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The Wedding Pact #3.5
The Valentine
*****A Short Story from the Wedding Pact series*****
Blair Hansen-Lowry never thought that marriage would be enough to ensure a happily ever after—her career as a divorce attorney made sure of that. But she never expected her old insecurities to resurface only a few short months after she and Garrett said “I do.” When Garrett receives an irresistible offer that could pull them apart, Blair becomes convinced it’s only a matter of time before Garrett realizes he’s made a terrible mistake.
Garrett Lowry knew what he was getting into when he married a strong, stubborn woman with a tendency to keep people at arm’s length—even him. He’s fully committed to her nonetheless, and will do what it takes to build a life together. But the harder Garrett tries to prove himself, the more distant Blair seems to grow. When, in the midst of an argument, she issues a particularly deep-stinging barb, he begins to wonder if Blair might actually be happier without him.
It all comes to a head on Valentine’s Day when Blair and Garrett must confront their fear that love may not be enough. These two have never celebrated Valentine’s Day the traditional way, but this year it could be the holiday that will determine their future. Will they fight for Cupid’s arrows or get mired in lovers’ quarrels?
The Substitute (The Wedding Pact #1) Megan's story
The Player (The Wedding Pact #2) Blair's story
The Gambler (The Wedding Pact #3) Libby's story
The Valentine (The Wedding Pact #4) Blair short story
Blair Hansen-Lowry never thought that marriage would be enough to ensure a happily ever after—her career as a divorce attorney made sure of that. But she never expected her old insecurities to resurface only a few short months after she and Garrett said “I do.” When Garrett receives an irresistible offer that could pull them apart, Blair becomes convinced it’s only a matter of time before Garrett realizes he’s made a terrible mistake.
Garrett Lowry knew what he was getting into when he married a strong, stubborn woman with a tendency to keep people at arm’s length—even him. He’s fully committed to her nonetheless, and will do what it takes to build a life together. But the harder Garrett tries to prove himself, the more distant Blair seems to grow. When, in the midst of an argument, she issues a particularly deep-stinging barb, he begins to wonder if Blair might actually be happier without him.
It all comes to a head on Valentine’s Day when Blair and Garrett must confront their fear that love may not be enough. These two have never celebrated Valentine’s Day the traditional way, but this year it could be the holiday that will determine their future. Will they fight for Cupid’s arrows or get mired in lovers’ quarrels?
The Substitute (The Wedding Pact #1) Megan's story
The Player (The Wedding Pact #2) Blair's story
The Gambler (The Wedding Pact #3) Libby's story
The Valentine (The Wedding Pact #4) Blair short story
54 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2016
698 people are currently reading
1397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
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October 4, 2016
The Valentine is book number four in The Wedding Pact series by Denise Grover Swank. This is a very short story checking in on Blair and Garrett to see how they are doing in married life on their first Valentine’s Day together. If you haven’t read book two of this series, The Player, then this one might not mean as much to you as it is a continuation of the characters featured in that book.
Blair and Garrett have been in wedded bliss. But being a divorce attorney and seeing people at their worse, Blair wonders if it’s all just too good to be true. She doesn’t let people in, even Garrett sometimes. Honestly, she doesn’t know why he puts up with her.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Garrett has been in Denver on business. Due to a terrible storm, his flight was delayed as was his connecting flight. All he wants is to get home to Blair for Valentine’s Day. They don’t actually really “do” Valentine’s Day but last year celebrated Anti-Valentine’s Day. No matter what they celebrate, he just wants to get home to her.
But he let slip some news that put Blair on the defensive and their conversation ended with harsh words. Can he get home and convince her that he isn’t giving up on her? Or will he ever really be able to?
The day ends in a way neither of them could have ever expected and reminds them both how much they love each other.
“I’m yours, Blair,” he said with a ragged breath. “I’m always yours.”
I loved checking back in with Blair and Garrett. I think after this day, perhaps she won’t doubt the love they have for each other and that Garrett is there for her, no matter what.
I look forward to see what Denise Grover Swank has in store for us next with this series. I’ve loved it from the start.
Blair and Garrett have been in wedded bliss. But being a divorce attorney and seeing people at their worse, Blair wonders if it’s all just too good to be true. She doesn’t let people in, even Garrett sometimes. Honestly, she doesn’t know why he puts up with her.
It’s Valentine’s Day and Garrett has been in Denver on business. Due to a terrible storm, his flight was delayed as was his connecting flight. All he wants is to get home to Blair for Valentine’s Day. They don’t actually really “do” Valentine’s Day but last year celebrated Anti-Valentine’s Day. No matter what they celebrate, he just wants to get home to her.
But he let slip some news that put Blair on the defensive and their conversation ended with harsh words. Can he get home and convince her that he isn’t giving up on her? Or will he ever really be able to?
The day ends in a way neither of them could have ever expected and reminds them both how much they love each other.
“I’m yours, Blair,” he said with a ragged breath. “I’m always yours.”
I loved checking back in with Blair and Garrett. I think after this day, perhaps she won’t doubt the love they have for each other and that Garrett is there for her, no matter what.
I look forward to see what Denise Grover Swank has in store for us next with this series. I’ve loved it from the start.
January 3, 2023
takie bardzo okej, ale wolałabym to bardziej jako epilog niż osobna książka
February 13, 2016
Happy Valentine Everyone!
For those DGS readers and followers, she has given us a special treat of a Valentine's Day Short Story with the Wedding Pact group / series.
It deals with Blair and Garrett as they celebrate their first Valentines Day as a married couple. Not sure if he is on the right track, Garrett books a table at a swanking (yes, I did go there!) restaurant but Blair never likes Valentines Day, and she has organised a non day. Though nothing seems to go to plan for either one.
We get to hear about Megan and Libby's pregnancies, and I feel there are snippets of what might come about if there was a another spin off, with Melissa (Blair's PA), Kelsey (Garrett's sister) and my fingers are crossed for Grams wedding.
If you are a fan of the Wedding Pact group, grab a coffee and snack, and sit back and enjoy what is always a pleasure to read anything Denise writes. There seems to be plenty more left in this awesome series to come.
For those DGS readers and followers, she has given us a special treat of a Valentine's Day Short Story with the Wedding Pact group / series.
It deals with Blair and Garrett as they celebrate their first Valentines Day as a married couple. Not sure if he is on the right track, Garrett books a table at a swanking (yes, I did go there!) restaurant but Blair never likes Valentines Day, and she has organised a non day. Though nothing seems to go to plan for either one.
We get to hear about Megan and Libby's pregnancies, and I feel there are snippets of what might come about if there was a another spin off, with Melissa (Blair's PA), Kelsey (Garrett's sister) and my fingers are crossed for Grams wedding.
If you are a fan of the Wedding Pact group, grab a coffee and snack, and sit back and enjoy what is always a pleasure to read anything Denise writes. There seems to be plenty more left in this awesome series to come.
September 4, 2021
Urocza, ale czy potrzebna?
February 8, 2016
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed The Wedding Pact series, I was excited to get a chance to preview The Valentine. Denise did not disappoint. Blair and Garrett's story was my favorite of the three a d to get to see them again put a smile on my face. We got a glimpse into someone future story line possibilities, some emotions that were hard to express and an ending that had me on the edge of my chair for a second or two.
September 27, 2016
This novella was part of the Wedding Pact series and gave us a glimpse into Blair and Garrett's life after the "I Do's" have been said. This short book is full of emotion and lets us glimpse into the fears and insecurities a lot of women face as we watch Blair examine hers as she begins to wonder if love is really enough.
You will love the emotional outcome as near tragedy makes Blair finally let down her defenses and grab hold of what she realizes is most important.
You will love the emotional outcome as near tragedy makes Blair finally let down her defenses and grab hold of what she realizes is most important.
June 30, 2020
Finally got a short story of Blair and Garrett. I love the verbal sparring that these two get into.
This says this novella is number 2.5, but actually it should be 3.5. (It has something in there that could only happen after The Gambler.)
This says this novella is number 2.5, but actually it should be 3.5. (It has something in there that could only happen after The Gambler.)
June 11, 2019
Total sadness at the length of this novella! It is meant to be a short story but I really love Blair and see so much of myself in her character - I just never wanted it to end! This is also the last book in the wedding pact as each friend has told their own story. Thankfully the bachelor brotherhood continues some of these stories but I will forever miss Blair. Denise's ability to tell a story and create these amazing characters is just awesome! I am so impressed with everything I read!
Read
February 13, 2016Like all DGS books, I LOVED IT! Highly recommend! I felt like I could relate with blare so much in this one! This is an addition to the Wedding Pact series, and should be read as the 4th book because there are a couple spoilers that may ruin some surprise from The Gambler (3rd book). This is a story centering around Blair, and as a newly married person myself, I can relate. She makes a comment after he makes a comment and that causes a small fight between the two, and of course this is over the phone and text messaging because he's dealing with business. TOTALLY HAVE BEEN THERE. What's funny is that neither of them want to fight, but due to some of Blair's past, she's insecure and wants to keep distance, and he doesn't want to mess anything up, contributing to some of her past. After a frustrating day at work, she comes home on Valentine's day to celebrate Anti-Valentine's day 2.0 and expecting her husband to be home... and he's not. So she pours some wine and flips on the television to find that his expected flight crashed with a number of casualties. And naturally, her mind goes to the worst imaginable place. TOTALLY HAVE BEEN THERE. He turns out to be fine, but the near death experience teaches them to cherish each other, and stop putting up barriers.... and yes, TOTALLY HAVE BEEN THERE.
This was a great mini-story from the one and only Denise Grover Swank! Perfect for Valentine's day! Would have read it all in a day if it weren't for exams :/. Highly recommend, nice feel good story that I think we can all relate to.
This was a great mini-story from the one and only Denise Grover Swank! Perfect for Valentine's day! Would have read it all in a day if it weren't for exams :/. Highly recommend, nice feel good story that I think we can all relate to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2016
Poor Blair. I really feel she worked hard at bringing her walls down in this book. I was a bit worried at the beginning of the book that she was going back to the old Blair. Glad to see the friendships are holding up with the girls and what a surprise Megan! I think pregnancy is agreeing with her. Garrett rushing home to fix everything broke my heart a little bit. He sure does love Blair and we see that in this book. Kelsey's story is going to be quiet interesting. I think this will give Blair and Garrett something to work on together.Both will do anything for family. Melissa It's a added bonus! what is going to happen there? I am trying to keep this a spoiler free as possible. There is one part that brought tears. I don't know how Denise wrote through that. I was hanging on for Blair. Knowing the out come but feeling her emotional brake down of her not knowing. questioning if I missed something. Very good added book. I can't wait for the other stories. If you hadn't read this book or any of the other ones in this series then get them now they don't disappoint. They have become one of my favorite reads.
February 11, 2016
Loved this story! First off, Have you read the Wedding Pact series??? It's three book about three friends who made a pact to get married before they turned 30. A fortune teller told it would happen, but all three of them wouldn't marry the person they were engaged too. Crazy right!?! That leads to three very funny light hearted romance novels called: The Substitute,The Player,and The Gambler. They are must reads.
Ok now this story! Blair, the star of book two "The Player". This is her after happily ever after story. Why? Because like so many of us, she needed a little more help letting "I love you forever" sink in. Check it out to see if she caught on! You're going to love it!
Then check out the rest of Denise's books. She's an amazing writer.
Ok now this story! Blair, the star of book two "The Player". This is her after happily ever after story. Why? Because like so many of us, she needed a little more help letting "I love you forever" sink in. Check it out to see if she caught on! You're going to love it!
Then check out the rest of Denise's books. She's an amazing writer.
February 6, 2016
Within a few short sentences I was right back reliving the magic of Blair and Garrett. There was so much poignancy, raw emotion, strength and passion in this short story. Denise pulled the covers back to give us peeks at plot lines essential to this and other stories that (I HOPE) will be forthcoming. There’s a point within this installment that I’m sure dug deep into the core of a very personal experience this author survived. The bravery she displays in allowing us to glimpse her reality is very powerful. I encourage all fans of the Wedding Pact series to dig in and enjoy The Valentine. It’s not to be missed.
February 6, 2016
Although short, The Valentine is packed with emotion. I loved catching up on Blair and Garrett's relationship. Every installment of The Wedding Pact series is like revisiting old friends and meeting new ones. We get to hear about Megan and Libby, too! I hope to hear more about Garrett's sister, Kelsey, in future books. If you love The Wedding Pact, grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine and read The Valentine!
February 7, 2016
The Valentine was such a great treat from Denise Grover Swank! It was a quick read yet fast paced like the full length books. Visiting Blair, Garrett and a few other familiar characters reminded me how much I loved The Wedding Pact series. I thoroughly enjoyed this! Thank you Denise for this surprise short story and creating such wonderful stories!
February 7, 2016
The wedding pact series is one of my absolute favourites so this little surprise short story made my day! Especially because Blair is my favourite!
I could not put this lovely addition down, so much emotion packed into the little space. Now I am desperate for stories about Melissa & Kelsey!!
Thanks Denise & Jamie for letting us having an early peek. You're the best!
I could not put this lovely addition down, so much emotion packed into the little space. Now I am desperate for stories about Melissa & Kelsey!!
Thanks Denise & Jamie for letting us having an early peek. You're the best!
February 7, 2016
Short story, but as with all of hers, they are packed full of wonderful emotions. I adore this series and this one just added more passion and zest as the others. I can relate to some characters and I feel with them. I will openly admit I was in some good tears during this one. Denise is an amazing author if I've said it once I'll say it again and again.
April 3, 2016
This is a delightful short story focused around Blair and Garrett from the Wedding Pact series. Despite it's short length, it is still emotionally packed! I also loved learning more about Garrett's sister, Kelsey. This was such a fast, enjoyable read!
July 14, 2018
Anti-Valentine's Day
This is a fast read. It's a quick story that shows Blair how much she really does love her husband. My only regret, that I don't get to see them tear apart the soon to be ex-boyfriend in court.
This is a fast read. It's a quick story that shows Blair how much she really does love her husband. My only regret, that I don't get to see them tear apart the soon to be ex-boyfriend in court.
September 26, 2025
Read August 2021
February 21, 2016
great story. need more from these couples.
October 29, 2021
Megan jest w ciążowej euforii. Libby męczą dolegliwości pierwszych miesięcy ciąży, ale i tak jest szczęśliwa. Natomiast Blair, z jej od zawsze trudnym charakterkiem, dopadł chyba kryzys w niedawno zawartym małżeństwie. To ona jest główną postacią króciutkiej nowelki będącej uzupełnieniem cyklu.
Nadal szaleńczo kocha Garretta, ale jednocześnie go odpycha, jest kłótliwa w domu i w pracy, sama siebie nie rozumie. Krytyczny dzień próby nadchodzi w Walentynki, kiedy Blair oczekuje na powrót małżonka z Kalifornii.
Autorki romansów, także polskie, często piszą okazjonalne opowiadania. Jest oczywiście kwestią gustu, jak oceniamy ich zawartość i świąteczne daty, jakie w ten sposób celebrują. Szczególnie jeśli nawiązują w nich do bohaterów swej serialowej twórczości. Trzeba przyznać, że Denise Swank nieźle wykorzystała walentynkową okazję, aby wzmocnić najważniejsze atuty cyklu, zróżnicowanie osobowości bohaterek i rolę w ich życiu przyjaźni. Poświęciła przy tym odrobinę uwagi pytaniu: czy sama miłość, nawet wsparta silnym pociągiem fizycznym, gwarantuje udane małżeństwo
Nadal szaleńczo kocha Garretta, ale jednocześnie go odpycha, jest kłótliwa w domu i w pracy, sama siebie nie rozumie. Krytyczny dzień próby nadchodzi w Walentynki, kiedy Blair oczekuje na powrót małżonka z Kalifornii.
Autorki romansów, także polskie, często piszą okazjonalne opowiadania. Jest oczywiście kwestią gustu, jak oceniamy ich zawartość i świąteczne daty, jakie w ten sposób celebrują. Szczególnie jeśli nawiązują w nich do bohaterów swej serialowej twórczości. Trzeba przyznać, że Denise Swank nieźle wykorzystała walentynkową okazję, aby wzmocnić najważniejsze atuty cyklu, zróżnicowanie osobowości bohaterek i rolę w ich życiu przyjaźni. Poświęciła przy tym odrobinę uwagi pytaniu: czy sama miłość, nawet wsparta silnym pociągiem fizycznym, gwarantuje udane małżeństwo
March 22, 2018
The Valentine is by Denise Grover Swank. It is the fourth book in the Wedding Pact series. This series centers around three young girls who at the age of nine made a pact that they would get married before they were thirty and they would be each other’s maids of honor. This was accompanied by a curse from a fortune teller that they would have a disaster at their wedding and not marry the groom they intended but would marry their true love instead. This had happened to the girls and all were happily married now, or were they? This book deals with Blair and her inability to truly accept that Garrett loved her and would never leave her. She fully expected him to leave and so set out to drive him away. Although this is a short novella, it is good and packed with details and emotions. It leaves you wanting more about Blair and Garrett.
March 23, 2023
2.5 stars
While I think this book is so useless and serves no point whatsoever I did like Blair and Garret more in this story than their original book
This short story follow Blair and Garret six months after their marriage, and now it's Valentine's day, but Blair feels like she is not enough for Garret because she is afraid to admit that she loves so much, can Garret break through her walls and convince her he is there for the long haul ?
the short answer .. no, she will get traumatized into thinking she loves him so she doesn't lose him
I never liked Garret, but in this story he had a softer side we didn't get to see in the original book
and with that I officially finished the series, there is a spin off from the series featuring the trio, but I'm not sure if I will read it anytime soon, time will tell
While I think this book is so useless and serves no point whatsoever I did like Blair and Garret more in this story than their original book
This short story follow Blair and Garret six months after their marriage, and now it's Valentine's day, but Blair feels like she is not enough for Garret because she is afraid to admit that she loves so much, can Garret break through her walls and convince her he is there for the long haul ?
the short answer .. no, she will get traumatized into thinking she loves him so she doesn't lose him
I never liked Garret, but in this story he had a softer side we didn't get to see in the original book
and with that I officially finished the series, there is a spin off from the series featuring the trio, but I'm not sure if I will read it anytime soon, time will tell
July 14, 2017
Thought this was a cute short story - because we'll, clearly I can't get enough of these characters. This was a nice continuation of the story and I'm looking forward to Kevin's continuation on of the series. Would have never thought when I read the first book (and realized it was a romance novel) I would have gotten this hooked! Enjoyable series with good character development - although always over the top!
Also - can we start a drinking game for every time the author uses the word "pooled"? 😂
Also - can we start a drinking game for every time the author uses the word "pooled"? 😂
March 5, 2018
I love this!
I'm so anti-Valentine Day just like Blair, but many say its because I never had a special person for V-day. But really Blair's reasons are almost close to mine.
I know I probably need to read more of this series since I want to know what happens with Garrett's sister, I'll do some more investigation on that.
I think both Blair and Garrett knows they need to spend more quality time and really cherish one another. I know that with the job that Blair has and Garrett's, that it leads to Blair thinking that happily ever after doesn't truly exist.
I'm so anti-Valentine Day just like Blair, but many say its because I never had a special person for V-day. But really Blair's reasons are almost close to mine.
I know I probably need to read more of this series since I want to know what happens with Garrett's sister, I'll do some more investigation on that.
I think both Blair and Garrett knows they need to spend more quality time and really cherish one another. I know that with the job that Blair has and Garrett's, that it leads to Blair thinking that happily ever after doesn't truly exist.
March 25, 2018
Oh my goodness!! The Valentine is such an emotional novella! It focuses on Blair and Garrett and how Blair is adjusting to married life. I have to say, I really like that this is included in the series because it was evident that Blair was reluctant to start depending on others in The Player and although her character changed a lot in that book, you had to wonder if that new attitude stayed long term. It’s nice seeing how things are going a while after the wedding and where they stand. If you liked the series, you’ll want to make sure you read this too!!
June 19, 2019
This continuation of characters from The Player puts you on the edge of the seat. I was unsure the entire time if Blair and Garrett were going to work it out. But I figured, this is Denise Grover Swank, I knew she would not let me down! I loved reading more after the "I do". Most books end after the wedding and they live happily ever after... but it's nice to catch a glimpse of more real life circumstances - that marriage isn't easy. But marriage is worth it! You most definitely need to read this book!
September 1, 2020
I don’t know if this extra short story really gave me anything I needed but it was a nice show to see how Blair has really changed and how, instead of taking Garrett for granted, she’s put into a vulnerable position to show that she needs to change to keep him.
In comparison to the other girls, Megan’s story finished off fine and Libby’s story.. I could have asked for a small continuation of her and Noah’s bit otherwise it’s a quick few chapters to put the icing on the cake, to really show her character growth.
In comparison to the other girls, Megan’s story finished off fine and Libby’s story.. I could have asked for a small continuation of her and Noah’s bit otherwise it’s a quick few chapters to put the icing on the cake, to really show her character growth.
May 27, 2021
The Wedding Pact Box Set (The Wedding Pact #3.5 — The Valentine) — Denise Grover Swank (31 chapters) May 27, 2021
Read as part of a three book set: The Wedding Pact # 1-#3.5.
Short story with Blair. Has she become weak or is she witnessing a change of heart with her client and herself?
When Garrett calls and she has an argument with him, a disaster strikes and she fears the worse, her life is put into perspective and she makes a decision.
Fairly somber piece of writing. Now my favorite character, but still good writing.
Fast read.
Three stars.
Read as part of a three book set: The Wedding Pact # 1-#3.5.
Short story with Blair. Has she become weak or is she witnessing a change of heart with her client and herself?
When Garrett calls and she has an argument with him, a disaster strikes and she fears the worse, her life is put into perspective and she makes a decision.
Fairly somber piece of writing. Now my favorite character, but still good writing.
Fast read.
Three stars.
January 22, 2018
Quick but packs a punch
This short story paints a perfect scene for Blaire and Garrett. It's exactly what you would expect from the fiercely independent woman Blaire is. And of course things don't go her, or Garrett's way. But if two people are willing, there is always a way to work it out.
Good story!
This short story paints a perfect scene for Blaire and Garrett. It's exactly what you would expect from the fiercely independent woman Blaire is. And of course things don't go her, or Garrett's way. But if two people are willing, there is always a way to work it out.
Good story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews