What do you think?
Rate this book
The Coach's Boys #1
The Daddy Pact
This is an alternate cover edition for B006G66YTS
When Jess marries the love of her life she believes she's found her happily-ever-after. But two weeks later, on the night they return home from their honeymoon, Frank Bentley is murdered.
Alone again, Jess can't seem to find the will to go on. Until she discovers that she's pregnant.
Feeling like he bears part of the blame, all Dan Mulholland wanted to do was to help the widow of the man his brother murdered. Little did he know, when he knocked on her door, that he would soon find himself married to her in order to protect her unborn child from a vengeful father-in-law.
When Jess marries the love of her life she believes she's found her happily-ever-after. But two weeks later, on the night they return home from their honeymoon, Frank Bentley is murdered.
Alone again, Jess can't seem to find the will to go on. Until she discovers that she's pregnant.
Feeling like he bears part of the blame, all Dan Mulholland wanted to do was to help the widow of the man his brother murdered. Little did he know, when he knocked on her door, that he would soon find himself married to her in order to protect her unborn child from a vengeful father-in-law.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2011
About the author
Kristy K. James
53 books112 followersAll it took was the encouragement of a student teacher in a ninth grade writing class and Kristy K. James was off and running. She has been writing for more years than she’ll ever admit to, and loves every aspect of it. From creating characters who are so real that they sometimes take over the writing when they don’t like where she’s taking a story, to adding as many twists and mysteries to her plots as she can get away with.
She is the author of Reluctant Guardian, A Fine Mess, and The Stranger in my Head.
Kristy currently lives in Michigan with her family, too many pets and the occasional spider. She spends her time living in her make-believe worlds, cooking and baking up a storm, and doing her best to learn to say ‘no’ when stray animals wander into her large country yard.
Reading is one of her favorite pastimes, as is traveling around the state, especially to coastal beaches to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and gulls screeching overhead.
She is the author of Reluctant Guardian, A Fine Mess, and The Stranger in my Head.
Kristy currently lives in Michigan with her family, too many pets and the occasional spider. She spends her time living in her make-believe worlds, cooking and baking up a storm, and doing her best to learn to say ‘no’ when stray animals wander into her large country yard.
Reading is one of her favorite pastimes, as is traveling around the state, especially to coastal beaches to enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and gulls screeching overhead.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
November 1, 2018
I haven’t been in the mood for anything “too deep” but this book took me by surprise. Super cute. Do not let the cheesy title fool you, it’s endearing, a slow-simmer romance.
January 26, 2012
I hate that I can't give half stars. 3.5 stars for me on this one. But, you know what? I'm going to change it to 4 stars because I just really appreciated how clean this romance was. I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the whole premise. There were a few editing issues but overall this was a lovely read. A great curl up on the couch with a blanket on a snowy day book. :) That's exactly what I did.
February 26, 2013
I really like this one. Had me bawling like a baby in the beginning because the author hit home with the emotions and feelings of the heroine and hero. But by the end, I was rooting for them.
The Story:
Months after her husband death Jess Bentley stills feel like it happen yesterday. Depressed, lonely, and angry. She doesn't think she can go on. Until she finds out she's pregnant.
After finding out that his brother murder someone, Daniel Mulholland, feels he is some what responsible and tries to make amends. But Jess's father in law threatens to take away her last thread to the man she so love. Only way is to marry the last man she ever thought she would. But is Dan the healing hand she needs?
It such a good read and the story happens more often than not. Is it weird maybe but it makes for a good read. I liked the hero for the he was trying to somehow make up for what his brother did. Even though he is as much a victim as the heroine. I guess people sometimes forgets there's always two sides to one coin.
Happy Reading!!! :)
The Story:
Months after her husband death Jess Bentley stills feel like it happen yesterday. Depressed, lonely, and angry. She doesn't think she can go on. Until she finds out she's pregnant.
After finding out that his brother murder someone, Daniel Mulholland, feels he is some what responsible and tries to make amends. But Jess's father in law threatens to take away her last thread to the man she so love. Only way is to marry the last man she ever thought she would. But is Dan the healing hand she needs?
It such a good read and the story happens more often than not. Is it weird maybe but it makes for a good read. I liked the hero for the he was trying to somehow make up for what his brother did. Even though he is as much a victim as the heroine. I guess people sometimes forgets there's always two sides to one coin.
Happy Reading!!! :)
September 21, 2014
I liked this book a lot! Was it realistic? No. But I read these kind of books for the escapism they provide. Widowed on her honeymoon, 3 months later, ravaged by grief, Jess discovers she's pregnant. After being threatened by her FIL to take her baby, Jess turns, surprisingly, to Dan, brother to the man who killed her husband after Dan's initial attempt at making some sort of amends. What follows is a woman coming to grips with her grief and doing what she has to to protect her baby and move forward with her life. Dan is almost the perfect book husband. He's patient, kind, caring and devoted to being a good husband and father even though their marriage starts out as a temporary, in name only deed to protect the baby yet to be born. If you're looking for something true to life then this book isn't for you. If you want a book where true love overcomes all obstacles, no matter how seemingly impossible, then I recommend this book.
June 8, 2013
This story was simply amazing. After her honeymoon with her dream hubby, Jess's life turns upside down as he is killed before her very eyes. Following the trauma, she finds she's expecting their child and has to deal with the public eye and a horrible father-in-law who would like nothing more than to see her lose everything. She finds aid in a very unlikely place: the brother of the man who killed her husband.
This story had me cheering both of them on, laughing and crying as they each dealt with their respective heartaches.
Thanks, Kristy, for the delightful read!
This story had me cheering both of them on, laughing and crying as they each dealt with their respective heartaches.
Thanks, Kristy, for the delightful read!
December 21, 2012
The book as a whole was a good romance read but there are events in the book that are just unbelievable.
At the story's beginning we met a woman so desolate inside that she was willing to do murder just to feel something and feel closer to her dead husband, that I can understand and made sense.
We met the hero next, he is filled with a guilty conscience, full of `should haves' and `would haves' as he and his family hurt for his brother's crime. This situation too made sense and a very universal emotion. In his desire to ease his guilt he tried to approach the family of his brother's victim and offer help and when he saw an opening he grabs it with both hands. Good story so far.
Now the heroine's former in-laws' threats pretty much pushed her into the hero's wide open arms in marriage. We watch them learn of each other and get to know them as well and see the romance bloom between them amidst family trouble after trouble. To say they survived fires together is fitting considering the wringer the author put them through, though sometimes the wringer is too tough, they are also very apt.
I understand the heroine's doubting the hero's love near the end and though it was very dumb move, the hero's way of convincing the heroine is very unique, hilarious, and romantic.
Now you asked why my eyebrows rise more than once? It has to do mostly with the heroine's quicksilver change of mind/actions towards the hero at the start of their acquaintance. Logical, yes but considering she was ready to do murder a few hours ago then reaching out and saying sorry for slamming the door on his face, and then meeting him for lunch to finally accepting practically a blank check three hours later (yes, three hours later after she thought to kill with a gun) is emotionally unbelievable for me. Did I mention that her action was towards the brother of the man who confessed shooting her husband to death? Of course I always said I am more bloodthirsty but seriously? Also the heroine became a push over since she agreed to work/collaborate with the hero - for the baby's sake. Sure she blurts an opinion here and there but between the hero and her friend they always manage to change her mind after a few 'convincing' arguments. Of course the hero's offer of marriage is also a bit over the board but I might excuse that for his guilt so that's pretty much negligible but it bears mentioning as his parents said there are always more than one solution to a problem. And I still don't know what happens to the shot coach but I am guessing it will be resolved in another book.
Other than that, it's a good story and I agree, it's a bit different from the regular romance you pick up these days. The events on the story, the progression, the flow of the plot is different, even uniquely presented.
At the story's beginning we met a woman so desolate inside that she was willing to do murder just to feel something and feel closer to her dead husband, that I can understand and made sense.
We met the hero next, he is filled with a guilty conscience, full of `should haves' and `would haves' as he and his family hurt for his brother's crime. This situation too made sense and a very universal emotion. In his desire to ease his guilt he tried to approach the family of his brother's victim and offer help and when he saw an opening he grabs it with both hands. Good story so far.
Now the heroine's former in-laws' threats pretty much pushed her into the hero's wide open arms in marriage. We watch them learn of each other and get to know them as well and see the romance bloom between them amidst family trouble after trouble. To say they survived fires together is fitting considering the wringer the author put them through, though sometimes the wringer is too tough, they are also very apt.
I understand the heroine's doubting the hero's love near the end and though it was very dumb move, the hero's way of convincing the heroine is very unique, hilarious, and romantic.
Now you asked why my eyebrows rise more than once? It has to do mostly with the heroine's quicksilver change of mind/actions towards the hero at the start of their acquaintance. Logical, yes but considering she was ready to do murder a few hours ago then reaching out and saying sorry for slamming the door on his face, and then meeting him for lunch to finally accepting practically a blank check three hours later (yes, three hours later after she thought to kill with a gun) is emotionally unbelievable for me. Did I mention that her action was towards the brother of the man who confessed shooting her husband to death? Of course I always said I am more bloodthirsty but seriously? Also the heroine became a push over since she agreed to work/collaborate with the hero - for the baby's sake. Sure she blurts an opinion here and there but between the hero and her friend they always manage to change her mind after a few 'convincing' arguments. Of course the hero's offer of marriage is also a bit over the board but I might excuse that for his guilt so that's pretty much negligible but it bears mentioning as his parents said there are always more than one solution to a problem. And I still don't know what happens to the shot coach but I am guessing it will be resolved in another book.
Other than that, it's a good story and I agree, it's a bit different from the regular romance you pick up these days. The events on the story, the progression, the flow of the plot is different, even uniquely presented.
January 23, 2014
Okay, I've developed a weakness for these "marriage of convenience" stories where the woman only agree because she's pregnant. It's weird, I know, and I can't explain it but I love it. I especially liked the premise of this one. I found it interesting that took place in my state (which is entirely too cold) and had references to places I know (which was kind of cool). And before anyone complains, yes, this would totally never happen in real life, but it's called fiction for a reason. If I wanted my fiction to be real-life, I wouldn't read it.
That being said, I'm going to contradict myself by saying that I liked how the romance between Jess and Dan progressed. It was realistic within a non-realistic situation. Jess' grief for her husband was real, but at the same time her recovery made sense. They really hadn't known each other that long. The Daddy Pact kept me sucked in, and I didn't stop reading until I was done. (Even though it was four in the morning and I had to leave the house at 7:30 to do something at school on Saturday.) I wish I could find a guy as decent and good-hearted as Dan, but I think they've discontinued that model. Somebody call me if it's re-continued.
Overall, good if not entirely believable plot, sympathetic heroine, awesome male lead, nice supporting characters (if a little underfleshed), and a nice ending wrapped in a pretty bow. What more could you ask for?
Well... My only real problem (and thus the lack of five stars) was the interference of Jess's father in law. It didn't make much sense to me and only seemed to serve as a plot device since you only heard from him again at the very end of the novel. I guess without him Jess and Dan don't end up together, but still.
I definitely recommend! You can get it for free on your Kindle! (You're welcome for the advice!)
That being said, I'm going to contradict myself by saying that I liked how the romance between Jess and Dan progressed. It was realistic within a non-realistic situation. Jess' grief for her husband was real, but at the same time her recovery made sense. They really hadn't known each other that long. The Daddy Pact kept me sucked in, and I didn't stop reading until I was done. (Even though it was four in the morning and I had to leave the house at 7:30 to do something at school on Saturday.) I wish I could find a guy as decent and good-hearted as Dan, but I think they've discontinued that model. Somebody call me if it's re-continued.
Overall, good if not entirely believable plot, sympathetic heroine, awesome male lead, nice supporting characters (if a little underfleshed), and a nice ending wrapped in a pretty bow. What more could you ask for?
Well... My only real problem (and thus the lack of five stars) was the interference of Jess's father in law. It didn't make much sense to me and only seemed to serve as a plot device since you only heard from him again at the very end of the novel. I guess without him Jess and Dan don't end up together, but still.
I definitely recommend! You can get it for free on your Kindle! (You're welcome for the advice!)
July 19, 2013
This really was an emotional read. Jess was a newlywed, when her husband was murdered. Dan’s brother was on, and off drugs. He needed help, but never got the help he needed. It was Dan’s brother that had shot Jess’s husband. Dan felt really bad. He felt helpless. He went to meet with Jess, and the first time they met, Jess yelled at him, and couldn’t believe he would come and see her. I understand that. The death of your husband is something no one can make better.
Jess had an awful father in law. He blamed her for the death of his son. He found out she was pregnant, and told her that he would take her child. Dan took the phone from Jess and heard what the father in-law had to say. Dan offered to marry Jess, so the father in-law couldn’t take the baby. This book had a lot of twist and turns, but it was a good story. It did have a few grammar errors. I found a few words, worded twice, or wrote backwards from how it should be read. If it was proof read, this book would be perfect.
Sample from chapter 10
“It does sound like he’s pretty fascinated with the baby, doesn’t it?” “That’s not the half of it. Not only does he spend most of the time with his hands on my stomach, but he’s even bought a bunch of Dr. Seuss books.” “Why?” Emma asked, taking a sip of her coke. “The baby won’t be able to read for years.” Jess laughed harder. “Dan reads them.” Emma made a face to show that she didn’t believe her. “Isn’t he a little old for Dr. Seuss?” “He reads them to the baby.” “Yeah right.” “He does,” Jess insisted. “He was reading a baby book, and it said that babies in the womb can hear. So he has me sit on the couch, and he lies down with his head in my lap and reads out loud. It’s a riot.”
Jess had an awful father in law. He blamed her for the death of his son. He found out she was pregnant, and told her that he would take her child. Dan took the phone from Jess and heard what the father in-law had to say. Dan offered to marry Jess, so the father in-law couldn’t take the baby. This book had a lot of twist and turns, but it was a good story. It did have a few grammar errors. I found a few words, worded twice, or wrote backwards from how it should be read. If it was proof read, this book would be perfect.
Sample from chapter 10
“It does sound like he’s pretty fascinated with the baby, doesn’t it?” “That’s not the half of it. Not only does he spend most of the time with his hands on my stomach, but he’s even bought a bunch of Dr. Seuss books.” “Why?” Emma asked, taking a sip of her coke. “The baby won’t be able to read for years.” Jess laughed harder. “Dan reads them.” Emma made a face to show that she didn’t believe her. “Isn’t he a little old for Dr. Seuss?” “He reads them to the baby.” “Yeah right.” “He does,” Jess insisted. “He was reading a baby book, and it said that babies in the womb can hear. So he has me sit on the couch, and he lies down with his head in my lap and reads out loud. It’s a riot.”
October 6, 2012
This was such a cute story, although it wasn't really what I expected. Considering the danger caused by Jess's father-in-law, I expected to be alot of suspense and worry. And be perpared, this story was totally unrealistic and would never happen to a group of sane people (including a rich hot guy).
Bruce ( a drugged addict) is broke, needing a hit and his brother, Dan, has finally toughened up and refused to give him any more money. Desperate, he robs a guy in the parking lot and ends up shooting him. Dan is devistated, his little brother is in jail for murder and he feels responsible. To make matters worse, the innocent victim who was killed was back home from his honeymoon and has left behind a newly widowed women. No wait, whats worse is she is pregnant. Dan steps up to the plate to make sure Jess and her baby gets everything they need. Then Dan hears how awful Jess's father-in-law is and how he wants to take the baby away from her which Dan ends up proposing to her to protect Jess and her baby. The rest of the story is all about them getting into the groove of them having a marriage based on protection and providing Jess with a home. Not everybody in their lives agree with what their doing. Dan ends up falling in love with her early in the story and slowly trys to win her love without telling her he's already fallen for her.
There's sad parts, there's alot of funny parts but all of it is so sweet. Like I said, there's no suspense and it's a pretty slow book which means you have to be a true romantic to really enjoy what a good story this really is.
Bruce ( a drugged addict) is broke, needing a hit and his brother, Dan, has finally toughened up and refused to give him any more money. Desperate, he robs a guy in the parking lot and ends up shooting him. Dan is devistated, his little brother is in jail for murder and he feels responsible. To make matters worse, the innocent victim who was killed was back home from his honeymoon and has left behind a newly widowed women. No wait, whats worse is she is pregnant. Dan steps up to the plate to make sure Jess and her baby gets everything they need. Then Dan hears how awful Jess's father-in-law is and how he wants to take the baby away from her which Dan ends up proposing to her to protect Jess and her baby. The rest of the story is all about them getting into the groove of them having a marriage based on protection and providing Jess with a home. Not everybody in their lives agree with what their doing. Dan ends up falling in love with her early in the story and slowly trys to win her love without telling her he's already fallen for her.
There's sad parts, there's alot of funny parts but all of it is so sweet. Like I said, there's no suspense and it's a pretty slow book which means you have to be a true romantic to really enjoy what a good story this really is.
March 5, 2012
Probably more like a 3.5 star read than a four.. There were way,way way too many typos or missing words to be a four star read and the format was messed up too but overall the story was a good one.. I LOVED the H.. He was so sweet and I think this book had just the right amount of heavy topics and a light read.. I would have read it through at one sitting if I didnt have to sleep :)
Also Im not sure if the author was trying to set up future stories (I hope :) I want to read more about Ed!) but there just way too many characters.. I would read a name and then have to pause and think of who that was. And that lasted pretty much the whole story.
The ending was a bit of a letdown though, I would have loved if the epilogue had been a couple years down the road or so instead of a few days
Also Im not sure if the author was trying to set up future stories (I hope :) I want to read more about Ed!) but there just way too many characters.. I would read a name and then have to pause and think of who that was. And that lasted pretty much the whole story.
The ending was a bit of a letdown though, I would have loved if the epilogue had been a couple years down the road or so instead of a few days
December 7, 2011
I knew I was hooked on Kristy K. James’ new romance novel, The Daddy Pact (The Coach’s Boys), after reading just the first few pages. In fact, by the end of chapter one, I was wiping tears away; Kindle in hand, while waiting for my daughter’s dance class to end. (Yes, other moms... that was me... no I’m not crazy... haven’t you ever read a book that made you cry before?)
The Daddy Pact is about newlywed Jess Bentley. After her husband is murdered in a botched robbery, Jess struggles with how she will go on with her life. But life works in mysterious ways, and the news that she is pregnant with her late husband’s child pulls her out of her depression. When the most unlikely stranger approaches her with a proposal, Jess finds herself making a decision that will forever change her life. The Daddy Pact has an interesting cast of characters and had plenty of plot twists to hold my interest. If you’re looking for a sweet story of romance, definitely check out this book. However, I do have a warning – do not read this book when hungry – the gooey brownie, ice cream, pizza, and cake references are sure to kill your diet!
The Daddy Pact is about newlywed Jess Bentley. After her husband is murdered in a botched robbery, Jess struggles with how she will go on with her life. But life works in mysterious ways, and the news that she is pregnant with her late husband’s child pulls her out of her depression. When the most unlikely stranger approaches her with a proposal, Jess finds herself making a decision that will forever change her life. The Daddy Pact has an interesting cast of characters and had plenty of plot twists to hold my interest. If you’re looking for a sweet story of romance, definitely check out this book. However, I do have a warning – do not read this book when hungry – the gooey brownie, ice cream, pizza, and cake references are sure to kill your diet!
February 6, 2012
What do you do when your drug addict younger brother kills someone's husband in a robbery gone bad? Especially when you find out that the widow is pregnant with the dead man's child? Well, I thought a college scholarship or some monthly payments would be more then enough. It is a bit odd that Dan decides to marry Jess for two years (in name only, uh huh, right, that is really going to happen) so that she can be 'safe' from losing custody of the baby to her dead husband's nasty mean father.
Ok, so this is a crazy complicated scenario, but it is well written and surprisingly emotionally rich with the feelings of loss and the eventual moving on and living a new life. Once again, I love the married-then-falls-in-love plot device. This was free for kindle. This really needed to be edited by someone because there were a lot of homonym errors and missing articles, but I understood what the author meant to write so it didn't throw me out of the story.
2 stars
Ok, so this is a crazy complicated scenario, but it is well written and surprisingly emotionally rich with the feelings of loss and the eventual moving on and living a new life. Once again, I love the married-then-falls-in-love plot device. This was free for kindle. This really needed to be edited by someone because there were a lot of homonym errors and missing articles, but I understood what the author meant to write so it didn't throw me out of the story.
2 stars
October 31, 2013
This is a must read for anyone who wants a nice love story, a few tears, some laughs and a HEA. I love Kristy's writing style, she makes me laugh and cry. Ok so the storyline isn't going to happen to the average person or probably anyone you know but seriously this is fiction I read lots of romance and I can't say I've seen very many (none) of then come true either. I read the negative reviews and the comments that it wasn't realistic for Dan's family to be mad at Jess and I really had to go Huh? Because to me that is very real in this day and age, everyone seems to blame the victim. Some days it seems like no one takes personal responsibility for their actions or holds their children accountable when they miss behave.
There are no pages of sex dialogue which was a refreshing change and I didn't miss it either, it's nice every once in a while to read a story where they don't end up in bed after the first date and they can be attracted to each other and yet control themselves.
There are no pages of sex dialogue which was a refreshing change and I didn't miss it either, it's nice every once in a while to read a story where they don't end up in bed after the first date and they can be attracted to each other and yet control themselves.
kindle-i-own-to-read
November 20, 2012Amazon Freebie 11/19/2012
September 19, 2020
1.5 estrellas
Este libro tendría un pase si hubiese sido escrito en los ochenta. Coincido con otros lectores en que tiene muchas cosas en común con la novela romántica de la época (se entiende que hablamos de EEUU). Una cosa que ha provocado que le haya bajado muchísimo la puntuación ha sido esto:
“All I can say is thank God I’m not a woman.”
“Me, too,” Jess said, chuckling. “I’d have a tough time trying to explain to people why my husband is a girl.”
Genial, nuestra protagonista se alegra de que su marido no sea una chica, no sabe cómo se lo explicaría, si así fuese, a la gente (pongamos todas los ojos en blanco). Este tipo de comentarios no se los puede permitir ningún escritor a estas alturas.
Para más inri es un romance "limpio" (clean romance). Cómo odio esta denominación. A ver, no los odio, no puedo hacerlo siendo fanática empedernida de Jane Austen, pero le daría un pase si estuviese mejor escrito y los personajes tuviesen más chicha. Tampoco tiene una trama demasiado creíble.
Por último, lo que le ha puesto la puntilla a esta saga ha sido el drama innecesario justo al final que, por cierto, se resuelve de una manera también bastante ridícula.
No voy a molestarme en leerla.
Este libro tendría un pase si hubiese sido escrito en los ochenta. Coincido con otros lectores en que tiene muchas cosas en común con la novela romántica de la época (se entiende que hablamos de EEUU). Una cosa que ha provocado que le haya bajado muchísimo la puntuación ha sido esto:
“All I can say is thank God I’m not a woman.”
“Me, too,” Jess said, chuckling. “I’d have a tough time trying to explain to people why my husband is a girl.”
Genial, nuestra protagonista se alegra de que su marido no sea una chica, no sabe cómo se lo explicaría, si así fuese, a la gente (pongamos todas los ojos en blanco). Este tipo de comentarios no se los puede permitir ningún escritor a estas alturas.
Para más inri es un romance "limpio" (clean romance). Cómo odio esta denominación. A ver, no los odio, no puedo hacerlo siendo fanática empedernida de Jane Austen, pero le daría un pase si estuviese mejor escrito y los personajes tuviesen más chicha. Tampoco tiene una trama demasiado creíble.
Por último, lo que le ha puesto la puntilla a esta saga ha sido el drama innecesario justo al final que, por cierto, se resuelve de una manera también bastante ridícula.
No voy a molestarme en leerla.
November 3, 2018
This book will have you needing tissues in parts and then have you fighting back smiles and laughter in other parts. I can’t tell you how happy I am that I found this author’s books. I loved this story about Jess and Dan. They’ve both been affected by Bruce’s actions and how they deal with it tells us a lot about their characters. I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say, if you enjoy books about wonderful friends, this will be a wonderful addition to your library. I can’t wait to read more from this series.
March 11, 2020
An Interesting Proposal
A new genre for me so not sure what to expect.
Near the beginning of the story I find the marriage proposal a bit of a strange action to take but as I progress through the chapters I really start to warm to the story and found the characters very likeable.
The narration is very clear, fun and also enjoyable to listen too while I feel enhances to story and the characters too, definitely worth reading/listening.
This is an honest review is return for receiving a free copy.
A new genre for me so not sure what to expect.
Near the beginning of the story I find the marriage proposal a bit of a strange action to take but as I progress through the chapters I really start to warm to the story and found the characters very likeable.
The narration is very clear, fun and also enjoyable to listen too while I feel enhances to story and the characters too, definitely worth reading/listening.
This is an honest review is return for receiving a free copy.
May 21, 2018
Jess has had a hard go of it, after her honeymoon her husband is murdered and she finds out she's pregnant, right out of a lifetime movie. Dan is there to help and be a rock for her and her child. Dan was also the murderers brother, crazy lifetime twist. This book had me teary eyed throughout it. It was an easy read a little predictable and not very realistic but it was a nice break from real life.
June 14, 2022
Outdated and just plain silly. With several references to once-popular restaurants ( Chi-Chi's, Cheddar, and Ponderosa), one wonders if placement fees were charged. The main FC is married to a real estate mogul who would give her the moon, yet she shops at Meijer? And he opens a charge account for her at Sears? This is what one gets for buying 99 cent ebook deals.
September 21, 2014
A surprisingly good kindle freebie,The Daddy Pact started off well with a tear inducing first chapter.Newly married Jess is left a widow at the end of her honeymoon,when her husband Frank is robbed and shot dead in front of her eyes.Only after the news of her pregnancy three months later, does she find a new purpose in life to go on living.Meanwhile,Dan,the brother of the man who committed the crime,is wrecked with guilt for his brother's part in and his inability to stop it.So,he offers to help Jess in any way he can.When the father of her late husband blames her for his son's death and threatens to take the soon to be born baby away from her,Dan marries her to provide protection to her and her unborn child.What starts off as a marriage of convenience slowly develops into a real relationship when they begin to fall in love with each other.
It was sweet and enjoyable for the most part but it kind of went downhill towards the end.I was quite surprised when Jess was upset when Dan revealed that he had married her out of guilt in the beginning.Given that they hadn't started out as a love match,I felt that her questioning Dan's feelings for her was uncalled for.Also,after all the drama with two shootings and a tyrannical former father-in-law waiting to snatch the baby away,the ending fell flat and was frankly quite disappointing.The epilogue was one of the worst that I have ever read.
So despite being a good read,the ending didn't live up to the terrific beginning and spoiled the story for me.But I did love Jess and Dan together,and especially Dan was such a sweetheart.
It was sweet and enjoyable for the most part but it kind of went downhill towards the end.I was quite surprised when Jess was upset when Dan revealed that he had married her out of guilt in the beginning.Given that they hadn't started out as a love match,I felt that her questioning Dan's feelings for her was uncalled for.Also,after all the drama with two shootings and a tyrannical former father-in-law waiting to snatch the baby away,the ending fell flat and was frankly quite disappointing.The epilogue was one of the worst that I have ever read.
So despite being a good read,the ending didn't live up to the terrific beginning and spoiled the story for me.But I did love Jess and Dan together,and especially Dan was such a sweetheart.
June 18, 2016
Audiobook - Narration, Daniela Acitelli - Really Good. She's not overly dramatic and has a lovely voice.
The story is a mix of tragedy and sweetness. Jess' husband is killed literally on the night they return from their honeymoon and right before her eyes. It was a robbery gone bad and now, she's a widow.
Dan's brother is the junkie that killed her husband and he's carrying guilt because his brother asked for cash just hours before the botched robbery. He can't help but feel that if he'd just given him the money, none of this would have happened.
Enter the evil Father-in-law who threatens to take the baby (after a paternity test, of course) and Dan impulsively decides that he will marry Jess for two years, adopt the baby and hopefully buy Jess enough time for mean Father-in-law to lose interest.
So they start playing house and honestly, I'd play house with Dan any day of the week. He's hot, built, wealthy and such a sweet and loving man.
This isn't a ground breaking novel, it's just a sweet romance that follows the normal checks and balances of the garden variety, everyday romance. So, I suppose if your sick of those, you'll probably want to skip this one, but if you're in the mood for a sweet story with good narration, I'd give this one a try!
I received this audiobook free of charge from AudioBookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
The story is a mix of tragedy and sweetness. Jess' husband is killed literally on the night they return from their honeymoon and right before her eyes. It was a robbery gone bad and now, she's a widow.
Dan's brother is the junkie that killed her husband and he's carrying guilt because his brother asked for cash just hours before the botched robbery. He can't help but feel that if he'd just given him the money, none of this would have happened.
Enter the evil Father-in-law who threatens to take the baby (after a paternity test, of course) and Dan impulsively decides that he will marry Jess for two years, adopt the baby and hopefully buy Jess enough time for mean Father-in-law to lose interest.
So they start playing house and honestly, I'd play house with Dan any day of the week. He's hot, built, wealthy and such a sweet and loving man.
This isn't a ground breaking novel, it's just a sweet romance that follows the normal checks and balances of the garden variety, everyday romance. So, I suppose if your sick of those, you'll probably want to skip this one, but if you're in the mood for a sweet story with good narration, I'd give this one a try!
I received this audiobook free of charge from AudioBookBoom in exchange for an unbiased review
March 16, 2013
Dan's drug addicted brother has done the unthinkable-he's killed a man just home from his honeymoon. Dan decides he needs to do whatever he can to try to make things easier for the victim's widow, Jess. The news that she is pregnant wakes Jess from the haze of depression she's been living in since her husband dies over 3 months ago. When her ex-father-in-law threatens to take the baby from her, Dan offers to marry Jess (in name only, of course) and adopt the baby.
Once the pair are married, the ex-father-in-law ceases to be a threat. Then the story becomes about dealing with the guilt. Dan feels responsible because he had seen his brother shortly before the murder. Jess feels disloyal to her dead husband because she begins having feelings for Dan. Can Jess and Dan get past the guilt to build a real marriage?
I am an avid reader of the marriage of convenience plot line, but this one fell a little short of my hopes. Perhaps just a bit too much realism for my escape reading. Well, that and the lack of sex didn't help either.
Once the pair are married, the ex-father-in-law ceases to be a threat. Then the story becomes about dealing with the guilt. Dan feels responsible because he had seen his brother shortly before the murder. Jess feels disloyal to her dead husband because she begins having feelings for Dan. Can Jess and Dan get past the guilt to build a real marriage?
I am an avid reader of the marriage of convenience plot line, but this one fell a little short of my hopes. Perhaps just a bit too much realism for my escape reading. Well, that and the lack of sex didn't help either.
March 17, 2016
Bruce needs money for drugs so he robs and kills Frank who has just returned from his honeymoon. Bruce's brother, Dan, feels responsible so he goes to the widow, Jess, offering her help in any way she needs - meaning financially. He feels worse when he learns she's pregnant and her miserable father-in-law is threatening to take the baby. He offers to marry her and adopt the baby to stop the father-in-law's threats. This marriage is for convenience and to protect Jess and the baby so when Dan falls in love with her he keeps quiet about it but continues to treat her well and hopes she'll fall in love with him too.
I really enjoyed this emotional story. There were lots of sad scenes but some funny ones too. It was well written (with editing issues) so even though it wasn't true to life it was a great escape. I mean would anybody actually agree to marry the brother of the man who killed your husband? Amazingly it works for them and you'll want it to turn out for this pair.
If you're looking for a romance that's out of the ordinary then this is for you.
I really enjoyed this emotional story. There were lots of sad scenes but some funny ones too. It was well written (with editing issues) so even though it wasn't true to life it was a great escape. I mean would anybody actually agree to marry the brother of the man who killed your husband? Amazingly it works for them and you'll want it to turn out for this pair.
If you're looking for a romance that's out of the ordinary then this is for you.
October 26, 2014
I'm sure there are real life stories out there just like the one in this book of a newly widowed newlywed who finds out she's pregnant after her husband's murder. I don't know that a family member of the murderer would offer to marry or adopt her child but I love where this book took you. Although Bruce didn't intend to he murdered a young newly married man because all he wanted to do was get money for drugs. Dan felt responsible for refusing to give him money and therefore feels responsible for what Bruce did.
Jess is right to be angry with Dan for trying to force himself into her life. But her only other alternative is to have the baby and start running from her late husband's very powerful father who wants to take her child.
You may not want to believe the story behind the book but it makes for interesting reading. You want to know if Jess and Dan fall for each other. You want to know if her late husband's father takes the baby away.
Give it a chance; you'll get hooked.
Jess is right to be angry with Dan for trying to force himself into her life. But her only other alternative is to have the baby and start running from her late husband's very powerful father who wants to take her child.
You may not want to believe the story behind the book but it makes for interesting reading. You want to know if Jess and Dan fall for each other. You want to know if her late husband's father takes the baby away.
Give it a chance; you'll get hooked.
January 18, 2014
The Daddy Pact is an emotional and poignant story of a woman who loses her brand new Happily Ever After in a momentary tragedy. Drowning in grief Jess Bentley is looking for away to join her lost love. In her darkest moment she is given the news that she carries her dead husband’s child. Good news is like dominos and inspite of the name that is attached to the hand that is offering to help, things seem to be looking up… until that hand ends up wearing a matching gold band to hers. And the fact that she has just married the brother of the man who killed her child’s father.
Weekend Pick Me Up - The Daddy Pact by Kristy K. James
Weekend Pick Me Up - The Daddy Pact by Kristy K. James
September 29, 2014
Really enjoyed this story! To some extent, it reminded me of Jodi Picoult's books which always challenge the reader to think beyond society norms and understand a complex situation from multiple points of view. I was surprised to hear how little time Jess and Frank actually knew each other compared to the depth of their feelings and the strength of Frank's father's dislike for Jess and their relationship. In all the notoriety that surrounds murders in the news, you hardly ever hear the perspective of the family. I think there is a natural assumption that murderers have a bad upbringing but James is careful to write a story where this isn't the case. Dan's actions are both unbelievable and admirable as he and Jess navigate their most unusual relationship.
February 25, 2013
The book starts in the aftermath of a young man murdered. The story is sweet and well paced as the characters struggle to accept what has happened while trying to pick up the pieces their lives. The author shows you the aftermath of crime from both sides.
Cute book but not really believable. If the author had added more drama with Frank's father it would've gone a long way to make us believe Jess had to marry Dan. It also needed a bit more at the end especially since Philip wasn't really ever a threat. I understand this is the second book in the series but as a standalone it has too many characters with history we didn't know (but feels like we should). Free book from Amazon.
Cute book but not really believable. If the author had added more drama with Frank's father it would've gone a long way to make us believe Jess had to marry Dan. It also needed a bit more at the end especially since Philip wasn't really ever a threat. I understand this is the second book in the series but as a standalone it has too many characters with history we didn't know (but feels like we should). Free book from Amazon.
September 22, 2014
I got this as an amazon freebie. The overall premise of the story is extremely unlikely and fictional, however that being the genre of the book is expected. I did not expect the dept of characters and relationships that were present in the novel. Most authors that have their books on Amazon for free, at least from what I've seen/read, need a lot of help with the basics of the novel. Kristy K. James managed to draw me in, execute an almost seamless collaboration of multiple 'mini' plots, have detailed and believable characters, and still manage to use proper grammar. I would recommend her books to anyone who loves a good romance.
October 5, 2014
A good clean book, no adult scenes, and I don't remember any harsh language. My heart went out to the heroin and all she went through (and had me sobbing right along with her). The hero was a great character and committed to the heroin from the start, even when pressed by his family not to do so. It was a tough book to read because of the heroin's first husband being murdered and what she went through emotionally, but I am glad I finished it. The plot was a little different with the hero's brother being the one to murder the heroin's first husband; and had me reading to find out what would happen and how the book would develop and things turn out.
January 31, 2012
Fun book. Great story. Clean romance. I would read more from this author. Quick read. Jess and her new husband are on their way home from their honeymoon, and a man ends up shooting her husband. Dan feel guilty about what his brother has done to Jess. When he finds out Jess' father in law is making her miserable, he wants to help her. The he finds out she is pregnant and the father in law is trying to get the baby, He just can't stand aside. He offers to marry her to protect her and the baby. Great romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews