Marnie Jones is introduced as the protagonist of A Borrowed Boyfriend by Angela Casella, reflecting on the past several months, most notably the disastrous wedding that ended without a husband. Her ex, Brock, didn’t just leave her at the altar; a humiliating video from the wedding went viral, turning what was already her worst moment into a very public spectacle.
As if the emotional fallout weren’t enough, Marnie now finds herself under constant scrutiny from her sister, Sinclair, who seems convinced that Marnie is incapable of finding lasting happiness. In a moment of panic and frustration, Marnie blurts out something completely absurd: she’s moved on… and she has a boyfriend. That impulsive lie sets off a chain reaction. With her dignity hanging by a thread, Marnie’s friends encourage her to contact the Fairy Godmother Agency, not only to uncover who leaked the video, but to regain some sense of control over her unraveling world. What she doesn’t anticipate is that solving one problem may complicate another.
Enter Griffin. From the moment they meet, it feels as though the rug has been swept out from under Marnie’s feet. Griffin is charming, devilishly handsome, and hired to play the role of her fake boyfriend—introduced to the world as the delightfully ridiculous Mitchell Mountainbottom. But as their arrangement unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Griffin may be interested in far more than just playing a part. The question becomes whether Marnie can keep her heart guarded while untangling the mess of her past, or if pretending might lead to something unexpectedly real.
about the characters
One of the strengths of A Borrowed Boyfriend lies in its cast of characters, each bringing humor, heart, or tension to the story in meaningful ways.
Marnie Jones is a protagonist I genuinely liked. She feels real and down-to-earth, flawed in ways that are both relatable and endearing. At her core, Marnie is someone trying to find her place in the world. She hates her day job and dreams of moving into design but struggles to take that leap beyond creating greeting cards that aren’t gaining the traction she hoped for. That uncertainty, paired with her emotional vulnerability, makes her easy to root for. She doesn’t have everything figured out, and the story allows her space to stumble, reflect, and grow.
Marnie’s friends add an important layer of warmth to the narrative. They come across as authentic and deeply loyal, standing by her through embarrassment, heartbreak, and self-doubt. Their support feels genuine rather than performative, grounding Marnie when her life feels out of control.
I also genuinely liked Sinclair, Marnie’s sister. At first, she comes across as standoffish and uptight, often pushing Marnie in ways that feel more critical than comforting. As the story unfolds, however, her demeanor softens in subtle but meaningful ways. Beneath her rigid exterior are glimpses of deep affection and concern for her family, reframing her behavior as protective rather than purely judgmental. Sinclair may not always express care gracefully, but it’s clear it’s there, and that complexity made her feel more human and believable.
Griffin is a quieter presence by comparison, described as very handsome, yet not someone Marnie would typically be drawn to. His reserved nature and carefully guarded secrets give him an air of mystery that slowly unfolds. While he seems to go after what he wants with surprising ease, there’s an underlying sadness to his character, particularly in the way it’s suggested that getting close to others often results in them getting hurt. That tension adds emotional complexity to his relationship with Marnie and keeps his motivations intriguing.
The supporting cast leans heavily into humor, providing balance to the emotional storyline. Marnie’s friends, Aunt Helen, and especially the private investigators—Damien and Nicole—bring levity and personality to the narrative. Nicole, in particular, stood out to me as a favorite. She’s spunky, authentic, creative in her problem-solving, deeply supportive of her family, and empathetic in a way that feels refreshingly sincere. As the reader learns more about these characters, their connections help weave the narrative toward a hopeful direction.
As for the antagonist, Brock is exactly what you’d expect: wealthy, self-absorbed, and more than willing to lie through his teeth to get what he wants. His presence serves as a sharp contrast to the growth and emotional honesty developing elsewhere in the story.
standout moments
Several moments stood out to me, particularly those that reinforced the story’s themes of empathy, authenticity, and chosen connection.
One of the most memorable scenes centers on Marnie’s conversations with Damien and Nicole about the origins of The Fairy Godmother Agency. When Marnie asks why they started the agency, the answer isn’t tied to financial need. They didn’t need the money, they already had the bar, and Damien had wealth long before any joint ventures began. Instead, their motivation is rooted in something far simpler: they wanted to help others. Their work is portrayed as an extension of genuine empathy, offering protection to those who have been wronged. In the audiobook format, this exchange carries a quiet emotional weight that allows the sincerity of their intentions to resonate.
Another standout moment occurs toward the end of the story when family begins to arrive in town. Aunt Helen, a supporting character developed gradually throughout the narrative, truly shines here. Her passion, caring nature, gentleness, and spontaneity are often comical, yet they reveal someone who genuinely loves life. She has her share of flaws, but those imperfections only make her more relatable. What struck me most was her raw honesty when she shared how happy she was to see Marnie’s mother. That affection, offered openly and without expectation, even when it wasn’t reciprocated, felt deeply human. In the audiobook, the vulnerability of that moment was especially impactful and made me like her even more.
Together, these moments highlight the heart of the story: people choosing empathy, honesty, and connection, even when it’s uncomfortable or unreturned.
personal reflection
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its commitment to authenticity and empathy, qualities Angela Casella delivers in abundance. It’s refreshing to experience a story where characters are emotionally mature enough to move through conflict and arrive at a place of acceptance and trust. That progression feels intentional and earned, unfolding in meaningful ways throughout the audiobook.
While this novel is categorized as a romantic comedy or contemporary romance, those elements didn’t resonate with me as strongly. In some places, the romantic aspects felt heavier and more drawn out than I prefer, which may simply come down to personal taste and my general aversion to “heat” in books. The central storyline—the mystery and emotional grounding that initially drew me in, felt like the strongest part of the narrative. By comparison, the romance developed quickly and occasionally lost credibility in its pacing.
That said, the audiobook experience itself was thoroughly enjoyable. Both Taylor Harvey and Gideon Frost were engaging narrators, bringing richness and clarity to the story. The steady pacing and expressive vocal delivery enhanced both the humor and emotional moments, keeping me invested even when certain elements didn’t fully align with my preferences.
final thoughts
Overall, A Borrowed Boyfriend offers a heartfelt story grounded in empathy, authenticity, and a cast of memorable characters. While the romantic elements didn’t fully align with my personal preferences, the emotional maturity of the narrative and the gentle sleuthing thread stood out as genuine strengths.
I would recommend this audiobook to listeners who enjoy romantic comedy, contemporary fiction, and stories with a light mystery element woven in. The narration by Harvey and Frost enhances the experience, making it an enjoyable listen even when certain aspects of the plot may not resonate with every reader.
I received this audiobook at no cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not influence or affect my opinion of the story in any way. I rate this audiobook with four-stars.
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