New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert begins a smoking hot new series about the O'Malley family-wealthy, powerful, dangerous and seething with scandal.
Teague O'Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family's name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a "business" alliance, Teague's ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the bruises on her neck and the fight still left in her big blue eyes, and vows he will do everything in his power to protect her.
Everyone knows the O'Malleys have a dangerous reputation. But Callie wasn't aware just what that meant until she saw Teague, the embodiment of lethal grace and coiled power. His slightest touch sizzles through her. But the closer they get, the more trouble they're in. Because Callie's keeping a dark secret-and what Teague doesn't know could get him killed.
- ISBN10 0349409668
- ISBN13 9780349409665
- Publish Date 2 June 2015
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
- Imprint Piatkus Books
- Edition Digital original
- Format eBook (EPUB)
- Pages 80000
- Language English
Reviews
kimbacaffeinate
- Arranged marriages, blood vows and heart made The Marriage Contract an exciting start to the series. While this novels focuses primarily on Teague the second son of the O’Malley clan and Callista Sheridan the sole heir to the Sheridan family. Roberts drew us into the world of politics and family loyalty with a Westside story romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
- Through the characters, Roberts allowed me to slip into this world where wealth, scandal and death are a daily occurrence. Alliances are made through marriage and the children of these clans have been instilled with "loyalty to family" above all things. We often watch shows or read books about mob life, but Roberts gave us the offspring’s perspectives from their fears to their sacrifices.
- Calista and Teague was an interesting couple. Calista was all set to marry the son of the Halloran clan when he ended up dead. The O’Malley’s family see an opportunity for an alliance. 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. We meet the siblings of Teague, and the brothers of the remaining Halloran’s. Hints for the next romance have me just a tad giddy because their chemistry and banter is off the charts!
- Charlotte North did a stellar job narrating. This was my first audiobook featuring her work and I was impressed. 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
thebookdisciple
I loved this book! Mob, good guys, bad guys, hot guys, girls who save themselves, and more! Its fast paced and I was sucked in from the start! I can't wait to get more of the series and see how this all plays out. It doesn't end in a cliffhanger per se, but its certainly OPEN! My full review will be on The Book Disciple
lizarodz
Callista Sheridan is the heir to the Sheridan territory and fortune now that her brother is dead. A marriage is arranged between her father and the patriarch of another mafia family. That marriage falls through (can’t tell you why!) and since that family wants revenge, Callie’s father quickly arranges for her to marry Teague O’Malley. She’s resigned to this, she was brought up to be obedient and do what’s best for her family. Callie is much more reserved and distrustful. She’s also intelligent, a strategist and a loving daughter.
“I hear we’re going to be married.”...
”What do you think about that?”
He shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter what either of us thinks, does it?”
“No, I supposed it doesn’t.”
I loved Teague from the beginning. He has a protective streak that’s a mile long and I love that in a man. He puts his siblings first and is always looking for a way out of the mafia life. For whatever reason, he sees in Callie a lost soul, someone that needs help and shelter and he takes it upon himself to be her protector. Teague is sincere, smart, loving, a good friend and sibling. He tried to do what’s right, even if he can’t always manages to do so.
Teague and Callie have similar upbringing, being mafia royalty and raised to obey orders and look out for their respective families and the people that depend on them. They have a lot of money, but they secretly wish they could leave that life behind. I think they had a lot in common, beside their strong attraction for each other. There is a bit of insta-love or at least inta-lust, but it worked in the context of the story and I wanted it to happen because it made the arranged marriage a lot more palatable.
“You’re thinking too much, angel.”
“I don’t know how to stop.”
He lifted his head and grinned down at her, the wolfish expression threatening to curl her toes. “I can think of a few ways.”
Yes, yes, yes. This was what she’d come her wanting. Needing. She licked her lips. “I like the sound of that.”
“I thought you might.”
The plot/story line is not unique, but very well done. The story has a fast pace, it’s action packed and filled with intrigue, but transparent to the reader. I really liked the writing, it’s easy to read, and engrossing. The characterization was probably the thing I liked the most about The Marriage Contract and thus I want to see what future awaits the rest of the O’Malley clan.
Overall, The Marriage Contract is a quick, enjoyable, entertaining read. I loved Teague andThis review was originally posted on Reading With ABC
Cocktails and Books
This book was reviewed by a member of the review staff at Cocktails and Books. The name of the reviewer can be found under the post categories.