Another great summer read by Jill Shalvis. Great story line and well developed characters-if you are a fan you will love it!

I loved the characters and the honesty and open discussion they had. Tae and Riggs relation progression felt very real. The internal and external conflicts didn't seem forced.
I also liked the secondary characters and the mom/daughter relationship.

The friendship pact
By: Jill Shalvis

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

Second time around?

Oh boy this book has so much to unpack. Two people that were once young and loved each other might have a second chance. Throw in trust issues, lost love and the need to run and what could possibly go wrong. We this author as always will take you away and send you back with so much emotions whip lash you won’t know which way to turn.

The author writing is flawless, and the words are so captivating, the plot had so many twists and turns and none that I was expecting, and many shockingly intimate I have become a huge fan of this author. The author writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she’s never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.

Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn’t seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.

But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it’s Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she’s going to choose love … or walk away from her own happiness.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

Tae and her mom are more like sisters than mother and daughter in some ways. April was 17 when she had Tae. April made a lot of bad decisions with men and Tae had to look out for her often. April never quit trying to be a better mother and has a lot of guilt for that. They are very close because they've only every had each other. Riggs Copeland was Tae's first love and then he left. Now Riggs is back to help his brother for a while until he's off to his new job. Riggs always considered Tae important to him. `Even though he's only back for a short while he want to connect with her again. Tae not so much. When they make a friendship pact they're both happy to be friends but is that all it is? Love this story. Poor Tae has serious trust issues and those issues make relationships hard. Riggs has his own hangups but he's there for Tae, Lots of drama and love of love in this story. You'll be invested in these characters in no time.

Friends with benefits anyone?
Tae Holmes has trust issues. She doesn't need a man and she just got a contract that helps her flailing business from sinking. April, her mom, has always been there for her as much as she can. Trying to provide for Tae in a way she knows how, with a man. Can she really fault her mother who has done what was needed to provide for her? Not really, but it would have been nice to have a dad or better yet to have met him. April has always said he died in combat, but did he?
An old friend shows up just as she needs one. Riggs Copeland, former marine, soon to be gone at the end of summer. A friendship pact that includes benefits is just what she was looking for until she falls hard for the man that has always been her friend since high school. Riggs has his own issues, but in fact, falls hard for the woman he never forgot since high school. Two wounded souls healing each other is just what they need. Even if they don't see it.
Jill Shalvis has a way of writing a story that draws you in slowly and keeps you engaged with the characters. Almost living the moments with them and has you rooting for them to see what you see. Love. The bond she creates with Tae and Riggs tugs at the heartstrings and makes you wish he was your man (where are they?). This author keeps me coming back again and again for a wonderful story that I know will make you feel good when you're done. Highly recommend this one for sure to anyone looking for heartfelt story of regrets, betrayal, forgiveness and lasting love.

#NetGalley, #TheFriendshipPact, #Avon

If you’ve ever read a romance novel, you know what happens when two hot-looking people who have problems trusting personal relationships agree to just be friends. The only tension is how long it will take them to succumb to their deep sexual attractions and then find out that there is more than sex that binds them together. That’s basically the story here as Tae and Riggs rekindle the hots they had for each other back in high school. I found that I was less interested in Tae’s story than that of her mother who had her when she was only 15 years old and was thrown out of her house by her parents. I wanted to know how her mother as a teenager had managed to work and take care of her baby. We’re just told that she did without any help from anyone and that it was really, really tough. It still wasn’t clear how she did it. I wanted to know that story rather than reading over and over how Tae and Riggs couldn’t open up to each other.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Tae and Riggs have a little bit of history. Sparks fly, but Tae is determined to be just friends. Riggs wants more, but he's leaving at the end of summer. This sweet book was the perfect summer read. I love these two. They're funny, sweet, and steamy. The mystery surrounding Tae's father comes to an end in this book. The relationship between Tae and her mom, April, is complex and full of love. Very enjoyable read! I always love Jill Shalvis books. Another winner! 4 stars

Jill Shalvis is the soft place you go to land when you want a sure winner to read or re-read as is often the case. The Friendship Pact is complex and simple. It’s about family, love and finding your HEA. Tae, her mom and Riggs are a trio of incredible, memorable characters. I liked the storyline and this would have been a 5 star read for me if everything wasn’t tied up so nicely with a bow at the end. If you love second chance love stories – this one is for you.

Another great read by Jill Shalvis! A second-chance romance set in Sunrise Cove was the perfect, heartwarming read. I flew through this in one day! I loved Tae and Riggs together. They both had walls a mile high and with good reason. I’m happy they were able to thaw each others’ hearts and get the HEA they deserved.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow and Custom House for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 stars

The Friendship Pact is the second in the Sunrise Cover series and is even better than the first. This story follows Tae Holmes, an event planner who has a close relationship with her mother, April, and feels the need to take care of both of them. When her first big event falls flat, Tae feels things cannot get worse..until she runs into her first love, Riggs. Riggs is a former marine and is back in town to reconnect with his brother. He doesn’t feel he is able to give Tae the relationship she deserves, so he proposes a friendship pact. Of course, they have a lot of trouble remaining just friends (🔥).

I loved this story and was immediately invested in Tae and Riggs as a couple and as characters. There was a perfect balance of banter and drama between the two and I could not stop reading. Both are well-written characters and I loved their side storylines with their families. This is one of my favorite Jill Shalvis stories and I cannot wait for the next installment.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

To me, Jill Shalvis books are comfort food. I know I can expect characters who love deeply but have flaws, beautiful scenery, and just enough spice to bring the heat. The Friendship Pact delivers on all that and more!

In Sunrise Cove, California, Tae and her mother April are used to being each other’s everything. April was a teen mom and Tae’s dad was never in the picture. They’re both fiercely independent and loyal but guarded to letting in any outsiders. When Tae runs into old flame Riggs Copeland, he tests those walls almost immediately. When Tae suspects she doesn’t have the whole truth about her dad, Riggs proves an unlikely partner in discovering the truth.

I like how Jill’s books always have the two main characters along with a third major character’s development. I loved seeing April as a whole person and not just from Tae’s perspective. Riggs was such a great hero who completely worships Tae right from the start. I didn’t believe for one minute he’d take that job in DC! I thought the first half of the book felt a little disjointed and slow but from about 50% on I couldn’t put it down.

Content warnings: teen unplanned pregnancy, references to previous gang involvement and arrest

Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy! All opinions are my own.

THE FRIENDSHIP PACT – Jill Shalvis
The Sunrise Cove, Book 2
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-063-09546-5
June 14, 2022
Contemporary Romance

Sunrise Cove, California – Present Day

Tae Holmes was raised by her teenage mother, April, and the two are as close as can be. But because things were financially tight while Tae grew up, she had a big chip on her shoulder with a “do not touch” attitude. One particular boy in high school, Riggs Copeland, caught her eye and she gave her virginity to him, but even then, she didn’t allow him to get too close to her. Now twenty-eight years old, Tae works as an event planner and happens to be contracted with the company founded by Riggs and his brother, Jake. However, Riggs isn’t around as he has been in the marines. That is…until he returns home with a promise to help his brother for the summer.

Riggs can hardly believe his eyes when he spots Tae after she gets into his rental car after she mistakes it for her uber ride. He had never forgotten her, as she was the one who got away. But he understands that growing up with a mother who was fifteen years old when she gave birth, with no father in sight, made for a rough time. April and Tae are still close, but after being told her father died when she was a baby, it comes as a surprise to Tae when a stranger mentions that he’d recently spoken to her father. She isn’t sure how to ask her mother if it is true. Could that fear be because she’s afraid of learning that the past twenty-eight years have been a lie? Meanwhile, Tae at first refuses to acknowledge Riggs. There is definitely sexual chemistry between them and despite her best attempts at avoiding him, they are soon locking lips…and more.

Tae and Riggs had a tentative friendship growing up, but since she didn’t want to show anyone the real Tae, they were unable to work on building a relationship as teens. Despite her poor upbringing, Tae has built herself a self-owned business that does a booming business with Jake and the company he owns with Riggs. There is tension between the brothers, which brings out the worst in them at times in THE FRIENDSHIP PACT. Riggs doesn’t really want to be here in Sunrise Cove, but he feels obligated to help Jake. Of course, it turns out the fringe benefit of being here is…Tae. Their sexually charged banter is a highlight of this tale. It will have readers chuckling and wondering how long it will be before they end up in bed together. Don’t despair readers…it will happen.

The subplot of THE FRIENDSHIP PACT is Tae’s search for the truth. Did April lie and is her father really alive after all? If so, where is he and why did he walk away from his daughter? Readers sense from April’s reactions that she knows the real reason why Tae’s father isn’t in her life. Riggs decides to help Tae with her search, even if she doesn’t want his help. Riggs can literally charm his way into and out of just about any situation. But if they find out the answer, what happens next? Tae is a prickly pear that Riggs has to learn how to keep happy. Yet, he isn’t all sunshine and lollipops. Will he fix his relationship with Jake and decide what to do about Tae? That is, if she will let him.

A funny, engaging tale that pulls you in right from the start, don’t miss THE FRIENDSHIP PACT.

Patti Fischer

Shalvis’ latest is all about second chances. Tae and her mom April have always been the duo against the world. Riggs was a one night thing for Tae back in high school. This summer Tae has a lot on her plate. She and Riggs have something, but is it durable? April has told versions of her father to her, but why does Tae find that difficult to believe.
As usual, Shalvis delivers many funny scenes and amusing moments. One of my favorites is the convenience store scene.
Personally, I wanted more of Hagrid, the accessory dog loving biker.
Come back to Sunrise Cove and see what happens.

I absolutely love Jill Shalvis books and this one is no exception! I enjoyed reading Tae’s journey to finding peace and happiness. This book is not only a slow burn romance but also a book about uncovering a family secret and learning how to accept and heal from that secret. If you are looking for a great summer read with a plot of enemies to overs plus family secrets this books is definitely for you and I would highly recommend! Can’t wait for Jill’s next book. She is always one of my go to authors. Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an ARC of this book!

Jill Shalvis never disappoints. She is simply a master at her art. The Friendship Pact opens with Tae and Riggs reconnecting by happenstance. They knew one another briefly in high school but since then Tae has been building her event planning business and Riggs has been off fighting with the Marines. From the moment these two are first on page together, you can feel the chemistry they have. What I particularly love about Tae and Riggs is how strong their friendship comes through alongside their romantic relationship. It is so well developed and feels healthy and whole.

Beyond their central friendship and romance, there is Riggs's relationship with his brother and Tae's relationship with her Mom who had Tae when she was only 15. As Tae begins to question whether her dad is, in fact, alive or dead, as she had been lead to believe, tensions build as secrets start to come out. Shalvis writes a found family better than most, so it was fun to see her portray biological family relationships throughout this book and the ways that family supports and loves on one another. There is real growth with Tae and Riggs as well as several of the secondary characters. The setting at Tahoe is amazing and the feel of the whole book just made me happy the entire time I was reading.

I would say this is the perfect book for anytime of year, but especially heading into summer. I would highly recommend you pick this one up to toss in your beach bag.

I didn't realize this was the 2nd book to a series and I did not read the 1st book. I don't think it matters as it felt like a standalone.
April became pregnant at 15 and raised Tae all alone. Tae's father had died before she was born and they were pretty poor growing up.
Tae is pretty much broke when she starts her own business as an event planner and helps a company, who she finds out, the co partner is someone from her past. A marine who she new in high school.
Riggs is home to help his brother, Jake, who was wounded and now in a wheelchair. Riggs did not expect to meet Tae, who was a troublemaker in high school.
They end up bumping into each other and the sparks fly. Then a secret is revealed and Tae doesn't know what to think so her and Riggs try to uncover the truth but who is going to get hurt?
I really liked the bond between April and Tae and they seem more like sisters because of the small age difference. Riggs and Jake had a tough childhood and are getting over that.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the book to review.

I loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author. She never disappoints. The love story was so beautiful. All the additional characters were just right for what the book needed to be complete.

Jill Shalvis is one of my new autobuy authors! I've increasingly loved each of her last three releases. From the moment she steps into Riggs' car thinking it's an uber, the chemistry between Tae and Riggs is undeniable. I loved their second chance romance and how they both learned to open themselves up to each other. I really enjoyed the relationship between April and Tae. I loved the organization that Riggs and his brother Jake run and all of the events that Tae helps to support. Shalvis is one of those writers whose characters I just adore. There is just something about the stories she creates. The friendship pact will be a perfect summer/beach read. I cannot wait to read what Shalvis writes next!

I enjoyed this book so much, I couldn't put it down. It kept me off social media and the games I play on my phone.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow, for allowing me to read this book for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

I always love a Jill Shalvis book and The Friendship Pact is no exception. Riggs and Tae run into each other right as Riggs returns to town. They agree that their relationship needs to stick to remaining friends and that's all. When it turns out that Tae is working for the company that Riggs is a silent partner for, things get kind of interesting as they are forced to spend more time together. Can they stick to their friendship pact?

Shalvis always writes the best characters and the best romance to bring them together. Tae is quite the character (she's a little whacky) and Riggs is ramrod straight military, but he does love to tease her. The learning to let go and love is always quite the journey for Shalvis' characters and these two really need to go back and pack more for theirs! Tae and Riggs were wonderful together.

Thanks to Morrow House Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.