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Back in college, I made a pact with Presley Grant—if we were both still single at thirty, we’d marry each other.

It was a joke. A fallback plan we never thought we’d need.

Now I’m an NFL star, playing for Presley’s father’s team, and she’s the team doctor—completely off-limits. But when an injury puts me under her care in the offseason, old chemistry resurfaces fast … and inescapably.

Then tragedy strikes.

Now I’m the legal guardian of my sister’s two young children, facing a custody battle I might lose. Because no matter how much I love them, the court might not see my career as stable.

And Presley ... her dream of opening a football camp for underprivileged kids hinges on one seemingly impossible condition: she must be married or thirty-five years old to access her trust fund.

So, I make a proposal and cash in on our pact.

It’s supposed to solve everything—my family, her future. Temporary. Controlled. Nothing more.

But living together, raising two kids, and pretending to be in love—it starts to feel dangerously real.

And when the time comes to walk away … neither of us is sure we can.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

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About the author

Ava Sutton

14 books184 followers
Ava Sutton is a sports enthusiast and author of spicy college and professional sports romance.

When she’s not writing, you can find her nose in a book, scrolling social media or planning dream vacations she someday hopes to take. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her two dogs.

Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

@avasuttonbooks

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Anca A.
665 reviews72 followers
May 27, 2026
#Review: *The Pact* - Ava Sutton - ARC [18+]
4.6/5✨
3/5🌶️

When they were younger, Saint and Presley made a marriage pact, which she didn't take too serious. Years have passed and Presley and Saint went on their own paths, but that was about to change, when both of them were going to be part of the same football team. Being the team's doctor and always in close proximity to Saint will make things really difficult for Presley, being hard to ignore his charming personality.

One tragic event completely changed everything and that also meant that Saint will pull the marriage card from his sleeve and put it on the table for Presley to decide. But will she agree to marry Saint only to help him with the situation he found himself into? Will their insane connection transform into something more?

I giggled so much with Saint and Presley, because he was such a goofy guy, always loving to push Presley's buttons. There was such a cute and fun connection between Saint and Presley, who were in a constant banter. Even if there was an event which completely altered Saint's life, there was still so much happiness to enjoy while there was that dark cloud upon him. Losing his sister and having to fight for getting her kids custody kind of forced Saint to rely on the pact he has made with Presley, but things were still uncertain because of his lifestyle and his job. It was sooo sweet to see how those kids were getting attached to Saint and Presley and how they were all slowly starting to heal each other from their loss. Their road wasn't easy but I had a good time following everything that happened between Presley and Saint, the lines getting blurred pretty easy when they were constantly in each others presence.

This book had literally a bit of everything, making me go through so many emotions. I loved the connection between the characters, that forbidden feeling and that healing process. I cannot wait to read the next book from this "Gridiron Legacy" series, this one being the 2nd book, but which can be read as a standalone as well.

Thank you so much Ava, her team and Wordsmith Publicity for accepting me and for sending me this e-ARC🥰.

✨Tropes
▫️Marriage Pact
▫️Workplace Romance
▫️Forbidden Romance
▫️Friends To Lovers
▫️Secret Romance
▫️Single Guardian
▫️Found Family
▫️Sports Romance
▫️Football Player
▫️Team Doctor
Profile Image for kaitlyn.
162 reviews4 followers
September 21, 2026
This was beautiful! The development of our main characters relationship was such a rollercoaster to watch but in the best way possible!

I really enjoyed getting to see snippets of our other characters in this too! I also adored the way that Presley and Saint immediately, without a doubt), stood up to fill the roles in Rhyan and Remy’s lives.

This was adorable and I can’t wait to move onto the next! 🩷
Profile Image for Jen Altman.
578 reviews68 followers
May 17, 2026
Oh, my sports-romance-loving heart is so happy! The Pact by Ava Sutton is the second book in the Gridiron Legacy series, and girl! Let me tell you it is an absolute gem. It takes the classic friends-to-lovers trope and cranks up the stakes (and the heat!). The story follows NFL superstar, Wyatt St. Clair (aka Saint) and Presley Grant, his best friend since college who is now—wait for it—his team’s doctor! They made a silly "marriage pact at thirty" back in college, but when life gets chaotic, that backup plan becomes a reality.

After an unthinkable tragedy, Saint’s fighting a custody battle for his niece and nephew, and Presley needs to check off a marriage clause to access her trust fund so she can fulfill her dream of opening an underprivileged kids' football camp. Throwing them under the same roof turns their professional boundaries into absolute chaos in the best way possible. The long-repressed chemistry and utterly delectable sexual tension between these two is just pure magic!

This story is truly the perfect blend of high-stakes drama, sweet domestic moments, and plenty of spice. If you're a sucker for a sports romance that serves up maximum swoon and the absolute sweetest found family dynamic, add this to your TBR now!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,954 reviews1,366 followers
Read
May 14, 2026
cover design / beta read
Profile Image for Sarah.
160 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2026
Wow this book was an emotional rollercoaster! The friendship between Presley and Saint is so beautiful. They've both had deeper feelings for each other from the very beginning, but they never wanted to risk their friendship. So in their last year of college they make a pact that if they're not married by the age of 30 they will marry each other.

8 years passes and they are still the best of friends. They both turn 30 and neither one of them brings up the pact....until Saint ends up with custody of his niece and nephew after his sister and brother-in-law's passing. Saint asks Presley to marry him in order to strengthen his case for custody when his brother-in-law's parents contest it.

The deep love and connection between these two jumps off the page. The yearning and tension had me white knuckling my Kindle. They love each other unconditionally and are always supporting each other without hesitance. They have been each other's rock for 11 years, but watching that morph into something more had me giggling and kicking my feet! And don't even get me started on how Saint goes after what he wants.... And of course what he wants is Presley. That man's mouth 🔥🔥🔥

It was so wonderful to see Liam, Alie and Sera. The way they stood by Saint and Presley's side during such a hard time, had tears in my eyes. The support of Presley's parents and the football team was so heartwarming. Even though they were going through a heartbreaking time, the kids were absolutely adorable and brought levity to a very heavy topic.

You we'll go through the full spectrum of emotions with this book, but I promise it is so worth it! I absolutely love this series, and cannot wait to be back with them!


5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Chelsea Mansell.
440 reviews26 followers
May 15, 2026
The Pact by Ava Sutton eARC review 💜

This book pulled on all my heartstrings and made me fall in love with Ava’s writing all over again.

What a perfect friends to lovers romance that showcases making the most out of life and unfortunate and traumatic circumstances.

Saint and Presley have the most amazing friendship but they both have goals for their futures and have to go their separate ways for a while. The two of them make a pact that if they are thirty and single they will get married. When a terrible turn of events leaves Saint as a single guardian, he cashes in on the pact.

Watching their friendship bloom into undeniable love was my favorite thing ever.

This one is so sweet and absolutely my new favorite Ava book. Make sure to add to your TBR!

What to expect: 
💍Marriage Pact 
💍Marriage of Convenience
💍Fake Marriage → Real Feelings 
💍Friends to Lovers (with history) 
💍Second Chance Romance 
💍Close Proximity (home and work) 
💍Pro Football Sports Romance 
💍Doctor x Athlete
💍Single Guardian/Suddenly Raising Kids 
💍Found Family

Thank you so much Ava & team for the arc!
Profile Image for Veronica Pham.
266 reviews20 followers
May 23, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Gridiron Legacy book 2
•Wyatt “Saint” & Presley

*I was provided an ARC of this book by the author and their promotion team

I am convinced @avasuttonbooks cannot write a book that’s not an automatic 5 ⭐️ read! 👏🏽👏🏽 Saint & Presley’s book was truly the friends to lovers story of my DREAMS and I ate up every second of watching their love bloom! 😍

Star NFL player Wyatt “Saint” St. Clair has been in love with his best friend, Presley Grant for years. All through college, he pined for her but their timing was never right. Just as Saint was gearing up to head into the NFL, and Presley was leaving for medical school, they made a “pact”—if both are single by age 30, they’ll marry each other. Almost a decade later, Saint is playing for the team Presley’s family owns and she’s the team physician. Through all the years, they’ve kept their relationship platonic as to not complicated things in the workplace. Thirtieth birthdays came, went, and Presley’s still the only woman Saint’s heart has ever wanted. When tragedy strikes, and Saint’s given the opportunity to take custody of his niece and nephew, they decide to cash in out their “pact” to help the custody case. Playing family together comes so easily, like it’s where they belonged all along. Calling Presley his wife and raising a family with her is all Saint’s ever wanted, but their marriage has an expiration. Presley’s happy and content with where they are, but Saint’s true feelings run much deeper, and he doesn’t know if they’re reciprocated…🙈

When these two were teased in book 1, I knew I was going to eat up their story, but my GAWD did Ava make me feral for the man that Saint is! 🙌🏽 He was so down bad for Presley, and such a cinnamon roll when it came to the kids! 🥹 As a healthcare girlie myself, I really related to Presley and admired her independence and no BS attitude. On the flip side, I loved seeing how Saint was always able get her to let her guard down! The way these two revered eachother as friends and colleagues was so special and only added to the magic of their relationship! The spice between them was also SO GOOD! 🥵 Overall, an incredible addition to this series and found family im growing to love sooo much! I can’t wait to see what Ava has on store!

*available on KU
Profile Image for Sara.
2,590 reviews15 followers
May 23, 2026
In The Trade, a relationship between Presley and Wyatt (Saint) is hinted at so I was eager to read this book. In the prologue of this book the genesis of The Pact is introduced and the depth of their friendship.

I loved that these two had maintained a best friend relationship for 11 years and had been there by each other’s side through the ups and downs of life. Saint’s intense love and attraction for Presley is evident, and his reluctance to push her for more thinking it might risk their friendship

When tragedy strikes and he becomes guardian for his younger sister’s two children Presley and her family and his teammates are there for him. Presley is beside him every moment helping him navigate his grief, the children and numerous arrangements.

They gradually settle into a new normal, raising Rhyan and Remy they get married to strengthen Saint’s guardianship case when it is contested. Their relationship is a mix of best friends and a strong sexual compatibility. Under the surface both are actually ‘in love’ with the other, but too guarded to risk losing their friendship.

I enjoyed the everyday family interactions and new lifestyle with kids - hockey games, family time along with professional football games. Getting to see more of Ali, Liam and Seraphina and several of the Titan teammates was fun. I’m eager to read Aston’s book I believe there is a depth to him under his carefree funny guy personality.

This series is entertaining with deep emotions that make for great reading.

I received a free ARC from the author and Wordsmith; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Dani.
190 reviews7 followers
May 15, 2026
5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

Ah...I am absolutely OBSESSED with this couple and this book! It is everything I want from a contemporary, sports romance - sweet, swoony, spicy, and emotional. I absolutely devoured it and then was so sad that it was over.

Wyatt St Clair, aka Saint, was just top tier book boyfriend material. Wave ALL the green flags with this man. The way he has yearned and pined for Presley was just perfection. I'm talking 11 years of yearning...11 YEARS!! That is some epic yearning, total adoration and respect. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that Presley was his endgame and he was willing to wait for her as a long as he needed. *swoon* 🫠

Presley Grant is a total boss babe, with so much heart and compassion. The way she completely supported Saint through a terrible tragedy was so beautiful. The friendship between Saint and Presley was truly so inspiring and selfless. So much respect and love existed between the two of them and when they finally allowed themselves to explore their romantic relationship there was no doubt that they were soulmates.

The relationship between the MCs was so gorgeous and emotional, but all of the other relationships in this book completely hit me in all my feels. I loved every scene between Presley and her sister Alie, it was beautiful, honest, and supportive. Just perfectly written. The friendship between Saint and his teammates, particularly Liam was sweet, banter-y, and supportive. I love the brotherhood between these characters and it makes me so incredibly excited about the rest of this series. If you love found family you will absolutely love the NY Titan family! The relationships between Remi and Rhyan and Saint and Presley was beautiful and tear-inducing. Gosh, I just loved those sweet babies.

With every new release, Ava, continues to exceed my expectations and I am so in love with the world she has created first with the Walker Stallions and now the NY Titans.

What to Expect:
Marriage of Convenience
Friends to Lovers
Football MMC x Team Doctor FMC
Surprise Single Guardian
Second Chance
Found Family

*Thank you to Ava Sutton and her team for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Samantha Draws.
435 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨ 5⭐️ This might be my new favorite Ava book!! Back in college Presley and Saint made a pact that if they were both single at thirty they would marry each other. Saint has loved Presley for a long time but with her continuing school and him being drafted it just wouldn’t work out for them to start anything. He held on to her though and they remained best friends. Presley is now working as the doctor for the team her family owns and the team Saint plays for. It’s not long after they both are finally thirty that tragedy strikes and Saint finds himself guardian of his sister’s two kids. Presley wants to help in any way she can and that just might mean it’s time to cash in on THE PACT.

Oh man these two…I just adored them so so much!! This is the book that will get me to read friend’s to lovers again! I honestly loved every single thing about this one. The emotion…the tension…the found family. This one has it all. Saint knows he’s going to do whatever he can for those two kids and it just warmed my heart the way he immediately steps in and is there for them in every way possible. He also has never stopped loving Presley and despite them being best friends he wants so much more. These two so easily fall into so much more. Tragedy may have led them there but love kept them. This whole crew and the way they support each other was so perfect!! I can’t wait for what’s to come with this series!

Tropes:
✨Football Romance
✨Friend’s to Lovers
✨Marriage of Convenience
✨Single Guardian
✨Found Family
Profile Image for Melanie Walker.
655 reviews23 followers
May 22, 2026
ARC Review: 5 ⭐️
The Pact is book 2 in the Gridiron Legacy series featuring Wyatt St. Clair “Saint” & Presley Grant.

In college, Saint & Presley created a pact that if they were both single when they turned 30 that they would marry one another. Saint has been biding his time and waiting while remaining best friends with Presley.

Now Presley is a Doctor working with her families NFL team and Saint is one of their star players. When they turn 30, Presley wonders if Saint is going to cash in on the pact or ifs been forgotten about.

However when tragedy strikes, Presley stands by Saints side and helps him navigate his new normal. When it becomes apparent that Saint would benefit from being married and Presley would be able to access her trust fund to make her dreams of opening a sports program for youth a reality, they decide to get married.

Saint has always wanted things with Presley so when he realizes they’re not on the same page it hurts. Will Presley realize her true feelings for Saint before there is no turning back?

This book was so raw, emotional and everything I didn’t know I needed in a book. I seriously loved Saint & Presley and the family they build together. It’s magical to find your person and they had such a beautiful story I didn’t want it to end!

Thank you to Ava for the ARC, be sure to add this one to your TBR!!
147 reviews
May 22, 2026
I loved Saint and Presley, their story is definitely a new favorite friends to lovers story. These two definitely take you on an emotional ride with everything they have going on. This story was beautifully written and the way the main characters leaned on each other during a difficult time was so sweet.
Saint and Presley have been best friends since they met in college and during their last year, they made a Pact, and one of the stipulations in their Pact was they would get married if they were both thirty and single. Years later Saint is playing professional football for the team that Presley’s family owns and Presley is the team doctor. Presley and Saint both have feelings for each other, but have been afraid to ruin their friendship. When Saint loses his sister in a tragic accident and becomes the guardian of her two young kids, Presley is right by his side the whole time. Saint uses their agreement in The Pact to ask Presley to marry him because he wants to show he can provide a stable environment for his niece and nephew. I enjoyed watching Saint and Presley finally give into the feelings they have had for each other, while building their own family unit, learning to navigate their new normal. Saint and Presley were perfect together, especially with the strong bond they had built over the years, I’m was happy to see them get their HEA.
Profile Image for Leshay Germany.
219 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2026
This book had me all in my feels and I’m gonna just say is my favorite Ava book. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, I cried again and oh one probably one more time. Saint and Presley have been best friends since college, where one night they make a pact that if they are still single at thirty they will get married.

Now at thirty, Saint plays in NFL for the team Presleys family owns and she is the team doctor. While they have maintained their close friendship, the feelings also have never left. When tragedy hits Saint and he became the guardian of his niece and nephew, he wants to cash in on the pact with Pres to keep them with him. What starts as a fake marriage between them, soon turns very real.

The way Saint loves Presley is so beautiful and she is most definitely his safe space. The way they are both there for each other is just everything and the chemistry between Saint and Pres was scorching… I just loved the flirting and banter with them. The history, friendship, and their connection just added to the emotional journey to their HEA.

Thank you Ava for the arc and being apart of your team. I just love this series so much and am excited for who’s next.

Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,161 reviews68 followers
May 26, 2026
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)
This is the second of the series, so just the one book to read to catch up. This is actually a good standalone story, but it was nice to know all the players and previous drama. Years ago, in a land far away.... naaa nothing like that, but back in college Presley and Saint were the best of friends (still are) and made a pact that they would get married if neither had any prospects when they hit thirty. Years later, they are both now thirty, no prospects and neither is really even looking. Happy with this non relationship, relationship thing they have going on. The sexual tension is through the roof, but Presley doesn't want to lose Saint, and if they cross that line, the odds of them being best friends forever are slim. What happens when they do? Will Presley lose Saint?

Ok, yes, I left out a WHOLE thing, but I can't spoil it all. Just know this was an amazing story with loads of twists and turns and a bit of heart break. I did shed a tear or two. I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for Jennysbookishthoughts.
305 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2026
Saint and Presley have always been best friends - and maybe a little bit more, but never acted on it. Back in college they made a pact: if by thirty they aren’t married they will marry each other. Now they are both thirty. Saint is a famous NFL player playing for Presley’s dad, Presley is working as the team doctor and old feelings resurface. But then tragedy strikes and leaves Saint as the guardian for his niece and nephew. To keep the guardianship he needs to present a stable environment. So Saint asks Presley to cash in the pact. And after some time the fake marriage start to feel really real.

The Pact is book 2 of the Gridiron Legacy series by Ava Sutton. It’s a standalone in this interconnected series and a marriage of convenience football romance.

I just love Ava’s books and The Pact was no different. I’m not a big fan of friends to lovers but I quite enjoyed it with this book. I loved the chemistry between Saint and Presley. This being best friends and knowing each other to the bone but also this insane attraction and affection. It was simply amazing. Saint is a complex character with a lot of depth which I loved so much. This book sent me through all the emotions while reading it and I felt so deeply for the characters and with them - I loved it. The love story is so beautiful and amazing. But also all the surrounding storylines are great. They fit together perfectly and made this book so amazing that I wasnä#t able to put it down. I loved the supporting characters - especially Rhyan. 😍🐉
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,523 reviews104 followers
May 23, 2026
4.5 stars

I loved The Trade, book one in the Gridiron Legacy series. Plenty of emotion, drama, and angst. We are introduced to Saint and Presley there. However, The Pact was so much better. The pining, the love, these two have had for each other as best friends.

The pact Saint and Presley make eight years ago is – they will marry if both are single at age thirty. Saint is serious, writes out a contract, and holds it in his safe. They are still close, he plays for her family’s team, and she is the team doctor. Will they cross the line?

As Saint lives through the loss of a family member, it is Presley who stands beside him. She picks up the pieces he is not emotionally ready to pick up. She supports him in grief, and healing. A situation has them revisiting “the pact”, and this is where all the pent up chemistry and feeling explode onto the page.

This book is so much more than I expected, the emotion, the grief, the healing, the chemistry, all the family love and support. How through all the grief a family emerges.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,399 reviews55 followers
May 24, 2026
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the series. This is one of my favorite tropes friends to lovers. There is so much history between them and you can instantly tell that there is a deep connection forever threading them. I'm not gonna lie I knew it was coming, but one part of this book I had to set the book aside to take a breather. My heart shattered into a million pieces especially for Saint. Something so beautiful came out of the storm and tragedy. Saint's niece and nephew stole my heart, but his niece is just awesome. A girl after my own heart. Now Saint is going to come call to collect on the pact he made with Presley all those years ago. It may all start off as a marriage of convenience deep down it's so much more. As this little family navigates their new normal they are going to be tested, but with the support of his team and friends Saint may just get a future he has been dreaming of. Saint's teammates are awesome. They are definitely a found family situation that I adore. This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions through out the book, but as I finished it I was wearing a huge smile This is a book I got lost in
Profile Image for Victoria.
433 reviews22 followers
May 27, 2026
I loved this story so much! I loved everything from the marriage pact to their names to the tension, all of it. ☺️ Saint and Presley’s story had so many great tropes/microtropes:
-Marriage Pact
-Marriage of Convenience
-Fake Marriage -> Real Feelings
-Friends to Lovers (with history)
-Second Chance Romance
-Close Proximity (home and work)
-Pro Football Sports Romance
-Doctor x Athlete
-Single Guardian/Suddenly Raising Kids
-Found Family

Their story has you feeling ALL of the emotions and takes you on a whirlwind of a ride when their lives suddenly change. Their relationship and history together is what bookish girlies dream of. Years and years of him wanting her, him wanting to prove to her that they can be together and still be them, that their lives were ways meant to be entangled in the best way.
Profile Image for Cindy thismomreadsbooks.
584 reviews27 followers
May 18, 2026
Did Ava have me tearing up with this one? She sure did!!! I really enjoyed the story and writing a lot. Ava provided the care needed for the grief these characters experienced.

Not only did we get to see the wonderful friendship between Saint and Presley, how their Pact came to be all those years ago-but also what happens when life throws a curve ball your way, after tragedy strikes.
I love how Saint stepped up without hesitation- Presley by his side the whole time! The unwavering love and support made me so happy this entire read!

I loved both these characters and the realness between them as their relationship developed into more. Even the fears were raw, relatable, and understandable. They had a beautiful journey and I couldn’t wait for them to finally put their hearts first and admit what they were feeling for years was real. Saint has always been in love with Presley, and though she is guarded she trusts Saint wholly. They just need to take the leap.

The tension in this-Oh my! Their chemistry and attraction was high-it doesn’t take long for those steamy moments to happen.
Presley and Saint have such a strong friendship with a deep meaningful connection, making for a sweet read and a warm, easy kind of love between them.

This was a wonderful addition to the series!
It brought all the emotions and really pulled on the heartstrings. The ending was absolutely perfect for them! I could have read even more about their HEA and life together!

This series has a great group of characters, the guys are so fun together! Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

4.5⭐️

**thank you to the author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
Profile Image for Amber.
825 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2026
What to expect:
💍Marriage Pact
💍Marriage of Convenience
💍Fake Marriage → Real Feelings
💍Friends to Lovers (with history)
💍Best friends to lovers
💍Second Chance Romance
💍Close Proximity (home and work)
💍Pro Football Sports Romance
💍Doctor x Athlete
💍Single Guardian/Suddenly Raising Kids
💍Found Family
💍 grief and healing
💍 slow burn with SPICE

“Thank f*ck because I’ve waited years for you to give in.”

I absolutely love Ava’s writing! And devoured this! Saint and Presley have a beautiful friendship but both having a different vision for their futures, both going their separate ways but made a pact. If They were both single by the time they were 30 they would marry each other. Saint goes through some tragedy and becomes a single dad, and he calls in on that pact.
I loved their chemistry and watching them reconnect and grow closer together. Absolutely beautiful. Such a sweet emotional spicy read I read this so quick! I couldn’t put this down! Saint knew what he wanted and was so protective and patient. The sweet tender moments and the banter. And I loved the found family vibes! The team rallying behind them was so cute. Making this read feel full with love. I absolutely recommend this read!! You’ll definitely want to add this to the top of your list.
Profile Image for Casey Smailles.
231 reviews11 followers
May 22, 2026
The Pact

Tropes:
Marriage pact/marriage of convince
Fake marriage to real feelings
Friends to lovers (with history)
Second Chance romance
Close proximity (home and work)
Pro football sports romance
Doctor X athlete
Single guardian / suddenly raising kids
Found family

Firstly thank you to the wonderful Ava for the opportunity to read her book The Pack which is the second book in the Gridiron Legacy series. This book has it all, it’s emotional, there’s growth and when two worlds collide it’s magical.

The Pact follows Saint and Presley. Two people who have a fabulous friendship but life is pulling them in two different directions decide to make a pact. If they are thirty and single they will get married. Little do they both know fate already has plans for them both....

These two have a comfortable chemistry, its emotional, together they can face the impossible, they support each other, there's tension, hidden feelings, that fabulous found family vibe, great banter, swoony moments and the spice 🥵🥵

If you’re looking for your next pro football romance with marriage of convenience and friends to lovers. Check out Ava's newest book The Pact.

Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Amanda Davanzati.
763 reviews21 followers
May 23, 2026
This book was everything! Presley and Saint were just so amazing!

The Pact is a marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, second chance, sports romance that absolutely delivered everything needed in a book! I could not put this one down. I was so immersed in these two characters. Between grief and intense chemistry, this book just has a hold on you. I love Presley and Saint immediately. Saint is the smooth talking, friendly defenseman while Presley is the no nonsense team doctor. I love their history of knowing each other and just how easily they fit. This book really focuses on grief, family, friendships, and relationships that really captivate you. Ava Sutton did such an amazing job with this book. Easily a top read and 5 stars for me.

Without a doubt I will be reading more from Ava Sutton. I am just simply in love with everything she has written so far and I can’t wait for more to come! I highly recommend this book for all to read!
644 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2026
⭐️5
🌶️3

This is one of the best friends to lovers romance books that I have had the pleasure of reading. Ava Sutton has written a love story that gives you so much yearning from a man that it will make you feel it while reading.

Saint and Presley have always been together as best friends. When they were in college they made a pact to marry each other if they were still single when they turned 30. When tragedy strikes and the pact comes into play, things start to become real. Saint knew that Presley was his person from the beginning. He was just waiting patiently for her to catch up.

I’m so in love with the way this story unfolds. Presley and Saint cared so much for each other. He knew she needed space to come to terms with their new relationship dynamics and didn’t want to push her. This man went through so much in his life but never let it change his heart or harden him.
Profile Image for ✨Zoraida✨.
356 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2026
ARC Review
Book: The Pact
Author: Ava Sutton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Presley Grant and Wyatt St. Clair (Saint) have been best friends since college. He’s always had feelings for her, but Presley had wanted to finish med school and for him to concentrate on his NFL draft. They made a pact that if when they turned thirty they were still single they will get married. What they didn’t expect was that Saint will cash on this pact to be able to have guardianship of his niece and nephew.

I loved Presley and Saint so much, how resilient they both were to be able to give the life those kids deserved. At some point, Presley was scared of her feelings for Saint, but she was able to open her eyes and made sure that Saint knew how she felt. I loved how the got the HEA that they deserved.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,581 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2026
Gridiron Legacy #2

This story is so emotional you will laugh at Rhyan antics and cry at the same time.

Presley Grant and Wyatt "Saint" St. Clair have been best friends since college. As they were leaving college Presley for medical school in Boston and Saint for the draft they made a pact stating that if at age 30 they were both still single they would marry each other.

Now 11 years later she is the team doctor for the New York Titans, her family's football team and he is their star defensive tackle and they are still best friends.

When tragedy strikes Presley is there for Saint and never leaves his side. He has been in love with her since they made that pact but he's never told her afraid of what she would say.
Will this change things between them?

5 stars
Loved this story! Love how family and his teammates were always there for them.
Profile Image for Lindsay Richardson.
212 reviews
May 22, 2026

Wow! All I can say right now is Wow! Ava has done it again. I started reading and I just couldn’t put it down—-2:12am was the time when I finally put the kindle down.

Oh Saint and the man that you are ❤️. What an emotionally charged storyline between Saint and Presley. Saint is a walking green flag—-how he yearned and waited for Presley for 11 years! As she was his endgame, he was willing to wait for her—as long as needed.

Presley—what an amazing supportive best friend, lover, wife and bonus mom. She didn’t hesitate to step up for those kids when they and Saint needed her most.

I loved Ava’s Walker University books and they’re what turned me on to her storylines and writing styles. I have never read a book of hers that I didn’t lose myself in. I cannot wait for the next chapter in this series. ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jaime.
443 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2026
Saint was everything I wanted in a MMC. Saint is in the NFL and he has a history with Presley, the team doctor and owners daughter. He has loved her for 10 years. Saint overnight becomes a caregiver for his neice and nephew after his sister and husband tragically die. The way he stepped up and tried to do everything for those kids and Presley was right by his side. The emotional side of this book made me not want to put it down. Dealing with grief and loss was written so well in this book. My favorite part was reading how they started to become a family.
Profile Image for Molly Redd.
37 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2026
Honestly, I don’t think Ava Sutton can do no wrong in the writing. Just like every book I’ve read this was no different. This follows Presley and Saint two best friends who make a pact in college. What happens 8 years later after they make the pact? Well I won’t spoil it but you’re gonna want to read this one. Such a good read and loved every minute of it. 10/10. This can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Lulu.
726 reviews
May 21, 2026
ᗰY TᕼOᑌGᕼTS: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Ok book 1 was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND now book 2 Is just as amazing!!! I cant get enough of this series!! Saint and Presley are absolutely perfect for each other and DAM talk about a slow burn for these two! That chemistry sizzling for that long?!? 🔥

And then there’s the event that beings them TOGETHER AND GAH did I bawl my eyes out for this part! Urgh and Presley is such a stable and loving presence for Saint… and those kidsssssssss. Those kids deserve everything and I just want to reach in and hug them so bad!

Go read this ASAP!

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
💜Sports Romace
💜Friends to Lovers
💜Marriage Pact
💜Marriage of Convenience
💜He Falls First
💜Grief
💜Close Proximity
💜Found Family
💜Slow Burn
💜Dual POV
💜Open Door

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
971 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2026
This book 👏👏oh my gosh the emotions! Ava completely sucked me in with Saint and Presley! They have such a beautiful friendship and show just how solid that friendship is when tragedy strikes.

Eleven years of friendship. Eleven years of constantly showing up for each other. And after a brutal tragedy, Presley shows up for Saint in the biggest way.

I absolutely adored Saint and how freaking sweet he is! The love he has for Presley is so strong and patient. Presley is guarded and afraid to rock their friendship, but shows up big for Saint. She is his safe place and is there for him when he needs her most.

What was supposed to be just 2 friends cashing in a marriage pact 8 years ago, turns into so much more 💜💜
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