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Return to Redemption #2
The Parent Pact
Cinderella and Prince Charming never had to consider the welfare of their children When widower Tyler Fitzpatrick meets Annie Barnes at his daughter's school, his libido goes tilt. The sexy single mother is everything he and his grieving little girl need. Unfortunately, Annie flatly refuses his dinner invitation. She wants a husband and a father for her son--not just a boyfriend. And the last time she checked, wealthy, summa-cum-laude lawyers didn't marry high-school-drop-out housekeepers. Tyler concedes there's a vast difference between their experiences and lifestyles. Still, he's inexplicably drawn to the impoverished young woman?even though her little boy reminds Tyler of an underprivileged past he'd rather forget. While becoming better acquainted, he offers Annie a job caring for his daughter and home in Redemption, PA. He also proposes a Parent Pact--an agreement to become role models to each other's child and to fill one another's needs as single parents while they continue to search for true love. Accepting Tyler's offer would solve a lot of Annie's problems. However, surrendering to her weak-in-the-knees attraction to the irresistible widower could very well leave her and her son heartbroken. Yet, when circumstances threaten her ability to feed her child, Annie reluctantly agrees to the pact, making it clear she has no desire for Tyler to fill her so-called needs in bed. It's a bald-faced lie, but she knows the man's desperation to give his daughter the nurturing she needs will compel him to accept a purely platonic relationship. Now, Annie's only problem is resisting the overwhelming temptation to let sin-in-a-tailored-suit Tyler seduce her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
February 4, 2015
Incredibly annoying heroine and too good to be true hero.
September 6, 2016
Annie was a single mom to Noah. Noah was conceived when sixteen year old Annie was slipped a roofie and was subsequently raped by her date. When she confronted the jerk he denied it and wanted no part of the pregnancy. Which was fine by Annie. Now she's twenty-three and struggling to make ends meet.
Tyler is a decade older than Annie. He lost his wife and unborn son in an accident. What most people dont know, however, is that Erica, his wife, suffered with bipolar disorder and had cheated on him numerous times. The baby she was carrying wasnt his. He knew this for a fact since he and Erica hadn't been intimate for quite some time when Erica got pregnant. Now he's currently raising daughter, Mandy, on his own and having difficulty finding someone to help him with not just Mandy but also the housekeeping, the cooking, and numerous other things he simply has no time for, such as picking up the drycleaning or shopping for food.
Since Mandy and Noah were in the same class at school, Tyler comes up with the brilliant idea of hiring Annie to do all of the above. He'll double her income, provide her with transportation, and in return, he will serve as a role model to Noah. He'll take the boy to scout meetings, sporting events, etc., do everything he'd normally do with his own son if given the chance. Annie sees the merit in what he's proposing but she's wary. She knows Tyler is attracted to her. In fact, he's told her so point blank, no beating around the bush with him. He would love to jump headlong into a relationship with her. Annie doesn't see the point. They are from totally different worlds. He's champagne and caviar while she's more of a burgers and beer type of gal. But she's tempted. Oh, how she's tempted!
I really enjoyed this story and Tyler is a very likeable guy but he says some incredibly rude things to Annie, criticizing her dress, pointing out all the mistakes she makes socially at times, and Annie fails to ever put him in his place. His friends do more of that than she does. I would have liked to have seen a little more backbone on her part. Especially at the dinner party he hosts when he's trying to make a business deal with those invited. He let's her know every time she makes a wrong move, like not serving the caviar right from the can, which only serves to affirm what she's been saying all along. She doesn't belong in his world. I would have dumped a bowl full of food on his head in front of his guests, consequences be (you know what)! Fortunately, Tyler and Annie do manage to work everything out in the end. Tyler does come to his senses and realize he was wrong to try and force Annie to fit into his mold. As a result, the outcome is a happy one for all concerned.
Tyler is a decade older than Annie. He lost his wife and unborn son in an accident. What most people dont know, however, is that Erica, his wife, suffered with bipolar disorder and had cheated on him numerous times. The baby she was carrying wasnt his. He knew this for a fact since he and Erica hadn't been intimate for quite some time when Erica got pregnant. Now he's currently raising daughter, Mandy, on his own and having difficulty finding someone to help him with not just Mandy but also the housekeeping, the cooking, and numerous other things he simply has no time for, such as picking up the drycleaning or shopping for food.
Since Mandy and Noah were in the same class at school, Tyler comes up with the brilliant idea of hiring Annie to do all of the above. He'll double her income, provide her with transportation, and in return, he will serve as a role model to Noah. He'll take the boy to scout meetings, sporting events, etc., do everything he'd normally do with his own son if given the chance. Annie sees the merit in what he's proposing but she's wary. She knows Tyler is attracted to her. In fact, he's told her so point blank, no beating around the bush with him. He would love to jump headlong into a relationship with her. Annie doesn't see the point. They are from totally different worlds. He's champagne and caviar while she's more of a burgers and beer type of gal. But she's tempted. Oh, how she's tempted!
I really enjoyed this story and Tyler is a very likeable guy but he says some incredibly rude things to Annie, criticizing her dress, pointing out all the mistakes she makes socially at times, and Annie fails to ever put him in his place. His friends do more of that than she does. I would have liked to have seen a little more backbone on her part. Especially at the dinner party he hosts when he's trying to make a business deal with those invited. He let's her know every time she makes a wrong move, like not serving the caviar right from the can, which only serves to affirm what she's been saying all along. She doesn't belong in his world. I would have dumped a bowl full of food on his head in front of his guests, consequences be (you know what)! Fortunately, Tyler and Annie do manage to work everything out in the end. Tyler does come to his senses and realize he was wrong to try and force Annie to fit into his mold. As a result, the outcome is a happy one for all concerned.
January 1, 2015
I read this a few days ago, and all I remember now was that the book was good enough to keep me reading to the end, but not unique or memorable.
March 21, 2020
I read this story last Monday but it’s just now that I finally posted my review. Hehe, I was busy binge watching the anime Fairy Tail and I can’t just will myself to stop. Can you imagine I managed to reach 120 episodes for just 3 days?! Hehe, it’s been a while since I’ve watched any anime plus I’m totally in love with Fairy Tail just by watching the first episode.
Well, back to this story. The Parent Pact is the 3rd book of the Return to Redemption series written by Laurie Kellogg. This story is about two single parents who agreed to work together to become role models to each other’s child and to fill one another’s needs as single parents. As part of their pact, their relationship are purely platonic.
When I first read the first chapter, dang! it instantly got my full attention. I like that everything happened so fast without adding some useless and should I say, annoying scenes. And yep, I’m definitely impatient when it comes to romance so it was so great to know that this story is so far from being dull.
I love how the main characters’ lovestory started. I love that the readers got to know everything about the characters as early as the first chapter, especially on what they are currently dealing with. I don’t usually believe in love at first sight but their encounter and their obvious attraction to each other really affected me. I love how the guy was so straightforward and didn’t waste time beating behind the bush. He instantly asked Annie out but since he recently lost his wife not long time ago, she rejected him nicely.
I find what happened next really exciting. Absolutely no boring moments. Well, it’s not usually everyday that you can read a book where the guy is doing the seduction eh? And dang! It’s absolutely one of the hottest I’ve read so far hihi. I love how their story were running. I’m already 70% of the story that’s why I really find it hard to put it down, but I need to sleep since I’ve got so many things to do the next day since I’ll be traveling this weekend and won’t be working ’till Tuesday. Where I’m going? I’ll tell you more about it next week ;)
The next morning, I was kind of disappointed. I can’t seem to find the same great book that I read last night. It looks like I am reading a different story. It’s starting to annoy me because of the drama. Dang! Both of them has their own set of mistakes, but Annie really annoyed me this time. It all happened after Ben and Tyler’s dinner with some group of businessmen together with their wives. She screwed up and it’s understandable since it was her first time to host such event, but she keeps on belittling herself whenever she done something wrong. Instead on working to make it better, she became more sullen than ever. She keeps on saying that she can’t make him happy because they belong in two different lifestyles. Well, I can sympathize but I thought love always conquers all aight? Excuse me for my sudden outburst, it’s just really annoying.
It’s a good thing Tyler is very persistent lol. It would have been annoying, but I really admire how he fights for her. Well, he’s not that saint-like clean because he even has his own flaws. He wasn’t born rich like his friend Ben but he despises being poor. I sometimes feel bad whenever Annie bought something affordable because he wants the pricey one because of its quality and all. It’s ok to choose to buy pricey things and buying something for her son too, but he shouldn’t rub it hard on her face. It’s really hurtful for the ego. It’s been pretty obvious that he loves her as early as 30% of the book. So when he wished that she became pregnant with his child, I wasn’t surprised at all. He’s really that determined to marry her. Sorry for the spoilers guys, it’s just too hard to keep my mouth shut with this couple.
I really liked Tyler in the first half of this story. I find him extremely sexy and I love reading how to seduce Annie. There’s no such thing as perfect, but dang! He’s almost perfect. He’s really just too good to be true. He’s 10 year older than Annie so I kinda understand his maturity but he still baffled me, especially on how he takes good care of the kids and on how he handled the b*tchy Paola who obviously making a move on him. He’s too chatty too that sometimes I think he talks like a woman, but overall, he’s still a perfect gentleman and definitely a husband material. After all his hardships and his struggles from his previous wife, it’s just amazing how he was able to handle all those things when normally, guys would just ran off.
Annie, she was really one admirable character. I love her sense of humor and how she was able to laugh even if she’s facing so many problems in life. She got pregnant at the age of 16 and I was really proud that she chose to keep her baby. She’s been through a lot, she wasn’t able to finish high school too. She’s still so young so she doesn’t know everything at all, so I can really sympathize about her reaction about Tyler buying everything for her son and all. I just kinda lost my admiration of her on the part after the dinner she hosted. She’s too hard for herself that she didn’t believe that she can do it, that she can step up from her comfort zone and accept Tyler. Good thing Tyler was so persuasive lol.
Since I enjoyed 70% of this story plus I love it’s HEA, I am giving this book a 4 star rating. It was my first time reading from the author and I can definitely see why she’s one of the top romance writers in America. Aside from writing romantic scenes that will definitely make you squeal with delight, she also uses very easy to comprehend words so no need to tuck a dictionary with you. The story line wasn’t new but she created some crafty scenes, I just didn’t like the drama part. Well, it was only from the heroine’s part so it was totally fine.
I love the HEA, it was a bit corny but I’m really happy all turned out fine to the both of them. Plus, she finally got the justice for her father’s murder. Talking about complete package HEA eh?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Well, back to this story. The Parent Pact is the 3rd book of the Return to Redemption series written by Laurie Kellogg. This story is about two single parents who agreed to work together to become role models to each other’s child and to fill one another’s needs as single parents. As part of their pact, their relationship are purely platonic.
When I first read the first chapter, dang! it instantly got my full attention. I like that everything happened so fast without adding some useless and should I say, annoying scenes. And yep, I’m definitely impatient when it comes to romance so it was so great to know that this story is so far from being dull.
I love how the main characters’ lovestory started. I love that the readers got to know everything about the characters as early as the first chapter, especially on what they are currently dealing with. I don’t usually believe in love at first sight but their encounter and their obvious attraction to each other really affected me. I love how the guy was so straightforward and didn’t waste time beating behind the bush. He instantly asked Annie out but since he recently lost his wife not long time ago, she rejected him nicely.
I find what happened next really exciting. Absolutely no boring moments. Well, it’s not usually everyday that you can read a book where the guy is doing the seduction eh? And dang! It’s absolutely one of the hottest I’ve read so far hihi. I love how their story were running. I’m already 70% of the story that’s why I really find it hard to put it down, but I need to sleep since I’ve got so many things to do the next day since I’ll be traveling this weekend and won’t be working ’till Tuesday. Where I’m going? I’ll tell you more about it next week ;)
The next morning, I was kind of disappointed. I can’t seem to find the same great book that I read last night. It looks like I am reading a different story. It’s starting to annoy me because of the drama. Dang! Both of them has their own set of mistakes, but Annie really annoyed me this time. It all happened after Ben and Tyler’s dinner with some group of businessmen together with their wives. She screwed up and it’s understandable since it was her first time to host such event, but she keeps on belittling herself whenever she done something wrong. Instead on working to make it better, she became more sullen than ever. She keeps on saying that she can’t make him happy because they belong in two different lifestyles. Well, I can sympathize but I thought love always conquers all aight? Excuse me for my sudden outburst, it’s just really annoying.
It’s a good thing Tyler is very persistent lol. It would have been annoying, but I really admire how he fights for her. Well, he’s not that saint-like clean because he even has his own flaws. He wasn’t born rich like his friend Ben but he despises being poor. I sometimes feel bad whenever Annie bought something affordable because he wants the pricey one because of its quality and all. It’s ok to choose to buy pricey things and buying something for her son too, but he shouldn’t rub it hard on her face. It’s really hurtful for the ego. It’s been pretty obvious that he loves her as early as 30% of the book. So when he wished that she became pregnant with his child, I wasn’t surprised at all. He’s really that determined to marry her. Sorry for the spoilers guys, it’s just too hard to keep my mouth shut with this couple.
I really liked Tyler in the first half of this story. I find him extremely sexy and I love reading how to seduce Annie. There’s no such thing as perfect, but dang! He’s almost perfect. He’s really just too good to be true. He’s 10 year older than Annie so I kinda understand his maturity but he still baffled me, especially on how he takes good care of the kids and on how he handled the b*tchy Paola who obviously making a move on him. He’s too chatty too that sometimes I think he talks like a woman, but overall, he’s still a perfect gentleman and definitely a husband material. After all his hardships and his struggles from his previous wife, it’s just amazing how he was able to handle all those things when normally, guys would just ran off.
Annie, she was really one admirable character. I love her sense of humor and how she was able to laugh even if she’s facing so many problems in life. She got pregnant at the age of 16 and I was really proud that she chose to keep her baby. She’s been through a lot, she wasn’t able to finish high school too. She’s still so young so she doesn’t know everything at all, so I can really sympathize about her reaction about Tyler buying everything for her son and all. I just kinda lost my admiration of her on the part after the dinner she hosted. She’s too hard for herself that she didn’t believe that she can do it, that she can step up from her comfort zone and accept Tyler. Good thing Tyler was so persuasive lol.
Since I enjoyed 70% of this story plus I love it’s HEA, I am giving this book a 4 star rating. It was my first time reading from the author and I can definitely see why she’s one of the top romance writers in America. Aside from writing romantic scenes that will definitely make you squeal with delight, she also uses very easy to comprehend words so no need to tuck a dictionary with you. The story line wasn’t new but she created some crafty scenes, I just didn’t like the drama part. Well, it was only from the heroine’s part so it was totally fine.
I love the HEA, it was a bit corny but I’m really happy all turned out fine to the both of them. Plus, she finally got the justice for her father’s murder. Talking about complete package HEA eh?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
To read more of my reviews, book news and updates:
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May 22, 2018
I liked the idea of two single parents making a parent pack where they agreed to fill in for each other's children when needed. They each had a child that was missing a parent so this was a perfect solution for them. Yeah, right. Their intense attraction for each other made this deal hard for them at times.
Tyler and Annie were complete opposites. He was a well-off, educated lawyer and she was a high school drop-out, just making ends meet as a housekeeper. So when Tyler offered Annie a job to clean, cook, and help look after his daughter, she couldn't pass it up, especially when the job came with an apartment and more income. This arrangement worked out for everybody. Just about. Annie was looking for a forever relationship and she didn't think she could get that from Tyler so if she could keep him at a distance her life would be good.
I really liked this story about two parents trying to make life better for their two young children. I did feel sorry for both of the main characters and their youngsters though. Annie had to drop out of school when she got pregnant after being date raped. While she was wonderful with the children, she was hard to like because she was so defensive about how little she had in both possessions and education. Tyler was very successful in his career leaving him quite wealthy. But his life hadn't always been great.
These parents would do anything for their children and it just might make their own lives better, too.
Tyler and Annie were complete opposites. He was a well-off, educated lawyer and she was a high school drop-out, just making ends meet as a housekeeper. So when Tyler offered Annie a job to clean, cook, and help look after his daughter, she couldn't pass it up, especially when the job came with an apartment and more income. This arrangement worked out for everybody. Just about. Annie was looking for a forever relationship and she didn't think she could get that from Tyler so if she could keep him at a distance her life would be good.
I really liked this story about two parents trying to make life better for their two young children. I did feel sorry for both of the main characters and their youngsters though. Annie had to drop out of school when she got pregnant after being date raped. While she was wonderful with the children, she was hard to like because she was so defensive about how little she had in both possessions and education. Tyler was very successful in his career leaving him quite wealthy. But his life hadn't always been great.
These parents would do anything for their children and it just might make their own lives better, too.
September 2, 2016
I'm reading a pretty long and heavy (though very good) biography at the moment and I felt like something light and entertaining for a bit of a break.
The Parent Pact started out really well. It was funny, cute and the two main characters were likeable and interesting. I loved the premise of complete opposites who think they have nothing in common except an intense attraction to each other. I also liked that the heroine didn't just cave in immediately to the hero's many charms. The development of their friendship was sweet and believable and it was fun watching the heroine battle to stick to her guns and resist the hero. However, after a while this got a bit tedious and I wanted things to hurry up and develop. The reasons and excuses for the two of them not being together became flimsy and unbelievable and I started to get frustrated.
The secondary characters were great, especially Ben and Luke.
An enjoyable and light escape when you feel like a bit of romance. For me, romances get five stars when I know I'm going to be reading the ending over and over again (Judith McNaught and Susan Elizabeth Phillips always deliver). This book, while cute, is one I probably won't pick up again.
The Parent Pact started out really well. It was funny, cute and the two main characters were likeable and interesting. I loved the premise of complete opposites who think they have nothing in common except an intense attraction to each other. I also liked that the heroine didn't just cave in immediately to the hero's many charms. The development of their friendship was sweet and believable and it was fun watching the heroine battle to stick to her guns and resist the hero. However, after a while this got a bit tedious and I wanted things to hurry up and develop. The reasons and excuses for the two of them not being together became flimsy and unbelievable and I started to get frustrated.
The secondary characters were great, especially Ben and Luke.
An enjoyable and light escape when you feel like a bit of romance. For me, romances get five stars when I know I'm going to be reading the ending over and over again (Judith McNaught and Susan Elizabeth Phillips always deliver). This book, while cute, is one I probably won't pick up again.
August 12, 2013
This ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Parent Pact was the first book that I've read from Ms. Kellogg. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I like romances that reveal the difficulties of falling in love while being a single parent. Tyler and Annie both had incredible vulnerabilities that made them relatable and easy to connect to. I also appreciated that the book was realistically paced and not insta-love. I'll go back and read the first two books in the series most definitely. Good read.
April 14, 2013
Loved this story so much! Much better than the previous ones. I love the hero Tyler and his persistent way to show his love to Annie. Loved those cute children Mandy And Noah. I like Tyler's friends and his sister ( Luke, Ben and Sabrina). I love the epilogue. What a cute baby son they have! I always love a much better happy ending. Now looking forward to reading book part 4 of the Redemption series. :)
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February 2, 2013Free on Kindle.
July 13, 2020
This book was just not for me, the characters were to unbelievable even for fiction to me.
There was also quite a few editing mishaps which is a pet peeve of mine.
There was also quite a few editing mishaps which is a pet peeve of mine.
March 28, 2023
The Parent Pact (Return to Redemption, Book 3)
The love story of Tyler and Annie. Annie is a single mother and Tyler is a single father. Annie meets Tyler at Noah's school when he was drop off Mandy. He was trying to comb her hair and she was crying because he was hurting her. She ran over to rescue Mandy. He learn she was a housekeeper and they make a pact to help each other. Will they find love? Great story.
The love story of Tyler and Annie. Annie is a single mother and Tyler is a single father. Annie meets Tyler at Noah's school when he was drop off Mandy. He was trying to comb her hair and she was crying because he was hurting her. She ran over to rescue Mandy. He learn she was a housekeeper and they make a pact to help each other. Will they find love? Great story.
September 7, 2023
Tyler's wife has died and he is trying to take care of his daughter and work. An attorney who with his friend Luke were very poor as children and met Ben who was wealthy' He meets Anne with has a son his daughter's age. He wants a housekeeper to help him and she takes the job though their feelings for each other get in the way. This story is how they over come their differences to find love.
June 4, 2020
This is like the 4th or 5th book I've read by this author and have enjoyed every one. This one was a very light enjoyable read.
March 26, 2021
Loved
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It felt like these two characters could be your friends or neighbors. The storyline was realistic and so relatable
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It felt like these two characters could be your friends or neighbors. The storyline was realistic and so relatable
November 21, 2021
Ridiculous premise and loaded with sexism. I don’t have the brainpower to chose or read anything else.
October 15, 2022
This was a short read that was easy to read on a journey back home from holiday. Didn't take much concentration and was largely predictable.
January 27, 2025
ugh!
Did anyone proofread this? I get so distracted by the screwups that story was 2nd in line for importance. Yikes.
Did anyone proofread this? I get so distracted by the screwups that story was 2nd in line for importance. Yikes.
October 21, 2012
I really enjoyed this book a lot. I read the description and fell in love with the concept. I like the idea of two single parents coming together to be the surrogate parent to the others child. Annie is a single mother of Noah a six year old and living barely with in their means. She got pregnant at sixteen and had to deal with the consequences of being raped and pregnant. Tyler is a recently single father of Maddie also six and living the high life after living with nothing during his childhood. Tyler is attracted to Annie and he needs a housekeeper/nanny to help watch his daughter. Annie is a housekeeper and just lost some of her clients because the wives don't like having a 23 year old women around their husbands. Annie reluctantly takes Tyler's offer of housekeeping but only if they keep thing platonic. At the same time, they make a promise to be the other child's surrogate parent when it comes to things that they themselves are not the best fit for.
This story was believable and that was may not sound like much but this story felt like it could happen in real life. Annie's insecurities felt real and I felt for her the whole way. Tyler was a great Alpha hero and I love his growth and acceptance of his life throughout the book. The secondary characters added to and enriched the story. Luke and Ben are great Alpha males and who deserve Happily Ever Afters. Sabrina is Tyler's sister and is in love with Luke but he sees her like a sister and Ben loves her but she just does not fell the same for. I want their story which ever one truly gets to be with Sabrina while the other gets their own happily ever after.
This story was believable and that was may not sound like much but this story felt like it could happen in real life. Annie's insecurities felt real and I felt for her the whole way. Tyler was a great Alpha hero and I love his growth and acceptance of his life throughout the book. The secondary characters added to and enriched the story. Luke and Ben are great Alpha males and who deserve Happily Ever Afters. Sabrina is Tyler's sister and is in love with Luke but he sees her like a sister and Ben loves her but she just does not fell the same for. I want their story which ever one truly gets to be with Sabrina while the other gets their own happily ever after.
October 29, 2015
The bad first...this would've been a 4-star read for me except it was very, very predictable...I mean extremely predictable. The setup for the ending was put into play early and was about as subtle as a neon sign. I have a personal dislike for this type of plot device, and the way it was repeatedly mentioned as a possibility annoyed me to no end.
I also had a problem with a couple of plot points: the inexperienced heroine who suddenly turns into a sex goddess, and I have never gone in for the idea of women new to sex achieving multiple orgasms from the get-go. My last objection is how the nemesis in the story in the epilogue becomes the heroine's chum courtesy of a few wrap-up sentences, which I found totally unbelievable.
The story did have a number of errors and wonky formatting.
Now for the good: This author has a highly engaging writing style that kept me reading in spite of my annoyance as soon as I saw the ending coming. I didn't like the direction the plot went in to get to the required happy ending, but considering the actual storyline and conflict between the hero and heroine, the conclusion, played out and predictable as it was, was a fitting one. Although I rolled my eyes a lot in the latter half of the book as the author made sure the idea was firmly planted in the readers' minds, because of her talent I kept reading (in most cases I put the book down and don't read the author again), and I plan on reading her again. Provided the next book of hers isn't so predictable I'll keep reading her work.
I also had a problem with a couple of plot points: the inexperienced heroine who suddenly turns into a sex goddess, and I have never gone in for the idea of women new to sex achieving multiple orgasms from the get-go. My last objection is how the nemesis in the story in the epilogue becomes the heroine's chum courtesy of a few wrap-up sentences, which I found totally unbelievable.
The story did have a number of errors and wonky formatting.
Now for the good: This author has a highly engaging writing style that kept me reading in spite of my annoyance as soon as I saw the ending coming. I didn't like the direction the plot went in to get to the required happy ending, but considering the actual storyline and conflict between the hero and heroine, the conclusion, played out and predictable as it was, was a fitting one. Although I rolled my eyes a lot in the latter half of the book as the author made sure the idea was firmly planted in the readers' minds, because of her talent I kept reading (in most cases I put the book down and don't read the author again), and I plan on reading her again. Provided the next book of hers isn't so predictable I'll keep reading her work.
September 2, 2016
Every now and then I like to read a light hearted, fluffy romance novel. Yes, they are usually pretty cheesy; but, there's nothing wrong with a little cheese (Lol).
Annie is a single mother who never finished high school and cleans houses for a living. She loves her son, Noah but also realizes he needs the influence of a father as well as more financial stability she has been able to provide so far. Then one day she offers to help struggling dad, Tyler with his daughter's hair. That is when she learns his pregnant wife was killed in a car accident three months prior.
Tyler needs help with his daughter, Mandy and Annie needs help with Noah so they decide to form a pact to take care of the emotional needs of the kids. Of course Annie believes the physical attraction she and Noah feel towards each other will be her downfall but Noah sees it for a real chance at happiness.
Both Noah and Annie have secrets and insecurities they can threaten to rip them apart before they really even get together. The question is whether or not they will have the where with all to overcome it? I enjoyed this short read but it was pretty cheesy. At times I all so had some problems with Noah's condescending attitude. I will say this, this story had the potential to be great if the plot hadn't been rushed and more time was spent developing background and scene development. All in all, this book did what I needed it to do and that was entertain me for a short period of time.
Annie is a single mother who never finished high school and cleans houses for a living. She loves her son, Noah but also realizes he needs the influence of a father as well as more financial stability she has been able to provide so far. Then one day she offers to help struggling dad, Tyler with his daughter's hair. That is when she learns his pregnant wife was killed in a car accident three months prior.
Tyler needs help with his daughter, Mandy and Annie needs help with Noah so they decide to form a pact to take care of the emotional needs of the kids. Of course Annie believes the physical attraction she and Noah feel towards each other will be her downfall but Noah sees it for a real chance at happiness.
Both Noah and Annie have secrets and insecurities they can threaten to rip them apart before they really even get together. The question is whether or not they will have the where with all to overcome it? I enjoyed this short read but it was pretty cheesy. At times I all so had some problems with Noah's condescending attitude. I will say this, this story had the potential to be great if the plot hadn't been rushed and more time was spent developing background and scene development. All in all, this book did what I needed it to do and that was entertain me for a short period of time.
October 7, 2017
The Parent Pact is a great "single parents dating" romance with a lot of angst than one expects in a novel that is at times funny and at times dramatic, with multi-layered characters that you'll get to know very well.
Tyler Fitzpatrick is a single father with a daughter to raise... and a lot of shameful secrets to keep. When he met Annie Barnes at his daughter's school, it was like a perfect match... of epically opposite proportions. She's impoverished and has a son, he's rich and has a daughter. She's a high school dropout housecleaner whose BF ran away; he's a summa cum laude lawyer who had a beautiful wife who died in a car accident. Tyler concedes there is a gulf between them, but they can definitely help each other out... Tyler needs a housekeeper and babysitter... And Annie is the perfect candidate. They also agreed to a Parent Pact... to become role models for each other's child while they search for their one true love. Annie knew Tyler is good for her, but she didn't believe Tyler would stick around, and she wanted a loving husband, not just hot sex and mutual obligations. Can Tyler convince her that they really are good together?
Annie has a bit of inferiority complex, and Tyler... has shameful secrets about his relations with his dead wife which I will not spoil here. Let's just say it will take a lot of "dancing" and push-pull to get this couple to get together, and the journey is all the fun.
Tyler Fitzpatrick is a single father with a daughter to raise... and a lot of shameful secrets to keep. When he met Annie Barnes at his daughter's school, it was like a perfect match... of epically opposite proportions. She's impoverished and has a son, he's rich and has a daughter. She's a high school dropout housecleaner whose BF ran away; he's a summa cum laude lawyer who had a beautiful wife who died in a car accident. Tyler concedes there is a gulf between them, but they can definitely help each other out... Tyler needs a housekeeper and babysitter... And Annie is the perfect candidate. They also agreed to a Parent Pact... to become role models for each other's child while they search for their one true love. Annie knew Tyler is good for her, but she didn't believe Tyler would stick around, and she wanted a loving husband, not just hot sex and mutual obligations. Can Tyler convince her that they really are good together?
Annie has a bit of inferiority complex, and Tyler... has shameful secrets about his relations with his dead wife which I will not spoil here. Let's just say it will take a lot of "dancing" and push-pull to get this couple to get together, and the journey is all the fun.
February 13, 2013
This book started out well, but the main issue between the male & female lead characters was really not resolved. Well, it was, but not believably... If that makes sense. It would spoil it if I gave details.
The very young mother, 22 y/o, who is very poor & struggling to raise her 6 year old son, the prodct of a date rape, meets a father of a 6 year old girl in front of their kids school. His wife was killed in a car accident in the beginning of the summer. She was a bipolar woman having several affairs. Sooo he's ready to move on...
Due to their circumstances, her a housekeeper, him an attorney, they are at a constant squabble over money issues. He hires her to keep his house & kid & at the same times, he does the dad stuff with her son.
For me, I just couldn't grasp a 22 y/o girl trying to cook & impres a dinner party for corporate people. She had no clue & flubs it majorly. Her man, whom she id definitely involved with at the time, is mad at her because of the constant flubs & lack of kosher behavior. It's just weird, because after this point, there isn't much of a resolve, to satisfy me anyway!
It was a good free fast read, but the resolve & immaturity & lack of money of the character bugged me.
The very young mother, 22 y/o, who is very poor & struggling to raise her 6 year old son, the prodct of a date rape, meets a father of a 6 year old girl in front of their kids school. His wife was killed in a car accident in the beginning of the summer. She was a bipolar woman having several affairs. Sooo he's ready to move on...
Due to their circumstances, her a housekeeper, him an attorney, they are at a constant squabble over money issues. He hires her to keep his house & kid & at the same times, he does the dad stuff with her son.
For me, I just couldn't grasp a 22 y/o girl trying to cook & impres a dinner party for corporate people. She had no clue & flubs it majorly. Her man, whom she id definitely involved with at the time, is mad at her because of the constant flubs & lack of kosher behavior. It's just weird, because after this point, there isn't much of a resolve, to satisfy me anyway!
It was a good free fast read, but the resolve & immaturity & lack of money of the character bugged me.
March 13, 2013
Of the books in this serious that I’ve read so far, this one is my favorite. Annie is a young mother with just a 10th grade education. She has a young son, Noah, and cleans house to keep a roof over their heads and what food she can afford on her table.
Tyler is a well-educated, wealthy widowed businessman with a daughter, Mandy. He’s an attorney with a successful practice.
Mandy and Noah happen to go to the same school. Tyler needs a new housekeeper and as it turns out Annie will fit the bill.
During some parts of this book you’ll find it difficult to swallow because of the boulder-sized lumps that will form in your throat. Annie and Tyler have similar childhood backgrounds in spite of the fact there is 10 years difference in their ages. Annie’s story is especially moving because of what happened to her and how she came to be raising her son alone. Tyler’s story is moving as well but for different reasons.
I laughed sometimes. I hid my head in my hands and said oh no during the dinner party. I was sickened by what happened to Annie. And I cried when it seemed things were headed on a downward spiral.
As an aside, it’s very cool how some of the characters from the first two books found their way into this book either in name or by making an actual appearance.
Tyler is a well-educated, wealthy widowed businessman with a daughter, Mandy. He’s an attorney with a successful practice.
Mandy and Noah happen to go to the same school. Tyler needs a new housekeeper and as it turns out Annie will fit the bill.
During some parts of this book you’ll find it difficult to swallow because of the boulder-sized lumps that will form in your throat. Annie and Tyler have similar childhood backgrounds in spite of the fact there is 10 years difference in their ages. Annie’s story is especially moving because of what happened to her and how she came to be raising her son alone. Tyler’s story is moving as well but for different reasons.
I laughed sometimes. I hid my head in my hands and said oh no during the dinner party. I was sickened by what happened to Annie. And I cried when it seemed things were headed on a downward spiral.
As an aside, it’s very cool how some of the characters from the first two books found their way into this book either in name or by making an actual appearance.
June 13, 2014
The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg is the third book in the Redemption series.
Annie Barnes works cleaning several houses around Redemption in an attempt to keep food on the table for herself and her son. As a single mom, she is the object of gossip from some of the women in town. They claim she has had affairs with several of her clients and has even lost a couple of jobs over this gossip. She needs more houses to clean.
Tyler Fitzpatrick is a widower with a young girl to raise. So far, he is doing a pretty good job; but his daughter needs female influence. However, he hasn’t found anyone he wants to influence her. He sees Annie when they take their children to school and she steps in to help him with his daughter’s hair. He likes what he sees. He needs a housekeeper and nanny and Annie needs a job. What could be more perfect?
As Tyler steps in to be a surrogate father for her son and she helps him with his daughter, Annie finds herself in trouble. She is falling for Tyler and needs to put distance between them. Can she keep herself and her son from being hurt? Can she keep from hurting Tyler and his daughter?
Annie Barnes works cleaning several houses around Redemption in an attempt to keep food on the table for herself and her son. As a single mom, she is the object of gossip from some of the women in town. They claim she has had affairs with several of her clients and has even lost a couple of jobs over this gossip. She needs more houses to clean.
Tyler Fitzpatrick is a widower with a young girl to raise. So far, he is doing a pretty good job; but his daughter needs female influence. However, he hasn’t found anyone he wants to influence her. He sees Annie when they take their children to school and she steps in to help him with his daughter’s hair. He likes what he sees. He needs a housekeeper and nanny and Annie needs a job. What could be more perfect?
As Tyler steps in to be a surrogate father for her son and she helps him with his daughter, Annie finds herself in trouble. She is falling for Tyler and needs to put distance between them. Can she keep herself and her son from being hurt? Can she keep from hurting Tyler and his daughter?
August 19, 2013
This was a pretty quick read and very enjoyable. Sometimes I thought I was reading All My Children or Days of our Lives with such a soap opera twists and turns and undertone.
Annie is a young single mom from the not so great side of the tracks in town. Tyler is a single father who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but now lives on the very very good side of the tracks. Annie needs some money to provide a better life for her son. Tyler needs assistance in raising his daughter. The pieces fall together with a little nudging by Tyler and they begin to help each other and not just with the initial plan of babysitting and cleaning and money... no they begin to realize they have other needs and wants. Annie and Tyler are good for each other. There were times when I wanted to reach inside the book and slap them both upside the head. Bullheaded and stubborn would be a great way to describe them both. Yet, their love affair is sweet, endearing, and most important lasting. The characters are funny and they reach for your heart in every turn of the page. Great read!
Annie is a young single mom from the not so great side of the tracks in town. Tyler is a single father who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks but now lives on the very very good side of the tracks. Annie needs some money to provide a better life for her son. Tyler needs assistance in raising his daughter. The pieces fall together with a little nudging by Tyler and they begin to help each other and not just with the initial plan of babysitting and cleaning and money... no they begin to realize they have other needs and wants. Annie and Tyler are good for each other. There were times when I wanted to reach inside the book and slap them both upside the head. Bullheaded and stubborn would be a great way to describe them both. Yet, their love affair is sweet, endearing, and most important lasting. The characters are funny and they reach for your heart in every turn of the page. Great read!
July 23, 2013
This was the first book that I had read from this author but I can tell you that it won’t be my last!
I really enjoyed the story line. Annie becomes pregnant at sixteen after being given a date rape drug at a party. Rather than aborting the baby she drops out of high school and ends up raising him on her own after her mother dies. Her little boy is now 6 and going into the first grade. She meets Tyler who has recently lost his wife and is now raising his 6 year old on his own. Annie and Tyler make the parent pact. This will allow both children to have the missing parent that they so desperately want while providing Tyler with a housekeeper and Annie with a larger income that she so desperately needs.
I really enjoyed the main characters of this book as well as their friends. Especially Ben, Sabrina and Luke. I’m hoping that they will play a major part in their own story soon. 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed the story line. Annie becomes pregnant at sixteen after being given a date rape drug at a party. Rather than aborting the baby she drops out of high school and ends up raising him on her own after her mother dies. Her little boy is now 6 and going into the first grade. She meets Tyler who has recently lost his wife and is now raising his 6 year old on his own. Annie and Tyler make the parent pact. This will allow both children to have the missing parent that they so desperately want while providing Tyler with a housekeeper and Annie with a larger income that she so desperately needs.
I really enjoyed the main characters of this book as well as their friends. Especially Ben, Sabrina and Luke. I’m hoping that they will play a major part in their own story soon. 4.5 stars
January 2, 2015
This was the first of this series, as well as the first from this author that I have read. I truly hope that it won't be my last. I loved this book from the first paragraph to the last word. This story is a true love story that begins with two people seemingly from two different worlds, only to find that they had more in common than they thought. It is a wholesome book that invites you to fall in love with the characters, right down to the pet dog. Their struggles to deal with everyday issues involving their children and feelings between them only make them more endearing. Annie's perceived self low-esteem creates more hurdles for them to climb.
If you love to pick up a book and cuddle in front of the fireplace and get lost in the story, this is a shoe-in to fulfill your fix.
I am looking forward to more from Laurie Kellogg. She has a wonderful gift that takes you away to the land of HEA. Well done (less)
If you love to pick up a book and cuddle in front of the fireplace and get lost in the story, this is a shoe-in to fulfill your fix.
I am looking forward to more from Laurie Kellogg. She has a wonderful gift that takes you away to the land of HEA. Well done (less)
March 3, 2015
Loved it
I have read 2 other books by this author and have loved them. The stories give you the happy ever after feeling and you can connect with the characters. This is a book that I would read again.
Overview...Annie has had a hard life. She lost both of her parents between the age of 16-17. Even more is when she woke up one morning and found out she was drugged and raped. Now she is raising her 6 year old son alone. All is about to change when a gorgeous guy pulls up and helps his daughter out of the car. He is struggling with his daughter when Annie steps up and helps him out. Tyler is memorized by Annie. She is young and beautiful and worked well with his daughter. They talk end up making a pack to be friends and help each other out. She will help be a mom to his daughter and he will help be a dad to her son. Their bond grows with each day. But can they find an even playing field?
I have read 2 other books by this author and have loved them. The stories give you the happy ever after feeling and you can connect with the characters. This is a book that I would read again.
Overview...Annie has had a hard life. She lost both of her parents between the age of 16-17. Even more is when she woke up one morning and found out she was drugged and raped. Now she is raising her 6 year old son alone. All is about to change when a gorgeous guy pulls up and helps his daughter out of the car. He is struggling with his daughter when Annie steps up and helps him out. Tyler is memorized by Annie. She is young and beautiful and worked well with his daughter. They talk end up making a pack to be friends and help each other out. She will help be a mom to his daughter and he will help be a dad to her son. Their bond grows with each day. But can they find an even playing field?
December 30, 2016
This has a very interesting plot and I truly loved the idea. But, i wasn't as crazy when i read it.
As for the story, i just really felt that it was just about the main characters. and that's it! i just really thought having kids in the story would make it more adorable and a lot of sweet moments... but i just felt as if the two of them just want to go under the covers and get on with it. but i do appreciate the character depth and character growth. like how they grow and appreciate each other.
i appreciate the minor characters. i actually felt like i liked them more. i actually wanna read Sabrina's story.
i definitely do like the story and the flow of it. i also love the secondary stories about their lives. just like Annie's school life and such.
All in all, it was an okay book. the writing is very good though. i like how detailed and well researched the author is. i liked the plot and just how the story went in general.
As for the story, i just really felt that it was just about the main characters. and that's it! i just really thought having kids in the story would make it more adorable and a lot of sweet moments... but i just felt as if the two of them just want to go under the covers and get on with it. but i do appreciate the character depth and character growth. like how they grow and appreciate each other.
i appreciate the minor characters. i actually felt like i liked them more. i actually wanna read Sabrina's story.
i definitely do like the story and the flow of it. i also love the secondary stories about their lives. just like Annie's school life and such.
All in all, it was an okay book. the writing is very good though. i like how detailed and well researched the author is. i liked the plot and just how the story went in general.
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