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The Bachelor Pact #1
Best Friends, Secret Lovers
These best friends had never been single at the same time.
Until now.
Sabrina Douglas is worried about her best friend and colleague, Flynn Parker. His rocky divorce and the pressure of running his family’s firm after his father’s death have brought him to the brink. Before his staff stages a coup, Sabrina intervenes to lighten things up. Her idea? Spend an innocent Valentine’s Day together. But after they share a surprisingly passionate kiss, innocence is thrown out the window.
And soon after that fateful kiss, the plumbing goes kaput in Sabrina’s apartment, forcing her to move in with Flynn. The Valentine’s Day kiss is only the beginning... Sure, best friends with benefits has a ring to it. But this has to be their secret because if word gets out, they’ll be risking their professional reputations and their friendship. So is it time to retreat to the friend zone…and is that even possible?
Until now.
Sabrina Douglas is worried about her best friend and colleague, Flynn Parker. His rocky divorce and the pressure of running his family’s firm after his father’s death have brought him to the brink. Before his staff stages a coup, Sabrina intervenes to lighten things up. Her idea? Spend an innocent Valentine’s Day together. But after they share a surprisingly passionate kiss, innocence is thrown out the window.
And soon after that fateful kiss, the plumbing goes kaput in Sabrina’s apartment, forcing her to move in with Flynn. The Valentine’s Day kiss is only the beginning... Sure, best friends with benefits has a ring to it. But this has to be their secret because if word gets out, they’ll be risking their professional reputations and their friendship. So is it time to retreat to the friend zone…and is that even possible?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 10, 2019
61 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Lemmon
205 books1,916 followersJessica Lemmon is a former job-hopper who resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dogs. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing emotionally-charged stories, she spends her time drawing, drinking coffee, and laughing with friends. Her motto is Read for fun, and she believes we should all do more of what makes us happy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 9, 2019
Three guys, a girl and a bachelor pact. Sounds like sitcom title but it’s actually the basis for Jessica Lemmon’s newest short novel series in which one of the guys and the girl find themselves in uncharted attraction territory.
After losing his father and his faith in love because his cheating ex-wife slept with his brother, and inheriting a ton of problems along with the company his father left him, Flynn Parker turns to his friends for help. They guys suggest the re-instate their old bachelor pact of not getting married… ever. While Sabrina suggests some time off to mourn, clear his head and relax, although she never expected to kiss him on their none-date out on Valentine’s. Most definitely didn’t expect to be forced to move in with him temporarily and move their friendship to more.
Sabrina and Flynn are charming characters and perfect for each other. He’s a stern workaholic, she’s sensitive and empathic. And while I rolled my eyes along with Sabrina about the juvenile pact between grown up men, I enjoyed getting to know them during this fun, sweet and sexy story, along with their friends Gage and Reid.
Best Friends, Secret Lovers is book #1 of the Bachelor Pact short novel series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone, friends to lovers romance, told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.
3.5 stars
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2SCT3s9
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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After losing his father and his faith in love because his cheating ex-wife slept with his brother, and inheriting a ton of problems along with the company his father left him, Flynn Parker turns to his friends for help. They guys suggest the re-instate their old bachelor pact of not getting married… ever. While Sabrina suggests some time off to mourn, clear his head and relax, although she never expected to kiss him on their none-date out on Valentine’s. Most definitely didn’t expect to be forced to move in with him temporarily and move their friendship to more.
Sabrina and Flynn are charming characters and perfect for each other. He’s a stern workaholic, she’s sensitive and empathic. And while I rolled my eyes along with Sabrina about the juvenile pact between grown up men, I enjoyed getting to know them during this fun, sweet and sexy story, along with their friends Gage and Reid.
Best Friends, Secret Lovers is book #1 of the Bachelor Pact short novel series by Jessica Lemmon. It is a standalone, friends to lovers romance, told from both points of view, and has a happy ending.
3.5 stars
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/2SCT3s9
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Instagram * More reviews
January 23, 2019
Classic Jessica Lemmon! A once-bitten hero finds that the woman of his dreams has been right under his nose all along. A fun, romantic, super sexy friends-to-lovers romance.
February 5, 2019
I’m a sucker for the friends to lovers troupe and author Jessica Lemmon offers up a great story in Best Friends Secret Lovers, the first book in her Bachelor Pact series. Three men, one woman, all best friends since college despite their ever changing lives come together during a particular tough point in the life of Flynn Parker now freshly divorced, losing his father, and running into all kinds of problems with the company he has inherited. A classic example of Ms. Lemmon’s signature style of centering a series around best friends, Best Friends Secret Lovers was a joy to read.
I truly enjoyed the camaraderie between Flynn, Sabrina, Gage and Reid and the way they supported each other fully while not afraid to provide some “tough love” when needed. While it did bug me that the three guys sometimes left Sabrina out of their rituals, I honestly think they did that to protect her more than anything, however it was obvious from the start that no matter Flynn’s friendship with Reid and Gage, what he and Sabrina shared was deeper even though neither one of them wanted to admit it.
Trying to prove his worth to his late father and all the people that worked for their company, Flynn was struggling and not only becoming a workaholic, but suffering from most likely a bout of depression following the demise of his marriage, his rift with his brother, and the death of his father. With the company at stake his friends convince him to take a sabbatical and clear his head, grieve, and get his life together and Sabrina surprises him by telling him she is taking time off to be there for him.
It was easy to see the bond between Flynn and Sabrina from the start and that while she wasn’t happy their friendship had suffered during his marriage given his wife didn’t like the time they spent together, that once she was gone they fell right back into the easy way they had between them. I loved that they had this foundation and the trust in each other to know that even once they crossed the line to lovers, they were friends first and would always be friends. That’s not to say they didn’t have some difficult moments, in fact they had a few, but they always came back to the friendship. I loved the chemistry between them, and how their attraction took them a bit off guard at the first, but most of all I appreciated the absolute respect they had for each other.
These characters will grab your heart, the story will engage you from start to finish, and the romance will keep you smiling throughout.
February 11, 2019
Best Friends, Secret Lovers by Jessica Lemmon is a sexy and fun romance for a pair of friends and work colleagues who dare to let their relationship head in a new direction.
Sabrina and Flynn have been best friends since college and continued to deepen that friendship as they went to work together at Flynn’s family company, Monarch Industries, a management consulting firm. Sabrina takes care of social media and marketing functions and Flynn’s father has recently passed away, leaving Flynn in charge. The stress of these changes, plus his recent divorce from finding his wife (now ex) in bed with his brother (ugh) have made him into an understandably bad tempered and grouchy man.
The top managers at Monarch, all long time employees of his father are threatening a coup if Flynn doesn’t take a vacation to deal with everything away from work and Sabrina has volunteered to take some time off with him to help him get back to his old self. Their other friends Reid and Gage also work at Monarch and can hold down the fort while Flynn and Sabrina take time off.
Faced with few options, Flynn agrees. And when a plumbing emergency forces Sabrina out of her place, Flynn offers her a guest room in his family home. Spending time together, alone, and for the first time both single suddenly makes them aware of each other in a new way. It’s easy to slip from friends to lovers. But when their vacation is over and real life starts up again, will they be able to go back to the way things were?
For more of this Top Pick please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-be...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Sabrina and Flynn have been best friends since college and continued to deepen that friendship as they went to work together at Flynn’s family company, Monarch Industries, a management consulting firm. Sabrina takes care of social media and marketing functions and Flynn’s father has recently passed away, leaving Flynn in charge. The stress of these changes, plus his recent divorce from finding his wife (now ex) in bed with his brother (ugh) have made him into an understandably bad tempered and grouchy man.
The top managers at Monarch, all long time employees of his father are threatening a coup if Flynn doesn’t take a vacation to deal with everything away from work and Sabrina has volunteered to take some time off with him to help him get back to his old self. Their other friends Reid and Gage also work at Monarch and can hold down the fort while Flynn and Sabrina take time off.
Faced with few options, Flynn agrees. And when a plumbing emergency forces Sabrina out of her place, Flynn offers her a guest room in his family home. Spending time together, alone, and for the first time both single suddenly makes them aware of each other in a new way. It’s easy to slip from friends to lovers. But when their vacation is over and real life starts up again, will they be able to go back to the way things were?
For more of this Top Pick please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-be...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
February 27, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really wanted to enjoy this story because teh best friend trope is my favorite, but unfortunately the blurb was misleading and it didn't work for me because Hero (who met heroine years prior & were friends) married & divorced OW and it took way too long for him to figure out his feelings for heroine.
January 20, 2019
First in a four book series. Jessica Lemmon introduces us to four college friends. Sabrina and Flynn have been best friends for a long time. Sabrina took a back seat when Flynn got married but he's divorced now and their friendship is blossoming again. The other two college friends are Reid and Gage and the three guys make a pact to never get married. In Flynn's case never married again. When Sabrina has some trouble with the plumbing in her apartment she moves in with Flynn for a while and romance flares to life. They decide to explore if there is more to their relationship than friendship. This is one of those shorter Harlequin books that are so fun to read when written well. Jessica Lemmon gives you a great story of friends to lovers. With a little over two hundred pages you feel like you get a full story and get to know all four friends to a extent. I loved Flynn with Sabrina and was rooting them from page one!
August 6, 2019
god this was mediocre but i’ll expand when it’s not 2am
January 13, 2019
3.75
1 woman, 3 guys, 4 friends since college.
The guys made a pact, never get married, but one of them didn't follow the rules.
Now divorced, his father just died, Flynn take his place as president of the management consulting firm.
Things doesn't go well at work either, his best friend, Sabrina, insist he takes a vacation.
A line is crossed at Valentine's Day, with a kiss, then plumbing issues and temporary cohabitation, from friends to lovers, but can they be both ?
Best friends, secret lovers is the first book in a new series by Jessica Lemmon. Things are going a little too fast for my taste in the romance department and the blurb exaggerated the must stay secret part, but I really enjoyed how the four characters were all friends and the ending was especially cute.
Will you be able to spot the author's subtil references to some of her books ? ;p
1 woman, 3 guys, 4 friends since college.
The guys made a pact, never get married, but one of them didn't follow the rules.
Now divorced, his father just died, Flynn take his place as president of the management consulting firm.
Things doesn't go well at work either, his best friend, Sabrina, insist he takes a vacation.
A line is crossed at Valentine's Day, with a kiss, then plumbing issues and temporary cohabitation, from friends to lovers, but can they be both ?
Best friends, secret lovers is the first book in a new series by Jessica Lemmon. Things are going a little too fast for my taste in the romance department and the blurb exaggerated the must stay secret part, but I really enjoyed how the four characters were all friends and the ending was especially cute.
Will you be able to spot the author's subtil references to some of her books ? ;p
February 21, 2019
Sabrina Douglas and Flynn Parker have been best friends since college. Along with their friends Gage and Reid, they all work at Flynn’s business, Monarch Consulting. Sabrina and Flynn have always been close except for the short time he was married to his cheating wife Veronica. As a result, the guys decide to make a bachelor pact to never get married. Everything changed after one kiss on Valentine’s Day. Flynn was having difficulty with the board members of Monarch and they agreed that he should take some time off. Both Sabrina and Flynn decide to take a month off to find the Flynn from college. A broken bathroom pipe in Sabrina’s bathroom causes her to move with Flynn while it is being fixed. Soon both of them try to fight what has probably been brewing since college.
I really enjoyed this story. Both characters are very likable as they try to navigate through their feelings for each other. Flynn fights with himself as he realizes what he feels for Sabrina is more than friendship, but he made that stupid pact with Gage and Reid. Sabrina tries to act like this is just an affair while she lives with Flynn and things will go back to normal once they go back to work. Gage and Reid are also funny as they give their advice to Flynn. Throughout this story I was rooting for Sabrina and Flynn. This was a great quick read and I look forward to reading Gage and Reid’s stories.
I really enjoyed this story. Both characters are very likable as they try to navigate through their feelings for each other. Flynn fights with himself as he realizes what he feels for Sabrina is more than friendship, but he made that stupid pact with Gage and Reid. Sabrina tries to act like this is just an affair while she lives with Flynn and things will go back to normal once they go back to work. Gage and Reid are also funny as they give their advice to Flynn. Throughout this story I was rooting for Sabrina and Flynn. This was a great quick read and I look forward to reading Gage and Reid’s stories.
Read
February 1, 2019Miniseries: The Bachelor Pact
January 27, 2019
Friends to lovers and then some
Great story, loved the shared history of our couple and the humour that bubbles up when you least expect it. Who knew black vultures mate for life? Well worth making time to sit down and read for......a bit like Mrs Abernathy's novels in the story!
Great story, loved the shared history of our couple and the humour that bubbles up when you least expect it. Who knew black vultures mate for life? Well worth making time to sit down and read for......a bit like Mrs Abernathy's novels in the story!
December 27, 2018
This was a little different than the blurb/synopsis in a good way. Flynn, Sabrina, Gage, and Reid are all college friends who have all stuck together ever since. Now, thirty not much has changed other than Flynn has just gotten divorced from a woman who is the worst of the worse.
Not only did she make him jump through hoops during the three years they were married. She always wanted bigger and better. Plus, there was this under the table written law that he could not be too close of buddies with Sabrina outside of work. Nothing was ever enough. Not even him apparently. She takes up with his older brother, Julian. He was more creative. Well, yeah, he’s an artist.
So, once the divorce came down the guys went skiing not inviting Sabrina for it was a male bonding experience. Plus, they were re-spouting their original pact of not ever marrying ever. Women were nothing but trouble. Flynn was saying he had no argument from Reid for he never planned on marriage due to his background.
Gage, however, was on the fence. But Flynn made them both promise him. When they get back Flynn’s father lost his fight to cancer and passes away. He must run the company that his father really never let him be a part of while he was alive. The thing is his dad’s cronies are not taking the changes well. So, the lawyer makes a suggestion to Sabrina that she makes him take a hiatus or the employees will walk.
The business really couldn’t handle that. So, she plans to go on vacation with him. She vows to turn him back into the Flynn she remembers and less like his father which everyone hates. Even him. On the first day of vacation, they kiss. Which leads to a week of what ifs.
When Sabrina needs to move in they start a friend with benefits arrangement. It is going great, well sort of. Until they end up at Veronica’s home and she puts in Sabrina’s head that she’s the “rebound girl” and nothing that will last. She can’t get those words out of her head.
Once they head back to work, she is back at her apartment. The see way less of each other. Making what Veronica said become Neon lights flashing. She needs to do something to set things right again. So, that it no longer feels like quicksand.
This is a really quick read. Fast pace, fun with a good set of friends. You will enjoy the author’s humor and straightforwardness she makes Sabrina a strong character on her own behalf. Can you be friends and lovers? I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us on www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Not only did she make him jump through hoops during the three years they were married. She always wanted bigger and better. Plus, there was this under the table written law that he could not be too close of buddies with Sabrina outside of work. Nothing was ever enough. Not even him apparently. She takes up with his older brother, Julian. He was more creative. Well, yeah, he’s an artist.
So, once the divorce came down the guys went skiing not inviting Sabrina for it was a male bonding experience. Plus, they were re-spouting their original pact of not ever marrying ever. Women were nothing but trouble. Flynn was saying he had no argument from Reid for he never planned on marriage due to his background.
Gage, however, was on the fence. But Flynn made them both promise him. When they get back Flynn’s father lost his fight to cancer and passes away. He must run the company that his father really never let him be a part of while he was alive. The thing is his dad’s cronies are not taking the changes well. So, the lawyer makes a suggestion to Sabrina that she makes him take a hiatus or the employees will walk.
The business really couldn’t handle that. So, she plans to go on vacation with him. She vows to turn him back into the Flynn she remembers and less like his father which everyone hates. Even him. On the first day of vacation, they kiss. Which leads to a week of what ifs.
When Sabrina needs to move in they start a friend with benefits arrangement. It is going great, well sort of. Until they end up at Veronica’s home and she puts in Sabrina’s head that she’s the “rebound girl” and nothing that will last. She can’t get those words out of her head.
Once they head back to work, she is back at her apartment. The see way less of each other. Making what Veronica said become Neon lights flashing. She needs to do something to set things right again. So, that it no longer feels like quicksand.
This is a really quick read. Fast pace, fun with a good set of friends. You will enjoy the author’s humor and straightforwardness she makes Sabrina a strong character on her own behalf. Can you be friends and lovers? I give this: 4 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us on www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
January 17, 2019
Life has dealt Flynn Parker a crappy hand, his life is in complete shambles, and he is struggling to find the light of day. His father has recently passed, leaving him reeling from the loss, and now he is expected to take-over running the family business. Not to mention he is also trying to heal a broken heart left by his cheating ex-wife, and the unraveling of their marriage. Their divorce was completely brutal, and it took a major toll on him.
His buddies saw his struggle and whisked him away for a guys only weekend, where they tried to take his mind off things, and get him traveling in the right lane again. They also decided a "no marriage pact" was in order, each agreeing to never let things with the women in their life to get serious enough to lead to wedding bells. Which at this point and time is something he can wholeheartedly support. But that becomes easier said then done when a longtime friend wanders back into his life, and they share an unexpected Valentines Day smooch. That one little kiss inspires some serious feelings, one's that could tests the bounds of everything in his life once again!
Best Friends, Secret Lovers is a perfectly crafted forbidden romance that comes brimming with heartfelt emotion, and finger singeing romance! These two really knew how to heat up the pages, every time they were near one another the sparks started flying and my toes started to curl. Swoon!! I loved this newest offering from Ms. Lemmon, the moment my eyes landed on the first page I was hooked, and it just continued to get better with each page that followed! I also really loved the secondary characters, and cannot wait to see what she has in store for them, bring on the next bachelor!! Highly recommend this one, it's the perfect literary escape!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
His buddies saw his struggle and whisked him away for a guys only weekend, where they tried to take his mind off things, and get him traveling in the right lane again. They also decided a "no marriage pact" was in order, each agreeing to never let things with the women in their life to get serious enough to lead to wedding bells. Which at this point and time is something he can wholeheartedly support. But that becomes easier said then done when a longtime friend wanders back into his life, and they share an unexpected Valentines Day smooch. That one little kiss inspires some serious feelings, one's that could tests the bounds of everything in his life once again!
Best Friends, Secret Lovers is a perfectly crafted forbidden romance that comes brimming with heartfelt emotion, and finger singeing romance! These two really knew how to heat up the pages, every time they were near one another the sparks started flying and my toes started to curl. Swoon!! I loved this newest offering from Ms. Lemmon, the moment my eyes landed on the first page I was hooked, and it just continued to get better with each page that followed! I also really loved the secondary characters, and cannot wait to see what she has in store for them, bring on the next bachelor!! Highly recommend this one, it's the perfect literary escape!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
June 14, 2021
Flynn and Sabrina have been BFFs since college. She backed off while Flynn was married since it made Veronica uncomfortable. Fast forward 3 years and Flynn is now divorced (wife cheated on him with his brother) and in charge of his father's company which he inherited after father's death. The employees are struggling with the change in leadership and new ways of doing things. Some want to leave. Flynn is struggling personally too; he didn't take a bereavement leave. When it is suggested he take a leave of absence, Sabrina talks him into it and she will also take time off too so he won't be by himself.
What follows is a believable friends to lovers. For 2 people who knew each other so well, they clicked right away. However, for 2 people who do talk to each other, they still made certain assumptions and didn't talk about feelings. Flynn and his friends Gage and Reid (they all work together and have been friends since college) made a pact to never get married and stay single. It was a bit frustrating because both are around 30 and I wanted them to stop making assumptions and talk to each other. Luckily, this doesn't last long before resolving. I really liked this one. Gage's story is next.
Ripped Bodice Bingo read: this will work for both "Friends to Lovers" and "Holiday That is Not Christmas" (they first kiss on Valentine's Day). I'm going to use this for "Holiday That is Not Christmas." (But might change if needed).
What follows is a believable friends to lovers. For 2 people who knew each other so well, they clicked right away. However, for 2 people who do talk to each other, they still made certain assumptions and didn't talk about feelings. Flynn and his friends Gage and Reid (they all work together and have been friends since college) made a pact to never get married and stay single. It was a bit frustrating because both are around 30 and I wanted them to stop making assumptions and talk to each other. Luckily, this doesn't last long before resolving. I really liked this one. Gage's story is next.
Ripped Bodice Bingo read: this will work for both "Friends to Lovers" and "Holiday That is Not Christmas" (they first kiss on Valentine's Day). I'm going to use this for "Holiday That is Not Christmas." (But might change if needed).
December 17, 2018
4.5
Flynn and Sabrina have been best friends since college, never even thinking about crossing the line from friendship into something more intimate. Their friendship took a slight derailing during Flynn's marriage, but after his disastrous divorce, they're back on track again and not too soon either as Flynn's father has also recently passed away and Flynn finds himself the head of his family's corporation. Unfortunately, not everyone is embracing the change to the company hierarchy, and they've threatened to walk out unless Flynn takes some much needed time away to reassess.
Luckily, Sabrina is just the person to pull Flynn out of his funk. But being along together, and single at the same time, has started giving them both glimpses into what could be between them, if they just give in and take that next step.
Best Friends, Secret Lovers is full of everything I have come to expect from Jessica Lemmon. It's a simple, no-nonsense story that's quick to read and doesn't stray from it's main focus which is the relationship (friendship and otherwise) between Flynn and Sabrina. I felt like Jessica Lemmon did a great job incorporating the conflicts that surround any kind of intimate relationship between Flynn and Sabrina (i.e. his ex-wife, their friendship, his workaholic nature, the fact that Flynn is in a pact to never get married again, and marriage is definitely on the table in Sabrina's future), but only delves into them on enough of a surface level, like an acknowledgement of said conflicts, but in a way making a statement that any arguments for them to not be together are quite trivial. Instead, we get a lot of focus placed on Sabrina and Flynn's feelings even if, at first, they're not sure how deep those feelings run. I just liked that the idea of Flynn and Sabrina being together seemed so easy and natural like a romantic relationship is a natural extension of the friendship they've always held for one another.
Never to be outdone, Flynn and Sabrina's two friends Gage and Reid - also members of the notorious single-man's pact - play interesting secondary characters. Not only for the obvious way in which they're each just begging to be thrown for a loop in love (I honestly can't wait for their books), but in the way they enhance the group dynamic. A relationship moving from platonic to romantic can have an impact on more than just Flynn and Sabrina, but unlike with the other possible conflicts, I genuinely liked the fact that it was never a question of anything being "ruined". Instead it was about their friends' happiness.
I really enjoyed this first book, it's a good one to curl up with on a lazy afternoon.
*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Flynn and Sabrina have been best friends since college, never even thinking about crossing the line from friendship into something more intimate. Their friendship took a slight derailing during Flynn's marriage, but after his disastrous divorce, they're back on track again and not too soon either as Flynn's father has also recently passed away and Flynn finds himself the head of his family's corporation. Unfortunately, not everyone is embracing the change to the company hierarchy, and they've threatened to walk out unless Flynn takes some much needed time away to reassess.
Luckily, Sabrina is just the person to pull Flynn out of his funk. But being along together, and single at the same time, has started giving them both glimpses into what could be between them, if they just give in and take that next step.
Best Friends, Secret Lovers is full of everything I have come to expect from Jessica Lemmon. It's a simple, no-nonsense story that's quick to read and doesn't stray from it's main focus which is the relationship (friendship and otherwise) between Flynn and Sabrina. I felt like Jessica Lemmon did a great job incorporating the conflicts that surround any kind of intimate relationship between Flynn and Sabrina (i.e. his ex-wife, their friendship, his workaholic nature, the fact that Flynn is in a pact to never get married again, and marriage is definitely on the table in Sabrina's future), but only delves into them on enough of a surface level, like an acknowledgement of said conflicts, but in a way making a statement that any arguments for them to not be together are quite trivial. Instead, we get a lot of focus placed on Sabrina and Flynn's feelings even if, at first, they're not sure how deep those feelings run. I just liked that the idea of Flynn and Sabrina being together seemed so easy and natural like a romantic relationship is a natural extension of the friendship they've always held for one another.
Never to be outdone, Flynn and Sabrina's two friends Gage and Reid - also members of the notorious single-man's pact - play interesting secondary characters. Not only for the obvious way in which they're each just begging to be thrown for a loop in love (I honestly can't wait for their books), but in the way they enhance the group dynamic. A relationship moving from platonic to romantic can have an impact on more than just Flynn and Sabrina, but unlike with the other possible conflicts, I genuinely liked the fact that it was never a question of anything being "ruined". Instead it was about their friends' happiness.
I really enjoyed this first book, it's a good one to curl up with on a lazy afternoon.
*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2019
Jessica Lemmon serves her readers up a delicious slice of sweet romance with the first book in her new series for Harlequin Desire. In Best Friends, Secret Lovers , Sabrina and Flynn are best friends and co-workers who celebrate the Valentine's Day holiday together and end the night with an unexpected and forbidden kiss. A kiss that they soon decide needs repeating again and again. They begin a friends with benefits-style relationship that soon starts to show a little bit of real feelings. Too bad Flynn has a pact with his fellow bachelor friends to never marry again.
This means these two will have to decide if what they have with each other is worth breaking the pact and worth risking their hearts.
Best friends have to stick together and Lemmon wrote two characters who you just wanted to end up together.
Gage and Andrea's story, Temporary to Tempted , is next and I can't wait to read it!
I received an arc of Best Friends, Secret Lovers from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This means these two will have to decide if what they have with each other is worth breaking the pact and worth risking their hearts.
Best friends have to stick together and Lemmon wrote two characters who you just wanted to end up together.
Gage and Andrea's story, Temporary to Tempted , is next and I can't wait to read it!
I received an arc of Best Friends, Secret Lovers from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
I was looking for a new book that my sister might like. She's very fond of Harlequin's Desire series. I happened across Best Friends, Secret Lovers by Jessica Lemmon, new in 2019. I'm a fan of Ms. Lemmon's books so into the shopping cart it went. The description was so interesting that I read the book before handing it over to my sister (don't judge). Ms. Lemmon didn't let me down, I enjoyed the story.
Flynn Parker and Sabrina Douglas have been the best of friends since college. Flynn's ex-wife leaves him (why is a doozy), and his father dies. Sabrina is right by his side the entire time. When she has a problem with her apartment Flynn comes to the rescue. Neither one thinks anything romantic will ever happen. They're friends and he has a no (more) marriage pact with his buddies. What's the harm of Sab moving in for a few days? Ha, ha, ha, lol.
Keep an eye out for the next buddy's book. In April of 2019 Gage Fleming takes the hot seat.
#JessicaLemmon #HarlequinDesire #BestFriends,SecretLovers
Flynn Parker and Sabrina Douglas have been the best of friends since college. Flynn's ex-wife leaves him (why is a doozy), and his father dies. Sabrina is right by his side the entire time. When she has a problem with her apartment Flynn comes to the rescue. Neither one thinks anything romantic will ever happen. They're friends and he has a no (more) marriage pact with his buddies. What's the harm of Sab moving in for a few days? Ha, ha, ha, lol.
Keep an eye out for the next buddy's book. In April of 2019 Gage Fleming takes the hot seat.
#JessicaLemmon #HarlequinDesire #BestFriends,SecretLovers
May 6, 2021
Jessica Lemmon creates characters that are realistic, and that you care about.
Sabrina, Flynn, Gage & Reid have been best friends for decades. They're always
there for each other, thick or thin. They all work together at a huge company
that Flynn recently inherited from his father. But, what happens when two of
them start to view each other in a new way?
The men reinstate their old college pact of never to marry, after Flynn's rough
divorce, and the death of his father. Flynn decides his heart can't handle any
more aching. Sabrina is there, as always, to help pick up the pieces. Only, this
time something is different. Something has changed.
Is it just grief that brings them together? Is what they're feeling real?
Do they risk their friendship for love? Only time will tell. With a little help from
their friends they find the right path to follow.
I loved this story! Jessica has such a way of bringing everything together with
such ease and humor. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations,
and reactions from the characters.
Sabrina, Flynn, Gage & Reid have been best friends for decades. They're always
there for each other, thick or thin. They all work together at a huge company
that Flynn recently inherited from his father. But, what happens when two of
them start to view each other in a new way?
The men reinstate their old college pact of never to marry, after Flynn's rough
divorce, and the death of his father. Flynn decides his heart can't handle any
more aching. Sabrina is there, as always, to help pick up the pieces. Only, this
time something is different. Something has changed.
Is it just grief that brings them together? Is what they're feeling real?
Do they risk their friendship for love? Only time will tell. With a little help from
their friends they find the right path to follow.
I loved this story! Jessica has such a way of bringing everything together with
such ease and humor. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations,
and reactions from the characters.
December 29, 2018
Flynn and Sabrina have been best friends since college, along with Gage and Reid. Sabrina and Flynn grew apart when Flynn got married and his wife did not want him hanging out with Sabrina. Now that Flynn is going through a disastrous divorce, they are picking up where they left off. They are all older now (in their 30s) and all the guys are in a “no marriage” pact, Flynn’s father passed away and Flynn now has to run the corporation called Monarch consulting. The whole group works for Flynn, which makes for some interesting dynamics in the story.
Flynn has gotten grouchy at work and Gage and Reid have told him to take some time off. Sabrina is just the person to spend time with Flynn to get him back to normal. It just so happens that Sabrina’s plumbing is broken and she needs a temporary place to stay. So, Flynn takes advantage of the situation and invites her to stay at his place for a while. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with each other and what could be if they just take a leap of faith with each other. This is a friends to lovers story, with witty dialogue and characters that are fun to spend time with. I like the corporate setting and the focus on friendship. This was the first book by Jessica Lemmon that I read and I really enjoyed it. Hopefully Gage and Reid will get their own stories and I will be waiting on release day for them.
Flynn has gotten grouchy at work and Gage and Reid have told him to take some time off. Sabrina is just the person to spend time with Flynn to get him back to normal. It just so happens that Sabrina’s plumbing is broken and she needs a temporary place to stay. So, Flynn takes advantage of the situation and invites her to stay at his place for a while. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with each other and what could be if they just take a leap of faith with each other. This is a friends to lovers story, with witty dialogue and characters that are fun to spend time with. I like the corporate setting and the focus on friendship. This was the first book by Jessica Lemmon that I read and I really enjoyed it. Hopefully Gage and Reid will get their own stories and I will be waiting on release day for them.
February 3, 2019
Flynn's life has been on a non-stop merry-go-round. Dealing with a divorce, his father's death and now taking over the company. He can't remember the last time he laughed or did something just for fun. His best friends from college are going to change that. Sabrina is part of the foursome from college. She is the upbeat, happy go lucky person in charge of bringing the old Flynn out. It was so much fun reading all the goofy things she has planned for him. In an instant, a kiss that should have been harmless, changes everything. Can they just be friends or will it change everything forever?
January 1, 2019
Flynn and San were perfection. I loved their friendship and their falling in love. I also love Gage and Reid and can’t wait for their books too!
December 22, 2018
“Best Friends, Secret Lovers” begins Jessica Lemmon’s four book miniseries, The Bachelor Pact, and features Flynn Parker and Sabrina Douglas.
Flynn is having a rough year. His divorce from his cheating ex is final and his father passes away after a long illness, leaving Flynn the family company, Monarch Consulting.
With the Monarch board threatening mutiny if Flynn continues to change things, Sabrina offers to go on hiatus with him.
Sabrina and Flynn have been best friend’s since college. She isn’t happy with the change in Flynn and wants her old friend back. The two haven’t really “noticed” each other until a breezy February day when Flynn kisses Sabrina.
Their attraction is blazing hot and, with the promise they will always be friends, they give in. Their intimate scenes are hot and passionate and their friendship golden. Then, they realize they want more, need more, than friendship.
“Best Friends, Secret Lovers” introduces Flynn’s friends, Gage Fleming and Reid Singleton, and both will be featured in their own books as they meet their match and try not to break the bachelor pact.
Ms. Lemmon treats us to fun banter (reminiscent of “Eye Candy”) and my favorite trope—friends to lovers.
Flynn is having a rough year. His divorce from his cheating ex is final and his father passes away after a long illness, leaving Flynn the family company, Monarch Consulting.
With the Monarch board threatening mutiny if Flynn continues to change things, Sabrina offers to go on hiatus with him.
Sabrina and Flynn have been best friend’s since college. She isn’t happy with the change in Flynn and wants her old friend back. The two haven’t really “noticed” each other until a breezy February day when Flynn kisses Sabrina.
Their attraction is blazing hot and, with the promise they will always be friends, they give in. Their intimate scenes are hot and passionate and their friendship golden. Then, they realize they want more, need more, than friendship.
“Best Friends, Secret Lovers” introduces Flynn’s friends, Gage Fleming and Reid Singleton, and both will be featured in their own books as they meet their match and try not to break the bachelor pact.
Ms. Lemmon treats us to fun banter (reminiscent of “Eye Candy”) and my favorite trope—friends to lovers.
December 29, 2018
Flynn and Sabrina have been best friends since college, along with Gage and Reid. Sabrina and Flynn grew apart when Flynn got married and his wife did not want him hanging out with Sabrina. Now that Flynn is going through a disastrous divorce, they are picking up where they left off. They are all older now (in their 30s) and all the guys are in a “no marriage” pact, Flynn’s father passed away and Flynn now has to run the corporation called Monarch consulting. The whole group works for Flynn, which makes for some interesting dynamics in the story.
Flynn has gotten grouchy at work and Gage and Reid have told him to take some time off. Sabrina is just the person to spend time with Flynn to get him back to normal. It just so happens that Sabrina’s plumbing is broken and she needs a temporary place to stay. So, Flynn takes advantage of the situation and invites her to stay at his place for a while. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with each other and what could be if they just take a leap of faith with each other. This is a friends to lovers story, with witty dialogue and characters that are fun to spend time with. I like the corporate setting and the focus on friendship. This was the first book by Jessica Lemmon that I read and I really enjoyed it. Hopefully Gage and Reid will get their own stories and I will be waiting on release day for them.
Flynn has gotten grouchy at work and Gage and Reid have told him to take some time off. Sabrina is just the person to spend time with Flynn to get him back to normal. It just so happens that Sabrina’s plumbing is broken and she needs a temporary place to stay. So, Flynn takes advantage of the situation and invites her to stay at his place for a while. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with each other and what could be if they just take a leap of faith with each other. This is a friends to lovers story, with witty dialogue and characters that are fun to spend time with. I like the corporate setting and the focus on friendship. This was the first book by Jessica Lemmon that I read and I really enjoyed it. Hopefully Gage and Reid will get their own stories and I will be waiting on release day for them.
February 1, 2019
I just love these Friends to Lovers stories. Tender and HOT.
Flynn and Sabrina are best friends for most of their lives. A break to deal with loss leads to a simpler time.
Timing and finding oneself leads to new challenges, experiences and fears. Struggles ensue making for a stronger bond.
Flynn and Sabrina are best friends for most of their lives. A break to deal with loss leads to a simpler time.
Timing and finding oneself leads to new challenges, experiences and fears. Struggles ensue making for a stronger bond.
November 15, 2018
I received and ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Raise your hand if you stayed up too late last night and it wasn't to watch the snow falling? Guilty as charged! It actually is a pretty quick read, and totally worth being tired today. Yes, friends to lovers has been done before but not like this. And yes, it is a romance book, but it had "real" qualities. It's not over the top or unbelievable (well, besides them of course being rich, but gotta have something to dream for, right?) and you will be rooting for this couple from the beginning. You want to see them get their happily ever after, together. No crazy antics or unnecessary interference- just two people who should be together and just need to realize what everyone else probably already knows. Hallmark movie worthy but not cheesy or sappy. And side note- can't wait for Reid's story (British guy with cheeky charm? Sign me up now!). And if you've read any of Jessica Lemmon's books before, you understand when I say- nailed the cover, again!
Raise your hand if you stayed up too late last night and it wasn't to watch the snow falling? Guilty as charged! It actually is a pretty quick read, and totally worth being tired today. Yes, friends to lovers has been done before but not like this. And yes, it is a romance book, but it had "real" qualities. It's not over the top or unbelievable (well, besides them of course being rich, but gotta have something to dream for, right?) and you will be rooting for this couple from the beginning. You want to see them get their happily ever after, together. No crazy antics or unnecessary interference- just two people who should be together and just need to realize what everyone else probably already knows. Hallmark movie worthy but not cheesy or sappy. And side note- can't wait for Reid's story (British guy with cheeky charm? Sign me up now!). And if you've read any of Jessica Lemmon's books before, you understand when I say- nailed the cover, again!
December 23, 2018
Best Friends, Secret Lovers by Jessica Lemmon is the first book in the Bachelor Pact series. I absolutely adored the story of Flynn and Sabrina. Flynn had became jaded due to his father's untimely death and his wife cheating on him with his brother Julian. Sabrina has been Flynn's best friend since college. She was the one person who could challenge him and engage him and never be shut out. She understood Flynn on levels no one else did. This friends to lovers romance is absolutely perfect. I adored it and can not wait to read the rest of this series.
December 21, 2018
What a fantastic read!!! Flynn is a workaholic and Sabrina has been his best friend for years. Together they take us on a journey of love. Storyline was easy to follow, characters were very easy to relate to and feel like your apart of the book. I would highly recommend this book.
I was given a ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2019
Jessica Lemmon delivers another fun, feel-good quick read for readers who love the friends to lovers trope. Interesting, real life characters who put forth just the right blend of real life believability and a lot of wit will keep you hooked throughout the story. I would recommend this book for sure!
January 23, 2019
Found this book lacking in its attempt to be more than the average romantic novel. The path that takes Flynn to finally notice his friend Sabrina is long after the reader figured it out. Yes they must keep their new found relationship a secret in order not to screw things up at work but by that point you want her to find another job.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2019
As soon I realized that this was going to be a friends to lovers story, I knew had to read it because that has to be one of my favorite tropes in the romance genre. So, I just jumped right into the romance of Flynn and Sabrina.
I did enjoy their friendship in the story because it was very sweet and felt very genuine after years of having been best friend, though they weren’t as close as they were in college once Flynn got married to his ex-wife three years prior. In fact there was a bit of a distance between Sabrina and Flynn and they were trying to get their friendship back on track again and achieve that closeness once again, turning to more of a closeness than either of them could imagine. But despite the fact that they had that distance to them, I could still feel the bond between them and they had a really great report going on between them. I loved the teasing and banter between them that showed of how truly connected to one another and just how much trust that was between them. It also it showed off the caring that they had for one another, which was really cool to see. I loved how Sabrina was really there for Flynn over the years and just being a really good friend by putting him first and being what he needed her to be, which was a friend. I really enjoyed seeing that aspect in the story.
As for the romance that was good as well. The friendship and bond was already there between them, but what was just come to light was their attraction to one another. It creeped up on them with neither of them expecting as it started getting more and more intense as they story progressed. They just never really saw each other that way until certain events pushed them forward. It started off slow between them with just a glance here or there, or just checking each other out and seeing each other in a new light. Plus the sparks between them were just electrifying that once they kissed there really was no going back after that. Then the story really intensified after that point as they decided to just go for it and explore that attraction while keeping the label of friends and only friends. The passion between them was scorching and did not disappoint. They had an intensity to their bedroom activities that made their connection deeper and that was due to their friendship and trust between them that made it even more satisfying between them. They also went on a couple of dates here and there that increased the romance and intimacy between them plus it was just really sweet and loving to see. I liked seeing them fall in love, though I think they were in love with each other all long just weren’t ready to see it yet.
I also really liked the fact that Sabrina helped Flynn get back to his true self and not the bitter man that he had become over the years. She wanted to relieve his stress, and she did in more ways the one, but just because she wanted him to be okay and be the man that she knew and loved all those years again. And I really liked she pushed him to take a break from things so he could find himself again, and she did that herself along with him. It just showed the depth of caring that she had for him. It really showed how much they respect they had for each other and level of trust between them as they found who they were again and the fact that they do so together. It was a journey that they did together. It showed off why they had such a special relationship.
Another thing I really liked in the book was the friendship Flynn and Sabrina had with Reid and Gage in the story. It brought a real touch of humor to the story to see the interaction between the four of them. There was a lot of fun teasing and banter back and forth between them especially between the men. They had a special bond and caring between them. It showed when they made the pack never to get married again after Flynn’s divorce and reforming that bond between the three of them to when they ribbed Flynn as he was getting farther away from his true self to kicking him in the butt when Flynn refused to acknowledge his feelings for Sabrina and the fact that they belonged them. This was one of the great written friendships that I have ever read between men, and I love that.
The emotional part of the story was a little disappointing to be me. Not that I didn’t believe that there was a bond and a love between Sabrina and Flynn because I know there was, but it wasn’t as intense or as explored as I would have liked or expect of a romance, but then again I could be comparing this with my Presents line, which is all types of intense, emotional romances filed with lot of angst, so it may not be a fair evaluation since this was from the Desire line, but that was what I prefer in romance. I just think that Flynn and Sabrina could have gone a little deeper in the emotional department and talk a little bit more about their issues that they have dealt within their life to make them the people that there were. For example, Flynn’s feelings about his father’s death or even his divorce which was not really discussed as I would have expected. I just would have liked to see more an honest, open discussion between them.
And on a related note, I thought that the ending was a bit rushed with the declarations of love and the admitting that they were in love. It was almost too easy with very little obstacles to get from the point of contention to the happily ever after. I would have liked to see more of struggle. More of a fight to get to that happily ever after. The conversation that they had in his office was just completely skipped over and summarized. I would have liked to see the fight just so I could see the friction between them. It just would have been more satisfying for me. I wanted to them fighting for what they wanted.
Overall though this was a good story and I really was entertained while I was reading. I loved all the friendships in the book and thought they were the strengths of the story. I loved the humor, banter, and just the fun that they had with each other showing off the level of caring and bond between all of them but most especially between Flynn and Sabrina. I could really feel the love between them even before they consummated their relationship. They really had everything going for them as a couple. They had love, trust, caring, attraction, and just a genuine bond between them. I loved seeing Flynn and Sabrina together, and I really did enjoy seeing them go from friends to lovers. It was a nice journey and a natural progression to that point. I would have liked to see more, intensity, angst, and friction between them and see them fight a little bit more for their romantic relationship and their happily ever after, but despite that it was still good and I enjoyed it.
I did enjoy their friendship in the story because it was very sweet and felt very genuine after years of having been best friend, though they weren’t as close as they were in college once Flynn got married to his ex-wife three years prior. In fact there was a bit of a distance between Sabrina and Flynn and they were trying to get their friendship back on track again and achieve that closeness once again, turning to more of a closeness than either of them could imagine. But despite the fact that they had that distance to them, I could still feel the bond between them and they had a really great report going on between them. I loved the teasing and banter between them that showed of how truly connected to one another and just how much trust that was between them. It also it showed off the caring that they had for one another, which was really cool to see. I loved how Sabrina was really there for Flynn over the years and just being a really good friend by putting him first and being what he needed her to be, which was a friend. I really enjoyed seeing that aspect in the story.
As for the romance that was good as well. The friendship and bond was already there between them, but what was just come to light was their attraction to one another. It creeped up on them with neither of them expecting as it started getting more and more intense as they story progressed. They just never really saw each other that way until certain events pushed them forward. It started off slow between them with just a glance here or there, or just checking each other out and seeing each other in a new light. Plus the sparks between them were just electrifying that once they kissed there really was no going back after that. Then the story really intensified after that point as they decided to just go for it and explore that attraction while keeping the label of friends and only friends. The passion between them was scorching and did not disappoint. They had an intensity to their bedroom activities that made their connection deeper and that was due to their friendship and trust between them that made it even more satisfying between them. They also went on a couple of dates here and there that increased the romance and intimacy between them plus it was just really sweet and loving to see. I liked seeing them fall in love, though I think they were in love with each other all long just weren’t ready to see it yet.
I also really liked the fact that Sabrina helped Flynn get back to his true self and not the bitter man that he had become over the years. She wanted to relieve his stress, and she did in more ways the one, but just because she wanted him to be okay and be the man that she knew and loved all those years again. And I really liked she pushed him to take a break from things so he could find himself again, and she did that herself along with him. It just showed the depth of caring that she had for him. It really showed how much they respect they had for each other and level of trust between them as they found who they were again and the fact that they do so together. It was a journey that they did together. It showed off why they had such a special relationship.
Another thing I really liked in the book was the friendship Flynn and Sabrina had with Reid and Gage in the story. It brought a real touch of humor to the story to see the interaction between the four of them. There was a lot of fun teasing and banter back and forth between them especially between the men. They had a special bond and caring between them. It showed when they made the pack never to get married again after Flynn’s divorce and reforming that bond between the three of them to when they ribbed Flynn as he was getting farther away from his true self to kicking him in the butt when Flynn refused to acknowledge his feelings for Sabrina and the fact that they belonged them. This was one of the great written friendships that I have ever read between men, and I love that.
The emotional part of the story was a little disappointing to be me. Not that I didn’t believe that there was a bond and a love between Sabrina and Flynn because I know there was, but it wasn’t as intense or as explored as I would have liked or expect of a romance, but then again I could be comparing this with my Presents line, which is all types of intense, emotional romances filed with lot of angst, so it may not be a fair evaluation since this was from the Desire line, but that was what I prefer in romance. I just think that Flynn and Sabrina could have gone a little deeper in the emotional department and talk a little bit more about their issues that they have dealt within their life to make them the people that there were. For example, Flynn’s feelings about his father’s death or even his divorce which was not really discussed as I would have expected. I just would have liked to see more an honest, open discussion between them.
And on a related note, I thought that the ending was a bit rushed with the declarations of love and the admitting that they were in love. It was almost too easy with very little obstacles to get from the point of contention to the happily ever after. I would have liked to see more of struggle. More of a fight to get to that happily ever after. The conversation that they had in his office was just completely skipped over and summarized. I would have liked to see the fight just so I could see the friction between them. It just would have been more satisfying for me. I wanted to them fighting for what they wanted.
Overall though this was a good story and I really was entertained while I was reading. I loved all the friendships in the book and thought they were the strengths of the story. I loved the humor, banter, and just the fun that they had with each other showing off the level of caring and bond between all of them but most especially between Flynn and Sabrina. I could really feel the love between them even before they consummated their relationship. They really had everything going for them as a couple. They had love, trust, caring, attraction, and just a genuine bond between them. I loved seeing Flynn and Sabrina together, and I really did enjoy seeing them go from friends to lovers. It was a nice journey and a natural progression to that point. I would have liked to see more, intensity, angst, and friction between them and see them fight a little bit more for their romantic relationship and their happily ever after, but despite that it was still good and I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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