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Triggerman, Inc. #1
Contract Signed
Three assassins and a... baby? Don't miss the first in this sexy, fast-paced romantic suspense series--TRIGGERMAN INC.--from New York Times bestseller Marie Harte.
Noel "Ice" Cavanaugh's method is foolproof. Get in, do the job, get out, melt away without a trace. Neat. Tidy. No mistakes.
This time, though, something isn't right. Two somethings. First, a random attack that feels not-so-random. Then he discovers a baby on his doorstep with a note claiming it's his. Unfortunately, the sexy neighbor who found the boy first has too many questions in her eyes to ignore.
When her handsome, mysterious neighbor suddenly asks her out on a date, Adeline Rose has suspicions he's fishing for help with his bundle of...joy? By the date's end, she's convinced Noel's just as distant as he seems--until a scorching goodnight kiss burns away all thoughts of being careful.
Now Noel has more than one problem on his hands. Splitting baby duty between three badass assassins, figuring out how to fit in more time with Addy...and keeping both of them safe from the danger that's followed him home.
This book has been previously released.
Warning: Beware a killer with a heart of gold, a baby who needs constant changing, and unrequited love that's actually quite...requited.
Noel "Ice" Cavanaugh's method is foolproof. Get in, do the job, get out, melt away without a trace. Neat. Tidy. No mistakes.
This time, though, something isn't right. Two somethings. First, a random attack that feels not-so-random. Then he discovers a baby on his doorstep with a note claiming it's his. Unfortunately, the sexy neighbor who found the boy first has too many questions in her eyes to ignore.
When her handsome, mysterious neighbor suddenly asks her out on a date, Adeline Rose has suspicions he's fishing for help with his bundle of...joy? By the date's end, she's convinced Noel's just as distant as he seems--until a scorching goodnight kiss burns away all thoughts of being careful.
Now Noel has more than one problem on his hands. Splitting baby duty between three badass assassins, figuring out how to fit in more time with Addy...and keeping both of them safe from the danger that's followed him home.
This book has been previously released.
Warning: Beware a killer with a heart of gold, a baby who needs constant changing, and unrequited love that's actually quite...requited.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2017
492 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Marie Harte
199 books2,403 followersImportant:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
dnf
May 30, 2019If you want a boring story with two dimensional characters that are just not particularly likeable, token emotional content and sex scenes that read like a porn film script - including backdoor action- then go for it. My time is too precious for this.
April 1, 2019
DNF Chapter 3.
Just no.
Just no.
January 5, 2023
This book was all the tropes & elements I usually enjoy. Series long story arcs, Romantic Suspense, opposites attract, and add in a baby. Yet somehow it was merely OK. I did listen to the whole thing and was somewhat intrigued by the story, however it felt off. The conversations were... odd. The way Noel & Adeline talked to each other was completely different than their inner musings and conclusions. They would spend a lot of time talking about nothing, yet coming to the conclusion they knew each other really well.
There’s also some things that weren’t established well like
The sex scenes: I enjoy listening to/reading anything from closed door to erotica - so I’m not squeamish nor do I demand super steamy/graphic from my books. However, these scenes were boring and perfunctory.
I’m mildly interested in the series story arc, but not enough to keep going.
Narration:
I borrowed this from the library because I was trying to give the much-lauded narrator Jason Clarke another try. I liked his voices for the characters during dialogue - but his standard narrator voice just doesn’t work for me. 🤷🏻♀️
There’s also some things that weren’t established well like
The sex scenes: I enjoy listening to/reading anything from closed door to erotica - so I’m not squeamish nor do I demand super steamy/graphic from my books. However, these scenes were boring and perfunctory.
I’m mildly interested in the series story arc, but not enough to keep going.
Narration:
I borrowed this from the library because I was trying to give the much-lauded narrator Jason Clarke another try. I liked his voices for the characters during dialogue - but his standard narrator voice just doesn’t work for me. 🤷🏻♀️
October 27, 2021
3.5 stars. The characters were good and the trope of sunshine /grumpy was my kryptonite but I didn't like the writing in some parts and some passages read like this book was published in the early 2000s. It was also super hoot.
September 11, 2019
Is it a good book? No, not particularly, though it was readable. Everything is rushed, and the characters and situations are highly implausible if not downright ridiculous. She hops out of bed, suddenly decides to ditch Noel to run downstairs to get a snack, then follows a text to go to an abandoned building (conveniently located right by her), gets attacked, sees a guy get killed by her new lover, then the bodies are cleaned up before the cops get there?
And sorry, don't think an untrained teacher is likely to successfully taser a trained hit man. Nor do I think she can shoot another hit man between the eyes after the stress of being shot twice. Or that she's up and about 4 days after being shot in the leg and gut, not to mention having sex 2 weeks later.
The author is trying hard to add an element of mystery to the whole thing, but quite frankly is not talented enough as a writer to pull it off. It makes zero sense how the three men are suddenly investigating and finding clues when they had zero place to start. After years of operating in secret, they suddenly just blab everything to Abby and Solene because "they deserve to know." Ok. And the three men weren't really friends to begin with, but as things go on, it starts to sound like they went on a lot of missions together?
And sorry, don't think an untrained teacher is likely to successfully taser a trained hit man. Nor do I think she can shoot another hit man between the eyes after the stress of being shot twice. Or that she's up and about 4 days after being shot in the leg and gut, not to mention having sex 2 weeks later.
The author is trying hard to add an element of mystery to the whole thing, but quite frankly is not talented enough as a writer to pull it off. It makes zero sense how the three men are suddenly investigating and finding clues when they had zero place to start. After years of operating in secret, they suddenly just blab everything to Abby and Solene because "they deserve to know." Ok. And the three men weren't really friends to begin with, but as things go on, it starts to sound like they went on a lot of missions together?
Read
March 12, 2019I have my reasons
February 28, 2019
4 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 17, 2017
Three assassins and a… baby?
Triggerman, Inc., Book 1
Noel “Ice” Cavanaugh’s method is foolproof. Get in, do the job, get out, melt away without a trace. Chill out until his next mark is assigned. Neat. Tidy. No mistakes.
This time, though, something isn’t right. Two somethings. First a random attack that feels not-so-random. Then he discovers someone’s left a baby on his doorstep with a note claiming it’s his. And the sexy neighbor who found the boy first has too many questions in her eyes to ignore.
When her handsome, mysterious neighbor suddenly asks her out on a date, Adeline Rose has suspicions he’s fishing for “help” with his bundle of…joy? By date’s end, she’s convinced Nick’s just as distant as he seems—until a scorching goodnight kiss ends with sex against the nearest wall, the heat between them burning away all thoughts of careful.
Now Noel has more than one problem on his hands. Splitting baby duty between three badass assassins, figuring out how to fit more time with Addy into his no-room-for-error schedule…and keeping both of them safe from the danger he’s increasingly sure has followed him home.
Product Warnings
Beware a killer with a heart of gold, a baby who needs constant changing, and unrequited love that’s actually quite…requited.
••••••••••
REVIEW: CONTRACT SIGNED is the first installment in Marie Harte’s contemporary adult TRIGGERMAN, INC romantic suspense series. This is hired assassin/secret government agent Noel ‘Ice’ Cavanaugh, and elementary school teacher Adeline ‘Addy’ Rose’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Addy and Noel, CONTRACT SIGNED follows the building relationship between thirty year old government agent/ assassin Noel ‘Ice’ Cavanaugh, and twenty six year old elementary school teacher Adeline ‘Addy’ Rose, and Noel’s desperate need to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Noel is a contractor for the ‘Business’, a secret government organization that ‘takes care’ of the filth and political low lifes destroying people’s lives. But a number of recent attempts on Noel’s life, seemingly unconnected to his current contract finds Noel calling in a couple of other agents whose own connections to Noel grow over night. A four month old baby boy is left with Noel’s neighbor Addy Rose along with a note proclaiming Noel is the father. What ensues is the search for the truth about the abandoned baby boy; the building romance between Addy and Noel; and Noel’s attempts to stay one step ahead of whomever is out to destroy his life.
Addy Rose has lusted after her quiet, withdrawn neighbor for close to two years; a man so distant that Addy struggles to see past the cold and darkened façade but a man who tugs at Addy’s heart. Noel is an agent; raised on the streets of hard life and trained to be a killer by the man in charge.
The relationship between Addy and Noel begins as neighbors then friends leading to lovers and more. Noel has secretly coveted his sexy neighbor but his lifestyle is not conducive to relationships or love. With both of their lives threatened by an unknown source Noel reluctantly brings Addy into his life risking the truth about his present and the past. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense.
We are introduced to Noel’s fellow agents: Deacon, a thief known as the Shadow, and Hammer aka the Destroyer, as well as their handler, a man known only to the reader as Big Joe but a man who remains in the background giving out assignments and cleaning up when a job is done. Addy’s best friend Solene Hansen is a former model, and day care manager who may or may not have an attraction to Deacon, and Vi, a nurse working for the Business has caught the eye of the Hammer.
The world building looks at the dangerous life of a secret agent; an assassin who has been targeted in a game of betrayal and revenge. We also get a glimpse into the softer side of three assassins for hire when a four month old baby literally falls into their lives.
CONTRACT SIGNED has moments of humor and fun; secrets and lies; romance and love. The premise is intriguing and dramatic; the characters are energetic and inspiring; the romance is passionate and intense. CONTRACT SIGNED is a moving and thrilling start to a new series.
Waiting for Deacon and Hammer's stories
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 17, 2017
Three assassins and a… baby?
Triggerman, Inc., Book 1
Noel “Ice” Cavanaugh’s method is foolproof. Get in, do the job, get out, melt away without a trace. Chill out until his next mark is assigned. Neat. Tidy. No mistakes.
This time, though, something isn’t right. Two somethings. First a random attack that feels not-so-random. Then he discovers someone’s left a baby on his doorstep with a note claiming it’s his. And the sexy neighbor who found the boy first has too many questions in her eyes to ignore.
When her handsome, mysterious neighbor suddenly asks her out on a date, Adeline Rose has suspicions he’s fishing for “help” with his bundle of…joy? By date’s end, she’s convinced Nick’s just as distant as he seems—until a scorching goodnight kiss ends with sex against the nearest wall, the heat between them burning away all thoughts of careful.
Now Noel has more than one problem on his hands. Splitting baby duty between three badass assassins, figuring out how to fit more time with Addy into his no-room-for-error schedule…and keeping both of them safe from the danger he’s increasingly sure has followed him home.
Product Warnings
Beware a killer with a heart of gold, a baby who needs constant changing, and unrequited love that’s actually quite…requited.
••••••••••
REVIEW: CONTRACT SIGNED is the first installment in Marie Harte’s contemporary adult TRIGGERMAN, INC romantic suspense series. This is hired assassin/secret government agent Noel ‘Ice’ Cavanaugh, and elementary school teacher Adeline ‘Addy’ Rose’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Addy and Noel, CONTRACT SIGNED follows the building relationship between thirty year old government agent/ assassin Noel ‘Ice’ Cavanaugh, and twenty six year old elementary school teacher Adeline ‘Addy’ Rose, and Noel’s desperate need to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. Noel is a contractor for the ‘Business’, a secret government organization that ‘takes care’ of the filth and political low lifes destroying people’s lives. But a number of recent attempts on Noel’s life, seemingly unconnected to his current contract finds Noel calling in a couple of other agents whose own connections to Noel grow over night. A four month old baby boy is left with Noel’s neighbor Addy Rose along with a note proclaiming Noel is the father. What ensues is the search for the truth about the abandoned baby boy; the building romance between Addy and Noel; and Noel’s attempts to stay one step ahead of whomever is out to destroy his life.
Addy Rose has lusted after her quiet, withdrawn neighbor for close to two years; a man so distant that Addy struggles to see past the cold and darkened façade but a man who tugs at Addy’s heart. Noel is an agent; raised on the streets of hard life and trained to be a killer by the man in charge.
The relationship between Addy and Noel begins as neighbors then friends leading to lovers and more. Noel has secretly coveted his sexy neighbor but his lifestyle is not conducive to relationships or love. With both of their lives threatened by an unknown source Noel reluctantly brings Addy into his life risking the truth about his present and the past. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and intense.
We are introduced to Noel’s fellow agents: Deacon, a thief known as the Shadow, and Hammer aka the Destroyer, as well as their handler, a man known only to the reader as Big Joe but a man who remains in the background giving out assignments and cleaning up when a job is done. Addy’s best friend Solene Hansen is a former model, and day care manager who may or may not have an attraction to Deacon, and Vi, a nurse working for the Business has caught the eye of the Hammer.
The world building looks at the dangerous life of a secret agent; an assassin who has been targeted in a game of betrayal and revenge. We also get a glimpse into the softer side of three assassins for hire when a four month old baby literally falls into their lives.
CONTRACT SIGNED has moments of humor and fun; secrets and lies; romance and love. The premise is intriguing and dramatic; the characters are energetic and inspiring; the romance is passionate and intense. CONTRACT SIGNED is a moving and thrilling start to a new series.
Waiting for Deacon and Hammer's stories
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
March 17, 2019
I am hooked! I loved the writing! I loved the characters! I loved the witty banter! I loved the story that reminded me a lot of that movie Three Men and a Baby... except this book had an assassin twist. I most specifically love when I pick up a book by a new to me author and it pays off!
Noel "Ice" Cavanaugh is exactly as his code name dictates, an assassin employed by a loosely associated with a USA government firm. Living the life he leads he only relies on two men who he shares the employment and profession with. Which does come in handy when he shows up home after a mission with his sexy neighbor holding a baby that got dropped off on his doorstep. A cute baby that has questionable lineage as all 3 men are potential daddies.
Adeline Rose finally finds an in with her hot neighbor once a mysterious baby shows up on his doorstep. A man she has been fantasizing every day since she moved next door into her childhood home.
The little bundle on the doorstep is exactly what thaws "Ice" into finally taking a chance and exploring the attraction he has for his neighbor. What comes next is a very sweet, fast, & off the scale attraction between the two.
The book reads very quickly as not only we get a romance about an assassin falling madly in love, but also him and his buddies dealing with a baby, as well as some outside danger that kick all 3 men into protective mode.
There are great secondary characters which become leads in the following 2 books of the series. Books which I can not wait to dive into. Assassins needs some loving too!
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Noel "Ice" Cavanaugh is exactly as his code name dictates, an assassin employed by a loosely associated with a USA government firm. Living the life he leads he only relies on two men who he shares the employment and profession with. Which does come in handy when he shows up home after a mission with his sexy neighbor holding a baby that got dropped off on his doorstep. A cute baby that has questionable lineage as all 3 men are potential daddies.
Adeline Rose finally finds an in with her hot neighbor once a mysterious baby shows up on his doorstep. A man she has been fantasizing every day since she moved next door into her childhood home.
The little bundle on the doorstep is exactly what thaws "Ice" into finally taking a chance and exploring the attraction he has for his neighbor. What comes next is a very sweet, fast, & off the scale attraction between the two.
The book reads very quickly as not only we get a romance about an assassin falling madly in love, but also him and his buddies dealing with a baby, as well as some outside danger that kick all 3 men into protective mode.
There are great secondary characters which become leads in the following 2 books of the series. Books which I can not wait to dive into. Assassins needs some loving too!
• Follow This Review on KRIS & VIK BOOK THERAPY CAFE •
• Follow KRIS & VIK BOOK THERAPY CAFE on Facebook •
June 10, 2021
I'm so angry with this book. The premise sounds like the makings of an epic rom-com reverse harem and that is not at all what I got.
Ok, ok. I knew it wasn't going to be a reverse harem, but you have to admit it sounds like one. Three guys stuck taking care of a baby and a cute female neighbor? Reverse harem.
Jokes aside, it was actually a somewhat serious romance novel with stereotypical characters. The female MC vacillates from fantasizing about marriage and family to proclaiming her independence and self-sufficiency. Nevermind that she talks non-stop, either in her head or to her best friend, about her relationships and her hot neighbor. The male MC constantly thinks about sex and has trouble saying "I love you". Definitely a "men are from Mars, women are from Venus" vibe going on.
I was going to DNF early in the book, but I actually liked the male MC's professional life. It was well-written and relatable. If there was anything in this book that wasn't stereotypical, it was his struggle with his career. I enjoyed reading it.
Overall, well-written and interesting but annoying to more progressively-minded readers. And I still think it could have been a great reverse harem rom-com.
Ok, ok. I knew it wasn't going to be a reverse harem, but you have to admit it sounds like one. Three guys stuck taking care of a baby and a cute female neighbor? Reverse harem.
Jokes aside, it was actually a somewhat serious romance novel with stereotypical characters. The female MC vacillates from fantasizing about marriage and family to proclaiming her independence and self-sufficiency. Nevermind that she talks non-stop, either in her head or to her best friend, about her relationships and her hot neighbor. The male MC constantly thinks about sex and has trouble saying "I love you". Definitely a "men are from Mars, women are from Venus" vibe going on.
I was going to DNF early in the book, but I actually liked the male MC's professional life. It was well-written and relatable. If there was anything in this book that wasn't stereotypical, it was his struggle with his career. I enjoyed reading it.
Overall, well-written and interesting but annoying to more progressively-minded readers. And I still think it could have been a great reverse harem rom-com.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
Three assassins and a... baby?
>>> who’s not gonna read THAT! LOL
I’m not very big on reading romantic suspense, but I really like this author, so I jumped in. I’m super glad I did. The suspense is not really the forefront of this story so I was able to read straight thru in one sitting. It was fun and exciting and I really enjoyed the chemistry between Noel and Adeline and the baaaaaby!!! …. Fun people, really really FUN!
I think this is a great start to this series and I’m really looking forward to reading more!
I’m not very big on reading romantic suspense, but I really like this author, so I jumped in. I’m super glad I did. The suspense is not really the forefront of this story so I was able to read straight thru in one sitting. It was fun and exciting and I really enjoyed the chemistry between Noel and Adeline and the baaaaaby!!! …. Fun people, really really FUN!
I think this is a great start to this series and I’m really looking forward to reading more!
July 26, 2021
Kept my interest which on hit man books tend not to. Not too much killing and fighting.
February 7, 2017
I love how these three men were wrapped around a baby that they didn’t know whose it was and yet they were cool as cucumbers in other areas. Each was sexy and dangerous in their own way. All were there for each other and as they begin to unravel who is after them it gets more and more intriguing and alluring. The ending has you with questions and smiles. Because this isn’t just a story of assassins who have someone after them as they try to figure out what the child has to do with it and where angel fits in. No it has romance as well.
When you meet Noel, you see he is really buttoned up in so many ways. He is quiet and ruthless. But also wary and tired. He is good at what he does but you can see he is tired of the constant travel and what he has to do. He wants to be home and garden. He also wants to get to know his neighbor Adeline.
Adeline is the school teacher who is honest and kind. She loves children and is curious about Noel. He is mysterious and broody. At first they don’t quite hit it off. Noel comes off as cold and standoffish. He has a hard time letting her in but because he wants to see her he does begin to. I love how they lose control around each other and yet it is more too. They genuinely want to know one another and discover who they are. The want to find each others likes and dislikes, wants and desires. Support each other and respect one another.
As they get to know one another, the danger surround Noel ratchets up and Adeline is pulled into the fray. this is the truth time for Noel and also see if Adeline can accept him for who he is job and all. I was so glad she didn’t give up on Noel.
Each date was fun to watch Adeline try to learn about Noel and him try to let his guard down so she can see him. It was a fight for dominance that slowly let Noel see what he wanted and his feelings. I also loved how that little baby wrapped these tough guys around his finger. Noel especially. We get to see his soft side and also his sexy alpha side. He was loving, caring and gentle when needed to be but also ruthless and cold when it was warranted.
This is a alluring story filled with exploration of feelings, love, futures and life. A story that has characters you can’t help but be drawn too, flirtatious moments, dangerous times and a plot that draws you in and doesn’t let you go. You root for Noel and Adeline to make it and be together. Look forward to seeing these characters in other books.
When you meet Noel, you see he is really buttoned up in so many ways. He is quiet and ruthless. But also wary and tired. He is good at what he does but you can see he is tired of the constant travel and what he has to do. He wants to be home and garden. He also wants to get to know his neighbor Adeline.
Adeline is the school teacher who is honest and kind. She loves children and is curious about Noel. He is mysterious and broody. At first they don’t quite hit it off. Noel comes off as cold and standoffish. He has a hard time letting her in but because he wants to see her he does begin to. I love how they lose control around each other and yet it is more too. They genuinely want to know one another and discover who they are. The want to find each others likes and dislikes, wants and desires. Support each other and respect one another.
As they get to know one another, the danger surround Noel ratchets up and Adeline is pulled into the fray. this is the truth time for Noel and also see if Adeline can accept him for who he is job and all. I was so glad she didn’t give up on Noel.
Each date was fun to watch Adeline try to learn about Noel and him try to let his guard down so she can see him. It was a fight for dominance that slowly let Noel see what he wanted and his feelings. I also loved how that little baby wrapped these tough guys around his finger. Noel especially. We get to see his soft side and also his sexy alpha side. He was loving, caring and gentle when needed to be but also ruthless and cold when it was warranted.
This is a alluring story filled with exploration of feelings, love, futures and life. A story that has characters you can’t help but be drawn too, flirtatious moments, dangerous times and a plot that draws you in and doesn’t let you go. You root for Noel and Adeline to make it and be together. Look forward to seeing these characters in other books.
June 9, 2021
OK with a side MEH and a dash of Good
2.3 stars
Plot execution was lacking as the action came off as comedic when it wasn’t supposed to be.
The ‘dirty’ talk was corny.
The POV transitions weren’t smooth or clear as to whose POV it was and that’s especially frustrating since there was more than 2.
Too much unnecessary and muddled narrative.
The good was with the secondary characters but not so good I’m going to read the next in the series.
2.3 stars
Plot execution was lacking as the action came off as comedic when it wasn’t supposed to be.
The ‘dirty’ talk was corny.
The POV transitions weren’t smooth or clear as to whose POV it was and that’s especially frustrating since there was more than 2.
Too much unnecessary and muddled narrative.
The good was with the secondary characters but not so good I’m going to read the next in the series.
Read
August 16, 20204.5 out of 5
I like Marie Harte’s books. I have read a few of them and I’d probably read more if they were priced just a wee bit lower. I think this book was either free or a great price so that’s why I got it and I thought it a hoot.
Noel works as an assassin for some shadowy group that is really fully explained. But he only kills the really bad people who need to be taken out for the betterment of man kind. When he’s not out doing his duties around the world, on his down time, he leads quite a regular life. He’s really into gardening and safeguarding the home he’s proud of owning. In outward appearances he’s standoffish and kind of boring. He also has a very strong case of the hots for his neighbour. He’s used his ‘sources’ to learn all about her. But because of his real job and not his fictitious job, he stays far away from her. But all that changes one day when she drops something off at his house.
Adeline is his neighbour in question. Though they’ve been neighbours for years, because he’s not home much and he’s such a recluse when he is, she doesn’t know him very well. But she does know she sure would love to get to know him a lot better. She gets her chance when a ‘package’ is dropped off at her place for Noel and she takes it to him. Turns out the ‘package’ is a small baby with a note that Noel is the father. Noel is flummoxed as he is 99% sure he’s not the dad but it could be one of his two fellow assassins. He contacts them and insists they come to see him and help out with the baby until they find out who the father is. This shocking revelation opens the line of communication between Noel and Adeline and she is shocked when he asks her out for a date after all this time. But now it seems there is someone after Noel after a few clumsy attacks on his life so he and his two coworkers set out to find out what is behind this, at the same time as Noel is finally on track to developing a relationship with Adeline.
I found this book to be a hoot and I really enjoyed it. Noel is an all brooding and intense and sexy hero. He doesn’t like to let anyone into his world, even his fellow assassins. But as the work together to take care of the baby and find out who is after him, they slowly build a bond of friendship. It’s so much fun to see these big bad killers have to take care of a baby. As they don’t know who the father is, nor the mother, they don’t really give him name and I found that most amusing. And when he finally lets down his walls and lets Adeline get close – whew!!
Adeline is a joy too. She’s a simple teacher and up until she gets involved with Noel, her life has been pretty boring actually. She hasn’t found the right man yet though she’s been eyeing and hoping with Liam for a while. When she finds out what he really does for a living, she handles it with aplomb. She also develops a fun kind of relationship with Noels fellow hit men, Deacon and Hammer. Her best friend also has a role and will be one of the stars of the next book. I think Adeline makes for a great match with Liam. She’s light to his dark and I like her a lot.
As you can tell, I like this book and lot and yes, I can see me reading it again.
I like Marie Harte’s books. I have read a few of them and I’d probably read more if they were priced just a wee bit lower. I think this book was either free or a great price so that’s why I got it and I thought it a hoot.
Noel works as an assassin for some shadowy group that is really fully explained. But he only kills the really bad people who need to be taken out for the betterment of man kind. When he’s not out doing his duties around the world, on his down time, he leads quite a regular life. He’s really into gardening and safeguarding the home he’s proud of owning. In outward appearances he’s standoffish and kind of boring. He also has a very strong case of the hots for his neighbour. He’s used his ‘sources’ to learn all about her. But because of his real job and not his fictitious job, he stays far away from her. But all that changes one day when she drops something off at his house.
Adeline is his neighbour in question. Though they’ve been neighbours for years, because he’s not home much and he’s such a recluse when he is, she doesn’t know him very well. But she does know she sure would love to get to know him a lot better. She gets her chance when a ‘package’ is dropped off at her place for Noel and she takes it to him. Turns out the ‘package’ is a small baby with a note that Noel is the father. Noel is flummoxed as he is 99% sure he’s not the dad but it could be one of his two fellow assassins. He contacts them and insists they come to see him and help out with the baby until they find out who the father is. This shocking revelation opens the line of communication between Noel and Adeline and she is shocked when he asks her out for a date after all this time. But now it seems there is someone after Noel after a few clumsy attacks on his life so he and his two coworkers set out to find out what is behind this, at the same time as Noel is finally on track to developing a relationship with Adeline.
I found this book to be a hoot and I really enjoyed it. Noel is an all brooding and intense and sexy hero. He doesn’t like to let anyone into his world, even his fellow assassins. But as the work together to take care of the baby and find out who is after him, they slowly build a bond of friendship. It’s so much fun to see these big bad killers have to take care of a baby. As they don’t know who the father is, nor the mother, they don’t really give him name and I found that most amusing. And when he finally lets down his walls and lets Adeline get close – whew!!
Adeline is a joy too. She’s a simple teacher and up until she gets involved with Noel, her life has been pretty boring actually. She hasn’t found the right man yet though she’s been eyeing and hoping with Liam for a while. When she finds out what he really does for a living, she handles it with aplomb. She also develops a fun kind of relationship with Noels fellow hit men, Deacon and Hammer. Her best friend also has a role and will be one of the stars of the next book. I think Adeline makes for a great match with Liam. She’s light to his dark and I like her a lot.
As you can tell, I like this book and lot and yes, I can see me reading it again.
March 18, 2019
3.5 Stars
The synopsis got me right away on this one. # tough guys trying to raise a baby?? Yep. Sign up up to see that for sure. What the author delivers is a great intro to the series and some pretty action packed suspense at the same time.
Noel and his companions are assassins for hire. You do not want to mess with these guys. Someone leaves a baby on Noel's doorstep-well, with his neighbor and a criptic message about the baby resulting from their time in Mexico. As they work to solve this mystery, Noel and Adeline get closer than he has ever allowed a woman in his life. When they finally knock down all the walls and just let things happen----ssssteam!
Here is my picky pick. And I will preface it with saying my day job is working with young children who are developmentally delayed. The baby is a the catalyst in this story. I couldn't get past the irregularities in not only the expectations for a 4 month old child but also flipping from infant to toddler when describing the child. I found myself going back to the beginning a couple of times to re-read the age of the baby. Other people may read this and think nothing of it. The baby is going to be in EVERY book--right? That's the premise of the story. But to me, the needs of a 4 month old are very different than the needs of a toddler, and I really felt someone should have caught the inconsistencies.
Enough of that---I did enjoy the book and I most eagerly look forward to reading the next two.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
The synopsis got me right away on this one. # tough guys trying to raise a baby?? Yep. Sign up up to see that for sure. What the author delivers is a great intro to the series and some pretty action packed suspense at the same time.
Noel and his companions are assassins for hire. You do not want to mess with these guys. Someone leaves a baby on Noel's doorstep-well, with his neighbor and a criptic message about the baby resulting from their time in Mexico. As they work to solve this mystery, Noel and Adeline get closer than he has ever allowed a woman in his life. When they finally knock down all the walls and just let things happen----ssssteam!
Here is my picky pick. And I will preface it with saying my day job is working with young children who are developmentally delayed. The baby is a the catalyst in this story. I couldn't get past the irregularities in not only the expectations for a 4 month old child but also flipping from infant to toddler when describing the child. I found myself going back to the beginning a couple of times to re-read the age of the baby. Other people may read this and think nothing of it. The baby is going to be in EVERY book--right? That's the premise of the story. But to me, the needs of a 4 month old are very different than the needs of a toddler, and I really felt someone should have caught the inconsistencies.
Enough of that---I did enjoy the book and I most eagerly look forward to reading the next two.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
March 13, 2019
I was in a pretty big reading slump before reading this book and I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised to learn that it would be Marie Harte who would finally get me out of it.
CONTRACT SIGNED was one of those books that I expected to enjoy, but I never expected to be submerged into the book like I was. As a fan of this author’s other works, I found that Harte managed to capture the right balance between action, humor, and heart very well.
I really like the concept of this series. It has a touch of Romantic Suspense and Mystery in it, but still keeps that Contemporary Romance tone that makes it easier for the larger audience to read. I liked the hero and heroine. They’re so different from each other, but Harte played with their personalities very well. I liked Noel’s icy attitude but it added some more intrigue to the guys. I am looking forward to reading about Hammer and Deacon’s story next!
I completely breezed through this book because of its well-written action scenes and great banter. I think this is going to be a well-loved series for Marie Harte because it’s something different than the typical suspense novels out there.
March 2, 2019
I love the three hardened assassins taking care of a baby. It gives them a human versus machine aspect that one would not expect of a gun for hire man. Their bonding over this little guy is entertaining and brings some light hearted moments to the danger and mystery surrounding Noel, Hammer and Deacon's apparent troubles with someone they crossed. Everyone is under suspicion, even Addy, Noel's next door neighbor whom he has been infactuated with for the last couple of years.
The baby bonds Noel and Addy into a relationship that rocks both their worlds. But, can Addy live with Noel's job? Can Noel leave the business and pursue a peaceful life with Addy? This is a quick paced read that has everything to make you addicted to it. The heat, the drama, the mystery and characters that are diversified in personalities to lure you into their world. I recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The baby bonds Noel and Addy into a relationship that rocks both their worlds. But, can Addy live with Noel's job? Can Noel leave the business and pursue a peaceful life with Addy? This is a quick paced read that has everything to make you addicted to it. The heat, the drama, the mystery and characters that are diversified in personalities to lure you into their world. I recommend this book and look forward to the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 12, 2019
I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was in a pretty big reading slump before reading this book and I guess I shouldn’t have been so surprised to learn that it would be Marie Harte who would finally get me out of it.
CONTRACT SIGNED was one of those books that I expected to enjoy, but I never expected to be submerged into the book like I was. As a fan of this author’s other works, I found that Harte managed to capture the right balance between action, humor, and heart very well.
I really like the concept of this series. It has a touch of Romantic Suspense and Mystery in it, but still keeps that Contemporary Romance tone that makes it easier for the larger audience to read. I liked the hero and heroine. They’re so different from each other, but Harte played with their personalities very well. I liked Noel’s icy attitude but it added some more intrigue to the guys. I am looking forward to reading about Hammer and Deacon’s story next!
I completely breezed through this book because of its well-written action scenes and great banter. I think this is going to be a well-loved series for Marie Harte because it’s something different than the typical suspense novels out there.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
January 10, 2020
This one grew on me the more I read, but then again I’m a sucker for a surprise baby, so that helped. I loved how all the guys were with the baby, how by the end of the book they all loved him, yet didn’t let on.
Noel was a bit of a cold fish, but once he really let himself think that Addy was a real possibility he thawed a bit and let her in. In fact he didn’t really hold back from Addy, even the bad parts of his life. These two were great together when they let themselves be. I hated how Noel’s past came into play putting things in danger, but they all managed to take care of business and do what they needed to make sure everyone was safe.
Noel was a bit of a cold fish, but once he really let himself think that Addy was a real possibility he thawed a bit and let her in. In fact he didn’t really hold back from Addy, even the bad parts of his life. These two were great together when they let themselves be. I hated how Noel’s past came into play putting things in danger, but they all managed to take care of business and do what they needed to make sure everyone was safe.
March 16, 2019
Addy and Ice are so cute it's scary. Harte put her heart in it this time around. Contract Signed adds some sugar to the spicy menu with an unforeseen circumstance that spells trouble for three bachelor minded assassins. They say: "a baby changes everything" and it really does. With that one surprise addition, Ms. Harte add a humorous edge to what could have been a gritty mystery, and it works. The baby provides the heart with Ice and Addy providing the steam and the clueless band of assassins are the comic relief from some serious drama. Sweet, salty and sensual.
July 5, 2024
Stray easy read. Love the characters
July 16, 2025
I hate to DNF, but I have no desire to keep reading. I don't like the characters, and I'm feeling more cringe than anything. This one's not it for me
January 23, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
SQUEEEEEEEAL! I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING HARD! Contract Signed was laugh out loud fun and smexy as can be! Adeline and Noel are so freaking fun! The idea of a sexy assassin with a baby and a sweet and saucy neighbor together was pure delight for me. I giggled like crazy at moments, was on the edge of my seat in others, and darn if I didn't need a cold shower more than once as well. Marie Harte has a real winner with Contract Signed and I can't freaking wait for the next book in this series.
I am in love with the banter in this story. I chuckled so many times and I couldn't help but to smile and sigh through the whole book. Mixed with the incredible action and the tenderness with the baby involved, I was totally impressed and I want MORE! This is one romance I will brag about incessentaly because it was THAT. DARN. GOOD.
Contract Signed gets a ENTERAINING AND STEAMY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its fun, sexy, and downright awesome, this book is an absolute MUST READ!
SQUEEEEEEEAL! I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING HARD! Contract Signed was laugh out loud fun and smexy as can be! Adeline and Noel are so freaking fun! The idea of a sexy assassin with a baby and a sweet and saucy neighbor together was pure delight for me. I giggled like crazy at moments, was on the edge of my seat in others, and darn if I didn't need a cold shower more than once as well. Marie Harte has a real winner with Contract Signed and I can't freaking wait for the next book in this series.
I am in love with the banter in this story. I chuckled so many times and I couldn't help but to smile and sigh through the whole book. Mixed with the incredible action and the tenderness with the baby involved, I was totally impressed and I want MORE! This is one romance I will brag about incessentaly because it was THAT. DARN. GOOD.
Contract Signed gets a ENTERAINING AND STEAMY FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its fun, sexy, and downright awesome, this book is an absolute MUST READ!
May 29, 2018
I loved this book. Noel also known as Ice in his profession comes off as an anti social hermit until the unexpected happens, a baby is left on his doorstep with a note proclaiming him the father. The only problem is he's sure he's not the father, enter his sorta friends slash coworkers he is sure are more likely to be the father and you have 3 contract killers taking care of a baby that wraps them around his tiny finger. Addy is a 4th grade teacher living next to Noel and as been interested in him from the beginning and has the chance shes been waiting for when he asks her our after shes asked out in front of him by one of his friends. This book isn't all light and happiness but it brings out the sweet moments of caring for a baby while at the same time falling in the love with the one you didn't feel good enough for. Their relationship also made me laugh and sigh frequently and I can't wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
Noel likes to tease his woman, and point out what things areher fault, “I’m not the one who escalated that kiss.” He just had to remind her. “Or who put her hot little hands down my pants to grab my—” When it came to Addy, Noel had some stamina in him, “I swear I’ll be ready for round two soon. I just need a minute to enjoy my post-coital bliss.” I really lovedthis book, loved the characters.
February 2, 2017
I really enjoyed Noel and Adeline's book, can not wait for the next book, which i hope is Deacon's....
Read
October 2, 20199/14/19
May 27, 2024
wish i stayed curious on this one. dnf
October 1, 2020
I really wanted to love this book because i adore Marie Harte but in all honesty i almost did not finish .....
first off the name off the book makes no sense because theres no contract theres nothing really in regards to him as a hitman besides the first chapter where hes doing a job .....
this book was just a little off like i said Noel seemed a badass but not really one if that makes sense like ok he killed someone in front of Addy but it seemd so rushed and like awkward idk maybe it was me...
the scenes where hes murdering these people seems to be rushed its like your reading it and if you dont focus you wont noticed that its already done and gone for like wow it just threw me off....
now Noels badass friends confused me also lol like ok they are badass and all but none of them gave that vibe i had no connection to hammer at all and the only reason i bring this up is because i know its Noels book but the whole thing was based on them three so i believe she should have developed a little more on the other two guys......
now lets touch base on the other elephant .... the baby.... uh whats the whole purpose of this pooor child coming into this book if your not going to develop where he came from..... they made it this huge mystery for the purpose of what i was more focused on who or why they was trying to kill Noel then the whole back story on this baby or who might be his father.... like i said another weird aspect in this book in my opinion....
now onto the handler makes no sense at all Joe was mentioned a few times but why didnt they elaborate more on when Noel asked for clean up duty in Seattle why not go into asking like hey hold up something is happening here because let me tell you if the plan was to overthrow joe wouldnt we need more of his back story.....
can we also take the time to discuss brian whose known Addy for years but mysteriously is a hitman now like what?!!!!! and then hes like oh i just wanted Noel to be on his toes like what?!!!!!
lastly Addy i didnt connect at all with her the fact that she just saw Noel murder someone in front of her and just take it in like nothing it was just too soon for me the fact that she called the cops twice and didnt fuss more on it regardless of Noel getting a clean up crew i still would have many questions .... and Noel fessed up a little too fast that he was a contract killer not only about himself mind you but of the other guys too i would have been pissed at him or shocked cus come on your a HITMAN
idk about this specific book like i said i enjoy Marie Harte shes got some good reads but this one just didnt do it for me i doubt i want to read Deacon and Solene is not my cup of tea her attitude rubs me the wrong way idk ...
anyways happy reading my lovely bookworms
first off the name off the book makes no sense because theres no contract theres nothing really in regards to him as a hitman besides the first chapter where hes doing a job .....
this book was just a little off like i said Noel seemed a badass but not really one if that makes sense like ok he killed someone in front of Addy but it seemd so rushed and like awkward idk maybe it was me...
the scenes where hes murdering these people seems to be rushed its like your reading it and if you dont focus you wont noticed that its already done and gone for like wow it just threw me off....
now Noels badass friends confused me also lol like ok they are badass and all but none of them gave that vibe i had no connection to hammer at all and the only reason i bring this up is because i know its Noels book but the whole thing was based on them three so i believe she should have developed a little more on the other two guys......
now lets touch base on the other elephant .... the baby.... uh whats the whole purpose of this pooor child coming into this book if your not going to develop where he came from..... they made it this huge mystery for the purpose of what i was more focused on who or why they was trying to kill Noel then the whole back story on this baby or who might be his father.... like i said another weird aspect in this book in my opinion....
now onto the handler makes no sense at all Joe was mentioned a few times but why didnt they elaborate more on when Noel asked for clean up duty in Seattle why not go into asking like hey hold up something is happening here because let me tell you if the plan was to overthrow joe wouldnt we need more of his back story.....
can we also take the time to discuss brian whose known Addy for years but mysteriously is a hitman now like what?!!!!! and then hes like oh i just wanted Noel to be on his toes like what?!!!!!
lastly Addy i didnt connect at all with her the fact that she just saw Noel murder someone in front of her and just take it in like nothing it was just too soon for me the fact that she called the cops twice and didnt fuss more on it regardless of Noel getting a clean up crew i still would have many questions .... and Noel fessed up a little too fast that he was a contract killer not only about himself mind you but of the other guys too i would have been pissed at him or shocked cus come on your a HITMAN
idk about this specific book like i said i enjoy Marie Harte shes got some good reads but this one just didnt do it for me i doubt i want to read Deacon and Solene is not my cup of tea her attitude rubs me the wrong way idk ...
anyways happy reading my lovely bookworms
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2017
3.75
Contract Signed is the first book in the Triggerman, Inc series so a lot of the story is telling us the background of all the characters and setting up the premise for the following two books.
Noel is a (sort-of) government trained assassin but it's all very much on the down-low. No 'official' bureau claims him as their own - and the same for the other two characters, who I assume will be getting their own stories, Deacon and Hammer.
When Noel is off the clock, he goes home to the small island in Washington State to escape into his real life. There he tries to ignore his very attractive neighbor Adeline. She is a wholesome quiet living teacher who is also attracted to Noel but he gives out stay away vibes so that is what she does.
This all changes however with the arrival of one baby! On Noel returning home, he disciovers Adeline with a baby that was left for him in her care. The arrival of this small person throws everyone's 'normal' into a tail spin and everything they think they know is about to change.
Noel denies the baby is his and brings in Deacon and Hammer thinking that one of them must be the father because of the timing. They all take DNA tests and await the results, sharing care for the baby in the meantime.
This also breaks the ice between Adeline and Noel, bringing them together and forcing their hands to take a chance with this relationship.
This was definitely more of a mystery with a bit of romance and some funny quips from the supporting cast. A more lighthearted read despite the suspenseful storyline.
Marie Harte can be hit or miss for me - LOVING some and some not so much. This one fell somewhere in the middle for me.
One thing I didn't care too much for was references to all of the guys sexual exploits - a bit too much detail for me personally although there was no O/W scenes (thankfully). I guess some reference was necessary because of the mystery of who the daddy is to the baby but it just kinda spoiled a lot for me. Also the planned anal sex was a bit clinical for me as well... just saying!!
Overall a fun read and I am intrigued about the other two stories for Deacon and Hammer. I'll add them to my TBR when they are available.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
Contract Signed is the first book in the Triggerman, Inc series so a lot of the story is telling us the background of all the characters and setting up the premise for the following two books.
Noel is a (sort-of) government trained assassin but it's all very much on the down-low. No 'official' bureau claims him as their own - and the same for the other two characters, who I assume will be getting their own stories, Deacon and Hammer.
When Noel is off the clock, he goes home to the small island in Washington State to escape into his real life. There he tries to ignore his very attractive neighbor Adeline. She is a wholesome quiet living teacher who is also attracted to Noel but he gives out stay away vibes so that is what she does.
This all changes however with the arrival of one baby! On Noel returning home, he disciovers Adeline with a baby that was left for him in her care. The arrival of this small person throws everyone's 'normal' into a tail spin and everything they think they know is about to change.
Noel denies the baby is his and brings in Deacon and Hammer thinking that one of them must be the father because of the timing. They all take DNA tests and await the results, sharing care for the baby in the meantime.
This also breaks the ice between Adeline and Noel, bringing them together and forcing their hands to take a chance with this relationship.
This was definitely more of a mystery with a bit of romance and some funny quips from the supporting cast. A more lighthearted read despite the suspenseful storyline.
Marie Harte can be hit or miss for me - LOVING some and some not so much. This one fell somewhere in the middle for me.
One thing I didn't care too much for was references to all of the guys sexual exploits - a bit too much detail for me personally although there was no O/W scenes (thankfully). I guess some reference was necessary because of the mystery of who the daddy is to the baby but it just kinda spoiled a lot for me. Also the planned anal sex was a bit clinical for me as well... just saying!!
Overall a fun read and I am intrigued about the other two stories for Deacon and Hammer. I'll add them to my TBR when they are available.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
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