family cares that the two men are willing to marry each other whether it be for love or not.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is arranged to marry Laura as a business arrangement set up by his father, but when her brother Erik comes to vet him, Erik is surprised to be attracted to him, or any man for that matter. So instead of Laura having to sacrifice her freedom for a marriage she does not really want, Erik and Liam decide that they could get married instead and still join their families together.

I love straight to gay romance and fake relationships that become real. This book has a great story line, that although the trope is very common and almost overdone, this author brings life to the storyline that is engaging, steamy, and sweet. I love the way this book is written and I highly recommend this book and any other book from him.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay story. I enjoyed the smut/sexual chemistry between Liam and Erik more than the story itself.

I just found Erik a bit puzzling from time to time. It didn't make any sense that he was so judgmental towards Liam when they were both from rich families especially when he apparently lived the more bachelor/lavish lifestyle. I found it unrealistic that Erik accepted his attraction to men/Liam so quickly. I also couldn't understand why he was so persistent to proceed with the fake marriage even after knowing Liam's feelings.

Also, the "villains" of the story were so underwhelming and almost unnecessary. First, with Nick flipping back and forth between being a friend/foe and then with Natalie randomly inserting herself in their lives thinking she was relevant.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story the point is that the families, the Godwins and Blackwells, have arranged a marriage - basically a merger. So Liam is being pushed to marry Laura. But Erik, Laura's brother, does not want that for her. He wants to disrupt the plan. Should it matter if it's Erik and Liam instead of Laura and Liam? A fake marriage is a fake marriage right? Well, that is true only until it starts to get real for the supposedly straight Erik and Liam the playboy. Add a little intrigue as someone tries to get in the way of the plan and you have a juicy story of love found where least expected or even invited.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

To make his prominent family happy, Liam is arranged to marry Laura. Laura also comes from a prominent family & their marriage would only make the board feel secure. Laura is due to meet Liam at his cabin but gets delayed by a snowstorm & her brother Eric beats her there. Eric is there to see if Liam is good enough for his sister but has second thought as he gets to know Liam & decides he wants him for himself to marry. Sparks fly & maybe this arranged marriage may just work out.I was offered an ARC for my honest opinion.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story for helping others but to also save some for you too!

Erik dropping in the challenge and verify the "potential" fake fiance. Liam is sacrifice it all for his family. He learns its okay to feed your soul too! A fake marriage arrangement ends up altered when chemistry goes off the chart. Fake/protect the heart can you do both? MM romance

[Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contemporary romance about Liam Blackwell, who agrees to an arranged marriage to secure a business alliance. However, when his fiancée's brother, Erik, arrives instead, unexpected attraction develops between the two men. What starts as a marriage of convenience turns into a journey of self-discovery, romance, and overcoming societal expectations. I really enjoyed reading the story, from the first meeting to the blossoming of love between the two protagonists.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arranged Marriage was a sweet, wonderful read. Erik and Liam make for an unlikely but wonderful couple. A fake relationship that quickly becomes real. Throw in a little intrigue and I couldn't put it down. Great read.

[devil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually liked this more than I expected. I mean, I've always enjoyed this author's books, but I was a bit leery with the premise of this one. But, these characters were great and their chemistry was amazing. Definitely worth a read.

[romanceandcoffee]

Dnf @47%

[BookHarpy]

DNF. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset but I tried. Had to put it down due to complete lack of interest in the characters or believability in the situation they found themselves in.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hysterical how there is a typo on the cover of the book.