Not Part of the Bargain (1989) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Name: Not Part of the Bargain
Rating: 3.9 (19 reviews)
Author: Susan Fox

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Wade had come to take her back to Texas Just before his death, Joanna's father had put Wade Hollister in charge of his ranch and all his financial assets. He'd also given Wade his daughter. Joanna, an insecure, overweight seventeen-year-old, had fled. Now, three years later, Wade stood in her doorway--the epitome of the understated millionaire rancher. Joanna guessed she'd always known he'd come for her eventually. But she wasn't going to kid herself. His presence was strictly business--the only fantasies and sappy emotions… Sign up for the full guide

Adult • 1989 • 190 pages • General Adult

by Susan Fox

3.9

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

16+

This vintage 1989 category romance follows twenty-year-old Joanna, who returns to her family ranch under the guardianship of Wade, a man her father 'bequeathed' her to in his will. The story deals with themes of self-esteem, body image, and a significant age-gap relationship (17 and 30 at the start; 20 and 33 for the main plot). While written in a melodramatic style common to the era, the physical content is relatively mild compared to… Sign up for the full guide

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Is Not Part of the Bargain appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Not Part of the Bargain

Sex Strong 5/10

Violence None 0/10

Language Mild 2/10

Substances Mild 2/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in Not Part of the Bargain, moment by moment

p. 10 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
p. 18 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
p. 28 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10

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Sex and nudity in Not Part of the Bargain

The sexual content in this novel focuses primarily on romantic tension and emotional longing rather than graphic descriptions of intercourse. Physical intimacy is limited to several scenes of intense kissing, passionate embraces, and strong physical chemistry described through Joanna's inner monologue. In Chapter 6, Wade and Joanna share a forceful kiss that reveals their mutual attraction, and Chapter 10 features a long, suggestive embrace. The book adheres to the 'sweet to mild' standards of late-80s Harlequin…

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Violence and gore in Not Part of the Bargain

There is no physical violence, gore, or physical threats present within the story. The narrative is dominated by internal emotional conflict and verbal arguments between Joanna and Wade regarding her father's estate and her own independence. Much of the tension comes from the paternalistic power dynamic of the 'guaranteed' marriage arrangement, which can feel emotionally aggressive to modern readers. In Chapter 5, a heated verbal confrontation occurs regarding Wade's authority over Joanna's finances. The conflict…

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Language in Not Part of the Bargain

Very mild. Occasional uses of 'damn' or 'hell' appear in dialogue, but there is no pervasive strong profanity.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Not Part of the Bargain

Substance use is minimal and limited to social or stress-related drinking in ranch or business settings. Characters typically consume wine or whiskey, but these moments are never the focal point of a scene nor do they lead to intoxication or loss of control. In Chapter 8, Wade pours himself a drink to unwind after an exhausting day of ranch work, and wine is mentioned during a quiet dinner setting. No illicit drugs are present, and the consumption of alcohol is treated as a routine adult activity for the time…

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Mature themes in Not Part of the Bargain

The story features a heavy focus on body image issues and the lasting impact of childhood bullying. Joanna was previously overweight and deeply insecure, a past that continues to drive her current behavior and her disbelief that Wade could be genuinely attracted to her. The plot explores the 'forced proximity' trope and a restrictive inheritance structure where a woman's life is controlled by a male guardian. Significant age-gap dynamics are present, as the relationship is rooted in a connection that began when…

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Not Part of the Bargain appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Not Part of the Bargain is best for ages 16+. This vintage 1989 category romance follows twenty-year-old Joanna, who returns to her family ranch under the guardianship of Wade, a man her father 'bequeathed' her to in his will. The story deals with themes of…

What age rating does Not Part of the Bargain have?

Books don't carry official age ratings. Not Part of the Bargain is shelved by its publisher as Adult, but that's a marketing category, not a content rating — Bontent's own review of what's actually on the page puts it at ages 16+.

What reading level is Not Part of the Bargain?

Not Part of the Bargain is 190 pages and its reading level is General Adult. Bontent recommends it for ages 16+.

What is Not Part of the Bargain about?

Is there sex or nudity in Not Part of the Bargain?

How violent is Not Part of the Bargain?

Is the language in Not Part of the Bargain appropriate for kids?

Very mild. Occasional uses of 'damn' or 'hell' appear in dialogue, but there is no pervasive strong profanity.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in Not Part of the Bargain?

What mature themes appear in Not Part of the Bargain?

Where can I read the full Not Part of the Bargain parent guide?

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