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Contractual
They told me I’d be an escort; they made it sound so easy.
Really I’m just a high priced call girl.
Desperation brought me to this and it led me to him, my one and only client.
Hating him is easy, he reminds me of my shame.
Wanting him is wrong it fills me with guilt.
Loving him is a losing battle yet it’s become everything.
A gift and a curse, he consumes my every thought and I’d rather play my part in his bed than to spend one day without him.
Really I’m just a high priced call girl.
Desperation brought me to this and it led me to him, my one and only client.
Hating him is easy, he reminds me of my shame.
Wanting him is wrong it fills me with guilt.
Loving him is a losing battle yet it’s become everything.
A gift and a curse, he consumes my every thought and I’d rather play my part in his bed than to spend one day without him.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2015
20 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Alice Tribue
17 books703 followersAlice Tribue is a bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. She is currently living in New Jersey with her two children and spends as much of her free time as she can by the beach. She enjoys reading, writing, and an unhealthy addiction to coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
January 29, 2015
The best way I could possibly describe this book would be to say it was lukewarm. It started off well enough, had all the right ingredients but for some reason the story started losing momentum as it progressed. Now if you know me well you'll know I love alpha males, but Jackson's character felt a little too desperate and Sage just seemed a little too meek and a little to sorry for herself. Making the story seem contrived?
I need a little more background info on a character in order to connect. Jackson and Sage both had hang ups due to their upbringing, there was a little info but not enough for me to empathise. Almost like having cotton balls in your ears while listening to a great song.
Then there's the short length of the book, so much happened and it felt like it was all squished into a slightly longer than a novella book. Some parts felt summarised, and it took away from the intensity of the book. I need the book I'm reading to be intense.
Now we all love happy endings but sometimes too much detail can be a bad thing. Give the reader the benefit of the doubt.
Now on the off chance that this all sounds negative, I'd like to add I did enjoy some parts in the book, but the bad parts overshadowed the good ones. I was feeling generous so I gave the book three stars.
But that's just my opinion.
I need a little more background info on a character in order to connect. Jackson and Sage both had hang ups due to their upbringing, there was a little info but not enough for me to empathise. Almost like having cotton balls in your ears while listening to a great song.
Then there's the short length of the book, so much happened and it felt like it was all squished into a slightly longer than a novella book. Some parts felt summarised, and it took away from the intensity of the book. I need the book I'm reading to be intense.
Now we all love happy endings but sometimes too much detail can be a bad thing. Give the reader the benefit of the doubt.
Now on the off chance that this all sounds negative, I'd like to add I did enjoy some parts in the book, but the bad parts overshadowed the good ones. I was feeling generous so I gave the book three stars.
But that's just my opinion.
November 24, 2016
I love AMT's books, she does alphaholes that have to work for their redemption so well. And Jackson played the part perfectly, though I loved his sweetness that went hand in hand with the arsehole :D
March 12, 2015
****ARC received in exchange for honest review****
May contain mild spoilers:
Well, she did it again. I managed to have ANOTHER sleepless night because I was up reading WAYYY too late.
Ok, so Jackson is an @hole. No beating around the bush on that one. He's filthy rich and good looking. He knows women only want him because of his money, so he avoids relationships. He also had a rotten mother, so that doesn't help his issues when it comes to relationships.
Then there's Sage. She comes from a lousy family that treats here bad. She moves to NY with her boyfriend and his daughter only to catch him cheating. When she throws him out, she ends up in debt and can't find a job. Rather than end up homeless, she ends up working as an escort.
Jackson ends up being her client and was NOT sympathetic of this being her first time doing this job. He was pretty cruel to her until he realizes how amazing she is.
I don't want to give any more info than that, but highly suggest this book.
There's a bit of angst, but not TOO much. There is no "insta love" which I am happy about. Sage and Jackson are definitely a likeable couple and you really love them (after Jackson stops being a jack@ss) This is a HEA with an awesome epilogue.
Now I need to go sleep....
May contain mild spoilers:
Well, she did it again. I managed to have ANOTHER sleepless night because I was up reading WAYYY too late.
Ok, so Jackson is an @hole. No beating around the bush on that one. He's filthy rich and good looking. He knows women only want him because of his money, so he avoids relationships. He also had a rotten mother, so that doesn't help his issues when it comes to relationships.
Then there's Sage. She comes from a lousy family that treats here bad. She moves to NY with her boyfriend and his daughter only to catch him cheating. When she throws him out, she ends up in debt and can't find a job. Rather than end up homeless, she ends up working as an escort.
Jackson ends up being her client and was NOT sympathetic of this being her first time doing this job. He was pretty cruel to her until he realizes how amazing she is.
I don't want to give any more info than that, but highly suggest this book.
There's a bit of angst, but not TOO much. There is no "insta love" which I am happy about. Sage and Jackson are definitely a likeable couple and you really love them (after Jackson stops being a jack@ss) This is a HEA with an awesome epilogue.
Now I need to go sleep....
March 1, 2016
With walls closing in on her and running out of money, desperation makes Sage answer an advert for a job as a massage therapist. Sage soon realizes that the expectations of the job went beyond using her hands, she was expected to provide a "happy ending". The job description was to be an Escort providing a certain brand of happiness to elite clientele.
Enter Jackson Stone - smart, successful and handsome but a complete asshole. Sex for him is purely a business transaction. All he is looking for is someone to fill what he is missing from a relationship - dinner, f**ks whenever he wants, he gets what he paid for.
Sage and Jackson enter into a contracual agreement but lines begin to be crossed and the escort/client boundaries that are meant to be adhered to become more and more blurred.
second reading from this talented author and I really liked her writing style. Much better that the usual run of the mill contract stories that are produced. I liked that Jackson was a complete asshole - he is not a hearts and soul man but thats what made his character more endearing to me.
Jerk vs good girl equals a good outcome.
Enter Jackson Stone - smart, successful and handsome but a complete asshole. Sex for him is purely a business transaction. All he is looking for is someone to fill what he is missing from a relationship - dinner, f**ks whenever he wants, he gets what he paid for.
Sage and Jackson enter into a contracual agreement but lines begin to be crossed and the escort/client boundaries that are meant to be adhered to become more and more blurred.
second reading from this talented author and I really liked her writing style. Much better that the usual run of the mill contract stories that are produced. I liked that Jackson was a complete asshole - he is not a hearts and soul man but thats what made his character more endearing to me.
Jerk vs good girl equals a good outcome.
January 22, 2015
This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last as I loved it. This is a one sitting story- well it was for me:)
Alone and desperate Sage ends up working as an escort, something she certainly didn't want to do. This is when she meets Jackson Stone. They don't realise that both their lives are about to change forever. As I kept reading I went from disliking Jackson to really liking him. Loved the storyline-kinda reminded me of Pretty Woman.
Both characters have a story to tell. With plenty of twists and turns I was gripped to this story from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Alone and desperate Sage ends up working as an escort, something she certainly didn't want to do. This is when she meets Jackson Stone. They don't realise that both their lives are about to change forever. As I kept reading I went from disliking Jackson to really liking him. Loved the storyline-kinda reminded me of Pretty Woman.
Both characters have a story to tell. With plenty of twists and turns I was gripped to this story from start to finish. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
January 26, 2015
Contractual was fast-paced, addictive, and scorching hot. I LOVED IT!!!
This is a standalone romance about two people from opposite worlds brought together by chance and kept together by love. Jackson Stone is at the top of his game, achieving all his business aspirations and firmly planted in bachelorhood.
“Romantic love is not a concept that I’m familiar with or interested in familiarizing myself with. Love is for the weak, everyday people looking for soul mates, a partner to witness their life. There’s nothing in my life that I wish for someone else to witness.”
Sage Turner moved to NYC with her now ex boyfriend. After months of struggling financially, losing her job and receiving an eviction notice, Sage's desperation level is SKY HIGH. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as Sage runs out of options she does the unthinkable and accepts an escort position.
“So, you see, Sage, in essence, it’s almost like dating without the silly get-to-know-you process. Some of our girls have been here for years and have been with the same client for the entire time.”
Jackson is seeking a no nonsense/no strings attached “companion” therefore he hits the roof when he finds out the newly hired escort is the nearly shy and definitely not experienced, Sage Turner.
“Just when I thought this couldn’t get any worse, he opens his mouth and tears me down even further. I’m starting to believe that my time with Jackson Stone will leave me even more damaged than I ever thought possible.”
Now, this is definitely a scorching hot erotic romance -- trust me, you'll be fanning yourself!! That said this story is genuinely relationship-focused. The struggles these characters faced were real and heartfelt. I loved the balance and really felt that the sex complimented the story.
“This is all that he wants; this is the extent of a relationship that I can ever have with him. And even if I could have a real relationship with him, he would never choose me, never want me—why would he when he knows exactly what I am. He paid for it himself.”
WOW!! This book had me HOOKED from the very first page and I could not put it down until the end!! An unconventional love story with a twist that I totally did not see coming!!! Grab CONTRACTUAL today! I promise you will love devouring this fabulous read!
CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW WITH MR. STONE HERE --> http://bit.ly/RG-JSInterview
This is a standalone romance about two people from opposite worlds brought together by chance and kept together by love. Jackson Stone is at the top of his game, achieving all his business aspirations and firmly planted in bachelorhood.
“Romantic love is not a concept that I’m familiar with or interested in familiarizing myself with. Love is for the weak, everyday people looking for soul mates, a partner to witness their life. There’s nothing in my life that I wish for someone else to witness.”
Sage Turner moved to NYC with her now ex boyfriend. After months of struggling financially, losing her job and receiving an eviction notice, Sage's desperation level is SKY HIGH. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as Sage runs out of options she does the unthinkable and accepts an escort position.
“So, you see, Sage, in essence, it’s almost like dating without the silly get-to-know-you process. Some of our girls have been here for years and have been with the same client for the entire time.”
Jackson is seeking a no nonsense/no strings attached “companion” therefore he hits the roof when he finds out the newly hired escort is the nearly shy and definitely not experienced, Sage Turner.
“Just when I thought this couldn’t get any worse, he opens his mouth and tears me down even further. I’m starting to believe that my time with Jackson Stone will leave me even more damaged than I ever thought possible.”
Now, this is definitely a scorching hot erotic romance -- trust me, you'll be fanning yourself!! That said this story is genuinely relationship-focused. The struggles these characters faced were real and heartfelt. I loved the balance and really felt that the sex complimented the story.
“This is all that he wants; this is the extent of a relationship that I can ever have with him. And even if I could have a real relationship with him, he would never choose me, never want me—why would he when he knows exactly what I am. He paid for it himself.”
WOW!! This book had me HOOKED from the very first page and I could not put it down until the end!! An unconventional love story with a twist that I totally did not see coming!!! Grab CONTRACTUAL today! I promise you will love devouring this fabulous read!
CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW WITH MR. STONE HERE --> http://bit.ly/RG-JSInterview
January 25, 2015
Jackson Stone doesn't believe in romantic love. He thinks it's useless, makes people weak, and there is no way in hell that he'll ever fall victim to its prey. But a man like him has needs and lately, satisfying those needs has come with unwanted complications. Jackson decides he needs a professional.
Enter Sage Turner: a woman who moved to New York, but is struggling to make ends meet. She has no other choice but to work as an escort with only the one client. He is a man she hates, wants, and can't be without. The lines start blurring the more she learns about and spends time with Jackson, until leaving him or losing him is no longer the best option but the worst.
Contractual is not all about sex despite the fact that Sage is technically an escort and Jackson is her client. It is so much more, and while you can't go so far as to say that they are basically a normal couple, you also can't say that they don't care about each other because they absolutely do. It is a beautiful story about choices, struggle, and finding love in the most unlikely places.
Contractual made my heart ache and sometimes it made me want to cry, but I enjoyed the book very much! I loved Jackson's possessiveness, dominance, and how different he was with Sage. I loved Sage's sass, strength, and her heart. I just completely loved this spectacular story!
Contractual is a standalone, it does have a HEA, and it's told from both Jackson and Sage's POV. ~ Paige, 5 stars
~~~
I need a Jackson Stone in my life!!
Jackson does not do relationships. That's why he pays for companionship without strings to tie him down. Lately though, he's become bored so he gets his friend, Victoria, to set him someone different than his usual.
Sage moved from the Midwest to New York City with her ex, yet he does the unforgivable and now she's on her own and struggling. She's put in a predicament which causes her take a job as an escort, and the first time she encounters Jackson Stone, she knows she will never be the same again. Jackson knows Sage is nothing like the woman he is used to and he knows that if he's not careful, he will never be the same again as well.
Sage is no expert at being an escort so her feistiness shows up when she stands up to Jackson. That is, until he reminds her that she is an escort, someone he's paid for to do what he wants. There were many times that I really wished I could reach in and smack some sense into him, yet that is what made Jackson Stone, Jackson Stone - his bluntness.
As Jackson and Sage continue their relationship, they start crossing lines that neither one of them is ready for yet but the time they realize it, it's too late. The chemistry between them is so scorching hot that it had me wishing I was Sage! Jackson's dirty talking is just delicious!! And oh, the things he tells her sometimes even had me getting teary eyed and screaming at my tablet.
Oh, Ms Montalvo-Tribue, I read this in one sitting and yes, I paid for it the next day with only 4 hours of sleep, but I do not regret it because I needed to know what would happen between them. This is a definite must read in my book !! ~ Kara, 5 Sizzling Stars
Enter Sage Turner: a woman who moved to New York, but is struggling to make ends meet. She has no other choice but to work as an escort with only the one client. He is a man she hates, wants, and can't be without. The lines start blurring the more she learns about and spends time with Jackson, until leaving him or losing him is no longer the best option but the worst.
Contractual is not all about sex despite the fact that Sage is technically an escort and Jackson is her client. It is so much more, and while you can't go so far as to say that they are basically a normal couple, you also can't say that they don't care about each other because they absolutely do. It is a beautiful story about choices, struggle, and finding love in the most unlikely places.
Contractual made my heart ache and sometimes it made me want to cry, but I enjoyed the book very much! I loved Jackson's possessiveness, dominance, and how different he was with Sage. I loved Sage's sass, strength, and her heart. I just completely loved this spectacular story!
Contractual is a standalone, it does have a HEA, and it's told from both Jackson and Sage's POV. ~ Paige, 5 stars
~~~
I need a Jackson Stone in my life!!
Jackson does not do relationships. That's why he pays for companionship without strings to tie him down. Lately though, he's become bored so he gets his friend, Victoria, to set him someone different than his usual.
Sage moved from the Midwest to New York City with her ex, yet he does the unforgivable and now she's on her own and struggling. She's put in a predicament which causes her take a job as an escort, and the first time she encounters Jackson Stone, she knows she will never be the same again. Jackson knows Sage is nothing like the woman he is used to and he knows that if he's not careful, he will never be the same again as well.
Sage is no expert at being an escort so her feistiness shows up when she stands up to Jackson. That is, until he reminds her that she is an escort, someone he's paid for to do what he wants. There were many times that I really wished I could reach in and smack some sense into him, yet that is what made Jackson Stone, Jackson Stone - his bluntness.
As Jackson and Sage continue their relationship, they start crossing lines that neither one of them is ready for yet but the time they realize it, it's too late. The chemistry between them is so scorching hot that it had me wishing I was Sage! Jackson's dirty talking is just delicious!! And oh, the things he tells her sometimes even had me getting teary eyed and screaming at my tablet.
Oh, Ms Montalvo-Tribue, I read this in one sitting and yes, I paid for it the next day with only 4 hours of sleep, but I do not regret it because I needed to know what would happen between them. This is a definite must read in my book !! ~ Kara, 5 Sizzling Stars
January 26, 2015
I usually stay away from books where the heroine is the escort in the story. However, this one was more. The heroine is not a whore.
Sage followed her boyfriend and his daughter to New York City from Indiana. Shortly after arriving to NYC, Sage finds her boyfriend having sex on their bed with a neighbor. Sage has no job, no money and is being threatened with an eviction. She sees an ad in the paper for a masseuse. She thinks she can do it since she took some classes years before. However, when she goes to the interview, she finds out the position is for more than a masseuse. It is to be an escort. However, this is a high-end escort service. The girl sees only one client at a time. Sage feels that she has run out of all options and decides to take the job. Mr. Jackson Stone does not want a commitment. He is a billionaire and he feels that even when he tells the women he brings home that he wants no commitment; they just ignore him and think they can change his mind. He decides that he is better to pay a girl to relieve his stress. He calls his friend from college who runs a high-end escort service and is paired with Sage or “Meadow”.
Jackson Stone is not a nice man. He told the his friend that he wanted an experienced girl, but instead ends up with Sage who has Jackson on her first night and is not all that experienced. Jackson says some hurtful words. He knows he is not a nice man, but he does not seem to care. However, as time passes, he keeps calling Sage back.
It took me a few pages to get into this story. I was afraid at first that it was going to be too wordy. It is not until 14% or so that the heroine and the hero meet. However, looking back now I understand that the author needed to set everything up. I needed to really understand the desperation in order to not think badly of Sage. After that point, I could not stop reading. It was amazing the way the story developed. Five stars until we got to 75%. What do I love in stories??? When the hero grovels. I love angst in my story, but more than anything I love when the main characters realizes they have made a mistake and grovel. There was little to no groveling in this one and that is why the story lost a whole star, from 5 stars to 4 stars. It is not enough to say “I am sorry” and the other character to “okay”. Not only that but I felt that the hero was making other irrational comments and the heroine just accepting. I need to know to what depths the hero will go to win the heroine’s heart and in this book after the word “sorry” with a quick acceptance was not enough.
Saying all that though, I liked the story. I liked Sage a lot. I liked the way the story developed. I will definitely read more by this author.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Sage followed her boyfriend and his daughter to New York City from Indiana. Shortly after arriving to NYC, Sage finds her boyfriend having sex on their bed with a neighbor. Sage has no job, no money and is being threatened with an eviction. She sees an ad in the paper for a masseuse. She thinks she can do it since she took some classes years before. However, when she goes to the interview, she finds out the position is for more than a masseuse. It is to be an escort. However, this is a high-end escort service. The girl sees only one client at a time. Sage feels that she has run out of all options and decides to take the job. Mr. Jackson Stone does not want a commitment. He is a billionaire and he feels that even when he tells the women he brings home that he wants no commitment; they just ignore him and think they can change his mind. He decides that he is better to pay a girl to relieve his stress. He calls his friend from college who runs a high-end escort service and is paired with Sage or “Meadow”.
Jackson Stone is not a nice man. He told the his friend that he wanted an experienced girl, but instead ends up with Sage who has Jackson on her first night and is not all that experienced. Jackson says some hurtful words. He knows he is not a nice man, but he does not seem to care. However, as time passes, he keeps calling Sage back.
It took me a few pages to get into this story. I was afraid at first that it was going to be too wordy. It is not until 14% or so that the heroine and the hero meet. However, looking back now I understand that the author needed to set everything up. I needed to really understand the desperation in order to not think badly of Sage. After that point, I could not stop reading. It was amazing the way the story developed. Five stars until we got to 75%. What do I love in stories??? When the hero grovels. I love angst in my story, but more than anything I love when the main characters realizes they have made a mistake and grovel. There was little to no groveling in this one and that is why the story lost a whole star, from 5 stars to 4 stars. It is not enough to say “I am sorry” and the other character to “okay”. Not only that but I felt that the hero was making other irrational comments and the heroine just accepting. I need to know to what depths the hero will go to win the heroine’s heart and in this book after the word “sorry” with a quick acceptance was not enough.
Saying all that though, I liked the story. I liked Sage a lot. I liked the way the story developed. I will definitely read more by this author.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2015
I am going to admit that I seriously considered putting this book down after reading the first encounter between Jackson and Sage. It was rough and unpleasant to say the least. However, I am very glad that I didn't give into my initial knee jerk reaction and walk away from the story. Jackson could really run for the title of King of All Jerks and give almost anyone a run for their money. Cold, indifferent, and completely self centered are all fair assessments of the initial Jackson that we meet. There's a very small sliver of decency shown after his initial encounter with Sage, but it is so small that it couldn't possibly make up for his behavior.
Both Jackson and Sage come from difficult families, have issues with trust, and neither are looking for a happily ever after when they come together. What they have in the beginning is purely a business arrangement, and one that Sage feels that she has no choice but to make. I enjoyed how realistic Tribue made Sage and Jackson. Both are flawed and willing to sweep things under the carpet at any opportunity. Neither wants to acknowledge what is possibly developing between them, but for different reasons. Sage doesn't want to be the naive fool who thinks that Jackson could ever be more to her than a client. While Jackson doesn't want to believe that he has the need for more than what he has contracted Sage for.
CONTRACTUAL is a hold on to your feminist sensibilities read. Jackson is no one's knight in shining armor or even a bad ass with a heart of gold. No, Jackson is Jackson and he gives it to you the way he wants you to have it. I will definitely be checking out other work by Alice Tribue. After all, any writer who can swing a character like Jackson back around for me deserves some big applause!
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
Both Jackson and Sage come from difficult families, have issues with trust, and neither are looking for a happily ever after when they come together. What they have in the beginning is purely a business arrangement, and one that Sage feels that she has no choice but to make. I enjoyed how realistic Tribue made Sage and Jackson. Both are flawed and willing to sweep things under the carpet at any opportunity. Neither wants to acknowledge what is possibly developing between them, but for different reasons. Sage doesn't want to be the naive fool who thinks that Jackson could ever be more to her than a client. While Jackson doesn't want to believe that he has the need for more than what he has contracted Sage for.
CONTRACTUAL is a hold on to your feminist sensibilities read. Jackson is no one's knight in shining armor or even a bad ass with a heart of gold. No, Jackson is Jackson and he gives it to you the way he wants you to have it. I will definitely be checking out other work by Alice Tribue. After all, any writer who can swing a character like Jackson back around for me deserves some big applause!
You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/
January 12, 2015
Abby's review 5 stars
"They're all looking to be the one.... the one who makes me want to take a chance on a real relationship. To that, I say fuck no."
Jackson
Alice Tribue's talent shines in waves in this book! Waves people! When I read the synopsis for this book, no way did I ever think that this would be an emotional read, but it was. Why is that? It's because Alice Tribue dives so easily into her characters hearts and lets you feel everything they are feeling.
Sage is desperate. You feel her desperation and you want to make it right for her. My heart ached because of what she had to do to survive. How much would you be willing to do to keep a roof over your head?
In some ways, this book questioned my morality. I thought over and over again. Is this okay? Were people taking advantage of Sage? Did Jackson take advantage?
Then everything about Jackson makes sense. Jackson is all kinds of messed up, but he is this in a sexy, I want to reach out and save you kind of way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down. My day was shot!! Alice Tribue knows how to write characters with depth but moving forward at a speed that keeps you engaged in every moment.
"They're all looking to be the one.... the one who makes me want to take a chance on a real relationship. To that, I say fuck no."
Jackson
Alice Tribue's talent shines in waves in this book! Waves people! When I read the synopsis for this book, no way did I ever think that this would be an emotional read, but it was. Why is that? It's because Alice Tribue dives so easily into her characters hearts and lets you feel everything they are feeling.
Sage is desperate. You feel her desperation and you want to make it right for her. My heart ached because of what she had to do to survive. How much would you be willing to do to keep a roof over your head?
In some ways, this book questioned my morality. I thought over and over again. Is this okay? Were people taking advantage of Sage? Did Jackson take advantage?
Then everything about Jackson makes sense. Jackson is all kinds of messed up, but he is this in a sexy, I want to reach out and save you kind of way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In fact, I couldn't put it down. My day was shot!! Alice Tribue knows how to write characters with depth but moving forward at a speed that keeps you engaged in every moment.
January 7, 2015
I did have my reservations about this book I'm not entirely sure why, but honestly I was worried for nothing. Jackson that boy is...well a tad bit rough around the edges, alright he's all a**hole when we first meet him, "I want you to suck my c*** for lunch," I think Sage works some voodoo on that man because slowly, piece by piece he starts to unthaw, and it's like the damn tinman getting a heart from the Wizard of Oz:
"I didn't think you actually wanted to have lunch with me."
"I'm not that big of an a**hole. Meadow. I am quite capable of sharing a meal with you."
Jackson he's one of those alpha men that doesn't really like being told 'no' or what to do, "if you tell me something is against your contract one more time, I might be forced to tie you up and eff the s*** out of you right before I burn the effing thing." Jackson I liked a lot more towards the end of the book when he opened up, became vulnerable and realized not all women are out for his money and are stuck up biatches, "...she's absolutely adorable. "I look forward to it, baby." I really enjoyed this book it surprised me and makes me want to stop judging books by the blurbs (I highly doubt that's going to happen) but it's going to make me think twice about a book lol.
"I didn't think you actually wanted to have lunch with me."
"I'm not that big of an a**hole. Meadow. I am quite capable of sharing a meal with you."
Jackson he's one of those alpha men that doesn't really like being told 'no' or what to do, "if you tell me something is against your contract one more time, I might be forced to tie you up and eff the s*** out of you right before I burn the effing thing." Jackson I liked a lot more towards the end of the book when he opened up, became vulnerable and realized not all women are out for his money and are stuck up biatches, "...she's absolutely adorable. "I look forward to it, baby." I really enjoyed this book it surprised me and makes me want to stop judging books by the blurbs (I highly doubt that's going to happen) but it's going to make me think twice about a book lol.
May 15, 2015
3.5 stars
September 2, 2016
I have one word to say about this book : P-R-E-D-I-C-T-A-B-L-E
February 1, 2015
4.5 Fantastic Stars!
Review by Natasha Gentile
They told me I’d be an escort; they made it sound so easy.
Really I’m just a high priced call girl.
With those two sentences you are sucked in, and don’t lie and shake your head no, you know that you are intrigued…
Meet Jackson, 35-year-old big time CEO, hard-nosed professional, commanding, condescending, hot and sometimes the biggest ass that you might ever meet. You see this man doesn’t have time to date, he also doesn’t want any commitments or feelings, those would make him weak.
I’m only human, just a man, and in order to perform my duties, to run an empire and keep the kind of schedule that I keep, I need to relieve the stress that is constantly mounting, the pressure that threatens my sanity day after day. The only way I can do that is by f*cking my way through it. The release I need, the only thing that works. That might make me an asshole, might even make me a bastard, but I don’t care. It’s not my concern what they think of me after I’ve finished with them. I never lie, and I never make promises that I can’t keep.
Ok maybe I didn’t describe him that way, I was being nice. You read that and you're thinking - this guy, he’s a real piece of work. He totally is, and there are many times in this book that I wanted to reach into it and literally throttle him or kick him in the balls. Which I thought about doing, but let's face it, he’s hot and knows how to use it. He's about to get his world rocked!
Meet Sage, a girl from Indiana that moved to New York to…wait for it..not to become a model or actress…she moved for love.. Right off the bat you're thinking there is no way these two will ever even connect. I mean she moved away from home for love and he, well he just doesn’t believe in love. This should be interesting.
Sage moves to New York with her boyfriend, a boyfriend who thinks it’s a good idea to sleep with the neighbor. A word to wise, it’s never ok. Sage does what any normal woman would do; she kicks his ass to the curb. Which leaves her in a pickle, it’s really expensive to live in New York and no matter what she does she can’t seem to keep up with all her bills. She is two days away from being evicted, so she turns to the one thing she thought she would never do.
“You hire prostitutes?” I ask flatly. Of course, I would answer an ad for prostitution. That fits perfectly with my brand of bad luck.
“No. No. We hire escorts, Sage. Escorts who service a very elite clientele. We are very particular about who we will work with. Our clients are the crème de la crème, as our employees.”
I mean it’s not like she is a virgin, it's just sex. Who the hell am I kidding, there is no way in hell I would be able to do that. I mean call me old fashioned, but you should have a connection. The good news is that it’s one guy at a time. What do you mean, you ask. If you accept the job, you are allowed to date only one guy at a time, there is no double dipping at the escort center.
Are they really that far gone that I would consider selling my body to a complete stranger? But it’s a pay check-a constant steady paycheck that I can rely on every single week. There are no other options; this is the only one. Going back home would be worse than this.
So it’s a done deal, contracts are signed, a date is made. Is it really a date, when you know that it’s just sex? I don’t think so, but I’m trying to be the hopeless romantic. She is ready for this and Jackson, he just wants a wham bam thank you ma’am. Except the moment he sets eyes on her, he’s not sure what to do. He knows that this is her first time, not knows knows, but she’s shaking and about to break down in sobs. This is not what he had in mind, and Sage she just wants to get this over with so she can get her paycheck, but little did she know that the guy she was meeting would make her mouth water.
I’d like to say that I didn’t look, but the truth is that I do. I take in every inch of his naked body and it’s better-So. Much. Better.-than what I could ever even attempt to imagine. He’s tall and muscular, but not in a bulky way, in the kind of way that lets you he takes care of himself. His abs are cut, extremely well defined, and if I were his girlfriend, I would love to run my hands along them. He knows he’s beautiful and that make it so much worse because just looking at him makes me feel completely inferior.
So here they are going on ‘dates’ and just when she starts to think it could be more, he knocks her down, each and every time. He never knows when to take the high road and always lets her know that she is his paid date.
I don’t know if I’m angrier at the fact that he actually thought he needed to teach me a f#*king lesson, or the fact that he felt like he had to humiliate me in order to do it. Either way, tonight Jackson treated me like exactly what I am. He’s once again reminded me of my place in his world, reminded me of the fact that he’ll never see me as more than just a prostitute, and that this is…I’m not so sure I’d want him to see me as anything more now.
Hating him is easy after that; the thing is that loving him is even harder. Jackson didn’t sign up for this feelings bullshit, he doesn’t want them, doesn’t need them, except he can’t stop it. Everytime he knocks her down, he feels the pain from her look, and he feels his heart break for putting the pain in her eyes.
He really is perfect, once you break down the asshole part, that is. He’s obviously smart, successful, and beautiful. He f#*ks like a god, and at times, he’s even funny. What more could anyone ask for? Jackson Stone is the whole package. His only problem is that it seems he doesn’t want to be anyone’s Mr. Perfect.
So will he finally give in and be her Mr. Perfect or is he okay with cancelling the contract and having her be someone else’s. What you should know is that Mr. Jackson Stone doesn’t like to share his toys, and that includes Sage.
Added bonus-this is a stand alone.
Review by Natasha Gentile
They told me I’d be an escort; they made it sound so easy.
Really I’m just a high priced call girl.
With those two sentences you are sucked in, and don’t lie and shake your head no, you know that you are intrigued…
Meet Jackson, 35-year-old big time CEO, hard-nosed professional, commanding, condescending, hot and sometimes the biggest ass that you might ever meet. You see this man doesn’t have time to date, he also doesn’t want any commitments or feelings, those would make him weak.
I’m only human, just a man, and in order to perform my duties, to run an empire and keep the kind of schedule that I keep, I need to relieve the stress that is constantly mounting, the pressure that threatens my sanity day after day. The only way I can do that is by f*cking my way through it. The release I need, the only thing that works. That might make me an asshole, might even make me a bastard, but I don’t care. It’s not my concern what they think of me after I’ve finished with them. I never lie, and I never make promises that I can’t keep.
Ok maybe I didn’t describe him that way, I was being nice. You read that and you're thinking - this guy, he’s a real piece of work. He totally is, and there are many times in this book that I wanted to reach into it and literally throttle him or kick him in the balls. Which I thought about doing, but let's face it, he’s hot and knows how to use it. He's about to get his world rocked!
Meet Sage, a girl from Indiana that moved to New York to…wait for it..not to become a model or actress…she moved for love.. Right off the bat you're thinking there is no way these two will ever even connect. I mean she moved away from home for love and he, well he just doesn’t believe in love. This should be interesting.
Sage moves to New York with her boyfriend, a boyfriend who thinks it’s a good idea to sleep with the neighbor. A word to wise, it’s never ok. Sage does what any normal woman would do; she kicks his ass to the curb. Which leaves her in a pickle, it’s really expensive to live in New York and no matter what she does she can’t seem to keep up with all her bills. She is two days away from being evicted, so she turns to the one thing she thought she would never do.
“You hire prostitutes?” I ask flatly. Of course, I would answer an ad for prostitution. That fits perfectly with my brand of bad luck.
“No. No. We hire escorts, Sage. Escorts who service a very elite clientele. We are very particular about who we will work with. Our clients are the crème de la crème, as our employees.”
I mean it’s not like she is a virgin, it's just sex. Who the hell am I kidding, there is no way in hell I would be able to do that. I mean call me old fashioned, but you should have a connection. The good news is that it’s one guy at a time. What do you mean, you ask. If you accept the job, you are allowed to date only one guy at a time, there is no double dipping at the escort center.
Are they really that far gone that I would consider selling my body to a complete stranger? But it’s a pay check-a constant steady paycheck that I can rely on every single week. There are no other options; this is the only one. Going back home would be worse than this.
So it’s a done deal, contracts are signed, a date is made. Is it really a date, when you know that it’s just sex? I don’t think so, but I’m trying to be the hopeless romantic. She is ready for this and Jackson, he just wants a wham bam thank you ma’am. Except the moment he sets eyes on her, he’s not sure what to do. He knows that this is her first time, not knows knows, but she’s shaking and about to break down in sobs. This is not what he had in mind, and Sage she just wants to get this over with so she can get her paycheck, but little did she know that the guy she was meeting would make her mouth water.
I’d like to say that I didn’t look, but the truth is that I do. I take in every inch of his naked body and it’s better-So. Much. Better.-than what I could ever even attempt to imagine. He’s tall and muscular, but not in a bulky way, in the kind of way that lets you he takes care of himself. His abs are cut, extremely well defined, and if I were his girlfriend, I would love to run my hands along them. He knows he’s beautiful and that make it so much worse because just looking at him makes me feel completely inferior.
So here they are going on ‘dates’ and just when she starts to think it could be more, he knocks her down, each and every time. He never knows when to take the high road and always lets her know that she is his paid date.
I don’t know if I’m angrier at the fact that he actually thought he needed to teach me a f#*king lesson, or the fact that he felt like he had to humiliate me in order to do it. Either way, tonight Jackson treated me like exactly what I am. He’s once again reminded me of my place in his world, reminded me of the fact that he’ll never see me as more than just a prostitute, and that this is…I’m not so sure I’d want him to see me as anything more now.
Hating him is easy after that; the thing is that loving him is even harder. Jackson didn’t sign up for this feelings bullshit, he doesn’t want them, doesn’t need them, except he can’t stop it. Everytime he knocks her down, he feels the pain from her look, and he feels his heart break for putting the pain in her eyes.
He really is perfect, once you break down the asshole part, that is. He’s obviously smart, successful, and beautiful. He f#*ks like a god, and at times, he’s even funny. What more could anyone ask for? Jackson Stone is the whole package. His only problem is that it seems he doesn’t want to be anyone’s Mr. Perfect.
So will he finally give in and be her Mr. Perfect or is he okay with cancelling the contract and having her be someone else’s. What you should know is that Mr. Jackson Stone doesn’t like to share his toys, and that includes Sage.
Added bonus-this is a stand alone.
January 11, 2015
I loved this book so much. It was a great story line that had a fairytale feel to it, but also reminded me of the film Pretty Women, which in it self is very fairytale like.
Sage is the poor women that moved to live with her boyfriend and daughter to get away from her nasty family, abusive father and disgusting brother. Only after moving she finds her boyfriend in bed with the neighbour, leaving poor Sage with not enough money to cover the rent and live. She gets fired from her job, is about to lose her house and is a lone in a city with no friends or family. That is until she goes to masseuse interview that was disguised as a escort agency with a difference. The difference being you will only be assigned one man at a time go be with with that same person until either the client or the escort ends their time together. Sage can't think of anything worse than selling herself but as she's at a lose she Reluctantly takes the job and is paired with Jackson Stone . The rich millionaire who wants no commitments. He wants things easy. A women who he can call on at any time for sex or to go to work events. That is until he meets Sage and both of their lives change for ever.
I absolutely loved the resemblance to pretty women. There was alot of differences in the to in the book, but the millionaire who falls in love with the escort and saves her from her family and a life of being poor and selling herself was very much like Pretty women and a girl living a fairytale who finds her prince and happy ever after.
Sage was a character that was sad at the start of the book and quite lost as well. She couldn't get a job, she was devastated to lose a child she thought of as her own daughter when her boyfriend left and everything in her life is falling apart. You can't help feel sorry for her. I loved the part when Sage goes to the interview at the masseuse parlour. She had no idea that it wasn't a masseuse facility and when Victoria was asking her really odd questions that had no relevance to the job she was interviewing for was funny. I loved Sages reactions and when she finally worked out what she was there for.
Meeting Jackson for the first time and doing something that she really didn't want to do, but had to do was hard to read. It was upsetting that she had no over choice but to sell her body. What made it more sad and disgusting was Jackson's behaviour to Sage at their first meeting. He was cruel and vile to her and treated her like a disgusting whore and with no respect. After reading their first encounter I thought I'd not like Jackson at all. He was really horrible. At that point and reading how badly upset Sage is having to resort selling herself it crushed my heart. She wasnt a whore, she was just trying to get by and not end up on the streets.
Jackson was a jealous, egotistical, rude millionaire. At the start of the book he was horrible to Sage and i didnt like his character at all. As we find out more about Jackson and why he is thinks he's unable to love or form a proper relationship you really start to understand him and like him. His mother was a vile, selfish gold digger who left Jackson and his father at a very young age to go with a man wh had more money. She just left Jackson by basically telling him that money was more important than he would ever be. After she left, Jacksons dad was heartbroken and never recovered from it and left him cold and distant with women. Once you hear hs story my heart broke for him and I understood his behaviour and why he treated Sage wrong. Even thought the ice around my heart was starting to melt for Jackson as he and a Sage get a lot closer, but Jackson fights his feelings over and over for Sage and his way to keep his distance was to keep reminding her that he had the ultimate control over her and what she does and doesn't do. He keeps reminding her that she is a escort selling herself and they relationship can end at any point leaving Sage nervous and continuously, especially as she starts getting true feelings for Jackson.
I didn't agree with a lot of Jacksons behaviour, but some how because his character was wrote so well, I could look past his faults and see his good side. Jackson was a lot of different things, he was ruthless, cruel and arragent, but he does no he feels differently with Sage and doesn't no how to cope with their growing attraction.
There isn't lots of twists and turns and nothing in the book shocked me. There was nothing that was unpredictable about the book, i knew everything was going to happen but that didnt mean I didn't enjoy the story. There was quite abit of sex scenes in the book, especially in the first half of the book however the scenes were wrote very classy and not very long so the book wasn't out of balance and the scenes fitted very well in to the story.
The characters well developed well and we found out a lot about both characters pasts to understand them more. The parts of the book I found most entertaining was Sage standing up for herself with Jackson. Well her trying at least. She always tried but rare ever won against him. It was amusing.
A good read. 4.5 Stars
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
January 26, 2015
The rules of the contract are as followed:
Every encounter is to be ~
Casual
Uncomplicated
Unemotional
The liaisons are for one purpose only – they are seen as a means to an end
Everything is contractual
This is the business transaction that Jackson Stone and Sage Turner enter into together as their individual interests thrust them into this unconventional situation.
Jackson Stone is a shrewd businessman – one who doesn’t have time for complications or entanglements besides the ones that occur in the bedroom. Love is not for him – it makes people weak, and he refuses to allow someone to have that much power over him. So, in order to keep in control of all aspects of his life, he seeks out companionship in a place he won’t have to worry about any woman trying to get her claws into him.
Sage Turner moved to New York without a Plan B, and now that she’s about to lose everything, she has no other option but to resort to a less than stellar job that makes her feel dirty and ashamed.
But with someone who is new to the game of uncomplicated hook ups, how can Sage meet the terms of her contract when she can’t control the way Jackson makes her feel? Feelings are usually non negotiable – terms can’t be set for them and a termination clause for them is not something that can be penciled in on a whim, which makes Sage’s new job a huge risk for both her body and her heart.
Contractual is a fantastic story that is extremely well written. It’s steamy, passionate, and a bit angsty. Alice Tribue does a great job of developing Jackson’s character; he starts off as an egotistical asshole who treats feelings as non consequential and then turns him into a man who feels more for the woman who was only supposed to be casual than he’s felt for anyone. Jackson and Sage’s relationship is not an easy one, especially with how it all began, but they both find themselves wanting a lot more than what’s included in the contract they’d both signed, causing a slew of conflicted feelings on where to go from there.
Due to Tribue’s writing, readers can feel the inner turmoil that Sage goes through as she takes on a job that she knows doesn’t fit her personality, but she also knows she has no other option. Her trepidation and her torment over her new job, her feelings for Jackson, and the reason she was left fending for herself in New York ooze off of the pages and allow readers to understand what’s at stake for Sage, which is the kind of connection that readers want to have with the main characters.
Jackson and Sage’s story is a definite one-click!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
Every encounter is to be ~
Casual
Uncomplicated
Unemotional
The liaisons are for one purpose only – they are seen as a means to an end
Everything is contractual
This is the business transaction that Jackson Stone and Sage Turner enter into together as their individual interests thrust them into this unconventional situation.
Jackson Stone is a shrewd businessman – one who doesn’t have time for complications or entanglements besides the ones that occur in the bedroom. Love is not for him – it makes people weak, and he refuses to allow someone to have that much power over him. So, in order to keep in control of all aspects of his life, he seeks out companionship in a place he won’t have to worry about any woman trying to get her claws into him.
Sage Turner moved to New York without a Plan B, and now that she’s about to lose everything, she has no other option but to resort to a less than stellar job that makes her feel dirty and ashamed.
But with someone who is new to the game of uncomplicated hook ups, how can Sage meet the terms of her contract when she can’t control the way Jackson makes her feel? Feelings are usually non negotiable – terms can’t be set for them and a termination clause for them is not something that can be penciled in on a whim, which makes Sage’s new job a huge risk for both her body and her heart.
Contractual is a fantastic story that is extremely well written. It’s steamy, passionate, and a bit angsty. Alice Tribue does a great job of developing Jackson’s character; he starts off as an egotistical asshole who treats feelings as non consequential and then turns him into a man who feels more for the woman who was only supposed to be casual than he’s felt for anyone. Jackson and Sage’s relationship is not an easy one, especially with how it all began, but they both find themselves wanting a lot more than what’s included in the contract they’d both signed, causing a slew of conflicted feelings on where to go from there.
Due to Tribue’s writing, readers can feel the inner turmoil that Sage goes through as she takes on a job that she knows doesn’t fit her personality, but she also knows she has no other option. Her trepidation and her torment over her new job, her feelings for Jackson, and the reason she was left fending for herself in New York ooze off of the pages and allow readers to understand what’s at stake for Sage, which is the kind of connection that readers want to have with the main characters.
Jackson and Sage’s story is a definite one-click!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
March 1, 2015
Sleepless night = Loved it!
"Love is for the weak, everyday people looking for soul mates, a partner to witness their life. There's nothing in my life that I wish for someone else to witness."
It has been awhile since there was a character I disliked as much as Jackson Stone. He is an ass, when you look the word up in the dictionary his face should be there. Devastatingly beautiful, wealthy with a black-hole where his heart should have been. He doesn't do love, his life is too busy for complications but he is tired of the easy. money loving bombshells that have been sharing his bed. So what does any wealthy jerk do? Hires an escort to give his life that something different.
Sage is not meant to be an escort. She never wanted this life but she had no other choice. She was down on her luck and even deeper in debt. Just one client, that's what let her rationalize this choice in her mind. Just one and when she got herself out of the hole she was in, she would move on. Never had she anticipated the likes of Jackson to the one.
This book was a story that we have all heard before; broke girl, rich alpha, great sex and then the "something" happens. It was how the story was told and the characters personalities that sets this one apart. The story was engaging, Jackson's assholeness (not sure if that is a word but I like it) kept me coming back for more and Sage's ability to stand up to him made me smile. Through the story the characters grow on you more, they have reasons for why they find themselves in the moment they do. While Jackson might always be an ass he does have glimmers of hope, he is fierce and intense and that just makes you want more of him. Sage while at times I found her a little weak and very, very forgiving, she does come out of her shell. She struggles with her choices but you still find her will to move forward unwavering. I enjoyed that this was a dual POV book, because I probably would not have enjoyed it as much if it wasn't. It kept me up late into the night to finish because I wanted to know more and see what happened. It was definitely worth my sleepless night and enjoyed it all the way to the end.
~Jess
"Love is for the weak, everyday people looking for soul mates, a partner to witness their life. There's nothing in my life that I wish for someone else to witness."
It has been awhile since there was a character I disliked as much as Jackson Stone. He is an ass, when you look the word up in the dictionary his face should be there. Devastatingly beautiful, wealthy with a black-hole where his heart should have been. He doesn't do love, his life is too busy for complications but he is tired of the easy. money loving bombshells that have been sharing his bed. So what does any wealthy jerk do? Hires an escort to give his life that something different.
Sage is not meant to be an escort. She never wanted this life but she had no other choice. She was down on her luck and even deeper in debt. Just one client, that's what let her rationalize this choice in her mind. Just one and when she got herself out of the hole she was in, she would move on. Never had she anticipated the likes of Jackson to the one.
This book was a story that we have all heard before; broke girl, rich alpha, great sex and then the "something" happens. It was how the story was told and the characters personalities that sets this one apart. The story was engaging, Jackson's assholeness (not sure if that is a word but I like it) kept me coming back for more and Sage's ability to stand up to him made me smile. Through the story the characters grow on you more, they have reasons for why they find themselves in the moment they do. While Jackson might always be an ass he does have glimmers of hope, he is fierce and intense and that just makes you want more of him. Sage while at times I found her a little weak and very, very forgiving, she does come out of her shell. She struggles with her choices but you still find her will to move forward unwavering. I enjoyed that this was a dual POV book, because I probably would not have enjoyed it as much if it wasn't. It kept me up late into the night to finish because I wanted to know more and see what happened. It was definitely worth my sleepless night and enjoyed it all the way to the end.
~Jess
January 30, 2015
4.5 Stars Great
I was really looking forward to this book and of course, it didn't disappoint! This is my second book by the very talented Author Alice Montalvo-Tribue and I absolutely love her writing style and naturally, her stories:)
Some slight spoiler(s) ahead: Read with Caution
The half star deduct, well, I wanted to see just a tad bit more on them and their relationship, the latter part of the story just went by too fast and without "details" ..... For me there were a few loose ends that I wanted clarified or rather tied up better, if that makes sense, I didn't want to know they were tied, I wanted to experience it more. The one other small issue was the separation that happened, it was so weird like a whole month and boy, would I be curious if he stayed "faithful" that whole time considering he thought she went back to work for Victoria., I guess that was my wonder/worry but it was never addressed. I just didn't particularly care for that whole section of the story, and as small as it was, I felt like I was missing some pieces of their puzzle and it didn't sit well with me to some degree. I just felt I needed to know "more" even if it had just been "internal" thoughts, heck anything.... That part of the story was a bit off for me but all in all, I loved it! Loved Jackson and loved Sage:)
Congrats on another great book!!!!!
I was really looking forward to this book and of course, it didn't disappoint! This is my second book by the very talented Author Alice Montalvo-Tribue and I absolutely love her writing style and naturally, her stories:)
Some slight spoiler(s) ahead: Read with Caution
The half star deduct, well, I wanted to see just a tad bit more on them and their relationship, the latter part of the story just went by too fast and without "details" ..... For me there were a few loose ends that I wanted clarified or rather tied up better, if that makes sense, I didn't want to know they were tied, I wanted to experience it more. The one other small issue was the separation that happened, it was so weird like a whole month and boy, would I be curious if he stayed "faithful" that whole time considering he thought she went back to work for Victoria., I guess that was my wonder/worry but it was never addressed. I just didn't particularly care for that whole section of the story, and as small as it was, I felt like I was missing some pieces of their puzzle and it didn't sit well with me to some degree. I just felt I needed to know "more" even if it had just been "internal" thoughts, heck anything.... That part of the story was a bit off for me but all in all, I loved it! Loved Jackson and loved Sage:)
Congrats on another great book!!!!!
January 25, 2015
I really enjoyed reading Contractual by Alice Tribue. This was my first book that I have read by her. It is a sexy little read and I almost read it straight through. You know my pesky night job got in the way. I even talked with my coworkers about this book. Which I don't talk much about what I read but, I was definitely excited with this book!
It is a little Pretty Woman'ish but, not exactly. I know that is kind of vague but, if you read the book you might feel the same. Contractual is about Sage, a young woman that moved to a big city with a man that broke up with her supposedly for being a bad lay. She just continued to get further behind on her bills and was going to be evicted from her residence if she didn't do something quickly to get out of her situation. I can't tell you more because I don't do spoilers!
Jackson is the man that ends up helping her out by hiring her through a friend of his. Of course Jackson is a jerk and the story builds from there.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope that you will want to read this book too! I received this ARC for an honest review! It is a fun and HOT read! I give this book 4 OOOO's (O's for Orgasms)
It is a little Pretty Woman'ish but, not exactly. I know that is kind of vague but, if you read the book you might feel the same. Contractual is about Sage, a young woman that moved to a big city with a man that broke up with her supposedly for being a bad lay. She just continued to get further behind on her bills and was going to be evicted from her residence if she didn't do something quickly to get out of her situation. I can't tell you more because I don't do spoilers!
Jackson is the man that ends up helping her out by hiring her through a friend of his. Of course Jackson is a jerk and the story builds from there.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope that you will want to read this book too! I received this ARC for an honest review! It is a fun and HOT read! I give this book 4 OOOO's (O's for Orgasms)
March 1, 2015
I have to give this full marks because I thought it was very well written, I enjoyed the story and I really liked the characters.
Sage, strange name but a very strong character. I liked how she was a bit sassy and protected herself from Jackson. She hated doing what she was doing, but she felt there was no alternative for her. The fact that she was still applying for jobs, gave me hope that she wouldn’t be doing this forever. Silly really because the ending/outcome was always going to be a HEA!
Jackson wanted to be the one in control, the one who had no heart and feelings. Yet he couldn’t help feeling something towards a very nervous Sage right at their first meeting. He was a grade A arsehole but that actually made him more likeable. He wasn’t cruel as such but he was a speak before thinking kind of guy. Actually most guys are lol
I liked his idea of a lunch date….I bet female readers are going OMG how could he even say or think that. Whereas I’m going YEY he’s my bestie lmao
Anyhoo, Ms Tribue, this is the first book of yours that I have read and I’m hoping it won’t be the last.
Sage, strange name but a very strong character. I liked how she was a bit sassy and protected herself from Jackson. She hated doing what she was doing, but she felt there was no alternative for her. The fact that she was still applying for jobs, gave me hope that she wouldn’t be doing this forever. Silly really because the ending/outcome was always going to be a HEA!
Jackson wanted to be the one in control, the one who had no heart and feelings. Yet he couldn’t help feeling something towards a very nervous Sage right at their first meeting. He was a grade A arsehole but that actually made him more likeable. He wasn’t cruel as such but he was a speak before thinking kind of guy. Actually most guys are lol
I liked his idea of a lunch date….I bet female readers are going OMG how could he even say or think that. Whereas I’m going YEY he’s my bestie lmao
Anyhoo, Ms Tribue, this is the first book of yours that I have read and I’m hoping it won’t be the last.
January 7, 2015
*** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Sanne / Scandalous Book Blog***
This is exactly my kind of book - Pretty straightforward with an a*Hole alpha who is to die for!
I do not have many words to describe this one really... I just really liked the writing style and flow of the story, it's just one of those that you cannot but love.
Oh and do not start this one when you don't have time to finish because you WILL want to finish it in one sitting, I now I did! Before I knew it it was 3AM in the morning... Lol
Sage: a young woman desperate for money... Will she dare to go in the deep end and start working as a "massuese"? ;)
Jackson: TDH, hurt by his mother, business mogul and doesn't want any relationship... Or does he?
Take a chance on this book, it's already on my favorites list of 2015!
PS: Loved the extended epilogue, it really rounded up their story perfectly.
This is exactly my kind of book - Pretty straightforward with an a*Hole alpha who is to die for!
I do not have many words to describe this one really... I just really liked the writing style and flow of the story, it's just one of those that you cannot but love.
Oh and do not start this one when you don't have time to finish because you WILL want to finish it in one sitting, I now I did! Before I knew it it was 3AM in the morning... Lol
Sage: a young woman desperate for money... Will she dare to go in the deep end and start working as a "massuese"? ;)
Jackson: TDH, hurt by his mother, business mogul and doesn't want any relationship... Or does he?
Take a chance on this book, it's already on my favorites list of 2015!
PS: Loved the extended epilogue, it really rounded up their story perfectly.
March 19, 2016
Well, this little gem I really liked.
At first I had my doubts. But as I read I found I couldn't put it down. I felt at times Sage could be seen as too forgiving or questions doormat, but she also gave as good as she got. She was simply a smart woman who knew when and what battles to pick. Jackson's personality included a hothead trait that could be hurtful, but he would apologise. He could have been a hero that made no apologies. All in all, some how this book worked for me.
At first I had my doubts. But as I read I found I couldn't put it down. I felt at times Sage could be seen as too forgiving or questions doormat, but she also gave as good as she got. She was simply a smart woman who knew when and what battles to pick. Jackson's personality included a hothead trait that could be hurtful, but he would apologise. He could have been a hero that made no apologies. All in all, some how this book worked for me.
January 27, 2015
Liked this book. Read it in one morning. Kind of "Pretty Womanish" with a girl driven to become an escort because of circumstances and a egotistical rich businessman who doesn't want a relationship but has to have his "needs" met. A good match most of the time, she speaks her mind and he always eventually realizes when he's being an ass (and he is a royal ass at times). This book flowed really well, a pleasure to read.
March 18, 2017
Overall rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 7/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 7/10
Hero: 6/10
Heroine: 7/10
Steaminess: 7/10
Feels: 7/10
Humour: 5/10
HEA:
Recommend: Yes
Re-read: No
Read more from author: Yes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Plot: 7/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 7/10
Hero: 6/10
Heroine: 7/10
Steaminess: 7/10
Feels: 7/10
Humour: 5/10
HEA:
Recommend: Yes
Re-read: No
Read more from author: Yes
January 27, 2015
I really like Alice Tribue's storytelling. I think her writing just gets better with each new novel. This book no exception. It was a great read with a"Pretty Woman" feel to it. Highly recommend it.
February 2, 2015
Easy light read with angst and steam. The ending was a little anti-climatic but I enjoyed the book.
November 26, 2016
3.5 stars
December 25, 2018
2.5
Started off well but started to drag and fall off at around the 60% mark
January 26, 2015
This is not a storyline that you will be unfamiliar with, but that is not detrimental to the book or the characters in any way because it was a good story, well told.
The fairytale feel of the book was played out well, with characters that were easy to like in some cases straight of the bat and others that set your teeth on edge initially but through much coaxing and persuasion find their way to fulfil everything you hope and wish from them.
Life has treated Sage to a sea of misery that is just about ready to engulf her, moving from a family that could barely be described as normal, she moved in with her sorry excuse of a boyfriend until she caught him in the act with the next door neighbour. Misery loves company so they say, well they were best friends in Sage’s life because she had little to be cheerful about – no home, no money and to complete the trilogy, she loses her job. So all alone with nothing and no-one to her name, she has little left to hold on to.
Needs must, and with no options open to her, she applies for a new job, not one that she really wants to do because it she has no desire to sell herself to pay her way in the world but with limited choices she takes the role. The only saving grace was the fact that she would be allocated her own client – one and only one that she can walk away from if she wants.
So who does she get, well let’s just say that he wouldn’t win any popularity contests. Jackson Stone may have millions in the bank but that is all that matters to him, relationships are a no go area – he will put no effort into something that only matters to those who look from the outside in – he is expected to take a partner to events etc., so Jackson pays to have a woman at his beck and call for not just the social niceties but to service his physical needs. Unfortunately that woman is Sage.
But can this woman show him that there is more to life than what he has? Can she show him that what he has is empty because he has no-one too share it with. Jackson has his eyes opened by this beautiful woman, her beauty shining from the inside out.
I liked Sage, she deserved my sympathy but her character never expected it. She fought hard to make it through each day. She had a lot of hard times that she refused to let define her. Her naivety in some situations was funny and endearing in equal measure. When the penny dropped at her interview, I couldn’t help but smile.
Initially Jackson was a grade one ass to her and for that I took an instant disliking to him, she was struggling to deal with the enormity of their first meeting and the expectations of what was to happen and all he could do was to be completely dismissive and horrible to her. But I had a tiny little niggle that he was hiding something, I mean no-one could be that much of a prick through nothing other than choice, there had to be catalyst.
What I discovered as I read on was almost a touching as Sage’s story. Jackson was a product of a dysfunctional family- parents who had never shown what it was like to love someone – his mother moved on from him and his dad to a man with money and means and left his father bitter, refusing to show any affection to women. Jackson never knew what was expected of him, it was monkey see, monkey do – and once that became apparent, my heart went out to him. It didn’t excuse his behaviour but it explained it.
He took his own sweet time when it came to accepting how he felt about Sage and but his hostility and downright narkiness was a defence mechanism and in many ways, Sage had the patience of a saint to continue to put up with him, after all she could have called and end to their arrangement.
Overall the story was confidently written, it travelled well through the tribulations that they both had not only previously but together. The sex was aptly included and served its purpose perfectly.
The relationship between them was one sided initially but it was fascinating to watch the dynamic shift and their relationship evolve.
A good story, travelling a well-worn path but with credit and determination to stand tall from the others that had gone before it
Give Jackson a go – he is worth the effort.
The fairytale feel of the book was played out well, with characters that were easy to like in some cases straight of the bat and others that set your teeth on edge initially but through much coaxing and persuasion find their way to fulfil everything you hope and wish from them.
Life has treated Sage to a sea of misery that is just about ready to engulf her, moving from a family that could barely be described as normal, she moved in with her sorry excuse of a boyfriend until she caught him in the act with the next door neighbour. Misery loves company so they say, well they were best friends in Sage’s life because she had little to be cheerful about – no home, no money and to complete the trilogy, she loses her job. So all alone with nothing and no-one to her name, she has little left to hold on to.
Needs must, and with no options open to her, she applies for a new job, not one that she really wants to do because it she has no desire to sell herself to pay her way in the world but with limited choices she takes the role. The only saving grace was the fact that she would be allocated her own client – one and only one that she can walk away from if she wants.
So who does she get, well let’s just say that he wouldn’t win any popularity contests. Jackson Stone may have millions in the bank but that is all that matters to him, relationships are a no go area – he will put no effort into something that only matters to those who look from the outside in – he is expected to take a partner to events etc., so Jackson pays to have a woman at his beck and call for not just the social niceties but to service his physical needs. Unfortunately that woman is Sage.
But can this woman show him that there is more to life than what he has? Can she show him that what he has is empty because he has no-one too share it with. Jackson has his eyes opened by this beautiful woman, her beauty shining from the inside out.
I liked Sage, she deserved my sympathy but her character never expected it. She fought hard to make it through each day. She had a lot of hard times that she refused to let define her. Her naivety in some situations was funny and endearing in equal measure. When the penny dropped at her interview, I couldn’t help but smile.
Initially Jackson was a grade one ass to her and for that I took an instant disliking to him, she was struggling to deal with the enormity of their first meeting and the expectations of what was to happen and all he could do was to be completely dismissive and horrible to her. But I had a tiny little niggle that he was hiding something, I mean no-one could be that much of a prick through nothing other than choice, there had to be catalyst.
What I discovered as I read on was almost a touching as Sage’s story. Jackson was a product of a dysfunctional family- parents who had never shown what it was like to love someone – his mother moved on from him and his dad to a man with money and means and left his father bitter, refusing to show any affection to women. Jackson never knew what was expected of him, it was monkey see, monkey do – and once that became apparent, my heart went out to him. It didn’t excuse his behaviour but it explained it.
He took his own sweet time when it came to accepting how he felt about Sage and but his hostility and downright narkiness was a defence mechanism and in many ways, Sage had the patience of a saint to continue to put up with him, after all she could have called and end to their arrangement.
Overall the story was confidently written, it travelled well through the tribulations that they both had not only previously but together. The sex was aptly included and served its purpose perfectly.
The relationship between them was one sided initially but it was fascinating to watch the dynamic shift and their relationship evolve.
A good story, travelling a well-worn path but with credit and determination to stand tall from the others that had gone before it
Give Jackson a go – he is worth the effort.
January 28, 2015
**An eARC was provided by author in exchange of an honest review**
I really loved this book! When I first set my eyes on Contractual, I was very intrigued. The blurb was very interesting and sounded very angsty. I love angsty books, especially ones with heroes who are jerks and promise much sexual tension. I immediately started stalking the author and I was very hooked by the teasers she posted.
After losing her job, and being close to eviction, Sage is in desperate need of money. When all doors shut in her face, her last resort is an escort job. It should be easy, only one client at a time, the pay is great and man is a a class a-jerk who doesn't want any emotional attachments that come with a normal relationship, but it isn't and soon, Sage is struggling with hating herself and loving the man who owns her body.
I devoured this book in a matter of hours. I adored the story very much, and could not put it down. I was dragged into Sages life as she exhausted every option to get a job and keep herself off the streets. Most of the time, I really liked her and could understand her as she struggled with her hatred for herself and the guilt she felt for enjoying Jacksons touch. Other times, when she forgave him for the things he did and said, it just pissed me off because Jackson is not a nice guy. Their first encounter left me with my jaw hanging, gaping at the pages because I couldn't believe how big of a jerk he was to do what he did. And he continued to do a-holish things throughout the book. I kind of liked him. Okay, that's a lie. I actually loved him, but I can be honest and say that yeah, he did some very messed up things that should not have been forgiven easily, especially at the end. I think Sage forgave him too soon and too fast and he didn't grovel as much as he should've. It really pissed me off and I kind of hated Sage at that moment.
But I did enjoy seeing Jackson squirm when he tried to make up for the bad things he did or said, which were a lot and all the time. The guy can't be nice to save his life, but I loved watching him as he finally understood that money isn't everything and what it means to care for another person. I also loved the fact that he brought out a sassy side in Sage that nobody else seemed to do. It made up for some very entertaining conversations and fights and make up sex. Let's be honest, make up sex is the best and believe me, the sex scenes in this book were so ridiculously hawt, you'd need a fan reading them.
Sexy and an emotional roller coaster, Contractual is one addicting read that you don't want to miss.
I really loved this book! When I first set my eyes on Contractual, I was very intrigued. The blurb was very interesting and sounded very angsty. I love angsty books, especially ones with heroes who are jerks and promise much sexual tension. I immediately started stalking the author and I was very hooked by the teasers she posted.
After losing her job, and being close to eviction, Sage is in desperate need of money. When all doors shut in her face, her last resort is an escort job. It should be easy, only one client at a time, the pay is great and man is a a class a-jerk who doesn't want any emotional attachments that come with a normal relationship, but it isn't and soon, Sage is struggling with hating herself and loving the man who owns her body.
I devoured this book in a matter of hours. I adored the story very much, and could not put it down. I was dragged into Sages life as she exhausted every option to get a job and keep herself off the streets. Most of the time, I really liked her and could understand her as she struggled with her hatred for herself and the guilt she felt for enjoying Jacksons touch. Other times, when she forgave him for the things he did and said, it just pissed me off because Jackson is not a nice guy. Their first encounter left me with my jaw hanging, gaping at the pages because I couldn't believe how big of a jerk he was to do what he did. And he continued to do a-holish things throughout the book. I kind of liked him. Okay, that's a lie. I actually loved him, but I can be honest and say that yeah, he did some very messed up things that should not have been forgiven easily, especially at the end. I think Sage forgave him too soon and too fast and he didn't grovel as much as he should've. It really pissed me off and I kind of hated Sage at that moment.
But I did enjoy seeing Jackson squirm when he tried to make up for the bad things he did or said, which were a lot and all the time. The guy can't be nice to save his life, but I loved watching him as he finally understood that money isn't everything and what it means to care for another person. I also loved the fact that he brought out a sassy side in Sage that nobody else seemed to do. It made up for some very entertaining conversations and fights and make up sex. Let's be honest, make up sex is the best and believe me, the sex scenes in this book were so ridiculously hawt, you'd need a fan reading them.
Sexy and an emotional roller coaster, Contractual is one addicting read that you don't want to miss.
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