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The Breach Clause
Every contract has a loophole.
Every heart has a weakness.
Clara Dawson has built her career on control. She knows every clause, every deadline, every margin note. Nothing slips past her desk—until a forged contract lands in her lap and threatens to destroy the reputation she’s spent years defending. If the board believes she’s at fault, her promotion and her future are gone.
Her investigation should have been simple. Instead, it drags an old ghost back into her Ethan Cross, the ruthless literary agent who once consumed her in a secret six-month affair. He cost her a promotion three years ago. Now he’s back, charming and infuriating as ever, with his own reasons for chasing the breach.
Clara tells herself she can keep him at a distance. But every meeting sparks with the kind of heat she swore she’d buried. Every glance threatens to undo her. And when boardroom politics turn deadly serious, Ethan might be the only one she can’t afford to trust—and the only man she can’t resist.
Someone inside Hawthorne & Brooks is playing a dangerous red-lined pages, ghost logins, and leaks designed to take Clara down. To survive, she’ll have to navigate betrayal, ambition, and desire that refuses to stay in the past.
Contracts can be edited. Power can be negotiated.
But once Ethan has her in his sights again, Clara learns some breaches can never be contained.
🔥 The Breach Clause launches the Redacted Affairs series with corporate intrigue, boardroom betrayals, and unfiltered, open-door passion. For readers who crave their romance as hot as it is high-stakes.
Every heart has a weakness.
Clara Dawson has built her career on control. She knows every clause, every deadline, every margin note. Nothing slips past her desk—until a forged contract lands in her lap and threatens to destroy the reputation she’s spent years defending. If the board believes she’s at fault, her promotion and her future are gone.
Her investigation should have been simple. Instead, it drags an old ghost back into her Ethan Cross, the ruthless literary agent who once consumed her in a secret six-month affair. He cost her a promotion three years ago. Now he’s back, charming and infuriating as ever, with his own reasons for chasing the breach.
Clara tells herself she can keep him at a distance. But every meeting sparks with the kind of heat she swore she’d buried. Every glance threatens to undo her. And when boardroom politics turn deadly serious, Ethan might be the only one she can’t afford to trust—and the only man she can’t resist.
Someone inside Hawthorne & Brooks is playing a dangerous red-lined pages, ghost logins, and leaks designed to take Clara down. To survive, she’ll have to navigate betrayal, ambition, and desire that refuses to stay in the past.
Contracts can be edited. Power can be negotiated.
But once Ethan has her in his sights again, Clara learns some breaches can never be contained.
🔥 The Breach Clause launches the Redacted Affairs series with corporate intrigue, boardroom betrayals, and unfiltered, open-door passion. For readers who crave their romance as hot as it is high-stakes.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 25, 2025
I struggled with this book on so many levels and was quite close to quitting altogether. But if I was going to leave a review, I had to read the whole book, just in case it was one of those stories where the last 100 pages are amazing and make up for the poorer quality at the beginning. Sadly, that was not the case here. Two stars, which, in my ranking, means an OK book, is me being kind. But this is a personal opinion; any other reader might feel very differently.
Short version: My understanding of the problems in the contract, which is the whole plot, is hindered by the immense use of corporate jargon. And why 400+ pages are needed to find them, fix them, and accuse the right person of doing them, is beyond me. Also, the fluidity of the reading is destroyed by an overuse of literary devices, and the connection between the characters is unbelievable, given their superficial personalities.
The author most definitely has a way with words; their writing style would be great for poetry or even general fiction, where there is an expectation of more advanced language and frequent use of literary devices. However, this book is, by the author's own categorization, categorized as romance, suspense, erotica, and more. Neither of these genres requires writing with poetic phrasing or an abundance of literary devices throughout the text. I've never read about an office building that expresses its thoughts and feelings to this extent, or about characters who spend so much time observing and dissecting their own reflections in any available blank surface.
This is the first time in years that my non-native English-speaking status has been such a significant disadvantage while reading a romance novel. I'm also not educated in law, publishing, or computer science, which made it challenging to keep up with and understand the advanced level of corporate and technical language. Several times, I had no idea what was going on and had either re-read the same sentences multiple times or looked up phrases and words online. Both of these things are very taxing on the reader's enjoyment.
My understanding of the plot is that Clara, an editor, or Lila, her assistant, discovers a discrepancy in a prominent author's current contract when the author wants to change his book completely, which might constitute a contract breach. In walks Ethan, the author's literary agent and her former secret lover, who did something to her several years ago (I don't think we ever find out exactly what) that betrayed her trust. Though he has another agenda, he is also worried about the problems in the contract, problems that someone has apparently made to make Clara look bad. Though they suspect a person early, these three work day and night to uncover all the changes in the contract and to deep-dive into computer files, security camera feeds, and logins to prove who did it. But apparently, the attraction between Ethan and Clara is so combustible that every discussion or argument ends in a sexual encounter, distracting them from the real problems. At the end, the revealing of the culprit was very anticlimactic, and the aftermath, an unknown time later, was downright confusing. I barely understood that the epilogue was a cliffhanger.
Given my difficulties understanding the writing, my summary of the story might be entirely off base.
The problems with the contract are the whole mystery plot. In my opinion, that is "much ado about nothing." Why would this have consequences for Clara? Why is she, an editor, even involved in discussions about the contract? Why is someone out to get Clara? Why did it take hundreds of pages of repetitive actions to figure out what was going on? So many questions, so few answers.
Though the fight for control, or the upper hand, between Clara and Ethan is interesting, I didn't find much else positive about the characters. Everything is so focused on the contract issues that the romantic build-up feels like an afterthought, based solely on a former history the reader isn't entirely privy to until very late in the book. Also, given that the reader knows the characters only in a work-related setting (they leave the office only a handful of times throughout the book), it is hard to discern their personalities. The sexual encounters have some spice, but yet again, the author self-sabotages by overusing literary devices and effectively killing the mood.
I had hopes for this book after reading the blurb, but I did not connect with it, and I will not be continuing the series.
Short version: My understanding of the problems in the contract, which is the whole plot, is hindered by the immense use of corporate jargon. And why 400+ pages are needed to find them, fix them, and accuse the right person of doing them, is beyond me. Also, the fluidity of the reading is destroyed by an overuse of literary devices, and the connection between the characters is unbelievable, given their superficial personalities.
The author most definitely has a way with words; their writing style would be great for poetry or even general fiction, where there is an expectation of more advanced language and frequent use of literary devices. However, this book is, by the author's own categorization, categorized as romance, suspense, erotica, and more. Neither of these genres requires writing with poetic phrasing or an abundance of literary devices throughout the text. I've never read about an office building that expresses its thoughts and feelings to this extent, or about characters who spend so much time observing and dissecting their own reflections in any available blank surface.
This is the first time in years that my non-native English-speaking status has been such a significant disadvantage while reading a romance novel. I'm also not educated in law, publishing, or computer science, which made it challenging to keep up with and understand the advanced level of corporate and technical language. Several times, I had no idea what was going on and had either re-read the same sentences multiple times or looked up phrases and words online. Both of these things are very taxing on the reader's enjoyment.
My understanding of the plot is that Clara, an editor, or Lila, her assistant, discovers a discrepancy in a prominent author's current contract when the author wants to change his book completely, which might constitute a contract breach. In walks Ethan, the author's literary agent and her former secret lover, who did something to her several years ago (I don't think we ever find out exactly what) that betrayed her trust. Though he has another agenda, he is also worried about the problems in the contract, problems that someone has apparently made to make Clara look bad. Though they suspect a person early, these three work day and night to uncover all the changes in the contract and to deep-dive into computer files, security camera feeds, and logins to prove who did it. But apparently, the attraction between Ethan and Clara is so combustible that every discussion or argument ends in a sexual encounter, distracting them from the real problems. At the end, the revealing of the culprit was very anticlimactic, and the aftermath, an unknown time later, was downright confusing. I barely understood that the epilogue was a cliffhanger.
Given my difficulties understanding the writing, my summary of the story might be entirely off base.
The problems with the contract are the whole mystery plot. In my opinion, that is "much ado about nothing." Why would this have consequences for Clara? Why is she, an editor, even involved in discussions about the contract? Why is someone out to get Clara? Why did it take hundreds of pages of repetitive actions to figure out what was going on? So many questions, so few answers.
Though the fight for control, or the upper hand, between Clara and Ethan is interesting, I didn't find much else positive about the characters. Everything is so focused on the contract issues that the romantic build-up feels like an afterthought, based solely on a former history the reader isn't entirely privy to until very late in the book. Also, given that the reader knows the characters only in a work-related setting (they leave the office only a handful of times throughout the book), it is hard to discern their personalities. The sexual encounters have some spice, but yet again, the author self-sabotages by overusing literary devices and effectively killing the mood.
I had hopes for this book after reading the blurb, but I did not connect with it, and I will not be continuing the series.
December 18, 2025
The vibes of this book gave me hope. Corporate romance meets mystery, honestly couldn’t get better. Unfortunately this book did not live up to what I expected mostly due to my own confusion. From the start I felt that I had missed some rereading material or needed background knowledge of how publishing or contracts work. Most of the book was spent reviewing a contract with mysterious edits, but I never could tell what was abnormal versus standard. Also the use of metaphor did not help to clarify. Lastly, I enjoyed the dynamic between Clara and Ethan and truly was rooting for them even when I couldn’t tell if one of them was out to get the other or they were a team. Honestly still pretty unclear on that. All in all I think the bones for a good story were there, I just unfortunately had trouble following it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Breach Clause is one of those sharp and smart reads that does not waste your time. It jumps straight into boardroom trouble and paper trail chaos and keeps pulling you forward like you have no choice but to see how it all turns out. Clara is sharp, confident, and proud of it, and when that forged contract hits the fan you can feel the pressure sitting heavy on her shoulders.
The story really comes alive when Ethan walks back in like a bad decision you never quite forgot. Their past is not pretty and it is not simple either. The way they circle each other is tense, heated, and messy in the best way possible. This is not a slow or gentle build. It's sparks flying behind closed doors while careers and reputations hang in the balance.
What I liked most is how real the business side feels. Contracts, clauses, promotions, and quiet backstabbing are mixed right in with desire and trust issues. This is not just romance. It is strategy and survival. Someone is always watching, someone is always lying, and you are never fully sure who can be trusted until the very end.
The writing is clean, the pacing stays strong, and the drama never feels fake or stretched out. The story knows exactly what it is and leans into it hard. Power plays, secrets, and passion are all tangled together without going over the top.
Overall, this is a solid start to a series that looks like it is only going to get messier from here, and I am more than ready to keep reading.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
The Breach Clause is one of those sharp and smart reads that does not waste your time. It jumps straight into boardroom trouble and paper trail chaos and keeps pulling you forward like you have no choice but to see how it all turns out. Clara is sharp, confident, and proud of it, and when that forged contract hits the fan you can feel the pressure sitting heavy on her shoulders.
The story really comes alive when Ethan walks back in like a bad decision you never quite forgot. Their past is not pretty and it is not simple either. The way they circle each other is tense, heated, and messy in the best way possible. This is not a slow or gentle build. It's sparks flying behind closed doors while careers and reputations hang in the balance.
What I liked most is how real the business side feels. Contracts, clauses, promotions, and quiet backstabbing are mixed right in with desire and trust issues. This is not just romance. It is strategy and survival. Someone is always watching, someone is always lying, and you are never fully sure who can be trusted until the very end.
The writing is clean, the pacing stays strong, and the drama never feels fake or stretched out. The story knows exactly what it is and leans into it hard. Power plays, secrets, and passion are all tangled together without going over the top.
Overall, this is a solid start to a series that looks like it is only going to get messier from here, and I am more than ready to keep reading.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
October 2, 2025
THE BREACH CLAUSE by L.S.HART ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Breach Clause is the first (#1) book in the REDACTED AFFAIRS series.
Clara Dawson is the queen of control. She knows every detail, every aspect, nothing gets past her. Nothing that is until a forged contract lands on her desk and threatens to destroy every ounce of her reputation, the reputation she’s only just regained.
Ethan Cross is a merciless literary agent, and the man that cost her a promotion some years ago as a result of a short lived affair. He’s also the man that Clara’s determined to steer clear of, despite the undeniable spark still lingering between them she can’t trust him to have her best interests at heart. Someone is sabotaging her and she needs to concentrate on rescuing her career, not falling for her irresistible ex…
——————————
The Breach Clause is my first read by L.S. Hart.
This is compelling, high stakes, corporate intrigue and it is 🔥🔥🔥
The chemistry between Clara & Dawson is off the charts and that along with the detailed goings on behind boardroom doors really keep the reader engaged.
If you like sizzling, open door romance then dive right in!!
Thank you to L.S.Hart for an early copy of the book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
The Breach Clause is the first (#1) book in the REDACTED AFFAIRS series.
Clara Dawson is the queen of control. She knows every detail, every aspect, nothing gets past her. Nothing that is until a forged contract lands on her desk and threatens to destroy every ounce of her reputation, the reputation she’s only just regained.
Ethan Cross is a merciless literary agent, and the man that cost her a promotion some years ago as a result of a short lived affair. He’s also the man that Clara’s determined to steer clear of, despite the undeniable spark still lingering between them she can’t trust him to have her best interests at heart. Someone is sabotaging her and she needs to concentrate on rescuing her career, not falling for her irresistible ex…
——————————
The Breach Clause is my first read by L.S. Hart.
This is compelling, high stakes, corporate intrigue and it is 🔥🔥🔥
The chemistry between Clara & Dawson is off the charts and that along with the detailed goings on behind boardroom doors really keep the reader engaged.
If you like sizzling, open door romance then dive right in!!
Thank you to L.S.Hart for an early copy of the book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.
Read
October 24, 2025DNF: “THE BREACH CLAUSE, Redacted Affairs – Book One” by L. S. Hart. First edition 2025. This is my first book written by the author.
I started it but did not finish, I reached page 16 - therefore not rated it. I received an advanced readers copy of this book through booksiren.
Main characters: Clara Dawson and Ethan Creek.
Clara works for a publishing company, her client Avery Winters is working on their second book, but keeps sending her emails then unsending it
Interesting choice of alphabetical names, C, D, E.
Ethan is Winters agent?? He presents the author. Work relationship. Ah - they have a past, knew each other in their younger days, dated..
“We were reckless. You were younger.” - Clara to Ethan.
“She felt the heat off his body like a radiator in winter that you hadn’t planned for.” - A bit confused with this sentence, the narrative changed, should it be ‘that she hadn’t planned for?’
I started it but did not finish, I reached page 16 - therefore not rated it. I received an advanced readers copy of this book through booksiren.
Main characters: Clara Dawson and Ethan Creek.
Clara works for a publishing company, her client Avery Winters is working on their second book, but keeps sending her emails then unsending it
Interesting choice of alphabetical names, C, D, E.
Ethan is Winters agent?? He presents the author. Work relationship. Ah - they have a past, knew each other in their younger days, dated..
“We were reckless. You were younger.” - Clara to Ethan.
“She felt the heat off his body like a radiator in winter that you hadn’t planned for.” - A bit confused with this sentence, the narrative changed, should it be ‘that she hadn’t planned for?’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
I got an early copy of The Breach Clause, and it's a fantastic read.
The book follows Clara Dawson, a professional whose career is on the line because of a forged contract. Her investigation puts her back in the path of Ethan Cross, a ruthless literary agent from her past. He's the same man who cost her a promotion, and now he's back, as charming as he is infuriating, chasing the same corporate breach.
Their reunion is filled with undeniable chemistry. With boardroom politics turning deadly, Clara has to navigate betrayal and ambition while fighting a desire she can't resist.
If you love romance with high-stakes intrigue and a lot of passion, you'll want to grab this one.
The book follows Clara Dawson, a professional whose career is on the line because of a forged contract. Her investigation puts her back in the path of Ethan Cross, a ruthless literary agent from her past. He's the same man who cost her a promotion, and now he's back, as charming as he is infuriating, chasing the same corporate breach.
Their reunion is filled with undeniable chemistry. With boardroom politics turning deadly, Clara has to navigate betrayal and ambition while fighting a desire she can't resist.
If you love romance with high-stakes intrigue and a lot of passion, you'll want to grab this one.
October 5, 2025
This is part one of a duet about Clara and Ethan.
Clara is an editor and Ethan is a literary agent. Most of the book revolves around the professional association of these two. Clara wants to steer clear from Ethan because being involved with him cost her a promotion and it was a career setback for her.
She is being sabotaged by someone with forged contract and she has to give it her all to get to the truth so that her career isn't ruined.
It's interesting how they navigate their situationship among corporate sabotage and lack of trust.
Eagerly waiting for the next part.
Highly recommended!
I recieved this book as an ARC. Thank you for the opportunity!!
Clara is an editor and Ethan is a literary agent. Most of the book revolves around the professional association of these two. Clara wants to steer clear from Ethan because being involved with him cost her a promotion and it was a career setback for her.
She is being sabotaged by someone with forged contract and she has to give it her all to get to the truth so that her career isn't ruined.
It's interesting how they navigate their situationship among corporate sabotage and lack of trust.
Eagerly waiting for the next part.
Highly recommended!
I recieved this book as an ARC. Thank you for the opportunity!!
November 8, 2025
The Breach Clause delivers a mix of thriller and sizzling office romance. The strong, complex characters, sharp emotional chemistry, and it has an engaging mystery at its core. If you enjoy high-stakes love stories with plenty of professional tension and steamy moments, this is it!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews