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The Plus One Pact
A 2024 RWA GOLDEN HEART WINNER!
After years of hanging onto her insecurities and oversized hoodies, Alyssa has finally shed the old version of herself who felt the need to hide her brains and size twenty curves. Too bad she still can’t shed being hopelessly in love with her best friend from high school. When his wedding invitation arrives in the mail, Alyssa knows she needs to go for any hope of closure...or maybe give him one last chance to proclaim his love. And no way is she doing that alone. Her roommate offers up a solution to Alyssa's plus-one problem: Her roommate’s brother, Jeff.
All his life, Jeff McCormick has only wanted one thing: To live up to his father’s expectations. Which has left him newly graduated from law school, and grappling with an anxiety disorder. When his sister asks him to be her roommate’s date to a wedding, he agrees, but only if Alyssa will return the favor and be his guest at another wedding. Because despite appearing to have it all together, that anxiety has left him woefully single this wedding season.
When their quid pro quo leads to an unexpected connection, they both must decide if they’re ready to move beyond their fears and take their relationship from pact partners to perfect match.
Fans of “Weather Girl” by Rachel Lynn Solomon and “Take a Hint, Dani Brown" by Talia Hibbert will enjoy “The Plus One Pact” by Suzy Langevin.
After years of hanging onto her insecurities and oversized hoodies, Alyssa has finally shed the old version of herself who felt the need to hide her brains and size twenty curves. Too bad she still can’t shed being hopelessly in love with her best friend from high school. When his wedding invitation arrives in the mail, Alyssa knows she needs to go for any hope of closure...or maybe give him one last chance to proclaim his love. And no way is she doing that alone. Her roommate offers up a solution to Alyssa's plus-one problem: Her roommate’s brother, Jeff.
All his life, Jeff McCormick has only wanted one thing: To live up to his father’s expectations. Which has left him newly graduated from law school, and grappling with an anxiety disorder. When his sister asks him to be her roommate’s date to a wedding, he agrees, but only if Alyssa will return the favor and be his guest at another wedding. Because despite appearing to have it all together, that anxiety has left him woefully single this wedding season.
When their quid pro quo leads to an unexpected connection, they both must decide if they’re ready to move beyond their fears and take their relationship from pact partners to perfect match.
Fans of “Weather Girl” by Rachel Lynn Solomon and “Take a Hint, Dani Brown" by Talia Hibbert will enjoy “The Plus One Pact” by Suzy Langevin.
ebook
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Suzy Langevin
14 books28 followersSuzy Langevin loves love, even though she forgot how to say it in Latin when she was a contestant on Jeopardy! She is the winner of the 2024 RWA Golden Heart Award. Her career as a clinical social worker, along with her own experience living with autoimmune disease and ADHD, allow her characters to embrace the tough stuff without it becoming a cliché, incorporating themes related to mental health and addiction with authenticity, heart, and humor. An experienced trainer and consultant, she has been a featured presenter at regional and national conferences on a variety of topics related to mental health, substance use, trauma and recovery. Suzy lives and writes in central Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 27, 2026
This is Alyssa and Jeff’s story.
Alyssa has spent years of insecurities weighing her down, while Jeff is newly graduated from law school, and he has spend years trying to live up to his father’s expectations. When Jeff’s sister asks him to be her roommates plus one at a wedding, he agrees, that in return Alyssa is his plus one at another wedding.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, which is revealed in dual POV’s, with found family, friendships, emotions, fake dating, communication, anxiety rep, trust, humour, witty banter, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Alyssa has spent years of insecurities weighing her down, while Jeff is newly graduated from law school, and he has spend years trying to live up to his father’s expectations. When Jeff’s sister asks him to be her roommates plus one at a wedding, he agrees, that in return Alyssa is his plus one at another wedding.
This is a well written easy to read, slow burn, which is revealed in dual POV’s, with found family, friendships, emotions, fake dating, communication, anxiety rep, trust, humour, witty banter, romance, and love, which leads to an entertaining, page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
July 21, 2026
Still carrying a torch for her high school best friend, Alyssa agrees to attend his wedding with her roommate's brother, Jeff, as her plus-one. In return, she'll accompany Jeff to another wedding, helping them both survive an awkward wedding season. But what begins as a simple arrangement soon turns into something neither of them expected as they discover that the best relationships sometimes grow from friendship, honesty, and taking a chance on each other.
This was SUCH a good book!
I loved Alyssa and Jeff from the very beginning. They are both genuinely kind people who have spent far too much of their lives carrying the weight of other people's opinions and expectations. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other, and themselves, made this romance incredibly rewarding.
One of my favorite parts of this story was how openly it discussed mental health and therapy. Jeff's anxiety was handled with so much compassion and honesty, showing that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
I also loved the plus-size representation and the conversations surrounding Alyssa's body image. Jeff never tried to "fix" her insecurities… he simply loved and respected her exactly as she was. Their communication, support, and genuine care for one another made them such an easy couple to root for.
The side characters were equally wonderful, creating a supportive found-family atmosphere that made the story even richer.
And can we all agree that Nick and Jay are the absolute worst? 😤
Beautifully written, emotionally authentic, full of chemistry, and the perfect slow burn, this book had me laughing, tearing up, and cheering for these characters until the very last page. I absolutely loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed advanced copies of these books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was SUCH a good book!
I loved Alyssa and Jeff from the very beginning. They are both genuinely kind people who have spent far too much of their lives carrying the weight of other people's opinions and expectations. Watching them slowly learn to trust each other, and themselves, made this romance incredibly rewarding.
One of my favorite parts of this story was how openly it discussed mental health and therapy. Jeff's anxiety was handled with so much compassion and honesty, showing that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
I also loved the plus-size representation and the conversations surrounding Alyssa's body image. Jeff never tried to "fix" her insecurities… he simply loved and respected her exactly as she was. Their communication, support, and genuine care for one another made them such an easy couple to root for.
The side characters were equally wonderful, creating a supportive found-family atmosphere that made the story even richer.
And can we all agree that Nick and Jay are the absolute worst? 😤
Beautifully written, emotionally authentic, full of chemistry, and the perfect slow burn, this book had me laughing, tearing up, and cheering for these characters until the very last page. I absolutely loved it!
I voluntarily read and reviewed advanced copies of these books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2026
Alyssa needs a date for a wedding—and not just any wedding. Her best friend and the man she’s been in love with since high school is the groom.
Jeff’s her roommate’s brother and a budding lawyer—driven by his father’s approval. And he needs to pass the bar exam. So, yeah, he has more than a little bit of anxiety.
And they’re about to tackle it all in The Plus One Pact by Suzy Langevin.
This is romantic comedy at its best. It’s funny, yet tender. The story is populated with real people with real fears, flaws, and failings.
Alyssa is working through her love of Nick, and Jeff is grappling with his anxiety. As they get to know each other in the weeks before the weddings, they discover they just may have some chemistry themselves. If only they can overcome their own issues to fully show up for the other.
This is without a doubt the most honest and most relatable story I’ve read in a long time. Ms. Langevin deals with Jeff’s anxiety believably, allowing us to listen in on his therapy sessions.
Alyssa’s doubts, fears, and hopes (maybe Nick will still choose her) are universal. Body image is a real issue for many, and we watch as she fully accepts herself (with the help of Jeff) and seriously ponders her relationship with Nick.
And wait. Let’s talk about the secondary characters. From Alyssa’s tight-knit group of friends to Jeff’s love-to-hate father, they show up with personalities of their own and contribute to the plot.
The story uses some of my favorite tropes, especially fake dating and friends-to-lovers to move the story forward.
The Plus One Pact is a fun story, but more than that, it’ll leave you feeling just a bit better about people, life, and the messes we all have to live through.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Terry
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Jeff’s her roommate’s brother and a budding lawyer—driven by his father’s approval. And he needs to pass the bar exam. So, yeah, he has more than a little bit of anxiety.
And they’re about to tackle it all in The Plus One Pact by Suzy Langevin.
This is romantic comedy at its best. It’s funny, yet tender. The story is populated with real people with real fears, flaws, and failings.
Alyssa is working through her love of Nick, and Jeff is grappling with his anxiety. As they get to know each other in the weeks before the weddings, they discover they just may have some chemistry themselves. If only they can overcome their own issues to fully show up for the other.
This is without a doubt the most honest and most relatable story I’ve read in a long time. Ms. Langevin deals with Jeff’s anxiety believably, allowing us to listen in on his therapy sessions.
Alyssa’s doubts, fears, and hopes (maybe Nick will still choose her) are universal. Body image is a real issue for many, and we watch as she fully accepts herself (with the help of Jeff) and seriously ponders her relationship with Nick.
And wait. Let’s talk about the secondary characters. From Alyssa’s tight-knit group of friends to Jeff’s love-to-hate father, they show up with personalities of their own and contribute to the plot.
The story uses some of my favorite tropes, especially fake dating and friends-to-lovers to move the story forward.
The Plus One Pact is a fun story, but more than that, it’ll leave you feeling just a bit better about people, life, and the messes we all have to live through.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Terry
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
July 31, 2026
This is a fun, fluffy, slow burn, sweet romance featuring a curvy BBW and a handsome athletic man with anxiety disorder.
Alyssa has been in love with Nick since high school but never said anything keeping him as a best friend. When she receives an invitation to his wedding to his on andboff again highschool sweetheart she doesn't want to face the reality of only being his best friend.
He roommate and female bestfriend suggests she take her brother that recently moved to New York as her plus one. He needed a plus one to one of his teammates wedding so they made a plus one pact and became fast friends.
I loved this story as it gave off My Best Friend's Wedding ( my favorite movie) vibes but with a twist.
The characters are all charming, the story sweet and funny.
If you like a good romcom, Friend's to lovers, class differences ( he's wealthy she was really poor raised) , best Friend's brother, forced proximity, sorta fake boyfriend, slow burn, and a good sweet romance this is for you.
Alyssa has been in love with Nick since high school but never said anything keeping him as a best friend. When she receives an invitation to his wedding to his on andboff again highschool sweetheart she doesn't want to face the reality of only being his best friend.
He roommate and female bestfriend suggests she take her brother that recently moved to New York as her plus one. He needed a plus one to one of his teammates wedding so they made a plus one pact and became fast friends.
I loved this story as it gave off My Best Friend's Wedding ( my favorite movie) vibes but with a twist.
The characters are all charming, the story sweet and funny.
If you like a good romcom, Friend's to lovers, class differences ( he's wealthy she was really poor raised) , best Friend's brother, forced proximity, sorta fake boyfriend, slow burn, and a good sweet romance this is for you.
August 19, 2026
Alyssa and Jeff’s story pulled me in right away their pact to be each other’s plus one for weddings seemed simple at first, but it turned into something so much deeper. I loved how their relationship grew slowly, with trust, honesty, and plenty of sweet moments that made me smile.
Alyssa’s journey, her insecurities and struggles with body image felt very real, and I admired how she learned to see her own worth. Jeff was the perfect balance to her kind, patient, and supportive, never trying to “fix” her but simply loving her as she was. His own battle with anxiety added another layer to the story, and I appreciated how openly therapy and mental health were portrayed.
The chemistry between them was wonderful, but what stood out most was their communication. They listened, supported, and encouraged each other, which made their romance feel authentic and strong. The side characters added warmth and humour, creating a cozy vibe I always enjoy in small‑town or close‑knit stories.
Alyssa’s journey, her insecurities and struggles with body image felt very real, and I admired how she learned to see her own worth. Jeff was the perfect balance to her kind, patient, and supportive, never trying to “fix” her but simply loving her as she was. His own battle with anxiety added another layer to the story, and I appreciated how openly therapy and mental health were portrayed.
The chemistry between them was wonderful, but what stood out most was their communication. They listened, supported, and encouraged each other, which made their romance feel authentic and strong. The side characters added warmth and humour, creating a cozy vibe I always enjoy in small‑town or close‑knit stories.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I put off starting this one for a while for some reason. It just never felt right until it did lol
I am sooo glad I gave it a try though! Such a beautiful story. It focuses heavily on mental health for both characters in different ways.
I love how it was shown how he goes into a spiral, how she calls him out on pulling away from her and she then helps him process his freak out.
I love how it shows therapy sessions, it shows healthy discussion between the characters.
And then their relationship as a whole is beautiful. They fit so well together. I love how his sister/her best friend kind of pushed them together after hinting at it and seeing them start to gravitate towards each other.
They started off “faking” their relationship in a way until it turned real in a very poetic justice kind of way.
🥰🥰
I am sooo glad I gave it a try though! Such a beautiful story. It focuses heavily on mental health for both characters in different ways.
I love how it was shown how he goes into a spiral, how she calls him out on pulling away from her and she then helps him process his freak out.
I love how it shows therapy sessions, it shows healthy discussion between the characters.
And then their relationship as a whole is beautiful. They fit so well together. I love how his sister/her best friend kind of pushed them together after hinting at it and seeing them start to gravitate towards each other.
They started off “faking” their relationship in a way until it turned real in a very poetic justice kind of way.
🥰🥰
August 3, 2026
The Plus One Pact was such a fun take on the fake romance, best friend's brother genre. I fell in love with Alyssa and Jeff right from the start. Jeff was battling severe anxiety and the way that Alyssa instantly stepped up to help him showed just how amazing of a person she was. Watching the two build a friendship and really be there for each other was the best part of the story. I could feel the chemistry building between them from the beginning. The writing was fabulous and really kept me on the edge of my seat wondering how everything was going to work out. Knowing that first Alyssa had to face her feelings for Nick before ever finding her happily ever after with Jeff had me dying to slow the book down at the same time I wanted to sped up so that they could have their moments together. This was definitely a must-read book for sure.-By Alisa
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was fortunate enough to be an ARC reader for this romcom and I need to say THANK YOU SUZY. Not just for the book, but for the story itself.
Alyssa is sexy, sassy and fierce--she just doesn't believe she is. Jeff is confident, capable and fine man--he just doesn't know it. The combination of plus size insecurities and anxiety's crippling mentality collide with a backdrop of New York minutes, banter and laughs.
A slow burn... but the payoff is worth it for them to lose control. Jeff's anxiety is his dark passenger and I relate to him so much. Alyssa's confidence is strong until she looks into a mirror, something I also found relatable. Put them together, in a pact to be each other's plus one, so much yes.
Oh and one more thing-- F*#!K NICK!
Alyssa is sexy, sassy and fierce--she just doesn't believe she is. Jeff is confident, capable and fine man--he just doesn't know it. The combination of plus size insecurities and anxiety's crippling mentality collide with a backdrop of New York minutes, banter and laughs.
A slow burn... but the payoff is worth it for them to lose control. Jeff's anxiety is his dark passenger and I relate to him so much. Alyssa's confidence is strong until she looks into a mirror, something I also found relatable. Put them together, in a pact to be each other's plus one, so much yes.
Oh and one more thing-- F*#!K NICK!
August 5, 2026
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I absolutely loved this story and the challenges that Alyssa faced. I know that I could personally relate to her story and being in love with a friend who never truly loved her back the same way. Then there is Jeff with all his anxiety and bad feelings stemming from his relationship with his parents and never feeling good enough. If that wasn't enough you mix in Hannah, Jeff's sister and Alyssa's roommate. Then there is David and Charlie their friend and neighbors. All mixed together with multiple weddings together and you have the perfect story. I am so in love with Alyssa and Jeff, they truly are perfectly imperfect.
~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
I absolutely loved this story and the challenges that Alyssa faced. I know that I could personally relate to her story and being in love with a friend who never truly loved her back the same way. Then there is Jeff with all his anxiety and bad feelings stemming from his relationship with his parents and never feeling good enough. If that wasn't enough you mix in Hannah, Jeff's sister and Alyssa's roommate. Then there is David and Charlie their friend and neighbors. All mixed together with multiple weddings together and you have the perfect story. I am so in love with Alyssa and Jeff, they truly are perfectly imperfect.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh what a stunningly beautiful read from Langevin. I always love her romances but this one might just be my favourite.
Jeff is THE book boyfriend, holy hells 😍 I was swooning at everything he did for Lys, the way he thought about her, spoke to her, treated her. I will be holding every partner up to the standard of Jeff from here on out.
I don't know what it was that set off the lover girl in me during this book but I was hooked from the first mention of Jeff and couldn't put the book down until I got my HEA.
I do think this is my favourite book so far from Langevin and I recommend everyone reads it immediately!
Jeff is THE book boyfriend, holy hells 😍 I was swooning at everything he did for Lys, the way he thought about her, spoke to her, treated her. I will be holding every partner up to the standard of Jeff from here on out.
I don't know what it was that set off the lover girl in me during this book but I was hooked from the first mention of Jeff and couldn't put the book down until I got my HEA.
I do think this is my favourite book so far from Langevin and I recommend everyone reads it immediately!
July 21, 2026
This is my honest review of a complimentary advanced copy. Overall, this was a cute little story. It was nice to have representation of things like anxiety and therapy for a straight, cis man. However, it was pretty predictable, even for a romance, because the writing centered more on “telling” than “showing.” I also found myself pulled from the story because the dialogue tended to be just exposition, as opposed to feeling natural. A cute read for someone after a romance reminiscent of My Best Friend’s Wedding.
July 26, 2026
Alyssa and Jeff’s slow-burn, fake-dating pact turns into such a sweet, emotional romance, and Alyssa’s inner journey is incredibly relatable for so many women, not just those in plus-size bodies. The way Suzy Langevin captures insecurity, anxiety, and learning to trust yourself—and someone else—made this story feel real and hopeful. Easily a 5/5 stars read for me. I had the best pool day with The Plus One Pact that I couldn’t put it down—even when the sun went down and I should’ve called it a night.
August 1, 2026
This was a fun story. Both Alyssa and Jeff had their issues that kept them from being truly happy. With the help of Hannah, Jeff's sister and Alyssa's friend/roommate, they were able to get to know each other and overcome most of the problems. I loved how they recognized their connection as friends as they supported the other, until things got a little more steamy. Jeff was very protective, caring, yet very anxious. Alyssa got pulled out of her shell to become a stronger woman. Quite enjoyable.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 3, 2026
This book delivers everything you could want in a romance. The fake dating setup smoothly turns into something real, packed with playful banter from start to finish. The body positivity for Alyssa feels genuinely refreshing, and the way they support each other is sweet to see. Both characters tackle the heavy weight of family expectations, and navigate their own mental health journeys, making their path toward feeling secure in themselves deeply grounded.
Suzy's writing is relatable, beautifully crafted, and a total delight to read.
Suzy's writing is relatable, beautifully crafted, and a total delight to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alyssa and Jeff are such a cute couple, they compliment each other so well. I loved how the author shows us that yes Jeff is serious, determined, studious, ambitious, and willing to go the distance to achieve what he wants but that he also has faults, flaws, insecurities, whatever you want to call it. He is a massive green flag for me, he knows he has some things he can’t fix on his own and isn’t afraid to get the help he needs, green flag!
Alyssa was fun, confident in her skin as long as she wasn’t near that toxic waste of space Nick (ugh, insert eye roll here), and was literally just a girl that wanted to be loved.
Thank you so much to Suzy for the opportunity to arc read The Plus One Pact, it was awesome and I can’t wait to see what you come out with next!
Alyssa was fun, confident in her skin as long as she wasn’t near that toxic waste of space Nick (ugh, insert eye roll here), and was literally just a girl that wanted to be loved.
Thank you so much to Suzy for the opportunity to arc read The Plus One Pact, it was awesome and I can’t wait to see what you come out with next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
ARC Review: I am glad I pushed through because it turned out to be a really sweet story, but I almost DNF'd it a couple of times. I understand that this was an ARC copy, but the number of grammatical errors was overwhelming at times.
ARC Review: I am glad I pushed through because it turned out to be a really sweet story, but I almost DNF'd it a couple of times. I understand that this was an ARC copy, but the number of grammatical errors was overwhelming at times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best friend’s brother, body positivity, he falls first, fake dating. I enjoyed reading Alyssa & Jeff’s wedding date pact 🫶🏼
Read
August 3, 2026A fun cheeky romance for a change of pace
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again, Suzy knocks it out the park! I have loved all the books I’ve had the honor to read that Suzy has written. The Plus One Pact was no different! I loved the way Alyssa and Jeff came together. How the yearning was there on both sides, how Alyssa helped Jeff navigate his panic attacks/anxiety, and how Jeff helped Alyssa finally choose those who make her a first choice. Suzy has a wonderful way of weaving in mental health rep into a story that makes it feel relatable and that you aren’t alone in your struggles. I always appreciate the care she implements while writing those moments and you can tell that it is a subject that is near and dear to her heart.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews