A tyrant by day, a playboy by night. That is the reputation that precedes Richard VanRyan. He lives life the way he wants, no concern for the opinion of others. He cares for no one, is completely unrepentant, and he has no desire to change his ways.Katharine Elliott works under Richard as his PA. She despises him and his questionable ethics, but endures all the garbage he sends her way, because … because she needs the job. Her end goal is far more important than the daily abuse and demands she tolerates from her nasty tyrant of a boss.
Until the day, he asks her for something she never expected. A new role with a personal contract— fiancée instead of PA.
What happens when two people who loathe each other, have to live together and act as though they are madly in love?
Sparks.
That’s what happens.
Can the power of love really change a person?
Will they survive the contract?
What do you do when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you can’t live without?
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5 STARS
What an emotional read! I loved the journey that Melanie Moreland took me on through Richard and Katharine’s relationship. I loved seeing the growth and self discovery in Richard. As well as seeing how selfless, yet fierce Katharine is throughout the book. Their story made me laugh, cry and was just so heartwarming. I truly didn’t want it to end!
“She made it into a home. Our home. Without her, it was nothing. Without her, I was nothing.”
This book was EPIC and I highly recommend picking it up. This is the first book in The Contract Series, now on to the rest. The Contract by Melanie Moreland will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!
Melanie has once again pulled me into her world with her characters and their story!
Richard and Katherine have a working relationship. Richard is a cold, savy business man that has a cold heart and a sharp tongue and he thrives in the advertising world . He is a tyrant and never shows affection .
Katherine is a sweet, smart woman who has had to work hard for everything she has and to provide for those she holds dear to her heart. She would do anything for them including work for a horrible boss like Richard. The tables turn the day Richard is passed over for a promotion and decides he needs to seek revenge. His plan includes Katy and she is stuck between the love she has for her family and the man who could provide everything that they need and more. This was such a beautifully heartbreaking story of self discovery, individual growth and leaning to love yourself and others.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Great characters, great relationships, all the feels
Book 1 in The Contract series, I was doing a re-read in preparation for The Amendment, Book 3 when I realized I didn’t have a review posted for it. My first book by this author, I read it initially when it came out, and it made me an instant fan.
Fake girlfriend/fake fiancée stories are some of my favorites, plus there’s enemies to lovers thrown in as well, another favorite storyline. Richard is a major a-hole to Katy from the start, and the genius of the author is that she walked that fine line of still managing to make me care about him in spite of it.
I loved the character growth we get to see, though Katy’s is less growth and more evolution from the meek mouse Richard thought he knew, to the strong, intelligent, spirited, and caring woman she actually is. Richard does grow, mostly as result of the real Katy’s influence, but also from a couple of secondary characters play who key roles; the author did a wonderful job with all her characters.
It was the characters and their relationships—and all the emotions that go along with them—that really made this book for me and made sure I’d be reading more from this author. 5+ stars
I feel in love with Melanie Moreland’s writing when I read book one of the Vested Interest series at the recommendation of friend. I then binge read the entire series and fell in love with each couple. Naturally, I was drawn to read the Contract which features Richard as our leading man, and was thrilled that his friends from the previous books made appearances.
The Amendment can be read as a standalone, but I do encourage you to first read the Contract, which is free on kindle unlimited if you subscribe, then the Baby Clause which is a free novella, and then the Amendment. By doing so, you will come to know how Richard first met Katy, and the rocky road that they endured and the realizations that they came to before they wed. I so love a book that takes you on a journey and gets you totally invested in a story and that is what Melanie does with her writing. The pages flow effortlessly and you will find yourself feeling every emotion as you turn the pages.
I did write a review for the Contract and basically stated how much I admired and respected the heroine. She didn’t have it easy growing up yet remained honest, loyal, hardworking, and humble. She was gracious and kind, but absolutely no pushover, and did whatever it took to be independent and survive. I loved how she handled herself and would be proud to have her as a friend. She helped Richard become a better man, as did his work mentor, Graham, whom I highly respected. He is featured in each of the three books in this series, and was the type of person anyone would want to emulate. I truly was in awe of how he led his life and the trust, advice, and support he selflessly gave to his family and employees, especially Richard.
Katy and Richard were living the dream. They had a family they adored, had embraced their past, and looked forward to their future. But then life happens and our hero and heroine were faced with one of life’s greatest challenges. Melanie writes about situations that we can all relate to, and you will feel all of their joy, heartache, and sorrow in this beautifully written story. But most importantly you will find yourself routing for them every step of the way.
I love how supportive their friends and extended family are, and how honest, raw, and emotional this book is. The character development is evident on every page and I love how nothing was sugarcoated. This book is about loving unconditionally, tough love, and weathering life’s storms. It’s about standing by people when they are hurting, encouraging but not enabling, and forgiveness. It’s about remaining positive and reminding people that the sun is shinning behind every raincloud.
This book features so many wonderful secondary characters including their funny and spirited 3-year old daughter, Graham’s wife and children, the men and their lady loves from BAM, and a new character, a young man that Richard is charged with mentoring.
If you have read Melanie before, her last few chapters are magical, always end with a HEA, and the reason I read romance! Well done!
Absolutely loved these characters – from an idiot to a soulmate. Richard and Katy’s love story is one storyline you will want to read again and again. Tue love is found in the unlikeliest place – right in front of your eyes – I only hope Richard gets his head out of his ass long enough to figure it all out.
Why did it take me so long to read this one? Richard certainly lives up to his nickname. He is such a nasty brute. He has no problem clawing his way up the corporate ladder until one day he is passed over for partner and develops a plan to bring his boss to his knees. Katy has been assigned to Richard over the past year but she must bide her time working for this tyrant as she needs the funds. One day he approaches her with some crazy idea that he would offer her more money than her current position to be his Fiance! He doesn’t even like her!! I must warn you that this book is extremely addictive. You will learn to love to hate Richard, AKA Dick. I will be continuing on to the rest of the series. Melanie Moreland’s words will give you no other choice but to continue on.
Why did it take me so long to read this one? Richard certainly lives up to his nickname. He is such a nasty brute. He has no problem clawing his way up the corporate ladder until one day he is passed over for partner and develops a plan to bring his boss to his knees. Katy has been assigned to Richard over the past year but she must bide her time working for this tyrant as she needs the funds. One day he approaches her with some crazy idea that he would offer her more money than her current position to be his Fiance! He doesn’t even like her!! I must warn you that this book is extremely addictive. You will learn to love to hate Richard, AKA Dick. I will be continuing on to the rest of the series. Melanie Moreland’s words will give you no other choice but to continue on.
I’m ashamed to say that I’ve had this book in my Kindle for 2 years and it’s been on my TBR list for that long as well and I’m so angry that I just now got around to reading it (and The Baby Clause) because it exceeded my expectations. Oh wow, I knew Richard’s story would be a good one, but it was a great one! After being introduced to him in the Vested Interest Series, I kept telling myself I had to read his story and what a story it is. This author has a way of pulling into her character’s lives so much that you don’t ever want to say goodbye to them. As much as I wanted to finish Richard & Katy’s story, I also didn’t want it to end like everything I’ve read of Melanie’s. I adored Katy’s character so much because I love a woman with a backbone with her own opinions and of course, I love a woman who can bring a man to his knees as grouchy and mean as Richard. This author certainly knows how to write strong, feisty female leads! And seeing Richard change throughout their journey was emotional, inspirational and gave me all the “feels” I’ve come to expect from this author. If you happen to have this on your TBR list like I did, go and read it now! You won’t be sorry — another 10+ star read!
The Contract is book one in The Contract series by Melanie Moreland. I’ve read several of Melanie’s recent books but haven’t had a chance to get to the back list. This is one of those times I am asking myself, why, why, why did you wait so long to read this?!
Richard VanRyan works at Anderson, Inc, a cut throat advertising firm. The work environment is toxic, a constant competition between the employees to out do each other and a tyrannical boss. Richard fits right in. He’s a tyrant himself. He’s mean, condescending, full of himself, and impossible. He’s one of those characters in a book that you dislike with everything you have. That you know that there is no way there is anything redeemable in this man. But then you start to see that tiny pin prick of light shining through. Just enough to give you hope that his heart is indeed still beating.
Katharine (Katy) Elliott has worked for Richard for a year and it’s been the worst year of her life. But every day she goes in to the office and does the best possible job she can, no matter how many insults her boss throws at her or how many menial tasks he sets her on. Because she needs this job. She needs the income. She can’t risk ever letting her boss know how she really feels about him.
Richard wanted that promotion to partner and has been passed over for it. Now he just wants revenge. The only other company in town is The Gavin Group. It’s about as opposite to Anderson as it could get. They are all about family and morals. Richard has a reputation. The only way he could ever be considered for the position is if he can convince them he is a changed man, a man who has fallen in love with a good girl. Except he doesn’t know any women who would fit that description, except his secretary, the woman who he has spent the last year making her life miserable. Could he ever convince her to leave Anderson and work for him, live with him as his fake fiancé?
As Richard and Katy spend time together and get to know each other, Richard begins to realize he didn’t know her at all. And he begins to wake up. He begins to realize how awful he really is. And he begins to care.
“Love doesn’t make you weak. Real, honest love, it makes you strong.”
Richard and Katy are living a lie, but is it really still a lie? Is there a chance that maybe what they are feeling is starting to be real?
“Gentle didn’t describe her soul. Not even close. I wasn’t sure I knew a word that did. Angelic, maybe? Whatever it was, whatever she was, I didn’t deserve her forgiveness.”
I don’t think there is a single thing about this book I didn’t love. Yes, Richard was pretty bad in the beginning, but I had hope for him. Sometimes all a man needs is someone to show him the way, to help him to open his heart. And Katy did. Is it enough, though? Can they live with their deceit? Can Katy ever really forgive Richard for how he treated her? Can they really hope that they have a future? You’ll have to pick this up to see.
“You became my force. My light. You became my everything.”
This book touched me on so many levels and I was captivated from the first line to the last page.
Richard VanRyan lives his life with no regard for anyone else that is until Katherine Elliott comes into his life, she is caring and selfless and she brings an inner calm to Richard and she gives him something he didn’t know he was looking for !!!!
This book has all the feels you want and expect in a great read, it’s emotional, it will touch you on many different levels and you will love these characters well not Richard to start with but he will grow on you. This is a must read for all romance lovers
The Contract
By Melanie Moreland
4
In true Melanie Moreland fashion she brings us a swoon-worthy Hero (although, you just wanna hurt him in the beginning) with a sweet Heroine in The Contract.
Richard is a man you love to hate. He is arrogant, egotistical and such an alpha male. Katy is sweet as sweet can be and takes all that Richard throws her way. I love when the hero is knocked down a step or two once their feelings evolve.
Even with the predictability of the story you can’t help but be immersed in their journey. Fake engagements with a hea are always enjoyable to read. Melanie Moreland delivers with Richard and Katy’s story.
I FLOVE this book. I read it pretty much in one sitting. It made me go through all the emotions: angry, sad, happy, it made me laugh out loud but the kicker is that it made me cry. Any book that does that is a keeper and one I’ll be rereading again and again. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’ll definitely be reading more of hers.
Richard is known to be a tyrant and if anyone knows that it is his PA. Richard wants to work at a different company but they are very family oriented and he knows he needs a fiancée and that is where Katharine comes in. Katharine doesn’t really care for him at all. Will they be able to keep this up or will it all crumble around them?
I was really drawn into this story. Richard is definitely all alpha and wants what he wants. He is determined to get this with the help of Katharine. Katharine has her own motives for helping him. I loved seeing how their relationship developed over time.
Loved how his fake relationship became the one thing he couldn’t live without.
This new series of Marie Harte’s is off to a great start!
School teacher Abby Rose has lusted for her aloof, unapproachable, neighbor, Noel Cavanaugh for the the past couple years. But when a baby is left on his doorstop when he’s not home she steps in to help and things take off from there. Noel finally starts giving in to his attraction to his next door neighbor.
When attempts are being taken on his life Noel calls in two other agents to help, Hunter and Deacon. The intrigue had me being an investigator right along with the guys trying to help them out to figure out who was behind the attacks and what was going to happen next. The suspense was killing me.
I think the secondary characters really add to this story. Deacon’s play by play with the baby is hilarious. Abby’s, best friend, Solene is so full of attitude that you can’t help but love her.
I absolutely love romance books that have suspense and this one does not disappoint. It has quite a bit of action, too and a surprise baby. I did not find this book lacking in anything except maybe more…..I just wanted more of it because I loved it so much. By the banter of the other characters I get a feeling we are going to see more of all of them…..plus who is the baby’s daddy….
2016 published, contemporary, easy to read, her pov, his pov, M/F romance, office, plot, read, romance, sex.
Another book I’ve had on my “to be read” list for a while. Not sure why it’s taken me so long to read it, but now I’m kicking myself for putting it off for so long.
This is a boss/employee, enemies to lovers story that starts with a boss who is the true definition of jerk (would love to use a stronger word here!). There was nothing about him that was appealing. If his lifestyle and actions weren’t enough to turn me off, his thoughts about the heroine were. When she is suddenly the one thing he needs to move forward he finds himself eating quite a bit of crow. I absolutely loved that part. I didn’t think there was any way for me to like him, much less love him, but in the end I didn’t just love him, I adored him.
Watching Richard’s gradual change into a decent human being was not only fun, but at times beautiful. While Katherine presented one face at work, she was actually quite different when free from her official duties. The real Katherine was a surprise to him and his reactions were entertaining to read.
This is a low steam story and to be honest I never really felt a sexual chemistry between the hero and heroine, but the style in which their relationship changed was more than satisfactory. That’s not to say there was no steam, it just arrives around the 70% mark. The angst was a bit low as well until that same point when it is amped up. It doesn’t last too terribly long and then it is followed by quite a bit of time with this couple just being a couple. And there is no huge drama to conclude their story, just a smooth transition into what their life currently entails. While there is no epilogue, the last few chapters act as one as it leads us several months down the road and into a wonderful ending.
Overall an extremely enjoyable read with a slow burn, a redeemable hero, and a sassy heroine.
The Contract by Melanie Moreland is an amazing story about how an executive, Richard VanRyan, changes his life and unexpectedly falls for his assistant, Katherine Elliott along the way.
Richard VanRyan is a self-righteous a-hole and only ever thinks of himself. He is callous and cruel and he holds nothing back while dealing with his assistant, Katherine.
This all changes when he is passed over for partner. He now needs Katherine in order to secure a new position at the Gavin Group.
Katherine has been ridiculed and tormented by her boss, Richard. She takes it all without ever saying a peep. When Richard gives her no choice but to help him in his ruse, she must agree.
Lines are blurred along the way and it is now difficult to tell what is real and what is pretend.
Will Richard lose everything he never knew he wanted?
I loved this book. From the very first page, I was hooked. I loved the characters, they were engaging.
The story is written so very beautifully and well.
This is classic romance. Nothing over the top, just real trials and tribulations of the everyday people.
Richard is an a-hole. I loved how this ice man melted ever so slowly.
This book is amazing! It is a touching and moving love story. I was completely wrapped up in this novel and loved it from start to finish. It will pull at your heartstrings.
Recommended to anyone who loves a wonderfully written, angsty romance with all the feels.
I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Melanie Moreland sucked me into the story from the first page. I kept thinking just one more chapter and I couldn’t put it down until I had finished. I Love the characters of Richard and Katharine and at times wanted to smack Richard.
This was an interesting premise and one I found I was drawn int. The story was well written and it was great to see the growth of both the main characters as the book evolved.
The Contract had me in tears at one point and the sadness and loss was intense. This is one of those books that I was sad to see end and I am anxious to read more from Melanie Moreland.
When Richard is introduced, I immediately thought ‘OMG I hate this guy’ and I was skeptical that that would change. How talented an author has to be to take a character from one I legit hated to one of my favorite characters ever!!
Richard has the worst reputation but needs to turn it around if he wants to land a job with a family friendly advertising firm. Enter his PA, Kathryn, the complete opposite of every woman he’s ever seen with. From the jump, I thought Kathryn was too good for Richard and I wasn’t really wrong. But she is the reason that Richard ended up being an absolutely lovable character by the end of this book. This book sucked me in and once I started, I couldn’t stop until I reached the end.