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Special Forces

Special Forces - Fake Marriage : Marriage Pact, Jealousy Romance

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Major Tyson Bradford had two mistresses- his family and his career. He loved them both. For the first time, the two were demanding his presence at the same time. He’d failed to secure his ailing eighty-year-old Aunt into his home. All the traditional methods failed to produce the results he needed.
Lynay's four-year-old son had severe asthma. Fear strangled her each time he fell gasping to breathe. Her minimum wage job barely kept up with his escalating medications costs. Medicaid only went so far. Her baby needed more help than she could provide.
Anne, her best friend suggested something unconventional, a contract marriage. Anne’s brother deployment would take place in less than a week. Desperate, Tyson and Lynay agree to a marriage that would meet both of their pressing needs. His only requirement: absolute fidelity during their marriage. Since Lynay hadn’t been sexually active since the birth of her son, she agreed.
Everyone got what they wanted, right? Wrong. Allison, Tyson’s ex-wife refused to accept not only their divorce of three years, but Tyson’s re-marriage as well.
An uncommon path of destruction pummeled Tyson’s Achilles heel. Seeds of deception were sown, and ultimately led to the breakup of their marriage.
But to a woman scorned, the breakdown of the faux marriage was simply gravy. She intended to teach him a lesson. Her ultimate vengeance: his total ruin.
In her hatred, she forgot one thing. She messed with his family. And nobody messed with his family, for long.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2010

34 people are currently reading
413 people want to read

About the author

Erosa Knowles

57 books191 followers
"Hello,I'm a self-proclaimed read-a-holic. I love most genres and would rather read than do most things. Stands to reason, that I'd have this inexplicable love affair with the written word!

Reading was the balm that soothed me during tough times as a single mother, working two jobs. As things leveled out, I found I enjoyed the places books took me, there was a certain solace learning about various times and cultures. When I began traveling, many of the places I visited felt like old friends. I could envision the characters from the books walking the cobbled streets, or running along the swift moving streams.

After twenty years of reading and collecting my favorite authors, I decided to indulge my passion for storytelling. I took classes, invested in seminars and sat nervously across the table from editors. It was a lengthy process, Finally, I got the courage to allow the market to judge my work. The market can be a brutal, but I think fair, mistress. Hard work is rewarded and appreciated. Slackers don't stand a chance. :-)."

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5 stars
308 (37%)
4 stars
290 (35%)
3 stars
159 (19%)
2 stars
44 (5%)
1 star
24 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Deloris.
970 reviews42 followers
February 28, 2012
This is one of those books that makes you smile at the end because it is a complete story. Tyson and Lynay have both been hurt by love but learn that when some one loves you truly you can trust them.You take a journey with this couple while fall in love and you see that you don't mess with Tyson's family or he will come after you.I like this author I can not wait to read more from her.
180 reviews
January 11, 2011
From what I can tell this is Erosa Knowles’ first book, and in my opinion it was well written. I was looking forward to reading this book because it had many elements that I enjoy (bw/wm romance, single female, contract marriage, betrayal, humor and, love).

One suggestion I do have before I say anything about the book itself is about the book description. I think that it could be shortened; it gives away information that could be just found out by the reader by reading the book.

Major Tyson Bradford was a man of many women’s dreams. He was good looking, he had a muscular build, he had a career (military), he owned his own home, and he had his own money. Like I said what woman wouldn’t want him just on that alone? He was also a kind, and giving person, who was protective of those he loved. His only short-coming was that he was a little jaded when it came to the fidelity of women, because of his ex-wife Allison (I won’t say too much more about her, you will just need to read the book).

Lynay is a great mom, she may hover a bit, but it’s understandable because her son does suffer from severe asthma. You can tell her son’s well-being comes first with her. Her problem is that she too is jaded about relationships, because of how badly her son’s father treated or should I say mistreated her.

When these two meet to settle the arraignment that Tyson’s sister conveniently suggested would be the best option, sparks on a physical level fly. Unfortunately, neither one wants to really do anything about it because of past relationships or do they? (no spoiler here.LOL)

The pace and the length of the book was good, and the storyline was great. The background information on Lynay and Tyson was just enough so you could understand why they were so cautious without going overboard. The mixture of the secondary characters helped add to the story and made the story much more interesting.

I was expecting a lot drama and vengefulness because of the ex-wife, as indicated on the back cover, but I wasn’t expecting the type that did unfold, especially the parts between Lynay and Tyson. I do think the way the ending part with the ex-wife Allison played out could have been handled a little differently, but then again maybe not (read it for yourself, and see what you think). There was also just the right amount of passion between Lynay and Tyson.

I definitely look forward to more from Erosa Knowles!!
Profile Image for Maria.
658 reviews14 followers
Want to read
May 17, 2023
The biggest problem I had was the poor quality of the writing. The characters weren't fleshed out enough and there was a huge problem with the way passage of time was handled. You would finish reading a passage and from the ending of one paragraph to the beginning of the next bam, three months had passed. Yes it could be done but when you're attempting to convey the depth of a bond that is forming you need to put in some work. Now let's talk about implausible plots and the build-up of characters that you then do nothing with. We have a batcrap crazy ex-wife who supposedly comes from a family that is career military. The way this chick was acting, someone in her family would have put her behind on lockdown quick fast and in a hurry. On top of that we have a child who is sickly enough that his mother considers marrying a stranger for the medical benefits but after the union takes place, he abruptly seems to be doing better. Don't get me started on the sex scenes. If we're going to use crude sexual terms than do it. If however, you want to use euphemisms, do it. Don't randomly switch back and forth between the two. It's jarring to go from that special "c" word to "her hard little nubbin." Mentally, I'm just not that flexible any more. If we're doing porn, we're doing porn. Don't mix it up with fluff. That being said the most annoying thing about this was, it could've been really good, hopefully some editor will get ahold of this author and smooth out the rough edges. I'll keep a wary but hopeful eye on this author.
Profile Image for Nooniemom.
14 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2011
I ENJOYED this story! The premise was believable,people in the REAL WORLD marry for ALL kinds of reasons other than LOVE. The main characters were likeable and realistic. The chemistry between them was EXCITING! Even the secondary characters held my interest.

I don't want to reveal too much in this review because the book should be read and enjoyed.This is my first book by Ms. Knowles and I've got another of hers to be read,so keep up the good writing Ms. Knowles!
Profile Image for Kim.
740 reviews80 followers
July 17, 2011
Lynay and Tyson married one another out of something they both needed from each other. From their "compatibility" meeting they were instantly attracted to one another, and their sexual tension just escalated from there. It was very honorable how they both agreed to be faithful during Tysons deployment even though they were essentially in a contract marriage. I would say this book focused more on the romance aspect of their relationship then previous books I've read from this author and I liked that. The love scenes were good, and the conflict was totally unexpected, but added a nice spice to the plot. Overall a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Tara.
376 reviews
October 29, 2015
Tyson and Lynay were a nice pair, they definitely had some strong chemistry. Although at one point I wanted to hit Tyson for being stupid and almost losing his family over a misunderstanding and completely losing his cool. I blame Tyson's mom and Allison, his ex-wife, for making the poor guy have trust issues, but especially Allison because she was beyond crazy and delusional and the cause behind Tyson's big misunderstanding. Luckily, Lynay eventually forgave him and they could be a family again. HEA for everyone, well except Allison of course. >_<
Profile Image for Genney Blass.
1,314 reviews27 followers
June 29, 2013
4.5 stars. I truly loved this book. Tyson and Lynay makes such a beautiful couple. And Seth, what a cutie little 4 year old. Loved Aunt Lily with her spunk and Anne, girl she was my Shero. What a man had so much hurt in the past with love that didn't know who to trust again. His ex wife, I wish I was inside this story to beat the shit out of her. Oh and Blue, sexy as Chocolate man, he needs a story, please. Bravo to Ms. Knowles. Loved it.
Profile Image for Nicole.
73 reviews
June 8, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I can honestly say it is one of the most well written interracial romances that I've read. I loved the two leads as individual characters and was intrigued by the basis of their relationship and watching that develop. Also there is a real plot/mystery to solve. The book was resolved nicely.
Profile Image for A.W..
80 reviews
September 26, 2011
This storyline was so well written that it became very difficult for me to stop reading because of the anticpation of what would happen next. Erosa Knowles has no doubt been added to my list of favorite interracial/multicultural authors.
Great Read glad i made the investment.
Profile Image for Cate McKoy.
Author 25 books61 followers
October 31, 2017
Special Forces

It was a good read, nice story. There were some great love scenes and their fight scene among the Bradfords was my fav. There were some grammatical errors which is the reason for 3 stars rather than 4 stars.
Profile Image for Trickiegyrl.
147 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2011
Pretty decent read for a first attempt. Some part felt a little rushed, but the premise was good.
Profile Image for Laverne Brewster.
1,375 reviews17 followers
November 13, 2017
4.00 stars. After voice over rereading. The book is well written and the marriage of convenience featuring a military man as protagonist adds to its appeal. My problem with the book is two fold: first, I have a personal affinity against one member of a couple being the parent of a small child. I would have preferred that Lynay Grant be a recently terminated struggling student suffering from severe bouts of asthma; secondly, the primary villain, Allision, Major Tyson Bradford's ex-wife is unnecessarily reduced from an educated military brat who cheated on her husband and now wants him back to a crazy bigoted whore who will sleep with one in a uniform. This characterization of Allision doen't fit the kind of woman Tyson would have married considering his obsession with fidelity due his mother's unfaithfulness to his father. The other elements of the story were great, both Tyson and Lynay had dated outside their respective races and being an interracial couple was not an issue for them. I enjoyed 'watching them fall in love and over come their trust issues . Good story.
Profile Image for Mocha Haven.
281 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2014
This is my introduction to this author's work. The concept was interesting. There were many layers to the makeup of ALL the characters. Yet, it wasn't believable fiction. However, that was fine most of the time. But believing a protective mother with a history full of mistrust due people she loved hurting & letting her down, would take someone to meet their young child then move in with him? No. There were other elements that can go under the "artistic liberties" umbrella. ...but the introduction of the white supremacy group? Regardless of the situation, they wouldn't talk willingly to the racially diverse group of agents & military in their home. Would not happen.

Although this book received pretty decent reviews, it reads a little amateurish. However, the writer presents to have great potential. I may give her one try.
Profile Image for Elle1986.
456 reviews31 followers
October 9, 2015
Well well well, this was a bit of a surprise. I purchased this book without reading the sample and hoped for the best... I actually enjoyed this one very much.

Why you might add? Well I am a sucker for men who step up and became great fathers to children who aren't theirs... actually I find that that makes the male characters even more attractive... which was most def the case in the book.

Now at first I was like NO not another "loveless marriage" however after I read the details.. I was I was in love with it.

This book had just enough of everything to keep me entertained... however if the whole saga around allison could have been a bit different I probably would have rated it 5 stars. I just didn't like the way that whole thing ended.

Nevertheless enjoyed this book very much
Profile Image for Selena.
179 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2015
This is my first book by Erosa. I must say the writting was phenomenal. The flow of the story worked. You felt like the story progressed at a real state, not being rushed. I love her style of story telling and will be reading more of her work. Tyson and Lynay were an amazing couple. The supporting cast was just as amazing. Seth was too cute. Anne was Lynay ride or die friend/sister. Aunt Lilley was a cute popper and will check you no matter who you are. Even Blue was a great added support in the story. Great job.
Profile Image for April.
18 reviews3 followers
January 26, 2012
I liked the story. But the way it was written how the story flowed was poor. The author was very repetitive and at some points she did not explain things thoroughly enough. At one point she spoke about a person you had no clue to which she was referring. Also she gave great details in the middle of conversations so much so that you had to go back and look at what the last person said to understand where the conversation was headed. Overall it was a great story but it needed better structure.
Profile Image for Tysha.
32 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2013
I enjoyed this book,but felt like it was extremely rushed in the middle. I wanted to read more about Tyson and Lynay's relationship. I also wanted a little more tension and time when they first met. It's like they met, and then he left.

Overall, great story that reminded me s lot of "The Grunt", which is one on my favorite books.
Profile Image for Tony.
1,668 reviews
June 29, 2011
I really enjoyed the story even when it totally turned toward the end from a romance to a special ops investigation. The characters were fun and the story took interesting turns through out. It was a fun read.
Profile Image for Tracy.
105 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, I like how the author let me see what each character had to deal with and the obstacles that they had to deal with, even though our guy had more issues than our lady, agin a really good read, wish it was longer
Profile Image for Ali.
134 reviews19 followers
June 7, 2013
oh really now...a marriage of convenience i can totally understand but the development of the story was confusing and lacked substance. they sounded fake (yes i know its fiction) the chemistry wasn't there at all.
537 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2014
I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down. I.read it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. This is book is about a friend helping a friend out and her brother fell in love with what was supposed to be just temporary.
5 reviews
December 26, 2019
Enjoyed this one

Good storyline, well written with few typos . The characters were believable and storyline had a bit of suspense. I enjoyed reading this book. So many IR books are about quick sex and no storyline. Not the case with this one.
273 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2019
Rare really good read.

Usually, these books are formulaic with tons of heat and little substance. This book had both. Lynel and Tyson wee a good match. Only 4 stars due to some incorrect word use and a weird plot point that didn't fit.
137 reviews
May 21, 2019
Marvelous!!

I couldn't put this book down! The entire story was well written and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Allison. I going shopping for another Erosa book. Happy reading!!
333 reviews
January 25, 2018
Decent

Worth the read. It appears some people don't like losing. Want to have their cake and eat it also without regard for others
47 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2019
Kids 😍

Some parts she went into details too long and other parts I wish she spent more time. I always enjoy when kids are apart of the story
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,153 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2024
The love of family is what this story is about

Maj. Tyson Bradford was headed to another mission to Afghanistan, but he didn't want to leave his elderly Aunt Lilly without care. His sister Anne's best friend Lynay was in a pickle too and needed help with somewhere to stay and medical help for her son Seth. Who would believe that their arranged marriage ended in love? But, his ex-wife Allison wasn't as accepting and threw a big monkey wrench in Tyson and Lynay's marriage. Lynay was devastated that Tyson didn't think she had integrity. But her cousin's mother-in-law gave her excellent marriage advice. Train up a man early in the marriage. Allison didn't know how deep of a grave she'd dug for herself. With the help of Anne and her husband Raul, they were able to clean up the mess that Allison started.

I loved this story. It shows that family isn't always blood but who you love and care about. Seth captured the heart of not only Tyson but also Tyson's elderly Aunt Lilly. Having a child around her revitalized her life. Tyson had to deal with some serious baggage from his past life which caused him to overreact to the bomb that Allison set off. He came to realize that family was all he craved and just being around Lynay and hearing her voice was a healing balm to his soul. In the end, Tyson, Lynae, and Seth got the loving family and HEA they all needed.
Profile Image for Cammyjoe.
1,426 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2023
Tyson and Lynay…

The Major wasn’t planning on marrying again, his first marriage left a foul taste in his mouth, not to mention his own mother wasn’t a woman’s of virtue and he definitely don’t want to be like his father. Well, his sister came with an idea that would be beneficial to both him and her best friends, Lynay. He hesitated but after meeting the beautiful Lynay …
Anyway, the crazy ex is not going to make it easy for them… You will have to buy your own copy and see .
I love little Seth , aunt Lilly is something else.
Anne, you are the best friend that every girl needs!
Tyson, made me so mad at his reaction to the pictures… seriously,major!!!!
Profile Image for Tammy.
345 reviews42 followers
March 11, 2020
Marriage of convenience, Tyson is being deployed in a week. He needs someone to look after his home and his elderly aunt. Lynay is a single mother; her hours have been cut, her rent is going up, and her child needs better health care. A marriage solves both of their problems. This book was an enjoyable read. The are definitely some grammatical issues. I also feel like there are some issues with how this author describes/skips over periods of time.

Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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