What do you think?
Rate this book
Married to the Military #1
I'll Be Married for Christmas
Ever been so burned out you become desperate enough to entertain saying ‘yes’ to a fake marriage? Well that’s me, agreeing to be Colonel Justice’s holiday plus-one and wife for the next few months.
He’s my childhood neighbor and almost friend. Now, my faux husband. Our mission? Secure his early Army promotion while offering me a life raft in my sea of chaos.
We’re dressed to impress and schmoozing his superiors this season. He's all polished medals and stern demeanor; I'm the woman no one’s heard of in a designer dress at his side.
Underneath his disciplined, all-business facade, I rediscover the man behind the uniform. Even though we both know this is only part of an agreement, things get complicated.
We never signed up for emotions. I agreed to a contract with a role to play. But as the lines blur, I have to is this love? or simply logistics?
I'll Be Married for Christmas is a closed door romance without implied intimacy.
He’s my childhood neighbor and almost friend. Now, my faux husband. Our mission? Secure his early Army promotion while offering me a life raft in my sea of chaos.
We’re dressed to impress and schmoozing his superiors this season. He's all polished medals and stern demeanor; I'm the woman no one’s heard of in a designer dress at his side.
Underneath his disciplined, all-business facade, I rediscover the man behind the uniform. Even though we both know this is only part of an agreement, things get complicated.
We never signed up for emotions. I agreed to a contract with a role to play. But as the lines blur, I have to is this love? or simply logistics?
I'll Be Married for Christmas is a closed door romance without implied intimacy.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
215 people are currently reading
309 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 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 2, 2026
Slow burn. Fake marriage of convenience. Clean romance.
2.5 stars.
Don’t get me wrong. This was a pleasant read in some ways. A warming Christmas theme. The couple was…well…pleasant. Had minimal conflict outside of the pushing away.
But this book was dull. Like DULL. I thought of not finishing at times. And the text kept rehashing the same mantra of ‘the relationship has a contractual end point,’ ‘he doesn’t want more,’ etc. I felt like I was reading the same paragraph over and over. The characters – all of them – were cardboard cutouts. The reasons for the marriage were unrealistic. Even though some readers shelved this as rom com, there is no humor here.
This book, series, author will resonate with the right reader. At least based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews I found. So, take my opinion with a grain of salt.
A positive spin would be to call this a low stress, Christmas read.
2.5 stars.
Don’t get me wrong. This was a pleasant read in some ways. A warming Christmas theme. The couple was…well…pleasant. Had minimal conflict outside of the pushing away.
But this book was dull. Like DULL. I thought of not finishing at times. And the text kept rehashing the same mantra of ‘the relationship has a contractual end point,’ ‘he doesn’t want more,’ etc. I felt like I was reading the same paragraph over and over. The characters – all of them – were cardboard cutouts. The reasons for the marriage were unrealistic. Even though some readers shelved this as rom com, there is no humor here.
This book, series, author will resonate with the right reader. At least based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews I found. So, take my opinion with a grain of salt.
A positive spin would be to call this a low stress, Christmas read.
December 1, 2023
“It’s business. An agreement. A contract with clauses and an end date. Then I walk into the courthouse and I see her.”
It’s always a great day when Claire Cain comes out with a new book, and this one is just so perfect for the holidays! I was completely in love with the story and characters.
Grace quits her job as a nurse after struggling with some major burnout, and is in need of a place to live.
Justin loves his career in the Army, works nonstop and is focused on advancement.
Cue the meddling mom, and before you know it, you’ve got a fake marriage of convenience taking place.
Justin isn’t thrilled when he finds out his mom has actually proposed to Grace without him knowing about it. She convinces both of them that this will take care of Grace not becoming homeless, and will help Justin be more favorably looked upon, as a married man, for advancement in the army.
Justin is convinced this is all a business arrangement, but when he sees his bride-to-be, something in his heart flips a switch. Something that has nothing to do with logic or convenience. Watching him fall was a delight!
What I loved:
🎄 M.O.M. Network
🎄 Age gap (she’s mid 30’s - he’s 40)
🎄 He was her childhood crush
🎄 Nerdy boy grows up to be handsome hottie
🎄 Justin going from obsessed with work to obsessed with Grace
🎄 One bed
🎄 Closed door
🎄 Military Ball
🎄 Mutual pining
🎄 Epilogue
🎄I LOVED all the Christmas feels of this book… Mistletoe prep, Christmas carols, ice skating, hot chocolate buffet, ‘book flood’ on Christmas Eve, and snickerdoodle cookies. I just wanted to jump in and experience all this festive goodness firsthand.
I’ll Be Married For Christmas is a sweet, funny, and heartwarming story, and one that I look forward to reading over and over again.
It’s always a great day when Claire Cain comes out with a new book, and this one is just so perfect for the holidays! I was completely in love with the story and characters.
Grace quits her job as a nurse after struggling with some major burnout, and is in need of a place to live.
Justin loves his career in the Army, works nonstop and is focused on advancement.
Cue the meddling mom, and before you know it, you’ve got a fake marriage of convenience taking place.
Justin isn’t thrilled when he finds out his mom has actually proposed to Grace without him knowing about it. She convinces both of them that this will take care of Grace not becoming homeless, and will help Justin be more favorably looked upon, as a married man, for advancement in the army.
Justin is convinced this is all a business arrangement, but when he sees his bride-to-be, something in his heart flips a switch. Something that has nothing to do with logic or convenience. Watching him fall was a delight!
What I loved:
🎄 M.O.M. Network
🎄 Age gap (she’s mid 30’s - he’s 40)
🎄 He was her childhood crush
🎄 Nerdy boy grows up to be handsome hottie
🎄 Justin going from obsessed with work to obsessed with Grace
🎄 One bed
🎄 Closed door
🎄 Military Ball
🎄 Mutual pining
🎄 Epilogue
🎄I LOVED all the Christmas feels of this book… Mistletoe prep, Christmas carols, ice skating, hot chocolate buffet, ‘book flood’ on Christmas Eve, and snickerdoodle cookies. I just wanted to jump in and experience all this festive goodness firsthand.
I’ll Be Married For Christmas is a sweet, funny, and heartwarming story, and one that I look forward to reading over and over again.
December 23, 2025
Truly a sucker for the marriage of convenience trope. This one was really cute! I liked both of the characters a lot, and I thought the army wife storyline was really interesting. Claire is a great writer for this genre! She really captures the internal dialogue well.
The jokes were funny, the slow-burn romance was sweet and the pace was just right. I really enjoyed this happy, low-spice romcom to end the Christmas season with.
❗️Content considerations: kisses only but descriptive and with tension, lots of innuendo and descriptive longing
💭Age recommendation: adult
The jokes were funny, the slow-burn romance was sweet and the pace was just right. I really enjoyed this happy, low-spice romcom to end the Christmas season with.
❗️Content considerations: kisses only but descriptive and with tension, lots of innuendo and descriptive longing
💭Age recommendation: adult
December 12, 2025
This was so fun!! Lots of banter and jokes that had me laughing!
December 1, 2023
Claire Cain + Military Romance + Christmas == An absolute joy to read!
No one writes military romance like Claire Cain. The authenticity and realism that Cain brings to her books make military spouses around the world breathe a sigh of relief. And the way she weaves her characters and series into each other is unparalleled. This book was no exception.
Marriages of convenience are not abnormal in the military community, despite how ridiculous it sounds. When childhood friends are reconnected by a meddling mother, it results in an arrangement that meets both of their needs. Or so they think.
As we get to know the main characters, we learn -- as they do -- that there just might be more to their holiday story.
Add this book to your holiday reading list -- or get it for the book lover in your life. You'll thank me later.
No one writes military romance like Claire Cain. The authenticity and realism that Cain brings to her books make military spouses around the world breathe a sigh of relief. And the way she weaves her characters and series into each other is unparalleled. This book was no exception.
Marriages of convenience are not abnormal in the military community, despite how ridiculous it sounds. When childhood friends are reconnected by a meddling mother, it results in an arrangement that meets both of their needs. Or so they think.
As we get to know the main characters, we learn -- as they do -- that there just might be more to their holiday story.
Add this book to your holiday reading list -- or get it for the book lover in your life. You'll thank me later.
November 25, 2023
I loved the rest of Claire’s books so this was a no brainer in reading. I absolutely loved the premise of a burnt out girl needing a place to stay and entering into an unconventional arrangement. As someone who is currently burnt out herself, it sounds so enticing. Add in the Christmas cheer and a very adorable mocha-sugar-loving hero and it’s everything perfect and endearing. Love the clean romance and how it was still steamy without all the added spice. I need more!l
December 20, 2024
4.5⭐️ My first book by Claire Cain and I love her writing style. Factor in she's a military spouse, and this book is a holiday military romance that made me love everything about it. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of her books.
I loved the fact both the FMC and MMC were older and established in their careers. I could totally relate to Grace experiencing burnout in the medical field and wanting a fun, customer service job to give her a break while she figured things out.
I loved the fact both the FMC and MMC were older and established in their careers. I could totally relate to Grace experiencing burnout in the medical field and wanting a fun, customer service job to give her a break while she figured things out.
December 28, 2023
This was a cute, Christmastime read. The plot moved along at a good clip. This was the first book I have read by the author but I’ll definitely be reading more.
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
December 16, 2024
What a sweet Christmas read❤️🎄 I loved it! And, the whole conversation about *NSYNC’s Under My Tree had me laughing out loud😂
December 8, 2023
I like that this book was about two “older” characters finding love. (34yo and 40yo) I liked reading about the trials the two characters had with job burn out and having work consume your whole life. I like the balance that was discussed as well as priorities. This book had a lot of my favorite tropes and a lot sweet moments. An army lawyer is a very interesting career. I love the Christmas scenes, traditions, songs and decorations too!
SPOILERS and book notes:
I like a good acronym. M.O.M NETWORK Mothers Of Military Network Message board. Grace is getting married to a veritable stranger now who is this guy: “To my childhood neighbor and sometimes protector against bullies. To a man who’s seen me at all stages of life, including the bucktoothed pre-braces me, the brutal middle school years, and more than once when I had a crush on him and he was completely clueless.” Aw his name is Justin Justice but she called him JJ growing up. They haven’t seen each other in adulthood though (it’s been at least a decade) His army photo is sooo series though. He is the clean cut war hero type. His name is Lieutenant Colonel Justice. He is a lawyer in the army stationed in DC. He was kind and sweet and nice growing up. But she is six years younger than him. And Grace is a registered nurse working in the US and the UK. But she is burned out. Oh man Justine didn’t know this was an arranged marriage!! It was a scheme by his mom! Oh man their first interaction and second interaction is awkward! But so realistic!! And he is like a cyborg and she is struggling with it! Haha and he is 40 yo and she is 34! She puts up so many decorations in his grey and black plain apartment. And he is so ocd and HATES clutter and mess. Bahaha and the pine needles that fall off the tree! He clenches his jaw and bears it though haha. But it’s a funny joke with them. I love that he admits he has feelings for her and that is why he was avoiding her. And then she admits the same! So now they can date while being married… I love how HORRIBLE jj is at iceskating. It’s hilarious. JJs family celebrate the Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod where everyone gifts each other books on Christmas Eve and you sit around reading it together!! Everyone getting a different book! I love they discuss about putting family before the job. having a good worth ethic and working hard is great! You just need to make sure to put your family first! Put that worth ethic not only to your job, but to the love of your family! Love is a choice! A great apology and acceptance of apology. And I love that the burnt out nurse found a love for work by being the nurse in an elementary school! Great ending with a proposal! And another wedding!! And pregnant! I was so satisfied. This book had 3 different beautiful dress revealing scenes!! Those are the best. It also had one bed. And lots of kisses.
SPOILERS and book notes:
I like a good acronym. M.O.M NETWORK Mothers Of Military Network Message board. Grace is getting married to a veritable stranger now who is this guy: “To my childhood neighbor and sometimes protector against bullies. To a man who’s seen me at all stages of life, including the bucktoothed pre-braces me, the brutal middle school years, and more than once when I had a crush on him and he was completely clueless.” Aw his name is Justin Justice but she called him JJ growing up. They haven’t seen each other in adulthood though (it’s been at least a decade) His army photo is sooo series though. He is the clean cut war hero type. His name is Lieutenant Colonel Justice. He is a lawyer in the army stationed in DC. He was kind and sweet and nice growing up. But she is six years younger than him. And Grace is a registered nurse working in the US and the UK. But she is burned out. Oh man Justine didn’t know this was an arranged marriage!! It was a scheme by his mom! Oh man their first interaction and second interaction is awkward! But so realistic!! And he is like a cyborg and she is struggling with it! Haha and he is 40 yo and she is 34! She puts up so many decorations in his grey and black plain apartment. And he is so ocd and HATES clutter and mess. Bahaha and the pine needles that fall off the tree! He clenches his jaw and bears it though haha. But it’s a funny joke with them. I love that he admits he has feelings for her and that is why he was avoiding her. And then she admits the same! So now they can date while being married… I love how HORRIBLE jj is at iceskating. It’s hilarious. JJs family celebrate the Icelandic tradition called Jolabokaflod where everyone gifts each other books on Christmas Eve and you sit around reading it together!! Everyone getting a different book! I love they discuss about putting family before the job. having a good worth ethic and working hard is great! You just need to make sure to put your family first! Put that worth ethic not only to your job, but to the love of your family! Love is a choice! A great apology and acceptance of apology. And I love that the burnt out nurse found a love for work by being the nurse in an elementary school! Great ending with a proposal! And another wedding!! And pregnant! I was so satisfied. This book had 3 different beautiful dress revealing scenes!! Those are the best. It also had one bed. And lots of kisses.
November 24, 2023
Oh my goodness! I just adored this book. I read it in one day and I did not want to put it down. I love Claire Cain’s books and I was so excited to read this one especially because marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. I’ll Be Married for Christmas is the first book in Claire Cain’s new series, Married to the Military Romances.
I loved Grace and JJ! They were both so fun in different ways and definitely relatable. Grace was burnt out and trying to find meaning in her life. I felt for her as she tried to figure out who she wanted to be and as she started to fall for JJ. I really like Grace and it was cool to read about her finding peace from her job and learning how to rest.
Poor JJ, he was trying his best. But he was more of a workaholic and he didn’t know how to add a wife into his mix of life. I really enjoyed reading about JJ and seeing his side of things. He was trying his best to include Grace into his life and he truly did care for her. It was sweet to read about him falling for her.
The romance was sweet and engaging. I liked how it seemed to fit JJ and Grace. It was nice that they were friends first and then they fell in love. It was fun to see some old characters and meet new ones too.
This was everything that I hoped it would be! I fell in love with the characters and the story. I am so excited to see what will happen next in this series! I’ll Be Married for Christmas is a wonderful book and a must read. I would definitely recommend it! I’ll be Married for Christmas is a closed door contemporary Christmas romantic comedy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I loved Grace and JJ! They were both so fun in different ways and definitely relatable. Grace was burnt out and trying to find meaning in her life. I felt for her as she tried to figure out who she wanted to be and as she started to fall for JJ. I really like Grace and it was cool to read about her finding peace from her job and learning how to rest.
Poor JJ, he was trying his best. But he was more of a workaholic and he didn’t know how to add a wife into his mix of life. I really enjoyed reading about JJ and seeing his side of things. He was trying his best to include Grace into his life and he truly did care for her. It was sweet to read about him falling for her.
The romance was sweet and engaging. I liked how it seemed to fit JJ and Grace. It was nice that they were friends first and then they fell in love. It was fun to see some old characters and meet new ones too.
This was everything that I hoped it would be! I fell in love with the characters and the story. I am so excited to see what will happen next in this series! I’ll Be Married for Christmas is a wonderful book and a must read. I would definitely recommend it! I’ll be Married for Christmas is a closed door contemporary Christmas romantic comedy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
January 17, 2024
This is the first book in the Married to the Military Romances Series and can be read as a standalone, though if you enjoy this one you will be anticipating the rest of the books in the series. The book's blurb is straightforward. I'll Be Married for Christmas is told through Grace and Justin's pov and is a sweet marriage of convenience romance.
After experiencing burn out while working as a nurse, Grace needs a break from that environment but doing so leaves her without a stable job or place to live. When she's presented with the opportunity to enter a marriage of convenience with Justin, she takes it. As a Colonel, Justin is dedicated to his work and wants to continue to receive promotions to be able to retire well when the time comes. Marrying is something that he hadn't thought about but he realizes that marrying Grace could be beneficial for the both of them. As they spend time together as a married couple and get to know each other, it was natural for them to become comfortable with each other and wonder what would happen if they choose to make their marriage a real one.
Because Grace and Justin had their specific motivations, their romance was a slow burn. However, being childhood friends made it easy for them to build upon their shared past. Justin was focused on work and gave a lot of himself to it so being in Grace's company allowed him to loosen up little by little. While he still valued his job, he realized the importance of balance. As for Grace, while she worked through figuring out what she wanted to do regarding her future career, being around Justin helped her to come to a decision. Though they were opposites, they complimented each other well. Their romance was a closed door one consisting of descriptive kissing, a bit of innuendo, and no cursing. Aside from the romance, I enjoyed the side characters. I enjoyed the matchmaking mothers and can't wait to read the next story in this series. Overall, this was a sweet holiday read but it can be enjoyed anytime during the year.
After experiencing burn out while working as a nurse, Grace needs a break from that environment but doing so leaves her without a stable job or place to live. When she's presented with the opportunity to enter a marriage of convenience with Justin, she takes it. As a Colonel, Justin is dedicated to his work and wants to continue to receive promotions to be able to retire well when the time comes. Marrying is something that he hadn't thought about but he realizes that marrying Grace could be beneficial for the both of them. As they spend time together as a married couple and get to know each other, it was natural for them to become comfortable with each other and wonder what would happen if they choose to make their marriage a real one.
Because Grace and Justin had their specific motivations, their romance was a slow burn. However, being childhood friends made it easy for them to build upon their shared past. Justin was focused on work and gave a lot of himself to it so being in Grace's company allowed him to loosen up little by little. While he still valued his job, he realized the importance of balance. As for Grace, while she worked through figuring out what she wanted to do regarding her future career, being around Justin helped her to come to a decision. Though they were opposites, they complimented each other well. Their romance was a closed door one consisting of descriptive kissing, a bit of innuendo, and no cursing. Aside from the romance, I enjoyed the side characters. I enjoyed the matchmaking mothers and can't wait to read the next story in this series. Overall, this was a sweet holiday read but it can be enjoyed anytime during the year.
November 22, 2023
Burned out registered nurse Grace Murphy is going to be in-name-only married to her childhood neighbor Lieutenant Colonel Justin Justice, an Army lawyer stationed in Washington, DC. She will be saved from homelessness, and he will have an escort to the many official functions during the Christmas season. It’s all been arranged quite nicely by his matchmaking mother and her Mothers of Military network.
At first Justin was shocked, but He now sees sees the positive qualities about the alliance and moves forward with moving Grace into his apartment and tying the knot at the local courthouse. Now they are done until the first three-month trial run, which is renewable with both consents. However, the more they get to know each other, the more they feel a palpable attraction, even if they try to deny it. Then they actually admit their feelings for each other and agree to conduct “research” into how to portray a believable marriage. Uh huh.
Claire Cain’s smooth writing style hooks readers into this friends to lovers story with the backdrop of military life in the capital city. Her attention to detail adds depth to both the plot and the characters, and I felt like I was an onlooker into their lives, even when they engage in psychological ping pong.
I absolutely love this story! If you are looking for a sweet, sweet holiday romance, I’ll be Married for Christmas is perfect, so grab a copy, some comfy clothes, your favorite couch, and enjoy!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.
At first Justin was shocked, but He now sees sees the positive qualities about the alliance and moves forward with moving Grace into his apartment and tying the knot at the local courthouse. Now they are done until the first three-month trial run, which is renewable with both consents. However, the more they get to know each other, the more they feel a palpable attraction, even if they try to deny it. Then they actually admit their feelings for each other and agree to conduct “research” into how to portray a believable marriage. Uh huh.
Claire Cain’s smooth writing style hooks readers into this friends to lovers story with the backdrop of military life in the capital city. Her attention to detail adds depth to both the plot and the characters, and I felt like I was an onlooker into their lives, even when they engage in psychological ping pong.
I absolutely love this story! If you are looking for a sweet, sweet holiday romance, I’ll be Married for Christmas is perfect, so grab a copy, some comfy clothes, your favorite couch, and enjoy!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.
December 6, 2023
✨ PRINCEMAN REVIEW ✨
📝 When Justin's mom reaches out to Grace about a faux marriage to her Colonel son, Grace has nothing to lose. After taking a break from nursing, her parents moving and unsure on what to do next, Grace is out of options. Justin needs to make some changes in order to get an advancement in the military. Pretending to have a wife might be just the thing he needs. These two might think they are helping one another out, but could it turn into something real?
What I 🤍:
🎄 Mature MCs (34 & 40)
🎄 Military Romance
🎄 Opposites Attract
🎄 Marriage of Convenience
🎄 Childhood Neighbors
Anything Claire Cain writes, I'll be buying. I'm snuggled into a warm blanket drinking hot cocoa when I read her books. This holiday romance was sweet and heartwarming. Grace is a burned out nurse, who is trying to figure out what's next for her. Justin is a workaholic, mama's boy! Together, they seem to really balance one another out.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steaminess: 🔥 (Kisses Only)
Read If ➡️: You enjoy sweet, feel-good romances.
Read 📅: Christmas Time!🎄
CW ⚠️: Job Burnout, Being Single in 30s-40s
This is the PERFECT book to read in front of family during the holidays...no embarrassing scenes! 😉 If you want a SLOW burn, closed door with only kissing, this is for you! At times I wanted to yell at Grace & Justin to just TALK about their feelings, but that's part of the mutual pining component of this book.
🙏 Thank you so much to Claire Cain for an advanced copy of this book! I'll Be Married for Christmas is out now and available on KU.
📝 When Justin's mom reaches out to Grace about a faux marriage to her Colonel son, Grace has nothing to lose. After taking a break from nursing, her parents moving and unsure on what to do next, Grace is out of options. Justin needs to make some changes in order to get an advancement in the military. Pretending to have a wife might be just the thing he needs. These two might think they are helping one another out, but could it turn into something real?
What I 🤍:
🎄 Mature MCs (34 & 40)
🎄 Military Romance
🎄 Opposites Attract
🎄 Marriage of Convenience
🎄 Childhood Neighbors
Anything Claire Cain writes, I'll be buying. I'm snuggled into a warm blanket drinking hot cocoa when I read her books. This holiday romance was sweet and heartwarming. Grace is a burned out nurse, who is trying to figure out what's next for her. Justin is a workaholic, mama's boy! Together, they seem to really balance one another out.
Prince's Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steaminess: 🔥 (Kisses Only)
Read If ➡️: You enjoy sweet, feel-good romances.
Read 📅: Christmas Time!🎄
CW ⚠️: Job Burnout, Being Single in 30s-40s
This is the PERFECT book to read in front of family during the holidays...no embarrassing scenes! 😉 If you want a SLOW burn, closed door with only kissing, this is for you! At times I wanted to yell at Grace & Justin to just TALK about their feelings, but that's part of the mutual pining component of this book.
🙏 Thank you so much to Claire Cain for an advanced copy of this book! I'll Be Married for Christmas is out now and available on KU.
December 2, 2023
JJ and Grace were next door neighbours growing up and although there was an age gap, JJ always looked out for Grace. Now it’s Grace’s turn to step in and help JJ get the promotion by getting married and acting as his wife at work functions. What they don’t know is that JJ’s mom is also playing matchmaker behind the scenes.
This was such a fun read! We’re big fans of pining and this book had a lot of it. While Grace and JJ start off as strangers (sort of), they have an attraction for each other right away. They don’t want to rock the boat and keep it to themselves until the pining just breaks them. Pretty quickly the workaholic hero starts seeing that work isn’t everything and the tired nurse who doesn’t know what to do next starts to find her happy. All while falling in love!
If you read I’ll be Married for Christmas and love it like us, then make sure to tell Claire because she did hint that this could be book one in a three book series. Let’s make it happen book friends!
Many thanks to @clairecainwriter for the e-book ARC in exchange for our honest review. I’ll Be Married for Christmas comes out TODAY Dec 1st, 2023!
Read if you like:
▪️Marriage of Convenience
▪️Military romance
▪️Work obsessed hero + burnt out nurse heroine
▪️Only one bed
▪️Closed door romance
This was such a fun read! We’re big fans of pining and this book had a lot of it. While Grace and JJ start off as strangers (sort of), they have an attraction for each other right away. They don’t want to rock the boat and keep it to themselves until the pining just breaks them. Pretty quickly the workaholic hero starts seeing that work isn’t everything and the tired nurse who doesn’t know what to do next starts to find her happy. All while falling in love!
If you read I’ll be Married for Christmas and love it like us, then make sure to tell Claire because she did hint that this could be book one in a three book series. Let’s make it happen book friends!
Many thanks to @clairecainwriter for the e-book ARC in exchange for our honest review. I’ll Be Married for Christmas comes out TODAY Dec 1st, 2023!
Read if you like:
▪️Marriage of Convenience
▪️Military romance
▪️Work obsessed hero + burnt out nurse heroine
▪️Only one bed
▪️Closed door romance
December 10, 2023
RN Grace Murphy is burnt out from her job. She has returned to the area where she grew up, but her parents have sold their house and are on a cruise around the world. When her former neighbor hears of this, she decides to do some match-making for her son, Justin, a lieutenant colonel and lawyer for the US Army who spends too much time on his job. He can provide a safe place for Grace to stay, and Grace can accompany him to his many upcoming social engagements.
The two of them know each other as childhood neighbors. Why not help each other through a marriage of convenience? The agreement commits them to just a few months together, but will they move on after that time is up?
I really enjoyed this story. It flows well, and is a great combination of funny, awkward moments, misunderstandings, and sweetness. Both main characters experience growth, and I could empathize with the challenges they faced. There is also an excellent cast of supporting characters, including people and places from other series by the author.
Claire Cain's writing has a way of drawing in the reader, and this book is no exception. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The two of them know each other as childhood neighbors. Why not help each other through a marriage of convenience? The agreement commits them to just a few months together, but will they move on after that time is up?
I really enjoyed this story. It flows well, and is a great combination of funny, awkward moments, misunderstandings, and sweetness. Both main characters experience growth, and I could empathize with the challenges they faced. There is also an excellent cast of supporting characters, including people and places from other series by the author.
Claire Cain's writing has a way of drawing in the reader, and this book is no exception. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 6, 2023
Grace's life is not how she planned or expected it to be, and she knows she needs something different but isn't quite sure what that looks like. Justin's life in the military is exactly how he planned and expected, and he isn't really wanting anything different. In steps Justin's mother who, unknowingly to him, sets up these former neighbors as soon to be Mr. and Mrs. The marriage gives Grace stability while she figures her life out. The marriage gives Justin brownie points for an upcoming promotion in the Army. This major change turns out to be what they both needed, but didn't expect.
This was another AMAZING book by Claire Cain!! The details of the holidays, her personal touches from her own experiences from military life, her tie-ins to other book's she has written... it is perfection! A definite sweet read that will give you all the lovely holiday feels and happy endings!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review!
This was another AMAZING book by Claire Cain!! The details of the holidays, her personal touches from her own experiences from military life, her tie-ins to other book's she has written... it is perfection! A definite sweet read that will give you all the lovely holiday feels and happy endings!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review!
January 4, 2025
"The defensiveness isn’t hidden from her tone in the slightest, and the way she pulls back her shoulders makes me want to… I don’t know. It just sort of makes me want."
This was a really sweet romcom. I am not a romcom reader, I read a lot of sci-fi and high fantasy, not often romantasy though it makes its way in, but this was my first modern romance in a long time and it was SO nice! Claire's writing is really entertaining and the banter was top notch. The inner monologuing was elite and I didn't often get pulled out of the story.
Was everything a little too convenient? Yes.
Was the circumstance a little stretched? Yes.
Was the romance a little cringe? No actually.
And that's why I liked it. They were leagues more real than any romantasy I've read and their communication was believable and many times a lot more forthright than I was expecting! Cain knows how to write believable circumstances in unbelievable as circumstance and I for one can't wait to read more from her whenever I'm in a slump or need something light.
For a romcom I feel like for me it was a four star. I think the thing that keeps it from a five is the repetitive nature of their feelings. We as the reader didn't need to be reminded of their circumstances so often. That said I walk away with a new appreciation for the modern romance.
Thanks @readbykara for the perfect rec!
"The sure movement of his hands, the loose grip, the evidence of his health and hydration in the supple veins on the back of his hand that tell me he’d be an easy stick, and the smooth skin of his inner wrist… am I a vampire?"
This was a really sweet romcom. I am not a romcom reader, I read a lot of sci-fi and high fantasy, not often romantasy though it makes its way in, but this was my first modern romance in a long time and it was SO nice! Claire's writing is really entertaining and the banter was top notch. The inner monologuing was elite and I didn't often get pulled out of the story.
Was everything a little too convenient? Yes.
Was the circumstance a little stretched? Yes.
Was the romance a little cringe? No actually.
And that's why I liked it. They were leagues more real than any romantasy I've read and their communication was believable and many times a lot more forthright than I was expecting! Cain knows how to write believable circumstances in unbelievable as circumstance and I for one can't wait to read more from her whenever I'm in a slump or need something light.
For a romcom I feel like for me it was a four star. I think the thing that keeps it from a five is the repetitive nature of their feelings. We as the reader didn't need to be reminded of their circumstances so often. That said I walk away with a new appreciation for the modern romance.
Thanks @readbykara for the perfect rec!
"The sure movement of his hands, the loose grip, the evidence of his health and hydration in the supple veins on the back of his hand that tell me he’d be an easy stick, and the smooth skin of his inner wrist… am I a vampire?"
January 4, 2024
What a fun read!
Grace did not realize she was burned out before she agreed to a 3 year nursing term in the U.K. After pushing through year two, she just couldn't stomach doing the third, so she quit and moved back to the U.S. Unfortunately, she doesn't have a soft place to land but a childhood friend's mother has a solution...marry her son. However, said son, Justin, is unaware of the plan and thinks he is lining up a job for her.
Claire Cain does an awesome job of weaving humor & seriousness to create a well rounded story with characters that feel real and that you wish you knew in real life. And the kisses, oh my the kisses! All the heat without the steam!
I can't wait to read Gruff & Andy's story! I know it will be a hoot!
I received an advanced review copy courtesy of the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
Grace did not realize she was burned out before she agreed to a 3 year nursing term in the U.K. After pushing through year two, she just couldn't stomach doing the third, so she quit and moved back to the U.S. Unfortunately, she doesn't have a soft place to land but a childhood friend's mother has a solution...marry her son. However, said son, Justin, is unaware of the plan and thinks he is lining up a job for her.
Claire Cain does an awesome job of weaving humor & seriousness to create a well rounded story with characters that feel real and that you wish you knew in real life. And the kisses, oh my the kisses! All the heat without the steam!
I can't wait to read Gruff & Andy's story! I know it will be a hoot!
I received an advanced review copy courtesy of the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
December 29, 2025
This was my first book by Claire Cain and I can’t wait to dive into her backlist! This story was so great and does not need to be read at Christmas time.
Grace needs a place to live while she figures out her next steps in life and Justin needs a wife to look good before the promotion board. They decide to get married temporarily and solve both problems. Can these opposites find love and have a merry Christmas?
Highlights:
The wedding lunch - real connection
The Christmas ball!! 💃💋
Christmas Eve book flood
I love Grace for her drive to help those around her. I love her creativity and festive joy.
I love Justin for being supportive. I love his calmness in situations.
“there’s a not-small part of my brain and body that are both reliving the quick second of our kiss and rearranging everything in my life to make sure I can do it again.”
Grace needs a place to live while she figures out her next steps in life and Justin needs a wife to look good before the promotion board. They decide to get married temporarily and solve both problems. Can these opposites find love and have a merry Christmas?
Highlights:
The wedding lunch - real connection
The Christmas ball!! 💃💋
Christmas Eve book flood
I love Grace for her drive to help those around her. I love her creativity and festive joy.
I love Justin for being supportive. I love his calmness in situations.
“there’s a not-small part of my brain and body that are both reliving the quick second of our kiss and rearranging everything in my life to make sure I can do it again.”
November 26, 2023
Such a cute holiday read as it encompasses Thanksgiving through New Years.
Grace is back home after having been a nurse in the UK the last several years and is burnt out. Her parents have sold her childhood home and are traveling, so she has found herself down on her luck but then her childhood crushes' mom comes up with a plan to help them both while matchmaking. Her son, JJ, is apparently needing to be married for consideration for his Army promotion, a 20 year veteran, he's by the book and married to his job, which has left him no time to wife hunt.
Is this a match made in true love fashion or just a contract that will end in a few months?
Enjoy this fun, quick holiday romantic comedy with plenty of laugh out loud moments and moments of warm fuzzy love.
Grace is back home after having been a nurse in the UK the last several years and is burnt out. Her parents have sold her childhood home and are traveling, so she has found herself down on her luck but then her childhood crushes' mom comes up with a plan to help them both while matchmaking. Her son, JJ, is apparently needing to be married for consideration for his Army promotion, a 20 year veteran, he's by the book and married to his job, which has left him no time to wife hunt.
Is this a match made in true love fashion or just a contract that will end in a few months?
Enjoy this fun, quick holiday romantic comedy with plenty of laugh out loud moments and moments of warm fuzzy love.
December 1, 2023
No surprise here, I always love Claire Cain's books! This marriage of convenience rom-com was so much fun! As always, she's packed this book full of emotions & heart, but wrapped up in a bit lighter package than her usual series. I mean, a sort of stuffy military lawyer fumbling around on ice skates? Who wouldn't love that?
I loved how she brought Justin and Grace together through his meddling mother (and that we'll have more of these in future Christmases!). The ridiculousness of the opening scene was so good. But the best parts are all the little ways the couple realize they're in this fake marriage deeper than they ever expected to be.
My only complaint is having to wait a year for the next couple!!
closed door
I loved how she brought Justin and Grace together through his meddling mother (and that we'll have more of these in future Christmases!). The ridiculousness of the opening scene was so good. But the best parts are all the little ways the couple realize they're in this fake marriage deeper than they ever expected to be.
My only complaint is having to wait a year for the next couple!!
closed door
December 2, 2023
Justin and Grace agree to a marriage of convenience with a contracted 3 month end date. Justin believes being married will help him advance to Colonel in the Army. Grace, a burned out registered nurse, needs a place to live while she regroups.
I had a little trouble getting into this story but I'm very glad I didn't give up. It was delightful reading how both Justin and Grace came to realize they were in love with each other. But what about the legal contract they both agreed to and signed? What happens at the end of 3 months?
This is a clean, inspirational romance. I recommend it for anyone but especially if you like the marriage of convenience trope.
I was given an ARC of this story from the author but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.
I had a little trouble getting into this story but I'm very glad I didn't give up. It was delightful reading how both Justin and Grace came to realize they were in love with each other. But what about the legal contract they both agreed to and signed? What happens at the end of 3 months?
This is a clean, inspirational romance. I recommend it for anyone but especially if you like the marriage of convenience trope.
I was given an ARC of this story from the author but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.
December 11, 2023
Grace is a nurse who just returned from 2 years in the UK. She is burned out and just looking to land somewhere until she can figure out what she wants to do next. When she returns home, she finds that her parents have sold her childhood home and are going on a year long cruise. Grace grew up next door to the Justice family. When Mrs. Justice finds out that she will soon be homeless as well as jobless, she suggests that Grace and Justin (her son) have a fake marriage. Justin is a Lt Col in the Army and being married will help his chances of promotion. Plus, mom wants to see her son married. So Grace and JJ marry. As they get to know each other again, they find that they can be friends and so much more. Fun, sweet book.
January 14, 2024
I’ll Be Married for Christmas
What a fun and enjoyable story. After suffering burnout as a nurse working overseas, Grace returns home to find her parents had sold their home to go on an extended cruise and she had no where to live. When Mrs. Justice, her childhood neighbor, proposed she marry her son to help further his career in the military, she agreed. Grace had a crush on him back then but their age difference made him see her as only a child. The surprise is on Justin. He was prepared to introduce her to a friend at the state department for a job interview, not marry her. After the initial shock wore off they did enter into a marriage of convenience. Will they be able to keep their hearts from getting tangled up in love to go their separate ways as planned?
What a fun and enjoyable story. After suffering burnout as a nurse working overseas, Grace returns home to find her parents had sold their home to go on an extended cruise and she had no where to live. When Mrs. Justice, her childhood neighbor, proposed she marry her son to help further his career in the military, she agreed. Grace had a crush on him back then but their age difference made him see her as only a child. The surprise is on Justin. He was prepared to introduce her to a friend at the state department for a job interview, not marry her. After the initial shock wore off they did enter into a marriage of convenience. Will they be able to keep their hearts from getting tangled up in love to go their separate ways as planned?
November 23, 2023
👗🪖What a beautiful story of two people thrown together and ending up figuring out that they were meant to be together forever! The storyline captures your interest right away as it unfolds through the reflective - sometimes funny and sometimes serious - points of view of the main characters. The author has a gift of getting the reader to connect with the characters in such a way that you find yourself crossing your fingers and holding on for the glorious moment when the stars align and your favorite new book friends find their happily ever after! This is a well written sweet romance that I highly recommend! 🪖👗
December 1, 2023
I'll Be Married for Christmas was about Grace who has had a crush on her childhood neighbor all her life and that is why a fake marriage proposal from his mom to save herself from homelessness sound's like a good solution especially since she is jobless too. Here is the catch though Justin her childhood neighbor does not know they are getting married. This book was such a sweet book with feelings, commitment and a forever love. The book did not disappoint and this author never does. Highly recommend especially to people who like romance books. Thank you to the author for the book in exchange of my honest review.
December 6, 2023
Can I give a book 10 stars? In I’ll Be Married For Christmas Claire Cain uses her signature slow-burn/ character growth trajectory style to write a wonderful story. The holiday season is the background in this story and provides a nice timeline to the growth of the relationship between Grace and Justin. I love how the author manages to pull in hints to her previous stories (it’s a good thing I own them all- I can refer back to the earlier stories and refresh my memory). My favorite part? The comic relief provided by the very many guesses Grace has for Justin’s real name. Can’t wait to read the next one- Gruff- Andy’s coming for you!
Read
December 27, 2023DNF at 27%. I really wanted to love it. I’m a fan of military romance. Throw that in with a fake marriage and Christmastime, and I was super excited. But the writing just didn’t flow for me.
Justin Justice wasn’t a funny name for an MC, but just made Justin feel even more lame. This man was also 40 and yet the writer had him acting like an 11 year old boy. The opening chapter was too voicey that it became obnoxious. I know authors want to pull readers in early, but there *should* be some composure to prose for it to be taken seriously.
There were parts I liked and those kept me going, but ultimately, it all just felt too clunky and unbelievable for me to finish reading.
Justin Justice wasn’t a funny name for an MC, but just made Justin feel even more lame. This man was also 40 and yet the writer had him acting like an 11 year old boy. The opening chapter was too voicey that it became obnoxious. I know authors want to pull readers in early, but there *should* be some composure to prose for it to be taken seriously.
There were parts I liked and those kept me going, but ultimately, it all just felt too clunky and unbelievable for me to finish reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews