The Boyfriend Contract

I jumped into this one with both feet, Victoria knows how to lure you in and not let go! Fantastic plot and two amazing lead characters who grow throughout the story and what a delight that was to see these two fall for each other. Even with a contract scratched out on a piece of paper by Cooper, as dictated by Emily. Emily's moved from the city to small town after her parents died and she inherits her Grandmothers rather dilapidated old home. Her plans are to restore it and turn it in to an upscale small inn. She's already met with the contractor and when she hits town, her first stop is the little coffee shop where she gets an eye full of hotness along with her caffeine fix. Imagine her surprise when that eye full shows up at her door to talk with her about starting the house renovation. That eye full would be Cooper. Cooper and his brothers work for their Dad's business and Coop is the lead man on this job. Sister owns the local coffee shop and she's adorable. She and Emily become quick friends. Emily never really had friends, she was too busy working along side her father in their hotel and inn business. There's a load of backstory there and needs to be read to be appreciated fully. Cooper has his own history as well, he's a widower, his wife died 5 years prior and he's taken himself out of the game. Cooper is locked down tight, but the attraction to Emily grows and becomes overwhelming, and Cooper asks Emily out on a date. It's a great story of a fledgling romance by two adults, a hilarious family as supporting cast courtesy of Coop's family and Emily's growth through her relationship with Cooper. My only tiny issue was that at one point I thought Emily was just a wee bit too nice. She'a wonderful person, truly she is but there was a point where all that nice was overdone. But that's just me. Spectacular read and I can't wait for the rest of the family to get their stories, or so I'm hoping! arc from Entangled via NetGalley for an honest review.

So much more than I expected. I thought this would be more of a romantic comedy based on the concept of drafting a contract for your boyfriend but I was wonderfully surprised with the depth of emotion and drama that I actually got. Emily is forging a new path following the ultimate betrayal by her father after he dies, giving the family business to her abusive brother. She inherited her grandmother's historic house in Maple Hill and decides to turn it into a boutique inn. In business, Emily has all the confidence in the world having worked alongside her father for years. But in all other things, she is full of insecurities following the abuse inflicted by her brother over the years. Something we can all related to on some level. Yet, given all the doubts that will plague her and almost debilitate her, she pushes through, she finds the inner strength and courage to fight for what she believes in. When the town turns down her proposal to rezone the property, well, it almost crushes her. Now, her contractor, Cooper, is a bright light in all the craziness and he never makes her feel inferior even if she doesn't know how to do something. Cooper is drawn to Emily's heart and strength. He sees this amazing woman that is always willing to help anyone and it sparks something in him that he lost years ago. He is dealing with his own issues but Emily might be just what he needs to emerge from his fear. There are so many beautiful moments in this journey that took my breath away. I found this story very relatable as I experienced Emily and Cooper battling their fears and insecurities. And what Emily ends up doing with her grandmother's house is inspiring.

LOVED this book! I found myself totally engrossed in this story and couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and was so immersed in Emily and Cooper's story that I felt as though I was a part of it, experiencing it along side them. Both of them have had difficulties in their pasts that are overshadowing their futures. This adds to their depth and makes them feel real and come alive on the pages. I especially enjoyed how they each grew and reached for difficult things, even when they're scary and filled with unknowns. If you enjoy contemporary romance, this is a must read. The author is a master of the genre and creates stories that stay with you. She is on my must read authors' list. Fair warning - this novel touches on domestic abuse, but with a gentle touch. Additionally, while this is very much a grown up story, it is clean and does not contain any explicit scenes or language.