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The Marriage Pact
He’s the one that got away. Now that I’m back in town, the jerk wants to offer me a job. This isn’t good for either of us. He feels like he’s got to make up for what happened when we were kids. And I have to restrain my hormones from doing the tango in front of him. Never a good working relationship. Or is it? See, here’s the deal. We made a pact when we were kids. If by some crazy reason we weren’t married by the time we were thirty, we’d marry each other. Well, time’s up. And the pact was never broken. Now what? Do I forgive the guy that ripped my heart out as a lovesick teenage girl? He wants a second chance, and honestly, no one is rooting harder for him than me. In our small town, this handsome, rich boy and I couldn’t have been more different, but they say opposites attract. Either way, our Marriage Pact is an interesting thought. Feels more like forever than a simple agreement, and with this boy? Forever is exactly what I’ve wished for.
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2023
585 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 10, 2023
THE MARRIAGE PACT is one of the “if neither of us is married by thirty…” stories combined with the second chance, best friend’s brother, and boss tropes. Landon broke Poppy’s heart with words. She broke his by leaving without letting him explain and 9 years later Landon’sister (Poppy’s best friend) does some manipulating to get them back together.
It’s a fairly typical story with some little plot enhancers like Poppy’s vegan “free spirited” parents vs Landon’s kind of judgmental parents. Side by side they couldn’t be more different, so that added to the conflict in the past. Will it continue to add to the conflict in the present?
I did think from the dialog that the characters seemed less mature than their ages suggested (27 and 30). I wondered if their maturity had them stuck in the past at the time they hurt one another. From that perspective, it was interesting to move through the story to see what the passage of time would change.
It’s a fairly typical story with some little plot enhancers like Poppy’s vegan “free spirited” parents vs Landon’s kind of judgmental parents. Side by side they couldn’t be more different, so that added to the conflict in the past. Will it continue to add to the conflict in the present?
I did think from the dialog that the characters seemed less mature than their ages suggested (27 and 30). I wondered if their maturity had them stuck in the past at the time they hurt one another. From that perspective, it was interesting to move through the story to see what the passage of time would change.
March 28, 2023
This is a great second chance romance that will hold your attention until the end. Poppy and Landon were great together until that fateful day. They went their separate ways. Poppy's best friend (Landon's sister) is working to bring them together. It should be interesting to see their interactions. Will those feelings still be there for Landon and Poppy?
April 18, 2023
As to the writing of the book-it was just bad. I don’t know anything about this author but based on the writing I’d say it was someone’s first book. Things were unnecessarily over described and repetitive (example: character mentioning 4 times in the span of a few pages how tired they are from a time change. We get it already. Example2: 2 characters names being mentioned 3 times on one page in reference to what they’re doing). Some of it seemed like the author was trying to meet a word count and was just saying things for the sake of adding words. I was really tempted to add it to my DNF pile early on but don’t like quitting so I kept reading. I usually read a book in a sitting or 2 and this one took 5 days simply because I couldn’t make myself read it. I finally caved and added it to my DNF pile when there was 25 pages left.
As to the actual story- they met as kids and for some reason fell in love as teens even though they only kissed once? In my opinion, we’re not given enough back story to believe they could still have a spark (never mind love)as adults. And the guy is infatuated with the girl and everything she does for no reason at all. And she grew up close to him and his sister (her best friend) but yet his dad doesn’t like her or her family?…I just didn’t buy any of it. And Poppy’s character was a bit annoying. Example:She’s a guest at someone’s house and she’s not a vegetarian just doesn’t prefer meat and acts disgusted when she’s served steak….
Ugh I’m sorry but I did not enjoy any part of this story.
As to the actual story- they met as kids and for some reason fell in love as teens even though they only kissed once? In my opinion, we’re not given enough back story to believe they could still have a spark (never mind love)as adults. And the guy is infatuated with the girl and everything she does for no reason at all. And she grew up close to him and his sister (her best friend) but yet his dad doesn’t like her or her family?…I just didn’t buy any of it. And Poppy’s character was a bit annoying. Example:She’s a guest at someone’s house and she’s not a vegetarian just doesn’t prefer meat and acts disgusted when she’s served steak….
Ugh I’m sorry but I did not enjoy any part of this story.
April 2, 2023
'Una rosa nunca puede ser un girasol, y un girasol nunca puede ser una rosa, pero eso no hace que una sea menos hermosa que la otra.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Marriage Pact de Jacob Parker
Argumento:
Él es el que se escapó.
Ahora que estoy de vuelta en la ciudad, el imbécil quiere ofrecerme un trabajo.
Esto no es bueno para ninguno de los dos. Siente que tiene que compensar lo que pasó cuando éramos niños.
Y tengo que contener mis hormonas para que no hagan el tango frente a él.
Nunca una buena relación de trabajo. ¿O es eso?
Mira, este es el trato. Hicimos un pacto cuando éramos niños.
Si por alguna loca razón no estuviéramos casados cuando cumpliéramos los treinta, nos casaríamos entre nosotros.
Bueno, se acabó el tiempo. Y el pacto nunca se rompió.
¿Ahora que? ¿Perdono al tipo que me arrancó el corazón cuando era una adolescente enamorada?
Quiere una segunda oportunidad y, sinceramente, nadie lo apoya más que yo.
En nuestro pequeño pueblo, este chico guapo y rico y yo no podríamos haber sido más diferentes, pero dicen que los opuestos se atraen.
De cualquier manera, nuestro Pacto Matrimonial es un pensamiento interesante.
Se siente más como una eternidad que un simple acuerdo, ¿y con este chico?
Para siempre es exactamente lo que he deseado.
Mi humilde opinión:
Un romance con segunda oportunidad en el amor/hermano mayor de la mejor amiga/oficina.
Adoro esas historias de amor que comienzan desde que los personajes son niños y esta comenzó con un dulce prólogo. Era evidente que Poppy y Landon eran diferentes mundos pero había algo que los atraía inevitablemente. Cuando finalmente se juntan la interferencia del padre de Landon los separa. Años después vuelven a verse y el amor aún sigue fuerte entre ellos pero el dolor del pasado sigue presente.
Me gustaba el personaje de Poppy porque era genuina y leal a su corazón. No comparto su amor por el café de hongos pero ella era genial.
Me enojé mientas Landon explicaba la razón por la que terminó con Poppy nueve años atrás y que encima dijera que ella también tenía la culpa. Ella se fue sin que lo dejara explicar? Lo que él le dijo fue horrible y por influencia del padre. Le rompió el corazón, no la culpo por querer irse lejos. Y años después a Landon sigue importándole lo que piense su padre. Pero él hace lo correcto al final escogiendo a la mujer que ama.
También me gustaban los personajes secundarios. Liverty la mejor amiga de Poppy fue la que ayudó a juntarlos de nuevo. Joshua, el mejor amigo de Landon, los padres y hermanos de Poppy y la abuela Ellie.
Ahora no comprendí por qué el padre de Landon nunca quiso a la familia de Poppy. Por el jardín de su casa que parecía una jungla? Por que eran hippies? Por que eran pobres? Si él también comenzó su negocio desde abajo y tenía a un madre tan amorosa como la abuela Ellie. Es que no me cerraba su ensañamiento para con esa familia. No pude creer al final su rápido arrepentimiento, su cambio de corazón, después de decirle otra vez palabras terribles a Poppy.
A pesar del padre metiche y del héroe que se deja manipular por este, disfruté esta historia de amor sexy y con algo de angustia.
June 1, 2025
2.5 stars
First things first, the title of this book is misleading. This so-called marriage pack is mentioned twice in the entire book - this was absolutely a second chance romance, their relationship had nothing to do with a pact.
Apart from the title disaappointing me, I wasn't overly impressed with the characters. They were supposed to be mid-late 20s, but the whole book came across like a college romance. All the characters still seemed to be tied into their parents' lives, so it never felt like they were independent adults.
Back when Poppy is 18, Landon says something to make her leave town. It's never fully explained what it is, but it is heavily implied. We don't see any of their 'teenage' relationship, so I was at a loss as to how involved a relationship it was. When they meet again as adults, it almost feels like they were never together in the first place. There is just not enough backstory to understand their childhood connection.
As a couple, they were sweet together and had some chemistry. However they could go a day or two, or more, without any contact, which confused me as they worked together (she was his assistant) and also lived across the road from each other, and clearly they both have phones.
The 'opposites attract' side of the relationship is linked to their families who live across the road from each other. Landon's father has taken some kind of dislike to Poppy's more laid-back family. It just felt so forced, and Landon's father is awful for no reason - it just felt like it was added into the story for the sake of it. Even though Landon & his sister know this, they think its a good idea not to tell their parents that she is working for the company - which just causes even more drama for no reason. And why did nobody ever pull him up for his behaviour? It was just dismissed as .... 'That's just what he's like'.
The ending was just too ...'Is that it?' The way Landon's father just flips 180 and everything is now ok was disappointing, makes me wonder why he was even like that in the first place.
- second chance
- opposites attract
- best friends brother
- hidden relationship
First things first, the title of this book is misleading. This so-called marriage pack is mentioned twice in the entire book - this was absolutely a second chance romance, their relationship had nothing to do with a pact.
Apart from the title disaappointing me, I wasn't overly impressed with the characters. They were supposed to be mid-late 20s, but the whole book came across like a college romance. All the characters still seemed to be tied into their parents' lives, so it never felt like they were independent adults.
Back when Poppy is 18, Landon says something to make her leave town. It's never fully explained what it is, but it is heavily implied. We don't see any of their 'teenage' relationship, so I was at a loss as to how involved a relationship it was. When they meet again as adults, it almost feels like they were never together in the first place. There is just not enough backstory to understand their childhood connection.
As a couple, they were sweet together and had some chemistry. However they could go a day or two, or more, without any contact, which confused me as they worked together (she was his assistant) and also lived across the road from each other, and clearly they both have phones.
The 'opposites attract' side of the relationship is linked to their families who live across the road from each other. Landon's father has taken some kind of dislike to Poppy's more laid-back family. It just felt so forced, and Landon's father is awful for no reason - it just felt like it was added into the story for the sake of it. Even though Landon & his sister know this, they think its a good idea not to tell their parents that she is working for the company - which just causes even more drama for no reason. And why did nobody ever pull him up for his behaviour? It was just dismissed as .... 'That's just what he's like'.
The ending was just too ...'Is that it?' The way Landon's father just flips 180 and everything is now ok was disappointing, makes me wonder why he was even like that in the first place.
- second chance
- opposites attract
- best friends brother
- hidden relationship
March 24, 2023
This is A Swanson Ridge Novel and it is Poppy and Landon’s story and it is definitely a must read. Poppy and Landon have history as they have known each other for years as they lived across the street from each other and Poppy was also best friends with Landon’s sister but Landon and Poppy had a crush on each other but neither knew as he was always snarky to her but then they made a pact that if Landon wasn’t married at the age of thirty then he would marry Poppy and they both agreed with a pinky promise which was so cute. Fifteen years later and Poppy was packing up and going back home to Tennessee and staying with her parents so that she could save enough money to be able to open her own art studio and make her dreams come true but she was not looking forward to seeing Landon again especially after what happened years ago. Landon now runs the family business and he is so busy that he needs an secretary/assistant to take some of the pressure off him and when his sister says that her friend had just arrived and needs a job he was happy to meet this person not knowing what was going to happen next. Poppy and Landon meet again and it is a shock to both of them and then they end up working together but Poppy tried to keep her distance after things ended so badly between them years ago but hopefully they will be able to put the past behind them even though there feelings for each other never went away and is now even stronger. This book was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t put it down as it was a real page turner with great characters and a storyline that pulled you in and wouldn’t let you go and it was so addictive that it kept your attention throughout and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.
March 24, 2023
Fifteen year-old Landon Johnson actually likes twelve year-old Poppy, Briar, so he does what is typical of every boy that age - he insults her. He says that if he is not married by the time he is thirty, he will endure the worst punishment ever by marrying her.
Fifteen years later, Poppy is moving back to Franklin, Tennessee to live with her parents so she can save money to give her dream of becoming an artist another chance. And she is looking forward to reconnecting with her childhood friends, but not her nemesis Landon, who now owns Just Ship It, a drop ship company that is very successful, but he is less successful in finding a worthwhile assistant to help lighten his load. Enter his sister Liberty, who is meeting Poppy at Just Ship It to offer her a job as, you guessed it, Landon’s assistant. But there’s just the itsy bitsy detail about how he broke her heart fifteen years ago. Oh, this is going to be good!
If you are a romantic of any kind, you HAVE to read this story of childhood sweethearts who fall apart from each other, only to find their way back after nine years of suffering and longing. Come along with Poppy, Landon, Liberty, his best friend Joshua, and a host of other quirky relatives (one of whom is the root cause of their separation), as they journey to their HEA, which includes, as it should, many steamy passionate interludes. Loved it!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
Fifteen years later, Poppy is moving back to Franklin, Tennessee to live with her parents so she can save money to give her dream of becoming an artist another chance. And she is looking forward to reconnecting with her childhood friends, but not her nemesis Landon, who now owns Just Ship It, a drop ship company that is very successful, but he is less successful in finding a worthwhile assistant to help lighten his load. Enter his sister Liberty, who is meeting Poppy at Just Ship It to offer her a job as, you guessed it, Landon’s assistant. But there’s just the itsy bitsy detail about how he broke her heart fifteen years ago. Oh, this is going to be good!
If you are a romantic of any kind, you HAVE to read this story of childhood sweethearts who fall apart from each other, only to find their way back after nine years of suffering and longing. Come along with Poppy, Landon, Liberty, his best friend Joshua, and a host of other quirky relatives (one of whom is the root cause of their separation), as they journey to their HEA, which includes, as it should, many steamy passionate interludes. Loved it!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
April 3, 2023
"A Sunflower Can Never Be A Rose"
Another exceptional story from Jacob Parker that will have you from the first page till the end. I love that Landon and Poppy's story starts with them as teens as a back story. Now fifteen years later their story really gets started and the marriage pact made where Landon portrays it as punishment is really what he secretly wanted. Poppy's family had a reputation as being hippies with the lifestyle they live, but London's father makes it known they don't belong in their affluent neighborhood. Things get tricky when Liberty, London's sister and Poppy's best friend, arranges a job interview for Poppy as London's assistant without their knowledge. A bumpy road ahead but a happy one... until a fateful meeting with London's father. He gave her up once but will he have the heart to do it again? Poppy refuses to get between Landon and his father but with words of wisdom from a wonderful lady will she give Landon another chance?? A great story about what the heart wants and not giving a damn about a persons background or lifestyles. Great characters with his/her POV, no cheating, no cliffhanger, great support friends and a much deserved HEA. A MUST READ!!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily added it to my favorites collection. Great job Jacob Parker and I'm excited for the next story... Maybe Liberty and Joshua.
Another exceptional story from Jacob Parker that will have you from the first page till the end. I love that Landon and Poppy's story starts with them as teens as a back story. Now fifteen years later their story really gets started and the marriage pact made where Landon portrays it as punishment is really what he secretly wanted. Poppy's family had a reputation as being hippies with the lifestyle they live, but London's father makes it known they don't belong in their affluent neighborhood. Things get tricky when Liberty, London's sister and Poppy's best friend, arranges a job interview for Poppy as London's assistant without their knowledge. A bumpy road ahead but a happy one... until a fateful meeting with London's father. He gave her up once but will he have the heart to do it again? Poppy refuses to get between Landon and his father but with words of wisdom from a wonderful lady will she give Landon another chance?? A great story about what the heart wants and not giving a damn about a persons background or lifestyles. Great characters with his/her POV, no cheating, no cliffhanger, great support friends and a much deserved HEA. A MUST READ!!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and happily added it to my favorites collection. Great job Jacob Parker and I'm excited for the next story... Maybe Liberty and Joshua.
March 24, 2023
Poppy is a creative free spirit, and while Landon isn’t your typical uptight businessman, he’s got a lot of the hallmarks. For me, this story was all about appearances and expectations. Particularly all the ways they cause havoc in our lives when what we want isn’t the same as what other people want for/from us. This book has a lot of different themes packed into it: second chance, enemies to lovers, childhood sweethearts, sibling’s best friend, opposites attract, small town, and I’m sure there are even more that I’m not remembering at the moment. They’re all spun together in such a way that this just wouldn’t work without all these ingredients in the mix. When it worked, I adored these two together. But when things went sideways, I worried they’d never get it right. I’ve kinda started to fall in love with their family and friends and can’t wait to see stories about all of them too.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
March 24, 2023
Landon and Poppy end up working with each other when Poppy returns to live at home. Landon’s character is slightly disappointing in that he leaves Poppy wide open to his hostile father when he could have had a conversation with his father beforehand.
This made me think that Landon was perhaps a little too immature although his sister Liberty does a similar thing when suggesting a new personal assistant for Landon so perhaps it’s just a family trait!
Grandma Ellie and Poppy’s conversations at the Pilates classes add a bit of depth to the story and also provide Poppy with some logic.
The interaction between Joshua and Landon’s sister Liberty add an interesting aside and make me think their story might be covered in another book.
An enjoyable happy ever after story, which is well written. The plot throughout the story has you wondering how it will all work out and keeps you interested to the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
This made me think that Landon was perhaps a little too immature although his sister Liberty does a similar thing when suggesting a new personal assistant for Landon so perhaps it’s just a family trait!
Grandma Ellie and Poppy’s conversations at the Pilates classes add a bit of depth to the story and also provide Poppy with some logic.
The interaction between Joshua and Landon’s sister Liberty add an interesting aside and make me think their story might be covered in another book.
An enjoyable happy ever after story, which is well written. The plot throughout the story has you wondering how it will all work out and keeps you interested to the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
March 25, 2023
Loved this second Chance romance
I loved this second chance romance! I’m a sucker for second Chance books and this one did not disappoint! It’s told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. These two characters and the side characters will leave you wanting more. I want more of Liberty, Joshua, all of Poppy’s siblings and more of Grandma Ellie!
I was hooked from the prologue. I loved that Poppy wasn’t scared to put Landon in his place when she was twelve years old. I loved that she was the free spirit to bring life to Landon. I loved that Landon was determined to make things right with Poppy after all those years. I loved how romantic he was and how he was determined to make their pact become reality.
I hope we get to see more of these characters, if and when 🤭🤪, the side characters get their own books!
I received and advanced readers copy via BookFunnel. These words and opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
I loved this second chance romance! I’m a sucker for second Chance books and this one did not disappoint! It’s told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. These two characters and the side characters will leave you wanting more. I want more of Liberty, Joshua, all of Poppy’s siblings and more of Grandma Ellie!
I was hooked from the prologue. I loved that Poppy wasn’t scared to put Landon in his place when she was twelve years old. I loved that she was the free spirit to bring life to Landon. I loved that Landon was determined to make things right with Poppy after all those years. I loved how romantic he was and how he was determined to make their pact become reality.
I hope we get to see more of these characters, if and when 🤭🤪, the side characters get their own books!
I received and advanced readers copy via BookFunnel. These words and opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
April 6, 2023
Landon and Poppy were friends when they were teenagers and made a pact that if by 30 neither was married that they would get married. They were good friend but came from different life styles which Landon’s father didn’t approve of. He saw Poppy and her family as the hippie type while his family was just a little better than others. Landon hurt Poppy pretty bad and she ended up setting him straight but left town. Now 15 years have passed and she has returned home and ends up working for Landon. Will dear old dad come between them yet again?
Loved this storyline and all the characters. This story is one of interference, healing, love and standing up for who and what you believe in. Great job by Jacob and well worth reading. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving an honest review.
Loved this storyline and all the characters. This story is one of interference, healing, love and standing up for who and what you believe in. Great job by Jacob and well worth reading. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving an honest review.
March 24, 2023
With a pinky swear, could roses and sunflowers mix together forever?
Landon has loved Poppy just about his whole life. Poppy has loved Landon just about her whole life. The only problem is that neither of them knows that about the other. They lived across the sweet from one another. They had a little thing in when she was in high school, but under his father’s wing, he broke it off with her and made the biggest mistake of his life. She went to California to start her own art studio, but it didn’t work out. Now she’s back home. Their story has ups and downs, especially with Landon’s father. All the characters in this story are great. It’s hot and steamy and confusing and intriguing with anticipation all wrapped in one. It’s a book I can recommend with my whole heart.
Landon has loved Poppy just about his whole life. Poppy has loved Landon just about her whole life. The only problem is that neither of them knows that about the other. They lived across the sweet from one another. They had a little thing in when she was in high school, but under his father’s wing, he broke it off with her and made the biggest mistake of his life. She went to California to start her own art studio, but it didn’t work out. Now she’s back home. Their story has ups and downs, especially with Landon’s father. All the characters in this story are great. It’s hot and steamy and confusing and intriguing with anticipation all wrapped in one. It’s a book I can recommend with my whole heart.
March 24, 2023
5 Stars
I received a free copy of the steamy Tennessee set novel The Marriage Pact A Swanson Ridge Novel by Jacob Parker and this review was given freely.
A good opening for the series.
The story starts with the cliché of young Landon picking on the young Poppy, his sister’s best friend, and the girl across the street, who he secretly likes but his father does not. There are touches of steam and some controversy in this reunion story between the wealthy, overworked businessman Landon and struggling artist Poppy that contains a gentler, less “sensationalized“ and more “real feeling” delivery. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood and workplace and the sibling interactions, but I loved the snippets with the sage Grandma Eleanor.
18+ for intimate scenes.
I received a free copy of the steamy Tennessee set novel The Marriage Pact A Swanson Ridge Novel by Jacob Parker and this review was given freely.
A good opening for the series.
The story starts with the cliché of young Landon picking on the young Poppy, his sister’s best friend, and the girl across the street, who he secretly likes but his father does not. There are touches of steam and some controversy in this reunion story between the wealthy, overworked businessman Landon and struggling artist Poppy that contains a gentler, less “sensationalized“ and more “real feeling” delivery. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood and workplace and the sibling interactions, but I loved the snippets with the sage Grandma Eleanor.
18+ for intimate scenes.
March 24, 2023
A delightful,wonderful,steamy and heartwarming story of Landon and Poppy..They grew up together being neighbor and all. having a crush to your sister bestie, the sweet and spirited young girl who captured your young heart but because your young and wanted your fathers approval you lose the girl who owned your heart..And now 9 years later shes back to start fresh and needed a job ASAP..And you need an assistant so its a win win to both side.;Ther connection and the chemistry is still strong and they didn't forget their pact when they were younger,their marriage pact! but now his parents is back,is this a sign that their budding romance is ending before its start.. read it to find out! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 24, 2023
This beautifully combines so many tropes, second chance romance, best friend’s brother and loving the boss. Poppy returns to her hometown in need of a job. Landon’s business is booming and he needs an assistant to help him manage his workload. His sister suggests her friend, he’s so relieved he doesn’t ask any questions. Poppy was the love of his life, but he said some stupid things and managed to lose her before he could apologise. Now she’s back in his life, he wants a second chance. Loved that she kept her principles, her conversations with Ellie at pilates were a good touch. Enjoyed following Landon and Poppy as they rediscovered their love for each other and overcame the problems that broke them up before.
March 28, 2023
This is Poppy and Landon's second chance told to us by both of them, they met whilst still in school where to hide his attraction to her Landon would sometimes tease and be cruel to her. But young as she was, 12-year-old Poppy was always prepared to put Landon in his place.
When they meet again as adults Landon is determined to make things right with Poppy to find out how he does that after all those years and to see just how romantic the bashful boy has become and how he was determined to make their pact become reality and to find out if he succeeded in his quest you will have to read this one for yourself because I'm not telling.
The story flowed well, all the characters not just Poppy and Landon but the side characters are all very well drawn and likeable.
When they meet again as adults Landon is determined to make things right with Poppy to find out how he does that after all those years and to see just how romantic the bashful boy has become and how he was determined to make their pact become reality and to find out if he succeeded in his quest you will have to read this one for yourself because I'm not telling.
The story flowed well, all the characters not just Poppy and Landon but the side characters are all very well drawn and likeable.
March 30, 2023
An entertaining second chance at love story, but one that starts with the MCs as kids (he being 15, and she was 12). Of course boys that age don't typically know the best way to handle their feelings and emotions (who, in turn, become men who don't know the best way to handle feelings and emotions lol), and yeah, Landon's "proposal" left a LOT to be desired (but a strong desire to throat-punch him). With Poppy back in town after 15 years, I couldn't wait to see how things would play out for these two, especially given the fact that she's now working in close contact with Landon. This story kept me engaged from start to finish and I'm looking forward to reading more about the other residents of Swanson Ridge.
May 12, 2025
Poppy and Landon were sweethearts and also lived across the street from one another through childhood and into high school. Till one day he told her he could never be with someone like her. BUT he never told her that was because his father would never accept her. Poppy left for CA without telling him goodbye and now returns 9 years later needing a job. Landon's overwhelmed with his workload and sister sneakily suggests he hire her friend. She brings Poppy to be interviewed. What a surprise for both Popy and Landon but he still hires her. Things are tense for a while but their personal lives seemed to keep drifting together. Lots of good things happen to encourage their love but still there was Landon's dad who had the final say if that could ever happen...
May 29, 2025
This was a nice read, though a bit predictable and I would have loved to connect more with the characters - understand how their relationship had evolved in the past. Also, there was no proper discussion about him saying what exactly had happened for him to say harsh words in the past to Poppy though he told her he didn't know why he had said that but prior to that, in his POV he had mentioned what happened with his dad. But jumping towards the end, she kind of knew when talking to her "friend" from the gym, that it had to do with his dad. So that kind of felt off. Also, there were just one or two typos like for instance his dad apologizing and saying something with ".... your sisters". There was only one to my knowledge.
March 24, 2023
You'll enjoy Poppy and Landon's story. The theme is a familiar one, but Jacob is a master of story telling and has his own spin. They're opposites in every way, and their banter is hilarious at times. He broke her heart years ago with hurtful words, but she never let him explain. After nine years, she returns home and his sister tries her match making skills. This is a cute read that is well written and a page turner. The characters are likable, but a little immature. Maybe their personalities just pick up where they left off nine years earlier. No cliffhanger and an HEA. I received this book via the author as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
March 26, 2023
Landon and Poppy grew up together and were close friends who also had feelings for one another but didn't act upon them. There was a short spell in high school, but his father interfered which had Poppy leaving going to open up an art studio but found herself back home when things didn't work. Landon is a businessman, but his biggest mistake was letting Poppy go. they reconnect when she comes back home. This story has twists and turns that drew me in and had me in this couple's corner but also wanting to give Landon's father a good talking too!
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
March 28, 2023
This is a great read from start to finish. I really enjoyed both Landon and Poppy, their story that started at a young age and how that story was rocked, and brought to where they are today. Poppy is great, a free spirit, which clicks so well with Landon, who is a bit more structured. The strength in the characters, the coaster ride that they've had, along with the friends and family around them had me involved in their lives and loving their journey. This is a strong start to this series and I am looking forward to what more is to come.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 30, 2023
They have loved each other since they were children. This reminds me of boys pulling girls pigtails at recess time and the girls thinking the boy did not like her but actually he was flirting. So their romance has been going on for almost 20 years. But now is their chance and their time has finally come and Poppy and Landon both agree to forget about the break up years ago and to just love each other. A spectacular romance that has been waiting nine years for each one of them to find. So for the past nine years, neither one of them has been at their best. They complete each other. They are happy when they are together. Such a great, great book.
March 24, 2023
Landon and Poppy have known each other since they were kids. They've crushed on each other all their lives. This is their story. The author brings a cast of strong characters centering on Landon and Poppy and weaves an emotional love story filled with misunderstandings, secret feelings along with a steamy chemistry. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is an enjoyable romance. I loved watching them come together and reading their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
March 24, 2023
This book was the sweetest second chance, childhood sweetheart story I’ve read in a long while.
Landon’s need to impress his father and not wanting to rock the boat was something so relatable as the oldest child was insane! And Poppy’s free spirit was something to be completely in awe of.
The twists and turns that their relationship took and the hardships they faced were well written and thankfully easy to overcome.
Ellie was probably my favourite side character. Her quirky insights and the way that she knew exactly what Poppy needed to here at any point was simply chef’s kiss.
Landon’s need to impress his father and not wanting to rock the boat was something so relatable as the oldest child was insane! And Poppy’s free spirit was something to be completely in awe of.
The twists and turns that their relationship took and the hardships they faced were well written and thankfully easy to overcome.
Ellie was probably my favourite side character. Her quirky insights and the way that she knew exactly what Poppy needed to here at any point was simply chef’s kiss.
March 29, 2023
I absolutely Loved Landon and Poppy’s story. Poppy was an extremely easy going person, bright personality and super talented. She fell in love with Landon her best friends older brother. Landon loved her too but his father was a judge mental jerk and ultimately broke them up. Landon gets a second chance at love with Poppy and he doesn’t want to screw it up. Unfortunately upon having another interaction with Landon’s father Poppy ran. Landon didn’t let her get away and put his dad in his place. I really hope there’s a story coming for Josh and Lib.
March 24, 2023
This is a must-read!!! You’ll cheer for this couple because you know they’re meant to be together. They’ve known and loved each other since they were growing up. I loved the maturity and development between Landon and Poppy and also all the other characters in this book. I hope this becomes a series .. hopefully with a story on Landons sister Liberty and Joshua.
I’m really enjoying this new author. I’ve read several of his books and have really really really enjoyed them all.
I’m really enjoying this new author. I’ve read several of his books and have really really really enjoyed them all.
March 24, 2023
Loved Poppy and Landon’s love story. Childhood friends that are torn apart by a force unlike any other. Teenagers who are learning about themselves and how they want to make their way in the world. It’s a story about forgiveness, loving yourself for who you are and not changing to fit into someone else’s picture of what or who you should be. It’s the perfect amount of peace, war and love. A must read.
March 24, 2023
This was a great read. A 2nd chance, best friend's brother trope, it's a sweet story about young love having a 2nd chance. Poppy and Landon are two very different people who made a pact as kids about marrying each other. Poppy is a sunflower through and through and is her own person and owns that. One person interferes into this love story and it takes years for these two to come back together as adults.
I received this as an ARC and leave my honest opinion.
I received this as an ARC and leave my honest opinion.
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