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The Landcaster Brothers #1
Keeping Her Close
Warning: For Mature Adult Audiences. New Adult, BBW Erotic Romance. Contains language and actions some may deem offensive. Sexually explicit content. MF
In book one of the Landcaster Brothers: After a less than perfect childhood, voluptuous Hailey Timmons is finally able to start leading a normal life when she starts living out on her own. Her peaceful existence is soon shattered though when her father shows back up in her life with a serious problem…and in need of her help. While taking a second job to help out her father, she finds herself falling into something more emotionally shattering.
Mark Landcaster is content to just be the mechanic everyone knows him to be, but he turns out to be so much more. When he encounters Hailey, he finds himself wanting to remove the carefully placed mask he wears to keep hidden from the outside world—the mask that currently is keeping his heart intact.
As the trouble in her father's life comes to call on Hailey personally, leaving her no one to turn to, how will she pull out of this alive? Can Hailey keep her heart safe against the man who wants to help and keep her close? Or does the price of the protection cost her heart, body, and soul??
In book one of the Landcaster Brothers: After a less than perfect childhood, voluptuous Hailey Timmons is finally able to start leading a normal life when she starts living out on her own. Her peaceful existence is soon shattered though when her father shows back up in her life with a serious problem…and in need of her help. While taking a second job to help out her father, she finds herself falling into something more emotionally shattering.
Mark Landcaster is content to just be the mechanic everyone knows him to be, but he turns out to be so much more. When he encounters Hailey, he finds himself wanting to remove the carefully placed mask he wears to keep hidden from the outside world—the mask that currently is keeping his heart intact.
As the trouble in her father's life comes to call on Hailey personally, leaving her no one to turn to, how will she pull out of this alive? Can Hailey keep her heart safe against the man who wants to help and keep her close? Or does the price of the protection cost her heart, body, and soul??
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
17 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 6, 2015
This felt like a guilty pleasure to read , in that I thoroughly enjoyed it , but was aware it wasn't necessarily the best book out there.
But I devoured it , liked both MC's , even when the Hero was an Alpha as*hole , thankfully he redeemed himself.
And I'm interested in trying more by this author.
But I devoured it , liked both MC's , even when the Hero was an Alpha as*hole , thankfully he redeemed himself.
And I'm interested in trying more by this author.
March 18, 2015
I guess since this is under 200 pages it could be considered a novella, and that's the only excuse I can think of for this book. I just finished this and don't know what the hell I just read. The lead female is mostly likeable, but does some stupid stuff, like just idiotically following her libido like some sex starved moron. Mark is just an asshole. He seems like he has some redeeming qualities but they are few and far between. There is not much showing of them becoming closer, just random passages of time where we are told they are suddenly more domestic. Then some weird crazy trauma and drama happens and I don't know, it was just kind of weird. Like way too much drama for such a short story and needed much more background and depth than was given to it all. I wanted to like this, but was just sorely disappointed. At the end I didn't really care for any of the characters and felt left wanting of a lot of information. I think if she had dedicated even just another 50 pages to the book so much more could've been expanded upon and resolved, but it just wasn't. Sorry to write a bad review, I really despise doing it but I have to be honest.
January 11, 2015
Wow! I just loved this book. Poor Hailey, she has had a hard life. A drunken/gambling father. Finally starting her life anew her father comes back asking for help. When she agrees she doesn't expect what would happen next. This is how she meets Mark! She takes a second job to help pay her father's debts and soon finds herself in lust with the gruff hard muscle man. Soon things become dangerous and Mark steps up to help but he also has conditions. Both are going down a path that neither know where they are headed.
I loved the bickering between both of them. I couldn't help the smile I got from this. Then when you think the story is headed in one direction it goes completely different. I truly enjoyed this and can't wait for what's next from this author. Each book gets better and better!
I loved the bickering between both of them. I couldn't help the smile I got from this. Then when you think the story is headed in one direction it goes completely different. I truly enjoyed this and can't wait for what's next from this author. Each book gets better and better!
January 11, 2015
Oh my! What a great story. Poor Hailey had a bad childhood but worked hard and got herself through school and got a job. Her father gets himself in a big trouble and she is forced to help him. She got herself another job. Here she meets Mark, brooding, grunting a$$hole. He wants yo help her but goes about it all wrong. Tragedy strucks - can they durvive it?
I really enjoyed their conversations as they were funny and witty. In places emotional.
I must admit this is not your usual lovey dovey story. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much. It was different.
I really enjoyed their conversations as they were funny and witty. In places emotional.
I must admit this is not your usual lovey dovey story. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much. It was different.
January 24, 2016
Unexpected
Several times this book had wtf moments, like his sudden declaration of wanting her. The whole kidnapping happening so late in the novel then the last ten pages made me think the author didn't really plan the plot and intended for the story line to cross multiple books. I understand this is a seres, but each book focuses on a brother.
All the wtf moments aside, I did enjoy the characters. The guy wasn't well developed. He was just confusing, but hot.
Several times this book had wtf moments, like his sudden declaration of wanting her. The whole kidnapping happening so late in the novel then the last ten pages made me think the author didn't really plan the plot and intended for the story line to cross multiple books. I understand this is a seres, but each book focuses on a brother.
All the wtf moments aside, I did enjoy the characters. The guy wasn't well developed. He was just confusing, but hot.
November 30, 2020
Definitely a guilty pleasure. I think more of the background story could’ve been fleshed out a bit more but I appreciated the diversity of this pairing. A A BBW romance is always appealing.
November 18, 2014
1.5 stars
Overall, there were too many implausible parts in the story to make this book believable.
At the end of a romance book, I want to know that both the H and h were meant for each other. I did not get that feeling with this book. Yes, they connected sexually but I did not feel the love. I was told they love each other but to me it felt more like lust.
There was a lot happening but rarely did we get to delve into any of it. It was more a case of here it is, insert witty remark, now let's move on. There are some serious issues introduced and unfortunately they are treated in the same manner. After Hailey's ordeal we learn little about how she feels and is coping, instead we are meant to worry about Mark and the fact he is not getting any sex.
Here are some examples of why this book did not work for me and had me rolling my eyes in disbelief:
- Poor continuity - In the first chapter we are told Hailey's friend Claire is her college roommate. Later, when Hailey sees a job ad for a receptionist role, she's grateful they want no prior experience because she has had "no college".
- She decides to get a second job to help her Dad. Hailey seriously thinks this will help.
- Mark Landcaster. We eventually find out he is tattooed, has nipple rings and owns several mechanic shops. He has three other brothers and towards the very end we find out a little about how a woman hurt him in the past. Apart from this, we learn little else. Well, it's a romance book, so before starting to read it, I assume they will get together. I would hope that during the journey we would have learned more about him, but no. Mark is this two-dimensional character who I am supposed to believe has strong feeling for Hailey. He grunts or is silent more than he talks to her. He accuses her of conducting an inquisition when she asks what his favourite colour is.
- Oh, and as for the woman who hurt Mark?
There were several typos/grammatical errors in the book. The most frustrating (given it appeared several times) being the author not knowing the difference between your and you're.
Did I like anything? Well, I appreciated that Hailey was a size 20 due to a hearty appetite. So many novels excuse excess weight due to medical issues or perception only. While Hailey may have hated shopping, she wasn't give up her Chinese food, muffins or Cherry Coke for it.
I also liked Hailey trying to stop Mark calling her Bunny by christening him Cupcake. It didn't work for the most part but at least she tried.
Overall, there were too many implausible parts in the story to make this book believable.
At the end of a romance book, I want to know that both the H and h were meant for each other. I did not get that feeling with this book. Yes, they connected sexually but I did not feel the love. I was told they love each other but to me it felt more like lust.
There was a lot happening but rarely did we get to delve into any of it. It was more a case of here it is, insert witty remark, now let's move on. There are some serious issues introduced and unfortunately they are treated in the same manner. After Hailey's ordeal we learn little about how she feels and is coping, instead we are meant to worry about Mark and the fact he is not getting any sex.
Here are some examples of why this book did not work for me and had me rolling my eyes in disbelief:
- Poor continuity - In the first chapter we are told Hailey's friend Claire is her college roommate. Later, when Hailey sees a job ad for a receptionist role, she's grateful they want no prior experience because she has had "no college".
- She decides to get a second job to help her Dad. Hailey seriously thinks this will help.
- Mark Landcaster. We eventually find out he is tattooed, has nipple rings and owns several mechanic shops. He has three other brothers and towards the very end we find out a little about how a woman hurt him in the past. Apart from this, we learn little else. Well, it's a romance book, so before starting to read it, I assume they will get together. I would hope that during the journey we would have learned more about him, but no. Mark is this two-dimensional character who I am supposed to believe has strong feeling for Hailey. He grunts or is silent more than he talks to her. He accuses her of conducting an inquisition when she asks what his favourite colour is.
- Oh, and as for the woman who hurt Mark?
There were several typos/grammatical errors in the book. The most frustrating (given it appeared several times) being the author not knowing the difference between your and you're.
Did I like anything? Well, I appreciated that Hailey was a size 20 due to a hearty appetite. So many novels excuse excess weight due to medical issues or perception only. While Hailey may have hated shopping, she wasn't give up her Chinese food, muffins or Cherry Coke for it.
I also liked Hailey trying to stop Mark calling her Bunny by christening him Cupcake. It didn't work for the most part but at least she tried.
November 6, 2014
Alpha Mechanic
This was such a angst, sexy,beautiful story full of great characters, interesting story line, and a great depth of emotion. Hailey (Bunny) was a voluptuous curvy girl who has always took care of her father until she became of age and was able to leave. Unfortunately years later her father arrives on her doorstep in need of help. Hailey being the dutiful daughter that she is get a second job to help her father and meets the brooding, dominant, alpha delicious Mark. Mark is secretly intrigued by Hailey but doesn't let her know until he's good and ready. This story takes us on a beautiful erotic journey that blossoms into a love neither of them were expecting, but deep down craved with all of their being. Even through the ups and downs, rises and falls, beautiful and ugly moments, their love for each other broke through, and in the end helped them to both to heal and their relationship to grow even stronger. I was utterly enchanted with this story and can't wait to see what's next from the talented Rayne O'Gara.
Merged review:
Alpha Mechanic
This was such a angst, sexy,beautiful story full of great characters, interesting story line, and a great depth of emotion. Hailey (Bunny) was a voluptuous curvy girl who has always took care of her father until she became of age and was able to leave. Unfortunately years later her father arrives on her doorstep in need of help. Hailey being the dutiful daughter that she is get a second job to help her father and meets the brooding, dominant, alpha delicious Mark. Mark is secretly intrigued by Hailey but doesn't let her know until he's good and ready. This story takes us on a beautiful erotic journey that blossoms into a love neither of them were expecting, but deep down craved with all of their being. Even through the ups and downs, rises and falls, beautiful and ugly moments, their love for each other broke through, and in the end helped them to both to heal and their relationship to grow even stronger. I was utterly enchanted with this story and can't wait to see what's next from the talented Rayne O'Gara.
This was such a angst, sexy,beautiful story full of great characters, interesting story line, and a great depth of emotion. Hailey (Bunny) was a voluptuous curvy girl who has always took care of her father until she became of age and was able to leave. Unfortunately years later her father arrives on her doorstep in need of help. Hailey being the dutiful daughter that she is get a second job to help her father and meets the brooding, dominant, alpha delicious Mark. Mark is secretly intrigued by Hailey but doesn't let her know until he's good and ready. This story takes us on a beautiful erotic journey that blossoms into a love neither of them were expecting, but deep down craved with all of their being. Even through the ups and downs, rises and falls, beautiful and ugly moments, their love for each other broke through, and in the end helped them to both to heal and their relationship to grow even stronger. I was utterly enchanted with this story and can't wait to see what's next from the talented Rayne O'Gara.
Merged review:
Alpha Mechanic
This was such a angst, sexy,beautiful story full of great characters, interesting story line, and a great depth of emotion. Hailey (Bunny) was a voluptuous curvy girl who has always took care of her father until she became of age and was able to leave. Unfortunately years later her father arrives on her doorstep in need of help. Hailey being the dutiful daughter that she is get a second job to help her father and meets the brooding, dominant, alpha delicious Mark. Mark is secretly intrigued by Hailey but doesn't let her know until he's good and ready. This story takes us on a beautiful erotic journey that blossoms into a love neither of them were expecting, but deep down craved with all of their being. Even through the ups and downs, rises and falls, beautiful and ugly moments, their love for each other broke through, and in the end helped them to both to heal and their relationship to grow even stronger. I was utterly enchanted with this story and can't wait to see what's next from the talented Rayne O'Gara.
April 3, 2016
"Keeping Her Close" is book one in a series by Rayne O'Gara.
Hailey Timmons is a sassy, sexy, outspoken girl who has no trouble standing up for herself even when she finds out her Alpha hero is really her boss.
Mark Landcaster is a strong, sexy, alpha hero who doesn't want people to know how rich he really is.
Because of Hailey's past and trouble in the form of her alcoholic father, Hailey takes a second job at the auto shop where Mark works.
Verbal sparring along with extreme sexual chemistry has sparks flying between the two.
The two eventually get together and let me tell you Mark knows his way around a woman's body. The sex is HOT, HOT, HOT!
My favorite character was Hailey mainly because of her sassy, spunky attitude but I have to say Mark really stepped up too. He was a first rate jerk to begin with and I didn't much like him although I could see the potential. At the end he did show what he was made of and I fell in love a little bit.
As much as I liked this story there are numerous grammatical, spelling and editing errors throughout the book that make it difficult to focus on the story.
Without giving away the story I noticed some very important details relating to specific events were seemingly left out.
This was distracting and disappointing.
Toward the end of the book we find out that Mark is the oldest of four brothers and that he was done wrong by a former girlfriend who his brother slept with to prove she was no good for Mark. This seems just way too crazy to be believable.
If you enjoy strong females, sexy alpha males, hot sex scenes and happily ever afters I strongly recommend "Keeping Her Close" by Rayne O'Gara. You won't be sorry!
Hailey Timmons is a sassy, sexy, outspoken girl who has no trouble standing up for herself even when she finds out her Alpha hero is really her boss.
Mark Landcaster is a strong, sexy, alpha hero who doesn't want people to know how rich he really is.
Because of Hailey's past and trouble in the form of her alcoholic father, Hailey takes a second job at the auto shop where Mark works.
Verbal sparring along with extreme sexual chemistry has sparks flying between the two.
The two eventually get together and let me tell you Mark knows his way around a woman's body. The sex is HOT, HOT, HOT!
My favorite character was Hailey mainly because of her sassy, spunky attitude but I have to say Mark really stepped up too. He was a first rate jerk to begin with and I didn't much like him although I could see the potential. At the end he did show what he was made of and I fell in love a little bit.
As much as I liked this story there are numerous grammatical, spelling and editing errors throughout the book that make it difficult to focus on the story.
Without giving away the story I noticed some very important details relating to specific events were seemingly left out.
This was distracting and disappointing.
Toward the end of the book we find out that Mark is the oldest of four brothers and that he was done wrong by a former girlfriend who his brother slept with to prove she was no good for Mark. This seems just way too crazy to be believable.
If you enjoy strong females, sexy alpha males, hot sex scenes and happily ever afters I strongly recommend "Keeping Her Close" by Rayne O'Gara. You won't be sorry!
March 1, 2017
5 Stars
This is my first story I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it. This story is one by one POV and it's from Hailey. Mark is the Hero, he is sexy, brooding, all alpha, tattooed and pierced. He owns Grease an auto mechanic shop. Hailey is the leading lady, she is funny BBW and full of love. She needs another part time job to help her father pay his debt to a loan shark named Dells. She takes a part time job at Grease as the secretary. When Mark finds out about the debt he makes her an offer she can't refuse, he will pay the debt of she quits her another job, cooks, cleans for him and is in his bed whenever he feels the need. The chemistry between them is off the charts so of course Hailey takes the offer. Dells wanted Hailey from the beginning with the debt clear, his plan back fires and he will resort to kidnapping to get Hailey. Can Mark save Hailey from the evil Dells? Can Hailey be whole again? Will Mark finally admit he loves Hailey? Well I won't relieve more you have to get a copy of Keeping Her Close book one of O'Gara's The Lancaster Brothers Series to find out.
This story does have triggers. The only thing I would of liked was getting Mark's POV, O'Gara keeps him some what of a mystery. He has three brothers. I hope we get more from O'Gara with the hot Lancaster Brothers
This is my first story I have read by this author and I absolutely loved it. This story is one by one POV and it's from Hailey. Mark is the Hero, he is sexy, brooding, all alpha, tattooed and pierced. He owns Grease an auto mechanic shop. Hailey is the leading lady, she is funny BBW and full of love. She needs another part time job to help her father pay his debt to a loan shark named Dells. She takes a part time job at Grease as the secretary. When Mark finds out about the debt he makes her an offer she can't refuse, he will pay the debt of she quits her another job, cooks, cleans for him and is in his bed whenever he feels the need. The chemistry between them is off the charts so of course Hailey takes the offer. Dells wanted Hailey from the beginning with the debt clear, his plan back fires and he will resort to kidnapping to get Hailey. Can Mark save Hailey from the evil Dells? Can Hailey be whole again? Will Mark finally admit he loves Hailey? Well I won't relieve more you have to get a copy of Keeping Her Close book one of O'Gara's The Lancaster Brothers Series to find out.
This story does have triggers. The only thing I would of liked was getting Mark's POV, O'Gara keeps him some what of a mystery. He has three brothers. I hope we get more from O'Gara with the hot Lancaster Brothers
March 17, 2025
TWs/CWs: Rape and mutilation on page
This book was all over the place and it ended with so much left unresolved. First, we know almost nothing about Mark, the hero, by the end of this book. Very few details, so finding any connection between he and Hailey, the heroine, was difficult.
Hailey's father has a drinking and gambling problem. After seven years without speaking, he shows up at her door and says he needs $150,000 to pay off a loan shark. So she gets a part time receptionist job, as if that will solve the problem. Her father sends the loan shark to her house and then essentially drops off the face of the earth. No resolution comes with the father. Then the loan shark becomes her stalker who kidnaps, rapes, and mutilates her. After three weeks, she's found and taken to the hospital. Mark, who paid off the loan and made her sleep with him in exchange, brings her home to recover. The story wraps up ridiculously fast with an HFN wherein Hailey is well enough to want to have sex with the hero again.
This went insanely dark too late in the book to have any satisfactory resolution.
This book was all over the place and it ended with so much left unresolved. First, we know almost nothing about Mark, the hero, by the end of this book. Very few details, so finding any connection between he and Hailey, the heroine, was difficult.
Hailey's father has a drinking and gambling problem. After seven years without speaking, he shows up at her door and says he needs $150,000 to pay off a loan shark. So she gets a part time receptionist job, as if that will solve the problem. Her father sends the loan shark to her house and then essentially drops off the face of the earth. No resolution comes with the father. Then the loan shark becomes her stalker who kidnaps, rapes, and mutilates her. After three weeks, she's found and taken to the hospital. Mark, who paid off the loan and made her sleep with him in exchange, brings her home to recover. The story wraps up ridiculously fast with an HFN wherein Hailey is well enough to want to have sex with the hero again.
This went insanely dark too late in the book to have any satisfactory resolution.
January 9, 2017
So great!
I loved this story of Mark a quiet sexy tattoo alpha man that owns a four garages and Hailey I loved her she was a strong and sweet plus size girl but with a mouth on her, loved her attitude with her sad childhood to her father letting her down. When her father need money help from a bad guy she pick up a extra job at Mark's garage, when the two meet the attitude and attraction begins, Hailey's father brings more trouble for her and with a fight with her father at work, Mark offers a deal to Hailey of cleaning and to be his mistress for the money she needs and takes the offer. The sex scenes was hot and sensual, they was so good together but the bad guy does not go away and Hailey has some bad moments, that show how much Mark loves Bunny ( Hailey), love that pet name and this book, great author. Would recommend this book to all romances readers!
I loved this story of Mark a quiet sexy tattoo alpha man that owns a four garages and Hailey I loved her she was a strong and sweet plus size girl but with a mouth on her, loved her attitude with her sad childhood to her father letting her down. When her father need money help from a bad guy she pick up a extra job at Mark's garage, when the two meet the attitude and attraction begins, Hailey's father brings more trouble for her and with a fight with her father at work, Mark offers a deal to Hailey of cleaning and to be his mistress for the money she needs and takes the offer. The sex scenes was hot and sensual, they was so good together but the bad guy does not go away and Hailey has some bad moments, that show how much Mark loves Bunny ( Hailey), love that pet name and this book, great author. Would recommend this book to all romances readers!
March 7, 2020
Not my favorite from this author but it was alright. It seemed a little out there and the time line didn't make much sense. There wasn't really an chemistry between the two main people. Also, her dad just "got away with it" there are some unanswered questions like, why did he call her bunny and what happened to Clair and the "shit that went down". It seemed very rushed a lot left unsaid. Like I said this is an okay book. Not her best. I might try the second one to see if it answers my questions about this one.
December 19, 2014
Keeping her close
I wasn't sure at first if I was going to like this book but as I became more and more engrossed in the main characters I was hooked. The author did a great job of bringing out the emotional depth of the hero and heroine with humor and also by showing the reader their pain and insecurities.
I wasn't sure at first if I was going to like this book but as I became more and more engrossed in the main characters I was hooked. The author did a great job of bringing out the emotional depth of the hero and heroine with humor and also by showing the reader their pain and insecurities.
March 11, 2015
Enjoyable
I was not very impressed with the start of the book, but after the first few chapters the story picked up and my full attention was captured. I loved Mark and Hailey's characters; however the proposition he gave her was a real jerk move. I will definitely read the second in the series.
I was not very impressed with the start of the book, but after the first few chapters the story picked up and my full attention was captured. I loved Mark and Hailey's characters; however the proposition he gave her was a real jerk move. I will definitely read the second in the series.
January 19, 2017
Such a good story I read it in one sitting!!
Very good story. I love her books they offer a real feel of bbw life, emotional and truthful. This story had my chest aching as I read certain scenes. I'm not an overly emotional person when I read books or watch movies but this was a really great book!!
Very good story. I love her books they offer a real feel of bbw life, emotional and truthful. This story had my chest aching as I read certain scenes. I'm not an overly emotional person when I read books or watch movies but this was a really great book!!
December 24, 2015
Not What I thought
It would be - this book grabbed my attention from page one I didn't want to put it down. How could a father pass his debt off to such a horrible man. Thankfully Mark was a life saver for Hailey.
It would be - this book grabbed my attention from page one I didn't want to put it down. How could a father pass his debt off to such a horrible man. Thankfully Mark was a life saver for Hailey.
September 1, 2016
Well Mark was a grumpy git, luckily Hailey's smart mouth kept him sort of in line.
Would have been four stars but lacking apostrophes. There is not the same as they're and were is not a substitute for we're. Rayne desperately needs a proofreader/editor.
Would have been four stars but lacking apostrophes. There is not the same as they're and were is not a substitute for we're. Rayne desperately needs a proofreader/editor.
November 22, 2014
Alpha male. BBW heroine. Good read.
Read
November 23, 2014Bad writing, bad grammar, constant tense and POV shifts. DNF at like 15%.
February 25, 2015
Ok I loved it, was a new author for me but it was a good story only thing was you didn't get the mans side of story but still good thx
February 2, 2015
Wanted to love it
I'm disappointed. I wanted to love this book, but the writing was not good in my opinion and the relationship was definitely not my cup of tea.
I'm disappointed. I wanted to love this book, but the writing was not good in my opinion and the relationship was definitely not my cup of tea.
March 17, 2015
Loved this book.
I am very sad this book ended. I loved the characters so much. I will read more books by Rayne O'Gara.
I am very sad this book ended. I loved the characters so much. I will read more books by Rayne O'Gara.
July 29, 2016
It's a nice story but unfortunately I'm the wrong target group.
Overall I liked it. But something just seemed a bit off to me.
Overall I liked it. But something just seemed a bit off to me.
July 10, 2016
Love loved every single bit of it.
The book was the best ever. He started out a jerk, but when Hailey gets in trouble he is there to save her. All gruff and marshmallow.
The book was the best ever. He started out a jerk, but when Hailey gets in trouble he is there to save her. All gruff and marshmallow.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews