The Marriage Contract

An arranged marriage to increase power The two unwilling participants They may like each other in spite of it all Let the manipulations begin For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways. View all 46 comments. She'd felt desire before, and this wasn't it. All-consuming need that devoured everything in its path, leaving only destruction in its wake. Having loved every Brazen book of Katee's I've ever read, when i saw that she's releasing this brand new series that's grittier and has a mob story line?

Reading it was an absolute no brai 2. Reading it was an absolute no brainer. The set up was extremely intriguing. Callista "Callie" Sheridan is the daughter of one of the prominent Boston mafia families. In the hopes of uniting themselves with an even more powerful one, her father arranges her to marry the eldest son of the Halloran family. Unfortunately he's also known as more ruthless with his women than he is with his business.

When he also turns up dead a few days before the engagement announcement her father doesn't spare a moment before promising her to Teague O'Malley. Teague is the son of a powerful Irish Boston mafia family and he also wants absolutely nothing to do with the family business.

But when his eldest brother comes to him with this "business alliance", the last thing he expects is to be inexplicably drawn to the delicate beauty that's now his "fiance". As much as Teague longs to be away from this life, he can't leave his siblings. Being incredibly attracted to Callie certainly doesn't hurt things either.

Unfortunately it's not all smooth sailing when their engagement leads to a deadly mafia war started by the Halloran family. There's a lot that happens in this book aside from the central romance. There's numerous POVs and several characters introduced, including all of Teague's siblings and the Halloran brothers. Because of this it took me quite a bit to truly wrap my mind around everything and really get into the story. While each character added to the story, it was also a lot to keep track of at first.

This may very well be a case of the "series firsts". This book definitely had a much grittier feel to it than any of Katee's previous books, which was great. So what didn't work for me? Now I'll say this; considering both Teague and Callie's personalities, their romance fit them. I just didn't feel like it fit the story. It was just too saccharine sweet. I'm not a fan of insta-love and this was a very solid case of this. They basically fall for each other at first sight. Katee pulls it off because, again, she makes it fit the characters. But I just needed something The amount of time Teague called her "angel" almost drove me up the wall crazy.

Sadly I'm one of those reader that if I don't connect to the main couple, it won't matter how great the rest of the book and story is. And the story itself was great. The set up for the next book with James Holloran sounds like it will be right up my alley as a matter of fact. Unfortunately with this book, it just fell a bit flat. I wanted a more gritty feel to it considering the story line and I just didn't get that. Readers that haven't read much mafia romance will definitely enjoy this. I like my mafia books with a little more of an edge, so this one just fell a romance shy of that for me.

I'm definitely hooked on the series and absolutely cannot wait until the next book. Didn't hurt one tiny bit. ARC courtesy of publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review For more reviews visit View all 31 comments. May 19, Sabrina rated it really liked it Shelves: There was so much happening already and from the first chapter I was loving it.

There were so many secrets and I had no idea what was happening with them but I couldn't wait to find out. In order to enter an alliance their family arrange for them to be married, taking the choice away from them. Neither are happy that they now have to marry someone they have never met before.

But the second they see each other the chemistry sparks and they don't try to fight their attraction. They both have secrets though, secrets that could hurt the families and they have to trust each other in order to save each other. You consume me, angel. It's the most welcome kind of distraction, but I can't get through an hour without thinking about you.

This was such a great story! There were so many secrets, it was suspenseful, and the chemistry between Callie and Teague was hot, hot, hot. Teague was a great character and I loved how protective he was of his family and only wanted the best for them. He and Callie both lived the life of a mafia family member, turning their heads to the illegal activities going on. Despite this, they were both wanted to turn their lives around and get on the legal side of things, which is really commendable.

There was only one problem that I had with the story, but it didn't stop me from loving it. I wanted just a little more romance between Callie and Teague. 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!

Marriage Contract - Wikipedia

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. 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.

• The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1) by Katee Robert.
• The Marriage Contract.
• Get A Copy!

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.

Paperback Editions

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.

Desert Isle Keeper

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.

The Marriage Contract

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.

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. 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.

• Theosophy?
• Douglas Macagy and the Foundations of Modern Art Curatorship!
• English for Academic Research: Grammar, Usage and Style.
• The Marriage Contract (O'Malleys, book 1) by Katee Robert.
• KATEE ROBERT | The Marriage Contract!
• !

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?

• Book Details.
• Hammurabi (Ancient World Leaders).
• Audio Editions.
• The Marriage Contract by Kat Cantrell.
• Diboko tsa Basotho (Swahili Edition).

I highly recommend The Marriage Contract. 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. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.