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The No Pressure Pact #1
The No Pressure Pact
A flirty vacation fling was never part of the itinerary...
When Manuela Torres joins her friend's wedding trip through Switzerland, she’s expecting awkward group dinners, too many couples, and the occasional stunning view—not late-night laughter and stolen glances with the one guy who’s just as out of place as she is.
Connor Paul has been running on empty for too long. The last thing he needs is more emotional complication. But Manuela is funny, grounded, and quietly devastating—being around her feels like breathing again.
After an unexpected night stranded together, they give in to the pull between them. One kiss turns into a hookup. A hookup turns into a no strings, no pressure, just fun while the trip lasts.
But what happens when temporary starts to feel like home?
When Manuela Torres joins her friend's wedding trip through Switzerland, she’s expecting awkward group dinners, too many couples, and the occasional stunning view—not late-night laughter and stolen glances with the one guy who’s just as out of place as she is.
Connor Paul has been running on empty for too long. The last thing he needs is more emotional complication. But Manuela is funny, grounded, and quietly devastating—being around her feels like breathing again.
After an unexpected night stranded together, they give in to the pull between them. One kiss turns into a hookup. A hookup turns into a no strings, no pressure, just fun while the trip lasts.
But what happens when temporary starts to feel like home?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2025
11 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
October 12, 2025
3 stars.
"The No-Pressure Pact" by Maria Rigou was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I liked some of the vacation shenanigans and no-pressure sneaking around between the main characters, Manuela and Connor. I also liked the conversation Rigou wants to have about finding your true place in life, whether it be at work, with friends, with family, or just life in general, especially for people immigrating to the United States. Manuela and Connor find themselves on the same vacation meant to celebrate the upcoming wedding of their two friends. Manuela finds herself on the outskirts of this already well-established group, really only knowing one person in the group well. Connor knows everyone in the group very well because he and his ex were firmly entrenched in it. Connor has not told the friend group that he and his ex have split up for.............reasons??? Connor and Manu are both attracted to one another, so they decide to have a secret, no-pressure pact between the two of them so they can hook up, without strings, for the duration of their trip. A few things bothered me throughout the course of the book. I understand Connor had a lot of pressure placed upon him by his family and his friend group to maintain the appearance that he was still with his ex-girlfriend, but would his being branded a cheater be better for him?? Because if he had gotten caught canoodling with Manu, I'd think his friends would have certainly assumed he was cheating on his ex? I don't understand why he couldn't just tell them they weren't together anymore. If they were really his friends, they would understand, regardless of whether his ex was their de-facto "queen" or not. Connor also comes off as extremely privileged and spoiled, which didn't always sit well with me. Manuela was fine, though, I liked her a lot. There is some chemistry there between them, but I thought it was light at best. The book moves well for the most part, though there are a couple of lulls here and there. I will definitely read more of Maria's books in the future, though!
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"The No-Pressure Pact" by Maria Rigou was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I liked some of the vacation shenanigans and no-pressure sneaking around between the main characters, Manuela and Connor. I also liked the conversation Rigou wants to have about finding your true place in life, whether it be at work, with friends, with family, or just life in general, especially for people immigrating to the United States. Manuela and Connor find themselves on the same vacation meant to celebrate the upcoming wedding of their two friends. Manuela finds herself on the outskirts of this already well-established group, really only knowing one person in the group well. Connor knows everyone in the group very well because he and his ex were firmly entrenched in it. Connor has not told the friend group that he and his ex have split up for.............reasons??? Connor and Manu are both attracted to one another, so they decide to have a secret, no-pressure pact between the two of them so they can hook up, without strings, for the duration of their trip. A few things bothered me throughout the course of the book. I understand Connor had a lot of pressure placed upon him by his family and his friend group to maintain the appearance that he was still with his ex-girlfriend, but would his being branded a cheater be better for him?? Because if he had gotten caught canoodling with Manu, I'd think his friends would have certainly assumed he was cheating on his ex? I don't understand why he couldn't just tell them they weren't together anymore. If they were really his friends, they would understand, regardless of whether his ex was their de-facto "queen" or not. Connor also comes off as extremely privileged and spoiled, which didn't always sit well with me. Manuela was fine, though, I liked her a lot. There is some chemistry there between them, but I thought it was light at best. The book moves well for the most part, though there are a couple of lulls here and there. I will definitely read more of Maria's books in the future, though!
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
October 8, 2025
I liked it a lot!!!! A gooooooood spicy romance, you can never go wrong!
My complete review is on my instagram @bookishsouljo 🫢
My complete review is on my instagram @bookishsouljo 🫢
October 9, 2025
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: Open Door, 🌶️ 🌶️
🇨🇭As a romance reader, I live for stories of characters falling in love and finding someone that 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 them. And this is something that @mariarigouauthor absolutely delivers on in The No-Pressure Pact.
Manuela, the FMC, is struggling with who she is now and what she use to be. She misses Argentina yet her career is in NYC. Connor, the MMC, doesn’t know what he wants but he knows that what he currently is doing isn’t it. As the two single people on a pre-wedding trip for mutual friends, they’re both expecting being the 7th/8th wheel. Yet they cannot deny the draw to each other and agree to a vacation fling. It’ll be temporary right?!
Reading this story felt like watching an indie film with beautiful cinematography. @mariarigouauthor paints wonderful imagery with her prose, you are immediately transported to Switzerland. Despite the story taking place over a few days, it doesn’t feel rushed. The pacing feels slow and relaxed. I really enjoyed that while there was spice, there was a tone of tenderness throughout. You get quick kisses when no one is looking, knees touching under the table and stolen glances.
The characters are in their 30s enjoying the beauty around them and reflecting on their lives. There was so much to Manuela that I resonated with as an immigrant, the feeling of not belonging and finding your place in the world.
By far, this is one of my favorite romance books I’ve read this year. It made me ache and love and yearn in the best ways. Definitely add this one to your TBR!
Read if you like:
🛏️One Bed
🧳Vacation Fling
👀Eye F*cking
🥹Tender love story
Thank you to @mariarigouauthor for this eARC!
Spice: Open Door, 🌶️ 🌶️
🇨🇭As a romance reader, I live for stories of characters falling in love and finding someone that 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 them. And this is something that @mariarigouauthor absolutely delivers on in The No-Pressure Pact.
Manuela, the FMC, is struggling with who she is now and what she use to be. She misses Argentina yet her career is in NYC. Connor, the MMC, doesn’t know what he wants but he knows that what he currently is doing isn’t it. As the two single people on a pre-wedding trip for mutual friends, they’re both expecting being the 7th/8th wheel. Yet they cannot deny the draw to each other and agree to a vacation fling. It’ll be temporary right?!
Reading this story felt like watching an indie film with beautiful cinematography. @mariarigouauthor paints wonderful imagery with her prose, you are immediately transported to Switzerland. Despite the story taking place over a few days, it doesn’t feel rushed. The pacing feels slow and relaxed. I really enjoyed that while there was spice, there was a tone of tenderness throughout. You get quick kisses when no one is looking, knees touching under the table and stolen glances.
The characters are in their 30s enjoying the beauty around them and reflecting on their lives. There was so much to Manuela that I resonated with as an immigrant, the feeling of not belonging and finding your place in the world.
By far, this is one of my favorite romance books I’ve read this year. It made me ache and love and yearn in the best ways. Definitely add this one to your TBR!
Read if you like:
🛏️One Bed
🧳Vacation Fling
👀Eye F*cking
🥹Tender love story
Thank you to @mariarigouauthor for this eARC!
October 9, 2025
For the most part I was going to rate this book 4 stars and just write that I’m not the target audience for this book but it deserves 4 stars.
But…
Please still remember that I’m not the target audience for this author, but by the end I couldn’t rate this more than 3 stars cause there were too many things making me confused.
I still don’t understand why Manuela was even part of this friend group.
I don’t understand why Connor couldn’t tell anyone that he broke up with his girlfriend months ago. Why was this such a big secret?
The green card and Manuela’s homesickness were written into the plot as if they should be meaningful part of the plot but then were kinda forgotten and mention at random parts.
Also, I was just bored. This my be due to me not being the right target for this book, but I didn’t feel any tension or connection between the MC’s, I couldn’t tell you what the actual plot of this book was (a bit of exaggeration but also not) and I almost missed the “I love you”.
Oh and the just one bed situation (for one night only very early in the plot) and they so easily slept in their underwear? I didn’t feel like there were at the point of their relation to be so casual about it. I legit made a double take when she just woke up and paraded to the bathroom in her underwear. Like, really, they were barely friends at that point, or I missed some huge part of the plot.
Lots of spicy scenes that I mostly skimmed through cause they were not holding my attention much. I feel like the main purpose of this book was for this author to exercise writing spicy scenes.
Overall this story didn’t stick as a whole for me.
Once again: it mostly wasn’t for me, it’s not blatantly bad, I believe there are people who will easily rate it 4 or even 5 stars but for me, by the end of the reading, 3 stars is actually pretty generous.
But…
Please still remember that I’m not the target audience for this author, but by the end I couldn’t rate this more than 3 stars cause there were too many things making me confused.
I still don’t understand why Manuela was even part of this friend group.
I don’t understand why Connor couldn’t tell anyone that he broke up with his girlfriend months ago. Why was this such a big secret?
The green card and Manuela’s homesickness were written into the plot as if they should be meaningful part of the plot but then were kinda forgotten and mention at random parts.
Also, I was just bored. This my be due to me not being the right target for this book, but I didn’t feel any tension or connection between the MC’s, I couldn’t tell you what the actual plot of this book was (a bit of exaggeration but also not) and I almost missed the “I love you”.
Oh and the just one bed situation (for one night only very early in the plot) and they so easily slept in their underwear? I didn’t feel like there were at the point of their relation to be so casual about it. I legit made a double take when she just woke up and paraded to the bathroom in her underwear. Like, really, they were barely friends at that point, or I missed some huge part of the plot.
Lots of spicy scenes that I mostly skimmed through cause they were not holding my attention much. I feel like the main purpose of this book was for this author to exercise writing spicy scenes.
Overall this story didn’t stick as a whole for me.
Once again: it mostly wasn’t for me, it’s not blatantly bad, I believe there are people who will easily rate it 4 or even 5 stars but for me, by the end of the reading, 3 stars is actually pretty generous.
October 7, 2025
ARC Review: Thank you so much to the author for an early copy of this gem
4.5/5 Stars (come on Goodreads can we please get half stars?)
This was such a fun, easy read — I couldn’t put it down! I loved the characters (well… most of them 😅) and the friends-to-lovers trope hit right where a romance lover wants.
The story was packed with details that made me feel like I was on the trip! The “no pressure” arrangement made total sense in the setting — honestly, who wouldn’t crave that? I loved how their connection was given room to grow naturally, making both the emotional and physical moments feel earned and satisfying (in more ways than one!) 😉
Some of the steamy scenes had me blushing 👀
The ending did come a bit quickly, but honestly, it just left me excited knowing there’s room for more story to come.
All in all, this was a heartfelt, fun, and swoony read that I’d recommend to anyone who loves a friends-to-lovers romance and a good ONE BED situation!
‼️Consensual sexual contact | Strong language | Mental health themes
4.5/5 Stars (come on Goodreads can we please get half stars?)
This was such a fun, easy read — I couldn’t put it down! I loved the characters (well… most of them 😅) and the friends-to-lovers trope hit right where a romance lover wants.
The story was packed with details that made me feel like I was on the trip! The “no pressure” arrangement made total sense in the setting — honestly, who wouldn’t crave that? I loved how their connection was given room to grow naturally, making both the emotional and physical moments feel earned and satisfying (in more ways than one!) 😉
Some of the steamy scenes had me blushing 👀
The ending did come a bit quickly, but honestly, it just left me excited knowing there’s room for more story to come.
All in all, this was a heartfelt, fun, and swoony read that I’d recommend to anyone who loves a friends-to-lovers romance and a good ONE BED situation!
‼️Consensual sexual contact | Strong language | Mental health themes
October 8, 2025
Arc Review ✨
No Pressure but what about getting away from New York drama to Switzerland wedding trip. Definitely would be good the distraction from being home sick from Argentina and a racist job that give no joy to life to Manuela.
Parent’s only want the best for Connor to the point where they had plan his life to who we will marry can’t disappoint the family. Who would have thought that the piece he was missing was Manuela. Keep in mind it’s just a vacation fling and start the predictable life I was born to follow once I got back.
I have a love and hate relationship with this book I would say it is easy paced reading though it did have a few dull moments not a fan of a trope one time thing no strings attached very predictable ending.
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy 🌶️ 🌶️
No Pressure but what about getting away from New York drama to Switzerland wedding trip. Definitely would be good the distraction from being home sick from Argentina and a racist job that give no joy to life to Manuela.
Parent’s only want the best for Connor to the point where they had plan his life to who we will marry can’t disappoint the family. Who would have thought that the piece he was missing was Manuela. Keep in mind it’s just a vacation fling and start the predictable life I was born to follow once I got back.
I have a love and hate relationship with this book I would say it is easy paced reading though it did have a few dull moments not a fan of a trope one time thing no strings attached very predictable ending.
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy 🌶️ 🌶️
October 16, 2025
such a perfect easy romantic read, the perfect level of drama and back story and the spiceeeeeee was 🔥🔥🔥
October 8, 2025
2.5⭐️ rounded up
First, let me just say that I love a strong, independent Latina FMC. Manuela was such a delight and you really get a strong sense of who she is. She, like many immigrants, is struggling to find her place and where she belongs in her life and with her friends. This plays out throughout the entire book, until she comes to an understanding of her place in the world. Sadly, this is as really the only thing I cared for in this book.
The romance of the story really fell flat for me in so many ways. The book starts off with a flashback where the FMC & MMC first meet to give us some history, but it was not long enough for me to believe that they had any chemistry to begin with. Because of this, their reconnection felt very out of place and rushed with no tension or hint of yearning. Additionally, this didn’t have much dialogue between the FMC & MMC, just a lot of inner thoughts, so it was hard for me to be sold on how much they connected or why they were so enamored with one another. Additionally, the MMC, unfortunately, was very unlikable to me. I felt like he was very self serving and, despite struggling with expectations from his family, still enabled them by not telling them he had broken up with his ex, and making Manuela look bad. He had no regard to how that could be hurtful to her, and, of course, it does come back to bite him in the end. Not to mention, at one point he compared his issues of not living up to his parents standards to the FMC struggling to find her place living in the world as an immigrant & Latina. It just left a bad taste in my mouth.
The story overall felt like the same sequence over and over, which gave it a very linear and flat tone. I really wanted to love this, but sadly it was not for me.
Thank you to Maria Rigou for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First, let me just say that I love a strong, independent Latina FMC. Manuela was such a delight and you really get a strong sense of who she is. She, like many immigrants, is struggling to find her place and where she belongs in her life and with her friends. This plays out throughout the entire book, until she comes to an understanding of her place in the world. Sadly, this is as really the only thing I cared for in this book.
The romance of the story really fell flat for me in so many ways. The book starts off with a flashback where the FMC & MMC first meet to give us some history, but it was not long enough for me to believe that they had any chemistry to begin with. Because of this, their reconnection felt very out of place and rushed with no tension or hint of yearning. Additionally, this didn’t have much dialogue between the FMC & MMC, just a lot of inner thoughts, so it was hard for me to be sold on how much they connected or why they were so enamored with one another. Additionally, the MMC, unfortunately, was very unlikable to me. I felt like he was very self serving and, despite struggling with expectations from his family, still enabled them by not telling them he had broken up with his ex, and making Manuela look bad. He had no regard to how that could be hurtful to her, and, of course, it does come back to bite him in the end. Not to mention, at one point he compared his issues of not living up to his parents standards to the FMC struggling to find her place living in the world as an immigrant & Latina. It just left a bad taste in my mouth.
The story overall felt like the same sequence over and over, which gave it a very linear and flat tone. I really wanted to love this, but sadly it was not for me.
Thank you to Maria Rigou for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
This book was such a breath of fresh air! Manuela and Connor end up on a two week vacation in Switzerland for a friend’s wedding. They end up agreeing to a “no-pressure/no strings attached” pact after an unexpected stranded night at an inn. I loved how these characters were in the 30s instead of the usual young 20 year olds. I also loved the friends dynamics. Everyone needs an Elle in their life. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book was such a breath of fresh air! Manuela and Connor end up on a two week vacation in Switzerland for a friend’s wedding. They end up agreeing to a “no-pressure/no strings attached” pact after an unexpected stranded night at an inn. I loved how these characters were in the 30s instead of the usual young 20 year olds. I also loved the friends dynamics. Everyone needs an Elle in their life. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 6, 2025
I just finished the eARC for this book. It’s such a light, easy read which I love in a romance. It’s a vacation romance with dual POVs. This is my first book from this author and won’t be my last!
October 10, 2025
✨eARC Review✨
This book was entertaining because it had love, friendships, travel, and what sounded like a really great fondue.
Manu, the FMC, wants to fit in so badly, I think we can relate to pieces of her in those moments. Of wanting to be accepted for who you are. I think there’s some growing up for her to do though. Rather than constantly looking through life with a negative lens, she would’ve seen exactly where she fit in & the people who loved her.
Connor, the MMC, also needs to grow up a bit because he gives off spoiled rich kid woe is me vibes. He does start to get some depth when he finally starts living for himself, rather than his parents, friends & ex-girlfriend.
In the beginning I wasn���t really feeling the love connection between the two characters, however, towards the end of the book (closer to the end of the vacation), it was starting to click into place.
Elle & Jack are truly made for each other. I still would love to know the story behind Camilla & George. And finally, f**k Nicole. That’s all.
Anyways, now all I really want is wine & melted cheese🍾
Thank you Maria Rigou for this eARC copy!
This book was entertaining because it had love, friendships, travel, and what sounded like a really great fondue.
Manu, the FMC, wants to fit in so badly, I think we can relate to pieces of her in those moments. Of wanting to be accepted for who you are. I think there’s some growing up for her to do though. Rather than constantly looking through life with a negative lens, she would’ve seen exactly where she fit in & the people who loved her.
Connor, the MMC, also needs to grow up a bit because he gives off spoiled rich kid woe is me vibes. He does start to get some depth when he finally starts living for himself, rather than his parents, friends & ex-girlfriend.
In the beginning I wasn���t really feeling the love connection between the two characters, however, towards the end of the book (closer to the end of the vacation), it was starting to click into place.
Elle & Jack are truly made for each other. I still would love to know the story behind Camilla & George. And finally, f**k Nicole. That’s all.
Anyways, now all I really want is wine & melted cheese🍾
Thank you Maria Rigou for this eARC copy!
October 2, 2025
It was such an easy and comforting read.
Loved both the main and side characters. This story was exactly what I needed right now.
Thank you, Maria Riogu, for the opportunity to read this early!❤️
Loved both the main and side characters. This story was exactly what I needed right now.
Thank you, Maria Riogu, for the opportunity to read this early!❤️
October 9, 2025
CUTE CUTE CUTIE. Connor and Manuela, my shaylas 🥲🫶🏼
Also, I need some fondue STAT.
Also, I need some fondue STAT.
October 20, 2025
First of all I want to say thank you for allowing me to be apart of the ARC team for this book ❤️ It was really enjoyable and here are my thoughts:
If you’re looking for a feel good, spicy, vacation romance this is it! The mmc is very charming and the fmc is easy to love. I appreciate the backstory of the fmc because in most romance books I read there isn’t much diversity or culture representation. This book made me feel like I was an onlooker on vacation with these two and makes me want to visit Switzerland! The way it was described makes it sound so beautiful. If youre in the mood for a feel good vibe book in a beautiful setting this book is for you!
If you’re looking for a feel good, spicy, vacation romance this is it! The mmc is very charming and the fmc is easy to love. I appreciate the backstory of the fmc because in most romance books I read there isn’t much diversity or culture representation. This book made me feel like I was an onlooker on vacation with these two and makes me want to visit Switzerland! The way it was described makes it sound so beautiful. If youre in the mood for a feel good vibe book in a beautiful setting this book is for you!
October 18, 2025
Thanks to María Rigou for this ARC. I received this ARC in exchange for my most honest review.
4.5/5
It is my first time reading a book by this author and I have to tell you that I am not disappointed. I ate this book from start to finish, it's easy to read and very well written. The book is about Manuela and Connor, two people in their thirties living day to day in New York in their corporate jobs. Manuela is a foreigner who moved to New York from Argentina, I was able to connect with her since I was also a Latina who moved to the United States. Manuela feels alone, she feels invisible and that no one notices that she is there, when the only thing she wants is to be noticed. What she doesn't know is that since Connor met her, he has always noticed her.
Connor has his battle with his mental health, because he has the pressure that his parents want him to be the best son, with the best job and he also has the pressure that they wanted him to be the best boyfriend, future husband and future dad. But what they didn't know is how he feels with all this burden on him. Manuela is the person who inspired him to get rid of everything and to say everything he felt to his parents and Athena.
The characters are very well described and I liked to get to know them a little bit, but Nicole, oh God. I couldn't stand Nicole since she was first talked about. I got the impression of her being one of those girls who are not happy and cannot see you happy either. In one way or another she wanted to make Manuela's life a little more difficult, with her comments and expressions. But what did she do to Connor and Manu? Unforgivable and even more so when she saw that Connor was relaxed and happy without Athena.
I loved the development of both characters. Manu's friendship with Elle. and that Connor was practicing his Spanish for that special moment between them.
I loved the book so much, without a doubt one of the best books I have read this 2025.
Gracias a María Rigou por este ARC. Recibi este ARC a cambio de mi más honesto review.
4.5/5
Es mi primera vez leyendo un libro de esta autora y tengo que decirles que no me decepciono. Me comí este libro de principio a fin, es fácil de leer y está muy bien escrito. El libro trata de Manuela y Connor, dos personas en sus treinta viviendo el día a día en New York en sus trabajos corporativos. Manuela es una extranjera que se mudó a New York desde Argentina, me pude conectar con ella ya que yo también fui una latina que se mudó a estados unidos. Manuela se siente sola, se siente invisible y que nadie se da cuenta que ella está ahí, cuando lo único que ella quiere es que la noten. Lo que no sabe es que desde que Connor la conoció, siempre se ha fijado en ella.
Connor tiene su batalla con su salud mental, pues tiene la presión de que sus padres quieren que sea el mejor hijo, con el mejor trabajo y también tiene la presión de que querían que el fuera el mejor novio, futuro esposo y fututo papa. Pero lo que ellos no sabían es como él se siente con toda esta carga que tiene encima. Manuela es la persona que lo inspiro a sacarse todo de encima y a decir todo lo que sentía a sus papas y Athena.
Los personajes están muy bien descritos y me gusto conocerlos un poco, pero Nicole, oh God. No soporte a Nicole desde que primero se habló de ella. Me dio la impresión de ser de estas chicas que no están felices y tampoco te pueden ver feliz. De alguna manera u otra quería hacerle la vida a Manuela un poco más difícil, con sus comentarios y expresiones. ¿Pero lo que les hizo a Connor y Manu? Imperdonable y más cuando vio que Connor estaba relajado y feliz sin Athena.
Ame el desarrollo de ambos personajes. La amistad de Manu con Elle. y que Connor estaba practicando su español para ese momento especial entre ellos.
Ame demasiado el libro, sin duda alguna uno de los mejores libros que he leído este 2025.
4.5/5
It is my first time reading a book by this author and I have to tell you that I am not disappointed. I ate this book from start to finish, it's easy to read and very well written. The book is about Manuela and Connor, two people in their thirties living day to day in New York in their corporate jobs. Manuela is a foreigner who moved to New York from Argentina, I was able to connect with her since I was also a Latina who moved to the United States. Manuela feels alone, she feels invisible and that no one notices that she is there, when the only thing she wants is to be noticed. What she doesn't know is that since Connor met her, he has always noticed her.
Connor has his battle with his mental health, because he has the pressure that his parents want him to be the best son, with the best job and he also has the pressure that they wanted him to be the best boyfriend, future husband and future dad. But what they didn't know is how he feels with all this burden on him. Manuela is the person who inspired him to get rid of everything and to say everything he felt to his parents and Athena.
The characters are very well described and I liked to get to know them a little bit, but Nicole, oh God. I couldn't stand Nicole since she was first talked about. I got the impression of her being one of those girls who are not happy and cannot see you happy either. In one way or another she wanted to make Manuela's life a little more difficult, with her comments and expressions. But what did she do to Connor and Manu? Unforgivable and even more so when she saw that Connor was relaxed and happy without Athena.
I loved the development of both characters. Manu's friendship with Elle. and that Connor was practicing his Spanish for that special moment between them.
I loved the book so much, without a doubt one of the best books I have read this 2025.
Gracias a María Rigou por este ARC. Recibi este ARC a cambio de mi más honesto review.
4.5/5
Es mi primera vez leyendo un libro de esta autora y tengo que decirles que no me decepciono. Me comí este libro de principio a fin, es fácil de leer y está muy bien escrito. El libro trata de Manuela y Connor, dos personas en sus treinta viviendo el día a día en New York en sus trabajos corporativos. Manuela es una extranjera que se mudó a New York desde Argentina, me pude conectar con ella ya que yo también fui una latina que se mudó a estados unidos. Manuela se siente sola, se siente invisible y que nadie se da cuenta que ella está ahí, cuando lo único que ella quiere es que la noten. Lo que no sabe es que desde que Connor la conoció, siempre se ha fijado en ella.
Connor tiene su batalla con su salud mental, pues tiene la presión de que sus padres quieren que sea el mejor hijo, con el mejor trabajo y también tiene la presión de que querían que el fuera el mejor novio, futuro esposo y fututo papa. Pero lo que ellos no sabían es como él se siente con toda esta carga que tiene encima. Manuela es la persona que lo inspiro a sacarse todo de encima y a decir todo lo que sentía a sus papas y Athena.
Los personajes están muy bien descritos y me gusto conocerlos un poco, pero Nicole, oh God. No soporte a Nicole desde que primero se habló de ella. Me dio la impresión de ser de estas chicas que no están felices y tampoco te pueden ver feliz. De alguna manera u otra quería hacerle la vida a Manuela un poco más difícil, con sus comentarios y expresiones. ¿Pero lo que les hizo a Connor y Manu? Imperdonable y más cuando vio que Connor estaba relajado y feliz sin Athena.
Ame el desarrollo de ambos personajes. La amistad de Manu con Elle. y que Connor estaba practicando su español para ese momento especial entre ellos.
Ame demasiado el libro, sin duda alguna uno de los mejores libros que he leído este 2025.
October 8, 2025
Review for No Pressure Pact!!
💍Overall🧀
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
THANK YOU SO MUCH MARIA FOR THE ARC BOOK!
Anyways let’s get into the review!~
This was such a smooth sailing romance book- besides the “finding yourself” aspect of the novel is was just them sneaking around and falling in love…!
I liked the writing style though, it was really delicious to eat up. The chapters bounced between Manuela and Connor really smoothly. The thick paragraphs were also really delicious too.
But what I really liked…THE SIDE CHARACTERS. Oh my gosh. I love those side characters. Elle and Jack NEED their own book(idk if they have their own book already but I need it)🤪
The book did get a bit lower on my scale because it took me much longer than expected…and it was a pretty short book AND it was a romance so idk why it took me so long-. I also needed more backstory because I forgot who some of the characters who were introduced later in the story was…
Anyways let’s get to the tropes 😚
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
🛥️Tropes!💦
⌇ ⋆ Friends-to-lovers
⌇ ⋆ Forced Proximity
⌇ ⋆ One bed Trope 🤭
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
⚓️Highlights or Notes🏔️
꒰💚꒱.“I don’t care what my parents want, or my friends, or the whole fucking world. I’m done living their life. I want mine. And it’s you.” I REALLY LIKED THIS QUOTE
꒰🩵꒱I really need to read the author’s other books…I’m actually interested in finding out more about Manuela’s family…
꒰💚꒱The ending was kinda silly…🤭
꒰🩵꒱Perfect Romance book for summer or maybe even fall?
꒰💚꒱Book got a good amount of giggles out of me.
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
🛏️Characters🛟
Manuela🗽
Manuela was an okay FMC…she was pretty resilient throughout the novel. She tried her best to fit in until she finally was able to get pass that and learned that the right people will like her for the best reasons, LIKE ELLE. I liked most of her chapters but they felt kind of slow in my opinion? Anyways, she’s a great character but she wasn’t my cup of tea.
Connor 📊
Our sad finance “bro”. His point of views were kind of annoying at times especially since he acted like an emo boy half the time. However, he got a small redemption arc, in my opinion, when he finally started to heal himself and made good choices, especially towards the end of the book. I hope him and Manu have a great life together 💗
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
Thank you for reading my review! I’m currently writing this at 3am so it’s a bit short! See you for the next review 🌝🫶
💍Overall🧀
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
THANK YOU SO MUCH MARIA FOR THE ARC BOOK!
Anyways let’s get into the review!~
This was such a smooth sailing romance book- besides the “finding yourself” aspect of the novel is was just them sneaking around and falling in love…!
I liked the writing style though, it was really delicious to eat up. The chapters bounced between Manuela and Connor really smoothly. The thick paragraphs were also really delicious too.
But what I really liked…THE SIDE CHARACTERS. Oh my gosh. I love those side characters. Elle and Jack NEED their own book(idk if they have their own book already but I need it)🤪
The book did get a bit lower on my scale because it took me much longer than expected…and it was a pretty short book AND it was a romance so idk why it took me so long-. I also needed more backstory because I forgot who some of the characters who were introduced later in the story was…
Anyways let’s get to the tropes 😚
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
🛥️Tropes!💦
⌇ ⋆ Friends-to-lovers
⌇ ⋆ Forced Proximity
⌇ ⋆ One bed Trope 🤭
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
⚓️Highlights or Notes🏔️
꒰💚꒱.“I don’t care what my parents want, or my friends, or the whole fucking world. I’m done living their life. I want mine. And it’s you.” I REALLY LIKED THIS QUOTE
꒰🩵꒱I really need to read the author’s other books…I’m actually interested in finding out more about Manuela’s family…
꒰💚꒱The ending was kinda silly…🤭
꒰🩵꒱Perfect Romance book for summer or maybe even fall?
꒰💚꒱Book got a good amount of giggles out of me.
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
🛏️Characters🛟
Manuela🗽
Manuela was an okay FMC…she was pretty resilient throughout the novel. She tried her best to fit in until she finally was able to get pass that and learned that the right people will like her for the best reasons, LIKE ELLE. I liked most of her chapters but they felt kind of slow in my opinion? Anyways, she’s a great character but she wasn’t my cup of tea.
Connor 📊
Our sad finance “bro”. His point of views were kind of annoying at times especially since he acted like an emo boy half the time. However, he got a small redemption arc, in my opinion, when he finally started to heal himself and made good choices, especially towards the end of the book. I hope him and Manu have a great life together 💗
౨ৎ ˖ ࣪⊹ •💛•⊹₊ ⋆୨ৎ
Thank you for reading my review! I’m currently writing this at 3am so it’s a bit short! See you for the next review 🌝🫶
October 8, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW ✨
¡Dios mío¡ Connor and Manuela might be in Switzerland but there’s nothing neutral about their chemistry.
Manuela thought her life was missing something. Maybe her green card? But little did she know it was the green flag in the form of Connor that she really needed!
Connor felt like he was drowning, like he couldn’t breathe. He was expected to be the perfect son, perfect professional, perfect everything. Little did he know the air he needed to breathe was in the form of Manuela.
A flirty vacation fling was never part of the itinerary… until it’s the only thing that feels right. For both of them. Ooh, the secret looks, the covert escapades (although not that covert), the undeniable pull between them is so palpable they could melt the Swiss Alps! Connor and Manuela may not have been on each other’s itinerary but I’m certainly glad I put them on mine!
If you like:
🤍Friends to lovers
🤍Forced proximity
🤍Vacation romance
🤍One bed
🤍Sad boi MMC
🤍Latina FMC
🤍He falls first and harder
🤍Plenty of spicy microtropes
Then The No Pressure Pact is for you.
¡Dios mío¡ Connor and Manuela might be in Switzerland but there’s nothing neutral about their chemistry.
Manuela thought her life was missing something. Maybe her green card? But little did she know it was the green flag in the form of Connor that she really needed!
Connor felt like he was drowning, like he couldn’t breathe. He was expected to be the perfect son, perfect professional, perfect everything. Little did he know the air he needed to breathe was in the form of Manuela.
A flirty vacation fling was never part of the itinerary… until it’s the only thing that feels right. For both of them. Ooh, the secret looks, the covert escapades (although not that covert), the undeniable pull between them is so palpable they could melt the Swiss Alps! Connor and Manuela may not have been on each other’s itinerary but I’m certainly glad I put them on mine!
If you like:
🤍Friends to lovers
🤍Forced proximity
🤍Vacation romance
🤍One bed
🤍Sad boi MMC
🤍Latina FMC
🤍He falls first and harder
🤍Plenty of spicy microtropes
Then The No Pressure Pact is for you.
October 24, 2025
Arc Review: This book, was absolutely swoon worthy! The chemistry between the main characters, Manuela and Connor was *chef’s kiss* I found myself blushing at times! This was such a cozy read, I read it twice! I love the way Maria Rigou writes! There have been so many instances in my own life when I have often wondered if I would ever belong anywhere. Connor’s longing for more out of life, and the expectations of others is also so very much relatable. I can’t wait to follow along with the rest of this series!
November 4, 2025
This was the perfect rom-com with spice. I had chest flutters, giddy laughs and even a straight jaw drop/hand to forehead moment or two. I loved everything about the book!!
October 21, 2025
4/5 stars, I loved the romance and setting in this book! If you like friends-to-lovers romance, a one bed trope, and spice with a romantic Switzerland background, pick this up! It was a super easy and feel good read that I wish I could have read during a summer vacation. Also, can we please get a book about Camila?! I only wish we could have seen more of Manuela’s development in New York post-vacation…. But maybe that will be for a future book!
Thank you Maria Rigou for a copy of the eARC! I really enjoyed this read :)
Thank you Maria Rigou for a copy of the eARC! I really enjoyed this read :)
October 3, 2025
This was wonderful!! Thankful that the characters were mid-thirties and not freaking 20-something!!! I am so grateful to have gotten the ARC of this book! I loved Manu and Connor. Ugh so adorable! I loved how the romance and tension didn’t feel forced like it sometimes does in romance books. The conversation between Manu and Connor flowed really well and was so well written. Sometimes romance books come off with that little hit of cringe but I didn’t get any cringe vibes at all. It felt real and that was awesome!!! It was so much more than a simple romance book. The message of hope was so evident and made the book what is was. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by Maria Rigou.
October 20, 2025
3🌟
"I'll go with you wherever you need to be."
ARC Review
This was such a short, cute story! The best way I can describe this book is that it feels like an indie movie, not too theatrical, quiet, and still very intimate. Manuela and Connor are both on the engagement trip of Elle (her friend) and Jack (his cousin) and they both feel like outsiders. Eventually, they both find safe comfort within each other. Their relationship is gentle and tender, and they give each other space to breathe and even for silence. They are like two anxious introverts falling for each other, and I think it's very sweet to read.🩷 If you've ever watched Normal People, this is what I'd imagine a relationship to look like if both the guy and the girl were Connell Waldron lol.
I enjoyed Manuela's character for the most part. She's a quiet and capable woman who often feels like an outsider and out of the loop, a bit self-conscious. A lot of it being due to her socioeconomic status compared to the other wealthy trip goers. And her immigrating from Argentina, not fully identifying as a New Yorker yet. I think her reservations added a lot to her character, I just wish we got to see other sides of her. She doesn't talk much, a big observer–which I liked–but I would've loved to see a deeper friendship between her and Elle. We're told they are very close, but for most of the book, it's always Elle hyping/propping up Manuela, and from Manuela's POV, she's making comments about how Elle can never understand her because of her privilege. I thought that would be a conversation between the two but it never happened. BUT! Manuela is not a pushover, which I appreciated. When the time came, she advocated for herself against a mean girl in the group. And she was able to be personable and make friends with the others, and it, it was like she was carrying this cloud of eternal dread of being an outsider and the imposter syndrome. it got just a teeeensy bit repetitive.
I also liked Connor! He was struggling with the fact that his life was not his own, and he almost felt like a shell of a person, not really fitting in/being comfortable with the world around him. And it's Manuela who makes him feel something again. Their relationship is very "no words but full understanding." The banter was nice, but I just wish we saw a little more of them talking, about anything really. Because I really liked when they first crossed that intimacy line together. It was super hot and attractive! There's nothing I love more in a spicy scene where it's passionate, and slow, and it actually feels like they're taking their time to really feel and enjoy the moment in each other. Connor was suuuuper intentional each time he was with her. And, omg Conner's whimpering?!?!?!?! I actually need more of that in romance books😭 I love a whimpering man!! And even better, he literally splooged in his pants TWICE! Anyways, where was I... As their relationship developed on the trip, I wish there were more intimate scenes that were not sexual, like deep, vulnerable conversations between the two. For me, it still felt a bit like a fling when Conner dropped the L bomb. At first I was like woah😳 BUT! At the same time when that happened, Connor made the choice to reclaim his own agency in his life, basically giving the finger to his ex-girlfriend and his parents. So, when he went after Manuela and dropped the L bomb, his confession was actually one of the best things I've ever read????!!!
Thank you, Maria Rigou, for the ARC!🩷
"I'll go with you wherever you need to be."
ARC Review
This was such a short, cute story! The best way I can describe this book is that it feels like an indie movie, not too theatrical, quiet, and still very intimate. Manuela and Connor are both on the engagement trip of Elle (her friend) and Jack (his cousin) and they both feel like outsiders. Eventually, they both find safe comfort within each other. Their relationship is gentle and tender, and they give each other space to breathe and even for silence. They are like two anxious introverts falling for each other, and I think it's very sweet to read.🩷 If you've ever watched Normal People, this is what I'd imagine a relationship to look like if both the guy and the girl were Connell Waldron lol.
I enjoyed Manuela's character for the most part. She's a quiet and capable woman who often feels like an outsider and out of the loop, a bit self-conscious. A lot of it being due to her socioeconomic status compared to the other wealthy trip goers. And her immigrating from Argentina, not fully identifying as a New Yorker yet. I think her reservations added a lot to her character, I just wish we got to see other sides of her. She doesn't talk much, a big observer–which I liked–but I would've loved to see a deeper friendship between her and Elle. We're told they are very close, but for most of the book, it's always Elle hyping/propping up Manuela, and from Manuela's POV, she's making comments about how Elle can never understand her because of her privilege. I thought that would be a conversation between the two but it never happened. BUT! Manuela is not a pushover, which I appreciated. When the time came, she advocated for herself against a mean girl in the group. And she was able to be personable and make friends with the others, and it, it was like she was carrying this cloud of eternal dread of being an outsider and the imposter syndrome. it got just a teeeensy bit repetitive.
I also liked Connor! He was struggling with the fact that his life was not his own, and he almost felt like a shell of a person, not really fitting in/being comfortable with the world around him. And it's Manuela who makes him feel something again. Their relationship is very "no words but full understanding." The banter was nice, but I just wish we saw a little more of them talking, about anything really. Because I really liked when they first crossed that intimacy line together. It was super hot and attractive! There's nothing I love more in a spicy scene where it's passionate, and slow, and it actually feels like they're taking their time to really feel and enjoy the moment in each other. Connor was suuuuper intentional each time he was with her. And, omg Conner's whimpering?!?!?!?! I actually need more of that in romance books😭 I love a whimpering man!! And even better, he literally splooged in his pants TWICE! Anyways, where was I... As their relationship developed on the trip, I wish there were more intimate scenes that were not sexual, like deep, vulnerable conversations between the two. For me, it still felt a bit like a fling when Conner dropped the L bomb. At first I was like woah😳 BUT! At the same time when that happened, Connor made the choice to reclaim his own agency in his life, basically giving the finger to his ex-girlfriend and his parents. So, when he went after Manuela and dropped the L bomb, his confession was actually one of the best things I've ever read????!!!
Thank you, Maria Rigou, for the ARC!🩷
October 15, 2025
Rating 4 ½
Spice 2 ½
I was able to read this book ahead of its release date via advance copy thanks to author Maria Rigou
I would recommend it to someone looking for a story about two people feeling like they are living on the outside of their lives.
Maria Rigou is amazing at bringing the location in her stories to life. She paints a beautiful picture of the Swiss Alps with her words. I could almost feel the cold chill in the air.
When it comes to the main characters in this book, I was so happy to see that they were in their 30s and felt unsettled in their lives. It's such a real experience that not many people talk about in books. Let alone romance books. Sometimes one character is lost but for both to be feeling out of place was unique.
Manuela is a first generation graduate that left her small town in search of bigger and better than the little town she grew up in. She finds herself feeling out of place and invisible in the new big life she has chosen.
Conner born into a world of privilege and expectations finds himself struggling with the path laid before him. Not feeling like he fits the mold his parents are trying to put him in. The right job, the right friends, the right girlfriend.
The relationship between the two main characters developers very naturally. From proximity friends to friends to vacation hook up buddies to falling in love.
Their relationship was not one sided in that they both brought out the best in each other. They also made it easy to be themselves.
I liked that they go on little side quest adventures apart from the larger group of friends that they are traveling with.
The spice in this book is definitely the spiciest from the author and I think she did a good job of kicking it up a notch. Her other books are also open door but not as spicy as this one. It doesn’t cross over to smut.
I love when a writer can write a character so well I forget they are fictional. My heart went out for Manuela and I felt Conner's restlessness. I was rooting for these two from the minute they stepped off the plane.
What caught me off guard was how strongly I would feel about one of the side characters. The author managed to write a side character that was so mean I finished the book hating that character and wanting to throw hands with a fictional character. It was the perfect role for the story. Written so well.
The epilogue was perfect for these two. It didn’t follow the script. It showed how they have been accepted and are seen by their friends and family. No longer out of place or invisible. It was also funny.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and stayed up way too late reading this because I couldn’t put it down. It had mature characters, Latine rep, well developed characters.
I a great addition to the Tres Fuegos Universe.
Spice 2 ½
I was able to read this book ahead of its release date via advance copy thanks to author Maria Rigou
I would recommend it to someone looking for a story about two people feeling like they are living on the outside of their lives.
Maria Rigou is amazing at bringing the location in her stories to life. She paints a beautiful picture of the Swiss Alps with her words. I could almost feel the cold chill in the air.
When it comes to the main characters in this book, I was so happy to see that they were in their 30s and felt unsettled in their lives. It's such a real experience that not many people talk about in books. Let alone romance books. Sometimes one character is lost but for both to be feeling out of place was unique.
Manuela is a first generation graduate that left her small town in search of bigger and better than the little town she grew up in. She finds herself feeling out of place and invisible in the new big life she has chosen.
Conner born into a world of privilege and expectations finds himself struggling with the path laid before him. Not feeling like he fits the mold his parents are trying to put him in. The right job, the right friends, the right girlfriend.
The relationship between the two main characters developers very naturally. From proximity friends to friends to vacation hook up buddies to falling in love.
Their relationship was not one sided in that they both brought out the best in each other. They also made it easy to be themselves.
I liked that they go on little side quest adventures apart from the larger group of friends that they are traveling with.
The spice in this book is definitely the spiciest from the author and I think she did a good job of kicking it up a notch. Her other books are also open door but not as spicy as this one. It doesn’t cross over to smut.
I love when a writer can write a character so well I forget they are fictional. My heart went out for Manuela and I felt Conner's restlessness. I was rooting for these two from the minute they stepped off the plane.
What caught me off guard was how strongly I would feel about one of the side characters. The author managed to write a side character that was so mean I finished the book hating that character and wanting to throw hands with a fictional character. It was the perfect role for the story. Written so well.
The epilogue was perfect for these two. It didn’t follow the script. It showed how they have been accepted and are seen by their friends and family. No longer out of place or invisible. It was also funny.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and stayed up way too late reading this because I couldn’t put it down. It had mature characters, Latine rep, well developed characters.
I a great addition to the Tres Fuegos Universe.
October 23, 2025
Manuela Torres and Connor Paul connect at an engagement party for a mutual friend. Years later, they attend the wedding activities for this couple via a trip to Switzerland. They are the only two singles, and (surprize, surprize) agree on a no-pressure pact to hook up during this fantastically beautiful vacation, but part of the pact is to keep it hush hush. As their relationship progresses they battle internal and external conflict, while sneaking off for some hanky panky.
A sweet, feel good, vacation romance. I really enjoyed the FMC and MMC relationship in this story, even though, at times Connor could be flaky and I wasn’t too impressed or understood his need to hide his previous break up. But the two together gave sparks, swoons, and some spice. I love that they both seemed to understand oneanother and SAW each other completely, where they did not seem to have that in other aspects of life. I was completetly rooting for them and honestly was very thankful everyone was in their thirties so I did not feel like a big creep ;).
The spice was perfection IMO; they had lots of fun, and although some graphic scence, the affection for each other was natural and shined through. It was all increadibly swoon worthy and had me wondering where all my rich friends are, and why they are not sponcering a trip to Switzerland?
The multiple POV was done extremly well and smooth. The descriptions were vivid and captured the setting extremly well. I toured Europe and went to Interlacken and it completly brought me back. There were some transitions that I felt could have had more explaination or backstory added as they just seemed to change without warning, and I was left a bit confused (Connor’s anxiety attack, hiding his break up, etc). I was also a bit disapointed at the quick ending of the story. We watched their relationship developed and then just BAM, random. (Also, BRB checking my chin hairs).
Overall, would recommend for any romance lover, who enjoys an easy quick read with many love scenes and a gorgeous vacation vibe.
Thank you to Maria Rigou the ARC and the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team! All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Visit my Bookstagram for photos and more reviews!
Friends to lovers to Enemies | Vacation Vibes | Close Proximity | Secret Lovers | Latina FMC
A sweet, feel good, vacation romance. I really enjoyed the FMC and MMC relationship in this story, even though, at times Connor could be flaky and I wasn’t too impressed or understood his need to hide his previous break up. But the two together gave sparks, swoons, and some spice. I love that they both seemed to understand oneanother and SAW each other completely, where they did not seem to have that in other aspects of life. I was completetly rooting for them and honestly was very thankful everyone was in their thirties so I did not feel like a big creep ;).
“This was supposed to be easy. Temporary. A no-pressure thing. Instead, I’m standing here, watching us in the mirror, by body still echoing with him, my heart hammering like I’ve just admitted something I can’t take back.” - Manu
The spice was perfection IMO; they had lots of fun, and although some graphic scence, the affection for each other was natural and shined through. It was all increadibly swoon worthy and had me wondering where all my rich friends are, and why they are not sponcering a trip to Switzerland?
The multiple POV was done extremly well and smooth. The descriptions were vivid and captured the setting extremly well. I toured Europe and went to Interlacken and it completly brought me back. There were some transitions that I felt could have had more explaination or backstory added as they just seemed to change without warning, and I was left a bit confused (Connor’s anxiety attack, hiding his break up, etc). I was also a bit disapointed at the quick ending of the story. We watched their relationship developed and then just BAM, random. (Also, BRB checking my chin hairs).
Overall, would recommend for any romance lover, who enjoys an easy quick read with many love scenes and a gorgeous vacation vibe.
Thank you to Maria Rigou the ARC and the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team! All opinions are my own and have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Visit my Bookstagram for photos and more reviews!
Friends to lovers to Enemies | Vacation Vibes | Close Proximity | Secret Lovers | Latina FMC
October 3, 2025
Dear Reader,
Filing an ARC today: The No-Pressure Pact by Maria Rigou – a swoony, flirty vacation romance with surprising heart.
Whispers are circulating within the group. Manuela Torres has tagged along on her friend's wedding trip to Switzerland. She expected a lot of awkward group dinners and too many lovey-dovey couples, not stolen glances with the only other guest who doesn't seem to fit in. Connor Paul is a man running on empty, who finds in Manuela a spark he didn't realize he'd been missing.
One unexpected night stranded together turns into a kiss, a hookup, and eventually a "no-strings, no-pressure" pact for the rest of the trip. Of course, dear reader, we know these things rarely stay casual for long... especially when temporary starts to feel like home.
Now, my thoughts: This was such a super cute read! I found myself smiling like a fool constantly. Connor is the absolute sweetest. His tenderness towards Manuela had me wishing for someone who could see me the way he sees her. Manuela, meanwhile, is one of the most relatable heroines I've read in a while. Her struggles with immigration, belonging, and identity felt both authentic and touching. I wanted to be her friend, hug her insecurities away, and tell her she was enough.
The chemistry between Manuela and Connor? Perfection. Sweet, heartfelt, and with just the right amount of spice to make it sizzle.
✨ ARC provided by the author, Maria Rigou, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for sharing this story with me!
Rating: ⭐ 4 / 5
Spice: 🌶️ 3 / 5
Until the next chapter,
Lady TBR
Filing an ARC today: The No-Pressure Pact by Maria Rigou – a swoony, flirty vacation romance with surprising heart.
Whispers are circulating within the group. Manuela Torres has tagged along on her friend's wedding trip to Switzerland. She expected a lot of awkward group dinners and too many lovey-dovey couples, not stolen glances with the only other guest who doesn't seem to fit in. Connor Paul is a man running on empty, who finds in Manuela a spark he didn't realize he'd been missing.
One unexpected night stranded together turns into a kiss, a hookup, and eventually a "no-strings, no-pressure" pact for the rest of the trip. Of course, dear reader, we know these things rarely stay casual for long... especially when temporary starts to feel like home.
Now, my thoughts: This was such a super cute read! I found myself smiling like a fool constantly. Connor is the absolute sweetest. His tenderness towards Manuela had me wishing for someone who could see me the way he sees her. Manuela, meanwhile, is one of the most relatable heroines I've read in a while. Her struggles with immigration, belonging, and identity felt both authentic and touching. I wanted to be her friend, hug her insecurities away, and tell her she was enough.
The chemistry between Manuela and Connor? Perfection. Sweet, heartfelt, and with just the right amount of spice to make it sizzle.
✨ ARC provided by the author, Maria Rigou, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for sharing this story with me!
Rating: ⭐ 4 / 5
Spice: 🌶️ 3 / 5
Until the next chapter,
Lady TBR
October 4, 2025
First, I want to thank the author, Maria Rigou, for the eARC. As part of my thanks, here is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The No Pressure Pact is the first book in a new series called Love in the Alps and is a contemporary romance. It follows Connor and Manuela from New York City to the Switzerland for a friend's wedding. It involves yearning, acquaintance-to-lovers, and a steamy slow-burn romance.
This is the first book I've read in 2025 that has had Argentinian representation. As the FMC is from Argentina, she's written as ambitious and fiery but is vulnerable amongst the friends she spends time with. I feel that the character arcs were well-written. The intimate details are explicit and I would rate the spice as a 4/5.
I felt that the book was paced very well and that the secondary characters added substance to the plot. I do feel that some of the spice could have been reduced. Despite this, it does add a sense of emotion to what both main characters were experiencing when around each other. I also appreciated the dual perspective as it added a bit more to understanding what each person was feeling in the moment.
Overall, if you're looking for a contemporary romance book that has a lot of spice, yearning, and sweet moments, I highly recommend the No Pressure Pact. You will fall in love with Connor and Manuela.
5/5 stars
4/5 spice
I would not recommend this book who prefer light spice in their romance books.
The No Pressure Pact is the first book in a new series called Love in the Alps and is a contemporary romance. It follows Connor and Manuela from New York City to the Switzerland for a friend's wedding. It involves yearning, acquaintance-to-lovers, and a steamy slow-burn romance.
This is the first book I've read in 2025 that has had Argentinian representation. As the FMC is from Argentina, she's written as ambitious and fiery but is vulnerable amongst the friends she spends time with. I feel that the character arcs were well-written. The intimate details are explicit and I would rate the spice as a 4/5.
I felt that the book was paced very well and that the secondary characters added substance to the plot. I do feel that some of the spice could have been reduced. Despite this, it does add a sense of emotion to what both main characters were experiencing when around each other. I also appreciated the dual perspective as it added a bit more to understanding what each person was feeling in the moment.
Overall, if you're looking for a contemporary romance book that has a lot of spice, yearning, and sweet moments, I highly recommend the No Pressure Pact. You will fall in love with Connor and Manuela.
5/5 stars
4/5 spice
I would not recommend this book who prefer light spice in their romance books.
October 12, 2025
This was exactly the kind of cosy romance I needed for a lazy weekend. Manu is unapologetically herself in the best way possible, the kind of heroine who doesn’t shrink herself for anyone. And Connor... well, let’s just say he could have saved himself a world of trouble if he’d been honest about that whole Athena situation early on. But given his family pressure and the mess he was juggling, I get it. He wasn’t sneaky or shady, just a man caught in a complicated moment.
Nicole, on the other hand, deserves a solid eye-roll for her smug backstabbing behaviour. You know the type.
The Swiss setting absolutely stole the show for me. From the lakes and trees to the hotels and restaurants, it all sounded so vivid and real that I’m now tempted to book a ticket. If those places are based on real spots, I’d love the full list, please, and thank you.
And yes, I fully got my happily ever after. That dinner scene had me holding my breath, but the ending more than made up for it. The proposal in the epilogue genuinely made me laugh... it reminded me so much of my own chaotic engagement, right down to the “wait, are you actually asking me?” energy.
It is a wonderful, heartwarming read with the perfect balance of humour, heart, and holiday magic. I’ll definitely be picking up more of Maria’s books soon.
Thank you Maria Rigou for providing this ARC of The No-Pressure Pact in exchange for a review.
Nicole, on the other hand, deserves a solid eye-roll for her smug backstabbing behaviour. You know the type.
The Swiss setting absolutely stole the show for me. From the lakes and trees to the hotels and restaurants, it all sounded so vivid and real that I’m now tempted to book a ticket. If those places are based on real spots, I’d love the full list, please, and thank you.
And yes, I fully got my happily ever after. That dinner scene had me holding my breath, but the ending more than made up for it. The proposal in the epilogue genuinely made me laugh... it reminded me so much of my own chaotic engagement, right down to the “wait, are you actually asking me?” energy.
It is a wonderful, heartwarming read with the perfect balance of humour, heart, and holiday magic. I’ll definitely be picking up more of Maria’s books soon.
Thank you Maria Rigou for providing this ARC of The No-Pressure Pact in exchange for a review.
October 25, 2025
✦ 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 ✦
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The No-Pressure Pact
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Love in the Alps
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Maria Rigou
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: 292
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Romance
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: October 9, 2025
Maria Rigou is a new-to-me author, and um wow… she did not disappoint! The perfect mix of spice, love, humor, and heart. 🥹 Manuela & Conrad completely stole my heart — their chemistry, their banter, their growth — everything about their journey felt absolutely genuine.
Manuela moves from Argentina to America chasing her dreams, and when her bestie Elle plans a lavish pre-wedding trip, she’s all in. Enter Conrad — there for a work escape — and let’s just say the tension starts immediately. 😏 You start to get all the feels reading their attraction for each. From breathtaking destinations to emotional highs and lows, this story had me glued to the pages wondering like… are they going to move forward after the pact ends?
Overall, I absolutely adored the diversity, the found family vibes, and the reminder that we’re all just searching for love and belonging. Highly recommend! ❤️
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲: “The gondola sways, weightless, and for once, I don't care. Because if falling feels like this—like her—then maybe I never want to stop.”
🏔️ Vacation Romance
💕 Friends to Lovers
🏔️ He Falls First
💕 Forced Proximity
🏔️ Spicy
💕 One Bed
Thank you to Maria Rigou for providing an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
#mariarigou #kindleunlimited #vacationromance #thenopressurepact #newrelease #bookstagram #romance #spicyromance #romanceauthor
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The No-Pressure Pact
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Love in the Alps
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Maria Rigou
𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: 292
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Romance
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 🌶🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: October 9, 2025
Maria Rigou is a new-to-me author, and um wow… she did not disappoint! The perfect mix of spice, love, humor, and heart. 🥹 Manuela & Conrad completely stole my heart — their chemistry, their banter, their growth — everything about their journey felt absolutely genuine.
Manuela moves from Argentina to America chasing her dreams, and when her bestie Elle plans a lavish pre-wedding trip, she’s all in. Enter Conrad — there for a work escape — and let’s just say the tension starts immediately. 😏 You start to get all the feels reading their attraction for each. From breathtaking destinations to emotional highs and lows, this story had me glued to the pages wondering like… are they going to move forward after the pact ends?
Overall, I absolutely adored the diversity, the found family vibes, and the reminder that we’re all just searching for love and belonging. Highly recommend! ❤️
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲: “The gondola sways, weightless, and for once, I don't care. Because if falling feels like this—like her—then maybe I never want to stop.”
🏔️ Vacation Romance
💕 Friends to Lovers
🏔️ He Falls First
💕 Forced Proximity
🏔️ Spicy
💕 One Bed
Thank you to Maria Rigou for providing an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
#mariarigou #kindleunlimited #vacationromance #thenopressurepact #newrelease #bookstagram #romance #spicyromance #romanceauthor
October 9, 2025
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
This was such a cute read!! I liked the setting of it being in Switzerland, it felt nice to get into a new location in a book. I also really liked the FMC. She like many others who move from their home county for a better life struggle with finding a place in your new home. Connor our MMC was struggling! He had high expectations from his family, to be professional, perfect son and worker. I am glad he was able to stand up for himself. The only thing that I was getting frustrated with was the fact that Connor could not tell the group that him and his ex have been broken up. I get that he doesn’t want to tell his parents about it because they have “expectations” for him, however if him and Manuela knew they could get caught or there were people being suspicious, why not just say they’re not together..
However, I enjoyed reading about them together. I didn’t really feel like they went from friends to lovers, I think they both were interested in each other but never actually did anything until they were both on vacation together. I loved their cute little moments throughout their trip and how they would comfort each other.
Tropes:
💜Friends with benefits
💙Forced proximity
💜Latina FMC
💙Vacation Romance
💜Open door romance
💙Sad boy MMC
Thank you Maria for the eARC and happy release day!! 💜💜
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
This was such a cute read!! I liked the setting of it being in Switzerland, it felt nice to get into a new location in a book. I also really liked the FMC. She like many others who move from their home county for a better life struggle with finding a place in your new home. Connor our MMC was struggling! He had high expectations from his family, to be professional, perfect son and worker. I am glad he was able to stand up for himself. The only thing that I was getting frustrated with was the fact that Connor could not tell the group that him and his ex have been broken up. I get that he doesn’t want to tell his parents about it because they have “expectations” for him, however if him and Manuela knew they could get caught or there were people being suspicious, why not just say they’re not together..
However, I enjoyed reading about them together. I didn’t really feel like they went from friends to lovers, I think they both were interested in each other but never actually did anything until they were both on vacation together. I loved their cute little moments throughout their trip and how they would comfort each other.
Tropes:
💜Friends with benefits
💙Forced proximity
💜Latina FMC
💙Vacation Romance
💜Open door romance
💙Sad boy MMC
Thank you Maria for the eARC and happy release day!! 💜💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
Instead of friends with benefits, this book gives you vacation friends with benefits. On a wedding trip with your friends Manuela realizes that she is like an outsider in the group since one she doesn’t come from money, two she isn’t an American, three she is single with a group of couples. But instead of letting her differences tear her down she steps up and turns lemons into lemonade. Then comes Connor a finance “bro” looking for a reset break on the same wedding trip who normally would have the gf with him but somehow he is single too. A chance together on an excursion gives them time to light a spark and for a no pressure pact to be made where we “enjoy” each other while we are here and it’s only for the trip, so a vacation friends with benefits. But what happens when this no pressure pact starts to feel weird? This was an adorable story about having the courage to be who you are and not be afraid to go for it. Manuela was beautifully written who truly saw the world from another perspective. Connor’s transformation was what he needed to just enjoy life again. It wasn’t as spicy as I normally read but it was a sweet spice amount. Definitely is looking forward to the next book in the series.
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