3.5 stars, rounded up for Natalie Naudus. I've read one other book by Emma Lord, which I thought was cute. I've also heard good things about Tweet Cute, which I've been meaning to check out. Based on her YA, this bright, beachy cover and the title, I mistakenly expected this to be a very fluffy, funny rom com. I was wrong. This was occasionally playful and fun, but it definitely read as more serious and dramatic. I think people need to go in with those expectations so they're not disappointed.

Also, tbh, some of the plot points were a little wonky to me and didn't totally make sense. In a weird way, I felt like I was reading the second book in a series. June and Levi's reconnecting happened too instantaneously and Levi's motivations were questionable. Also, <spoiler> scones selling out at a football game is just sending me. </spoiler>

I can forgive a lot when I love the characters in a rom com. I really liked June and liked Levi well enough. The side characters felt a little too token for me, instead of fully formed characters. They were all likeable and charming though. And there were a bunch of heartfelt passages that were very moving. It was also fun to hate June's ex.

And Natalie Naudus was wonderful as usual.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

2.5 stars
It pains me to give this rating/review. I usually really like Emma Lord’s books and Natalie Naudus did an amazing job narrating this one. However, the miscommunication and lies were over the top for most of the book and the subsequent happiest of endings that followed felt disingenuous. It’s a shame because I think there was a less toxic, more functional way to write the story and have had it be so much better. Try to dial the drama down a few full turns for the next one, please!
*Thanks to St Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance audio and ebook copies.

I thought the cover was pretty and I’ve been seeing it on my insta so I gave this one a try. The synopsis sounded interesting and a different twist for the fake dating trope.

I love the fake dating trope so if a book has it, I’m probably gonna pick it up. I think The Break-Up Pact does a great job making this popular trope feel refreshing. Two old friends reunited deal with humiliation from public break ups and fake date each other to help deal with public scrutiny. I liked the plot and the characters. I think I was expecting more romcom drama but this has a more serious tone. However, I would still say this has romcom elements. Think Emily Henry books.

A good story that I would recommend. Especially the audiobook since the narrator did awesome!

The Break Up Pact by Emma Lord is a friends-to-enemies-to-friends-to-lovers fake dating rom com. Yes, that’s a lot. But that is basically the history of the FMC and MMC. It follows two childhood friends who reunite after years of distance and end up in a fake dating situation.

I thought this was a cute read. It’s a light romcom with some funny moments and a little bit of spice. At times if felt a bit slow, however i did feel very invested in the characters journey and I wanted them to have a “happily ever after.” This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I would continue to read more based on my experience with this one.

Additionally, in regards to the audiobook version of this book, I thought the narrator was good. She captured the feelings and tone of the book and conveyed it well.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an audio ARC in return for my honest review. The Break Up Pact is expected to be published on August 13, 2024.