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Married to the Military #3
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays
What happens in Vegas with your childhood best friend should stay in Vegas... right?
But when you find out you’re still married to the gorgeous soldier who ghosted you? ’Tis the season for a marriage of convenience with your unrequited love.
Because the man—unfairly handsome as ever—shows up out of nowhere announcing we're still married, and he needs me to keep up appearances or risk the career he’s worked so hard for.
Staying married would help keep my family’s expectations for my love life at bay—I can attend a military Christmas ball dressed to the nines and fake being his wife when we’re just friends, can’t I? Except I haven’t felt very friendly toward Colin Vicente in a long time.
But how am I supposed to resist him snuggling an adopted cat, or opening up to me in ways he never has before? He’s still that kind, thoughtful person I’ve always known.
At this point, I can't help but hope for a Christmas miracle and that just maybe this time I'll get to keep him all year long.
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is the third book in the Married to the Military romance series, but can be read as a stand alone.
But when you find out you’re still married to the gorgeous soldier who ghosted you? ’Tis the season for a marriage of convenience with your unrequited love.
Because the man—unfairly handsome as ever—shows up out of nowhere announcing we're still married, and he needs me to keep up appearances or risk the career he’s worked so hard for.
Staying married would help keep my family’s expectations for my love life at bay—I can attend a military Christmas ball dressed to the nines and fake being his wife when we’re just friends, can’t I? Except I haven’t felt very friendly toward Colin Vicente in a long time.
But how am I supposed to resist him snuggling an adopted cat, or opening up to me in ways he never has before? He’s still that kind, thoughtful person I’ve always known.
At this point, I can't help but hope for a Christmas miracle and that just maybe this time I'll get to keep him all year long.
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is the third book in the Married to the Military romance series, but can be read as a stand alone.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2025
33 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 16, 2025
“More than that, on a soul-deep level, I think I know it’s always going to be her for me.”
This is my first Christmas Read of the Season and it’s Claire, so I knew I’d love it 🤣! Also I’m beginning to really like friends to lovers (😱 who am I?). Anyways, this book had lots of cute moments, and I really liked the dynamic between the two characters. I adored the fact that they both came from such different families, but they were able to support and love each other. It was fun to see the characters from the other two books, and as always I’m excited to see if we will get another book to the series!
🎄Contemporary Romance/ Romcom
🎄Book 3 in Series/Can Standalone
🎄Closed Door
🎄Mild Infrequent Swearing (No F Words)
This is my first Christmas Read of the Season and it’s Claire, so I knew I’d love it 🤣! Also I’m beginning to really like friends to lovers (😱 who am I?). Anyways, this book had lots of cute moments, and I really liked the dynamic between the two characters. I adored the fact that they both came from such different families, but they were able to support and love each other. It was fun to see the characters from the other two books, and as always I’m excited to see if we will get another book to the series!
🎄Contemporary Romance/ Romcom
🎄Book 3 in Series/Can Standalone
🎄Closed Door
🎄Mild Infrequent Swearing (No F Words)
November 25, 2025
I was delighted to discover that Claire Cain had released another book in her Married to the Military series. "Married Christmas, Happy Holidays" drew me in immediately, combining some of my favourite elements—Christmas and the marriage of convenience trope.
This is the third instalment in the series, and it centres on Janie and Colin, who, after imbibing a little too much, find themselves married. They had the marriage annulled (or so they thought!) but years later circumstances force them to retain their marital status for convenience only. Both Janie and Colin have strong personalities, yet they are vulnerable and uncertain in their own ways. Their history as childhood friends adds depth to their journey, as they work through their past while striving to treat each other with kindness.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Janie and Colin throughout the story. Colin faces the challenge of confronting his feelings about his father and his fear of inadequacy, while Janie must decide whether she is willing to take a risk with Colin. Their emotional struggles made them feel authentic, and I found myself rooting for them as they navigated the complexities of their relationship.
Colin’s family is delightful, and I am particularly hopeful that his sister will have her own book in the future. Similarly, his friend Josh stands out as a character deserving of his own story. The vibrant cast of side characters in Claire Cain’s novels always leaves me wanting more, and "Married Christmas, Happy Holidays" is no exception.
The cats in the story are an absolute highlight. Their interactions with Janie and Colin add charm and warmth, making the book even more enjoyable.
Janie and Colin are wonderfully real characters, and I found myself cheering them on as they worked to define their relationship amidst the challenges they faced. "Married Christmas, Happy Holidays" is a heartwarming addition to Claire Cain’s series, filled with memorable characters and festive spirit.
This is the third instalment in the series, and it centres on Janie and Colin, who, after imbibing a little too much, find themselves married. They had the marriage annulled (or so they thought!) but years later circumstances force them to retain their marital status for convenience only. Both Janie and Colin have strong personalities, yet they are vulnerable and uncertain in their own ways. Their history as childhood friends adds depth to their journey, as they work through their past while striving to treat each other with kindness.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Janie and Colin throughout the story. Colin faces the challenge of confronting his feelings about his father and his fear of inadequacy, while Janie must decide whether she is willing to take a risk with Colin. Their emotional struggles made them feel authentic, and I found myself rooting for them as they navigated the complexities of their relationship.
Colin’s family is delightful, and I am particularly hopeful that his sister will have her own book in the future. Similarly, his friend Josh stands out as a character deserving of his own story. The vibrant cast of side characters in Claire Cain’s novels always leaves me wanting more, and "Married Christmas, Happy Holidays" is no exception.
The cats in the story are an absolute highlight. Their interactions with Janie and Colin add charm and warmth, making the book even more enjoyable.
Janie and Colin are wonderfully real characters, and I found myself cheering them on as they worked to define their relationship amidst the challenges they faced. "Married Christmas, Happy Holidays" is a heartwarming addition to Claire Cain’s series, filled with memorable characters and festive spirit.
October 30, 2025
This Christmas romcom follows Janie, a 32-year old interior designer, who’s best childhood friend, Colin, ghosted her after graduating high school. After 10 years, they encounter one another again at the wedding of mutual friends in Vegas. Both still smitten, they have a bit too much to drink and get married on a whim, and Colin leaves again. 5 years later, they discover they are still legally married because a meddling mother didn’t submit the divorce paper. With his next career movie on the line, Colin persuades a reluctant and hurt Janie to keep the marriage in tact. Convinced she can keep her heart from getting hurt, Janie agrees. But with undeniable love, Christmas holiday dates, thoughtful conversations, and a couple of cat brothers, they finally accept that love is worth the risk.
I really enjoyed this sweet holiday read from Claire’s Married to the Military series. Seeing Andy and Will in this book happy and in love was fun. Janie and Colin were so cute together, and Colin’s thoughtfulness was so appreciated by her. I loved that Janie chose forgiveness & decided to really give Colin a chance. He had to realize his own worth outside of others’ opinions, and once he did, he showed up so well for Janie and their kitties! 🥰
Marriage of convenience is a really cool trope, and their forced proximity was a really great situation to work with to bring them together! I’m so excited to see what the final installment of this series will bring. 🤭😏 (I know I’ll enjoy that one too!🤩)
I really enjoyed this sweet holiday read from Claire’s Married to the Military series. Seeing Andy and Will in this book happy and in love was fun. Janie and Colin were so cute together, and Colin’s thoughtfulness was so appreciated by her. I loved that Janie chose forgiveness & decided to really give Colin a chance. He had to realize his own worth outside of others’ opinions, and once he did, he showed up so well for Janie and their kitties! 🥰
Marriage of convenience is a really cool trope, and their forced proximity was a really great situation to work with to bring them together! I’m so excited to see what the final installment of this series will bring. 🤭😏 (I know I’ll enjoy that one too!🤩)
October 16, 2025
They grew up together as best friends. He was in love with her, but has never felt like he'd ever be in her league. Her family is wealthy, and snobbish, his father is a convicted felon and his mom a struggling single parent. She's always loved Colin though, and could never understand why he cut off all communication with her after he went to the academy. Now, after 10 years, he shows up at mutual friends "destination wedding" in Vegas, and is Janie's escort. What!? His first words to her, "Hey, CP." His nickname for her. Like 10 years hasn't gone by without a word?
So, how in the world do they end up MARRIED? Read it. It's so good.
These two have that "meant for each other" thing going. They just can't seem to get their timing right. When he returns again after another five years, he's actually now living locally, and they find out that they're STILL married. (They were both under the mistaken impression that the marriage had been annulled.)
Such a fun read. His mom is part of the meddling moms group chat, so more fun with the text exchanges from the moms.
They're going to get it annulled now, but first, they could both use a marriage of convenience just through the holidays. How will they keep their hearts out of it?
Another great read from Claire Cain. Her characters are always so relatable. Enjoy!
I was gifted an ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I happily provide here.
So, how in the world do they end up MARRIED? Read it. It's so good.
These two have that "meant for each other" thing going. They just can't seem to get their timing right. When he returns again after another five years, he's actually now living locally, and they find out that they're STILL married. (They were both under the mistaken impression that the marriage had been annulled.)
Such a fun read. His mom is part of the meddling moms group chat, so more fun with the text exchanges from the moms.
They're going to get it annulled now, but first, they could both use a marriage of convenience just through the holidays. How will they keep their hearts out of it?
Another great read from Claire Cain. Her characters are always so relatable. Enjoy!
I was gifted an ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I happily provide here.
October 28, 2025
4.5 stars
I was ecstatic to see that there was another book in this series! This book had everything that I loved, Christmas and marriage of conveniences. Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is the third book in Claire Cain’s Married to the Military series.
Janie and Colin got married on a whim but they didn’t expect to stay married. I loved getting to know both of these characters. They were both so strong but scared at the same time. They had been close childhood friends but life had taken them separate places. I liked the progression of their relationship. They had a lot of history to unpack but they were trying to still be kind to each other. Colin had to learn to overcome his feelings regarding his dad and his fears of not being enough. Janie had to see if she was willing to take a risk with Colin.
I adored Colin’s family and I hope his sister gets her own book! His friend, Josh, also needs a book. These characters draw you in and before you know it, you are hoping that basically every Claire Cain side characters gets to have their own story. The cats! I loved the cats and their interactions with Janie and Colin. It was just perfect.
Both Janie and Colin felt real and I was cheering them on as they tried to figure out their relationship. The scheming mothers were a nice touch to the story. This was a fun read and I would totally recommend it. Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is a closed door romantic comedy.
I received a complimentary copy
I was ecstatic to see that there was another book in this series! This book had everything that I loved, Christmas and marriage of conveniences. Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is the third book in Claire Cain’s Married to the Military series.
Janie and Colin got married on a whim but they didn’t expect to stay married. I loved getting to know both of these characters. They were both so strong but scared at the same time. They had been close childhood friends but life had taken them separate places. I liked the progression of their relationship. They had a lot of history to unpack but they were trying to still be kind to each other. Colin had to learn to overcome his feelings regarding his dad and his fears of not being enough. Janie had to see if she was willing to take a risk with Colin.
I adored Colin’s family and I hope his sister gets her own book! His friend, Josh, also needs a book. These characters draw you in and before you know it, you are hoping that basically every Claire Cain side characters gets to have their own story. The cats! I loved the cats and their interactions with Janie and Colin. It was just perfect.
Both Janie and Colin felt real and I was cheering them on as they tried to figure out their relationship. The scheming mothers were a nice touch to the story. This was a fun read and I would totally recommend it. Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is a closed door romantic comedy.
I received a complimentary copy
November 11, 2025
Janie and Colin were best friends from a young age, but Janie's parents disapproved of Colin. They stayed best friends until high school graduation, when Colin went to West Point and ghosted Janie for the next decade.
After a little more than a decade Janie and Colin meet up in Las Vegas, at a mutual friends wedding. Janie avoids Colin for awhile but eventually talks to him. After too much champagne and Tequila they decide to get married.
They spend a chaste night together. Colin wakes up late and rushes out the door without much discussion. He does tell Janie that he will have his mom do whatever is necessary for an annulment or divorce.
It's been another 5 years of ghosting, when Colin is up for a promotion, that they find out the divorce papers weren't filed.
This is where the story really gets good. Colin asks Janie to go along with the pretense that they are married. I won't spell out everything that happened except there's a cat named Goob and one named Snickerdoodle.... oh, and as expected they finally have to own up to the fact that they haven't been living together as husband and wife. But... during their play-acting they fall more in love. Will they decide to stay married and live together? Did their play-acting damage Colin's military career? I highly recommend you read this entertaining story for answers.
I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
After a little more than a decade Janie and Colin meet up in Las Vegas, at a mutual friends wedding. Janie avoids Colin for awhile but eventually talks to him. After too much champagne and Tequila they decide to get married.
They spend a chaste night together. Colin wakes up late and rushes out the door without much discussion. He does tell Janie that he will have his mom do whatever is necessary for an annulment or divorce.
It's been another 5 years of ghosting, when Colin is up for a promotion, that they find out the divorce papers weren't filed.
This is where the story really gets good. Colin asks Janie to go along with the pretense that they are married. I won't spell out everything that happened except there's a cat named Goob and one named Snickerdoodle.... oh, and as expected they finally have to own up to the fact that they haven't been living together as husband and wife. But... during their play-acting they fall more in love. Will they decide to stay married and live together? Did their play-acting damage Colin's military career? I highly recommend you read this entertaining story for answers.
I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
Childhood best friends reunited at their friends Vegas wedding + years of pining + a little bit of alcohol--- sounds like just the right combination for an unexpected Vegas wedding to me! You know what I love more than an 'accidental' marriage though? An accidental marriage that was accidentally (with a little help from a meddling mama) never annulled! Right from the start, Janie and Colin drew me into their story with their quick Vegas wedding... and then his abrupt departure with orders to Germany and learning five years later that they were still married! Yeah, they certainly had their fair share of issues to work through... but I loved seeing them get their chance at a happily ever after! The M.O.M. (Mothers of Military) Network message board has been a fun part of this series, and Colin's mom definitely made this one all the more fun... I truly just love meddling family so much! If you're looking for a great military romance for your holiday TBR, this is one not to be missed!
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is a closed-door romance with fade to black between a married couple and minor language. It is the third book in the Married to the Military romance series but could definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is a closed-door romance with fade to black between a married couple and minor language. It is the third book in the Married to the Military romance series but could definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2025
Interesting twist on a trope
Claire Cain puts an interesting twist on the traditional marriage-of-convenience trope in this book.
Your childhood friend ghosts you after joining the military - check.
You accidentally marry the childhood friend after getting drunk in Vegas - check.
You both signed the paperwork and think that your marriage was annulled - check.
You find out five years later that you are actually still married - check!?!
Colin discovers that he and Jane are still married and lets her know. He wants them to stay married so that it looks better for his upcoming promotion in the military, and Jane reluctantly agrees because it may help her ward off an unwanted suitor. Amid the Christmas parties for each of them and a double cat adoption, their feelings toward each other only increase.
This book was so good that not only did I read it as an ARC, but I also reread it today when it came out on Kindle Unlimited. That’s two reads in less than a month, and I had four new releases waiting for me to read! Get in the Christmas spirit and read Married Christmas, Happy Holidays!
Claire Cain puts an interesting twist on the traditional marriage-of-convenience trope in this book.
Your childhood friend ghosts you after joining the military - check.
You accidentally marry the childhood friend after getting drunk in Vegas - check.
You both signed the paperwork and think that your marriage was annulled - check.
You find out five years later that you are actually still married - check!?!
Colin discovers that he and Jane are still married and lets her know. He wants them to stay married so that it looks better for his upcoming promotion in the military, and Jane reluctantly agrees because it may help her ward off an unwanted suitor. Amid the Christmas parties for each of them and a double cat adoption, their feelings toward each other only increase.
This book was so good that not only did I read it as an ARC, but I also reread it today when it came out on Kindle Unlimited. That’s two reads in less than a month, and I had four new releases waiting for me to read! Get in the Christmas spirit and read Married Christmas, Happy Holidays!
October 5, 2025
What happens in Vegas... A wedding of friends brought two old friends together who ended up getting married the same night as their friend's wedding. Documents filed for annulment as he rushed back to his military career the next morning. Fast forward five years when he's in D.C. and being vetted for further clearance.Imagine the surprise of finding out that the marriage was never annulled!
So many tricky situations and reactions from friends and family on both side of the couple. The reader learns about their pasts, both good and bad details. But he's not giving up without a fight for the only woman he has ever loved. Is she in or out?
A charming love story of friends since grade school that have totally different family backgrounds and support. I loved the gentle and patient way things got explored and eventually worked out with lots of surprises along the way. Oh so sweet story that kept me reading just a little more... Delightful!
So many tricky situations and reactions from friends and family on both side of the couple. The reader learns about their pasts, both good and bad details. But he's not giving up without a fight for the only woman he has ever loved. Is she in or out?
A charming love story of friends since grade school that have totally different family backgrounds and support. I loved the gentle and patient way things got explored and eventually worked out with lots of surprises along the way. Oh so sweet story that kept me reading just a little more... Delightful!
October 28, 2025
The pining!! Such a great book for fans of “it’s always been you” stories.
Janie and Colin have both loved each other separately but the timing was never right for them, until now. They both struggle to protect their own hearts from the depth of their feelings for one another but in the end realize they’ve each loved the other all along.
Definitely a book where an honest conversation years before would have eliminated their struggle but there was so much personal growth that developed through their years loving each other from afar that it made it very believable when they came together and made a go of their accidental (unintended?) marriage.
Claire Cain is a fantastic writer and somehow always writes amazingly believable marriage of convenience books (one of my fav tropes!).
This one is less lighthearted than her others but there is an amazing emotional JOURNEY to get these two to the end and it’s worth it.
Janie and Colin have both loved each other separately but the timing was never right for them, until now. They both struggle to protect their own hearts from the depth of their feelings for one another but in the end realize they’ve each loved the other all along.
Definitely a book where an honest conversation years before would have eliminated their struggle but there was so much personal growth that developed through their years loving each other from afar that it made it very believable when they came together and made a go of their accidental (unintended?) marriage.
Claire Cain is a fantastic writer and somehow always writes amazingly believable marriage of convenience books (one of my fav tropes!).
This one is less lighthearted than her others but there is an amazing emotional JOURNEY to get these two to the end and it’s worth it.
October 13, 2025
Claire Cain always does a great job working real details of military life and its complications into heartwarming, believable stories for when you need a HEA. This story has Janie and Colin dealing with past hurts and failures of communication to see why they keep coming back to each other and how it might be able to work. The characters are very believable and well drawn, which makes some common romance tropes work well here. You do not need to have read any of the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but reading the earlier books does let you enjoy little glimpses of characters that also appear here. Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
October 31, 2025
This book was such a fun read! I absolutely loved Colin and Jane — their friendship is so sweet and genuine. The “married in Vegas” trope had such a unique twist here, and it totally worked. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and the kissing scenes were perfection.
The friends-to-lovers dynamic is one of my favorites, and Colin and Jane’s growth throughout the story made it even better. I also really enjoyed the military aspect — the family relationships were heartfelt and well done. It highlights how important friendship and support are, and seeing Gruff again was such a fun bonus!
Overall, this adorable, feel-good story is perfect for the holidays. Definitely go check it out!
The friends-to-lovers dynamic is one of my favorites, and Colin and Jane’s growth throughout the story made it even better. I also really enjoyed the military aspect — the family relationships were heartfelt and well done. It highlights how important friendship and support are, and seeing Gruff again was such a fun bonus!
Overall, this adorable, feel-good story is perfect for the holidays. Definitely go check it out!
December 23, 2025
Janie and Colin have had a long road to love, and I can 100% see why Colin’s mom interfered. This is a very interesting story as both Janie and Colin have been in love with each other for years, but neither one of them have had the courage to tell the other how they feel. It took a long time to get there but I’m pretty happy with their journey in the book. I absolutely loved what Colin did for Janie for a Christmas present, all of it was just perfect. However, if I was in Janie’s shoes I would have probably made Colin work for forgiveness a little more, although he seems sincere, he has a lot to make up for. My favorite non couple scene was Janie finally telling off her mom, it sounds like it had been a long time coming, I only wish Colin was there to see it.
October 9, 2025
I loved Colin and Janie’s story and that they finally get their happily ever after, even though it took a lot of years. Childhood friends go to a wedding in Vegas, and oops, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Colin must leave to go back to the military assignment immediately, and the wedding should have been annulled, but was it accidentally not filed? I loved the meddling mothers, the M.O.M network adds so much humor. I thought this was a delightful story of childhood friends from completely different family status, but the sweet relationship that they made for themselves was heartwarming. This story is great with fun banter, swoony kisses and sweet romance, a great read!
October 13, 2025
Colin and Janie were childhood friends until Colin went away to a military academy for college, and then he ghosted Janie.
Ten years go by, and they both end up in Vegas for their friend’s wedding. Colin and Janie end up getting married. The next morning, they realized they had made a mistake and agreed to get it annulled. 5 years later, Colin moved back to the DC area and realized they were still married.
This book is the 3rd in the series and a stand-alone.
Thank you to Claire Cain for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tropes: married to your best friend, Christmas time, romance, thought they were divorced, military,
closed-door romance
Ten years go by, and they both end up in Vegas for their friend’s wedding. Colin and Janie end up getting married. The next morning, they realized they had made a mistake and agreed to get it annulled. 5 years later, Colin moved back to the DC area and realized they were still married.
This book is the 3rd in the series and a stand-alone.
Thank you to Claire Cain for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tropes: married to your best friend, Christmas time, romance, thought they were divorced, military,
closed-door romance
November 14, 2025
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is a sweet, heart warming, holiday romance. I love Janie and Colin together! Their friendship is so genuine and heartfelt. Regretful choices, bad timing, and running scared keep these two apart for longer than I would have liked. But honestly it made their reunion that much sweeter. If you like lots of pining, this is the book for you.
Janie is so understanding and forgiving. She remains kind, but guarded, and doesn’t lash out even though Colin hurt her. I adore Colin even if I want to shake him at times. Once he made up his mind, that man is all in. He is so caring and thoughtful. I love how their relationship progresses over time. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their flirty remarks and sizzling kisses are so swoony. I enjoyed watching them both grow throughout the story. Colin learns that his value doesn’t come from what anyone thinks and isn’t diminished by other people’s actions. Janie has been slowly standing up to her parents for years but seeing her defend Colin in the end is priceless.
There are so many side characters that make this story extra sweet. I love Colin’s mom and sisters as well as his military buddies. I hope Josh and Lina get a book!
If you like tender, military romances with lots of longing, second chances, and a MMC who knows how to woo his woman, be sure to add this book to your TBR.
Thank you @clairecainwriter for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorites:
❤️Josh and Lina
❤️Goob and Snickerdoodle
❤️He calls her CP
❤️Bookstore date
❤️”What if I said I regret every second I spent without you?”
❤️Surprise cat adoption
❤️“She brings out the best in you.”
❤️The military ball
❤️”I’ve never only wanted to be your friend, CP.”
❤️DC Christmas lights
❤️The magazine feature
❤️”We love you no matter what.”
Janie is so understanding and forgiving. She remains kind, but guarded, and doesn’t lash out even though Colin hurt her. I adore Colin even if I want to shake him at times. Once he made up his mind, that man is all in. He is so caring and thoughtful. I love how their relationship progresses over time. Their chemistry is undeniable. Their flirty remarks and sizzling kisses are so swoony. I enjoyed watching them both grow throughout the story. Colin learns that his value doesn’t come from what anyone thinks and isn’t diminished by other people’s actions. Janie has been slowly standing up to her parents for years but seeing her defend Colin in the end is priceless.
There are so many side characters that make this story extra sweet. I love Colin’s mom and sisters as well as his military buddies. I hope Josh and Lina get a book!
If you like tender, military romances with lots of longing, second chances, and a MMC who knows how to woo his woman, be sure to add this book to your TBR.
Thank you @clairecainwriter for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorites:
❤️Josh and Lina
❤️Goob and Snickerdoodle
❤️He calls her CP
❤️Bookstore date
❤️”What if I said I regret every second I spent without you?”
❤️Surprise cat adoption
❤️“She brings out the best in you.”
❤️The military ball
❤️”I’ve never only wanted to be your friend, CP.”
❤️DC Christmas lights
❤️The magazine feature
❤️”We love you no matter what.”
October 29, 2025
I really enjoyed Colin and Janie's story. I was irritated with him for not telling her exactly why he left, but I love the transformation of each of their self-images and self-talk that happened in their story. I admire how she stood her ground as a mostly independent woman from her family. I like black sheep stories! This was a great read and even though it stands alone, some characters from the previous books do appear and play parts in this story. All of Claire Cain's novels are great reads. This was no exception!
November 14, 2025
Janie and Colin have been friends since they were young and have always had romantic feelings for each other. A hasty marriage in Vegas five years ago becomes a complication when Colin tries to advance in the military. When they find out that the marriage is still valid, they present themselves as a real married couple. This leads to complications and a way for the two of them to face their true feelings for each other.
I enjoyed seeing how they handled their relationship. And I loved the cats and the way they loved the cats. The book is well-written and entertaining.
I enjoyed seeing how they handled their relationship. And I loved the cats and the way they loved the cats. The book is well-written and entertaining.
October 30, 2025
In Married Christmas Happy Holidays Claire Cain uses her signature character growth trajectory style to write a wonderful story. Collin’s family is so supportive and the exact opposite of Janie’s judgemental and overbearing family. I love how the fake (but not really fake) marriage really ends up bringing them together. And I absolutely love the shenanigans of the mother’s network. Their texting threads are adorable and so full of love for their kids.
October 31, 2025
Married Christmas, Happy Holidays
This is such a cute story. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Does that still apply when you marry your best friend and childhood crush only to have him ghost you for five years? Janie experiences just that scenario with Colin. Five years after they thought the marriage was annulled, they discover they are still married. Find out how they handle the situation by reading the book.
This is such a cute story. They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Does that still apply when you marry your best friend and childhood crush only to have him ghost you for five years? Janie experiences just that scenario with Colin. Five years after they thought the marriage was annulled, they discover they are still married. Find out how they handle the situation by reading the book.
November 1, 2025
I was so happy when I saw there was another book in this series. A marriage of convenience Christmas story what more could you want. Such a great story, I couldn't put it down. I really hope there are more stories in this series in the future. Totally recommend if you are looking for a cute holiday romance.
November 10, 2025
Claire Cain is the best. Married Christmas, Happy Holidays is a fantastic second chance friends to more romance. The characters are great. You root for them from the beginning. It’s fun seeing cameos from the previous books in the series. I’m hoping Josh (MMC’s best friend) gets his HEA next ;)
Definitely a great holiday read. If you like any of Claire’s books you’ll like this one
Definitely a great holiday read. If you like any of Claire’s books you’ll like this one
November 10, 2025
I Do Or Maybe Don't
Janie and Colin's upbringing couldn't have been any different, but it didn't matter to her, only to him. It is so interesting how they navigate their relationship and coping with rash decisions and consequences. I was pulling for them for the whole story. Excellent ending.
Janie and Colin's upbringing couldn't have been any different, but it didn't matter to her, only to him. It is so interesting how they navigate their relationship and coping with rash decisions and consequences. I was pulling for them for the whole story. Excellent ending.
November 19, 2025
great book
Really loved this Christmas book in the Married at Christmas series!!!
Colin and Janie had a lot to work through to finally realize what went wrong in times before but when they finally realized it they’d had years of knowledge and feelings to act on and it only gets better from there!
Really loved this Christmas book in the Married at Christmas series!!!
Colin and Janie had a lot to work through to finally realize what went wrong in times before but when they finally realized it they’d had years of knowledge and feelings to act on and it only gets better from there!
October 26, 2025
I stinking love marriage of convenience stories so much. Historical, contemporary, give them all to me. Do you think a full series of this specific trope would get boring? Well if you think so, I do not agree. That is why I have really been enjoying these Married to the Military romances by Claire Cain. Every book has featured a different play on marriage of convenience. The reason for getting married is slightly different for each couple. In Colin and Janie's case, it's more like a "staying married in convenience" after their marriage takes place in Vegas with the help of some overindulging in alcohol. Each can benefit from remaining married after they thought divorce papers had been filed years ago. (Thanks meddling mother)
In addition to marriage of convenience, you get a healthy dose of friends to more with these two. They are both into each other but slow to admit it for their own reasons. Poor Janie couldn't help but feel abandoned after Colin up and left with no further communication. But then you feel bad for Colin after learning why he didn't think a relationship could work for them. But the lovely forced proximity that is a marriage of convenience story finally gets them until the reader is left squealing with joy!
While it's not required to read the other books in this series, it does give you some background on some of these characters. Plus they are definitely enjoyable too!
In addition to marriage of convenience, you get a healthy dose of friends to more with these two. They are both into each other but slow to admit it for their own reasons. Poor Janie couldn't help but feel abandoned after Colin up and left with no further communication. But then you feel bad for Colin after learning why he didn't think a relationship could work for them. But the lovely forced proximity that is a marriage of convenience story finally gets them until the reader is left squealing with joy!
While it's not required to read the other books in this series, it does give you some background on some of these characters. Plus they are definitely enjoyable too!
October 29, 2025
Loved this one so much! Colin & Janie had quite the journey to get to happily ever after, but I loved how real they were about it. They didn’t shy away from the hurt. Loved the meddling mothers and the cats!
October 30, 2025
I love the dynamic between Colin and Janie. I love how despite their issues they still care deeply about one another. I love the insight into each other they get by observing one another. I also love the grumpy cats playing matchmaker.
October 30, 2025
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed this story. Colin and Janie have known each other a very long time and danced around each other almost as long until others step in and force them to spend time with each other in a meaningful way. Loved their connection and chemistry.
I enjoyed this story. Colin and Janie have known each other a very long time and danced around each other almost as long until others step in and force them to spend time with each other in a meaningful way. Loved their connection and chemistry.
November 2, 2025
This friends to “more” marriage of convenience was beautifully written! Sprinkle in a little bit of holiday cheer in the background and you have a storyline that is the gift that keeps giving. From misunderstandings to forced circumstances, this book is a great read!
November 5, 2025
Excellent story
I loved how these two wanted to be together but never really told one another until later in their life. The chemistry between them and the hurts from not communicating their true feelings were so well done.
I loved how these two wanted to be together but never really told one another until later in their life. The chemistry between them and the hurts from not communicating their true feelings were so well done.
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