4 stars! 
 Review at Of Pens and Pages. 
 The Contract had everything I wanted in a story--hate to love, marriage of convenience, slow burn! There's genuine dislike between our a-hole hero and strong and resilient heroine, and it was such a pleasure to read the gradual change in their relationship as they played house. 
 Richard VanRyan is sick of getting screwed over by his boss and the only other major ad agency in Victoria is his current company's competitor. Richard wants to jump ship, but the competitor has heard of his tyranny and playboy ways and isn't impressed. He's going to have to convince them he's a changed man if he wants a chance to work for them. 
 His only hope? His PA, Katharine Elliott. The thing is, he isn't exactly nice to her. Like, at all. And he doesn't like her. He thinks she's too meek, too plain, too clumsy, too much of a doormat. But she's perfect for the role in his scheme and he knows it. Now he's going to have to beg her to help him, and he'll do whatever it takes to make it work. 
 In the beginning of the story, Richard deserved the nickname people often called people who are named Richard usually have, if you get my drift. I swear, Katy had the patience of a saint. He treated her like crap, but she held on because she wanted to keep her aunt Penny in the private home. As their relationship progressed, he became more human, more empathic to others, and definitely more protective over Katy, and eventually aunt Penny. 
 Katy started out as this total doormat who wouldn't fight back when Richard treated her like crap, but when they start their arrangement where Richard needs her more than she needs him, she becomes upfront and does not tolerate it when he's being mean to her. Honestly, I wanted to punch Richard in the eye. I loved it when she put him in his place. I lived for it! Go, Katy! 
 Be careful, Richard, or I'll take you with me to the shelter and have you neutered!" 
 I loved the progress of their relationship, Richard's transition from d-bag to a man in love, and Katy's strength throughout the story. The banter, chemistry, the little moments when we can see things are changing between them. Ahhhh. 
 Why do you love Katy?" 
 "Because she makes me look at the world in a different way. She grounds me... She makes life brighter. She showed me what real love meant." 
 I loved the book, but I have to admit some parts in the second half were a little cheesy for my taste. I'll be honest and say I skimmed some paragraphs. Still, I really enjoyed this book. 
 If you're a fan of marriage of convenience/fake relationship stories with a-hole heroes and lovable heroines, you'll love The Contract. 
 Tropes: Hate to Love, Fake Engagement, Marriage of Convenience, Boss-Employee 
 POV: First Person, Dual POV 
 Standalone: Yes 
 *ARC received in exchange for an honest review. 
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