The Relationship Contract

To Barcelona with Love Trilogy #2

by Marcella Steele

A crazy love experiment. A daring adventure. 60 days to pass the test.


Once upon a time… romance had ghosted Sofia Drake so many times, she promised herself she’d never fall in love again—until she fell head over heels for the younger, jetsetting Ryan Hunter. She worries the age gap will ruin their fairy tale romance. He believes they can have their happily ever after and convinces Sofia to accept his unconventional proposal: a sixty day contract to prove their love is worth the risk.

But when Ryan’s job takes him to London, Sofia adds an addendum to the contract. She throws the rule book in the trash, leaves behind her carefully constructed life, and sets off for the adventure of a lifetime with him—prepared to risk everything for a second chance at happiness.

Touring London, Sofia feels as if a time machine is whisking her back to her twenties, when she trekked through Europe with a backpack and a prayer her money would last. Living her dream feels intoxicating, but she wonders if this new life is a size too big—if she’s brave enough to make it fit. Ryan hopes that dazzling her with trips to Dubai and the Maldives will convince her to stay. His mother—Cruella de Vil’s double—tries to make sure she doesn’t.

Just as Sofia’s confidence in herself and the relationship blossoms, Ryan’s old girlfriend surfaces with a bombshell that threatens to rewrite their entire future.
Now, the question isn't whether their love is strong enough. It's whether they're brave enough to renegotiate the contract and face what neither of them saw coming.

Love is like free-falling off a cliff. You never know where you might land.

“The Relationship Contract is refreshingly honest, with an authentic, vulnerable voice and sharp wit.” —Readers’ Favorite

Perfect for fans of Nora Goes Off Script, by Annabel Monaghan, and Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. A witty, second chance romance with the London charm of Jojo Moyes.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Marcella Steele is an American author/screenwriter who now writes with her laptop precariously balanced on a café table in Barcelona, but can sometimes be found dreaming up stories on a terrace in Bali or on a balcony in Paris. Marcella champions the radical idea that women over forty are just getting started and her contemporary romance/women’s fiction novels celebrate love, passion, and self-discovery at any age. With her passion for travel, she delights in bringing the reader along to discover the magic of faraway places. When she’s not writing, she’s planning her next adventure or practicing her spins on a salsa dance floor.

Reviews

[Lupita_333 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the first one. The relationship still feels like it’s missing a romantic spark. Sofias feelings for Ryan were genuine and more felt in this story but Ryan’s feelings for her were more lust than anything regardless how often he’d say he loved her. The sexual tension/mentions of them wanting to have sex was a bit too much. I enjoy reading about the sexual tension but not when it’s brought up so often that it interrupts the story line.

I hated the drama with Ryan’s ex but It was such a good surprise to the story. It created a nice layer of drama which I loved. It was very sad too though since it was something that was painful for Sofia.

I loved all the travel. So much fun.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first of this authors and I really enjoyed it. I loved the settings and loved that I felt as if I was sight seeing right along with Sofia. I enjoyed getting to go along with her adventures and the experiment of her and Ryan’s relationship contract. There is a lot of back and forth with Sofia’s trust and feelings and I found myself rooting for Ryan many times to finally win over her heart completely. I was sooo nervous with the twist, Sofia’s seeing Ryan outside of his work after declining lunch, and after learning the reasoning behind it, I found myself torn between wanting Ryan to do the right thing and wanting him to solely focus on his and Sofia’s relationship (I know, I know, that’s not fair and he has a responsibility- I didn’t say my feelings were valid LOL) I am excited to see what’s next in this series and excited to read more from this author. Overall, it was a cute story that you will enjoy if you love second chances and travel-filled romances! 🫶🏼

[Kasey Connors-Beron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of The Relationship Contract thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a necessary sequel to the first book, following the same characters through the next phase of their journey and it is a doozy. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs that the characters experience and multiple times where I felt my stomach sink and chest go cold. The emotions are so well written that I was experiencing them with the characters. I am very much looking forward to how their story resolves in the third book, although I will definitely need to prepare myself because I'm sure there will be tears involved.

[EmReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second instalment and it carried on perfectly from the first book. I was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations as I loved the first book but this definitely had the same humour and warmth. It was so enjoyable to read the continuation of Sofia and Ryan's love story and there was definitely a lot of emotion in this one. I can't wait for the third book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cece Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable second instalment with the same warm, humorous voice I loved in book one. The Relationship Contract has a lovely tone, smart, funny, and easy to fall into. It's the kind of story you enjoy spending time with. Already looking forward to the final book in the trilogy. Thank you Marcella!! ❤️☀️

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sofia Drake, 49, is a divorced psychologist with a grown son named Ben. She lives in California and Ben is attending college on the east coast. Having worked all her life, Sofia is shocked to find that she has been let go by her company.

When Sofia recently took a trip to Barcelona, she met Ryan Hunter, 35, a handsome man, wealthy and working in finance. They had a lovely time together. While he has wanted children, Sofia is at the menopause stage of her life. But Ryan insists that he does not need children and is totally in love with Sofia no matter their age difference. With the difference in their ages, they decide to try a 60-day relationship test to see if they have what it takes to truly stick together.

When Ryan heads to London to his office for several weeks, he suggests she follow him and they will stay in a nice hotel. She agrees and they meet up again. While Ryan is busy every day with meetings, Sofia is free to revisit London that she once toured when she was much younger. She is enjoying the sights and meeting people. In the evening, she and Ryan gather in their love nest. He plans to take her to the Maldives and with him on a business trip to Dubai. When his mother drops in, she shows her disdain for Sofia which makes Ryan so angry.

Sofia is in love with Ryan but is also being practical wondering if there is too much of an age difference and if he will tire of her.

I did not read the first book in this trilogy so I missed the early relationship of Ryan and Sofia. I liked Ryan as he seemed so sincere but, for me, Sofia is all over the place. For someone who is a psychologist, she should have had a better understanding of her feelings and how to handle situations. She comes across as immature. Leaving Ryan to handle things on his own without being there to support him was just dumb.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars emotional, romantic, and beautifully unexpected

The Relationship Contract by Marcella Steele is one of those stories that sneaks up on you and then completely owns your heart. What begins as a bold, unconventional love experiment turns into a deeply emotional journey about timing, courage, and choosing happiness even when it’s terrifying.

Sofia and Ryan are such a compelling pair. Sofia’s hesitation feels real and earned, shaped by experience, heartbreak, and the weight of knowing what’s at stake. Ryan, on the other hand, is confident, charming, and refreshingly sure of what he wants. Their age gap isn’t just a trope here it’s woven thoughtfully into the story, creating tension, doubt, and meaningful growth for both characters.

The 60-day “contract” sets the perfect pace, especially as the story unfolds across stunning locations like London, Dubai, and the Maldives. You can feel Sofia coming alive as she steps into a version of herself she once dreamed of, while Ryan fights for a future he believes in with everything he has. The romance is heartfelt and passionate, filled with quiet moments, big emotions, and swoon-worthy gestures.

Add in outside pressures, family interference, and a surprise from Ryan’s past, and the stakes rise in a way that feels authentic not manufactured. By the time the question becomes whether they’re brave enough to rewrite the rules, you’re rooting for them with your whole chest.

The Relationship Contract is romantic, emotional, and full of soul. If you love age-gap romance, second chances, travel-filled love stories, and characters who grow together in meaningful ways, this book is an absolute must-read. 💕📖✨


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julia Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

<4 stars>
Thanks to Netgalley and the author, Marcella Steele for a copy of this ARC, which I received in exchange for my opinion.
The Relationship Contract by Marccella Steele is the second book in the "To Barcelona with Love" trilogy. Unfortunately,when I read the blurb on Netgalley, it piqued my interest so much, and I didn't realize this was the second installment of a trilogy, so I did not read the first book. This is Sofia and Ryan's story, a second chance romance, age-gap romance, and picks up where the first book left off. I will say that not reading the first book did not detract from my enjoyment, and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Sofia has been hurt and is done with romance until Ryan, a younger man who she falls for on holiday. But can a holiday romance develop into something real? Sofia is reluctant, thinking their age difference will be a problem and they won't work out in the 'real' world. Ryan comes up with a proposal, 60 days to prove their love is worth it.
This book had a lot of ups and downs with Ryan and Sofia, and I really felt like I connected with the characters and their journey. When Ryan has to go to London for work, Sofia joins him and plays tourist. I liked reading about London and sightseeing through our FMC's eyes as well as seeing Sofia develop as a character.
As their relationship develops, they overcome obstacles and come together as a couple to develop into a healthy relationship. Ryan fights for what he wants and fights for their future. Their romance is beautiful and comes together in an authentic, emotional way. The pacing was perfect. It kept me interested in the story. I found myself rooting for them and praying that love would win in the end!
I would recommend this book to all the romance lovers!

[☆Laura☆]

Sofía Drake ha pasado la etapa de creer en promesas fáciles y futuros idealizados. Cuando su vida personal y profesional se derrumba, decide apostar por sí misma y por una relación que nace sin garantías, solo con honestidad y deseo de volver a sentir. Ryan Hunter representa una oportunidad inesperada, una conexión intensa que no ignora las diferencias de edad ni las decisiones que ambos ya han tomado sobre su futuro. Juntos construyen un acuerdo emocional que les permite avanzar sin mentiras, convencidos de que el amor también puede existir sin cumplir con el modelo tradicional. Sin embargo, cuando todo parece finalmente alinearse, una nueva realidad pone a prueba la estabilidad que tanto les costó alcanzar.



__



Ese giro se me hizo injusto para Sofía. Después de todo lo que ha vivido, por fin logra estar con Ryan y llegan al acuerdo de no tener hijos y sale la sorpresa del bebe sorpresa con la ex. Ahora Sofia tendrá el contante recordatorio de que no puede tener hijos y ver a Ryan disfrutando su etapa como papá.


Estoy segura que en el siguiente libro R será un problema constante.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Siegrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an intriguing premise and the opening chapters really drew me in. The book is structured in the alternating voices of Sofia and Ryan, a couple who have fallen in love in Barcelona and are trying to work out if this holiday romance can last in their ‘real’ lives. Sofia’s real life is in flux - she’s 49 divorced, retrenched and with an adult son living in New York. Ryan is climbing the corporate ladder with considerable success but also long hours and anxiety. I enjoyed Sofia’s chapters considerably more. Her independent forays in London and Barcelona allow her to discover more of these places but also herself.

There’s moments of quite lovely writing like this:

Examining my reflection, I dressed differently
now, having adopted the casual-chic style of Bar-
celona. My blue high-top sneakers matched the
long, flowing skirt, complemented by a crop top.
The ensemble was a far cry from the American
jeans and loose T-shirt that had become my attire
outside of work hours. I felt pretty in these
clothes. Moreover, I felt like a different person—
transformed like a shape-shifting toy.


I enjoyed many parts of this book. Thanks to Marcella Steele, the publisher and NetGalley for sharing an arc copy with me.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of two people who find themselves at different stages on life, but find a connection that grows organically but it is tested in value, character, tension, time & understanding.
I had not read the first book in this series, so this was a new love story for me, and I enjoyed it.

There is a reverse age gap that is the large third wheel in this relationship, she is 49 and he is just 35. Sofia is a psychologist who is getting a second chance at love with Ryan, though their love is passionate and organic, there is always a doubt based on experiences and needs. She has already experienced motherhood, a fulfilled career, and is entering menopause. HE is still climbing the ladder, he wants kids, and he wants to prove to her that their love can last. But as they travel, she gets to relive her younger years, but there are so many obstacles they have to deal with that make this plot an interesting one.

[Kailyn Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Relationship Contract follows two main characters in different stages navigating how to make the most of the relationship. This book takes you through their “relationship contract” where they commit to certain stipulations for a given amount of time. As someone who almost always figures out the plot twist, this one actually surprised me!

While I resonated with the FMC, I did find her to be a smidge immature in some scenarios and just all over the place, but I may have a different opinion after reading the first book in the series. The MMC seemed extremely patient and sincere, but also a little too locked into his profession, which made things seem like it was doomed from the start.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, as it was just the right length to allow time for the plot to develop. I look forward to reading the first book in the series to gather more context!

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the TO BARCELONA WITH LOVE trilogy, “The Relationship Contract”, finds Sophia and Ryan navigating their newfound love and the complexities it brings to their lives. I really enjoyed this one, and again was struck by the wonderful writing and realistic feel of the characters and their situations. The world-building is excellent and the story flows well. Everything feels very organic and not manufactured, which is a nice change of pace from so many books these days. And once again, I have to say how much I appreciate the author writing a love story featuring a woman in “middle age.” It’s so very refreshing.

I received a copy of this book via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of adventures and new beginnings.

The Relationship Contract was such a fresh breath of air and a breezy read. I truly enjoyed the travelling aspect of the story, living my adventures of visiting the mentioned countries through Sofia’s eyes. It’s the kind of cosy read I snuggle up with in bed.

Plot wise, I appreciated how Sofia and Ryan work through their issues together and communicate their feelings when problems arise. The love they have for each other is heartfelt and I was rooting for them to hold on till the end. Ryan is certainly a passionate guy full of charms and Sofia is deserving of his romance and grand, swooning gestures. I can’t wait for their next adventures.

Thank you Netgalley and Marcella for this ARC copy.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 2nd book in the series is an easy-to-love installment that pulls you in. What starts as a bold 60-day love experiment turns into a heartfelt story about timing, courage, and choosing happiness—even when it’s scary.

Sofia and Ryan are a great match. Sofia’s doubts feel real and earned, while Ryan is confident, charming, and all-in. The age-gap romance is handled thoughtfully, adding meaningful tension and growth. I loved the travel-filled setting—London, Dubai, and the Maldives add major escapist vibes. This cozy romance is a refreshing second-chance love story featuring a middle-aged heroine. Bring on book three!

[Elohor Egbordi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Net Galley for this ARC

I didn’t know this was book two in a trilogy when I first started it, but it was pretty easy to get into the swing of it. I like the older woman trope and the live quadrangle they have going on. It’s refreshing and sweet.

The dialogue however drags and sometimes characters are introduced fleetingly, never to be seen again. For example, where’s Oliver? I thought there was something there.

3.5/5 stars. Good book.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia & Ryan
I do suggest reading The Vacation Bubble first, my opinion. Sofia meets Ryan and tries to stay away, after meeting him before she gets to Barcelona. You really can not outrun fate. she runs into him again when she is in Barcelona. Things take off from there, and she finally tosses her rules aside and Lives. Sofia and Ryan are good together, and I am excited for more, in book three. I Loved It!!! I Recommend as a Good romance! No Spoilers from me!

[Kostia D · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book of this trilogy on my Kindle, I became approved for reading the sequel through NetGalley. I’m truly blessed to read the second installment early, and I have to say I inhaled this in 3 days! Marcella Steele is an author I’ll love for creating characters that you invest in them. I couldn’t predict what comes next, but I enjoyed the ride and I need book 3 ASAP!

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

love and courage
It´s not easy to stand up against society´s conventions but what better reason to do so than love? I admired Sofia and Ryan´s courage and I think true love doesn´t need a contract while on the other hand you can´t force love by writing a contract about it.