What do you think?
Rate this book
Emerald Lake Billionaires #1
Sealed with a Kiss
This is a previously-published cover of ASIN B018BL1LIY
Three billionaires, an emerald lake, and a lifetime's worth of happy endings.
John Fletcher is used to living his life on the edge. He’s an ex-Navy SEAL and the owner of one of the most successful security companies in the world. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it. When his daughter asks for the one thing he can’t give her, it breaks his heart.
Rachel McReedy isn’t impressed with John Fletcher’s money, fast cars or jet-setting lifestyle. What she cares about is Bella, his eight-year-old daughter. She might not have had the type of life Bella has, but she knows what it’s like to be left on her own. Rachel is determined to show John the error of his ways, but she isn’t prepared for what she’s about to find.
The day John meets Rachel, life as he knew it comes to an abrupt end. She stirs something deep inside of him, creates havoc in his orderly world, and makes him question what’s really important. He knows Rachel holds the key to his daughter’s happiness, but will she willingly hold the key to his heart?
Discover the magic of Emerald Lake in the first book in the Emerald Lake Billionaires series. This series is linked to the Montana Brides and The Bridesmaid Club.
Other Contemporary Romances by Leeanna Morgan:
Emerald Lake Billionaires
(Linked to The Bridesmaids Club & Montana Brides):
Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)
Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)
Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)
Montana Brides (Linked to The Bridesmaids Club):
Book 1: Forever Dreams (Gracie and Trent)
Book 2: Forever in Love (Amy and Nathan)
Book 3: Forever After (Nicky and Sam)
Book 4: Forever Wishes (Erin and Jake)
Book 4.5 Forever Santa: a Montana Brides Christmas Novella
Book 5: Forever Cowboy (Emily and Alex)
Book 6: Forever Together (Kate and Dan)
Book 7: Forever and a Day (Sarah and Jordan)
The Bridesmaids Club (Linked to Montana Brides and Emerald Lake Billionaires):
Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)
Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)
Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)
Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)
Three billionaires, an emerald lake, and a lifetime's worth of happy endings.
John Fletcher is used to living his life on the edge. He’s an ex-Navy SEAL and the owner of one of the most successful security companies in the world. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it. When his daughter asks for the one thing he can’t give her, it breaks his heart.
Rachel McReedy isn’t impressed with John Fletcher’s money, fast cars or jet-setting lifestyle. What she cares about is Bella, his eight-year-old daughter. She might not have had the type of life Bella has, but she knows what it’s like to be left on her own. Rachel is determined to show John the error of his ways, but she isn’t prepared for what she’s about to find.
The day John meets Rachel, life as he knew it comes to an abrupt end. She stirs something deep inside of him, creates havoc in his orderly world, and makes him question what’s really important. He knows Rachel holds the key to his daughter’s happiness, but will she willingly hold the key to his heart?
Discover the magic of Emerald Lake in the first book in the Emerald Lake Billionaires series. This series is linked to the Montana Brides and The Bridesmaid Club.
Other Contemporary Romances by Leeanna Morgan:
Emerald Lake Billionaires
(Linked to The Bridesmaids Club & Montana Brides):
Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)
Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)
Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)
Montana Brides (Linked to The Bridesmaids Club):
Book 1: Forever Dreams (Gracie and Trent)
Book 2: Forever in Love (Amy and Nathan)
Book 3: Forever After (Nicky and Sam)
Book 4: Forever Wishes (Erin and Jake)
Book 4.5 Forever Santa: a Montana Brides Christmas Novella
Book 5: Forever Cowboy (Emily and Alex)
Book 6: Forever Together (Kate and Dan)
Book 7: Forever and a Day (Sarah and Jordan)
The Bridesmaids Club (Linked to Montana Brides and Emerald Lake Billionaires):
Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)
Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)
Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)
Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)
265 pages, ebook
First published April 2, 2016
3526 people are currently reading
1988 people want to read
About the author
Leeanna Morgan
63 books508 followersLeeanna Morgan is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New Zealand surrounded by green hills on one side and the ocean on the other. She enjoys going for long walks, especially if she can convince her husband and two children to go with her!
Leeanna writes contemporary romances set in Montana. Her books contain all of the things that are important to her; good friends, family, a strong sense of community, and a happy ending.
Leeanna writes contemporary romances set in Montana. Her books contain all of the things that are important to her; good friends, family, a strong sense of community, and a happy ending.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
April 17, 2017
Another major case of ‘it’s not you, it’s me’.
At first glance, this book sounded promising. I initially thought it would be a very romantic read since it contains some elements of romance that I always enjoy, like a small town feel, a single parent with kid(s), brooding hero, and close friendships. But sadly, it turned out to be a letdown. This is one of those books that starts off strong but fails to deliver.
The more I read, the less I enjoyed it. The story moved at a snail’s pace it put me to sleep. The whole second half of the book was meh. I don’t know why I didn’t just DNF it and put myself out of this misery!
The hero:
I expected a grumpy, possessive, and protective alpha hero, but the only thing I got out of him was a grumpy part. The rest was nowhere in sight. As an ex-Navy SEAL and the owner of one of the most successful security companies, his character totally fell flat. He was too soft and too weak. Nothing about him exuded power, or assertiveness, or even sturdiness. At first, he came across as a hard ass but ended up being more like a jerk to me. He was such a poorly developed character.
The heroine:
Just one word—meh. Well, I guess that pretty much sums her up. I couldn't connect to her character at all.
I normally enjoy the slow burn relationship between main couples in the romance stories, but in this case, it didn’t work for me. Perhaps it burned too slowly…extremely slowly that I fell asleep several times while waiting for something to happen between them. But then all of a sudden, they just jumped each other’s bones. I don’t know. I just didn’t like it.
In my opinion, the story was overly long. I ended up skimming through the boring filler, and when I eventually reached the last page of this book, I felt relieved. No need to endure the dullness anymore!
To be fair, this book wasn’t all that bad. It just didn’t work for me in more ways than one. Guess I’m not the target audience for it.
At first glance, this book sounded promising. I initially thought it would be a very romantic read since it contains some elements of romance that I always enjoy, like a small town feel, a single parent with kid(s), brooding hero, and close friendships. But sadly, it turned out to be a letdown. This is one of those books that starts off strong but fails to deliver.
The more I read, the less I enjoyed it. The story moved at a snail’s pace it put me to sleep. The whole second half of the book was meh. I don’t know why I didn’t just DNF it and put myself out of this misery!
The hero:
I expected a grumpy, possessive, and protective alpha hero, but the only thing I got out of him was a grumpy part. The rest was nowhere in sight. As an ex-Navy SEAL and the owner of one of the most successful security companies, his character totally fell flat. He was too soft and too weak. Nothing about him exuded power, or assertiveness, or even sturdiness. At first, he came across as a hard ass but ended up being more like a jerk to me. He was such a poorly developed character.
The heroine:
Just one word—meh. Well, I guess that pretty much sums her up. I couldn't connect to her character at all.
I normally enjoy the slow burn relationship between main couples in the romance stories, but in this case, it didn’t work for me. Perhaps it burned too slowly…extremely slowly that I fell asleep several times while waiting for something to happen between them. But then all of a sudden, they just jumped each other’s bones. I don’t know. I just didn’t like it.
In my opinion, the story was overly long. I ended up skimming through the boring filler, and when I eventually reached the last page of this book, I felt relieved. No need to endure the dullness anymore!
To be fair, this book wasn’t all that bad. It just didn’t work for me in more ways than one. Guess I’m not the target audience for it.
Want to read
December 20, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2017)! 💝
February 5, 2017
Sealed with a Kiss (Emerald Lake Billionaires Book 1) is by Leanna Morgan. It is a really good book and you aren’t sure what is really going on for a while. It has romance and suspense and even humor. It is light reading but lots of fun.
Rachel is between teaching jobs and has been substituting in the local school. One day she subbed, she met a little girl, Bella, who would be starting at the school in January. Until then, she would be homeschooled. Rachel liked the little girl and was sorry she wouldn’t be her teacher in January. Rachel also helped a group of friends who started The Bridesmaids Club. They collected and provided bridesmaid dresses to brides in distress. She helped sort the dresses, pack and send them out, helped with dress fittings and anything else that came along. Mainly she sorted the letters they received and made appointments to see dresses. They had received a letter from a little girl named Bella who wanted a wife for her father. They didn’t know anything about her except she lived somewhere in Bozeman and didn’t have a mother. After subbing that day, Rachel thought she knew who Bella was. She set up an appointment with John Fletcher, the father of the little girl she thought wrote the letter. Now to see what he would say.
John Fletcher was indeed the father of a young girl. He had opened his business and worked long hours. The last thing part of his company had done was create the prototype of a drone for military use. He had just sent the files to the DOD. To care for his little girl, he had his housekeeper and her husband as well as two friends and ex-Navy Seals for her protection. He hired a teacher to homeschool her; but had just quit. Once he met Rachel, he decided to hire her to tutor Bella until the fall when she went to school. Rachel has no intention of working with him although she liked Bella. She finally decided to take the job so she would be able to make a down payment on a house and it was just until January and it was December.
What Rachel didn’t bargain for was to be moved into the Fletcher house and not being allowed to go wherever she wanted without a bodyguard. She knew Bella had one; but why should she have one? She had no intention of accepting this situation.
Rachel is between teaching jobs and has been substituting in the local school. One day she subbed, she met a little girl, Bella, who would be starting at the school in January. Until then, she would be homeschooled. Rachel liked the little girl and was sorry she wouldn’t be her teacher in January. Rachel also helped a group of friends who started The Bridesmaids Club. They collected and provided bridesmaid dresses to brides in distress. She helped sort the dresses, pack and send them out, helped with dress fittings and anything else that came along. Mainly she sorted the letters they received and made appointments to see dresses. They had received a letter from a little girl named Bella who wanted a wife for her father. They didn’t know anything about her except she lived somewhere in Bozeman and didn’t have a mother. After subbing that day, Rachel thought she knew who Bella was. She set up an appointment with John Fletcher, the father of the little girl she thought wrote the letter. Now to see what he would say.
John Fletcher was indeed the father of a young girl. He had opened his business and worked long hours. The last thing part of his company had done was create the prototype of a drone for military use. He had just sent the files to the DOD. To care for his little girl, he had his housekeeper and her husband as well as two friends and ex-Navy Seals for her protection. He hired a teacher to homeschool her; but had just quit. Once he met Rachel, he decided to hire her to tutor Bella until the fall when she went to school. Rachel has no intention of working with him although she liked Bella. She finally decided to take the job so she would be able to make a down payment on a house and it was just until January and it was December.
What Rachel didn’t bargain for was to be moved into the Fletcher house and not being allowed to go wherever she wanted without a bodyguard. She knew Bella had one; but why should she have one? She had no intention of accepting this situation.
May 26, 2017
3 books in this series, Goodreads & Amazon have different covers, for me that is a bit curious, 'cause I am always making sure I am reviewing the right book, that would be totally embarrassing to be reviewing the wrong book??! 1st book read, written by Leeanna Morgan .. such a great read, lighthearted, no weighted down by real life, an escape so to speak ... well written, fast paced, great read. I loved it! I love her book covers, so what pulled me in right off ... it is FREE on AMAZON right now. check it out!! I will be checking out more from Leeanna very very soon.
December 4, 2016
Almost DNF from the start, but figured it had to get better... it didn't. The idea of it's ok, but the execution falls way short. It's kind of like a quilt that's had all the pieces laid out... but no one bothered to sew it all together. Lots of convenient bits that aren't followed up. The characters had a little bit of interest, but I really just don't give a damn about them or their struggles, plus it's heavily skipped over and just 'ticked' along the way to conclusion.
June 14, 2020
Just not my cup of tea
October 10, 2020
Sealed With a Kiss (Emerald Lake Billionaires 1) - PG13
Violence: nope
Language: <5 swears
Sex: descriptive kissing, roaming hands (no details)
So, the first time the H kisses the h, he goes all roaming hands on her. Uh, no. Totally out of character and so very weird for the relationship. Descriptive kissing. Fade to black intimacy. The last 6% is an ad for the next book in the series. I think the h is a pushover and doesn't have very good self-esteem. She seemed more than willing to let the H take advantage of her. The H is no big shakes, either. His brother piqued my interest, though. I'm not going to read any more.
Violence: nope
Language: <5 swears
Sex: descriptive kissing, roaming hands (no details)
So, the first time the H kisses the h, he goes all roaming hands on her. Uh, no. Totally out of character and so very weird for the relationship. Descriptive kissing. Fade to black intimacy. The last 6% is an ad for the next book in the series. I think the h is a pushover and doesn't have very good self-esteem. She seemed more than willing to let the H take advantage of her. The H is no big shakes, either. His brother piqued my interest, though. I'm not going to read any more.
March 27, 2021
This book was just ok for me. Good, likable characters, but their story just stood still for me at times. I was not feeling the emotional connection throughout the book that was reflected at the end. It was a bit confusing.
John is a handsome, ex Navy Seal turned billionaire who owns a security company. He is a widower who is raising his 8 year old daughter, Bella. He has some bad people after him who have threatened his life, now he must protect the only thing that matters to him.
Rachel is a teacher and waiting for her full time position to start. She is involved with the Bridesmaids Club with her friends and spends her time helping brides in need make their wedding dreams come true. They receive a letter from a little girl wanting a bride for her Dad. This is how she comes to meet Bella and she is immediately drawn to her.
This story has some mystery, intrigue and romance. John and Rachel go around and around too much for me. They both want the other, but can’t communicate clearly and that is just frustrating. Bella is sweet and the one character who pulls them together. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
John is a handsome, ex Navy Seal turned billionaire who owns a security company. He is a widower who is raising his 8 year old daughter, Bella. He has some bad people after him who have threatened his life, now he must protect the only thing that matters to him.
Rachel is a teacher and waiting for her full time position to start. She is involved with the Bridesmaids Club with her friends and spends her time helping brides in need make their wedding dreams come true. They receive a letter from a little girl wanting a bride for her Dad. This is how she comes to meet Bella and she is immediately drawn to her.
This story has some mystery, intrigue and romance. John and Rachel go around and around too much for me. They both want the other, but can’t communicate clearly and that is just frustrating. Bella is sweet and the one character who pulls them together. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 8, 2024
Quick little read. The characters were loveable. You know how the story will end within the first few pages but I expect that from these kinds of books. First of her books I have read but I like the idea that other books of hers are connected and characters lives are intertwined.
May 20, 2017
Sweet romance with a very lovely ending.
April 24, 2019
Sealed with a kiss
The book was very interesting and had me spellbound. I wanted an epilogue and it would’ve been fine. Thank you
The book was very interesting and had me spellbound. I wanted an epilogue and it would’ve been fine. Thank you
May 3, 2021
A sweet book with an adorable 8 yr old to add the 'Awww' factor. loved her writing style. Simple and no fluff. A good book to relax with. :)
January 5, 2019
Its good if you’re looking for a Romance Novel, but if you’re hoping for Action you might be disappointed.
There was too much build-up for something that didn’t even happen. And even when something did sort of happen it was quickly resolved and had zero to do with what you were lead to believe was going on.
The ending was predictably happy and a little disappointing. No pay off for the amount of action suggested in Blurb and the first half of the book.
There was too much build-up for something that didn’t even happen. And even when something did sort of happen it was quickly resolved and had zero to do with what you were lead to believe was going on.
The ending was predictably happy and a little disappointing. No pay off for the amount of action suggested in Blurb and the first half of the book.
June 13, 2020
This was a nice, sweet cozy, slightly suspenseful story. A good story if you like a single-father hero and brave, smart, fun-loving heroine!
April 16, 2022
This was so sweet. Bella is an adorable girl and such a delight to read about. I had a hard time with John and Rachel. I felt like they took so long to develop. But I did like how they complemented each other and worked things out. The story was just so fun to read.
December 23, 2016
What’s it about?
Rachel is determined to show John that his daughter needs him – now and not in a few years, that she is more important than his job and that he has to get his act together.
Liked
Our frowning hero. Sure, he has his faults and really is a workaholic but he’s also a pretty awesome guy who loves his daughter (even though he really has to show that more often).
Bella, our hero’s daughter. What a little sunshine. Loved this girl :D She��s just everything, full of life and a bit of sass.
Rachel. For finally opening the hero’s eyes, for committing herself to this awesome family and for being a grand teacher.
Disliked:
The mistakes were not frequent but also not rare so yeah… More attention please ;)
Especially when it comes to the apostrophe… It’s not that hard to get that one right…
It’s a very clean romance novel; there is chemistry between the characters but not that much…
The ending? Too cheesy, too abrupt. Everything just happened way too quickly in the end.
Didn’t like that our hero took it for granted that Rachel would only want a fling.
Other than that, it's pretty slow-burning but still nice. Between 3-4 stars therefore.
Rachel is determined to show John that his daughter needs him – now and not in a few years, that she is more important than his job and that he has to get his act together.
Liked
Our frowning hero. Sure, he has his faults and really is a workaholic but he’s also a pretty awesome guy who loves his daughter (even though he really has to show that more often).
Bella, our hero’s daughter. What a little sunshine. Loved this girl :D She��s just everything, full of life and a bit of sass.
Rachel. For finally opening the hero’s eyes, for committing herself to this awesome family and for being a grand teacher.
Disliked:
The mistakes were not frequent but also not rare so yeah… More attention please ;)
Especially when it comes to the apostrophe… It’s not that hard to get that one right…
It’s a very clean romance novel; there is chemistry between the characters but not that much…
The ending? Too cheesy, too abrupt. Everything just happened way too quickly in the end.
Didn’t like that our hero took it for granted that Rachel would only want a fling.
Other than that, it's pretty slow-burning but still nice. Between 3-4 stars therefore.
March 11, 2016
Bella stole the show in this story, she was what kept these two main characters together for me.
Rachel and her gang of friends were really great too and while I have not read The Bridesmaids Club I loved meeting all her friends and easily followed their group.
John Fletcher was a strong and dominating man and they definitely had great chemistry.
The Christmas season made this a heartwarming and lovely romantic story to read.
Rachel and her gang of friends were really great too and while I have not read The Bridesmaids Club I loved meeting all her friends and easily followed their group.
John Fletcher was a strong and dominating man and they definitely had great chemistry.
The Christmas season made this a heartwarming and lovely romantic story to read.
August 5, 2018
Is it really that easy to become a billionaire in six years from a security business? This guy also still flies commercial for long trips but takes a helicopter to go across town.
Rachel was clueless and judgemental.
Rachel was clueless and judgemental.
January 23, 2017
I gave it a 2.5 stars. I liked the concept of the story, but it wasn't anything I couldn't put down.
May 23, 2020
I can't really decide on a rating for this book.
On the surface, it seemed like one of those I'd love - and I've already read one other book by the same author which I gave 4 stars to. The story features an ex-soldier, billionaire, single parent, and the tutor who comes into their lives, some promised danger and tension, and of course romance.
And I mean, overall, I suppose we do get all of that, but ...
Also, just meh.
I was okay enough with John, I thought he was realistically written that he had his moments where he blushed or felt insecure because it meshed well with it all, somehow. But I really would have liked if he'd been a bit more assertive and dominant, as an ex-SEAL.
Rachel though ... Rachel was all over the place for me. That, and she literally had NO CLUE. She is specifically told what she should do, that there's potential danger, something could happen, and even if you don't buy into the whole threat story, your boss is a billionaire, can you not imagine a world of hurt people want to rain on him just for that? But no, instead of that, she goes 'oh rules are made to be broken!' and veers completely off the beaten path. The book presents it like it's something good, but let me tell you, there are times when you can be spontaneous and then there are times you need to buckle up and stay in your seat. And she just went back and forth a lot for me, she was incredibly judgmental and then also worried that the town was going to talk about her.
Honey, please.
I also didn't quite get the daughter, Bella. She's apparently so paranoid she thinks that a random man running after her is going to nab her, but doesn't hesitate to jump out of a safe SUV and run away from her bodyguard because ... I don't think we even really get told WHY she jumped out of the car to begin with.
In the end, I could foresee the reason for this to drag on would be contrived, and it truly was - I'm a woman and I had no clue what Rachel wanted from John at the end, I was just as confused as he was! She never even ASKED about how he felt, plus she knew he'd lost his wife six years ago so obviously, if he loved her very much, it would be touch-and-go. It seemed to me like she painted a picture in her head how things would go, then because she didn't really know John and he didn't do things the way she'd imagined them, she got mad at him. It's like that meme I saw the other day where it says 'I got mad at my boyfriend for cheating on me in a nightmare I had'.
All in all, this was an easy enough read, but an editor should have gone through it a bit better because all the times where there were no abbreviations really jarred the reading, especially as this is a contemporary romance; reading stuff like 'I will need you to go get bread' sound extra forced in comparison to 'I'll need you to get bread'.
So two stars, for John, but that's about it.
On the surface, it seemed like one of those I'd love - and I've already read one other book by the same author which I gave 4 stars to. The story features an ex-soldier, billionaire, single parent, and the tutor who comes into their lives, some promised danger and tension, and of course romance.
And I mean, overall, I suppose we do get all of that, but ...
Also, just meh.
I was okay enough with John, I thought he was realistically written that he had his moments where he blushed or felt insecure because it meshed well with it all, somehow. But I really would have liked if he'd been a bit more assertive and dominant, as an ex-SEAL.
Rachel though ... Rachel was all over the place for me. That, and she literally had NO CLUE. She is specifically told what she should do, that there's potential danger, something could happen, and even if you don't buy into the whole threat story, your boss is a billionaire, can you not imagine a world of hurt people want to rain on him just for that? But no, instead of that, she goes 'oh rules are made to be broken!' and veers completely off the beaten path. The book presents it like it's something good, but let me tell you, there are times when you can be spontaneous and then there are times you need to buckle up and stay in your seat. And she just went back and forth a lot for me, she was incredibly judgmental and then also worried that the town was going to talk about her.
Honey, please.
I also didn't quite get the daughter, Bella. She's apparently so paranoid she thinks that a random man running after her is going to nab her, but doesn't hesitate to jump out of a safe SUV and run away from her bodyguard because ... I don't think we even really get told WHY she jumped out of the car to begin with.
In the end, I could foresee the reason for this to drag on would be contrived, and it truly was - I'm a woman and I had no clue what Rachel wanted from John at the end, I was just as confused as he was! She never even ASKED about how he felt, plus she knew he'd lost his wife six years ago so obviously, if he loved her very much, it would be touch-and-go. It seemed to me like she painted a picture in her head how things would go, then because she didn't really know John and he didn't do things the way she'd imagined them, she got mad at him. It's like that meme I saw the other day where it says 'I got mad at my boyfriend for cheating on me in a nightmare I had'.
All in all, this was an easy enough read, but an editor should have gone through it a bit better because all the times where there were no abbreviations really jarred the reading, especially as this is a contemporary romance; reading stuff like 'I will need you to go get bread' sound extra forced in comparison to 'I'll need you to get bread'.
So two stars, for John, but that's about it.
November 10, 2020
Sweet holiday romance, no suspense
My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
Summary
In this sweet holiday romance, Rachel finds the answer to the Bridesmaids Club's mystery. They received a letter from a girl named Bella, asking not for a dress but for a bride for her dad. They searched high and low. Then one day, a girl named Bella walks into Rachel's classroom. She takes the letter when she goes to see Bella's father, John, to convince him to spend more time with his child.
John has just signed over a drone prototype to the Department of Defense. Tank leaves to deliver it to Virginia. He meets Rachel, invites her into his office. The meeting is cold. When he goes home John talks to Bella about the letter, and then pinky promises he'll let her know if he's lonely. Then Bella's tutor chooses to stay on vacation, and Bella needs a new tutor for another two months. Bella suggests Rachel.
John goes to his business partner's bachelor party. Rachel goes to her best friend's bachelorette party. Because there's really only one place in town for this kind of event, they see each other again. Rachel knows they'll see each other frequently because of Dylan and Annie, so she takes the first step, apologizing for barging into affairs not her own. John apologizes for being unwelcoming. They start over.
Evaluation
This book wasn't what I expected. John is an ex-SEAL, but there isn't any action or much suspense (or swearing) and he's not very alpha. It's set in Montana's winter, which is painted as an exquisite sight with a friendly town. Christmas is part of the story, but not overwhelmingly so. The end of the story was beautiful, absolutely aaaah-inducing.
Recommendation
Anyone who likes sweet romances and/or holiday romances. This isn't for someone looking for suspense.
FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
“Don’t make work your entire life, John. Before you know it, she’ll be heading to university and making her own way in the world. Make the most of having her with you.”
“I’ve done self-defense classes and I know how to use a frying pan.”
Tank groaned. “No one needs ten sets of lights.” Rachel held her hand to her ear. “My goodness, Bella. I think I heard the Christmas Grinch speaking.”
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: kisses; bra clasp undone in one scene, then fade to black
Language: 0 F words, 0 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: none
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
I don't know why that company wants his drone. And it's very far-fetched that it took this case to put the FBI and CIA onto that corporation's trail for so many other crimes.
My Rating System
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
Summary
In this sweet holiday romance, Rachel finds the answer to the Bridesmaids Club's mystery. They received a letter from a girl named Bella, asking not for a dress but for a bride for her dad. They searched high and low. Then one day, a girl named Bella walks into Rachel's classroom. She takes the letter when she goes to see Bella's father, John, to convince him to spend more time with his child.
John has just signed over a drone prototype to the Department of Defense. Tank leaves to deliver it to Virginia. He meets Rachel, invites her into his office. The meeting is cold. When he goes home John talks to Bella about the letter, and then pinky promises he'll let her know if he's lonely. Then Bella's tutor chooses to stay on vacation, and Bella needs a new tutor for another two months. Bella suggests Rachel.
John goes to his business partner's bachelor party. Rachel goes to her best friend's bachelorette party. Because there's really only one place in town for this kind of event, they see each other again. Rachel knows they'll see each other frequently because of Dylan and Annie, so she takes the first step, apologizing for barging into affairs not her own. John apologizes for being unwelcoming. They start over.
Evaluation
This book wasn't what I expected. John is an ex-SEAL, but there isn't any action or much suspense (or swearing) and he's not very alpha. It's set in Montana's winter, which is painted as an exquisite sight with a friendly town. Christmas is part of the story, but not overwhelmingly so. The end of the story was beautiful, absolutely aaaah-inducing.
Recommendation
Anyone who likes sweet romances and/or holiday romances. This isn't for someone looking for suspense.
FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
“Don’t make work your entire life, John. Before you know it, she’ll be heading to university and making her own way in the world. Make the most of having her with you.”
“I’ve done self-defense classes and I know how to use a frying pan.”
Tank groaned. “No one needs ten sets of lights.” Rachel held her hand to her ear. “My goodness, Bella. I think I heard the Christmas Grinch speaking.”
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: kisses; bra clasp undone in one scene, then fade to black
Language: 0 F words, 0 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: none
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
I don't know why that company wants his drone. And it's very far-fetched that it took this case to put the FBI and CIA onto that corporation's trail for so many other crimes.
November 3, 2020
I don’t normally like are read books based on billionaires that have the ability do anything they want because of the money they have. I actually like books about every day working people striving for success in life, not only in their professional life but in their personal lives as well. However, I did enjoy this book very much. It is about John a special forces type of former military man who uses the expertise that he learned to start a successful company that has made him rich. He doesn’t seem to know how to balance his professional life and his home life. It seems that he has always had that problem. He has a young daughter named Bella who is very important to the telling of the story. John loves her very much and will go to any length to protect and provide for her; but does not provide enough of the one thing she wants most and that is his time. He feels guilty about that. He also did not spend enough time with his first wife prior to her death and he regrets that. He hires a teacher by the name of Rachel who loves teaching, is currently working as a substitute teacher looking forward to a permanent position. She had taken a year off to help take of her sick father. A man’s wealth holds little importance to her. Bella and Rachel for me makes the story. Also another character important to the telling of the story is Tank. He seems to be a big and imposing body guard type of guy with heart of gold.
I feel the characters are very well developed in this book. There are other characters important to the telling of this story besides the characters I have specifically mentioned that are very well developed too. I feel the book is very well written. The pace of the story is very good as the reader progresses to the end of the story.
I like that there is no profanity used in this book. There isn’t any sexually explicit dialogue even though it is clear that John and Rachel spend at least one night together. It is just good storytelling.
I feel the characters are very well developed in this book. There are other characters important to the telling of this story besides the characters I have specifically mentioned that are very well developed too. I feel the book is very well written. The pace of the story is very good as the reader progresses to the end of the story.
I like that there is no profanity used in this book. There isn’t any sexually explicit dialogue even though it is clear that John and Rachel spend at least one night together. It is just good storytelling.
January 11, 2021
I absolutely adored this book, it made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside when I finished reading it.
Sealed With A Kiss was a slow burner to start off with, but once I got settled into the story I couldn't help but be swept up with our characters.
The dynamic that Bella and Rachel had really made this book for me, we almost watched Bella grow throughout the time she spent with Rachel.
That being said, I liked how the author didn't think Bella having a female role model put a plaster over the fact that her Dad missed a lot of her life and was away from her quite often. We still felt Bella's pain and upset through the pages. It felt real.
I also loved John and Rachel's relationship and dynamic, I felt it built up wonderfully throughout the book and again was very real.
I did get frustrated part way through as John was highly protective of his daughter and Rachel and it took quite some time for us to find out why - but I think my frustration was more that I'm impatient haha.
Whilst we did get our happy ending we had to go through some heartache to get to that point and I'm glad we did, because it made the ending that much sweeter.
I keep saying it, but even the heartache felt real - nothing about this book felt forced or over the top, it was just brilliantly written.
On the whole, Sealed With A Kiss was just a really nice read, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, it was lovely!
Sealed With A Kiss was a slow burner to start off with, but once I got settled into the story I couldn't help but be swept up with our characters.
The dynamic that Bella and Rachel had really made this book for me, we almost watched Bella grow throughout the time she spent with Rachel.
That being said, I liked how the author didn't think Bella having a female role model put a plaster over the fact that her Dad missed a lot of her life and was away from her quite often. We still felt Bella's pain and upset through the pages. It felt real.
I also loved John and Rachel's relationship and dynamic, I felt it built up wonderfully throughout the book and again was very real.
I did get frustrated part way through as John was highly protective of his daughter and Rachel and it took quite some time for us to find out why - but I think my frustration was more that I'm impatient haha.
Whilst we did get our happy ending we had to go through some heartache to get to that point and I'm glad we did, because it made the ending that much sweeter.
I keep saying it, but even the heartache felt real - nothing about this book felt forced or over the top, it was just brilliantly written.
On the whole, Sealed With A Kiss was just a really nice read, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside, it was lovely!
September 13, 2017
4 1/2 stars...
I truly enjoyed this sweet romance book and found the characters intriguing. An ex-SEAL billionaire with a little girl and the teacher he hires to tutor her make for quite a pairing. I enjoyed the Montana setting too, written just beautifully. Side characters were fun in this as well, and a few of the scenes made me laugh out loud. The heroine is involved in this really neat bridesmaid dress recycling program too. I hope there's more of that featured in the series.
This would have been five stars if not for a few niggles. One I can't go into without spoilers. For another, the characters kept bringing up "Walmart" and its virtues so much I was starting to think the store paid for ad placement. Then the big argument that threatens to divide the romance couple happens because of something the heroine does that makes zero sense in light of some vital things going on. The end wraps up really quick with the happily ever after, and I'd have loved to see a little post scene/chapter to check in on how they're doing.
Nevertheless, this was a well told, fun, and poignant tale that is set in a wintry Christmas Montana. Lovely and worth curling up with your favorite beverage to read.
I truly enjoyed this sweet romance book and found the characters intriguing. An ex-SEAL billionaire with a little girl and the teacher he hires to tutor her make for quite a pairing. I enjoyed the Montana setting too, written just beautifully. Side characters were fun in this as well, and a few of the scenes made me laugh out loud. The heroine is involved in this really neat bridesmaid dress recycling program too. I hope there's more of that featured in the series.
This would have been five stars if not for a few niggles. One I can't go into without spoilers. For another, the characters kept bringing up "Walmart" and its virtues so much I was starting to think the store paid for ad placement. Then the big argument that threatens to divide the romance couple happens because of something the heroine does that makes zero sense in light of some vital things going on. The end wraps up really quick with the happily ever after, and I'd have loved to see a little post scene/chapter to check in on how they're doing.
Nevertheless, this was a well told, fun, and poignant tale that is set in a wintry Christmas Montana. Lovely and worth curling up with your favorite beverage to read.
October 6, 2017
After reading the cover text, I expected a sort of predictable run-of-the-mill romance; billionaire needs nanny/teacher/whatever for his daughter, falls in love and after some difficulties they live happily ever after.
It was quite nice in this case to be "disappointed", in that although all the above elements were there, the plot and the narration style made this quite different from the normal stories of this kind, as did the main characters: John, the ex SEAL billionaire, very security conscious and not trusting anyone except for a few people, his daughter Bella, who John would do anything to protect, and Rachel, the outgoing and optimistic teacher.
Despite some minor inconsistencies in the story itself, it was very well narrated, with an underlying subtle humour especially in any interactions/dialogues between John and Rachel (talk about "opposites attract each other"), but also between the main and secondary characters, like Tank and Tanner.
Although the billionaire angle makes this something like a fairy tale, the plot and the characters have enough realistic elements to make this a really enjoyable reading experience, which left me wanting to read more of the people involved.
It was quite nice in this case to be "disappointed", in that although all the above elements were there, the plot and the narration style made this quite different from the normal stories of this kind, as did the main characters: John, the ex SEAL billionaire, very security conscious and not trusting anyone except for a few people, his daughter Bella, who John would do anything to protect, and Rachel, the outgoing and optimistic teacher.
Despite some minor inconsistencies in the story itself, it was very well narrated, with an underlying subtle humour especially in any interactions/dialogues between John and Rachel (talk about "opposites attract each other"), but also between the main and secondary characters, like Tank and Tanner.
Although the billionaire angle makes this something like a fairy tale, the plot and the characters have enough realistic elements to make this a really enjoyable reading experience, which left me wanting to read more of the people involved.
October 29, 2017
A contemporary romance that occurs because an eight-year-old girl, Bella, writes a letter to The Bridesmaid Club wanting a bride for her daddy, a retired Navy SEAL and widower.
When one of the recipients of the letter finally connects with her father, John Fletcher, sparks ignite as well as a job for this teacher. Rachel McReedy is hired to be a tutor to impetuous Bella. Yet, both back away from the chemistry; after all, he is her boss, and he obviously is not interested in anything but his business and keeping Bella safe.
Refreshing romance in that there were no discernible green-eyed characters and only one hair-tucking incidents. A bit of editing would have caught the many typos, but overall, it was a clean story and little sexual content...mostly kissing and romantic moments combined with some suspense. Set in the weeks leading up to Christmas, there were lighthearted moments as well as a happily-ever-after for all. Loved the guards, Tanner and Tank, especially as they dealt with Bella and Rachel.
When one of the recipients of the letter finally connects with her father, John Fletcher, sparks ignite as well as a job for this teacher. Rachel McReedy is hired to be a tutor to impetuous Bella. Yet, both back away from the chemistry; after all, he is her boss, and he obviously is not interested in anything but his business and keeping Bella safe.
Refreshing romance in that there were no discernible green-eyed characters and only one hair-tucking incidents. A bit of editing would have caught the many typos, but overall, it was a clean story and little sexual content...mostly kissing and romantic moments combined with some suspense. Set in the weeks leading up to Christmas, there were lighthearted moments as well as a happily-ever-after for all. Loved the guards, Tanner and Tank, especially as they dealt with Bella and Rachel.
January 18, 2020
Good plot, nice flow
What I liked: The plot was interesting and kept me guessing. The characters were also constructed well. The setting was pretty easy to picture and I loved the emphasis on giving back to the community which was important to both the MCs and secondary characters. Oh! And I appreciated the fade out intimacy scenes and the fact that they were not the main focus of this romance.
Things I didn't particularly care for: It seemed odd to me that, not one, but two ex-Navy SEALS would be so overly emotional because of a marriage proposal. I could believe it on the part of the hero but...the bodyguard, too? There were only a couple of things like this that bothered me, though.
I'd have given 3.5 stars but that wasn't an option. It's a good, cozy evening type of book with more substance than many other romance novels out there. If you like contemporary romance which is more on the mild side, you'd probably enjoy this one.
What I liked: The plot was interesting and kept me guessing. The characters were also constructed well. The setting was pretty easy to picture and I loved the emphasis on giving back to the community which was important to both the MCs and secondary characters. Oh! And I appreciated the fade out intimacy scenes and the fact that they were not the main focus of this romance.
Things I didn't particularly care for: It seemed odd to me that, not one, but two ex-Navy SEALS would be so overly emotional because of a marriage proposal. I could believe it on the part of the hero but...the bodyguard, too? There were only a couple of things like this that bothered me, though.
I'd have given 3.5 stars but that wasn't an option. It's a good, cozy evening type of book with more substance than many other romance novels out there. If you like contemporary romance which is more on the mild side, you'd probably enjoy this one.
March 5, 2020
I liked the book. I gave it a five star.
Run down:
Bella: An eight year old girl that wants her dad to get married again (her mother died of cancer), so she writes a letter to the group of ladies that own a used brides-maid dress shop.
Rachel: She is a school teacher and helps out at the dress shop, so she decides to find out where the letter came from.
John Fletcher is an ex Navy Seal and Bella's over protective father. He needs a teacher to help Bella get ready for public school. She has always been home schooled. Did I mention he is over protective? He hires Rachel to help with Bella.
John is rich and everyone has at least one body guard. Bella and Rachel can do nothing without the bodyguards with them. Once again, did I say that John was over protective? If not, I'm telling you now.
There is action and some danger in the book and at one time Bella comes up missing.
I thought the book was good. Never once did I get bored.
I like Leeanna Morgan and have read lots of books by her. I think she is a good author.
Run down:
Bella: An eight year old girl that wants her dad to get married again (her mother died of cancer), so she writes a letter to the group of ladies that own a used brides-maid dress shop.
Rachel: She is a school teacher and helps out at the dress shop, so she decides to find out where the letter came from.
John Fletcher is an ex Navy Seal and Bella's over protective father. He needs a teacher to help Bella get ready for public school. She has always been home schooled. Did I mention he is over protective? He hires Rachel to help with Bella.
John is rich and everyone has at least one body guard. Bella and Rachel can do nothing without the bodyguards with them. Once again, did I say that John was over protective? If not, I'm telling you now.
There is action and some danger in the book and at one time Bella comes up missing.
I thought the book was good. Never once did I get bored.
I like Leeanna Morgan and have read lots of books by her. I think she is a good author.
September 12, 2019
This is a typical down to earth billionaire romance book. However, the child stole the show. From the blurb I expected more action, especially with his background. I felt that Rachel rolled over today but there was a decent amount of tension.
The thing I felt let this book down was the threat, it just got resolved. Usually there’d be a lot of action around the type of threat in this book, and it let the story down.
Also certain parts were lacking in information and a few scenes I felt weren’t finished off. For example - we want from the bride throwing to throw the bouquet, to another scene. Yes it was mentioned a page or so later, but by then the apemotiin was missing.
A bit more emotion would make this book blow.
However, it is well written and I found now editing problems and I’d certainly try book two.
The thing I felt let this book down was the threat, it just got resolved. Usually there’d be a lot of action around the type of threat in this book, and it let the story down.
Also certain parts were lacking in information and a few scenes I felt weren’t finished off. For example - we want from the bride throwing to throw the bouquet, to another scene. Yes it was mentioned a page or so later, but by then the apemotiin was missing.
A bit more emotion would make this book blow.
However, it is well written and I found now editing problems and I’d certainly try book two.
February 4, 2020
Well......
I liked the book. I did not like Rachel. She has NO idea how to juggle work, family time and raise a child as a single parent. People who don't have children are so judgemental. Worst quotes ever in this book.
1. "It didn’t look as though John’s best coincided with his daughter’s."
2. Rachel snapped her mouth closed and took a deep breath. “Forgiveness only lasts so long. One day you’re going to wake up and Bella will be eighteen years old and ready to leave home. You’ll regret the times that you missed something important in her life. "
Earning a living and providing a home for your child is part of life and Rachel just didn't get the memo. It is difficult to give this a rating because it was well written, the storyline was entertaining it was just the "teacher's" attitude.
I liked the book. I did not like Rachel. She has NO idea how to juggle work, family time and raise a child as a single parent. People who don't have children are so judgemental. Worst quotes ever in this book.
1. "It didn’t look as though John’s best coincided with his daughter’s."
2. Rachel snapped her mouth closed and took a deep breath. “Forgiveness only lasts so long. One day you’re going to wake up and Bella will be eighteen years old and ready to leave home. You’ll regret the times that you missed something important in her life. "
Earning a living and providing a home for your child is part of life and Rachel just didn't get the memo. It is difficult to give this a rating because it was well written, the storyline was entertaining it was just the "teacher's" attitude.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews