What do you think?
The Marriage Game
Love never fails…supposedly.
Jill and Max’s love story has already been written. After all, they’ve been married for almost 17 years. That means they're meant to be in the “and they lived happily ever after” stage of things…Only, happily ever after isn’t as happy as Jill expected. Instead, Max is working more than he’s home, she’s become her kids’ chauffeur, date night has all but disappeared, and— oh yeah— she has wrinkles, cellulose, and a pelvic floor that seems determined to give out on her. She’s not exactly living sexily ever after either.
Still, Jill is nothing if not a fighter. Determined to get her marriage back on track, she convinces Max to go on a marriage retreat. But when the keynote speaker at the retreat decides their marriage needs some special attention, Jill and Max both balk at the idea, concerned for their public image and offended by her insinuations about the state of their union. Together they hatch a plan to prove just how wrong she is about their up the PDA, flirt non-stop, and stop fighting.
They’ll only have to play this marriage game for a few days; how hard can it be? Then again, games for two usually end with both players losing their hearts.
Jill and Max’s love story has already been written. After all, they’ve been married for almost 17 years. That means they're meant to be in the “and they lived happily ever after” stage of things…Only, happily ever after isn’t as happy as Jill expected. Instead, Max is working more than he’s home, she’s become her kids’ chauffeur, date night has all but disappeared, and— oh yeah— she has wrinkles, cellulose, and a pelvic floor that seems determined to give out on her. She’s not exactly living sexily ever after either.
Still, Jill is nothing if not a fighter. Determined to get her marriage back on track, she convinces Max to go on a marriage retreat. But when the keynote speaker at the retreat decides their marriage needs some special attention, Jill and Max both balk at the idea, concerned for their public image and offended by her insinuations about the state of their union. Together they hatch a plan to prove just how wrong she is about their up the PDA, flirt non-stop, and stop fighting.
They’ll only have to play this marriage game for a few days; how hard can it be? Then again, games for two usually end with both players losing their hearts.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Max & Jill Bernard
- Dual POV
- Marriage in trouble
- Forced proximity, marriage retreat
- Meddling, supportive sisters & in laws
- Moody teenage children
- Wise counsel
- Christian themes
✨ a few of my fav things:
- Dorothy 😂
- The deep love the sisters have for one another
- Walter being an accomplice 😂
- The very human struggles in a marriage and life
- Horseback riding 🥲
- Reading the reconciliation and forgiveness as characters hearts are softened
- The bonus epilogue 😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 of the Games For Two Series - My heart aches for Max & Jill for so many reasons. Max and Jill’s big realization and their core problems made my heart just ache, on top of their individual struggles and doubts. They are also in dinner books on their marriage after 17 years of marriage.
It brought tears to my eyes reading how Jesus worked on their hearts for their marriage and individually. They both had pride problems in different ways and had to go through HARD work to recognition and repent of their wrong doings.
There is also fun shenanigans throughout the book and sweet flashbacks to the beginnings of their relationship as well. They share so many sweet moments finding their way back to each other.
This is a closed door Christian romcom with just nondescript kissing, no cursing, and innuendo. There are discussions of sex and intimacy in marriage. There are scenes which some may consider fade to black but there are no physical details besides initiating sex. There are faith themes and God’s grace throughout.
Songs:
Stay by Gracie Abrams
POV by Ariana grande
I GUESS IM IN by Clinton Kane
I wanna be the one by benson Boone
A couple minutes by Olivia Dean
Like no one does by Jake Scott
Max & Jill Bernard
- Dual POV
- Marriage in trouble
- Forced proximity, marriage retreat
- Meddling, supportive sisters & in laws
- Moody teenage children
- Wise counsel
- Christian themes
✨ a few of my fav things:
- Dorothy 😂
- The deep love the sisters have for one another
- Walter being an accomplice 😂
- The very human struggles in a marriage and life
- Horseback riding 🥲
- Reading the reconciliation and forgiveness as characters hearts are softened
- The bonus epilogue 😂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 of the Games For Two Series - My heart aches for Max & Jill for so many reasons. Max and Jill’s big realization and their core problems made my heart just ache, on top of their individual struggles and doubts. They are also in dinner books on their marriage after 17 years of marriage.
It brought tears to my eyes reading how Jesus worked on their hearts for their marriage and individually. They both had pride problems in different ways and had to go through HARD work to recognition and repent of their wrong doings.
There is also fun shenanigans throughout the book and sweet flashbacks to the beginnings of their relationship as well. They share so many sweet moments finding their way back to each other.
This is a closed door Christian romcom with just nondescript kissing, no cursing, and innuendo. There are discussions of sex and intimacy in marriage. There are scenes which some may consider fade to black but there are no physical details besides initiating sex. There are faith themes and God’s grace throughout.
Songs:
Stay by Gracie Abrams
POV by Ariana grande
I GUESS IM IN by Clinton Kane
I wanna be the one by benson Boone
A couple minutes by Olivia Dean
Like no one does by Jake Scott
June 27, 2025
I was so looking forward to Max and Jill’s story, and The Marriage Game absolutely delivered. This third novel in Heather Miekstyn’s series can be read as a standalone, but it’s such a rewarding read if you’ve been following the characters from the beginning. What makes this book stand out is its honest and refreshing portrayal of a couple 20 years into marriage—still learning, still growing, still fighting for each other.
This isn’t a love story about falling in love; it’s about staying in love. About rediscovering each other when life, work, and parenting have pulled you in a thousand directions. I loved how real it felt—the fragility of marriage, yes, but also the hope that it’s worth the effort. Jill and Max’s journey to better communication and deeper connection felt raw and honest. One line that really stuck with me was Jill saying, “I don’t want him to defer to me on this. I want him to not want to run in the first place. I want him to choose me and the kids over his career without me asking him to.” That longing to be chosen—freely, fully—is something many readers will relate to.
The book also powerfully critiques our modern obsession with busyness and success. “These days, busy is the new American dream” was a line that hit me hard. Heather Miekstyn challenges us to evaluate what really matters: not achievement, image, or personal ambition, but marriage, family, and faith. The message is clear—God comes first, and when He’s in His rightful place, everything else finds its rhythm.
As in Heather’s other novels, the faith element is beautifully woven in. It’s not preachy—it’s personal, convicting, and deeply encouraging. I found myself moved, especially by Jill’s realisation: “I need to forget about my power and choose God’s power instead… The kingdom I built of my own strength is looking more and more like a lonely, wretched place.” That vulnerability really spoke to me, especially as someone who identifies with Jill’s driven, achiever personality.
And when God speaks to Jill and says, “Stop chasing perfection and chase Me instead,” it felt like a word for me too. This story reminded me to be more present, to appreciate my husband more, and to fight for what really matters.
The Marriage Game is more than a love story—it’s a call to stop striving and start surrendering. A beautiful, grace-filled read that left a lasting impression.
This isn’t a love story about falling in love; it’s about staying in love. About rediscovering each other when life, work, and parenting have pulled you in a thousand directions. I loved how real it felt—the fragility of marriage, yes, but also the hope that it’s worth the effort. Jill and Max’s journey to better communication and deeper connection felt raw and honest. One line that really stuck with me was Jill saying, “I don’t want him to defer to me on this. I want him to not want to run in the first place. I want him to choose me and the kids over his career without me asking him to.” That longing to be chosen—freely, fully—is something many readers will relate to.
The book also powerfully critiques our modern obsession with busyness and success. “These days, busy is the new American dream” was a line that hit me hard. Heather Miekstyn challenges us to evaluate what really matters: not achievement, image, or personal ambition, but marriage, family, and faith. The message is clear—God comes first, and when He’s in His rightful place, everything else finds its rhythm.
As in Heather’s other novels, the faith element is beautifully woven in. It’s not preachy—it’s personal, convicting, and deeply encouraging. I found myself moved, especially by Jill’s realisation: “I need to forget about my power and choose God’s power instead… The kingdom I built of my own strength is looking more and more like a lonely, wretched place.” That vulnerability really spoke to me, especially as someone who identifies with Jill’s driven, achiever personality.
And when God speaks to Jill and says, “Stop chasing perfection and chase Me instead,” it felt like a word for me too. This story reminded me to be more present, to appreciate my husband more, and to fight for what really matters.
The Marriage Game is more than a love story—it’s a call to stop striving and start surrendering. A beautiful, grace-filled read that left a lasting impression.
September 15, 2025
Max & Jill have been married for almost 17 years and they are in a difficult season.
They decide to go on a marriage retreat with her 2 sisters and their husbands. While they are there they pretend they have it all together instead of actually working on their issues. Thankfully, we do get to see them begin communicating with one another and working on things. It was so great to see a Christian couple fight for their marriage. I loved seeing them being honest with one another about how they’re feeling and also laughing and remembering why they fell in love in the first place. This is the final book in this series with the Garza sisters.
Quotes ✨
“If we keep our eyes on Jesus, there’s nothing we can’t get through,”
Strong marriages last because the people in them have a commitment to each other that goes beyond their emotional responses to each other.
“My heart has always been yours, Jill. Your mere existence affects it.”
Content ⚠️
No foul language
Implied intamacy between husband & wife
Multiple mentions of sex life between husband & wife - some innuendos also.
They decide to go on a marriage retreat with her 2 sisters and their husbands. While they are there they pretend they have it all together instead of actually working on their issues. Thankfully, we do get to see them begin communicating with one another and working on things. It was so great to see a Christian couple fight for their marriage. I loved seeing them being honest with one another about how they’re feeling and also laughing and remembering why they fell in love in the first place. This is the final book in this series with the Garza sisters.
Quotes ✨
“If we keep our eyes on Jesus, there’s nothing we can’t get through,”
Strong marriages last because the people in them have a commitment to each other that goes beyond their emotional responses to each other.
“My heart has always been yours, Jill. Your mere existence affects it.”
Content ⚠️
No foul language
Implied intamacy between husband & wife
Multiple mentions of sex life between husband & wife - some innuendos also.
August 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Y’all, I have no words. This book felt important. 🥹
First, MONTANA. Easiest sell in the world. You say Montana, I’m sat. Add a dude ranch and a cute dog and things just keep getting better. 🤭
Second, I love reading about married couples who have already fallen in love and now are fighting for their marriage. Something about it is equal parts challenging and beautiful. Max and Jill were no exception.
There were a lot of hard conversations. Miscommunications. Heartache. Hurt. But also, forgiveness, love, vulnerability, and redemption. And all rooted in a biblical worldview with an emphasis on putting Jesus first. Solid Christian romance right here!
I will say, it read more like a contemporary romance over a rom-com due to the heavier topics. The shenanigans picked up in the last 25% that made me chuckle, but before that it wasn’t your typical rom-com experience. Just my opinion. If you’re looking for light-hearted, this ain’t it.
In short, I loved this way more than I expected to!! It’s really a treaty about fighting for your marriage, investing in your relationship, having open communication. As a single woman, reading this felt like a privilege, a reminder, and an exhortation. Whether you’re singled or married, it’s a good reminder to focus on what truly matters in your relationship—in the hard times, you need to be grounded. Love is worth fighting for. 💛
Content: innuendo; sex is mentioned several times & hinted at happening off screen—they’re a marriage couple with struggles, this is one of those struggle areas but it’s handled with grace and authenticity in a way that isn’t smutty or sleazy or gross or unnecessarily descriptive—still recommend for an ADULT audience
Y’all, I have no words. This book felt important. 🥹
First, MONTANA. Easiest sell in the world. You say Montana, I’m sat. Add a dude ranch and a cute dog and things just keep getting better. 🤭
Second, I love reading about married couples who have already fallen in love and now are fighting for their marriage. Something about it is equal parts challenging and beautiful. Max and Jill were no exception.
There were a lot of hard conversations. Miscommunications. Heartache. Hurt. But also, forgiveness, love, vulnerability, and redemption. And all rooted in a biblical worldview with an emphasis on putting Jesus first. Solid Christian romance right here!
I will say, it read more like a contemporary romance over a rom-com due to the heavier topics. The shenanigans picked up in the last 25% that made me chuckle, but before that it wasn’t your typical rom-com experience. Just my opinion. If you’re looking for light-hearted, this ain’t it.
In short, I loved this way more than I expected to!! It’s really a treaty about fighting for your marriage, investing in your relationship, having open communication. As a single woman, reading this felt like a privilege, a reminder, and an exhortation. Whether you’re singled or married, it’s a good reminder to focus on what truly matters in your relationship—in the hard times, you need to be grounded. Love is worth fighting for. 💛
Content: innuendo; sex is mentioned several times & hinted at happening off screen—they’re a marriage couple with struggles, this is one of those struggle areas but it’s handled with grace and authenticity in a way that isn’t smutty or sleazy or gross or unnecessarily descriptive—still recommend for an ADULT audience
July 5, 2025
I don’t have words for this one. For several reasons.
•It’s a Heather Miekstyn book, and I think I can lay claim to being her biggest fan
•it’s a Christian romcom
•it’s part of the games for two series
•as someone with a less than perfect marriage this one hit home a few times
In this beautiful book Heather lays down some beautiful and amazing advice. Seriously, I’ve read books that felt like parenting manuals, and this one felt like a marriage manual. But in a down to earth fun way.
Shenanigans. There’s nothing like a book with some good shenanigans. And Max and Jill engage in some shenanigans. I’m wondering if it’s a Garza thing? 🤔
In this fabulous read you’ll find hilarious shenanigans, an adorable Aussie, some kisses, a focus on loving like Christ loves, and of course Heather’s trademark banter.
I’m sad for the series to be over, but I can’t wait to see what Heather writes next! Thank you for my ARC copy, and as always for letting me blow up your inbox as I read!
•It’s a Heather Miekstyn book, and I think I can lay claim to being her biggest fan
•it’s a Christian romcom
•it’s part of the games for two series
•as someone with a less than perfect marriage this one hit home a few times
In this beautiful book Heather lays down some beautiful and amazing advice. Seriously, I’ve read books that felt like parenting manuals, and this one felt like a marriage manual. But in a down to earth fun way.
Shenanigans. There’s nothing like a book with some good shenanigans. And Max and Jill engage in some shenanigans. I’m wondering if it’s a Garza thing? 🤔
In this fabulous read you’ll find hilarious shenanigans, an adorable Aussie, some kisses, a focus on loving like Christ loves, and of course Heather’s trademark banter.
I’m sad for the series to be over, but I can’t wait to see what Heather writes next! Thank you for my ARC copy, and as always for letting me blow up your inbox as I read!
July 17, 2025
Another good one
I wanted to knock Jill and Max's heads together for most of the book, but this was so real. It was also hilarious as always. A great ending to this series!
I wanted to knock Jill and Max's heads together for most of the book, but this was so real. It was also hilarious as always. A great ending to this series!
July 5, 2025
4.25⭐️ ARC Review: This book was so refreshing! You rarely find books like this in the closed-door community. Reading about a married couple who are struggling in their marriage and trying to work through it together. It was so realistic. Marriage is hard, and if you’re not working everyday, you can fall into what this couple fell into.
I think this one is my favorite in this series. I related to these characters the most, since I am married myself and have struggled with the same things. But I loved these characters. Mostly Max. They were so real! I was wondering how the marriage game was gonna play out. Like what was the game going to entail. And I thought it was very well done.
I also enjoyed the couple of chapters where it flashed back to their meet cute and the beginning of their marriage. I thought their meet cute was absolutely adorable. I thought the other chapters were crucial for a look into when their marriage started to go downhill and why.
The one thing that bothered me, that actually had a purpose for the plot, was Jill being extremely uncommunicative and wishing Max could read her mind. The funny thing is though, it is a real life struggle in a marriage. So it was necessary for this book. I just couldn’t when she wouldn’t even communicate about him looking nice in a cowboy hat.
I truly loved this and wished there were more books like this in the closed-door community.
*Thank you to author, Heather Miekstyn, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Dual POV
- Older couple (17 years of marriage)
- Marriage in peril
- Marriage retreat
- Closed door romance
- Christian romance
Content 💋:
- Kisses only (fade to black between married couple. Not explicit)
- Mild innuendo
- No language
I think this one is my favorite in this series. I related to these characters the most, since I am married myself and have struggled with the same things. But I loved these characters. Mostly Max. They were so real! I was wondering how the marriage game was gonna play out. Like what was the game going to entail. And I thought it was very well done.
I also enjoyed the couple of chapters where it flashed back to their meet cute and the beginning of their marriage. I thought their meet cute was absolutely adorable. I thought the other chapters were crucial for a look into when their marriage started to go downhill and why.
The one thing that bothered me, that actually had a purpose for the plot, was Jill being extremely uncommunicative and wishing Max could read her mind. The funny thing is though, it is a real life struggle in a marriage. So it was necessary for this book. I just couldn’t when she wouldn’t even communicate about him looking nice in a cowboy hat.
I truly loved this and wished there were more books like this in the closed-door community.
*Thank you to author, Heather Miekstyn, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Dual POV
- Older couple (17 years of marriage)
- Marriage in peril
- Marriage retreat
- Closed door romance
- Christian romance
Content 💋:
- Kisses only (fade to black between married couple. Not explicit)
- Mild innuendo
- No language
July 2, 2025
I adored this book! Heather has become one of my favorite Christian RomCom authors. It was heartwarming and had me laughing so much. Heather is the queen of meet cutes. Jill and Max’s meet cute was hilarious and sweet. It was refreshing to read a story between a married couple that have been together for 20 years. I found the characters the most relatable in the series. Heather perfectly capture how easy it is to become complacent in marriage. Furthermore, how important keeping Christ in the center of marriage. I loved reading Jill and Max’s journey on fixing their marriage. Some of their antics had me laughing 😂 But mostly I love how they ended up seeking the Lord and work of their problems together. The romance was closed door between a married couple and there was a fade to black scene. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend!
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2025
not what I was expecting but def what I needed
I’ve heard people say marriage romance is never as good as a new love romance. This here is a prime example of how wrong they are! It hit me in the feels so hard from the very beginning, I actually had to put it aside for a few days so I could shore myself up to finish. It’s a romcom, no doubt, with tons of humor and outlandish hijinks, but also incredibly filled with substance, truths, hope, and light. So many valuable truth nuggets for a highly independent, recovering perfectionist like me who saw waaaaaay too much of herself in Jill. This whole series has been adorable, but this book in particular is going to stick with me for a long time.
I’ve heard people say marriage romance is never as good as a new love romance. This here is a prime example of how wrong they are! It hit me in the feels so hard from the very beginning, I actually had to put it aside for a few days so I could shore myself up to finish. It’s a romcom, no doubt, with tons of humor and outlandish hijinks, but also incredibly filled with substance, truths, hope, and light. So many valuable truth nuggets for a highly independent, recovering perfectionist like me who saw waaaaaay too much of herself in Jill. This whole series has been adorable, but this book in particular is going to stick with me for a long time.
January 25, 2026
4.5/5 i read this in one sitting
August 12, 2025
I have read and loved all 3 books in this series so far! They can be read as stand alone but I’ve really enjoyed seeing the sisterhood between Hannah, Brooke, and Jill, plus all of their sweet relationships.
Jill and Max have been married for almost 20 years and this story was SO unique and reflective of that! Instead of focusing on a couple falling for each other & getting together, this story focused on the already-married couple who goes to a couples’ retreat. I found this story relatable in the sense that I’m married (although not for nearly as long as Jill & Max) with 2 kids myself, and it just had some really relatable feelings on Jill’s end as a Christian wife. It demonstrated how discontentment and envy can come creeping up on you if you’re not always open and vulnerable with your partner and it also showed how Jill & Max worked through their strengths and weaknesses as a couple together, just giving it all to God.
As always, I really enjoyed the banter, humor, and hilarious group chat texts! I loved seeing all 3 couples from all 3 books together plus our side characters Dorothy and others. The setting was so much fun and I just really appreciated the theme of redemption in love throughout this story.🥰
Jill and Max have been married for almost 20 years and this story was SO unique and reflective of that! Instead of focusing on a couple falling for each other & getting together, this story focused on the already-married couple who goes to a couples’ retreat. I found this story relatable in the sense that I’m married (although not for nearly as long as Jill & Max) with 2 kids myself, and it just had some really relatable feelings on Jill’s end as a Christian wife. It demonstrated how discontentment and envy can come creeping up on you if you’re not always open and vulnerable with your partner and it also showed how Jill & Max worked through their strengths and weaknesses as a couple together, just giving it all to God.
As always, I really enjoyed the banter, humor, and hilarious group chat texts! I loved seeing all 3 couples from all 3 books together plus our side characters Dorothy and others. The setting was so much fun and I just really appreciated the theme of redemption in love throughout this story.🥰
May 28, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This one is probably my favorite.
I think I related to this book the most. I do like it.
“A hard fought ever after is infinitely better.”
Warning: this is not a “spicy” book by a normal standard, however sex is talked about a lot in a marriage. Just be warned!
This one is probably my favorite.
I think I related to this book the most. I do like it.
“A hard fought ever after is infinitely better.”
Warning: this is not a “spicy” book by a normal standard, however sex is talked about a lot in a marriage. Just be warned!
June 27, 2025
The Marriage Game is the third book in the Games for Two series. While I think those who have read the previous books will have a better understanding of the sibling dynamics between Jill and her sisters, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
Oh my goodness, just when I think that Heather's books can't get any better, she just goes right ahead and proves me wrong! (And I've never been happier to be so.) This isn't quite your typical romance book though, focusing on Jill and Max- a couple who have been married for nearly seventeen years. Now, I love romance--- I love seeing couple meet and fall in love for the first time. But having been married for 18 years myself, I know that that is not where the real love story ends. There is something about seeing a couple who has been through life together- the good and the bad- find that spark again that I think is even more beautiful. That was certainly true with these two! (Though I do love the few flashbacks that we get throughout as well... that initial meet-cute... so, so good!) Jill is a character that I think so many women can relate to--- a perfectionist who struggles with feeling beautiful after kids and getting older... which only drew me more into her story. Throw in a slightly overzealous counselor at the marriage retreat they're attending and what's not to love? This was a story that had me absolutely laughing out loud... repeatedly. I loved the scheming, I loved the Montana setting, I loved the millennial pop culture references (a Mary-Kate and Ashley AND a Boy Meets World reference in one book--- YES!), I loved the humor... but I also loved the realness and vulnerability of it all too. And of course, everything always points unapologetically back to Jesus... and I absolutely couldn't get enough! This is another top read for me!
The Marriage Game is a closed-door Christian romance, but does have some innuendo, subtle fade to black/implied intimacy and mention of sex from a Christian perspective/within the context of marriage.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, just when I think that Heather's books can't get any better, she just goes right ahead and proves me wrong! (And I've never been happier to be so.) This isn't quite your typical romance book though, focusing on Jill and Max- a couple who have been married for nearly seventeen years. Now, I love romance--- I love seeing couple meet and fall in love for the first time. But having been married for 18 years myself, I know that that is not where the real love story ends. There is something about seeing a couple who has been through life together- the good and the bad- find that spark again that I think is even more beautiful. That was certainly true with these two! (Though I do love the few flashbacks that we get throughout as well... that initial meet-cute... so, so good!) Jill is a character that I think so many women can relate to--- a perfectionist who struggles with feeling beautiful after kids and getting older... which only drew me more into her story. Throw in a slightly overzealous counselor at the marriage retreat they're attending and what's not to love? This was a story that had me absolutely laughing out loud... repeatedly. I loved the scheming, I loved the Montana setting, I loved the millennial pop culture references (a Mary-Kate and Ashley AND a Boy Meets World reference in one book--- YES!), I loved the humor... but I also loved the realness and vulnerability of it all too. And of course, everything always points unapologetically back to Jesus... and I absolutely couldn't get enough! This is another top read for me!
The Marriage Game is a closed-door Christian romance, but does have some innuendo, subtle fade to black/implied intimacy and mention of sex from a Christian perspective/within the context of marriage.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2025
I'm just going to start by saying I'm obsessed with this series! It's beyond HILARIOUS, and I love that it is a CHRISTIAN Rom-Com! I could relate to soooo many things with in this series!
The Marriage Game was PHENOMENAL! This couple has been married already for 20 ish years! They kind of got stuck into their routine of things and forgot all about the romance of marriage! So it was a fun journey to see them work their way back. And what a hilarious journey it was!!! Heather always has THEE BEST side characters and HILARIOUS moments.
Dog in the Hotel, for example! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The MCs of the story decide to go to a marriage retreat and try to bring fire back into their marriage. And what do you know the speaker of the Marriage retreat decides to make them her pet project!!!
I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THIS SERIES ENOUGH!!! I can't wait to read it again with my daughters someday!!! It was so good!!!
The Marriage Game was PHENOMENAL! This couple has been married already for 20 ish years! They kind of got stuck into their routine of things and forgot all about the romance of marriage! So it was a fun journey to see them work their way back. And what a hilarious journey it was!!! Heather always has THEE BEST side characters and HILARIOUS moments.
Dog in the Hotel, for example! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The MCs of the story decide to go to a marriage retreat and try to bring fire back into their marriage. And what do you know the speaker of the Marriage retreat decides to make them her pet project!!!
I CAN NOT RECOMMEND THIS SERIES ENOUGH!!! I can't wait to read it again with my daughters someday!!! It was so good!!!
July 10, 2025
Happy Release Week to The Marriage Game from Heather !! Sign me up to read everything Miekstyn writes; these books make me LAUGH and swoon and think deeper thoughts about faith. The Marriage Game is not quiiiiite a “second chance/marriage in crisis” story but it is a story about 2 people who are fighting to reprioritize each other and their love for each other and for God. In the midst of parenting and senate races, Jill and Max have lost much of their connection, underscored by Max deciding to run for attorney general because he thinks Jill wants him to, even though she desires the exact opposite. When they’re invited along with her sisters to a marriage retreat at a dude ranch, they decide to embark on a “marriage game” to convince the speaker and everyone around them that they are as madly in love as ever. As the cracks in their relationship become exposed with the intentional time they are given to talk to each other without distractions, Jill and Max come to realize they may need this retreat more than they thought. I enjoyed reading this book and getting more behind the scenes of Jill and Max than we’ve seen in the previous two books. I really appreciate Miekstyn’s strong Christian approach to marriage and relationships. This could technically be read as standalone but will be more enjoyable if you read the first 2-and also you should read the first 2 because they’re amazing reads as well! If you aren’t reading Miekstyn’s books then you need to start asap.
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a review and all opinions expressed above are my own.
April 6, 2026
One of the top reasons couples separate is communication or rather, communication problems, whether poor or nonexistent. This book perfectly portrays a common bad habit in many marriages: expecting your partner to guess how you feel instead of saying it. Being married doesn’t make you a mind reader; you can’t know what someone is thinking, no matter how close you are. On top of that, men and women are fundamentally different and often don’t speak the same “language.” This book captures that very well! Jill and Max have been married for years but are talking less and less. Jill doesn’t express her desires and expects her husband to guess them, while he interprets her words and actions his own way without ever checking if he understood correctly. This leads to misunderstandings and resentment.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that it tells the story of a couple who is already married. Most love stories focus on two people falling in love, as if the beginning phase is the only one worth telling. Showing a couple already married highlights that every stage of a relationship has its beauty. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to look elsewhere, you can restart a thousand times within your own marriage.
I struggled a bit with Jill as a character, though I understand that the author exaggerated certain traits to make a point. Her constant need to maintain appearances, pretending to be a perfect couple to impress someone, even a therapist ?!! who could offer free help to fix her failing marriage was frustrating. But I suppose the fact that she irritated me so much is a sign that she is very well written. Overall, I really enjoyed this read.
What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that it tells the story of a couple who is already married. Most love stories focus on two people falling in love, as if the beginning phase is the only one worth telling. Showing a couple already married highlights that every stage of a relationship has its beauty. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to look elsewhere, you can restart a thousand times within your own marriage.
I struggled a bit with Jill as a character, though I understand that the author exaggerated certain traits to make a point. Her constant need to maintain appearances, pretending to be a perfect couple to impress someone, even a therapist ?!! who could offer free help to fix her failing marriage was frustrating. But I suppose the fact that she irritated me so much is a sign that she is very well written. Overall, I really enjoyed this read.
July 11, 2025
I really enjoy the marriage in crisis trope. I also liked both Max and Jill and thought their issues after 17 years felt realistic. My favorite parts involved these two digging back into their faith and remembering God’s design for their marriage and starting to communicate again. There was a lot to love about this book and these characters.
I think, overall though, the marriage retreat idea was fun, but instead of propelling the relationship forward, it bogged it down a bit. The time they spent at the retreat did force their proximity, but trying to prove to people that they were happy felt more confusing than anything else and seemed to stall genuine growth. Dorothy, the camp’s keynote speaker and therapist was super pushy and kind of obnoxious. She was meant to help this couple gain understanding about their relationship, but honestly it just felt like she was a busy body who overstepped the entire time. Also, I didn’t think the drama around running into Jill’s ex added anything to the story. I think Max and Jill needed to spend time away from their busy schedules and communicate and reconnect, but without all the additional people butting in and making it weird. I think all the extra things hindered them rather than helped them. Overall, I loved the idea, but not the execution. I do think many readers will love this though if they loved books that are closed door, faith filled, and involve a marriage in crisis.
I think, overall though, the marriage retreat idea was fun, but instead of propelling the relationship forward, it bogged it down a bit. The time they spent at the retreat did force their proximity, but trying to prove to people that they were happy felt more confusing than anything else and seemed to stall genuine growth. Dorothy, the camp’s keynote speaker and therapist was super pushy and kind of obnoxious. She was meant to help this couple gain understanding about their relationship, but honestly it just felt like she was a busy body who overstepped the entire time. Also, I didn’t think the drama around running into Jill’s ex added anything to the story. I think Max and Jill needed to spend time away from their busy schedules and communicate and reconnect, but without all the additional people butting in and making it weird. I think all the extra things hindered them rather than helped them. Overall, I loved the idea, but not the execution. I do think many readers will love this though if they loved books that are closed door, faith filled, and involve a marriage in crisis.
July 4, 2025
WOW!!!! This book is simply amazing! The most common storyline involved two people meeting and discovering their love but The Marriage Game is completely opposite. A couple with a perceived perfect marriage gradually displays the effect of pressure being the perfect couple. Heather Miekstyn writes a moving story of journey through turbulent and suppressed emotions to bring forth renewed love and hope.
In previous books in the Game for Two series, Max and Jill's marriage is picture perfect, a model marriage for her sisters to use as an example. The cracks finally can't stay hidden forever and they must work on themselves, come to an understanding of what marriage is truly about, and learning to allow God take center stage in their marriage when they have to go on a marriage retreat.
Dorothy and all other supporting characters really brought life to the story, bringing inspiring nuggets that are worth holding on to. I really enjoyed meeting Brooke, Hannah, Will and Luke again, seeing their growth and seeing how their love wax stronger. I really enjoyed how the author wove serious issues with humor.
Jill and Max learnt the value of communication and putting God at the center of their marriage as well as relying on God and letting go of self sufficiency.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In previous books in the Game for Two series, Max and Jill's marriage is picture perfect, a model marriage for her sisters to use as an example. The cracks finally can't stay hidden forever and they must work on themselves, come to an understanding of what marriage is truly about, and learning to allow God take center stage in their marriage when they have to go on a marriage retreat.
Dorothy and all other supporting characters really brought life to the story, bringing inspiring nuggets that are worth holding on to. I really enjoyed meeting Brooke, Hannah, Will and Luke again, seeing their growth and seeing how their love wax stronger. I really enjoyed how the author wove serious issues with humor.
Jill and Max learnt the value of communication and putting God at the center of their marriage as well as relying on God and letting go of self sufficiency.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 26, 2025
What a wonderful book indeed! It had amusing moments along with many deep and relatable ones as well. So imaginable as the familiar insecurities and conflicts that arise within any relationship; especially marriages that need tending to big time. No matter how much commitment and love there will always be issues regardless that need addressing. A marriage is too important for that and the whole family are vitally important institutions that need the utmost dedication and attending to.
Anyway; it was a satisfying and one with a HEA yes as the spiritual elements woven throughout with mentions of prayer, realizing we are only enough really with Jesus at the center of our marriages, and how he alone needs to be first in our lives. All those true Christian elements were done marvelously as this felt like a bit of a marriage manual so to speak as well as an enjoyable story :) It drove home the words of advice I repeat or write at times if at a bridal shower etc and guests are asked to contribute any suggestions. I tell her to 1) keep room for forgiveness 2) communicate++++ as none of us can reads minds nor did the Lord create us to. 3) have a sense of humour!!
So, a marvelous book for anyone sure; especially middle aged or younger couples as I certainly can recommend it.
Anyway; it was a satisfying and one with a HEA yes as the spiritual elements woven throughout with mentions of prayer, realizing we are only enough really with Jesus at the center of our marriages, and how he alone needs to be first in our lives. All those true Christian elements were done marvelously as this felt like a bit of a marriage manual so to speak as well as an enjoyable story :) It drove home the words of advice I repeat or write at times if at a bridal shower etc and guests are asked to contribute any suggestions. I tell her to 1) keep room for forgiveness 2) communicate++++ as none of us can reads minds nor did the Lord create us to. 3) have a sense of humour!!
So, a marvelous book for anyone sure; especially middle aged or younger couples as I certainly can recommend it.
July 9, 2025
I was a little nervous when I saw that it was about a married couple, but Heather Miekstyn wrote a beautiful story about a couple who have lost their connection and with God’s help they refind it. It had some great moments for laughing and others that were heartfelt and vulnerable.
Jill and Max end up at a marriage retreat, but they don’t want anyone to know anything is wrong. They pretend that they are fine and not in the biggest fight of their marriage. They keep getting pushed to communicate and express their hurts and expectations.
Highlights:
The flashback to when they first met 🥰
Jill and her sisters’ texts
The married flirting!
Dorothy is fantastic
The dog
I love Jill for being driven and a planner but still valuing family.
I love Max for being honorable. I love that he enjoys outdoors and how he reacts when he realizes his daughter is a teenager.
“I do need you, Max. You’re not a necklace or a purse or any other accessory that I could just remove and still have a complete outfit. You’re a coat in December, a hair tie when I’m stuck outside in July,”
This was an ARC all feelings were my own.
Jill and Max end up at a marriage retreat, but they don’t want anyone to know anything is wrong. They pretend that they are fine and not in the biggest fight of their marriage. They keep getting pushed to communicate and express their hurts and expectations.
Highlights:
The flashback to when they first met 🥰
Jill and her sisters’ texts
The married flirting!
Dorothy is fantastic
The dog
I love Jill for being driven and a planner but still valuing family.
I love Max for being honorable. I love that he enjoys outdoors and how he reacts when he realizes his daughter is a teenager.
“I do need you, Max. You’re not a necklace or a purse or any other accessory that I could just remove and still have a complete outfit. You’re a coat in December, a hair tie when I’m stuck outside in July,”
This was an ARC all feelings were my own.
July 9, 2025
“But of course, God isn’t in the business of magic. Miracles, sure. But when it comes to changing tough circumstances, I’d wager a guess that more often than not He doesn’t change them…He changes us.”
This book was everything I wanted in a romance with a married couple. You don’t get a lot of books like this, and I’m so thankful Heather wrote it so I could be blessed by it. I truly believe that when a book confirms that “you’re not the only one” it is a gift and a comfort. I’ve been married 15 years and a lot of the book was so relatable. It reminded me that there are phases in a marriage, and some of them take more work to get through than others. Jill and Max struggled to communicate their needs/feelings and in the craziness of life, that is easy to do. This was the perfect book to remind me that I need to continually grow my relationship with my spouse and God!
💍Christian Romance/Historical Fiction
💍Book 3 in Series
💍Closed Door (Implied Intimacy Between Married Couple/Mild Innuendos)
💍No Swearing
💍CW: Marital Challenges, Death of a Family Pet
This book was everything I wanted in a romance with a married couple. You don’t get a lot of books like this, and I’m so thankful Heather wrote it so I could be blessed by it. I truly believe that when a book confirms that “you’re not the only one” it is a gift and a comfort. I’ve been married 15 years and a lot of the book was so relatable. It reminded me that there are phases in a marriage, and some of them take more work to get through than others. Jill and Max struggled to communicate their needs/feelings and in the craziness of life, that is easy to do. This was the perfect book to remind me that I need to continually grow my relationship with my spouse and God!
💍Christian Romance/Historical Fiction
💍Book 3 in Series
💍Closed Door (Implied Intimacy Between Married Couple/Mild Innuendos)
💍No Swearing
💍CW: Marital Challenges, Death of a Family Pet
January 3, 2026
I absolutely LOVED everything about this final book in this series. I was so excited to see that this book was about igniting the passion into a marriage after it’s been dimmed over time. It’s refreshing to read since most of my books start as a couple in honeymoon phase and that’s all we see! I did enjoy seeing a later in life romance and a marriage that fought for itself with the help of God. This book is heavily faith based with scriptures referenced and more, but it’s totally amazing to see how God can work.
I highly recommend this entire series. This book did not disappoint and I would definitely reread it in the future.
There are mentions of sex on page, but no graphic details. The sex mentioned is between the married couple, so it’s totally acceptable in my opinion.
I highly recommend this entire series. This book did not disappoint and I would definitely reread it in the future.
There are mentions of sex on page, but no graphic details. The sex mentioned is between the married couple, so it’s totally acceptable in my opinion.
September 8, 2025
This whole series has been amazing and it finished out so strong. Reconciled marriage is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. I’m such a sucker for fighting for the marriage instead of going based on feelings/passions, a point driven in hard by this book. And it’s so relatable to anyone who’s married—the insecurity about trying to flirt with your husband and then he misses it completely and you start thinking it’s you. Who hasn’t been there? I loved hearing all Dorothy’s advice and getting to see max and Jill swallow their pride and let Christ be the foundation for their marriage. And without spoiling anything, I have to say, one of my favorite epilogues I’ve read.
December 30, 2025
I need more falling-in-love again, marriage-oriented books and this is a good one to put in the list!!
So many points hit home not gonna lie!
It was amusing, but also kinda exasperating, that spite was how they initially determined they were gonna get through the event hahaha
And Dorothy, the counselor, WAs annoying though lol!
Anyway.
This is very married-life oriented so references and PDA are prevalent.
I appreciated the humor, and giving it all back to God, and the lessons they learned together!!
So many points hit home not gonna lie!
It was amusing, but also kinda exasperating, that spite was how they initially determined they were gonna get through the event hahaha
And Dorothy, the counselor, WAs annoying though lol!
Anyway.
This is very married-life oriented so references and PDA are prevalent.
I appreciated the humor, and giving it all back to God, and the lessons they learned together!!
July 9, 2025
“I love this… I relate to this… why is this so funny?!” -on repeat
A rom-com when the couple are already married doesn’t feel like it makes sense… but Heather nailed it! Jill and Max are very relatable (especially if you’re 41 with a handsome hubby and could possibly use some work on communication, expectations, and seeking God first together in your marriage).
I love how Heather imparts Truth through quirky characters and adds her quick wit all throughout!
And the epilogue… perfection. 😉
A rom-com when the couple are already married doesn’t feel like it makes sense… but Heather nailed it! Jill and Max are very relatable (especially if you’re 41 with a handsome hubby and could possibly use some work on communication, expectations, and seeking God first together in your marriage).
I love how Heather imparts Truth through quirky characters and adds her quick wit all throughout!
And the epilogue… perfection. 😉
November 1, 2025
I thought this book was good, I found it very relatable and showcased a long married relationship well. Similarly to the Dating Game, I wasn’t a huge fan of all the schemes and playing with other people’s emotions. Again, similarly to the second book in this series, I think all the antics lasted too long. I would have loved it if they ended the games halfway through the book and see how the relationship was afterwards. I do like how it was all tied together at the end though, it just stinks that it took almost the whole book to get there.
December 16, 2025
A couple growing apart and struggling go to a marriage retreat were hijinks ensue. A seriously funny romcom that imparts great marital wisdom at the same time. A person can read this book, laugh and be entertained, and also learn ways to strengthen their marriages. An absolutely brilliant book. This is the first book by this author I’ve ever read but I plan to read her other books now as well.
January 7, 2026
What an interesting book! It’s like a marriage self-help book, devotional centered on coming to Jesus, and a romance book all came together. I would have thought it would be boring, too preachy, or have flat characters. Instead it was inspiring and thought provoking- I underlined many passages- and it kept me turning pages the whole time. The characters were well done.
June 30, 2025
I’ve always wondered what a book would look like if the couple was already married and Heather delivered!!
Max and Jill have not made their marriage to each other a priority in their lives but a marriage retreat gives them the perfect chance to fix that…short of. Honestly, the first part made me want to smack some sense into the two of them 😅 Max and Jill have been so focused on Max’s political career and their image that they don’t know how to be real with each other. Thankfully they’ll have to figure it out and it is beautiful!
***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
Max and Jill have not made their marriage to each other a priority in their lives but a marriage retreat gives them the perfect chance to fix that…short of. Honestly, the first part made me want to smack some sense into the two of them 😅 Max and Jill have been so focused on Max’s political career and their image that they don’t know how to be real with each other. Thankfully they’ll have to figure it out and it is beautiful!
***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
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