I want to thank netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this arc.

This one just wasn't for me. The trying to use popular slang for everly's pov felt forced. The fmc calling herself a cow was weird the first time, and the 30 times after that, too. Also, having a different smut scene every chapter for like 6 chapters in a row was just too much. Don't hate me, but I like some plot with my spice, too.

4 stars.

"Nine Month Contract" by Amy Daws made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions. It's zany, fun, and super spicy. I have not read many breeding k1nk stories, and I am not a fan of pregnancy as a central trope, but for some reason, this book really hit the spot for me. I think it's because it was so earnest and humorous, or, maybe because Daws's writing style drew me in from start to finish. I *know* there will be a large section of the reading population that will *not* like this book, that it will give them massive, massive amounts of ick, but I don't know... I found it to be exactly what I needed to read at a time like this. It certainly kept me entertained the entire time. I don't know how accurate it is in terms of surrogacy (I assume not very?), so if you can get over that, you might find some enjoyment in this book. I really liked both Wyatt and Trista as characters. They both have a ton of baggage and a lot of stuff to work through as people. The forced proximity aspect of the story worked for me, as did Wyatt's grumpiness versus Trista's sunshine-y disposition. These tropes mean there is a lot of tension between the two of them- delicious, complicated tension that throws them into each other's orbit more than they wanted to be. Amy Daws is certainly on my "to-read" radar now, and I can't wait to read more of her stuff!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Daws, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

I posted my review on Goodreads and Fable. I published the reviews today.
Review:

This book was really good. I loved the author's note, Amy really put a lot of effort into this book and we really appreciate it! I also really liked the modern aspect of this book, the mention of tiktok sounds and other modern social media platforms. The book also had really funny and relatable characters, I was laughing so hard throughout this book.

I really really REALLY do not like breeding kink romances or anything pregnancy related but the buzz around this book was irresistible. It totally lived up to the hype. Can't wait for the next brother!

First time Reading a Book that wasn't a surprise pregnancy type deal, and I can honestly say I liked it! Iean yes this story is way different because she is gutting paid to have a Baby for someone, but the way this book made me feel was something else. Trista was so cute in many ways, I would say that because of her Family issues and how people treated her yeah well that wasn't cute. Bur having 3 Mountain Men in a way gush over you, and the Niece Everly was just the ultimate cutest. Because she wanted her uncles to be Happy when she left but still find Love at the same time. I Love that she helped Uncle Wyatt open his Heart and Home, to bring in one plus one more person to Lovr plus many many animals! Lol Now that I freaken Loved!!!

I went into this with high hopes but ended up DNFing it after 43%. I tried to keep going but I just couldn’t. The wording in this was driving me insane. I kept getting the ick with some of the words, like “seed”. It also seemed to get repetitive after a while. Also some of the quotes I highlighted was just so icky, the talk of foreskin and how the insemination happened. Maybe I’ll pick it back up later just so I can say I finished it, but for now it’ll sit in my DNF folder.

Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC copy!

I thought this was a super cute and entertaining story. I really liked the premise but all of the talk about bodies just threw me off. While I get that Trisha struggled with her weight and image, I was really hoping there would be a moment of self acceptance or body positivity. I also thought that the conflict of her not wanting a family and being scared to become a mother was solved way too quickly via phone call to her sister. I also would have loved to see more about the pregnancy after they got together than the little snippets at the end.

Sure, I had some expectations going into this book, but they were all blown out of the water. I was fully emotionally invested in just the first few pages. When I had to put the book down to do adult things, I couldn't stop wondering how all of this could possibly work out. Both Wyatt and Trista deserved what they wanted, but those things were in conflict. And what about what they needed? And what about 57 other things that had to be resolved??? Like I said, fully invested. I also lost count of how many times I got choked up. While this book has lots of hilarious scenes, it also touches on the death of a parent, absence of parents, and all the emotions that surround pregnancy. Amy Daws wrote it all in such a real way that I felt everything with the characters. Reading this was an incredible experience, and I am excited for the audiobook too!

This was just okay but I still found it cute and funny at times.i understood why the FMC was the way she was but I kinda wished she would’ve turned the corner on all those issues a lot sooner than the last few chapters of the book. I don’t feel super engaged with the book. But I’d do want to see the ending. The story itself was unique to me as a fan of accidental/secret pregnancy this was up my alley.



It’s been so long since I’ve read Max & Cozy’s story so I kind of forgot about them but in a way it was nice to reunite with familiar characters.

I've read this book before and really enjoyed it. I requested it because I thought she rewrote it but it wasn't. I liked it the first time i read it and I enjoyed it the second time I read it.

(: I will say, this book isn't necessarily for all. Do with that what you will. :)

Such a cute, cute story! I loved Wyatt and Trista so much. The tension is excellent, and absolutely worth the wait when they finally get together!

Nine Month Contract was enjoyable. I liked Trista and Wyatt. Both main characters have their own baggage, but family makes all the difference.

Wyatt wants to be a single father but his efforts are not fruitful. Everly, Wyatt's niece and matchmaking mastermind, is a ray of sunshine throughout the story. She wants the best for all three of her uncles, so she starts by helping Uncle Wyatt find a baby momma. What Wyatt doesn't know is his wonderful niece is on the hunt for what he needs, his happily ever after.

Trista had a hard childhood that has shaped her view on family. But, she needs money, so she goes to a surrogacy agency only to be turned away. By chance, or fate, Trista runs into Everly and the opportunity of a lifetime.

I thought the prologue was funny. The animals were cute, but sometimes weird. The story had some gross moments (insemination the farm way; turkey baster style) but they were few. I really enjoyed Wyatt's family. Despite their past hurts and issues, they figured out a way to band together and support each other through the good and bad times. I enjoyed the brothers' banter and unconditional love each family member showed in their own way. Trista was a strong character who had flaws and weakness. She was a fighter and a great match for Wyatt.

I wasn't a fan of the adult language, but I'm never a fan of it. Despite the adult language, I did find myself snickering at Trista's antics and some of the things she said. I liked the pacing and overall feel of the book. The ending was not a mystery, but the journey to the end was beautiful. I enjoyed this story, but only recommend it for those over 18. 3 stars

I'd like to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My review is my own opinion.

A grumpy mountain man. A quirky animal lover. A nine-month contract that changes everything.

Wyatt Fletcher wants a baby, no strings attached. Trista needs cash and is willing to carry his child—no emotions involved. But when they end up living together in his secluded mountain home, things get messy, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartwarming.

This book is full of witty banter, steamy tension, and chaotic pet moments that will keep you hooked. Wyatt’s grumpiness meets its match in Trista’s sunshine energy, making for a romance that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply emotional.

If you love:
✔️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Found Family Vibes
✔️ Slow-Burn with Explosive Chemistry

…then this book is for you!

Some parts require suspension of disbelief (hello, unconventional surrogacy!), but if you’re here for a fun, swoony escape, you won’t be disappointed.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 – A charming, feel-good romance with all the right tropes!

If you’re looking for a silly, goofy time, this is the perfect book. Definitley a unique contemporary romance that has a fun spin on one of the most unliked tropes “pregnancy trope”

I laughed out loud a bunch but I also had to put the book down because I cringed a few times which is why I only rated it 3⭐️

I really liked the authors writing style though and would try others by her!

3.5 ⭐️

Definitely not your normal grumpy to sunshine rom-com. This was initially hard for me to get into because it seemed so unserious but I wanted to see it through. I’m glad I did because I loved the mountain men, found family aspect of the story. There was some depth with Wyatt’s grief and Trista’s up bringing that drew me in. The MCs Wyatt and Trista’s chemistry was off the charts and watching the banter that lead up to the stream was enjoyable and funny. The surrogacy aspect was something I’ve never read in a rom-com and that was a refreshing twist. Overall this was a well written book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series about one of Wyatt’s brother.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this early.

I loved this book! I wasn’t sure on how I would feel with these tropes but it totally works!! I loved the humor in this book too! I loved the funny animals and the dynamic with our main characters! I’m so excited for book two!!

I tend to dive into books without knowing much about them, and Nine Month Contract was no exception—what a wild ride! I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it, and while I can say it was memorable, it definitely took me on a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts.

Amy Daws has a unique writing style that I really enjoyed. Her prose is easy to follow, making it the perfect read for when my kids are playing around and I need a book that doesn’t demand all my attention. There’s humor scattered throughout, which I loved, and the chapters are short enough to make it easy to say, “Okay, just one more,” and end up reading far more than I intended.

However, the book didn’t immediately grab me. Around 30%, I was seriously considering DNF’ing. The surrogacy aspect of the story threw me off. To say it was uncomfortable would be an understatement. After reading some particularly cringe-worthy details, I thought, "Nope, I can’t do this." Let’s just say I’ll never look at a syringe or a ranch cup the same way again! But, I felt invested enough in the characters and Daws’ writing style to push through. I was curious to see what other shocking methods would crop up—and yes, there were more. So, I kept reading.

One thing that did bother me was the female main character’s (FMC) struggles with body image. It was mentioned repeatedly, and while I understand body image issues are real, I felt it was a bit much at times. The FMC was incredibly hard on herself and her body, and it felt like that narrative overshadowed her growth in other areas. It made me wish she could have been kinder to herself, especially since the book deals with such a sensitive and complex topic.

As for the series as a whole, I’m on the fence about whether I’ll continue with the other books. I didn’t feel a strong pull to dive into the rest, but I also can’t deny Daws’ ability to create characters and situations that are far from ordinary. Whether I’d recommend this book to others is still up in the air. My advice? Go into Nine Month Contract with an open mind. It’s not the usual rom-com, and while it definitely has its shocking moments, it might just surprise you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I had such a FUN time audioing this book!
I laughed out loud many times! I think my favorite thing to say here is that it was so unique. I’ve truly never read anything with this storyline and I enjoyed that the most. The humor that Amy wrote into these characters was phenomenal. The narrators were 10/10!
The FMC was a ball of sunshine in the best way and brought out the caring soft side of the tough mountain man.
Amy Daws is officially on my radar 👀

Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws is a small town, spicy rom-com with a found family trope thrown in. Wyatt wants to be a dad without having a relationship. He decides to find a surrogate. Trista needs money for her animal rescue dream and decides to become a surrogate to help her make it happen. While this book wasn’t for me, it was a fun read. This book was full of spice, laughs and barnyard animals. This is the first in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series but as I was reading, it felt like it was a mid series book, like I should already know things. Maybe those things will be revealed in future books of the series. Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the advanced digital copy.

3.5 ⭐️ but rounded up specifically for the duet narration with Teddy Hamilton.
Small town grumpy mountain man Wyatt complete with a pet goat is looking for a surrogate and that’s how he meets curvy sunshine, animal loving Trisha. Wyatt and Trisha have a rather unorthodox way of the insemination process which honestly made me laugh out loud but I saw many reviews that absolutely hated that scene. It was cringy and hilarious at the same time in my opinion.

The MFC has a lot of trauma from her past which makes her who she is. She uses humor as a coping mechanism. She gave off Rebel Wilson in pitch perfect vibes with the type humor she uses.

MMC is walking the line of overly possessive and jealous but he’s not without his reasons. He falls first and is entirely obsessed with her. His love language is acts of service so he’s bringing her breakfast every morning, laying out snacks for her, buying her a fancy new mattress etc.

The character growth was good but I would’ve really loved to see a final wrap up about Tricia’s mental health with her body image issues because I really did not care for her “I’m a cow” mantra.