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A review by loverofromance
The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ππππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
The Romantic Pact is a story that surprised me in many different ways. This is a book that was a picky for the romanceopoly reading challenge for this year and I am so happy that I was able to pick this one up here. And it was quite perfect for this time of year. I didn't even read the blurb before I started this book here. I will say that you can easily go into this book blind, but if you are in the mood for a Christmas book, this is a story that you need to read. It wasn't as football focused as I would have liked, but it delivered in other regards that compensated for it.
First Line
See those three boys over there?
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Crew Smith
The Heroine: Hazel Allen
Summary
Crew and Hazel grew up together and became best friends while working on his grandfather's ranch. Right before Crew was to leave for college to play football and live his dreams, Hazel kissed him and Crew panicked as he felt the same for her but didn't know how to deal with the expectations so he fled to college as fast as he could. Its now been three years, and Crew's grandfather has passed away and he is shocked to learn that his grandfather had plans for him and Hazel that he never expected. His last request, was for Crew to go on a trip to Germany and his companion will be none other than Hazel Allen, the girl he never forgot and the girl he hurt more than anyone else. Hazel and Crew are forced together on a journey to explore Germany and a love is kindled in ways neither expect.
What I Loved
The Romantic Pact was a vibrant story that fed many atmospheric Christmas vibes, the setting of Germany was so unique and I loved how the author really made the story come alive with the unique details that connect you as the reader. There are so many tropes in this book that just seemed to work so very well in this one. I was so intrigued by the manner in which this story developed, especially the romance. They had a great fun banter, and you can see once they get beyond their issues, their friendship becomes even more solid than what they had before. The chemistry really grows between them. You see how their friendship quickly turns into something deeper. Both are afraid of the future, but they also don't want to deny what they feel for each other. Seeing Crew and Hazel explore their relationship on a deeper romantic level just sang to me. It was almost magical. Seeing how their situation was resolved was a bit heartbreaking at times, so buckle your seat belts, but once its resolved, it really becomes so finalized in a satisfying happy ending.
What I Struggled With
Some of the humor was a bit off putting, especially if you don't read rom com's too often. Its been a long time since I have read one, so it did detract from the enjoyment at times. But once I got halfway through, it was a lot better. So I do think that aspect was more of a "me" issue. The third act was interesting, I wasn't a fan of how it was implemented though. It just was so angsty and it felt so dramatic that will result in the reader feeling so grumpy at times. It just felt so depressing and wish how it resolved just had a bit more satisfying feeling to it then what was delivered.
Narration
I really enjoyed the narration. Not perfect or anything, but it was very solidly performs and really struck home on the emotional experience of the characters.
Overall View
I found The Romantic Pact to be a festive road trip adventure that was packed with charm and just plain fun with the beautiful cadence of Germany.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Athlete, Farmer/Rancher
Themes: Heart/Touching, Laughs/Giggles, Friendship-Male Bonds
Tropes: Road Trip Adventure, Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts, Friends to Lovers, One Bed
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Emma Hart
Devney Perry
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Tim Paige, Kelsey Navarro
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:ππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: ππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ππππ
Page Turner Level:ππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
The Romantic Pact is a story that surprised me in many different ways. This is a book that was a picky for the romanceopoly reading challenge for this year and I am so happy that I was able to pick this one up here. And it was quite perfect for this time of year. I didn't even read the blurb before I started this book here. I will say that you can easily go into this book blind, but if you are in the mood for a Christmas book, this is a story that you need to read. It wasn't as football focused as I would have liked, but it delivered in other regards that compensated for it.
First Line
See those three boys over there?
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Crew Smith
The Heroine: Hazel Allen
Summary
Crew and Hazel grew up together and became best friends while working on his grandfather's ranch. Right before Crew was to leave for college to play football and live his dreams, Hazel kissed him and Crew panicked as he felt the same for her but didn't know how to deal with the expectations so he fled to college as fast as he could. Its now been three years, and Crew's grandfather has passed away and he is shocked to learn that his grandfather had plans for him and Hazel that he never expected. His last request, was for Crew to go on a trip to Germany and his companion will be none other than Hazel Allen, the girl he never forgot and the girl he hurt more than anyone else. Hazel and Crew are forced together on a journey to explore Germany and a love is kindled in ways neither expect.
What I Loved
The Romantic Pact was a vibrant story that fed many atmospheric Christmas vibes, the setting of Germany was so unique and I loved how the author really made the story come alive with the unique details that connect you as the reader. There are so many tropes in this book that just seemed to work so very well in this one. I was so intrigued by the manner in which this story developed, especially the romance. They had a great fun banter, and you can see once they get beyond their issues, their friendship becomes even more solid than what they had before. The chemistry really grows between them. You see how their friendship quickly turns into something deeper. Both are afraid of the future, but they also don't want to deny what they feel for each other. Seeing Crew and Hazel explore their relationship on a deeper romantic level just sang to me. It was almost magical. Seeing how their situation was resolved was a bit heartbreaking at times, so buckle your seat belts, but once its resolved, it really becomes so finalized in a satisfying happy ending.
What I Struggled With
Some of the humor was a bit off putting, especially if you don't read rom com's too often. Its been a long time since I have read one, so it did detract from the enjoyment at times. But once I got halfway through, it was a lot better. So I do think that aspect was more of a "me" issue. The third act was interesting, I wasn't a fan of how it was implemented though. It just was so angsty and it felt so dramatic that will result in the reader feeling so grumpy at times. It just felt so depressing and wish how it resolved just had a bit more satisfying feeling to it then what was delivered.
Narration
I really enjoyed the narration. Not perfect or anything, but it was very solidly performs and really struck home on the emotional experience of the characters.
Overall View
I found The Romantic Pact to be a festive road trip adventure that was packed with charm and just plain fun with the beautiful cadence of Germany.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Character Types: Athlete, Farmer/Rancher
Themes: Heart/Touching, Laughs/Giggles, Friendship-Male Bonds
Tropes: Road Trip Adventure, Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts, Friends to Lovers, One Bed
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Relationship Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Emma Hart
Devney Perry
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Tim Paige, Kelsey Navarro