by Katee Robert
Series: The O'Malleys #1
Narrator: Charlotte North
Length: 8 hours and 19 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups
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.
The Marriage Contract written by Katee Robert and narrated by Charlotte North drew me in with the promise of an Irish Mob family in Boston. The series will center on three crime families, the O’Malley’s, Sheridan’s, and Holloran’s. After listening to The Marriage Contract I fully intend to continue this series on audio.
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. This novel 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 the 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.
The Marriage Contract offered heat, suspense, and fleshed out characters who drew me into the world of Boston’s mob families.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Karen
This isn’t a favorite trope of mine but I’ve loved Robert’s books int he past and some authors do tropes really well.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Laura
Glad you enjoyed this one! I have it on my kindle so this just makes me want to read!
Eva
I just purchased this one and definitely want to read it soon after reading your review.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I have never read a book with arranged marriages! this sounds quite interesting. It’s a shame about the insta-love but I’m pleased that you enjoyed this overall.
I hope you have been doing ok Kimba <3 Sharon – Obsession with Books
Lover Of Romance
oh I love arranged marriage tropes, and I really enjoyed reading your review of this one!! Sounds like a keeper. Will definitely be adding to my wishlist.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Not gonna lie, it’s the whole arranged marriage aspect that has me wanting to read this the most.
The Bibliophile Babe
I’ll have to give this a listen!
Samantha
I totally loved this read so I’m glad you enjoyed it! I liked Teague a lot.
S .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com
lisa thomson-The Great Escape...
Oooh, a must read. I’ve added it to my GR TBR shelf. And I must read it sooner rather than later. Thanks for the review Kim. Thanks to you, my GR shelf is growing in leaps and bounds.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Hm… not loving the insta-love part, but curious about the arranged marriage and Westside Story vibe. I’m also curious about the world in which this is situated. Hm… might be a contemporary I would enjoy.
Angela Adams
“Both are kick-ass and intelligent” — awesome description! Thanks for the post.
Sophia Rose
I have this one to read still. I look forward to the rival mob family story. Glad it was good and the narration worked with it.
Mary Kirkland
I could probably get into this one.
Heidi
Hmm…. not sure about the insta love part but I like the sound of the rest. Happy weekend. Hope you get some rest.
Bookworm Brandee
I’ll definitely give this a listen, Kimberly. I love the sound of the families, that Robert is telling the story from the kids’ POV, and your mention of the Westside Story feel.
I’ve been thinking of you this week. <3
Cyn
I’m such a sucker for Arranged marriages/marriage of convenience stories! And who doesn’t love a good bad boy? haha. This sounded like a lovely listen, and I like the idea of the West Side Story vibe! Great review, Kim!
Kristin
This series sounds really dark but oh so good – is it wrong that I want to read this solely because of the cover? I didn’t think so…. GREAT review!!!!
Quinn's Book Nook
This does sound really interesting, but the whole mob family turns me off a bit. Was that a big deal in this story?
LeKeisha
I almost one-clicked this one, but I saw that my library had it, and opted to get on the holds list. Can’t wait to read it.
kindlemom1
Definitely interesting! Great review Kim and I hope you have a nice relaxing weekend with family. *hugs*
Heather B
I ended up liking this one a lot more than I thought I would. I had it for a long time and just kept putting it off. And now I can’t wait to read the next one. 🙂
Tyler Jolley
I really enjoy mafia books, and this one sounds like it hits the mark with an added helping of romance.
Ro
Love a good suspense novel, and sort of reminds me of what happened way back in the day with couples with historical romances.. I like that there seems to be some meat to the storyline and some good chemistry. Yikes to the audio part, though. (lol) For the life of me, every time I try to listen to an audio read, I get super sleepy and am out. Great review! Hugs…
Jessica
Really love how you do your posts and love this site!
Debbie Haupt
Wow Kim, what an interesting premise, starring real bad boys. It looks good thanks its going on my wish list!
Ramona
This does sound interesting, Kimba. The concept of arranged marriages has endless potential when fictionalized, and the blood vows are just that element that grips a potential reader right from the start. Too bad about the instalove aspect… Anyway, I hope you are well. I’ve been thinking about you. Hugs
Nick
Really glad you enjoyed this, Kim! 🙂 I liked this one as well. I really enjoyed the romance as well although I’m with you in that it felt like insta-love.
I’m also with you on the next book! I’m dying to read that one since it sounds absolutely amazing if we go by the chemistry the couple showed in this book. Can’t wait!
Great review, Kim!
melliane
It’s nice to find a good audio but I can’t, too long. I like the idea of this one, I’ve seen movie but not read book like that
blodeuedd
Sure, i could read this 😀