Married by Contract

Convenient Marriages #2

by Noelle Adams

Three years into a five-year marriage of convenience, Jenn finds herself wanting something she never thought she'd want from her laid-back, ex-military husband. Sex--as a much-needed release of tension from her high-stress job. But weekly sex with Nick, despite their careful parameters, is likely to get messy eventually.

Ever since her father walked out on her as a child, Jenn knows never to assume the people she loves will stick around, so she's not about to trust Nick with her heart. She vows to stay strong, no matter how much intimacy develops between them in bed.

But what starts as a tension-reliever soon becomes so much more, until it threatens both their practical arrangement and the heart Jenn has worked so hard to keep safe.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Adult, Novella

158 pages, ebook

First published July 20, 2016

About the author

Noelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.

She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the marriage of convenience tropes and this one was just the way I like them.

Jenn fought so hard against her feelings for Nick. She was an intelligent, independent woman, highly successful and wealthy but lonely in her self imposed emotional isolation. Watching her slowly fall for her husband was as heartbreaking as it was wonderful. For every step forward there was always one back and I hurt for the fear she lived with.





Nick was amazing! It was obvious that he wanted more from Jenn but he had some issues of his own that kept him from pushing through to the end. But along the way he knew just what to say and when to say it.






This was a relatively low angst read but it had a few moments of pretty intense emotion. It also has plenty of moments that had me smiling. However, the steam in this story was scorching. Jenn and Nick together were fire! All together, I enjoyed everything about this story and I definitely need to check out Jack’s story.

Heroine POV
Safe no ow drama; om drama is h’s friend from school that was a few years older than her - she’d had a crush on him through high school - he calls and invites her to lunch since he’s in town causing H to be jealous and goes to the lunch as well - no separation due to om; h not a virgin; H not a manwhore
Triggers no apparent triggers

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one but preferred Negotiated Marriage better. 3 stars.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this books is pretty self explanatory. I wanted to read this book because I'm always intrigued about this type of story line. I'm curious how the author explains the need for a marriage of convenience and ofcourse I love to read how it always ends up in true love.

Noelle Adams did a very good job in this short novella. She took two totally opposite people who probably never would have ever considered they were compatible and take a chance on anything real. Having this marriage of convenience forces them to spend the time together and work around each other's personalities. Jen and Nick were the perfect compliment to each other. Jen was very driven and focused. Nick more laid back and calm. They each brought to the other exactly what they needed in their lives. When they decided they both could benefit from adding sexual release to the marriage, they truly learned how capitable they truly are.

I really enjoyed this novella. I'm a fan of Noelle Adams writing and I love the characters she dreams up. She has a way of writing the characters and their interactions in a way that I'm always rooting for them. Two thumbs up to Marriage By Contract and I can't wait for more by Noelle Adams!

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and casual little read.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this marriage of convenience romance! Jenn and Nick are 3 years into a 5 year contractual agreement for their marriage when sex suddenly comes into the bargain. For Jenn who worries about abandonment, being in control of the situation and keeping her heart out of the picture is the way to prevent getting hurt. But once she and Nick start sleeping together, things change. I loved the two of them together. Nick is able to coax Jenn out of her shell and show her how much good sex can add to their marriage. There are several steamy scenes and with them, a chance for Jenn to realize how much she's been missing, and how deeply she cares for Nick (and vice versa). For Jenn to let go of control is difficult but she trusts Nick. Both of them have some flaws and they feel like very realistic characters as they navigate the new emotional side to their marriage. The story flows really well and once they start to communicate their desires to each other, it's a really sweet and lovely romance. 4.5 stars.

Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love stories about arranged marriages. And this was such a cute one!! :)

[Giorgia Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

the leads had chemistry and those scenes were good, but I didn't like the plot and the characters, so there's that

[KathyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love MOC books and this one was pretty good, especially for a shorter story. The plot was unique featuring a rich, workaholic woman, and a laid back hero. Probably won't work for those that love alpha males, but overall it was entertaining.

3.5+ Stars

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cool Marriage of Convenience.

And this time in Minnesota!

3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale

[Three Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

Jenn and Nick have been married for three years. For three years they’ve co-existed providing each other with all the needs and support that a husband and wife should. Expect one thing, sex. That’s right they’ve been married for three years and have never had sex with each other.

Jenn and Nick grew up in the same town but never really hung out together. One night during a chance encounter when they both returned to their hometown they discover that each of them has a problem that the other can help with. Jenn has a successful business but because she so determined and focused she doesn’t come off as the family type to compliment the business she runs. Nick has started his own business as a private investigator but is so deep in debt he’s never going to get out. The two decide to get married; Jenn will pay off Nick’s loans and Nick will play the part of the dutiful husband that Jenn needs to boost her image. They agree to marry for five years then they are each free to leave the marriage. Sex is not a part of the marriage.

Three years in and Jenn’s a bona fide workaholic and completely stressed and suffers from massive tension headaches and her “tension relievers” are so not doing the trick. A few messages from Nick leave her so turned on that the two decide to amend their contract a bit, sex once a week.

Being left by her father Jenn has abandonment issues and she’s determined to keep everyone at arm’s length including Nick. But sex with Nick is leading to feelings that Jenn’s not ready to have.
When I first started this book I honestly didn’t think I was going to care for it very much; but I actually liked it. Nick and Jenn’s relationship was nothing like I thought. Nick and Jenn actually had a pretty good relationship; it wasn’t the best relationship but I think it was okay. To me they were actually friends. They could sense when the other was worried or concerned about something. They were able to read body language, facial expressions. They knew each other; they were just missing that level of physical intimacy.

This is was a quick, easy and pleasant read. I’m going to add it to my list of good beach reads for the summer.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary marriages of convenience are always so fascinating to me. In this case, Jenn and Nick’s MoC is basically predicated on a business deal: she pays off his debt and she gets more perceived stability as a married CEO. It’s pretty obvious from the start that Nick has genuine feelings for her but Jenn is completely oblivious and she stays that way longer than believable due to her abandonment issues. But regardless of that, I was very here for their sex appointments turning into lasting love. It was refreshing to have Jenn as the breadwinner and Nick in more of a caretaker role. This wasn’t quite as angsty as some of Adams’s other work but my heart was very tender and it made me cry. They were both caught up in their respective insecurities and I so badly wanted them to take a risk on one another. They really made a great pair and it was so satisfying to see them make their way.

Note: Nick is investigating a teen runaway case after her parents hire him. We’re not given much information about why the teen ran away and it’s also not clear what’s happened to her while she’s been gone. Some teens have very valid reasons for running away so I hope her parents are good ones and that she’s returning to a safe home.

Characters: Jenn is a white CEO of a handmade baby clothes company and the breadwinner. Nick is a white private investigator and formerly in the Army. They’ve been married for 3 years. This is set in Minneapolis, MN.

Content notes: MMC investigating teen runaway case (found at the end), off page car accident (minor injuries), chronic tension headaches, military references, FMC’s father left when she was 9 (mom died when she was born; raised by grandma), on page sex, condomless sex (no pregnancy results), alcohol, inebriation, hangover, gender essentialist language, ableist language, reference to cheating spouses investigations

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenn is three years into a five year marriage of convenience contract. She finds herself wanting more-much more, from her super laid-back private investigator husband. She has a very high-stress job and finds that sex is a necessary tension reliever. When Nick suggests weekly "appointments" both take steps to keep it from getting too intimate. They think...

Jenn's father walked out on her family at an early age. She never wants to have that abandoned feeling again, so she doesn't give all of herself. No matter how much she is growing closer to Nick, she vows to keep strong and stay practical. But all great plans eventually get a bit messy.

I am a love of the marriage of convenience to "in love" for the long haul books! Noelle Adams has a gift for writing these types of stories and I eat it up with a spoon! I loved Jenn and Nick from the start! They were very caring, thoughtful, and overall likeable! It was obvious to me that Nick loved Jenn much sooner than she fell for him! I think she was just so focused on her job that she didn't see what was right in front of her. As Nick helps her relieve all the built up tension, Jenn begins to live life, I think, for the first time! Her job doesn't remain her sole focus in life. She gradually sees things differently. She was just a little slow on the uptake about her feelings for Nick, but I loved her journey of discovery!

If you love these friends to lovers type stories Married by Contract gives you everything you are looking for and more! I am a fan of Noelle Adams and have read a lot of her books! I have never been disappointed! Please give this a read. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

5 stars/4 flames

This book was gifted to me by the author the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely by opinion and in no way was I compensated.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cute, lovely.
The plot was very very different! So, I really liked this novella.
Even with a plot about a fake marriage for money, it wasn't as expected, not for the inheritance, pleasing dying folks, wasn't zillionaire guys.
The guy was somehow perfect, he knew his place in life, understood situations. And got his own style of bedding clothes.

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was too similar to the first book, except the h is the overworking partner with lots of money. I didn't like the story as much as the first one and since these first 2 were carbon copy plots I don't think I'll bother with anymore in the series.

[rj · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute lil read! i love it when H/h are already married and we start the story there so this was right up my alley.

[Sometime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great MOC story with likable H. h was nice but harder to identify with. Safe read.

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. I am really enjoying all of Noelle Adam's books - there is just something about them that hits right for me. I like how she often has a workaholic FMC (Jenn, in this case) and a slightly more laidback MMC (Nick) to balance it out. There is a lot of affection between Jenn and Nick even before they start their 'tension reliever' arrangement, so I really loved reading their love story.

[Maree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok, not as good as books 1 and 3 in this series.

[Sania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h: In their early 30s?
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages: No
Was There Descriptive Sex: Yes
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM: No
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup: Marriage on convenience with each side to be discreet (use escorts). There is no description of either using escorts
Contains Cheating: No
Amount of Sex In The Book: A decent amount.
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval: Yes
Any Triggers/Warnings: No
>>Detail: N/A
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes

My Thoughts
I loved the role reversal where it was Jenn controlling the marriage and then her eventually realising that it's her fault for keeping them away. Really enjoyed the book.

[Heather Cicio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a short but very sweet story about a couple that agree on a marriage of convenience, both for their own reasons and for a specific amount of time. After years of fighting a physical attraction they agree to add sex to the contract. This is great until feelings become involved changing everything. One of them falls harder than the other, or did they?? It is a light, quick read that I finished in a couple of hours and was left smiling. Another winner for Noelle Adams.

[Carol***BeautyandtheBeastlyBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

Okay, so I usually love marriage by convenience type of books. Specially the part we get to see them falling in love. But this one was quite bland for my tastes.

It was an okay book, but it's missing a big conflict, plus it seemed like there was a previous book we should have read, because the story started kind of "late".

Overal it was a cute book,,but it's missing a lot for me. It was well written though, so that's why I gave it 1 star more than what I was originally giving it.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I'm a sucker for "Marriage of convenience" theme books, but I have to keep some quality on the things I read. I loved some of her books but this one was so predictable and lacked of originality.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was a quick charming read. I loved Nick, he was not a stupid man when his wife was eager he was all too pleased to hop on that train, “why the hell wouldn’t I be home tonight ? Am I crazy?” He reached out for her and dragged her into his bedroom, kissing her hard and deep."

[MBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle Adams continues her exploration of unconventional relationships with Married by Contract, the second book in the Convenient Marriages series. This time, the marriage-of-convenience trope comes with a refreshing twist: Jenn Castle, a self-made, ambitious businesswoman, is the one who enters into a five-year contract and “purchases” her groom Nick, an ex-military private investigator with an easygoing nature that balances her high-stress world. Three years into their arrangement, a shift neither of them planned for upends the carefully crafted distance between them. What begins as a practical remedy for Jenn’s stress becomes the catalyst for a deeper, more vulnerable connection.

Jenn is a heroine shaped by abandonment, with her father’s departure having taught her to survive alone and never expect permanence from the people she cares about. She is disciplined, guarded, and fiercely independent, making her request for physical intimacy from Nick feel both audacious and deeply human. Nick, on the other hand, is the perfect laid-back counterpart. He is calm, grounded, and easygoing… until he is not. Behind his mellow exterior lies a quietly commanding man whose protective instincts and sensual intensity catch Jenn and the reader, unexpectedly and deliciously off guard.

As their physical relationship deepens, Jenn’s emotional armor begins to crack. The real tension of the story lies in her fear of losing control, not of her body, but of her heart. Nick, meanwhile, carries his own quiet longing. His willingness to give Jenn space, even when it costs him, becomes one of the most compelling aspects of his character. Unlike the traditionally tortured heroes of dark or mafia romance, Nick is the kind of alpha who needs no menace or criminality to command the page; his strength comes from certainty, steadiness, and desire expressed in its most intimate, honest form.

The chemistry between them is electric, especially when Nick’s desire breaks through his usual calm. The Friday-afternoon quickie scene alone is enough to cement him as one of Adams’ sexiest heroes; raunchy, possessive, and absolutely attuned to Jenn. Their progression towards happily ever after is mutual, sincere, and refreshingly adult; there is no unnecessary drama, just two people learning each other and learning themselves. If anything, I wished Nick had been fleshed out further beyond his role as the perfect partner, and an epilogue showing them bridging the gap with his family would have made the ending feel more complete.

Still, this is a lovely, low-angst romance with a deliciously commanding hero and a heroine whose guardedness softens in all the right ways. Jenn and Nick’s journey proves that marriages of convenience can offer some of the most rewarding emotional stories, especially when both characters are equally invested in turning convenience into devotion.

Recommended for: readers who enjoy low-angst, sexy marriages of convenience, commanding-but-kind heroes, and stories where emotional intimacy grows quietly but powerfully.

Final Verdict: A sensual, mature, quietly compelling romance with an unforgettable hero; Married by Contract delivers heat, tenderness, and a satisfying emotional bloom.

Rating = 4/5

For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just ok - Carly Robbins was great as a narrator, but the story and the characters just didn't really grab me. She was cranky and he was decidedly not an alpha male. And then the whole book just became about sex. His whole job thing seemed incidental and men's jobs define them, so that didn't really make sense. I think that in focusing on the relationship, the author let some things go by the wayside that actually would have enhanced it. So, not a great win for me. It's a "fine" book. How was it? It was fine.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read a marriage of convenience story that starts while the couple is already several years into the marriage term, so this one was very different for me. But just like everything else by this author, it was great and I loved it (extra points bc the third act "breakup" only lasted for like an hour)

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable reading experience with engaging characters and a great plot. I enjoyed the romantic element of the book. I loved the happy ending. Happy reading/listening!

[Don ツ · Rating 4 out of 5]

1

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 starts 🌟

A cute marriage of convenience comfort read

[Sarahcophagus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very similar to the first book, also good and simple. The MMC was so pushy and soft, back and forth and I never got a good read of him.