This steamy contemporary romance has characters you'll fall in love with and a twist you'll never see coming. Dive on in to Book One of the Sutton Capital series and fall in love!
Kelly Bradley is convinced she doesn't need to worry about falling in love when she comes up with her plan to marry Jack Sutton. She's dated so many great guys over the years, but hasn't fallen in love once. Not with any of them. It just isn't in the cards for her. So, when she approaches powerful, sexy Jack Sutton and proposes a temporary marriage-of-convenience, she's not one bit concerned that her heart will be on the line.
Jack Sutton is used to having control over things, having things go his way. Things in his life aren't supposed to spin out of control. But Kelly Bradley flips his world upside-down and has him wanting more than he'd ever thought he would have. And, just when he realizes he wants a real marriage with Kelly, Jack finds himself racing to save the woman he loves.
Before Jack and Kelly know it, not only are their hearts on the line, but Kelly's life is, too.
Legal Ease is book one of the Sutton Capital series. It can be read as a stand-alone book. Lori's Sutton Capital series is a steamy series with adult language. For a sweeter series, please see her Evers, Texas series, beginning with Ever Hopeful.
ISBN: 9780989245319 previous version found here, latest edition found here.
There's a lot wrong with this book—too many chapters, stated age mismatch with apparent age, an irrational antagonist, convenient conversion with little impetus, and a wrap-up that's simply too complete to be believed.
But I liked it anyway.
I suppose it mainly comes down to liking Kelly, more than anything else. Jack was okay, but a little too . . . domestic? . . . to buy into fully. By which I mean that his home demeanor with Kelly doesn't match his (stated) work life or power and position—or even his past as reflected in the women he was involved with (only one of which we actually see, admittedly). In the end, I bought the story because I wanted to buy the story. Which is a success but not necessarily a predictor that anyone else will enjoy it, too.
I do wish someone would teach the author that every scene change doesn't need to be a new chapter, though...
A note about Steamy: This one is at the edge of my steam tolerance. It didn't quite cross it, though. There's one huge scene that goes for a whole chapter and some (see small chapters above), but the rest of the sexy shenanigans are kept pretty short after that (though there are a good half-dozen of them they tend to be a page or less and are easily skimmed).
Nice use of the fake marriage trope, and other tropes. Heavy on romance, which was sweet and steamy, but light on mystery and suspense. I like the cast, may read more in the series."
I thought this was an okay story. Nothing really exciting or memorable to speak of. I liked the concept of the story and but I thought it could have been better. Seemed to lack any substance to be honest.
There was a couple sex scenes that were well written, not erotica or BDSM.
There was plenty of dialogue and I like lots of dialogue so there is that.
The plot seemed to be undeveloped and an ending thrown in that was never part of the story, kind of just random to try and make the story more dangerous or something but it didn't work well. No lead up, no rhyme or reason for that short part of the book. Really could have been written better.
The narration was just okay. I think I just didn't care for the narrator's voice for the hero. I thought he could have done a sexier voice. He did okay on the female voices so that is good.
I don't feel the need to read the next book in the series so I am moving on to something else.
I did get this free on amazon and 1.99 audible whispersync which is a bonus. Glad I didn't pay anymore than that for it.
Oh my... I just noticed I have the second book in this series already on my kindle... But I am not exactly looking forward to continue with it. Based on the 4 star reviews from other reviewers, I expected more. More character development, more steam, more of "everything"...
The story started off so good, but the protagonists never left the stage of cardboard characters. I found them rather one dimensional, with just three thoughts constantly swirling in their heads... The transition from a marriage of convenience to a love story was too suddenly and unconvincing, because the author preferred telling to showing and thus failed to bring her characters to life. The supposedly steamy scenes were always somehow glossed over and the twist towards the end of the story had me yawning and in need to suspend my disbelief...
It wasn´t a bad read, but nothing to write home about either.
While reading the blurb, I discovered Kelly was supposedly 28 years old. I checked as I did not remember that and did not find it back. Anyway she did not have the life or behavior of a 28 yo, more like 22 to 24. This book could have felt contrived, with the marriage of convenience plot, combined with the abduction. But somewhat it worked and I really liked both characters which felt rather real. The writing was smooth, never too familiar or close to spoken language. One small qualm, I thought the chapters tended to be too short, with too many of them and that created too many stops in the reading, some looked more like scenes than real chapters, they could have been at least twice longer by combining two into one. I'll definitely follow on happily.
This gave me far more than what I expected out of it. Basically, in the first five minutes of the book, I ended up disliking the heroine because she came off as a scheming bitch. But once you get past that annoyance, the book is pretty great. I really liked the honesty between the two main characters and Jack was just amazing. The author also managed to get the reader on all tenterhooks towards the end. Always a plus in my opinion. And additionally, I can't wait to read about Chad and Andrew. I am definitely coming back for more from this author.
Legal Ease is the first book in the Sutton Capital Series, and lucky for you guys, book two, Penalty Clause has already been released! So you can jump into this series and not have to wait too long to find out about the supporting characters from Legal Ease!
Jack desperately needs a wife to keep control of his company. And he is even more desperate because he already told his aunt he was getting married. When Kelly waltzes right into his office while he is meeting with his Aunt Mabry, Jack is dumbfounded and he is never at a loss for words or out of control. But Kelly needs something from this marriage as well. So it works out for the both of them.
Jack and Kelly are fun characters. It is always fun to watch a strong man get taken down a peg or two by an equally strong woman. Both characters are very well developed and realistic. There really isn't a time I wanted to smack either one upside the head and that's a bonus.
The biggest disappointment with Legal Ease is the ending. I thought it felt a little rushed and thrown together. Don't get me wrong it works with the story, but it is the biggest piece keeping me from giving Legal Ease 5 Stars instead. Overall, Lori Ryan's writing and character development is top notch. She creates characters, leading and supporting, that you will just love or love to hate. Either way, they are great and I can't wait to read more of what Ms. Ryan has up her sleeve.
Wonderful surprise. Really want this H for myself. Our h walks into his office and declares herself his fiance to save his business. He rolls with it and they fall in love. No big, stupid misunderstandings. He romances her and takes care of her. Then the twist. She is in danger and he pulls out all the stops to find her & come to her rescue. Gotta love a knight in his "alpha" armor. :)
The plot for this novel is a common one in the romance genre: a man needs a wife because of a "controlling from the grave" clause in a will. Kelly needs tuition money for Yale Law School. It sounds pretty run of the mill, but Ms Ryan does a good job with the basic plot, adds in some good and bad characters, and makes it worth reading.
This is the first book in the Sutton Capital Series by Lori Ryan. Back in May, I was part of a Book Blast for this book and regretted not being able to review it. When I saw a book tour open up for the second book in the series, Penalty Clause, I knew this would be a perfect chance to correct that oversight. Tomorrow the book tour and review for Penalty Clause will be posted, so make sure you stop back by!
This book starts with an introduction to Jack Sutton, the CEO of Sutton Capital. He is currently in a bit of a pickle. Jack's parents had a wonderful marriage and set a great example for Jack to follow. Jack just hasn't been in a big hurry to follow their example. When his mother died 5 years before, she set up a stipulation in her will that Jack had to be married within 5 years or the proxy for her 45% chunk of the shares of the company would go to Jack's Aunt Marby. As the deadline neared, Aunt Mabry has threatened to use the strength of her own shares and the proxy to oust Jack as CEO and install her son, Chad. Chad of course, has no interest in the position, but his mother is not listening. If this issue makes it to a vote, the repercussions could harm the company no matter what.
The prior week, Jack had lied to his Aunt Mabry by saying that he had a fiance who she would meet before his deadline. He was trying to buy some time for himself and his other cousin Andrew to come up with a plan to preempt her ability even with the 45% chuck of shares. Now, they are down to only a few days left before Jack must produce a wife and still no ability to stop her. Until Kelly walks through the door with a bold proposition. She will be his wife for one year in return for tuition to Yale Law School.
See, Kelly has been accepted, but without some means to supplement her meager scholarship, she won't be able to afford to go. Kelly's best friend Jennie, is Jack's temporary secretary and has been listening in via the intercom in Jack's office. When she tells Kelly all about the latest juicy gossip, Kelly decides to make a bold and brash proposal. When she walks in, Jack thinks that Andrew has found a last ditch answer and is shocked when he finds out he knows nothing about it. After a little bit of negotiation, Jack accepts Kelly's proposal.
As I read this book, the beginning felt just like a 'marriage of convenience turned real' themed book. Not that this is bad, I really enjoyed Jack and Kelly getting to know one another and falling for each other. If that had been all that happened in the book, it would have been a sweet and humorous read. But just as I thought we were all settled in and just waiting on the 'I Love Yous', the author threw a major curve ball at me. Suddenly we have mystery and thriller elements taking over. Holy Shitake Mushrooms! Now I was on the edge of my seat and biting my lip trying to figure out what was happening. IT WAS AWESOME! I totally wasn't expecting it and it took this sweetly funny book to a whole 'nother level. Looking back I can see it coming, but otherwise the author did a great job of dropping hints and foreshadowing without giving anything away. I gave this book 4 stars on ŷ.
I received a free copy of this novel, I believe an advanced copy, from the GoodReads giveaway program. As I write my review here, I encourage you to pick up a copy of your own to form your own opinions as well.
The reason I believe I received an advanced edition is how the margins and spacing are set within the book. As I read, the layout of the big font size, how the text was broken up and large margins helped the story carry. Also, ŷ lists 376 where my advanced/giveaway copy is 371. My copy includes the main story as well as a 57 page preview of the next book in the series. I will need to pick up a published edition to determine the similarities and differences on the book setup.
Overall, I was not impressed with the storyline; the majority of it felt extremely unbelievable. From the situation that unfolded of how Kelly and Jack started their journey together to how Jessica instantly recognized Kelly's flooding the apartment plan. It was really hard to grasp how the story would play out but I was intrigued.
I would have been more convinced if Kelly was a woman from Jack's past - a girlfriend, classmate, coworker, etc. When Kelly first goes to Sunday dinner with her family, I stopped to think - honestly, if I was Kelly and had to make Sunday dinner with the family, I'd go alone. Why did she have to drag Jack along? Just remove the rings, leave them at home, drive yourself, enjoy dinner and everything will be fine. I guess I rather hide it for a year then hurt my family lying about a sham marriage. I don't know, that's probably weird to admit but for some reason dragging Jack along was unsettling for me.
Now, don't get me wrong in tossing the whole novel aside, I'll admit that Ryan had my heart racing at certain parts especially when Jack showed his love to Kelly. I found myself at times saying "seriously, will you both just open your eyes and accept the fact that you both REALLY like, oh hell, that you both love each other?!"
In short, this story flowed very easily and without much conflict. Also, I was not expecting a romance novel out of this book based on the title and cover art. But like they say "don't judge a book by its cover"
Jack Sutton, who is the CEO of Sutton Capital, finds himself in a strange situation after his mother dies. He either gets married to gain her shares in the company that his father built up from the ground, or his aunt takes over and he gets removed from his position. So of course Jack does what any normal person would do right? He tells his aunt that he is engaged. It’s just a tiny lie after all, nothing bad could happen, at least until Aunt Mabry wants to meet the girl who has won Jack’s heart. Lucky for Jack his temp secretary is nosy and spills to her best friend Kelly about the situation that Jack has gotten himself in. Kelly comes up with a plan to become Jack’s fake fiancé and then later his fake wife for a year in order to help her pay for Yale law school. On the day of the meeting no one is more surprised than Jack when Kelly waltzes in like she owns the place and announces to his aunt and to Jack that she is his fiancé. Jack is instantly relieved and very curious who this woman is. Jack is always in charge and Kelly has thrown him for a loop. It’s evident from the get-go that they are attracted to each other and have similar interests. Against both of their better judgments they end up falling in love with each other.
This book was well written and had a good plot twist at the end. The only thing that I thought could be improved was the character development. We don’t really know all that much about Kelly before Jack. Also some parts of the book especially the ending seemed sort of rushed. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I plan to read the next in this series.
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.
A wonderful romance novel I enjoyed in one sitting. From the moment I started to read I just could not put it down. Great plot, interesting characters and the romance, boy old boy!!! Well written and fast paced you are introduced to Jack Sutton and Kelly Bradley. Each with their own reasons for doing what needs to be done, each refusing to accept the immediate love between them, seeking all or nothing. With a jealous aunt and stalker the tension grew to give you a wonderful read. Jack, the CEO of a family company was used being in control, his orderly world running smoothly with his best friends Andrew and Chad at his side. Their support valuable and sincere till the end. Romantic and passionate this man opened the way for her to believe him, trust him and....get the book, really. You will not be disappointed. **smile** Kelly's feisty and innocence persona held you while you learn more about her, her friends and her family. Doing the most unexpectedly which changed the direction of her life...forever. Clever but without conceit she simply did what she had to do to secure her future. Receiving more than she hoped for. The looming danger of a stalker in the background holding your breath, hoping that Jack and his team will do what needs to be done. Human trafficking is a very real issue. I loved aunt's Mabry revealed moment as she realized the power of forgiveness and the grip she was in. Releasing her to become the woman Jack knew she was. An excellent read till the end.
Legal Easewas a satisfying romance. It incorporated a marriage of convenience trope which I enjoyed, a little suspense, and a little humor. It all combined nicely for a sweet story.
Jack is in need of a wife to keep control of his family's company. Kelly is in need of money. She becomes privy to Jack's situation, thanks to Jack's nosy assistant who happens to be a friend of Kelly's, and takes matters into her own hands from there.
I liked both Jack and Kelly. Jack is a good guy who wants to find a love like his parents had. He's smart, hard-working, and honest. Kelly is plucky, clever, and intelligent. Although the romance evolved quickly between the two, I still liked it.The suspense element was a little weak. I'd figured it all out and the resolution was too tidy for my tastes. I did enjoy meeting the other players in this series though and look forward to seeing more of them.
Despite the romance moving quickly and the suspense not fully delivering, I still really enjoyed Legal Ease and plan to continue the series. It was a sweet romance!
Excellent book of romance and suspense at the end. I really liked the characters and love the fun sex driven story. Plot was not a given at all times but glad that it ended happy.
Yeah, I know the story is alittle far fetched....but ITS a story. Kelly is a wonderful fun loving woman wanting to get all that she deserves from life. That's law school at Yale. No money, how do we get to there? Jack needs to save his company from falling from his control or lose it because he doesn't have the votes from the board, nor a wife. Kelly's best friend is Jack's secretary and listening to his confidential conversations about needing a wife. She tells Kelly.
The plot is alittle far fetched at times and other times it isn't. The story if fun filled and an easy read for a day to forget life and just relax in a story. This story doesn't require alot of thought and you can smile reading it. Loved that about this.
I received this book from the goodreads-first-reads free giveaway. The first thing that struck me as a great idea was how the author set up the format of the book differently from what I'm used to in other books. The storyline was great and it was just an overall great book to easily read over a glass of wine. The characters weren't complicated and the story flowed from one chapter to the next. I would recommend it highly.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much that I actually liked this book. I fell in love with Kelly from the beginning and I thought that Jack was truly a great man. I thought Kelly was hilarious and did a good job walking into something she had no idea what she was walking into.
Great marriage of convenience story. Jack and Kelly both need something. Jack needs a wife to fulfill his mother's will. Kelley needs a way to pay for law school. Along the way they discover what they really need is each other. Wonderful story with a lot of romance and a bit of suspense. Highly recommended.
A fun read perfect for the camping trip I was on. Great story I enjoyed the characters and though the premise was a bit far fetched for me, it worked well. I needed a quick read something to just enjoy with out having to think to much and this fit the bill perfectly, I actually am interested in picking up the others in the series to learn follow the other characters!
Thank you ŷ for the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line. Kelly makes Jack a proposition he can't refuse. His wealth puts Kelly in danger while Jack figures out the what he is missing in life is Kelly.
Looking forward to reading more book by Lori Ryan.
Libro entretenido, sin sorpresas ni pretensiones, lo que crees que hay es lo que hay....estupendo para intercalar entre lecturas más densas. La parte del misterio un poco floja pero por lo menos no se llevan medio libro haciendo tonterías para que los malos los pillen... Lo dicho, entretenido, habrá que darle una oportunidad al resto de la serie. :)
I loved this series. It is full of romance, suspense and some laughter. The chemistry between the couple's is quite evident and I was pulled in from the start. In Legal Ease, you will find a marriage for convenience that turns into love with a kidnapping and family drama along for the ride.
My first book by Lori Ryan will definitely not be my last. Well written and compelling. Kelly was strong, smart, and amazing. And Jack was sexy, intimidating, and shocking. They were a perfect pair. The twists and manipulation of the plot kept me guessing and showed another side of the world that I only hope I learn about in books.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I can't wait to read the other two in the series. This story had love and passion laughter and tears. The relationship between Jack and Kelly was absolutely amazing. I wished this story never ended I hope that the author updates their life in the next book.
I enjoyed this book very much. I"m still new to romance novels and I think this was a great way to start. I loved the writing style and the attachment to characters I developed. I would have to rate this a 5 out of 5. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.