Cover Image: The Whole Package

The Whole Package

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This is my first experience reading this author's work but I'll be reading more in the future because she hit all the marks that make a winning read for me -- sexy hero, strong heroine, interesting secondary characters (that I hope get their own books!) and a fast-moving, interesting plot. I loved that the author gave some insight into Reid and Cash's relationship throughout the book giving it almost a sub-plot to the storyline of Reid and Naomi. Excellent military, contemporary romance! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

This book ticked off a lot of boxes for me. I loved Reid. He's former military, started his own business to help his brother adjust to civilian life and he treated Naomi respectfully while still showing how dirty he could get. That's pretty hot!

Naomi is a very strong heroine that came close to being too much, but Reid seemed to bring her back before that every really happened. My only complaint would be is that I wish they had gotten together as a couple sooner. I wanted more of them as a couple because they were so cute together when they were just them.

Honestly, his relationship with his brother was just as much as attractive as his relationship with Naomi. I loved how much they cared and protected each other. One of the things I love about Marie Harte is she does such a good job with family in her books. The main couple are important but my overall enjoyment of a book increases so much when the side characters in the form of friends and family add to the love story for me.

The Whole Package had a great cast of side characters in Reid's brother and their employees within Vets on the Go. I loved all them to a point that I think it would be awesome if they each get their own book. I'm looking forward to more.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked the concept of Reid and his brother, Cash's business. A moving company that hires veterans. Instantly, I was rooting for the brothers. Although, I will admit that Cash won me over first before Reid. This is because Cash has a more outgoing personality. While, this story is Reid and Naomi's story, I was glad to see Cash featured as well. While, I may not have enjoyed this book, I do want to read Cash's story.

The reason that I struggled with this book is because I had trouble finding a deep emotional connect towards Reid and Naomi. Additionally, if you have read many romance stories; this book follows the same layout...guy meets woman...guy and woman fall for each other and hook up...there are troubled waters...guy and woman make up and find their happy ending. Not that there is anything wrong with this storyline. I love a great romance story. Just for this to work, you have to find that close connection towards the characters. I felt like I did not get the "whole package" as it was missing some key elements for me.

Was this review helpful?

Former Marine Reid Griffith is trying to help his brother adjust to civilian life and other servicemen/women that he can. What better way to utilize their skills and allow them to feel needed and do hard work, than to open up a moving company called Vets on the Go. Reid prides himself on being strategic, he didn't plan to fall for Naomi Starr a PR whiz.

Naomi is determined to bring Vets on the Go into the spotlight after Reid's brother, Cash and a fellow employee stopped a robbery. When they stop the robbery they begin getting more attention than they are able to handle, and Reid struggles to help the increase in business. When she meets Reid she really has to fight not to break her rule of mixing business and pleasure. Naomi's rule started after she was asked to leave her previous job because she was out performing her boss and he couldn't handle it.

I really enjoyed getting to know Reid and Naomi. She is a hard headed woman who has a strong family of over achieving siblings she feels like she needs to compete against. Reid is her match in every way and his strong personality after growing up in an abusive household where her parents checked out. Naomi was there for both Cash and Reid when their mother died and when a previous employee of theirs tried to rob their rich friend. I really enjoyed the banter between Cash and Jordan, I can't wait to see more of that and I hope they end up together in the end. That will be a hilarious book.

Was this review helpful?

The sparks were flying between the pages of The Whole Package, this newest offering from Ms. Harte comes brimming with smoldering toe curling heat! This delightful tale introduces readers to Reid and Naomi, who are brought together by Reid's moving company Vets on the Go, which he runs with some fellow vets.

It's business that draws these two together, but soon after it's the undeniable chemistry that keeps them circling on the same path. But adding romance to their business relationship could bring unnecessary drama, and neither of them have time for that, or do they? This forbidden little romance is certain to win the hearts of readers, with it's sexy former Marine starring hero, and feisty heroine their sure to discover a story that satisfies on all fronts! It brought me many moments to smile about, and the feels were a plenty...highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Definitely missing something
2 stars

Marie Harte seems to be an author who writes a lot of different genres - contemporary, historical, menage, fantasy etc etc. Despite this, I’m pretty sure that this is the first of her books that I’ve read.

Sadly, this book didn’t inspire me to delve into her back catalogue. It really was missing something for me - and I’m sorry to say that I think that the something might be a plot.

The premise sounds fun and quirky - the main reason I picked up this book was because I love a contemporary romance that adds something a little different into the mix. A bunch of hot (obviously) veterans starting their own moving business? Yes, please! But almost from the very first, this book didn’t live up to my expectations.

I didn’t mind Naomi but she didn’t really inspire any great feelings in me - good or bad. But at least she was better than poor Reid who just seemed to blend into the wallpaper. His brother, Cash, was a bit more developed as a character but I really, really didn’t like him. I like a bad boy - especially one with a dirty mouth - but good God, that man needed to sit down and shut up. There were also a slew of other characters popping up all over the place but they were very one-dimensional and I neither cared for them nor really understood their relevance to the story.

But the main thing was that nothing really happened. Two people met, liked each other, got together, had a misunderstanding, overcame that misunderstanding, and lived happily ever after. I was waiting for something - anything - more. Yet despite the simple plot, the book seemed to go on for a long time. Other reviewers have called this a ‘slow burner’ so perhaps I’m just a little less patient than them.

There were times - a lot of times - in the book where I think Naomi was supposed to come across as a strong, independent female. Instead, she came across as an immature and hugely insecure girl. And even if that message had come across, Reid and Cash - and at times just the general dialogue - were misogynistic at worst - ignorant and tactless at best. It was creepy and left me with a grimace on my face as I read - never a good sign.

So, this book didn’t inspire any great feelings in me. Despite the things I disliked, I imagine that the book will fall easily from my mind in the coming days and weeks. Which means that I won’t be averse to picking up other books by Marie Harte in the future. This one’s not for me, but give it a go if you’re a fan, as I do note that there are many people who have very much enjoyed this story. 2 stars from me.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the cover of this book and the description sounded good, but once I started reading it just kind of fell flat. Harte is one of my favorite authors and I enjoyed reading The Donnigans’ series and the Body Shop Bad Boys series but this one I could not really get into the story or the characters and I tried really hard. The book just kept coming up short and could not hold my interest like usual. I did finish it, though it took longer than my usual read because I kept putting it down and going back, I was just not thrilled with the story; it was not a memorable one for me…just more meh, I read it. There was so much going on, so many characters and additional subplots sneaking in and unresolved things left hanging that I was having a hard time keeping up with it all. Reid was an ok character, sweet and charming and Naiomi I did not really like or dislike, she was just there. Out of all the characters main and sub, Cash is the one that really drew my attention. There actually seemed to be some depth and intrigue surrounding him and I think I would enjoy reading his story and getting to know his character more.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am proving my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley and here is my honest reveiw.

I was excited to read this book after reading the description. However it did take some time for me to get into reading it I had to start and stop a couple times. Once I finally got into it I liked the story. While this isnt one of my favorite books by this author I definitely think you should check it out. I will be checking out the next one. Every book cant be the most amazing best book ever but this was a decent read. It was a unique storyline with some interesting characters. Reid and Naomi are the main characters . The premise behind the book is a moving company for veterans. Then Naomi a PR whiz comes to help the company but doesnt plan on falling for Reid. I am really looking forward to Cash's story. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! You can easily sit down and read this in one sitting. I know the author has to be planning more in this series, because the supporting cast is phenomenal! They each have to have their own HEA. Marie Harte is a new author for me, but I plan on putting her on my must read list. I loved the snappy dialog between Reid and Naomi. The sparks fly right off the bat and you are rooting for these two to get together! I already see sparks between others on the crew of Vets on the Go! And can hardly wait to see more in this series. Please hurry! Thanks for adding this ARC on Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

The Whole Package was a whole mess. Too many characters, too many side plots going nowhere, and the MCs had no idea what to do with themselves. Marie Harte has a talent for writing rough and tumble families and friends with humor, wit and a whole lot of heat; all were missing here.

Former Marine Reid has a moving company (Vets on the Go!) that pr exec Naomi wants to pitch because she's angling to be hired by another business known for supporting military veterans. Naomi and Reid are instantly attracted but Naomi was burned by her last boyfriend (who was also her boss) who forced her out of the firm because she was more successful than him. Although Reid is not her boss, Naomi declares that dating a client is an equally big sin. So of course, Naomi and Reid hook up while insisting they are just sleeping together, that's it, nothing else to see here, folks.

Meanwhile, Reid has a mess of an older brother, Cash, who was emotionally abused by their parents. Their dad is dead and mom is wasting away in an assisted living home. Reid's trying to keep Cash in line while running the business with an assortment of former military folks with their own quirks and issues. Their business is next door to other quirky businesses (surly computer dudes and a woman teaching female empowerment classes). I'm so confused.

Other Marie Harte characters pop in to say hi. Reid's cousin Evan works for Vanessa and Campell. Reid and Cash go to the Donnigans' gym and get into a bizarre fight with some other guy who has his own set of cousins. Naomi runs into Sadie and Elliott's cafe. I'm still so confused.

Then Naomi's mother and siblings drop in, causing Naomi to panic and pretend Reid is her boyfriend. Apparently, Naomi suffers from some kind of stubborn inferiority complex because everyone in her family is super accomplished. But they all like Reid and not Naomi's former boyfriend who keeps popping in to woo Naomi back. Naomi, despite having loads of sexy times with Reid, can't firmly tell her old boyfriend to back off or articulate to Reid that she is kinda-maybe-sorta falling for him. Still confused and now getting irritated here.

Oh, and then Reid and Cash's mom dies, leaving a big mystery about Cash's parentage that is completely unresolved. Naomi, by the way, never tells her family that her new boyfriend's mother died, so poor dead Angela becomes some weird background plot hanging in the wind.

Throw in another weird subplot about Reid and Cash trying to deal with a larcenous ex-employee, and my head was too full of characters and not enough actual romance. Naomi and Reid just never gelled for me. I didn't like them as individuals and certainly didn't buy them having a future together.

I was really surprised by how underwhelmed I was by Naomi and Reid's romance. I've really enjoyed Marie Harte's blue collar eyes in the past, especially the McCauley brothers series. This one just had too much world-building and not enough emotion building. I'm guessing Cash's book is next and hoping that the Marie Harte magic returns with it.

Was this review helpful?

I mainly read The Whole Package due to the synopsis of the story, especially since I loved the idea of Military Veterans owning a moving company. This was not something I’ve read before, and I love reading different storylines. I’ve been reading a lot of billionaire/lawyer stories or PNR with alpha males. I also love finding another author to read, and I’ve meant to read Marie Harte’s books.

After reading The Whole Package, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would due to some issues with the characters and the rushed storyline. I felt that the main characters Naomi and Reid were not compatible with each other. Don’t get me wrong I loved Reid. He had some very honorable and charming traits about him. He was a former Marine who happened to own the Moving company along with his brother Cash who I fell in love within the story. I felt Reid was the star of the book and not Naomi. Naomi had some qualities I liked about her. She’s an independent business owner who is becoming very successful after her last job. She ended up hooking up with someone she shouldn’t of, and poor Reid didn’t like her ex-fling.

There was the issue of the instant-love between the two. Sometimes I enjoy those kinds of connections. (I do watch a lot of Hallmark movies.) Unfortunately, this instant-love was too rushed. There was also the issue of Naomi and Reid being with each other due to her helping with PR with Reid and Cash’s company.

What I enjoyed about the story though were the secondary characters that were all introduced in the first book that worked at the Moving Company. I can’t wait to read who Cash ends up with because the person will have to win over Cash’s heart. He’s not an easy character, but he tells how it is. There was also the love and drama between the two brothers. Both Cash and Reid will watch other’s backs, even when they end up fighting with each other on some things.

Overall, the book gets three stars from me. I do recommend it to readers of the Contemporary Romance genre and if you are a fan of Marie Harte’s books. This was the first book I’ve ever read by Marie Harte, and I definitely will be checking out her other books. In the meantime though, I’ll anxiously wait for Cash’s book, and I hope the character he falls for is someone that can handle his tactics. I will say this; you did a small POV of Cash in this story, which is why I’m anxiously waiting for his story. I love getting to read his POV.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED this book. The heroine was my favorite part. She was such a badass and I loved how strong and confident she was. It was great being introduced not only to the hero but to his company as well. Their dynamic among each other was so great and a nice balance. I can't wait to read more about these veterans. My only quibble was the end was such a quick resolution and there was no epilogue so it just came to a halt.

Was this review helpful?

Great book about ex-Military veteran Reid who is trying to run moving company with his brother and finds love with PR Naomi. Naomi wants to grove her company and finding Reids she sees perfect opportunity. At first, all is business but it soon becomes more. The attraction that boils between them soon erupts. But Reid is having family issues and so does Naomi and also she doesn't want to make the mistake from the past again. Both Naomi and Reid are great and make an amazing couple. I just didn't understand brothers POV in the book doesn't that mean that the next book will be about him? Enyoabell read.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Was this review helpful?

A big thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks/Casablanca for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This was just afun, quick book to read. The characters were fun And the story interestin. I found this well worth the read. I think .org romance readers will enjoy. I give it a 3.5 rating.

Was this review helpful?

This was an great contemporary romance read that checks all the boxes. The pacing was well-developed and has a large cast of supporting characters. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

Amazing start to a new series. Reid and his brother started a company called Vets on the Go. As a PR wiz, Naomi knows that she can help them, and when she meets Reid she finds a man that is kind and sensitive. Great chemistry between these two. I can't wait to read more.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The Whole Package is a great read. You will love Cash and Reid brothers and owners of Vet on the Go moving company. I love that this book has veterans front and center. Reid is the more level headed of the two brothers and such a sweetie. You will just fall for him. Naomi is amazing. I just love how she steps up and doesn't give Reid much of a choice but to hire her PR team. You can feel the chemistry from the start. I love the slow burn between Naomi and Reid. When you read Naomi's backstory you can understand why she may hesitate. Such a sweet read. I for one can't wait to see what happens with Cash next.

Was this review helpful?

Reid is very sweet and sensitive. I for one don't mind if a man cries when his mom dies. He shows his sensitive side repeatedly around Naomi. Perfect book boyfriend material right there. I like the idea of Reid's business only hiring Vets. Great book all around.

Was this review helpful?

meh. That is my overall feeling about this. Didn't love it but didn't hate it. I felt like I got to know Cash instead of Reid and I thought Naomi was a bit immature. ( I had to look up the heroine's name, if that is any indication of how this is!) The story was a bit forced and there was too much going on so it felt like the book went on forever.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read by this author. I loved it and I thought it was a great start to this new series. The thing that first drew me to this book was the cover and the blurb. From the very first chapter I was drawn into this book. This book was such a great sweet funny romance. I loved Reid and Naomi. They were great together. The side characters and the journey that I found myself on while reading this book was amazing. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. Thanks Net Galley. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?