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The Contract
“…I’ll pay you a monthly salary to behave and appear for all practical purposes as my wife…If you agree, the marriage vows can be taken on the phone on Saturday, since I have an hour free in the morning.”
Circumstances have forced the young divorcée, Shahira, to accept Hussain’s unusual proposition. As per their contract, she’ll have his name, will be paid to look after his ailing mother and motherless daughter and will be left well alone by him. Perfect!
Until her new husband decides to stop playing by the rules…
Circumstances have forced the young divorcée, Shahira, to accept Hussain’s unusual proposition. As per their contract, she’ll have his name, will be paid to look after his ailing mother and motherless daughter and will be left well alone by him. Perfect!
Until her new husband decides to stop playing by the rules…
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2013
35 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 10, 2017
'The Contract' was an amazing book to read; really enjoyed it.
I finished reading it in just one sitting because it only consisted of 95 pages.
I must say, it's a well-written book. Apart from Zeenat's writing, I found the plot way more interesting. I really liked Hussain's character and could easily imagine his well-mannerisms had he been a real person. In fact, all the characters were lovable and relatable.
I loved how Zeenat has weaved in the story and made Shahira and Hussain fall for each other eventually, not forgetting the fact that both of them had seen a horrible time in their past. Beginning their relationship as a business contract, they get to know each other more with the passage of time and finally fall in love.
Zeenat Mahal is a terrific writer. I can't wait to start reading her next book, 'Haveli'. I wish her all the best with her future endeavors.
I would definitely like to recommend this book to all the romance lovers!
I finished reading it in just one sitting because it only consisted of 95 pages.
I must say, it's a well-written book. Apart from Zeenat's writing, I found the plot way more interesting. I really liked Hussain's character and could easily imagine his well-mannerisms had he been a real person. In fact, all the characters were lovable and relatable.
I loved how Zeenat has weaved in the story and made Shahira and Hussain fall for each other eventually, not forgetting the fact that both of them had seen a horrible time in their past. Beginning their relationship as a business contract, they get to know each other more with the passage of time and finally fall in love.
Zeenat Mahal is a terrific writer. I can't wait to start reading her next book, 'Haveli'. I wish her all the best with her future endeavors.
I would definitely like to recommend this book to all the romance lovers!
June 1, 2017
I rly rly enjoyed this book . It was humorous and the situations , characters seemed very real . I really liked Hussain , Shahira , the two adorable kids and of course The loveliest mother in law ever .
June 30, 2019
My yearly re-read of this author's books ... stands the test of time and presents an interesting take on a contract marriage ...
Love this h's practicality and the H's outrage as he realises h's gives him the marriage he thought he wanted but realises he doesn't ... he invests time and effort to win h over ... worth reading ...
Love this h's practicality and the H's outrage as he realises h's gives him the marriage he thought he wanted but realises he doesn't ... he invests time and effort to win h over ... worth reading ...
April 22, 2019
Non-review Rant
'The Contract' was literally how I found about GoodReads.
Back in January 2018, I was ready with a few draft novellas as well as a list of catchy titles ready. I, however, wanted those titles to be unique. I googled a couple and viola, the second one 'Terms and Conditions Apply' was taken. What surprised me more was that the writer was a Muslim. The story features Muslim protagonists. And it was based on one of my favourite romance tropes - contract marriage or marriage of convenience. Could it be more of a coincidence? You may wonder why I am obsessed with contract marriages but now it not the time, so sssshhhh.
As I was saying, I clicked on the google result and it took me to Goodreads.
I didn't read the book then, though.
Plot & Review
Plot:
The book is about Shahira who has been divorced after an abusive marriage. Hussain has his own demons. Circumstances force them to agree to a contract marriage.
Review:
It is a typical Urdu digest story when two wingle parents come togehter to a marriage of convenience.
The writer has paid attention to create a detailed back story for both Shahira and Hussain. Shahira had an abusive marriage. Hussain's wife thrived on sleeping around. Hussain was no saint, either.
It is a story where we know how it is going to end. I liked the other nuances like how Hussain's mother, Salma plays cupid so they can spend more time together. She was quite a drama queen. There are some witty lines in the book, my favourite is Salma's act.
And bless his mother, she was quick to cough up a fit worthy of a tuberculosis patient, as she said with a breathlessness that was pitiful to watch, “Really Shahira…you can’t expect
me… cough… cough…to accompany…you,” a wheezy breathy pause, “young…people. I’m too old. Cough.
The other benefit of being written in English, in my opinion, was how much detail are given when Shahira and Hussain finally get together. The Urdu versions cannot and do not talk about libido and orgasms and stuff. Generally.
Like I said, it is a typical story but narrative is so vivid. I love the language, which makes the mundane things sound better.
The book is short. It makes for easy and quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
'The Contract' was literally how I found about GoodReads.
Back in January 2018, I was ready with a few draft novellas as well as a list of catchy titles ready. I, however, wanted those titles to be unique. I googled a couple and viola, the second one 'Terms and Conditions Apply' was taken. What surprised me more was that the writer was a Muslim. The story features Muslim protagonists. And it was based on one of my favourite romance tropes - contract marriage or marriage of convenience. Could it be more of a coincidence? You may wonder why I am obsessed with contract marriages but now it not the time, so sssshhhh.
As I was saying, I clicked on the google result and it took me to Goodreads.
I didn't read the book then, though.
Plot & Review
Plot:
The book is about Shahira who has been divorced after an abusive marriage. Hussain has his own demons. Circumstances force them to agree to a contract marriage.
Review:
It is a typical Urdu digest story when two wingle parents come togehter to a marriage of convenience.
The writer has paid attention to create a detailed back story for both Shahira and Hussain. Shahira had an abusive marriage. Hussain's wife thrived on sleeping around. Hussain was no saint, either.
It is a story where we know how it is going to end. I liked the other nuances like how Hussain's mother, Salma plays cupid so they can spend more time together. She was quite a drama queen. There are some witty lines in the book, my favourite is Salma's act.
And bless his mother, she was quick to cough up a fit worthy of a tuberculosis patient, as she said with a breathlessness that was pitiful to watch, “Really Shahira…you can’t expect
me… cough… cough…to accompany…you,” a wheezy breathy pause, “young…people. I’m too old. Cough.
The other benefit of being written in English, in my opinion, was how much detail are given when Shahira and Hussain finally get together. The Urdu versions cannot and do not talk about libido and orgasms and stuff. Generally.
Like I said, it is a typical story but narrative is so vivid. I love the language, which makes the mundane things sound better.
The book is short. It makes for easy and quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 2, 2017
I rarely read novellas. However, this is a novella that made me change that decision of mine. This is a short and sweet novella and I would recommend everyone to take a few hours off and read it.
The author did a good job with the hero and heroine's characters. The hero, Hussain, a businessman always on the move. He is a widower who has been thoroughly disillusioned with matrimony and also has a small daughter. The heroine, Shahira, is a 30-year old divorcee with a son. Her previous husband and in-laws were abusive. As a result, she left her previous marriage with emotional scars and has lost faith in all men.
Circumstances throw them together and they both agree to a contract. Shahira gets Hussain's name and financial security for herself and her son while Hussain gets someone to take care of his daughter and his mother.
It was nice reading how the hero and the heroine fell in love with each other despite the scars they bear from their previous marriages. At first, Hussain comes off as very unemotional but it is tempered by Shahira's sweet nature. Slowly, Hussain found himself drawn to her more and more. Shahira, however, is scared to trust again and it was wonderful how Hussain wood her and attempted to win her over. It was also nice to see that the heroine had a backbone inspite of her previous marriage.
Salma's efforts to get the two of them closer were hilarious. It was beautiful reading how the 'contract' turned an 'actual marriage'.
Kudos to Ms Mahal for writing such a nice and entertaing novella.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this story for sharing an honest review
The author did a good job with the hero and heroine's characters. The hero, Hussain, a businessman always on the move. He is a widower who has been thoroughly disillusioned with matrimony and also has a small daughter. The heroine, Shahira, is a 30-year old divorcee with a son. Her previous husband and in-laws were abusive. As a result, she left her previous marriage with emotional scars and has lost faith in all men.
Circumstances throw them together and they both agree to a contract. Shahira gets Hussain's name and financial security for herself and her son while Hussain gets someone to take care of his daughter and his mother.
It was nice reading how the hero and the heroine fell in love with each other despite the scars they bear from their previous marriages. At first, Hussain comes off as very unemotional but it is tempered by Shahira's sweet nature. Slowly, Hussain found himself drawn to her more and more. Shahira, however, is scared to trust again and it was wonderful how Hussain wood her and attempted to win her over. It was also nice to see that the heroine had a backbone inspite of her previous marriage.
Salma's efforts to get the two of them closer were hilarious. It was beautiful reading how the 'contract' turned an 'actual marriage'.
Kudos to Ms Mahal for writing such a nice and entertaing novella.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this story for sharing an honest review
July 10, 2014
This was an okay read with some pluses and some minuses. First of all the major plus was that it was a romance written about another culture written by a person from that culture. There was a very real sense of a different set of social mores. They were however presented in an accessible manner for someone not of the culture. There were however enough commonalities to traditional western romances that the story was a comfortable read.
Minuses included a lack of real sexual tension between the two leads. Another was the rather unpolished writing style.
All in all an interesting read.
Minuses included a lack of real sexual tension between the two leads. Another was the rather unpolished writing style.
All in all an interesting read.
June 6, 2014
REVIEW FOR THE CONTRACT
Shahira and Hussain are two beautiful but scarred individuals; one by an abusive husband and the other by a promiscuous wife. Thrown together by circumstances, they get into a contractual marriage which is supposed to work like a business arrangement: no relationship, no sex and no emotion. Hussain finds someone to look after his daughter and also manages to get his match making mother off his back; whereas for Shahira it spells financial security for herself and her son. It seems to be just what they both want, or so they believe.
As they spend time together, Hussain finds himself more and more drawn to Shahira and he wants to look after her and protect her; Shahira however is too scared to trust again, so he decides he has to woo her and win her over so that she can be a real wife and not just one bound by a ‘contract’.
The author has brought out the problems faced by a single mom so vividly esp. by a woman in a conservative, patriarchal society. Her description of Paris was magical and made the family holiday come alive for me right in front of my eyes. It’s a beautiful, sensitive story and as for me, I was rooting for Hussain from the word ‘go’.
Shahira and Hussain are two beautiful but scarred individuals; one by an abusive husband and the other by a promiscuous wife. Thrown together by circumstances, they get into a contractual marriage which is supposed to work like a business arrangement: no relationship, no sex and no emotion. Hussain finds someone to look after his daughter and also manages to get his match making mother off his back; whereas for Shahira it spells financial security for herself and her son. It seems to be just what they both want, or so they believe.
As they spend time together, Hussain finds himself more and more drawn to Shahira and he wants to look after her and protect her; Shahira however is too scared to trust again, so he decides he has to woo her and win her over so that she can be a real wife and not just one bound by a ‘contract’.
The author has brought out the problems faced by a single mom so vividly esp. by a woman in a conservative, patriarchal society. Her description of Paris was magical and made the family holiday come alive for me right in front of my eyes. It’s a beautiful, sensitive story and as for me, I was rooting for Hussain from the word ‘go’.
December 22, 2014
I loved loved loved this book! I gobbled it up in one go and had so much fun reading it!
Story: This novella was about two scarred people who heal each other. They don't know it but they are what the other person needs. The author expertly took a serious subject, abuse, betrayal, dysfunctional relationship, and told it in a lighthearted way. Don't get me wrong, this book is pretty deep and a food for thought. But it makes you think without being too serious. I love "contract relationship" plots. I haven't read them in books much but I've seen plenty in Kdramas and I love them! So I enjoyed that very much in this book too. There is just something about two people who are unlikely to ever meet let alone fall for each other are somehow forced into a relationship and then fall for each other. It's just so cute! Especially when the guy falls first! I really enjoyed this story, especially how everything was so perfectly balanced.
Writing: Zeenat Mahal did such a good job! I really enjoyed her writing! It's gripping without being overly expressive and I like how she can keep balance between different aspects of the story. She expresses the characters' thoughts and emotions really well and I loved the humor and romance!
Characters: I loved Shahira! She is very relatable and I love strong women like her! Even though she had past horrors she took control of her life and refused to let any man control her. I was so proud of her! She deserved all the happiness! She has become one of my favorite book characters.
I really liked Hussain! He was such a gentleman! If only guys like him existed in real life... He had his past ghosts too and I liked how he was eager to give a new relationship a chance. He was so caring! He seemed selfish but I felt like he really did love his family. I loved the things he did to get closer to Shahira! He was so cute when he was teasing her!
Aunty Salma was such a fun character! She was like the fairy-godmother except she was more funny and endearing! I really enjoyed her plans of getting Hussain & Shahira closer!
Nudrat was the evil witch trying to get between our couple. She was really well-written and even though I hated her I also felt sorry for her.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to fans of contemporary romances! It is really well-written with great characters and an awesome story!
Story: This novella was about two scarred people who heal each other. They don't know it but they are what the other person needs. The author expertly took a serious subject, abuse, betrayal, dysfunctional relationship, and told it in a lighthearted way. Don't get me wrong, this book is pretty deep and a food for thought. But it makes you think without being too serious. I love "contract relationship" plots. I haven't read them in books much but I've seen plenty in Kdramas and I love them! So I enjoyed that very much in this book too. There is just something about two people who are unlikely to ever meet let alone fall for each other are somehow forced into a relationship and then fall for each other. It's just so cute! Especially when the guy falls first! I really enjoyed this story, especially how everything was so perfectly balanced.
Writing: Zeenat Mahal did such a good job! I really enjoyed her writing! It's gripping without being overly expressive and I like how she can keep balance between different aspects of the story. She expresses the characters' thoughts and emotions really well and I loved the humor and romance!
Characters: I loved Shahira! She is very relatable and I love strong women like her! Even though she had past horrors she took control of her life and refused to let any man control her. I was so proud of her! She deserved all the happiness! She has become one of my favorite book characters.
I really liked Hussain! He was such a gentleman! If only guys like him existed in real life... He had his past ghosts too and I liked how he was eager to give a new relationship a chance. He was so caring! He seemed selfish but I felt like he really did love his family. I loved the things he did to get closer to Shahira! He was so cute when he was teasing her!
Aunty Salma was such a fun character! She was like the fairy-godmother except she was more funny and endearing! I really enjoyed her plans of getting Hussain & Shahira closer!
Nudrat was the evil witch trying to get between our couple. She was really well-written and even though I hated her I also felt sorry for her.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to fans of contemporary romances! It is really well-written with great characters and an awesome story!
January 10, 2015
~I got a copy of this book as a part of Indireads Reviewer Program in exchange of an honest review~
This is a story of how an unconventional marriage, which started as a 'Contract', turned into something entirely different.
The writing style was fabulous. The words, meant something to you. There are places where I felt the story is a bit rushed though.
The characters were described greatly. I really liked how the background story of both the MCs was told. The kids were cute and Ami was caring.
The plot, needless to say was interesting.
The only flaw was that at times I felt a bit... disconnected from the story. And the ending seemed a bit rushed to me; something felt missing.
3 stars anyhow.
It was a nice, fun read.
Recommended to all romancaholics.
This is a story of how an unconventional marriage, which started as a 'Contract', turned into something entirely different.
The writing style was fabulous. The words, meant something to you. There are places where I felt the story is a bit rushed though.
The characters were described greatly. I really liked how the background story of both the MCs was told. The kids were cute and Ami was caring.
The plot, needless to say was interesting.
The only flaw was that at times I felt a bit... disconnected from the story. And the ending seemed a bit rushed to me; something felt missing.
3 stars anyhow.
It was a nice, fun read.
Recommended to all romancaholics.
November 21, 2017
I absolutely fall in love with the characters Zeenat Mahal creates. Though a relatively new author, she definitely shows signs of creating characters who are as unforgettable as those of Lisa Kleypas' (I can't think of any better compliment). She can pen down an old, well-known story yet I'll still love her book.
"He’d had this intense, possessive desire to protect her. He’d wanted her to feel she could
count on him to be her champion. He wanted her to know that she could depend on him, that he’d protect her.
...
She was a stranger, had been a stranger and now he felt as if she was the anchor of his being."
So why the 4 stars? Simply because I'm a greedy little monster, who is just not satisfied with a novella length story! As lovely as it is to have read Hussain and Shabnam...oh sorry, I meant Shahira's ( :P ) story, I felt it gets wrapped up too swiftly near the end. I would have loved to read some more scenes after Shahira realises her feelings. Nevertheless, I loved the characters.
"He’d had this intense, possessive desire to protect her. He’d wanted her to feel she could
count on him to be her champion. He wanted her to know that she could depend on him, that he’d protect her.
...
She was a stranger, had been a stranger and now he felt as if she was the anchor of his being."
So why the 4 stars? Simply because I'm a greedy little monster, who is just not satisfied with a novella length story! As lovely as it is to have read Hussain and Shabnam...oh sorry, I meant Shahira's ( :P ) story, I felt it gets wrapped up too swiftly near the end. I would have loved to read some more scenes after Shahira realises her feelings. Nevertheless, I loved the characters.
August 6, 2014
http://njkinny.blogspot.in/2014/08/bo...
Shahira is finally living her life on her own terms. She is free of her abusive marriage, is independent and has a son who completes her world. So what if she is divorced with no male protection. She wants to prove to everyone that women don't need men to protect and support them.
But a sudden tragedy forces Shahira's hand and she has to agree to the unusual proposal from Hussain who just wants a mother for his daughter and a wife in name only so that his ever-matchmaking mother is satisfied and he is free to carry on his life as he wishes!
What starts as a business proposition is soon converted to something deeper when hearts and emotions get involved!
When I read the blurb of the book, I was instantly attracted to it. I love stories with a handsome, brooding hero and a strong, independent heroine. Their altercations are so entertaining and fun to read about! :)
The cover is fine, nothing very special about it but it still engages the reader.
The story starts a bit slow but just after a page or two it picks up pace and takes the readers on a journey with unexpected twists and turns. Whenever I thought I knew what would happen next, Zeenat gave a completely new turn to the story.
The writing style is engaging and gives an insight into the Pakistani lifestyle, their traditions and beliefs. I was really surprised to know that marriages could happen on the phone! Maybe this happens but I didn't know this and was a bit amused but largely shocked. Marriages are very important events and I just cant imagine having mine on the phone! The general thinking of people where they consider women subservient to men and don't expect them to stand for their own is pretty common in India too so I could empathize with the author here.
The characterization is very real like and I could connect with every character in the story. Shahira impressed me with her strength of character, her resolve to stay independent and her levelheadedness. She is smart, beautiful, a book lover, an eager learner and a loving mother. Hussain is suave, handsome, brooding, often unreachable but with a soft heart inside a hard exterior. I loved the scenes between these two. There is wit, humor, sass and a battle of wills. They were adorable together with some very intense moments. The children, Natasha and Shahaan are both cute and add more fun to the overall reading experience. Hussain's mother, Salma is a hopeless romantic and a determined matchmaker. She wants Shahira and Hussain to be together and her efforts to throw them together are funny and very adorable. :)
The author takes up some social issues in her book like abusive husbands, physical and mental harassment of women at the hands of her husband and in-laws, the expectations from a woman to stay with her husband even if he is traumatizing her and also stay agreeable to him at all costs.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book except one point. More romantic tension should have come from Shahira apart from Hussain. Hussain's part is great but Shahira's actions needed a bit more development. This should have been remedied a bit.
Apart from this small point which you may or may not notice amidst all the action, this is a great read and I had great fun while reading the book. A perfect leisure read which thrills and excites, I give The Contract a 4.5 out of 5 and strongly recommend it to everyone. Zeenat is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received the book from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Shahira is finally living her life on her own terms. She is free of her abusive marriage, is independent and has a son who completes her world. So what if she is divorced with no male protection. She wants to prove to everyone that women don't need men to protect and support them.
But a sudden tragedy forces Shahira's hand and she has to agree to the unusual proposal from Hussain who just wants a mother for his daughter and a wife in name only so that his ever-matchmaking mother is satisfied and he is free to carry on his life as he wishes!
What starts as a business proposition is soon converted to something deeper when hearts and emotions get involved!
When I read the blurb of the book, I was instantly attracted to it. I love stories with a handsome, brooding hero and a strong, independent heroine. Their altercations are so entertaining and fun to read about! :)
The cover is fine, nothing very special about it but it still engages the reader.
The story starts a bit slow but just after a page or two it picks up pace and takes the readers on a journey with unexpected twists and turns. Whenever I thought I knew what would happen next, Zeenat gave a completely new turn to the story.
The writing style is engaging and gives an insight into the Pakistani lifestyle, their traditions and beliefs. I was really surprised to know that marriages could happen on the phone! Maybe this happens but I didn't know this and was a bit amused but largely shocked. Marriages are very important events and I just cant imagine having mine on the phone! The general thinking of people where they consider women subservient to men and don't expect them to stand for their own is pretty common in India too so I could empathize with the author here.
The characterization is very real like and I could connect with every character in the story. Shahira impressed me with her strength of character, her resolve to stay independent and her levelheadedness. She is smart, beautiful, a book lover, an eager learner and a loving mother. Hussain is suave, handsome, brooding, often unreachable but with a soft heart inside a hard exterior. I loved the scenes between these two. There is wit, humor, sass and a battle of wills. They were adorable together with some very intense moments. The children, Natasha and Shahaan are both cute and add more fun to the overall reading experience. Hussain's mother, Salma is a hopeless romantic and a determined matchmaker. She wants Shahira and Hussain to be together and her efforts to throw them together are funny and very adorable. :)
The author takes up some social issues in her book like abusive husbands, physical and mental harassment of women at the hands of her husband and in-laws, the expectations from a woman to stay with her husband even if he is traumatizing her and also stay agreeable to him at all costs.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book except one point. More romantic tension should have come from Shahira apart from Hussain. Hussain's part is great but Shahira's actions needed a bit more development. This should have been remedied a bit.
Apart from this small point which you may or may not notice amidst all the action, this is a great read and I had great fun while reading the book. A perfect leisure read which thrills and excites, I give The Contract a 4.5 out of 5 and strongly recommend it to everyone. Zeenat is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
I received the book from the author and I am very thankful to her. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
July 17, 2016
Setting: Pakistan, contemporary
Genre: Sweet romance
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The premise is a good one, but it was so disorganized it was hard to follow. It was hard to see the plot hiding in so much extraneous detail.
The basic plot is a womanizing man contracts a marriage to a man-hating woman. He wants a mother for his daughter and to get his mom off his back about remarrying. She needs a cover to keep opportunistic men with dishonorable intentions away, and a job that pays a better salary than her teaching career. The contract covers all those needs, including her caveat that the relationship be strictly platonic.The tension in the story should be these two people getting past their individual hang-ups and getting to know one another enough to fall in love, just like in a good Regency romance with the same premise.
Shahira is a 30 year-old divorced mother of a 7 year-old boy. She was married to a sadistic man whose mother was jealous of her. This has scarred her psychologically and she's afraid of romantic love.
Hussain is a 40ish widowed father of an 11 year-old daughter. He is a rich international business man who can have just about any woman he wants. He's a player who rarely comes home to spend time with his mother and daughter. He has trust issues, and wants nothing to do with romantic love.
So, what's wrong here? Well, first off, there are too many points of view. It's difficult to know who thinks what, as there is also no division between the voices. Then there's Nudrat, playing the gratuitous "other woman" role. This aspect of the story is not well-written, and it would have been better without it.
What this author needs is a good outline to keep her on track. She'd also benefit from one of those supportive reading groups so many of my favorite writers enjoy. She could use some straight talking about her style from people who aren't afraid of offending her.
Genre: Sweet romance
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The premise is a good one, but it was so disorganized it was hard to follow. It was hard to see the plot hiding in so much extraneous detail.
The basic plot is a womanizing man contracts a marriage to a man-hating woman. He wants a mother for his daughter and to get his mom off his back about remarrying. She needs a cover to keep opportunistic men with dishonorable intentions away, and a job that pays a better salary than her teaching career. The contract covers all those needs, including her caveat that the relationship be strictly platonic.The tension in the story should be these two people getting past their individual hang-ups and getting to know one another enough to fall in love, just like in a good Regency romance with the same premise.
Shahira is a 30 year-old divorced mother of a 7 year-old boy. She was married to a sadistic man whose mother was jealous of her. This has scarred her psychologically and she's afraid of romantic love.
Hussain is a 40ish widowed father of an 11 year-old daughter. He is a rich international business man who can have just about any woman he wants. He's a player who rarely comes home to spend time with his mother and daughter. He has trust issues, and wants nothing to do with romantic love.
So, what's wrong here? Well, first off, there are too many points of view. It's difficult to know who thinks what, as there is also no division between the voices. Then there's Nudrat, playing the gratuitous "other woman" role. This aspect of the story is not well-written, and it would have been better without it.
What this author needs is a good outline to keep her on track. She'd also benefit from one of those supportive reading groups so many of my favorite writers enjoy. She could use some straight talking about her style from people who aren't afraid of offending her.
June 17, 2014
After reading a hell lot of books with themes like Dystopia, Apocalypse, Thrillers, Romance, I found this book a welcome change. I never thought I would like this book so much that I will give it a 5 star. The plot reminds me of a Current TV show featuring on Star Plus ' Ye hai Mohabaattein' that my Mom religiously watchs. Coming to the Plot : Shahira (teacher) & Hussain (businessman) are both plagued by the thought of falling in love again due to their failed marriages. Hussain's daughter is a student of Shahira's. Hussain's mother Salma plays the role of Cupid, & tries to tie the Knot between Hussain & Shahira. Having Once Bitten Twice Shy, Hussain & Shahira marry under the disguise of mutually benefiticial Contract. However after the Marriage, the Contracts wavers off in a direction that none of them expected. I think the reason why I loved this book was coz of the way Zeenat Mahal narrated this book in a very Saas-bahu Tv soap fashion. There are lot of laughs thrown in peppered with dollops of romance. Hussain is like Fire while Shahira like Water. Its hard not to like Shahira who has gamuts of talents hidden under her sleeves which she reveals slowly. The Naughty antics of Salma made me laugh hysterically. The Climax was weaved in Beautifully. This book sure is a hidden gem that only a few lucky bookworms have discovered.
February 21, 2016
This is my first time reading something by Zeenat Mahal, and I must say I quite enjoyed it. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Shahira was a lovely protagonist, her love for her son was beautiful. She willingly went through with a lifetime contract for the betterment of her son, regardless of how it would affect her. And, her love for Natasha and the grandma was really sweet as well. And, she's quite strong - to be able to leave her ex-husband with the fear of her son becoming his next punching bag.
Hussain was a nice hero. Despite not being sure that his daughter is really his daughter he still loved her the same. I loved how he didn't want to do a paternity test, he couldn't stand the thought of her not being his. His ex-wife was terrible, and it makes sense how it hurt seeing his daughter sometimes, but I loved how it didn't change his feelings for her.
Shahira and Hussain both have their demons - abusive husband and cheating wife. This was a lovely story about second chances; forming a real family and finding love.
If you're looking for a sweet quick read, I would definitely recommend it.
https://booksblurbsandbeyond.wordpres...
Shahira was a lovely protagonist, her love for her son was beautiful. She willingly went through with a lifetime contract for the betterment of her son, regardless of how it would affect her. And, her love for Natasha and the grandma was really sweet as well. And, she's quite strong - to be able to leave her ex-husband with the fear of her son becoming his next punching bag.
Hussain was a nice hero. Despite not being sure that his daughter is really his daughter he still loved her the same. I loved how he didn't want to do a paternity test, he couldn't stand the thought of her not being his. His ex-wife was terrible, and it makes sense how it hurt seeing his daughter sometimes, but I loved how it didn't change his feelings for her.
Shahira and Hussain both have their demons - abusive husband and cheating wife. This was a lovely story about second chances; forming a real family and finding love.
If you're looking for a sweet quick read, I would definitely recommend it.
https://booksblurbsandbeyond.wordpres...
June 18, 2014
The Contract was a short and entertaining story. The author did a good job of describing the characters in detail. Although when the book started it kept jumping from one person's POV to another. It was a little confusing. The expectations, aspirations and experiences of a typical woman, in South-east Asia, was described in the book. I liked that Shahira was described as a modern woman not bound by the old customs of her religion. It will hopefully change the outlook towards all Muslim women who are still thought to be confined to their burqa. Hussain was a charming man who was kind towards Shahira. He was quite different from the alpha males in most books nowadays. The book follows the journey of the two very different but scarred characters coming together. All in all it was a good read.
December 16, 2014
As Shahira ended her abusive marriage with the father of her child, her life started returning to normal when it changed again... by a contract deal with a snooty , proud, man with tons of money and a heart of stone ... or is it different ?
Though I was not expecting anything literary, yet, the characters could be more layered and meaty. As well as beside the Daahta Sahib, there is hardly any glimpse of Lahore or Paris Or London.
It would have been rewarding if little peccadilloes , the and routine activities would have found a passing mention in the narration, it helps the book to set in real world and makes the impression lasting.
Having said all, the writer IS Promising with a capital 'P' and I look forward to read her more :)
Though I was not expecting anything literary, yet, the characters could be more layered and meaty. As well as beside the Daahta Sahib, there is hardly any glimpse of Lahore or Paris Or London.
It would have been rewarding if little peccadilloes , the and routine activities would have found a passing mention in the narration, it helps the book to set in real world and makes the impression lasting.
Having said all, the writer IS Promising with a capital 'P' and I look forward to read her more :)
February 25, 2014
The book has been written very well and the characters are very well developed. The relationship between the characters has been very well portrayed. I enjoyed the book a lot.
More on http://wp.me/p3cEWT-i1
More on http://wp.me/p3cEWT-i1
June 25, 2014
Amazing novella. battle of wits, lots of humor, some romance, some tragic past and over-all, a feel-good novella.
highly recommended to all romance fanatics. must-read.
whole review here : http://jigar-doshi.com/2014/06/the-co...
highly recommended to all romance fanatics. must-read.
whole review here : http://jigar-doshi.com/2014/06/the-co...
August 2, 2013
a striking description of the business of marriage, and how, marriage can never be a business.
April 16, 2014
Such a sweet and darling book. Made me feel happy and good the whole day after reading it. Already looking forward to the next one by zeenat mahal
January 5, 2015
amazing book, is written very nicely & has a very, very good plot. Hope Zeenat keeps writing books like this.
March 24, 2015
' The Contract ' was an amazing book to read.... enjoyed reading
July 25, 2015
Great read
Wonderful story about finding love after abusive marriages. I really enjoyed this heart rendering story as I too have faith that not all men or women are evil.
Wonderful story about finding love after abusive marriages. I really enjoyed this heart rendering story as I too have faith that not all men or women are evil.
June 6, 2019
Thoughts
I’d heard of Zeenat Mahal back before publishers started giving Own Voices (and books by POC for POC) a chance. So when I won a Kindle Unlimited subscription (thanks to my brother) one of the first books I downloaded to read was The Contract by Zeenat Mahal.
Pros:
It’s a romance set in Lahore, Pakistan! Yes I know there are some other books that may also be set in Pakistan but they’re usually literary tomes or some kind of social commentary wrapped up in the guise of fiction without an ounce of romance anywhere near them.
The heroine is nobody’s damsel, she gives as good as she gets verbally and I loved it! What with the rampant stereotypes in tv dramas (and some books) of South Asian leading ladies usually only being good for a cry/needing rescuing by their husbands/brothers/cousins etc this was a breath of fresh air.
The same goes for the doting in-law family/mother-in law, usually the in-laws are portrayed as being mean/ treating the daughter-in-law like a worker and it was nice to see Zeenat turn that stereotype on its head.
Cons
There’s only really the one in an otherwise enjoyable read, there were one or two instances that felt to me like weight-shaming (of an 11 year old). Shahira comments on how much weight Natasha (her student and eventual step-daughter) has put on and then when Natasha loses the weight Shahira thinks to herself that Natasha looks even better now that she lost weight.
Overall Thoughts
The Contract by Zeenat Mahal was even better than I had expected it to be. It’s down as a novella on Amazon but really didn’t feel like one (it felt like a short story to me). Usually, short stories/novellas feel like they miss out a good few chunks and at the end of reading I always feel short changed but I didn’t feel short changed with this one, I felt like I had read a full 300 something page novel by the time it finished. There’s only ever been one other novella (also quite recently) that has felt like that to me.
I started another Zeenat Mahal book as soon as I finished this that’s how good this one was, I’ll probably be writing a review for that book as well once I’ve read it so keep your eyes out for that one as well.
August 2, 2023
Honestly, the book was rushed. I liked the premise and I think it should have been flushed out. Honestly wish the heroine had been given more time and we'd seen her actually get the professional help suggested. And honestly the hero too. Wasn't a fan of the references of forced weight loss for the little girl, not sure what that did for the plot.
It was a quick mindless little read.
It was a quick mindless little read.
January 11, 2018
Short and sweet, storyline not original but nicely written.
July 10, 2017
lovely short read...
March 1, 2018
What an absolute pleasure it was to read this delightful book! I'm in awe of Zeenat Mahal and her novels! highly recommended
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May 8, 2021Easy Read.
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