What do you think?
Rate this book
Secret Fires #3
The Agreement
In the midst of the vast, windswept Texas plains stood a ranch wrested from the wilderness with blood, sweat and tears. It was the shining legacy of Thomas McBride to his five living heirs. But along with the fertile acres and herds of cattle, each would inherit a history of scandal, lies and hidden lust that threatened to burn out of control.
Lauren McBride had left the Circle M as a confused, lonely girl of fifteen. She returned a woman--beautiful, confident, certain of her own mind. And the last thing she would tolerate was a marriage of convenience, arranged by her pa to right past wrongs. Garret Lassiter had broken her heart once before. Now only a declaration of everlasting love would convince her to become his bride.
Lauren McBride had left the Circle M as a confused, lonely girl of fifteen. She returned a woman--beautiful, confident, certain of her own mind. And the last thing she would tolerate was a marriage of convenience, arranged by her pa to right past wrongs. Garret Lassiter had broken her heart once before. Now only a declaration of everlasting love would convince her to become his bride.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
91 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Constance O'Banyon
54 books199 followersEvelyn Gee was born on 1939 in Texas, USA. She makes her home in San Antonio with her husband, Jim and their son, Jason.
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
She signed her novels as Constance O'Banyon. She also wrote as Micah Leigh with Texan writer Emma Merritt. Her books range from historical to contemporary and include several novellas. Many of her books have been published in trade paperback.Among her many awards, she is the recipient of the 1996 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. There are eight million copies of her books in print.
She says: "I have always loved history, and I loved storytelling — it was only natural that I would one day put them both together. I must have lived in another life and time, because when I write, I can almost feel I was there. My favorite part of writing is the research. Whenever possible, I will go to the place I am writing about to walk the land and smell the air."
https://www.facebook.com/Constanceobanyon/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 9, 2016
This was a pretty decent western romance. Except for thise pesky things like lack of communication, Big Misunderstandings and OTT villains. The characters were great if not a little too simply written. Everyone who was good was good and everyone who was bad was bad. And some things were nonsensical. The author dares to write that Garrett remained true to Lauren. Well, except for all those visits to the whorehouse. My definition of remaining true must differ from the author.
This book was a bit melodramatic but overall it had an interesting plot and was worth the read.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
This book was a bit melodramatic but overall it had an interesting plot and was worth the read.
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
July 12, 2012
This was my favorite of the three from this series that I read (all but the first). Although the whole 'he/she doesn't love me' thing dragged on a bit too long and the villains were excessively cruel, I liked the overall tone and flow of the novel, and the romance scenes were nice and were neither cheesy nor repetitive.
December 8, 2015
Another Amazon Review;
{28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Agreement August 27, 2001
By billspil
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This was an excellent book!!! To give a little background, I'm a 34 year-old male who has never read a romance novel. It wasn't until I was in a car accident and had an extended hospital stay that I began reading O'Banyon's books. It was after hours, and the gift shop was closed, all my wife had for me to read was The Agreement. I was reluctant at first but decided may options were limited and read it anyway. After the first page, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down! I left the hospital a week later and immediately went to the bookstore to buy every Constance O'Banyon book I could get my hands on. She writes historical based stories with the perfect mixture of action and romance. I feel that I am speaking for my gender when saying that any man could pick up this book and fully enjoy it. She is the only romance novelist I have read and the only one I will ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone, male or female who is looking for a classic story.}
Enough said! If 34 yr old male can enjoy this book and rave about this book, I rest my case. I'm determine to not let CO be such a best kept secret. I'm so surprised she not on everyone hit list.
{Another Amazon Review:
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Where has this author been all my life!!! February 13, 2002
By Jodydee
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I bought The Agreement because I like to read about Texas. Little did I know that I would have the great fortune of actully feeling like I was in Texas. I found Garret Lassiter a man of honor and soooooo sexy. Lauren was just the woman to tame him. She had him eating out of her hand on page one. I could almost picture the wilderness, the skies and Texas of old.
The Agreement goes on my self as "to read again, and again". If you haven't read this author, do yourself a favor and read The Agreement.}
{28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Agreement August 27, 2001
By billspil
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This was an excellent book!!! To give a little background, I'm a 34 year-old male who has never read a romance novel. It wasn't until I was in a car accident and had an extended hospital stay that I began reading O'Banyon's books. It was after hours, and the gift shop was closed, all my wife had for me to read was The Agreement. I was reluctant at first but decided may options were limited and read it anyway. After the first page, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down! I left the hospital a week later and immediately went to the bookstore to buy every Constance O'Banyon book I could get my hands on. She writes historical based stories with the perfect mixture of action and romance. I feel that I am speaking for my gender when saying that any man could pick up this book and fully enjoy it. She is the only romance novelist I have read and the only one I will ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone, male or female who is looking for a classic story.}
Enough said! If 34 yr old male can enjoy this book and rave about this book, I rest my case. I'm determine to not let CO be such a best kept secret. I'm so surprised she not on everyone hit list.
{Another Amazon Review:
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Where has this author been all my life!!! February 13, 2002
By Jodydee
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I bought The Agreement because I like to read about Texas. Little did I know that I would have the great fortune of actully feeling like I was in Texas. I found Garret Lassiter a man of honor and soooooo sexy. Lauren was just the woman to tame him. She had him eating out of her hand on page one. I could almost picture the wilderness, the skies and Texas of old.
The Agreement goes on my self as "to read again, and again". If you haven't read this author, do yourself a favor and read The Agreement.}
August 8, 2019
Love forever
About two people that love each other.Good story.What happen to Papa did he die?Hateful step mother that was evil.About family and love.A brother Stone that left .Well written ENJOYED reading it.
About two people that love each other.Good story.What happen to Papa did he die?Hateful step mother that was evil.About family and love.A brother Stone that left .Well written ENJOYED reading it.
March 20, 2018
The Agreement
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie
Read
April 26, 2020Enjoyed a lot! Reading all the books in the series and am on the last one. Looking forward to another good read!
November 4, 2025
นึกว่าจะดราม่ามาก แต่เอาจริงๆก็ไม่เท่าไหร่
มันเหมือนจะน่ารำคาญที่ต่างฝ่ายไม่รู้ว่าอีกฝ่ายรัก
แต่ก็มีเหตุผลอยู่แหละที่จะไม่เชื่อ นี่ถ้ากุเป็นนางเอก
คงไม่เชื่อจนวันตายอะ 555555 แล้วปมยังมีอีกหลายปม
เหมือนจะยังไม่จบดีเลย สโตนไปไหน อีแคลร์ยังอยู่ดี
ความรักของเชส แทนเนอร์อีก อย่าบอกนะว่ากุจะต้อง
ไปหาเล่มอื่นๆ มาอ่านอีกกกกน่ะ
อ้อ เล่มนี้ชื่อไทยว่า ขอรักคืน
มันเหมือนจะน่ารำคาญที่ต่างฝ่ายไม่รู้ว่าอีกฝ่ายรัก
แต่ก็มีเหตุผลอยู่แหละที่จะไม่เชื่อ นี่ถ้ากุเป็นนางเอก
คงไม่เชื่อจนวันตายอะ 555555 แล้วปมยังมีอีกหลายปม
เหมือนจะยังไม่จบดีเลย สโตนไปไหน อีแคลร์ยังอยู่ดี
ความรักของเชส แทนเนอร์อีก อย่าบอกนะว่ากุจะต้อง
ไปหาเล่มอื่นๆ มาอ่านอีกกกกน่ะ
อ้อ เล่มนี้ชื่อไทยว่า ขอรักคืน
March 9, 2017
So So
I like a book that grabs me from the beginning. This really didn't. It was slow moving and kind of annoying at times. I don't think I really got into it until close to the end. I don't know. It wasn't what I was expecting.
I like a book that grabs me from the beginning. This really didn't. It was slow moving and kind of annoying at times. I don't think I really got into it until close to the end. I don't know. It wasn't what I was expecting.
May 25, 2016
Texas rancher Garret Lassiter has been in love with sassy Lauren McBride for as long as he can remember, but she was just 15 when her father sent her away to live with relatives in Georgia. He wrote her a letter before she left telling her exactly how he felt and asking her to wait for him. Once she was a bit older, when she returned from Savannah, he wanted to marry her. She never responded. Never once in all the years she was away did she write to him.
Now Lauren is returning to Texas and her father is threatening to marry her off to the highest bidder. Garret has no intention of seeing that happen, but he doesn't dare tell her the truth about her father. Instead, he blackmails her into marriage, fearing she'll spend the rest of her life despising him for it.
This is my favorite Constance O'Banyon novel. Garret Lassiter is swoon-worthy. Intelligent, kind and protective without being controlling or overbearing. He is easily one of my favorite HR leading men. Lauren was a bit pig-headed, at times, but it wasn't difficult to understand her frustration and her heart was in the right place.
With the exception of the villain, who was a bit too one note for my taste, the characters (both leading and secondary) all had depth and personality.
The love scenes were romantic, but steamy, basically, what you'd expect from Constance.
Usually, when I read HR novels or chicklit I read it once and that's it. This is one of those rare HR novels that I've felt compelled to read more than once.
Now Lauren is returning to Texas and her father is threatening to marry her off to the highest bidder. Garret has no intention of seeing that happen, but he doesn't dare tell her the truth about her father. Instead, he blackmails her into marriage, fearing she'll spend the rest of her life despising him for it.
This is my favorite Constance O'Banyon novel. Garret Lassiter is swoon-worthy. Intelligent, kind and protective without being controlling or overbearing. He is easily one of my favorite HR leading men. Lauren was a bit pig-headed, at times, but it wasn't difficult to understand her frustration and her heart was in the right place.
With the exception of the villain, who was a bit too one note for my taste, the characters (both leading and secondary) all had depth and personality.
The love scenes were romantic, but steamy, basically, what you'd expect from Constance.
Usually, when I read HR novels or chicklit I read it once and that's it. This is one of those rare HR novels that I've felt compelled to read more than once.
June 14, 2011
เมื่อคุณอ่านหนังสือโดยที่ไม่ได้คาดหวังอะไร
แล้วพบว่ามันสนุก .. มันก็จะยิ่งสนุกมากขึ้นเป็น 2 เท่า
เล่มนี้ซื้อมาดองนานมาก ๆ
ไม่แน่ใจว่าให้คุณสมบัติอะไรกับคนขายไป ถึงได้เล่มนี้มา
เรื่องนี้เป็นแนวน้ำเน่าธรรมดา ๆ ค่ะ
พระ-นาง รักกันตั้งแต่นางเอกยังเด็กอยู่เลย
ด้วยความที่ว่าพระเอกอายุมากกว่า 5 ปี พระเอกเลย รีๆ รอๆ
เพราะไม่อยากผูกมัดนางเอกไว้ แต่ดันพูดอ้อม ๆ ว่ามีคนที่เขารักอยู่
นางเอกเลยเข้าใจผิดว่า พระเอกไปรักคนอื่น
จนนางเอกมีเหตุต้องไปอยู่กับป้าที่ต่างเมืองถึง 4 ปี
ก่อนไปพระเอกก็มอบจดหมายให้นางเอก
แต่นางเอกดันไม่อ่าน เลยเข้าใจกันผิดตลอดมา
เมื่อนางเอกกลับมายังบ้าน แล้วได้พบพระเอกอีกครั้ง
พระเอกก็ดันเข้าใจผิดไปอีกว่า นางเอกคงเปลี่ยนไปแล้ว
เข้าใจผิดกันไป-มา
แต่พระเอกเล่มนี้น่ารักมาก .. รักนางเอกมาก ๆ เลย
อ่านแล้วก็อิจฉา + ลุ้นว่าเมื่อไหร่จะเข้าใจกันซะที
อ่านแล้วชอบมาก พยายามหาว่าแปลมาจากเรื่องอะไร
เพราะในเล่มนี้มีพี่ ๆ นางเอกอีกหลายคนเชียวอยากรู้เรื่องต่อ
ในที่สุด .. ก็ไม่เกินความพยายาม โฮะ โฮะ..
อ่านฉบับแปล "ขอรักคืน" จากแก้วกานต์ค่ะ
แล้วพบว่ามันสนุก .. มันก็จะยิ่งสนุกมากขึ้นเป็น 2 เท่า
เล่มนี้ซื้อมาดองนานมาก ๆ
ไม่แน่ใจว่าให้คุณสมบัติอะไรกับคนขายไป ถึงได้เล่มนี้มา
เรื่องนี้เป็นแนวน้ำเน่าธรรมดา ๆ ค่ะ
พระ-นาง รักกันตั้งแต่นางเอกยังเด็กอยู่เลย
ด้วยความที่ว่าพระเอกอายุมากกว่า 5 ปี พระเอกเลย รีๆ รอๆ
เพราะไม่อยากผูกมัดนางเอกไว้ แต่ดันพูดอ้อม ๆ ว่ามีคนที่เขารักอยู่
นางเอกเลยเข้าใจผิดว่า พระเอกไปรักคนอื่น
จนนางเอกมีเหตุต้องไปอยู่กับป้าที่ต่างเมืองถึง 4 ปี
ก่อนไปพระเอกก็มอบจดหมายให้นางเอก
แต่นางเอกดันไม่อ่าน เลยเข้าใจกันผิดตลอดมา
เมื่อนางเอกกลับมายังบ้าน แล้วได้พบพระเอกอีกครั้ง
พระเอกก็ดันเข้าใจผิดไปอีกว่า นางเอกคงเปลี่ยนไปแล้ว
เข้าใจผิดกันไป-มา
แต่พระเอกเล่มนี้น่ารักมาก .. รักนางเอกมาก ๆ เลย
อ่านแล้วก็อิจฉา + ลุ้นว่าเมื่อไหร่จะเข้าใจกันซะที
อ่านแล้วชอบมาก พยายามหาว่าแปลมาจากเรื่องอะไร
เพราะในเล่มนี้มีพี่ ๆ นางเอกอีกหลายคนเชียวอยากรู้เรื่องต่อ
ในที่สุด .. ก็ไม่เกินความพยายาม โฮะ โฮะ..
อ่านฉบับแปล "ขอรักคืน" จากแก้วกานต์ค่ะ
November 20, 2014
There was nothing spectacular about this book and the plot is intertwined with books written by 3 other authors, so you don't have a real ending until book 4 (the last sibling to find his HEA).
I just really like Constance O'Banyon heroes because when they love a woman there is no doubt in their heart and they know how to really love her. Kresley Cole heroes are still my favorite, but O'Banyon heroes rate high up there.
I just really like Constance O'Banyon heroes because when they love a woman there is no doubt in their heart and they know how to really love her. Kresley Cole heroes are still my favorite, but O'Banyon heroes rate high up there.
August 21, 2014
This story was better than the first one that I read.
This story was better than the first one that I read.
I liked this story better than the one about Chase. the secrets were a bit tiresome, but in the end, they settled the secrets
This story was better than the first one that I read.
I liked this story better than the one about Chase. the secrets were a bit tiresome, but in the end, they settled the secrets
June 30, 2016
What a romance novel is all about
Romance the way it should be. Characters that are cheer worthy and a well thought out plot. Oh I can not forget the romance. This story has sizzle!
Romance the way it should be. Characters that are cheer worthy and a well thought out plot. Oh I can not forget the romance. This story has sizzle!
April 23, 2012
Excellent
May 15, 2016
Loved it!
Very good old western story. I love how much love Lauren and Garrett have for each other. It is a love that last across the country and years apart from each other.
Very good old western story. I love how much love Lauren and Garrett have for each other. It is a love that last across the country and years apart from each other.
June 26, 2016
Really good book
I loved Laura and Garretts story. I really love reading books by Constance OBanyon. I can't wait to read more from her.
I loved Laura and Garretts story. I really love reading books by Constance OBanyon. I can't wait to read more from her.
August 12, 2016
A Nice Story
A nice story that moves in a consistent pace along with the story line of family loss, pain, love, honor, and hope.
A nice story that moves in a consistent pace along with the story line of family loss, pain, love, honor, and hope.
September 11, 2016
Hey a girl needs a good romance novel once in awhile.
October 15, 2017
THIS WAS A CLASSIC WESTERN ROMANCE, ALTHOUGH I CANT HONESTLY TELL YOU THAT IT WAS LOGICALLY ENJOYABLE MORE THAN IT WAS VEXING. WHY? THE HEROINE VEXED ME, THATS WHY.
OUR HERO was 20 when he first decided that he was in love with his Little Red and wanted to wait for her to grow up before claiming her as his wife or professing his feelings. But, her father stands in the way of their families being close, seeing as how his family is from a reputable one, come from Virginia and has settled in Texas, buying over an abandoned ranch and turning it into a successful horse ranch. When his love has gone away for four years, and comes back because of her ailing father, he wastes no time agreeing to the bargain between her father and him. Marry her and inherit the Creek but our heroine doesn't know that he only said yes just because he has waited all his life to marry the woman he loves. With Garett I don't have a problem with him although maybe he could make his emotions more verbally obvious, and not beat around the bush.
OUR HEROINE annoyed me with her silly stubborn attitude and I wished there was a word to describe a young girl or woman who tries to act all matured and shit....I guess the word I'm lookin for that is most apt will be immature. The irony! Anyways, at 15 she loves Garett but there are many emotional obstacles in her way, especially her stepmother and father who despises the Lassiter family. At her era, women don't get to have much heresay or freedom to choose and it's harder to be in a relationship based on love than it is now. After one kiss between them, she assumes that Garett doesn't want her and agrees to leave their small town to live with her aunt, coming back years later as a lady and even more beautiful than before. Soon, she finds herself married to Garett although she believes him to be in love with another woman, so she stubbornly embraces her cold facade with him.
OVERALL, if this story was written with more sense and communication between the character, it would have been a good one.
OUR HERO was 20 when he first decided that he was in love with his Little Red and wanted to wait for her to grow up before claiming her as his wife or professing his feelings. But, her father stands in the way of their families being close, seeing as how his family is from a reputable one, come from Virginia and has settled in Texas, buying over an abandoned ranch and turning it into a successful horse ranch. When his love has gone away for four years, and comes back because of her ailing father, he wastes no time agreeing to the bargain between her father and him. Marry her and inherit the Creek but our heroine doesn't know that he only said yes just because he has waited all his life to marry the woman he loves. With Garett I don't have a problem with him although maybe he could make his emotions more verbally obvious, and not beat around the bush.
OUR HEROINE annoyed me with her silly stubborn attitude and I wished there was a word to describe a young girl or woman who tries to act all matured and shit....I guess the word I'm lookin for that is most apt will be immature. The irony! Anyways, at 15 she loves Garett but there are many emotional obstacles in her way, especially her stepmother and father who despises the Lassiter family. At her era, women don't get to have much heresay or freedom to choose and it's harder to be in a relationship based on love than it is now. After one kiss between them, she assumes that Garett doesn't want her and agrees to leave their small town to live with her aunt, coming back years later as a lady and even more beautiful than before. Soon, she finds herself married to Garett although she believes him to be in love with another woman, so she stubbornly embraces her cold facade with him.
OVERALL, if this story was written with more sense and communication between the character, it would have been a good one.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews