The Contract by Melanie Moreland is a romance novel that follows the story of Richard VanRyan, a grumpy and abusive boss, who seeks his PA Katherine's help in a deception to secure a new job. As they navigate through a pretend engagement, their relationship transforms from contempt to admiration and love. The plot delves into themes of personal growth, redemption, and the power of love to change individuals, all while showcasing a unique enemies-to-lovers storyline. The writing style of the book captures the emotional journey of the characters, their evolving dynamics, and the depth of their feelings as they navigate through fake kisses to real emotions.

Characters:

Richard starts as a flawed and selfish character but undergoes significant development, while Katherine reveals her strength, supported by a depth of characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is mature and engaging, combining emotional depth with an easy-going style that keeps readers invested.

Plot/Storyline:

The story revolves around a fake engagement consisting of a difficult boss and his assistant, highlighting character transformations and personal growth.

Setting:

The setting largely revolves around a corporate workplace, exploring dynamics between characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but improves with character interactions, though some readers noted it dragged in certain areas.

The door opened, and she tripped in—literally. I didn’t even bother to hide the fact I rolled my eyes in disgust. I had never met anyone as clumsy as her—she tripped over air. I swore she spent more t...

Notes:

The Contract is by Melanie Moreland and features themes of enemies to lovers and a marriage of convenience.

The main character, Richard, starts off as very unlikable—arrogant and mean.

The protagonist, Katharine (Katy), is Richard's personal assistant who has to endure his verbal abuse.

As the story progresses, Richard undergoes significant character development, evolving from an asshole to a more considerate partner.

A significant element of the plot involves Richard hiring Katy to pose as his fiancée to improve his image at work.

Readers noted the slow burn of their relationship, which gradually turns genuine despite a rough start.

The book is told mainly from Richard's point of view, which allows readers to see his internal struggles and transformation.

Supporting characters, such as Penny—a woman who influenced Katy's life—play a vital role in developing the main characters' arcs.

The story emphasizes themes of personal growth and emotional transformation.

The narrative includes moments of humor and heartfelt emotion, creating a balance of feelings for the reader.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for The Contract may include workplace harassment and emotional distress due to character backstories.

Has Romance?

Romance is a significant element of the story, evolving from contempt to deep emotional connection.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

A tyrant by day, a playboy by night. That is the reputation that precedes Richard VanRyan. He lives life the way he wants, no concern for the opinion of others. He cares for no one, is completely unrepentant, and he has no desire to change his ways. Katharine Elliott works under Richard as his PA. She despises him and his questionable ethics, but endures all the garbage he sends her way, because she needs the job. Her end goal is far more important than the daily abuse and demands she tolerates from her nasty tyrant of a boss. Until the day, he asks her for something she never expected. A new role with a personal contract- fianc e instead of PA. What happens when two people who loathe each other, have to live together and act as though they are madly in love? Sparks. That's what happens. Can the power of love really change a person? Will they survive the contract? What do you do when the one person you hate the most becomes the one person you can't live without?

Ratings (30)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (13)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (66):

Read It (38)
Want To Read (19)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Soukapal

Loved It

1 year

a sweet slow burn with tear jerking moments

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The Contract?

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About the Author:

Melanie Moreland lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of twenty-seven-plus years. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. Known as the quiet one with the big laugh, Melanie works at a local university and for its football team. Her job, while demanding, is rewarding as she cheers on her team to victory. While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. Melanie delights in a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isn't buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative storylines to her, often with a large glass of wine keeping her company.

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The Contract

Melanie Moreland

Book 1 in the series:The Contract