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Sacred Bond South #1

The Wedding Bond

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When café owner Kaylee Kinney vows to marry within a year, she’s picturing a nice, peaceful life with a nice, peaceful husband. Enter Phelan O’Donnell: army ranger, bad boy, and Kaylee’s high school ex. What Kaylee doesn’t know, when she enters into a “practice” relationship with Phelan, is that he’s harboring a secret that could rip her family apart. Their chemistry is explosive and their values are finally in sync. Their trial run just might turn into an actual marriage. But can they withstand a shocking revelation about their own history without breaking each others’ hearts?

This standalone Christian romance spins off from Lee’s Sacred Bond series of inspirational romance novels. It’s set in the same Florida town where A Doctor’s Bond took place, and you’ll get the chance to wave hello to Boone and Abby, as well as Hector and Maria from A Bond Fulfilled.

The Wedding Bond is a great way to jump into the Sacred Bond and Sacred Bond Guardians series of heartwarming, sweet love stories. Escape into small-town Florida, where love warms the beaches… and your heart.

175 pages, ebook

Published October 5, 2016

530 people are currently reading
204 people want to read

About the author

Lee Tobin McClain

173 books523 followers
New York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.

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5 stars
179 (48%)
4 stars
115 (30%)
3 stars
57 (15%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
1 star
8 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Kristi Drillien.
Author 4 books25 followers
September 13, 2025
So much about what I expected from this story is not what I got. I wouldn't say that "fake dating" is a normal preference of mine, but for whatever reason, I still decided to pick up a story that supposedly contained it. However, the fake relationship didn't start until far into the book and was overall a very minor aspect. I can live with that, since I'm not necessarily a fan anyway. But the relationship in general was far too fast-burn for my preferences. Kaylee and Phelan had a history that turned out to be actually a little less involved than I thought, though that doesn't stop them from being super attracted to each other as soon as they see each other again and practically unable to keep their hands off each other. I was certain this relationship was going to end up in bed—heck, I was certain they must have had a physical relationship back when they were teenagers, until the author casually drops that they hadn't slept together when they were younger.

The book is billed as Christian romance, but to me, it could be called clean romance at best. Characters attending church "as often as they can" does not make a book Christian any more than attending church makes a person (in real life) a Christian. These characters do not make their decisions based on what God would want, what the Bible says, anything like that. One of them does get advice from a pastor (or priest? I was a little confused on that), but he ignores the advice. I guess it's something that he later acknowledges that he should have followed the advice, but even that is mostly just because ignoring it caused a rift between him and the woman he wanted to have his hands all over. Then near the end of the book, Kaylee has suddenly started to rely a little more on God, which comes out of nowhere and is explained too quickly, almost like an afterthought.

The one star I gave this book (yes, I rated it 2, but because Goodreads doesn't allow a 0 rating, that makes 1 star the worst possible rating, thus 2 stars is giving a book 1 more than 0) was mostly due to the story arc involving Phelan's twin brothers and the deadbeat dad he was trying to track down. In the end, it may have been a little too convenient, but sometimes convenient can be nice. Outside of that, though, neither of the main characters or their arcs really stood out to me as anything interesting or different. And I just...didn't really care if the ended up together or not (not that there's much suspense involved in a story like this).

This is not a series or an author that I will read any more of, and I really don't recommend it to anyone—it would probably be too "Christian" for people who don't like Christian fiction, and though others who do like Christian fiction might not be as bothered by the physical aspect of the relationship as I was, I still wouldn't recommend it for other reasons.
459 reviews
September 24, 2020
Okay

What is a "cone of silence"? Oh, did the author mean "code of silence" ? This book needs some proofreading as that was not the only mistake. I though the main Kaylee was somewhat immature for a 29 yr old. Such as needing to practice a relationship! I also felt that Phelan was the stronger character and was happy he kept the relationship pure and waited for marrige before jumping into bed!
242 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2020
don't waste your time

There was nothing that was enjoyable or remarkable about this book. The only reason I was even able to finish it, was that I kept thinking it had to get better. The characters were uninspiring and often didn't make sense. The timeline was off in places. To call it Christian is a leap, though it was clean.
Profile Image for Medenna.
767 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2025
Phelan and Kaylee’s story.

Wow. Lots of hidden truths and complicated relationships in this one. The twins, Ryan and Patrick, need a father, as do Gordon and Kaylee. Phelan, army ranger, takes a leave from active duty to be with his family for a month. Kaylee is running her restaurant.
318 reviews
September 13, 2020
Fantastic Book

This was another great book by Lee. You never know what happens and who will get hurt when you have secrets in your life. Just like in this story their was so many people that was hurt. In the long run truth always works out.
1,583 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2020
Worth the wait

A very complicated story. A small town, a woman competing with her restaurant against a large fast food chain. A boy that had been in love with the most popular girl in town
46 reviews
August 31, 2017
This is a gr8 read

I enjoyed this book! It had a unique storyline and strong characters. Gr8 addition to the Sacred Bond series!! Recommend!
840 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2020
Oh my!

This is a book packed with emotions. There is heartache, laughter and love. Phelan and Kaylee have a past but can the future hold a relationship.
Profile Image for Deb Shank.
493 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2020
Enjoyable read

Enjoyable read. Predictable outcome, enjoyed the characters. Life throws us twists. But all turned out well for them. Easy Read
353 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2020
A good read. Enjoyable read. Liked the characters and there interactions. Even the bad characters were redeemed. Recommend for all readers.
838 reviews7 followers
November 25, 2020
Joyful encounter

This book is for a hopeless romantic who wants the best for the couple involved. It has sad moments but also encouraging friendship and live.
273 reviews
December 9, 2020
Truthfully Wonderful

Lee has created a picture of true life, families, and the challenges of this mortal existence that is compelling, thought provoking, and a pleasure to read. 😊
26 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2021
Lovely

I enjoyed this book too. The romance, the doubt, leaps of faith, obedience and overcoming temptation. I like the protector, gentleman quality of Phelan.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,435 reviews86 followers
October 6, 2016
I have enjoyed every story I've ever read by Lee, and have become hooked on the Sacred Bond Series. The characters and storylines just grab my attention, keep me interested, and make me feel like I am part of their family. I've gone through so many emotions reading the stories, and this one was no exception. I love it when the author writes in a way that stirs emotions inside me. Throughout the story I felt happiness, frustration, sadness, anger, pain, and laughter. By the end I was begging for the happy ending I want in every storyline....but you'll have to read for yourself to see if that comes true.

I enjoyed getting to know Kaylee and Phelan. Two people from different worlds who found a way to make it work when they were younger. Now finding themselves around each other after so many years apart I couldn't imagine what was going through their heads. But I loved the playful way Lee wrote them connecting throughout the book. It wasn't in that totally predicted way that so many readers would come to expect in a book li,e this. There were surprises and twists along the way, and that is what kept me reading.

Being a standalone, it is not necessary to read the others in the Sacred Bond Series, however I highly recommend it! You will grow to love all the characters, and it is neat to see how different ones pop up in future books! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
October 5, 2016
This is a really good story. Strong characters with quite a wonderful forgiveness theme running through. Characters are interesting and their interactions/relationships well developed and written. A great addition to the Sacred Bond family. Highly recommend. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Joyful.
563 reviews
October 5, 2016
The Wedding Bond is standalone Christian heart warming sweet romance that is a spinoff from Lee’s Sacred Bond series of inspirational romance novels. It’s set in the same Florida town where A Doctor’s Bond took place, with a visit from Boone and Abby, as well as Hector and Maria from A Bond Fulfilled. What is Café owner, Kaylee Kinney, thinking when she vows to marry within a year and having no boyfriend? Where will she find a nice, peaceful husband for a nice peaceful life? To find such a man, Kaylee needs practice. Can she have this practice boyfriend with Phelan O’Donnell, army ranger, bad boy, and Kaylee’s high school ex? What secret is he harboring that could rip her family apart? Their chemistry is explosive and their values are finally in sync. Their trial run could turn into an actual marriage, but can they withstand a shocking revelation about their own history without breaking each others’ Hearts? I was given an ARC by the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
731 reviews22 followers
November 5, 2016
I have enjoyed each book by this author that I have read, and this one was no exception It is another addition to the Bond series that can be read as standalone, but if you haven't read any of this series I certainly recommend you do. It is another story with interesting characters, faith, romance and some mystery that kept me reading because I couldn't put it down. It is also a beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances. It was enjoyable getting to know new characters as well as connecting with some of the characters from the prior books. I was given a copy of this book by the author. A favorite review was not required, and this opinions expressed are my own.
1,399 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2016
Kaylee and Phelan's story is amazing. After Phelan disappeared from Kaylee's life she never got over him. When Phelan comes home to help his mom and the twins, both Kaylee and Phelan's lives changed. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
October 6, 2016
Lee Tobin McClain has given us another Christian romance guarenteed to please.
The story is laced with romance, some mystery, forgiveness and second chances.
We encounter old friends and we make new ones.
This book is guaranteed to warm your hearts.
An ARC was given to me and I give my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Marla.
581 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2016
Definitely a good book! I have enjoyed reading several of Lee's books. The book has great characters and unexpected situations that make the book so good! I received the book for free. A review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
577 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2017
Another great read

Loved everything about this book. I love this author and she has a great editor. The characters are so real and warm. I love that all her books and clean. Recommended
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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