Contract of Desire

by Lauren Landish, Willow Winters

Between this Dom and submissive, everything has a price in a scorching second-chance romance by the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling authors of the Highest Bidder series.

You are cordially invited to Club X.

Rose Calloway is intrigued by the mysterious invitation. An auction to become a submissive to a wealthy, dominant man for thirty days? Depraved. Yet the lure of life-changing money and illicit desires is stronger than the fear of the unknown. After all, anyone could bid on her…including one man she never wants to see again.

In the crowd at Club X, billionaire Nico Kingsley still craves Rose, even though their past relationship ended in betrayal and heartache. There are secrets no one can know, and bidding on Rose, although tempting, could ruin everything. Unable to control himself, Nico wants Rose in ways he never saw coming. And if she’s going to belong to anyone, it’s going to be him.

As they navigate their renewed relationship and conflicted past, Nico and Rose edge into an intense world of submission and obsession. Neither knows how quickly the line between control and devotion will become dangerously blurred. But when it comes to love, trust is the ultimate test—assuming they can bring themselves to fall again.

Genres: BDSM, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 16, 2027

About the author

Lauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.

When she’s not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.

Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pockets…but beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!

Visit Lauren's Website at: http://www.laurenlandish.com/
Join the Mailing list at: http://www.subscribepage.com/w1h8x6
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauren.landish
Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenlandish

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see Lauren Landish & Willow Winters team up on a new series! I'm such a fan of their interconnected stand alones, so was thrilled to get my hands on this arc.

There was a lot of love about Nico! My favorite MMCs are obsessed with their love interests, spoil them rotten, pay attention to the little things, and show their love through acts of service - this was Nico to a T. What I wasn't as crazy about is the way he withheld info about owning the club, both from his "friends" and from Rose. And while we're talking about red flags, I wanted to see Nico have friendships outside of his relationship with Rose, and that was very much missing.

Rose's stubbornness was obviously key to the plot of the story, but it dragged on too long, IMO. I would have also like to have seen her do some reflection on how her mother's past relationships have contributed to hesitancy to fall for Nico and fully trust him.

I'm hoping we get a book for Jasmine! I want to learn more about Violet too!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

[Kayla W · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Spice is Off the Charts (And We Need Jasmine's Story Next!)🌶️

Yes, this is the exact type of plot and book I love to read by Willow Winters and Lauren Landish. The profound desire and possessive want driving Nico to take care of Rose is deliciously written, keeping you hooked from the very first page.

Winters masterfully blends a lingering sense of suspense surrounding Nico and Rose's past relationships, which adds an incredible layer of intensity and thrill to the entire plot. What makes this story truly stand out is watching both characters grow together; they maintain their fierce independence while simultaneously complicating and enhancing their connection. Exploring a Dom/Sub dynamic and diving into their kinks adds a raw, passionate vulnerability that elevates their relationship, and the spice was absolutely off the charts.

I really hope this BDSM series continues at Club X and we see Jasmine's contract highlighted next! Her story would be so fascinating to explore, especially seeing how entering this world may or may not affect her strict private school teacher job. Having her end up with the wealthy, dominant daddy of one of her students would make for the ultimate high-stakes, forbidden dynamic!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an advanced reading copy. This review reflects my honest and independent opinion..

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.6 Stars)
When Rose Calloway gets an illusive invitation to be in a Club X auction she takes the chance needing the money to help with her mother. 30 days to be owned by one…who will it be? When Nico Kingsley sees his ex again one night he can’t get her out of his mind. Opening his own exclusive club he decides to send her an invite to the opening. He also knows he should not bid on her but he cannot allow anyone else to have her. Now, with the clock ticking can they redefine their arrangement from 30 days to forever? This is BDSM romance of D/s discovery and second chances. Told in first person and dual POV.

[aj-bookreads · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I started this one, it felt very similar to another book Lauren and Willow have written, Highest Bidder, so I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it. The auction setup, the club and the dynamic all echo that book, right down to the coloured rose system Club X uses to signal what each of the girls likes. It surprised me though, and I really did enjoy it.

Rose Calloway gets a mysterious invitation to Club X, where she could be auctioned off to become a wealthy Dom’s submissive for thirty days. The life-changing money and her curiosity win out over her nerves, even though anyone could bid on her, including the one man she never wants to see again. That man is billionaire Nico Kingsley, who still craves her despite the betrayal and heartache that ended their past relationship.

The chemistry between Nico and Rose was a highlight for me, and even though the setup is familiar, the storyline flowed well and kept me turning pages.

I read it in 48 hours. The spice sits at a full 4 chillies and was off the charts and well written, with the touch-her-and-die streak fitting Nico perfectly.

Rose’s indecisiveness about whether to trust Nico and take him back, or walk away, did wear on me towards the end, and I wanted to slap her and tell her to sort her shit out, haha.

I now need to read Jasmine and Violet’s stories next!

Contract of Desire is released on 17th February 2027, so get it on your TBR!

[Jade the BookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the Highest Bidder series, then you’ll know what’s coming… that all-important invite!

Rose Calloway (our MFC) receives an invitation to Club X, and she has a thirty-day contract dangling over her as the submissive of a wealthy, dominant man, chosen at auction. The promise of life-changing money and the pull of exploring her deep, unknown sexual desires, wins out over her nerves.

There’s only one problem and that comes in the form of an Italian stallion, Nico Kingsley (MMC). He’s a billionaire (obvs) and Rose has explicitly stated that she never wants to meet him ever again.

Despite the heartbreak that has torn them apart years before, anyone can bid at this auction, and Nico just happens to be in attendance… Resisting her starts to prove impossible, and as their past and present collide, they’re pulled into a world where control and devotion start to look dangerously alike.

I absolutely loved this book. So much so, I took my time with it, soaking up every word, because being back at Club X felt like coming home. It’s definitely my favourite of the series so far. I spent the whole book cheering for Nico and Rose, desperate for them to find their way back to each other, and their history made every moment between them ache.

And the spice? Exquisite, and absolutely ON FIRE! But what surprised me most was how much it moved me. I rarely get emotional with books, but this one had me straining not to cry, with a burn in my throat and tears in my eyes. It hit me right in the feels.

5/5 for the story and 5/5 for spice.

Contract of Desire was worth every second of the heartache, and Club X has never been hotter.

Out 16 February 2027… add it to your TBR now!

[Hannah Dowling · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

Rating - 3.25 stars
3 Spice level
Really enjoyed aspects of the book, I thought both leads were good but both had flaws.

First half of the book was good, really enjoyed the back story of how MMC Nico got into this world and his relationship with Violet who helps run the club. Rose's story how she ended being in the auction was also well written as I think it shows how people in todays society end up at these clubs/online etc.
The auction fab, really liked how the writers described consent and the contracts that were given to both parties and communication is a must no matter what. Then Nico and Rose are together which was great to read at the start but then it became a little boring as the same conversation and dialogue was recycled in the chapters.

The relationship between the main characters, I wanted more back story. I wanted to hear the good times from when they dated before as we only seemed to get from Rose how he was a walking red flag but deep down she wanted that? I did feel Rose was a very blah person at times, and I wanted her to be a little less judgmental towards her mom especially by end of the book. Nico I thought he would be this strong character throughout and we would see more of his poker nights but he sounded more like a love sick teenager at half way stage. The spicey scenes were alright a little messy in places in my opinion, however the scenes became the same. I would liked for them to explore more as setting was a sex club which is not ashamed of peoples needs.

Really enjoyed the premise of the book, just feel it could have been a little better by having more depth to the characters rather than the same dialoged that was used.

[Elizabeth Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an ARC.

I really enjoyed Contract Of Desire. It is number 6 in the Highest Bidder series and I liked it enough to buy others in the series! The story had drama, emotion, spice and all the things I want in a book.

Nico is obsessed with Rose but there hints of a previous relationship between the two. What went wrong and how did they get to this place is what this book is all about. Rose is in a tough spot in her life. Her mother is ill and she needs help. Nico is super-rich and is opening a BDSM club. He spots Rose, his ex, one night, and decides to send her an invitation to his club. Rose just happens to get an invite to an auction where can make some money to help her mother. Nico can't let anyone else have her so he bids on her contract for the next month. Rose has loads of history to overcome to let Nico into her heart.

BDSM themes are explored well as Will Winters and Lauren Landish do in their books, a brief moment of violence ( a punch to a bad dude friend, ex-friend?). Nico sometimes comes off a little stalker-ish but I wish a billionaire was sending me gifts and flowers and such, so I forgive him. Rose had the same thing happen, that too many female characters have: some MMC best friend makes a rude, disgusting pass at them and she doesn't tell on him to her guy and problems arise. Girls need to speak up!! I guess books would be shorter then.

[alexia’s romance library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an arc review ✨ thank you to Lauren Landish, Willow Winters and Montlake for the gifted copy of the arc through NetGalley!

I can easily admit that I do love a bossy billionaire romance so when I first came across this book, the blurb caught my eye and I was very curious about it and the BDSM dynamics as well as the second chance trope. It as a quick read for me because I didn’t put it down once I started and I liked it overall.

Because of my own red flag colored lenses (oops?) Nico is a character I quickly liked and approved of as the main male character, his devotion to Rose making him an obsessed hero who only wants her and I love that micro trope. Rose was a little more difficult for me to like as much because of her hyper independence and the polar opposite view she has on caretaking dynamics because of her own relationship with her mom.

I was cheering on their second chance romance throughout the entire book and if you’re looking for a spicy read with not much drama with a dom/sub dynamic, I think you’ll like this one too. I’m rating it 4 stars and I would’ve rated higher but I feel like Rose’s personality and mistakes took a hit on her likeability for me but that is a very personal opinion.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book, the sensual setting it takes place in as well as the dynamics shared. I’m very curious about Jasmine and if she’ll get her own book too, I would definitely read that as well!

Thank you for the arc!

[Rady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is a perfect blend of intense obsession and genuine care, seamlessly combining second-chance and enemies-to-lovers romance.
While BDSM is not a genre I typically read, I thoroughly enjoyed Rose and Nico’s dynamic. Their relationship beautifully balances a progression into submissiveness with deep, loving affection. Initially, Nico was difficult to like, but as his motivations and desires became clearer, he completely won me over. Despite unfortunate circumstances from the start, Rose remains resilient and always tries to make the best of her situation.
Eventually, a mix of misunderstandings and intense power dynamics drives her to run away. When they reunite, a vengeful Nico—aware of Rose's financial struggles—invites her to an auction at Club X, where she is to be auctioned to a Dominant for a month in exchange for a significant sum. However, unable to tolerate the thought of another man touching her, Nico steps in and buys out her contract from the winning bidder.
As the story progresses, Rose begins to find comfort in the new dynamic and Nico's care. However, the original catalyst that made her run away resurfaces, leaving Nico alone once again.
The question is whether both can ultimately overcome their deep-seated misunderstandings and Rose's fear of being caged.
Overall, the pacing and plot are excellent. If you enjoy dark, high-stakes romances, this book is a must-add to your TBR list.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contract of Desire is a compelling read for fans of complicated second-chance romances and those who enjoy stories incorporating D/s dynamics. The novel excels in its character development, particularly with the female lead, Rose. Her struggle to balance fierce independence with the overwhelming pressure of caregiving and financial instability makes her deeply relatable. The internal conflict she faces—the desire for total control versus the longing for someone to share that burden—is a nuanced and well-executed plot point.

Nico serves as the perfect foil to Rose. His patience and emotional maturity allow the relationship to rebuild on a foundation of trust. I particularly appreciated how Nico provided a safe space for Rose to relinquish control, enabling her to focus on her own priorities. The exploration of their power-exchange dynamic felt organic to their emotional needs rather than just a plot device.

The narrative's focus on self-doubt resonated with me deeply, making the eventual resolution and the couple's second chance feel earned. Overall, this is a poignant story about vulnerability, trust, and the strength found in letting someone else take the lead.

[Tamara · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

This was my first time reading a book by Willow Winters and Lauren Landish, and I was not disappointed!

I really enjoyed the fact that there was a solid plot alongside the romance, rather than just straight spice. While the conflict gave me some of those "just TALK already" vibes, it was still written in a way that kept me hooked and wanting to read until the very end.

The characters weren't the best or the worst, as they both had their flaws. While I can usually get behind an obsessive MMC, I had a hard time liking him after the main characters' first encounter at the club. It felt like it was borderline pushing the line of consent. Also, maybe I missed it, but Nico and Rose never actually discuss her safe word. She has one, but she never gives it to Nico. It wouldn't surprise me if he just happened to know it, though—as you read, you'll see he just "happens" to know absolutely everything about her.

All in all, it was an enjoyable, quick read that scratched all the right parts of my brain.

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first time reading a book by Lauren Landish or Willow Winters, and I'm going to guess if you're a fan of their books, that you'd love this one too. Admittedly, the writing is not the strongest, especially the beginning and ending chapters. There are a lot of tired cliches (like Nico's assurances that he does not have feelings) that can get cringy fast and repetition not to establish a motif but more like they couldn't think of any synonyms. Nico's voice in the beginning, especially when he's providing details on attire or decor, doesn't sound convincing either.

That said, I liked the dual point of view. As you can likely imagine from the premise, it's heavy on the spice, so if that's important to you, then this book has that. The book also goes into the importance of discretion and safety, which was a nice add.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well damn! I wasnt sure what to expect i absolutely love anything willow winters is writing!! She ran once thinking she wasnt enough will a contract be enough of a boundary to keep her heart and his from breaking again!
Rose is down bad her luck has really run out. She has a chance to make good money and a swanky club if shes willing to do things... you know what things... an exclusive kink club not shaming anything or anyone. All about pleasure and what you want/need.
Nico a millionaire who invests so much he will never run out of money. Shes the one that got away. A chance encounter leads to him coercing her unknowingly. He owns the club but she doeent know that. She doesnt know much in this works and he wants to be the one to give her everything. He just wants to help and explore with her will see let him in again or keep the walls up. Can he stay away?!
BDSM KINK CLUB
second chance
Sugar baby
Expiration date /contracts
No falling in love
He never let her go...

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Lauren Landish’s books, and this one was no exception. Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes because it comes with that extra layer of angst stemming from whatever caused the original breakup. There’s something so satisfying about finally uncovering the reasons behind the split and watching the characters work through their issues so they can move forward together!

The characters were believable, likable, and easy to connect with. The FMC’s introduction to BDSM was handled well, and I thought her growth throughout the story was both natural and satisfying. That actually holds true for botht the FMC and MMC. The spice was definitely steamy, the storyline kept me engaged, and the character development made this an enjoyable read from beginning to end.

This one is definitely worth picking up!

[:) · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

As my first book from these authors, I feel like i have to dive into their others series now because this was so good!
I love the chemistry between the main characters and all the love they had for each other, even when they were both reluctant due to their past and misunderstandings.
Close to the end, all the back and forth between the people was getting a bit tiring, but she finally caved and understood that it was all about being taken care of and not caged.
A super easy read with BDSM themes, D/s dynamic and a Club, that I'm curious to know more about and the next couples.

Received an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!

[Mic · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts 💭:

I loved this book ❤️ Rose is both a strong, independent woman with many burdens but also coming to terms with being a submissive.

Nico is the perfect red flog book boyfriend 🤌🏻 Obsessive, controlling, but so loving towards Rose. I did wish we learned more about Nico’s past and how he became who he is.

The dynamic between the two is perfect. This is also a second-chance romance and the mystery of their past intrigued me from the beginning. I loved how Nico and Rose were both hesitant towards one another but were also willing to work things out. The spice was also off the charts!

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the advanced copy!

[Rusti · Rating 4 out of 5]

this enemies-to-lovers second-chance romance starts off with a bang... literally. Spicy, spicy, spicy with lots of emotional moments, a down-bad MMC and a FMC who isn't sure that she can trust him. Rose never wanted to see Nico again after his betrayal and their breakup. Nico hasn't forgiven Rose for suddenly leaving him years ago, but he's never stopped keeping tabs on her. When opportunity drops in his lap to get her back in his life, he takes it, knowing she won't be able to refuse. What neither realize is that the miscommunication that led to the end of their relationship isn't as simple as they believed, and maybe a second chance is possible after all.

[Amy West · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a whole the book was a good read. The first chapter felt forced and incomplete and needed to be fleshed out and almost put me off the book entirely. The book reads better as it progresses and turned out to be a really well written and thought out BDSM romance. The FMC was relatable, logical and compassionate. The MMC was also likeable and I appreciated the fact that there was the normal “FMC gets taken and MMC has to rescue her/ kill the other man” that is so common with the genre. I myself don’t know much about the world of BDSM but this author makes me want to find out.

[Liz Sturg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC book from NetGalley. I wanted to love this story but I just couldn't. I felt like the FMC story line could have been much better but she was just blah. The MMC was in this tug of war feelings but it kept going back to just lust filled and not really story depth which is what I wanted. I felt like the story was a bit repetitive and it bore me. A lot of spice but it left more like the spice took over the true storyline and it lacked character development,

[Kristina · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

This is not a normal read for me. I wanted to read outside my normal box and I liked it. Nico is the kind of MMC that I like. He is on the obsessive side when it comes Rose. Will do anything for her. I loved the second chance for Rose and Nico. Rose has had to take care of her mother, which is why she chooses the contract. She is a smart, sassy and stubborn FMC.

It was a fun read.

[Alinax · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

I had such a fun time!
I’m not the biggest fan of second chance romances but this one is an exception. From the first moment that Nico met Rose he was obsessed. He cared so much for her and would quite literally do anything for her. Exactly the kind of man that I love reading about.
I hope Jasmine will also get a book now.
Thankyou NetGalley for the arc!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. It was steamy and romantic. It was a lot like reading Fifty Shades Of Grey. The ending was really good. I look forward to reading the next book that Lauren Landish writes. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading the engaging and amazing story. Niico will do anything to have Rose in his life again. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a riveting romance story written by the awesome duo authors, Lauren Landish & Willow Winters.

[Marta · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It was an easy, enjoyable read with a good balance of spice and plot. I liked Nico and Rose’s story, but I do wish we got a little more of them and had more time to see their relationship.

[Julianne Valerio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wild! The beginning is a tease but then fully takes you on a journey. Love the possession and obsession from the mmc and the tension between the two main characters!

[Kayla Nicole · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Review of ARC copy from netgalley.

Overall I enjoyed this book. At times the FMC came across as whiney and immature. It was nice to see the relationship between the characters grow together.

[Lucy Galvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second chance romance with a BDSM club setting. The spice was off the charts with this one and i really enjoyed the overall story it just felt similar to every other BDSM book.