He’s as ruthless in business as he is in the bedroom… Years ago, I was burned by a woman.I forgave, but I haven’t forgotten, and it’s a road I’ll never go down again.My career has become my life instead. I’m Max Graham, the biggest music agent in the business. Women love me, but I don’t do love anymore. I’ve found another way to meet my needs.Eve Kennedy—stylist to the stars and total … needs.
Eve Kennedy—stylist to the stars and total bombshell. By far, she’s the most daring woman I’ve ever had in my bed with a sexual appetite as ferocious as mine.
We might just have the hottest sex life in Miami and LA.
We don’t date anyone else—although, sometimes, we invite someone for a night. We travel the world, and I lavish her with gifts. But she knows my career comes first.
And the best part? For the past two years, she’s been happy with our arrangement.
Or so I thought.
I’ve survived heartbreak once before, but this one could be the end of me.
There are four stand-alone books in this series:
Signed — Brett’s Book
Endorsed — Jack’s Book
Contracted — Max’s Book
Negotiated — Scarlett’s Novellamore
I have just finished reading Contracted by Marni Mann and I am such a happy reader right now! Contracted has every element that you could possibly want in a sexy romance novel and then it triples it. There is a lot of sex, so you need to have your fan set to high when you settle down to read this scorcher. Some of the sex is pure raunch and some of it is so much more.
The passion and connection are undeniable between Max and Eve but Max has been hurt before and now life has to fit around the career that has become his main focus. Unfortunately, that includes the time he spares for Eve. That he cares for her is obvious from the start, but can he reasonably expect the talented, beautiful, intelligent and sexy Eve to hang around for him to spare her a little time? Should she put her future prospects on hold to be at his beck and call?
I warn you, this book is a rollercoaster ride and you will feel a wide range of emotions but if you are anything like me you will wish that this book could go on and on because it is so good that you won’t want it to end.
I was gifted a copy of Contracted by Marni Mann and Social Butterfly PR This has in no way influenced my opinion or any part of this review.
Marni Mann at her best!
Holy mother of dragons this book is sizzling hot!
This passion filled romance was the perfect read!
Devilishly dirty with two fantastic and equally strong hot smart characters!
Max and Eve had a perfect arrangement that was a wet dream come true until it didn’t!!
What do you do when you’re not on board with your partner?
The writing was spot on, sharp, clever and steamy!!
The characters were both strong, stubborn and pure alpha! The story flowed nicely and there were some twists that gave it a little angst.
These characters were so sexy and hot, even the kindle needed to cool off!
I’m talking smoldering HOT!!
The chemistry between Mac and Eve was combustible, sexy and full of goodness.
A must read!
Max Graham doesn’t do love, the mere mention of it and he is headed for the door, he tangled with it once, and it didn’t end on a good note, so from then on out it was strings-free only. Then Eve Kennedy wandered into his life, and before long he found himself wanting to keep her around, so they continued to see each other non-exclusively when their schedules allowed. But with everyone else around them starting to settle down, and start on their happily ever afters, Eve has started to drop hints that she would like to have that someday too, but it’s just not something Max wants….ever! So before long Eve stops taking his calls, missing their planned meetings, and Max starts to wonder if he made a mistake telling her he didn’t see that kind of future for them. After being burnt by love all those years ago nearly killed him, it took him a long time to get over it, so his willingness to get serious again just isn’t coming easily… but if he doesn’t open his mind and heart to it again, he may just miss out on a life with an amazing woman!
Within the first few pages of this one I knew I had a wonderful journey awaiting me, a unattainable bachelor who was determined to not fall victim to love again meant there would be lots of angst and feels ahead… and boy was I right! This one really tugged on the heartstrings, I couldn’t help but hurt for these two lovebirds, at times I wanted to smack Max because of his stubbornness, but I also understood where he was coming from too, and was able to feel his pain too. It was such a heart-wrenching story line filled with lots of unexpected surprises and touching moments, but it also came with lots of steamy moments too that had my knees weak and toes curled too… another stellar addition to the series! Highly recommend this one, it’s loaded with feels that will speak to your heart and steam to curl your toes!! I requested an advanced copy of this title, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
I have read the two previous books about this group of friends and have loved them, but Contracted by Marni Mann is an entirely different level. This is a standalone and can be read as such. Marni is just writing each of the friend’s story in their own book. I highly recommend reading the previous two books as they are great books, but it is not necessary to enjoy this one.
Max Graham’s life is good. He is at the top of his business, a music agent, in a business he runs with his friends. He is successful and has all he could ask for. Eve Kennedy is ambitious and successful in her own right as the stylist to the stars. Together they have an agreement that has worked for them for the last few years. Great sex and no commitments with great times enjoyed by both. This works, until it doesn’t.
Max and Eve have amazing chemistry, are great together and have a lot of fun, but something has changed for Eve. She is staring to want more, but can Max give her what she wants? With is workaholic nature and need to keep things light and as uncomplicated as possible, he does not think he can. But is it worth losing her?
The feels in Contracted are all over the place. Max and Eve steamily delicious when they are together, but when things start to shift, they need to figure out what they really want and if it worth fighting for. This was an emotional story of love and hope and one I highly recommend!
4.5 stars. Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
This is the first book I’ve read by Marni Mann and I have to say I’m looking forward to reading more of her books. After the first few chapters I thought I knew what direction the book was going in but boy was I wrong. Before long I was drawn into an amazing love story between Max and Eve. The characters were very well written and really relatable. I was so into this book I finished it within just a few hours. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance with very erotic love scenes.
Reviewed by: Mackenzie D.
Contracted by Marni Mann is the third book in this series and I loved it. This is Max and Eve’s story and OMG…it was definitely my favorite.
This novel was hot and steamy, it was emotional and swoony. The characters were perfect together. Max and Eve were made for each other. This M/F story did not skimp on the steam and had a M/F/F scene in one of the chapters. These characters were complex and the author did an amazing job of showing the character development through out the story and we got the dual POV giving us their thoughts throughout the novel.
I loved that we get the other characters from the previous novels in this book. They added balance and lent support to the main character which was greatly needed.
The story line was a bit emotional at times and it will tug at your heartstrings however the HEA ending was downright perfect. This page-turner will have you glued to your seat wanting more. It was a phenomenal read, definitely worthy of more that 5 stars and I would highly recommend it.
Contracted, by Marni Mann is a mix of romance, drama, angst and eroticism. This is the 3rd book in this interconnected series. We finally get Max & Eve’s story. Max Graham is self-confessed workaholic. He puts his relationships on the backburner for work and has lost relationships due to his job yet his relationship with Eve is one that has worked because neither puts limits or time contraints or a label on what they have. Eve Kennedy is his counterpart when it comes to ambition, passion and excitement. Both went into what they have and decided to have a no strings affair/relationship , one that includes no monogamy, no strings and no planning for futures. Everything works perfectly for both sides until…one person develops feelings. Eve realizes that she has fallen in love with Max and that she wants moe from Max- her biological clock is ticking , she wants to know that he wants to be with her and her only, not just be another notch in his bedpost. Things that are against them is she lives in LA and he in Miami. Another, Max doesn’t want a relationship, he wants to keep things the way they are. Their friends with benefits relationship is at an impasse and Eve is tired of being the one who makes time to see him when he doesn’t try for her. This has all the feels, all the angst and I liked how the author did show that the road to happiness ever after isn’t easy peasy but there are bumps on top of bumps but when it comes to love, you always find a way to make things happen. The chemistry between Max and Eve is pretty intense; its spicy and steamy. I enjoyed finally getting Max and Eve’s love story. Contracted needs to be on everyone’s must read list like now. I look forward to Scarlett’s story next in this series.
My Rating: 4.8 stars *****
Holy heck. If I thought I loved Marni Mann’s books in the past, I didn’t know what true love was. THIS BOOK IS FREAKING AMAZING. As in, in my top 10 of the books I’ve read this year, and I would just like to be able to read it for the very first time again. Eve and Max are EVERYTHING. They set their world on fire with the amount of heat their attraction generates. There sex life is so unassumingly wicked. And their emotions and personalities held me willingly captive throughout there amazing story.
This book did me in. I seriously devoured it in a single afternoon, and was left feeling completely bereft and in a funk. I was not expecting this much passion, this much emotional savagery, or to be this fascinated. Just be prepared to dedicate some serious time to Max and Eve, because they deserve it. Their story is one of a couple who set out to act on their undeniable chemistry, but found themselves eyeballs deep in an emotional entanglement with their hearts.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s simply not possible. I will say without a doubt it’s a must-read, and I will be recommending it far and wide to all who will listen. It’s amazing, and it’s really as simple as that.
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Derek Block introduced me to Marni Mann and I was hooked.
Contracted is effing hot.
It’s emotional, I did get a bit teary eyed a time or two, but mostly it’s just plain hot. You get cuddling to flat our hard core and everything in between, but I expected nothing less. Of all the things I loved about this book, the best part for me was Eve’s realizing she was worth more than what she was getting, being strong enough to walk away when the time came.
Seeing her woman up an go after exactly what she wanted and accepting nothing less was the highlight, I love a strong heroine and she made me proud!
Contracted is a must read for any fan, an if you aren’t it’s a great book to start with.
4.5*
Max is the third playboy to tame, but it won’t be easy.
Max’s only focus is his career and then everything else, love and compromise is the last thing he needs, he has been there and he swore he wouldn’t be there again.
That’s why his relationship with Eve works for him, and for her too. Both are focused in their jobs.
But that changes when Eve stars thinking about her future, she is not closed to marriage or kids but she doesn’t focus on it right now but when she sees her best friends going for all those things, her eyes and hearts open for a new possibility but maybe Max is not that guy for her.
When Eve realizes Max won’t put an effort on them, she takes an one in a life time opportunity and starts focusing on her, her work and her life in general. That’s like a wake-up-cal for Max and he knows Eve is everything he has always wanted but was afraid to admit. Now he needs to win her back.
“I know where I went wrong, and I’m doing everything I can do to fix it.”
Max and Eve are great characters, I loved both of them, specially Eve, because even when she didn’t realize what her true feelings were, she gave everything for Max, that without being naïve or silly, but she really wanted to make clear where her priorities lied and wanted to show her true feelings.
I enjoyed the story as it was because it was great, the storyline, the characters and obviously reading about a hard-head-almost-impossible-to-tame-man making some sense of his life and finally fighting his fear and for what he wanted.
5 LA to Miami Stars!!!
I have enjoyed all the books so far on the Men of “The Agency” but Max’s story in Contracted is by far my most favorite! Written flawlessly and flowed perfectly, I was unable to put this book down once I started.
Max is a workaholic always on the go, meetings, dinners, concerts, you name it. But that is what has made him who he is. Willing to work 16 plus hours a day, 7 days a week has granted him the lifestyle that he has worked so hard to get.
Eve is just like Max, being a stylist to so many LA customers, she has built the business from ground up and is constantly on the run from client to client. Her business is the world to Eve.
Two years into a relationship together, with Max based out of Miami and Eve in LA, how much longer can these two continue to meet up on the whim. Count on a free 20 minutes to catch a quickie together? Its hard for anyone to do a long distant relationship. Now toss in two job obsessed individuals. Set up for a disaster or set up for the long run?
This book had all the feels!!! Not to mention a great present from Eve to Max in the first part of the book –insert warning to wear sham-wow panties during this part—had me squirming in my chair!!! Absolutely loved how headstrong both Eve and Max were. Eve didn’t back down from her ‘More’ plea and Max stood behind her in what she chose.
Great Job Marni!!! This book was awesome!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
5 ” I love you more” stars
This is the BEST book of the series. We’ve had Brett & James story , Jack & Samantha story, so Max & Eve story was next step and it’s a giant leap from first book, In terms of heat, angst, tears & Passion. Max Graham is self confessed workaholic. An ambitious agent on the rise & rise and he works his tight ass off, for it. Eve Kennedy is his counterpart & match in ambition, zeal, passion and sexuality. She’s an equal partner throughout their relationship. Choosing to remain in-the-moment, no strings attached, no future planning, no tantrums, no monogamy. It’s a match made in heaven where hungry bodies need to be fed & replenised, hearts are kept aside.
“We’re talking about Max Graham. That man doesn’t compromise. He’s as ruthless in business as he is in the bedroom and everyday life. It’s his way. Always. And there are no exceptions.”
That becomes a problem because Eve’s heart develops a crack and feelings seep in
They. Are. Doomed !.
She starts looking for MORE , could be James’s impending nuptials, or her ticking biological clock or the fact that Max has consumed her senses all around.
“I want to wake up next to you every morning . I want to eat breakfast with you when we get home from the gym. I want to jump in the shower with you as you’re getting ready for work. I want to see your face over candlelight. I want your lips to be the last thing I kiss before I close my eyes.”
Now the story is at an impasse and Marni skillfully negotiates around the minefield of emotions, carrying wounded hearts and career mirages. Skirting around personal ambitions and golden futures, they are charging at windmills it seems. Marni is a master at writing smouldering sex scenes, very detailed yet fresh, she keeps the readers spellbound and this book is no different. I was moist in my eyes and otherwise ;p it touched my heart and my soul at multiple places.
Eve, You deserved more.
I know that.
I wish I’d given it to you.
I wish you’d let me give it to you now. —Max
I’m guessing Scarlett still hasn’t met her match or else her book would be out too
#WriteMarniWrite, we need scarlett’s story and probably Shawn’s story next. Come to think of it, could be just one book **hint..hint** marni!
Amazing story, I read it in one go!
Good grief! This book gave me plenty of bookgasms, then finished me of with a bookheadache. I couldn’t pick up another book for a whole day and that’s not like me.
Contracted is the third in the collection of standalones about the owners of ‘The Agency, I guess Marni could call the series by that name if she was so inclined lol.
In this story we get to find out about Max and Eve relationship which was hinted at in Signed and discussed in Endorsed. Eve is James’s best friend and that’s how she met Max. They hit it off right from the start and for the last two years have been in an exclusive ‘friends with benefits relationship. Only somewhere along the line, Eve has started to want more and it’s only been exacerbated by James and Brett’s upcoming nuptials.
She tries to subtly show Max, but he remains oblivious to her wishes.
Max has been badly burned in the past and has sworn off on love and all it entails. He can’t see the wood for the trees and doesn’t even realize how he truly feels until he’s faced with the one loss he can’t live without. Added to that, he literally married to his work, he refuses to bend on any request that Eve makes in which they could have more time together.
In fact, even though he was insanely hot, and had all the moves, I kinda didn’t like him for a lot of the story. Eve was a strong, self-sufficient sexy woman but she let Max have him way, far too much. She needed to tell him what was what much sooner.
When the opportunity of a lifetime comes her way, she’s torn. She has the chance to live and work overseas for six months. She wants to do it, but at the same time, she wants Max to demand that she stays with him.
What will he do?
Max and Eve are a fantastic couple. They work well together on the pages, their relationship is insanely hot, they talk, but it’s the sex that mostly rules their time together. And it’s filthy, dirty and by god, your kindle will steam up constantly. These two give bunnies a run for their money. But, when we get to the nitty gritty of the story, that’s when the emotions takeover. It’s gripping and heartbreaking at times. I laughed a lot, I also cried and boy did I swoon. This has been the best book so far, I can’t wait for Samantha’s, and maybe even a few more after that, who knows?