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Convenience #2

The Contract

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If only I'd never signed that contract. Or accepted the one I didn't.

My husband doesn't trust me. Not that I can blame him.

But he needs me, needs my image. I need his connections. And I have to find a way to convince him to set aside our differences.

There's one way that always works.

Even when we hate each other, our bodies betray us.

The one place we've never disagreed is in bed.

Except this is about more than just us.

And even Luka Zoric's legendary control breaks sometimes.

Book two of three.Book two in the Convenience series.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2020

477 people are currently reading
590 people want to read

About the author

Stella Gray

64 books743 followers
Stella Gray has always had her head in the clouds and has been writing since she was in high school. A contemporary romance author, she loves dark romances with morally gray men. When she’s not writing, she’s either in the kitchen testing out a new baking recipe or spending time in the great outdoors.

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5 stars
497 (44%)
4 stars
365 (32%)
3 stars
176 (15%)
2 stars
56 (5%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,677 reviews1,036 followers
October 23, 2021
I was expecting the plot gets twisted and the story gets more interesting. Even there is cliffhanger at the end, for the life of me, I feel the story rather flat.

There is a lot of sex. Miss Gray seems never shy bringing forward a lot of heat. But the characters attraction to each other confuses me. I do not understand why Luca suddenly have a chance of heart and let Brooklyn in. Jist like that. I think this is the pivitol point of the story that is missing.

3 stars
13 reviews
September 14, 2020
I really liked and got into the first book of this series but I'm struggling to continue with the second.
While on their honeymoon, Luka found out that Brooklyn was offered a contract from a rival modeling agency that she NEVER SIGNED. Luka is so angry that he is unwilling to listen (like a child) to anything Brooklyn is saying.... goes out with the intent to get drunk and sleep with someone else. He ends up making out with another woman in the elevator but doesn't sleep with her. He WANTS his wife to think he did. When he walks back into their honeymoon suite the next morning, Brooklyn is there thinking he's all sexy even though she thinks Luka slept with another woman? **I call BULL SHIT** No woman would EVER, EVER, EVER think "we'll now that he's had sex with someone else we might still have a chance". That's not romantic and to portray is like it is, STUPID.

I am not sure why the author thought that was okay? Why would other readers think that is okay? Brooklyn should RUN AWAY from Luka.

I am mad I spent money on this second book. YUCK.
Profile Image for Ilana.
1,220 reviews17 followers
August 12, 2020
It’s been a minute since I was wrapped in the world of Luka and Brooklyn but it takes just a second to remember where we left things off – they were newly married, they started to build a foundation that seemed stronger than the farce that this began as, and then it all crumbles on their honeymoon when Luka is tipped off about the contract that Brooklyn had been offered with Elite Models to get insider information about them to bring them down.

Mind you, that was old information, old news – the contract hadn’t been something that Brooklyn was pursuing at all anymore, but Luka didn’t care and so a wedge was forced between them. We spend the bulk of this second installment watching them hate each other. Watching Luka not allow Brooklyn to explain and watching Brooklyn trying to figure out how to survive knowing that the situation that they were in was something that she really couldn’t get out of. She was ambitious and she really did feel like there was something between her and Luka.

Every time they started to make progress, someone would come between them. That typically led to heat and passion and painfully raunchy sex (for a moment) but then nothing good would spawn from that. As a reader, you hope for more of those heated moments, but you know that there’s nothing good behind them.

It’s only when enough pushing is done that they take a moment outside of the world to be with the family to realize that there are emotions that mean something and use that as an opportunity to try to heal. If only healing was possible right? Through an unfortunate circumstance, with a person who was out for the downfall of Brooklyn (and likely the agency as well), we see the final scene of this book turn out in the exact opposite way that we want, and they are ripped apart again. I can’t wait to see what happens in this next book and how Luka can explain things, but i’m sure he’ll try. So…i’ll be patient
Profile Image for Mila.
356 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2020
3.5
I noticed I skipped the first book later in the story (i don't know how I didn't notice at the beginning. Weird) Anyways I want to read the next (and previous book ahaha) because I really enjoyed it.

Un poquito dramatic la forma en la que reacciona Maria Estela en la escena del final, but igual me gustó el book.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews75 followers
August 15, 2020
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The Contract starts right where we were at the end of The Sham. Luka & Brooklyn are at odds with each other 75% of this book, but that does not keep them from jumping into bed and having chemistry that ignites the kindle.

Although Luka and Brooklyn do argue throughout this story they do have a deep emotional connection to each other. But trust is something they need to earn and neither is one to just give it. These two can talk in the bedroom but they need to learn to communicate properly. I enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
July 30, 2020
This picks up right where book one ends and the events that happened still have Luka reeling and as hard as Brooklyn tries he won’t listen. I can’t wait for the next book cause with that plot twist I’m dying!
Profile Image for W.B..
464 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2021
Anger and Revenge are the two words I think would best describe how this book goes. He is angry so then he’ll do something to make her hurt. Like pretending that he’s with another woman just so she’ll regret her actions. So she will retaliate by making him jealous and so on and so on. This entire book was about how the could hurt each other.
They do have some feeling for one another like sexual tension but not are displayed until the end when they go on his birthday surprise trip.

One thing that really upset me was have easily she disregarded that he was with other woman. He may have just lied about it to make her jealous but he did kiss one girl on there honeymoon. She just forgot it like that. Like sex with him was worth getting disrespected.

He’s like haven’t been easy so I can understand how hard is was for him to find out about her betrayal but they both seemed a bit childish in my opinion. They don’t communicate with a hope they will do more in the next book. So they don’t repeat there mistakes.
Profile Image for Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb".
1,440 reviews17 followers
September 18, 2020
In bk. 1 The Sham I didn't think much of Brooklyn because of her insecurities. But in The Contract bk.2 you see her really struggling to get her career into the national spotlight. She is trying to become the New Face of Maxilene Cosmetics. But her arch nemesis Monica Shore is doing all she can to undermine Brooklyn and Luka's marriage and to steal the Maxilene Cosmetics for herself.

We know this isn't going to end good, because there is a bk. 3. Luka is determined not to fall in love. At times he treats Brooklyn cruelly and I just wanted her to leave him. She was trying so hard to be a good wife despite the fact there marriage was for convenience and not love.

I loved the Nassau family vacation they took. I really was happy to here Stefan and Tori's good news. Its always great to have a baby in the storyline. I am not a pet owner so Mr. Nibbles didn't do anything for me. When I think of a family unit its with a child not a dog. Sorry Mr. Kibbles!!

I would have to say that 50% of this story is sex. The rest of the story is ups and downs for the couple. They take one step forward but 2 steps back. But even with this I love the storytelling skills of Stella Grey.

The Audible Narration by Elena Wolfe and Sebastian York is Excellent!!
Profile Image for J. Grayland.
Author 7 books127 followers
July 8, 2021
If only I'd never signed that contract. Or accepted the one I didn't. My husband doesn't trust me. Not that I can blame him. But he needs me, needs my image. I need his connections. Book two in this series is the continuation of the strange relationship between Luca and Brooklyn and I say its strange because they have a great sexual chemistry and lots of hot sex, but I just did not like their characters, the constant bating each other had me asking myself."Why would you do that?" but in saying that the story line is very addictive and enthralling, now on to book three.
1,316 reviews2 followers
Read
November 12, 2022
Anger and revenge all made in contract in back the lovely strong hurt woman .so to not give up in love and trust all will be right.more angry sex.flat sometime.but gd.the end go far away what i expect.trust can hard to keep
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,398 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2020
Luka and Brooklyn are struggling to find common ground after her little secret came out, it has ruined their vacation, and also the little bit of trust she had built with Luka. She has no idea how to find her way back into his good graces when he is no longer listening to anything she has to say. It hurts having him push her away and that he doesn't believe her, the only thing she can do is be there when it finally blows over. Or when he finally decides to let her say her peace. Until then she is left with a cold, demanding Luka that makes her feel like she made a mistake signing that paper.

But it's her love for him that has her sticking around and holding out hope that he will come around. Which he does, but just as things between them start to shift back to where they started, a new problem is dropped in their laps... one that has them at odds all over again.

The Contract picked up right where the The Sham left off, and all those old feelings for this couple returned just as quick too. I am dying to see if this latest disaster will be the end for them or if their love will prevail. Got my fingers crossed that love will win, because these two are perfect for one another. Loved my little reunion with them, even if they left me gasping for air all over again... that ending! These two sure know how to amp up the drama! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one and meet this paring, you fall for them at first sight!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
1,101 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2020
This second book in the series picks up right where The Sham left off. This book, like the first is told from a dual point of view so we experience the intense anger and betrayal Luka feels towards his wife, Brooklyn, and her guilt and hurt following Luka's cold behavior after he finds out about the contract she was considering with his rival modeling agency. At the end of the first book, we know that each of them is starting to develop true feelings toward one another in spite of the way their sham relationship started. This story focuses on the turmoil swirling inside Luka as he tries to fight his physical need for Brooklyn. She, on the other hand, tries even harder to portray the wife role to the outside world and to fulfill the actual role inside their penthouse. They resort to game play, for him it's to inflict emotional pain on the wife who hurt him, and for her, she's trying to get him to reconsider their relationship. I really liked when Brooklyn finally decided to fight fire with fire, rather than to sit passively taking what Luka was dishing. During their roller coaster relationship, she tries to convince Luka to pursue the big cosmetics company contract on her behalf that will not only boost her career, but also his family's agency. There's a twist at the end of this book that leaves the reader hanging on the cliff to see what will happen to them in the concluding book!
1,645 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2020
This is Book 2 of the Convenience Series.

This is the continuing story of Luka & Brooklyn. Luka owns a modeling agency, and is trying to get it on a legal track after his father ruined it with illegal dealings. Brooklyn is a model looking for her big break. She lives in L.A. now for the past two years and gets offered a job with a modeling agency for a huge cosmetic company. There is only one catch. She has to try and get a job at the modeling agency that Luka owns, and pass information to the one in L.A. because they want to take over Lukas agency. She only promises to try and get a job with Luka's agency. Luka and Brooklyn are in a marriage of convenience. They got closer and closer as time went on, but he finds out she betrayed him, on their honeymoon, but she really didn't. She burned her copy of the contract. She was never going to go through with it. Wow, to stay they have their ups and downs is an understatement. They really have feelings for each other, but they are so mad all the time at each other, you would never know it. He can't get past the betrayal. This is a frustrating book to read, but in a good way. All was going as well as could be expected, Then, the bomb drops and leaves a cliffhanger. This is a great ongoing story with all kinds of emotions. I highly recommend this book and this series.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews448 followers
July 29, 2020
The Contract is book #2 in The Convenience Trilogy by Stella Gray. Book 2 picks up right where book #1- The Sham left off. Brooklyn's secret came out and Luka is left reeling. Brooklyn didn't get a chance to explain and all the progress that they had made was wiped away by 1 mistake. Public vs. Private- in public they act all happy but in private, Luka is angry and determined to make his "wife" pay for her betrayal. Brooklyn's upset that she didn't get a chance to explain what happened and she plays her part but soon, she gives up taking the payback from Luka and shows him her feelings. At the end there is a huge twist that turns this story on a flip...I didn't see this coming!! Now I need book 3 stat!! This story was full of betrayal, raw heartbreak, drama, passion, angst, vengeance, chemistry, feels , and love. Luka and Brooklyn are characters that will have you hooked on their story until the very last word is written. I can't wait until book 3 is out!!!

My Rating: 4.5 stars ********
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews189 followers
August 3, 2020
The Contract is the second book in the Convenience series, so it picks right back up where The Sham left off, meaning that you can't start with this one. Brooklyn's secret has come out, and Luka is enraged, and feeling betrayed. Brooklyn is hurt as well because her husband isn't listening to any sort of explanation, instead he's really cold towards her.  Now, I felt his pain at the beginning but I'm still #TEAMBROOKLYN because there's more than meets the eye.  Now he's really going off the deep end trying to hurt her while wanting her which enrages me to no end.  It made for a very brutal push & pull since it took her a minute before she stood up to what he was giving.  All of this leads up to another mother of a cliffy, so I will be impatiently waiting to see what comes next, and if Ms. Gray can have me forgiving Luca since I'm 100% livid when it comes to him.  Anyway, since I'm saying anything more, I'll end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDING TO ALL!  
Profile Image for Katelynn.
966 reviews30 followers
July 25, 2020
The Contract picks up where the cliffhanger from The Sham left off. Luka is reeling from the betrayal by his wife Brooklyn. While they started to make progress in the previous book this is all wiped away now. Luka is angry and distrustful while Brooklyn is trying to earn his forgiveness. He pushes her away and continues to play games to hurt her. Brooklyn is trying to keep up a good front while trying to repair their relationship. She keeps trying to hold onto their relationship while Luka processes his emotions. Stella and Luka have plenty of chemistry and an emotional connection that runs deep. The reader is taken on an emotional roller coaster with these characters and of course since this is a trilogy there's a new obstacle to cause turmoil at the end of the book. Excited to read book 3 in the series.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
August 1, 2020
THE CONTRACT by Stella Gray is book Two in the Convenience Series. This continues the story of Luka and Brooklyn, so you really should read the previous book 'The Sham' before starting this book. The Contract picks up where we left off with the secret and misunderstanding that has broken Luka and Brooklyn in their growing feelings. Luka is taking the upset very badly although in public he keeps his cool but in private, he has Brooklyn paying. Brooklyn didn't get the chance to clear the air and set things in the true order of this issue but with Luka attitude it is hard to clear and with the hurt does she want too? But there is another twist in their path that sets us up for the next installment in their love story. Then next book is called 'The Ruin'...can't wait for that one. I would recommend this series and this author's writing.
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,862 reviews21 followers
August 5, 2020
This is the second installment in the Convenience Series. You absolutely have to listen to this trilogy in order. The story continues where The Shame left off. Things get worse between Luka and Brooklyn, and the angst level is decidedly higher. I love Luka and Brooklyn, but they are both stubborn characters. They share an undeniable and sizzling hot chemistry. Their relationship has ups and downs, a lack of communication, trust issues, and misunderstandings. The story is fast-paced, and filled with twists and turns. My heart broke for Brooklyn. The supporting characters are great. The story ends with another cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next installment in the Series, The Ruin. I need a Happy Ending! This captivating Series is interconnected with the Arranged Series, Stefan and Tori's story.
Profile Image for Lauren - SERIESous Books.
1,851 reviews63 followers
April 12, 2025
This was just OK for me. I feel a disconnect between these characters. There are a lot of assumptions and tit-for-tat revenge moments that don't really enhance the character development for these two. I feel a bit let down in that regard because Luka has done a 180 since the previous series and we didn't really get to see that process or progress. As for Brooklyn, she repeats the same cycle of actions yet expects a different response every time so it gets a little exhausting.
I also crave more from the plot. I think the hope was to focus on the character development and how it's impacting their romance but it fell flat. So I just wanted something more to sink my teeth into.
These two have chemistry, no denying that, but I just think the mark was missed a bit in terms of capitalizing on it to reach its full potential.
Profile Image for KK.
223 reviews
August 24, 2020
The 2nd of 3 books in the Convenience series. Warning it ends in a cliffhanger.

This book starts where book 1 left off, with a little backstory thrown in.

This book is all about trust. Luca has lost all trust for Brooklyn. While Brooklyn had realized this was real and she loves Luca and wants the marriage to be real. Luca is so torn through the entire book, he does care for her, but he doesn't trust her.

There's a fair amount of hate sex going on, and slowly... slowly they learn to trust. For Luca it's still tentative, but he wants to trust her, I believe he wants to love her. Brooklyn wants to tell him she loves him.

We also get some Stefan and Tori and learn more about their story and future in this installment. Very entertaining book. I can't wait for book 3.
Profile Image for Melody.
598 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2023
I hate this book. I didn’t give it 1 or even 2 stars b/c it was angsty enough that I was totally curious how it would end. And I’m sooo very disappointed (again) at the reactions and behavior or both Brooklyn and Luka …it is very rare that I don’t eventually look past the drama and fall for “them” …it’s why I eventually fell for both Stefon and Torrie.. vulnerability honesty - them getting their head out their ass - makes for good fodder.

But Brooklyn is really just hard to root for. She’s impulsive and let’s sex sway her - she doesn’t talk or listen - and her reaction at that the end of this one is just stupid!!!

Sooo…begrudgingly I’m going to listen to book 3. But as of now - Im not a fan of this series.
Profile Image for Breen.
1,550 reviews
July 28, 2020
“Okay wow!!! I don’t even know where to start. Perhaps saying that you cant read The Contract without reading The Sham because this book started right where the first one ended. So book two in the Convenience trilogy was pure heaven. A journey full of vengeance, deception, payback, passion and love. Brooklyn and Luka are absolutely amazing and their chemistry was delightful to read. I was able to feel the spark between and they gave me the kind of good chills. The constant push and pull between the ups and downs. And that ending! I so desperately need to see how things will continue. The after cliff emotions are intense, trust me.”
Profile Image for Mariella Castro amaro.
333 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2021

En este libro odie a Luka con todas mis fuerzas, es tan egoísta e impulsivo, me dieron ganas de dejar de leer, pero llegó a un punto que las cosas mejoraron, hasta ese final que me dejo con ganas de más, porque ahora si siento que Luka y Broklyn han tocado fondo.

Mi problema con el libro sonlos personajes, me sentía tan frustrada con Broklyn pero de cierta forma se entiende que ella solo quiere avanzar en su carrera, y Luka se aprovecha de esto, y esto es lo que me hace enojar, si bien llegados a este punto ambos ya tienen sentimientos, aún no se dan cuenta de esto, o si lo tienen pero les da miedo decirlas, pero el final fue la guinda del pastel.
Profile Image for bookchronic .
588 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2022
Ufffff......toooo muchhhhh angst and man isn't it cute they got themselves a puppy and the way Luca looks after it is so freaking adorable 🥰 i m so done with all the misunderstanding it's like on step ahead and ten back....maeto i m goona kill you Brooklyn girl what were u thinking i was so mad her i don't even know what to do....it is not like he knows it....i seriously feel bad for Luca he did every damn thing their is to prove her he wants this marriage and to keep trying and give it a real shot but....she goes and dumps him with her jealousy and misunderstanding can't u just listen to what he has to say...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer D..
728 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2020
So, that just happened.... I was sucked right back in and couldn't put it down. I loved every angsty bit! The Contract picks up right where The Sham left off. There is a lot of growth in both Luke and Brooklyn in this book. It's obvious they care about each other but they have so many issues to overcome. Just when you think they are finally starting to get their relationship on solid ground, sh*t hits the fan. This ends in another cliffhanger that leaves you wondering how they will ever be able to move past all their issues. Can't wait to see!!
Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,941 reviews3 followers
March 5, 2023
Luka knows the truth and now doesn’t trust her. It makes for some awkward situations but they have to show willing for the company!

She acts hurt that he doesn’t her when she did not tell him the truth. Then he cheats by kissing someone else and she forgives him. I know this was a deal but as they were supposedly getting on, she seemed to still only care about herself and her jobs. The way he acts at the jobs was also completely unacceptable. They are supposed to be putting on a united front but then she uses her friendships to make him jealous

Xx
Profile Image for Alharaca.
878 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2020
I can't wait for the next one, it actually leave me hanging and wanting to know what would happen, love how the author throws our couple in different scenarios and how they fend off, I really enjoy this book you'll fall more in love with them and will want to shake them but later it would have you swooning, and that's one of the things I like, that I didn't imagine what would happen next, grab your copy of these series you are not going to regret it.
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