A marriage of convenience romance, the story of Miz and Kal. The marry so he can stay in. Canada, but will it lead to more? I liked how it was told from both points of view.

I’m not sure what’s up with this one. Is it the friends-to-lovers trope or just me? I just couldn't connect with it; the chemistry wasn’t there at all. I really struggled to see them as a couple, and honestly, it was pretty boring.

This had a really compelling premise, fake marriage between best friends, one of whom is facing deportation, and I was fully on board for the emotional mess and slow-burn tension. Miz is an interesting character: independent, emotionally avoidant, and totally in denial about her feelings for Kal. The cultural elements, especially the Ethiopian rep and Toronto setting, added richness and depth that I really appreciated.

But overall, this was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

What worked:
• The concept is strong, and I loved the immigrant stakes woven into a romance plot.
• Kal is a soft king and honestly the emotional backbone of the whole book.
• The writing style is thoughtful and introspective.

What didn’t quite land:
• Miz spends a lot of time pushing Kal toward other women, which got repetitive and frustrating.
• The pacing felt uneven, like the emotional payoff came really late and wasn’t fully satisfying.
• There were moments when the romance felt like it took a backseat to character introspection, which made it harder to stay invested in their chemistry.

It’s a book about fear of intimacy, chosen family, and cultural pressure, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing as a romance. Still, I’d recommend it if you like complicated heroines and slow, character-driven stories with layered emotional stakes.

This book reminded me why I sometimes hate friends to lovers. Even though i found them to be cute together we spent some time trying to fix him up with other people. The end was great tough, it just took a while to get there.

Miz is not the marrying kind. When Kal, her aspiring actor best friend who moved from Ethiopia to Toronto, is at risk of losing his visa, Miz panics. There's only one solution, she'll marry him to become his spousal sponsor.

One thing I absolutely enjoyed about this story was the different settings of Toronto and Addis Ababa. Getting immersed into Ethiopian culture whilst Miz and Kal navigated their new normal was amazing.

The emotions were all over the place. Miz's indecision on whether to be all-in or all-business was perfectly portrayed. Kal's frustrations and devotion towards her made me ache. I loved that they figured it all out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5⭐
Steam level: 3🌶️ Open door, moderate details

I could barely make it through this one even though I really loved the synopsis and wanted to like it.

The characters had zero romantic spark and while I liked Miz’s character a lot, Kal was boring. Miz was fun and flirty and had me giggling at times. She was successful and confident in her sexuality and I loved her friendships. I actually loved her friendship with Kal so much at first that I thought it was going to be great when they finally realized their feelings for each other but…it was like BAM - oh we like each other all of a sudden. No real inkling or build up. The return of the ring to the ex confused me too. Just explain and give it back. There was just a lot of unnecessary stuff in here while the basics of romance lacked.

If you are looking for an easy vacation read I'd recommend picking up Only Because It's You. The overall story was cute and heartwarming but a bit too predictable. The story development is a bit too slow for my taste but I did enjoy it overall. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

"So this is how six-time champion bridesmaid Mizan Begashaw, who does not do marriage (but has a misplaced engagement ring still in her possession, and a hidden album of her parents' wedding on her phone and keeps finding herself in other women's wedding gowns), lands herself married, eh?"

Miz, who moved to Canada when she was two and has citizenship, is not one for marriage and is happy with her hook-up guy ... until she finds an engagement ring in his gym bag and runs for the hills (literally: there is a running theme in this one). Kal is one of Miz's best friends, they met in Ethiopia when she got sent there for a summer with her dad (her parents are estranged) and now he's an actor who relies on sponsorship from his theatre company to maintain his residency. When he loses this, one option is a fake marriage, and Miz realises she's the one, but then panics when it all gets a bit real. Other NG reviewers found this flimsy and their fake-to-real journey (because of course that's what happens) unbelievable, but actually I felt it was set up nicely and over a longer period than it appeared. I liked the use of Amharic words and phrases with or without translations (Miz' Amharic is not great and she keeps having to be corrected) and it was an enjoyable, light read with decent side characters.

Blog review published 07 May 2025: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2025/05/07/two-novels-of-diaspora-rebecca-fisseha-only-because-its-you-and-christina-fonthes-where-you-go-i-will-go/

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet and held my interest. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Doubleday Canada / Penguin Random House Canada and the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This is currently a standalone romance book told in the first person of both Miz and Kal, set in Toronto.

Miz and Kal met when she was sent by her mother to live in Ethiopia with her father.

Miz is anti-marriage and commitment itself scares her. Her parents have an estranged relationship and Miz never wanted that type of headache.

Kal, on the other hand, values marriage and is a hopeless romantic. The person he was with from 15-26, he thought he was going to marry. Years later and he still grieves it.

Their love, to me, was more comforting and calming. The type you don’t realize it’s there until it’s gone. I enjoyed their playfulness and the comfortability that comes with truly knowing someone else.

The side plot with the engagement ring was funny in the beginning, but it got less funny as it went on because I don’t understand her about that.

I enjoyed all the other side characters and both of the character’s families. My favorite part was the trip they took.

I wasn’t a big fan of how things were resolved after the third act break up. I felt like both of them were in the wrong about certain things, but only one of them took accountability.

I love the title. It fits the story perfectly. There’s also some gems in here about life.

Read this for:
✈️ Marriage of convenience
✈️ Friends to lovers
✈️ Set in Canada
✈️ Childhood friends
✈️ Values Marriage x Anti-Marriage
✈️ Complicated family dynamics

OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I don’t know what it was about this book, but I couldn’t put it down and I found myself thinking about it. I loved it overall, even though they both did the most at times.

I can’t even explain how good this book is.
A beautiful story and a heartfelt romance.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

This one was a bit of a miss for me. I really wanted to love it, but I just didn't feel an emotional connection to the characters.

I will try another book from this author though. Perhaps this one just wasn't for me.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

In "Only Because It’s You" by Rebecca Fisseha, the beloved marriage of convenience trope takes center stage, expertly woven into a heartfelt, emotionally engaging narrative that captivates readers from the very first page. This favorite trope transforms Miz and Kal’s relationship from cherished childhood friends into partners in a "fake" marriage that quickly deepens into something genuine, filled with emotional tension and heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with the audience.

Miz and Kal’s lifelong friendship adds rich layers of depth and authenticity to their bond, making their transition into marriage feel both natural and profoundly resonant. Their shared history—marked by years of laughter, shared secrets, and unwavering support—enhances every vulnerable moment and romantic spark, creating a tapestry of emotion that is both tender and compelling. Readers are drawn into their world, experiencing the evolution of their relationship with every heartfelt exchange and stolen glance.

What truly sets this story apart is Kal’s emotional openness, which stands out as a beacon of sincerity and warmth. He falls first, and he falls hard, his genuine affection and unwavering support making him deeply endearing to both Miz and the reader. Kal’s vulnerability and heartfelt gestures add a refreshing depth to his character, highlighting his dedication and the strength of his love. His journey is one of patience and quiet resilience, as he navigates the complexities of his feelings and the challenges of a relationship that begins under pretenses but grows into something undeniably real.

On the other hand, Miz’s fear of commitment introduces relatable tension and emotional complexity. Her internal struggle with vulnerability and her gradual journey toward embracing love are both moving and satisfying. As she confronts her fears and opens her heart, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, witnessing her growth and the transformative power of genuine connection. Miz’s character arc is a testament to the courage it takes to let go of past insecurities and embrace the possibility of true happiness.

"Only Because It’s You" is more than just a romance; it is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and the courage to open one’s heart. Set against the irresistible backdrop of a marriage of convenience, Fisseha crafts a story that’s emotionally resonant and charming, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned. The novel beautifully captures the essence of what it means to grow with someone, to face life’s challenges together, and to find solace and strength in the most unexpected places. Fisseha’s masterful storytelling, rich character development, and emotionally charged narrative make "Only Because It’s You" a compelling and unforgettable read.

I had high hopes for Only Because It's You by Rebecca Fisseha, but unfortunately, the slow start made it difficult for me to connect with the characters. The opening scene, in particular, left me frustrated. The FMC's attachment to an engagement ring that wasn’t hers felt confusing and unnecessary. I kept wondering why this plot point was even needed in the story at all, as it didn’t seem to add value to the narrative or character development.

In the early chapters, I struggled to connect with the characters, especially Kal. His negativity, particularly toward Miz, felt off. Given that they've been friends for 22 years, there should have been a deeper understanding between them. Kal’s behavior made me question whether their friendship was genuine, especially with his harsh treatment of her. While I understand he’s going through his own crisis, it seemed misplaced and threw off the dynamic between them.

I usually enjoy "friends to lovers" tropes or "marriage of convenience" plots, but this one missed the mark for me. The tension didn’t build as I had hoped, and I struggled to stay invested. The closing night scene of Kal’s play showed promise, with potential for playful, flirty banter to allow some chemistry to develop. However, it felt like a bucket of ice was splashed on that moment when Kal received bad news, interrupting any chance of meaningful connection between them.

The writing felt a bit disjointed at times, which made it harder for me to fully immerse myself in the story. However, there were moments where I could see the potential for a more cohesive and engaging narrative.

Overall, while there were some moments of promise, the slow pacing and confusing plot elements left me wishing for a stronger start.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC! There was so much love and the foundation for a great friends to lovers arc, but I just didn’t believe any of it. For me it fell flat and it didn’t sit right for me. I’m an absolutely sucker for friends to lovers, but unfortunately this was not the case with this one.

This is not a new story. It’s been done a million times before where one of the character’s visa expires and they need to marry a friend in orders to stay at their job or stay with their family or whatever the reasoning is. The Friends to Lovers was not believable at all for me. For it to go from neither of them having romantic feelings to Kal being smitten straight away, was rather dramatic and didn’t make sense to me. I understand some people don’t see something until it’s right in front of them, but this was way past that.

What could be a good book with some extra work on the story and the tropes themselves would make this an amazing book. Unfortunately for me, it blends into the background. I so wanted to like this one.

This book was very cute. I personally am a sucker for a friends to lovers trope, and this was definitely a light, easy read which I needed. Rebecca Fisseha’s “Only Because It’s You” follows your female main character, Miz who doesn’t like long term commitments, and your male main character, Kal, who is an aspiring actor who is about to get his big break. He is at risk of being sent back home to Ethiopia from Toronto and needs a sponsor for his citizenship there. Miz and Kal are good friends and Miz doesn’t know what she would do without Kal in her life, so they are faced with one choice; they must get married, just for convenience, with the plan of eventually getting divorced of course. Feelings seem so simple until they aren't anymore. Reading about these two characters navigating their journey together from friends to more was sweet. I love and appreciate the diverse representation in this book as well. Overall I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for anyone who likes the friends to lovers trope, and marriage of convenience. Thank you Rebecca Fisseha, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you so much for Rebecca Fisseha and Penguin Random House for this E-ARC and! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance

⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️

What to expect:
* Marriage of Convenience
* Friends to Lovers
* MCs in their 30s
* She’s afraid to commit
* Childhood besties
* Old-School romance
* Generation Clash
* Late in life wedding


Thoughts: This book was funny and charming and I loved getting to see some Ethiopian representation in a romance book!

Miz and Kal have been friends since they met as teens in Ethiopia. Now they both live in Toronto. Miz is a physiotherapist, she doesn't believe in marriage and ended things with her latest hook up after finding a ring and freaking out. Kal is a stage actor who is at the end of his work visa, and with no prospect of finding a way to stay has accepted his dream is coming to an end.

Miz can't picture her life without Kal and tries to find a way for him to stay and eventually just offers to marry him for papers. They both soon realize there is something between them neither of them expected.

I am notoriously a lover of a fake dating and marriage of convenience stories, but this one did not work for me. I did not root for the couple or feel the chemistry. The writing from page one just did not gel with me. The exploration of Ethiopian culture was the highlight for me. There is a lot of potential for this author to write something I could love in the future but this release just didn't do it for me.

There’s a lot to admire in this debut, but ultimately, it didn’t come together for me — and I ended up not finishing it.

The premise had so much potential. Set between Toronto and Addis Ababa, the story follows Miz and Kal, childhood friends who reconnect years later when Kal moves to Canada. Facing immigration hurdles, Kal asks Miz to marry him in a bid to secure permanent residency — a high-stakes decision that begins to test their relationship and personal boundaries.

I was especially drawn to the way this book integrates Canada’s immigration process into a romance plot. It’s not often you see IRCC forms and visa struggles in contemporary fiction, let alone in a romance. Kwan also threads in generational trauma and cultural expectations with subtlety, particularly around Miz’s upbringing and skewed perception of love.

Unfortunately, the character dynamics didn’t work for me. Miz’s actions felt impulsive and often careless — particularly in crucial moments — which made it hard for me to connect with or root for her. Kal, on the other hand, felt more grounded, but their relationship often read as one-sided and emotionally draining. What could’ve been a thoughtful exploration of friendship evolving into love ended up feeling imbalanced, and that made it hard for me to stay engaged.

While I didn’t finish the book, I still think it had something meaningful to say about identity, immigration, and the messy realities of love. It just didn’t quite land for me personally. I’m giving it 3 stars for the originality and the themes.

It’s crazy how your upbringing and past experiences with love can really shape how you see relationships. Miz, the main girl, is not here for marriage after watching her parents fall apart. Then there’s Kal, Mr. Hopeless Romantic, who fully believes his love life should feel like his parents’ still-sweet marriage. So when their friendship starts tiptoeing into something more? Whew… lines get blurry real quick.

This was a light-hearted read with the kind of funny moments that sneak up on you. I really appreciated seeing how love plays out in different cultural settings, tradition, expectations, and all. It made the story feel even more real and layered.