Richard's life has been enriched in innumerable ways since falling in love with his wife, Katy. But somewhere in the back of his mind, he knows the sins of his past will probably come calling for him. And now they have. His marriage is on shaky ground, his kids are mad at him, and fighting with each other, and he doesn't know if he can fix things this time.

Ashley is so angry when she sees him. Richard VanRyan. And now she's made a huge mess of things. But she has a choice to make - stay angry, push away everyone all because she can't believe her mother had lied to her, or accept it and embrace the newfound family she has waiting for her. But if she believes Richard, that means her mother did lie to her, and her world will never be the same.

I have to admit, I was pretty upset once I realized the direction this was heading. Richard and Katy had fought so hard for love, for the love and the family they have, so why upset it all now? I'm glad I read though, because fighting all over again for love and family can only make a relationship stronger, and that's what happened here. Richard and Katy's love was tested. But theirs is the kind that stands the tests, even if getting to the end is painful. I've loved reading this series and all the spinoffs, and am so glad that there ended up being room in their hearts for more additions to their family. ( )

For the first time since I started reading Melanie Moreland's books, I had to walk away and collect myself before returning to the book. Not because it's not good. It's nothing less than I expect from a book by this author. Instead, it's because I connected a little too well with The Addendum. I can relate to Ashley's story on a very personal level. Of course, there are some differences, but the important stuff is eerily similar. So, I know those feelings, good and bad, because I felt them myself. So, when Ashley reveals herself, I had to take a break. Then there were a few more times as the story progressed, and I certainly shed my share of tears. That said, I at no time entertained the idea of not finishing this book. I love these characters. All of them, from Richard and Katy to the many blended families of BAM, I feel like they're old friends and I do visit with them from time to time. So, yes, parts of this were a bit hard for me, and I realize I've been vague but I'm trying not to give too much away. I would highly recommend this whole series, and when you get to this one? Well, let me just say that the many emotions touched on were all spot on. My family and I can speak to that because we felt them. Besides the elements I've mentioned, this is a book about not one, but 2 couples. One reaching retirement age and one just starting out. I love that both had that fire and passion between them. I love that Richard and Katy are still as attracted to each other as they've ever been. And for me, The Contract series just moved up another notch on my favorites list (not that it was ever far from the top). ( )

Wow! This book was awesome. It also has many layers. I took my time reading this book because there were a lot of emotions that came with it. I have a lot of “Daddy Issues” and I have worked on most of them but then something happens and it hits me that isn’t what happened for me. This book dug its claws into my heart. As a reader it’s a complicated story because of how many sides are involved. The amount of empathy I have for ALL of these characters and how the past affects them is very real.
With all that said Katy is amazing. She has so much patience and Richard and one lucky man. I also love Richard because he has so much love in him and just wants to do what’s right for everyone. Sometimes trying to do that you lose yourself but Katy wouldn’t allow that to happen to Richard. He is also lucky to have the friends he has in his life. We all need a Maddox! I mean seriously. Someone for perspective and to call us on our BS. I adore Richard VanRyan and all his layers. I commend Melanie for writing such a complicated and well loved character. RVR is legendary. ( )

The final fling for Richard and Katy?
4 stars

Oh how it pains me to give a Melanie Moreland book - especially one featuring the beloved Richard VanRyan - less than 5 stars. But before we delve into my personal pain - let’s get the important bits out the way. This is not a standalone story. At the very least you need to have read The Contract to understand this story - but you’ll truly only get the most from it if you’ve read all books in the Contract series, (at least) the first three books in the Vested Interest series and also the spin-off series Vested Interest: ABC Corp.

Having hugely enjoyed Ms Moreland’s more recent books and becoming a new fan of hers, it’s only this year that I’ve delved into her back catalogue and into the world of Richard and Katy VanRyan. From there, I’ve branched out into the original Vested Interest series of Bentley, Aiden and Maddox having already read their childrens’ stories. So what I’m saying is that for the last couple of months I have been living with this family, and their friends, and am 100% invested in their stories and lives. I see them more than I do my own family, if I’m honest.

Having all the characters together again was wonderful. Richard is days from retirement and he and Katy are getting ready to spend more time with their kids, grandkids and friends - and to spend more time with each other. Their love is still as strong as ever and I felt like I was being wrapped in a big ol’ hug. It was sheer perfection.

Then something occurred that made me think there were games afoot! I was wracking my brains to think who this person could be - a daughter of a previous enemy of Richard’s? Someone out for revenge or money? Who was going to be kidnapped? Who was the target of the nefarious interloper? It seems rather ridiculous to state after the fact, but not once did it even cross my mind that Ashley would be who she turned out to be.

**SPOILER**

When Ashley turned out to be Richard’s daughter, I was as shocked as our characters. And, I’ll admit, angry. From the moment we find out, we then start to get Ashley’s point of view as she becomes part of the narrative, alongside her boyfriend, Luc. As Ashley didn’t start off on the best foot with me (or the family) - and as protective as I am about these characters - I just didn’t like her. Didn’t understand her motivations, was angry at her for messing up my lovely family and just a whole lot of nope. I was determined not to like her and that held true throughout the book. Luc was only there for Ashley so I disliked him by default. Because I’m just that petty.

**SPOILER ENDS**

My book heart broke as Katy and Gracie found their places in the family irrevocably changed and as they dealt with their grief. Katy and Richard’s relationship hit a massive snag, as you can imagine, and even though I knew they would be fine - it’s Richard and Katy VanRyan, after all - it was still quite difficult to read. I just wasn’t here for this unnecessary trauma or the emotions it brought out in me. Another thing to lay at the feet of Ashley. Who I still didn’t like.

While I mentioned that it was a struggle for me to give this less than the full 5 stars, had it not been Richard VanRyan and had it not been Melanie Moreland, this book would likely have received 3 stars or - gasp - even less! But it IS RVR and just seeing the enduring love between him and Katy and the beautiful relationships between family and friends makes this book more than worthwhile if you’re a fan of the series/group. And it IS Melanie Moreland and she always delivers a richly emotional tale that is nothing but a sheer delight to read.

And I never did like Ashley. The family might have brought her into the fold and embraced her - I did not as not only am I petty but I’m the current grudge keeping champion of the world. And I’m not even ashamed.

This was a difficult book for me to review but in the end I can’t but recommend it. Assuming that you’ve read all the books and series noted above, and you’re a fan of them, you’ll want to read this story. Even if, like me, you then pretend it never really happened as if it was some shower induced dream sequence. ( )

The Addendum is book three in The Contract series but it isn’t just a Katy and Richard story. It is a story of the strength and resilience of love.
I was nervous going into this book. I fell in love with Richard Van Ryan and this author’s writing when I first read The Contract several years ago. I loved how Richard was able to bury his past and reinvent himself from the ashes.

“You’re my future. I know this with everything in me. You’re not alone anymore. You never will be again. You have me.”

In The Addendum that past comes roaring back and all the Van Ryan clan have to open their lives and hearts.
-5 Stars- ( )