Major Mike Cava has done his best not to see Maria Thompson as anything but his baby sister’s best friend. Not an easy feat when Maria’s done her best to throw herself at him for years. But now that’s he’s returned to the East Coast and with his family again, he feels easier about handling little Maria. Except in the two years since he’s seen her last, Maria has grown way up. Good God, she’s stunning. But now that he’s really seeing her, she isn’t seeing him. No more jumping into his arms or smiling and flirting. A bland hello and she’s leaving to go hang out with some other guy. Oh hell no. Maria spent the past fourteen years mooning over a man who never saw her as anything but a little girl, and she’s done. Or so she tries fooling herself. She’s twenty-four years old, and it’s past time she grew up and over him. But now Mike’s giving “those” looks. He’s acting jealous. And she realizes that she’s not over him yet, and maybe one of her old plans to stir his interest might work this time around. With the help of her best friend—Mike’s sister—and his younger brother, she’ll prove she’s more than woman enough to handle him. His dominance, his kink in the bedroom, his huge, hot body. But just when she thinks they can make a go of it, he pulls back. She can’t do it anymore. Loving, being hurt, loving, being ignored. This time if Mike wants her, he’ll have to prove it. She’s done. And he’s just realized he might have made the biggest mistake of his life in pushing her away…
Important:: Marie Harte is NOT active on GoodReads, so to contact her, please use her website at marieharte.com.
Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.
This was the second novella in the "Good to Go" military series by Marie Harte. I loved her series "The McCauley Brothers" and "Body Shop Bad Boys". I have read all of her Contemporary Romance books except for this series which became available on Kobo+. This story even though it was short it focused on what was important, Mike and Maria's longterm relationship and their current budding romance, their hopes and fears. There is some hot BDSM love scenes as well as heartfelt emotions and family relations. I gave this 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was thrilled after reading A Major Attraction to see that there would be more books in the series and was lucky enough that the publisher accepted my request to review them. This review is for book 2 in the series, but since Maria and Mike were actually married in Attraction and this stories takes place several years prior to it, it would work as a stand alone.
Maria Thompson is the best friend to Mike Cava's younger sister. Maria has been in love with Mike ever since she can remember. Her stunts to catch his attention ramped up when she turned 16 and took a much more mature tone when she turned 18. But Mike has always only seen Maria as a younger sister type. Nothing she has done over the years had made a dent in his perception of her. So now that she is 24 and Mike is going to be stationed at the nearby base, she has decided to move on.
Mike, on the other hand, is secretly pleased that Maria is always so glad to see him. He looks forward to her smiles and attention that are just for him. Mike gets quite the rude awakening when it becomes clear that Maria has no plans to dote on him as she has in the past. She treats him as she has his brother Brad, just her friend Olivia's older brother. Mike realizes that maybe it's time to acknowledge that Maria has grown up and their relationship can grow too.
Since this was a flashback, prequel sort of story, we know in advance that they will be getting together. The questions are: 1) Who is going to muck it up on the road to the HEA, 2) How badly, and 3) How good is the make-up sex? Here's a hint: it's Mike, it's pretty bad, and holy smokes it's good. I am going with 4 stars, mainly because I was sucked quickly into the story and it kept me there.
Although this type of plot is one of my favourites, I couldn’t finish this book. I appreciate a good steamy scene as much as the next girl, but I guess I’m still old-fashioned enough that I like (as I now refer to it as…) clean steam. I’m not interested in reading about dominate/submissive sex, nor do I care to read about anal sex. I find the domination degrading and when in conjunction with a love story I find it over shadows the romance and leaves me questioning “why the hell doesn’t she throat punch him?!” I’m really disappointed, I wanted this to be a good book, but it felt more like a porn fest than a romance. At this point, I can’t see how the story and characters could recover enough for me to believe they love each other rather than just want to f*** each other, so I put it down.
I also found it unconvincing that she had loved him for so long and spent so much time and effort to get him to see her, yet I got the impression she got “around”. A lot! This didn’t make sense to me. Maybe I got it wrong all my life, but when I was invested in someone (one sided or not) I didn’t put as many miles on my lady parts as I could....I felt it would send the wrong message (unless, of course that’s the message you want to send!! lol)
Anyway, I like a little substance to my stories and this book seemed to be more focused on explicit sex than an actual telling of two people falling in love. If you’re looking for steam and no substance than you will likely enjoy it, if you’re looking for a love story with a side of steam, than I wouldn’t recommend it. (what I read of it anyway)
The second novella in the Good to Go series is a mesmerizing and heartwarming romance. Major Mike Cava returns home to find that his little sister’s best friend is all grown up and seeing other guys. Maria Thompson is tired of mooning over a man who never saw her as anything but a little girl so she’s devised a new plan and if this doesn’t work… she’s done.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers entertained with drama, humor, romance and red hot passion. The author uses well written scenes and details to paint the story in vivid detail and makes it easy for the reader to picture the characters and the story as it is happening. The characters are strong, compelling, easily understood and invite the reader to get to know them better.
The chemistry between Maria and Mike is combustible and the frequent sex scenes are red hot and scorch the reader with vibrant intensity, but the relationship has a few issues. The reader can’t help but get caught up in the drama of Maria’s long standing crush and finally deciding it’s time to make Mike take notice that she’s not a little girl anymore and that she can handle everything he can dish out including his dominant side. Their story also inspires quite a few chuckles with some snappy dialogue and family squabbles.
This girl finally get boy romance is enjoyable and entertaining and makes the heart feel good and I can’t wait to read Brad’s story.
Are you seeking a fast-paced read with a ton of steam? Then look no further than A Major Seduction by Marie Harte. This is the second novella in her Good to Go series and it is a hot, erotic story about men in the military.
Maria Thompson has been in love with Major Mike Cava since she was a young girl. Mike's younger sister Olivia is also Maria's best friend, so Maria has spent a lot of her growing up years surrounded by the Cava family. Up until recently, Mike has viewed Maria as a second younger sister, however now at the age of twenty-four, her beauty and curves are driving him crazy.
Maria and Mike embark on a no strings attached love affair that quickly turns kinky, which over a very short period of time evolves into much more.
I really enjoyed this short story. Ms. Harte is a master at crafting sexy love scenes that go beyond scorching. Her characters are well-defined, emotional and real. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
This was a good story. I am looking forward to reading the rest in this series. I loved the interactions between Maria and Mike.
Maria has been in love forever but he never saw her as anything other than his little sister's best friend. When she was about to give up on ever being with him, he changes his mind. Mike has returned home after being station somewhere else. He is surprised to see that Maria has grown up. He can't keep away from her. They start seeing each other casually. Mike is running hot and cold on Maria. Will he figure out his feelings before he loses her forever?
I love these characters. I especially love Maria's tenacity and truth. She doesn't give up on Mike even when it doesn't look promising. Their chemistry is off the charts. They can be themselves with each other. They have fun and not just between the sheets. But, can it last without Mike's heart involved? A great romance for a true die-hard.
In this little sister’s best friend romance Maria has been crushing on Mike since she was ten years old. We get glimpses starting at sixteen. And just when she might get over him he “sees” her. This story brings you right into their thoughts and feelings. For a short tale it seemed much bigger.
A wonderful story worth your time and energy. This is a well written story with awesome characters. This was a quick easy read for me. I am a fan of Marie Harte and this book lives up to what I expect out of story by her. I would encourage you to get this one. Give this one a chance
This enjoyable romance covers the age gap and unrequited love tropes. Mike finally sees Maria as a woman, not a child, but almost blows it by being afraid to fail at love and marriage. She has reached the end of her rope but patience prevails. These are fun characters with good dialogue. Highly recommended.
I’ll admit to being a little bit confused when I started A Major Seduction because the first book released, A Major Attraction, was the story of the hero’s sister finding love and this book takes place prior to that happening which made my little “must read in order” brain jump off the rails, however I love this author’s work so much that I pressed forward and tried to put the other book out of my brain and I’m so glad I did. Maria Thompson has been in love with her best friend’s big brother, Mike Cava, since she was six years old. Mike has never seen her as more than the girl with a crush on him or even worse as another little sister. However, in the two years since he last saw her she’s changed or maybe he’s changed but whatever the reason he’s noticing her now but unfortunately Maria no longer seems interested. A hot major with a dominate streak a mile wide, a young woman determined to have “her” man, and meddling family members makes this one hell of a fun and sexy story! You just have to love it when a hero is flat assed stumped because the “girl” who has always worshiped him seems to have no time for him now that he’s home for awhile and that means he actually has to work at pursing a woman for a change. Yes, poor Mike he didn’t know what to think of Maria’s lack of interest or how to deal with her seeing other men. I’ll admit I didn’t really care for the games Maria was playing but I could understand why she did and since they worked it all turned out okay. Every time I think about this story I think about Mike trying to figure out how things changed so much and how he no longer had control of a situation and it makes me giggle. I liked watching him struggle but I also admired him for not giving up, for wanting to pursue something once he realized things had changed, and for taking responsibility when he screwed up. I felt for Maria because she had built up such a hero worship of Mike and while things were good with him when he messed up it really broke her heart. However, I think it was good for her to see that side and for her to realize he didn’t need to be up on the pedestal she had him on she just needed him to be himself. Because Maria has wanted Mike since she knew what to do with him and because Mike had some lecherous thoughts about a young Maria the heat between these two has been simmering a very long time so when they do act on it, holy hot tamales! And when Mike unleashes his kinky side and Maria is more than ready to play, well just hose me down because author Marie Harte can write some sizzling sexy scenes. If you are a little bit twisted (like me) and love watching a hero squirm as he tries to figure out how to right things in his world while getting the girl then A Major Seduction is for you! Entertaining, fun, and sexy this is one book you don’t want to miss.
I definitely like this author and keep coming back for more of her novels. Every time I read about one of her men she introduces me the reader to in depth if they have been mentioned before I fall in love with the character because she does such a bang up job in their personalities. Take that and combine it with the women she pairs them with that is tailor made for them. Major Mike is one eye candy character I would take any day that is he is also a dominate to boot. Guys should remember their friends siblings eventually grow up and if not careful can poke your eye out with their luscious looks combined with a personality that definitely does not leave sisterly feelings either. That is what happens to Mike when he returns when he sees Maria who use to follow him around but no longer plays that game. All grown up is tearing down his resolve to keep a distance. Little does he know Maria has plans of her own different tactics is needed on the war on the homefront where love is the basis. This author gives you a fast pace story with these two that becomes like a tennis match at times loving every minute of the read. For once though he is faced with something that scares him to his toes it would seem. Funny how a good woman and their honest to goodness lovin can do that cause they get in to your very soul. One thing I like about Maria she does want him, gives it all she has but will not put up with nonsense either. She wants all of him and the best he has with nothing less. She brings out feelings and actions that none have seen before plus keeps him on his toes. But fear does funny things sometimes to guys and they will run like their pants are on fire. Wrong move which could result in losing those pants all together for good. Enjoy how this gets wrapped up between the two of them with just the right outcome for me the reader to eat right up. After this one I most certainly want more of these alpha men so it is on to the next one I want to go. Received a arc for a honest review.
A Major Seduction is book two in Marie Harte’s Good to Go series, but it takes place chronologically before A Major Attraction. I loved this book a sly and sometimes manipulative seduction of two people who were made for each other. I love the writing style of Marie Harte it’s a fun and quick read and I always enjoy her writings.
Marie Thompson has always known she would marry her best friends oldest brother, proclaiming at the age of eight that Mike Cava is the man she will marry. As a teenager she tries to seduce Mike, but all he ever sees her as is a surrogate sister. Now at the age of twenty-four she is hoping that she is finally over him. Mike Cava is back, finally stationed close to his family with no inclination of settling down in sight. He never expected that the little girl who followed him around with love-sick puppy dog eyes would have grown up into such a beauty. Marie is not over Mike, but her hopes of finally seducing him are closer than she thinks, he is actually acting jealous. Mike finally gives in and they both agree they will be content with no string attached, friends with benefits and a clean break when it’s over. The more time they spend together and not just the hot and dirty sex, but real-time together just playing board games and getting to know one another Mike realizes Marie is more to him then he wants to admit. When they agree they both want something more than casual and Marie drops the “L” word, Mike withdrawals and hurts Marie. Marie is ready to give up but is Mike will to finally admit how he feels and can Marie forgive him?
This was a really good quick read, Mike is a sweet, seductive and domineering man who is as hard-headed as they come. Marie is a vibrant and lovable girl who also happens to be slightly manipulative; but it’s all in the name of love and finally getting the man she has loved for most of her life and he really wasn’t fighting it very hard.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Major Seduction by Marie Harte was a sweet story about finally winning the love you have been wanting for years. Maria Thompson has been in love with Major Mike Cava since she was a child. There is just one big problem – he doesn’t feel the same about her.
Mike is her best friend’s older brother so Maria has grown up as a part of the Cava family. Mike sees Maria has another little sister and is oblivious to her longing. That is until now. It’s been two years since he has last seen Maria and she has grown up beautifully. Mike begins to look at her in a different way but he worries that it may be too late.
Maria is so excited to have Mike home but realizes that her past attempts at throwing herself at him just didn’t work. So she tries a different strategy and pretends to no longer be interested in being more than friends. When it begins to work, the two embark on a relationship that is full of highs and lows.
Ms. Harte included a lot of humor in this book and I found myself laughing out loud as Mike tried to figure out what was going on. The more confused Mike was, the more I giggled. I loved seeing how excited Maria was when she finally won him over.
A Major Seduction had it all – drama, humor, passion and more. Ms. Harte ensured her characters’ believability by making them human and made mistakes that I would expect from a newly formed couple. The story flows so naturally that you will be done reading before you realize it. It’s a great way to pass an afternoon.
***Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.***
Maria is what you could call almost obsessed about Mike and even though it is cute, in the beginning it is a little creepy lol. I do love how she goes about doing things though and find her enthusiasm refreshing. You also have to give kuddos to the bff who not only helps her with her plans all the time apparently but also supports Maria when she needs picking back up. The book begins with the two ladies being teens and picks back up when Mike has returned home and Maria is older. Maria has it in her mind that she is going to be over Mike. Why want someone that doesn't want you back...right? Then there is a family dinner and things begin to change. Mike has always tolerated Maria having a crush on him, he thought it was cute, but now that she seems indifferent to him, he is beginning to see her in a different light. When he overhears a very steamy conversation between Maria and her date he almost blows a gasket.
This is where the book begins to get steamy and sexy and oh so hot!! I always love Marie Harte's way with words in her love scenes. Those alpha males are usually so typical and yet with her books she gives it just that bit of edge that is different and sexy. I love these characters and the way we have a glimpse into their lives, and I cannot wait to read the next book. After a glimpse at what is to come I am almost quivering with anticipation. Overall I would rate this book in at Four Stars!!!
Maria has pined for Mike for years but he refuses to acknowledge she has finally grown up. When Maria finally decides to move on with her life without him, Mike is forced to make a choice, follow his heart, or lose the woman he has loved and lusted after. Mike does the typical idiot alpha male thing and hurts Maria, causing her to walk away. Owned the box for ages but originally read these years ago. My previous reviews are missing again but no hardship to reread. The books are in incorrect order so read this book about Mike and Maria first, then go to book one in which Mike and Maria are married. Inter-related siblings and friends find their HEA’s when they are either not really looking, or don’t think they will be accepted by the ones their hearts are set on. A lighthearted fun read with idiot alpha males making a mess of things with the women they don’t realise they love, until it is possibly too late. The women of course forgive their grave emotional hurt after one measly apology.
We met Mike & Maria in A Major Attraction (Good to Go #1) so I was a little confused at first. This story goes back to tell us how Olivia’s brother and smart mouthed BFF got together. This is a fast-paced fun and sexy romp starring a tough and sassy young woman who knows what she wants and a tough Marine who isn’t afraid of anything but failure and maybe his feelings for his little sisters BFF. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
This is the kind of novel you can read in one sitting. It's short, fast paced and very well written.
I loved Mike's character, but I was even more taken with Maria. It was nice to see a woman who was both independent and vulnerable at the same time while also being willing to take risks. She was no wilting flower or damsel in distress waiting for her man to come for her.
I enjoyed the novel and the variety of characters and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
Superficial but entertaining. Superficial and short, but fine as a quick read. Both hero and heroine knew each other all their lives and that was why I picked the book to read but it was disappointing on that point. There was hardly any angst or struggle before they fell into bed with one another. ok for a quickie.
Marie Harte, always the sexy and fun story teller brings us book two in the Good To Go series. A hard marine, Mike Cava doesn't do relationships....... His sister's best friend, Maria has other ideas for Mr. Mike and it is a page turning steam filled romance. I am really enjoying this series!