Member Reviews
I read this book 2 times and I still can’t get enough of it. You love it from beginning to end. When I say you get a little bit of everything I’m not lying. This book is worth every minute and more.
3.75 stars-- THE WHOLE PACKAGE is the first instalment in Marie Force’s contemporary, adult MOVIN’ ON erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for Vets on the Go!-a moving company established to help former servicemen. This is thirty-four year old, Vets on the Go co-owner, and former Marine Reid Griffith, and thirty year old, PR expert Naomi Starr’s storyline. For fans of Marie Harte, there is a slight cross-over with characters from the author’s THE DONNIGANS series.
Told from several third person perspectives including Reid, Naomi and Reid’s brother Cash THE WHOLE PACKAGE introduces the concept and characters for Marie Harte’s MOVIN’ ON series. Reid Griffith, along with his brother Cash, and their cousin Evan, own and operate Vets on the Go!, a moving company that hires former servicemen and women, as well as helping those unable to help themselves. When Cash rescues a family from a potential robbery, the entire episode is caught on film, pushing ‘Vets on the Go’ to front page news, news that brings more business than the can handle to their front door. Enter PR expert Naomi Starr, the woman with whom Reid will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Reid and Naomi, and the potential fall-out as Reid suspects Naomi has yet to let go of someone from her past.
Reid Griffith, along with his brother Cash, grew up in a dysfunctional family environment, an environment pushed the brothers closer together but sins from the past, parental abuse and betrayal find the brothers struggling with the who, how and why. Meeting Naomi Starr, Reid sees something he has never had, a potential for a future and a happily ever after. Naomi Starr is the youngest in her family, and has always felt she didn’t quite measure up to her more successful siblings. Starting her own PR firm gave Naomi the chance to forget about the past, a past filled with heart break and hurt.
The relationship between Naomi and Reid begins as a business arrangement when Naomi sees an opportunity for both her firm and Vets on the Go. Still reeling from a broken heart Naomi battles between head and heart when her attraction to Reid is met equally strong by the same reaction from the man with whom she will fall in love. Misunderstanding and miscommunication find our couple at odds as Reid is unable to look beyond Naomi’s past, as past that comes looking for a second chance. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotica and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Reid’s brother Cash, and their business partner and cousin Evan, and Reid and Cash’s mother Angela; businessman and Reid’s friend Chris Jennings, Jameson’s Gym owner and former Marine Mac Jameson, and trainer Gavin Donnigan; Naomi’s equally large extended family of successful siblings, as well as the men and women, former military personnel who work for Vets on the Go!
The world building follows several paths as the author builds and develops some back story for Reid’s brother Cash, as well as the hint of further family drama, secrets and lies. The success of Vets on the Go! Is dependant upon the honesty and hard-working men and women of the family owned business, business that will be hit with betrayal from inside.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE is a story of family, friendship, secrets and lies, hurt, heart-ache and moving on. The premise is real, engaging and inspiring; the characters are sassy, sensitive and spirited; the romance is moving and arousing. THE WHOLE PACKAGE is a wonderful introduction to Marie Harte’s new series MOVIN’ ON.
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The whole package by Marie Harte was a cute read. The hero Reid Griffith was everything I love in a hero. He was smart, sweet, supportive, loyal, and a sexy former Marine. Anyone who knows me knows I have a thing for Military men. Reid was so yummy, cool under pressure, protective and totally kicked ass. God but I wanted to eat him up! Naomi Starr was great too but there were times were I just didn't understand why she acted, said or thought the things she did. I got really annoyed with the way she handled things with her ex Tanner. Still I did really like her. I thought she was smart, sweet, outspoken, and driven in her business.
Naomi and Reid had a great relationship and the smexy time in this book was smoking! Of course it helps that Reid was a sexy beast. I loved the brother relationship between Reid and Cash they reminded me of Landon and Gavin Donnigan from The Donnigans Series. I loved some Landon and Gavin when I read their books. Gavin was my favorite, so when Gavin made an appearance in this book I was so happy. My heart broke for Cash and to be honest I really wish I had his book because I want to see what's up with him and Jordan like right now. Overall a great read and I can't wait to get Cash's book!
Reid Griffith runs a moving company completely staffed by military vets. How sad that this is about all I can come up with to say about him.
Naomi Starr is working hard to make her fledgling PR company successful. When she sees the heroic actions of one of the vets and their moving company truck, she thinks she’s found a winner.
This book moves VERY SLOWLY. It just seemed to go on and on. I felt like I learned more about Cash, Reid’s brother, than I did about Reid. And that isn’t necessarily a good thing. He was obnoxious and overbearing. I was not impressed with Naomi at all. She came across as immature and very insecure. Reid was a bland character who easily melted into the background next to his brother.
Lots of other characters brought in that didn’t add all that much to the story.
I have read and liked other books by this author so I was excited to see the start of a new series. Unfortunately this was fall very short of the mark. It was a completely ho hum read for me. There was no real plot here or much of a storyline. I’m not inspired at all to continue with the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
It's a case of 'no questions asked' when it comes to buying and reading a new release from Marie Harte - I'll admit that Marie is, without doubt, one of my favourite authors.
The Whole Package is book one in the new Movin' On (Veteran Movers) series and it was a really good read.
My only wee thing was that there was a lot going on in this first book. We are introduced to all of the veteran moving crew as well as following Reid and Naomi's story but, in saying that, this is something that Ms Harte has done with other series and in the long run it works as we've kinda got a handle from the outset on the characters still to get their own book.
Reid is a great guy but he takes everything on himself and is so focused on the new business and looking out for his brother that he's not got much of a life of his own.
Naomi is wholly focused on her own up and coming business and having been bitten in the past when it came to relationships, she's not living much of a life either.
The attraction between this pair was almost instant although both were at first hesitant to act on any feelings they had. When they eventually give in it's not supposed to be more than fun and definitely not long term.......
I really enjoyed The Whole Package and am definitely looking forward to Smooth Moves which is the second book in the series and Cash's story!!
I'm giving this book 4.5*
The Whole Package has a lot of super hot sex scenes, but for whatever reason it just didn't resonate with me. I kept waiting for the plot to happen, and it just sort of fizzled for me despite Naomi and Reid's mega-hot chemistry. I thought about DNFing this one at about the 60% mark, but there wasn't anything wrong with it and no real reason to DNF it so I stuck with it. It was just one big "Meh" for me.
The Whole Package is book 1 in the Movin' On series, and can be read as a stand alone.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE is the first story in Marie Harte’s series Movin’ On which has such an intriguing premise of an all Vets moving company that hires only Vets.
There is world building going on in this first story, and I expect that in a new series. We meet several secondary characters who will one day have their own tales told, but for now, there’s a lot going on in this first glimpse into the Vets on the Go! world.
Reid and Naomi are interesting characters, and Naomi’s ex is as much of a jerk as you can possibly find. I wish there had been less of her ex and more of her future romantic interest though as I felt I knew more about Naomi and the jerk than I did about Reid most of the time.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE delivers an entertaining romance with fun banter, a vile villain, steamy moments and a couple to root for to find their happy ever after ending. I’m looking forward to learning more about the people who make up Vets on the Go! in the rest of the series. If you’re in the mood for a fun romance, love to get in on the beginning of a new series by an author who always delivers, then you’ll want to check this one out.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I have to say that I am a fan of Ms.Hartes books and this one is no exception.I enjoy the way she tells a story and makes the characters come to life in a very realistic and true to life way.The whole Package was a very entertaining book from start to finish.I loved that It envolved ex military guys(one of my favorite genres) and how they make it in civilian life.Reid and Naomi were strong characters and I rooted for their hea.This is going to be another successful series I’m sure and I look foward to the next book.
✦Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: THE WHOLE PACKAGE by Marie Harte https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b0P
Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Genre: Western/ Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars
10% into the book and I knew I was going to like it. The group at Vets on the Go moving company are the perfect mix of personalities. Their banter and difficulty getting to know each other was fun to read. Poor Reid looked like a goldfish herder trying to get them all to work together. I liked Reid, he had a vulnerability under his tough exterior that made him real. Naomi was a little harder to read at first, but it didn’t take long for me to warm up to her. I liked them as a couple, each strong, yet still needing strength from the other. The steamy sex blended well with their budding romance and made for a nice read. The biggest thing I liked about this book is the group dynamic. It made me want to be a part of it all, and impatient for the next installment. I’m dying to learn Cash’s story.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Kindle https://amzn.to/2CMfCk9
I love the start to this new series by this author!! The storyline is such a great topic and I enjoyed reading about the brothers and getting the moving business started. The romance was sweet and enjoyable! I definitely look forward to seeing what the rest of the series turns out to be.
I voluntarily reviewed a reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.
Helping servicemen back into society, Vets On The Go, is like a bunch of cats and Reid Griffith is trying desperately to herd them. Oh this book is laugh out loud funny in parts when these guys and gals get going! Reid was a marine but quit to help his brother Cash who struggles with getting along with people. He and his brother have always been there for each other. Their Dad hated Cash, the eldest, for unknown reasons and adored Reid. Their Mom lives in fantasy preferring her soaps to her caring for her sons. Dad's now dead and and the brothers now visit Mom once a month in assisted living.
The opening chapter we find the moving crew breaking up a home invasion across the street from their job, taking down the thieves. The scene is full of action, TV crew, bleeped language and police. Reid is praying Cash keeps his mouth shut and doesn't lose it in front of the cameras. Pretty much sets the tone for the book. Loved it! Vets On The Go gets lots of positive TV exposure. Reed finds he needs to be triplets to handle the PR, new clients and growing business. Enter Naomi Starr, PR expert looking to grow her small PR firm. She once worked for a powerhouse company in Seattle WA until she was fired by her immediate boss Tanner because she was doing better than him. Unfortunately they were lovers and he couldn't deal with the competition. She's now on her own and determined to NEVER mix business and love! She offers Reid her services. Unfortunately for both of them they have instant chemistry as well. They both fight it for quite a while.
I love Marie's stories with the interaction between family and co-workers. She has a gift of conversation and relationships that I like reading. I get invested in her community and want to read it all. Thank you Marie and Sourcebooks for the opportunity to review this story for you.
What could be better than hearing that Marie Hart has a new series coming? I was so beyond excited to learn she was starting another series! I have been sucked into many of her previous series and the characters she has created in the past that I could not WAIT to get my greedy hands on the start of another one.
The <i>Movin’ On</i> series centers around a moving company, Vet on the Go!, owned by two brothers who are veterans and they only hire other veterans to work for their moving company. <i>The Whole Package</i> is Reid and Naomi’s story. Reid is the younger one of the brothers who own the moving company. Naomi is a PR expert who sees Reid’s older brother on the news and decides their moving company is a perfect opportunity to help get her own PR business off the ground.
Both Naomi and Reid are career driven and extremely busy trying to make their own businesses successful. But as you can imagine, sparks instantly fly between Naomi and Reid and keeping things only professional doesn’t last very long. ;)
What I love most about Marie Hart is that she not only gets you invested in the two main characters, but she also gets you invested in all the side characters too. I’m completely sucked into this world she has created with <i>Movin’ On</i> that I’m sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book, <i>Smooth Moves</i> already!
3.5
After their moving company Vets on the Go! gets some publicity after thwarting a house theft during one of their moving jobs. Brothers Reid and Cash Griffith are barely able to keep up with the influx of people who what to hire them for a job.
In comes Naomi Starr of Starr PR who, by helping out the brothers' business, will also be helping her fledgling PR firm.
Neither Naomi or Reid are prepared for the instant chemistry that attracts them to one another. But they are both not looking for anything serious at the moment. Naomi having started her own firm after being "encouraged" to leave her former job when a relationship she had with her boss ended. Having always had a competitive nature with her siblings, Naomi doesn't want to have to tell them of another failing. So denying the building feelings for Reid seems the easiest path to follow.
Reid has never felt that pull towards someone, towards getting close to someone before and this stems from a childhood where he was used to his parents "checking out" when it came to their feelings for their children, and Reid doesn't want to experience something similar in his relationships, so he's always kept the women he's dated at arm's length, yet this is proving difficult to do with Naomi.
This is not the first book I've read by Marie Harte, and I continue to enjoy the idea of many of them taking place in the same world as long-time readers will recognize the appearance of of secondary characters from previous books my Ms. Harte. But for some reason I felt like The Whole Package took some abrupt turns in story-telling that didn't really lend itself well to a smooth read. I felt like this mainly came up during scenes involving Reid and Cash Griffith's family matters. For me, there were a few things not entirely buttoned up by the end of the book. I wonder if the disconnectedness I felt was because the familial issues concern both Reid and Cash. With The Whole Package being focused on Reid, I'm guessing we may get some more answers when we get Cash's book.
I really liked the camaraderie you see forming between the Vets on the Go! group. The Whole Package really shows the group forming and the group dynamic starting up. I look forward to continuing to learn more about these people and seeing, if not their own stories get the spotlight, seeing them play out in the background of the upcoming books.
Now for Naomi and Reid, I really loved their connection and how it plays out. I understand the initial reticence between them but I liked that it wasn't drawn out for a long amount of time, and instead turned to figuring out how they can fit into each other's lives and how they can each get over their hang-ups and actually be together.
Even though I felt like there was some unevenness to the way certain events played out, I still enjoyed the book, and I still am very interested in seeing where the story goes and how things unfold for the other characters. I think we've been given a pretty good idea that Cash (Reid's brother) will be the next one for a book, and his HEA setup seems pretty apparent at this point. I can't wait to see how things play out.
A story of taking another chance with your heart and not being afraid to stand up for what you want. This book has laughter, sexy times, drama and will warm your heart. A wonderful start to the Movin' On series and I'm looking forward to the next one!
Reid and Cash ahd a moving business called Vets On The Go that only hires veterans. Cash and Hector had been on a job when they put down three criminals who were trying to rob a house and had taken a kid named Asher with a knife at his throat when they noticed him watching them. Now the three criminals were duck taped together and waiting for the police. After fourteen years Cash had left the Marine Corps due to a mess with some commanding officers . Though Cash had no doubt been in the right he had mouthed off and offended someone with influential friends. Reid knew Cash would need help on the outside so he had left the Marines also. Reid had done well since the service Cash not so much. Creating Vets On The Go had begun as a way to help Cash earn a living. That it also provided jobs for other Vets was a bonus. Reid and Cash had brainstormed the idea and used Reid’s savings to invest. Their cousin Evan had fronted more funds to get them started. Cash put in what he could. Five trucks later the demand was growing. Naomi Starr felt Vets On The Go had opportunity written all over it as she looked at their website after seeing Cash and Hector on tv after saving Asher. Naomi’s enthusiasm had cooled since getting screwed over - both literally and figuratively by her ex boss Tanner. Naomi had known it was a mistake but still slept with her boss Tanner. Tanner forces her out of the firm when she was more successful than him so she lost her job. It had been a year and a half ago. Since she was at P P and R. Than Naomi started Starr P R and she worked eighty hours a week. She mostly poured all her efforts into her firm since it was just her, Liz and Leo doing everything. Fortunately Naomi still had her friends and contacts and she used them to her advantage. Word had spread that Starr PR was getting a reputation as thorough and easy to work with.Liz was Naomi’s assistant and Leo was the IT man and they worked their tails off. Naomi planned on adding a marketing expert soon. Chris Jenning was CEO of a new and rising tech company and Naomi’s ticket to the big league. If she helped Vets On The Go turn into the big business she felt it could be , she had the feeling it would be just the thing to catch Chris Jenning’s attention. Naomi is attracted to Reid but she had lost one job because of her personal relationship with the boss so she wants to remain professional with Reid even though there was a hot attraction between them. Reid agrees with Naomi. Cash had been emotionally abused but their parents and now their dad was dead and his mother was wasting away in an assisted living home. Naomi has a inferiority complex as everyone on her family is super successful. Than Naomi’s mother and siblings stop in and Naomi tells them Reid is her boyfriend. Even though he’s not. Than Tanner keeps trying to win her back.
I had mixed feelings about this book. Some things I liked and other things not so much. I did like Reid and Naomi together. I liked the respect they showed each other. I liked the plot just not all the subplots. I loved Reid’s and Cash’s relationship. There was too much going on and a few too many characters . This dragged for me at times I think this could have used a little more drama. . I think there should have been more attention on Naomi and Reid. I got a little confused at times. I don’t think Naomi’s ex Tanner should be in this book so much. As you can tell I had mixed feeling about this book.
Marie Harte has become a staple author for me with her interconnected series that I just have to read. The Whole Package is the start of the latest of these series and features a somewhat broody Marine and an PR lady who shines but doesn't see it.
By somewhat broody, I do mean, just a little bit. Reid is definitely not my catnip. He's too put together, too good, and too perfect. Reid's job is to hold the world together. That's not really that far from the truth either. He starts a business to help his brother Cash and now uses it to help others who have separated from the military. Before that, he was trying his best to hold his family (such as it was) together and then supporting and protecting his brother in the Marines. And Reid's the younger brother. Ultimately, my biggest issue with Reid was simple: he wasn't Cash, who is my catnip.
Naomi is the youngest of several siblings, all of whom are high powered somethings with their lives all perfectly put together. Yikes! Unfortunately for Naomi, she feels very far from put together after stupidly sleeping with her boss/coworker and quitting before she got fired. Now she's got her own PR firm but she's just starting out, all over again. Her competitive spirit means she is always comparing herself to her older siblings and always coming out the loser. It's not a good look for her.
Add in some parental drama for Reid, some Cash drama for Reid, and some work drama... also for Reid and Naomi is the one who looks perfectly put together. That hasn't escaped Reid's notice either. But despite all the drama, Reid and Naomi are pretty much drama free.
This is pretty tame on the angst scale, at least for me, with most of it coming from Cash and the familial relationships Reid has. Aside from some self-doubt, Reid and Naomi have a pretty easy go of it. For me, that made it all come together a little too easily but overall it was a good story.
It's a good start to the series and sets things up nicely. I'm beyond grateful that Cash's book is next because yes, the main issue I had with this book was that it wasn't Cash's story.
I loved this story! I found the storyline fun, fresh, and I adored these characters. All of them, especially say whatever he's thinking Cash. Can't wait for his story! A moving company with all that military brawn? Yes, please! Public relations whiz Naomi Starr is determined to help Vets on the Go get their business to the next level. While Naomi has a firm no dating clients rule, Reid Griffith might be worth breaking it. Reid is focused on getting the business firmly in the black while keeping his brother Cash and the rest of the vets they employ on the straight and narrow. What he needs is a little distraction and Naomi Starr may just be what the doctor order.
This is a well written book with a good storyline and nicely developed characters. Naomi is a good strong character and Reid is - well, Reid! I would definitely recommend this one.
A moving company owned by Marines (once a Marine, always a Marine!) that hires vets? As the daughter and wife of career Marines, that sounded right up my alley! This was my first book by Marie Harte, so this seemed like the best one with which to start.
Reid was a former Marine who started Vets on the Go! to help his brother Cash, also formerly a Marine, to better adjust to civilian life . Cash appeared on television with a co-worker when they foiled a robbery. Naomi, who formed her own PR firm after a relationship with her boss at her former company turned south, witnessed it. She thought the moving company had great potential, so she introduced herself to Reid with a sales pitch. Sparks ensued.
The romance between Reid and Naomi was very steamy. Though at times they had trouble communicating, sex was never a problem. Naomi had self esteem issues that I couldn't quite comprehend. I understood that her parents and siblings were over achievers. However, Naomi formed her own successful business by herself, so I didn't quite get her insecurity. I loved the relationship between brothers Reid and Cash; their caring and fighting rang true. The story just seemed to be lacking...something. I can't quite put my finger on it. The brothers' relationship with their mother was never explained to my satisfaction. Also, a problem with a fired employee popped up rather quickly and was concluded just as quickly. If you're just looking for a fun, sexy read, you will enjoy this. The other characters were engaging enough that I will definitely check out the next installment.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Enjoyed it
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Veteran Movers
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
When they set out to make a difference, neither had any idea of the impact it would have on their individual lives. Harte is back with a steamy new series to heat up the bookshelves, straight from the heart. The Whole Package makes all the right moves to get under your skin. Reid's heart is in the right place when he hatches a plan to help former vets adjust to life outside the service. His idea may be great, but he needs more than that to turn it into a realistic goal. Enter Naomi Starr, his greatest professional asset, but a TKO to his heart. Could a match made in PR heaven, be a perfect fit of the heart?