Claire Kann is one of the first authors I read when I was getting back into reading and that’s why her journey has been so fun to watch. While I started with her young-adult titles, her shift to adult has conceded with my own reading journey.

Since I read her two previous works, I was SO excited when Berkley decided to send me a finished copy of The Marriage Narrative. Given how unique her two previous works were, I decided to go into this one without knowing anything at all.

Considering I’d read Claire Kann before, I was excited yet nervous for her newest adult romance release. Of course, there was no reason to be nervous as this book was just as beautiful and fun as the cover made it out to be.

I’d like to thank Berkley for sending me a finished copy so I was able to read this one and share my thoughts.

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The Marriage Narrative starts in a slightly unsexy way as our main character, Zinnia is looking for a partner in life. Basically, she’s looking for her true love and wants to find them within a matter of a month. While it seems wild to imagine, Zinnia is such a straightforward person and knows exactly what she wants.

In comes Jordan, a local coffee shop owner who she has some serious chemistry with. At first, it seems like the impossible for both of them but that’s before the stakes get a little higher. Jordan admits that he needs a “fake” wife to go on his family’s reality show and at first, Zinnia isn’t interested in the idea. Eventually, she warms up to the idea but things get a lot realer when the two are on camera and acting like husband and wife which isn’t something either are prepared for.

What I liked most about this book was the character development for both Jordan and Zinnia. The two had to grow so much as people and in their relationship which was wonderful to watch. Since this focused mostly on a reality show, this book felt cinematic in the best way and is honestly one I could see being made into a TV series or movie.

Zinnia also had the best friend group and I loved seeing the callbacks to Claire’s other titles. While the reality show setting might not work for everyone, it did make for an entertaining plot. Plus the romance between Zinnia and Jordan was excellent as Claire Kann will make you so invested in a romance that you’ll be begging for the two to finally admit their feelings for each other.

The only thing that kept me from absolutely loving The Marriage Narrative was the drama. Since it was a reality show romance, it felt expected but sometimes, Jordan’s family just plucked my nerves. Then again, maybe that was the point. Either way, this was another great romance from Claire Kann.