Book Review: Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

Introduction

What happens when a grumpy mountain man desperate to be a father meets a fiercely independent woman ready to make her dreams come true? Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws explores this unique premise with charm, humor, and heart. Published in April 2024, this contemporary romance kicks off the Mountain Men Matchmaker series, blending unconventional love, emotional healing, and laugh-out-loud moments. Daws, known for crafting relatable characters and compelling romantic arcs, delivers a deeply emotional yet lighthearted tale of finding love in unexpected places.

Book Summary

Wyatt Fletcher, a rugged, reclusive mountain man living outside Boulder, Colorado, is determined to become a single father through surrogacy. After being rejected by a surrogacy agency for being too picky, he resigns himself to a childless life—until his determined niece, Everly, intervenes. Enter Trista, a confident, curvy woman with dreams of opening an animal sanctuary. She’s been rejected by the same surrogacy agency but sees Wyatt’s offer as the perfect way to fund her dream.

Their initial meeting is charged with friction, but undeniable chemistry soon builds. Despite a binding surrogacy contract, feelings grow beyond the professional arrangement. As Wyatt struggles with past heartbreak and Trista battles her own insecurities, they find themselves navigating a heartwarming—and often hilarious—journey toward love, family, and second chances.

Author’s Style and Craft

Amy Daws masterfully balances humor and emotional depth in Nine Month Contract. Her writing is snappy, engaging, and emotionally resonant. The alternating points of view between Wyatt and Trista provide a well-rounded narrative that highlights their evolving relationship.

The dialogue sparkles with witty banter, while introspective moments add layers to the characters. Daws excels at crafting emotionally charged scenes, seamlessly blending humor with tender moments. Her vivid descriptions of the Colorado wilderness create a picturesque backdrop that enhances the story’s small-town charm.

Themes and Deeper Meaning

Nine Month Contract explores themes of love, family, acceptance, and resilience. The surrogacy storyline delves into complex issues like trust, vulnerability, and creating a chosen family.

The "grumpy/sunshine" dynamic underscores the healing power of love, showing how even the most guarded hearts can open with compassion and patience. Trista’s unapologetic confidence as a curvy woman challenges conventional beauty norms, promoting self-love and acceptance.

The story also emphasizes the importance of community. Wyatt’s transformation from a loner to a loving partner and father highlights the strength found in supportive relationships.

Strengths

One of the novel’s standout strengths is its relatable, well-developed characters. Wyatt’s stoic nature perfectly contrasts Trista’s lively personality, creating a dynamic that keeps readers invested.

The humor is top-tier. Scenes involving Everly’s matchmaking antics, Wyatt’s grumpy one-liners, and Trista’s witty comebacks offer plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Additionally, the emotional stakes feel authentic. Daws sensitively portrays the complexities of surrogacy, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs deeply moving.

The Colorado mountain setting adds an idyllic, rustic charm, enhancing the story’s cozy, small-town atmosphere.

Areas for Improvement

While the book excels in many areas, a deeper exploration of Wyatt’s emotional backstory could have added further depth. His past is mentioned but not fully unpacked, leaving some of his motivations slightly underdeveloped.

Similarly, Trista’s animal sanctuary dream, though central to her character, could have been explored in greater detail to enrich her personal stakes.

The surrogacy process itself is handled sensitively, though some readers might appreciate a more comprehensive look at the medical and emotional complexities involved.

Comparative Analysis

Fans of The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker will find similar appeal in Nine Month Contract’s rugged wilderness setting and grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Similarly, Wait for It by Mariana Zapata offers a slow-burn romance featuring a guarded hero and a determined heroine.

For those who enjoyed The Beard Necessities by Penny Reid, Nine Month Contract provides another humorous, heartfelt tale of love blossoming in unexpected circumstances.

Amazon Links for Comparable Books:

• The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

• Wait for It by Mariana Zapata

• The Beard Necessities by Penny Reid

Target Audience

Nine Month Contract is perfect for readers who love heartfelt romances featuring opposites-attract dynamics, small-town settings, and emotionally satisfying character arcs. Fans of grumpy/sunshine tropes, found family themes, and curvy heroines will be especially drawn to this story.

The book contains some steamy scenes, making it best suited for mature audiences who enjoy contemporary romance with emotional depth and comedic undertones.

Personal Impact

Reading Nine Month Contract felt like wrapping myself in a warm, comforting blanket. Wyatt’s emotional transformation and Trista’s resilience resonated deeply, leaving me inspired by their journey toward love and family. The humor and heartfelt moments lingered long after I turned the last page.

Conclusion

Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and heat. Its well-crafted characters, engaging storyline, and emotionally charged romance make it a standout in the contemporary romance genre. Whether you’re a long-time Amy Daws fan or new to her work, this book will leave you smiling and believing in the power of love.

Buy the Book on Amazon: Click Here to Purchase Nine Month Contract

About the Author

Amy Daws is a best-selling contemporary romance author known for her witty, heartwarming stories filled with relatable characters and laugh-out-loud moments. Her popular works include the Harris Brothers and Wait With Me series. When she’s not writing, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and finding inspiration in everyday life.

FAQs About Nine Month Contract

1. Is Nine Month Contract part of a series?Yes, it’s the first book in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series.

2. What genre is the book?Contemporary romance.

3. Is the book suitable for young readers?No, it’s intended for mature audiences due to steamy scenes.

4. How long is the book?Approximately 350 pages.

5. What makes the book unique?Its unique surrogacy-based love story and grumpy/sunshine dynamic.

6. Is there a film adaptation?Not currently.

7. What similar books would you recommend?The Simple Wild, Wait for It, and The Beard Necessities.

8. Does it have a happy ending?Yes, expect a heartwarming HEA.

9. What is the writing style like?Funny, emotional, and deeply engaging.

10. Where can I buy it?Available on Amazon and major book retailers.

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