Funny, fabulous, romantic, feel good, uplifting, and really well written. This book is about finding yourself and accepting yourself for who you are.

This is the second book in the Sunrise Cove series which is a small-town romance series. I thought this one was ok but sadly I didn't love this. I felt in places this book moved very slowly and I found myself losing interest. I've read other books from this author which I have enjoyed a lot more.

Jill Shavis's 'The Friendship Pact' is told from three points of view - prickly Tae, her high school fling Riggs, and her mother optimistic April.

Tae is fiercely independent having grown up with a mother 15 years older than her, living place to place and witnessing how relationships and love do nothing but hurt women. Yet she yearns to know more about her father after discovering that he might be alive.

For April, getting pregnant at 15 left her without a family or any support, leaving her co-dependent with her daughter, getting into relationships with men just so they had a home. She also has been hiding information about Tae's father.

Stoic Riggs, is allergic to committment and relationships, having left his alcoholic father's home to join his brother in the military. He's returned for the summer to help his brother run their business, only to find himself just as attracted to Tae, whom he had a brief fling with in high school.

At first this book had me frustrated with the pace of this story. While I loved that Tae was prickly and had excellent reasons for why she did or didn't do things it completely slowed down the story line for her refusal to take action on information she's learnt. Same with April and Riggs. While I understood and empathised with them this 'negative motivation' didn't move the plot forward.

However once this book overcame those hurdles I was really invested and by the end went 'wow'.

This book was a heartwarming and poignant look at family, and learning to trust in yourself and others.

Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy. This is a really good book, kept me entertained throughout and I would thoroughly recommend to all.

Ahhh I hate that it took me sooooo long to get through this because I freaking loved it. Just like I loved the first one. I cannot wait to get the next two.
I love the way Jill can tell you not only the main characters story but all the side characters as well. Everyone is the star of the show in her books and I love it. Friendship, Family relationships, found family, romance, perfect, perfect, PERFECT!
Blew my socks off as did the first one. I even cried at the end like I did with the first one.

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.

April got pregnant with Tae when she was a teenager and was raised by her and they barely scraped by growing up. Given their close in age, they rely heavily on each other. Tae want to know about her real father but April is trying to avoid to revealed it. Tae met Riggs when she join a new company dealing with athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors. Riggs had trouble pasts and has put up walls to keep their emotional stable. Riggs came from a tough home life and lived as a Marine for years while Tae, growing up taking care of her mother more than her mother took care of her. He remembers Tae from high school where they have a brief flings and never spoken again.

This book is the 2nd book of Sunrise Cove series. It is an emotional book about 2 broken people who needed each other for support. Love Tae & her mum’s dynamic relationship i.e like sisters or best friends and the depth of the characters, their hearts, struggle and joy.

*review will be publish on my blog on 21/7/22*

Any Gilmore Girls fans out there who rally miss the witty, banter-filled relationship of Lorelai and Rory? Look no further than Tae and April! This amazing, heart-warming contemporary romance will fill the hole in your life the Gilmore Girls left.
“Grumpy”, misunderstood Tae is emotionally closed off in all aspects of her life except with April; her “lemon picking”, happy-go-lucky single Mum, with only fifteen years between them and the rough and tumble life they’ve had to lead, the two women are extremely close. They’ve lived by any means necessary, and it has affected them both in different ways.

The story picks up when they’re in a seemingly stable time of life, but as life can, things are about to turn upside down. The book explores the POVs of both women – as well as our MMC, an ex-marine only in town for three months, self-restrained and very sexy Riggs Copeland. In my case, another book boyfriend to add to the list.
Turns out, Riggs and Tae have a slightly awkward high school past; they set out on there many encounters agreeing to be friends for his stay… but come on you don’t think I’d read it if that was really the case, do you? Let’s just say, the SLOW BURN is just right, and the steam (and THAT spicy scene) are top notch.
With an array of disabled and diverse characters: Riggs’ brother, Jake and his friend, Ace, add so much to the book, I loved them! I seriously hope Ace is MMC for no. 3 in the Sunrise Cove standalone series, along with April as FMC, of course.
The characters aren’t all that stuck with me, though, the themes and events within the book that are centered around disabled families, veterans and vulnerable kids are so well organised and well written, the author dealt with these parts exceptionally.

Compared to many of the other Romance books I’ve read, this one will stick with me forever.
Firstly, because of the positivity shone on the disabled, the author/publisher weren’t aware of this when I was chosen for an ARC, but my daughter Ella is disabled, she’s 3 and suffers with a muscle condition as well as developmental delays – seeing this amount of focus on the issues and potential support was just amazing for me, as a parent in this world. I worry a lot about inclusivity and accessibility, parts of the book gave me goosebumps and made me hopeful. Thankyou, for that.
Secondly, the characters within the book, and the relationships portrayed were so genuine and emotional – I loved every page.
The arcs for all the characters were so satisfying, the ending made my chest ache and I’m still thinking of libraries and unicorn onesies over a week later.
Jill writes a MEAN spice scene. Please, write MORE. I need more in the next one, they are panty-melting, the steam is practically pouring off the pages.

This book is available to order NOW! I really suggest, if you love to read any romance, and to see characters evolve on page, you should read this beautiful book. Also, THIS COVER!!
SPICE: 3/5 (the quality tho!!)
ROMANCE: 5/5
READIBILITY: 5/5
IMPACTFULLNESS: 5/5
SLOW BURN: 3/5
CHARACTERS: 5/5
PLOT: 5/5

The Friendship Pact was such a fun and interesting read, I haven’t read the previous Sunrise Cove book, but I didn’t feel like I had missed out on anything, these are stand-alone, but I am definitely going to buying the first and the next now. If you’re like me once you finish reading this you’re going to want more of Jill Shalvis and Sunrise Cove.

I loved that this story isn’t just romance , it focuses on family, community and friends as much as romance and I loved reading about the relationship between Tae and her mother, April,as much as I did between Tae and Riggs.

I loved the setting of Lake Tahoe, along with the story the setting makes it even more of a lovely summer read and the author does a fabulous job of describing it so much I really want to go.

This a feel-good romantic story about second chances and I loved the authors focus on communication, the emphasis on discussion, being open and how it can heal , fantastic as quite often lack of communication is used as a plot device, I loved the shining light on the importance of good communication (both parents and partners)

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters , the writing is excellent and Jill weaves a world you just don’t want to leave, l definitely can’t wait to see what happened in the first book of this series, then I guess I’ll just have to wait patiently for the next.

I loved this book, you can always guarantee a very entertaining read with a Jill Shalvis book, my favourite author.

Tae and her mum, April, have had a hard life, money has been very tight growing up, and Alice had a habit of falling for the wrong men. April had Tae when she was 15, so they're still quite close in age, with Tae being the mother figure a lot of the time growing up.

But they're both in a good place now, working for an adventure company who help athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors with support and days out, April working as a receptionist whilst also pursuing her dream of being a photographer, and Tae running her event company and organising various fundraisers for the company.

The company is owned and run by Jake, with his brother Riggs (a former marine) a silent partner, until he comes home to check in on his brother and ends up staying to help for the summer. Of course whilst there he runs into Tae again, resurrecting their history from when they were young.

There was plenty going on, adventure days on the lake, April's photography starting to take off, family issues for all of them, especially Tae, and of course Tae and Riggs developing relationship.

I just love a Jill Shalvis book, fun, romance, snarkiness, and just great characters that you'd love to have as your friends too. Perfect!

Having read The Family You Make I was ready to read Jill's new book The Friendship Pact. I had loved being in back Lake Tahoe previously and could not wait to get back.

This time we get to know more about Tae and Riggs. Both who had their issues growing up. Both who are drawn to one another, but are both reluctant to make that commitment. The will they, won't they question will be hanging around your head for a while! And then we have the secondary characters - Jake, Caroline and April - who to be honest could have been the stars of the book. I did wish that I could have a whole separate book. Here's hoping!

While the book is part of a series, you do not have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. Especially as the only link between the two books is the location. Although I have to be honest I am a bit disappointed that I didn't get to see more of Jane and Levi or Charlotte and Matteo. Even it was just a brief visit. Something...

However, I did really enjoy this book. I loved the setting. I loved the Lake and I really loved getting to know new characters. from the start I was fully invested in their story and could not wait to get to the end. Of course, when I got to the end I was gutted. Mainly because I wanted to know more.

I also enjoyed Tae's relationship with her mum April. However it was not the perfect mother-daughter relationship as shown by the secrets April had kept. But we will be fair, April did have her reasons.

The Friendship Pact was a hit with me and one of my favourite Summer 2022 reads.

I love the author’s stories. They always make me smile and knowing that I’ll be finishing with a heart full of love and emotions, I’m always up for whatever she will publish next.

The friendship pact is the second instalment in her Sunrise Cove series and can be read as a standalone with no issues. I will always recommend reading the first book as some characters are making appearances and being a new series, gives you an insight into this new world.

Living her life wondering who’s her father is and trying to make a living and find her foot in this adult life, Tae is a great character that I really enjoyed reading about. Her relationship with her mother is not always straightforward, but it feels very real and interesting. How April had Tae despite her predicament was really heartbreaking, but also showed how much she loved Tae.

Tae is on the brink of bankruptcy and her dreams are taking a big turn when she takes a new contract on her job that will change her personal life in more ways than expected.

While she still wants to keep her past buried but she can’t deny the chemistry and attraction towards Riggs. He just stole my heart! Such a great male character and supportive, caring and loving. Even when he actually finds out who her father is, he is all about protecting her and making sure she’s safe and won’t get hurt, not even emotionally.

Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart to the brim.

🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

Wonderful second chance romance! Tae and Riggs are reunited after having been together briefly in high school; both of them are wary due to their experiences growing up, but find themselves continually drawn to each other. This book is not only a romance, but also involves the stories of Tae's mom April, her dad, and Riggs's brother Jake and his girlfriend Carolyn. As usual, Jill Shalvis has written a story that is emotional, romantic and humorous. I love how she writes about not only the couple but also delves into their relationships with family and friends. Can't wait for the next in this series!

I’ve read a few Jill shalvis books loved this One. Her writing skills always impress me in these book. Great characters you love. Love the community around people in this book. All the characters were enjoyable read. Loved every paged. Loved the friendship the characters had with each other in this book to .

Firstly, I would like to say thank you to not only Netgalley for the eARC of this book.

This is a 356-page book based on the relationship between Tae and Riggs with angst, romance and comedy, but also covers many important issues in a realistic and respectful way. From child abuse, the way a simple white lie can change someone's life, homelessness and even coping mechanisms created from these situations I think Jill hit the nail on the head with these characters as they seemed realistic and relatable with not only flaws but also hardships they still deal with up to this day. What was a big takeaway for me was that although you may have had a bad childhood not only are you worthy of love but also you can be loved even if you don't think you deserve it or act as if you don't. This story is multiple points of view from Tae, Riggs and April covering not only Tae and Riggs's romance but also the guilt April feels about her past mistakes and grievances towards her childhood and the way Tae was brought up. The pact part of this book that you can tell from the title was a little blurry in my eyes as it seemed one-sided that he had chosen it and she was going along but I think it did work very well in this story just the presentation of it felt a little off. I loved the romance and the couple in this book they are rough, raw and realistic the best three R's there are in characters. The romance in this book was a slow burn and steamy at times but also cute, the sarcasm and comedic charm added to the duo that has now sted fastly and become one of my top favourite books read his year. I loved the way that although they had a past they built a relationship and friendship from the ground when they met each other and each character changed slightly not because the other asked them to but to fit better as a couple, because they wanted to which is such a great progression, it felt well-paced and pulls on your heart strings to root for them both with each other. This is such a multi-layered book that I could spend all day explaining but honestly, I would 100% recommend it, this is a realistic, messy story about not only lies and deception but love and connection. </p>

This was a sweet, easy to read story story about a couple meeting years later after a previous encounter. Tae lives next door to her Mum and their relationship is explored in the context of her Dad no longer being around. Riggs, an ex marine, returns to work in partnership with his brother. He doesn’t intent to stick around but slowly gets drawn into the way of life and falling back in love with Tae.

As a reviewier, I initially found this book really hard to get into with the missing letters as a proof copy. Just too many missing to sometimes get the incomplete word.

For the better part of her childhood, all Tae Holmes had wanted was to be an adult, only as it turned out, adulting was overrated.

I do like it when as soon as you open a book you start highlighting passages that you appreciate!

This was my first Jill Shalvis book having only recently started to read romance again after a long break. One of my friends recommended Shalvis to me and she’s definitely an author I’ll be reading more of. I was a little concerned that I hadn’t read the first book in this series but from what I understand, the location is the only link and not the actual characters so I’ve not missed out by starting on Book 2.

Tae has been raised by her mother, April, who is only 15 years her senior. She’s been told that her father died overseas before she was born but within the first few pages we’re given a hint that things might not quite be as Tae has been led to believe. I do like the relationship between Tae and April, often seeming more like best friends rather than mother and daughter. I don’t completely agree with all the decisions that April has made but she’s made them with the best of intentions.

Tae has recently set up her own events company and has acquired a new client, an adventure company for athletes with disabilities. This gave me major Invictus Games vibes. Having only dealt with Jake so far, Tae has the rug pulled from under her when his silent partner turns up at their first event. His brother Riggs (what tv show do I know that name from, every time I read it I can hear it being said on the tv and can’t for the life of me remember what show it was on), anyway, his brother Riggs has invested 50/50 in the business. The same Riggs who was friends with Tae at school but then ruined it with taking their friendship to the next level.

I’ve decided I really like second chance romance. Finding out what went wrong the first time round and whether they’ll get together again. I mean, it’s a romance, we know it’s going to happen but the push and pull, will they – won’t they that takes us on the journey is great fun. I loved the relationship and banter between Tae and Riggs, even though there were times when they really frustrated me (just how stubborn can one man be!)

It has always been Tae and her mother April, and neither are lucky in love. but when Riggs Copeland walks back into Tae's life love is soon on the horizon.

However, Riggs isn't planning to stay long and the rules of friendship are soon blurred, both must keep their emotions in check or they could get hurt.

This novel has suspense, love, secrets, and a little bit of heartache, and it was a great read. I flew through this novel not want to put it down but now I am sad it is over.

I know this author is very popular and I can see why, I have already picked up another novel by them and can't wait to get stuck in!

I am a huge fan of Jill Shalvis and was thrilled to receive an early copy of The Friendship Pact. This is a small-town, second-chance romance, set in Sunrise Cove, Lake Tahoe, California. Each novel in the Sunrise Cove series is a standalone, so you don't need to worry about reading them in order.

Tae and her mother April have lived their lives teetering on the edge of poverty since April became pregnant with Tae at the age of fifteen - and was promptly disowned by her family. Twenty-seven years later, April and Tae are incredibly close, determined that nothing will come between them, until a chance remark by a stranger sets Tae on the trail of the father she thought was dead. She's helped on her quest by her ex-high-school boyfriend, Riggs, recently returned to Sunrise Cove to help his brother Jake run an adventure company for people with disabilities, including ex-soldiers - both Riggs and Jake are veterans.

Despite being intensely drawn to each other, Tae and Riggs agree to remain just good friends, but as they spend more and more time together, keeping their relationship platonic becomes impossible. Should they give up and have a short fling? After all, what could possibly go wrong?

The Friendship Pact is as much about family and friends as it is about romance. It is lovely to see the close bonds between Tae and April, and Riggs and Jake. But both Tae and Riggs have been hurt badly in the past, can they move on from that?

I loved the start of the story, where Tae, who is having a nightmare of an evening, accidently gets into Rigg's car, thinking he's a Uber driver, then walks straight into what appears to be a hold-up at a grocery story - all because she wants to drown her sorrows in ice-cream! Another favourite is the scene where Jake tries to teach Riggs about feelings: in particular, talking about them! It's both hilarious and touching.

The Friendship Pact is a feel-good romantic comedy about second chances and the importance of talking through problems, rather than trying to avoid them, and opening up emotionally - otherwise, how is anyone you care about going to know how you feel?!! It would suit anyone who loves romantic comedy with heart and fans of Sarah Morgan and Susan Mallery. The third story in this series, The Backup Plan, will be out in January 2023 - I can't wait!


Thank you to Jill Shalvis and Headline Eternal for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

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**