What do you think?
Princes of Xaavia #2
The Pleasure Contract
Contracts are there to make everything more simple, right?
The Xavianns certainly think so. They even put contracts in place with their breeding partners.
So when a huge, horned, pro-athlete, prince makes it very clear he's into me, I do the logical thing.
I sign a friends-with-benefits contract with him.
Simple, fun, no strings attached.
Except, Az's has a way to melt down my defenses and crack open my boundaries. And suddenly, I'm all kinds of tangled up in the very strings I was trying to avoid.
That is, until one day I'm shown something that makes me wonder if I ever really knew him at all.
The Xavianns certainly think so. They even put contracts in place with their breeding partners.
So when a huge, horned, pro-athlete, prince makes it very clear he's into me, I do the logical thing.
I sign a friends-with-benefits contract with him.
Simple, fun, no strings attached.
Except, Az's has a way to melt down my defenses and crack open my boundaries. And suddenly, I'm all kinds of tangled up in the very strings I was trying to avoid.
That is, until one day I'm shown something that makes me wonder if I ever really knew him at all.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 31, 2026
you know, for a book that discusses human trafficking, it sure was fluffy
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Lois (?) | Prince Az Zerradaeth Xeverrique (?)
FEATURES
∘ sci-fi romance
∘ golden retriever / black cat (ish)
∘ “pleasure contract”
∘ mate bond
∘ alien athlete
∘ royal mmc
REVIEW
Honestly, I wouldn’t be writing a review for this one if I hadn’t already reviewed The Bride Contract, but for consistency’s sake, here we are.
Lois and Az were cutie patooties. Az was head-over-heels from page one, so there wasn’t much angst or doubt from him. Lois was resistant, but she very quickly got on board.
I thought the political aspect of the book was fine, especially considering it was the main plotpoint. It was a little too easily resolved, but it served its purpose.
The introduction/explanation of the sport drakball was by far the most interesting aspect of this game. The imagery of the arena was well done and innovative.
Overall, I didn’t find this too memorable, but I’ll definitely be tuning in for future books set in this universe. I should probably start Melissa Emerald’s other series, Fated Mates of the Winged Barbarians, as they were briefly mentioned and seem to be entwined with this universe.
OW/OM DRAMA not really OW — Az has hundreds of “permissions” (holographic copies), most he’s never used and are all disabled after meeting Lois
|||
not really OM — Az gets jealous of other men being close to Lois (and sometimes she LIGHTLY flirts to ruffle feathers)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of (miscommunication) — dramatically and quickly resolved
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Lois (?) | Prince Az Zerradaeth Xeverrique (?)
FEATURES
∘ sci-fi romance
∘ golden retriever / black cat (ish)
∘ “pleasure contract”
∘ mate bond
∘ alien athlete
∘ royal mmc
REVIEW
Honestly, I wouldn’t be writing a review for this one if I hadn’t already reviewed The Bride Contract, but for consistency’s sake, here we are.
Lois and Az were cutie patooties. Az was head-over-heels from page one, so there wasn’t much angst or doubt from him. Lois was resistant, but she very quickly got on board.
I thought the political aspect of the book was fine, especially considering it was the main plotpoint. It was a little too easily resolved, but it served its purpose.
The introduction/explanation of the sport drakball was by far the most interesting aspect of this game. The imagery of the arena was well done and innovative.
Overall, I didn’t find this too memorable, but I’ll definitely be tuning in for future books set in this universe. I should probably start Melissa Emerald’s other series, Fated Mates of the Winged Barbarians, as they were briefly mentioned and seem to be entwined with this universe.
OW/OM DRAMA not really OW — Az has hundreds of “permissions” (holographic copies), most he’s never used and are all disabled after meeting Lois
|||
not really OM — Az gets jealous of other men being close to Lois (and sometimes she LIGHTLY flirts to ruffle feathers)
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of (miscommunication) — dramatically and quickly resolved
ENDING HEA — near future epilogue
POV dual / first person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3.5 / 5
August 25, 2026
What an incredibly fun, spicy good time this book was. Az may be the most charming sci-fi romance male lead I've ever read. His flirty banter with our FMC Lois will have you kicking your feet the whole time. Melissa continues to pump out great content in this genre and I'm really excited to read a potential crossover at some point.
I'm only holding my finger up for one thing. I don't think you could read this as a standalone and fully appreciate it. It does not re-explain the culture and customs of the species so in my opinion you have to read book 1 first and therefore this is not a true standalone. But you will also probably love book 1 so it's a win anyway.
I'm only holding my finger up for one thing. I don't think you could read this as a standalone and fully appreciate it. It does not re-explain the culture and customs of the species so in my opinion you have to read book 1 first and therefore this is not a true standalone. But you will also probably love book 1 so it's a win anyway.
August 30, 2026
You can judge me or you can join me! lol
This book was actually more wholesome than the title suggest. I was really loving it in the beginning. The middle was a little bit slow for me. AZ Is definitely a golden retriever alien boyfriend, with fangs.
It’s fun. It’s different. I’m enjoying it.
This book was actually more wholesome than the title suggest. I was really loving it in the beginning. The middle was a little bit slow for me. AZ Is definitely a golden retriever alien boyfriend, with fangs.
It’s fun. It’s different. I’m enjoying it.
August 21, 2026
Note to self: AZ IS ALLOWED TO BE HIS OWN PERSON! STOP CONSTANTLY WISHING HE’D CROON LIKE KIAHN!
August 25, 2026
This was a great follow up to the Breeding Contract, it follows Az and Lois as they circle around one another into a pleasure contract. Except now they have to face the fact that humans are considered property, not people. So Lois needs to convince Galatic senator to speak on changing that policy, while Az contends with his career.
Az is a great character and Lois is just as funny, both of them are exasperated with one another. But the relationship is well established and explored perfectly. The com-bot that follows Lois around is probably the best supporting non-sentient character with its DJ tendencies.
Az is a great character and Lois is just as funny, both of them are exasperated with one another. But the relationship is well established and explored perfectly. The com-bot that follows Lois around is probably the best supporting non-sentient character with its DJ tendencies.
August 23, 2026
Melissa Emerald has quickly become one of those auto buy authors for me. If she wrote it I will read it.
She’s been teasing us with snippets from The Pleasure Contract for a while and I was getting giddy to read it and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I mean it’s got an alien himbo with buns of steel who’s down badddd for our girl Lois, a cute floating-tech-orb-side kick who plays songs to match the vibe of whatever’s going on and no nonsense fmc who’s not afraid to put the mmc in his place, and don’t forget the breeding benches - what more do you need?
If you haven’t read The Bride Contract which is the first book in this series I suggest you go do that right now so you can then read this one!
I had a jolly good time and can’t wait for more in this series 💜
She’s been teasing us with snippets from The Pleasure Contract for a while and I was getting giddy to read it and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I mean it’s got an alien himbo with buns of steel who’s down badddd for our girl Lois, a cute floating-tech-orb-side kick who plays songs to match the vibe of whatever’s going on and no nonsense fmc who’s not afraid to put the mmc in his place, and don’t forget the breeding benches - what more do you need?
If you haven’t read The Bride Contract which is the first book in this series I suggest you go do that right now so you can then read this one!
I had a jolly good time and can’t wait for more in this series 💜
Read
September 22, 2026Don’t feel like giving a rating but I enjoyed this story, with my only wish being that it didn’t drag on so at times.
I liked the characters and there’s lots of drama. Lois’s vulnerable state at times was kind of nerve wracking.
The drak ball adds a cool fantasy sport element that was fun.
Interesting series with a benign alien species that rescued some humans who were enslaved. The species has some vampire like qualities and I love me some biting action.
I liked the characters and there’s lots of drama. Lois’s vulnerable state at times was kind of nerve wracking.
The drak ball adds a cool fantasy sport element that was fun.
Interesting series with a benign alien species that rescued some humans who were enslaved. The species has some vampire like qualities and I love me some biting action.
September 22, 2026
3.5. Rated R. Alien Romance bk2
Definitely have to read book 1 to understand this one.
And I enjoyed book 1 much better.
This was good with much more action than the first book.
They are working for human rights.
Lois, after totally ignoring AZ decides to write a contract so they can have sex without getting emotional.(yeah right)
These were both good. Book 1 better IMO.
Recommend.
Definitely have to read book 1 to understand this one.
And I enjoyed book 1 much better.
This was good with much more action than the first book.
They are working for human rights.
Lois, after totally ignoring AZ decides to write a contract so they can have sex without getting emotional.(yeah right)
These were both good. Book 1 better IMO.
Recommend.
September 18, 2026
Another fun, spicy little (well, not the MMC!) alien romance, with a slight subplot around human rights. It’s instalove for MMC athlete Az, who fell hard for the FMC, but thankfully evolved into something deeper.
September 15, 2026
the plot was boring 🥱
September 1, 2026
Super spicy with all the depth I expect from this author.
Az and Lois were lovely together--I love how much of a silly goose he is, and how Lois brings out his protective side.
Az and Lois were lovely together--I love how much of a silly goose he is, and how Lois brings out his protective side.
September 25, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
August 21, 2026
This was such a great read! I loved the additional world building we got to experience in this book. The expanded look at the plight of abducted humans in a universe full of life. Lois' efforts to get support to improve those rights and protections was a great world plot for this story. Az supporting her efforts was just perfect. And the romance between those two! Steamy and sweet in equal measures! They worked so well together, just fit and complimented one another beautifully throughout. This is definitely being added to my re-read list.
August 29, 2026
I liked how obsessed with her he is. He proposed using a ring multiple times. She kept saying no.
But I found parts of the story dragging. I was waiting and waiting for more steam. I expected more.
But I found parts of the story dragging. I was waiting and waiting for more steam. I expected more.
August 25, 2026
Its two books in but I can tell I'm never not going to love this series. I was expecting more breeding benches in this one though. While I didn't get quite as giddy reading this one, I am absolutely loving the connection to the Fated Mates series and cannot wait to see where it goes. Also, does anyone else have certain *feelings* with the masked shadow bodyguard guy?! I'm gonna need more of him please and thank you
August 29, 2026
My relationship status with this book is, “it’s complicated”
On one hand, this is a low stakes, relatively fluffy romance where Az (the MMC) is completely obsessed with Lois (the FMC) and he basically spends the whole book trying to win her over. So if you’re in the mood for low angst, instalove/lust, with a smidgen of plot, this might be for you.
On the other hand, despite being over 300 pages, basically nothing happens in this book. We learn about drakball (kudos to the author though for the originality in this!), there are some parties, and a tiny bit of politics. The rest of Lois making a 180 from “he’s so annoying” to “I’m so horny I need to screw him now” which came out of left field for me. And Az having no personality aside from wanting to play drakball and being completely obsessed with Lois. Everything was just a little “too perfect” with him for me to really enjoy.
That said, this still probably would have been 3 stars for me, were it not for the fact that there are a SIGNIFICANT amount of grammatical errors in this book. Some are the same errors found in the previous book (incorrect and inconsistent use of hyphens and en-dashes, which is one of my personal pet peeves. But literally dozens—maybe a hundred—of these errors!) and also text/dialogue being randomly italicized. It drove me nuts and constantly took me out of the story.
I probably won’t be reading any future releases in this series.
On one hand, this is a low stakes, relatively fluffy romance where Az (the MMC) is completely obsessed with Lois (the FMC) and he basically spends the whole book trying to win her over. So if you’re in the mood for low angst, instalove/lust, with a smidgen of plot, this might be for you.
On the other hand, despite being over 300 pages, basically nothing happens in this book. We learn about drakball (kudos to the author though for the originality in this!), there are some parties, and a tiny bit of politics. The rest of Lois making a 180 from “he’s so annoying” to “I’m so horny I need to screw him now” which came out of left field for me. And Az having no personality aside from wanting to play drakball and being completely obsessed with Lois. Everything was just a little “too perfect” with him for me to really enjoy.
That said, this still probably would have been 3 stars for me, were it not for the fact that there are a SIGNIFICANT amount of grammatical errors in this book. Some are the same errors found in the previous book (incorrect and inconsistent use of hyphens and en-dashes, which is one of my personal pet peeves. But literally dozens—maybe a hundred—of these errors!) and also text/dialogue being randomly italicized. It drove me nuts and constantly took me out of the story.
I probably won’t be reading any future releases in this series.
September 15, 2026
3.00/5.00 star rating
2.00/5.00 spice rating
Tropes: alien, mf
Triggers: n/a
Kinks: oral, bondage, biting/marking
Thoughts:
The first book was definitely better for me. This one felt slower and had a lot more plot than tension or spice. While there were a few spicy scenes, I just couldn’t connect with them the way I wanted to. I also found myself skipping through most of the sports and political parts, which probably didn’t help.
I really wish the author had played more on the tension between these two characters because there was so much potential there. It felt like they went from a friends-with-benefits situation to “let’s be together” and I’m still wondering where exactly we made that jump.
I would definitely reread the first book, but unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be rereading this one. Which is a shame because I really liked the MMC and wanted to love his story a lot more than I did.
2.00/5.00 spice rating
Tropes: alien, mf
Triggers: n/a
Kinks: oral, bondage, biting/marking
Thoughts:
The first book was definitely better for me. This one felt slower and had a lot more plot than tension or spice. While there were a few spicy scenes, I just couldn’t connect with them the way I wanted to. I also found myself skipping through most of the sports and political parts, which probably didn’t help.
I really wish the author had played more on the tension between these two characters because there was so much potential there. It felt like they went from a friends-with-benefits situation to “let’s be together” and I’m still wondering where exactly we made that jump.
I would definitely reread the first book, but unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be rereading this one. Which is a shame because I really liked the MMC and wanted to love his story a lot more than I did.
September 7, 2026
4.75/5 stars. The grumpy x sunshine trope worked so well with Az basically being a happy golden retriever who was obsessed with Lois from the start. I really liked them together and how the plotline played out with learning more about human-Xaavian relations/large planetary politics which I'm really excited to learn more about. There was also a lot of unexpected action from drakball which I loved in terms of having an athlete MMC.
I'm really loving this series so far. I do like how this tied a little more in to Melissa Emerald's other series including a few creatures from those books on the drakball court. I just continue to be impressed by this series!
I'm really loving this series so far. I do like how this tied a little more in to Melissa Emerald's other series including a few creatures from those books on the drakball court. I just continue to be impressed by this series!
August 23, 2026
Az was such a fun MMC. He is flirty and confident but in a way that never feels shallow. Underneath his charm, he is a male who knows exactly what he wants— Lois. He isn't shy about it, and I enjoyed watching Lois slowly lower her defenses. Lois giving him grief and Az just eating it up adds some humor and heart. I especially loved how Az was genuinely, almost bashfully excited about the small stuff, like cuddling. There is something incredibly adorable about a massive, horned, strong alien turning to mush for affection.
October 6, 2026
ahhh
I put off reading this because I wanted to read all of them, but I couldn’t and I’m so glad I didn’t. I LOVED AZ he wanted Lois from the moment he seen her AND DID NOT GIVE UP in the cutest golden retriever way ever. Now I’m off to withdrawal until the next book, I may go back and read the sparkly guys cause I need to know Zanns love interest. I’m so glad it wasn’t J tbh, I just never saw the chemistry. 10372002/10 ALWAYS recommend anything by Melissa.
I put off reading this because I wanted to read all of them, but I couldn’t and I’m so glad I didn’t. I LOVED AZ he wanted Lois from the moment he seen her AND DID NOT GIVE UP in the cutest golden retriever way ever. Now I’m off to withdrawal until the next book, I may go back and read the sparkly guys cause I need to know Zanns love interest. I’m so glad it wasn’t J tbh, I just never saw the chemistry. 10372002/10 ALWAYS recommend anything by Melissa.
August 25, 2026
Perfection!
Another amazing book by Melissa Emerald, I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days! What I love about Melissa's books is that the women are strong, their men fall hard (and worship them completely), and while the angst and drama is there, it's not painful or heartbreaking. Get all her books, right now!!
Another amazing book by Melissa Emerald, I couldn't put it down and finished it in 2 days! What I love about Melissa's books is that the women are strong, their men fall hard (and worship them completely), and while the angst and drama is there, it's not painful or heartbreaking. Get all her books, right now!!
August 27, 2026
Amazing as Always
Devoured this book just like all of Melissa Emeralds books. The world building is incredible. Each book leaves you satisfied because the main characters aren’t left on a cliff hanger while the over arching plot between the books and both series grows in each installment; which leaves you wanting to read the next book that comes out! Love it!!
Devoured this book just like all of Melissa Emeralds books. The world building is incredible. Each book leaves you satisfied because the main characters aren’t left on a cliff hanger while the over arching plot between the books and both series grows in each installment; which leaves you wanting to read the next book that comes out! Love it!!
September 17, 2026
Well. She did it again folks. This book was so cute and just wholesome the whole way through. And to top it off the characters COMMUNICATE WHEN THERES AN ISSUE?? oml boom of the year. I didn’t think I would like this as much as the first book in the series, but I did so I highly recommend reading if you’re not sure.
August 23, 2026
Melissa's writing keeps getting better and better with every book she writes. I am IN LOVE with this book, and I love Melissa and her amazing imagination and creativity. I cannot wait for more books from her, I would give her my first born child for more spoilers and early access to her books!
August 23, 2026
Loving this series!
I also love how it is connected to your other series Fated Mates....(little spoiler)
um I am hoping having Zann there will result in a huge crossover... With more deets on the jars of sparkly seed! I am hoping the next book is about Zann. Thank you!
I also love how it is connected to your other series Fated Mates....(little spoiler)
um I am hoping having Zann there will result in a huge crossover... With more deets on the jars of sparkly seed! I am hoping the next book is about Zann. Thank you!
September 16, 2026
Don’t care for Lois at all. She’s just not likable to me. Had to push myself hard to do finish this which was sad, as I liked the previous story much better. Didn’t care for this self-righteous plot. Wish I didn’t pick it up.
September 18, 2026
The dynamic was so good in this one. I liked that the MMC couldn't get enough of the FMC's meanness. However, the story felt a bit fast and I was sad that it was already over after 300 something pages.
I loved the crossover with the 'Fated Mates of the Winged Barbarians' series!
I loved the crossover with the 'Fated Mates of the Winged Barbarians' series!
October 1, 2026
I LOVED this book!!! Even more than the first one. Az and Lois were the perfect couple. Not a single boring moment. DJ was hilarious too. 😆 I started reading this author for fun with no expectations and now I'm obsessed with her books. Soo underrated!
August 22, 2026
I love the world building in this and her other series. I just want to learn more!!!
August 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Really loved this, like all others of Melissa Emerald's books 🥰 Funny, easy to read, enjoyable, steamy, great tension 🌶🔥, great world-building and plot, what more can you want 😌
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews