Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - The Break-Up Pact

Reviews tagging 'Infidelity'

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

4 reviews

brittanyisbooked's review

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

As far as summer romances go, this was a pretty good one. The tone was lighthearted throughout and the setting is in a small beach town, so those components made it perfect. Overall, the book was cute, but I didn't feel like there was significant character development and ultimately it fell flat for me. I do think the main characters changed during the book, but it wasn't a change we saw on the pages. It felt very sudden and unexplained in my opinion. I thought there were a lot of loose ends in the book that could have been cleaned up with a little more editing, so that was a bit frustrating. For example, it felt like Annie, June's sister and Levi's friend, played a significant role in their relationship over the years, but because she died unexpectedly there's no confirmation or closure on this.

If you're looking for a light summer read, you should still add this one to your list. However, if you're a book snob you might be disappointed in the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this ARC.

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booksinherhead's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.25

Something about this book was SO close but just didn't quite hit it for me. I'm not sure it will be memorable. I really struggled with the figure of the deceased sister Annie (not a spoiler). There was so much about the way that she played into the characters on the page dynamics but because we didn't get any time with her I felt there were a lot of unanswered questions...including...

why did Annie not want Levi and June to be together when they were in high school? Why did she initially hide from June that she and Levi had stayed in contact? As June uncovered ephemera from their high school years I was CONVINCED she was going to find an old journal of Annie's that revealed that SHE had feelings for Levi and basically sabotaged June's chances...that would have been predictable, I guess, but would have explained how the characters landed where they did.

I also just in general felt that they

fell back in love

too fast and that some of Levi's career choices by the end were a little rash. The reasons he had pursued his original career were not exactly changed circumstances by the end of the book, so when he

leaves his big job in finance I did not understand how his author career was so sustainable?!

Add in some whimsical fantasy about the publishing process...ultimately I think that this book had great bones and even characters I really liked. I just felt like I was left wanting. This was my first Emma Lord book though, so I feel like I might vibe better with another one of her titles. I do think that lots of people will enjoy this one.

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vjzacharias's review

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funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Break Up Pact is a fake dating, second chance, beachy romance between two childhood friends who have always lived by everyone else’s expectations. June lives on the beach and runs the tea shop that her late sister opened. It’s failing, just like her last relationship.

Levi had a ten year plan that was derailed when his fiancé cheated on him. Wanting to find himself again, he moves back to his hometown for a few weeks to try to get back on track.

I loved the start of the book and the ruse of the Revenge Exs. I felt like the relationship was really growing until Levi’s ex showed up and the miscommunication began. June literally ran. Literally. Numerous times. The way that she was so stuck in her head felt immature and frustrating. Everyone around her could see what was happening, but she was so lost in her thoughts.

I did love how the book ended. It was a slightly convoluted professional ending, but strong relationally.

Thank you NetGalley for the early read of this summery beach read.

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burkesbookshelf's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

If you’re looking for fake dating, with a twist this is the book for you. As you discover not only do these two have a common goal, but a linked and misunderstood past. As they try to find themselves again, they also make sure not to give up on love. A great book with a very solid and lovable cast.

Perfect for fake dating, and friends-strangers-lovers tropes.

Spice Level:
🌶️ 1/5
One graphic scene with building and tension beforehand. Overall very nice and added to the story well.

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