At thirty-years-old, Cynthia imagined she’d be married and even possibly on her way to being a mother if she wasn’t already. Slowly but surely, she’s been on a mission to knock things off her list. She has the career, the home, and the cars, but the one thing she is lacking is a love of her own.
Her fifteen-year-old pact with her best friend, Timothy, should solidify her last mission, however, on a dinner-date gone wrong, she finds out that Timothy has already planned to get married to someone else - his fiancée - Melanie.
Heartbroken and ready to give up on love, Cynthia’s mother steps in and introduces her to a kind, ambitious man named Shawn. Shawn has love and marriage on the brain and is ready to take Cynthia to new heights if she’ll let him. Timothy has a hard time letting Cynthia go once he finds out how hurt she is, and if he doesn’t step in quickly, he’ll lose Cynthia for good.
Melanie is pushing him to make plans for their wedding, and Timothy does his best to make her happy while still trying to accommodate Cynthia’s feelings, but she’s no longer pressed over what Timothy wants. For once, she’s putting her wants and needs first, and Timothy’s lack of acceptance for how he feels for Cynthia might force her down the aisle before him if he doesn’t run towards his feelings for the woman he’s truly in love with.
I'm Author C. Monet of Clarksville TN. I write transparent creative romance with a splash of urban. My stories feature, smart, witty boss women and swoon-worthy, loving, flawed men all looking for one thing..... LOVE. Yes, you guessed it I write about love. My novels usually center around instalove, opposites attract, and redemptive love. However, I've been known to come up with love that cant be placed in a box. All in all, love is the motive no matter how it's reached. My books will leave you full; full of love, gems, and pieces of me.
Once life started to happen for and around me I grabbed the pen and decided to unmute my truth. I pen love unfiltered and undefined because rules can’t exist with creativity. The poetry in my words takes you to a place filled with dreams and aspirations of love and how it heals the soul.
A pact that was made by two fifteen year old by locking fingers and kissing pinkies sealed and set the promise of marriage to each other at age 30 if not already spoken for. Cynthia and Tim did that! But life happens ! Cynthia finally met someone who saw her. Shawn Hunt was the man for her. The pick your poison epilogue was awesome. I wanted Cynthia to move on and build a life with Shawn. I loved this book. Made you think about what if
Tim is a selfish SOB! He's a typical man that thinks the sun sets and rises on his arse. He only wanted her when he saw her happy with someone else. He only sprung into action when he saw that someone else was doing what he should've done and put her first. Can I just punch Tim in the face? I'm team Shawn, and that's all that needs to be said about that! I loved this read!!!!
Although I'm not a fan of two endings, I would choose Tim and Cynthia at the end of this book. I like a more definitive finale. I think since Shawn was pretty much Tim as far as looks and height that Cynthia should have just married him. Tim already knew all the small intricate details about Cynthia like how she liked her drinks with blueberries. They were truly best friends that would have become great lovers.
An interesting read definitely was not prepared for the end but it kept my attention.
People may think I'm crazy for routing for the underdog lol. But the way the story was written their chemistry was much stronger than what she had with Shawn. I think marrying Shawn would have been a mistake. She needed to follow her heart. It's not like Timothy over looked her on purpose. The way the author portrayed him, just says he was clueless and a damn fool. But I loved them together. Cynthia just wasn't Shawn's forever.
I think this was sooo cute. When it comes to Cynthia and Tim, I feel like we got to see their bond and friendship. The way they reminisced was a unique way for us to see some of the things they went through together growing up. I felt like Tim was a jerk at times. Just like a ninja to dish it but can't take it. I was definitely team Shawn the entire book.
I wanted to hate Tim’s character but after the verbal ass kicking Cynthia’s mom gave him and the way he manned up? I became team Tim. This was an excellent read. It could have used a bit more sex but what can I say? I’m a man and we ALWAYS want sex Lol. I enjoy the work of this author she is quite talented.
Chile let me say how bad I wanted to slap the hell out of Tim selfish ass. Over 15 years and you can't feel me, nah I'm good even if you see me now PERIODT. So I will take the Shawn ending for 200 Alex...........Moon
Friends to lovers plus a plot twist was unexpected but enjoyed every moment of it
I felt Cynthia's pain of realizing that the man she has loved her entire life seemed to not feel the same. That thing of not wanting someone until someone else does is so true. Tim irked my soul with the entire way he treated Cynthia has a backup plan or second option. The fact that he his Melanie is proof of it all. I loved seeing Cynthia flourish and find all that she prayed for and desired in a man like Shawn and not be hesitant about it. I appreciated Shawn being upfront and honest about his desires for his future and with Cynthia. I feel like they were rushing a bit but love truly doesn't have a time limit. I loved the entire flow of the story from beginning to end, depending on which one you chose for her to be with. I won't say which one I chose but you won't be disappointed no matter who you choose. There was a lot to learn from this story as well. Knowing your worth and leaving or should I say removing yourself from being so invested into something or someone who doesn't appreciate what you bring to the table. Appreciating what and who you have in your life and not taking them for granted. Being open to new things that bring about all that you have hoped and prayed for. Lastly, fighting for what you want but knowing when to give up once you have given it your all. Thank you C. Monet for another great book!!
An excellent story I thoroughly enjoyed from the very first page. I love the idea of bestfriends turned lovers and in the case of Cynthia and Tim, they had that connection all along but I believe they held back because they didn't want to ruin the friendship. And as we see they go through their moments of denouncing the friendship when true feelings are revealed. I was mad at Tim for how he treated Cynthia and his refusal to acknowledge his feelings for her other than being bestfriends. I just didn't feel that true connection with Cynthia and Shawn. It was almost like a relationship of convenience because of their age and they felt at that point they needed to be married. My vote was for Cynthia and Tim. It took awhile for him to come to terms with his feelings and that extra push from Cynthia's mother was enough for him to stop the games and make things right. I wouldn't mind reading a book with Shawn and Melanie possibly getting together. Great job C.Monet
OMG this was a page turner for me - I was anxious to know what was gonna happen next. Don't want to spoil anything, but am still wondering the real reason why Tim never mentioned anything to Cyn about meeting Melanie? The pact between Tim and Cyn was a vow to marry each other if neither one had found someone else to marry by their 30th birthday. Of course today is their 30th bday and Cyn is ready to celebrate the pact but instead gets introduced to Tim's surprise fiance.
Fast forwarding to who should Cyn decide to spend her forever with: Tim who is obviously her soul mate but makes me wonder if he could be trusted to remember to put Cyn before himself, or if he's even ready for marriage? or, Shawn who has everything he wants except for a wife and can offer Cyn exactly what she's looking for and then some? Although I am secretly rooting for Tim, I feel like Cyn owes it to herself to experience what it feels like to finally have someone put her first. Ugh, I'm so torn!
You owe it to yourself to take this experience with author C.Monet!
I love male female best friend relationships. However, it never fails that one of them will fall, and the other person is oblivious to that fact. I wanted to like Tim, but I just wasn't feeling him with the way he told Cyn about his engagement. His best friend didn't even know he was seeing anyone! What? So, she reacted and told him her feelings, and then the light goes off for him? Nah! I liked Shawn from the start. He had his ish together, knew what he wanted and went for it. I understand the history between the friends. But, in the end I don't believe Tim deserved Cyn. I vote for Shawn. Although it was a short courtship, he took the time to learn his girl, and love her. That is exactly what Cyn needed. Thank you for another great story! 👍👍
I chose Tim. The reason being is that they have history and a friendship. We are all selfish in our friendships to some degree. I fault Tim for how he brought Mel up. That was selfish and disrespectful. I get why though..he didn’t want to hurt cyn subconsciously. I knew he knew it was cyn all along but chose to ignore the signs. It’s true you don’t know what you’re missing until it’s gone. I think they would’ve all settled even though the intent to love was there with Shawn. Shawn filled a void but cyn would’ve always made room for Tim because if the love she had for him. She probably would have been contently married for years but not in true bliss had it been Shawn. She never really heals from Tim due to no closure...though decisions to make
This book had me torn. Respecting and understanding both love and friendship I understood the draw to Timothy. The history, memories, comraderie, and passion was too much to ignore. However, I am also a strong proponent of self worth. It was clear that he had taken her kindness and presence for a weakness. Shawn came in and knew exactly what he wanter and didn't hesitate to shower her with love. I felt like it was rushed though. When choosing Shawn I would have liked her to stop the wedding and just relish in being engaged and building memories. I also understood the unwavering love for Timothy. I loved the push and pull, which is just part of being human.
Where do I begin? This was a magnificent piece of work Ms. C. Monet! The only issue I had with Cynthia was that I felt for someone turning 30 it was immature of her to not verbally say something to Tim about her feelings way before their birthday dinner. The same could be said for Tim as well though, he kept Melanie hidden and knew in his subconscious exactly why. I like Shawn he is an awesome catch and I hope he has a spinoff with Melanie. We've all been hurt, when Melanie went to talk to Tim it was wrong, but there's nothing like a played woman and in her feelings. I was team Shawn up until Shelby's chapter then I had a change of heart. I'm team Tim!!!
A pact that was made but it was made to be broken in Tim's eyes. Cynthia was devastated when she learned that Tim was engaged to someone else I don't think it would bother her as much as it did if Tim had presented to her in another way. Shaun was a knight in shining honor a GOD send he was sent to her just when she needed him and he came to her and showed her just what true love. Tim started getting next to him when he realized that he lost cynthia then he wanted to be with her and he got rid of Melanie. Although it was one slip up I'm glad that Cynthia went through with her wedding to Shaun he deserved her not Shaun.
Amazing! From start to finish this book was so good! Cyn and Tim were best friends with a pact. Right at the moment of enforcement, Tim broke the pact. Afterwards came a flood of emotions from both Tim and Cyn. I loved how Cyn started to finally put herself first. Cyn’s mom was hilarious and very supportive of her daughter. Once Shawn came into the picture and Cyn was properly romanced, Tim realized his mistake. Was it too late? After thinking about my pick between Tim and Shawn I decided to go with Cyn and Shawn! Why place your heart back into the hands of the one who overlooked it your entire life. Shawn is the future and Tim is the past.
A pact was made by fifteen-year-old Timothy and Cynthia by locking fingers and a pinkie kiss. They made a promise if of marriage to each other at the age of 30 if they are not already married. Timothy and Cynthia were best friends and always celebrated their birthday together. On their 30th birthday Cynthia was ready to declare her love to Timothy only to be surprised that he was engaged already. Cynthia was ready to give up on love until her mother introduced her to Shawn. Shawn was ready for marriage and a family. Timothy became jealous once finding out Cynthia was dating. Good read.
First what a wonderfully written book and I absolutely enjoy the poetry in between the chapters very well done. Timothy and Cynthia best friends grew up together sometimes you don't know what you have until you lose it and that was the case with Tim and Cyn. Then Shawn an innocent man looking for love. Then there's Melanie a woman scorned and rightfully so. I enjoyed the back and forth between the couples it's really unfortunate that they are casualties as a result of some people unions. I would definitely recommend this book.
Once again C Monet has done her thing! From beginning to end this was a very good read! I loved Cynthia and Shawn’s chemistry! I felt they were perfect for each other! Tim pissed me off because of how selfish he was but at the same time I understood his reasoning! I like Cub and Shawn’s ending better because Cyn didn’t settle! That twist was genius and I’ve never seen it done like that before! As a single woman this book did leave me with a few life lessons! Trust me I made note of them!
I'm not sure which ending that I liked best. That old saying proved to be true that you don't miss your well until your water runs dry with Tim and Cynthia. Shawn treated Cynthia like a diamond and valued her worth from the beginning however I do feel that they were rushing to soon to get married. I think she should've chosen Shawn but slowed the relationship down because it shouldn't take someone fifteen years to see you when they claim to know everything about you. This was a good book to read with an alternative ending.
I honestly didn't want Cynthia to end up with Tim. Yes she loved him but I just didn't think they got together as a couple. She was all in for him but he picked and chose what he wanted to share with her. I truly believed Tim loved her but just as much as friends love each other. His final revolution that he wanted her i don't feel was honest, he just didn't want to lose her. I really believe Shawn is the better man for her. I hope Cynthia and Tim can patch their friendship. I feel they are better as friends not lovers.
Wow where do I begin. I saw so much of myself in Cynthia especially regarding her friendship with Tim. And although he refused to see her like he should have its easy to do when you work so long at convincing yourself someone is just a friend. I liked Shawn as a man but I want her with Tim. In the end we as women have to choose ourselves first and the love that reflects the love for ourselves the best. Great story C Monet!
Wonderful! With any relationship they have ups & downs. Unfortunately Tim was dumb as door nail and didn’t see his forever looking him dead in his face. I still rooted for the Cynmothy Union even though Tim’s actions made him unworthy of Cyn’s love but their soul were tied so they have to be together. Plus, Mel & Shawn make a great couple & maybe we hear from them in their own book. C. Monet did it again & nice twist letting up pick who Cyn ends up with. Loved it.
Cynthia & Tim had the foundation for everlasting love. Shawn came in strong with the right now love and affection. Mel provided love for Tim until he admitted his love for Cynthia. This is clearly a case of being with the wrong person for the right reason or the for the wrong reason. My ending is Tim & Cyn coming back together because they shared real love. The reactions they had to each other were strong indicators of their soul ties.
This was different and I was truly along for the ride. Cynthia gave herself to someone that didn't see her worth. Been there and got the tshirt to match. Tim only saw her when she was no longer available. Shawn was a breath of fresh air because he recognized she was truly a gem from the beginning and sought to make her his. I am Team Shawn!!! You are not allowed to have me after the fact! Boy bye!! Great read as usual C. Monet!!!
The choice on who she should pick was difficult for me. On one end I chose Shawn because he saw her for the beautiful person she was and he didn’t hesitate on showing her how he felt. However, I ultimately chose Tim because I feel like he is her true soulmate and it wouldn’t have worked with Shawn. I think Shawn and Melanie would be better together.
Oowwee! The Pact took me on one heck of a rollercoaster ride! Tim was so selfish and I don't feel sorry for him even a little. Cynthia almost made me come out the bag on her but she made up for it. Shawn is bae allll day. This was a really good read and I loved the surprise ending. I didn't have to think twice about who I was rooting for.
Thank God this wasn’t the typical ending. Now, I could be biting my tongue when part 2 comes out and she’s with Tim but I hope not. Tim had his chance and she watched him consistently look her over. I don’t see how she’ll give him a chance. Maybe things won’t work out with Shawn but maybe they will. I’m team Shawn.
I picked Shawn and Cynthia. I felt like Tim took her for granted. Cynthia and Tim were best friends, they did everything together. But Tim had been dating Melanie, got engaged, and moved in together and he never said anything to his best friend. Shawn knew what he wanted and he didn't waste time. He showed Cynthia in so many ways that she can first. Hooray for Shawn
Although I went into think thinking Cynthia and Tim were destined to be together, Tim just kept messing up. Tim was just dumber than dumb! Now, Shawn was a real one. Maybe he wasn’t her true love, but sometimes you gotta go for what’s best for you and I would have rode off into the sunset with Shawn!