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Out of a job and betrayed by his lover, Jace Thompson jumps at an opportunity almost too good to be true. On a private island in the Florida Keys, a secret BDSM community exists in resort-style luxury, the wealthy clients served by paid submissives who meet their every erotic desire and sensual whim. As Jace works hard to serve the men of the island with submissive grace, he is challenged at every turn by a manipulative trainer who seems hell bent on his failure, and another who brings out a deeply submissive nature Jace didn’t realize he possessed.

When trainer Quinn is asked to assess Jace for his submissive potential, the connection between them is immediate and intense. He might have to make an exception to his rule to never get involved with the service subs. His jealous ex-lover has other ideas.

Dark intrigue and unrequited desires combine in a tangled web of danger and deception. Against a backdrop of lush tropical beauty and steamy BDSM passion, Jace and Quinn begin a tentative and ultimately powerful exploration of Domination and submission not only of the body, but of the heart and soul.

123 pages, ebook

First published March 21, 2014

48 people are currently reading
367 people want to read

About the author

Claire Thompson

195 books1,163 followers
Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
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https://clairethompson.net

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,069 followers
March 25, 2014

Claire Thompson is back! Claire Thompson is back! The Contract is Ms. Thompson's first M/M themed book since 2011's Heart Thief. I am a huge fan of her work so I was especially excited so see her back in the M/M genre.

I am very, very particular about what I like and don't like in my BDSM stories, M/M and M/F. Ms. Thompson writes many books in my love/like BDSM category: Hot as fire safe, sane, consensual BDSM play between MCs who have an emotional connection to one another. If the play is done in public, it has to be for a pretty good reason, or it give me the creeps. BDSM as an exchange of power, not one person "better" than the other. She also writes many books in my hate/dislike BDSM category: Cliché Doms and subs in garish costumes, BDSM with no attraction or emotion between partners, play done in public settings. Unfortunately, The Contract falls into category number two. It is a book about a private island club paradise set up exclusively for gay men to use the hired hands, subs and Doms both, at their discretion. We did get a little bit of romance towards the end when MC Jace (a hired sub) and MC Quinn (a hired Dom) fall in love, but the brunt of the story is Jace's life on the island and how he navigates his way through becoming a hired sub.

I did not dislike this book! It was very interesting and included a lot of terrific, hot sex and BDSM scenes, but this wasn't my kind of Claire Thompson book. If you are new to Claire Thompson, here is a list of my favorites of hers, all awesome BDSM books with M/M infused love stories:
Switch by Claire Thompson Handyman (Handyman #1) by Claire Thompson Texas Surrender by Claire Thompson The Cowboy Poet by Claire Thompson Sub for Hire by Claire Thompson Alternative Treatment by Claire Thompson Masked Submission by Claire Thompson
(The reason most of them do not have reviews is because I read them before I joined GoodReads.)

If you like your BDSM with hearts and flowers and hot sex, read one of the books linked above and get ready to fall in love. If you are into the club scene and public play, you will love The Contract.

I hope Claire Thompson doesn't make us wait another three years for her next M/M book!
Profile Image for Optimist ♰King's Wench♰.
1,824 reviews3,975 followers
June 26, 2014
Me: You’re telling me there’s an exclusive BDSM club? On a remote island in the Keys? That caters to the ultra rich?

Club Hieròs staff: Yes…

Me: I’m so there.

*scampers off to pack*

Me: What? I didn’t quite catch that last part. Would you repeat it, please?

Club Hieròs staff: You have to be gay.

Me: *deflates*

*starts unpacking*

I mean, getting your kink on, getting a tan AND getting paid 75K for three months?

With bells on. I am just saying.

At any rate, The Contract is my second experience with Ms. Thompson. I have to say I like the way she kinks. What I like most about her writing is the level of detail she puts into the BDSM scenes. It’s no secret that shibari and sadomasochism are two of my favorites on the kink spectrum and she put both in The Contract! Delightfully. The shibari scenes in the red pool that were exquisite. I’m not sure what her experience with BDSM is, but I’d be stunned if she weren’t an active participant.

Aside from the lovely kink, I thoroughly enjoyed the primary storyline and relationship development between Quinn and Jace. They are instantly attracted to one another though I wouldn’t characterize it as instalove. The pacing and evolution felt natural. Jace *might* have gotten over his ex a tad too quickly after meeting Quinn. Then again, what’s that saying about the best way to get over your ex is to get another one under you or over you or… you know what I mean.

What I didn’t care for, yet again, was the secondary plotline involving Drew and his sinister machinations. I felt it was superfluous. It was executed better in The Contract than my first experience but still, I don’t think the book would’ve suffered had it been subtracted altogether. Jace and Quinn had enough chemistry between them to propel the story forward and that coupled with Jace’s growing self-worth which resonates in his “voice” as well as his actions, would’ve been sufficient for me. I’m not saying it was totally without its merits, just unnecessary.

Highly recommend this gem! If you like shibari, The Contract is a must read. It does get a little sappy towards the end, but this is romance fiction. That’s kind of the point, isn’t it?




I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with the eARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes....
435 reviews49 followers
March 5, 2023
I cannot believe how much I fucking LOVED this!!!!

Rating: 4.5 Stars rounded to 5

I was a bit skeptical going in because I’m very VERY choosy about what I like to read about in bdsm romance relationships. Usually the relationship is great but the bdsm is 💩, or the bdsm is amazing but the romance is a tire fire.

Color me shocked that this hit EVERY ONE of the criteria on my list!! I’m truly amazed. I feel like I found a unicorn 🦄

And this is a series?? With new couples in each book, but the same type of theme? Shut the front door.

description

OK now that that's out of the way lets talk about this absolute snack of a book.

JACE: I adored Jace from the moment we met him 😍 It was so refreshing to have a sub that was a bit bigger guy; strong & well built from his physically active career as a construction worker. We meet him at a flogging demonstration at a club he frequents. His cheating Dominant ex lover has just left him high and dry... on the same day his employer goes bankrupt leaving him utterly untethered. Suspend disbelief that this happened all on the same day, but hey, this kind of thing DOES happen to people so it's not that wild of a proposition.

I expected the former lover situation to be more of a bugaboo but he was mature enough to come to terms with the fact that he'd been hurt and abandoned, set it aside, and then move on the best he could. I love me some emotional maturity in my MCs 🙌🏻

Jace has some moderate bdsm experience but is ready to learn more and expand his ... horizons, shall we say. He has been noticed previously by Carlo, one of the higher-ups/recruiters of an exclusive men's bdsm club hosted on a private island in the keys. The club caters exclusively to men looking to have a safe private place to have a good time being waited on in every capacity in a luxury environment by paid subs who are also there to have a thoroughly immersive experience. There is an excellent professional privacy and safety structure, dedicated trainers to help pair and evaluate people, and rigid clauses surrounding behavior, contract limits, etc. It's not immediately obvious but we come to realize that the owners take this all very seriously and run quite a tight ship. Carlo does a great job of selling the idea of taking a sub position to Jace as a once-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity. Before he knows it Jace is on the island and his life is about to be changed forever in ways he never imagined.

QUINN: A long time trainer on the island, Quinn is the most spectacular Dom for Jace and the immediate connection they have shakes Quinn to his core. He's a little older, way more experienced, and has closed his heart off due to losing the love of his life 10 years ago. The "dead spouse" trope can be tricky, but I think it is well handled here and leads to some really tender vulnerability later that I quite appreciated.

When we meet him Quinn is sexually involved with another trainer but while the other man is pushing for more, Quinn is just going through the motions. His dick is in it, kinda, but his heart is not and he's already thinking it might be time to part ways. He feels like the other trainer (Drew) is starting to manipulate the situation and their relationship and he's not feeling it.

Then along comes Jace who unknowingly flips the table on Quinn's well ordered world. Quinn absolutely did not see Jace coming and watching him get his heart rocked is a pure delight. Not only is Jace physically the perfect canvas for Quinn's chosen art form of Shibari but the way the rope bondage flips Jace's switches is something Quinn hasn't experienced in a long time and HE IS SHOOKETH.

Jace had performed beautifully, intuiting Quinn's requests almost before he made them, arching, twisting and holding his body with muscular, graceful precision while Quinn bound him in sensual provocative positions. Quinn had nearly lost himself in the process, and several times had to force himself to recall he was conducting a class.

The moment I realized this had Shibari featured in it prominently was like fucking Christmas, let me tell you. I LOVE Shibari. Not for me, blegh... no... but for a gorgeous male sub? Omg yessss! That silk rope, especially on a built man like Jace, goddamn 🥵 Talk about an art form!

description

It was the exact thing Jace never knew he needed, and Quinn, despite being an expert and trainer, didn’t realize he was dying to give this to Jace until the man was melting in Quinn's hands ❤️❤️ I just love it when the Dom gets something he needs as bad as the Sub does...

Even with just the few simple ties binding his arms and torso, Quinn could see Jace was "rope drunk" as Quinn's Shibari teacher had affectionately referred to that particular euphoric state induced by the snug embrace of bondage ropes.


This was a match made in HEAVEN I am TELLING you!!

description


And now, we get to...
DREW: Omg. I HATED THIS DICKWAD. 😡

Drew might have had the most physically perfect exterior but inside he is Not Right.

Quinn was the only guy who made him feel submissive... It was as close to love as Drew, who didn't really understand or believe in the concept had ever gotten. They'd been happy together.


We find out pretty quickly that Drew is ... unhinged... and when he decides Jace is a threat to what he wants he turns the douche dial up to 11.

Holy shit what Drew did was… unspeakable honestly. Like really, really morally aggregious. It cannot be overstated how dangerous, violative, and cruel his manipulations had the potential to be and I was legit terrified for Jace for a minute.

But boy howdy did he get his comeuppance in the most perfectly signed-and-sealed way!!

description

Without giving too much away, the resolution to Drew's unconscionable behavior is beautifully and judiciously done.

Quinn and Jace get a truly beautiful HEA. Their relationship is mature and exciting and gorgeous and I was just left applauding honestly.


Now I didn't say it was perfect, I said I loved it. These two things are not always synonymous.
So, here are the things that put the true rating at 4.5, not 5 stars, for me:

Warning: Nerd zone ahead
Now, on another note 🧐 ... I just had one teensie tiny itsy bitsy … niggle? Question?

The rope Quinn uses is referred to as, and I quote, a “hank of jute.”

Um. What now?? 🤔

As far as I know… shibari ropes usually are SILK. Because you’re tying up a person, not a hay bale, and that shit better be soft as butta but also strong AF if you’re restraining like… a 180lb dude."

Update: I put my research goggles on and now stand corrected 🤓 The most common bondage rope materials are Hemp, Jute, Silk. Seems that it depends basically on the Dom's preference what they like to use; the hemp and jute provides more friction when creating patterns, the silk requires more actual rope tying. So it depends on what the Dom likes, the Sub likes, who has what experience, etc. I still have concerns about the water component (see below) but hey... I feel much more comfortable about Quinn's rope choice being not a typo 😉

A useful reference: https://www.autostraddle.com/shibari-...

Also, the Shibari scenes that take place in the water (which holy shit… genius, and so sexy!!) would be a bad idea with JUTE I’d think, since that would swell when wet and be like… impossible to untie pretty quickly.

And, at one point we’re told the ropes have a silk bag, and a silk cushion (what?? It’s not a sub cushion or kneeling cushion, it literally says the ropes are spread out on THEIR cushion. Huuhhh??)

You’re telling me this man has a silk bag and a silk cushion for his JUTE ropes?? Idk what happened here but I think that’s a whoopsie!! 😂😂

And I know, no one else probably noticed or cares, but I’m a bit of a detail whore sometimes so…. Yeah 🤷🏼‍♀️"


description

Update: Detail ho satisfied. As you were.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From immediate review just after reading on 3/4: I have… a lot more thoughts, but it’s 2am and my few remaining on-line brain cells are running around in circles screaming happily so I’m going to try to revisit this once I’m more … coherent. 😂
Profile Image for Vivian.
2,919 reviews486 followers
August 6, 2016
Flashes of brilliance in a muddle.

The bondage scenes in this book were spectacular. Gorgeous, lovely, evocative and drool worthy. Everything else…Toss it. Sure, the location of a resort island featuring an exclusive sex club is attractive, but the Columbo/Angela Lansbury-esque mystery featuring an obvious, conniving villain really made me want to thunk my head on a hard surface. It was the most contrived conflict that ruined a decent book. Then there's the other thing, not going to say what----going on with one of the MCs that just made me roll my eyes. Toss in some stereotypes for filler characters and I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd hoped.

Oh well, swing and a miss.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,441 followers
April 10, 2014
Why are the best fantasy BDSM resorts male only? In The Contract, Jace is a submissive hitting rock bottom. He's alone without a home, job or lover. Lost and lonely, he's offered an opportunity of a lifetime. A short three month contract to work as a service bottom at an exclusive BDSM resort catering to rich men is a dream come true.

This does fall into my Glitterkink category for the rich exclusive private club. Boy is it a wonderful club! The resort locale is nice. The resort itself is fabulous. The best part is Jace's job! Sure, the clients may not be the most fit, but they are all kinky. For Jace, the money and the job are unreal.

The characters in this story are well designed. While there are rich men in this book, there is very little focus on them. The focus is on the regular guys, Jace and Quinn. Quinn is one of the dominant trainers who is looking for something more than just the scene. He wants a connection. Jace is the first one in a long time who appeals to Quinn's tastes. Jace and Quinn's budding relationship is sweet to watch. Their interaction, specifically how they build trust with each other is endearing. Since there is a leaning towards D/s, the trust element is nicely interwoven.

Ms. Thompson does a wonderful job creating a fantasy come to life. My favourite parts are the rope work and waterplay. Personally waterplay is difficult for me but in the way it's described here, I'd be willing to try it. It's pretty amazing. The BDSM scenes are feasible and smoking hawt. It's an erotic twelve course meal. There is a little bit of everything showcased in a cohesive and an enticing manner. Even the pettiness which can arise in a BDSM group is captured quite well. This is the main conflict which made this story work.

This is a fabulously erotic story. Recommended for m/m lovers who enjoy kinky bondage.

*provided by Manic Readers
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,901 reviews100 followers
February 6, 2019
This was my third book by Claire Thompson and by far the best. I knew she was an excellent writer, but I just didn't care for the subject matter of the first two books I read. I love BDSM stories, but not three ways and the Dom switching to a sub completely turned me off.
Profile Image for Bree Cheese .
268 reviews22 followers
April 17, 2014
Wonderfully sexy bondage scenes that were unfortunately overpowered by a mustachioed-twirling-telenovela villain and an extreme case of insta-love between the two MC's.
Profile Image for Joseph Tonlet.
Author 7 books411 followers
May 4, 2017
Very enjoyable 'Fantasy Island' for adults. *grins*
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews194 followers
March 24, 2014
Jace Thompson hasn't had the best of luck lately as he's cheated on by his long time lover and loses his job because of the failing economy.

Down to his last few dollars with no prospects in sight he's offered the job opportunity of a lifetime. Lucrative salary and all expenses paid to be a contract service submissive on an private tropical island for an exclusive BDSM community. Running out of options he's persuaded to consider it.

Jace agrees to a tour of the island where he finds out the offer is indeed legit but he'll have to pass a screening/assessment before a firm contract offer can be made. It only takes one look at Quinn, the trainer, for Jace to realize he wants in. In more ways than one.

Too bad others have taken a look at Jace and come to the decision that he'll be nothing but trouble and plan to do everything in their power to discredit him in the eyes of the islanders and Quinn. Jace will have endure all types of submission if he plans to last which won't be easy as unknown people on the island are determined to force him to break his contract and leave, never to return again.


SMOKING HOT!!! That's what this is. Totally smoking hot with a side of kick ass intense. An exclusive BDSM 'club' (Club Hieros) that runs 24/7 on a tropical private island. A total island of consensual manly fun where the only limitations are one's own hard limits.

Ok. I had my doubts when Carlos, one of the main owners of the island, show up at a sleezy Florida BDSM club and recruits Jace. My mind screamed 'pimp' and that Jace had better run for the hills. You all know what happens when something sounds too good to be true right? Hunky well endowed Jace was destined to be some guys b*tch if he stepped one foot on that island. I just knew it. Guess I'll have to eat my words as Jace does indeed hit the lottery in a job (if you can call it that) with a core responsibility to be available for BDSM themed play and sex.

Fast forward to the actual story line. This book has an interesting erotica based story line as Jace is recruited, goes through his 'interview' process, and eventually lands a position. But. There is an additional slant of intrigue and murky undertones that adds an unexpected bonus to things. You know I don't do spoiler information so I can't get into this except to comment that it wasn't a stretch of the imagination blindside element but that didn't mean you won't be cheering after the big reveal happens.

Adult Content. Yes, there are frequent BDSM play scenes all of which have the man on man action slant. Included are basic D/s BDSM, role playing, S & M, hints of extreme elements, and my favorite - shibari. Totally sucked me in as a wiling voyeur through thick and thin.

Romance. There is a core romance between Quinn & Jace though it's not as simple as it might seem. There are issues that each have to work through before they can move forward and that's assuming the contracted tenure will allow relationships to even occur. "The Contract" says it all.

I highly recommend this book (which I do hope becomes a series) to the BDSM m/m loving fans. I will caution you that when I started to read this book I had doubts as Brandon's Lair had more of a frat party atmosphere than a legitimate BDSM club. Don't be fooled. Things quickly change .... for the better.
:D

Profile Image for Grace.
3,330 reviews215 followers
September 17, 2021
I don't know, I enjoyed it I guess? The whole concept of this BDSM island that Jace just ~goes~ to because sure, it's definitely not a human trafficking scam, the relationship moved way too quickly for me to feel all that invested, the ~villain~ was waaaaaay OTT, and a lot of it just strained credulity, and yet, I did still enjoy. LOL.
Profile Image for Danny Tyran.
Author 21 books190 followers
November 29, 2014

Nothing goes well for Jace. He lost his construction worker job and broke up with his boyfriend. He feels depressed and decides to forget his worries by going to Brandon's Lair, a BDSM club. He attends a session in which Brandon whips a sub. During this time, Carlo says in his ear: "I've seen you here several times before. I have watched you in a few scenes in the playroom over the months. You're a natural. Born to submit, born for erotic suffering."

And Carlo offers a very lucrative job to Jace at Club Hieros.
"Actually, I represent an exclusive community located on a small private island in the Florida Keys. We cater to wealthy patrons in the gay BDSM community. We offer the finest in resort living, including every possible facet of a fully integrated BDSM lifestyle. Membership is by invitation only."

"You would be available as a submissive to anyone requiring your services. Your duties would include BDSM play, much like what you currently engage in at clubs like Brandon’s Lair, as well as full sexual service. You make yourself available to whoever takes a fancy to you. Of course, you would be paid handsomely for your services."

"You would receive seventy-five thousand dollars for the three-month term. Plus room and board and full access to all amenities on the island, of course."

Guess what Jace decides? Yeah. He goes working for the BDSM gay resort where he is trained (only one week?!) to prepare him for anything the club's wealthy clients might ask him or do to him.

As soon as he sees Quinn, who teaches shibari to clients on the island, Jace wants to submit to him and to become his bondage subject for his demonstration, because Jace loves bondage. "Something about Jace had awakened a part of Quinn that had been sleeping for a very long time, a part of him he had thought would never wake again."

Shibari into a pool is a good idea to test or boost trust between a sub and in his dominant, but three times in a novella... Just after his arrival at the BDSM resort, Jace glimpses a dom doing it in the red pool with a sub. Then Quinn do it with him alone once in the middle of the story. At the end of it when there is some sort of feast for the beginning of Jace's job as a trainer--Quinn says that he wants to show how Jace is good at it and makes a demonstration of their talents.

And I can't tell for sure, because I was never bound that way, but someone going into what the author calls shibari's heaven so fast doesn't seem very realistic to me. O.K. Maybe you can prepare your mind to enter this paradise as soon as the shibari master takes out his rope, but you're surely not completely filled with peace that fast.



But Quinn is in a dying relationship with Drew, another trainer. When Drew discovers that Quinn and Jace seem attracted by each other, he sets Jace up to ensure that he loses his job and is banished from the island. Drew gives Jace all sorts of troubles and runs false rumors about him. When this part of the story started, I thought: "Oh no, I'm not going to read pages and pages about the wicked trainer abusing the nice sub?" But this part is so short that I thought the author should have prolonged it a little bit, so we have at least enough time to feel sorry for Jace.

But Jace speaks about Drew's set-up to the island's authorities. They set up a trap for Drew, who falls in it head first. Then Drew is fired and has to leave the island for good. Jace takes over Drew's job and can stay working on the island and with Quinn as long as he wishes.

I didn't find this novella very original. This is the classic story of the young sub without a job or a cent who is offered a very well-paid employment. Usually it's in a BDSM club. Here it's on an island. But it's not very different. The dom is a caring one. About two thirds of the story, there are troubles from a secondary character to spice things a little. And we get our HEA.

Except for sentences like: "The space was bigger than it looked from the outside", which is surely one of the most used clichés of all times (if not THE most), Ms. Thompson's writing was good, as usual.

Even though I didn't find the story very original, I liked it. After a few pages, I was hooked and found myself willing to know what was going to happen next. So I give it three stars and a half rounded up to four.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Serena Yates.
Author 104 books769 followers
July 28, 2015
Fantasy BDSM, including a secretive luxury resort/club on A Key West island, at its best, this story is about a betrayed sub finding his feet in a way he’d never have dreamed possible, and an emotionally withdrawn Dom/trainer finding he can love again. The mix between the realism of a working sub’s life, the budding romance between the new sub and the experienced Dom, and the (somewhat predictable) villain weaving his evil plans is fun, entertaining, and very hot in places.

Jace has left his cheating boyfriend, then lost his job, and is somewhat at loose ends when he runs into Carlo, a mysterious man who makes him an offer he cannot refuse. The club he is recruited for caters to rich men, and Jae is determined to do a good job working as a staff submissive. Being on call practically 24/7 is not easy, and some of the clients are easier to deal with than others, but Jace doesn’t have any real issues with any of that. What does make him worry is sadistic trainer Drew who seems determined to make him fail and who gets him into some pretty unsafe situations. Jace deals with all of it by focusing on Quinn, the trainer he is fast falling for.

Quinn doesn’t want to feel the connection with Jace he detects the first time they meet, but he has little choice. It takes a while to find out why he is so hesitant, other than the whole “we are working colleagues” situation, and when his back story is revealed a lot becomes clear. I liked that he wasn’t easy to read, but I did think he could have figured out what Drew was up to a little sooner. Still, he’s a great guy and the way he takes Jace under his wings is wonderful.

Make no mistake – there are some darker moments when the BDSM borders on abuse, but it is made very clear this is not for titillation. Those situations either happen because there is a true masochist meeting up with a sadist, or it’s due to the villain interfering in what is otherwise an extremely careful, safe, sane, and consensual setup.

If you like your BDSM extremely hot and set in a fantasy-like club in the tropics, if you enjoy watching a character explore what BDSM means to him and how he might come to explore his limits, and if you’re looking for a read that is super-hot, sweet, and with a touch of suspense, then you will probably like this novel.
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,387 reviews156 followers
April 18, 2014

A review by The Blogger Girls.

This story starts out with your pretty typical, down-on-his luck guy, Jace, who has been cheated on, lost his job, has no money, etc. He’s had some dominant boyfriends and knows he loves/needs to submit, although he’s very reluctant to experience any of the heavier aspects of BDSM. Lucky for him, he is handpicked by Carlos for a job on his private club island to work as a full-time sub via a three-month contract in exchange for a very large sum of money. How could he resist that?

So, on the island, Jace is put through training by staff Doms/trainers to prepare him for anything he might encounter from the club’s wealthy clientele. It does take Jace a little bit to become comfortable with some of the more difficult activities, which I expected and was happy to see. To be honest, I was exhausted just reading about their daily appointments and hours of service, even though most felt like they were in paradise.

Jace meets Dom/trainer Quinn, and they have an immediate connection. Quinn prefers to train with a more understanding approach and is mostly more into bondage and erotic submission, which Jace finds is what he longs for. Unfortunately, there is trouble in the way of another Dom/trainer, Drew, who is a bit jealous of Quinn’s interest in Jace.

All in all, I found myself not wanting to put this down to see where it would go. It had quite a few elements that I enjoyed – the BDSM scenes were very well done and quite captivating, especially the Shibari, waterplay and caning scenes, and I liked that Jace and Quinn were both normal, somewhat on the same level financially and mentally. However, it also contained a few that I didn’t love, such as the basically inexperienced Jace learning how to be a full-service sub in a weeks’ time and an actual trainer in 3 months. I wish there had a been a bit more sexual tension, but overall, this was a really enjoyable story with a ton of hot and steamy scenes. I’m really hoping this becomes a series, as has been hinted at, because I’d love to see more of this fantasy island come to life.
Profile Image for Dre.
1,366 reviews54 followers
July 3, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, and I have to say that Albert was my favorite character in this one. How was he the only one who picked up on Drew's douchiness?! Speaking of Drew, his story ended a little to quickly and easily for me. Granted he was a total d-bag, and I wanted him gone, but I just don't think someone as crazy as Drew was, would go away that easily and quietly. Even with Marty's threats. As for Quinn and Jace, I liked them, but I didn't love them. I don't really feel like I know Quinn, even though he did share some of his past with Jace, and that made it hard for me to feel his chemistry/connection with Jace.
Profile Image for E..
2,043 reviews20 followers
August 6, 2018
3.75 stars

“The Contract” by Claire Thompson is an erotic m/m story that centers around a submissive young man who finds a way to deal with his financial difficulties by indulging in his carnal side on a very unusual secluded island that caters to BDSM aficionados who belong to Club Hieros. Jace is willing to sign a contract that requires that he service the members, but his biggest challenge is going to be the trainers, particularly the older man who makes him wish for the impossible.

This delightfully spicy tale showcases the author’s trademark kink and sensuality and combines it with a bit of mystery. Jace seems like a relatively naïve young man who finds a way to combine his submissive desires with a lucrative position but I wasn’t sure about the insta-lust attraction that forms between him and the older and more experienced Dominant, Quinn. Despite that, the heat and interaction between the two of them is intriguing to watch and there is a great demonstration of the essential qualities of trust and integrity required in a D/s relationship. I thought the creepy “villain” needed to be punished a bit more and I have trouble believing that he is suddenly going to develop integrity, but perhaps he will get a redemption story at some point. Those with triggers should make sure to read the blurb carefully and those in search of an entertaining and sexy BDSM story, have fun with this story!

A copy of this story was provided to me for review



Profile Image for Melanie.
41 reviews24 followers
November 18, 2019
Overall I found this book fairly well written. I related on a personal level to one of the characters having lost his lover, remained unable to let the profound grief go after many years. It was a little too happily ever after for my taste, though, like a gay/BDSM Cinderella. (There was actually a Cinderella reference in the book.) Also, the pages were not numbered, which bothered me, as I am OCD by nature.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
September 10, 2021
🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (9/10/2021)! 🎁
98 reviews
July 22, 2018
well this was my first m/m book and also .. my first arc received for an honest review! i was super excited for this opportunity. so.. well i didn't love it as much as i wanted to, i just didn't really connect to the characters, thought they needed more depth, more.. something.. to make me feel for them. and the bad guy was.. silly. the island idea sounds great, the scenes were HOT, i enjoyed reading them more then i thought i would, they were interesting and entertaining, but the rest of the story was just ok. i really enjoyed other books i've read by this author but this one just didn't make me fall in love with the characters.
Profile Image for Yoshi.
206 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2014

Not sure if I have missed something, but it would be better with a much intense
sexual tension between the two MCs. Also, I don't get the almost instant Love thing, maybe the book is
too short to have it build up? I wonder how, or if it's possible for a almost newbie in the BDSM scene to learn
almost everything to be a service sub within a week. Then, after being a sub in that place
over 3 months, he was turned into a trainer?
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,559 reviews
April 16, 2014
Jace and Quinn

2.5 stars I kind of wonder how these dudes didn't get a stomachache for as many blow jobs as they had to perform.
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
799 reviews8 followers
July 28, 2018
This is a well written and intriguing story about the BDSM Lifestyle at Club Hierόs. The book highlights the ups and downs of the guests, clients and service subs who live at the private resort. Having been betrayed by his partner Patrick, Jace is offered an opportunity to work at Club Hierόs. When Quinn’s long-time lover Albert dies, he succumbs to Drew’s persistent charms, purely out of loneliness, knowing full well he should have ended their relationship long ago. Drew is protective of his relationship with Quinn, but to him Jace is a threat; just like Tony was all those years ago. If BDSM is your genre, then I would have no hesitation in recommending this book.

Brandon is looking for a seasoned player to scene with; someone who is strong, brave, not afraid to suffer, and is ready to fly. But does Jace have the courage and passion to do a scene so intense it will wipe away all vestiges of the worst week of his life; Carlo has been watching Jace and seems to think so. Located on a private island, Club Hierόs caters to guests and clients living a BDSM lifestyle. With no job, money, lover, prospects or future, Jace feels truly alone, but will he accept the opportunity Carlo is offering him; a 3-month contract as a service sub. Carlo has seen the genuine power and passion of Jace’s submission; as a scout for Club Hierόs, that is what Carlo looks for and what makes their community unique. Jace is unsure if he has what it takes, but agrees to spend a weekend at the Club; after all what did he have to lose. It might even be a new chapter in his life. Quinn is in the training cabana, but is momentarily distracted the moment Jace steps off the yacht behind Carlo. Quinn’s policy, in the 3-years he has been working for Club Hierόs, of keeping his relationships with the other trainers and staff friendly but professional, has always stood him in good stead. Drew though had been persistent, and if he were honest he had been lonely; even so, love had never entered the mix between them. After a successful weekend, Jace has a good feeling about Club Hierόs. The service subs all seem happy and the trainers were very knowledgable; even if he ends up hating the experience he could endure anything for 3-months. Then there is Quinn. Jace’s intense attraction and initial infatuation for Quinn had deepened into something more during his assessment. Jace felt something more had passed between them, and for him, at least, the connection had been immediate and intense. Jace is excited and jittery about the experience that awaits him and even though he feels reasonably sure of what to expect, the prospect still seems somewhat surreal. Jace doesn’t feel comfortable when he is training with Drew; he makes him feel stupid, insecure and he humiliates him. Drew has convinced Jace that he will never make it as a true sub and no matter what he does it never seems to be good enough. Drew has a cruel streak, and Jace has already decided he didn’t like him, but not wanting to be a whiner or complainer, Jace has kept silent on the matter so far. Drew had given Quinn a rundown on Jace’s orientation, laughing about how he had set him up to fail. Quinn had never especially approved of Drew’s approach to training, preferring a more supportive and nurturing role; when Quinn expresses his disapproval, Drew becomes defensive. After a few days of intensive training, Jace is able to execute all 10 basic slave positions, and is the obvious choice for Quinn’s Shibari demonstrations. It is clear from their interaction that Jace took D/s more seriously than the others; he is the real thing, not a player, bringing passion and commitment to his submission. Until recently the relationship between Quinn and Drew has satisfied them both. Now Quinn finds he wants more; with Jace he can finally be happy. Drew is out for revenge and systematically implements a series of setups to undermine Jace, thereby creating potentially dangerous situations. It is not the first time Drew has done something like this; years ago he discredited Tony by circulating false rumours about him. Drew is convinced of the success of the latest part of his plan, but little does he realise that behind the scenes he is the one being setup. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.



Profile Image for Debby.
1,738 reviews76 followers
August 5, 2018
Jace Thompson is not sure what he is going to do. Betrayed by his lover and losing his job left him with no money, no prospects and no future. WHile visiting a local BDSM dungeon, Jace is offered an incredible job. He would go to a private Florida Key where wealthy clients are served by submissives who are paid to meet thier every desire. When Jace decides to accept a contract, he is evaluated by Trainer Quinn who finds himself intrigued by the young submissive. Jace returns the sentiment. Both men want to get to know each other better but Quinn's ex-boyfriend cannot allow that. He sets out to make Jace's life miserable. His actions get progressively dangerous for both Jace and the clients he serves.

Jace was an amazing submissive. When he gave his submission, it was done with natural grace and beauty. When he worked with Quinn, the two were so in sync it was obvious that they belonged together. Quinn's ex was more than annoyed and he broke some rules that should never be broken in his quest to drive Jace away. BDSM when done right is amazing and Claire Thompson shows us how it should be done. Every one has thier differrent wants, needs and limits. They should be observed carefully so no one is harmed.

Claire Thompson is blessed with the ability to bring the beauty and individuality of BDSM to life in the pages of her works. The Contract clearly indicates this. The story shows us how a BDSM life style should be, complete with all the necessary safety features. I know I shall be looking for more of her amazing portrayals. For the right pair BDSM would be incredibly satisfying just like Claire Thompson's The Contract.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,542 reviews93 followers
December 31, 2018
The book starts out with a crack, literally. Jace is watching a scene at his favourite BDSM club, overcome with the state of his life at the moment. The owner of the club, and scene master, notices him and brings him up for the next demonstration. Carlos, who spoke to Jace while he was in the crowd, helps Jace achieve his calm on stage, and his aftercare. Jace's problems overwhelm him, and he lets Carlos in on what is going on. Suddenly, it seems Carlos has the answer to all of Jace's problems!

Delving into the sexy fantasy world where BDSM is your life, your job, your pleasure, and the variety of people you come into contact with, was exciting from the start. You get to see everything from Jace's perspective, his awe, wonder, concerns, and doubts. His reactions are normal, titillating, and his fear is real, while his submission is evident. There is discovery, and the stretch of his world, while he finds himself more clearly they he ever thought possible

There is romance, love, and there is betrayal. Quinn is the object of Jace's emotional attentions, but someone else, with darker motives, believe's Quinn to be his. A plan is set in motion to get rid of Jace, yet, Jace is made of stronger stuff, and Quinn has his back, and people are fed up with the bad guy. This leads to Jace and Quinn finding their HEA, and what a wonderful journey it is for them to get there

I was completely and utterly drawn in and couldn't set this story down once I started!
Profile Image for Armenia.
907 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2018
I so enjoyed Jace and Quinn’s story. Both meet on the island resort which caters to rich clients with a proclivity for everything BDSM. At 26, Jace Thompson is recruited as a submissive to cater to guests and clients of the resort. Financially strapped and unanchored by the sting of betrayal of his ex-lover, Jace accepts submissive training and a 3-month contract for $75,000 while on the resort. When Jace begins to work under Quinn he can’t deny the intense attraction to him. Working with Quinn makes Jace yearn to have him as his Dom.

Peter Quinn is intrigued by the spark he feels from Jace. He’d lost someone dear to him and thought to never love again. As a trainer and a Dom with the resort, Quinn is astonished how Jace is such a natural in his submission.

“You’re the real deal. You bring passion and commitment to your submission.”

The Contract has plenty of steam and light suspense. A rival takes revenge trying to discredit Jace to keep them apart. With all of Ms. Thompson’s books, I always learn something new. Her stories are engaging as well as informative with characters you’ll love. What happens at this resort is eye-opening and fascinating. It’s a great M/M romance.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
July 18, 2018
Great story

This was an interesting M/m story. Great romance and some sexy sex, but more than that, it's a great view of the differences between being a sub, a service sub, and a full-time D/s relationship. They are all different and require different levels of dedication.

Jace is a sub who has just left a relationship with his dominant. And then to heap insult onto injury, he lost his job. When he goes to the club to watch a scene, he gets invited to join another demo. After that demo, he was invited to go to an exclusive gay BDSM resort as a service sub, available to anyone who wants him.

Quinn is a trainer at the resort. He helps clients learn new skills and helps train subs to be better. He has been a FWB with one of the other trainers, but that's been fading for a while. When he sees Jace, he's instantly attracted to him, and knows that it's time to do something.

I really enjoyed this book. The conflict felt so real. Everyone has dealt with someone like the antagonist at some point, so it was really relatable.
752 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2018
Come to Fantasy Island!
Jace, laid off construction worker gets an offer he can't refuse at his local BDSM haunt. Spend three months as a service sub at a private island for wealthy clients and cash a hefty sum at the end.
Easy!!
Famous last word!
Arriving at the island everything seems to go quite well, apart from Quinn, that fascinating trainer he can't keep out of his head.
Learning how to satisfy every whim of the islands customers he's quickly in high demand. But his best learning experiences are the Shibari sessions with trainer Quinn. The almost poetic description of those sessions is one of the highlights of this book.
Add to that a jealous, vindictive trainer, an elusive ghost with very down to earth advice, and loads of M/m scenes.
And by the celebration at the end, the whole fantastic setup feels like a perfectly normal gathering of work mates with you right in the middle of it.

Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,670 reviews83 followers
November 27, 2020
This is book one of Claire Thompson's "Serving His Master" series and it's all-consuming once you start. Being part of the BDSM lifestyle, Jace finds freedom in his submission to others. So when he's approached and offered an employment contract for three months at an exclusive BDSM club as a service sub. Jace has recently lost his construction job so the offer came at the perfect time. Not only that, but he also is invited to spend the weekend, look the resort over, and decide if he'd like to become a part of their BDSM family. Quinn is a full-time dominant/trainer at the BDSM club. As soon as Carlos, one of the owners, and Jace depart the yacht on arrival, Quinn is struck by palpable chemistry between himself and the new arrival. That instant reaction from Quinn to Jace's arrival set off alarm bells to Quinn's lover. This is a well-written storyline within a world that is described so well, I feel like I had been there witnessing all that's going on. The story kept me intrigued, the characters kept me mesmerized, and the flow of the book moved along so well, I was finished before I knew it. I can't wait to read "The Cowboy Poet", the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Kerry.
822 reviews
July 14, 2018
I loved this M/M BDSM themed novel by Claire Thompson...it kept me reading up late in the night until I had found out how Jace and Quinn's story ended. This one was packed with steamy scenes and a beautiful love story of two men who simply were lost and found each other despite the unconventional way they met.

With some suspense and some thrilling scenes that keep you guessing how Jace especially will overcome obstacles in his path, Claire keeps her readers loyal and cheering for this love match from the very first page until the end in a HEA. I have to admit, I loved the idea of the secret island off the Florida Keys and would love to see more of Carlo and Theon's tale as well of that of Conrad, Marty and Master Brandon.

This one is certainly one to read....you will certainly not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,224 reviews34 followers
July 30, 2018
Fantasy Island

Think Fantasy Island for gay men who live the BDSM lifestyle. That's Club Hierős. A playground for Doms and submissives alike where your every wish or desire is fulfilled. Peter Quinn, a club trainer, is a little older, more mature and a seasoned Dom. Jace is submissive to the core and not only list his job but his Dom within the space of two days. Both men are drawn to each other from the moment Jace steps on the island. Learning how to sink into his submission is a challenge and Jace lives for his training sessions with Quinn. Quinn's heart has been shuttered for so long but he finally starts to feel again when he's with Jace. Even a jealous troublemaking play partner cannot break the bond forming between the two men and they find what they've both been searching for....happiness.

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