Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The GEG #1

Under Contract

Rate this book
Charlotte McKendrick is your typical thirty-something stay-at-home mom. She has three beautiful children, a loving family, special friends, and the most wonderful, adoring husband. Her life is a dream.

Er . . . let’s try this again.

Charlotte McKendrick is not your typical thirty-something stay-at-home mom. Yes, she’s got three beautiful children, a loving family (all of them lingerers—you’ll see), and her friends are special, all right! As far as her wonderful, adoring husband, what a joke! That bastard abandoned her and the kids six months ago.

Now, she will do anything she can to survive and provide for her children. Even if it means signing on the dotted line . . .

Mitch Colton is the CEO of Colton Technologies. Most of his year is spent traveling around the world, bringing companies the latest innovations in automobile technology. He doesn’t have time for a traditional relationship and the BS that comes with it. He doesn’t do the “marriage” thing, the “kid” thing, and he certainly doesn’t do the “falling in love” thing. All that said, he still wants someone to come home to. Someone who will offer everything he wants, and nothing he doesn’t. He realizes loyalty paired with these kinds of demands won’t come cheap. No problem. What he doesn’t realize is that once Charlotte McKendrick signs that dotted line, he’ll be paying with a lot more than money.


This can be read as a standalone! However, there are certain story lines in all of The GEG books that are continued on in subsequent books.

ebook

First published June 29, 2014

35 people are currently reading
1033 people want to read

About the author

Jacquelyn Ayres

12 books275 followers
I am a Domestic Engineer (born and raised in NJ) whose sole responsibility is to guide three young impressionable kids into becoming phenomenal adults. This challenging, yet rewarding work requires a lot of love (coffee), patience (wine) and determination (periodic exorcisms). I work all of this magic in the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Before becoming a Domestic Goddess (not really), I spent over a decade working in the medical field where I wore more hats than the Queen.

I have had a love for the written word and the great escape it provides since I was a little girl. When I wasn't reading about people and the places they lived, I was creating my own characters and adventures. Finally, I have been putting a pen to paper allowing my characters to come to life. When I don't have a pen and paper in hand, you can often find me laughing at the conversations my characters are having in my head.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
392 (33%)
4 stars
378 (31%)
3 stars
244 (20%)
2 stars
95 (8%)
1 star
74 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,721 followers
July 21, 2014
4.5--GEG--Stars!!

I don't know if it's the fact that I had tried several other books before landing on this one or what...but I really liked this one!

Oh my lawd this book had me laughing my ass off...



Was it perfect? No! But it was super fun, super funny and super sexy!

So...I bet you want to know what a GEG is? And I must admit it was fun reading along trying to figure out what in the hell a GEG was. As for the big reveal....



But damn, I sure loved the GEGs!

The banter and dialogue was the best part of the book. Between the MCs, Charley and Mitch, and between their friends and family. Funny text messages, funny phone calls, just funny period.

Charley's husband up and left her with three kids and no money. She answers an ad to be an escort/call girl/companion for Mitch.



Mitch is very specific about who and what he wants. And he's willing to pay top dollar. He's a very busy man, travels a lot and wants someone to be at his beck and call. And Charley happens to fit the bill....



Mitch doesn't want kids....Charley has kids. Mitch wants someone with experience....Charley has none. Mitch doesn't want drama....Charley's life is full of it. But damn, Charley was awesome and Mitch saw all of that awesome too.

Now Mitch...he was a little cray cray.



He may have been a bit on the jealous side. Flew off the handle a time or two. Poor guy just didn't know what to do with his feelings for Charley. And yeah, he makes some dumb choices...

I guess it was probably insta-love-ish. IDK, it didn't bother me. I think because I was laughing too much at everything else.

The plot and storyline weren't perfect. There were some holes, some inconsistencies, some huh moments. But the banter and steam made up for that for me.

Can't wait to read about the rest of the GEGs!
Profile Image for Lady Heather .
1,310 reviews773 followers
November 26, 2015


Okay, since I had to take time to think about how I was going to rate this book after finishing it here goes...

Final rating 2.5 stars!

The beginning and middle of the book were 4.5 - 5 star rating.
The author did a great job of developing the characters and the story-line was interesting and good.

I would definitely rate this book as erotica with some Dom/sub.

The characters were complex, funny, smart, and yet still portrayed as 'real'.

The author had me engaged and eagerly anticipating to see what was going to happen next.

...then it seems at the 85% mark - the story got rushed, and all of a sudden I'm at the epilogue thinking WTF?

 photo 9c47397fb9d9d288dddf51cbe813cd41.jpg

Did I miss something? I can't really be sure how much times lapses from the end of the story to the epilogue (I think 2 years?). With one major question being asked in my head.

Anyone who knows me or follows my reviews knows that a sudden, rushed ending is a HUGE pet-peeve of mine.
I really HATE finishing a story (especially a contemporary romance) feeling mad and a little betrayed by the author.

I had such HIGH expectations for this story... and then

 photo lelo.gif
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,410 followers
July 5, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

☆☆☆☆ 4 Meow Stars ☆☆☆☆

UnderContract

Under Contract was absolutely sweet, funny, sexy and romantic. It was my feel good romantic comedy HEA book. As a romantic at heart, Under Contract was a perfect blend of humor, sass, sexiness, and romance. Jacquelyn Ayres did an amazing job in Under Contract. She will have you swooning and meowing for Mitchell Colton. Who knew signing a dotted line could land you a hot bachelor and of course hot sex? But one thing is for certain, love was non-negotiable in Under Contract.

UnderContract_1

Rule number one when signing a contract… read the fine print! Well what happens when you sign a contract and not realizing that not only you are signing away your life, time and body but also signing away your heart. For Charlotte McKendrick, she thought all she had to offer was her body and time to Mitch Colton but what she didn’t see coming was to sign her heart away and fall in love.

Charlotte is a single mother of three. Her asshole of a husband abandon them to go find himself...well Charlotte had to put on her big girl panties and get a job. What we didn’t expect is her job was meeting a criteria for a certain CEO. Her new job requires to be his pretend girlfriend. Doesn’t sound that bad? Right? Well however you look at, Charlotte needed this income to put a roof over her family’s head and food onto the table. Besides the extra perks of the job was hot orgasmic sex with her “boyfriend” Mitch. As they begin to spend more time together, Charlotte and Mitch begins to see the walls surrounding their heart begins to unravel. Will Mitch renegotiate his contract with Charlotte since falling in love is not what he had bargained for?

UnderContract_2

The chemistry between Charlotte and Mitch was sexy and at the same time fun. I adored the playful banter between these two. They complimented and suited each other since they both were equals when it came to their personalities. Charlotte is not your shy heroine but a confident woman who knows when to speak her mind. The only time she lets her guard down is when she lets Mitch take reign in the bedroom. The dynamic of their relationship was fun and sassy. I loved that Mitch adored Charlotte’s children and treated them as his own. I love stories when two unexpecting people finds LOVE in the least place they expect to. Ms. Ayres not only gives us a love story but she was able to incorporate lots of humor, banter, and of course hot steamy chemistry.

So if you are looking for a fun and sweet story with HEA that will leave you with a BIG FAT SMILE on your face, then I highly suggest Under Contract.

UnderContract_3

Jacquelyn Ayres
Profile Image for Beth.
769 reviews121 followers
July 5, 2014
4.5 Sign on the Dotted Line Stars



We are living in an Insta-Society. Instant breakfast. Instant tans from a bottle. Instant bragging to your friends on InstaGram. Instant access to information on the World Wide InterWeb. What ever happened to working for something? Those encyclopedias we used to look up the 15th president or the capital of Norway were good enough for me. Who cares that they were outdated before they even got off the shelf. And what ever happened to working for your tan? Hours of baking, sweating, and skin cancer. So this new phenomenon of Instant Love is just a short leap away.

Charlotte or Charley as she prefers, is in a bit of a pickle. Her asshat of a husband has left her with 3 kids, a stack of bills, and no forwarding address. She could ask her very supportive parents for help or her gaggle of loud, crass, loving friends, but she has her own solution. She'll become a call girl. Yes, isn't that the normal go-to job for single moms?

I'm here to have a conference call with my sanity. Clearly it went bankrupt and closed up shop.

Mitch is a very busy man. He travels all over the world making million dollar deals. He does not have time to date. So he contracts a girlfriend. Just sign on the dotted line and then get naked. Insta-Solution.

I also want to make it clear that it will never be more than this. I will never want more. I will never give more. I don't mean to sound like a cocky or arrogant bastard, but if you find you feel something for me and want more - our contract will be through.

Epic Fail.....you sound like a cocky bastard.

This is a funny, snarky, charming read. There is Insta-Lust, Insta-Chemistry, Insta-Alpha Male, Insta-Battles of the Heart and Mind. Mitch will make you swoon and want to kick him where it will cause Insta-Pain.

Her mind - it intrigues me.
Her laugh - it centers me.
Her heart - it swallows me.
Her voice - it calms me.
Her smell - it intoxicates me.
I abandoned her.


I really enjoyed this one. Just give up on trying to make sense of the Insta-Thing and go with it. There are several unanswered, unfinished story lines here that I want to see finished. I will be reading the next book. Cause Kyle and I have and Insta-Connection.
130 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2018
Ah-ma-zing
A perfect combination of zingers, lust, Love, family and losers all wrapped into one package. The story was one that has been done before no doubt, but the difference makes all the difference. The words the arrangement and the superfluousness of the changing POVs was ah-ma-zing.
I loved reading it...read it in one day, could have finished in a few hours but you know kids get in the way of fun 😉
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,763 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2017
Under Contract by Jacquelyn Ayres a four-star read that you wouldn’t want to break. This is the first book in the GEG series but each story can be read as stand-alone. This is my first read by this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series if they are half as good as this they will be great. This book had a great romantic story-line, but it was also funny having some great one liners. The relationship between the girls was so good and real, you could see them in your life and imagine having fun with them. What I loved most though was Charlotte McKendrick, even though life has thrown her some downright awful circumstances she has made the best of it and cracked on. The chemistry between her and Mitch Colton is off the charts even though it shouldn’t be. I did struggle to get used to Mitch if I’m honest, but once I got my hooks into the story I really cam round to him and saw another side to him. Bring on book two, I cant wait.
Profile Image for Michelle Roberson.
38 reviews
November 14, 2017
This is the first book I’ve read of Jacquelyn’s and I must say this is an amazing book. Funny for sure and the ❤️. The book is well written!
Profile Image for Loraine Oliver.
684 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2014
Review by Loraine Oliver from Wicked Women Book Blog

Under Contract is a wonderful, touching story about a woman who is lovely and charming and totally devoted to her 3 children and their life together with her husband-until the husband decided he was no longer interested in living with his wife and 3 kids any more, so he up and leaves her one day with a mortgage, no money in the bank and huge credit card debt.

Mitch is the CEO of his own company and he is tired of all the faceless one night stands he has been passing time with and is just plain done with the whole scene. Mitch is single, very attractive and a millionaire, and just wants to have a relationship where he gives the same woman a lot of money, has her live in his house and be there when he comes home, and it is more for his convenience that anything else.

Mitch doesn’t have time for a traditional relationship and the BS that comes with it, and he doesn't want a marriage or kids, certainly doesn’t do the “falling in love” thing. All that said, he still wants someone to come home to." This is what he wants.

What happens when Charlotte goes to meet Mitch to see about this mutually beneficial "contract"? Will this prove to be something that is beneficial to both of them?

This book is hilarious, and you are going to love it-I know I did, I sat down to read it one night, and I haven't been so touched by a read in a while, as well as laughed out loud so much! Along with this story comes a great cast of supporting characters that are hilarious, crazy and just plain out of this world on occasion -including both Mitch and Charlotte's family members! And all of them love
Charlotte so much,they have been friends all their lives and always will be,and the same holds true for Mitch!

Most of all this book has a meaning behind it and see if you can figure out what the author is trying to say.
I gave this book 5***** stars for being a great read!
Profile Image for Heather Routh.
11 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2014
I must say that Jac has did it again! I am truly amazed at her talent. I fell in love with the GEG girls and the rest of the characters in this book.

Charlotte was a stay at home mother of 3 young children and "trophy" wife. Until one day her jerk of a husband left her. He just picked up and walked away from his family. No contact or anything. Charlotte is worried about how she's going to feed her kids, keep a roof over their heads and pay the bills when she over hears two women talking about Mitch Colton looking for a "companion" when he's in town. She meets him and they hit it off so she decided to sign his contract. The contract basically says she'll be at his beck and call whenever he's in town. He does not want a relationship of any kind. Nor does he want children.

Charlotte and Mitch spend time together and she realizes that she has a crush on Mitch. Little does she know, he's falling in love with her and her children.

I love Charlotte's friends, the GEG girls. Especially Cici! She's a fire cracker. Charlotte is a strong woman and doesn't let Mitch get away with his a**ho*e tendencies. They are perfect for eachother! I'm going to stop here because I don't want to give anything else away but trust me when I say this is a book that you'll want to read. I cannot wait for book 2 which is Cici's story.

Jacquelyn Ayers, you blow my mind! I have loved every book you've written and cannot wait to see what comes next. This book definitely deserves 5 stars! Congratulations on the new book.
Profile Image for French Press Bookworm Blog.
948 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2019
25 pages into this one and I was swooning. Mitch is this hard nose serious CEO who doesn’t want the American dream. He is not sitting at home dreaming of a wife, 2.5 kids, and a white picket fence. No he just wants what he wants and I wanted to see him get more! Charley is perfect! Seriously I think I have a girl Crush on her! Her no BS attitude and funny personality had me from the start.

don’t want to leave marks on her, and yet I want to somehow brand her. Anyone that looks at her— dares to think of touching her— should know that she is mine..

Oh see swoon superb swooning going on here! Oh and there texts you have to read this book just for the amazing freaking banter! Oh my gosh I was dying. The witty comebacks were flying off the freaking page! My husband kept looking at me like I was crazy…also all of this awesomeness was in the beginning….and it only got better

The extra characters we’re just as amazing. From friends to family…..I loved it..can’t wait for me!





Fantastic read.
Profile Image for Nikki.
972 reviews257 followers
July 26, 2014
Ok, this is a hard one to review. On one hand, it was freaking hilarious and even though I found myself rolling my eyes at several parts, I couldn't seem to stop reading it. I just had to see what obscene or ridiculous thing was gonna happen next. I know that sounds kinda bad, but I don't mean it to. The story wasn't my favorite, but I can't say I wasn't pulled in. I have mixed feelings. I thought some of the actions done and said by the main couple were at times over the top, and at other times Mitch needed a swift kick in the balls. But then again, I found myself laughing copiously throughout the entire book. So all in all, I'd say it was a good book. Just not a top favorite.
Profile Image for CDBW.
1,617 reviews81 followers
July 14, 2014
I received this book in return for an honest review.

5 Crazy Ass Stars!!!

Ladies, I have myself a new BBF his name is Mitch. OMG! Mitchell Colton is 'raising morale' on my BBF list. I absolutely luuuuuved this book. I was sucked in right from the start and didn't put it down until I was finished. This is my first read by Jacquelyn Ayres and I can tell you now, it won't be my last! I LMAO, I cried, I got mad and boy, did those hot ass scenes get me all flushed! This makes for the perfect beach/pool/anywhere read!
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,038 reviews953 followers
September 20, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️2.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had all the elements of a winning recipe, unfortunately for me, the misconstructed and messy dialogues, the constant back and forth of both characters regarding their emotions made it difficult and unpleasant to hold any real interest.



Don't let my picky self hold you off of this one, I know some of my friends enjoyed it, it had a great banter, an interesting girl's posse, and sweet moments if you crave a little cheesy romance.
Profile Image for Stephanie*.
654 reviews36 followers
July 21, 2014
3 STARS!

This rating was a hard one for me! IMO, the book started off really awkward & weird and didn't pick up until around 40-something-ish-%. I thought the first half was around 2 stars and the second half of the book was a 4 star read. So I just averaged those two and came up with a rating of 3 stars.

So what didn't I like you ask?

The main reason I disliked the first portion of this book was the hero, Mitch/Mitchell/Mitchy/PSYCHO!! Okay, the psycho nickname is my own doing, but this guy had some sort of bipolar, multiple personality, and anger management problems in the beginning of this book. The heroine would do or say something he didn't like and BAM, psycho comes out.

description

So basically, we have a case of a tortured hero. He has spent the last 20 years grieving the loss of someone important in his life, and the unfortunate events that happened have caused him to act in the way that he does.

description

I had a hard time with the MC's dialogue in the beginning, because I felt like my head was whipping back and forth between his mood swings. I almost DNF'd this a few times, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because the author seemed to get into a better rhythm and the book got much better!

I also wanted more from the heroine's kids. We get to see some of Brogan, but she had two others and we were only told about them, and didn't get to see much from them either. Especially since one of her children had a disability. Which we aren't told about until later in the book? Mitch was Skype'ing with the oldest son, I wish that would have been in his POV, so that we can see the relationship that they were able to build as well.

Now, what did I like?

The second half of the book made up for the first part in humor & the GEG's. The GEG team was hilarious.

description

In case you're wondering GEG stands for..... The GEG consists of five best friends, who have way too much fun. These girls are a RIOT!

Also, I must point out that Mitch was better in the second half. He didn't freak out as much as he did in the first half, and redeemed himself towards the end! It was nice to see him start out as PSYCHO boy and progress to a man that was able to cope with his grief and to be able to live a fulfilling life.

I enjoyed the epilogue but still had a few questions and major plot holes that I need answered. The epilogue didn't provide me the answers to my questions, and only left me more confused.

I am honestly looking forward to CiCi and Kyle's book next. I believe (and hope) that both of these secondary characters from this book will be more tolerable for me. Kyle seemed like a pretty normal dude, with a better personality than Mitch, and CiCi, she is too freaking hilarious! She is by far the craziest one out of the group. So I will definitely be waiting for their book next!

description
Profile Image for Mara De Guzman.
455 reviews
April 22, 2015

3.5 to 4 Stars
Copy received for an honest review

"Thinking can get in the way of doing. Sometimes you need to just do things without thinking, because they need to get done. Think about it!"

How far would you go to make sure you and your kids have food on your table and a roof above your heads? This is especially hard if you're a single parent who have 3 kids to take care of and provide for and no steady source of income. This is the case of single mother and divorcee, Charlotte "Charley" O'Brien/McKendrick.

Back to the question, how far would you go?

Charley went as far as pimping herself out just to make sure their mortgage and other overdue bills get paid. Who could blame her? She has 3 young children, 1 who has special needs, her good for nothing husband just up and left them and bills are piling up. Going on "paid dates" may not be a long-term solution or the perfect one but it sure is a quick way to earn quick cash. So lucky for Charley, her very first client slash first date was the gorgeous, wealthy and sexy Mitchell Colton.

Mitchell Colton, a rich and successful businessman who's been crushed and hurt before. He's not up for serious relationships or commitment and figures the best way to get it is by "hiring" someone from time to time to satisfy his needs. And when he saw Charlotte walking into the bar… he was mesmerized.



Charley and Mitch's story is a cute and very sexy read and has a whirlwind romance feel to it. During that "date", Mitch made Charley sign a contract stating that she's at his beck and call whenever he is town and that she gets a monthly stipend. But everything changes after just one night. Mitch started feeling things he hasn't felt in a long while and I appreciate how he's the first one to welcome those thoughts. It's enjoyable reading Charley and Mitch try to suppress the unwelcome affection between them and trying not to give in but Charley is a determined woman and I admire her for sticking with Mitch even when he started closing himself off.

Under Contract is a sweet and funny reading experience and even though there have been a couple other books with quite a similar premise, I enjoyed Ms. Jacquelyn Ayres' writing. Not a dull moment and I just wish there was a bit more development in their story and Charley's kids. But overall, this is a well-written sweet love story.

Stars: 3.5 to 4
Recommended to: Fans of sexy, funny romance
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Series: Yes. Standalone.
Extra Comment: Story development lacks a little for my liking but it didn't affect the connection I had with the characters. Secondary characters were all hilarious, by the way.
Profile Image for Red Cheeks Reads.
2,271 reviews374 followers
July 20, 2014
Charlotte has become a struggling mum of 3, due to her good for nothing husband up and leaving her to survive and provide all by herself. So in a moment of desperation she takes a job. This is not your ordinary job though and it involves one sexy but moody business man named Mitch, a contract and a chance that Charlotte may get everything she deserves or end up completely heart broken.

Having read and enjoyed the other series from this author, I was excited to get started on another with a different plot line altogether. Especially one involving hot business men and contracts! But I was a little disappointed as I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did the others.

First off let me start by saying that there is definite potential here again. The plot was unique in its on way, the characters were likeable (again in their own unique way) and there were parts of the story I did enjoy.

“Your body knows it. Look at how it responds. It knows it belongs to me.”

The characters, I have to come to realise from this author, are always a bit over the top but they do seem to work. Did Mitch get on my nerves with his constant mood swings and getting angry over what I thought were silly things? Definitely! But just like with previous characters, he did end up redeeming himself. I did however cringe when he kept calling Charlotte’s p***y “kitty” and the way he described playing with it and the use of the term baby was just overused.

Charlotte was a character I liked. I thought her background about her being a struggling but wonderful mother gave her such a strength that I admired and she just always seemed strong, determined and not a pushover which I really liked. So she was a character I enjoyed reading about.

“Her honesty- cripples me.
Her green eyes-Kryptonite to my soul.
Her touch- ignites every fibre of my being.
Her mind- intrigues me.
Her heart-inspires me.”


The plot itself was interesting. Maybe not completely original (we have all read stories concerning business men and contracts) but it was different in its unique way and it worked well. It definitely kept me interested and I did keep turning the pages wondering how everything was going to turn out. However the style and flow of the writing itself didn’t quite work for me. The scenes just didn’t seem to connect sometimes but this is a personal preference I believe and other readers probably would enjoy how the writing was done.

“Your the reason I now have everything I hold dear in life.”

Overall a romance that has great potential, with aspects I really enjoyed. From this book and previous ones I have read, I will continue to look out for more from this author as I can only see her getting better and better with each new book she releases.

Bethany
Profile Image for Angie.
1,301 reviews22 followers
July 14, 2014
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~

This was a very good book! The sense of humor of the characters was amazing. The feelings between friends and family reminded you of your own life. Charley will do anything for her kids, even if that means agreeing with Mitch and his “contract”. Each of them are signing on the dotted line for a different reason but soon those reasons change. This book kept me interested and wanting more the whole time. When things were going rough in the book I was actually getting nervous for the characters and biting my nails!!! The chemistry between Mitch and Charley is off the charts and so are the sex scenes. Holy cow! The epilogue is two years from when Mitch and Charley met, some things are answered but others I think could have been touched on more and there is one thing that they never said if it happened or not. I am hoping it wasn’t said since there is another book coming out and it may touch on that in the second book. I know I am being vague but I don’t want to ruin it for you! Get the book and read it, you will love it!

Characters: The characters were well written, loveable and believable. The relationship between all the women just cracks me up, they are so funny!

Sex: yes and so flipping hot!!!

Religious: no

Would I recommend to others: yes

More than one book in the series: yes but can be read as a standalone

Genre: Romance

Would I read more by this author: yes

~Wicked Reads Review Team~

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,280 reviews1,780 followers
July 17, 2014
My Rating:

4.5 Steamy Stars

Favorite Quotes:

“If your face looked any more perplexed, you’d turn into a shar-pei.”

“I’m pretty much a bullshit – free zone. I don’t take it, I don’t give it, and quite frankly I want nothing to do with it. If I smell bullshit – I call it and leave the room.”

“You know that feeling you get when you meet someone you know will become a lifelong friend? Yeah – that’s the feeling I just got.”

My Review:

I am new to Jacquelyn Ayres and I could kick myself for being so slow to arrive at the party. I absolutely love her writing style. It is as if my friends and I are talking over a glass of wine and recounting events. It is relaxed, wickedly funny, observant, casual, and oh so steamy. I resented any intrusion while I was reading. After fussing at me several times in attempts to get my attention, I actually huffed at my sweet little husband, and told him to “go away, just go away!” It wasn’t a predictable story, and I loved all the twists and turns and odd little characters, as life really is full of twists and turns and odd little characters. I immersed and indulged myself with this book and it was one of the most enjoyable days I can remember for months on end. It was actually just the right length but I do wish it went on a bit longer as I was enjoying the story so much. Do yourselves a favor and pick up a copy, you can thank me later.
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books45 followers
July 14, 2014
** I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads. **

Under Contract had me from the first chapter. I was intrigued at the blurb but once I read the first chapter I was hooked. It's sweet, sexy, emotional and laugh out loud funny. Some of the sex scenes are off the charts hot!

I know people may think the tortured past bad boy alpha millionaire is over done, which it can be but this was written in such a way that you can't compare it to the others out there. The back and forth between characters is hysterical. I was choked up at times with a lump in my throat, but there were times I was laughing out loud. It is very hard to balance the two but it was done very well in this story.

My only complaint it seemed the ending was rushed. It was flowing along nicely than boom we've jumped two years into the future. There are questions that were never answered. This is listed as a standalone. To me that means all questions and story lines should have been addressed and tied up nicely. I know there is a second book in the series, my hope is that those remaining questions will be answered.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Keisha.
80 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2014
* Reviewed on behalf of Give Me Books *
Under Contract is hot, funny, heartbreaking, and frustrating. I didn't care to much for the almost insta-love of Mitch and Charlotte, but the story was great.

I loved the GEGs, they reminded me a lot of my best friends. Their banter towards each other was hilarious. They made perfect best friends and characters.

Mitch and Charlotte come together by the signing of a contract. However, that contract causes a few issues further on in their relationship. Charlotte is just a woman trying to get over her douchebag ex husband and provide for her three children. Mitch is the owner and CEO of Colton Technologies looking to pay someone to be his girlfriend. What neither of them realize is that contract holds more power than either thought possible.

The anger that Mitch has gets a little annoying and irritating and repetitive but in reality he's just being a typical guy really, getting pissy for almost no reason as well as saying hurtful things when he's mad. But they work out their problems almost instantly. Sex is always the answer after a fight.

Under Contract did make me tear up a couple times but that usually happens to me when I read something heartbreaking. I look forward to the next book in the series, which is definitely going to be hilarious.
Profile Image for Shelby.
584 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2014
*I received a free copy to read & review for Wicked Reads*

I was a bit apprehensive about reading another book based upon a contract - BOY WAS I WRONG!
This story was heart-felt and emotional, it was humorous and quick-witted, it was sweet and sexy...I really enjoyed it.
The characters were absolutely fantastic, they were like-able and realistic. Mitchell is the uber-sexy, rich, Alpha male who doesn't have time for relationships, but also doesn't want to share a woman.
Charlotte is a sweet, hilarious, desperate mother of 3 who NEEDS a job to provide for her family. Together, they learn what they are capable of - and it's beautiful!
The secondary characters were also fantastic, and complimented the main characters in this story so well.
Although this story has a basis in desperate times, it was a light-hearted, quick-witted read. The characters were great, the story will draw you in, the sexy scenes are HOT, the romance is uplifting, and I would recommend this book to everyone!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Mary.
1,051 reviews21 followers
July 18, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Charlotte McKendrick has a 99 problems and money could solve 89 of them. Her soon to be ex decided he wanted to "live off the grid" and skipped town, leaving her with a mortgage and three kids to support. Being a stay at home mom hasn't exactly given her the type of resume' that have job opportunities opening up for her. So, she decides to answer an ad for an girlfriend for hire.

Mitchell Colton is a rich man who doesn't have time for relationships. He just wants a woman who will drop everything at the drop of a hat to be with him and focus her attentions on him. And, he's willing to pay a pretty penny to get what he wants. Little does he know, its going to cost him a lot more than money.

I read this book in one evening. I haven't laughed this much in a long time while reading a romance. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.


Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for J.
3,099 reviews50 followers
July 19, 2014
A really pleasant, if not a little implausible, romance between a woman whose husband has just left her broke with three kids to take care of, and a rich businessman, not interested at all in a long term relationship, who is looking for a "beck and call" type woman who he will pay well if she is available when he needs her. The desperate woman takes the businessman up on his offer and they sign a "contract."

What saves this story from being just like a lot of others, is that both parties almost immediately realize that there is something more than just a "contractual" situation in how they feel about each other. It was fun to watch them try to sort out what was really going on between them and come to grips with the fact that they had each found "the one."

The woman has some really hilarious sisters. Foul mouthed and gutsy who give unfiltered relationship advice. It was also really nice to see the businessman step up and develop real relationships with her kids. All told a very pleasant read even if it started out with a hokey premise.
Profile Image for Jo.
789 reviews96 followers
October 2, 2014
Charley is on the edge and makes a decision to do whatever it takes to protect her family and keep a roof over their heads.

Mitchell knows heartbreak and has no interest in going there again.

Neither of them knew that the day they met their paths would intertwine so deeply.

What was supposed to be something casual yet contracted ended up being something so beautiful and one of a kind.

Whilst in parts there was an overuse of the term of endearment "baby" I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, yet edgy story. It was something different to the boy meets girl stories.

I found myself in awe of Charley's inner strength and adored her sass towards Mitch. He was funny to read about especially when futilely fighting his emotions over Charley.

They both had rocky pasts. They both needed to overcome what had happened to them. They both needed one another. Their union was perfect and adorable.

A story with that warm, fuzzy feeling. Perfect for a lazy afternoon read. 4 very deserving stars especially for that stunningly beautiful ending.
1,008 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is a fun adult romance. Charley, our heroine, is a strong straight talking woman who quickly brings the lovely CEO Mitch to his knees. Mitch, sweet delicious Mitch. At times suffers from a bit of stupid man syndrome but you'll still love him and shake your head and smile.

From Charley's crude talking girlfriends, to Mitch's seemingly psychic Gram there was nothing about this story I didn't like.

This is the first book in a series. Its fun, hot, emotional at times and ultimately heart warming. I'll be reading the rest of this series and I'd definitely recommend Under Contract.

Wicked Reads Review Team





Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
July 13, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."

I absolutely loved this book. It was my perfect mix of sassy woman, who is doing what she has to for her family to survive, and rich handsome man who is avoiding love and commitment at all costs. We all know what happens when two such people meet and sparks fly ... Well this book deals with a huge number of their issues in a great way, and introduces a whole host of delightful, hilarious characters too. I am sure that some of them will get a chance at telling us their stories in the future - I can't wait!

Wicked Reads Review Team

Profile Image for Christi Lofton.
408 reviews
September 7, 2016
Thanks to the author, I was allowed to read an ARC of this book for an honest review. Oh my goodness, this book is awesome! Jacquelyn Ayres hit the mark again!

This book has a little bit of everything...it is touching, sexy and funny. You have a single mom with 3 great kids (and they are her priority which is refreshing in a book). You have a super sexy guy who has his own problems. You have hilarious best friends that say just about anything. Put them all together and you have one great book. I laughed out loud multiple times in this one!

You won't want to put it down from chapter 1 on. Grab it as soon as it comes out! I am already ready for Book #2!
314 reviews7 followers
September 11, 2016
This book just hit my list of all time favourites, I freaking loved it!!!
The female lead, Charlotte is strong, sassy and likeable from the get go.
The male lead, Mitch is hot, sexy, flawed and hot (did I mention that already?) just the way I like them.
The story flows well, never missing a beat and in places I literally shrieked with laughter.
The backing singers of the group, otherwise known as GEG are just hysterical and made me snort and cough at their antics.
A funny, sexy, hold onto your pants and then get a clean pair (in one way or another!) riot of a book.
I'm so excited for the next instalment from this fabulous writer. Keep them coming Jacquelyn!!
Profile Image for Ella.
304 reviews12 followers
January 10, 2016
5/5* Its been so long since gave a book 5stars. But it was totally worth it. I loved the book! It made me laugh so hard, it made me cry. And now I'm so confused. I don't know if i should read the next book or wait for the others to release... oh who am i kidding, I'm weak, i need to devour book 2 now! The bold letters beside the title that reads "standalone novel" is the biggest scam ever; because once you start reading it, you're hooked. There's just no stopping at one book.
P.S i just found my next fav author *wink.wink*
Profile Image for ~Kristin~.
1,371 reviews141 followers
July 8, 2014
4 Stars
I was so looking forward to this one, it was definitely a different idea and was Fun~ny as hell. I got a huge kick out of the banter between the both of the MC as well as the cooky and crazy collection of friends they seem to have. The chemistry was awesome and it was a pretty and steamy read. There was a touch of insta love, but this was just a slight distraction, overall I really enjoyed this charming book. I look forward to CiCi's story...it will be epic I'm sure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.