William Drake's living an ordinary life—he's got a job, a dog, and a house near Lake Superior—when a frantic call for help from his ne'er–do–well sister, Katrina, throws a big rancher–shaped kink in the works. Proving that no good deed goes unpunished, Will's arrival at the Montana ranch belonging to Katrina's fiancé, Martin, is marked by a flat tire and unexpected help from a tall, dark, and handsome Good Samaritan who turns out to be Elijah Hunter, Martin's brother, and the most unsettling man Will has ever met.
Eli's fury over Katrina's misdeeds boils over onto Will, and he demands that Will remain on the ranch until the matter is resolved. While Will can take Katrina's place, Eli doesn't make it easy, testing Will at every turn, but Will's uncompromising morals exceed even Eli's exacting standards. The attraction growing between them is further complicated by Eli's ultimatum: he's still holding Katrina to the pre–nup she signed... unless Will agrees to marry Eli instead.
Review
Signed and Sealed is a fun and engaging novel that tells the tale of a brother, Will, who has always felt that he was second to his sister Katrina. This story by B.A. Stretke is about Will’s having to clean up another of Katrina’s messes, though this time she’s in deep. While trying to snag a rich husband, she has met her match with brother of the intended groom, Eli. Eli made Katrina sign a contract that she will marry his brother Martin or pay $500,000. Of course Katrina doesn’t have that so she and Eli arrange a trade – Will for Katrina.
While I enjoyed the book, the story itself seemed a little far-fetched. I can’t imagine anyone holding a person hostage for the actions of someone else. It sounds almost like ransom. And I can’t believe that Will actually agreed to stay and try to work this out. I love my family but this would be taking it to the extreme. “Not my issue” would have been my response. I guess what makes a novel interesting and pleasing for me is the believability of the story, how well I can relate to it. I can relate to the physical attraction but the whole ransom thing is beyond my comprehension.
Read it, maybe you’ll like it. There is definitely some smoldering sensuality in there that can get your motor running.
