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The O'Connell Family #1
Claiming Red
When Samantha Lake met Rick O'Connell in a beauty salon, sparks flew, and her body came to life. Rick didn't know that when he walked into his sister's salon that he would be hit with his family's affliction for love. The redheaded tomboy with an attitude needed to be tamed and claimed, and he was just the guy to do it. An astute businessman, Rick wastes no time, claiming her as his and getting rid of the competition.
This is a stand-alone story, full of insta-love and sex with a HEA.
This is a stand-alone story, full of insta-love and sex with a HEA.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 14, 2017
4.25 NEEDED MORE DETAILS STARS
This was a great short story about Rick a rich 28 year old businessman, who goes into his sister salon for a hair cut and meets his ONE.
He sees her and thinks:
She is so beautiful that I couldn’t help, but stare. I looked at my fire queen.
And then he tells his sister
"Today is the first and the last. You are looking at your future sister-in-law.”
NOW TO CONVINCE HER OF THIS!
Sam did not fall all over him like all his other would be lovers did, she tells him;
“Don’t get your panties in a twist, asshole. I am done here, so you can get your cut and wax, you preppy metrosexual ass.”
Which only makes him think: "Fuck me, I am going to fucking spank her little ass. Whether it is before or after I bury myself in her heat depends on whether or not she learns to shut her fucking mouth."
So their relationship started off with a bang!
Now her parents have debts and their high standards of living compels them to sell their almost 18 year old daughter Sam to the highest bidder.
Which leads to most of the conflict in this story...
Well almost, because these two are very passionate about each other and getting their own way.
In general, I enjoyed this book but I did have some minor issues I feel I should mention. Like the fact that this story leaves out a very significant part of the story near the end. I was crying thinking that it was ending without a HEA, but it turns out that the author cleverly disguised the facts.
Also, the whole story wraps up strangely for me. It was like the author had to finish this story quickly and made a jumble of facts to ties up loose ends.
It was just very awkward for me at this point.
Even taking all these factors into consideration, I would still recommend this book to almost anyone.
However, don't read if vulgarity disturbs you.
This book was basic and raw and I LOVED IT!
Safety: completely safe without drama and he always used condoms in his past. Even sometimes two! Lol why he would even do this I have no clue but I thought it was funny!
This was a great short story about Rick a rich 28 year old businessman, who goes into his sister salon for a hair cut and meets his ONE.
He sees her and thinks:
She is so beautiful that I couldn’t help, but stare. I looked at my fire queen.
And then he tells his sister
"Today is the first and the last. You are looking at your future sister-in-law.”
NOW TO CONVINCE HER OF THIS!
Sam did not fall all over him like all his other would be lovers did, she tells him;
“Don’t get your panties in a twist, asshole. I am done here, so you can get your cut and wax, you preppy metrosexual ass.”
Which only makes him think: "Fuck me, I am going to fucking spank her little ass. Whether it is before or after I bury myself in her heat depends on whether or not she learns to shut her fucking mouth."
So their relationship started off with a bang!
Now her parents have debts and their high standards of living compels them to sell their almost 18 year old daughter Sam to the highest bidder.
Which leads to most of the conflict in this story...
Well almost, because these two are very passionate about each other and getting their own way.
In general, I enjoyed this book but I did have some minor issues I feel I should mention. Like the fact that this story leaves out a very significant part of the story near the end. I was crying thinking that it was ending without a HEA, but it turns out that the author cleverly disguised the facts.
Also, the whole story wraps up strangely for me. It was like the author had to finish this story quickly and made a jumble of facts to ties up loose ends.
It was just very awkward for me at this point.
Even taking all these factors into consideration, I would still recommend this book to almost anyone.
However, don't read if vulgarity disturbs you.
This book was basic and raw and I LOVED IT!
Safety: completely safe without drama and he always used condoms in his past. Even sometimes two! Lol why he would even do this I have no clue but I thought it was funny!
February 17, 2016
Wow...have you ever tried a book and it surprised you? I was most certainly surprised by this one.
So, I had put this book on my DNF list several months ago. I started reading it then realized the heroine was only 17, almost 18. At the time, I did not want to read about a heroine that young and the fact that I usually have a hard time with this author. But, I decided to give it another try and I'm glad I did.
I really enjoyed this book! I wish it was longer and things were fleshed out a little more but overall, it was exactly what I wanted. I love OTT, possessive males and Rick certainly fit the bill. He saw Samantha and he took her. Samantha did not act like a 17, almost 18, year old. Maybe it was because she had been living on her own for a while. Or maybe it was because she had rotten parents, who knows? But I never got the feeling she was immature or silly. Things were a little rushed at the end and I had a WTF moment where I almost threw my iPad across the room but it worked out, thank goodness! I will definitely read the next one.
So, I had put this book on my DNF list several months ago. I started reading it then realized the heroine was only 17, almost 18. At the time, I did not want to read about a heroine that young and the fact that I usually have a hard time with this author. But, I decided to give it another try and I'm glad I did.
I really enjoyed this book! I wish it was longer and things were fleshed out a little more but overall, it was exactly what I wanted. I love OTT, possessive males and Rick certainly fit the bill. He saw Samantha and he took her. Samantha did not act like a 17, almost 18, year old. Maybe it was because she had been living on her own for a while. Or maybe it was because she had rotten parents, who knows? But I never got the feeling she was immature or silly. Things were a little rushed at the end and I had a WTF moment where I almost threw my iPad across the room but it worked out, thank goodness! I will definitely read the next one.
September 2, 2015
Rick O'Connell knew one day he would meet the woman meant to be his, he had not expected to meet her in his sisters salon though. She is mouthy, dressed like a boy, and Rick can't wait to maker her his.
Samantha Lake has enough to worry about, her mother is trying to set her up on yet another date and Samantha knows there is something completely off by that situation. When Rick tells her they are going on a date, Samantha can't help but be a little freaked as well as smitten.
For being a quick read this story felt like a full book. Rick was my favorite type of hero, he is bossy, sensual, and makes your heart flutter. Definitely picking up more from this author.
Samantha Lake has enough to worry about, her mother is trying to set her up on yet another date and Samantha knows there is something completely off by that situation. When Rick tells her they are going on a date, Samantha can't help but be a little freaked as well as smitten.
For being a quick read this story felt like a full book. Rick was my favorite type of hero, he is bossy, sensual, and makes your heart flutter. Definitely picking up more from this author.
August 11, 2015
OTT Alpha
Sexy Times
Completely safe
HEA
Epilogue
Pretty good introduction to this author.
Sexy Times
Completely safe
HEA
Epilogue
Pretty good introduction to this author.
April 13, 2019
That was HOT and SEXY !
January 7, 2018
So many grammatical errors and missing words. I had to re-read many sentences to understand what it was I am reading. But the feel of the story was a bit like Jordan Silver (who also has many grammatical errors). So I will continue to read books by this author. Also, I hope the dialogue gets better. It seems a bit too stilted.
August 20, 2015
I know people label this author as Jordan Silver like...
I guess I agree, but there is something so OTT about JS books, that no one seems to match. And usually her sex scenes are terrific. (or hilarious)
Anyway, this is my second try for this author (the first did not go well. I could not finish or rate the book) SO I guess this is a great improvement!
This was not terrible. It had a semblance of a plot. But it was so fast, with so many characters, that there were few pages left for the H/h to heat up the sheets. The sex was pretty boring or glossed over. Disappointing since I personally do not read this type of book for the plot! Since this is the first of two books in a series, hopefully the next book will have more couple time.
These books are all free through Kindle Unlimited; so I will give another a try.
I guess I agree, but there is something so OTT about JS books, that no one seems to match. And usually her sex scenes are terrific. (or hilarious)
Anyway, this is my second try for this author (the first did not go well. I could not finish or rate the book) SO I guess this is a great improvement!
This was not terrible. It had a semblance of a plot. But it was so fast, with so many characters, that there were few pages left for the H/h to heat up the sheets. The sex was pretty boring or glossed over. Disappointing since I personally do not read this type of book for the plot! Since this is the first of two books in a series, hopefully the next book will have more couple time.
These books are all free through Kindle Unlimited; so I will give another a try.
August 19, 2015
2.75 stars.This was just ok. Really fast paced!I love the H being all alpha but honestly she was only 17 . That bothered me. Couldn't he have waited until she was at least 18 which was in 2 days (he was 28).I think that's why I couldn't really get into it but still I want to read book 2:)
safety gang safe.
safety gang safe.
November 3, 2018
Love this one. Fast read. The H was all about the h. Couldn't ask for a better read. https://youtu.be/iWV14TOccf4
September 9, 2015
This book is a little crazy! Rick knows that he wants to marry Samantha the day he meets her. And guess what? I loved it! It is fiction so it's fun to read about a guy that goes totally cuckoo for his woman. Unlike so many other books there is no other woman drama. We don't see or hear about any exes. Rick has a few vague thoughts about his past, but nothing that bothered me. The age difference was a big one, but they were both crazy about each other. I could have done without the drama at the end, but I enjoyed this short book. Safety gang safe
October 3, 2015
I love this book as well as the second book. Both books were light and safe to read. The heroes were OTT alpha males. Can't get enough of heroes who aren't scared to show and say how much they care and love their woman. How protective they are. I love both epilogues too. Waiting for the third book.
May 3, 2024
Manwhore galore, too much OW comparison
Safe ish, only because he didn't cheat, but with all OW comparisons after they met, it is not for me.
No separation
OM drama
HEA I don't believe in.
Wanted to try an old C.M. Steele book, wow did she love her manwhore pests back then. I hated it and this quote made me want to puke,
quote,
“It’s not going to work. No matter how much these women piss me off, they still get me off. "
Of course the heroine is a virgin, but the guy fucks around and even though there is no cheating, I HATE manwhores.
Also, too much talk on all the women he dated and fucked....*puke*
quote,
"I am starting to think my girl was not as experienced as I first expected. I hoped the fuck not. I wanted to claim her, and her little pussy. The thought that someone else might have taken her virginity pissed me off so, fucking bad. Hypocritical, I know, but I don’t give a fuck."
I HATE THAT! He is her first but he gets jealous when he thinks there could be men that want her, yet he can have a fuck ton of women he stuck his dick in? He wants her to be all his, but he is fine with all the women he fucked in the past! With all the 'don't worry, I never said I love you to a woman', 'don't worry, I never took a lover to my bed in Greece" (but fucked plenty elsewhere), he gave her the impression he was wasn't a player, when he really is.
Quote,
"I thought she would ask me to stop or to try and push me out, (hell pros did that to me all the fucking time) but no she wrapped her legs around me and thrust her hips up calling for more. Every time she cried out, I got closer and closer to spilling my seed in her. I fucked her deeper than I’d ever fucked anyone else."
I HATE THAT EVEN MORE! All the comparisons of fucking other women while he is inside her, just make my skin crawl! And he doesn't stop with all the OW comparisons, it goes on throughout the book.
Quote,
"I looked down and realized I hadn’t wore a condom and I wasn’t in the least bit concerned about it either. I had never forgotten before, I was worth too much and there was always women looking to have my baby. The ones I didn’t trust, I wore two condoms with, and I knew I should have fucked with them in the first place. But, with my Samantha, my Red, it was different, and I was different."
Firstly, if you didn't trust a woman, you still got hard for them and fucked them, and secondly, I don't believe that "Samantha is different'. Once a man whore, always a manwhore, and they I don't believe they are reformed and will stick to one woman. In my mind she will not be the last woman he fucks or gets hard for, even though the story wants us to believe that she is the one and will be for he rest of his life....*heavy eye roll*
I hated it so much. I only finished it just so I can give my review and remember to stay away from old CM Steele books.
Even though there are no women after her, so no cheating, it does not erase his past having fucked plenty and all the OW comparisons was just too much.
REMINDER TO MYSELF: Avoid old C.M. Steele books!
Safe ish, only because he didn't cheat, but with all OW comparisons after they met, it is not for me.
No separation
OM drama
HEA I don't believe in.
Wanted to try an old C.M. Steele book, wow did she love her manwhore pests back then. I hated it and this quote made me want to puke,
quote,
“It’s not going to work. No matter how much these women piss me off, they still get me off. "
Of course the heroine is a virgin, but the guy fucks around and even though there is no cheating, I HATE manwhores.
Also, too much talk on all the women he dated and fucked....*puke*
quote,
"I am starting to think my girl was not as experienced as I first expected. I hoped the fuck not. I wanted to claim her, and her little pussy. The thought that someone else might have taken her virginity pissed me off so, fucking bad. Hypocritical, I know, but I don’t give a fuck."
I HATE THAT! He is her first but he gets jealous when he thinks there could be men that want her, yet he can have a fuck ton of women he stuck his dick in? He wants her to be all his, but he is fine with all the women he fucked in the past! With all the 'don't worry, I never said I love you to a woman', 'don't worry, I never took a lover to my bed in Greece" (but fucked plenty elsewhere), he gave her the impression he was wasn't a player, when he really is.
Quote,
"I thought she would ask me to stop or to try and push me out, (hell pros did that to me all the fucking time) but no she wrapped her legs around me and thrust her hips up calling for more. Every time she cried out, I got closer and closer to spilling my seed in her. I fucked her deeper than I’d ever fucked anyone else."
I HATE THAT EVEN MORE! All the comparisons of fucking other women while he is inside her, just make my skin crawl! And he doesn't stop with all the OW comparisons, it goes on throughout the book.
Quote,
"I looked down and realized I hadn’t wore a condom and I wasn’t in the least bit concerned about it either. I had never forgotten before, I was worth too much and there was always women looking to have my baby. The ones I didn’t trust, I wore two condoms with, and I knew I should have fucked with them in the first place. But, with my Samantha, my Red, it was different, and I was different."
Firstly, if you didn't trust a woman, you still got hard for them and fucked them, and secondly, I don't believe that "Samantha is different'. Once a man whore, always a manwhore, and they I don't believe they are reformed and will stick to one woman. In my mind she will not be the last woman he fucks or gets hard for, even though the story wants us to believe that she is the one and will be for he rest of his life....*heavy eye roll*
I hated it so much. I only finished it just so I can give my review and remember to stay away from old CM Steele books.
Even though there are no women after her, so no cheating, it does not erase his past having fucked plenty and all the OW comparisons was just too much.
REMINDER TO MYSELF: Avoid old C.M. Steele books!
June 12, 2015
2.5 stars
October 17, 2018
I first read this book a few years ago. This book is the second book I ever read of C.M. Steele’s – I have read a hell of a lot of her books since this book. As I didn’t write reviews at the time, I didn’t write or post one. As I have just re read this book, her is a short review. Claiming red is book one in the O’Connell family series. This story is short, fast paced and enjoyable. I devoured this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. Rick wasn’t looking for love. He was fed up of women after him for his money. He doesn’t want to trust another woman but when he sees Samantha, he knew she was the one for him. I liked Samantha. I liked her attitude and her sass. I liked that she stood up to her mother most of the time.
I liked seeing the chemistry between Samantha and Rick grow to boiling point. I liked them together and found Samantha’s sass and attitude hilarious. I really liked Samantha and Rick as a couple. I loved how possessive Rick was of Samantha. She was his and he wasn’t going to let anyone take her away from him, even his uncle.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. I cannot wait to re read the rest of this series.
I liked seeing the chemistry between Samantha and Rick grow to boiling point. I liked them together and found Samantha’s sass and attitude hilarious. I really liked Samantha and Rick as a couple. I loved how possessive Rick was of Samantha. She was his and he wasn’t going to let anyone take her away from him, even his uncle.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read. I cannot wait to re read the rest of this series.
April 8, 2017
Red hot
I love how Steele book not only have OTP alpha love but also a bit of suspense and drama. Now on to book two
I love how Steele book not only have OTP alpha love but also a bit of suspense and drama. Now on to book two
January 28, 2016
This book would of been so good if the writer stop spending thru what she think everyone want. The sex which is whatever. So he saw her at his sister salon and he must have her. What gross me out the most was their age difference. She not even 18 yet and he 28. Ewww come on it's like writing kiddy porn. I get it her background that's why she had to be that age when they met but come be creative now. Can u start off by her being a runaway and hiding from all the buyer til she was what 24. Then she meet him and then you can throw all those good ideas together? But that's just nasty I'm sorry. I kept reading until 67% the sex scene. I can't stomach the idea of them having sex. It's just gosh me out. She was about to turn 18. Ewww just can't stand it where you watching kidding porn or thinking about kids these day dating older men. A kid will always be a kids until life hit them and they got to grow up. I stop reading it lols but I'm writing a review because the author is good but she doesn't know how to work us reader into the good stuff but just try to throw it in your face quickly because you think that what we want. O by the way I'm 28 and if I was 18 and I met a guy who 28 I'll be gross out because I know he just want to get it in but girls his age won't give in to him being a loser. Since I'm 28 I wouldn't mind dating 38 but that's because he got a job and is looking to find the one if he hasn't yet but he been thru life. At 18 you're so young so much to live you don't want to tied down to a marriage that's just crazy because when you turn 28 and he 38 you would want to fucken live and u wasted 10 years.
February 13, 2017
I loved it! Hero was loving and alpha and heroine virginal and feisty. Flawless book with adorable epilogue. Now I need to read Reminding Red!
February 17, 2017
This is the first book in the O'Connell Family series by C.M. Steele. This book is about Rick O'Connell the oldest in the family and my personal favorite. He's a wealthy businessman who is very close to his family. His younger sister, Claire owns a busy hair salon in town and Rick gets his hair cut there every two weeks. Samantha is days away from turning 18, she just graduated high school. Both her parents are horrible people, unbeknownst to her they have sold her to several rich men when she turns 18. Sam ran away from home when she was 16 and her Mom wanted to set her up on a date with an old man. Rick sees her at the salon and instantly knows she's it for him.
August 7, 2015
BASICS
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? YES.
Rating: +4 stars
Review
Loved it! It's been a while since I've read such a good story. The H was simply jummy and completely over the moon for the h and I her, too.
Definitely going to read the next one in this series. :)
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? YES.
Rating: +4 stars
Review
Loved it! It's been a while since I've read such a good story. The H was simply jummy and completely over the moon for the h and I her, too.
Definitely going to read the next one in this series. :)
December 12, 2016
Sweet insta lust turned to love story between Samantha and Rick.
I was not into it much as Rick seemed too impulsive and overpowering, but midway through when the heroine got into him the story turned much more pleasant.
Super hot love scenes and always appreciate the breeding.
Safe read
3.5/5
I was not into it much as Rick seemed too impulsive and overpowering, but midway through when the heroine got into him the story turned much more pleasant.
Super hot love scenes and always appreciate the breeding.
Safe read
3.5/5
Read
January 24, 2015DNF, I just couldn't finish this. It had potential but the h was too immature but since she is only 17 I guess that makes sense. The H is way older than 17 so the sexual situations weren't ok to me.
April 6, 2018
Terrible writing. Needs editing. Do not recommend.
May 23, 2015
I loved it!!! Just wished it had been a bit longer.
March 25, 2025
I know novellas are short, but maaaan this one felt like a blink. The little conflict at the very end had me about to kindly return this book to kindle but I’m glad I kept reading. This was super cute, and I would’ve rated it higher had I gotten just a tad bit longer of an epilogue.
Rick + Samantha’s “Red” love story🥰
Anywhooo...
⚠️ + Info:
- Dual POV
- No OWD, push + pull, cheating, sharing, separation or 3rd act break up
- OMD: H is jealous of the h’s roommate (but it’s nothing they are solely friends), H’s uncle was going to marry h at one point but she ran away (they never even met), h was scheduled to go on a date but the H shut all of that down.
-Death of parents
- HEA: Happily married w/a baby.🩷
Rick + Samantha’s “Red” love story🥰
Anywhooo...
⚠️ + Info:
- Dual POV
- No OWD, push + pull, cheating, sharing, separation or 3rd act break up
- OMD: H is jealous of the h’s roommate (but it’s nothing they are solely friends), H’s uncle was going to marry h at one point but she ran away (they never even met), h was scheduled to go on a date but the H shut all of that down.
-Death of parents
- HEA: Happily married w/a baby.🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
2.5 stars
Felt more of an attachment to Rick's crazy ass than I did to Sam. There was some semblance of a plot but it was too fast paced. Within two days of meeting her, Rick proposed and their sex scenes were meh and glossed over. Also there were a lot of grammatical errors. I will say that the clever ending had me thinking the worse had happened but the epilogue revealed the author's fakeout. don't know if I'll continue with the series.
Felt more of an attachment to Rick's crazy ass than I did to Sam. There was some semblance of a plot but it was too fast paced. Within two days of meeting her, Rick proposed and their sex scenes were meh and glossed over. Also there were a lot of grammatical errors. I will say that the clever ending had me thinking the worse had happened but the epilogue revealed the author's fakeout. don't know if I'll continue with the series.
October 11, 2019
Claiming Red: The O'Connell Family
Shit, I thought for a minute there Rick had died. The suspense was killing me, as I said this can't be his it ends. It must have been a trick not knowing where and where Rick got shot. Samantha suffered so many tragedies with her parents being executed, although they were shitty parents and Rick being shot. This book was the bomb.
Shit, I thought for a minute there Rick had died. The suspense was killing me, as I said this can't be his it ends. It must have been a trick not knowing where and where Rick got shot. Samantha suffered so many tragedies with her parents being executed, although they were shitty parents and Rick being shot. This book was the bomb.
February 14, 2017
Fast Paced InstaLove Novella
This was a great short read. I appreciate the fact we got enough back details of each character needed to understand the present situation. This was well written as is all of C M Steele's work.
This was a great short read. I appreciate the fact we got enough back details of each character needed to understand the present situation. This was well written as is all of C M Steele's work.
December 10, 2017
Don't bother!
Purchased this book after reading the sample, not even worth the bargain price! More holes in the plot than a colander, too short for any development of the characters, and lots of mistakes in the book. Very disappointing.
Purchased this book after reading the sample, not even worth the bargain price! More holes in the plot than a colander, too short for any development of the characters, and lots of mistakes in the book. Very disappointing.
January 4, 2020
First of three
It was a good storyline and I enjoyed reading it. There's a few spots that bothered me about it though it was more of a technicality. The end/epilogue was the only area that I was a bit disappointed. However I do have hope for the next book
It was a good storyline and I enjoyed reading it. There's a few spots that bothered me about it though it was more of a technicality. The end/epilogue was the only area that I was a bit disappointed. However I do have hope for the next book
March 28, 2020
Lovd
I enjoyed this steamy read by this author the characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline had plenty of hot and steamy chemistry. I continue to be a fan of her books always full of added twists and turns to keep as coming back for more.
I enjoyed this steamy read by this author the characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline had plenty of hot and steamy chemistry. I continue to be a fan of her books always full of added twists and turns to keep as coming back for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews