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bex_readz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"BE LIKE GOUDA. KNOW YOUR WORTH."
Plot- 4/5🔆
This was a fast, easy read. It felt pretty low stakes and like I could just read and enjoy the plot. The conflict between main characters was resolved quickly which I am a huge fan of. I hate miscommunication tropes that drag out. All of the characters were enjoyable. It felt like a grief healing journey for everyone.
Plot- 4/5🔆
This was a fast, easy read. It felt pretty low stakes and like I could just read and enjoy the plot. The conflict between main characters was resolved quickly which I am a huge fan of. I hate miscommunication tropes that drag out. All of the characters were enjoyable. It felt like a grief healing journey for everyone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Gaslighting
readwithkait's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was such a fun summer romance! The story pulls you in right away, and as you follow the ups and downs of the main couple, you can’t help but root for them to be successful both in love and their business ventures.
The setting is quintessential small town, there’s a prevalent fake dating scheme, and terrible ex’s. This book was so fun to read.
I do wish it had moved a little faster, and I felt like at times it was drawn out, but overall enjoyed it!
I was provided a complimentary ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
rebeccap's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
I've read a few of Emma Lord's previous novels and "The Break-Up Pact" seems to delve into more complex and heavy issues. On the surface, it seems like the novel is going to focus on the fake dating story but it's much more more than that. Yes, there are some funny rom-com type moments but it's also about learning to live with grief, changed or different expectations and more. It's about learning to respect yourself enough to not be pushed around by others or compromise how you want to live your life. The writing was easy to follow and relatable; I'd recommend this to my friends!
I've read a few of Emma Lord's previous novels and "The Break-Up Pact" seems to delve into more complex and heavy issues. On the surface, it seems like the novel is going to focus on the fake dating story but it's much more more than that. Yes, there are some funny rom-com type moments but it's also about learning to live with grief, changed or different expectations and more. It's about learning to respect yourself enough to not be pushed around by others or compromise how you want to live your life. The writing was easy to follow and relatable; I'd recommend this to my friends!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting and Grief
vjzacharias's review
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Gaslighting
Minor: Grief
nmfcarney's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Emma Lord continues to be a must-read author for me and this book solidified that.
I loved the characters, loved their relationship, loved the way the book addressed grief and loss. Tears were shed. It's definitely not a YA book which is what I was expecting, but I think it's even better this way!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
I loved the characters, loved their relationship, loved the way the book addressed grief and loss. Tears were shed. It's definitely not a YA book which is what I was expecting, but I think it's even better this way!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Gaslighting
lauraelovesbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Minor: Gaslighting
burkesbookshelf's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Infidelity
ntc10's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Break-Up Pact is a book about two ex-best friends who both recently had their break-ups go viral and decide to fake date to drum up business for June’s shop and make Levi’s ex realize what she’s missing. I was very excited about this book as I love fake dating and second chance romance tropes. However, I feel the cover and plot description are a bit misleading. I was expecting a light-hearted, fun, summer romance when, in fact, this book focuses on two characters who are struggling with grief and regret and are grappling with their careers.
During the first half of the book, I had a hard time connecting to the main characters as I didn’t feel they had much chemistry or motivation to be fake dating. In the second half, I felt more connected to the characters but there were so many side plots it was distracting. Besides fake dating the main characters are also dealing with the consequences of going viral videos, helping June’s brother and his fiance plan their wedding, trying to save June’s business, and Levi’s uncertainty about changing his career. Although this book dealt with hard topics and had a spicy scene the writing felt a bit YA to me.
Overall, I don’t think this book was a good fit for me. However, I would recommend it to people who like romances that are a bit more intense and deal with heavier topics and people who like their romances to have other plotlines running throughout that are not related to the romance. I think this book could also be a good first adult romance for someone who is looking to transition away from YA romance into adult romance. One thing I appreciated was how the author was able to keep up the tension and stakes throughout the book without having a cliched third-act breakup.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
kerodgers's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. The Break-Up Pact is a story about two former best friends whom haven’t spoken in about 10 years who both are dealing with viral breakups. They form a pact to fake date to help save June’s Tea Tide business and to show Levi’s fiancé, Kelly what she could lose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
intentionalreadinglife's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed the tension of this slow-burn romance. It packs some surprising emotional depth as the characters explore the ways that grief is holding them back and shaping their choices. There's one open-door scene, but I think it's key to moving the plot forward and it's tastefully done. I haven't read anything else by this author so I don't have a frame of reference for why some reviewers weren't keen on it compared to Lord's other books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief