I will say that the blurb doesn’t really do the book justice so I expected a different kind of story. (I think others did too based on some of the reviews.) It’s a slow build, as Tae works to decide what to do with the questions of her past as well as her growing feelings for Riggs. Riggs also struggles with his emotions, his relationships with Tae & his brother, and what he should do with his life now.

As always, Shalvis is wonderful at delivering quirky characters, heartfelt journeys, and satisfying HEAs. Tea and Riggs (and April as well) have a lot to work through – it’s messy, full of feels, with plenty of moments of heat and humor. The Friendship Pact is a feel-good read perfect for those warm, lazy days of summer.

(Part of a series but only because it is set in the same town.)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

I received a digital reading copy of The Friendship Pact; review contains my own thoughts and opinions.

Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors for a great story with depth and heart, and The Friendship Pact is another favorite to add to my list!

Tae and her mom, April, are close and in many ways act more like siblings than daughter and parent. April has always done the best she can by Tae - and honestly, she had her at 15, so April did what she needed to do in order for them to survive over the years.

Now, Tae is 28 and has questions about her father, and her mother is silent. Enter Riggs Copeland, someone from Tae’s past, who offers to help while he is in town for the summer.

The chemistry between Tae and Riggs is off the charts amazing! I love a second chance romance centered in a small town.

While this is the second book in the Sunset Cove series, reading the first is not required, as the only thing in common is the location.

The Friendship Pact is the perfect summer read - I highly recommend it!

Pure, unadulterated Shalvis. In other words, pure enjoyment!

Wouldn't say this is one of Jill Shavis' best - if this had been my first-ever read from her, she would not have become an auto-buy, let's just put it this way. It's a nice enough story, but the Shalvis magic just wasn't there for me. It felt disjointed at times, and at 25%, nothing much from the blurb had happened, which made me wonder when this book would pick up or if it would be one of those that had just the resolution missing from the blurb...
It's not a bad one - it reads easily enough. But Jill Shalvis has done much, much better with previous books, and this one just felt a tad blah despite being readable
**ARC copy obtained with thanks from Netgalley & the publisher**

My eyes leaked out at the pivotal conversations surround Tae and I just knew Shalvis did it. Arrow straight to the heart. I love love in Shalvis’s world.
Also it didn’t take me THAT long to finish, just had a few different forms to get the story read.
emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Another winner from Jill Shalvis. Love her books!

Jill Shalvis is just fantastic. This is a book that has pulled me in and hooked me from the beginning. It’s definitely on my list of favourites.

I have been completely unwilling to put this down. Shalvis writes in a way that really draws you in and keeps you hooked. The characters are realistic and likeable.

This definitely has family tension present and is a book that really opens your eyes to how complex relationships between family members can be. Tae is just fantastic though, the journey through this book with her is a delight and has left me with a huge smile.

I have adored and loved everything about this book. It is without a doubt a favourite by this author. This book will consume you and warm your heart.

I can definitely say that this is a book I have devoured and will be reading again. I also have no hesitation in recommending this gem. It is a must read and I will definitely be recommending this to fans of the genre.

A book worthy of all the stars.

It didn’t capture my attention, I had to force myself to finish it.