The Marriage Trap

The Mackenzies #3

by Diana Fraser

Book 2 of The Mackenzies

"A shepherd's hut, twenty-four hours, a stranger..." It's not the perfect start to Gemma Winters' new life--another man is the last thing she needs after the suffocating control of her ex. But, when she finds herself isolated with a ruggedly handsome stranger, the demands of her body take over.

Since his wife died, Callum Mackenzie's relationships have been strictly practical, with his only real love affair being with his land. But his family wants him to re-marry and he wants heirs. When Gemma turns up, he begins to think marriage might be a possibility after all. Their twenty-four hours of passion has shattering consequences--marriage and two people who are forced to face their worst fears...

The Mackenzies series:
Book 1, The PA's Revenge
Book 2, The Marriage Trap
Book 3, The Cowboy's Craving
Book 4, The Playboy's Redemption

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Ebooks, Westerns

176 pages, ebook

First published February 16, 2013

About the author

Diana writes emotional, heartwarming contemporary romances. Wherever the location—from desert kingdoms to the beautiful, romantic cities and lakes of Italy—she makes sure the path to true love doesn't run smoothly, by adding in a few secrets, a little intrigue.

Reviews

[Book Binge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second novel in The Mackenzies series features the second Mackenzie brother, Callum--a man with a deep well of fear of being hurt based on the betrayal and death of his wife and infant son many years before meeting a woman whose life is endangered by a flash flood, the kind for which New Zealand is famous. And it is in the context of that emergency situation, stranded in a temporary shelter with a man who doesn't appear to be too welcoming other than the fact that he saved her life, that Gemma Winters begins her new life. Running from an oppressive and ultra-controlling ex, Gemma is masquerading as the heiress of a piece of property and an falling down house, property that Callum's family have been wanting for years. But that is all still in the background when the fires of sexual attraction ignite between Callum and Gemma. The core of the story is how these two people respond to challenges that grow out of that short span of time, of how their fears and past hurts seem to stunt their ability to respond in healthy ways, preventing them from tapping those inner wells of authentic caring and love they both possess.

I really enjoyed book one in this series about Callum's brother -- The PA's Revenge -- and I was delighted when the author sent me this book to read and review. Ms Fraser writes with the sure touch of someone who knows this context being a New Zealand resident herself. She writes as one who also seems to have her finger on the pulse of human experience, writing about feelings and relationship with a sure hand and crafting a story that hangs together well and moves forward without those annoying "stalls" that plague some stories. I think the author also accurately portrayed that sense of hopelessness that surrounded both Gemma and Callum to such an extent that they just couldn't get past each other's walls. The resolution will be surprising to readers as it was to me. I'm hoping that there will be more about this fascinating family in the future.

This is a fine piece of writing and has resulted in a novel that deserves to be read and appreciated. It is a very nice look at life in a country many of us find unfamiliar and thus fascinating. It is also an intense romance read that will drag the reader into the lives of the characters in a way that absorbs the attention, the kind of read I really like. Don't miss this one.

I give it a rating of 4 out of 5.

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A follow-up novel that continues the experiences of brothers living in New Zealand and whose lives have intersected from time to time. The story revolves around a woman who is running from a hurtful and disastrous relationship in London, pretending to be the inheritor of a falling-down house that belongs to a friend of hers, and who is rescued from a flash flood of massive proportion by Callum Mackenzie and who gradually works her way past his substantial emotional defenses. It is a difficult story to read as Callum must deal with his willingness to move past some really overwhelming past hurts, while Gemma must decide how she is going to allow the future to play out, open herself again without allowing her fears to dictate her relationships, and find a way back to a balanced way of living. It's an emotional roller coaster of a story, but beautifully written by a woman who knows the country and the people and puts that stamp of authenticity on the story. It is also a novel that will engage the imagination of the reader and keep interest glued to the pages throughout. I read Book 1 in this series and am delighted to have read this second novel. Just a really fantastic read.

[Jaxta · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was terrible. The main characters were legitimately stupid people, emotionally immature, arrogant and self righteous with no reason to be. Both were incapable of communicating even the simplest of concepts... I could go on forever. The dialogue was sickly sweet at times, the plot ridiculous. I've read a lot of free "romance" books over the past year, but this is the first time I've truly felt like I was reading a trashy "romance novel".

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read..

So, the two negative reviews I can only assume DID NOT read the entire book or they would have seen that Callum’s controlling ways were because of his dead wife and how Gemma showed him how to “give her space.”

Anyway, I liked this book just as much as I liked the first one. It seemed to have more drama but just as much perfectly written sex and sexual tension.

Loved Callum and felt extremely sorry for him and what Clair put him through. Loved how much he grew during the entire book. Loved Gemma, and how she let Callum know what she wanted, in regards to her freedom, and she was going to get it, no matter how he felt about it.

I absolutely hated Callum, Dallas and James’s mother. OMG! What a bitch she is. And, unfortunately, I kept waiting for Gemma to let her have it but, sadly, it never happened. Bummer.

And Paul was just insane.

It was nice seeing Dallas, Cassandra, Guy, Lucia and James again. I’m off to read The Playboy's Redemption, the third in this trilogy. A trilogy because the 4th book, A Cowboy’s Craving, doesn’t seem to be available for pre-order on Amazon, just on iTunes. But that’s OK, these 3 books were just enough for me.

[Loz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars... maybe another half for being set in New Zealand. Where the season's match our own right here in Australia.
Right off I didn't like Gemma. She's an ignorant twit who claims to want her freedom, her independence, yet she's stupidly uneducated and ignorant when it comes to getting it.
Fortunately this one managed to redeem itself around the half way mark, though I guess I didn't particularly like Callum either, or his family. It was okay. The story was good, but I just didn't like the characters much.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the setting in rural New Zealand. This was the woman running from her dangerous past installment of the Billionaire Hottie family saga. It was a relaxing read for a wintery night.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. The Real Thing: The Mackenzies book 1
4 Stars
I purchased a copy of the Wellington, New Zealand set steamy novel The Real Thing: The Mackenzies book 1: Guy and Lucia by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
An instant attraction romance with vivid descriptions is intertwined with an art forgery scheme involving the Chinese mob.
This first volume does introduce the three Mackenzie brothers in that we learn all their names at the end of the book but the featured plot only involves Dallas Mackenzie and only in the form of a not so subtle matchmaker for his ex-girlfriend, City Art Gallery art restorer Lucia, and his best friend, world traveling lawyer and grieving widower Guy Martin.

2. Book 2: The PA’s Revenge (Mackenzies #2)
4 Stars
I purchased a copy of the Wellington, New Zealand set steamy novel The PA’s Revenge: The Mackenzies book 2: Dallas and Cassandra by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
A steamy office romance built on a foundation of revenge, attraction, misunderstandings, secrets, and a vow of no commitments shows the tender and caring side of perpetually single business entrepreneur Dallas Mackenzie.
American Cassandra Lee moves to New Zealand to destroy the man responsible for the death of her father and son only to find herself conflicted by her intense attraction to him and his contradictory character.
3. Book 3:The Marriage Trap (Mackenzies #3)
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the Wellington, New Zealand set steamy novel The Marriage Trap: The Mackenzies book 3: Callum and Gemma by Diana Fraser and this review was given freely.
Poignant with moments of steam, action and suspense this is a second chance at love story which combines a highly critical mother, strong diverse female characters, the Alpha MacKenzie bothers, some secrets and an obsessive ex.
Gemma Winters leaves London, England to escape an abusive relationship only to find herself conflicted, in New Zealand, nearly drowned, and trapped in a remote shepherd’s hut with the forceful but emotionally reserved widower, Callum Mackenzie.

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good trap

Gemma escaped a controlling violent man and ends up falling in love with a man who rescued her from storm. Callum thinks he will never love again until Gemma needs help. After one night of passion they have a few spats and then she discovered she I'll carrying his baby and ends up in what she thinks is the same kind of relationship she escaped only to realize they love each other. Looking forward to more of the Mackenzie family.

[Linda Rea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story full of heartbreak and love and lots of secrets. Gemma is on the run from a controlling man and having been rescued by Callum she believes he is too. Gemma doesn’t tell Callum why she is in New Zealand and he thinks she is the heir of the land he wants so badly. Now they are stuck together and the man she was running from hasn’t given up.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad. It was a little over done on the part of the heroine, I think. It's like she doesn't know if she wants to be independent or clingy. It's rather weak on motivation, but not a terrible read at all.

[Daian Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5
Enjoyable and a quick read.

[Anne Hewling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

I really liked this book thank you it took me two notes to read it and I love very happy endings

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok but story was far fetched. Leaves a guy for over-controlling and end up in bed with another 2 days later.

[Lwazi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so unengaging and frustrating, I couldn't even remember the characters' names. So many issues with this one, I don't even know where to start. At least it was readable.

[Sherry Vitaniemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

This story was not what I expected. It was more. I loved it. They were both well matched. They took the long way to love. But they got there.

[Frau Ott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute romance

[Inga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply enjoyed it

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an average romance novel, and my favorite part was the backdrop of New Zealand. The author did a good job show casting the country of New Zealand, was I found enjoyable.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good romance. It's a good book.

[Anniek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma needs to get away from an abusive and controlling ex. To stay under the radar she flees to New Zealand pretending to be the rightful owner of a piece of property and a house that desperately needs renovations. Gemma is not used to the dangers of nature that New Zealand is known for. During a life-threatening situation because of a flash flood Gemma is rescued by Callum.

Callum has lived in New Zealand his whole life and he knows how dangerous the floods can be. He takes Gemma to a shepherd's hut for shelter until the roads are cleared again. Ever since Callum lost his wife and his unborn son he has lead a secluded life, living for his family, land and work. Callum still has a lot of unprocessed grief about the way he and his wife separated before the tragic event of her death. Callum isn't looking for love, but he can't deny the attraction he feels for Gemma.

After everything that Gemma went through she needs to find a secluded place where she can heal emotionally. Gemma is really lucky with her best friend who provides such a shelter for her in New Zealand. Even though she has issues with trust Gemma is still a friendly and loving person. Gemma is headstrong and will do anything to avoid being controlled again. She is her own person and is afraid to open her heart again. I liked it a lot that she's able to give Callum the space he needs to recover from his own grief instead of running away from her feelings for him.

Callum is a kind and caring family man. He is smart and skilled in how to survive in the wild. Callum has been very hurt by his wife and has a lot of trouble coming to terms with what happened. He wasn't counting on the feelings that Gemma resurfaces inside him. I admired the way he deals with his emotions and was glad he finds the strength to let himself believe in love again.

The Marriage Trap is an emotional story about two people who have been hurt, but are trying to work through their issues. The story kept me interested because of the unexpected twists and turns. I couldn't put the book down and flew through the pages. I read The Marriage Trap in one sitting. It's such a heartwarming romantic story, I highly recommend it. This is the second book in a series, The Mackenzies, but the stories can all be read as standalones. I can't wait to try more books by Diana Fraser.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma had her secrets and when revealed they hurt Cullen. Cullen could not let go of his past pain with his first wife who betrayed him and held it inside, which hurt Gemma. Both characters were deeply troubled, had trouble sorting out their difficulties and big problems with communication. I felt that they deserved each other and The Marriage Trap that they made for each other and then to finally sort out their differences for a happy ending.

Cullen's family support of his brothers showed he had some good hidden. So did his first encounter with Gemma when he saved her from the flooding river, so as a reader I kept hoping his good qualities would help him show Gemma how he really felt. She kept trying to reach Cullen until she finally left and he realized what he was missing. (I left a very angry husband for four months years ago and he has treated me like a queen ever since, so sometimes hard headed men have to learn lessons the hard way, like appreciating their women.)

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, short read - what I might call a beach book. The main characters, Gemma and Callum, meet at an expected spot and during a surprising emergency and, as is typical of light romances, they both immediately have "electricity" towards each other, but then how realistic is this, they think. There is the typical on again, off again - I love him, he doesn't love me and I love her, she doesn't love me and the author does as much as possible to add some turns and twists to keep the reader reading and to still end the story as is typically expected in a romance series.

I guess what I am saying is that, even though the author did a good job of writing a light, happy, love story, I am not a typical fan of the Happy Ever After fiction as they are all too much alike. I did finish the story but do not have a lot of interest in reading more in the sequel; however, for those who like this type of fiction, this is a well written novel.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time really getting into this story. The main characters' issues with "control" and their definitions of what "freedom" vs."trust" are in a relationship were very odd to me. The author led them down a pretty hard road with no ability to talk or comprise, so basically they only had a relationship in bed. The writer's descriptions of the New Zealand scenery were very good and I wished myself there a few times. The writing was good with few grammatical errors to detract from the story. Only the deep feelings between the Mackenzie brothers of this series would make me interested enough to read any more books in this series.
This book contains some profanity, violence and explicit sexual scenes.

[Dawn-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked most of the story. I feel the arch was rushed and not as dramatic as I thought it would be, the ending was happy and quick and tied up pretty with a bow. I would of liked for it to be a little more drawn out I guess, more story. It was still really good though. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

editing mistake
I noticed a editing mistake and these really bother me, Gemma says the baby is due in June and then a couple pages later Callum tells his mother the baby is due in August. It's probably not a big deal but something that should be consistent.

[Yashira · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20%

This book just did not do it for me from the very start. I rolled my eyes many times and honestly there was no type of development at all. There's no foreplay, no flirtation nothing leading up to things. It kind of just happens. Then there's the fact that the characters seem dull. They needed more of a personality.

Yes, I didn't get far enough to see if things buildup and get better. But, if I'm annoyed with the first 20% I can only imagine how I'll be by the time I finish this.

[Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum and Gemma

Gamma had snuck away from Paul, her friend Sarah offered her a cottage in New Zealand for as long as she needed it. Callum was the cowboy that saved her from a flash flood her first night in New Zealand. They were connected but the next day Gemma was afraid that she went from one controller to another. She just needed to be free.
A very good story with characters you care about

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was overall an average to good book. I enjoyed reading it, but I got tired with Callum pretty quickly. There wasn't much character development there, and it was a shame. I kept waiting for it to happen, and it never did. And the climax was very disappointing. I was expecting something grander and it just fell flat. Ending was sweet though, but still felt like it was missing something.

[Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action was fast at the beginning almost too fast with the strangers falling into each others arms. Then it slowed down, like they didn't trust each other, after all they were complete strangers. It read like a one night stand that they both regretted immediately. The book is very well written keeping the reader wondering what was going to happen next between Gemma and Callum.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was looking for something different to read and this was free on kindle so I decided to give it a try. It definitely was not for me. I found the writing cliché, the plot flimsy, and the characters unlikable. If it was much longer I probably wouldn't have finished it. I wouldn't recommend actually spending money on this one.

[Mariette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all of it is very convincing, but for relaxing while reading, it was quite a nice story. I doubt if a real scum ex-lover would just stay out of New Zealand because he was prohibited. The story tells us that he has enough co-operatives who could do his dirty job. Mackenzie himself is also not convincing in all aspects. But it was over-all a nice story to read.