Randal

Calhoun Men #5

by Kathi S. Barton

18+ Erotic Shapeshifter Romance, fantasy romance, paranormal fantasy

Calhoun Men
Trent
Elijah
Scott
Sterling
Randal
Tanner (Coming Soon)

Randal loved teaching at the elementary school, but there were a lot of underprivileged children attending and it tore at his heart for them to do without, especially at Christmas. Donating food to all the families was his way of helping make their Christmas brighter.

Randal hadn’t expected a parent to take exception to his Christmas present and wield a gun in his direction much less use it. What was this world coming to?

Laney Price had only planned to pick up her sister, Heather, from the Calhoun’s care and head back to Las Vegas. Everything was so messed up and nothing was going as planned. Her stepmother and her father were coming to take the child and there wasn’t much she could do about it. No child deserved to be put into their care.

Randal knew Laney was his mate, and he couldn’t stop her from leaving, but he was going with her if she left. He wouldn’t force her to claim him, but he had a solution to her problem if she’d agree to it.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 13, 2017

About the author

Kathi Barton, author of the bestselling series Force of Nature, lives in Nashport, Ohio with her husband Paul. In addition to writing full time Kathi likes to spend time with her eight grandkids, three children and three children-in-laws. She writes to relax and have fun.
Her muse, a cross between Jimmy Stewart and Hugh Jackman brings them to life for her readers in a way that has them coming back time and again for more. Her favorite genre is paranormal romance with a great deal of spice. You can visit Kathi on line and drop her an email if you’d like. She loves hearing from her fans. aaronskiss@gmail.com.
Follow Kathi on her blog: http://kathisbartonauthor.blogspot.com/

Reviews

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randal, an elementary school teacher, loves his job, especially the kids, and when he sees some struggling, he goes above and beyond to ensure they have what they need. That compassion is what led to him discovering the dire circumstances of one of his student, Heather's, home situation. She is now being watched over by the Calhouns, and they all love her dearly, as they await the arrival of her aunt, Laney.

Laney, a dealer at a Vegas casino, left her dad, stepmom, and stepsister behind years ago after realizing how toxic they truly are, especially to her. But, upon learning there's been a death in the family, and her niece, Heather, who she hasn't been able to see in a few years is now an orphan, Laney makes the trip to Ohio to become Heather's guardian.

After arriving, and meeting Randal after he escapes a tense situation, Laney is shocked when he announced who she is to him. Her plans do not include a mate, let alone staying in Ohio, but when she learns her dad and stepmom are coming for Heather, and have nefarious plans for doing so, Laney knows the safest place for them until it's over is with the Calhouns, with Randal.

As Randal and Laney grow ever closer, and begin exploring their new relationship, it becomes clear that the danger is far from over, and it isn't only coming from one direction.

Can Randal keep Laney and Heather safe? Will Laney admit she wants to stay with Randal? That she's fallen for him as he has for her? What will their future hold? Will the threat from her dad and stepmom ever go away? Is there a HEA?

One-click now and follow along as two people, and the little girl they both love, find eternal happiness.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Randal' is the fourth book in Kathi S. Barton's "Calhoun Men" series and it appears we have been introduced to the kindest, most trusting member of the Calhoun family. Randal is a kindergarten teacher who absolutely loves his job. He's one of those that always seem to take the extra step and puts a bit of himself into everything he does. Like putting together food packages in his classroom for those children who don't have it at home. The best part? He saves their pride and gives them a sense of accomplishment by having them earn their little rewards, like passing a test or helping to clean the supplies. If you've followed the series so far, then you'll remember the town has been in bad shape as far as employment opportunities are concerned until the new business came so Randall thought this was a win-win for not only his students but their families as well, especially at Christmas time. Unfortunately, not everyone seemed to find the benefit of his actions and took offense. Then there is the student who seemed to have gone through some kind of transformation within the last couple of weeks. She'd always carried bruises and her clothes never looked as fresh as they could have until recently. Now it appeared she'd put on some weight, there were no physical bruises, and she always wore clean clothing. When delivering the Christmas packages they found a horrible situation that left Heather taking care of herself. Finding out her 'Aunt Laney' lived in Las Vegas they had to find a way to let her know about her sister and come to Ohio for her niece. This storyline has a whole lot of heart, not that they all don't, but as I stated earlier in this review, Randal is the one who is the most trusting. There are trials and tribulations throughout the entire storyline and yet the message of family, loyalty, betrayal, kidnapping, forgiveness, and love are very prominent. I can't wait to see what Fate and Ms. Barton have in store for Tanner and yet I know I'll be a little slow at starting it because I don't think I'm ready for the series to end yet.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randal is a really loving man how will do what he can for his students. Laney is a woman that really loves Heather and would do anything she can for the little girl.

It's a really interesting story How a family dynamic can be. It's a puzzle I tried to solve along the way through the book. It's will become clear along the way, but still there was something that kept my busy. Lance was a really interesting character and one of my favorites. What you will think of him is up to you. I think everyone can have a different opinion of him. I have my own opinion about what is wrong with the guy. Is he a good man just lost in his way? Or is he evil, brainwashed, manipulated or just plain stupid? You will have to read this book to form your own opinion of him.

I won't tell you anymore or I would spoil your fun! You really have to read this book, to make up your own mind.

I can honestly say I liked this book a lot.
It kept my mind busy with thinking what will happen? It is really special if you can keep my mind busy and that I try to work out how it will go.
Oh my what was I wrong. Not once, no all the time.
I really couldn't predict what would happen.

=I volunteered to read/review this story to give my honest opinion=

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randal Calhoun really enjoys his job teaching young children. Learning that his mate was coming excited and worried the wolf-shifter. What would she be like? Would she like him? Would she accept being his mate or go running back to where she came from?

Laney Price lived in Las Vegas and was travelling to Ohio after learning her sister and brother-in-law were dead. Leaving Heather their child all alone. Little did she know the child was being well cared for by the Calhoun family.....soon to be her family.

The Calhoun's are a great wolf shifter family and I really enjoy reading their stories. The last brother Tanner finds his mate next, so stay tuned.

[August · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice read but didn’t really pull you in like some of the other stories Kathi has had. Randal has been with the series since the beginning but didn’t really play that much of a role in the other stories. I think this lack of involvement in earlier books probably posed a challenge to make this book more exciting and delivering an end-to-end reading experience. I am disappointed that the character development of the “new” players didn’t have the quality of “back story” that has existed in the other books. In one sense, this story seemed very “formula oriented”. It had the basic structure of the story bones but lacked the total story package other books in the series have provided.

Kathi and/or her editing team do not seem to be paying attention to the story series. Sterling’s mate was named Ginger in this book but her name was Marty in the previous book. FBI agent, Anastasia, was a Faerie in Book 3-Scott, she was turned into an old vampire in Book 4- Sterling and in this book, she was a Faerie again. Earlier books series didn’t have this level of inconsistencies which detract and distract in the reading experience.

I have read and enjoyed many of the series Kathi has written. I am hopeful that the final book, Tanner, will be a more thorough and developed story. He’s been a vested and involved character in the previous books.

[Elaine Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

For The Children

Randal, is a kindergarten teacher & helps his students out in many ways especially those that have less. That's how his family helped Heather & his soon to be mate.

Laney, works in a casino as a dealer (of cards, not drugs) when Sterling & Marty go see her about Heather. Heather is really her 1\2 sister & not her niece; she doesn't really know Heather all that well either but, she goes back to Ohio with Sterling & Marty.

Randal & Laney don't rush into the sex part of their mating until after they get married & admit to each other that they love one another.

Then her father & "step-mother" come into town to see what they can get for free or from Laney before they try to take Heather. & their coming is a blessing in 1 hand &on the other not much so.

Randal becomes the principal after tragedy hits the school with a shooting; the former principal was the shooter. Laney decided to help his grandma with her took & to get to know her father again.

This book was very good with the plot, it just has a little bit of good vs bad, it didn't have a couple of non-descriptive sex scenes, lots of magic & many helpful characters from the previous books in this series.

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randal is another one of those men that you wish you could find in real life. He is quiet, seems laid back, is an excellent teacher and has a big heart. Laney is very cautious, her family has taken things from her and she wants nothing to do with them. However, fate is fickle and Laney's family comes back to make her life complicated and unsettle her plans. Two people who are very suited fall in love over their mutual feelings for one small child. Each story shows how the family comes together to protect and circle the wagons when a member is in distress. Great examples of how love, loyalty and respect play a positive roll in the life of a child or adult. Ms. Barton creates wonderful storylines filled with amazing characters, drama that keeps your attention and in most cases if not all a Happy ending.
I volunteered to read this story for my honest opinion.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Love this series. Loved Randal and Laney's story. Happy that Laney and Heather's father is working to build a relationship with them. Randal is going to make a great principal for the school. Myra and Chris are manipulating behind scenes to get Tanners mate to Ohio, using her brothers one a good man who wants her happiness the other who needs to be locked up. Can't wait for Tanner's story.

[Ellena deLeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will pull you into the storyline with the characters and all of their adventures!

This book was artfully crafted and uniquely designed to pull you into the pages of the book and have you experience everything that the characters do throughout the storyline! You will find yourself riveted and endlessly enchanted by what each hero goes through to find his perfect mate!!!

One of Your Greatest Fans,

Lena deLeon
lenadeleon2004.ld@gmail.com

[Lei Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. I loved Randal and Laney. I have been a fan of Kathi S. Barton for a few years now and continues to surprise me! I can't wait to read the final book in the series.

[Pam Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read feel good story

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her name is Marty not Ginger grr....apart from that little gaff, another good book in the series.

[Ava · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is the Fifth son/brother of the Calhoun. I was lost in the beginning and also lost in the end but not that lost in the story. Same pattern of family or bad men with happy ending and helped from friends.
With each book, there is more character, mystical or not so I am getting lost.
Anyway, it was always sweet and short read with full of adventure.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 3 out of 5]

And just when I was loving this series, we had to have the one that just doesn't mesh as well as the others.

While I really liked Randal, I could not stand Laney.
Randal is as selfless as they come. For his classroom he has food that's is donated to help those kids who may not have full meals or anything to last during the weekend. But not everyone wants his kind of help and views it as "charity".

I understand that Laney had to wash her hands clean of her family, had she not they would have used her up until she had nothing left. However, it was selfish on her part to leave Heather with her sister knowing the kind of people they were. From the way the author wrote the book, Laney knew that her sister did drugs and never took any kind of measures to ensure Heather was safe.

Some of my favorite lines from this one:
**"I'm going to have to figure out a way to wear a ring so that everyone can see that I'm off limits more than ever."**

**"I love you, Randal. So very much. I cannot believe I thought that I'd never fall in love with anyone, and you come along and make me not just love you, but need you as well."**

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book**

[Meg Kinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but...

I really liked this one. However, continuity in books is important. The heroine of the previous book was renamed Ginger in this book when it should be Marty. I'm not even sure where Ginger came from.

Randal I enjoyed as a hero a lot. He was really sweet and did a lot for the kids in his classroom. He seemed to really be down to earth and I liked that a lot. With the exception of the "magic" house, there was no flashy flaunting of money.

Laney was an okay heorine. I understood her distancing herself from her relatives, but to leave a child in a volatile situation and not do anything about it didn't leave me with warm fuzzies.

I'm looking forward to the last and final installment of this series. I like the Calhouns overall and can't wait to see how it ends.