Embraced

Aligned Hearts #1

by E.C. Land

Pleasure is what I enjoy the most. I can have anything in the world that I want, as many men with power do, but with power comes great responsibility.

I'm to do as I'm told if I want to keep my life the way I like it, so a contract was presented to me . . . but not any type of contract--a proposal. 

I'll marry the woman he picked for me, although it doesn't mean we'll have any sort of connection other than in the eyes of the law. I don't expect it, but I will welcome it if something does transpire between the two of us. 

With enemies to keep at bay, nothing is for certain. 

Genres: Romance, Novella, M F Romance, Dark Romance

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2021

Reviews

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance (Contract Marriage)
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 2/5
Sexual: SEX-CITINGLY APPEALING
Triggers: NO
Male: Sexy & Alpha
Series: Book 1
Pages: loc. 1703
Kindle Unlimited:

STORY:
I enjoy this book. It was a quick read and gave me a bit of everything. The story starts with each character separately, however, the moment Bridget and Dean got together, I was reading this story in superfast forward mode. Everything was happening so fast, and it was to the point. I am glad because I sometimes I do not like unnecessary dragged out scenes or chapters. Bridget was young and did not want to marry some guy she didn’t know. As inexperienced as she was, I love her spicy attitude when it appeared, and it read so good with Dean in their scenes together. Dean was sexy, and I love the way he became possessive over Bridget the moment he sees her and throughout the rest of the book.


CHEMISTRY:
How can I say this, there is a ménage à trois + 1 scene so prepare yourself for that. Very interesting and entertaining. Dean’s and Bridget’s chemistry read so good because of Dean’s instant infatuation with his wife.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS
I love the secondary characters as there are others from previous books which I want to read. I hope to see Bridget’s soon with her own story.

Overall, a good quick read with good chemistry and drama to keep stimulated.


***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read and hope this review was helpful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm i usually don't mind if there are sex scenes with one of the MC's before meeting or have some contact with the other BUT if i could close an eye for that scene with him at the start, i hated the scene happened after...just WTF? i knew he didn't knew but i really want to think it's cheating, i don't care, why did the author have to go trough with that? if she had to add that scene at least she could've stop it before the act. But anyway other than that it was a nice and fast read, to fast to have that kind of scene IMO.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me some mafia men and Dean is the bomb!! Dean took over the East Coast when his father retired and he is contracted to marry Bridget the Irish mafia Princess. Only Bridget wants nothing to do with the arrangement until she is “apprehended” by the sexy man in question. This is a fast-paced, action-packed story with suspense and drama all tied with a nice little bow. When they are married will Dean be able to protect her? What will he do when the threat comes from a source they weren’t expecting?

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget has been promised to someone since before she was born and being the daughter of an Irish Mafia boss, she doesn’t have any choice. She tries to escape and ends up in the arms of her fiancé. Sparks fly between them and they end up married but another breaks into there hotel room and wants Bridget for his own. Can Dean keep her safe? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters and an action packed read. I liked it.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is his mo chuisle

Embraced is a standalone book with a Mafia backdrop and an arranged marriage romance trope. The story is about Bridget and Dean O'Connell. If you have read some of the Devils Riot MC series that you may be familiar with Dean, as he runs the strip club. Bridget is the daughter of the Boss of the Irish Mafia in Ireland. So her life is already planned out in that she will have an arranged marriage to one of his top men and cement his position in the family. For her she is just chattel to be used as a pawn and then for making babies and keeping the house. This is not the life she wants and is determined to get away and make her own. She has plans to slip out of the house and get to America where she can be free. It may mean leaving her younger sister but they will work to get her away also.
Dean is living his life the way he wants to, running the club, slipping the arranged marriage his father had planned, never getting involved with any woman beyond blowing off some steam for a night. But what he thought he slipped out of comes back to bite him in the form of one feisty young Irish woman who ignites him in ways no one else ever has. She may think the big American is the sexiest thing she has ever seen, and he will take her to America with him, but she is still against the arrangement. Dean is going to have to work his way into her heart and bed. But there are still things that will come back to cause Dean a whole world of trouble and he should know better than to make an Irish woman mad.

This is a fast and fun story. Be warned as there are some very explicit scenes that my be uncomfortable to read, actually I skipped over one early on as it was not for me. But once you get to the story of Bridget and Dean then things get really fun and entertaining. These two have a whole world of passion and chemistry which is fun to watch develop. I really hope that the author writes a story about Bridget's younger sister, Alison.

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For their own reasons neither wanted the arrangement between their families to continue, Dean wasn't looking for a wife, and Bridget wasn't looking for a husband. Both felt the practice of their fathers was ancient and needed to end. Dean was ready to put her away and grant her a divorce, until he found her sneeking out of her window while trying to escape their marriage. From that moment on, Dean was all in to marriage and a life with as his wife.

Just once Bridget wanted to make her own choices in her life. She wanted to know and fall in love with a man before she was forced to marry him. She wanted to live life by her rules, and run her own business, not be relegated to bearing her husband children and keeping his house. So, she ran... or tried to. And just like that, her wedding moved from months away to a few days, and then she was saddled with a life to make the best of for both their sakes.

Dangers follow Dean from America to Ireland, and then resurface back in the states to threaten Bridget's life. Dean suddenly has to choose between his old habits and letting Bridget in as a partner. Her happiness depends on him in more ways than one.

This novel is part of a new series, but interconnects with several of the author's other series, but mostly with the Devil's Riot MC. Several characters are connected via familial relationships, so if you liked the Devil's Riot characters, expect them to drop in, as well as a few of the old enemies.
Personally, I enjoyed seeing Badger and Jordan, it was like a glimpse of a reunion. If you aren't familiar with the Devil's Riot series, don't fret, it is not necessary to read them before reading this particular book.

The relationship between Bridget and Dean is refreshing. The threat to their happiness is a plot twist even I didn't see until the last second. This is truly worth your time to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RomanceBookLoverinSeattle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this one and will be moving on to the next in the series! I very much enjoyed Dean and Bridget. We meet them as Bridget is on the cusp of running away because of their arranged marriage, and Dean, who was not so happy about this arranged marriage, meets Bridget and is suddenly not okay with letting her escape.

This story moved quickly and I very much enjoyed it and plan to read more. Although this is a standalone, there are definitely references to situations that happen in what I assume are connected series - but it doesn't stop your enjoyment or leave you confused.

Despite the title of Dark in this book, I didn't find it all the dark, however, there are scenes of Dean with other women before he even meets Bridget and some Other Woman drama that occurs later in the book, but I actually enjoyed that in this book - it worked for me and I loved Dean!

The two things that kept this from being a 5 star read for me are this - it felt like there were some unanswered questions- not to Bridget and Dean but to things that happened around them and involving them and although I'm sure they get resolved in the next book or a future book, it was still a little frustrating. This isn't with Dean and Bridget and their relationship - there is not a cliffhanger here at all, but with some of the side characters and for the most part I was okay with that. The other thing was occasionally there was a bit of awkwardness in the wording, but it wasn't enough that I would not continue reading. I love the world and characters created and can't wait to read more.

Thank you to Booksprout. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This is my opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

Bridget is the daughter of the Boss of the Irish mafia in Ireland. She has been promised to someone since before she was born. Headstrong she tries to escape out the window and ends up right in the arms of her fiancé. He is gorgeous and he takes her breath away.

Dean O’Connell is an American in charge of the East coast for Tomas, Bridget's Dad and is set to marry Tomas' daughter. Dean is not happy about an arranged marriage and plans to figure out how to get out of it. However seeing Bridget in person and witnessing her climbing down a trellis to escape was all it took for Dean to fall head over heels in love. On their wedding night Kean, a rival, breaks into their room. He plans to take Bridget for himself.

While Embraced is the first in the Aligned Hearts series, there are characters pulled in from the other series. It is helpful to be familiar with them but not totally necessary. The story packs a punch with surprises coming when least expected. Dean knows how to give Bridget the structure and love that she needs. He can be violent when necessary and then very romantic. Bridget is perfect for Dean too. She knows how to handle with love such a complicated man. The story kept my attention and had me turning pages. While the story has a happy ending of sorts there are ongoing storylines and a lead in for the next couple. I hate to wait.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

☄️☄️ONE BEGUILING ADVENTURE☄️☄️
Hopping horseflies hal! Land delivers with this extraordinary, tantalizingly refreshing rock-her-world rollercoaster, serving up some flaming heat, blazing passion and scorching desire, futures are forged and promises made, blasting this hot little number to staggering heights. A raging vortex chocked full of the formidable struggles and titillating triumphs, attentive to the dramatic twists and deadly turns unfolding, as secrets are shared, revelations are disclosed and vows are pledged, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. Attributes and perspective in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this intricate web so securely and precise, while frayed barriers and sketchy perimeters are solidified as limitations are amplified and tested, catapulting this baby to life flawlessly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such combustible intensity, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, uniting them together beautifully. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity, adding enough spice for an extra punch. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Land, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in this new series by EC Land is an exceptional read. Dean and Bridget are brought together through an arranged marriage and although Dean is a little more accepting of the marriage, Bridget does her best to escape. When Dean sees Bridget for the first time he changes his mind about the marriage and does everything in his power to get Bridget to change her mind about their impending nuptials. As a little time goes on Dean and Bridget actually fall in love and then hell breaks loose with a little drama that comes their way. I enjoyed this book very much and I love the characters. Bridget is a fire cracker with a strong will and although Dean can be very rough and gruff he can also be a softy, especially where Bridget is concerned. This was a great start to a new series by EC Land who gives us a great story and loveable characters but also opens us up to a mix of MC and mafia. I am so excited for the next book in this series. A highly recommended must read.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Debbie Caswell]

This is the first book in a new series Aligned Hearts by the very talented E C Land and it has all of her trade marks A well written book that has all the suspense drama and steamy heat you have come to expect While this is a nee series we do get visits from characters from her previous series but you don't need to have read those books but do yourself a favour and read anything that has her name on it

Dean O’Connell the head of East Coast branch of the Irish Mafia isn't to impressed that he is been forced into an arranged marriage with his boss Tomas's' daughter Bridget and he has headed to Ireland hoping to find a way to get out of it That all changes when he finds a woman climbing out of a window trying to escape and it is non other than his bride to be He falls for her instantly and decides then and there he is keeping her They are the perfect match for one another she is fiery enough to challenge him and he is strong enough to handle her But when a rival tries to take her all bets are off Can he keep her safe and can they have a loving future together

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

✔️Arranged Marriage
✔️Irish Mafia (I didn't even know this was a thing)
✔️Hot Sex Scenes
✔️Short and Sweet

This book was short and I really enjoyed it. I had just come back from reading a super long book so I needed this sweet, and short book. I found it interesting the way they added almost two different bad guys or bad problems for people to deal with. It left me a little confused at the end and I wanted more which I want to assume we get in the sequel but it had a lot of unanswered questions.

I gave it four stars just because the writing style was not my favourite and wouldn't say I loved it that much but it was an incredible book! Thank you for the opportunity to read it for free!

[Daisy Sauceda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you remember Dean cause he finally gets his story. So we know that he is part of the mafia and will be replacing his dad soon. So when he gets the call from his dad saying that he has a marriage arrangement for him that he needs to see through. He does not take that well. He wants to just continue what he is doing running his club and business. However, he seems intrigued with the picture of his soon to be wife. Bridget is not happy about the situation. She is going to try to get out of it if she can. Now Bridget can be a spitfire and kind of acts like a kid by throwing tantrums and just refusing in general. This I love because then we get to see Dean go all Alpha Male. LOL. There is always going to be some twist and turns in the story and one of them caught me off guard. This is a great start for this new series. I can't wait and am really excited to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget was daughter of Irish Mafia chief for Ireland. She wanted to escape an arranged marriage that she didn't realize was made on her birth with an American Irish family. Her father wanted wedding to take place soon because of threat from Kean's who were a rival family. Fiancé Dean didn't want to marry and wanted to get out of arrangement until he saw Bridget climbing down a trellis to escape the marriage...and then he decided her spirit and looks were perfect for him...so they marry and go to U.S. where he runs various criminal enterprises but maintains an office in his strip club, where he had to warn some of the strippers he previously had relations with, that those types of activities were now off-limits...but you will need to read the story to see what happens and see his relationship with the Devil's Riot M/C...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean does not want this arranged marriage but when he catches his bride to be trying to flee with her defiant attitude, Dean knows he’ll never let her go. Bridget can’t stop the way her body is drawn to Dean & his punishment leaves her craving his touch while her mind fights against giving into his commands. With Kean out for blood, Dean & Bridget will have to work together if they want to make it out alive. Dean isn’t the only one with a few surprises up their sleeve as Bridget impresses him with how well she takes over being in charge at the club but when new enemies try to tear them apart, Dean will show just how brutal he can be when someone messes with those he loves. With their relationship stronger than ever, Bridget & Dean forge their future together but with Kean still on the loose looking for revenge, they’ll need to stay vigilant to survive.

I received an ARC of this book via Book Sprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the Aligned Hearts series and is about Bridget and Dean. Bridget is the daughter of the Boss of the Irish mafia in Ireland. Dean O’Connell is an American in charge of the East coast for Tomas, Bridget's Dad and is set to marry Tomas' daughter. Bridget and Dean have been promised to each other in an arranged marriage. Both of them not being happy about this Bridget tries to escape out the window and ends up right in the arms of her fiancé. He is gorgeous and he takes her breath away. Dean was ready to put her away and grant her a divorce, until he found her sneeking out of her window while trying to escape their marriage. From that moment on, Dean was all in to marriage and a life with as his wife. But danger has followed Dean from America and on their wedding night Kean, a rival, breaks into their room. He plans to take Bridget for himself. There is suspense, action, hate, lust and enemies that leave you wanting more.

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dean is told he had been betrothed at an early age, he swears he wants nothing to do with her, until he meets her then all bets are off.
Bridget is feisty and a drama queen and when told she is to marry, the first thing she does is to flee by climbing down a trellis outside her bedroom window, straight into the arms of Dean, her fiance.

The story follows on from Badger's Claim when a few of the Devils Riot MC went to Ireland with Dean to get back Jordan, his cousin and Badgers Ol Lady and Gadget and Dragons sister. From there, Dean goes to confront Bridgets da, and gets more than he bargained for.
Of course this is only the tip of the iceberg, there is definitely more.

This is one every person who reads it is going to love. I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series. I wish I had read more from this author as I think some of her books have characters within this one.the story is about Dean and Bridget. Bridget’s father is the is the Boss of the Irish mafia in Ireland. She was promised to someone since before she was born. Headstrong she tries to escape out the window and ends up right in the arms of her fiancé. He is gorgeous and he takes her breath away. Dean is an American in charge of the East coast for Tomas, Bridget’;s Dad and is set to marry Tomas’; daughter. Dean is not happy about an arranged marriage either and had plans to try and get out of it til he witnesses Bridget climbing down a trellis to escape. That one act had him falling for her. On their wedding night Kean, a rival, breaks into their room hoping to kidnap Bridget for himself.

[Vikki Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you hooked from start to end. This is Dean's story which carried over from Badgers book. Dean is now the head of his family. He takes his responsibility seriously and will protect his family even agreeing to an arranged marriage. When he learns his cousin and niece are taken by a enemy he sets about to bring them and his soon to be wife home. Bridget didn't want anything to do with her father's contract marriage yet after be found by her soon to be husband she tries to fight the attraction. When the enemy tries to make her an early widow bridget finds she has feelings for the man who is a stranger still to her. The plots is full of twist and turns that will have you glued and wanting more.

[Stephanie Ditmore]

I’m loving this new series, Dean and Bridget are freaking off the hook. Two people, an arranged marriage that neither one wants, that is until she’s caught trying to leave before the wedding. One look at her and he’s changed his mind, maybe a wife’s not so bad after all. Bridget is sassy, full of spunk and the complete package Dean didn’t realize he wanted. She’s bringing out a side of him he didn’t know even existed.. Mafia families unite, but enemies all around just waiting to strike and when Dean realizes someone is coming for Bridget all bets are off, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe with him, he can’t lose her. This has to be one of my top favorite tropes and I’m so excited for more.

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book to a new series and again EC does not disappoint. The chemistry between Dean and Bridget is off the charts. Prior to his leaving to Ireland to claim his bride he has to deal with insubordination at his strip club and then goes to help get his cousin back, only to find out that she has been taken to Ireland the very place he is going. He rounds up Badger, Burner (also his cousin), as well as a few others from the Devils Riot MC and heads to Ireland to get Jordan back, take care of her kidnappers and get his wife. This is an action packed book with a HEA. Great read am anxious for the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first part of this in the Guns Blazing anthology and have been waiting to read the rest. What happens when you get caught climbing down a trellis? You meet your fiancé. Dean and Bridget have been betrothed since she was born. Neither want to get married, so Bridget tries to run. Watch what happens when she gets caught. Dean is instantly attracted to Bridget. She is more beautiful in person and has changed his mind and is wanting to marry her. There is also someone else who wants her. Dean is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. There is suspense, action, hate, lust, enemies, and some crazies. I loved Dean and his dominance and I loved Bridget’s strength and sass. This is a good book and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Dean and Bridget's story, the first book in the Aligned Hearts series. Bridget was contracted to marry Dean. Neither one was interested in the arranged marriage but if Bridget did not marry Dean, she will be contracted to marry another ruthless man. Dean needs to marry Bridget to keep the Alliance stronger. I enjoyed reading this story. It is fast-paced with suspense, danger, action and passion. A great start to the series. I like Dean and Bridget and the other supporting characters and I am excited to read the next story featuring Bridget's sister Alison and Dean's best friend and second in command, Mitch.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An arranged marriage before she was even born, Bridget was to marry Dean O’Connell. She loved her Da but didn’t want to marry a stranger and was bound and determined to sneak out late at night before her wedding day . Only when climbing down the side of the trellis to be confronted by no one else but her future husband, Dean. He was trying to find a way out of the arrangement too, but when he sees the fire in her eyes and her beauty, he immediately changes his mind and wants her for himself. An exciting, action packed read with plenty of steam, violence, surprises and a deep bond forming between Dean and Bridget that no one can break. A good start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st in a new series and what a great introduction Dean and Bridget’s story is! We have been introduced to Dean before and he is quite happy running the strip club, and when his mafia father retires, he takes over, and is expected to honour the arranged marriage with Bridget who is an Irish mafia Princess. Bridget is not interested in any arrangement, and Dean certainly has his work cut out for him in convincing her otherwise, as well as protecting her when danger comes knocking, plus the chemistry between these two is explosive and undeniable. This is a well written fast paced story which is filled with drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, and is a fun and entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was shorter than I would have liked, but it was good. Dean O'Connell was introduced in Badger's Claim. He isn't interested in his contracted bride until he actually meets her. All bets are off after that. Bridget wanted to run away to avoid her fate but Dean catches her. They both accept each other pretty quickly.

There is danger to Bridget right from the start from two different fronts and Dean will do anything to keep her safe. Bridget is sweet but she isn't a pushover. Dean is very alpha but he treats Bridget as an equal.

This story is connected to the Devil's Riot MC series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridget has been promised to Dean by her father the Irish Mob Boss. She wants nothing to do with that life. With the wedding upon her she decides to escape before she is married to a man she doesn’t know. She climbs from her bedroom window, down the trellis and right into Dean. He wants her instantly, but he’s not sure why? Can he be with only her? Will it be enough to tame his soul?

This is a spin off series from EC Land’s Devil Riot series. If you haven’t read that series they will make mention of them here, but it won’t detract from this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Dean in this book! Yes he is a brute but a brute with a big .. uh ..heart and a very dirty mind! Bridgett I thought was just a bit immature and naïve with a headstrong personality but was very loyal! This had my hinny glued to my seat and my heart palpitating! I love this author and she knows it! I will invest my time and money on her to the very end! If you have not read anything by this author yet you are seriously missing out! Fall in love with these characters and see what she has coming, you will not be sorry that you did!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridget and Dean's book I have bee waiting for a while and it has everything and more and didn't disappoint. They pulled me in and had me falling for them all over again. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster of feelings and so much more. Will these two be able to get past an arrange marriage and see who and what they can be together? Can they find the danger before it takes them both out? Read and find out cause these two will have you enthralled and wanting more and more. This author definitely knows how to give you it and won't leave nothing out and will keep you coming back for more. I so can't wait to read what she has next.

[Gail Lacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Bridget gets the chance to escape the life she lives she's taking it, there is no way she is marrying a man she has no knowledge of.
Dean O'Connell has the world at his feet any woman he want's and a successful business, he keep's all the women at arm's length and that's where they stay.
Now he has two weeks left in his single life he is off to Ireland to claim his bride one that will solidify the Alliance of the families, marriage is the last thing he want's. Standing in the dark watching his bride to be climbing down the trellis he knows he is in trouble she is even more beautiful than her picture and he isn't letting her go.