The overall story made up for the fact that I kept wishing for more romantic scenes, though and I wish I never had to put this book down. I picked the worst time to read this since I was so busy this week and had to keep putting it down. I'm already dying for the next book in the series and hope I don't have to wait too long for it!
View all 36 comments. This story isn't only a romance as there are so many other things happening. I was surprised in some parts and confused in others as to who is who etc. I found the story sexy, interesting and captivating. There is action and mystery that makes the story even more enjoyable! Some may not like the fact that this is a bit of an insta-love but that wasn't a big problem for me. The Marriage Contract follows the story of Callie and Teague. Both are forced into this arrangement!
They have to marry to create an alliance between their powerful mafia families. Teague is immediately drawn to Callie and he starts feeling things for her. He wants to protect her but Callie is hiding something Is there going to create a problem for their relationship? How long Callie will keep the secret? Will Callie and Teague be able to survive? I loved Teague a lot! I liked him because he is smart, protective, passionate and so hot! He is a really good man if you consider where he comes from. Callie is a lovable character too! She is strong,loyal and very clever!!
She is exactly what Teague's needs!! I loved their chemistry, they couldn't keep their hands off each other and there was tons of passion! The sex between them is super hot! Since it's my first book by this author,I wasn't sure if I would like her writing but I ended up enjoying her style a lot. I'm looking forward for the next book in this series!! ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review Apr 26, Eliza rated it liked it Shelves: The Marriage Contract Series: The O'Malleys Series Author: Katee Robert Release date: I was very much looking forward to the potent cocktail of angst, distrust, danger and lust that come with a plot such as this.
For the most part I enjoyed it, although I felt it was rather watered down for my tastes. I found the first half of the story engaging and relation Title: I found the first half of the story engaging and relationship between Teague and Callie my main highlight of the book. Although The Marriage Contract is brokered for the purpose to strengthen the alliance between the two families the reluctance of both Teague and Callie dissipates when they finally meet.
The absence of a higher rating comes from what I felt was a lack of action and anticipation. In some regard I felt like a bystander when I would have liked to have been immersed in thick of it all and witnessed the destruction of these infamous families. The relationship between Teague and Callie was one I found sweet considering its circumstance. I was glad Callie was able to find a place for herself with Teague and his instant protectiveness over her was all the more endearing. This not only introduces us to them but also sets the scene for the next instalment to The O'Malleys Series.
View all 33 comments. Apr 26, S. West rated it liked it Shelves: This was the first book in a series about three Irish crime families - Hallorans, the O'Malleys and the Sheridans - ruling in the city of Boston. Each have fairly equal territory and power yet, the heads of each family are aging and each family is looking to groom their heir and solidify their power.
It's an arranged marriage: Callista may seem like a pawn as she was originally promised to a Halloran and narrowly escaped that fate when he met his untimely demise but, she's wiser and stronger than you'd think. And Teague is one fierce protector of those that he loves. Roberts really made it work. This was an entertaining read. For more reviews and blog posts. View all 38 comments.
Apr 23, Tiffany Reisz rated it it was amazing. Got an early copy because I know the author and I asked her to let me read it in case I loved it enough to blurb it.
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No spoilers but I will say it's very sexy and I want a Teague of my own. Mob families in Boston fight for love and fight to the death. Dark stuff but with lots of heart. View all 8 comments. Apr 25, Sasha elle a. View all 24 comments. I absolutely enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. I liked the storyline and all the characters Teague tows the line as does Callie, but Callie has a dark secret that can and will cause a war between the three powerful Boston Mob Families.
I loved Teague O'Malley, he's a strong, fiercely protective, and a loyal hero who want's to change things, things within "The Family" not for himself but for his younger brothers and sisters. Callie Sharidan is perfect for Teague, and her being the "Sheridan Heir" she's also striving to make changes within her "Family" as well. What neither of them expected was the instant off the charts chemistry they shared!!
I was saddened for the outcome of one of the characters, but things happen that are beyond control and this book shows that. I've read and enjoyed a couple other books by this author, I enjoy her writing, looking forward the rest of the series!! Dec 30, Jennifer rated it liked it Shelves: The smokin' hot book cover and the interesting synopsis had me pretty excited to read it! I was intrigued early on as these mafia families arrange their adult children's marriages for the sake of strengthening the family name and ensuring ongoing business But when a death impacts pending nuptials, things go kinda haywire.
I enjoyed the world building that came with developing these mafia families and I loved that a smart, strategic daughter is the powerhouse behind one of them, but beyond that it was just OK for me. Even the romance which was surprisingly very secondary unfortunately didn't quite do it for me. The book seemed to revolve around identifying the person who caused a death in an opposing family.
Lots of accusations, threats, etc. The reader is aware of the identity very early on and watching everyone go crazy and almost die over it in addition to everything else going on got kind of annoying after a while in my opinion. I obviously kept reading though. Overall, this was a fairly engaging fictional story of mafia families on the brink of war and how protective each side is of their own. If you are a fan of Katee Robert and enjoy romantic suspense and fictional crime dramas, then consider the The Marriage Contract.
I just stumbled across this talented goodreads reviewer and she's great! View all 4 comments. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it, despite my concerns with several issues. The first of which is the startling notion of an arrange marriage. Secondly, The Sopranos -like setting, filled with Original Post: Secondly, The Sopranos -like setting, filled with violence and immorality was at times too heavy. And lastly, the writing had me cringing a bit. However, when the story took off, these concerns were less pronounced and I was able to let the story naturally unfold.
The Marriage Contract would have never worked for me had the main characters—Teague O'Malley such an unusual name and Callista Sheridan—heirs to two mafia dynasties, not been so magnetic and fun to read. Robert weaves a captivating tale about two trapped individuals, thrust into a deadly, age-old war, and struggling to rise above their destructive heritage. Their bantering was witty and flirty, with a measure of honesty that makes the characters very likable, especially Teague. He is the epitome of a perfect gentleman. With a sultry and protective personality, he is very swoon-worthy, and will perhaps win over your heart as he did mine.
Distill this story to just the romance, and you will find memorable characters in a highly satisfying tale of courtship and love. Dec 16, Michelle rated it liked it Shelves: Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review As a Brazen girl junkie, I loved reading Katee Roberts books. And so when I finally had a chance to sit down and read The Marriage Contract, I was intrigued with the blurb. Right off the opening pages, my interest was piqued when I discovered this was a mafia romance. The heroine, Callie was arranged to marry into another mafia family but another circumstance came about so Callie was surprised to find out that she was arranged to marry Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review As a Brazen girl junkie, I loved reading Katee Roberts books.
The heroine, Callie was arranged to marry into another mafia family but another circumstance came about so Callie was surprised to find out that she was arranged to marry the Teague O'Malleys, son of another prominent mafia family in Boston. As they navigate through their arranged marriage to each other, mafia business seem to be the forefront as danger threatens as a power play of struggle between the three prominent mafia families begins to intensify.
While The Marriage Contract had a romance aspect, this book was so much more. It had layers of suspense, character development, and family history that were intricately exposed and revealed. Overall, I did enjoy the first installment and look forward to the next two book of this series. I love that Katee Robert was still able to intertwine romance, suspense, danger and power struggle all into this book. Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to The Marriage Contract Arranged marriages, blood vows and heart made The Marriage Contract an exciting start to the series.
Alliances are made through marriage and the children of these clans have been instilled with "loyalty to family" above all things. Calista and Teague was an interesting couple. Calista was all set to marry the son of the Halloran clan when he ended up dead. They step in and arrange a marriage between Calista and Teague. I loved the chemistry between them from their sizzling hot beginning to the way they stood up for one another. This had a little insta-love, but I enjoyed the Westside Story vibe and the characters felt genuine. Robert added depth to both characters from her secret to his need to protect his siblings.
I enjoyed getting to know them as their layers were exposed. Both are kick-ass and intelligent. I am curious to see how these two take on their corner of the world. In the Marriage Contract Robert sets up the world and introduces us to each family as she shares their differences. Charlotte North did a stellar job narrating. Her pacing was easy on the ears and I feel like she nailed the accents. Even her male characters sounded great. For that reason, I will continue this story on audio.
Copy provided by publisher, This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer May 01, Cyndi rated it liked it Shelves: This book was ok- it was an interesting story, but I felt it was a lot of telling and not showing. Their relationship escalated to love pretty quickly even though we only saw them together a handful of times. I liked Teague and Callista- they were both strong and loyal. Their families are rival mob families and there was a little too much inner monologue about this issue. We also get a few random POV's thrown in- including the H and h of the next book.
I appreciated that there was no OW drama, b This book was ok- it was an interesting story, but I felt it was a lot of telling and not showing. Neither was a virgin and of course Teague had condoms in his bedside table. It's a fine line for me because I loathe specific details of a sexual past, but I do like some basic info.
Like- how long has it been? Was Teague with OW the night before he met Callista? Also- did they have relationships or ONS? Just a few lines can easily give the reader an idea of how they lived their lives before meeting each other. View all 3 comments. May 19, Kim Bailey rated it really liked it Shelves: I've not read many mafia style books - but it they're all as good as this one was, it may become a new sub-genre that I look for.
Definitely a book I'll be recommending to my friends! Jan 26, Lover of Romance rated it really liked it. All he cares about is protecting his siblings, and doing everything in his power to get them away from the corruption and the evil that taints their parents. But Teague knows its going to be near impossible to do, but he refuses to give up on those he loves the most.
There are three powerful families in Boston, and by marrying into one of the two AT first Teague, doesn't want to enter a marriage of convenience. But upon meeting his future bride, he sees a woman he could come to care for. Callie Sheridan has always been training herself to take over her father's buisiness. She has worked hard to make it legal and honestas much as possible. She is determined to make her marriage work with Teague, but she committed a grave act, an act that could ruin everything that she has with him.
Teague is everything she could have ever hoped for in a husband. She will fight for him and those he loves even if it costs her life in the process. He despises the family business and will do anything to get out, even if that means betrayed them by working with the FBI. But Teague is determined to save his brothers and sisters from the path their parents are forcing them to take. Teague has no choice, when his fathers word is law When he says jump Oh good ole Teague He is loyal, honorable and a fighter.
He doesn't give up even if it means the cause might be hopeless and not much chance of succeeding and could mean his termination by his own family. But Teague is honor to the core, and has worked hard to be that He loves his siblings with a fierceness and so protective of those he loves. She is a fighter too, but she fights in a different way. Callie was a heroine I liked from the first chapter.
She is strong, tenacious and stubborn to a fault. Unlike Teague, her father is a man she loves and adores. Callie lost her brother, her only sibling. Now she is the only one left to carry on the family tradition. She knows that one day she will be responsible for the company, and she knows her father is not in the best of health.
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It is up to her to make sure the family business is legan and honest before his health deteriorates futher or she might not be able to hold it from the other men in power in their family business and causing a war among them. Callie hides a dreadful secret, a secret that huants her in her nightmares and she knows that one day she will have to pay for it, and Callie knows it could be her death. I loved Callie so much because she is vibrant and strong.
I loved her courage and strength of will to do what needs to be done. I was lucky enough that when I looked it up it was on sale for 1. So I got luck with that deal for sure, and I think it was just for the day. I have gotten hooked on Mafia themed romances Like really, I have to wait that long Anyway, this story is simply amazing. It starts off a marriage of convenience. Now I don't think I have read this trope before in Contemporary romance, so this was new and fresh and I just soaked it all in with every page that I read. I actually love this trope, and it doesn't get used that much lately, so I was really excited to start this book.
And wow, it defintiely worked for the story. In fact, it is part of what makes this story simply fabulous. We have two people, that are trying to make their lives and the lives of those they love better. They are stubborn and courageous and strong. Equally matched in temperments. Our hero, isn't a big fan of having to marry someone just to help out with the family business which he loathes. However, when he meets our heroine, he sees her bruises and the dark circles under her eyes, and he sees a fighter and a woman he would feel honored to marry.
He is a protector and from the beginning, he wants to know her for herself, and make the best of their arragement. I loved that about this hero. He makes the best of each situation There are no guarantees but I want your ring on my finger and you in my life for as long as we're granted. Not because of your family or my family or consolidating power or anyo of the other reasons that originally drove us to agree to this marriage.
I want you, Teague. You can practically feel the steam coming off the pages. But there is so much more to this story than just heat. There is strength, depth of emotion and vividly portrayed moments that will want you to read as fast as possible because this story is so delectable you can't seem to get enough!! I mean reallycan I marry him??!! Like really, he could ask me and I would say yes. A story of devotion, loyalty and passion. This author has written a treasure of intrigue, mystery and sensuality. Apr 25, Ari Reavis rated it liked it Shelves: I wish I liked this as much as I thought I would.
It got significantly better towards the end. More drama and secrets coming to light between Callie and Teague. Overall, it was ok. There's just some parts where the thought process reallyyyyy drags on. I like my mafia romance with more punches, I suppose. Three Boston crime families. You name it, this story has it in spades! Jun 15, Alyssa rated it really liked it Shelves: June 2, Rating: Katee Robert can do no wrong!
I absolutely adore her romance novels. Her books with Brazen imprint of Entangled Publishing are scorching hot! And so is this book! I was hesitant about this book because it deals with a modern-day arranged marriage, and the subject of arranged marriage makes me twitchy Indian people still do this, and not just in India! But I liked the treatment of the subject matter in this book, even if it was a bit strange!
But then Brendan disappears, and the O'Malley family swoops in. Teague, one of four sons and one of seven children total , is pushed into marrying Callie. Neither Callie nor Teague wants to do this, but their controlling and demanding fathers will take advantage of the situation and create new alliances.
The Marriage Contract
But the Halloran family wants revenge - for Brendan, and for the lost alliance. Teague is caught in a crossfire he isn't completely aware of, and it could cost him his life. He is noble and honorable, and wants to do whatever will best protect his family - his sisters, especially. He doesn't want his sisters to have to go through what Callie and him have to go through - not have a choice.
Teague isn't abusive or power-hungry, isn't looking for revenge or how to top the Hallorans or Sheridans. I like Teague a lot! He is a swoony hero, a good guy, and a wonderful family man. It's so obvious that he cares about his sisters and brothers more than anything - and then he adds Callie to that list! Callie is terrified of something awful that she did, and doesn't tell anyone, not even her father. What if he's like Brendan, whom she was supposed to marry? Abusive, sick, running illegal operations? Teague is none of those things, as Callie finds out.
He is sweet and sexy, and she falls for him like he falls for her. Soon they can't not see each other, and they find that they like each other and the idea of the marriage isn't so terrible. The romance is quite steamy! Teague and Callie sizzle and simmer together, right from the start. I love watching them get comfortable with each other and begin to like each other.
Even though Teague knows Callie is hiding something, he knows that she doesn't trust him yet, and he knows that she'll tell him when she's ready. Teague and Callie aren't the only ones whose perspectives are featured. I believe this book is written completely in third person, and while Callie and Teague are both featured individually, there is also Carrigan Teague's sister , and James Halloran Brendan's younger brother and friend of Teague , and there might have been others, I can't remember.
Carrigan is an interesting one - she was almost just as trapped as Callie. She's getting "old" almost thirty, I think , so her father is desperate to have her used to gain power sooner rather than later power-hungry jerk. James is another interesting character, who is caught in the crossfire.
I hope he is featured in future novels. This book is by no means just a romance novel! The arranged marriage is just the tip of the mafia iceberg. We've got three mafia families who are competing for power. Marriages make alliances, and the O'Malleys and Sheridans are about to make a strong one.
The story surrounding the mafia is really intriguing! I was never bored with any of it. This book is a winner, in my opinion! All of Robert's books are, and this one is another awesome addition to Robert's name. I hope there are more books to come! What I Did Not Like: At first, I didn't really like Callie. It has to do with the beginning of the book, and I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't say anything specific. I really wanted to shake her!
How could she walk away?! Ugh, I can't be specific, but ugh. Just know that my initial dislike of her was brief! But it was there. Would I Recommend It: Desmond tries to ignore the attraction he feels for McKenna, but it is a losing battle, especially when caring for Conner brings him into her presence more often. He is awkward in his attempts to talk to her at first, though McKenna is able to see past it and understand what he wants.
She appreciates his honesty in the things he tells her, which adds to the attraction she feels for him. I loved seeing her pull Desmond out of his way of hiding when he is uncomfortable and staying to talk things out. There are some pretty amusing scenes where something that McKenna says will strike him as being completely different than he expected, and we see his mental gyrations as he readjusts his thinking.
Desmond is amazingly thoughtful for someone who claims to be so bad at relationships. His efforts at giving her the means to continue her studies while taking care of Conner were so sweet. At the same time, spending so much time with Conner and Desmond has McKenna wishing that there was a way to be both a doctor and a mother. She realizes that she is falling for him which is tearing her up. The passion that erupts between them adds more complications. Desmond starts thinking about making their marriage permanent, but when he says something to her she freaks out at the idea, pushing him away.
I ached for Desmond as she insists on adhering to their contract, and leaves them both behind to follow her plan. It was so satisfying to see her encounter with another student who was balancing it all and the lightbulb that finally went off in her head. Her big moment with Desmond, as they both open up about their feelings, was awesome.
I loved seeing both of them discover that, with a bit of compromise and sharing of control, they were able to have it all. The epilogue was terrific. Jun 04, Judyrudy rated it it was amazing Shelves: I really enjoyed this book. Take a recluse, add in a medical student who needs to pay off student loans and you have one fantastic story.
Desmond Pierce wants a child so he finds a surrogate to have it for him. Part of the contract is for McKenna to marry him. She can have absolutely no contact with the child and they will divorce. All of his plans fall apart when the baby is allergic to the formula. So, in the end, McKenna must move in with him. The more time they spend together the more they both realize that they were meant to be together. But, McKenna dreams of being a doctor play a major role in her decisions. Will they stay married or divorce so she can follow her dreams? I highly recommend The Marriage Contract.
The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1) by Katee Robert
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and this is my true and honest opinion. If you've just had a baby, restarting your sex life may not be a priority. You'll be sore, not to mention exhausted. If you've had a caesarean section your wound will hurt. How soon until you are ready for sex?
Doctors and midwives have generally advised waiting until the six-week postnatal check. Women were more likely to have sex by six weeks if they had delivered their child vaginally. Only about a third of women who had an episiotomy had resumed sex by six weeks. In 'The Marriage Contract' it took only a few days.
Feb 27, Dj rated it it was amazing. A Billionaire's Baby Plan Desmond Pierce wants a child—but the conventional route won't do for the reclusive billionaire inventor. Particularly since his girlfriend aborted their child. Enter McKenna Moore, a medical student willing to be a surrogate mom to allow her to fulfill her dream of medical school…and to marry by proxy without ever meeting her husband. But when the baby's health requires McKenna to not only face Desmond but also live with him because of his formula allergies, she h A Billionaire's Baby Plan Desmond Pierce wants a child—but the conventional route won't do for the reclusive billionaire inventor.
But when the baby's health requires McKenna to not only face Desmond but also live with him because of his formula allergies, she has to nurse, their chemistry explodes. But saying yes to making their marriage real puts McKenna's dreams at risk—and forces Desmond to reevaluate everything he's ever wanted… New, fresh approach to a romance Oct 21, Harmony Williams rated it really liked it.
This book started off with a bang. It had a few lulls, where her resistance got on my nerves or her stubbornness or the fact that Des is a bit too larger than life. Despite his insistence that he is a hard man to live with, I saw none of that but his own insecurities. That being said, in between those lulls there were page-turning sections that made the read more than worthwhile. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Mar 15, Lynne M rated it it was amazing. I have to admit, I did not expect much from this book. I thought "oh, another billionaire story," but I really liked both the hero and heroine and the premise. The sex scenes were good, nothing too over the top and the plot line was pretty unique. That's it I call it quits!!! I cant take it anymore..
The plot most definitely is predictable. Dec 11, Toula rated it it was amazing. Love the billionaire story. Have it in paperback.
May 04, Emily rated it really liked it. Oct 15, Edith Maharaj rated it liked it. He seemed different from your typically cocksure, arrogant romantic male who gets whatever he wants when he wants it. But my anticipation slowly died into the familiar dissatisfaction. Does he look like them? This is a romance novel, after all, and Mr. He was fascinating, with a scruff of a beard that gave him a dangerous edge, deep brown hair swept back from his face and a wiry build. Coupled with the baby in his arms, he might well be the most devastatingly handsome male on the planet.
She becomes a doctor as well as a wife and mother. Love makes fools of us all. The novel concludes with McKenna and Desmond celebrating her graduation by rushing off to get her pregnant again. Jennifer rated it really liked it Oct 15, J rated it liked it Sep 11, Xoniya rated it it was amazing Aug 28, Meredith rated it liked it Aug 31, Celina Jaime Trejo rated it really liked it Sep 23, Mariana Sorias rated it really liked it Jul 01, Shatarupa Dhar rated it really liked it Dec 01, Sarah rated it really liked it Mar 09, LadyP rated it liked it Jun 02, Bonnell rated it it was ok Aug 31, Betse Weak rated it liked it Jul 02, USA Today bestselling author Kat Cantrell read her first Harlequin novel in third grade and has been scribbling in notebooks since she learned to spell.
What else would she write but romance? When she's not writing about characters on the journey to happily ever after, she can be found at a taekwondo tournament, watching Big Bang Theory or dancing with her kids to Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Pep USA Today bestselling author Kat Cantrell read her first Harlequin novel in third grade and has been scribbling in notebooks since she learned to spell. When she's not writing about characters on the journey to happily ever after, she can be found at a taekwondo tournament, watching Big Bang Theory or dancing with her kids to Duran Duran and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Kat, her husband and their two boys live in North Texas. Books by Kat Cantrell. Trivia About The Marriage Cont No trivia or quizzes yet.