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Contractually Yours
Sign your love away…
Enfield
I never wanted an arranged marriage but to continue the spoiled lifestyle I live and support my three children, I sign on the dotted line with a plan to get what I want and ditch the wife. My parents have other plans and the woman I’m contracted to turns out to be a man. I’m livid.
Xavi
I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. After watching six older brothers get their happy endings, all I want is mine. But the man who walks through my door is angry, mean, and not interested. My happy ending is heartbreak instead.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
Enfield
I never wanted an arranged marriage but to continue the spoiled lifestyle I live and support my three children, I sign on the dotted line with a plan to get what I want and ditch the wife. My parents have other plans and the woman I’m contracted to turns out to be a man. I’m livid.
Xavi
I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. After watching six older brothers get their happy endings, all I want is mine. But the man who walks through my door is angry, mean, and not interested. My happy ending is heartbreak instead.
***
This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
89 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Crea Reitan
111 books1,147 followersCrea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. When she can't fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center - and utterly swoon-worthy! Don't ask her how many book boyfriends she has...
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don't even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 21, 2026
It’s a book by Crea Reitan that gives closure to earlier developments in other books. So I’m reading it on the first day, and it will probably get 5 stars 😁
Guess what… it did. I loved it. Not the story points itself and definitely not Enfield. The ending though… And the great writing 😍
It does make me wonder: do these contracts really exist? Are there still successful arranged marriages where the parents pick the partner in modern day America? I have never heard of it outside her books (and in India - although also only in pop culture so I don’t know how much truth is in those stories). They definitely don’t exist in my culture. And as a person who needed a lot of help on the fertility front to have children I do have major issues with the whole “have a child in the second year of marriage” rules. I was a bit taken back by the fact no one mentioned that as a reason not to include that.
And now I’m complaining anyway: I also thought the step from not wanting to be married to a man to suddenly kissing him was a bit sudden. I didn’t feel Enfield took enough time to process those feelings. Xavi was as adorable as he was in other books. I very much appreciated both him and Sparrow very much. I didn’t know Sparrow had siblings in other books but maybe he did. Anyway: it’s another pearl of a book I will reread an reread again. As soon as I closed this book I read two other Crea creations. She publishes a lot and it’s still never enough for me 🤣
Definitely recommend reading this book!
Guess what… it did. I loved it. Not the story points itself and definitely not Enfield. The ending though… And the great writing 😍
It does make me wonder: do these contracts really exist? Are there still successful arranged marriages where the parents pick the partner in modern day America? I have never heard of it outside her books (and in India - although also only in pop culture so I don’t know how much truth is in those stories). They definitely don’t exist in my culture. And as a person who needed a lot of help on the fertility front to have children I do have major issues with the whole “have a child in the second year of marriage” rules. I was a bit taken back by the fact no one mentioned that as a reason not to include that.
And now I’m complaining anyway: I also thought the step from not wanting to be married to a man to suddenly kissing him was a bit sudden. I didn’t feel Enfield took enough time to process those feelings. Xavi was as adorable as he was in other books. I very much appreciated both him and Sparrow very much. I didn’t know Sparrow had siblings in other books but maybe he did. Anyway: it’s another pearl of a book I will reread an reread again. As soon as I closed this book I read two other Crea creations. She publishes a lot and it’s still never enough for me 🤣
Definitely recommend reading this book!
February 20, 2026
Contractually Yours - Crea Reitan
4.75/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
Besides For Your Forever, which is my all time favorite, I really loved this book so much. There was so much going on that I was either laughing from the crazy stuff happening or just wanting for the ball to drop because what else could happen.
Firstnoff, Enfield’s mother… she is a total basket case that I just don’t think anything or anyone could happen. I was dying laughing from the arrest scene and when they all met with the lawyers. That scene was completely epic.
Xavi. Sweet baby Xavi. He’s already been through it and all I want to do is wrap him up in bubble wrap to protect him from harm’s way.
Enfield. Man. He just wants to live his life. He’s a father of three and Xavi didn’t even want children, but man, it’s definitely a roller coaster for them. When Sparrow slapped the heck out of him, I was shook and of course died laughing.
When the first kiss happens, I was swooning over it. The way that Enfield goes through his biawakening was just so beautiful. I just loved these two so much together.
Is it bad that I want to see karma happen to Enfield’s mother because she is literally deranged? How do you use your son’s money for his wedding? I do like that Xavi’s parents welcomed Enfield’s kids at the end of the book. It was everything he wanted for his kid and that was to be loved.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.75/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
Besides For Your Forever, which is my all time favorite, I really loved this book so much. There was so much going on that I was either laughing from the crazy stuff happening or just wanting for the ball to drop because what else could happen.
Firstnoff, Enfield’s mother… she is a total basket case that I just don’t think anything or anyone could happen. I was dying laughing from the arrest scene and when they all met with the lawyers. That scene was completely epic.
Xavi. Sweet baby Xavi. He’s already been through it and all I want to do is wrap him up in bubble wrap to protect him from harm’s way.
Enfield. Man. He just wants to live his life. He’s a father of three and Xavi didn’t even want children, but man, it’s definitely a roller coaster for them. When Sparrow slapped the heck out of him, I was shook and of course died laughing.
When the first kiss happens, I was swooning over it. The way that Enfield goes through his biawakening was just so beautiful. I just loved these two so much together.
Is it bad that I want to see karma happen to Enfield’s mother because she is literally deranged? How do you use your son’s money for his wedding? I do like that Xavi’s parents welcomed Enfield’s kids at the end of the book. It was everything he wanted for his kid and that was to be loved.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2026
Enfield Undergrove, has three kids with three different women. He takes care of them. He’s a good father. His goal is to make them live with him.
His parents are horrible, they won’t give him his share if he doesn’t get married. After some advice from his friend and lawyer, Nash van Doren, he signed a contract to get married. When he understands it’s with a guy, he’s furious.
Xavi Adair’s life is miserable. He had high hopes to find a partner for life through this contract, to find someone to grow old with, to go on vacations with, travel, and have joy. But this guy, Enfield, is angry, furious, he’s an asshole, says Xavi can have an affair, he doesn’t care about him or his life. He says they will never be friends, not now and not in the future. Xavi avoids Enfield like the plague. The guy is rude af.
Yes, Xavi is miserable and lonely. He has just one friend, Sparrow, the best you could wish for.
For a large part of this story, Enfield and Xavi are separate characters. Trying to cope and find a solution to this mess. Thankfully, Enfield got into a better mindset or I would have stopped reading.
One thing, give Enfield a chance, he’s been through hell. (It’s also a note to myself)
The romantic part is almost nil, I would have loved some deeper connection. A big part of this story is about Enfield’s relationship with his children and their mothers; for the whole picture, it’s important. Personally, I couldn’t connect with those parts. I’m not sure how to feel about this concept. It felt a bit businesslike. It’s original, that’s for sure. It would have been more satisfying for me to see the process of them getting together more slowly. It was too easy.
There are also well-written dialogues I really enjoyed, straightforward and to the point when needed.
The whole picture is original!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
His parents are horrible, they won’t give him his share if he doesn’t get married. After some advice from his friend and lawyer, Nash van Doren, he signed a contract to get married. When he understands it’s with a guy, he’s furious.
Xavi Adair’s life is miserable. He had high hopes to find a partner for life through this contract, to find someone to grow old with, to go on vacations with, travel, and have joy. But this guy, Enfield, is angry, furious, he’s an asshole, says Xavi can have an affair, he doesn’t care about him or his life. He says they will never be friends, not now and not in the future. Xavi avoids Enfield like the plague. The guy is rude af.
Yes, Xavi is miserable and lonely. He has just one friend, Sparrow, the best you could wish for.
For a large part of this story, Enfield and Xavi are separate characters. Trying to cope and find a solution to this mess. Thankfully, Enfield got into a better mindset or I would have stopped reading.
One thing, give Enfield a chance, he’s been through hell. (It’s also a note to myself)
The romantic part is almost nil, I would have loved some deeper connection. A big part of this story is about Enfield’s relationship with his children and their mothers; for the whole picture, it’s important. Personally, I couldn’t connect with those parts. I’m not sure how to feel about this concept. It felt a bit businesslike. It’s original, that’s for sure. It would have been more satisfying for me to see the process of them getting together more slowly. It was too easy.
There are also well-written dialogues I really enjoyed, straightforward and to the point when needed.
The whole picture is original!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
February 20, 2026
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Since we learned of Enfield and Xavi in Just For Christmas (and I'm certain there have been other hints at these two within the Creaverse), I've been keen to know their story. Because their relationship sounded so complex and honestly, so farfetched (and so dramatic!), and I was curious how Reitan would write it and bring it to life.
For the longest period of reading this, I didn't think I'd finish - Enfield's character frustrated and annoyed me that much. I understood where he was coming from, but he was really rubbing me the wrong way. It was a push to get to the turning point of the narrative, and I'm glad I did stick it out, because the story that unfolded was, whilst wholly unconventional, ended up being surprisingly sweet and emotionally moving (there were times I actually teared up, and that's near impossible for authors to accomplish with me!).
At his heart, Enfield wanted the best for his kids, and I genuinely can't fault that. I loved how much he loved his kids and want to give them the best things and experiences in life, and that was his goal of the contract. Could he have gone about things differently? Yes, but it also wouldn't have given us the drama, and the amazing character growth and development he did go through (even if I wanted to continually knock sense into him).
Xavi was sweet, and I genuinely fell in love with him from the start. A jewellery maker with a cat that acts more dog like? Sigh, absolutely loved him - and I loved that he wasn't afraid to show his emotions, even if he worried about being "too emotional".
I also really enjoyed the presence of Sparrow, and linking everything back to the wider Creaverse - I so want to try and do a chronological read of the universe one day, even if it'll take me a while to put everything into order.
This is definitely one of Reitan's slower burns, but it pays off, and like usual, she's added her wit and humour into a sweet (and slightly spicy) romance.
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Since we learned of Enfield and Xavi in Just For Christmas (and I'm certain there have been other hints at these two within the Creaverse), I've been keen to know their story. Because their relationship sounded so complex and honestly, so farfetched (and so dramatic!), and I was curious how Reitan would write it and bring it to life.
For the longest period of reading this, I didn't think I'd finish - Enfield's character frustrated and annoyed me that much. I understood where he was coming from, but he was really rubbing me the wrong way. It was a push to get to the turning point of the narrative, and I'm glad I did stick it out, because the story that unfolded was, whilst wholly unconventional, ended up being surprisingly sweet and emotionally moving (there were times I actually teared up, and that's near impossible for authors to accomplish with me!).
At his heart, Enfield wanted the best for his kids, and I genuinely can't fault that. I loved how much he loved his kids and want to give them the best things and experiences in life, and that was his goal of the contract. Could he have gone about things differently? Yes, but it also wouldn't have given us the drama, and the amazing character growth and development he did go through (even if I wanted to continually knock sense into him).
Xavi was sweet, and I genuinely fell in love with him from the start. A jewellery maker with a cat that acts more dog like? Sigh, absolutely loved him - and I loved that he wasn't afraid to show his emotions, even if he worried about being "too emotional".
I also really enjoyed the presence of Sparrow, and linking everything back to the wider Creaverse - I so want to try and do a chronological read of the universe one day, even if it'll take me a while to put everything into order.
This is definitely one of Reitan's slower burns, but it pays off, and like usual, she's added her wit and humour into a sweet (and slightly spicy) romance.
Thank you to the author for the eARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally we get Enfield & Xavi's story! I've been intrigued about them for a while.
Enfield definitely didn't make a very good first impression, and he treated Xavi like shit.
He was angry and blindsided by his parents, but that didn’t give him a reason to act the way he did. Honestly, he deserved getting punched in the face for it.
I genuinely did not think we would ever get to the point we did between them. For a solid 70% of this book, I was sitting there thinking, “There is no way these two are going to figure this out.” And yet…when they did? It felt earned.
Enfield’s parents are actual villains. The way they controlled his life, dismissed his children, and treated him like a pawn in their legacy was disgusting. Honestly, Enfield wasn’t angry enough. Watching him slowly take control of his own life, cancel that contract, and choose something for himself instead of what was forced on him? That was everything.
Xavi broke my heart. He just wanted to marry someone he could fall in love with, and instead he got a straight man bound by obligation. The vulnerability in him, especially when he promised to respect Enfield’s kids even though he wasn’t sure he even wanted to be a parent, made me love him so much.
And the slow burn?? When Crea said slow burn, she meant it. That first kiss absolutely melted me.
It wasn’t “just” a kiss.
It was consuming. It felt inevitable, and terrifying, and beautiful all at once.
By the time we hit Chapter 30…yeah. So worth the wait.
Enfield as a father was one of my favorite parts. The way he adores his children? Incredible. And the moment at the wedding where Ronan thanks Xavi for wanting him? I was done. Completely gone 😭
Also...Enfield’s mother planning an entire wedding without telling the grooms? Delusional behavior. Absolutely bonkers 😂
This book was emotional, frustrating, tender, and deeply satisfying. Watching these two go from resentment and obligation to choosing each other was so worth the ride.
Enfield definitely didn't make a very good first impression, and he treated Xavi like shit.
He was angry and blindsided by his parents, but that didn’t give him a reason to act the way he did. Honestly, he deserved getting punched in the face for it.
I genuinely did not think we would ever get to the point we did between them. For a solid 70% of this book, I was sitting there thinking, “There is no way these two are going to figure this out.” And yet…when they did? It felt earned.
Enfield’s parents are actual villains. The way they controlled his life, dismissed his children, and treated him like a pawn in their legacy was disgusting. Honestly, Enfield wasn’t angry enough. Watching him slowly take control of his own life, cancel that contract, and choose something for himself instead of what was forced on him? That was everything.
Xavi broke my heart. He just wanted to marry someone he could fall in love with, and instead he got a straight man bound by obligation. The vulnerability in him, especially when he promised to respect Enfield’s kids even though he wasn’t sure he even wanted to be a parent, made me love him so much.
And the slow burn?? When Crea said slow burn, she meant it. That first kiss absolutely melted me.
It wasn’t “just” a kiss.
It was consuming. It felt inevitable, and terrifying, and beautiful all at once.
By the time we hit Chapter 30…yeah. So worth the wait.
Enfield as a father was one of my favorite parts. The way he adores his children? Incredible. And the moment at the wedding where Ronan thanks Xavi for wanting him? I was done. Completely gone 😭
Also...Enfield’s mother planning an entire wedding without telling the grooms? Delusional behavior. Absolutely bonkers 😂
This book was emotional, frustrating, tender, and deeply satisfying. Watching these two go from resentment and obligation to choosing each other was so worth the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2026
As always, leave it to Crea to write a story that makes you go through all the emotions and leave you staring at a wall not knowing what hit you. This is how I felt reading this book.
I need time to process everything, I need to gather all my scattered thoughts.
All I can say is that it was beautiful.
Bear with me and come back later when I'll add more to this review, but in the meantime read the book for yourself. You will feel frustration, heartbreak, you will wanna punch someone, but the story will unfold in a way that will leave you, as I said, looking at the wall in disbelief. How did we get here? How? Oh, but of course.
Go read this book.
Ok, thanks, bye.
I need time to process everything, I need to gather all my scattered thoughts.
All I can say is that it was beautiful.
Bear with me and come back later when I'll add more to this review, but in the meantime read the book for yourself. You will feel frustration, heartbreak, you will wanna punch someone, but the story will unfold in a way that will leave you, as I said, looking at the wall in disbelief. How did we get here? How? Oh, but of course.
Go read this book.
Ok, thanks, bye.
February 25, 2026
I wanted to like this so so bad. DNF at 70% for being bored out of my mind. Also the plot made zero sense. It had some good points for sure (but specific things dropped it down a few stars). This just wasn’t for me.
First off: there is ZERO chemistry between the mains 50% in, they barely even interact at all. What’s the point?
So much of the book is spent with Enfeld talking with his 3 baby mama’s and the other MC talking to his mom or his best friend, Sparrow, who he has infinity more chemistry with.
Main complaints that dropped this to 2 stars:
The marriage contract stuff feels like it’s either a period drama or that both the characters are from a culture that does arranged marriages. I thought both leads might be Desi or Arab until one was described as blonde. It was just kind of why?
The MC making the pride jewelry felt weird with the sort of period drama feeling of the book. It just felt at odds, I don’t know how better to describe it except it took me out of the story each time.
In general, the contract stuff didn’t make sense. Sure they signed an engagement contract but there is no way that was binding to marriage. You are telling me no in this universe ever called off an engagement?
Overall, I know this author can write, I’ve given her five stars before. I was very excited for this story, but the writing lacked passion and focus. The first half of the book could have been the first 2 chapters for all that happened.
First off: there is ZERO chemistry between the mains 50% in, they barely even interact at all. What’s the point?
So much of the book is spent with Enfeld talking with his 3 baby mama’s and the other MC talking to his mom or his best friend, Sparrow, who he has infinity more chemistry with.
Main complaints that dropped this to 2 stars:
The marriage contract stuff feels like it’s either a period drama or that both the characters are from a culture that does arranged marriages. I thought both leads might be Desi or Arab until one was described as blonde. It was just kind of why?
The MC making the pride jewelry felt weird with the sort of period drama feeling of the book. It just felt at odds, I don’t know how better to describe it except it took me out of the story each time.
In general, the contract stuff didn’t make sense. Sure they signed an engagement contract but there is no way that was binding to marriage. You are telling me no in this universe ever called off an engagement?
Overall, I know this author can write, I’ve given her five stars before. I was very excited for this story, but the writing lacked passion and focus. The first half of the book could have been the first 2 chapters for all that happened.
February 24, 2026
I've read enough arranged marriage books with slow-burn romance, but not like this! Theirs are hard to believe; their interactions were not that deep, lacking emotion, so when suddenly the straight one kisses the gay, I was shocked because it happened so suddenly without Enfield ever talking about his interest to Xavi, or I might have missed a lot of things because it was boring AF, which made me skip here and there, but my point still stands: Enfield's sudden interest in Xavi was hard to believe and to find out. Enfield had 3 kids with 3 different women, which was meh, and I fucking hate it! This is my first book from this author, and I'll think twice before reading this author's other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
DNF @ 53%
I tried, but I just don't like Enfield.
I tried, but I just don't like Enfield.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4+ stars
So, safe to say, that Enfield definitely does not give the best first impression in this book. Did I want to knock some sense and decency into him more times than I can count when he was treating Xavi so appallingly? 100%! After that initial disastrous meeting and his subsequent lacking behaviour afterwards, he had some big making up to do!
What surprised me though was that I found it hard to completely dislike Enfield, even after all that, because ultimately all he wanted was to ensure that his children had the best in life. Despite all his faults, his redeeming quality throughout is that he really loves his kids. And having his goal as his primary objective seems to give him blinkers to anything, and anyone else, so I don’t think he truly considers how deeply his scheme will affect the innocent party in the contract until it’s pointed out to him. He’s definitely guilty of being caught up in his scheme, yes, but he’s not actually a bad person, he’s just driven to ridiculously extreme measures by his parents’ plans for him. He’s rebelling and unfortunately, our dear Xavi is the hapless victim in all of it.
But while I had sympathy for Enfield, my heart did break wide open for poor Xavi at the beginning. He was so looking forward to meeting the person he was contracted to spend his life with, desperately hoping for love, and he certainly didn’t deserve a furious man treating him so badly. Xavi’s optimistic positivity really endeared him to me, and I was devastated for him when he thought about his potential miserable future. I so wish he could have a redo and have the meet-cute he longed for!
Somehow, once Enfield is actually honest about what’s going on, these two start afresh, and from then onwards I was quite impressed with their communication and the compromises they each make to ensure the other person’s happiness. Despite their worries, they are open about their feelings and that helps them to build a real relationship, also helping them both grow as people.
Xavi’s unwavering support and understanding about Enfield’s situation only made me admire him even more. And then he had that cute scene with Ronan at the end *cute eyes*
While Xavi has a rocky ride before he gets his HEA, at least he can count on his loyal, protective, up-front bestie, Sparrow. And gosh, did I love him! Thank you for standing up for Xavi, and offering “pitbull protection” on my behalf, “Bird Man”, I appreciate you very much! Sparrow’s story has now been added to my tbr.
Speaking of besties, I’m going to aww over Xavi’s ginger cat, Shapiro, a moment, because he had oodles of personality and was so gorgeous. That cat’s got sass!
----
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and Chaotic Creatives, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
“You’re too sweet to fight your battles, so I’m here to be your champion.” (Sparrow)
“You love who you love, in whatever capacity you love them. That’s just how it happens. There is no right or wrong, and I don’t really give a fuck what anyone has to say about it.”
“But I do think that maybe you need to live your truth now. Putting it into the world isn’t enough. You still feel like you’re standing at the base of a mountain you need to scale. Nothing has changed even though everything has changed.”
“I swear I’m not an emotional ninny, despite what you’ve witnessed in the last month.” “I didn’t think you were, but even if you are an emotional person, there’s nothing wrong with that. Emotions aren’t weaknesses.”
Xavi Adair is a fucking angel, and now he’s mine.
“I won’t put my kids on the back burner, but Xavi, you’re not on the back burner either. You’re my priority too.” “I want this too. More than anything.”
My only stipulation is being close to my kids. That’s the only thing I wanted in the world. It’s so surreal to me that I want something else as much—I want Xavi. I want him by my side every single day. I want his happiness. I want to see him smile.
It means that when we had a chance to go our separate ways, we chose to come together instead. We chose each other. This future that we’ve planned—it’s because we want it.
My god, I’m so damn happy. I didn’t know I could feel this happiness. I didn’t know that it would ever exist in my life. This is far more than I ever hoped for. Far beyond the happy ending I wished for.
So, safe to say, that Enfield definitely does not give the best first impression in this book. Did I want to knock some sense and decency into him more times than I can count when he was treating Xavi so appallingly? 100%! After that initial disastrous meeting and his subsequent lacking behaviour afterwards, he had some big making up to do!
What surprised me though was that I found it hard to completely dislike Enfield, even after all that, because ultimately all he wanted was to ensure that his children had the best in life. Despite all his faults, his redeeming quality throughout is that he really loves his kids. And having his goal as his primary objective seems to give him blinkers to anything, and anyone else, so I don’t think he truly considers how deeply his scheme will affect the innocent party in the contract until it’s pointed out to him. He’s definitely guilty of being caught up in his scheme, yes, but he’s not actually a bad person, he’s just driven to ridiculously extreme measures by his parents’ plans for him. He’s rebelling and unfortunately, our dear Xavi is the hapless victim in all of it.
But while I had sympathy for Enfield, my heart did break wide open for poor Xavi at the beginning. He was so looking forward to meeting the person he was contracted to spend his life with, desperately hoping for love, and he certainly didn’t deserve a furious man treating him so badly. Xavi’s optimistic positivity really endeared him to me, and I was devastated for him when he thought about his potential miserable future. I so wish he could have a redo and have the meet-cute he longed for!
Somehow, once Enfield is actually honest about what’s going on, these two start afresh, and from then onwards I was quite impressed with their communication and the compromises they each make to ensure the other person’s happiness. Despite their worries, they are open about their feelings and that helps them to build a real relationship, also helping them both grow as people.
Xavi’s unwavering support and understanding about Enfield’s situation only made me admire him even more. And then he had that cute scene with Ronan at the end *cute eyes*
While Xavi has a rocky ride before he gets his HEA, at least he can count on his loyal, protective, up-front bestie, Sparrow. And gosh, did I love him! Thank you for standing up for Xavi, and offering “pitbull protection” on my behalf, “Bird Man”, I appreciate you very much! Sparrow’s story has now been added to my tbr.
Speaking of besties, I’m going to aww over Xavi’s ginger cat, Shapiro, a moment, because he had oodles of personality and was so gorgeous. That cat’s got sass!
----
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and Chaotic Creatives, and this is my honest review.
----
Some of my favourite quotes
“You’re too sweet to fight your battles, so I’m here to be your champion.” (Sparrow)
“You love who you love, in whatever capacity you love them. That’s just how it happens. There is no right or wrong, and I don’t really give a fuck what anyone has to say about it.”
“But I do think that maybe you need to live your truth now. Putting it into the world isn’t enough. You still feel like you’re standing at the base of a mountain you need to scale. Nothing has changed even though everything has changed.”
“I swear I’m not an emotional ninny, despite what you’ve witnessed in the last month.” “I didn’t think you were, but even if you are an emotional person, there’s nothing wrong with that. Emotions aren’t weaknesses.”
Xavi Adair is a fucking angel, and now he’s mine.
“I won’t put my kids on the back burner, but Xavi, you’re not on the back burner either. You’re my priority too.” “I want this too. More than anything.”
My only stipulation is being close to my kids. That’s the only thing I wanted in the world. It’s so surreal to me that I want something else as much—I want Xavi. I want him by my side every single day. I want his happiness. I want to see him smile.
It means that when we had a chance to go our separate ways, we chose to come together instead. We chose each other. This future that we’ve planned—it’s because we want it.
My god, I’m so damn happy. I didn’t know I could feel this happiness. I didn’t know that it would ever exist in my life. This is far more than I ever hoped for. Far beyond the happy ending I wished for.
February 25, 2026
Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan is a heartfelt, MM contemporary romance that delivers exactly what it promises, an arranged marriage gone wrong (or right?), grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and an emotional journey from resentment to love.
The story centers on Enfield, a man who reluctantly enters an arranged marriage to maintain his luxurious lifestyle and support his three children.
He’s furious when he discovers his intended spouse is a man, Xavi…. a sweet, optimistic soul who’s been dreaming of his own happy ending after watching his six older brothers find theirs.
What starts as anger, coldness, and a secret plan to “ditch the wife” (now husband) slowly transforms through forced proximity, heartfelt moments, and Enfield’s gradual shift from asshole to devoted partner.
This book shines in its classic romance tropes. The grumpy/sunshine contrast is spot on…. Enfield’s initial meanness and frustration clash endlessly with Xavi’s sunshine personality and chaotic, endearing energy. The slow burn is a sloooooooburn, with Enfield’s internal conflict over his sexuality, he lashes out with no thought of how it would hurt the other persons feeling.
The “a$$hole to swoon” moment was worth waiting for, watching Enfield soften, grovel a bit, and embrace his feelings had me finally letting my breath out.
The one redeeming thing about Enfield was his love for his children, (Enfield’s kids are part of his motivation and life), and the way he is can sort of explained as we meet his parents! I loved how he was with his kids, there were his priority.
Xavi, I think deserved a better partner, Enfield was vile to him, and I don’t think Xavi should have forgiven him so quickly (my opinion) he was just like a puppy that kept getting kicked! He held out hope that it would work, he almost gave up and quit! And his indifference to kids! I really thought that would be a sticking point, but the author solved that situation 🤐
As a standalone, it doesn’t require prior knowledge of Reitan’s other works (though she often connects characters across her “Creaverse,” with Xavi and Enfield referenced in other books like Rumor Has It). As you read the book, you vaguely remember the person, then all of a sudden I have the urge to go back and reread that book. (And then I get sucked down the rabbit hole 😜 and I practically rereading everything 😂)
If you’re into arranged marriage stories with a redemption arc, forced proximity, and a big HEA, this will hit the spot.
A solid, swoony addition to Crea Reitan’s growing list of queer romances. Perfect for fans of slow burn MM with grumpy heroes who fall hard.
🦋
The story centers on Enfield, a man who reluctantly enters an arranged marriage to maintain his luxurious lifestyle and support his three children.
He’s furious when he discovers his intended spouse is a man, Xavi…. a sweet, optimistic soul who’s been dreaming of his own happy ending after watching his six older brothers find theirs.
What starts as anger, coldness, and a secret plan to “ditch the wife” (now husband) slowly transforms through forced proximity, heartfelt moments, and Enfield’s gradual shift from asshole to devoted partner.
This book shines in its classic romance tropes. The grumpy/sunshine contrast is spot on…. Enfield’s initial meanness and frustration clash endlessly with Xavi’s sunshine personality and chaotic, endearing energy. The slow burn is a sloooooooburn, with Enfield’s internal conflict over his sexuality, he lashes out with no thought of how it would hurt the other persons feeling.
The “a$$hole to swoon” moment was worth waiting for, watching Enfield soften, grovel a bit, and embrace his feelings had me finally letting my breath out.
The one redeeming thing about Enfield was his love for his children, (Enfield’s kids are part of his motivation and life), and the way he is can sort of explained as we meet his parents! I loved how he was with his kids, there were his priority.
Xavi, I think deserved a better partner, Enfield was vile to him, and I don’t think Xavi should have forgiven him so quickly (my opinion) he was just like a puppy that kept getting kicked! He held out hope that it would work, he almost gave up and quit! And his indifference to kids! I really thought that would be a sticking point, but the author solved that situation 🤐
As a standalone, it doesn’t require prior knowledge of Reitan’s other works (though she often connects characters across her “Creaverse,” with Xavi and Enfield referenced in other books like Rumor Has It). As you read the book, you vaguely remember the person, then all of a sudden I have the urge to go back and reread that book. (And then I get sucked down the rabbit hole 😜 and I practically rereading everything 😂)
If you’re into arranged marriage stories with a redemption arc, forced proximity, and a big HEA, this will hit the spot.
A solid, swoony addition to Crea Reitan’s growing list of queer romances. Perfect for fans of slow burn MM with grumpy heroes who fall hard.
🦋
Review of advance copy received from Author
We’ve been teased about Xavi and Enfield’s story before, but now we get to see it for ourselves at last! In Xavi and Enfield’s worlds, marriage contracts are a thing. Something families have down for generations. Something they both knew they would have to do one day. But the two of them have had very different expectations and experiences with the traditions. For Xavi, he has watched it work on his many siblings and they all are living their happily ever afters. He just wants his own. Does he agree with everything in the contract? No, but he doesn’t have much of a choice and he’ll make the sacrifice. But for Enfield, he has spent the last thirteen years fighting the contracts. He wants his inheritance, he wants his birthright. Being forced to marry with some pretty insane rules is the last thing he wants. So he has spent his time finding every loophole he can and acting out in the hope his parents will finally stop and listen. And it isn’t working. He is tired. When his friend/lawyer finds a possible solution, Enfield decides to try. Even if that means signing a contract even temporarily. But what he doesn’t realize is that his parents have set him up with a man. And he’s straight. Enfield has been pushed just a bit too much this time. But this may end up being the best thing that has happened to him in a while. Because even though Enfield and Xavi start off rocky, there is something stirring between them and they just may find that their futures could be their own if they want it to. This ended up being so great! I was so curious about these two and how they got to where we see them in other books. And just in general how they could fall for one another considering what was going on in their lives. I loved seeing cameos from other characters we know and love. And I love that these two get what they both always wanted in the end and more. Great story!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2026
"As f*ck€d up as this began between us, I do think you’re the person I’m meant to spend my life with." - Xavi
"I want Xavi. I want him by my side every single day. I want his happiness. I want to see him smile." - Enfield
Their story began as an arranged marriage made by both sets of parents with a contract. There is a lot wrong with this contract and the way that the parents handled the situation, and Xavi and Enfield just have to find a way that fits for them. Enfield has 3 children who he loves very much and has done everything with his kids in mind. Enfield is angry and tired; he has been fighting the contract for so long and doesn't feel heard by his parents. They've done a LOT of horrible things, and this is definitely another side of them. I understand Enfield a lot more than I originally expected, and I'm glad that he acknowledged that he didn't treat Xavi well in the beginning.
Xavi was very excited to meet his person. He didn't mind the contract and had a very good relationship with his parents, but this situation made it difficult. I love that he always has his best friend Sparrow and his cat Shapiro; he's a very good cat dad. Xavi didn't want to have children, and I loved how they talked respectfully about that subject and listened to each other. They have found a way where they can be together and where Xavi can have his own space when he doesn't want to be around anyone. Even when they didn't really know each other, they still protected each other when others crossed their boundaries. And I also love Enfield's bi-awakening; he was genuinely interested in Xavi. This is a very good book with lots of important subjects from different perspectives that should be discussed more often.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
"I want Xavi. I want him by my side every single day. I want his happiness. I want to see him smile." - Enfield
Their story began as an arranged marriage made by both sets of parents with a contract. There is a lot wrong with this contract and the way that the parents handled the situation, and Xavi and Enfield just have to find a way that fits for them. Enfield has 3 children who he loves very much and has done everything with his kids in mind. Enfield is angry and tired; he has been fighting the contract for so long and doesn't feel heard by his parents. They've done a LOT of horrible things, and this is definitely another side of them. I understand Enfield a lot more than I originally expected, and I'm glad that he acknowledged that he didn't treat Xavi well in the beginning.
Xavi was very excited to meet his person. He didn't mind the contract and had a very good relationship with his parents, but this situation made it difficult. I love that he always has his best friend Sparrow and his cat Shapiro; he's a very good cat dad. Xavi didn't want to have children, and I loved how they talked respectfully about that subject and listened to each other. They have found a way where they can be together and where Xavi can have his own space when he doesn't want to be around anyone. Even when they didn't really know each other, they still protected each other when others crossed their boundaries. And I also love Enfield's bi-awakening; he was genuinely interested in Xavi. This is a very good book with lots of important subjects from different perspectives that should be discussed more often.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
February 25, 2026
We've met both main characters of this story, but it was fantastic to finally get to see how they actually met. Xavi is openly gay, his family do contract marriages, and he is fine with his parents helping him to find a husband. Enfield's family, however don't want to take no for an answer, even when it is a complete sentence. Poor Enfield is frustrated as hell, and finally, with the help of his lawyer friend, they have a plan on how to get out of it, even if it means having to marry someone first. But Enfield doesn't realise that the contract has been adjusted slightly, after every other one he has seen has always been the same.
Even after the two marry, they are living separate lives and barely interacting with each other, and when they do, Enfield isn't the nicest. Thankfully, that's where Sparrow comes in, and omg I squeed when I got to see him again cause as a character, I adore him. Xavi, however, is one of those characters I want to wrap in bubble wrap and protect him from the world, and after Enfield's initial meanness, I kinda just wanted to give him a big hug.
Enfield is one of those characters that at the beginning you know you should dislike him for his behaviour, but you also feel intensely sorry for how his life has been so far, and you just can't help but begin to love him throughout the story.
This is a brilliant story from the author, and I'm so happy that they wrote it in the end cause we've heard a few comments about Enfield and Xavi's marriage, and it was great to finally get the full story.
Even after the two marry, they are living separate lives and barely interacting with each other, and when they do, Enfield isn't the nicest. Thankfully, that's where Sparrow comes in, and omg I squeed when I got to see him again cause as a character, I adore him. Xavi, however, is one of those characters I want to wrap in bubble wrap and protect him from the world, and after Enfield's initial meanness, I kinda just wanted to give him a big hug.
Enfield is one of those characters that at the beginning you know you should dislike him for his behaviour, but you also feel intensely sorry for how his life has been so far, and you just can't help but begin to love him throughout the story.
This is a brilliant story from the author, and I'm so happy that they wrote it in the end cause we've heard a few comments about Enfield and Xavi's marriage, and it was great to finally get the full story.
February 19, 2026
𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚈𝚘���𝚛𝚜
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
↓↓
I have wanted more on these two for so long. Xavi being Sparrow's bestie I loved him and his personality instantly. After Just for Christmas, I was dying for more on the both of them.
Xavi said it best, Enfield was a damn rollercoaster and a bit of a twat in the beginning. I know that he was angry because of the situation and his parents. I mean I agree dude, I would have been the same way, well minus the way I treated my spouse, who was a victim in this whole thing as well.
Sparrow did what I'm sure all of us wanted to do, punch his straight in the face. I feel like that was just what Enfield needed and had some sense knocked in to him. After that, things slowly started to turn around.
After the chaos of how they began, I really enjoyed watching these two form a friendship that evolved in to more. It was slow and it was a bit all over the place, Enfield sending mixed signals at times, confusing the already confused Xavi even more.
There was a lot of compromise between the two and I love love love how they talked and communicated on what exactly they wanted with their relationship and their future.
Xavi was the perfect match for Enfield and really showed him that with the right person, you can find love and you can find happiness.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
📝Arranged Marriage
❤️🩹Grumpy/Sunshine
📝Slow Burn
❤️🩹Bi-Awakening
📝Chaotic Disaster Walking
🄰🅁🄲 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆
4.5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
↓↓
I have wanted more on these two for so long. Xavi being Sparrow's bestie I loved him and his personality instantly. After Just for Christmas, I was dying for more on the both of them.
Xavi said it best, Enfield was a damn rollercoaster and a bit of a twat in the beginning. I know that he was angry because of the situation and his parents. I mean I agree dude, I would have been the same way, well minus the way I treated my spouse, who was a victim in this whole thing as well.
Sparrow did what I'm sure all of us wanted to do, punch his straight in the face. I feel like that was just what Enfield needed and had some sense knocked in to him. After that, things slowly started to turn around.
After the chaos of how they began, I really enjoyed watching these two form a friendship that evolved in to more. It was slow and it was a bit all over the place, Enfield sending mixed signals at times, confusing the already confused Xavi even more.
There was a lot of compromise between the two and I love love love how they talked and communicated on what exactly they wanted with their relationship and their future.
Xavi was the perfect match for Enfield and really showed him that with the right person, you can find love and you can find happiness.
𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 / 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕥
📝Arranged Marriage
❤️🩹Grumpy/Sunshine
📝Slow Burn
❤️🩹Bi-Awakening
📝Chaotic Disaster Walking
February 22, 2026
This book was a wild emotionally charged ride, what a different take on the arranged marriage trope. Enfield and Xavi live in a world their families have arranged marriages for generations, Enfield is determined to never have a contract stick doing everything to tarnish his name to drive the woman way. Xavi has been looking forward to his contract as he is hoping it will be his fairy tale ending. That he could eventually fall in love with his match. These two characters are so completely opposite that when they find themselves contracted to marriage things become explosive. Enfield who has always been attracted to woman didn't see this coming and Xavi's future fairy tale comes crashing down around him quickly, My heart ached for Xavi as he didn't deserve the way Enfield was treating him and I loved how Sparrow was their for him. When Enfield comes clean on what his original plan had been the animosity between these two simmers and they become friends. The twists and unhinged behaviours of Enfield's mother brings another level to the story. I loved seeing them slowly move from friends to so much more we see struggles and truths that they work through and seeing Enfield make compromises to make Xavi happy made me heart swell. The story was one that I devoured and I loved every second of it. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
February 27, 2026
Crea did it again with another amazing book. I love how all these books are interconnected. And the way that you get to see the past and present for new characters. Because some of them are in different books. For Enfield and Xavi I like the fact that this one is a slow burn. Because you get to see them really fall for each other. Enfield grew so much from the beginning. I like how he makes his children the main priority. And will do anything to make sure they’re loved, cared for, and not harmed. And that he accepts his feelings for Xavi. And does it panic just goes with the flow. And he only cares for him and nothing else. Also, he got to take the revenge against his family. That was well deserved. Xavi he’s always wanted his happy ending and he finally got it. And I like how he’s willing to learn and grow to accept children. And that he’ll do anything for them and for Enfield. And his friendship with Sparrow was just amazing. And then there’s a big orange cat name Shapi. That likes to watch the kids on the tablet. But also he hard-core judges people with just one look. And I do like the fact that you get to see them become a family. The ending was my favorite because it showed just how much they care and they’ve grown. I can’t wait to see snippets and little pieces of their lives throughout this universe.
Review of advance copy
Enfield just wants to be free. Xavi just wants to be loved.
Enfield doesn’t want a contracted marriage, specially with a man. Wants nothing to do with his manipulative mother. He does want his children to be loved and accepted for who they are to him, his most fervent wish. Xavi wants a man he can grow old with, a Happy Ever After. He knows he will be a totally hands off parent. Two men with diametrically opposed ideas as to what they want their future to be.
I felt sorry for both men. Their hopes and dreams shattered by contracts they shouldn’t have to accept. Enfield was shocked by Xavi and his behavior was understandable, if not just plain mean. I though the author quickly turned a rather unpleasant man into a sympathetic character that pulled at heart strings. Xavi who was likable from the start, became sweeter as the story progressed.
This author writes dark very well but she can also do sugary romance. However I think Enfield’s mother should have been introduced to some of the darker Van Doren’s. And apparently the Van Doren’s rule the world because they are everywhere.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Enfield doesn’t want a contracted marriage, specially with a man. Wants nothing to do with his manipulative mother. He does want his children to be loved and accepted for who they are to him, his most fervent wish. Xavi wants a man he can grow old with, a Happy Ever After. He knows he will be a totally hands off parent. Two men with diametrically opposed ideas as to what they want their future to be.
I felt sorry for both men. Their hopes and dreams shattered by contracts they shouldn’t have to accept. Enfield was shocked by Xavi and his behavior was understandable, if not just plain mean. I though the author quickly turned a rather unpleasant man into a sympathetic character that pulled at heart strings. Xavi who was likable from the start, became sweeter as the story progressed.
This author writes dark very well but she can also do sugary romance. However I think Enfield’s mother should have been introduced to some of the darker Van Doren’s. And apparently the Van Doren’s rule the world because they are everywhere.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
February 1, 2026
I was a little nervous when it came to Enfield because of his initial interaction with Xavi. I wasn’t sure if either Xavi or I could forgive him BUT as time went on and we got to know a little more about him he began to grown on me. I understood his anger and frustration although the way he initially expressed this wasn’t great. Once he was able to put himself in Xavi’s shoes though and gain a bit of perspective he pulled me in. I enjoyed seeing these two become a team and their communication became strong with time. I liked that they discussed their future and how they would handle circumstances they may have never seen for themselves. Together and with time became a constant between them in planning and I liked it! I’ve been curious about how the contract side of the family’s worked since I read Just For Christmas and it was interesting to learn about. Sparrow was great, I loved how he had Xavi’s back while also making him look deeper at the hard stuff and I really loved getting a Van Doren cameo!
💙ARC REVIEW💜
💙ARC REVIEW💜
Review of advance copy
Contractually Yours is funny, heartfelt, and full of that delicious “this was NOT the plan” emotional tension.
Crea Reitan delivers a story that starts with a contract and quickly turns into something messy, tender, and unexpectedly meaningful. Enfield is a complete grump about the situation — and honestly? His reaction makes sense. He’s not walking into love… he’s walking into obligation, pressure, and a life shift he didn’t ask for.
But the real heart-stealer here is Xavi. He’s hopeful, sweet, and has been dreaming of his own happy ending after watching everyone else get theirs… and the emotional sting when reality doesn’t match that dream hits HARD.
The dynamic between them is a slow crash from hostility into something real — and the best part is that it doesn’t feel instant or forced. It feels earned, layered, and grounded in both men learning how to show up differently than they ever have before.
This book balances humor with real emotion, and the payoff is deeply satisfying if you love romance that starts messy and ends soft.
Crea Reitan delivers a story that starts with a contract and quickly turns into something messy, tender, and unexpectedly meaningful. Enfield is a complete grump about the situation — and honestly? His reaction makes sense. He’s not walking into love… he’s walking into obligation, pressure, and a life shift he didn’t ask for.
But the real heart-stealer here is Xavi. He’s hopeful, sweet, and has been dreaming of his own happy ending after watching everyone else get theirs… and the emotional sting when reality doesn’t match that dream hits HARD.
The dynamic between them is a slow crash from hostility into something real — and the best part is that it doesn’t feel instant or forced. It feels earned, layered, and grounded in both men learning how to show up differently than they ever have before.
This book balances humor with real emotion, and the payoff is deeply satisfying if you love romance that starts messy and ends soft.
February 23, 2026
Enfield and Xavi are a bit of a mess at the outset, but for me it was worth sticking it out. Having ‘met’ the two together in a previous Crea book, I was eager for the story that got them to their HEA. I’m glad to have read it now and to have spent more time with Sparrow too. What I can say unequivocally is that Enfield is an amazing dad. He never wanted a marriage contract, but he wants his kids and the family he is committed to raising and will do anything to support them, even trying to beat his parents at their own game. He just couldn’t have anticipated how far they would go. When he’s matched with Xavi he feels betrayed by their lies of omission and trapped in a new way. So while his behavior is deplorable, he’s like a trapped animal lashing out. Xavi had an idealistic view of the pending match, and his family didn’t know who they were dealing with, especially Enfield’s mother. Xavi has Sparrow to lean on, and in time as he gets to see what is happening with Enfield and they extend the hand of friendship, they find common ground and more.
February 22, 2026
Enfield and Xavi
We get a glimpse of them in previous stories, so I’m glad we finally get all the details! Enfield’s family requires him to marry in order to receive his trust fund and company shares. Enfield has been against this from a very young age and has done everything possible to ensure he doesn’t end up in a contracted marriage.
Nash Van Doren, Enfield’s lawyer, says that in order for Enfield to break free from the contract, he will have to sign it and begin the process outlined in the agreement. So when the next contract is given to Enfield, he signs it after only looking at the key details. Gender was not one of those details, so imagine Enfield—who identifies as straight—when he shows up and realizes his mother handed him a contract to marry a guy.
Poor Xavi doesn’t know how to react. The way these two come together to fight against the real villain, Enfield’s mother, is perfection.
We get a glimpse of them in previous stories, so I’m glad we finally get all the details! Enfield’s family requires him to marry in order to receive his trust fund and company shares. Enfield has been against this from a very young age and has done everything possible to ensure he doesn’t end up in a contracted marriage.
Nash Van Doren, Enfield’s lawyer, says that in order for Enfield to break free from the contract, he will have to sign it and begin the process outlined in the agreement. So when the next contract is given to Enfield, he signs it after only looking at the key details. Gender was not one of those details, so imagine Enfield—who identifies as straight—when he shows up and realizes his mother handed him a contract to marry a guy.
Poor Xavi doesn’t know how to react. The way these two come together to fight against the real villain, Enfield’s mother, is perfection.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I definitely love this book! And I will be reading Sparrows book next!
Enfield always wanted to live free, love free and not have a contract to follow. He did everything to try to break through the marriage contract since he was 13 years old. Having 3 babies out of wedlock, paying some girl to say he abused her, and creating scandals. Nothing worked, so he finally made a plan and signed the marriage contract to finally get his life finally free.
Xavier just wanted love. He wanted a husband to love him no matter what and to live by his best friend. With the contract he doesnt have to look for someone, because his mother was in charge of finding him a prefect husband. But after he signed his marriage contract, he didnt received a prefect husband.. He got a signed marriage contract to a Grumpy straight man instead...
Enfield always wanted to live free, love free and not have a contract to follow. He did everything to try to break through the marriage contract since he was 13 years old. Having 3 babies out of wedlock, paying some girl to say he abused her, and creating scandals. Nothing worked, so he finally made a plan and signed the marriage contract to finally get his life finally free.
Xavier just wanted love. He wanted a husband to love him no matter what and to live by his best friend. With the contract he doesnt have to look for someone, because his mother was in charge of finding him a prefect husband. But after he signed his marriage contract, he didnt received a prefect husband.. He got a signed marriage contract to a Grumpy straight man instead...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m so excited we get Xavi’s story. We initially meet Xavi in his best friends book Rumor Has It. (This can be read as a complete standalone). Xavi and Enfield enter an arranged marriage, but Enfield not knowing he was entering a contract marriage with a man leaves him even more enraged at his parents than he initially was. You’re going to see them navigate their relationship from strangers/enemies to friends to lovers to husbands. Initially wasn’t sure if I would like Enfield but learning his background I warmed up to him. I really loved seeing these two come together and find a relationship that worked for them beyond their parents input and expectations. I’m super happy Xavi got his happy ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2026
First let me just say that this book isn’t really fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi as my tag indicates, but I didn’t find out until the final chapter that it’s a little futuristic being set in 2041. I’d wondered about that as I read…
I really enjoyed my first introduction to this author. The story is creative, the characters are strong, and HEA is valid. The author describes it as slow burn, although I’d disagree. It’s one minute they’re friends, and then the next Enfield kisses Xavi not really knowing why, and they go from there. So, more insta once they hit a certain spot in the story.
I loved seeing what Enfield’s parents got in the end, but hated the misery he’s dealt with for the past thirteen years.
All in all, a very good read.
I really enjoyed my first introduction to this author. The story is creative, the characters are strong, and HEA is valid. The author describes it as slow burn, although I’d disagree. It’s one minute they’re friends, and then the next Enfield kisses Xavi not really knowing why, and they go from there. So, more insta once they hit a certain spot in the story.
I loved seeing what Enfield’s parents got in the end, but hated the misery he’s dealt with for the past thirteen years.
All in all, a very good read.
February 20, 2026
Enfield has been fighting his families expectation of being contractually married for as long as he can remember and he is tired so very tired of it. He and his lawyer come up with a plan so he signs it to execute the plan but when he gets to his betrothed things are quite as he expects. Xavi has been looking forward to meeting his contractual husband, a romantic at heart he is convinced they will fall in love and he will get his happy ever after. Unfortunately when the two meet Xavi is left heartbroken and devastated, and incredibly hurt. Well written the storyline is fantastic, with great characters both new and old faces, steam and romance, I really enjoyed this story . It had all the feels while reading this and I was glued to the page, I really enjoyed this story
February 24, 2026
To Love is Human
Dee’s Grade: A+
I have been interested in Enfield and Xavi’s story since we first met them. I loved it for them. I enjoyed this as not so much as a bi-awakening story so much as when you open your heart to get to know someone their parts may not matter as much as getting your HEA with them.
I also liked that both people had some very strong preconceived opinions about what they wanted and it never felt like they were changing who they were simply to please the other. It felt like I want this person in my life so I’m going to attempt to accept these other things. I won’t make myself miserable in order to do so because that’s not healthy either. They learned to compromise without compromising themselves.
Dee’s Grade: A+
I have been interested in Enfield and Xavi’s story since we first met them. I loved it for them. I enjoyed this as not so much as a bi-awakening story so much as when you open your heart to get to know someone their parts may not matter as much as getting your HEA with them.
I also liked that both people had some very strong preconceived opinions about what they wanted and it never felt like they were changing who they were simply to please the other. It felt like I want this person in my life so I’m going to attempt to accept these other things. I won’t make myself miserable in order to do so because that’s not healthy either. They learned to compromise without compromising themselves.
February 19, 2026
Enfield and Xavi did NOT have a smooth beginning to their relationship. Enfield was so bad to Xavi and my heart went out to him. However, Enfield wasn’t a complete monster and had his reasons, but he still had some major groveling to do.
Xavi had been looking forward to this contract and my heart broke from him when it didn’t do how he always envisioned.
Once these two get over their initial road block, they get a fresh start and build from there. These two are fiercely loyal to each other and support each other the best they can.
I love the HEA even more in the story because both of these men deserve it so much.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Xavi had been looking forward to this contract and my heart broke from him when it didn’t do how he always envisioned.
Once these two get over their initial road block, they get a fresh start and build from there. These two are fiercely loyal to each other and support each other the best they can.
I love the HEA even more in the story because both of these men deserve it so much.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
February 25, 2026
contractually yours
I loved the story of Enfield and Xavi. I was kind of disgusted with Enfield’s parents more like his mom. How can a woman be so vile and not recognize her own grandchildren. The contract was pretty nuts on its own . This unlikely pair was a pleasure to read and watch their chemistry unfold. I did have a favorite part and it involved sparrow and a certain kitchen scene. The steam between this pair was a learning experience for enfield so it was tame but nice bone the less. This was more about them than steam and I loved the ending it truly was a nice ending.
I loved the story of Enfield and Xavi. I was kind of disgusted with Enfield’s parents more like his mom. How can a woman be so vile and not recognize her own grandchildren. The contract was pretty nuts on its own . This unlikely pair was a pleasure to read and watch their chemistry unfold. I did have a favorite part and it involved sparrow and a certain kitchen scene. The steam between this pair was a learning experience for enfield so it was tame but nice bone the less. This was more about them than steam and I loved the ending it truly was a nice ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book. I was so happy to see this story from the inside. Having read Sparrow's and Rafe's books, I knew bits of this story, but seeing it written was perfect. I loved the contract marriage. I don't know why the idea fascinates me, but it does, and this was such an interesting take on it. I did kind of hate Enfield at first because Xavi is sweet and deserves only nice things, but he did grow on me over time. Ultimately, this was really enjoyable, and we got to see several crossovers, which just brings me joy.
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