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Hometown Heroes #3
Under Siege
Under Siege by Catherine Mann released on Dec 25, 2002 is available now for purchase.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
26 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Mann
603 books1,250 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 6, 2016
To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with Under Siege. The book started amazingly well. I was hooked from page one and I kept thinking it was truly going to be 5-stars worthy. This lasted until Zach and Julia decided to consummate their marriage. From then onwards, things just seemed forced between them, as if they were both just going through the motions because that's what's expected of them, and because there's supposed to be a happy ending. Everything else was great - the interaction with and between the children, all the ups and downs of holding a family together...but the romance? Not convincing enough. So, if you want a light, uncompromising read and are not bothered by the details, Under Siege is not too bad. Otherwise, there are much better choices out there.
October 25, 2011
Another good read. Plenty of family drama, a little teenage angst, and a decent romance. I don't think the characters were as well developed as the last two, but it won't stop me from buying the next book in the series.
December 29, 2022
The beginning started off at a slow pace but nice storyline.
March 18, 2024
This book is not your average run-of-the-mill military love story. Catherine Mann has created a beautiful, heartwarming story that skillfully examines the difficulties of being part of a military family. It gives readers a close-up, detailed view of the life and dangers of Air Force fliers.
This author also creates interesting characters who are unusually strong, independent and very caring. Zach Dawson grew up in a dysfunctional family with an abusive father. In spite of that, for the last sixteen years he has dedicated his life to the Air Force. He is a conscientious colonel who devotes most of his time to his career to the detriment of his family. His children resent his constant absence. His first wife divorced him when, for two weeks, he was a POW.
Julia was born and raised in a commune. As an adult, she married an Air Force flier and enjoyed her newly found freedom and independence. Unfortunately, her husband dies on his last mission. Julia is now a young widow who is pregnant and all alone.
Zach, as her husband’s Squadron Commander, often comes over to help her by doing odd jobs for her. However, when he visits Julia in the hospital after the birth of her son, Zach is surprised to discover a strong attraction. Since, he does not want another wife to disappoint, he fights to stay away from her. However, he cannot ignore the obligation he feels to help this single mother whose husband was killed on his watch.
One day, when Zach is unable to make it back home on time, he has no one to wathc his daughter. He eventyally calls Julia asks for her help. Julia, aware how much Zach has been there for her, graciously packs up her son and goes to his house for a day to take care of his children.
Eventually, Zach and Julia realize that they would greatly benefit from each other’s services. Zach needs someone to be a mother figure for his two daughters, nd Julia needs help with her newborn baby. Zach and Julia finally agree to a platonic marriage-of-convenience. However, before too long, their attraction and respect for each other complicates their agreement.
As the couple fight to ignore their desire for each other, they must deal with many issues. Julia’s son is born with Down’s Synrome and needs a lot of therapy to help his development. Zach has great difficulty with his oldest daughter. She resents her father’s devotion to his career so much, that she constantly gets into trouble to force his attention.
This story will cause readers to laugh, to cry, and to even, at times, feel angry with some of the main characters. Yet, they will definitely be captivated by this family as they fight to become a heartwarming, loving family.
This author also creates interesting characters who are unusually strong, independent and very caring. Zach Dawson grew up in a dysfunctional family with an abusive father. In spite of that, for the last sixteen years he has dedicated his life to the Air Force. He is a conscientious colonel who devotes most of his time to his career to the detriment of his family. His children resent his constant absence. His first wife divorced him when, for two weeks, he was a POW.
Julia was born and raised in a commune. As an adult, she married an Air Force flier and enjoyed her newly found freedom and independence. Unfortunately, her husband dies on his last mission. Julia is now a young widow who is pregnant and all alone.
Zach, as her husband’s Squadron Commander, often comes over to help her by doing odd jobs for her. However, when he visits Julia in the hospital after the birth of her son, Zach is surprised to discover a strong attraction. Since, he does not want another wife to disappoint, he fights to stay away from her. However, he cannot ignore the obligation he feels to help this single mother whose husband was killed on his watch.
One day, when Zach is unable to make it back home on time, he has no one to wathc his daughter. He eventyally calls Julia asks for her help. Julia, aware how much Zach has been there for her, graciously packs up her son and goes to his house for a day to take care of his children.
Eventually, Zach and Julia realize that they would greatly benefit from each other’s services. Zach needs someone to be a mother figure for his two daughters, nd Julia needs help with her newborn baby. Zach and Julia finally agree to a platonic marriage-of-convenience. However, before too long, their attraction and respect for each other complicates their agreement.
As the couple fight to ignore their desire for each other, they must deal with many issues. Julia’s son is born with Down’s Synrome and needs a lot of therapy to help his development. Zach has great difficulty with his oldest daughter. She resents her father’s devotion to his career so much, that she constantly gets into trouble to force his attention.
This story will cause readers to laugh, to cry, and to even, at times, feel angry with some of the main characters. Yet, they will definitely be captivated by this family as they fight to become a heartwarming, loving family.
April 16, 2018
This is the third book in the series.
You can read this alone without reading the whole series, but as each books goes along, you get to know each of the guys and get follow up information about earlier books and characters in the series.
The background is one of our hero's best friends dies while in the military. However, what the heroine doesn't know is our hero has liked her and then loved her since they met. But his buddy put in his claim first, so our hero had to step back. Now, he wasn't sure what to do about his feelings for her, but knew at the most she needed some space but help too as she had a newborn child. He had enough going on in his life after his wife left and divorced him leaving behind their two children and his job.
Our heroine had liked the hero but he was always there, watching her. However, her relationship was always one of ups and downs with her son's father. She feels a bit guilty because as she was dealing with finding out she was pregnant, a fight with her fiance, and then kissing our hero and this was just before deployment. She did want most women do - kept quiet about what she had to and tried to get everything stable so neither the best friend nor her fiance would worry while away. However, the biggest event was her fiance never returned. However, his best friend had and kept helping and being around which was driving her nuts because she's now really starting to have feelings for him and didn't know what to do.
Will they admit their feelings or will events, obligations and guilt keep them away from each other?
When I read the background information on the book, I feared it would be the same girlfriend and best friend finally get a clue about how they feel and then do something about it. It was interesting the twists and turns the author puts into the story. This in itself kept you wanting to read.
You can read this alone without reading the whole series, but as each books goes along, you get to know each of the guys and get follow up information about earlier books and characters in the series.
The background is one of our hero's best friends dies while in the military. However, what the heroine doesn't know is our hero has liked her and then loved her since they met. But his buddy put in his claim first, so our hero had to step back. Now, he wasn't sure what to do about his feelings for her, but knew at the most she needed some space but help too as she had a newborn child. He had enough going on in his life after his wife left and divorced him leaving behind their two children and his job.
Our heroine had liked the hero but he was always there, watching her. However, her relationship was always one of ups and downs with her son's father. She feels a bit guilty because as she was dealing with finding out she was pregnant, a fight with her fiance, and then kissing our hero and this was just before deployment. She did want most women do - kept quiet about what she had to and tried to get everything stable so neither the best friend nor her fiance would worry while away. However, the biggest event was her fiance never returned. However, his best friend had and kept helping and being around which was driving her nuts because she's now really starting to have feelings for him and didn't know what to do.
Will they admit their feelings or will events, obligations and guilt keep them away from each other?
When I read the background information on the book, I feared it would be the same girlfriend and best friend finally get a clue about how they feel and then do something about it. It was interesting the twists and turns the author puts into the story. This in itself kept you wanting to read.
June 13, 2024
Pretend You're Mine is a standalone contemporary book by Catherine Mann, and is the third book in the Hometown Heroes series.
When I first started reading I had the thought that this is the perfect Harlequin romance, knowing that I had read Catherine Mann's romances around 15 years ago when I first started to get into the genre. Pretty much the exact same thought I had with the other books in the series, so this bit is going to appear in all the reviews. After making those connections, I figured out that this book is the re-release of Mann's Wingmen Warriors series, this third book was originally called Under Siege and a quick comparison showed that not much had been changed between editions.
If you love your military romances, this one set in the world of a close knit group of air force aviators, this is a sweat and charming book that's all about second chances at love, healing and bringing together a family. Julia Sinclair appeared in briefly in the first two books, often accompanied by the husband that was killed off page. As a widow and a new mother, she is ready for a new start, but she is emotionally struggling. There were secrets behind her facade and now Lt Col. Zach Dawson is going to find out while he insists on helping Julia, and then finds himself falling in love. Julia and Zach are both single parents, so things for them are not easy, and their complicated lives makes this book feel more grounded.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I first started reading I had the thought that this is the perfect Harlequin romance, knowing that I had read Catherine Mann's romances around 15 years ago when I first started to get into the genre. Pretty much the exact same thought I had with the other books in the series, so this bit is going to appear in all the reviews. After making those connections, I figured out that this book is the re-release of Mann's Wingmen Warriors series, this third book was originally called Under Siege and a quick comparison showed that not much had been changed between editions.
If you love your military romances, this one set in the world of a close knit group of air force aviators, this is a sweat and charming book that's all about second chances at love, healing and bringing together a family. Julia Sinclair appeared in briefly in the first two books, often accompanied by the husband that was killed off page. As a widow and a new mother, she is ready for a new start, but she is emotionally struggling. There were secrets behind her facade and now Lt Col. Zach Dawson is going to find out while he insists on helping Julia, and then finds himself falling in love. Julia and Zach are both single parents, so things for them are not easy, and their complicated lives makes this book feel more grounded.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2025
Single Mom and Single Dad, both raising kids and needing help. When friends become more, you realize that the piece of your life that has been missing was right in front of you all along.
Julia, the widowed, fiercely independent single mom with a newborn, and Zach, the divorced, protectively overworked Lt. Colonel raising 2 daughters, connected because of tragedy. When relying on someone else becomes unavoidable, they realize that maybe they don't have to do this thing called life alone. But what happens when you fall in love with your spouse of convenience? Something truly magical.
The flow of this story keeps you engaged and the emotional journey these characters go on is one you don't want to miss. With multiple POVs, this book gives you a deep dive into the family dynamics and all the emotions that come with a blended family navigating trust, loss, and past traumas. With a secondary cast of loveable crewmates and neighbors, Pretend You're Mine is a fast paced military romance that you will want to read when you need a cozy pick me up.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Julia, the widowed, fiercely independent single mom with a newborn, and Zach, the divorced, protectively overworked Lt. Colonel raising 2 daughters, connected because of tragedy. When relying on someone else becomes unavoidable, they realize that maybe they don't have to do this thing called life alone. But what happens when you fall in love with your spouse of convenience? Something truly magical.
The flow of this story keeps you engaged and the emotional journey these characters go on is one you don't want to miss. With multiple POVs, this book gives you a deep dive into the family dynamics and all the emotions that come with a blended family navigating trust, loss, and past traumas. With a secondary cast of loveable crewmates and neighbors, Pretend You're Mine is a fast paced military romance that you will want to read when you need a cozy pick me up.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2025
Pretend You're Mine is the third title in the Hometown Heroes series, and it delivers an emotional blending of families, a marriage of convenience that will turn very real, with characters that are believable perhaps relatable, even if both Zach and Julia at times had me wanting to reach into the pages and shake some sense into them. But, for me, that reaction tells me I’m invested in this couple’s romance and cannot wait to get to the happy ending.
If you enjoy a well-written, emotional romance with issues to be dealt with as the couple works their way to their forever future, then Pretend You're Mine by Catherine Mann would be perfect for you. I enjoyed watching their journey as emotions took over and reality began to look much different for the entire blended family.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
If you enjoy a well-written, emotional romance with issues to be dealt with as the couple works their way to their forever future, then Pretend You're Mine by Catherine Mann would be perfect for you. I enjoyed watching their journey as emotions took over and reality began to look much different for the entire blended family.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
August 29, 2023
What an emotional start to this book! Julie had lost her husband Lance in a flying accident and then later giving birth to his baby with Downs Syndrome, it was easy to appreciate how overwhelmed she must have felt with everything.
Zack too had a messy home life, being divorced with two children living with him and the demands on him as Colonel, his suggestion that he and Julie get married seemed to him to be a reasonable solution. Zack came across as an alpha male and that his way was the only way.
The whole story seemed tense with emotions running high especially when Zach’s ex-wife turns up unannounced. The household seem to lurch from one crisis to the next.
It was a relief when they achieved their HEA which needed some give and take on both sides.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zack too had a messy home life, being divorced with two children living with him and the demands on him as Colonel, his suggestion that he and Julie get married seemed to him to be a reasonable solution. Zack came across as an alpha male and that his way was the only way.
The whole story seemed tense with emotions running high especially when Zach’s ex-wife turns up unannounced. The household seem to lurch from one crisis to the next.
It was a relief when they achieved their HEA which needed some give and take on both sides.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
As commanding officer, Zach was the one to tell Julia that her husband was killed in action. She is pregnant and alone so he becomes her support system. After the baby is there and needs help, he suggests a marriage of convenience to help her and also help him with his teenage daughter. Over time, feelings turn stronger and they need to take it a step further and become a real family. Can they do that? Is she capable of this or still in major grief over losing her husband? Will his daughter accept her help? Will her son get the help he needs? Loved the characters and the storyline was well written. So much to think about. Totally enjoyed the storyline, with all the twists and surprises that kept the pages turning. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2023
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the events in this story show what great things can arise from a great tragedy. I think it reminds one that you should never give up as you never know what wonderful events may still be in the works. Her husband died under his command, and he feels responsible. His family imploded when his wife walked out the door and left him and their daughters behind. Now the widow has a new baby, and the Colonel feels even more responsible. His teenage daughter is completely out of control and his younger daughter is in denial. A late-night emergency forces his hand, and a rash decision is made. But what if that rash decision turns out to be the best decision ever? Read this heartwarming story and see for yourself.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2024
Loved this great book with Julia who lost her jet flying husband Lance leaving her pregnant and his Commander Zach who keeps check on her and the Down Syndrome son her delivered after her husband passed. As they move forward with their friendship it is clear that they both need each other with him raising two girls after their mother left them and she is her newborn son so they agree to marry for a period of time to help each other but things turned so much more emotional than either expected. Loved all the characters in this book from the snarky teenager to the sweet younger daughter and Julia and Zach who have both been hurt from previous relationships but stay together and work through to find what they both wanted and needed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2024
Zach needs help with his daughters after his ex wife walked out and widow Julia recently gave birth to a Down’s syndrome baby with a lot of needs. He offers her temporary marriage until the military relocates him. He thought they could have a real marriage without romantic feelings involved. He also didn’t take into account his girls’ feelings especially the rebellious teenager and how bringing Julia into their lives and watching her leave would make them feel after his wife’s abandonment. They both keep secrets which ruined her previous marriage and makes her wonder if it’s worth risking her heart for this one.
May 15, 2025
Pretend You're Mine by Catherine Mann is a military contemporary romance full of heart and emotion. There is such depth to this story with the wonderfully written characters, the well-written plot, and the connections of the characters that drew this reader into the story of Julie and Zach. They are both determined, protective, intelligent, and dynamic characters. I love their journey to find one another through life’s lows and highs. Their story is endearing & engaging from start to finish and worth the read. Pretend You're Mine is book 3 of the Hometown Heroes Series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2025
Pretend You're Mine (Hometown Heroes Book 3) by Catherine Mann is Lt. Col. Zach Dawson’s and Julie Sinclair’s romantic story. A marriage of convenience romance that helps both single parents build the relationship into something everlasting. A great military story with likable characters. Newborn and teenage children brings to light the issues involved with children at different stages of life too.
There is not much we wouldn’t do for our children which these two prove. Along the way, they find the happily-ever-after that they deserve too. Previously published as Under Siege, Wingmen Warriors book three.
There is not much we wouldn’t do for our children which these two prove. Along the way, they find the happily-ever-after that they deserve too. Previously published as Under Siege, Wingmen Warriors book three.
September 23, 2023
Slightly disappointed with this offering from Catherine Mann, I usually adore her stories, but this time the romance was off, it just seemed forced throughout the book and the characters didn’t seem to flow as well as her other books.
The plot is a common one, and one that I love, single parents entering a fake marriage for the sake of their kids. The plot was utterly predictable (which I love in a romance) and the secondary characters were nice, it was just the romance element that let this book down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is a common one, and one that I love, single parents entering a fake marriage for the sake of their kids. The plot was utterly predictable (which I love in a romance) and the secondary characters were nice, it was just the romance element that let this book down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2025
This story is a re release of one of Catherine Mann past works and it focuses on Julia and Zac's relationship. She is a fierce and brave, and dealing with her children and the responsabilites of running a household by herself. Enter Zach and he sees the need to help her and they begin to be present for each other, and slowy they start to be open and honest with each other. The push/pull relationship drives throughout the book mand it is fancastic to see them reach a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2023
This is a well written book with strong characters in Zach and Julia. The author weaves an emotional story as she brings a friends to more story. She takes you into their lives as they come together in a marriage of convenience, helping each other, with a growing love along the way. She moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 13, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone story.
Fast paced with a sweet and emotional friends to lovers storyline, Zach had been friendly with Julia ever since her husband was in his squad so when Lance died, Zach stepped up to help any way he could for the pregnant widow. Zach and Julia have a connection that can't be denied. Good Story.
This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone story.
Fast paced with a sweet and emotional friends to lovers storyline, Zach had been friendly with Julia ever since her husband was in his squad so when Lance died, Zach stepped up to help any way he could for the pregnant widow. Zach and Julia have a connection that can't be denied. Good Story.
May 28, 2025
Great book. Zach and Julia come together out of need, but what that find is so much more. I loved how he wanted to protect her, but he also needed to see how strong she was. Her life has not been simple for a while and this marriage didn’t change that - it gave her a partner - she just had to show him what she needed. Loved this little family!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2023
This story is really about five people the three kids & the main characters.,it is a heart touching story , you would love reading it. The colonel is such a good person and Julia is incredible. The author has built her characters very well. A great gift or a personal copy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2023
Zach and Julia are friends and both in the military and friends. They form a plan to help each other. And get married. but things are happening between them and their families. they are fighting their feelings for each other. a wonderful read. looking forward to more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2023
He is protector and offering her support and protection didn’t account for falling in love.
Her Husband died on the mission. She accepted protection as simple offer.
Now when the kids are involved in this whole charade they having bigger problem.
They falling in love….
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her Husband died on the mission. She accepted protection as simple offer.
Now when the kids are involved in this whole charade they having bigger problem.
They falling in love….
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
This was an heartwarming story. Julia's husband died on a mission and she's pregnant. His commander Zach came to offer his condolences. He helps her out sometimes. Then he proposed a marriage of convenience to benefit both of them. Enjoyed how they became the family both needed. Received a free copy.
June 9, 2025
A heartwarming marriage of convenience romance. It will suck you in from the start as it takes you through an emotional ride. I loved the characters and the chemistry. I enjoyed Zach and Julia’s journey as they went from being each other’s support system to more as they let their guard down. It’s an entertaining and sweet read.
August 6, 2025
The story balances military life with domestic heartache. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy stories of second chances, emotional growth, and love that sneaks up when least expected. Mann’s writing is warm, grounded, and quietly powerful. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2023
Love always doesn't mean by only words is what we learn from Zach & Jules. The slow burn definitely kept the anticipation up as we read. I enjoyed the battles of the heart & the emphasis on family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2023
I loved the storyline of this book, as well as the characters. Marriage of convenience and single parents are favorite tropes of mine. A warm hearted story with a sweet HEA. So glad to finally be catching up on this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2024
This is third story in the "Hometown Heroes" series. It is such a good read that develops nicely. The story is about Julia, Zach and a pretend to more. It is intriguing story that is fairly fast paced with some action and suspense. I love how this story and the characters are great!
May 30, 2025
I absolutely loved it. Captivating from beginning to end. Definitely going to read more books by this amazing author💖🥀💥💖🥀💥💖🥀💥💖🥀💥💖🥀💥🥀💥🥀💥🥀.💥🥀💥🥀💥🥀💥🥀💥.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews