What do you think?
Rate this book
Contracted: A Wife for the Bedroom
A marriage is forever, not just for convenience...
Hunter Myles: this Australian's worth billions and can buy any woman he wants!
Lily Harper: perfect for a convenient marriage and she needs Hunter's help!
Hunter's ring is on her finger, but Lily knows it'll only be there for twelve months. Soon, a year doesn't seem quite long enough. Lily has fallen in love with her temporary husband!
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
16 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,401 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 26, 2019
Four stars for an utterly charming and unrepentant bad boy hero. I can't find the quote, but even the hero knows he's a charmer.
The H and h, neither of whom believes in love...ahem, manage a MOC full of passion. He wants to settle down investors and she wants to pay off her mother's house. Small blip towards the end when the H's handicapped violin playing little sister temporarily goes feral on some misinformation from the highly qualified but evil PA, but all in all a sweet story.
I am sure it was pure accident that CM did not put the firing of the evil OW on page, but I have no fear she was effectively dispatched by the H while the heroine watched, smiling.
The H and h, neither of whom believes in love...ahem, manage a MOC full of passion. He wants to settle down investors and she wants to pay off her mother's house. Small blip towards the end when the H's handicapped violin playing little sister temporarily goes feral on some misinformation from the highly qualified but evil PA, but all in all a sweet story.
I am sure it was pure accident that CM did not put the firing of the evil OW on page, but I have no fear she was effectively dispatched by the H while the heroine watched, smiling.
December 30, 2018
Oh, this hero – he was yummy. The H/h meet cute when he joins her community support group, ostensibly to check it out for his violinist sister who was paralyzed in a car accident that killed his parents.
Heroine is the group facilitator and feels very protective of the other group members as the hero at first gives flippant and cynical answers about his broken engagement (he broke it off) to his PA. The heroine is attracted to him, but is feeling burned out on men after her fiancé slept with her best friend and she discovered her father had cheated on her mother during their “perfect” marriage. She is also worried about money, since her childhood home is going on the auction block because her father’s illness and death took so many resources.
Their interaction would have stopped at the group meeting except the heroine’s car wouldn’t start and the hero took her home. Our jet-lagged hero still managed to charm the heroine into bed. Heroine didn’t even feel guilty the next morning. She was congratulating herself on being able to express herself sexually without demanding strings, when the hero proposes marriage.
Since she has already told him that she doesn’t believe in love, hero thinks a marriage of convenience for one year would solve a lot of problems. First, his sister would move on in her own life and start a concert tour. Second his investors would like to see him change his playboy ways. Third, they are good in bed together.
Notice this is totally flimsy?
For the heroine:
He will buy her mother’s house so she can open a B&B.
He will give heroine the opportunity to finish her degree.
Heroine is shocked and smitten and the hero doesn’t give her much of a chance to say no. And I bought it. He is that charming.
The H/h are happy together but the hero’s secrets start to get in the way. He’s having a lot of headaches. He is moody. He won’t tell the heroine about the night his parents died and why he feels guilty. He clings to the heroine and then pushes her away. His ex-fiance is still working as his PA and she is working full-time to get him back and make the heroine’s life miserable.
Ah, angst? Why are you so delicious?
Heroine is not giving up – but several events converge to make her think the hero is cheating.
There is a cute baby-filled epilogue.
The biggest problem I had with the story is that I don’t know if the hero fired the PA. The subject was dropped as soon as the misunderstandings were cleared up. I truly hope she was out of the hero’s life going forward.
I really liked the hero. CM showed us his charm and kept him a bit mysterious. I also liked the heroine who faced some of her own demons in this story. They both needed each other.
Heroine is the group facilitator and feels very protective of the other group members as the hero at first gives flippant and cynical answers about his broken engagement (he broke it off) to his PA. The heroine is attracted to him, but is feeling burned out on men after her fiancé slept with her best friend and she discovered her father had cheated on her mother during their “perfect” marriage. She is also worried about money, since her childhood home is going on the auction block because her father’s illness and death took so many resources.
Their interaction would have stopped at the group meeting except the heroine’s car wouldn’t start and the hero took her home. Our jet-lagged hero still managed to charm the heroine into bed. Heroine didn’t even feel guilty the next morning. She was congratulating herself on being able to express herself sexually without demanding strings, when the hero proposes marriage.
Since she has already told him that she doesn’t believe in love, hero thinks a marriage of convenience for one year would solve a lot of problems. First, his sister would move on in her own life and start a concert tour. Second his investors would like to see him change his playboy ways. Third, they are good in bed together.
Notice this is totally flimsy?
For the heroine:
He will buy her mother’s house so she can open a B&B.
He will give heroine the opportunity to finish her degree.
Heroine is shocked and smitten and the hero doesn’t give her much of a chance to say no. And I bought it. He is that charming.
The H/h are happy together but the hero’s secrets start to get in the way. He’s having a lot of headaches. He is moody. He won’t tell the heroine about the night his parents died and why he feels guilty. He clings to the heroine and then pushes her away. His ex-fiance is still working as his PA and she is working full-time to get him back and make the heroine’s life miserable.
Ah, angst? Why are you so delicious?
Heroine is not giving up – but several events converge to make her think the hero is cheating.
There is a cute baby-filled epilogue.
The biggest problem I had with the story is that I don’t know if the hero fired the PA. The subject was dropped as soon as the misunderstandings were cleared up. I truly hope she was out of the hero’s life going forward.
I really liked the hero. CM showed us his charm and kept him a bit mysterious. I also liked the heroine who faced some of her own demons in this story. They both needed each other.
September 22, 2014
Me encanto leer esta historia porque a pesar de ser una novela harlequin no tuvo los miles de cliches que encuentras en otros libros de este estilo.
Para ser un libro de harlequin se me hizo muy refrescante y entretenido, aunque al principio pueda parecer igual a los demas, segun avanza la lectura se vuelve una historia distinta a las demas.
La unica pega que le pondria fue que en ocasiones quise ahorcar al protagonista por ser tan cruel, aunque al final su comportamiento tenga una explicacion.
3 Estrellas!!
Para ser un libro de harlequin se me hizo muy refrescante y entretenido, aunque al principio pueda parecer igual a los demas, segun avanza la lectura se vuelve una historia distinta a las demas.
La unica pega que le pondria fue que en ocasiones quise ahorcar al protagonista por ser tan cruel, aunque al final su comportamiento tenga una explicacion.
3 Estrellas!!
June 16, 2021
Charming hero
Heroine was a bit of a dishrag
Heroine was a bit of a dishrag
September 21, 2019
A marriage is forever, not just for convenience...
Hunter Myles: this Australian's worth billions and can buy any woman he wants!
Lily Harper: perfect for a convenient marriage and she needs Hunter's help!
Hunter's ring is on her finger, but Lily knows it'll only be there for twelve months. Soon, a year doesn't seem quite long enough. Lily has fallen in love with her temporary husband!
Hunter Myles: this Australian's worth billions and can buy any woman he wants!
Lily Harper: perfect for a convenient marriage and she needs Hunter's help!
Hunter's ring is on her finger, but Lily knows it'll only be there for twelve months. Soon, a year doesn't seem quite long enough. Lily has fallen in love with her temporary husband!
September 5, 2017
It was a beautiful read
August 31, 2023
https://celebrityreaders.com/2023/08/...
2 stars — Wow. The more I go back and read these old Harlequins, the more I notice just how toxic a lot of them are. Like, this one is chock full of a toxic hero that basically isolates his wife out of fear, and once she realizes it, she’s just like “awww, that changes everything!” Uh no. That boy needs HOURS of therapy. But I guess that’s not sexy enough to even mention in a passing sentence in the epilogue.
Does the author think she’s modelling a healthy relationship? Or do we go into these books knowing that we’re watching train wrecks, and not realism, and that’s kind of the schtick? When I read them 15 years ago, did I notice? I don’t know.
Here’s the thing. For as toxic as elements of this book were, it really is very easy to read. And it really is like watching a train wreck in some ways. Like, the guy has anger management issues, is arrogant, says hateful things to push the heroine away, and basically almost gaslights her at times. But, you know, he’s beyond gorgeous, and on the rare occasion he’s kind. Cue falling madly in love. And even rolling my eyes at all of that, I still finished it. Because it takes me a few hours, and it’s not hard and thought provoking.
Side note: Don’t even get me started on the evil ex who is somehow still the assistant and implies an affair when her boss is violently ill…but somehow no one mentions her finally getting fired in the epilogue either.
Basically, if you want “reality TV”, this book is for you. If you want healthy relationships/love with genuinely good characters, there is SO MUCH out there now…seek it out. You won’t be disappointed.
2 stars — Wow. The more I go back and read these old Harlequins, the more I notice just how toxic a lot of them are. Like, this one is chock full of a toxic hero that basically isolates his wife out of fear, and once she realizes it, she’s just like “awww, that changes everything!” Uh no. That boy needs HOURS of therapy. But I guess that’s not sexy enough to even mention in a passing sentence in the epilogue.
Does the author think she’s modelling a healthy relationship? Or do we go into these books knowing that we’re watching train wrecks, and not realism, and that’s kind of the schtick? When I read them 15 years ago, did I notice? I don’t know.
Here’s the thing. For as toxic as elements of this book were, it really is very easy to read. And it really is like watching a train wreck in some ways. Like, the guy has anger management issues, is arrogant, says hateful things to push the heroine away, and basically almost gaslights her at times. But, you know, he’s beyond gorgeous, and on the rare occasion he’s kind. Cue falling madly in love. And even rolling my eyes at all of that, I still finished it. Because it takes me a few hours, and it’s not hard and thought provoking.
Side note: Don’t even get me started on the evil ex who is somehow still the assistant and implies an affair when her boss is violently ill…but somehow no one mentions her finally getting fired in the epilogue either.
Basically, if you want “reality TV”, this book is for you. If you want healthy relationships/love with genuinely good characters, there is SO MUCH out there now…seek it out. You won’t be disappointed.
September 28, 2015
Sooo.. What happen to that pa? Did he replace her?? I really cannot stand her. I think out of the so many idiotic women I've read, this is the number one who I really feel like slapping.
June 4, 2020
Extremely generous rating , I know. But the reason for the high rating is sheer entertainment value the book provides.
In fact, some of the most cocky titles (like this one) hide some good stories within.
This one has many faults - crazy , impulsive leads. Totally unscrupulous hero, tonnes of melodrama, corny OW.
But there are 3 totally redeeming aspects to the story - and all 3 are fabulous !
* One of the most outrageous heroes you can read about. No scruples, no sense of loyalty, sex mad, rude, totally clammed up and private about himself. But in spite of all this, every reader is going to love the guy !!!!!!!! He is the quintessential bad guy that we secretly love and fancy ;)))))))
* A brave, smart but muddled, sexy but innocent heroine. She is a lovely girl to relate to. Has mommy , daddy, bad fiance issues. But the way she navigates her life after meeting the impossibly attractive bad guy hero, is just fab. She loves him but gives him a really hard time too !!
* Not a single dull moment. No pauses, smelling the roses, calm silences, nothing. Just a top gear roller coaster. Where the leads are constantly churning with their emotions - from instant sexual attraction, shot gun wedding, lack of communication in the relationship, extreme disillusionment. And then finally lovely, calm acceptance of each other , warts n all.
There is enough fodder for drama - bitchy secretary OW, past guilt, secret illnesses, pregnancy, MOC. Name it , you have it all. But doesn't sound like an overload. It all goes with the frenetic pace of the story.
A lovable rogue. A charming fiery lady. Plenty of wit and fun between them. Good sex. Lots of dramatic turns. A sweet little epilogue.
I am sold on this one. 100% pure unadulterated soap opera stuff. Go for it !!!
In fact, some of the most cocky titles (like this one) hide some good stories within.
This one has many faults - crazy , impulsive leads. Totally unscrupulous hero, tonnes of melodrama, corny OW.
But there are 3 totally redeeming aspects to the story - and all 3 are fabulous !
* One of the most outrageous heroes you can read about. No scruples, no sense of loyalty, sex mad, rude, totally clammed up and private about himself. But in spite of all this, every reader is going to love the guy !!!!!!!! He is the quintessential bad guy that we secretly love and fancy ;)))))))
* A brave, smart but muddled, sexy but innocent heroine. She is a lovely girl to relate to. Has mommy , daddy, bad fiance issues. But the way she navigates her life after meeting the impossibly attractive bad guy hero, is just fab. She loves him but gives him a really hard time too !!
* Not a single dull moment. No pauses, smelling the roses, calm silences, nothing. Just a top gear roller coaster. Where the leads are constantly churning with their emotions - from instant sexual attraction, shot gun wedding, lack of communication in the relationship, extreme disillusionment. And then finally lovely, calm acceptance of each other , warts n all.
There is enough fodder for drama - bitchy secretary OW, past guilt, secret illnesses, pregnancy, MOC. Name it , you have it all. But doesn't sound like an overload. It all goes with the frenetic pace of the story.
A lovable rogue. A charming fiery lady. Plenty of wit and fun between them. Good sex. Lots of dramatic turns. A sweet little epilogue.
I am sold on this one. 100% pure unadulterated soap opera stuff. Go for it !!!
January 1, 2018
I read this as a quick 30 min read to get my mind off of things. It was a quick easy and silly read that kept me entertained a bit. Its not the greatest achievement in literature by all means... But a good harlequin is sometimes called for.
May 4, 2017
Leído 23/08/2011
July 18, 2018
Originally reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile
This is the second time I've read this book and I still enjoyed it. It's a quick romance, Lily is a woman who is working her way through life trying to make others see where they need to make improvements while dealing with their issues. Hunter is there because he's heard about this group and is there checking it out for someone. Lily realizes that Hunter isn't really there to get help and she's protective of the group. I really enjoyed that this story had a bit of a flip to it with Lily being the one with the most hangups even though his hangups are also pretty big.
Lily is one of my favorite characters because she sticks to her guns, when it appears that Hunter isn't going to live up to his promise she keeps hers. Lily went into this relationship with her eyes wide open and knew what kind of man she was seeing. Hunter, however, has hidden more than we knew, because he's not dealing with his issues and he himself wasn't coping with the truth.
This book is centered on the characters and their relationship so we don't really see the secondary characters, they only showed up to highlight and push the characters towards the resolutions of their issues. I did love that Hunter was able to see how much his secretary was making his wife uncomfortable and put her in her place very quickly. This is mostly told from Lily's perspective, a few times, especially when the situation was tense Hunter's POV was shared.
I really enjoyed the progression of the romance and the story and love seeing the smaller romance that also develops within the story. A good romance about two slightly damaged people working their way towards being less damaged with each other.
★★★★☆
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mistress by Contract by Helen Bianchin
A quick fun read for nice beach days. Happy Reading my loves,
This is the second time I've read this book and I still enjoyed it. It's a quick romance, Lily is a woman who is working her way through life trying to make others see where they need to make improvements while dealing with their issues. Hunter is there because he's heard about this group and is there checking it out for someone. Lily realizes that Hunter isn't really there to get help and she's protective of the group. I really enjoyed that this story had a bit of a flip to it with Lily being the one with the most hangups even though his hangups are also pretty big.
Lily is one of my favorite characters because she sticks to her guns, when it appears that Hunter isn't going to live up to his promise she keeps hers. Lily went into this relationship with her eyes wide open and knew what kind of man she was seeing. Hunter, however, has hidden more than we knew, because he's not dealing with his issues and he himself wasn't coping with the truth.
This book is centered on the characters and their relationship so we don't really see the secondary characters, they only showed up to highlight and push the characters towards the resolutions of their issues. I did love that Hunter was able to see how much his secretary was making his wife uncomfortable and put her in her place very quickly. This is mostly told from Lily's perspective, a few times, especially when the situation was tense Hunter's POV was shared.
I really enjoyed the progression of the romance and the story and love seeing the smaller romance that also develops within the story. A good romance about two slightly damaged people working their way towards being less damaged with each other.
★★★★☆
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mistress by Contract by Helen Bianchin
A quick fun read for nice beach days. Happy Reading my loves,
August 22, 2018
LE estoy perdiendo el gusto a mis novelitas harlequín T_T
April 22, 2020
Very good story. Loved both MCs n h thankfully is capable of giving as good as she got, if not better 😁.
No stupid misunderstandings or false pride, but someone should’ve smacked the PA really hard.
No stupid misunderstandings or false pride, but someone should’ve smacked the PA really hard.
July 16, 2020
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
Enjoyed the angst but the writing was a little repetitive at times for me.
March 26, 2022
DNF. So very boring 36% in. Maybe another time
October 29, 2022
the fuck is this name? found it on a random free books website. reading this solely for the fear and awfulness this title inspires. not to mention the RISD level cover art.
2022:
i found this book in my read pile and having forgotten its existence went through it again. it could actually have been an interesting story if not for a thousand red flags and God-awful title. i can kill myself for saying this but it actually has more character than so many harlequin trash reads.
i am passionately reviewing to make a point of making everyone aware that ulltimate slap/kiss, shitty trash to be read at 3 am when the rain shuts, can only be found at Harlequin.
2022:
i found this book in my read pile and having forgotten its existence went through it again. it could actually have been an interesting story if not for a thousand red flags and God-awful title. i can kill myself for saying this but it actually has more character than so many harlequin trash reads.
i am passionately reviewing to make a point of making everyone aware that ulltimate slap/kiss, shitty trash to be read at 3 am when the rain shuts, can only be found at Harlequin.
December 11, 2013
This was a fairly enjoyable read. I thought that the hero of the piece, Hunter, ended up being a bit too unpredictable and demanding for my liking, and Abigail was almost like a cartoon bad with how she was introduced into the story. The story caught and kept my attention though so you could kind of overlook those parts.
2.5/3 stars.
2.5/3 stars.
July 14, 2014
The beginning is a bit slow but it get's better about a third of the way through worth reading.
March 27, 2017
It made me cry, although I was a bit frustrated with their lack of talking.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews