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Terms of a Texas Marriage

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The contract says she must marry if she wants to save her ranch…

Because of a two-hundred-year-old deed, modern Texas rancher Shea Hardin must wed wealthy landowner Alec Morreston to save her family home. She says yes—and swears this marriage will be in name only.

But she underestimates Alec. One look at this suave billionaire and Shea knows staying out of Alec's bed will be the toughest challenge of her life. His hungry lips and skilled touch may seal the deal—and her fate. Will he take her heart and her land? Or, on the brink of losing it all, will Shea gain everything?

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 30, 2015

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Lauren Canan

80 books18 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
August 30, 2021
Terms of a Texas Marriage
3.5 Stars

Due to an antiquated clause in a 200-year-old deed, Shea Hardin is required to marry to keep her ranch. Unfortunately, the only man available is Alec Morreston, the billionaire who not only wants her land but also makes her heart pound and her knees grow week. Will Shea and Alec be able to put their differences aside to make a success of the marriage?

Let's put aside the fact that the basic premise requires a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief, and get right down to the delightful romance.

Shea and Alec are a compelling couple and it is entertaining to see the lengths they will go to, to outwit each other. Despite their conflicting agendas, they are two sides of the same stubborn coin. She needs to learn that appreciation for family and tradition does not preclude progress and loving a man who can make her happy while he needs to consider that wealth and success are no substitute for the roots that love and family can provide.

Being a Harlequin romance, there are some common tropes, but Canan manages to escape most of the pitfalls and the result is a light and easy read with likable characters.

Looking forward to continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
944 reviews218 followers
March 23, 2015
I'm a sucker for:
The contract says she must marry if she wants to save her ranch…
It was a quick read. The tension was thick but the love took time. I really enjoyed this one:))
Profile Image for Marsha.
Author 2 books39 followers
December 1, 2017
Sometimes I wish that I could take the place of some of these Harlequin heroines. Not because I want to be pressed up against some himbo’s chiseled abs but because I’ve got more than half a brain and I know how to use it.

Case in point: Shea Hardin is forced by an overlooked clause in an archaic will to be married before a certain time period or forfeit her land to one Alec Morreston. Alec Morreston found out about this clause two months previous to the reading of the will and wonders out loud why her legal counsel didn’t mention it. Said legal counsel protests that it never occurred to him Alec Morreston would use it to his advantage to try and reclaim possession of the land.

Really? A lawyer doesn’t think someone would use a legal loophole to his advantage? What kind of attorney is such a dimwit that he doesn’t tell his own client about a potentially upsetting loophole in a will? What kind of legal moron doesn’t believe someone else would take advantage of such a clause?!

Shea isn’t much better. Her first option is to find some other man—any man—to marry. She doesn’t want to give over her family land to Alec Morreston, whom she suspects wants to raze it to the ground in order to build a soulless glass-and-steel construction or parking lot. Alec Morreston is equally determined to get his hands on the land because of all the millions spent on the project and the investors who are chomping at the bit to seize it. So he sabotages her attempt to get another man to wed her. Backed into a corner, she asks him to take the marital plunge. He can’t refuse without forfeiting his rights. So he agrees. But with certain conditions.

He insists on his conjugal rights. That means having her in his bed. However, Alec isn’t really interested in bedding her. He’s just privately hoping to use his sexual demands to intimidate Shea and force her to leave before their term of marriage is done. Ugh, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Shea states she understands. Abiding by her own words means she has to submit when Alec follows her into her room or carries her to his room and starts kissing and undressing her, even after she says no (and she does say no, three times, in fact).

But there are a few things Ms. Hardin appears to forget. Claiming to understand his words isn’t the same as agreeing to his terms; she’s under no legal obligation to comply with his sexual demands. According to changes in the law, a wife doesn’t have to submit to her husband in bed and a husband can’t force himself on his wife. She can claim “rape” if he does. The will doesn’t demand sexual relations between the spouses—only that they live together and work on the land. I’d use each and every one of these arguments to get Mr. Morreston to step off and refuse his sexual claims. Let’s see how long he’d keep to the home fires when the grate’s cold.

(Also, gay marriage is legal in Texas [except in Irion county]. She could find a girlfriend and marry her on condition of a swift divorce once she gets rid of Mr. Smart-Aleck Morreston. Shea has to be married OR betrothed by the deadline but there’s nothing in the clause that states her spouse has to be male. Surely she could find a lady friend to agree to such easy terms. But, hey, that’s just my solution.)

Alas, Shea Hardin is that curious mixture of iron will and dewy-eyed innocence that passes for the female character in most Harlequin romances. She has enough spunk to battle Alec but not enough intelligence to make the law work for her. Thus, she winds up letting him press his oh-so-potent masculinity into her personal space, inwardly swooning over his broad shoulders, lean waist, significant pectorals [sic] and requisite six-feet-plus height.

Oh, the sparks are hopping between them, all right, so much so that I wish lightning would strike them both. Oddly enough, I get my wish…sort of. But all’s well that ends well. The New Yorker Alec Morreston turns out to be a secret cowboy at heart, knowing how to ride a horse, fish and work on a ranch. So the two reconcile and learn to wuv each other. It’s the lovely happy ending to a toxic romance between wedded enemies. Only in Harlequin romances, folks.
Profile Image for Jan Schliesman.
Author 5 books5 followers
April 24, 2015
I didn't know if the author would be able to pull off the premise of the heroine having to marry in order to keep her ranch. Seemed like an outdated concept. But Lauren Canan set it up beautifully and in a very believable manner. The heroine is spunky and the hero is used to getting his way. Put these two in a room and watch the sparks fly. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from start to finish!
Profile Image for Maura.
3,883 reviews113 followers
February 10, 2018
Shea Hardin's family lived on the ranch for years, but she didn't realize they'd only been leasing (long-term) from the Morreston family. At the end of the lease now, Alec Morreston is refusing to renew because he plans to use the land for some big-time land development deal. He doesn't care that he's kicking Shea out of the only home she's ever known. But the contract states that she gets to keep the land if she can survive a year married to Alec - so she goes through with it. She doesn't expect to come to like Alec, let alone fall in love with him. She's hoping that if he spends enough time with her and the ranch he'll come to see what it's worth - in sentiment at least - and give up on the whole thing. But she's not so sure hard-hearted Alec really can love her back.

This was an interesting story - not fantastic, but not bad. I enjoyed reading about the contract - it was a neat way for the two characters to get together. It seemed the two of them were always trying to call the other's bluffs and ending up in over their heads. I liked how that kept working out for them. A major case of no communication there towards the end caused just the right touch of angst. I like how Shea came to realize that life and love wasn't just about the land and the tradition but about people, while Alec came to realize that tradition, quality time and honesty made life more valuable. At times it kind of felt like the two were at a stalemate and I found myself wondering how Shea could honestly consider forgiving Alec for his actions and seeming lack of feelings. I also felt somewhat uncomfortable that Alec was willing to push forward on the wedding night when he knew Shea wasn't really willing - sure he could manipulate the hormones, but when all said and done, she wouldn't have wanted it. Forced seduction in a historic romance is one thing, but it seems so out of place in the modern stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
April 25, 2015
This wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't one of my favorite's. I thought the pace was a little slow, and the story just seemed to drag in places. Shea's family ranch was on a 99 year lease, with a renewal option. The owner of the ranch wanted the property back. Shea was willing to fight for the land that had been in her family for 200 years. Five days before the deadline, all party's had a meetings. She found out in the lease, there was a personal clause. It stated, In addition to the actual upkeep, if the renewal of the lease is awarded to a woman, she must be legally wed by or before the expiration of the lease. It went on to state that, If the female lessee has no husband or betrothed, the oldest adult male, unmarried, in the Morreston family will be joined to her in matrimony, legally and spiritully, and they shall live as husband and wife for a period of not less than one year. Her lawyer said they could try to fight it, but would not have a chance to get a reply from the courts within 5 days. Shea had grown up on that land, so many memories of playing in the big ranch house. She had promised her dad, she would take care of it, before he passed on. If she had to marry Alec, to keep her land, that's what she would do. The two married. It took a long time for the two to build up trust, or friendship. The chemistry was sizzling between the two from the start. They just fought against it. It ended up being a really sweet story. I just wished the two build a friendship sooner. Both Alec, and Shea were head strong, and slow to trust, making the story line drag.
Profile Image for Marissa.
304 reviews29 followers
January 27, 2025
DNF @ 38%

I thought I would like this book but I just don't want to read any more of it. Fake marriage and a sort of enemies to lovers kind of plot is right up my alley. However, I found myself annoyed with both characters and I just don't care to continue reading it.

Shea owns a ranch but her ownership comes into jeopardy when and old law between two families says no unwed woman can own the property. She needs to marry or give up the farm to Alec. What does she do? Well, she marries Alec and he goes along with it I guess to get control of the ranch without much difficulty. Of course, the two are going to fall in love. They're already wildly attracted to each other.

I almost DNF'd this book after the wedding night scene. I thought he was just going to force himself on her in a "she said no but actually wants it" kind of way. Luckily, they got interrupted but that still ruined Alec's character for me. He's also very smug. there's another part where he talks about knowing how to please a woman. Yeah, ok. Sure.

Then, after the wedding night, Alec brings his son to the ranch. His son that Shea did not know about before they got married. Then the son asks Shea "Will you make daddy not be sad?" Your dad is an a-hole, kid.
Profile Image for Alexa Whitewolf.
Author 34 books116 followers
October 10, 2019
I was going to round it to 4*, but I kinda got annoyed at the last 30% of the book.
Shea started off as this feisty lady who catches Alec’s eye, unwilling to let go of a ranch that’s been in her generation for ages. So unwilling, in fact, she marries him to keep it.
But she’s strong willed and super crafty and the book had a couple LOL moments that totally made my day. The romance between at the beginning almost made me not read because I felt for sure it was going to go in the realm of insta-love, but then it ended up being a slow burn, slowly progressing romance that won me over.
Would’ve been a 4* read if not for the last 30% where the “conflict” occurs that tears them apart. It just felt like after everything they’d been in, they resorted to miscommunication and being children... Not attractive.
Still, I liked it enough!
1,459 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2025
A story of Shea living in a ranch and home that her ancestors lived in for over 200 years. Alec is the owner of the land but it's been leased every 99.9 years and renewable every time. This time Alec wants the lease null and void so to keep the lease going Shea married Alec and needs to remain married a year to have that happen. Cute story
4 reviews
December 21, 2024
Delightful Terms of a Texas Marriage

Well written and sexy. Thoughtfully created and executed.
It's hard to put down.
Delightful read from beginning to end.
Lauren Canan is a lifted writer.
Profile Image for Rose.
35 reviews
February 26, 2015
Two Hundred Year Old Contract makes the Rules

This book had a very interesting plot from the beginning. Shea needed to marry someone to keep the lease on her land, based on terms from about two hundred years ago. Otherwise, Alec, the owner, will get to claim it, and as a developer, he wants to use it for other purposes. The story takes place mostly at the ranch where Shea lives.

The author clearly showed the chemistry between Shea and Alec, as well as the tension and arguing. It has a few random details thrown in the story that keep your interest. They both have their own agenda, but of course, they'll find a way to make it work in the end.

There were a couple of things I didn't like. One was how fast Alec's personality changed in the book. He was very determined to get the land, but very soon after their wedding, he acts almost passive and aloof about getting his way. It just seemed like his character changed too fast to be believable. I also felt that this book was very short. It did not take me very long to read the entire thing, but it could be that all Harlequin books of this design are that way. It's not a big deal or anything; just a good book to relax with and not have to think about.

I received this book through GoodReads First Reads and wanted to leave my opinion about it.
Profile Image for Trudy Miner.
415 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2015
A 200-hundred year old deed allows the Harrison family to live on land owned by the Morreston family until such time they want it back at the end of the lease. Then, to the dismay of both parties a clause is discovered that commands the female heir of the Harrison family to marry the male heir of the Morreston family if she wants to keep it! Well, Shea Harrison doesn't want to have anything to do with a city-slicker like Alec Morreston but she has to in order to stay on the land her family has lived on for 200 years! Alec, meanwhile, is sure that he can get her to give up and move away so he can develop the property he hasn't lived on. He underestimated Shea. Alec was forced to temporarily relocate from New York to Texas and he returned with his young son who became fast friends with Shea and all the ranch hands. Once thrown into close proximity together, things developed and soon Alec realized that maybe his development wasn't the end game after all. Would his investors agree?

The premise for this story is unusual and kept the reader guessing the whole way through. Will she or won't she? Will they or won't they? The climax was a nail-biter when Alec realized he couldn't live without Shea in his life. A great read!
Profile Image for Katrina.
17 reviews
February 7, 2015
Wow!!! This book is an awesome read which keeps you turning pages from the beginning to the end.


Due to a clause in a contract, Shea Harrison must marry to keep the ranch the Harrison family has leased for two hundred years from the Morreston family. Alec Morreston wants the land for himself to build a resort on and is hoping to convince Shea to hand the land back to him. The ranch is Shea's home and her livelihood. No way is she going to give in, Shea is determined to meet the contracts conditions but can't find a groom. Shea has an Ace up her sleeve though, the contract has a stipulation that a single male Morreston (Alec being the only Heir), is obligated by the contract to marry Shea if she so wishes, for her to keep the ranch that Alec wants for himself. Complicated hey!!! and such a great storyline.

This book is wonderfully written and I highly recommend it.
130 reviews
Read
August 23, 2015
Great Book By Lauren Canan.

I won this book on Goodreads but somehow it got buried in my computer room. Shea had just lost her father and loved the ranch so she wanted to hold onto it. Alex was a developer and did not have the same feelings for the ranch and they were both stubborn. I think Alex's son Scotty was a good addition to the book.

I would recommend this book to everyone. I could not put it down and stayed up late saying just one more chapter so I read 75% last night and finished this morning. I really enjoyed reading this book and I probably will read more by her.
Profile Image for Julie Eichelberger-Ford.
876 reviews12 followers
March 2, 2015
I absolutely loved Terms of a Texas Marriage by Lauren Canan. This is the story of Shea Hardin, rancher and billionaire Alec Morreston landowner. In order for Shea to keep the land that has been in her family's care for centuries, she must marry Alec who owns the land. They must stay married for at least one year or they forfeit their rights to the land per a 200 year old deed. This story heartwarming, heart wrenching and full of love and laughs.
710 reviews12 followers
January 27, 2015
Because of a clause in an old deed for her ranch Shea Hardin must marry to save her home. Billionaire Alec Morreston wants to land to build a resort. Shea's love for this land with all its memories is worth the battle. So who wins the fight for the land, or does love make the decision for them. A book not to be missed.
53 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2015
This was a wonderful read - thoroughly enjoyed it. The chemistry between Shea and Alec was palpable, warmed my heart. I will be reading more books by this author - and I recommend this book to all you who love a HEA romantic love story!
117 reviews
June 11, 2015
I totally love this book! I almost cried when Shea's ranch burned down.I so wanted Shea and Alec to be together and I was so happy that in the end they were together.I thought this book was well written and quite romantic.I love everything about this book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
99 reviews
March 18, 2015
Great story of how love e can grow through some interesting situations, I laughed cried, and angry. ***received copy from goodreads first reads * * *
643 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2015
This was a very enjoyable book. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Angi Morgan.
Author 105 books178 followers
February 26, 2015
This is a lovely book by debut author Lauren Canan. Sexy and Sweet. With an ending that melts your heart.
346 reviews29 followers
November 1, 2015
This was a good quick fast paced romance. It had a strange premise that was built into an old lease agreement that gave it an interesting twist.
1 review
February 12, 2015
I loved this book. The two main characters are strong-willed, sexy, and smart. I laughed through my tears. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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