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The Masters of Oxford #1
The Contract
From the moment I stepped on the path that I hoped would take me to a better life, things changed forever—for the worst. I was dragged into the belly of the underworld, where a gang lord had chosen me to do his bidding. Caught up in a trial that had nothing to do with me, I was forced to sign a contract, binding me to do whatever the gang boss ordered—or lose my life. With no choice but to obey, and me falling in love with the defending lawyer, my world was turned upside down.
Master Michael was that lawyer, a man who wanted to teach me the BDSM lifestyle and keep me safe, offering me an entirely different contract. But I couldn’t allow him to. If I did, he would also face danger. Being beaten, stabbed, and hunted down became the norm for me, and I ended up having to make a choice—his life for mine or go into witness protection.
I should have been safe. I should have been able to stop looking over my shoulder. But I wasn’t. I couldn’t. The gang were always there, dogging my every step. And so was Master Michael.
Master Michael was that lawyer, a man who wanted to teach me the BDSM lifestyle and keep me safe, offering me an entirely different contract. But I couldn’t allow him to. If I did, he would also face danger. Being beaten, stabbed, and hunted down became the norm for me, and I ended up having to make a choice—his life for mine or go into witness protection.
I should have been safe. I should have been able to stop looking over my shoulder. But I wasn’t. I couldn’t. The gang were always there, dogging my every step. And so was Master Michael.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2013
3 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Dae
52 books40 followersNatalie Dae writes erotic romance; sometimes paranormal, sometimes fantasy, and sometimes everything else! She lives in a quiet village in England with her husband, children, and three cats. In her spare time she reads, reads, reads. Oh, and cleans house–a terrible obsession.
Natalie is a multi-published author in several genres under other pen names.
Natalie is a multi-published author in several genres under other pen names.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 7, 2013
Excellent thriller/suspense. All about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rebecca is forced to do thing out of her control. Great twist at the end. Very entertaining read gripping to the end.
April 8, 2013
I finished reading this last night.
It kept me reading; it was well written and used lots of analogies which i loved.
The trouble is, it could be so much more. I loved the story, it was a brilliant concept and part of me sort of wished it had less erotica in it, at first i was annoyed because i thought that this book was advertised wrong; and frankly i still believe that.
It has some very sexy hot pages but not enough to call it erotica.
Michael who is the main male lead was brilliant; he made me wonder if he was just leading Rebecca down a path to please himself or if he really cared, Dae should have kept these cards close to her chest and played on his somewhat questionable motives.
I really enjoyed this book and i would recommend it if you enjoy thrillers and the occasional sexual encounter then this is for you.
Its like fifty shades meets law and order and I am glad i took the time to read it. I would love a book two and i think it could be easily produced.
It kept me reading; it was well written and used lots of analogies which i loved.
The trouble is, it could be so much more. I loved the story, it was a brilliant concept and part of me sort of wished it had less erotica in it, at first i was annoyed because i thought that this book was advertised wrong; and frankly i still believe that.
It has some very sexy hot pages but not enough to call it erotica.
Michael who is the main male lead was brilliant; he made me wonder if he was just leading Rebecca down a path to please himself or if he really cared, Dae should have kept these cards close to her chest and played on his somewhat questionable motives.
I really enjoyed this book and i would recommend it if you enjoy thrillers and the occasional sexual encounter then this is for you.
Its like fifty shades meets law and order and I am glad i took the time to read it. I would love a book two and i think it could be easily produced.
April 7, 2013
I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review.
My reaction to this book was WOW. I love dark erotica and this is definitely up there among my new favorites. In The Contract Natalie Dae alternates between the past and the present. We see Rebecca's troubles unfold (in the past) and at the same time see how Michael helps her recover (in the present).
I did find parts of The Contract a little predictable (especially towards the end), but it didn't detract from the storyline.
I strongly recommend this book to those who love the darker side of erotica. Fans of Kitty Thomas and CJ Roberts would love The Contract and should definitely read it!
My reaction to this book was WOW. I love dark erotica and this is definitely up there among my new favorites. In The Contract Natalie Dae alternates between the past and the present. We see Rebecca's troubles unfold (in the past) and at the same time see how Michael helps her recover (in the present).
I did find parts of The Contract a little predictable (especially towards the end), but it didn't detract from the storyline.
I strongly recommend this book to those who love the darker side of erotica. Fans of Kitty Thomas and CJ Roberts would love The Contract and should definitely read it!
March 30, 2013
The Contract is a thriller first and foremost. It switches between the past and present and is all about Rebecca Matthews and how one impromptu and impulsive decision changed the course of her life and marked her both mentally and physically.
Rebecca is bored, stuck in a rut. Every day is the same; even her social life. She comes up with a plan to improve her life and bring some excitement into it. Thinking journalism is the way to go she decides on the spur of the moment to go and watch a live case in the courts public viewing gallery.
Unbeknownst to Rebecca the trial she witnesses has some major gang players present, one of which makes sure that Rebecca is marked and thrown head first into a cat and mouse game of epic proportions. She is caught up in something with no way out, despite the gallant efforts of the few in the know.
From this day on Rebecca has to carry out requests given by this gang after forcibly signing a contract, being beaten and tortured for her efforts when trying to do the right thing. A life is continuously at stake be it hers or someone else…What would you do?
The case Rebecca went to view involves the enigmatic lawyer, Michael who becomes embroiled in Rebecca’s story. Should she let him into her life only to put him in direct danger as a result of her actions?
So, what did I think of The Contract? I loved the suspense, the ‘Then’ making us understand Rebecca in the ‘Now’. It was gripping, thrilling even and I loved it for how different it was to anything I have read recently. At times I had chills at others I felt sick to my stomach. My heart went out to the lonely and scared Rebecca, she was so brave and strong yet her fear was palpable. There were quite a few unexpected twists in this story that left me guessing till the end and I thought the writing was spot on.
My main and only problem was with the relationship between Michael and Rebecca. In my opinion it wasn’t explained, this intense connection and attraction. I didn’t really connect with Michael, though I did think he was amazing to Rebecca, as his character development was only touched upon through the whole story.
Every time we were in the ‘Then’ it was Rebecca’s story which, don’t get me wrong, makes perfect sense in order to understand her ‘Now’ for why she lives in extreme fear and feels out of control. Yet her relationAship with Michael didn’t feel convincing at all and I just didn’t feel emotionally invested in them because of this. I also thought that this negatively impaired the reasons for their BDSM relationship which was only touched upon twice.
I loved the setting of where the ‘Now’ took place. I spent 3 years in Summertown and Oxford at boarding college so I pictured it all very clearly and it made it very real for me. I just wish there had been more of Rebecca and Michael and that we got to know them more as individuals in order to understand them together as well as had more of their relationship mixed in with the overall story.
Rebecca is bored, stuck in a rut. Every day is the same; even her social life. She comes up with a plan to improve her life and bring some excitement into it. Thinking journalism is the way to go she decides on the spur of the moment to go and watch a live case in the courts public viewing gallery.
Unbeknownst to Rebecca the trial she witnesses has some major gang players present, one of which makes sure that Rebecca is marked and thrown head first into a cat and mouse game of epic proportions. She is caught up in something with no way out, despite the gallant efforts of the few in the know.
From this day on Rebecca has to carry out requests given by this gang after forcibly signing a contract, being beaten and tortured for her efforts when trying to do the right thing. A life is continuously at stake be it hers or someone else…What would you do?
The case Rebecca went to view involves the enigmatic lawyer, Michael who becomes embroiled in Rebecca’s story. Should she let him into her life only to put him in direct danger as a result of her actions?
So, what did I think of The Contract? I loved the suspense, the ‘Then’ making us understand Rebecca in the ‘Now’. It was gripping, thrilling even and I loved it for how different it was to anything I have read recently. At times I had chills at others I felt sick to my stomach. My heart went out to the lonely and scared Rebecca, she was so brave and strong yet her fear was palpable. There were quite a few unexpected twists in this story that left me guessing till the end and I thought the writing was spot on.
My main and only problem was with the relationship between Michael and Rebecca. In my opinion it wasn’t explained, this intense connection and attraction. I didn’t really connect with Michael, though I did think he was amazing to Rebecca, as his character development was only touched upon through the whole story.
Every time we were in the ‘Then’ it was Rebecca’s story which, don’t get me wrong, makes perfect sense in order to understand her ‘Now’ for why she lives in extreme fear and feels out of control. Yet her relationAship with Michael didn’t feel convincing at all and I just didn’t feel emotionally invested in them because of this. I also thought that this negatively impaired the reasons for their BDSM relationship which was only touched upon twice.
I loved the setting of where the ‘Now’ took place. I spent 3 years in Summertown and Oxford at boarding college so I pictured it all very clearly and it made it very real for me. I just wish there had been more of Rebecca and Michael and that we got to know them more as individuals in order to understand them together as well as had more of their relationship mixed in with the overall story.
May 10, 2013
I did something a moment ago which I never normally do..... I flicked through some of the other reviews for The Contract.
oooh I wish I hadn't! They tend to influence what I want to type and I get irritated when I disagree!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
There are plenty of reviews about this book which explain more (and some which give away too much) about this novel. I don't think I need to add to them.
For me I really enoyed the novel in all of its guises!
Whether you are a fan of thrillers, crime or erotica I think you will find it a page turner. Personally I loved the jump between then and now. I found each part complimented the other and served to add dramatic pause, build depth to the characters, add plot twists and made it both interesting and clever to read.
I agree with another reviewer that somehow I never trusted Michael however I think Natalie Dae did a fantastic job at creating Rebecca / Lisa. Pyschologically tested, Natalie writes her beautifully.
I loved the nasty bits, the dark bits, the BDSM bits.... but that's the kind of girl I am! If it isn't your cup of tea I still think you will enjoy the drama and suspense created within the novel as well as the romantic parts!
Well written.
oooh I wish I hadn't! They tend to influence what I want to type and I get irritated when I disagree!
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
There are plenty of reviews about this book which explain more (and some which give away too much) about this novel. I don't think I need to add to them.
For me I really enoyed the novel in all of its guises!
Whether you are a fan of thrillers, crime or erotica I think you will find it a page turner. Personally I loved the jump between then and now. I found each part complimented the other and served to add dramatic pause, build depth to the characters, add plot twists and made it both interesting and clever to read.
I agree with another reviewer that somehow I never trusted Michael however I think Natalie Dae did a fantastic job at creating Rebecca / Lisa. Pyschologically tested, Natalie writes her beautifully.
I loved the nasty bits, the dark bits, the BDSM bits.... but that's the kind of girl I am! If it isn't your cup of tea I still think you will enjoy the drama and suspense created within the novel as well as the romantic parts!
Well written.
April 11, 2014
This book rocked for me. Lisa/Rebecca was in the wrong place at the wrong time and is threatened by a murder suspect. Michael is a high flyer lawyer and tries to save Rebecca from her fears. Rebecca is made to steal, lie and is beaten. Thriller read with steamy sex, dominant alpha Michael what an erotic mix. Lots of twists in the plot .......... Didn't see the end result, shocker for me. Page turning read.
May 20, 2013
"I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review"
Well I was a bit confused in the beginning. It starts off with Rebecca/Lisa discussing about her past and how she is coping with it. The chapters go back and forth from now to then to help explain how she gets to each situation. Rebecca always wanted a normal life. She was determined to get a great job so one day she decided she might want to be a journalist. Rebecca goes to the court house and decides to sit in on a court proceeding that is currently taking place. Little did she know this would change her life forever.
Rebecca ends up sitting by a man(Benny) that ends up changing her life in the worst possible way. He is involved in the case that she is sitting in on but no one knows this until the witness in the stand tried to point him out for the death of her son. He uses Rebecca as a shield to escape and tells Rebecca to meet him again the next day or he will find her and hurt her. Rebecca was taken upstairs by security guards and meets Michael Jacobs. Michael was one of the lawyers in the trial she was sitting in on. Rebecca found Michael to be very attractive.
Rebecca ends up meeting Benny the next day in court and he told her to meet him again later. Benny ended up taking her out to an abandoned house to meet his partner Mr. Tockard. There at the house they made her sign a contract stating that she would do everything they say and if she doesn't they would kill her. Benny then took her down stairs and beat the hell out of her.
Rebecca ended up being beaten by Benny twice and almost dying the second time. Rebecca went into witness protection and she goes by the name Lisa now.
In the now sections of the book Michael is trying to make her better by taking her to live with him for a week. He bought a house that looked exactly like the one Benny took her to. Michael was into BSDM and wanted to get Rebecca/Lisa in this life so she could forget the past and feel the present.
Michael has been in love with Rebecca since the first time he had seen her at the court house.
This man is a godsend for Rebecca. Michael also had a BSDM contract made up for Rebecca and himself.
He let Rebecca find it for herself and decide if she was ok with it. She did sign it but he would slowly work her into it. Rebecca progressed very nicely in the week they spent together. She felt safe with Michael. He ended up inviting her to a party on the weekend and she said yes which was a big step because she would have to go back to London. Everything was going great they get to the party and Michael ends up introducing her to his friend Latimere.
Nope not going to spoil the ending but its a great one!!
Sorry
This was a good book and I would recommend it to anyone.
Well I was a bit confused in the beginning. It starts off with Rebecca/Lisa discussing about her past and how she is coping with it. The chapters go back and forth from now to then to help explain how she gets to each situation. Rebecca always wanted a normal life. She was determined to get a great job so one day she decided she might want to be a journalist. Rebecca goes to the court house and decides to sit in on a court proceeding that is currently taking place. Little did she know this would change her life forever.
Rebecca ends up sitting by a man(Benny) that ends up changing her life in the worst possible way. He is involved in the case that she is sitting in on but no one knows this until the witness in the stand tried to point him out for the death of her son. He uses Rebecca as a shield to escape and tells Rebecca to meet him again the next day or he will find her and hurt her. Rebecca was taken upstairs by security guards and meets Michael Jacobs. Michael was one of the lawyers in the trial she was sitting in on. Rebecca found Michael to be very attractive.
Rebecca ends up meeting Benny the next day in court and he told her to meet him again later. Benny ended up taking her out to an abandoned house to meet his partner Mr. Tockard. There at the house they made her sign a contract stating that she would do everything they say and if she doesn't they would kill her. Benny then took her down stairs and beat the hell out of her.
Rebecca ended up being beaten by Benny twice and almost dying the second time. Rebecca went into witness protection and she goes by the name Lisa now.
In the now sections of the book Michael is trying to make her better by taking her to live with him for a week. He bought a house that looked exactly like the one Benny took her to. Michael was into BSDM and wanted to get Rebecca/Lisa in this life so she could forget the past and feel the present.
Michael has been in love with Rebecca since the first time he had seen her at the court house.
This man is a godsend for Rebecca. Michael also had a BSDM contract made up for Rebecca and himself.
He let Rebecca find it for herself and decide if she was ok with it. She did sign it but he would slowly work her into it. Rebecca progressed very nicely in the week they spent together. She felt safe with Michael. He ended up inviting her to a party on the weekend and she said yes which was a big step because she would have to go back to London. Everything was going great they get to the party and Michael ends up introducing her to his friend Latimere.
Nope not going to spoil the ending but its a great one!!
Sorry
This was a good book and I would recommend it to anyone.
March 26, 2013
Fresh, dark, gripping, emotionally deep and erotically charged.
That's how I would describe The Contract by Natalie Dae. It is romantic suspense with an erotic edge and BDSM. A coming of age and self-discovery story as much as a suspenseful love story.
The first person POV drew me right into the heroine's feelings and thoughts. I felt like I was living her experiences in the moment. An attempt to reach out for her dreams in the most harmless way brings the heroine face to face with an evil element that will shadow her every move and bring her right to the edge of human ability to endure.
Master Michael is sexy, powerful in his own right and determined to protect Lisa with every breath he draws. He also strives to bring out the very best that she is capable of giving. He uses their sexual interaction to empower her.
This story is told in two parts, now and then. I always adore stories like that, such as Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,The Joy Luck Club, Snow Falling On Cedars / East Of The Mountains and others. I think it added depth and richness that really made this novel the compelling read that it is.
It is a story of two people coming together in the face of danger and forming a unique bond. This book is refreshing and different. Gritty and ominous yet filled with burgeoning hope that flowers into a new start and a happy ending.
That's how I would describe The Contract by Natalie Dae. It is romantic suspense with an erotic edge and BDSM. A coming of age and self-discovery story as much as a suspenseful love story.
The first person POV drew me right into the heroine's feelings and thoughts. I felt like I was living her experiences in the moment. An attempt to reach out for her dreams in the most harmless way brings the heroine face to face with an evil element that will shadow her every move and bring her right to the edge of human ability to endure.
Master Michael is sexy, powerful in his own right and determined to protect Lisa with every breath he draws. He also strives to bring out the very best that she is capable of giving. He uses their sexual interaction to empower her.
This story is told in two parts, now and then. I always adore stories like that, such as Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,The Joy Luck Club, Snow Falling On Cedars / East Of The Mountains and others. I think it added depth and richness that really made this novel the compelling read that it is.
It is a story of two people coming together in the face of danger and forming a unique bond. This book is refreshing and different. Gritty and ominous yet filled with burgeoning hope that flowers into a new start and a happy ending.
April 15, 2015
Wow! This is a dark, thrilling and engrossing book. It's part psychological thriller, part crime drama and part erotica. Rebecca makes a split second decision one day to change her life. Unfortunately, this decision leads to a harrowing course of events for Rebecca and the signing of 2 entirely different contracts. There is a silver lining in the form of Michael but will there be a HEA? I was gripped the whole way through and loved the way the story was written alternating between the past and the present, weaving the two ends of the tale neatly towards the twisting, turning ending. I felt all of Rebecca's emotions coming through the pages and empathised with her every step. Michael was so sweet and equally so naughty and sexy. A wonderfully written, very clever book.
April 1, 2013
Part legal thriller, part suspense thriller, with bdsm erotica thrown in, The Contract really surprised me. I really think this book works well as a suspense thriller with something extra you don't normally see in ST's.
Slight spoiler alert:
The book has a time element in it between the past and present
that had me going for a minute as I struggled to understand, but as I continued in the story, I saw why the author needed to do that in order for readers to better comprehend the heroine's motivations.
If you like ST and BDSM with plenty of drama and action, check out The Contract by Natalie Dae.
Slight spoiler alert:
The book has a time element in it between the past and present
that had me going for a minute as I struggled to understand, but as I continued in the story, I saw why the author needed to do that in order for readers to better comprehend the heroine's motivations.
If you like ST and BDSM with plenty of drama and action, check out The Contract by Natalie Dae.
April 9, 2013
"I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review. In the beginning I had a hard time getting into the book. There was alot of unnecessary information that could have been left out. The story was good. But i felt it was too long. I like to read these type of stories where they go from "then" to "now" if you are able to keep up with them a little better. Natalie has great ideas. I will def read some more of her books. I appreciate the opportunity that she gave me to actually read the book and review it
May 6, 2013
The contract was not what I was expecting. It has been listed like a 50 shades, it wasn't. The story changed from then to now every chapter which was off putting. I don't normally read books with violence in and this had plenty. The bdsm was minimal. I think the author tried to mesh 2 genres... For me it didn't work. The storyline itself was a brilliant idea. The ending I felt was too quick for a book that indepth throughout the rest. The 3 stars were for the storyline and the indepth characters.
April 18, 2013
This is one hot, complex, thrill ride. The characters are so real, Rebecca spoke directly to me, her fear poured from the page and her bravery was awe inspiring. Michael was a sexy hero in a new and fresh way, his understanding of Rebecca and knowing what she needed to heal and be safe was spot on.
If you like suspense and mystery with your BDSM and a novel that is unlike anything you've read before, then check out The Contract
If you like suspense and mystery with your BDSM and a novel that is unlike anything you've read before, then check out The Contract
March 26, 2013
DNF....
April 4, 2013
excellent read!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews