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Wedding Contract
Annabelle has always been an outsider. In school, at work, and even in her own home. Her mother favored her two older sisters. Her father was emotionally absent. Her sisters thought she was an embarassment and so she ran away from home to another state, another city, and hopefully a new life. But without money or a job, Annabelle made a reckless choice.
For one year, she would be the fake wife to a faceless, absent but very rich man. She communciated via notes and emails and felt safe until her sisters showed up demanding a share of the small life Annabelle was beginning to carve for herself.
Tired of running, Annabelle decides to fight back and to her surprise, her fake husband shows up at her side demanding a real relationship. Dare she hope that this pretend life can transform into something real?
For one year, she would be the fake wife to a faceless, absent but very rich man. She communciated via notes and emails and felt safe until her sisters showed up demanding a share of the small life Annabelle was beginning to carve for herself.
Tired of running, Annabelle decides to fight back and to her surprise, her fake husband shows up at her side demanding a real relationship. Dare she hope that this pretend life can transform into something real?
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
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May 20, 2026Idk, I usually love EG's novellas, but this one not so much. The idea of the story made me uneasy for more than half of the book, and that kinda ruined the experience for me.
Belle agreed to a contractual marriage without meeting her supposed husband. The story starts with them already married, and only Charles/Wick knows Belle (he stalked her and planned this whole marriage stuff 😅).
He approached her as Charles because Belle knows her husband as Wick. And they get into this "friendship" when in reality they're really attracted to each other.
And idk, it just didn't sit well with me that Belle entertained Charles when she's married to Wick, and although she didn't know they're the same person, it still made me uncomfortable.
Charles got slightly annoyed too with the idea of Belle getting chummy with another man who isn't her husband—but he was able to get past it because, after all, he's her actual husband. And the truth didn't come out until the 60% mark of the story, so the uneasiness lingers for far too long.
Anyway, this is clearly a personal issue, and others might be fine with it. I'm just not a fan of any semblance of infidelity. 🤷♀️
But overall, it's a safe story and as usual dual V! 😄
Belle agreed to a contractual marriage without meeting her supposed husband. The story starts with them already married, and only Charles/Wick knows Belle (he stalked her and planned this whole marriage stuff 😅).
He approached her as Charles because Belle knows her husband as Wick. And they get into this "friendship" when in reality they're really attracted to each other.
And idk, it just didn't sit well with me that Belle entertained Charles when she's married to Wick, and although she didn't know they're the same person, it still made me uncomfortable.
Charles got slightly annoyed too with the idea of Belle getting chummy with another man who isn't her husband—but he was able to get past it because, after all, he's her actual husband. And the truth didn't come out until the 60% mark of the story, so the uneasiness lingers for far too long.
Anyway, this is clearly a personal issue, and others might be fine with it. I'm just not a fan of any semblance of infidelity. 🤷♀️
But overall, it's a safe story and as usual dual V! 😄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2026
No fue para mí 😢
May 22, 2026
Pure romance
This author is an automatic one click.
Romance is always spot on, she delivers a fantastic read effortlessly.
Always a five star read.
This author is an automatic one click.
Romance is always spot on, she delivers a fantastic read effortlessly.
Always a five star read.
May 22, 2026
Super cute, easy read. It’s a short novella, the hero is totally obsessed and will do anything to get his girl.
Dual virgins and no owd.
Dual virgins and no owd.
May 21, 2026
DV!
Quote,
“I guess I never asked you, but no girlfriend? No significant other that might
be bothered with you sitting here?”
“None. I’ve never been into dating.” I wouldn’t know the first
thing about it.
end quote.
Quote (didn't care that he thought himself a loser because he didn't know how to woo a woman, but I am glad that he didn't know how to woo a woman),
Maybe over a post-meal port wine, I can find a way to
break the news to her. That I concocted this whole scheme because
I didn’t know how to woo a woman. That I’m not the loser that it
seems I am.
end quote.
Quote (after the reveal that he IS her husband they share their first kiss),
The kiss goes from a brush of
the lips to a full-on kiss. I'm not sure either of us knows what we're
doing, only lost in this need.
end quote.
Quote (finally he tells Annabelle that she is his first and yes it happens when she knows Charles IS her husband),
“I want to taste you like you did me.” Those gorgeous eyes of
hers come to meet mine, begging me to give her what she desires.
“Open,” I order gruffly.
She does so, pushing her tongue out for me to lay my weighted
flesh on it like an offering.
“Be gentle with me,” I half joke. “It’s my first time, too.”
Her eyes widen at this morsel of truth. “No way.”
I can see she likes the thought of no one else but her having this
kind of knowledge of me.
end quote.
Safe
No cheating technically (I did not like that the heroine got friendly and close to Charles, even if he IS her husband but she doesn't know that. Even if it is an arranged marriage and she has never seen this husband of hers, she should have kept this "OM" away from her which she did but they got to be friendly and close which I didn't like.)
No OM technically (her husband in a way made himself the OM)
No OW
No OW/OM comparisons
No Separation
No gross condom use
No third act break up
HEA
I didn't care for the premise of the book. Annabelle is mistreated by her sisters and she escapes paving a new life. A wealthy man by the name of Wick, incredibly smitten by her when he first saw her, didn't know how to woo a her, so he arranged a wedding contract. She is supposed to pretend to be his wife for a year, but in this time, he thought of how to woo her and make her fall in love. He admits that the way he went about it was stupid, but he has no experience with women *happy dance* and so did what he always knew how to do, draw up contracts and have them signed.
The big elephant in the room is that he introduces himself as Charles at a cafe where she goes and sits down, but she tells this man she is married. Great! Except she lets this man she is attracted to into her life and they become closer and closer. Mind you, she doesn't know this man IS her husband. I did not like that at all even though this same man IS her husband. She is after all a married woman, and even if it is in name only, she should not be "friendly" with "another man". I am glad that it didn't get "too friendly" until he lets the cat out of the bag and tells her he is her husband. Nothing untoward happens except him kissing her hand, and her kissing his. I hated that because she doesn't know that this man is her husband so she shouldn't be doing that. The real intimacy, first kiss and sex scene happens after the reveal, so I am at least glad for that. The whole thing felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable. One thing that didn't make it too bad, is that she was wanting a friend. She has no friends, and everyone treats her like garbage and she is very much alone. She tried to branch out to hopefully make some girl friends but it backfired, so she fell back on this man and treated him as a friend, since he was the only one to be nice to her. This was worth pointing out.
There is a detail that made no sense, and it is a knit pick. If he intended on keeping her for life, then why did he say at the beginning of the book this,
Quote,
That’s our deal. An apartment, five million dollars,
and the right to keep any and all jewelry, clothes, cars, etc. that are
gifted to her during the year contract. In exchange, she pretends to
be Mrs. Charles Wickham and is madly in love. Swept off her feet.
Married in haste. Then we part, per the contract. Whatever reason
she gives is fine. I cheated. I’m scum.
end quote.
It just bothered me a bit because the reason why he had her sign the contract for a year was because he feared she wouldn't sign if it was a real marriage contract for life. Now that I reread it, it is a technicality to do with how the contract was supposed to be read and how she would take it but the fact that he mentions that she could say he "cheated" as an excuse for divorce and he wouldn't care just bothered me, even though I know this marriage for him is for life. Later he does say that forever is the intent and he never intended on letting her go, that he thought a year was enough to try to have her fall in love with him just as he is already in love with her. Maybe I overthink too much.
What saved it is that they are both first timers. Neither felt attraction to the opposite sex, all things intimate is new to them and I liked that he enjoys her knowing that he belongs to her entirely intimately and vice versa. I think that is what sweetened this rather unsavory premise. All in all I didn't care for it, but it was short and seemed rather hurried.
It's ok, because not all Ella Goode books are going to be hits. Some are going to be misses. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either and that's ok because it is dual v, with both of them experiencing their firsts together and that is what matters most to me. I tend to dismiss the flaws when it's the case, and we are guaranteed first timers with Ella Goode which is why I always read her books never having to question that fact. She is one of the few in the romance world to give us first timers being each others first, last and only in terms of love, sex and intimacy which is what I treasure most.
Happy reading.
Quote,
“I guess I never asked you, but no girlfriend? No significant other that might
be bothered with you sitting here?”
“None. I’ve never been into dating.” I wouldn’t know the first
thing about it.
end quote.
Quote (didn't care that he thought himself a loser because he didn't know how to woo a woman, but I am glad that he didn't know how to woo a woman),
Maybe over a post-meal port wine, I can find a way to
break the news to her. That I concocted this whole scheme because
I didn’t know how to woo a woman. That I’m not the loser that it
seems I am.
end quote.
Quote (after the reveal that he IS her husband they share their first kiss),
The kiss goes from a brush of
the lips to a full-on kiss. I'm not sure either of us knows what we're
doing, only lost in this need.
end quote.
Quote (finally he tells Annabelle that she is his first and yes it happens when she knows Charles IS her husband),
“I want to taste you like you did me.” Those gorgeous eyes of
hers come to meet mine, begging me to give her what she desires.
“Open,” I order gruffly.
She does so, pushing her tongue out for me to lay my weighted
flesh on it like an offering.
“Be gentle with me,” I half joke. “It’s my first time, too.”
Her eyes widen at this morsel of truth. “No way.”
I can see she likes the thought of no one else but her having this
kind of knowledge of me.
end quote.
Safe
No cheating technically (I did not like that the heroine got friendly and close to Charles, even if he IS her husband but she doesn't know that. Even if it is an arranged marriage and she has never seen this husband of hers, she should have kept this "OM" away from her which she did but they got to be friendly and close which I didn't like.)
No OM technically (her husband in a way made himself the OM)
No OW
No OW/OM comparisons
No Separation
No gross condom use
No third act break up
HEA
I didn't care for the premise of the book. Annabelle is mistreated by her sisters and she escapes paving a new life. A wealthy man by the name of Wick, incredibly smitten by her when he first saw her, didn't know how to woo a her, so he arranged a wedding contract. She is supposed to pretend to be his wife for a year, but in this time, he thought of how to woo her and make her fall in love. He admits that the way he went about it was stupid, but he has no experience with women *happy dance* and so did what he always knew how to do, draw up contracts and have them signed.
The big elephant in the room is that he introduces himself as Charles at a cafe where she goes and sits down, but she tells this man she is married. Great! Except she lets this man she is attracted to into her life and they become closer and closer. Mind you, she doesn't know this man IS her husband. I did not like that at all even though this same man IS her husband. She is after all a married woman, and even if it is in name only, she should not be "friendly" with "another man". I am glad that it didn't get "too friendly" until he lets the cat out of the bag and tells her he is her husband. Nothing untoward happens except him kissing her hand, and her kissing his. I hated that because she doesn't know that this man is her husband so she shouldn't be doing that. The real intimacy, first kiss and sex scene happens after the reveal, so I am at least glad for that. The whole thing felt a bit awkward and uncomfortable. One thing that didn't make it too bad, is that she was wanting a friend. She has no friends, and everyone treats her like garbage and she is very much alone. She tried to branch out to hopefully make some girl friends but it backfired, so she fell back on this man and treated him as a friend, since he was the only one to be nice to her. This was worth pointing out.
There is a detail that made no sense, and it is a knit pick. If he intended on keeping her for life, then why did he say at the beginning of the book this,
Quote,
That’s our deal. An apartment, five million dollars,
and the right to keep any and all jewelry, clothes, cars, etc. that are
gifted to her during the year contract. In exchange, she pretends to
be Mrs. Charles Wickham and is madly in love. Swept off her feet.
Married in haste. Then we part, per the contract. Whatever reason
she gives is fine. I cheated. I’m scum.
end quote.
It just bothered me a bit because the reason why he had her sign the contract for a year was because he feared she wouldn't sign if it was a real marriage contract for life. Now that I reread it, it is a technicality to do with how the contract was supposed to be read and how she would take it but the fact that he mentions that she could say he "cheated" as an excuse for divorce and he wouldn't care just bothered me, even though I know this marriage for him is for life. Later he does say that forever is the intent and he never intended on letting her go, that he thought a year was enough to try to have her fall in love with him just as he is already in love with her. Maybe I overthink too much.
What saved it is that they are both first timers. Neither felt attraction to the opposite sex, all things intimate is new to them and I liked that he enjoys her knowing that he belongs to her entirely intimately and vice versa. I think that is what sweetened this rather unsavory premise. All in all I didn't care for it, but it was short and seemed rather hurried.
It's ok, because not all Ella Goode books are going to be hits. Some are going to be misses. I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it either and that's ok because it is dual v, with both of them experiencing their firsts together and that is what matters most to me. I tend to dismiss the flaws when it's the case, and we are guaranteed first timers with Ella Goode which is why I always read her books never having to question that fact. She is one of the few in the romance world to give us first timers being each others first, last and only in terms of love, sex and intimacy which is what I treasure most.
Happy reading.
May 24, 2026
What in the world!
This book had so much potential, but I’m disappointed because I’ve always loved the quick reads from this author. This was the first time I’ve read one of their books, and it was a letdown.
The plot was there, and the characters had potential. The story started strong, with Wick being a desperate man who immediately falls for Annabelle from across the room. He marries her under a contract that she will be his wife for a year, and she will be paid and given an apartment. Annabelle, however, was a timid and weak character. She couldn’t even answer an email from her husband, which was frustrating.
The author could have developed Annabelle’s character more, even though she started out that way. It would have been better to show her growing confidence and strength. However, since this was a quick read, there wasn’t enough time to do that.
The other characters, including Anna’s sisters, the society luncheon ladies were also underdeveloped. This book writing style was awful, the characters were supposedly villains. It was difficult to see them as is when it was all just childish mean girl behavior. The scenes with the background characters were short and confusing, lasting less than two paragraphs each. It felt like the author was writing from a TikTok AI story, which was disappointing because I really liked the synopsis of the book.
The only thing I really enjoyed about the book was the last chapter. However, the rest of the book wasted my time and frustrated me. If I could give it zero stars, I would.
This book had so much potential, but I’m disappointed because I’ve always loved the quick reads from this author. This was the first time I’ve read one of their books, and it was a letdown.
The plot was there, and the characters had potential. The story started strong, with Wick being a desperate man who immediately falls for Annabelle from across the room. He marries her under a contract that she will be his wife for a year, and she will be paid and given an apartment. Annabelle, however, was a timid and weak character. She couldn’t even answer an email from her husband, which was frustrating.
The author could have developed Annabelle’s character more, even though she started out that way. It would have been better to show her growing confidence and strength. However, since this was a quick read, there wasn’t enough time to do that.
The other characters, including Anna’s sisters, the society luncheon ladies were also underdeveloped. This book writing style was awful, the characters were supposedly villains. It was difficult to see them as is when it was all just childish mean girl behavior. The scenes with the background characters were short and confusing, lasting less than two paragraphs each. It felt like the author was writing from a TikTok AI story, which was disappointing because I really liked the synopsis of the book.
The only thing I really enjoyed about the book was the last chapter. However, the rest of the book wasted my time and frustrated me. If I could give it zero stars, I would.
May 28, 2026
Yo sentí este libro todo raro, como que le dieron muchas vueltas a lo de él decirle la verdad.
May 21, 2026
Annabelle
Wick
Annabelle agrees to a marriage to a man she has never met, her husband however, knows who she is from the very beginning. Her family treat her as an outsider and only care about her two older sisters. The story starts with the two MC’s already married to each other, he is creepy watching her with security cameras though in the penthouse, luckily he didn’t put any in the bedroom.
She thinks he married her for business but he saw her before and became obsessed.
She starts talking to Charles who we know is actually Wick aka her Husband but she doesn’t know that. Could be classed as emotional cheating since she is married but she is married to him so he isn’t that annoyed
Dual Virgins
Wick
Annabelle agrees to a marriage to a man she has never met, her husband however, knows who she is from the very beginning. Her family treat her as an outsider and only care about her two older sisters. The story starts with the two MC’s already married to each other, he is creepy watching her with security cameras though in the penthouse, luckily he didn’t put any in the bedroom.
She thinks he married her for business but he saw her before and became obsessed.
She starts talking to Charles who we know is actually Wick aka her Husband but she doesn’t know that. Could be classed as emotional cheating since she is married but she is married to him so he isn’t that annoyed
Dual Virgins
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
If there's one thing I relish in my smutty little stories is a fake marriage.
Conveniently romantic, unexpectedly sensual, and all in the swiftest tray on one's lap. Fiction works that way :-D
This sweet novella introduces the heroine in the middle of the contract's rewards: a fabulous apartment, all the treats she may possibly want, luxuries and time in her hands.
However, she's still lonely, rejected, nobody takes her seriously in an environment where she is the ugly duckling to their majestic swans. Until her mysterious fake husband appears to sweep her off her feet.
I loved the start where she is taking her new life in. She's cute, practical, lovely. And he is watching her every move from afar! Only to give her the world, of course. He wants to sate all her needs and that's beautiful. I enjoyed the couple's interactions and the little misunderstandings that keep the longing and the need up there.
I had fun reading it. I also liked that couple find solace and understanding in each other in a world filled with toxic people.
Conveniently romantic, unexpectedly sensual, and all in the swiftest tray on one's lap. Fiction works that way :-D
This sweet novella introduces the heroine in the middle of the contract's rewards: a fabulous apartment, all the treats she may possibly want, luxuries and time in her hands.
However, she's still lonely, rejected, nobody takes her seriously in an environment where she is the ugly duckling to their majestic swans. Until her mysterious fake husband appears to sweep her off her feet.
I loved the start where she is taking her new life in. She's cute, practical, lovely. And he is watching her every move from afar! Only to give her the world, of course. He wants to sate all her needs and that's beautiful. I enjoyed the couple's interactions and the little misunderstandings that keep the longing and the need up there.
I had fun reading it. I also liked that couple find solace and understanding in each other in a world filled with toxic people.
May 26, 2026
Charles and Annabelle
Another Ella Goode to add to my favourites list. Wick first notices Annabelle from afar at a function and he becomes obsessed. Following her on social media, finding out everything he can about her. And offering her the one thing she never really had … a home and someone to rely on. I loved Belle. She’s sweet but also strong and knows what sgd wants to be happy. Wick/Charles is so cute. Whether he’s scarfing down scones or hurrying to a coffee shop just to see Belle … he is smitten. And I love that he stands with Belle and helps her find her inner strength. No longer will people take her for granted or treat her badly. I loved this one and that includes the adorable epilogue. Ant wait for the next.
Another Ella Goode to add to my favourites list. Wick first notices Annabelle from afar at a function and he becomes obsessed. Following her on social media, finding out everything he can about her. And offering her the one thing she never really had … a home and someone to rely on. I loved Belle. She’s sweet but also strong and knows what sgd wants to be happy. Wick/Charles is so cute. Whether he’s scarfing down scones or hurrying to a coffee shop just to see Belle … he is smitten. And I love that he stands with Belle and helps her find her inner strength. No longer will people take her for granted or treat her badly. I loved this one and that includes the adorable epilogue. Ant wait for the next.
May 22, 2026
Thinly and unconvincingly written. Every single character was a cartoonish caricature. All of the side characters, particularly Belle's sisters and the elite society women, were completely villainous with no dimension. The heroine offered nothing except self-loathing and gullibility. As a reader, I didn't even know what she looked like, since the author didn't give us her hair or eye color or much of anything else. Just blah.
You're telling me our billionaire hero saw this plain girl in a hair net and mouth guard and an apron and fell obsessively in love?
Sure, Jan.
You're telling me our billionaire hero saw this plain girl in a hair net and mouth guard and an apron and fell obsessively in love?
Sure, Jan.
May 24, 2026
Nonsense plot with a large dollop of rubbish writing. He asks her to be fake married to him for a year - but she’s never seen him and he doesn’t plan to meet her in person - all the while saying he fake married her because he’s fallen in love with her after seeing her once, from a distance. Please! Authors, just because you can publish doesn’t mean you should! You need to find a good story and be ready to do the hard work required to write that story well. This author also needs a good editor and some decent critique partners who will openly tell her that this plot and execution was shite
May 26, 2026
I really missed these sweet, romantic stories about possessive men doing whatever it takes to win over, claim, and protect the woman of their lives. Everything seemed so simple: a one-year marriage of convenience, after which they would go their separate ways—and that would be the end of it. Well, that’s what Annabell thought; but Wick had other plans for them—plans that involved making her fall in love and living together as a true married couple—except that, for a moment, everything seemed to get complicated.
Read
May 21, 2026Thoughts:
1. They're married, yet they've never met, meaning there was never a ceremony. Ergo, they aren't married. Which brings me to...
2. Wick keeps referring to it as a fake marriage, as does she due to the year-long contract she agreed to, all the while he knows he's never letting her go. But it is never stated, not even in the epilogue, that they truly got married.
3. Never thought I'd say this about a book featuring double virgins (both being such in all ways), but this was meh.
1. They're married, yet they've never met, meaning there was never a ceremony. Ergo, they aren't married. Which brings me to...
2. Wick keeps referring to it as a fake marriage, as does she due to the year-long contract she agreed to, all the while he knows he's never letting her go. But it is never stated, not even in the epilogue, that they truly got married.
3. Never thought I'd say this about a book featuring double virgins (both being such in all ways), but this was meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2026
Charles and Belle
Such a sweet book. I adored Wick’s need for Belle, willing to do whatever to get her. I had a few ick moments with how things were going before she found out who he really was.
Such a sweet book. I adored Wick’s need for Belle, willing to do whatever to get her. I had a few ick moments with how things were going before she found out who he really was.
May 25, 2026
Cute
This was a cute story. Super quick read, wish it was just a smidge more(would to love a little more on the sisters getting theirs). The couple themselves were cute and awkward, but a good match.
This was a cute story. Super quick read, wish it was just a smidge more(would to love a little more on the sisters getting theirs). The couple themselves were cute and awkward, but a good match.
May 20, 2026
Not really feeling it
May 21, 2026
DV!! No OP drama. Epilogue years later.
Very sweet!
Very sweet!
May 23, 2026
Loved this story
I found this via email on a rai
ny day. It was so sweet it was a total lift. Good storyline and believable love story.
I found this via email on a rai
ny day. It was so sweet it was a total lift. Good storyline and believable love story.
May 24, 2026
Coming out of the shadows
This is almost like a Cinderella story, very similar, except the sisters are not step. Belle finds her happily ever after!
This is almost like a Cinderella story, very similar, except the sisters are not step. Belle finds her happily ever after!
May 24, 2026
I don't know what I just read!! It could have been so good, but it's not!!
The warts? WTAF?
I'm a bit speechless and disappointed with myself that I actually finished it!!!
The warts? WTAF?
I'm a bit speechless and disappointed with myself that I actually finished it!!!
May 26, 2026
cute take on beauty and the beast
A modern take on beauty and the beast. Obsessed hero with a sweet unassuming heroine. I always smile when I read Ella Goode.
A modern take on beauty and the beast. Obsessed hero with a sweet unassuming heroine. I always smile when I read Ella Goode.
May 28, 2026
Fast-paced short novella that you shoudn't miss! Nice read!
May 29, 2026
“For now, for always, we will only need each other.”
-Charles Wickham, from Wedding Contract by Ella Goode
-Charles Wickham, from Wedding Contract by Ella Goode
May 31, 2026
Difícil de leer, la protagonista si dice “pio” en su defensa es mucho
June 1, 2026
Just no
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