The Contract

The Phoenix Journals

by Kailee Reese Samuels

"Sign here, Salvatore."
Three words.
Three words changed his world.

With the contract on the table, Sal considered his options.

Winding up by accident in the Middle-of-Nowhere, Texas, he ventured into another world. With scrutiny, he listened to their lies and deceit, but it wasn't long before he realized a devious monster aimed to take control.

The grooming they offered in the words of the contract might be worse than enduring his familial blood ties…

If he returned home, then his father's ideal outcome for his only son would force the young man into being trained for the family business. Refusing his father's violence, Sal wanted no part of the mafia, but he was out of options––stay moving or give up fighting against his legacy. The insidious contract held the lure of stability and protection he craved.

He had to make a decision.
Sign or walk away.

But Sal wasn't as fresh to the game as they thought. He was raised in mayhem and manipulation. With a fierce determination and mischievous charm, he acknowledged the precise calculation of every minute and vowed to outplay the players.

And you’re secretly invited to join his game as he eliminates or harbors the pieces one by one.

With a candid look into the past, Sal removes the shadows concealing the hidden secrets and clandestine meetings of his beloved Little Black Book. Flipping through the memories, he recounts the lucrative indiscretions that made him the man he is today. As the keeper of his clients' dirty laundry, he vigilantly held the promises contained in the contract, until now…

Over the course of 24 books, Sal Raniero’s Little Black Book has been mentioned many times. For the first time ever, he opens the heart of his past and reveals the women who adored him.

In this prequel to the first client, The Contract offers a means to an end, and at the time, Sal’s very survival.

Dark Romantic Suspense
Each client’s entry/book can be read as a standalone.
Approx. 100-120 pages

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2019

About the author

Just a girl who loves pushing boundaries in original, addictive noir/dark fiction with genre-busting elements from dark romance, romantic suspense, psychological thriller, mafia, MC, and realism. Intense, thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat, gripping page-turners that stick with you long after the last sentence. TAT Books are the perfect escape with a delicious beverage, a box of chocolate, and plenty of tissues.

Dear Readers (Raniero Fangirls) have come to expect my emotionally crippling writing style.

Storyteller embracing diversity. Coffee addict. Mango lover. Blueberry fetishist. Sweet peach tea crazy. Red wine devout. Whiskey deviant. Tattooed & pierced. Bare feet. Sand. Sun. Collects rosaries. Fanatical organizer/cleaner/list-maker. Never sleeps. Hermit and recluse. Social media avoider. Sexy trucks, bad mofo alphas, hot ink, loud music, long nails, and good football. Brisket is a birthright, y’all. Being in the water is a good thing—mermaid in a former life.

I worship everyone who reads one of my books, whether they enjoy it or not, and firmly believe they should all wear a crown.

🥀 FOLLOW KAILEE:
FB Page → http://bit.ly/DirtyPoetry
Instagram → http://bit.ly/InstaKRS

🥀 VISIT my website, blog, and store for signed books → https://kaileereesesamuels.com

🖤 Sal’s Reading List → http://bit.ly/LovetheSal

Peace. Love. & SAL.🖤🥀

Have a beautiful day!

And have FUN reading!

Thank you!

Reviews

[Mimiorphee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We’re all three-seconds from being a sociopath. Discipline, or lack thereof, defines the character."


It always feels so good to go back to Mrs Samuels' Juliet world! If you are a Sal addict, you'll love to get more of him. You'll grin at the new perspectives the author added to her intricately woven universe. On the other hand, if you don't know who Sal is (*gasps in shock*), you'll get a first taste of his charming ways and of the secrets that surround him.


Once again, in Sal Raniero's Little Black Book Prequel: The Contract, I adored KRS'  brilliant and unique storytelling. I never fails to thrill me!

Sal addresses the reader directly, confiding in us, giving a sense of being in the know. With maturity, and a somehow darker tone, he takes us back in time.

"I was a savage, albeit a bit sloppy in retrospect , but my audition showed potential."

Through sexy scenes and intriguing situations, a new light is shed on some characters, reinforcing or... shattering my beliefs. 

"“This never happened . You don’t know me. And I don’t know you.”

In turn, I laughed, I fanned myself and eventually ended up almost screaming at my Kindle. Smiling as  new (renewed?) questions strated swirling in my mind. 


Short, sensual, deliciously clever, this prequel left me longing for more. I am excitedly waiting for the first installment in January! The game is on...


I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great compliment to Sal’s stories. We get to know the time between when he left home and started at Juliet. There’s always so many layers to these stories and I can’t wait until we get to unravel all of Sal! This was told in a first person chronologically with extra insight from Sal.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I have read some of Kailee's books where Sal makes an appearance and he had me so intrigued. This book is how Sal came about being the person he is today(which I really don't know him yet) and goodness he is such a sweet sexy person. I am sure anyone who reads this book already knows a lot about Sal and are maybe getting their questions answered. I would definitely read this book and any others by Kailee. She is an amazing writer!!!

Merged review:

Ok so I have read some of Kailee's books where Sal makes an appearance and he had me so intrigued. This book is how Sal came about being the person he is today(which I really don't know him yet) and goodness he is such a sweet sexy person. I am sure anyone who reads this book already knows a lot about Sal and are maybe getting their questions answered. I would definitely read this book and any others by Kailee. She is an amazing writer!!!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

With such a rich tapestry of characters and events, Kailee Samuels has produced an epic and complex story, which just continues to grow with every mesmerising addition. It starts and ends with the bright star that is Salvatore Raniero, who moves throughout each book with his justifiable swagger, panache and sexy aura which combines with a sharp mind, a compassionate soul, a lover of women and men and the courage to take life firmly by the throat and shake it to unearth the nuggets of gold it hides. I think I know Sal, but sometimes I feel that he is like the Cheshire cat, and all I really end up seeing is that smile as he spirits himself away in order to get up to mischief.
This prequel is a firmly satisfying taster of things to come, and insight into future events. Wonderful

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

[Kathleen Selk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. A quick read but will grip you right from the first page. I love finding out about Sal’s little black book. You get more of a glimpse into how Sal started. I can’t wait for more from Kailee. I have not been disappointed in any of her work. I highly recommend any of her books.

[V ~is reading right now ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bite sized morsel of Sal was SUCH a tease! If ever I was left drooling for the next book in a KRS series, this was it. Here we meet Sal in some depth, at his earliest yet. An 18 year old punk kid, with all the swag and apparent confidence of a twenty something, marches right into his life in Sugargrove with barely a blink. Interwoven into this sexy intro, we are talked through what was REALLY going through his ever calculating mind from the perspective of his 18 year old self with the added benefit of a 30 year old's wisdom and subsequent experience. All together, it adds SO much to the larger storyline. I can honestly say this may well be this author's finest writing to date. The intricacy and attention to detail required to piece this all together is truly astounding. I am panting for the next installment while left absolutely thrilled to have been given this glimpse back in time. A PERFECT book for readers new to Sal and KRS as well as an absolute treat for current fans. This collection is liable to change the game. Look out y'all, the potential here is limitless 😈
🍒🍒🖤

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[S M Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. Better. More soothing, which is Not what I usually expect lol. Sal is his usual charming self, if maybe a bit rougher around the edges. Nawwww... Sal is always smooth. I did not expect the early deep connection to Nico. (Although I should have)
Looking forward, very much, to what follows.

[Nancy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the fastest read from Mrs. Samuels that I have ever read and I love it. Some twists but I love seeing all sides of Sal. He makes you fall for him everytime. Mrs. Samuels draws us in with all the details. Do not miss.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!! Kailee Reese Samuels give us another gripping page turner, drawing us in with Sal’s charm. Go back in time with Sal as he gives us the story of his start in Sugargrove. Another piece of the puzzle clicks into place on this short story. I absolutely love when we get the story from Sal’s point of view. I want so much more of Sal!!

“ I can count those I genuinely care about on one hand. And as for the rest, I’ll greet them with the middle finger when they arrive at the gates of my hell. “

[Jenna Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say....once again Kailee did not fail us. I don’t think it’s possible that I could fall anymore in love with Kailee or Sal!!!! Can never get enough, and can hardly wait for what’s next. A quick read, but fantastically written that kept me hanging on every word from start to finish. Love, love, love!!!!!!! I need more!!

[Em Dorsey ~ A Darlin’ Doll and Her Books ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Trusting without question and going there with no reason other than to experience.”

Sal Raniero’s Little Black Book Prequel The Contract is a delicious little read. Right from the beginning we get down to business. As “The Kid” on the run looking for freedom we follow Sal on his journey of the first months after leaving his childhood home in Boston. I love younger Sal and witnessing the baby steps in his growth to become the man he is today. I can never get enough of him and am always desperate for more. Shout out to my boy Nicky and my girl Anna, I always love seeing more of them. If you are new to KRS this is a great book to start off with. I’m definitely ready for Sal Raniero’s Little Black Book and the first client!!! Highly recommend!!!

“There was no turning back now.  Reel her in. Breathe. Don’t think. Just work it.”

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving on all this background to Sal and his story. This read was another super quick but holy hotness read that filled in so many gaps regarding Sal and his character. I adored the perspective of this being a glimpse of the 18 year old mindset Kate was incredibly intriguing character and I love the connection between the two as well as all the other women who helped make him the man he was. So many gaps being filled in through this read and I am still left needing more!!!

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

[Jenny Trowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this authors books so I knew this would be no exception. This book fills in the gaps about our Sal, but a younger version. He's still as gorgeous as ever. A quick read to get you in the mood!.. can't wait for the next book.

[Kristy Lamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a quick read we find ourselves engulfed int he world of Sal Raniero. HE is just 18 and his father has dropped him off to start a new life. Little did his father know he would not be coming back to play ball. He was done with his father and he was ready to start something new. Who called Salvatore home was it Anna, Kate, Serene, or Jack? Find out in this epic beginning of Salvatore Raniero. The book fills in gaps we have been asking ourselves for a very long time sit back and enjoy the ride.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go back with Sal and see how it all started. From his obsession with the fetish world to wanting to be a dominant this little book fills in the start of Sal and his entry into Sugergrove and just who may or may not be truly trusted. I was surprised to see just how important Nico really is to Sal and how the beginning of their friendship really started. If you have been following this journey then this is more of the puzzle you do not want to miss because really, who can you trust....."trust noone!"

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to Sal? This is a wonderful glimpse into how he began his transformation, a delicious teaser that will leave you wanting more.

Not new to Sal? This is an absolutely amazing perspective of young Sal and the amazing people who helped shape and guide him. Believe me when I say you will be surprised to learn new things about him.

Kailee's brilliance continues to shine and we are the lucky ones who get to bask in it!

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any KS books you never know what to expect. This was lighter than her typical tales. But what can I say, Sal, Yum. He's young, not as experienced as we've come to know him, but still it's Sal. This fills in some holes and answers some questions but as always she leaves us wanting more. A nice quickie, which if you're familiar with her work is rare. Usually, like in Texas she likes them big. Can't wait for more.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little morsel was so welcome in my collection of brilliant reads by this author. Each story builds on the last and intertwines with others. It's like coming home again. Grab a seat, pour a drink, and get comfy. If this is your first taste, you will be hooked like the rest of us. If you're familiar with Sal, welcome home.

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

[Gail Lacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow loved it!!
I keep falling for Sal,this book gives you so much incite to a younger Sal's life making him who he becomes.
Used by Deena so she can make her escape from Kate but not leaving Kate alone and setting Sal up to fill the void.
Now with Kate in Sugargrove will Sal stay or take the way out that Kate gave him,or is this his way to Julliet.

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

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!!! Loved how the author takes us to the beginning with Sal as he entered the Juliet world. A quick read that wets your taste buds and leaves you wanting more yet again. Love Sal and I cannot wait for more of him and his little black book. She never disappoints and is a must read author!!!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great backstory on our brilliant, young Sal. Even at 18, he was charming, sexy and dominant! I loved learning how he happened upon Juliet and his sweet Anna. I'm so excited to get my hands on all the snippets from Sal's little black book. I laughed out loud several time. This is going to be a great feel good series.

[Sara Callaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read but is chalked full of information and fills in some gaps. I loved reading about how he started out and what helped shape him into the man that he is now. This is a great introduction to new readers.

[Letha Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My God! This book is so hot I almost had to set outside and read it! I love learning about Sal and the things that shaped the Sal we all know and love! Once again Kailee you haven’t let me down! Great job!

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

[Nathalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it's a quick read, you will still be completely captivated the entire time. KRS fully captured the beautifully dark side of her characters. You will never be able to get enough of the drug that is Sal, come join in.

[Jennifer Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you back to when Sal was just 18 and how he got to meet the people that become such big parts of Kailee's books! Cannot wait to read more!! Love it!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delicious little read about Sal and his contract that starts you from the beginning of how it all began. This is a short read of introduction of How Sal is were he at with his charming ways and twists and turns that are yummy.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our beautiful Sal’s creation

Lucas Salvatore Raniero, told from his perspective via journals and the beginnings of his career.

“𝐼𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑒𝓃𝒹, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒿𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒾𝓃 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓃𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒.”

Deena, his true first, in a game of cat and mouse—power plays between others, while he came into his own. Always a target on his back due to his heritage and familial duty.

Sal possessed a true understanding of his skill set, and who he wanted to be, “and it wasn’t vanilla.”

“𝒯𝓇𝓊𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓆𝓊𝑒𝓈𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑔𝑜𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓃𝑜 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑜𝓃 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒.”

Trust being imperative in this lifestyle, Sal’s early lessons, his intellect, would take him far. The inner thoughts and early meetings, set the scene for how the Sal we know, originated.

Ms. Samuels eloquently writes topics crossing tropes, and some may consider lines, with finesse, research and a deep understanding. You’ll be drawn in from page one, each and every time, no matter the book. This was, as always, totally addictive reading.

[Romaine Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often feel like I’m repeating myself A LOT when I review Kailee’s books. Why? Because she always delivers such phenomenal pieces of fiction, that’s why. I’ve never, ever been disappointed in any book she’s written.

Little Black Book takes us back almost to Sal’s beginning. He’s 18 and headed towards his destiny as a dominant. Good lord, this man...my forever and always sigh-worthy hero. He quite literally makes my toes curl. And now, I get to learn of a deeper connection with Nico (yet another favorite of mine), among many other revelations.

Kailee Reese Samuels writes excellent fiction. She creates full and colorful worlds with her words. She takes me to places I wouldn’t normally be able to go to. Her characters are so unique, so real, and I get so caught up in the story that I forget I’m reading. When I think back on the book I’ve just read, I see it, it feels like I watched a movie, and a very good one at that.

Kailee holds my heart in her hands as I read her books. She can make me laugh, cry, get angry, and even sigh in wanton desire. Yes, she’s that good. But I’m repeating myself AGAIN, aren’t I?

This is another excellent story by one of my absolutely favorite authors. Highly recommended.


Merged review:

I am such a fan girl of Kailee Reese Samuels. She hooked me quite a while back with the utter beauty of Salvatore Reniero, and I haven’t stopped reading her ever since.

Salvatore Reniero, my sigh-worthy hero, so beautiful, so strong and so very compelling. In this latest installment, Little Black Book 1, I’m being treated to a backstory that is interesting and revelatory. I adore this man, I’ve been privy to some of his most guarded thoughts in previous books, but now I get to watch him become who he is. I get to walk in his past and listen to his thoughts as he looks back on his life. This book was so much fun for me.

I’ve said this before but it bears repeating. Kailee Reese Samuels is a gifted writer, and I mean that sincerely. She takes me to wondrous places, introduces me to fascinating characters and let’s me experience events that I would never get to experience without her stories.

This book is yet another win for this most excellent author. I loved every page and read the book in one sitting. But that’s not unusual for me when I read Kailee. Highly recommended.

[Romaine Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sal Raniero's Little Black Book is a candid view of behind the scenes in the beginning of his journey from an 18 year old mafia punk with his swag, charms and love of women to the man he has become today. As he spills his secrets to us, our questions in other books are being answered.
And no surprise that my man Nico was there from the beginning as well as Anna.
Things are going to be even more interesting as each book is produced. Can't wait!!
The author's books are so addictive!!

Merged review:

4.5 🌟
Sal Raniero's Little Black Book is a candid view of behind the scenes in the beginning of his journey from an 18 year old mafia punk with his swag, charms and love of women to the man he has become today. As he spills his secrets to us, our questions in other books are being answered.
And no surprise that my man Nico was there from the beginning as well as Anna.
Things are going to be even more interesting as each book is produced. Can't wait!!
The author's books are so addictive!!