THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT ( The O’Malleys #1) by Katee Robert-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 2, 2015

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.

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REVIEW: THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT is the first installment in Katee Robert’s adult, contemporary The O’Malleys romance series focusing on three warring Underground families of the Irish Boston mafia. This is heirs apparent Teague O’Malley and Callista Sheridan’s storyline. Told from several third person perspectives, the storyline focuses on the arranged marriage(s) between the powerful families of the Boston syndicate and the ensuing war when one of their own is murdered. The storyline covers but a few days-one week at the most.

Following the murder of Callista’s less than honorable, yet to be introduced, fiancé Brendan Halloran, the search is on for the person believed to be the killer. Brendan was a ruthless, evil, SoB, and in this very few people were saddened at his demise. His on family was aware of his dangerous, sexual proclivities. Regardless of the loss of life, Callista is immediately brokered into another marriage with the competing family ensuring power remains within the top families. The joining of the O’Malley and Sheridan families strengthens the control and power.

Teague O’Malley isn’t impressed that he is being forced to marry a woman he does not know, but arranged marriages are the building block of all powerful Boston ‘families’. As the Halloran family enacts revenge on those they believe responsible for the murder of their eldest but dishonorable son, the O’Malleys and Sheridans are pulled into a war that will see a beloved son killed, and the lives of their women threatened-once again.

The relationship between Teague and Callista is very quick to develop-there is an insta lust/love format that finds our couple immediately drawn to one another. The sexual attraction is off the charts; their emotional dependence is immediate. For two people who were thrown together in the blink of an eye, there was never any angst or anxiety about their impending future.

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT is a large ensemble storyline. The secondary and supporting characters include many members of all three Irish Boston mafia families. We are introduced to Teague’s former best friend James Halloran-a man who knows that family always comes first regardless of your friendship or connections; and Teague’s brothers and sisters whose own lives will be touched by death and threats. Carrigan O’Malley may find herself tied to her brother’s former friend. The different style in family dynamics finds some willing to go along; some participating to the fullest extent; while others work desperately in the background to end the feuds that have destroyed all three families. The families are all about territory and control.

Because THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT looks at the criminal element of the Boston mafia, there is some violence, injuries, threats and death but saying that, the majority of the imagery is implied or behind the scenes. The details and graphic nature of the killings and abuse is relayed second hand and not the ‘in your face’ kind of violence and gruesomeness that can be found in some mob/mafia-style storylines. The violence is ‘toned down’ to some extent yet still apparent.

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT introduces the players, the families, the controversy and the loves of Boston’s Irish Underground mafia. There are moments of betrayal and revenge; hatred and murder; heartbreaking loss; and captivating love. The destructive nature of the fight for control finds tragedy and terrible loss for everyone involved. Katee Robert sets the foundation for a series focusing on the power, the control, the families and the war of the Boston Underground mob.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy