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Falling Under #3
Under Contract
The kinkier the sex, the higher the price tag…
Ryan Black has admired Celestina Sala from afar for years, her lush body and sensual nature calling to the dominant in him. For just as many years, Celestina was off-limits—married, proud and self-sufficient. But all that has changed, and now Celestina is in debt and in need…and available. Ryan proposes a he'll pay off her debt if she gives herself to him in bed, yielding control in exchange for the pain and pleasure he'll bring them both.
There are words for women who take money for sex, and none of them are nice ones. Celestina never thought she'd have to sink this low, but giving up control sounds more enticing than ever before. And suddenly it's not about having to give in to Ryan. It's about wanting to.
But when Ryan's dark past comes to light, they may both be in over their heads. The terms of his contract say her body is his…but her heart may be another story.
One thing is for sure—now that Ryan has Celestina, he can never let her go.
100,160 words
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
12 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
93 books1,329 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 16, 2017
**** 4 ROPING STARS ****
If you aren't into reading about BDSM (ropes, chains, spankings, saying 'master'), this isn't for you. There's a lot of it in here, and it is also written in detail.
You know those moments when you read a scene and you're not entirely sure what position they're in? Well, you probably won't have that issue here.
"You're wearing chains I put on you. When I look at you tonight, I'll be savoring that thought- and that you'll be aware I'm picturing you like that, remembering how you trembled when I locked them on you, how you went hot and soft under my hands and mouth."
Ryan Black always had a crush on Celestina, but she was a married woman. So he stayed away from her and conducted business with her in a professional manner. One day he realizes she's in a pickle... divorced, dealing with the death of her twin, and responsible for her twin nieces. Oh, and lets not forget to mention the mountain of debt left for her since she co-signed.
Ryan saw this as the perfect opportunity to help Celestina. He plans on helping her pay off her debts for her... services *wink* *wink*.
"Whether you come or not is up to me to decide tonight. Everything that happens is mine to decide. You have only to yield. And even that isn't up to you, because I'll make you do it. You already have."
Celestina is going through survivor's guilt. She is also trying to raise her nieces the way her sister would. As she's in a financial hole, she can't pay for their private school, which is the one constant in their lives. You see where this is going.
Ryan had some very creative ways for his scenes. They were intense, painful, and blissful. As you read on, you see that Ryan and Celestina have a lot of pain and guilt. There isn't much drama in the book. It really was just about the two of them, which I found refreshing.
If you aren't into reading about BDSM (ropes, chains, spankings, saying 'master'), this isn't for you. There's a lot of it in here, and it is also written in detail.
You know those moments when you read a scene and you're not entirely sure what position they're in? Well, you probably won't have that issue here.
"You're wearing chains I put on you. When I look at you tonight, I'll be savoring that thought- and that you'll be aware I'm picturing you like that, remembering how you trembled when I locked them on you, how you went hot and soft under my hands and mouth."
Ryan Black always had a crush on Celestina, but she was a married woman. So he stayed away from her and conducted business with her in a professional manner. One day he realizes she's in a pickle... divorced, dealing with the death of her twin, and responsible for her twin nieces. Oh, and lets not forget to mention the mountain of debt left for her since she co-signed.
Ryan saw this as the perfect opportunity to help Celestina. He plans on helping her pay off her debts for her... services *wink* *wink*.
"Whether you come or not is up to me to decide tonight. Everything that happens is mine to decide. You have only to yield. And even that isn't up to you, because I'll make you do it. You already have."
Celestina is going through survivor's guilt. She is also trying to raise her nieces the way her sister would. As she's in a financial hole, she can't pay for their private school, which is the one constant in their lives. You see where this is going.
Ryan had some very creative ways for his scenes. They were intense, painful, and blissful. As you read on, you see that Ryan and Celestina have a lot of pain and guilt. There isn't much drama in the book. It really was just about the two of them, which I found refreshing.
July 13, 2015
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
What did I love about this book? Well, first off, the description of Ryan from Celestina's eyes is just wonderful. He's not that sculpted, to-die-for, too handsome to be real man. He's a real man (thank you)! He's an "all in" man - see something, want something, take that something no matter how you have to do it. Money - no problem. Sex - on his terms. And, besides all that, he's vulnerable. Did not grow up with best role models, pulled himself from the gutter and made a name for himself. Despite all the odds against it.
And, Celestina ... well, she came off in the beginning being a little bit needy. As the story unfolds, as her past is revealed, you understand why. When she agrees to this "contract" with Ryan, her life changes. She has to come to terms with what she is doing ... she has to provide for her nieces ... she has to find a way to admit to what she is feeling, why she is feeling it and find a way to really swallow her pride.
In the end, Ryan finally finds a way to be the man that Celestina needs ... finds a way to make his feelings known ... finds a way to keep her in his life.
What a wonderful story of rags to riches and of rage to love. Jeffe Kennedy paired these two characters together in a wonderful way. She brought out Ryan's masochist tendancies and Celestina's submissiveness in a way that had you glued to your seat waiting to see what would be next. Fluid, fluent and extremely erotic, "Under Contract" had it all - love, hate, rage .. want, need, yearning, all written with a touch of humor, a touch of turbulance and a lot of thought into what both of them were feeling. You could probably find a way to not like Ryan with the tactics that he uses throughout the book and again, Celestina is little bit wishy-washy, but it works between them and, to me, that's a sign of a good author. She brought these two unlikely characters together, taught them what they could mean to each other and found a way to make it work.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
What did I love about this book? Well, first off, the description of Ryan from Celestina's eyes is just wonderful. He's not that sculpted, to-die-for, too handsome to be real man. He's a real man (thank you)! He's an "all in" man - see something, want something, take that something no matter how you have to do it. Money - no problem. Sex - on his terms. And, besides all that, he's vulnerable. Did not grow up with best role models, pulled himself from the gutter and made a name for himself. Despite all the odds against it.
And, Celestina ... well, she came off in the beginning being a little bit needy. As the story unfolds, as her past is revealed, you understand why. When she agrees to this "contract" with Ryan, her life changes. She has to come to terms with what she is doing ... she has to provide for her nieces ... she has to find a way to admit to what she is feeling, why she is feeling it and find a way to really swallow her pride.
In the end, Ryan finally finds a way to be the man that Celestina needs ... finds a way to make his feelings known ... finds a way to keep her in his life.
What a wonderful story of rags to riches and of rage to love. Jeffe Kennedy paired these two characters together in a wonderful way. She brought out Ryan's masochist tendancies and Celestina's submissiveness in a way that had you glued to your seat waiting to see what would be next. Fluid, fluent and extremely erotic, "Under Contract" had it all - love, hate, rage .. want, need, yearning, all written with a touch of humor, a touch of turbulance and a lot of thought into what both of them were feeling. You could probably find a way to not like Ryan with the tactics that he uses throughout the book and again, Celestina is little bit wishy-washy, but it works between them and, to me, that's a sign of a good author. She brought these two unlikely characters together, taught them what they could mean to each other and found a way to make it work.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 7, 2017
This was AMAZING! I kept pushing this book back and disregarding it, until a new friend(hi Carien :D) told me that Ms Kennedy is a really good writer. I'm more then happy that I listened to her.
The book starts with the heroine, Tina, getting fired because the business she was working at was getting bankrupt. Besides this "good" news she's knee deep in debt from shitty circumstances not of her own making. On the way home she meets the hero, an old client, and breaks down in front of him. That prompts him to want to find out more about her problems and, in the end, she just tells him everything. Unknown to her, he wanted more with her when she helped designed his work garden, but because she was married kept it to himself. He comes up with a brilliant idea that involves sex and money, and Tina just "loves" it.
Everything starts from that first chance meeting. I loved the character development and the nature of the idea of the book. It's all a fantasy that every one of us has when we're down, that the charming prince will swoop in and save us, with a very kinky twist. In my mood, it was the perfect book for me. Besides the great fantasy, the book is well written, the characters feel real(Tina is an artist at heart and Ryan is an emotionally stunted man, that is kind at heart), the sex was hot, well researched and while you read it and, really, any scene you just get in the character's head. All in all I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I'm starting the 1st book in the series now.
The book starts with the heroine, Tina, getting fired because the business she was working at was getting bankrupt. Besides this "good" news she's knee deep in debt from shitty circumstances not of her own making. On the way home she meets the hero, an old client, and breaks down in front of him. That prompts him to want to find out more about her problems and, in the end, she just tells him everything. Unknown to her, he wanted more with her when she helped designed his work garden, but because she was married kept it to himself. He comes up with a brilliant idea that involves sex and money, and Tina just "loves" it.
Everything starts from that first chance meeting. I loved the character development and the nature of the idea of the book. It's all a fantasy that every one of us has when we're down, that the charming prince will swoop in and save us, with a very kinky twist. In my mood, it was the perfect book for me. Besides the great fantasy, the book is well written, the characters feel real(Tina is an artist at heart and Ryan is an emotionally stunted man, that is kind at heart), the sex was hot, well researched and while you read it and, really, any scene you just get in the character's head. All in all I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I'm starting the 1st book in the series now.
October 26, 2023
3.5 I liked this one but it dragged a bit especially in the beginning
June 27, 2015
I liked the story but didn't love it. It was just missing an extra kick to really make me eat it up, I guess. Having said that, it was a pretty damn good read. Ryan and Celestina are quite the combination and I really liked that Ryan wasn't ridiculously overbearing. There was some emotional components to the story, wish they were written to make you really hurt a bit more, and I enjoyed the tie in with both suffering from different kinds of loss. In short, I liked the book and it gets 4 easy to read and likeable stars from me.
August 8, 2015
I have several friends who have raved over Jeffe Kennedy's fantasy novels and I had no idea she wrote BDSM based Erotic Romance so when I saw this on Netgalley I just had to request it. I Thanks the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
Jeffe Kennedy is a new to me author and I really didn't know what to expect. I was a bit worried because this is book 3 in a series and I try really hard not to start reading a series where I have not started at the beginning. I didn't feel I really missed much by not reading the previous novels in the series this was fine as a stand a lone. That being said I really enjoyed the novel and I will be looking for the previous novels and following this series in any future novels.
I really enjoyed the writing style of JK, she used wit, and sarcasm in a way I personally really enjoy. I also really loved that her "hero" was not the "perfect" male specimen..face like an angel yadda yadda. Nope our male main character was very much a product of his rough early years and it showed on his face and in his more intense moments in his behaviours. For me this made the character "real". I know several people in real life that hide accents etc but in intense or emotional moments the accents come through and their heritage is exposed. So we have a natural self made very rich man as our hero but to spice this up he also enjoys kink with his sex, to be specific he is into aspects of a BDSM relationship and usually eases women into his world of kink. Fortunately because of an exchange with our heroine he can honestly tell her what he wants and she can pick the aspect she thinks she will enjoy. That is all I"m going to tell you about the story because I really like the uniqueness of this exchange and how the relationship sailed through the give and take.
Our heroine found herself in a tough place with a lot of baggage dumped on her including two tween kids. I admit I wanted to smack these kids a few times in the novel but then again tell me of any tween that you know and don't wanna smack a few times *grin* ...I think our heroine did cater to them a bit but I can see why. I really enjoyed the humor that these girls gave to the story and the lightness that without could have made this a much darker story and I think less enjoyable.
I found that JK crafted the story in a way that we understood where the characters came from and what made them into the people they were at the time of the novel. I easily related to both of them and found myself cheering them on and hoping they would find a way to make a permenent relationship finding balance and a shared kink.
For those of you who enjoy reading BDSM elements in their romances this is definitely a novel you should give a read. If you are a reader who isn't into a master/slave type romance than you should give this a pass. I personally am giving this a 4 star rating and am anxious to track down more of Jeffe Kennedy's writing..I love her hot sexy scenes and wonderful characters.
Jeffe Kennedy is a new to me author and I really didn't know what to expect. I was a bit worried because this is book 3 in a series and I try really hard not to start reading a series where I have not started at the beginning. I didn't feel I really missed much by not reading the previous novels in the series this was fine as a stand a lone. That being said I really enjoyed the novel and I will be looking for the previous novels and following this series in any future novels.
I really enjoyed the writing style of JK, she used wit, and sarcasm in a way I personally really enjoy. I also really loved that her "hero" was not the "perfect" male specimen..face like an angel yadda yadda. Nope our male main character was very much a product of his rough early years and it showed on his face and in his more intense moments in his behaviours. For me this made the character "real". I know several people in real life that hide accents etc but in intense or emotional moments the accents come through and their heritage is exposed. So we have a natural self made very rich man as our hero but to spice this up he also enjoys kink with his sex, to be specific he is into aspects of a BDSM relationship and usually eases women into his world of kink. Fortunately because of an exchange with our heroine he can honestly tell her what he wants and she can pick the aspect she thinks she will enjoy. That is all I"m going to tell you about the story because I really like the uniqueness of this exchange and how the relationship sailed through the give and take.
Our heroine found herself in a tough place with a lot of baggage dumped on her including two tween kids. I admit I wanted to smack these kids a few times in the novel but then again tell me of any tween that you know and don't wanna smack a few times *grin* ...I think our heroine did cater to them a bit but I can see why. I really enjoyed the humor that these girls gave to the story and the lightness that without could have made this a much darker story and I think less enjoyable.
I found that JK crafted the story in a way that we understood where the characters came from and what made them into the people they were at the time of the novel. I easily related to both of them and found myself cheering them on and hoping they would find a way to make a permenent relationship finding balance and a shared kink.
For those of you who enjoy reading BDSM elements in their romances this is definitely a novel you should give a read. If you are a reader who isn't into a master/slave type romance than you should give this a pass. I personally am giving this a 4 star rating and am anxious to track down more of Jeffe Kennedy's writing..I love her hot sexy scenes and wonderful characters.
Read
July 24, 2015Celestina Sala (Tina) is practically at her wits end when she runs into the rich and darkly enigmatic Ryan Black, for whom she had done some contract water landscaping work a couple of years back. Ryan believes that Tina crosses his path this time due to serendipity, that it was nature’s way of giving back to him Tina, a “free” Tina by the looks of her ringless status, something that had prevented him from acting out on his attraction to her the first time around.
Tina finds herself in dire financial circumstances owing to the twisted turns her life had taken recently. Divorced and saddled with two nieces, Tina finds herself at a loss when Ryan proposes to her something that entices her as much as it makes her feel like she’s bowing down to world’s oldest profession of prostituting her body for a living.
As Ryan sees it, the contract between them is pretty simple. Never having had the urge to settle down, Ryan knows that his darker desires are not meant to be imposed on just anybody. But in Tina he believes that he has found a woman who would suite him perfectly, in bed and out of it. But convincing Tina of the fact, well, that’s the interesting part.
Under Contract by Jeffe Kennedy is the 3rd book in her BDSM contemporary erotic romance series Falling Under. I first encountered this series on Netgalley when the 2nd book came out, which proved to be a hit with me. Though I didn’t love Under Contract as much as I did Under His Touch, this still managed to give a good read that kept the pages turning.
Jeffe Kennedy definitely has a way with writing BDSM romances. They might follow the usual tropes but she always has something special to give you, that definitely leaves you wanting more. Jeffe’s stories answer to that need in me for dark stories. Darkly emotional tales. And I hope she never stops writing them. Because very few authors actually do.
I liked Ryan and Celestina well enough. Both having suffered through their own tragedies. Only thing I missed and wanted to see was that impressive control of Ryan’s shatter into pieces where Celestina was concerned. Perhaps I’d have to satisfy myself with the way he laid himself bare to her emotionally, risked it all to let her see that she wasn’t in his life just for the kink they both equally enjoyed and got off on.
Though I enjoy a good emotionally well balanced BDSM romance, I admit that the the whole master/slave concept is definitely not for me. I thought I’d have to grit my teeth over how Ryan kept Celestina from achieving fulfillment, I even jotted down “Ugh. This denial thing.” And then within the next couple of pages, I was proved so brilliantly wrong that I swear had it not been for the AC running in the room, sweat would’ve popped out on my forehead from the combustive heat of it all. Fabulous delivery Ms. Kennedy. Just utterly fabulous!
Under Contract proved to be quite educative in other aspects too. I’ve been encountering news on the drought that has hit California in recent times & would never have thought on how badly actually it is affecting the lives and livelihoods of people in the area. This book actually managed to drive home the point that none of it is easy. I love books that prove insightful in little ways that most might perhaps consider unimportant. And this was one of those books for me.
One little aspect that touched the techie inside of me was how the contract between Ryan & Tina was managed, using a nifty little app that allowed Ryan to key in what he wanted and allowed Tina to select what she was willing to accept. I’ve always held the belief that it is a bit “embarrassing” & perhaps a bit tacky that in books like the Fifty Shade of Grey that lawyers were involved in drawing up a contract of the kind that would have definitely meant people outside the intimate circle of the couple knowing what they were up to. Perhaps that is just the prude in me, but this way? Totally worked!
And man. The cover though! Makes me want to take a bite out of it. That fab looking.
Recommended for fans of BDSM themed erotic contemporary romances.
Rating = 3.75/5
For more reviews & quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
Tina finds herself in dire financial circumstances owing to the twisted turns her life had taken recently. Divorced and saddled with two nieces, Tina finds herself at a loss when Ryan proposes to her something that entices her as much as it makes her feel like she’s bowing down to world’s oldest profession of prostituting her body for a living.
As Ryan sees it, the contract between them is pretty simple. Never having had the urge to settle down, Ryan knows that his darker desires are not meant to be imposed on just anybody. But in Tina he believes that he has found a woman who would suite him perfectly, in bed and out of it. But convincing Tina of the fact, well, that’s the interesting part.
Under Contract by Jeffe Kennedy is the 3rd book in her BDSM contemporary erotic romance series Falling Under. I first encountered this series on Netgalley when the 2nd book came out, which proved to be a hit with me. Though I didn’t love Under Contract as much as I did Under His Touch, this still managed to give a good read that kept the pages turning.
Jeffe Kennedy definitely has a way with writing BDSM romances. They might follow the usual tropes but she always has something special to give you, that definitely leaves you wanting more. Jeffe’s stories answer to that need in me for dark stories. Darkly emotional tales. And I hope she never stops writing them. Because very few authors actually do.
I liked Ryan and Celestina well enough. Both having suffered through their own tragedies. Only thing I missed and wanted to see was that impressive control of Ryan’s shatter into pieces where Celestina was concerned. Perhaps I’d have to satisfy myself with the way he laid himself bare to her emotionally, risked it all to let her see that she wasn’t in his life just for the kink they both equally enjoyed and got off on.
Though I enjoy a good emotionally well balanced BDSM romance, I admit that the the whole master/slave concept is definitely not for me. I thought I’d have to grit my teeth over how Ryan kept Celestina from achieving fulfillment, I even jotted down “Ugh. This denial thing.” And then within the next couple of pages, I was proved so brilliantly wrong that I swear had it not been for the AC running in the room, sweat would’ve popped out on my forehead from the combustive heat of it all. Fabulous delivery Ms. Kennedy. Just utterly fabulous!
Under Contract proved to be quite educative in other aspects too. I’ve been encountering news on the drought that has hit California in recent times & would never have thought on how badly actually it is affecting the lives and livelihoods of people in the area. This book actually managed to drive home the point that none of it is easy. I love books that prove insightful in little ways that most might perhaps consider unimportant. And this was one of those books for me.
One little aspect that touched the techie inside of me was how the contract between Ryan & Tina was managed, using a nifty little app that allowed Ryan to key in what he wanted and allowed Tina to select what she was willing to accept. I’ve always held the belief that it is a bit “embarrassing” & perhaps a bit tacky that in books like the Fifty Shade of Grey that lawyers were involved in drawing up a contract of the kind that would have definitely meant people outside the intimate circle of the couple knowing what they were up to. Perhaps that is just the prude in me, but this way? Totally worked!
And man. The cover though! Makes me want to take a bite out of it. That fab looking.
Recommended for fans of BDSM themed erotic contemporary romances.
Rating = 3.75/5
For more reviews & quotes, please visit www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
July 14, 2015
When I finished Under Contract by Jeffe Kennedy, I was conflicted. I loved the book and disliked the book. Let me explain. I have always loved Kennedy’s erotic romance books. She introduced me to the world of BDSM in a way that made me see a different side of it than I originally believed. A side that can be shared between two consensual adults. A side where each of them enjoy it immensely. However, in Under Contract, I just didn’t enjoy those scenes as I have in the past. Maybe my tastes are changing? I still found myself flying through the book, having a tough time putting it down.
Ryan is a very wealthy businessman. Celestina has recently been let go from her job and raising her two nieces and has no money. Ryan is attracted to Celestina but is worried she won’t be into his eclectic sexual tastes. The entire time I was reading this I thought of the movie Indecent Proposal with Robert Redford and Demi Moore. Just take away the husband and add a little bondage. One thing about Kennedy’s books, though – her characters are real. They have real emotions and when we balk at something in the book, they do too. Celestina thinks the offer is ridiculous, just as most of us would. Kennedy’s characters are always so multi-layered and getting to know them and what makes them tick is usually the most interesting aspect of her books to me. This is why I loved the book. The realness of it. The emotions from the characters and watching them overcome some pretty big challenges.
Ryan was a bit rougher than I would have liked. I understand why and when learning his back story, it made sense, but I just didn’t fall for him. There were moments that I wanted to. I adored the vulnerable moments when Ryan and Celestina finally started getting past just the prearranged agreements and started enjoying each other’s company as two friends. I admired Celestina’s motivation for her actions – her love for nieces Josephina and Carlotta. I think that is what someone would do in her situation, so I accepted her decision to be with Ryan.
Kennedy’s books never really go as you would expect and I think that is one reason I was flipping the pages so quickly. Each turn was a surprise to me. I enjoyed the ending but I felt it was wrapped up a bit quicker than I would have liked. I wanted to see more non-sexual emotion from the two. I am sort of a softie that way, I guess. Under Contract is a really good read. Kennedy’s writing is amazing and her characters are intriguing to read about. If you like BDSM romance, then I definitely recommend you give this one a try.
*I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of a review.*
Ryan is a very wealthy businessman. Celestina has recently been let go from her job and raising her two nieces and has no money. Ryan is attracted to Celestina but is worried she won’t be into his eclectic sexual tastes. The entire time I was reading this I thought of the movie Indecent Proposal with Robert Redford and Demi Moore. Just take away the husband and add a little bondage. One thing about Kennedy’s books, though – her characters are real. They have real emotions and when we balk at something in the book, they do too. Celestina thinks the offer is ridiculous, just as most of us would. Kennedy’s characters are always so multi-layered and getting to know them and what makes them tick is usually the most interesting aspect of her books to me. This is why I loved the book. The realness of it. The emotions from the characters and watching them overcome some pretty big challenges.
Ryan was a bit rougher than I would have liked. I understand why and when learning his back story, it made sense, but I just didn’t fall for him. There were moments that I wanted to. I adored the vulnerable moments when Ryan and Celestina finally started getting past just the prearranged agreements and started enjoying each other’s company as two friends. I admired Celestina’s motivation for her actions – her love for nieces Josephina and Carlotta. I think that is what someone would do in her situation, so I accepted her decision to be with Ryan.
Kennedy’s books never really go as you would expect and I think that is one reason I was flipping the pages so quickly. Each turn was a surprise to me. I enjoyed the ending but I felt it was wrapped up a bit quicker than I would have liked. I wanted to see more non-sexual emotion from the two. I am sort of a softie that way, I guess. Under Contract is a really good read. Kennedy’s writing is amazing and her characters are intriguing to read about. If you like BDSM romance, then I definitely recommend you give this one a try.
*I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of a review.*
February 26, 2016
Jeffe Kennedy is one of those authors who has a fantastic social media presence and is very interactive with her fans. I’ve enjoyed following her across multiple platforms. Yet, I had never read any of her books, until now. With an opportunity to read this ARC, I jumped at the chance. And I am very glad I did.
Under Contract is a revelation. On the surface, it seems like an unethical offer – money for kinky sex. Or from a purely business perspective, this is merely a transaction - a simple exchange of goods and services, right? Celestina is in deep financial trouble and Ryan has the means to get her out of it. In the beginning I was appalled at the proposition. Who, but a prostitute, would accept that kind of offer? It would be easy to pass judgement on Tina and I did. Until I learned more about her situation and what is at stake. I could certainly understand her desire to take care of her nieces after their mother and her twin died. I could understand all the elements that drew her to this proposal. It is one the author’s strengths that she is able to make Tina sympathetic and even heroic.
Surviving a brutal childhood, Ryan ran away and re-created himself to be the millionaire businessman he is today. I’m not a huge fan of the rich businessman taking advantage of a vulnerable woman storyline. Luckily, this one goes well beyond that mostly because Ryan is a self-made man. With his wealth and resources, he can (and does) hide most of his insecurities, except with Tina. I enjoyed how he made himself vulnerable to her. It gave him just enough chink in the armor to make him infinitely likeable.
Jeffe Kennedy offers keen emotional insight into her characters but they are inside their heads a lot. Sometime this inner dialogue and self-examination slows down the story a bit. It takes a while to get to the turning point. We inch our way through from the business arrangement to the grow of emotions and finally to a place where there is complete honesty with one another. There are moments of heartbreak as both must come to terms with their past. Ultimately, I found the ending hugely satisfying.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I’m thrilled to have discovered Jeffe Kennedy’s work. This book is an adventurous, entertaining, and heart-felt read. I highly recommend this read.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Under Contract is a revelation. On the surface, it seems like an unethical offer – money for kinky sex. Or from a purely business perspective, this is merely a transaction - a simple exchange of goods and services, right? Celestina is in deep financial trouble and Ryan has the means to get her out of it. In the beginning I was appalled at the proposition. Who, but a prostitute, would accept that kind of offer? It would be easy to pass judgement on Tina and I did. Until I learned more about her situation and what is at stake. I could certainly understand her desire to take care of her nieces after their mother and her twin died. I could understand all the elements that drew her to this proposal. It is one the author’s strengths that she is able to make Tina sympathetic and even heroic.
Surviving a brutal childhood, Ryan ran away and re-created himself to be the millionaire businessman he is today. I’m not a huge fan of the rich businessman taking advantage of a vulnerable woman storyline. Luckily, this one goes well beyond that mostly because Ryan is a self-made man. With his wealth and resources, he can (and does) hide most of his insecurities, except with Tina. I enjoyed how he made himself vulnerable to her. It gave him just enough chink in the armor to make him infinitely likeable.
Jeffe Kennedy offers keen emotional insight into her characters but they are inside their heads a lot. Sometime this inner dialogue and self-examination slows down the story a bit. It takes a while to get to the turning point. We inch our way through from the business arrangement to the grow of emotions and finally to a place where there is complete honesty with one another. There are moments of heartbreak as both must come to terms with their past. Ultimately, I found the ending hugely satisfying.
IN A NUTSHELL:
I’m thrilled to have discovered Jeffe Kennedy’s work. This book is an adventurous, entertaining, and heart-felt read. I highly recommend this read.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2015
All I can say is... hubba, hubba. But, uh, someone forgot to tell the author Spanish people are white, as we kept seeing references to the Catalan heroine's dark skin and "ethnic" appearance. Nonetheless, nice writing, hot scenes, and Ryan Black is so lovable! Consent is also an important part of their relationship. +500 pts.
January 6, 2016
Under Contract is based on a provocative premise. What if the only way to keep paying the bills is sell one's body? Celestina is stuck and finds the only way she can continue to keep paying the expensive bills, is to accept a humiliating offer to become the sexual toy of Ryan. The setup is delicious. This erotic dub-con arouses my guilty pleasures.
The characters in this story are well done. Sure, Ryan is a very rich man. He is not a gazillionare. He is a wealthy business man who knows how to make money. He comes across as callous at first and as the reader learns more about him, he becomes more and more attractive. Celestina is a character I am mixed about. I liked her desire to always help out. She has a good heart and her situation is basically due to pretending to keeping up with the Jones' when she needs to bring everyone, including her selfish nieces into reality. This is the main reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much and it was only a three star. I understand the set up and the situation are plot devices and character development layers. My personal pet peeves of how people spend money when they do not have it is what drove me crazy. Basically, paying for an expensive private school never made sense to me. I am a public school product and I am just fine. These bratty twelve-year-old twins need a lesson in reality. They are being set up for a rude awakening by how their aunt takes care of them. Yes, their parents died. Yes, this sad. Thousands of children have had parents die on them and they have to face brutal reality, life changes.
Celestina blamed her ex-husband for leaving her. It takes two to tango. He was up front and said no children. If Celestina thought she would want one in the future, then she should not have married him. Hoping he will change rarely works out. Another point, Celestina's job is completely dependent on water. Why on earth would anyone live in a desert whose job is to create designs requiring water? Basically, the constant bad choices of Celestina made it very difficult for me to follow the book because I keep wanting to smack her upside the head.
The saving grace for me is the erotic part. Ms. Kennedy does a lovely job with the kink. It is clear Ryan and Celestina and trying to find their balance. Their missteps are understandable and realistic. When they finally are in synch, it is a smooth and sexy read. The BDSM in here is accurate and not a BDSM 101 guide which I appreciate. It isn't a lecture on safety. Instead, Ms. Kennedy shows how two people who start out with a contract morph into an intimate relationship. This can happen because of the communication and trust. This is quite lovely to see. Recommended for kinky romance readers who like white knights saving the damsel in distress.
*I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review
The characters in this story are well done. Sure, Ryan is a very rich man. He is not a gazillionare. He is a wealthy business man who knows how to make money. He comes across as callous at first and as the reader learns more about him, he becomes more and more attractive. Celestina is a character I am mixed about. I liked her desire to always help out. She has a good heart and her situation is basically due to pretending to keeping up with the Jones' when she needs to bring everyone, including her selfish nieces into reality. This is the main reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much and it was only a three star. I understand the set up and the situation are plot devices and character development layers. My personal pet peeves of how people spend money when they do not have it is what drove me crazy. Basically, paying for an expensive private school never made sense to me. I am a public school product and I am just fine. These bratty twelve-year-old twins need a lesson in reality. They are being set up for a rude awakening by how their aunt takes care of them. Yes, their parents died. Yes, this sad. Thousands of children have had parents die on them and they have to face brutal reality, life changes.
Celestina blamed her ex-husband for leaving her. It takes two to tango. He was up front and said no children. If Celestina thought she would want one in the future, then she should not have married him. Hoping he will change rarely works out. Another point, Celestina's job is completely dependent on water. Why on earth would anyone live in a desert whose job is to create designs requiring water? Basically, the constant bad choices of Celestina made it very difficult for me to follow the book because I keep wanting to smack her upside the head.
The saving grace for me is the erotic part. Ms. Kennedy does a lovely job with the kink. It is clear Ryan and Celestina and trying to find their balance. Their missteps are understandable and realistic. When they finally are in synch, it is a smooth and sexy read. The BDSM in here is accurate and not a BDSM 101 guide which I appreciate. It isn't a lecture on safety. Instead, Ms. Kennedy shows how two people who start out with a contract morph into an intimate relationship. This can happen because of the communication and trust. This is quite lovely to see. Recommended for kinky romance readers who like white knights saving the damsel in distress.
*I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review
August 3, 2015
Under Contract by Jeffe Kennedy
Book #3: Falling Under Series
Source: ARC from author
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:
Round three of the Falling Under series proved to be a mixed bag for me and I discovered some of the things I didn’t like about this read were also some of the very things I appreciated. Confused? Let me explain . . .
What I didn’t like:
Ryan and Celestina: Lord have mercy but these are two of the most screwed up creatures on God’s green earth! Though Ryan is a tremendously successful businessman and has more money than Fort Knox, he has no idea how to be a human being. Given his background, his interactions with other humans is totally understandable and at times, almost laughable. Celestina, through almost no fault of her own has found herself in a terrible financial situation and getting out isn’t going to be easy. With her two young nieces to care for and no real life skills to fall back on, she has got to make a ridiculous decision that will absolutely get her out of financial debt but will make her a virtual slave on a whole other level.
The sex: I don’t normally dislike the sex in the books I read and I can’t say I totally disliked this sex (it is sex after all!) but it involved a type of kink that I personally find hard to tolerate. With no judgement at all on my part, I simply cannot understand any relationship that requires one person to call another person, Master. While everything in this read is totally consensual and all above board, it just isn’t a kink I can get into.
Now you’re wondering if I didn’t like the two main characters and the sex in an erotica read, how can I possibly be at four stars? The better question you should be asking is, how can the two things she disliked about the read also be two of the things she liked/appreciated most about this read?
What I liked:
Ryan and Celestina: Maybe it is precisely because these two are so laughably broken that they work so well together. Once Ryan allows himself to feel some real feelings he realizes how inept he is with human emotions and the basic human condition. Bless his heart, he sure tries to make things right with Celestina but he often ends up making a bigger mess of the situation. It takes Ryan an awful long time (and one really funny conversation with his tech guru) to figure out that a woman is more than a business proposition and/or a long-term project. When the chips are down and Ryan is about to lose everything, he tries some good old fashioned honesty and I’ll be damned if it doesn’t work. Celestina is a cat of a totally different color. For the vast majority of her life, she has allowed others to simply do things, take care of things and this has left her with very little in the way of basic life skills. Sure, she is a super-talented designer but she didn’t pay her income taxes. Sure, she has suffered a lot of loss in her young life and she has done a fine job of caring for her nieces but she married a guy she didn’t love so she and her twin could both be married and be more connected to one another. In so many ways, Celestina is at once as childish as she is a mature adult.
The “relationship” between Ryan and Celestina is certainly hot but it is built on a shaky foundation at best. Getting to an HEA for these two almost never is on so many occasions but honestly, who but each other would put up with these two??
The sex: As I mentioned above, the Master/slave thing going on in this read just isn’t for me but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the read. How so? This particular type of sex makes perfect sense for the overall plot line. Anything else really wouldn’t have worked given the overall setup, direction of the story, and the two main characters. Additionally, I really appreciate the fact that Kennedy doesn’t offer the same thing in every single read. Believe it or not, the same type of sex in read after read really does get boring and predictable. Even though this sex wasn’t for me, it is something different and there are plenty of readers out there who are going to totally enjoy this.
The contract: What a twisted mess Ryan and Celestina get themselves into. While Ryan sees the arrangement from a purely business and sexual perspective, Celestina sees it as selling her soul one deviant act at a time. Though Ryan tries to reassure her about the arrangement, it is awfully hard not to feel like a whore when you are selecting sexual scenarios from a drop down menu on a tablet. Though this arrangement is completely unorthodox, it makes for very interesting reading. The reader isn’t privy to what is on each menu nor what Celestina has selected until her appointed time with Ryan. In this way, the reader stays hooked wondering what new naughty is going to show up next.
The Bottom Line: Just keep signing me up for Jeffe Kennedy reads because obviously, even when I have some issues with a particular story, I still end up liking the overall read. Kennedy has a way of just pulling me into her twisted little world and taking me on a ride I don’t always expect. Under Contract is certainly an erotic read but it also has its fair share of moments that are heartbreaking, infuriating, ridiculously funny, and just plain sweet. Kennedy’s books may have a lot of sex in them but they also have a lot of substance and that is the greatest reason I keep coming back to her!!
Book #3: Falling Under Series
Source: ARC from author
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:
Round three of the Falling Under series proved to be a mixed bag for me and I discovered some of the things I didn’t like about this read were also some of the very things I appreciated. Confused? Let me explain . . .
What I didn’t like:
Ryan and Celestina: Lord have mercy but these are two of the most screwed up creatures on God’s green earth! Though Ryan is a tremendously successful businessman and has more money than Fort Knox, he has no idea how to be a human being. Given his background, his interactions with other humans is totally understandable and at times, almost laughable. Celestina, through almost no fault of her own has found herself in a terrible financial situation and getting out isn’t going to be easy. With her two young nieces to care for and no real life skills to fall back on, she has got to make a ridiculous decision that will absolutely get her out of financial debt but will make her a virtual slave on a whole other level.
The sex: I don’t normally dislike the sex in the books I read and I can’t say I totally disliked this sex (it is sex after all!) but it involved a type of kink that I personally find hard to tolerate. With no judgement at all on my part, I simply cannot understand any relationship that requires one person to call another person, Master. While everything in this read is totally consensual and all above board, it just isn’t a kink I can get into.
Now you’re wondering if I didn’t like the two main characters and the sex in an erotica read, how can I possibly be at four stars? The better question you should be asking is, how can the two things she disliked about the read also be two of the things she liked/appreciated most about this read?
What I liked:
Ryan and Celestina: Maybe it is precisely because these two are so laughably broken that they work so well together. Once Ryan allows himself to feel some real feelings he realizes how inept he is with human emotions and the basic human condition. Bless his heart, he sure tries to make things right with Celestina but he often ends up making a bigger mess of the situation. It takes Ryan an awful long time (and one really funny conversation with his tech guru) to figure out that a woman is more than a business proposition and/or a long-term project. When the chips are down and Ryan is about to lose everything, he tries some good old fashioned honesty and I’ll be damned if it doesn’t work. Celestina is a cat of a totally different color. For the vast majority of her life, she has allowed others to simply do things, take care of things and this has left her with very little in the way of basic life skills. Sure, she is a super-talented designer but she didn’t pay her income taxes. Sure, she has suffered a lot of loss in her young life and she has done a fine job of caring for her nieces but she married a guy she didn’t love so she and her twin could both be married and be more connected to one another. In so many ways, Celestina is at once as childish as she is a mature adult.
The “relationship” between Ryan and Celestina is certainly hot but it is built on a shaky foundation at best. Getting to an HEA for these two almost never is on so many occasions but honestly, who but each other would put up with these two??
The sex: As I mentioned above, the Master/slave thing going on in this read just isn’t for me but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the read. How so? This particular type of sex makes perfect sense for the overall plot line. Anything else really wouldn’t have worked given the overall setup, direction of the story, and the two main characters. Additionally, I really appreciate the fact that Kennedy doesn’t offer the same thing in every single read. Believe it or not, the same type of sex in read after read really does get boring and predictable. Even though this sex wasn’t for me, it is something different and there are plenty of readers out there who are going to totally enjoy this.
The contract: What a twisted mess Ryan and Celestina get themselves into. While Ryan sees the arrangement from a purely business and sexual perspective, Celestina sees it as selling her soul one deviant act at a time. Though Ryan tries to reassure her about the arrangement, it is awfully hard not to feel like a whore when you are selecting sexual scenarios from a drop down menu on a tablet. Though this arrangement is completely unorthodox, it makes for very interesting reading. The reader isn’t privy to what is on each menu nor what Celestina has selected until her appointed time with Ryan. In this way, the reader stays hooked wondering what new naughty is going to show up next.
The Bottom Line: Just keep signing me up for Jeffe Kennedy reads because obviously, even when I have some issues with a particular story, I still end up liking the overall read. Kennedy has a way of just pulling me into her twisted little world and taking me on a ride I don’t always expect. Under Contract is certainly an erotic read but it also has its fair share of moments that are heartbreaking, infuriating, ridiculously funny, and just plain sweet. Kennedy’s books may have a lot of sex in them but they also have a lot of substance and that is the greatest reason I keep coming back to her!!
June 20, 2017
Another good book by Jeffe Kennedy. It's got an interesting couple in slightly abnormal but realistic circumstances drawn together by common purpose. I'm not a huge fan of the super-rich-love-interest-pays-the-heroine-for-sex trope, but the author did a good job of making this less squicky.
I really enjoyed the integration of technology into their relationship, using tablets to select from a range of behaviors and how those would be rewarded.
I really enjoyed the integration of technology into their relationship, using tablets to select from a range of behaviors and how those would be rewarded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2021
Absolutely loved this book
July 22, 2015
It is not Celestina Sala’s best day. As a waterscape landscaper in the middle of a California drought, she lost her job. Everything has gone bad for her lately, and losing her job was the proverbial straw. She’s in debt and living well beyond her means; however, it wasn't a life of excess, but rather a series of unfortunate events that landed her there. Now she has to figure out what is best for herself and her two nieces she is raising alone.
Ryan Black, an eccentric tycoon, thinks it’s serendipitous seeing Tina the day she loses her job. When she did work for his company a few years ago, only her wedding band kept him from acting on his desires for her. Now she's in trouble, and he's got a solution to both of their problems: he’ll pay her to be his sexual playmate.
The plot line for Under Contract isn’t necessarily new, but how main character Ryan views his “payment for services” adds an interesting and unique element to the story. This story is not that of Indecent Proposal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indecen.... This is a man who wants a woman, but discovers she’s not in a place in her life where he can take her to lunch and sweep her off her feet. Ryan is not black and white and doesn't see his proposal how Tina does: prostitution. Rather, to him it's a win-win, and no one needs to label it.
What makes Ryan’s proposition palatable is that 1) Ryan intrigues Tina, 2) he gives her complete control, and 3) Tina's problems are serious and real. She's borderline desperate. Ryan makes her see the truth of her situation, which is utterly dire. The author does such a fabulous job outlining Tina’s financial troubles that I felt her desperation and was stressed out. So when Ryan makes her a deal, I love Tina’s honest reactions ranging from disgust with herself for being a prostitute to being seriously turned on by Ryan. She's out of her league and knows it, but also realizes she's got to do something to change her situation. I'll admit feeling a bit uncomfortable in my skin because Tina feels that way. Ms. Jeffe doesn't sugar coat her story or the proposal: it is prostitution, but Ryan wants to possess Tina and sees it as a means to the end.
Under Contract explores a darker side of sex, but it isn’t overly graphic or extraordinarily kinky. Ryan likes to control and enjoys his games, all the while helping Tina accept and embrace her own desires. While the money part of the equation causes some problems, I feel the author does a fantastic job moving from the initial proposition into a true romantic relationship, without muddying the waters unnecessarily. Having the story shared from both Tina and Ryan’s point of views allows the reader to better understand both characters’ motives, thoughts, and feelings, making the entire story all the better.
In the end, I really enjoyed Under Contract. While the initial premise was a bit uncomfortable, the author does a great job growing the relationship and showing how Ryan doesn’t see it as buying sex, but as a means to possess the woman with whom he is obsessed. Ms. Kennedy takes the time needed to grow the relationship and develop the characters, giving the book a lot of emotional depth. It’s not a cliched Pretty Woman. It’s about learning to love and trust again. It’s about forgiveness. It’s about allow one’s self to indulge in the dark side of sex for the pleasure and release. Ryan and Tina play well together, and while their journey isn’t completely smooth, each brings out the best in the other.
Although part of a series, this book is a standalone story and romance.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Ryan Black, an eccentric tycoon, thinks it’s serendipitous seeing Tina the day she loses her job. When she did work for his company a few years ago, only her wedding band kept him from acting on his desires for her. Now she's in trouble, and he's got a solution to both of their problems: he’ll pay her to be his sexual playmate.
The plot line for Under Contract isn’t necessarily new, but how main character Ryan views his “payment for services” adds an interesting and unique element to the story. This story is not that of Indecent Proposal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indecen.... This is a man who wants a woman, but discovers she’s not in a place in her life where he can take her to lunch and sweep her off her feet. Ryan is not black and white and doesn't see his proposal how Tina does: prostitution. Rather, to him it's a win-win, and no one needs to label it.
What makes Ryan’s proposition palatable is that 1) Ryan intrigues Tina, 2) he gives her complete control, and 3) Tina's problems are serious and real. She's borderline desperate. Ryan makes her see the truth of her situation, which is utterly dire. The author does such a fabulous job outlining Tina’s financial troubles that I felt her desperation and was stressed out. So when Ryan makes her a deal, I love Tina’s honest reactions ranging from disgust with herself for being a prostitute to being seriously turned on by Ryan. She's out of her league and knows it, but also realizes she's got to do something to change her situation. I'll admit feeling a bit uncomfortable in my skin because Tina feels that way. Ms. Jeffe doesn't sugar coat her story or the proposal: it is prostitution, but Ryan wants to possess Tina and sees it as a means to the end.
Under Contract explores a darker side of sex, but it isn’t overly graphic or extraordinarily kinky. Ryan likes to control and enjoys his games, all the while helping Tina accept and embrace her own desires. While the money part of the equation causes some problems, I feel the author does a fantastic job moving from the initial proposition into a true romantic relationship, without muddying the waters unnecessarily. Having the story shared from both Tina and Ryan’s point of views allows the reader to better understand both characters’ motives, thoughts, and feelings, making the entire story all the better.
In the end, I really enjoyed Under Contract. While the initial premise was a bit uncomfortable, the author does a great job growing the relationship and showing how Ryan doesn’t see it as buying sex, but as a means to possess the woman with whom he is obsessed. Ms. Kennedy takes the time needed to grow the relationship and develop the characters, giving the book a lot of emotional depth. It’s not a cliched Pretty Woman. It’s about learning to love and trust again. It’s about forgiveness. It’s about allow one’s self to indulge in the dark side of sex for the pleasure and release. Ryan and Tina play well together, and while their journey isn’t completely smooth, each brings out the best in the other.
Although part of a series, this book is a standalone story and romance.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
May 20, 2016
Move over Mr. Grey. There's a new Master in the house, and his name is Ryan Black.
This erotic romance is like a kinked up version of Pretty Woman mixed with a much sexier and edgier Fifty Shades. Ryan is a very wealthy, very self assured man. He gets what he wants - and he wants Celestina, has wanted her since he first laid eyes on her. Back then she was married and decidedly unavailable. Now, she's divorced, on the brink of bankruptcy, and desperate for anything resembling a job. When Ryan offers her a way out that amounts to, in her eyes, sexual favours for money, she initially balks. But she's willing to swallow her pride when the amount of money he's putting on the table is no joking matter, and with the understanding that she gets to choose exactly what she'll submit to, for how long, and that she can walk away at any time with no repercussions. It's a tempting offer, not the least of which because it's obvious that Ryan is attracted to her and vice versa. But can a relationship that starts out in such a stark and emotionless manner become something deeper and long lasting?
I really enjoyed this story. It seems like a classic erotic trope to use, the idea of a wealthy man purchasing a woman's sexual favours and then falling in love with her and freeing her from her poverty (a la Pretty Woman). But this is turned on it's head when all of the decision making for what happens between them falls to Celestina. In a very modern approach, they use tablets set up to interact with each other, where Ryan lists things he'd like from Celestina, sometimes sexual in nature, sometimes not, with a money value linked to them, and then lets Celestina pick the ones she's willing to try. So for example it can be something as simple as wearing a particular piece of clothing Ryan picks out, or going for lunch with him, to a much more sexually provocative scenario, with clearly defined limits. Naturally, the kinkier the idea, the more money it's worth, so Celestina has to struggle with the concept of how much her body and what she does with it is really worth to her. In fact, this would make Ryan seem like a right bastard if it wasn't for the fact that Celestina is turned on by the suggestions Ryan puts before her. Knowing that if they were dating and having sex, she'd likely try some of these things with him with no money involved anyway is a fairly easy way for her to justify her decisions. In truth, Ryan behaves in a very caring and solicitous manner with her when they aren't involved in a scene, and comes across as overall a genuinely nice guy. While it's true that he's interested in pushing Celestina beyond her limits, and that this excites him, he's very serious about after care and making sure that she is okay with what they are doing, and that she won't hesitate to safe word out if she needs to. As the story progresses, so does the kink level, and so does their emotional connection. The difficulty of course lies in deciding when the contract is no longer valid - when the idea of placing a money value on their intimacy starts to break down the connection they are building. The story is fraught with emotional tension right from the start and while the sex scenes ramp up the heat level, it's the relationship they build that makes the story equally engaging. 5 stars for this erotic treat.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This erotic romance is like a kinked up version of Pretty Woman mixed with a much sexier and edgier Fifty Shades. Ryan is a very wealthy, very self assured man. He gets what he wants - and he wants Celestina, has wanted her since he first laid eyes on her. Back then she was married and decidedly unavailable. Now, she's divorced, on the brink of bankruptcy, and desperate for anything resembling a job. When Ryan offers her a way out that amounts to, in her eyes, sexual favours for money, she initially balks. But she's willing to swallow her pride when the amount of money he's putting on the table is no joking matter, and with the understanding that she gets to choose exactly what she'll submit to, for how long, and that she can walk away at any time with no repercussions. It's a tempting offer, not the least of which because it's obvious that Ryan is attracted to her and vice versa. But can a relationship that starts out in such a stark and emotionless manner become something deeper and long lasting?
I really enjoyed this story. It seems like a classic erotic trope to use, the idea of a wealthy man purchasing a woman's sexual favours and then falling in love with her and freeing her from her poverty (a la Pretty Woman). But this is turned on it's head when all of the decision making for what happens between them falls to Celestina. In a very modern approach, they use tablets set up to interact with each other, where Ryan lists things he'd like from Celestina, sometimes sexual in nature, sometimes not, with a money value linked to them, and then lets Celestina pick the ones she's willing to try. So for example it can be something as simple as wearing a particular piece of clothing Ryan picks out, or going for lunch with him, to a much more sexually provocative scenario, with clearly defined limits. Naturally, the kinkier the idea, the more money it's worth, so Celestina has to struggle with the concept of how much her body and what she does with it is really worth to her. In fact, this would make Ryan seem like a right bastard if it wasn't for the fact that Celestina is turned on by the suggestions Ryan puts before her. Knowing that if they were dating and having sex, she'd likely try some of these things with him with no money involved anyway is a fairly easy way for her to justify her decisions. In truth, Ryan behaves in a very caring and solicitous manner with her when they aren't involved in a scene, and comes across as overall a genuinely nice guy. While it's true that he's interested in pushing Celestina beyond her limits, and that this excites him, he's very serious about after care and making sure that she is okay with what they are doing, and that she won't hesitate to safe word out if she needs to. As the story progresses, so does the kink level, and so does their emotional connection. The difficulty of course lies in deciding when the contract is no longer valid - when the idea of placing a money value on their intimacy starts to break down the connection they are building. The story is fraught with emotional tension right from the start and while the sex scenes ramp up the heat level, it's the relationship they build that makes the story equally engaging. 5 stars for this erotic treat.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
July 14, 2015
Under Contract, Jeffe Kennedy
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Erotica.
I’ve read some of Jeffe’s fantasy novels but this is my first erotic romance from her. Its well written, as are the other books of hers I’ve read. I really enjoyed it as there’s a solid story backing up the erotic parts and that’s something essential to me.
Ryan and Celestina felt very real. They’ve both had problems and Celestina’s current issues are what brings them together. I so felt for her, she wanted to do the best for her dead sister, for her twin nieces but was hampered by money. Who hasn’t been there, and she’s really struggling now she’s lost her job. The debts are piling up and it looks like she’ll need to move the girls from their expensive private school, the one thing stable from their old life, to move elsewhere for work. When Ryan offers his unique solution she first off discards it, but he’s watched her, knows how she thinks and when she comes back with questions he’s pleased. Its what he’d hoped for. He’s wanted her for a long while but she was married and he stayed back, but he’s watched her and this solution allows him to help, get closer to her and solves her problems. He’d give her the money outright but he knows she won’t take it, so he comes up with this complex plan to try to let her feel she’s in charge.
I loved Celestina, she’s had so much tragedy losing her sister, and then her despicable husband leaving, but she’s tried so hard to make a home for the girls. She’s hit rock bottom when Ryan offers her the contract...and her first instinct is “ no way” but then she thinks about it, looks at how she can make it work and still keep her self respect. Ryan is a lovely man and its clear what he’s doing, but he makes mistakes –. He’s got his own issues that drive his actions and sometimes he gets it wrong. On the sex front though he always gets it right and Celestina is taken sexually to heights she didn’t know existed. The sensuality in this novel is very tantalising, the scenes well written and full of very erotic sex, that are fun to read and feel so very real.
The girls were great too – just as young teens are, they go from self-obsessed to caring and back in the blink of an eye. They fitted well in the story, and I enjoyed the lightness they brought to what could have been a heavy read. It made for a well balanced romance that felt very genuine, despite the strange way it began and some very erotic scenes. I like that blend of off the charts sex, and then the irreverence the girls brought to the story, their humour, their in the moment thoughts. I was so hoping Ryan would get what he wanted, it looked like the two were perfect for each other, and towards the end it was easy to see that under the control he exercised in his life, even down to the sexual side, he was a really good man beset by a horrible childhood, and an uncertainty of how to best proceed when his control wasn’t working to get him what he wanted.
Its a great read, hot and carnal and yet with a very tender romance. I’d happily read more of Jeffe’s contemporary romances.
Stars: five, a very sensual read with a beautiful romance.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
August 2, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
Under Contract is completely different than my past trip into Ms. Kennedy's work. It is dark, it is insidious, it is often unpleasant and it pulled me in and kept me reading. Don't you just hate when they do that??
Celestina Sala was at one time the best at her game, well she still was but her game includes creating water gardens and fountains and... which is cool unless you live in drought ridden LA where fountains have been shut off and no one is ordering new ones. Suddenly her money's dried up. A few years ago when her sister died, Tina took on her twin daughters and now the money's gone but the girls deserve the life their mother would have given them. How is she ever going to pay the bills? It seems like her life has taken that final tumble. Until a client from her past offers her an interesting proposition.
Ryan Black was intrigued by Celestina Sala the first time he met her but she wore a ring and he didn't do relationships. But suddenly all bets are off. A Chance meeting and a golden opportunity. It seems Ryan has plenty of money and he's more than willing to offer it to Tina as long as she offers him a certain service. Only thing is once he's gotten in deep he discovers, he wants more.
This book was harsh, face it that service Ryan was offering to pay for was sex.. pure and simple.. Ok, not so pure and with his choice of kink, not so simple. But it was sex and when you are paid for sex? Yeah that makes you ...
I read this book twice trying to decide if I liked it or not. I am still not sure. It is certainly dark and edgy, it has plenty of kink and twisted lost souls and it made me ride the edge between liking it and not liking it. Part of me thought that Ms. Kennedy wrote this book because BDSM was in. At times I felt like she lost something, then other times she had moments of brilliance.
There is a conundrum in this book, I didn't always like the twins, there were tweens, spoiled and acted the part, in other words rather normal. Ryan was this dark troubled jerk, until he wasn't. Then he had this center of softness that made you want to love him. And Celestina? Well she was me, I guess. No, I have never been in a position where I had to sell myself to pay the bills. But she was a strong woman who hit the end of her rope and was willing to do anything to get by. You can't dislike her for that.
I guess one of the reasons this book was off putting was it's reality. There was not escape in this book it was the real world slammed in our faces. Which of course makes it a wonderful book. See? Confusion reigns but it captured my attention and kept me reading. Even more, it made me want the next book.
This is one of those books you have to read for yourself, my opinions run the gamut. I just love/hate a book that leaves me thinking..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Under Contract, provided by netgalley
Under Contract is completely different than my past trip into Ms. Kennedy's work. It is dark, it is insidious, it is often unpleasant and it pulled me in and kept me reading. Don't you just hate when they do that??
Celestina Sala was at one time the best at her game, well she still was but her game includes creating water gardens and fountains and... which is cool unless you live in drought ridden LA where fountains have been shut off and no one is ordering new ones. Suddenly her money's dried up. A few years ago when her sister died, Tina took on her twin daughters and now the money's gone but the girls deserve the life their mother would have given them. How is she ever going to pay the bills? It seems like her life has taken that final tumble. Until a client from her past offers her an interesting proposition.
Ryan Black was intrigued by Celestina Sala the first time he met her but she wore a ring and he didn't do relationships. But suddenly all bets are off. A Chance meeting and a golden opportunity. It seems Ryan has plenty of money and he's more than willing to offer it to Tina as long as she offers him a certain service. Only thing is once he's gotten in deep he discovers, he wants more.
This book was harsh, face it that service Ryan was offering to pay for was sex.. pure and simple.. Ok, not so pure and with his choice of kink, not so simple. But it was sex and when you are paid for sex? Yeah that makes you ...
I read this book twice trying to decide if I liked it or not. I am still not sure. It is certainly dark and edgy, it has plenty of kink and twisted lost souls and it made me ride the edge between liking it and not liking it. Part of me thought that Ms. Kennedy wrote this book because BDSM was in. At times I felt like she lost something, then other times she had moments of brilliance.
There is a conundrum in this book, I didn't always like the twins, there were tweens, spoiled and acted the part, in other words rather normal. Ryan was this dark troubled jerk, until he wasn't. Then he had this center of softness that made you want to love him. And Celestina? Well she was me, I guess. No, I have never been in a position where I had to sell myself to pay the bills. But she was a strong woman who hit the end of her rope and was willing to do anything to get by. You can't dislike her for that.
I guess one of the reasons this book was off putting was it's reality. There was not escape in this book it was the real world slammed in our faces. Which of course makes it a wonderful book. See? Confusion reigns but it captured my attention and kept me reading. Even more, it made me want the next book.
This is one of those books you have to read for yourself, my opinions run the gamut. I just love/hate a book that leaves me thinking..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Under Contract, provided by netgalley
September 17, 2016
http://www.voluptueusementvotre.fr/20...
En lisant le résumé de ce livre, j’ai eu quelques appréhensions notamment sur le déroulement de l’histoire. En effet, je m’attendais au schéma dit « 50 nuances » mais ce que j’ai découvert m’a bien vite fait revenir sur mon jugement.
Celestina est une femme que la vie n’a pas épargnée. Après plusieurs morts et un abandon, elle se retrouve criblée de dettes, élevant seule ses nièces de 13 ans. La première chose qui m’a frappée c’est la fragilité de cette femme mais également la douleur qu’elle ressent. Elle n’arrive pas à voir le bout du tunnel enchaînant les coups durs. Difficile de se relever lorsque rien ne tourne en votre faveur. Pourtant, c’est une femme au tempérament de feux qui ne se laissera pas marcher sur les pieds.
Ryan est un homme d’affaire acharné et un opportuniste. Il dégage une sensualité intense et un charisme indéniable mais, il dissimule également ses plus bas instincts. C’est un homme tout en contrôle qui refuse l’échec. En grattant la surface, on s’aperçoit du chaos qu’a été son enfance et on comprend alors mieux pourquoi sa maîtrise est si importante.
Si le départ de leur relation m’a laissé perplexe sur le fond, j’avoue avoir été très vite prise par leur histoire. Celestina va ressentir des émotions totalement inattendues et Ryan va prendre un malin plaisir à la déstabiliser et jouer avec elle. Tantôt doux et rassurant, Ryan se montre très vite impitoyable et autoritaire pour percer sa carapace, elle qui croule sous les responsabilités écrasantes. J’ai beaucoup aimé la voir progressivement perdre ses marques pour se laisser enfin aller à ses fantasmes.
Ces deux personnages, malgré leurs différences, vont se rejoindre sur un certain nombre de points. Malgré tout, la route sera longue et plusieurs événements vont leur barrer le chemin du bonheur. Beaucoup d’émotions vont les faire évoluer : la souffrance, les doutes, la douleur mais aussi l’excitation, le désir et l’envie.
Je me suis attaché à eux, à leurs blessures et leurs tourments et j’ai été ravie de voir que la compréhension, la communication et le pardon vont progressivement les amener vers l’amour qu’ils méritent.
Jeffe Kennedy a cette facilité de vous projeter dans l’histoire, vous amenant à tourner toujours plus de pages et vous délecter de leurs discussions et leur ébats. Attention, cependant, certaines scènes pourraient vous sembler choquantes car Ryan est un adepte des rapports disons « spéciaux ».
La finalité de ce tome m’a ravie et j’ai adoré voir la reconstruction de ce couple, voir que malgré leurs démons, ils ont su faire une force de leurs faiblesses. À découvrir dès que possible.
En lisant le résumé de ce livre, j’ai eu quelques appréhensions notamment sur le déroulement de l’histoire. En effet, je m’attendais au schéma dit « 50 nuances » mais ce que j’ai découvert m’a bien vite fait revenir sur mon jugement.
Celestina est une femme que la vie n’a pas épargnée. Après plusieurs morts et un abandon, elle se retrouve criblée de dettes, élevant seule ses nièces de 13 ans. La première chose qui m’a frappée c’est la fragilité de cette femme mais également la douleur qu’elle ressent. Elle n’arrive pas à voir le bout du tunnel enchaînant les coups durs. Difficile de se relever lorsque rien ne tourne en votre faveur. Pourtant, c’est une femme au tempérament de feux qui ne se laissera pas marcher sur les pieds.
Ryan est un homme d’affaire acharné et un opportuniste. Il dégage une sensualité intense et un charisme indéniable mais, il dissimule également ses plus bas instincts. C’est un homme tout en contrôle qui refuse l’échec. En grattant la surface, on s’aperçoit du chaos qu’a été son enfance et on comprend alors mieux pourquoi sa maîtrise est si importante.
Si le départ de leur relation m’a laissé perplexe sur le fond, j’avoue avoir été très vite prise par leur histoire. Celestina va ressentir des émotions totalement inattendues et Ryan va prendre un malin plaisir à la déstabiliser et jouer avec elle. Tantôt doux et rassurant, Ryan se montre très vite impitoyable et autoritaire pour percer sa carapace, elle qui croule sous les responsabilités écrasantes. J’ai beaucoup aimé la voir progressivement perdre ses marques pour se laisser enfin aller à ses fantasmes.
Ces deux personnages, malgré leurs différences, vont se rejoindre sur un certain nombre de points. Malgré tout, la route sera longue et plusieurs événements vont leur barrer le chemin du bonheur. Beaucoup d’émotions vont les faire évoluer : la souffrance, les doutes, la douleur mais aussi l’excitation, le désir et l’envie.
Je me suis attaché à eux, à leurs blessures et leurs tourments et j’ai été ravie de voir que la compréhension, la communication et le pardon vont progressivement les amener vers l’amour qu’ils méritent.
Jeffe Kennedy a cette facilité de vous projeter dans l’histoire, vous amenant à tourner toujours plus de pages et vous délecter de leurs discussions et leur ébats. Attention, cependant, certaines scènes pourraient vous sembler choquantes car Ryan est un adepte des rapports disons « spéciaux ».
La finalité de ce tome m’a ravie et j’ai adoré voir la reconstruction de ce couple, voir que malgré leurs démons, ils ont su faire une force de leurs faiblesses. À découvrir dès que possible.
July 25, 2015
Originally reviewed at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Jul 14 2015:
In a Flutter: Frustrating but super fun xD
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The world of Under Contract was fun, a bit of the super-rich lifestyle vibe mixed in with worries and struggles of the regular working person. I liked how the differences between the two worlds augmented tension :D You can never have enough tension, mwahahaha.
Characters: Tina was a tough character to fully get, for me, on a personal level. I admired her loyalty toward her family, her loving nature, but at the same time she often seemed erratic, unpredictable, and insecure. That last part there makes her a very believable character, of course, we’re not talking about that. She was very believable. Perhaps too believable, lol. Anyway, while she was fun to read about, I didn’t fall for her. Didn’t dislike her either, don’t get me wrong.
Ryan was every bit the alpha male, self-made tycoon, business hotshot you’d hope for. I liked how his insecurities were a bit subtler in manifestation but so clearly there, how determined he was, how clumsy he was when it came to feelings. Actually Tine and Ryan were the pair matched in hell, because they both dealt with feels in weird ways. Made for a lot of frustration, lol, but also tension and some fun slow burn kind of romance.
They also had great chemistry and had very hot one on one time, BDSM-style. Not too hardcore, I mean nothing shocking, but still not for the faint of heart, lol.
I also loved the twins :D
Plot: The romance was the “hook up to get out of debt” trope, with a healthy portion of tension of all possible kinds. It was intense, frustrating, a quick read and a fun ride.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his and her POV. It was very interesting to read from two so different and yet so alike perspectives (because insecurities, failure to communicate properly, on both sides).
Curb Appeal: Cool cover, hooking blurb, instant buy author name.
All in all, I recommend Under Contract to lovers of BDSM contemporary romance of the very hot kind, alpha males in tycoon positions, and to fans of bumpy road romances involving stubborn but fun creatures :D
In a Flutter: Frustrating but super fun xD
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The world of Under Contract was fun, a bit of the super-rich lifestyle vibe mixed in with worries and struggles of the regular working person. I liked how the differences between the two worlds augmented tension :D You can never have enough tension, mwahahaha.
Characters: Tina was a tough character to fully get, for me, on a personal level. I admired her loyalty toward her family, her loving nature, but at the same time she often seemed erratic, unpredictable, and insecure. That last part there makes her a very believable character, of course, we’re not talking about that. She was very believable. Perhaps too believable, lol. Anyway, while she was fun to read about, I didn’t fall for her. Didn’t dislike her either, don’t get me wrong.
Ryan was every bit the alpha male, self-made tycoon, business hotshot you’d hope for. I liked how his insecurities were a bit subtler in manifestation but so clearly there, how determined he was, how clumsy he was when it came to feelings. Actually Tine and Ryan were the pair matched in hell, because they both dealt with feels in weird ways. Made for a lot of frustration, lol, but also tension and some fun slow burn kind of romance.
They also had great chemistry and had very hot one on one time, BDSM-style. Not too hardcore, I mean nothing shocking, but still not for the faint of heart, lol.
I also loved the twins :D
Plot: The romance was the “hook up to get out of debt” trope, with a healthy portion of tension of all possible kinds. It was intense, frustrating, a quick read and a fun ride.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, his and her POV. It was very interesting to read from two so different and yet so alike perspectives (because insecurities, failure to communicate properly, on both sides).
Curb Appeal: Cool cover, hooking blurb, instant buy author name.
All in all, I recommend Under Contract to lovers of BDSM contemporary romance of the very hot kind, alpha males in tycoon positions, and to fans of bumpy road romances involving stubborn but fun creatures :D
September 11, 2015
Under Contract is a great read with a fun, kinky twist to the usual pretty woman type of story. It is a sensual, passionate story with lots of hot and dirty sex. This is backed up with realistic characters and an interesting storyline. It is well written and the story flows well throughout the book. This is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.
Celestina is down on her luck. She's recently divorced, her sister tragically died leaving Celestina to bring up her teenaged daughters, she's drowning under a mountain of debt and she's just lost her job. When she runs into a former client, she's shocked when he offers her a chance to earn the money she desperately needs. Ryan would have given Celestina the money she needed, but he knows she would turn him down, so he comes up with a plan that gives her the money and gets him close to the woman he's long desired. Basically Ryan will pay her for spending time with him and for sex - the kinkier the sex, the more money she gets. Initially reluctant, she finds herself beginning to crave the pleasure Ryan can give her. But as they get closer, his past threatens to push them apart.
I liked how Ryan wasn't the usual gorgeous, muscled hunk and that he was a real, 'normal' guy - just a very rich one! I initially found Celestina a bit needy, but as we got to know her better I could understand her behaviour. I loved her teenaged nieces too, they were real characters and added to the story. I enjoyed the unusual way the couple decided on their scenes, with Celestina selecting what she wanted to do on a custom made tablet app. This was a fun, modern idea that I hadn't come across in other stories before. Overall I really enjoyed this book, it's a fun and sexy read. Five stars!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Celestina is down on her luck. She's recently divorced, her sister tragically died leaving Celestina to bring up her teenaged daughters, she's drowning under a mountain of debt and she's just lost her job. When she runs into a former client, she's shocked when he offers her a chance to earn the money she desperately needs. Ryan would have given Celestina the money she needed, but he knows she would turn him down, so he comes up with a plan that gives her the money and gets him close to the woman he's long desired. Basically Ryan will pay her for spending time with him and for sex - the kinkier the sex, the more money she gets. Initially reluctant, she finds herself beginning to crave the pleasure Ryan can give her. But as they get closer, his past threatens to push them apart.
I liked how Ryan wasn't the usual gorgeous, muscled hunk and that he was a real, 'normal' guy - just a very rich one! I initially found Celestina a bit needy, but as we got to know her better I could understand her behaviour. I loved her teenaged nieces too, they were real characters and added to the story. I enjoyed the unusual way the couple decided on their scenes, with Celestina selecting what she wanted to do on a custom made tablet app. This was a fun, modern idea that I hadn't come across in other stories before. Overall I really enjoyed this book, it's a fun and sexy read. Five stars!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
July 12, 2015
*** arc kindly provided by netgalley/publisher - thank you ***
um, ok. under contract was in fact a good book. it was a typical “pretty-woman“-ish love-story with a rich guy rescueing the woman he lusted after for years. there were plenty of sex-scenes.
now, why only the 3 stars? (to be honest, these are more like only 2,5 stars) i could NOT connect with the writing style of this author. it was too stiff and she even described the sex-scenes so matter-of-factly, that they almost seemed to me as reader as mechanical and sterile... i was a little under the impression, that the author was hellbend on avoiding repeating any word, i even had to use my kindle-dictionary a few times, cause there were a few very unusually words. and contrary to that stiff talking between male m/c and female m/c, she “reprimanded“ the nieces of the female m/c with an (californian???) lingo like you wouldn't believe. yeah, not very likable in my opinion.
all in all, i am happy to have been able reading under contract and give it 2,5 to 3 stars. please remember, that this is only my personal opinion and that everyone should give the book a try for themselfes.
um, ok. under contract was in fact a good book. it was a typical “pretty-woman“-ish love-story with a rich guy rescueing the woman he lusted after for years. there were plenty of sex-scenes.
now, why only the 3 stars? (to be honest, these are more like only 2,5 stars) i could NOT connect with the writing style of this author. it was too stiff and she even described the sex-scenes so matter-of-factly, that they almost seemed to me as reader as mechanical and sterile... i was a little under the impression, that the author was hellbend on avoiding repeating any word, i even had to use my kindle-dictionary a few times, cause there were a few very unusually words. and contrary to that stiff talking between male m/c and female m/c, she “reprimanded“ the nieces of the female m/c with an (californian???) lingo like you wouldn't believe. yeah, not very likable in my opinion.
all in all, i am happy to have been able reading under contract and give it 2,5 to 3 stars. please remember, that this is only my personal opinion and that everyone should give the book a try for themselfes.
August 24, 2015
Pretty terrific. For some reason the Falling Under series works much better for me than many of Ms. Kennedy's other books.
The premise in this one is clearly meant to raise eyebrows - payment for sex is obviously something around which a prudent author must tread carefully - but Ms. Kennedy gets around it here by making it into a game by which the hero convinces the heroine to accept his altruism. A stretch, but I bought it.
Two fairly minor quibbles: first, the almost plastic physical perfection of hero/heroine. A common quibble. Second, the careful tiptoeing to stay juuuust on the right side of the prostitution question was a little too obvious. There were points where I felt the characters would have said/done something slightly different, but a stronger hand (editorial?) guided them away from the danger zone of really pissing people off. I'd prefer it to be slightly gutsier - if you're going to go there, really go there - and resented the guiding hand a bit.
To be fair, I did appreciate that she wasn't *actually* paid for sex. So there's that.
Read with some trepidation due to cover blurb, but enjoyed quite a bit.
The premise in this one is clearly meant to raise eyebrows - payment for sex is obviously something around which a prudent author must tread carefully - but Ms. Kennedy gets around it here by making it into a game by which the hero convinces the heroine to accept his altruism. A stretch, but I bought it.
Two fairly minor quibbles: first, the almost plastic physical perfection of hero/heroine. A common quibble. Second, the careful tiptoeing to stay juuuust on the right side of the prostitution question was a little too obvious. There were points where I felt the characters would have said/done something slightly different, but a stronger hand (editorial?) guided them away from the danger zone of really pissing people off. I'd prefer it to be slightly gutsier - if you're going to go there, really go there - and resented the guiding hand a bit.
To be fair, I did appreciate that she wasn't *actually* paid for sex. So there's that.
Read with some trepidation due to cover blurb, but enjoyed quite a bit.
July 5, 2015
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
I wasn’t sure about this story but I am a fan of Jeffe Kennedy’s so I always request her books from NetGalley so I picked this one up too. And I am really glad I did.
Both Celestina and Ryan are suffering from loss even though they are very different kinds. What makes this work so well is they have had an attraction for a while they just were not in a place to do anything about the attraction but now they can. Ryan is not obnoxious about the money and power he has and I appreciated that. Celestina is a great character has well.
Kennedy wrote a really good book with this one and as always I will stay a fan.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t sure about this story but I am a fan of Jeffe Kennedy’s so I always request her books from NetGalley so I picked this one up too. And I am really glad I did.
Both Celestina and Ryan are suffering from loss even though they are very different kinds. What makes this work so well is they have had an attraction for a while they just were not in a place to do anything about the attraction but now they can. Ryan is not obnoxious about the money and power he has and I appreciated that. Celestina is a great character has well.
Kennedy wrote a really good book with this one and as always I will stay a fan.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2015
ARC Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
2,5 stars of me. I am really sorry it doesn´t mean necessary that it wasn´t a good book it just didn´t fulfill my expectations. Well if you are looking for a quick read company for the beach then maybe this is the book for you. Normally I like that kind of stories you know rich man, intelligent woman, man rescuing the girl, hot sex scenes but this time I couldn´t get connected at all with the main characters. There was something in the writing style of the author that didn´t manage to touch me. Even though the read was quite quick i found the writing kind of boring with a language that turned to be kind of tiring as the story was progressing. Honest try really but I just wanted something more to keep my interest
2,5 stars of me. I am really sorry it doesn´t mean necessary that it wasn´t a good book it just didn´t fulfill my expectations. Well if you are looking for a quick read company for the beach then maybe this is the book for you. Normally I like that kind of stories you know rich man, intelligent woman, man rescuing the girl, hot sex scenes but this time I couldn´t get connected at all with the main characters. There was something in the writing style of the author that didn´t manage to touch me. Even though the read was quite quick i found the writing kind of boring with a language that turned to be kind of tiring as the story was progressing. Honest try really but I just wanted something more to keep my interest
July 22, 2015
ARC Provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed this book. I was annoyed by Celestina at the beginning. She was a bit whiny and woe is me at first. When she started to grow a backbone, she actually grew on me. I enjoyed the description she gave of Ryan and the fact that he was a normal looking guy, rather than the typical hero (big, buff & drop dead gorgeous). I like the fact that they were both figuring out how to make this work for both of them as they went along. The scenes they played out were fun & interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I will be looking into the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book. I was annoyed by Celestina at the beginning. She was a bit whiny and woe is me at first. When she started to grow a backbone, she actually grew on me. I enjoyed the description she gave of Ryan and the fact that he was a normal looking guy, rather than the typical hero (big, buff & drop dead gorgeous). I like the fact that they were both figuring out how to make this work for both of them as they went along. The scenes they played out were fun & interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I will be looking into the rest of the series.
November 3, 2015
Under contract is an interesting fantasy erotica romance. It’s well written so you go quickly through the book.
Tina is just one step in front of here bankruptcy when she meet again here former client Ryan. He is a wealthy businessman and is very satisfied when he finds out that this time he has a chances with Tina. He has a solution to Tina problems a contract which includes her physical and not her job expertise.
I loved both of the characters, especially Ryan description.
A hot romantic story with elements of BDSM which ends with HEA
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Tina is just one step in front of here bankruptcy when she meet again here former client Ryan. He is a wealthy businessman and is very satisfied when he finds out that this time he has a chances with Tina. He has a solution to Tina problems a contract which includes her physical and not her job expertise.
I loved both of the characters, especially Ryan description.
A hot romantic story with elements of BDSM which ends with HEA
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 6, 2015
I can't deny I had different expectations towards this book. I was looking for something a little more mysterious, with a little more angst and etc. Interesting enough the first 2 or 3 chapters really gave me this vibe, but then the plot turned into something a little more predictable. Of course it was a fun read although I will always be uncomfortable with the guy calling the heroine 'pet' besides the usual exchanges: 'yes, master' 'I own you' 'You're my slave'. But I know book, it's not you...IT'S ME.
Author has a fluid entertaining style that keeps you attention. Recommnend to those who like an almost vanilla type of BDSM.
Author has a fluid entertaining style that keeps you attention. Recommnend to those who like an almost vanilla type of BDSM.
July 14, 2015
Celestina is having a bad day, she has been laid off of her job and with the drought there are no prospects in her future, a large debt that is growing by the minute and 2 nieces to care for. When she bumps into Ryan a previous client he makes an outrages offer. How far will she go to save her family? I really liked the story. The characters were likable the story held my interest throughout and is very sexy. This was my first read by Jeffe Kennedy but it won’t be my last. Great Read!
June 15, 2015
Loved it! I did not expect the direction this book took.
Celestina has lost her job and has an immediate need for a large influx of cash. When a handsome acquaintance suddenly appears with a scandalous offer who is she to say no. The rules of engagement quickly blur as money and emotion go to war.
Celestina has lost her job and has an immediate need for a large influx of cash. When a handsome acquaintance suddenly appears with a scandalous offer who is she to say no. The rules of engagement quickly blur as money and emotion go to war.
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