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Finders Keepers #2
Tamed
An interconnected standalone featuring mature themes.
IT'S IN MY BLOOD
For centuries, all the men in my family have captured their brides.
All my life, I've bucked against that tradition.
But then I see Rosanna, and I know this woman and her unborn twins will be mine.
THERE'S NO RUNNING FROM IT
I'm Connor Shay, and I'm claiming the family I've always wanted.
Don't worry, Rosanna...Daddy's here now.
This is what it means to be a Shay.
*Updated 07/2024 to include an epilogue
IT'S IN MY BLOOD
For centuries, all the men in my family have captured their brides.
All my life, I've bucked against that tradition.
But then I see Rosanna, and I know this woman and her unborn twins will be mine.
THERE'S NO RUNNING FROM IT
I'm Connor Shay, and I'm claiming the family I've always wanted.
Don't worry, Rosanna...Daddy's here now.
This is what it means to be a Shay.
*Updated 07/2024 to include an epilogue
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
286 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 7, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
This was great, just not as good as the previous book from the series.
I love how M. L. Marian writes, I love that her heroes are completely OTT and totally obsessed and committed to their women from moment one, they're a little unhinged but at the same time can be such sweethearts and oh so precious. Not gonna lie tho, my absolute favorite thing is how this author is soo out-there with the kinks and the smutty scenes are incredible every time 🔥 I find she's always original and a true breath of fresh air and she's fast becoming one of my go-to favorite authors!!
Just a heads up, a few of the kinks she writes about might not be your cup of tea (take a peek at my tags if you're curious).
So... why not as good as the first one? I just overall loved the story's plot prior to this one much much more, especially because it had a dubious consent factor which made it absolutely delicious to me: the MCs Amos and Mercy know each other as he is her boss. She secretly has a huge crush on him but she's very introverted, a little depressed and most of the time way too scared to go out of her confort zone. So what choice is Amo left with if not to drug her during her sleep and kidnap her to have her all for himself?👀 I won't spoil you the rest of the fun but those are exactly the kind of tropes I'm keen on reading and this book was definitely on the sweeter side. The heroine Rosanna is at a low point in her life when she finds out she's pregnant with twins, she currently is in a abusive relationship and a little desperate to make things better when Connor shows up to save her and quite literally sweeps her off her feet! Don't worry, her abusive ex wasn't much of an issue and is quickly dealt with at the start so aside from that, the story is drama free and basically about them falling in love and having hot sex all the time lol.
Definitely will continue to read whatever this lovely author has to offer in the future!
This was great, just not as good as the previous book from the series.
I love how M. L. Marian writes, I love that her heroes are completely OTT and totally obsessed and committed to their women from moment one, they're a little unhinged but at the same time can be such sweethearts and oh so precious. Not gonna lie tho, my absolute favorite thing is how this author is soo out-there with the kinks and the smutty scenes are incredible every time 🔥 I find she's always original and a true breath of fresh air and she's fast becoming one of my go-to favorite authors!!
Just a heads up, a few of the kinks she writes about might not be your cup of tea (take a peek at my tags if you're curious).
So... why not as good as the first one? I just overall loved the story's plot prior to this one much much more, especially because it had a dubious consent factor which made it absolutely delicious to me: the MCs Amos and Mercy know each other as he is her boss. She secretly has a huge crush on him but she's very introverted, a little depressed and most of the time way too scared to go out of her confort zone. So what choice is Amo left with if not to drug her during her sleep and kidnap her to have her all for himself?👀 I won't spoil you the rest of the fun but those are exactly the kind of tropes I'm keen on reading and this book was definitely on the sweeter side. The heroine Rosanna is at a low point in her life when she finds out she's pregnant with twins, she currently is in a abusive relationship and a little desperate to make things better when Connor shows up to save her and quite literally sweeps her off her feet! Don't worry, her abusive ex wasn't much of an issue and is quickly dealt with at the start so aside from that, the story is drama free and basically about them falling in love and having hot sex all the time lol.
Definitely will continue to read whatever this lovely author has to offer in the future!
May 15, 2022
** ARC received for honest feedback**
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a MAJOR swoon fest!! Daddy conner is just 🥰🥰 the sweetest. He is NOT AT ALL like Amos or Mitchell. His situation made him be extra careful and he “gently” had to guide his h to him . I really loved him! This is long bc I had a lot to detail here lol. Sooorrryyy 🤷🏻♀️😝 ((but not really lol))
***Possible Spoilers- if you’ve read my reviews or know me you know that I am not a “pro-fesh”, and I’ve always written these reviews more to remember what I loved or didn’t about a book but I’ve tried to get better for those who do care to read my reviews… so if your sensitive about reading a spoiler or too many details ((bc I REALLY did that this time)).. leave now 🫡. If your still here then… here’s the meat and potatoes of what I think of this book. ***
🥩 & 🥔 : The things:
-NOT an OTT H, in the normal sense but, he is VERY protective, possessive and all in from the gate when he sees Rosanna. 🤗
-Instalove ❤️ this series is guys whose are all in from the moment they know the h is theirs and the h in this one actually fell easily bc he was really just her savior. Conner was like fresh air after a life of struggle. 🤗
-Pregnancy w/ the symptoms 🥰 morning sickness, headaches, being tired, hormonal and belly growth!!!
-TWINS 👫🏻(twins by OM- she’s been with Silas since they were teens. It’s not been good for a while and while idk if they were active sexually, her pregnancy is described as “the one time he came home drunk, didn’t put on a c0nd0m and did it with her”. Sooo we know from comments in the book that the sex was always bad, and they hadn’t been happy for a while.) This is really an accidental pregnancy but by OM. (See more on OM below) 👇🏻
-13 year age gap ( I think she’s early 20s and he’s late 30s I THINK)
-calls her: kitten 🐱 & little mama 🤰
-she calls him: Baby & Daddy (see more below)
-cute pets 🐶 🐱 Toto and baggy ❤️
-H claims the babies as his as soon as he knows. 🥹🥹
-Standalone but I honestly feel as if you need to read atleast the novella ‘Caught’ (but I’d read claimed too) but you don’t HAVE too. (Butttt, you should so you know the other family members. )
-OM: This is the h’s ex. They were childhood friends who became more and then just became comfortable which we see when our h meets H. She’s been unhappy. OM doesn’t have a good job, gets drunk all the time and doesn’t take care of her at all. He roughly gabes her leaving bruises on her arm 😡. Our h is unhappy but doesn’t really think she can do better or have better, she keeps hoping for the best but once she knows she’s pregnant- she’s like ok I gotta do better for them. He is NOT involved with the babies. He doesn’t want them. He tells her to get an abortion and if she wants to have them-she’s on her own. Then he basically bails on her. Luckily she’s met Conner by this point.
-care taking 🥰🥰… Daddy Connor is amazing. When he 1st meets Rosanna he knows she’s his woman- he takes her home and gets her things for her nausea, cooks for her. Sleeps in the doorway so be near her but respect her space. Throughout the book he does so many care taking things like: Cooks for her, makes sure she eats and naps, rubs her shoulders and neck when she’s suffering headaches, rubs her belly, brushes her hair, goes to the doctor with her, Carries her, get her new clothes… just everything.
-H handles the OM: Dead beat sperm donor? Get you a Connor whose gonna grab him by the balls *literally* and force him to not only be in unimaginable pain (I mean he’s gotta make him suffer for hurting you) but empty his wallet for you- while he tells him that he will NEVER think about you or the babies again bc your his now😍😍. I mean I love a good knock ‘em out scene but this really made me laugh lol
-H is “uncut” 🍆 … this was unique to me as idk if I’ve read that before so this was kinda interesting for my dirty brain lol.
-He is gentle- NOT typical steamrolling like Amos or Mitchell did:: Conner is sooooo FKn sweet… I mean where usually these guys are steamrolling their way in- Conner is being mindful bc he doesn’t wanna cause Rosanna and the babies to get stressed. He’s ALL IN from Jump. His daddy mode is activated yall and it’s 🥰🥰 sooo cute!! This just melted my heart… excerpt: this is at the beginning, maybe 3 days into knowing/meeting ((i think)) and she’s kinda spaced out and really sad and he makes her a sandwich to eat bc she hasn’t ate anything yet… (yes 3 days- yes Instalove… now read)…
“He crouches down in front of me and gently slides his big fingers under mine, immediately giving me a brief respite from my sad thoughts. My breath catches at the warmth that spreads over my body from that one gentle touch. Without counting my one doctor appointment, no one besides me has touched the place that houses my little babies. Face more serious than I’ve ever seen it, Connor lifts my hand to his lips for a soft kiss. Then, ever so slowly, he leans in and reverently brushes his mouth on my belly. Once. Twice. Twice? Blinking away tears, I hold his head close to me. “Eat, Rosanna,” he rumbles.”
🥰🥰Gahhhhhddddddd… this woman is thinking she’s dealing with being a momma alone while Conner already says they are his in his mind. 🥲🥲😍
-“Daddy” but not the kink… kinda 🤔… this I gotta address bc some of y’all are like me, I don’t mind a daddy kink but it needs to fit and be done well. This one has where he is bossing her around and she JOKINGLY says “yes daddy” and he gets excited… I was like ahhh man here we go.. daddy kink outta left field. 😂 BUTTTTTTTT… that’s not this exactly. So conner DOES like being called daddy but it’s not because he wants her to be his “little girl” or any age play type stuff. Conner just REALLLYYYYY wants to be a dad. In Claimed we see at the end where mercy sees conner hiding his pain, and in this story we learn that even though conner loves his family and nieces and nephew. He is hurting because he wants a family of his own. He wants someone to love and to love him. He wants that happiness everyone else seems to have. So it is said sometimes in a sexy way and sometimes not you’ll have to decide how you feel on it. For me I could’ve done without it but it was fine 🤷🏻♀️ so Read this section below- in this scene our h is cleaning hot he closet and sees a random bag in the back that happens to be the same store as the place conner took her to buy new maternity clothes so she thinks maybe she forgot to put something up, when she opens the bag and sees what is inside… and this…..
“Daddy’s Little Princess,” I whisper out loud. “And Daddy’s Handsome Man. Oh, Connor...” Two of each. Now I almost understand his obsession with being called Daddy. Thank you, Daddy is what I’d said when he wrapped his giant jacket around me when we met. Who am I to these babies? he’d said on our wedding night. He just...he just wants to be a daddy. A family man.
-Br33ding 🥜 she’s already preg and he’s loving it and he’s got every plan to keep her that way. He tells her no to BC after the twins 😂
-Lactation/ brst milk drinking 🥛 ….When our h gives birth we get some nice scenes of this. Conner asking her to let him try it. Then we get some spicy ones where he’s drinking from her 🤤 and then she even gets a clogged duct and he uses a heat pad, massages her brst and then sucks to unclog it 😝 and I was like HELLLL YEAHHH lol. Hahahaha. [Dont judge me 😒]
-pee scene (not the kinky kind):
LET ADDRESS THIS🗣…y’all… idk 😂… their arguing and he’s kinda laying on her, keeping her pinned to the floor to listen to him and she tells him if he doesn’t let her up she will pee on him. I guess to gross him out and hope he lets her up. Joke was on her 😂 , so she tinkles on him. Not like soaking him and the floor but, his pants get wet- so what does conner do? Say since she marked him, he will also mark her- and he gives her a little tinkle back 😂😂🤨 this was weird and so outta my comfort level but imma just be glad it WAS NOT a kinky thing, cause I would’ve dipped lol. Instead I’m laughing so hard (they both shower right after lol)
-We see the others 😁 we get to see mercy and Amos and the kids they adopted including more about Isaiah (whose gonna get his own book!!! Eeeekkk).
-HEA ❤️❤️ we don’t get an epilogue which kinda made me sad bc I wanted to see more of the twins a little older and if they had more babies but I think this maybe bc maybe the timeline is needed to butt up into the next persons at the same time? I guess we will see
-No OW at all
-Cheating… 🤔🤔 technically yes the h is with OM when h and H meet. NOT BETWEEN H & h.
-there is death of a side character (older gentleman)
-I sometimes felt like I didn’t honestly know how much time had past, it seemed like it was only a few days before they get married and yet theirs a comment about his hair growing “an inch a month” this confused me maybe I’m dumb or didn’t read it correctly but it had been days soooo?? Huh? But I just was like ok whatever and kept reading 😝 **THIS MAY CHANGE BEFORE YOU READ IT. As I got an advanced copy, it is possible the author may change this scene so this may not even be an issue for you***
‼️✍️confirmed at the end that another book is coming is actually going to be a novella and sounds like an origin story- it’s going to be of grandpa Jed shay’s story of how he took his woman.
Overall- I enjoyed this. I did go in thinking I was gonna get a crazy steamroller and got the OPPOSITE so I feel like I gotta stay that off top. But conner is soooooo amazing. I mean I think everyone should be loved by someone by conner. He really just wants to love and care and provide for Rosanna and their babies. 🥰 this was a gentle steamroll I feel like. He gently suggested things like letting him drive her, living with him that was easily convincing to her bc of her surrounding environment so it all worked in his favor. I honestly wanna know Isaiah’s story now.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was a MAJOR swoon fest!! Daddy conner is just 🥰🥰 the sweetest. He is NOT AT ALL like Amos or Mitchell. His situation made him be extra careful and he “gently” had to guide his h to him . I really loved him! This is long bc I had a lot to detail here lol. Sooorrryyy 🤷🏻♀️😝 ((but not really lol))
***Possible Spoilers- if you’ve read my reviews or know me you know that I am not a “pro-fesh”, and I’ve always written these reviews more to remember what I loved or didn’t about a book but I’ve tried to get better for those who do care to read my reviews… so if your sensitive about reading a spoiler or too many details ((bc I REALLY did that this time)).. leave now 🫡. If your still here then… here’s the meat and potatoes of what I think of this book. ***
🥩 & 🥔 : The things:
-NOT an OTT H, in the normal sense but, he is VERY protective, possessive and all in from the gate when he sees Rosanna. 🤗
-Instalove ❤️ this series is guys whose are all in from the moment they know the h is theirs and the h in this one actually fell easily bc he was really just her savior. Conner was like fresh air after a life of struggle. 🤗
-Pregnancy w/ the symptoms 🥰 morning sickness, headaches, being tired, hormonal and belly growth!!!
-TWINS 👫🏻(twins by OM- she’s been with Silas since they were teens. It’s not been good for a while and while idk if they were active sexually, her pregnancy is described as “the one time he came home drunk, didn’t put on a c0nd0m and did it with her”. Sooo we know from comments in the book that the sex was always bad, and they hadn’t been happy for a while.) This is really an accidental pregnancy but by OM. (See more on OM below) 👇🏻
-13 year age gap ( I think she’s early 20s and he’s late 30s I THINK)
-calls her: kitten 🐱 & little mama 🤰
-she calls him: Baby & Daddy (see more below)
-cute pets 🐶 🐱 Toto and baggy ❤️
-H claims the babies as his as soon as he knows. 🥹🥹
-Standalone but I honestly feel as if you need to read atleast the novella ‘Caught’ (but I’d read claimed too) but you don’t HAVE too. (Butttt, you should so you know the other family members. )
-OM: This is the h’s ex. They were childhood friends who became more and then just became comfortable which we see when our h meets H. She’s been unhappy. OM doesn’t have a good job, gets drunk all the time and doesn’t take care of her at all. He roughly gabes her leaving bruises on her arm 😡. Our h is unhappy but doesn’t really think she can do better or have better, she keeps hoping for the best but once she knows she’s pregnant- she’s like ok I gotta do better for them. He is NOT involved with the babies. He doesn’t want them. He tells her to get an abortion and if she wants to have them-she’s on her own. Then he basically bails on her. Luckily she’s met Conner by this point.
-care taking 🥰🥰… Daddy Connor is amazing. When he 1st meets Rosanna he knows she’s his woman- he takes her home and gets her things for her nausea, cooks for her. Sleeps in the doorway so be near her but respect her space. Throughout the book he does so many care taking things like: Cooks for her, makes sure she eats and naps, rubs her shoulders and neck when she’s suffering headaches, rubs her belly, brushes her hair, goes to the doctor with her, Carries her, get her new clothes… just everything.
-H handles the OM: Dead beat sperm donor? Get you a Connor whose gonna grab him by the balls *literally* and force him to not only be in unimaginable pain (I mean he’s gotta make him suffer for hurting you) but empty his wallet for you- while he tells him that he will NEVER think about you or the babies again bc your his now😍😍. I mean I love a good knock ‘em out scene but this really made me laugh lol
-H is “uncut” 🍆 … this was unique to me as idk if I’ve read that before so this was kinda interesting for my dirty brain lol.
-He is gentle- NOT typical steamrolling like Amos or Mitchell did:: Conner is sooooo FKn sweet… I mean where usually these guys are steamrolling their way in- Conner is being mindful bc he doesn’t wanna cause Rosanna and the babies to get stressed. He’s ALL IN from Jump. His daddy mode is activated yall and it’s 🥰🥰 sooo cute!! This just melted my heart… excerpt: this is at the beginning, maybe 3 days into knowing/meeting ((i think)) and she’s kinda spaced out and really sad and he makes her a sandwich to eat bc she hasn’t ate anything yet… (yes 3 days- yes Instalove… now read)…
“He crouches down in front of me and gently slides his big fingers under mine, immediately giving me a brief respite from my sad thoughts. My breath catches at the warmth that spreads over my body from that one gentle touch. Without counting my one doctor appointment, no one besides me has touched the place that houses my little babies. Face more serious than I’ve ever seen it, Connor lifts my hand to his lips for a soft kiss. Then, ever so slowly, he leans in and reverently brushes his mouth on my belly. Once. Twice. Twice? Blinking away tears, I hold his head close to me. “Eat, Rosanna,” he rumbles.”
🥰🥰Gahhhhhddddddd… this woman is thinking she’s dealing with being a momma alone while Conner already says they are his in his mind. 🥲🥲😍
-“Daddy” but not the kink… kinda 🤔… this I gotta address bc some of y’all are like me, I don’t mind a daddy kink but it needs to fit and be done well. This one has where he is bossing her around and she JOKINGLY says “yes daddy” and he gets excited… I was like ahhh man here we go.. daddy kink outta left field. 😂 BUTTTTTTTT… that’s not this exactly. So conner DOES like being called daddy but it’s not because he wants her to be his “little girl” or any age play type stuff. Conner just REALLLYYYYY wants to be a dad. In Claimed we see at the end where mercy sees conner hiding his pain, and in this story we learn that even though conner loves his family and nieces and nephew. He is hurting because he wants a family of his own. He wants someone to love and to love him. He wants that happiness everyone else seems to have. So it is said sometimes in a sexy way and sometimes not you’ll have to decide how you feel on it. For me I could’ve done without it but it was fine 🤷🏻♀️ so Read this section below- in this scene our h is cleaning hot he closet and sees a random bag in the back that happens to be the same store as the place conner took her to buy new maternity clothes so she thinks maybe she forgot to put something up, when she opens the bag and sees what is inside… and this…..
“Daddy’s Little Princess,” I whisper out loud. “And Daddy’s Handsome Man. Oh, Connor...” Two of each. Now I almost understand his obsession with being called Daddy. Thank you, Daddy is what I’d said when he wrapped his giant jacket around me when we met. Who am I to these babies? he’d said on our wedding night. He just...he just wants to be a daddy. A family man.
-Br33ding 🥜 she’s already preg and he’s loving it and he’s got every plan to keep her that way. He tells her no to BC after the twins 😂
-Lactation/ brst milk drinking 🥛 ….When our h gives birth we get some nice scenes of this. Conner asking her to let him try it. Then we get some spicy ones where he’s drinking from her 🤤 and then she even gets a clogged duct and he uses a heat pad, massages her brst and then sucks to unclog it 😝 and I was like HELLLL YEAHHH lol. Hahahaha. [Dont judge me 😒]
-pee scene (not the kinky kind):
LET ADDRESS THIS🗣…y’all… idk 😂… their arguing and he’s kinda laying on her, keeping her pinned to the floor to listen to him and she tells him if he doesn’t let her up she will pee on him. I guess to gross him out and hope he lets her up. Joke was on her 😂 , so she tinkles on him. Not like soaking him and the floor but, his pants get wet- so what does conner do? Say since she marked him, he will also mark her- and he gives her a little tinkle back 😂😂🤨 this was weird and so outta my comfort level but imma just be glad it WAS NOT a kinky thing, cause I would’ve dipped lol. Instead I’m laughing so hard (they both shower right after lol)
-We see the others 😁 we get to see mercy and Amos and the kids they adopted including more about Isaiah (whose gonna get his own book!!! Eeeekkk).
-HEA ❤️❤️ we don’t get an epilogue which kinda made me sad bc I wanted to see more of the twins a little older and if they had more babies but I think this maybe bc maybe the timeline is needed to butt up into the next persons at the same time? I guess we will see
-No OW at all
-Cheating… 🤔🤔 technically yes the h is with OM when h and H meet. NOT BETWEEN H & h.
-there is death of a side character (older gentleman)
-I sometimes felt like I didn’t honestly know how much time had past, it seemed like it was only a few days before they get married and yet theirs a comment about his hair growing “an inch a month” this confused me maybe I’m dumb or didn’t read it correctly but it had been days soooo?? Huh? But I just was like ok whatever and kept reading 😝 **THIS MAY CHANGE BEFORE YOU READ IT. As I got an advanced copy, it is possible the author may change this scene so this may not even be an issue for you***
‼️✍️confirmed at the end that another book is coming is actually going to be a novella and sounds like an origin story- it’s going to be of grandpa Jed shay’s story of how he took his woman.
Overall- I enjoyed this. I did go in thinking I was gonna get a crazy steamroller and got the OPPOSITE so I feel like I gotta stay that off top. But conner is soooooo amazing. I mean I think everyone should be loved by someone by conner. He really just wants to love and care and provide for Rosanna and their babies. 🥰 this was a gentle steamroll I feel like. He gently suggested things like letting him drive her, living with him that was easily convincing to her bc of her surrounding environment so it all worked in his favor. I honestly wanna know Isaiah’s story now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Well hot dämn...just when I thought this series couldn't get any better, M.L. Marian gives me Tamed 😍🥵.
I absolutely loved the first two books in series and have been desperately waiting for Tamed to release...and oh what a release 🥵.
If you've read the first two books in the series, you are very well aware of the very unique (and morally questionable) tradition the Shay men have for claiming their women. Although his father and brother may have claimed their women in the true (and ïllegal 😈😍) Shay fashion, Connor finds himself in a very unique situation. He's found his women, but she's already pregnant.
Rosanna has already made the decision to leave the father of her children (once you read it, you'll more than cheer on this decision), but that still leaves Connor in a tough spot. He is more than ready to claim Rosanna and her babies as his own, but since the traditional Shay method of claiming could cause stress to her and the babies, Connor has to take a subtler approach (but just keep in mind subtle for a Shay, is far from subtle 😈)
Rosanna is truly in a tough spot. She has no one she can rely on and has been struggling to make ends meet (and that was before she realized she's about to be a single mom). She's knows it won't easy but she's determined to give her babies a good life and more importantly the love she never had (even if will only come from their mother). And then she crosses paths with Connor...and well, that man is PERFECTION. Good luck trying to say no to this man 😈. Then again...maybe you should because that marriage proposal was 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥 (I'm tempted to divorce my husband just so he can convince me to remarry him 🥵)
I absolutely loved Connor and Rosanna's (and their babies) story. There is never a doubt that Connor loves those babies as his own and even though there are definitely bumps in the road, Connor and Rosanna's story is one of my favorites.
Another slam dunk for M.L. Marian and a perfect example of why she is a one click author for me.
I absolutely loved the first two books in series and have been desperately waiting for Tamed to release...and oh what a release 🥵.
If you've read the first two books in the series, you are very well aware of the very unique (and morally questionable) tradition the Shay men have for claiming their women. Although his father and brother may have claimed their women in the true (and ïllegal 😈😍) Shay fashion, Connor finds himself in a very unique situation. He's found his women, but she's already pregnant.
Rosanna has already made the decision to leave the father of her children (once you read it, you'll more than cheer on this decision), but that still leaves Connor in a tough spot. He is more than ready to claim Rosanna and her babies as his own, but since the traditional Shay method of claiming could cause stress to her and the babies, Connor has to take a subtler approach (but just keep in mind subtle for a Shay, is far from subtle 😈)
Rosanna is truly in a tough spot. She has no one she can rely on and has been struggling to make ends meet (and that was before she realized she's about to be a single mom). She's knows it won't easy but she's determined to give her babies a good life and more importantly the love she never had (even if will only come from their mother). And then she crosses paths with Connor...and well, that man is PERFECTION. Good luck trying to say no to this man 😈. Then again...maybe you should because that marriage proposal was 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥 (I'm tempted to divorce my husband just so he can convince me to remarry him 🥵)
I absolutely loved Connor and Rosanna's (and their babies) story. There is never a doubt that Connor loves those babies as his own and even though there are definitely bumps in the road, Connor and Rosanna's story is one of my favorites.
Another slam dunk for M.L. Marian and a perfect example of why she is a one click author for me.
January 12, 2023
love. love. love.
This was a fantastic book to read. I'm so happy that I've finally read something higher than two stars!!!! 😁😁 I loved Connor so much. 😍😍 Rosanna was annoying and dramatic, but besides those bits, I loved her. 🙂🙂 I wouldn't say I liked how Rosanna acted like Connor kidnapped and tricked her into falling in love with him when she learned about the “Shay tradition.” 😒😒 Even though he did everything in his power to slowly get her used to the idea of them being together. (She is why I put four stars instead of five). 😬😬 I do, however, feel that this book should've been shorter. 🤔🤔
⚠️OVERALL I WOULD RECOMMEND ⚠️
This was a fantastic book to read. I'm so happy that I've finally read something higher than two stars!!!! 😁😁 I loved Connor so much. 😍😍 Rosanna was annoying and dramatic, but besides those bits, I loved her. 🙂🙂 I wouldn't say I liked how Rosanna acted like Connor kidnapped and tricked her into falling in love with him when she learned about the “Shay tradition.” 😒😒 Even though he did everything in his power to slowly get her used to the idea of them being together. (She is why I put four stars instead of five). 😬😬 I do, however, feel that this book should've been shorter. 🤔🤔
⚠️OVERALL I WOULD RECOMMEND ⚠️
June 3, 2022
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: instalove
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Another sweet and super smexy read. Definitely some kinks that are bound to make some people uncomfortable, but if you're A fan of the series, you're probably already good. Absolutely love the characters ❤. REALLY hoping for an Isaiah and older woman book.. Just sayin' 😅
Trope: instalove
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Another sweet and super smexy read. Definitely some kinks that are bound to make some people uncomfortable, but if you're A fan of the series, you're probably already good. Absolutely love the characters ❤. REALLY hoping for an Isaiah and older woman book.. Just sayin' 😅
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April 20, 2022
Phew! 🔥🔥🔥
id-rather-kiss-drake
May 31, 2022Seriously , Connor changed the mind of a person like me ,who NEVER EVERRRRRR reads books which has a kid with OM. Like......... NEVER.
Read
June 2, 2022DNF
This book didn’t tamed me…
This book didn’t tamed me…
May 26, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️
4/5 🌶
Tropes:
- age gap (13yrs) ~ 37 & 24
- heroine pregnant w twins *not the hero’s*
- protective + possessive hero
- alpha cinnamon roll hero
- obsessed hero
- heroine is extra h0rny
- hero falls first
- insta love (for the hero)
- 🦋dirty talk🦋
- slight femdom
- mommy milk kink
- breeding kink
- daddy kink (specifically the name calling)
- slight dub-con + watersport (VERY minimal *if that* but it was there)
*Check TW*
POV: first person - dual
Type: interconnected stand-alone (book two)
This solidified my LOVE for insta-love. Talk shit all you want but I DONT GIVE A F*CK BC I LOVE IT. It wasn’t blatantly obvious as in saying “I love you” within the first chapter but rather in the way where the hero knows what he wants right from the beginning and nothing will get in the way of him having her. It’s the subtle things and comments like:
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The things a man does for the love of his life.”
↓This quote describes the hero PERFECTLY:
“He’s a sexy marshmallow with a soft spot for animals and babies.”
I do wish we got an epilogue but the ending was cute either way.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love smut as much as the next person but I kinda wish we got a smidge less. I also wanted to see more of the pregnancy in the later months and ESPECIALLY the birth, rather than a quick summary of the two.
4/5 🌶
Tropes:
- age gap (13yrs) ~ 37 & 24
- heroine pregnant w twins *not the hero’s*
- protective + possessive hero
- alpha cinnamon roll hero
- obsessed hero
- heroine is extra h0rny
- hero falls first
- insta love (for the hero)
- 🦋dirty talk🦋
- slight femdom
- mommy milk kink
- breeding kink
- daddy kink (specifically the name calling)
- slight dub-con + watersport (VERY minimal *if that* but it was there)
*Check TW*
POV: first person - dual
Type: interconnected stand-alone (book two)
This solidified my LOVE for insta-love. Talk shit all you want but I DONT GIVE A F*CK BC I LOVE IT. It wasn’t blatantly obvious as in saying “I love you” within the first chapter but rather in the way where the hero knows what he wants right from the beginning and nothing will get in the way of him having her. It’s the subtle things and comments like:
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: The things a man does for the love of his life.”
↓This quote describes the hero PERFECTLY:
“He’s a sexy marshmallow with a soft spot for animals and babies.”
I do wish we got an epilogue but the ending was cute either way.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love smut as much as the next person but I kinda wish we got a smidge less. I also wanted to see more of the pregnancy in the later months and ESPECIALLY the birth, rather than a quick summary of the two.
May 21, 2022
"My fùcking woman. Mine."
😮💨 This man is *perfection*
I couldn't start this review any other way. There is so much heart in this book, and Connor is a huge part of that. The way Conner and Rosanna's relationship starts was so unexpected but I absolutely loved every part of it. He is protective, charming, and such a teddy bear. I could go on for days about how much I adored this man, but you'll want to read for yourself.
Rosanna was so much fun to read. She kept me (and Connor) on my toes and was so unexpected. When we meet her she he has found herself between a rock and a hard place (no, not CONNOR's hard place 😜) and I LOVED how she handled her business. She is strong, sweet, smart and kind, but make no mistake, she absolutely is not a doormat.
This story hooked me in from the very first line, and I couldn't read it quick enough. I love this entire series and this book is no exception. Easy five stars, and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
😮💨 This man is *perfection*
I couldn't start this review any other way. There is so much heart in this book, and Connor is a huge part of that. The way Conner and Rosanna's relationship starts was so unexpected but I absolutely loved every part of it. He is protective, charming, and such a teddy bear. I could go on for days about how much I adored this man, but you'll want to read for yourself.
Rosanna was so much fun to read. She kept me (and Connor) on my toes and was so unexpected. When we meet her she he has found herself between a rock and a hard place (no, not CONNOR's hard place 😜) and I LOVED how she handled her business. She is strong, sweet, smart and kind, but make no mistake, she absolutely is not a doormat.
This story hooked me in from the very first line, and I couldn't read it quick enough. I love this entire series and this book is no exception. Easy five stars, and I can't wait to see what this author does next!
June 12, 2022
Jesus effing Christ. This was horrid, it started off okay. It’s kinda one of those books that you know is bad, literally cringe through it but keep reading anyway. The Hero literally goes around grabbing mens balls as a way of threatening and harming them? What happened to an old fashioned punch in the jaw? 🤣
The smut was mortifying. They were literally arguing and then she pissed on him, PISSED on him mid argument and you know what he did? “Claimed” her as his and pissed on her back. Hahahahahaha fuck me 😂 I can’t, I just can’t.
Their family tradition is stealing women and forcing them to marry, boy.
I DNF’d after the pissing scene at like 85%. I forced myself to try to finish but that was my breaking point.
The smut was mortifying. They were literally arguing and then she pissed on him, PISSED on him mid argument and you know what he did? “Claimed” her as his and pissed on her back. Hahahahahaha fuck me 😂 I can’t, I just can’t.
Their family tradition is stealing women and forcing them to marry, boy.
I DNF’d after the pissing scene at like 85%. I forced myself to try to finish but that was my breaking point.
dnf
June 30, 2023This book just had too much conservative small town energy for me
May 15, 2022
I've been following this series for a while and I have to admit something before I tell you what I think. This series has pushed limits and boundaries that I didn't know that I had. It has approached some kinks that I'm not particularly into but the story line and the hero in this one especially have me so engrossed in the story that I couldn't put it down.
The Shay family tradition is alive and well in this installment but I will give Connor credit. He goes about this completely different than his father or his brother. In fact I think Connor was far more gentle and caring than the other two. The Shay men in general want to care for their women and are good to them. Connor goes over and beyond that in the way that he loves Rosanna.
This series is known for addressing kinks that most other authors don't. It actually made me a bit uncomfortable but the author approaches it in a way that actually made me laugh. Even though a couple of the kinks weren't something I particularly look for in a story it was written in a way that I could still enjoy the book. There are some triggers but IMO (and this is only my opinion) I think Connor was much less aggressive than his father and brother. All love their women and treat them well.
As much as Connor was my favorite hero from this series I didn't care for Rosanna at times. At first I really liked her but there came a time in the story that I didn't. She did something that I didn't like at all and I thought she over exaggerated something. I also didn't like the way she treated Connor over it. If a man had done the same thing it wouldn't be acceptable and I didn't think it should have been so easily forgiven for a woman to do it either. That being said this is a book and it's fiction. I like a lot of things in books that I wouldn't accept from a man in the real world so I mentally gave Rosanna the same acceptance. I will say it was refreshing to see an alpha hero who had met his match. Yes Connor was really possessive and jealous but so was Rosanna. Normally the guy is the possessive and jealous one and the heroine lays down and takes it. Not Rosanna! She's a little firecracker and gives as good as she gets.
This story had me immersed in the Shay family and their drama. I love that Connor never strayed or looked at another woman. The Shay men never do. I love that they all love the idea of breeding their women but Connor was even more special for the way he loved Rosanna. Her situation was not the easiest and he embraced it and ran with it to make her life better.
I loved this hero and their story. He was super sweet and loving. He will definitely be on the top of my favorite book boyfriends list! Mind your triggers and don't miss out on this must read!
The Shay family tradition is alive and well in this installment but I will give Connor credit. He goes about this completely different than his father or his brother. In fact I think Connor was far more gentle and caring than the other two. The Shay men in general want to care for their women and are good to them. Connor goes over and beyond that in the way that he loves Rosanna.
This series is known for addressing kinks that most other authors don't. It actually made me a bit uncomfortable but the author approaches it in a way that actually made me laugh. Even though a couple of the kinks weren't something I particularly look for in a story it was written in a way that I could still enjoy the book. There are some triggers but IMO (and this is only my opinion) I think Connor was much less aggressive than his father and brother. All love their women and treat them well.
As much as Connor was my favorite hero from this series I didn't care for Rosanna at times. At first I really liked her but there came a time in the story that I didn't. She did something that I didn't like at all and I thought she over exaggerated something. I also didn't like the way she treated Connor over it. If a man had done the same thing it wouldn't be acceptable and I didn't think it should have been so easily forgiven for a woman to do it either. That being said this is a book and it's fiction. I like a lot of things in books that I wouldn't accept from a man in the real world so I mentally gave Rosanna the same acceptance. I will say it was refreshing to see an alpha hero who had met his match. Yes Connor was really possessive and jealous but so was Rosanna. Normally the guy is the possessive and jealous one and the heroine lays down and takes it. Not Rosanna! She's a little firecracker and gives as good as she gets.
This story had me immersed in the Shay family and their drama. I love that Connor never strayed or looked at another woman. The Shay men never do. I love that they all love the idea of breeding their women but Connor was even more special for the way he loved Rosanna. Her situation was not the easiest and he embraced it and ran with it to make her life better.
I loved this hero and their story. He was super sweet and loving. He will definitely be on the top of my favorite book boyfriends list! Mind your triggers and don't miss out on this must read!
June 8, 2023
3.5 smut-scale stars!
Connor meets Rosanna when she has just found out she's pregnant and is in a "relationship" with a dead beat man that doesn't want to take any responsibility for his unborn children or Rosanna. Connor wants Rosanna and sets out to show her he can be the one for her.
Rosanna is hesitant to let Connor be in her life and to move forward in an intimate relationship. She has been burned before and she only wants what's best for her babies. But the longer her and Connor spend together and the longer Connor maneuvers her into his life, the more she sees that they could be a family.
Connor wasn't quite as OTT as I'm used to seeing from Marian. He was tamer but I still liked him and the man he was for Rosanna. He was sweet and caring and wanted to make a life with her. Rosanna was a decent character. I didn't love her but I didn't hate her either. Sometimes she just felt snooty to me but I suppose given her circumstances she has legitimate reasons for being guarded. Overall, a cute and steamy read with some sad moments and joyful moments.
Connor meets Rosanna when she has just found out she's pregnant and is in a "relationship" with a dead beat man that doesn't want to take any responsibility for his unborn children or Rosanna. Connor wants Rosanna and sets out to show her he can be the one for her.
“I’d be happy to do this for any woman, but I need to do it for you. There’s something between us. You know there is. Call it a spark, call it fate, call it whatever you want, but don’t deny it.”
Rosanna is hesitant to let Connor be in her life and to move forward in an intimate relationship. She has been burned before and she only wants what's best for her babies. But the longer her and Connor spend together and the longer Connor maneuvers her into his life, the more she sees that they could be a family.
“You like that, don’t you? Yes, you want to be mine because you know I’m always going to take care of you.” A stinging nip to the underside of my breast. “That I’m never going to leave you.” Down to my belly. “That I’m always going to love you.”
Connor wasn't quite as OTT as I'm used to seeing from Marian. He was tamer but I still liked him and the man he was for Rosanna. He was sweet and caring and wanted to make a life with her. Rosanna was a decent character. I didn't love her but I didn't hate her either. Sometimes she just felt snooty to me but I suppose given her circumstances she has legitimate reasons for being guarded. Overall, a cute and steamy read with some sad moments and joyful moments.
November 30, 2023
I really loved this book until the last 85%, and then it just wasn't for me. I love a good captive/captor trope, and this one was a little different and super sweet.
But what got me was the lactation kink. As someone who nursed four babies... it's just not for me. 🤣 *shivers*
"When she reaches my lips, she brushes a kiss over them before lifting up to center a leaking tit over my mouth. I squeeze it, kneaing the soft flesh to pull more milk down. Yes, this is what I wanted. My wife hovering over me, heavy breasts dangling, and ready to be milked. My tongue runs over my lips to lap up the life-giving fluid that sprays onto me."
Nope.
But what got me was the lactation kink. As someone who nursed four babies... it's just not for me. 🤣 *shivers*
"When she reaches my lips, she brushes a kiss over them before lifting up to center a leaking tit over my mouth. I squeeze it, kneaing the soft flesh to pull more milk down. Yes, this is what I wanted. My wife hovering over me, heavy breasts dangling, and ready to be milked. My tongue runs over my lips to lap up the life-giving fluid that sprays onto me."
Nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2022
I adored the newest offering by M.L. Super spicy, sweet at times, and for sure a one click author for me. I adored every second of it. The H is amazing. Safety Squad: NO OW drama, no cheating (h is attracted to H while in the process of leaving the baby's father but fights it). All around a safe read IMHO.
March 14, 2023
i will be forever traumatized about the fact that they PEED ON EACHOTHER
May 20, 2022
4.5 stars! I loved this as I was expecting to, but it was just missing something for me
March 22, 2023
This was a cute read and enjoyable in a lot of ways but it was just too long and got boring at times. There seemed to be odd jumps in time and missed opportunities aswell.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
June 1, 2022
Jesus Christ, the woman main character pissed me the fuck off. First off, we get a golden slip of information that Rosanna (or whatever her name was) was devastated (when she was a child) that her mother had an abortion and that is the reason why now, as an adult, she chose to have the kid(s). But then we learn that she and her mother were piss-poor and neither of her parents were really present, and Rosanna has to raise herself. So what were you expecting, girl? You, a child, mind you, would have raised another kid on your own with no money?
I don't know.
She seemed naive as fuck to think that kid wouldn't have been taken away.
Also, her fucking good-for-nothing boyfriend (not the hero of the book but her partner at the beginning of it). I didn't like him but I can't blame him - both of y'all had never discussed whether you want this kid, Rosanna just expected him to want a kid when he never said he did. You should never be forced to become a parent and she chose to become one. Isn't that what she wanted all along?
That girl must've been the most annoying kid. Imagine blaming your mom that she had an abortion and looking down on her when you know that she wasn't a good parent to begin with.
The FMC seemed simultaniously naive and very manipulative and judgemental.
Sorry about this rant. Book's good, much potential with the premise but the characters, with all due respect, were not likeable.
Only thing that I liked about Conner was his acceptance and open-mindness of raising a child that was not biologically his because he did want children. His choice. That's as far as my liking for main characters go...
I don't know.
She seemed naive as fuck to think that kid wouldn't have been taken away.
Also, her fucking good-for-nothing boyfriend (not the hero of the book but her partner at the beginning of it). I didn't like him but I can't blame him - both of y'all had never discussed whether you want this kid, Rosanna just expected him to want a kid when he never said he did. You should never be forced to become a parent and she chose to become one. Isn't that what she wanted all along?
That girl must've been the most annoying kid. Imagine blaming your mom that she had an abortion and looking down on her when you know that she wasn't a good parent to begin with.
The FMC seemed simultaniously naive and very manipulative and judgemental.
Sorry about this rant. Book's good, much potential with the premise but the characters, with all due respect, were not likeable.
Only thing that I liked about Conner was his acceptance and open-mindness of raising a child that was not biologically his because he did want children. His choice. That's as far as my liking for main characters go...
August 19, 2024
⭐️ 3.75
MCs:
Roman (37)
Rosanna (24)
Tropes:
Pregnant but not his
He calls her Kitten and Little Mama
Age gap (13 years)
Breeding
Lactation kink
Cinnamon roll hero
Info:
Dual POV
Brief mentions of DV, abortion, and postpartum issues
No ow drama
Slight om drama (see note)
No cheating (see note)
No virgins (no manwhore)
Open door spice
No third-act breakup
Epilogue
HEA
OMD: h’s ex was a drunk who got rough at one point. When he found out she was pregnant, he told her to get an abortion. Then he kinda just bails on her. (but don’t worry H takes care of him 🤭)
*note*
h and H met when she was still with OM, but nothing happens.
**POTENTIAL SPOILERS**
Conner was such a sweetheart, and he was so gentle with Rosanna 🥹🫶🏻
”He’s a sexy marshmallow with a soft spot for animals and babies.”
“His hands slip under my nightshirt and tuck it higher so he can feel them better. “Can you hear me? It’s nice to finally feel you. I want you to know that I loved you from the very first time I saw you, and I’m going to take such good care of you and your momma. For always and forever.”
What I didn’t like:
- This didn’t draw me in as much as the first book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
- I wish we got to know more about the actual birth and not just a one-page chapter.
- It felt a little long and drawn out. They were living together and married around the halfway mark. Then Rosanna found out about the family tradition, and that created the third-act conflict. They didn’t separate or anything, just had a rough patch.
MCs:
Roman (37)
Rosanna (24)
Tropes:
Pregnant but not his
He calls her Kitten and Little Mama
Age gap (13 years)
Breeding
Lactation kink
Cinnamon roll hero
Info:
Dual POV
Brief mentions of DV, abortion, and postpartum issues
No ow drama
Slight om drama (see note)
No cheating (see note)
No virgins (no manwhore)
Open door spice
No third-act breakup
Epilogue
HEA
OMD: h’s ex was a drunk who got rough at one point. When he found out she was pregnant, he told her to get an abortion. Then he kinda just bails on her. (but don’t worry H takes care of him 🤭)
*note*
h and H met when she was still with OM, but nothing happens.
**POTENTIAL SPOILERS**
Conner was such a sweetheart, and he was so gentle with Rosanna 🥹🫶🏻
”He’s a sexy marshmallow with a soft spot for animals and babies.”
“His hands slip under my nightshirt and tuck it higher so he can feel them better. “Can you hear me? It’s nice to finally feel you. I want you to know that I loved you from the very first time I saw you, and I’m going to take such good care of you and your momma. For always and forever.”
What I didn’t like:
- This didn’t draw me in as much as the first book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
- I wish we got to know more about the actual birth and not just a one-page chapter.
- It felt a little long and drawn out. They were living together and married around the halfway mark. Then Rosanna found out about the family tradition, and that created the third-act conflict. They didn’t separate or anything, just had a rough patch.
June 1, 2022
no Climax
It’s a cute story, the series was promoted as a dark/toxic romance. But it’s not. It has a little bit of Stockholm syndrome but other than that it’s not what it’s cracked up to be
It’s a cute story, the series was promoted as a dark/toxic romance. But it’s not. It has a little bit of Stockholm syndrome but other than that it’s not what it’s cracked up to be
May 9, 2022
The Shay family is full of HOT men.
The H is just the right amount of OTT possessive, broodie and soft. Great character development and love seeing past characters and what they are up to. The h is definitely less sugar and more spice and takes not sh*t. I love that the author explores spices that are "taboo" and lets the characters explore together.
Definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The H is just the right amount of OTT possessive, broodie and soft. Great character development and love seeing past characters and what they are up to. The h is definitely less sugar and more spice and takes not sh*t. I love that the author explores spices that are "taboo" and lets the characters explore together.
Definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2022
I absolutely love this series. Her writing style is refreshing and each H in the story is different even though the premise is similar. I loved how Connor wanted Rosanna and her babies and really enjoyed this story!
April 21, 2023
I was gonna give this 4 stars but I’m doing 3 instead because it drove me INSANE that Rosanna APOLOGIZED to Connor for (checks notes) being freaked out that every male member of his family has kidnapped their wives? Why would she apologize for being upset about that??????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating:🌶🌶🌶🌶 ( Lots of kinks )
HEA ( The story doesn't end with a traditional epilogue. )
Spice Rating:🌶🌶🌶🌶 ( Lots of kinks )
HEA ( The story doesn't end with a traditional epilogue. )
August 13, 2022
I expected it to be as spicy as part one but sadly it was not the case.
May 29, 2022
This was my least favorite in the series. It started off okay, but once Conner got Rosanna to move in with him, I felt it derailed. Conner was too nice and so smothering - it was such an unbelievably creepy combination IMO. Like, I seriously felt uncomfortable, and maybe that's just my issue. Honestly, he came across as a complete wimp. I mean come on - he literally did everything for Rosanna and let her treat him however she wanted. Sorry, this one didn't do anything for me.
May 24, 2022
3.5 stars
This was the tamest (see what I did there?!) of the series, as far as the Shay tradition of taking their brides goes. I think I didn't connect as much due to a particular reaction that the h had once she found out about the family she married into. But after the book ends, there is an author's note that explains things from her POV, and that did help me understand better, but not enough to change my feelings on the heroine and that scene. There were times where I felt like time jumped forward too much, and we needed to have that time on page. But overall, an nice addition, and I of course, cannot wait for the rest of this family to tell their stories.
This was the tamest (see what I did there?!) of the series, as far as the Shay tradition of taking their brides goes. I think I didn't connect as much due to a particular reaction that the h had once she found out about the family she married into. But after the book ends, there is an author's note that explains things from her POV, and that did help me understand better, but not enough to change my feelings on the heroine and that scene. There were times where I felt like time jumped forward too much, and we needed to have that time on page. But overall, an nice addition, and I of course, cannot wait for the rest of this family to tell their stories.
June 6, 2022
DNF at 31%
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