Read this as a book club book and it was something...

I wasn't too sure what to expect from this one, especially since I didn't read the back cover. I knew it was a brother's best friend/age gap romance, and I knew there would be some spice. I liked going in to this book blind so I could take some satisfaction away from the twists and conflicts. It was an easy read, I finished it in a day.

While I found some parts enjoyable, I had a tough time accepting some things. I know this book was published in 2013, so the reference to low-rise sequined jeans didn't phase me (but I did cringe, lemme tell ya). The beginning of the book just feels rush. There was almost no buildup to Mia agreeing to be Gabe's "assistant." And on that note, the contract?! You have someone who is seasoned in this type of relationship and another who is so inexperienced it's a miracle they signed. It was a literal deal with the devil.

I had a huge problem with the main, conflict scene. HUGE problem with it. Without spoiling the details of it, it was nearly enough to make me stop reading. There was no conversation about consent, permission, or comfortability about what happened. It was an unconsented punishment where Gabe abused his power with that terrible contract and Mia didn't voice her concerns with what was happening out of hear of disappointing him. So OF COURSE it goes wrong!!

I think this is just one of those books that simply doesn't age well. But I'll rate it overall and the conversation starters it had for my bookclub.