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Dynasties: Tech Tycoons #1
Their Marriage Bargain
His ex turned temporary wife is his only hope for saving his global dynasty in New York Times bestselling author Shannon McKenna’s new series!
From lovers to enemies to…
husband and wife?
CEO Caleb Moss needs a business arrangement marriage to keep controlling interest of MossTech. Tilda Riley must prevent a hostile takeover of her family company—and protect the daughter Caleb has never met. The only solution is for these oil-and-water exes to join forces.
Until desire turns a marriage on paper into a hotbed of passion. Their child binds the newlyweds together. But a vengeful enemy bent on their mutual destruction is sowing seeds of doubt and betrayal that could tear Tilda and Caleb apart—this time forever.
From Harlequin A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance , part of the Tech Tycoons
Book 1: Their Marriage Bargain
Book 2: The Marriage Mandate
Book 3: How to Marry a Bad Boy
Book 4: Married by Midnight
From lovers to enemies to…
husband and wife?
CEO Caleb Moss needs a business arrangement marriage to keep controlling interest of MossTech. Tilda Riley must prevent a hostile takeover of her family company—and protect the daughter Caleb has never met. The only solution is for these oil-and-water exes to join forces.
Until desire turns a marriage on paper into a hotbed of passion. Their child binds the newlyweds together. But a vengeful enemy bent on their mutual destruction is sowing seeds of doubt and betrayal that could tear Tilda and Caleb apart—this time forever.
From Harlequin A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance , part of the Tech Tycoons
Book 1: Their Marriage Bargain
Book 2: The Marriage Mandate
Book 3: How to Marry a Bad Boy
Book 4: Married by Midnight
- GenresRomanceHarlequin Desire
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
20 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McKenna
126 books1,451 followersAlso wrote five category romances under the penname Shannon Anderson
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 8, 2022
Terrific second chance romance with a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure. Caleb has been focused on business for years, giving little thought to his personal life. He is stunned when his grandmother insists that her grandchildren marry before the age of thirty-five for men and thirty for women. That is only two months away for Caleb. If they don't fall in with her plans, controlling interest in the company will go to their uncle. He's even more shocked when Gran brings Tilda Riley into the mix, suggesting he marry her.
Tilda returned home to Seattle to help her father prevent a hostile takeover of the family company - by Caleb's company. She and Caleb had been a couple nine years earlier until he broke up with her in a cruelly emotional confrontation. Devastated, Tilda moved to Asia to continue her work and to raise the daughter Caleb knew nothing about. She can destroy his company but finds it more practical to join forces with him instead. But can she protect her heart this time around?
I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Caleb and Tilda. From the start, their chemistry is just as strong as ever. I appreciated that they sat down and talked about their past, admitting they'd made mistakes. I especially enjoyed Caleb's admission that he'd been a jerk. They enter into marriage as a simple business arrangement, but that doesn't last. Gran's gift of a seaside cottage gave them a place to get away for a few days and get reacquainted, discovering things they hadn't bothered with years earlier. There were some sweet and emotional scenes as they shared their lives' big and small events. Neither could deny the strength of the attraction they felt, and it didn't take long for them to give in to it.
As they returned to their new everyday lives, I loved seeing Caleb and Annika connect. She is an adorable girl, bright, confident, and thrilled to have a father in her life. It was great to see Caleb loosen up from being all-business and enjoy teaching her to cook and helping her with her schoolwork. I loved the whole "project manager" scene with them. It doesn't take long for them to settle into happy family life.
But trouble soon rears its ugly head. Caleb's Uncle Jerome is a nasty piece of work and is unhappy about Caleb's marriage to Tilda. The dinner scene at his house was terrible and showed his true colors. When Tilda's father's house is robbed, a file she'd held in reserve to fight the takeover goes missing. Soon after, Jerome told Caleb about the "nuclear option" file, accusing Tilda of plotting against Caleb. Meanwhile, Tilda confronts the man who gave her that file. Both Caleb and Tilda have some trust issues thanks to betrayals in their pasts, and this situation brings those issues to the surface. I ached for both as they saw their happy marriage crumble under the strain. It takes tough love from his sister Maddie to straighten Caleb out, and I loved watching him fight for Tilda. There are some unexpected twists in the process, but love and communication win the day in the end.
The secondary characters play significant roles in the story. Caleb's grandmother is a tough old bird. Her methods are questionable but effective. She elicited sympathy from me when she talked about her daughter and how her first sight of Annika had affected her. After looking at what is in store in subsequent books, I can't wait to see how she handles it all. After Annika, my favorite character was Caleb's sister Maddie. She thinks the sun rises and sets on Annika, and I loved seeing the two of them together. Annika brings the fun back into Maddie's life. I also liked Maddie's relationship with Caleb, who she adores but has no illusions about. She is a fun aunt. I also liked their cousin Veronica, who had the misfortune to be Jerome's daughter. I don't like how he treats her. She is engaged, and her fiancé rubbed me the wrong way. I can't wait to see how that goes.
Tilda returned home to Seattle to help her father prevent a hostile takeover of the family company - by Caleb's company. She and Caleb had been a couple nine years earlier until he broke up with her in a cruelly emotional confrontation. Devastated, Tilda moved to Asia to continue her work and to raise the daughter Caleb knew nothing about. She can destroy his company but finds it more practical to join forces with him instead. But can she protect her heart this time around?
I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Caleb and Tilda. From the start, their chemistry is just as strong as ever. I appreciated that they sat down and talked about their past, admitting they'd made mistakes. I especially enjoyed Caleb's admission that he'd been a jerk. They enter into marriage as a simple business arrangement, but that doesn't last. Gran's gift of a seaside cottage gave them a place to get away for a few days and get reacquainted, discovering things they hadn't bothered with years earlier. There were some sweet and emotional scenes as they shared their lives' big and small events. Neither could deny the strength of the attraction they felt, and it didn't take long for them to give in to it.
As they returned to their new everyday lives, I loved seeing Caleb and Annika connect. She is an adorable girl, bright, confident, and thrilled to have a father in her life. It was great to see Caleb loosen up from being all-business and enjoy teaching her to cook and helping her with her schoolwork. I loved the whole "project manager" scene with them. It doesn't take long for them to settle into happy family life.
But trouble soon rears its ugly head. Caleb's Uncle Jerome is a nasty piece of work and is unhappy about Caleb's marriage to Tilda. The dinner scene at his house was terrible and showed his true colors. When Tilda's father's house is robbed, a file she'd held in reserve to fight the takeover goes missing. Soon after, Jerome told Caleb about the "nuclear option" file, accusing Tilda of plotting against Caleb. Meanwhile, Tilda confronts the man who gave her that file. Both Caleb and Tilda have some trust issues thanks to betrayals in their pasts, and this situation brings those issues to the surface. I ached for both as they saw their happy marriage crumble under the strain. It takes tough love from his sister Maddie to straighten Caleb out, and I loved watching him fight for Tilda. There are some unexpected twists in the process, but love and communication win the day in the end.
The secondary characters play significant roles in the story. Caleb's grandmother is a tough old bird. Her methods are questionable but effective. She elicited sympathy from me when she talked about her daughter and how her first sight of Annika had affected her. After looking at what is in store in subsequent books, I can't wait to see how she handles it all. After Annika, my favorite character was Caleb's sister Maddie. She thinks the sun rises and sets on Annika, and I loved seeing the two of them together. Annika brings the fun back into Maddie's life. I also liked Maddie's relationship with Caleb, who she adores but has no illusions about. She is a fun aunt. I also liked their cousin Veronica, who had the misfortune to be Jerome's daughter. I don't like how he treats her. She is engaged, and her fiancé rubbed me the wrong way. I can't wait to see how that goes.
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July 1, 2022Categories
Contemporary Romance, Sagas
Miniseries
Dynasties: Tech Tycoons (Book #1)
Contemporary Romance, Sagas
Miniseries
Dynasties: Tech Tycoons (Book #1)
August 17, 2022
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Their Marriage Bargain begins the Dynasties: Tech Tycoons series with an emotionally intense reunion of ex-lovers who did not part on the best of terms, in any sense of that phrase, more like enemies than lovers now… but there is more at stake for them both in this series opening story.
For me, Their Marriage Bargain has all the elements that drew me to Romance in the first place. Two people who were once a couple, one perhaps more emotionally engaged than the other, yet when things turn rough they go their separate ways – not without some serious emotional damage and one secret discovered far too late to change anything for them. Skip forward nine years and both are facing challenges in their business lives, and thanks to Caleb’s grandmother, their personal lives as well. It seems that Gran, who once was the head of their tech company, has laid down some stipulations for her two grandsons and one granddaughter. Marry before a certain age or lose their role in the company that their grandfather built and see the company given over to someone who will tear it apart. It would be easy to dislike his grandmother for her actions, yet I did understand where she’s coming from in her decisions, harsh though they might be. Caleb is up first… and he’s not prepared for the surprises that await him.
Tilda has returned home to care for her ill father who is recovering from heart issues and try to save the company he built from a hostile takeover by Caleb’s group. She hasn’t forgotten Caleb at all, how could she when she looks into their daughter’s eyes every single day? But she’s ready to fight him on this no matter what she must use to protect her father and his company. She didn’t count on several factors, mainly his shock at the discovery of a daughter he never knew existed… or his grandmother’s way of setting the record straight until there is no way except her way in the end. A marriage of convenience is one thing, merging their companies so that no jobs are lost is important but she will never trust him with her heart ever again… or so she thought.
There was not a single thing that I did not like about this story. Tilda and Caleb are realistic, believable, and older now so it’s quite easy to believe that those embers can be relit with time and they certainly have the attraction and sizzle to make it possible. I adored Annika, she’s one smart, funny, precious, precocious little girl who is ecstatic about discovering her father and extended family. Watching father and daughter learn about each other, and find their own unique love was a bonus in this story. Caleb needed to open up himself to possibilities once again. Yes, something major happened around the time he and Tilda broke up… but only if he can find his way to trusting her again with absolutely everything will he find his own happy ending.
There are twists and turns, and definitely, a bad guy or two here to keep readers on their toes wondering when the house of cards is about to fall for them all. I had a blast in this world once again (think Maddox Hill series) and cannot wait to dive into the next story. If you love a solid, good, almost classic romance with believable characters, some depth to the plot, secondary characters who bring more into their world, and a couple that obviously belong together they just have to work out that detail along the way… then you’d love Their Marriage Bargain and getting started on this new series.
Their Marriage Bargain begins the Dynasties: Tech Tycoons series with an emotionally intense reunion of ex-lovers who did not part on the best of terms, in any sense of that phrase, more like enemies than lovers now… but there is more at stake for them both in this series opening story.
For me, Their Marriage Bargain has all the elements that drew me to Romance in the first place. Two people who were once a couple, one perhaps more emotionally engaged than the other, yet when things turn rough they go their separate ways – not without some serious emotional damage and one secret discovered far too late to change anything for them. Skip forward nine years and both are facing challenges in their business lives, and thanks to Caleb’s grandmother, their personal lives as well. It seems that Gran, who once was the head of their tech company, has laid down some stipulations for her two grandsons and one granddaughter. Marry before a certain age or lose their role in the company that their grandfather built and see the company given over to someone who will tear it apart. It would be easy to dislike his grandmother for her actions, yet I did understand where she’s coming from in her decisions, harsh though they might be. Caleb is up first… and he’s not prepared for the surprises that await him.
Tilda has returned home to care for her ill father who is recovering from heart issues and try to save the company he built from a hostile takeover by Caleb’s group. She hasn’t forgotten Caleb at all, how could she when she looks into their daughter’s eyes every single day? But she’s ready to fight him on this no matter what she must use to protect her father and his company. She didn’t count on several factors, mainly his shock at the discovery of a daughter he never knew existed… or his grandmother’s way of setting the record straight until there is no way except her way in the end. A marriage of convenience is one thing, merging their companies so that no jobs are lost is important but she will never trust him with her heart ever again… or so she thought.
There was not a single thing that I did not like about this story. Tilda and Caleb are realistic, believable, and older now so it’s quite easy to believe that those embers can be relit with time and they certainly have the attraction and sizzle to make it possible. I adored Annika, she’s one smart, funny, precious, precocious little girl who is ecstatic about discovering her father and extended family. Watching father and daughter learn about each other, and find their own unique love was a bonus in this story. Caleb needed to open up himself to possibilities once again. Yes, something major happened around the time he and Tilda broke up… but only if he can find his way to trusting her again with absolutely everything will he find his own happy ending.
There are twists and turns, and definitely, a bad guy or two here to keep readers on their toes wondering when the house of cards is about to fall for them all. I had a blast in this world once again (think Maddox Hill series) and cannot wait to dive into the next story. If you love a solid, good, almost classic romance with believable characters, some depth to the plot, secondary characters who bring more into their world, and a couple that obviously belong together they just have to work out that detail along the way… then you’d love Their Marriage Bargain and getting started on this new series.
November 22, 2022
This first book in the Tech Tycoons series is a moving, suspenseful, and sultry, second chance romance. Tilda and Caleb must join forces and get married temporarily, to save both their family dynasties. Unfortunately they have a history that left Tilda heartbroken and unknowingly pregnant. Now eight years later, Caleb is a different man and the spark he had for Tilda reignites. When he finds out he is a father, he is excited and wants to be a good dad to his daughter, Annika. Tilda is cautious of Caleb and doesn't want Annika to get hurt, or maybe herself too, if Caleb walks away again. But the more they get to know each other, the more they like who they are, and the love and chemistry they once shared comes roaring back to life. Just when they begin to plan for a future as a family, others try to break them apart. Will what they have be worth fighting for? I really liked watching Caleb and Tilda reconnect and work through the pain from the past to move forward. I loved the little family they were making together and how Caleb's whole family embraced Annika was so sweet. Caleb's Grandmother made me smile with her meddling, but also made me cry when she first saw Annika and realized she was the exact double of her deceased daughter/Caleb's mother. This moving story of family, betrayal, loyalty, and love is a great start to this captivating series.
July 31, 2022
I have been a fan of Shannon McKenna's books for years and I love how she adds a bit of her romantic suspense writing style into her new contemporary series! Their Marriage Bargain has one of my favorite tropes with a few twists, a forced marriage, a surprise baby and business espionage! 9 years prior Caleb and Tilda were young and full of stars in their eyes. Tilda's also had hearts but Caleb broke her's with some very callous words and she hasn't been the same innocent young lady since. Now she is a single, working mother who is devoted to her daughter, her father and the business project that she plans to change the world with. Caleb has been business focused since childhood and stopping and smelling the roses is not on his radar. When his grandmother maneuvers him into getting married or losing the helm of the family business, he doesn't know what to think. When Tilda walks back into his life with a daughter in tow, Caleb is in shock but knows what he needs to do. So what happens when a marriage of convenience becomes something more? Well you're going to need to read Their Marriage Bargain to find out! It was told from dual POV, was well written with smart and funny banter and plenty of heat!
November 16, 2022
Sweet romance, smart characters, and nice plot.
When a stubborn grandma decides it's time for her grandchildren to wed, nothing will stand in her way. Caleb's grandma threatens him with the company he holds dear when she sets her mind on him getting married.
She doesn't even give a chance to choose his soon to be bride. She already knows who it's going to be.
Here comes a genius woman with a heart of gold not aware that she wasn't stepping into a business meeting but a marriage deal.
All in all, I liked the plot and the interaction between characters(even if I didn't like the grandma very much). I even loved the ending. It's just awesome. And the food! Mouthwatering description of every dish!
The book gets more intense towards the end, when all secrets are revealed, misunderstandings fly all over the place, and then comes the best part, the punch before the groveling speech... How sweet, especially that punch... Oh yes!
Needless to say, where there is a punch, there is me with heart eyes 😍.
I feel like there is always much pressure on the first book in a series. It has to introduce all characters and keep some mystery as to what is going on with their lives while focusing on the two main characters.
That only means that I have more to read and I'd better get at it!
***ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review. Thank you!
When a stubborn grandma decides it's time for her grandchildren to wed, nothing will stand in her way. Caleb's grandma threatens him with the company he holds dear when she sets her mind on him getting married.
She doesn't even give a chance to choose his soon to be bride. She already knows who it's going to be.
Here comes a genius woman with a heart of gold not aware that she wasn't stepping into a business meeting but a marriage deal.
All in all, I liked the plot and the interaction between characters(even if I didn't like the grandma very much). I even loved the ending. It's just awesome. And the food! Mouthwatering description of every dish!
The book gets more intense towards the end, when all secrets are revealed, misunderstandings fly all over the place, and then comes the best part, the punch before the groveling speech... How sweet, especially that punch... Oh yes!
Needless to say, where there is a punch, there is me with heart eyes 😍.
I feel like there is always much pressure on the first book in a series. It has to introduce all characters and keep some mystery as to what is going on with their lives while focusing on the two main characters.
That only means that I have more to read and I'd better get at it!
***ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review. Thank you!
September 4, 2022
Great start to a new Tech Tycoon series. Tilda and Caleb are reunited when his grandmother decides that he will lose the rights to Moss Tech if his not married by age 35. When Tilda reappears in Caleb's life, she also brings with her a daughter he never knew about, but Gran already knows about the child. This story has a lot going on pick it up and read it you want be disappointed. Uncle Jerome was quite character is all I have to say. Nice love story and romance. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 5, 2023
Review
This book is worth reading. CAN'T wait to read other books in this series. You will love the characters. I especially liked the character Annika. She just made the book more enjoyable.
This book is worth reading. CAN'T wait to read other books in this series. You will love the characters. I especially liked the character Annika. She just made the book more enjoyable.
November 18, 2024
Forced to wed
What a totally, and if I say delightful, it totally misrepresents this awesome story! Amazing and colorful characters that steal your heart and emotions and leaves you smiling slightly maniacally at the end (cause we all know what Elaine has up her sleeve).
What a totally, and if I say delightful, it totally misrepresents this awesome story! Amazing and colorful characters that steal your heart and emotions and leaves you smiling slightly maniacally at the end (cause we all know what Elaine has up her sleeve).
July 23, 2022
Love it
September 28, 2022
This is your stereotype Harlequin romance. It was an okay read.
December 13, 2022
I really liked it! There was business, family, love and romance! I love how these 2 characters were brought back to eachother! It was a very fast read!
December 22, 2022
Second chance romance. You get what you expect from this book. Nice touch with LGBTQ family members.....
October 5, 2023
3.5. Wasn't bad. It was slightly predictable but enjoyed it.
May 1, 2024
2,5 stars
This had one formidable grandmother!
Sadly though, the rest of the story was just alright. It was actually a very calm story, except for the forced drama to come crashing down on it at the end.
Because it was simply stupid of him to automatically and out of the blue assume she was cheating and storm in there to beat the guy up when he had just told himself that they needed to talk this out. It was also stupid of her to go spontaneously steal a file instead of talking to him first. You see, communication was very much an issue here. An issue the other elements of the story couldn't make up for.
Plus, I rather dislike it when one of the main characters wants to go way overboard to prove their commitment by abandoning something very important like a huge project or, in this case, the company. At least she was reasonable and didn't let him do it.
It was overall a quick read, yes, but not that good, and I wasn't really invested. The mere fact that my notes for this book don't contain much more than critique says it all.
It left me feeling "meh".
I liked his sister and cousin but I'm not sure if I'll be reading their books too ...
This had one formidable grandmother!
Sadly though, the rest of the story was just alright. It was actually a very calm story, except for the forced drama to come crashing down on it at the end.
Because it was simply stupid of him to automatically and out of the blue assume she was cheating and storm in there to beat the guy up when he had just told himself that they needed to talk this out. It was also stupid of her to go spontaneously steal a file instead of talking to him first. You see, communication was very much an issue here. An issue the other elements of the story couldn't make up for.
Plus, I rather dislike it when one of the main characters wants to go way overboard to prove their commitment by abandoning something very important like a huge project or, in this case, the company. At least she was reasonable and didn't let him do it.
It was overall a quick read, yes, but not that good, and I wasn't really invested. The mere fact that my notes for this book don't contain much more than critique says it all.
It left me feeling "meh".
I liked his sister and cousin but I'm not sure if I'll be reading their books too ...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews