How can she become a new version of herself when she’s married to her past?
After two of his buddies found love through the military’s matchmaking program, Lucas Craiger decides to give it a shot. He’s not necessarily looking for love, just companionship and a kind, reliable stepmom for his young son. When he’s assigned to his high school sweetheart who shattered his heart, his plan for an uncomplicated relationship becomes acutely complicated.
Riley Thompson signed up for the matchmaking program because she needs a fresh start—and the health insurance. She desperately wants to build a life with a man where her autoimmune disease doesn’t define her and she can prove herself. But being matched with Lucas isn’t the new beginning she wanted. He’s the love of her life she let go when she was first diagnosed.
Lucas is determined to make the most of this second chance with Riley, but when his custody battle heats up, his new marriage isn’t the only relationship in jeopardy.
I’ve binged the three books in the Navy SEALs of Little Creek series back to back and from the moment we met him I knew there was a strong chance Lucas’ story would be my fave: it’s no secret I’m a sucker for a single dad.
once upon a time, we’d made a great couple. Before my life took a turn toward the shitter.”
The whole premise for this series is a bit out there—a matchmaking/arranged marriage program aimed at reducing divorce rates in the military, with which naturallly comes spousal benefits *winkwink*. And for me it worked, nothing like 2 people being thrown together to create sexual tension and in Lucas and Riley’s case there’s a history that reignites not only past hurts but the chemistry they had first time around.
Add in Lucas’ adorable and perceptive son and this was an all round engaging, enjoyable romance between very likeable characters. Fingers crossed there’s a book for Graves in our future.
Copy provided by Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion
UGH WHY AM I LIKE THIS? I knew going in it was a "suspend all disbelief kind of book" yet here I am. To be fair, I didn't have problem with the crazy military matchmaking program premise, I found it cute and fun but the continous miscommunication used to get the plot moving got tiring.
I enjoyed the premise SO much but all these self-preserving lies and "harmless" secrets didn't take long to get on my nerves. I understood why the heroine, Riley, felt like she needed to hide her condition but it sucked that she was basically gaslighting the person she had agreed to marry in order to help him get a more stable life for his kid. That her real motivation for joining the military matchmaking program was to get insurance was one thing, but to continuously hide and deliberately lie to your spouse when there's a child involved is another. Especially as the hero clearly told her he expected from a wife to be reliable and help with his son. FFS heroine has a chronic illness that no medication can control and that is described as debilitating. It's said in the book the heroine lived YEARS with this chronic illness but it felt she had just been diagnosed from the way she acted. She was so sensitive about her condition and about strangers' perception.
The hero, Lucas, was described as sweet but he was also DENSE not to say dumb. He had these expectations for this new issued wife that he never truly shared with Riley but of course would get mad when the heroine wouldn't meet them. The hero was in the middle of a child custody battle with his ex-wife but thought hiding his new wife to the ex was a good idea. Even asked his own kid to lie to his mother about it. OKAY. SMH.
The blurb and premise were amazing but poor characterization and repetitive manufactured conflict got the best of me. Tapping out. Also kids in romance as plot device? Mehhh.
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“Assigned” is an energetic and entertaining romp of a romance. From the beginning Ms. Wynters has created a book that is full of palpable, raw, sexual tension that will leave readers turning pages to see it relieved.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review 3.5 stars. A complicated and unexpected reunion of high school sweethearts, “Assigned”, by Paris Wynters (Tule Publishing), is a lot about old hurts and letting go, second-chances, new families, and a kind of affection and love that run deep. The romance between Lucas and Riley is sweet, a coming together of two lovers separated by miscommunication, meddling parents, a serious disease and fears. Lucas’ son and friends and their interplay add warmth to the story. The author does a great job portraying how a young woman copes with a long term chronic illness, refusing to sugarcoat or avoid its painful and distressing effects – and kudos for that! I found the premise of the reunion – these particular arranged marriage conditions – odd and a bit unbelievable, and the fact Lucas and Riley don’t talk about it before even more weird. Also, their own secret motivations felt inconsistent, too, and somehow out of character and unexpected (from mature people, one of them a SEAL). Yet, this was an enjoyable read and the way Paris Wynters wrote the heroine’s condition shows a refreshing originality and good research.
This is a second chance romance that had so many things that just spoke to me. Lucas comes home from being deployed to discover he has been matched in the program he signed up for. It is a matching service the military created to carefully match up military personnel with non-military who sign up to be matched. They go through careful screening and testing and whatnot. His match got her letter as well. Low and behold these two are not strangers at all. In fact, Lucas joined the military because of Riley's rejection of him after they were together all through high school. But as with most things, it is not what it appeared on the surface and Riley didn't explain then and she hides her ongoing issues now. Some folks might not understand Riley but as a fellow crohns sufferer, I can understand her position. Throw in other issues we have that go alongside it and then add in this amazing man she knows Lucas is and the ex-wife from hades and the adorable child Mason. Things just became too much. Heck, they were to much for me the reader at times (in a good way) as someone going through the same issues. Know this is a good book and one I plan to re-read again.
Emotional. Told in both POVs. HFN ending. These two had a rocky breakup or her daddy telling Lucas with certain hateful words then they were seniors in high school. All because Lucas didn’t know anything about what Riley kept secret from him then and what she’ll keep quiet after the military matched these two together over a decade later. Riley thinks and has experienced two possibilities when people find out about her autoimmune disease, Crohn’s, one is they will treat her like her parents do, Riley the sick girl who needs to wrap her in bubble wrap like a porcelain doll, be protected and safe and not left her live her own life. Or for people to Walk away when life gets to heard and her flare ups take her out of commission for the other person that can’t deal with her pain. So secrets are what she needs to keep from Lucas, since he would be option 1, when she needs to be independent. But will she be the real cause when the truth is told and that will kept Mason, Lucas’ son permanently with the mother and stop Lucas from a relationship with his son, since Riley can’t be relied upon with a 8 year old child? Or will Lucas be the man she needed all those years ago to be for her to get her dream life while dealing with her disease??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lucas Craiger signed up for the military's matchmaking program after witnessing two successful matches. He looking for companionship and someone who will be kind to his son. When he's found his match the last person he expected to be assigned to was his high school sweetheart, the woman who broke his heart.
Riley Thompson signed up because she needed health insurance and a fresh start. When she was first diagnosed with an autoimmune disease she abruptly ended the relationship in order to not hold him back.
They both need this to work out.
Those last few chapters were so emotional and moving. I loved them.
This was an emotional story about second chances, miscommunication, and a serious illness. This book was very well written; you can see the author did an amazing job with research. In addition, this was some thing that I have never found in a romance novel before and I thought it was done honestly and delicately with the facts not being underplayed. I admit to being curious about the particular disease pertaining to the heroine and thanks to the author, I learned more about it.
While this story was well written, it was just not for me. I had a hard time with the miscommunication between the hero and heroine. They hardly spoke to each other. Due to past history and hurts, I would have thought they would’ve wanted to clear the air immediately. But neither of them spoke up. Also, I wasn’t a fan of the heroine for I felt she was dishonest about some intentions.
Because of the intense nature of the premise, there really weren’t a lot of happy times until the end. And I missed that. I needed there to be less dark so that I could feel this book was well-balanced. As I mentioned earlier, this book is very well written and researched, but for me it didn’t fully hit the mark due to main character interactions; or lack of honesty.
“Assigned” is the third book in this series. While I did not read the previous books, I was able to follow along just fine. In fact, I enjoyed some of the interaction with those past characters. They added more depth and entertainment to the story. When I have some extra time, I would like to read the first book in the series.
While I received an advanced reading copy of “Assigned” this is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
This story never really develops. While he isn’t perfect, Luke is likable. He really never pretends to be anything other than what he is ….. a Navy SEAL who loves his kid and his job and wants someone in his life as a partner. Riley is a different story. I was so sick of her whining and wallowing in self pity and woe is me attitude by 30% into the book that I wanted to pull my hair out. She has zero depth as a lead character, she is self absorbed and weak, and NOT because of her “disability”.
I am a person who has a really hard time giving up on a book so I finished it. But it was tough!
This series is really so much fun. I don’t mean that in a way to say it’s a laugh a minute, because it’s not. There are always serious issues going on along with the love story. But the camaraderie of the SEAL team and their significant others is a joy to read. Regardless of the premise being very fictional, the author gets me to believe and to go all in when it comes to the military’s Issued Partner Program (IPP).
It’s frowned upon in the IPP to participate if you are in it for health insurance (or any other monetary type of gain), so Riley hides the fact that is exactly why she signed up. Then she gets matched with her high school boyfriend, her first love. The man she broke up with to spare him from feeling obligated to take care of her once she got her diagnosis. Now she has two reasons to hide her medical condition. On top of that, she finds out Lucas has a son and, although the split was amicable, his ex is not happy about Riley coming back into his life and starts threatening his custody rights. Now she really feels she cannot let anyone know she’s sick in case the ex finds her to be unfit to be left alone with the boy. It’s a mess.
Lucas is a wonderful father and carries a lot of guilt for not always being their for his son due to the demands of being a Navy SEAL. He also puts a good portion of the blame for his divorce on his own shoulders because of the crazy lifestyle his career demands. He’s hoping by bringing a spouse into his life through the IPP they will know in advance what they’re signing up for and the relationship can build from there. Of course, he doesn’t expect to be matched with his first love.
There is a lot to work through between Lucas and Riley, and that’s hard to do when neither is being fully up front about their past. That lands more squarely on Riley’s shoulders, but Lucas’ attitude doesn’t really help either. The respect and love they have for one another shines through and, due to their wonderful chemistry, they can’t help but rekindle old feelings. Lucas is so patient and accepting once he knows (most of) the truth. But they both still have their moments, always having their defenses up so as not to get hurt again.
The ex-wife is really not great and I’m not sure I like how she was written. We’re being told over and over that she is a wonderful person and everyone loves her and yadda yadda yadda. But all we’re show, through most of this story, is her being unreasonable and jumping to conclusions without speaking with Lucas about her concerns. Every other sentence out of her mouth is a threat. How is that what is best for their son? It’s baffling and really threw me off. I know the author was going for the conflict that was needed. But the arc of the character didn’t make sense to me.
That being said, I still enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down. Riley’s insecurities about her health and being a burden, and Lucas’ insecurities about his poor upbringing, both tugged at my heart. I love the emotions and connections the author puts into these stories.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
This book offers a sweet angst-ridden second chance at love story. It also includes a topic that is rarely found in romance books….a debilitating chronic illness that the heroine must deal with on a daily basis. Her illness is written about not to induce pity, but rather to show how strong and determined she has become and that she is worthy of both love and admiration. This book is deftly written, unique and memorable.
Riley and Lucas were best friends then lovers as teenagers. They didn’t see their very different backgrounds, his poor and hers affluent, they just saw each other. At least they did until the day her father sent him packing while Riley and her mother stood by in seeming agreement. That encounter broke both their hearts, though Lucas would have told anyone that Riley was heartless and cruel. His need to get away from her and their hometown led him to enlist and become a SEAL.
Now fourteen years later, they meet again under very different circumstances. As a divorced father of a young son, Lucas is looking for not only a wife but also a good stepmother for his son when he signs up for the Issued Partner Program. The program had been successful for two of his teammates and he has hopes that it can have successful results for him too. When he is matched with his former girlfriend, Riley his first thought is to reject the match, but his superior tied it to a possible promotion, so he decides to go through with it. He finds that Riley is different than before in some ways, and in other ways still the same. She isn’t living with her parents, but rather in a dumpy, small apartment. She also seems frailer in some ways, but no less determined and strait forward than before. The marriage formalities are done quickly and it doesn’t take long for Lucas to see how amazing she is with his son or to realize there is something Riley is hiding from him. Riley would have rejected the match if she wasn’t so desperately in need of the health insurance that comes with being married to Lucas. Her chronic illness has led to her parents smothering her and trying to stamp out any independence within her. She left the family ranch in order to regain that independence, but her parents cut off her health insurance in an attempt to force her back to the ranch. Both Riley and Lucas discover that their long buried feelings for each other have resurfaced, though they do their best to hide it from each other. When she finally tells him about her illness as their relationship turns more intimate, she leaves out a few pertinent details, but also reiterates that she doesn’t want his pity. As they struggle to find their footing in their marriage, they are forced to deal with his ex wife and a new custody battle, the difficult aspects of his job, serious complications in Riley’s condition and their renewed feelings for each other. Does this marriage of convenience have a chance of becoming a successful love match?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this arc of Assigned by Paris Wynters from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in the Navy SEALs of Little Creek series and I’ve read all three books. I really enjoyed this one as I’m a huge fan of second chance romances. Each book is about one of the SEALs that has signed up for the marriage program offered to them. The committee provides a match for each SEAL that signs up. They are required to remain married for the year and attend mandatory counseling sessions. Book 3 is about Lucas Craiger who serves with the other 2 guys who have already been successfully matched. Lucas has a son, Mason and has shared custody with his ex wife after their divorce. Due to the nature of their work, the guys go away on assignments and training without any notice. Lucas thinks it will be good to have a wife to help out with his son.
Lucas learns he has been matched up with his high school sweetheart Riley that he hasn’t seen in years. She broke up with him at her parents insistence since he wasn’t well enough off to provide a good life for her. He is not happy about the pairing but knows he has to go along with it to keep his job safe.Riley is shocked as well to learn that Lucas is her match. They grew up in Texas and now both are living in Virginia Beach. She signed up for the program for the good medical insurance provided to military families. We learn that she suffers from Crohn’s disease and has been in and out of hospitals for surgeries and takes medication and has to watch her diet, The reader also learns that her illness is what caused her to break up with Lucas and not her belief that he would be unable to provide for her. She moved to Virginia Beach to get away from her parents as they were treating her like a fragile invalid.
Riley tries to hide her disease and all the related issues from Lucas at first. She doesn’t want to be treated differently. They initially have separate rooms and are not together. After a while their steamy chemistry returns and they are sharing a room. She hits it off with Lucas’s son Mason but his ex doesn’t like her at all. She remembers what Lucas had told her when they were married about the way Riley treated him. She threatens to fight him for custody due to who his wife is. Riley shares with Lucas what is wrong with her and what she has gone through with her illness. He is very supportive of her. He makes the mistake of sharing about her illness with his teammates and their wives. Riley is very private and wants to decide who knows her business. She is worried about getting sick and letting downLucas if he’s away and she has Mason. There is quite a bit of angst and suspense regarding Riley’s illness and the relationship been her and Lucas and the custody case.
This book was really so compelling to keep reading. I loved the characters and their interactions.it is great for the reader to see the same characters we met and love from books one and two. Another 5 star read by Paris.
I really enjoyed Lucas and Riley’s second chance journey in Assigned by Paris Wynters, book three in her Navy Seals of Little Creek series. This is a story of two people signing up for a military’s new spouse-matching program, looking for much needed changes to their lives, who are matched with someone from their past. Seeing how happy two of his buddies were with their matches, Lucas Craiger decides to give the military’s matchmaking program a try. He’s not looking for love, just hoping for some companionship and a dependable stepmom for his young son. Getting paired with his high school sweetheart complicates his plan for an uncomplicated relationship. Riley Thompson signed up for the matchmaking program for two reasons; she needed a fresh start along with the health insurance. She wants to build a life where her autoimmune disease isn’t defining who she is and where she can prove herself. Getting matched with Lucas is not what she expected. Although he was the love of her life, Riley let him go when she was first diagnosed, not wanting him to focus on her disease instead of her. Lucas is determined to make this second chance a success. The attraction, chemistry and feelings are still there. It’s quite possible both Lucas and Riley never stopped loving one another. Not happy about the situation, Lucas’ ex-wife sets off a custody battle which not only affects him, but also his new marriage. It is going to take communication, understanding, and trust before Lucas’ world will calm down and he has a that second chance, or is it third, to prove his worth to Riley.
Ms. Wynters wrote a passionate and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with chemistry, intense conversations, and endearing characters giving Lucas and Riley a chance for a future together. I highly recommend Assigned to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Navy SEALs of Little Creek, Book 3 Assigned by Paris Wynters How can she become a new version of herself when she’s married to her past? After two of his buddies found love through the military’s matchmaking program, Lucas Craiger decides to give it a shot. He’s not necessarily looking for love, just companionship and a kind, reliable stepmom for his young son. When he’s assigned to his high school sweetheart who shattered his heart, his plan for an uncomplicated relationship becomes acutely complicated. Riley Thompson signed up for the matchmaking program because she needs a fresh start—and the health insurance. She desperately wants to build a life with a man where her autoimmune disease doesn’t define her and she can prove herself. But being matched with Lucas isn’t the new beginning she wanted. He’s the love of her life she let go when she was first diagnosed. Lucas is determined to make the most of this second chance with Riley, but when his custody battle heats up, his new marriage isn’t the only relationship in jeopardy. This is Riley Thompson and Lucas Craiger's story. Redding picks up the folder and hands it to me across his desk. “Some woman named Riley Thompson.” No way it’s that Riley. The folder falls through my hands, the papers scattering onto the floor below. Maybe there’s more than one Riley Thompson because it would just be the rotten cherry on this crap sundae of a day if it was the Riley Thompson of the freckles-and-golden hair variety, of the ecstasy of first love and the sucker punch of first rejection. Lucas Dark gray clouds surround the last bits of blue in the sky like a predator circling its prey. A startling low rumble rings out as fat droplets rain down from the sky, cold and sharp on my head and shoulders. I turn up the collar of my jacket to keep it off my neck. Assigned by Paris Wynters is a 3 star book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This was the third book in series with a much more serious tone this time than the last book. Another SEAL in the same team had been picked by the Issued Partner Team for the military spouse matchmaker program. Per usually in these matters there turned out to be some twists and turns that no one expected from the very beginning. First off the couple chosen had been high school sweethearts almost fifteen years previously. The girl's father had told the boy, Lucas he was not good enough for his daughter, that he could never afford to keep Riley in the style she was a custom to. What Lucas did not know Riley had had been diagnosed with crohn's disease and was facing a lifetime of surgeries and gastrointestinal problems, she did not want Lucas to have to deal with plus end up taking care of her. This resulted in Lucas leaving Texas to join the navy eventually becoming a SEAL. His commander had recommended him for the program and Lucas had seen the positive results for two of his teammates, so he thought with his first marriage failing maybe going this route might work better. He needed stability in life for himself and son Mason. Riley on the other hand was only looking for the the quality health insurance the military offered. She was not really going to the marriage to stay married long range. Then she she married Lucas and met Mason getting attached to him, but Riley could not seem to do anything right in the eye of Lucas's ex-wife wife basically because they left her of the loop. Riley did not like to share her health condition with anyone, which caused tremendous amount of problems in miss communication. This was a heartfelt love story that you will not want to miss of second chance love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After reading the first two books in the Navy Seal of Little Creek series, I knew I wanted to read other books in this series too. So when I received the sign up for ‘Assigned’ I immediately signed up.
In ‘Assigned’ we read the story of Lucas Craiger and Riley Thompson. Lucas and Riley where high school lovers. Lucas thought they where happy, but then suddenly Riley broke things off. Now, years later, Lucas is divorced and trying to figure out how to create a home for his son when he is off for work. The military’s matchmaking program seems perfect. His two best friends found love and a home that way. So maybe he can too. But Lucas never expected to be matched with Riley, the girl he never forgot.
Riley, is trying to finally make it on her own after living with her parents for years. Desperate to find a way to live with her autoimmune disease, she comes across the military’s matchmaking program and this seems the perfect way to get herself health insurance. Maybe now she can finally start living. But is she what Lucas is looking for?
‘Assigned’ was definitely a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know Lucas and Riley, and it was fun to read little bits about the characters from the previous two books. The romance between Lucas and Riley, was also fun. I didn’t feel their chemistry as much as I would have liked, and they seemed to get back together rather abruptly.. but there was something about these two that I enjoyed from the start.
What was definitely the best thing about this book for me was the fact that Riley had a chronic illness. It was really refreshing to read a book for once with a character that wasn’t all that perfect. It made this book a lot more real and I loved that.
‘Assigned’ and the other books in the Navy Seal of Little Creek series are very entertaining. And I hope to read more books in this series.
This is the first book that I have read by Paris Wynters but hopefully it won't be the last.
Lucas Craiger was a navy SEAL with a dilemma that was tearing him apart, his ex wife had found another partner and moved away taking their eight year old son Mason with her, Mason was having trouble at school because he was the only one whose father was in the military, he was labelled a liar and teased. Lucas couldn't have Mason as much as he would have liked because of his unpredictable working hours. Reluctantly Lucas joined the Issued Partner Program set up by the military to team military personnel with wives.
No Way ! when Lucas was given the name of his perspective partner he blew a fuse....Riley Thompson, the girl who he had loved with all his heart only for her to throw it away, her wealthy parents had called him trailer trash and she hadn't defended him.
Riley Thompson had issues, there was a reason that she needed to be accepted into the program, her heart stopped when she saw Lucas's name, how could she go through with this, she had no alternative, what would his reaction be when he saw her ? Lucas must never know her secret.
This story follows the rekindling love between Lucas and Riley, the hoops they had to jump through, the secrets that should have been told, the mistrust of his ex wife, the support of his SEAL team and their wives and the love and trust that grew between Riley and Mason.
In this book the author has covered a very emotive subject sympathetically describing the pain, psychological suffering and self hate that these people go through but how they can emerge and live their lives happily.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
- I do not do spoilers unless warned. - Read the summary above; it will tell you what the book is about. I will not reiterate. - This is a standalone but part of a series. Best enjoyed in order but not necessary. - No errors that I caught as far as editing. - The author was not new to me
BOOK: - Contemporary romance - 1st person with dual POV Other characters from the series: -- other characters from the first two books make appearances with some involvement of a supporting, move the story along type -- main characters’ story is concluded
Star Ratings - 1 (poor) - 5(READ THIS BOOK) · Writing Quality: 5 stars with just enough detail · Story ingredient: 5 stars with some banter but much emotion · Ease of reading/Pace: 5 stars · Plot strength: 5 stars · Steam Level: M/F, dirty talk with romance and open door scenes but not explicitly graphic · Uniqueness Factor: 5 stars (I mean, it's the military playing matchmaker)
Notes/Opinion (personal): I was attracted to the series because well, the military is playing matchmaker - just the idea sounds like big fun or big disaster. But let's go for the ride and see what happens. Lucas and Riley knew and loved each other in another time of their lives but they needed to go through some of life without each other. Matched up by the military, they decided to see what would happen a second time.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first two. Something just didn't click as well as it did with the first two couple. However, it was still enjoyable and I'd recommend the series.
How can she become a new version of herself when she’s married to her past?
After two of his buddies found love through the military’s matchmaking program, Lucas Craiger decides to give it a shot. He’s not necessarily looking for love, just companionship and a kind, reliable stepmom for his young son. When he’s assigned to his high school sweetheart who shattered his heart, his plan for an uncomplicated relationship becomes acutely complicated.
Riley Thompson signed up for the matchmaking program because she needs a fresh start—and the health insurance. She desperately wants to build a life with a man where her autoimmune disease doesn’t define her and she can prove herself. But being matched with Lucas isn’t the new beginning she wanted. He’s the love of her life she let go when she was first diagnosed.
Lucas is determined to make the most of this second chance with Riley, but when his custody battle heats up, his new marriage isn’t the only relationship in jeopardy Warning ⚠️: part of a series, full on standalone, military romance, second chance, cron disease.
Narrator score🎧 ; the narrators were amazing I loved them so much, they did excellent work with this book
Level of steam🔥: the book was so good, it was hot and steamy and I loved it.
Level of anxiety and sadness 😱😢: The book wasn't easy but it wasn't too sad it was just right I loved it.
The book itself📖: that was my favorite book from the whole series. I just loved the story. The author did a great research with the crons it was a great love story and a great book. I just loved it.
I had really high expectations based on the incredible synopsis, but this story didn’t quite meet my hopes. I really liked the idea of the military matchmaking service, but I wasn’t in love with the relationship between Lucas and Riley. Lucas gave up on Riley too easily and was quick to assume the worst of her. And while I’m glad the author chose to include a character with a chronic illness, I felt as though Riley was a bit too melodramatic at moments. She acted more like someone who was in the beginning stages of her illness, rather than someone who’s come to terms with it. Like Lucas was with her, she was quick to assume the worst and easily snapped at Lucas.
I’m a fan of single dad romances, and watching Mason’s relationship with Riley grow was sweet. However, Mason wasn’t a big part of the story, and he seemed more like a plot device than a fully fledged character. None of the side characters had that much depth, but they did help keep the plot moving along. The plot, overall, wasn’t too exciting, but there were some tender moments that put a smile on my face. I especially liked hearing about Riley’s involvement in the surfing program.
In summary, this book was fine, and it would probably suit those who are passionate about military romances and don’t mind a slower, less chemistry-filled novel. It just wasn’t my favorite.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
Assigned is a second chance romance with a tremendous amount of complications in book three of the Navy SEALs of Little Creek by Paris Wynters. Two teenage sweethearts are not paored up by the Navy in their matchmaking program. Of course, this is a fictional program, I can’t see the military putting time, money and personnel in something like this. However, it makes for am interesting concept. More content and happy SEALs would make better warriors I guess.
This is a serious look at one couple. Riley Thompson/ Craiger never planned for Lucas Craiger to be held back because of her health issues. Now she needs better insurance since she has cut the ties with her parents. Not sure what I think of her parents. That is an entire subplot of its own in this story. Now Lucas has a son, his ex-wife is another subplot in this story. Family causes more trouble than help for these two, except for Mason, Lucas’ son. Now he is the family member that you want to have.
Sweet and yet steamy romance with the bedroom door wide open. This book stands well on its own though the previous couples make appearances in this story.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the third book in Navy Seals of Little Creek a series where the Navy Seals are matched to a partner through the Issued Partner Program and we have had some wild rides in the earlier reads
This is Lucas and Riley's story their story is a little different because even though they have been matched by the program these two actually have history. They where first childhood sweethearts then young lovers but where driven apart by parents and different backgrounds This led to Lucas joining the military and becoming a Seal now he is a single father who needs a wife and after seeing his friends successful unions he has decided to join. What he didn't expect was that he would be partnered with Riley and while her and his son bond immediately he knows she is keeping a secret What he doesn't know is that she has a debilitating disease and her parents are trying to force her return by cancelling her health care and this is her way to escape. As they spooned time together their feeling grow once again can they have a future this time
A lovely story full of passion and love! by Happy-Girl
I loved this book because the story is tender and real: two teenagers in love were taken apart by Riley's illness, but Lucas didn't know it... Then, thanking fate (and a matchmaker military program!), years later they meet again, Lucas is a hot man now, and a SEAL, and love and passion spark again, and this time there is an ex-wife and a cute son and Riley, a beautiful woman now, proves to be a caring stepmom. Then her illness strikes again and she leaves Lucas one more time not wanting to be a burden for him (I cried for them!). But this time, when she gets better she has to tell him the truth, and she writes him a letter, a real one, in these modern ages! And... I won't spoil the plot but I'll say there's a HEA! And love, passion, and tenderness!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Riley said goodbye to her first love when she became sick years ago. Lucas never knew she was sick and now years later she shows back up in his life as a military marriage program bride. His son Mason lights up when she becomes his champion at school and on the water. They all become close until her illness causes issues with custody. The characters are terrific, with great backstories and intense feelings. The storyline is a roller coaster of good and bad, and it is easy to see how things developed. Situations changed drastically and in the end, voices had to be heard and accepted. Family and friends had good advice and support. Loved the parts where Riley interacted with the special kids program, as it brought home what she went through as well. This is one story I will be rereading again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucas Craiger sees two buddies successfully finding someone through the military's matchmaking program, so he decides to give it a try. He is not looking for love, just companionship and a reliable stepmom for his young son. Matching up to Riley Thompson who walked out on him back in high school gave him second thoughts.
Riley signed up for the matchmaking program that led her to Lucas because she needs health insurance for her autoimmune disease. But matching with Lucas isn’t a new start. She had walked out on him at her initial diagnosis of her disease. Will they get married despite their history? Would she stand by him if a custody battle adds stress to their relationship? Grab your copy and see if they have what it takes to develop a love and foundation strong enough to stick together through the rough times.
I really like this series. They are fun and easy reads. Riley signed up for the spouse match through the military to get good health insurance so she can get the best treatments. Lucas signed up for a step mother to help him with his young son and a friend for himself. They were high school sweethearts until she broke it off without explanation when she was first diagnosed. When they find themselves matched up they try to get out of it. Neither one of them is happy about the match. He doesn't trust her not to bail on him and his son. he knows she still loves this man. She doesn't want him to know that she has a chronic illness. She left him broken hearted years ago and he joined the military. Now he has a son and a mean ex-wife when it could have been her life. He wants a real marriage with her but can she let him into her heart and confide in him all her secrets of the past? Good read!
I really enjoyed this book, the characters weee all easy to get to know and it was an easy read. A matched military marriage that ended up matching a couple who were teenaged first love. When Riley became ill she broke up with Lucas so not to burden his life but she didn’t tell him why. Now they’re matched up again those past hurts damage the budding relationship and Riley holds back so much with her health. In reality she was immature to hold back so much as the knock on effect changed all their lives, in the end tho everything worked out but only after truths were told. Maybe a lesson in the real world, be honest and open in your relationships. Overall a good read I would have liked more interaction with Lucas’s team mates.
Truly enjoyed this 3rd book in the series. Lucas and Riley really learn to thrive and mature together in this second chance romance. While somewhat predictable, this story still has all the heat, love & romance that kept me turning page after page. Loved the whole stepmom situation with Lucas’ son Mason as it both complicated things and gave more depth to their lives and this book. Wondering if there will be another book yet to come because I totally loved the whole “Issued Partner Program” concept which of course resulted in 3 HEA’s. For some folks this might be too much of an “arranged marriage” situation, but I found it brought a new twist to this military series. Well done Paris.
Assigned is the third book in the Navy Seals of Little Creek series and is the story of Lucas Craiger and Riley Thompson. They are matched through the Navy's matchmaking service but there is one slight complication in all of it....she is his high school sweetheart. Add in a long term health condition, a young son and more miscommunications and misunderstandings than any couple should have, along with some drama, romance, love, and hot attraction and you have yourself a fun second chance with your first love story.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.