What do you think?
Rate this book
Billionaire Series #4
Not In The Contract
Sizzling attraction wasn’t in the contract...
46-year-old Alex survived foster care and built a construction empire on structure and discipline. So, when a friend asks if a PHD student studying successful foster kids can shadow her for two months, Alex doesn’t hesitate to say yes. PHD students are the organized and quiet type.
29-year-old PHD student Devon has never met a schedule she can stick to. Brilliant, yet chaotic, her ineptitude with all things time related extends to her ability to talk to women. This makes shadowing the attractive but extremely regimented Alex a double-edged sword.
Alex’s order and Devon’s free spirit clash, yet their chemistry grows into a firestorm. As they fall in love, can they find a way to fit together?
46-year-old Alex survived foster care and built a construction empire on structure and discipline. So, when a friend asks if a PHD student studying successful foster kids can shadow her for two months, Alex doesn’t hesitate to say yes. PHD students are the organized and quiet type.
29-year-old PHD student Devon has never met a schedule she can stick to. Brilliant, yet chaotic, her ineptitude with all things time related extends to her ability to talk to women. This makes shadowing the attractive but extremely regimented Alex a double-edged sword.
Alex’s order and Devon’s free spirit clash, yet their chemistry grows into a firestorm. As they fall in love, can they find a way to fit together?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2023
193 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Peterson
81 books165 followersChloe Peterson is the author of heartfelt lesbian fiction. She loves writing stories that celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community. Chloe relaxes by watching home building shows and reading fan fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 30, 2024
4 ★ | I don’t actually think it’s humanly possible for Peterson to write a bad book. Nope. Nuh-uh. Not one. Every single book in the series hits the nail on the head and are all unique in their own rights. Congrats on another successful book!
December 29, 2023
I think this is my favorite book. It has some many factors to consider.
I felt the whole book complete.
I felt the whole book complete.
August 12, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Not in the Contract was the first novel I’ve read by Chloe Peterson. I didn’t really connect with Fanged Secrets, so I decided to give this one a try — unfortunately, it still didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
The characters seemed promising at first, as did their dynamic. I really liked Alex’s backstory — how she survived the foster care system and managed to make a name for herself — and cheerful Devon being a psychology and sociology major seemed to fit the plot well. So what I enjoyed most was their shared commitment to improving the foster system and trying to make it into something better.
However, beyond that, I didn’t feel they were truly compatible romantically. The classic opposites-attract trope wasn’t enough to bridge the gap between their personalities. For me, they just didn’t click as a couple. While the author clearly tried to develop their relationship step-by-step, the book’s length (almost 400 pages) made the pacing drag, and I couldn’t help but think a shorter format or a different approach to their romance might have worked better.
One thing that also made me uncomfortable were the moments when Devon would psychoanalyze Alex. I get that it’s second nature to her after years of studying psychology, but those scenes didn’t help make their romance feel more organic.
As for Alex, she was an extremely complex character with a lot of baggage — something we’re made aware of right from the beginning. I understand the need for control, as it’s a common coping mechanism for those who’ve endured a tough childhood in the foster system, but Alex took it to such an extreme that she ended up feeling more robotic than human to me. I just couldn’t connect with her.
Maybe I’ll have better luck with another one of this author’s books in the future… but when that will be, remains to be seen.
Not in the Contract was the first novel I’ve read by Chloe Peterson. I didn’t really connect with Fanged Secrets, so I decided to give this one a try — unfortunately, it still didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
The characters seemed promising at first, as did their dynamic. I really liked Alex’s backstory — how she survived the foster care system and managed to make a name for herself — and cheerful Devon being a psychology and sociology major seemed to fit the plot well. So what I enjoyed most was their shared commitment to improving the foster system and trying to make it into something better.
However, beyond that, I didn’t feel they were truly compatible romantically. The classic opposites-attract trope wasn’t enough to bridge the gap between their personalities. For me, they just didn’t click as a couple. While the author clearly tried to develop their relationship step-by-step, the book’s length (almost 400 pages) made the pacing drag, and I couldn’t help but think a shorter format or a different approach to their romance might have worked better.
One thing that also made me uncomfortable were the moments when Devon would psychoanalyze Alex. I get that it’s second nature to her after years of studying psychology, but those scenes didn’t help make their romance feel more organic.
As for Alex, she was an extremely complex character with a lot of baggage — something we’re made aware of right from the beginning. I understand the need for control, as it’s a common coping mechanism for those who’ve endured a tough childhood in the foster system, but Alex took it to such an extreme that she ended up feeling more robotic than human to me. I just couldn’t connect with her.
Maybe I’ll have better luck with another one of this author’s books in the future… but when that will be, remains to be seen.
January 21, 2024
It was so good! Enjoyed the story, the characters, and the whole book in general. This was my first read by Chlo Peterson and I can see myself reading more of her work soon!
Lots of giggling involved in this one. Just had to say this lol.
Lots of giggling involved in this one. Just had to say this lol.
June 1, 2024
I came so close to dropping this close to the beginning. There were sections where every line ended in a dialogue tag (she said, she giggled, etc) and conversations sputtered forward like a dying car. It didn't help that Tam and Devon would giggle at pretty much anything.
It's a shame because the second half of the book does feel more polished, and I like how the tipping point between the main characters was built up. I don't regret finishing it. I wish this Tam had been dropped and replaced by more appearances by Alex's sister. For someone who has a supposed chokehold on Alex's life, she isn't even in the book enough for me to remember her name.
Would've given it a 2.5, but I don't round up
It's a shame because the second half of the book does feel more polished, and I like how the tipping point between the main characters was built up. I don't regret finishing it. I wish this Tam had been dropped and replaced by more appearances by Alex's sister. For someone who has a supposed chokehold on Alex's life, she isn't even in the book enough for me to remember her name.
Would've given it a 2.5, but I don't round up
January 12, 2024
3.5⭐ rounded up
January 30, 2024
when i was in the middle of this book i found out this was a series lol i had no idea
anyway, i really enjoyed! it was fun, interesting, the banter the sexual tension everything was on point
anyway, i really enjoyed! it was fun, interesting, the banter the sexual tension everything was on point
November 19, 2024
2.5 stars
The plot and characters are decently well developed, but there are continuity errors. And if you are in any way familiar with academia, it will be difficult to suspend disbelief.
The plot and characters are decently well developed, but there are continuity errors. And if you are in any way familiar with academia, it will be difficult to suspend disbelief.
December 28, 2023
If I could rate this any higher than 5 stars, I would 😭
January 23, 2024
Opposites attract when there’s forced proximity…
With three months to finish her PhD thesis on the successes of foster kids, Devon - is running out of time to find the IRL case study she needs to round-out her research. When her professor suggests she shadow one of her old college friends, Devon jumps at the opportunity. Successful engineer Alex Bell has spent her adult like scheduling and structuring her days to make the most of her time and to ensure she always has something to focus on. The last thing she needs is to have someone shadow her work, but when she learns about the topic of Devon’s thesis, she can’t say no. Instead, her friends force her to take things a step further - allow Devon to live with her for two months so she can study her more easily without eating too much into Alex’s tight schedule. Devon has never been able to stick to a schedule so living with Alex is a massive adjustment, while for Alex, having someone constantly in her personal space is new. But it turns out, Alex likes letting Devon into her space and life, and even her heart. But there’s still guilt and trauma from her time in foster care that she needs to deal with, and Devon doesn’t know if she can put her heart on the line for someone who still has to face their issues on their own.
Give me ALL the forced proximity! There’s just something about two people being stuck in each other’s orbits and space that delivers ALL the sexual attraction and tension and cute moments. And Alex and Devon had all these moments in spades! I know I said Reid and Mia were my fave couple from this series, but I think Alex and Devon have just taken the lead (inevitably until Taylor gets her book and probably takes top spot)!
Devon and Alex’s relationship was a bit of a slow burn, with neither really revealing any sort of attraction to one another until halfway through the book, and even up until that point they had only casually commented on the attractiveness of the other to friends. But it all felt like such a natural relationship development, especially considering the forced nature of them living together and Devon shadowing Alex. They had so much chemistry, and their relationship was filled with so many sweet moments, a nice sprinkling of spice, and SO much heart.
It was really interesting for Chloe to explore the foster care system and the impacts that growing up in and out of the system can have on people. And while it initially seemed that Alex had been able to age out of the system, work hard and make a success of herself, it quickly becomes clear that she still has a lot of guilt and trauma that she’s yet to really tackle, instead using her need to control and schedule her time to the minute in order to avoid facing those issues. Devon provided such a nice balance for Alex and how she began to finally face the issues that she had chosen to ignore.
Chloe is definitely going from strength to strength with this series, and the pacing and flow of the story has improved so much with each book in this series. Gone are the days of clunky storytelling from the first book. And I think it’s all to do with the fact that the book is 400 pages long - twice the length of the first book, and 100 pages more than the previous two books. The length helped tremendously because Chloe had the ability to really grow these characters and take us through their story without rushing from moment to moment with no build up.
Again, for an age-gap romance, the age-gap really plays not issue for their relationship, and it’s actually easy to forget that there even is an age gap between these characters. With only one book left in the series, it’s probably too late for Chloe to actually make the age difference between the characters an issue, but it would be nice to end the series with the more stereotypical age-gap angst.
For all my forced proximity and age-gap girlies who need more sapphic books in their life, this is one to add to the TBR!
With three months to finish her PhD thesis on the successes of foster kids, Devon - is running out of time to find the IRL case study she needs to round-out her research. When her professor suggests she shadow one of her old college friends, Devon jumps at the opportunity. Successful engineer Alex Bell has spent her adult like scheduling and structuring her days to make the most of her time and to ensure she always has something to focus on. The last thing she needs is to have someone shadow her work, but when she learns about the topic of Devon’s thesis, she can’t say no. Instead, her friends force her to take things a step further - allow Devon to live with her for two months so she can study her more easily without eating too much into Alex’s tight schedule. Devon has never been able to stick to a schedule so living with Alex is a massive adjustment, while for Alex, having someone constantly in her personal space is new. But it turns out, Alex likes letting Devon into her space and life, and even her heart. But there’s still guilt and trauma from her time in foster care that she needs to deal with, and Devon doesn’t know if she can put her heart on the line for someone who still has to face their issues on their own.
Give me ALL the forced proximity! There’s just something about two people being stuck in each other’s orbits and space that delivers ALL the sexual attraction and tension and cute moments. And Alex and Devon had all these moments in spades! I know I said Reid and Mia were my fave couple from this series, but I think Alex and Devon have just taken the lead (inevitably until Taylor gets her book and probably takes top spot)!
Devon and Alex’s relationship was a bit of a slow burn, with neither really revealing any sort of attraction to one another until halfway through the book, and even up until that point they had only casually commented on the attractiveness of the other to friends. But it all felt like such a natural relationship development, especially considering the forced nature of them living together and Devon shadowing Alex. They had so much chemistry, and their relationship was filled with so many sweet moments, a nice sprinkling of spice, and SO much heart.
It was really interesting for Chloe to explore the foster care system and the impacts that growing up in and out of the system can have on people. And while it initially seemed that Alex had been able to age out of the system, work hard and make a success of herself, it quickly becomes clear that she still has a lot of guilt and trauma that she’s yet to really tackle, instead using her need to control and schedule her time to the minute in order to avoid facing those issues. Devon provided such a nice balance for Alex and how she began to finally face the issues that she had chosen to ignore.
Chloe is definitely going from strength to strength with this series, and the pacing and flow of the story has improved so much with each book in this series. Gone are the days of clunky storytelling from the first book. And I think it’s all to do with the fact that the book is 400 pages long - twice the length of the first book, and 100 pages more than the previous two books. The length helped tremendously because Chloe had the ability to really grow these characters and take us through their story without rushing from moment to moment with no build up.
Again, for an age-gap romance, the age-gap really plays not issue for their relationship, and it’s actually easy to forget that there even is an age gap between these characters. With only one book left in the series, it’s probably too late for Chloe to actually make the age difference between the characters an issue, but it would be nice to end the series with the more stereotypical age-gap angst.
For all my forced proximity and age-gap girlies who need more sapphic books in their life, this is one to add to the TBR!
November 30, 2023
This book was so good I didn't want it to finish. I need more like this one, yes I'm reading the series.
August 17, 2024
(rounded up from 2.5, my rating went down as I was listing my reasons for not enjoying this book as much as I expected)
I vacillated a lot between giving this a 2.5 or a 3.5. While technically a fine romance book, I ended up in the middle because of the lack of depth. There's a lot of trauma here to unpack and some really promising things to explore, such as:
* A foster kid who had nothing becoming a billionaire in her own lifetime through her own efforts in construction.
* A student who's been working on her thesis for nearly a decade and is now unsure about how she fits into the real world after being focused on one thing for so long.
* A traumatized pair of sisters split up in foster care and the younger resenting the elder for "not finding her" soon enough while the elder simply had no resources to do so
* Wanting to support your younger sibling and spare them any further trauma in their life but actually setting them up to never grow through having to work for things or experience any kind of struggle
* Having a large group of close friends versus having a support system of one best friend and how the two approaches and friend groups would mesh
* The financial differences between someone who has never worked full time for a living (because PhD student) versus someone who is apparently an actual billionaire starting a relationship and the uneven dynamic as a result
There's more to dive into but these avenues seemed promising to explore, especially as one of the main characters is a psychologist and specifically researching the psychology of foster children who are successful in their lives and careers and how to support all foster kids by setting them up for success. None of this is really dipped into because we keep focusing on other things instead in a relatively shallow way, which is disappointing.
The friend dynamic here is the exact same despite there being about eight different friend pairings. One person is being teaser or annoyed into providing a reaction while the other is amused and transparent about doing so to get a rise out of them. Either that or someone is just stating hard truths in a not-very-gentle way to advance the plot. Neither of these feel organic or varied enough for a group of women this large and so the lack of diversity in the relationships is disappointing as well.
Overall, this was fine but more shallow than I would have liked and has far too much focus on characters who are from previous books and far too little on Alex and Jamie and how their dynamic heals or how Alex and Devon work through their uneven footing in a relationship.
I vacillated a lot between giving this a 2.5 or a 3.5. While technically a fine romance book, I ended up in the middle because of the lack of depth. There's a lot of trauma here to unpack and some really promising things to explore, such as:
* A foster kid who had nothing becoming a billionaire in her own lifetime through her own efforts in construction.
* A student who's been working on her thesis for nearly a decade and is now unsure about how she fits into the real world after being focused on one thing for so long.
* A traumatized pair of sisters split up in foster care and the younger resenting the elder for "not finding her" soon enough while the elder simply had no resources to do so
* Wanting to support your younger sibling and spare them any further trauma in their life but actually setting them up to never grow through having to work for things or experience any kind of struggle
* Having a large group of close friends versus having a support system of one best friend and how the two approaches and friend groups would mesh
* The financial differences between someone who has never worked full time for a living (because PhD student) versus someone who is apparently an actual billionaire starting a relationship and the uneven dynamic as a result
There's more to dive into but these avenues seemed promising to explore, especially as one of the main characters is a psychologist and specifically researching the psychology of foster children who are successful in their lives and careers and how to support all foster kids by setting them up for success. None of this is really dipped into because we keep focusing on other things instead in a relatively shallow way, which is disappointing.
The friend dynamic here is the exact same despite there being about eight different friend pairings. One person is being teaser or annoyed into providing a reaction while the other is amused and transparent about doing so to get a rise out of them. Either that or someone is just stating hard truths in a not-very-gentle way to advance the plot. Neither of these feel organic or varied enough for a group of women this large and so the lack of diversity in the relationships is disappointing as well.
Overall, this was fine but more shallow than I would have liked and has far too much focus on characters who are from previous books and far too little on Alex and Jamie and how their dynamic heals or how Alex and Devon work through their uneven footing in a relationship.
November 18, 2024
I wouldn't say it was amazing but it was exactly what I needed. Tamera is the friend everyone deserves btw.
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me was that the book cover really doesnt show the characters the way they're described in the book, like Devon has waist length wavy auburn hair and tanned skin, and Alex has cherry/ruby/dark curls?? But also blonde? Idk the description in the book also threw me off whatever
Also the fact that none of the friends were physically introduced and just expected we knew what they looked like because of the previous books in the series :')
Anyway! What I did like was the communication, even though they had their bumps they were always honest with each other and that was very refreshing. They're so good for each other.
Actually another thing that kind of bothered me was that at the end after only 6 months of dating they decide to adopt a CHILD??? Like U-hauling lesbians sure, but if that goes sideways you only affect each other. But you're putting an already messed up foster kid in there??? After 6 months?? Babes
One thing that annoyed the hell out of me was that the book cover really doesnt show the characters the way they're described in the book, like Devon has waist length wavy auburn hair and tanned skin, and Alex has cherry/ruby/dark curls?? But also blonde? Idk the description in the book also threw me off whatever
Also the fact that none of the friends were physically introduced and just expected we knew what they looked like because of the previous books in the series :')
Anyway! What I did like was the communication, even though they had their bumps they were always honest with each other and that was very refreshing. They're so good for each other.
Actually another thing that kind of bothered me was that at the end after only 6 months of dating they decide to adopt a CHILD??? Like U-hauling lesbians sure, but if that goes sideways you only affect each other. But you're putting an already messed up foster kid in there??? After 6 months?? Babes
June 5, 2025
Actual rating: 4.3
I really enjoyed this book. Gauging from book 3 (Mia and Reid), I really thought that Alex was the more 'leave it up to fate' type of girl. Full of that energy, doesn't stick to a time, happy go lucky, and everything just works in her favor. but no... she's the complete opposite, i was so surprised by that.
And its funny how Reid thinks of Alex as her best friend... but for Alex, her best friend is Hayden (they met first? + gives good business inside information) and Taylor (work together more often than the rest of them to generally has a better connection with her ig?)
But wow, Alex genuinely shocked me by being so rigid and inflexible to her schedule.
Devon was really sweet, I liked her! (also like her more cause she makes my baby Wyatt feel more welcome in the last book <3)
I really enjoyed this book. Gauging from book 3 (Mia and Reid), I really thought that Alex was the more 'leave it up to fate' type of girl. Full of that energy, doesn't stick to a time, happy go lucky, and everything just works in her favor. but no... she's the complete opposite, i was so surprised by that.
And its funny how Reid thinks of Alex as her best friend... but for Alex, her best friend is Hayden (they met first? + gives good business inside information) and Taylor (work together more often than the rest of them to generally has a better connection with her ig?)
But wow, Alex genuinely shocked me by being so rigid and inflexible to her schedule.
Devon was really sweet, I liked her! (also like her more cause she makes my baby Wyatt feel more welcome in the last book <3)
November 16, 2023
Kinda Disappointing
I usually love Chloe’s books but I found this one exceedingly long and slightly boring. I read about 2-3 books weekly, it took me more than 3 weeks on this one and I almost put it away without finishing it.
I’m willing to accept it was just me, that the book hit me around the wrong time, or something.
It was well- written, pacing slow, subject matter boring but the MCs were great. I do recommend it for certain people(?).
I usually love Chloe’s books but I found this one exceedingly long and slightly boring. I read about 2-3 books weekly, it took me more than 3 weeks on this one and I almost put it away without finishing it.
I’m willing to accept it was just me, that the book hit me around the wrong time, or something.
It was well- written, pacing slow, subject matter boring but the MCs were great. I do recommend it for certain people(?).
January 1, 2024
Hate the alleged best friend
This would be a five star story if it weren't for the alleged best friend. The character of Tamara. I really don't like her. I think she's arrogant and pushy and snarky. I wouldn't allow anyone like that in my life at all let alone as my best friend. And it really bothers me that we keep seeing characters like this that aren't called out for their BS.
This would be a five star story if it weren't for the alleged best friend. The character of Tamara. I really don't like her. I think she's arrogant and pushy and snarky. I wouldn't allow anyone like that in my life at all let alone as my best friend. And it really bothers me that we keep seeing characters like this that aren't called out for their BS.
January 26, 2024
Wow. Peterson gets better and better with every book. Honestly, this last one was probably my favorite plot. Devon and Alex’s story was heart wrenching but the psychology aspect of this book is what made this book a 5 star. Every chapter had me feeling every emotion humanely possible and I didn’t ever want to put the book down. The bonus epilogue though! Ugh. Tears for days, even though I’m overly emotional. Now, I’m even more intrigued that Taylor’s story is coming next.
November 11, 2023
Love this series .
I would have loved to have sutch a group of supportive friends. Amazing series but not enough steam between the MC's. Not so much focus there but love the two way insight of the main characters . Great book and very motivational and emotionally centered. Cant wait for the next book and definitely a 5🌟 all the way.
I would have loved to have sutch a group of supportive friends. Amazing series but not enough steam between the MC's. Not so much focus there but love the two way insight of the main characters . Great book and very motivational and emotionally centered. Cant wait for the next book and definitely a 5🌟 all the way.
June 25, 2024
PHD in Love
Devon is a PhD student in psychology and needs to figure out how to complete her dissertation. Her counsellor sets up a two month program to shadow billionaire Alex Bell who grew up in the foster care system. Will the immediate electricity between them spark a new relationship? A great series.
Devon is a PhD student in psychology and needs to figure out how to complete her dissertation. Her counsellor sets up a two month program to shadow billionaire Alex Bell who grew up in the foster care system. Will the immediate electricity between them spark a new relationship? A great series.
August 1, 2024
Delightful Series🥰
Thus continues the totally realistic (NOT) billionaire series from Chloe Peterson.
This very enjoyable collection of loving women, for whom money is most often put to the greater good, and those who help them know the true gif of giving without strings.
On to the next one.
❤️🦋❤️🦋😎😠🤞🧑🦯
Thus continues the totally realistic (NOT) billionaire series from Chloe Peterson.
This very enjoyable collection of loving women, for whom money is most often put to the greater good, and those who help them know the true gif of giving without strings.
On to the next one.
❤️🦋❤️🦋😎😠🤞🧑🦯
December 27, 2024
Ten toes down, Cam and Elliott are the best couple and Reid and Mia are still the best book. HOWEVER, this book resonated on a personal level with me and I ended up crying in the middle of a Barnes and Noble Cafe ... so do with that information what you will. Unfortunately I cannot pine after Alex Bell because I'm afraid I am in fact Alex Bell.
December 29, 2023
Brilliant
So it's no secret that I've loved every book in this series and this is no exception. Alex and Devon are great together and have some wonderfully vulnerable moments where they work though the things holding them back with some refreshingly accurate psychology.
So it's no secret that I've loved every book in this series and this is no exception. Alex and Devon are great together and have some wonderfully vulnerable moments where they work though the things holding them back with some refreshingly accurate psychology.
May 1, 2024
oh to have a billionaire milf fall in love with me... the best of the series that i read so far. it started off really great, i love the friend group even though the names being so familiar was confusing. i feel like the sister conflict was solved too quickly
November 11, 2023
Not as captivating as the other one
December 17, 2023
4,5 🌟
Hab's geliebt, wie jeden anderen Teil der Reihe.
Hab's geliebt, wie jeden anderen Teil der Reihe.
January 4, 2024
3.5 stars. Moved extremely slow so much that the confession of love was 60 pages before the end of the book. Really love the intellectual components of this book mainly the psychology points.
January 7, 2024
devon eu te amaria muito mais. foi um livro bonitinho e tudo mais mas eu acho que a autora segurou muito o início e acelerou muito o final, não dando espaço pra pequenos detalhes legais de ler
January 26, 2024
Hard work pays off
Two hard working people meet at a suggestion of a professor and sparks fly.
I have loved reading this series and am happy to know there will be more.
Two hard working people meet at a suggestion of a professor and sparks fly.
I have loved reading this series and am happy to know there will be more.
March 19, 2024
A heartwarming, beautifully written story.
I really enjoyed this book ; the first I have read from Chloe Peterson, but it won't be the last!
I really enjoyed this book ; the first I have read from Chloe Peterson, but it won't be the last!
April 6, 2024
Really good but the timeline for everything didn’t make much sense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews