Divorce Pact: Small-town romances with slow burns, high stakes, and real heart.

by Stephanie Tyo

A teenage pact. A shattered marriage. A second chance neither saw coming. Tessa never meant to stay in Cedar Hollow. Freshly divorced and reeling, she returns to her small hometown with nothing but a trunk full of books and the ghosts of her past. But when a spilled coffee and a familiar voice bring Cal Hartley back into her orbit—the boy she once promised to marry if they were both single at thirty-five—everything she thought she left behind comes roaring back.

Cal has never stopped loving Tessa, even after a decade of silence. When she walks back into town, haunted but still heartbreakingly familiar, the old pact doesn’t feel so old anymore. But love isn’t built on dares and wishful thinking—it’s built on choice, every messy, terrifying, imperfect day.

In this deeply emotional small-town romance, Tessa and Cal must confront what it means to stay, to rebuild, and to choose each other—not as a backup plan, but as the only plan that ever truly mattered.

Perfect for fans of small-town romances with slow burns, high stakes, and real heart.

94 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2025

About the author

Stephanie Tyo is a multi-genre author based in Cornwall, Ontario, known for unforgettable stories that span middle-grade misadventures, dark romance, literary horror and many more. Her work blends heart, humor, and haunting depth, exploring themes of memory, connection, and the beauty in life's unexpected detours. Whether she's writing for kids or adults, Stephanie crafts worlds where every detail matters—and every story leaves a mark.

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tessa and Cal form a pact when they are seventeen. If none of them is married at thirty-five, then they would marry each other. A backup of sorts.Cal finds peace in their small town, whereas Tess seeks freedom from its confines. Her heart heavy with the weight of a failed marriage and a sense of loss, she is back in her hometown. With the pact weighing heavily on them, they must make a decision.

The book is a short, sweet romance.The characters were excellently executed. Tess's doubt represents the events that occurred while she was away. Cal's tenderness and patience exemplify enduring love. Stephanie Tyo's descriptive writing brings Divorce Pact to life.

However, to understand the characters better their backgrounds could be explored more in depth. Cal, had he never been with someone because he hoped their pact would be fulfilled, or had he never met anyone? Tess led a life before returning.What happened to her that caused her to doubt herself and become a shell of her former self? Was she being abused, or did the relationship not work out, and why? This book is appropriate for all audiences.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa and Cal have known each other since childhood. When they were seventeen they made a pact that if they were single at thirty five they would marry each other. Tessa left Cedar Hollow and married but at thirty five she got divorced and returned to Cedar Hollow to work out what to do next. Cal never left and always hoped he would never be her back up plan but her first choice. This story tells how Tessa found the courage to stay and choose Cal. Highly recommended reading.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story! Tessa and Cal go way back, but can a pact from high school stand strong after so many years?!? This is a first person point-of-view story told by both Tessa and Cal that gives you an insiders perspective into their minds and relationship choosing love over fear. You definitely get your happily ever after here!

(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily).

I recommend this clean romance for anyone who loves a sweet short story!

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Divorce Pact is a quick thoughtful read about what we think we want and what life throws at us. The author has written a storyline with a unique pacing and POVS that give more depth and emotion to the story. The characters are have so much emotional depth as they move through their past and present. This is well written and brings home the point that in life you just have to stay. Imperfect, messy, heartfelt make a choice and stay. Really enjoyed this one.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the way the writing was so poetically executed. Beautiful.

I only wish the characters were more developed. I didn't feel much of a connection with either character because there were not adequate details provided about their backgrounds. I would have loved more information about what happened to Tess to cause her insecurities and fear to trust, as well as what Cal felt over the years they weren't in contact.

I was provided a complementary ebook and this is my honest review. Thank you.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa and Carl are best friends and made a pact that at the age of 35 if they were both single they would get married together. He has always wanted her but was scared to say anything. Now he has a second chance. Short ,sweet ,HEA I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jaafar Charafeddine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5
A heartfelt and steamy romance with sharp writing, lovable leads, and a premise that blends fun with emotional payoff. Fans of marriage-of-convenience stories and slow-burn chemistry will find plenty to swoon over in The Divorce Pact.

[L KQ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Pact

Tessa and Cal's pact in high school comes back up when she returns back home after her divorce. They have always had a deep connection and it was unforgettable. This story was full of emotion and great moments. I could not get enough.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Noreen Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, easy read. This is Tessa and Cal's story.
Two people who at 17 were best friends. Then life takes over but they eventually get where they have always been.