Forbidden Contract

by L.A. Miller

Beckett Birmingham needs to clinch a deal with Regina Montgomery if his families contracting business is to maintain a lucrative contract that requires their position in the South. His older brother Trent tried to purchase Montgomery and Sons and his other brother Justin tried to underbid their contracts forcing them to sell but neither were successful. However Beckett’s done his homework and knows the matriarch Regina Montgomery is unaware of the financial condition of her late husband’s company. Since his death his son and grandsons have cut corners, been hit with several lawsuits and lost several contracts in their efforts to make a profit. Once presented with his offer he is certain Regina will see it is her only option. Beckett didn’t count on her doing her own homework and counter offering. Bailey Montgomery is the estranged granddaughter of Regina Montgomery. When her father chose to go against his family wishes and marry a girl beneath his station his parents turned their backs on him. Moving his young bride to California he began his own firm and shortly afterwards their first child was born. After several miscarriages another daughter and then finally a son joined the family. However tragedy struck when first Bailey’s father was killed by a drunk driver and her mother was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with her brother. Opting not to have treatment till after her brother was born her mother succumbed to the disease shortly after her brother was born. At the age of 19 she was left with a five year old sister and a two month old brother to raise. For a while Bailey is able to keep them afloat but her brother’s illness and the loss of a job has kept her one step ahead of the bill collectors. Regina Montgomery has done everything in her power to save the family name. When Beckett requests a meeting to discuss purchasing her husband’s company she has her attorney and accountants do a little digging. Learning the company is about to go under and the name will be dragged through the courts she comes up with a plan of her own. Knowing the prejudices of the South she understands that it would take more than purchasing the company for the Birmingham’s to be successful. They are Yankees and the South has bitter memories of the war. It would require a merger of the two families. When Beckett is presented with this counter option he first thinks it’s a joke. Realizing she is serious he listens and the old woman begins to make sense. Marry her granddaughter in name only, establish their presence and reputation and at the end of one year a clean divorce and all parties gain. Beckett gains the business and retains a major contract; Regina retains her husband’s good name and a nest egg for her family. The only problem is the granddaughter Regina chose ran off and married a drummer in Las Vegas. Regina must now convince Bailey to assume the role. Bailey’s first reaction to her grandmother is to throw her out but when she learns the authorities are on their way to remove her brother and sister and put them in foster care she has no option. The only plus to the deal is that her grandmother has added a contact clause forbidding any sexual contact between the happy couple. However upon first meeting the chemistry between the two is ignited and they find it increasingly harder to resist. In a world where old prejudices have not died, where the elite are known to make wagers on other lives behind the privacy of their clubs Beckett and Bailey must decide which course to take. Follow the contract and deny their growing desire for each other or risk it all for the chance of a love

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotica

472 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2013

About the author

Leslie Miller was born in 1958 the middle of 6 children. Raised in California she spent her younger years entertaining her school friends with wild tales using them as the main characters. Her writing career ended suddenly when she was gripped with writers block during her high school years. Spending most of her adult life in the printing industry as a buyer her energies were concentrated on making deals and putting out fires.
She met her husband in church and less than 8 months later they were married. She set about balancing her work life with her home life raising her step son and three other children with her husband. Life was spent between corporate deals, soccer games, softball games and swim parties. In 2006 she and her husband moved their 3 younger children from their home in California to Pensacola hoping to give them the life style they had enjoyed as kids growing up in California.
No longer stimulated with work her creative ability fought to break free. When her dreams became so vivid her husband suggested she write them down the words began to flow. Less than a year later she had completed writing the first four books in her series and was well on her way to finishing the fifth. Deciding to self-publish with the aid of her friends she launched the first in the "Dark Series" called "What Lies Within Dark Secrets" currently available at Amazon.com. When not writing she enjoys her other passion; painting. Ms. Miller can be followed on twitter Leslie Miller @LeslieM79016246 or emailed directly at millerleslie321@yahoo.com

Reviews

[SecretNinjaGRL · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars - and I admit, I am being generous at this rating.

Oh LAWD! Where do I even begin?

Okay, let me start with the positive features of this book. Well, shit, let me just say that had there been better editing, the book would have had a nice flow to it and it is a real shame that the storyline really started coming together towards the very end.

Now for the negative factors. There were paragraphs that went on for days and days..and days..and days, all because there was a lack of punctuation within the sentences. But truthfully, I could have overlooked that because the book really does have potential. But then there were multiple times where clearly the dialogue was between Beckette and Bailey and when L.A. Miller would write for Bailey to reply she would call her "Riley". Then there were even times when Beckette's father was clearly speaking and it would quickly change to "Aniston said" when the Beckette's father's name was Rorek. And this happened with damn near every sibling Beckette had and it often left me flip back a few previous pages to make sure I didn't miss something.

Then, there were times when L.A. Miller clearly wanted to start a new chapter with Beckette (or Bailey's) point-of-view because the previous chapter had just ended with Bailey's point-of-view and it was like the first two or three sentences would be in that particular character's point-of-view, but then then next....oh...two to four pages were like a complete copy and paste of what was literally just written and there truly was no change in wording or anything to really differentiate between the two sections (to determine who's point-of-view you were reading). It was very frustrating. Because of this, the book was probably a little be longer than needed to be because of the complete duplication of so many portions of the book.

Then there were times when the wording called for "...he is taking me HIGHER.." but instead it read, "...he is taking me hire..." and just other constant issues like that throughout the story.

In all honesty, the grammar and mishaps didn't really start to die down until the last two to three chapters of the story.

Then, you're reading about how they find something out and you think "Wow, finally we get to go in to the wedding portion of the book" and then BAM! Case closed! I mean, it just cut off and really didn't even truly complete the chapter about finding out the 'back door' and it was just like it was completely left undone. Like so unfinished it doesn't even qualify to be a cliffhanger. It left me feeling like for some reason, the rest of the chapter failed to download or something and I spent 20 minutes to confirm that the book truly did just end like that and leaving me with a big "WTF..I mean, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!"

When all is said and done, I hate making this review about nitpicking the grammar and faults of editing but in reality, I honestly cannot say that I have read a book that was been this poorly constructed, in regards to editing, in my 31 years of life. The book truly would have been a better quality book had someone honestly given it the time to READ what was being published and taking the time to edit. Because, like I said before, the book (and series it appears it will turn in to down the road) truly did have some great potential at being a fabulous story about soul mates and true love always finding its way. But the constant mistakes just totally killed it all together. So sad.

[Kellie Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very heart warming story of a woman down on her luck taking care of her younger brother and sister about to lose it all when her long list grandmother comes to her with a contract... This is a very good read in which I fell in love with it from the start!!! I loved
it and it is well worth the read!!! I highly recommend it!!!

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters and the storyline. There were a lot of mistakes with character names. A great read though.

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. i have to say that this book was so crazy in a good way, you start with a poor literally 19yr old that never would have thought that she would have to grow up so quick when she finds that her dad was killed in a drunk driving accident then her mom was diagnosed with cancer during her pregnancy. then her mother dies and she is left to raise her sister and brother quit school and get two jobs. the only family she has is her male friend matt. when she thinks that she has no way to make ends meet and she is on her last, she has a visit from her grandmother the one person she really doesn't want to see. they disowned her father when she chose to marry out of there class. and have not heard from them. just in the nick of time she shows up to save the day. just as social services is there to collect the children. she makes bailey and offer she can't refuse. she offers her a way to be set in a home, with an allowance and the kids to have the best. all she has to do is give up 1 year of her life. she has to marry Beckett a handsome bachelor that the only reason he is excepting this offer is because his family needs the connections to the south for there business. will this arrangement end in heartache or will it find a light at the end of the tunnel. there could be true love and hope for her. i really loved this book you go through so much that you feel the frustration of the emotions that are playing at bailey, she is so confused and frustrated that she feels that there is no way that he can love her. but a part of her wish that just maybe he can love her. even thought Beckett has a girlfriend named Macy. he see's no problem with the arrangement he gets to have the best of both worlds. through out the book you are rooting for them to fall in love already, quit making the situation worse and not just being straight with each other. it will not disappoint you.

[Yvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bailey Montgomery's life hasn't been easy, her father died tragically and then her mom lost her battle to cancer. Left with two siblings she had to work two jobs and was always behind with her bills. That's when her grandmother enters the picture with a proposal which is hard to pass. Beckett Birmingham family has been wanting to buy Regina's Montgomery business. Regina finally agrees and comes out with a contract between bailey and beckett.
It's a light novel full of romance. Really liked it.

[Dawn-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved the characters and the story. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.I am excited to see where Bailey and Beckett go from here, and hear about their ghost in the new house. I am looking forward to seeing the other brothers find love too. I love Beckett's whole family! And even Bailey's grandmother found a soft spot with me.


editing my original review. I had an old copy so forget what I said about the editing!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the story line and loved Bailey and especially Beckett and his 3 brothers. The story is a light romance. I would definitely read more from this author.My only qualm about the book was people and situations were talked about and at the end it was just dropped. For me I need to know the whys in things.

[Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book. It was a sweet story that was well written. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
I had 2 issues with this book. First, the editing was poor. There were quite a few mistakes and errors throughout the book. Second, the book was really really long. I get that the book was dual POVs, however I felt that parts could have been edited out.

[Caroline Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it
can't wait for next book in the series

[Elaine Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

[Merry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in her new series about the Birmingham Brothers, Ms. Miller introduces us to Beckett Birmingham and Bailey Montgomery. Beckett needs to seal a deal with Regina Montgomery if their family is to maintain their contract with their largest customer. When he meets Regina he is certain his offer will be accepted. He never anticipated her to counter offer. She will sell the company on the grounds he marry her grand daughter. The marriage will last one year allowing the Birmingham family to establish themselves in the south. At the end of the year the two will quietly divorce. At first Beckett thinks the woman is crazy but slowly he begins to see the advantages of the arrangement and he agrees. Now he must sell his family on the idea.
Bailey has never met Regina but knew the story of how her father was cast out of the family when he dared to marry a woman from the other side of the tracts. When both her parents die, Bailey is left to raise her younger brother and sister at the age of 19. She manages for awhile but her brothers health and medical bills begin to add up. When her grandmother appears with her offer Bailey has no intention of accepting till the authorities show up to remove her siblings from her custody. Bailey will do anything to prevent that including marrying a total stranger.
Upon first meeting both Bailey and Beckett are drawn to each other. However there is one clause in the contract that prevents them from acting upon that attraction. Regina has added a no contact clause to maintain her grand daughters virtue. For the chance at love will Beckett walk away from the contract that will save the family business? Will Bailey risk her heart knowing the cost to the family and man she has come to love. A well written love story that will tug at your heart and make you smile. I look forward to the next books in her series.

[Brianna Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and having lived in the South I found Ms. Millers depiction of the bias outsiders run across from the locals to be honest. Sure, some will argue that it's not like that but having lived in the area she based her book on I found that there was a deep resentment for those who were not born there. Don't get me wrong I did encounter many wonderful people and loved living there but there is an undercurrent of a society that mistrusts and resents anyone from the outside. There is a network in business where locals are given preference and any outsider hoping to start up a business is discriminated against and often boycotted.

The book is a touching love story and I fell in love with Beckett and Bailey from the start. I did receive a copy of the book where the wrong files were sent and character names were changed leaving the reader confused. Ms. Miller did go back and the correct file was sent and released. It was easy to download the updated version and for those who purchased the book go back to Amazon for the newer version. However, note the writer does plan on having this series edited by a professional editor so I would wait till she had done that and published the information on her blog. It is my understanding once she does rerelease the book Amazon will notify you as long as you have that setting turned on.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

As nice a story as it was, it could have done with some SERIOUS editing and proofing. I reckon the story could have been told in half the amount of pages.

An arranged marriage and contract between Southern belle Bailey and Beckitt Birmingham a Yankee, to introduce his family to the South. The whole pretext was just off. It seemed somewhat old world harping back to traditions of pretence and social expectations. That would be great, but for the fact that this was a novel set in modern day. It rehashed too many scenes from his POV and almost word for word her POV. It was a waste of precious reading time. I wanted to give it more but could not get past 2 1/2 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two words for this book. HOT. MESS. Which really is too bad because it had a cute story and good bones. Arranged marriage turns into love.

However editing HORRORS abound and made this book difficult to read. Ellipses all over the place instead of sentences. Misspelled words or simply wrong words everywhere. Chapters that repeated the same scene you just read just from a different point of view, including word for word dialogue. This book should have been shorter, I did like the alternating view points but not reading the same scene over and over again.

I would have liked to have given this book three stars but I couldn't do it. With some editing it could be a 4 star book.

[djdavis~*Sivad* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book! Perfect storyline, characters, the tug-and-war of love...

But this book gets 3 stars instead of 4.5 because this was one of the worst editing jobs I've read in a while. Grammar grammar grammar. Words were misspelled, run-on sentences, and even names were switched throughout. It was obvious that the author did not have someone look over and at least proofread the book before publishing.

I recommend a severe edit and then re-release.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh. Em. Gee. This book was LONGGG and not my usual cup-o-tea. Very harlequin-y read about a southern woman who convinces her granddaughter to marry as part of a business transaction. Of course they fall in love. But it really is a roller-coaster of a ride getting there!

[Lindsey]

Amazon Freebie 7/12/13

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had potential but it couldn't keep me sparked...