A review by keepcalmblogon
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Somehow I managed to pick another friends-to-lovers book from Macmillan Audio—many of you may know this is not a preferred trope of mine, but The Breakup Pact is a little different in that June and Levi are ex-friends who then fake date, so that is thoroughly in my wheelhouse! I also really appreciated that June is a demisexual character, as I’m glad that is getting more representation in books that I read.

This story had a lot going on for a romance, and I really liked that since I’m not the biggest romance book fan. There are subplots of grief, small business troubles and success, a wedding, and comeuppance on an ex. I think a lot of subplots tend to be too much in many books, but Emma Lord wove each one into the main plot very cleanly and thoroughly so that it all felt natural instead of clunky. I was rooting for June and Levi from the moment I heard what each of their exes did to them!

As I mentioned above, June’s demisexuality was a favorite aspect of her character and seeing her redevelop old feelings for Levi and become attracted to him with an eventual bedroom scene was really lovely. My most favorite aspect of June’s is her grief though. I know that sounds rough, but grief is a common theme in my life, and I enjoy characters who experience that and find ways to keep going when their heart is broken. Unfortunately, death is a fact of life, so I appreciate when it’s written in as something normal in a romance, or any book that isn’t solely about grief and loss.

In the end, I give this book four stars and I think any romance reader will enjoy it, especially those who enjoy fake dating, friends to lovers, even enemies to lovers, and bad exes getting what they deserve.