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Sunrise Cove #2
The Friendship Pact
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way.
Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she's never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.
Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn't seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.
But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it's Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she's going to choose love ... or walk away from her own happiness.
Alone in the world, Tae Holmes and her mother April pretty much raised each other, but as Tae starts asking questions about the father she's never met, April, for the first time in her life, goes silent. To make matters worse, Tae is dangerously close to broke and just manages to avoid financial meltdown when she lands a shiny new contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.
Her first big fundraiser event falls flat, but what starts out as a terrible, horrible, no-good night turns into something else entirely when Tae finds herself face-to-face with Riggs Copeland. She hasn't seen the former Marine since their brief fling in high school, and while still intensely drawn to him, she likes her past burned and buried, thank you very much. Hence their friendship pact.
But when April oddly refuses to help Tae track down her father, it's Riggs who unexpectedly comes to her aid. On a hunt to unlock the past, the two of them find themselves on a wild ride and learn a shocking truth, while also reluctantly bonding in a way neither had seen coming. Now Tae must decide whether she's going to choose love ... or walk away from her own happiness.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2022
990 people are currently reading
12563 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
388 books13.9k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 930 reviews
August 8, 2022
Jill Shalvis and these adorable covers with dogs. I think this may be my favorite. 😍
About the book: “New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way.”
Jill Shalvis writes just the kind of easy-reading books I want in my beach bag each summer. The Friendship Pact is Tae’s story. Her mother, April, had her young, and keeps her father somewhat of a secret. Tae wants to know more and starts asking questions. April shuts down, and Tae is eager to search for father, with the help of Riggs, a guy she went to high school with. The story is mostly shared from Tae and Riggs’ viewpoints. Lake Tahoe makes for the most quaint setting.
While this is the second book in a series, it stands on its own. I absolutely loved both Tae and Riggs and think Shalvis excels at delivering characters we root for along their journeys filled with love, growth, and a dab of drama. I’m hoping maybe Jake, Riggs’ brother, will get his own book in the future?!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a powerful, moving story about a young woman on a quest to find the truth about her father who learns the meaning of true love along the way.”
Jill Shalvis writes just the kind of easy-reading books I want in my beach bag each summer. The Friendship Pact is Tae’s story. Her mother, April, had her young, and keeps her father somewhat of a secret. Tae wants to know more and starts asking questions. April shuts down, and Tae is eager to search for father, with the help of Riggs, a guy she went to high school with. The story is mostly shared from Tae and Riggs’ viewpoints. Lake Tahoe makes for the most quaint setting.
While this is the second book in a series, it stands on its own. I absolutely loved both Tae and Riggs and think Shalvis excels at delivering characters we root for along their journeys filled with love, growth, and a dab of drama. I’m hoping maybe Jake, Riggs’ brother, will get his own book in the future?!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
June 3, 2022
Thanks so much to Avon and HarperCollins Publishers for this ARC for an honest review. 📚 🥰
This book is released this month just in time for Great Summer Reads 2022 and is excellent from Page 1, First Paragraph:
“For the better part of her childhood, all Tae Holmes had wanted was to be an adult, only as it turned out, adulting was overrated. Take tonight, for example. She’d planned everything down to the very last little detail, and things had still gone FUBAR.”
Who doesn’t immediately identify with that?!!! Yepity yep—we identify with it all, the reality, the humor, the pain. And we identify with all of author Jill Shalvis’ characters because they’re just like us too: overwhelmingly stressed about so many things but ultimately know true love is really all there is in the end. Excuse me, please, I’m going to go get Jill Shalvis other books…. 💕
This book is released this month just in time for Great Summer Reads 2022 and is excellent from Page 1, First Paragraph:
“For the better part of her childhood, all Tae Holmes had wanted was to be an adult, only as it turned out, adulting was overrated. Take tonight, for example. She’d planned everything down to the very last little detail, and things had still gone FUBAR.”
Who doesn’t immediately identify with that?!!! Yepity yep—we identify with it all, the reality, the humor, the pain. And we identify with all of author Jill Shalvis’ characters because they’re just like us too: overwhelmingly stressed about so many things but ultimately know true love is really all there is in the end. Excuse me, please, I’m going to go get Jill Shalvis other books…. 💕
June 14, 2022
This will be a surprise to probably nobody, but Jill Shalvis has a new book out next week and I freaking loved it! This is the second book in a series but you don’t have to read them in order as really the only thing they have in common is the setting of Lake Tahoe 😍 You have a second chance romance between Tae and Riggs and then Tae’s mom, April is also a huge part of the story as well. April got pregnant with Tae when she was a teenager and their relationship dynamic was so interesting, oftentimes more like sisters or best friends than a traditional mother/daughter. I always enjoy the way the author writes such emotionally deep stories but infuses them with humor and some sexy, witty banter. Another hit for me and an ideal summer read!
June 29, 2022
Tae was raised by her teenage mother and the two of them barely scraped by growing up. They’re so close in age they’re each other’s best friend and rely heavily on each other. A little too heavily, at first. Tae is finally getting some financial stability running her event planning business, and her biggest client’s partner, Riggs Copeland is a fling from high school, one she’s never forgotten.
Working together unearths buried feelings, instant sexual tension brewing between them. They had a playful relationship with Tae throwing barbs, and Riggs catching them flirtatiously. They want to keep things as friends only, thus their “friendship pact” but as this is a romance I knew their resolve wouldn’t last. They get along so well, which is how they ended up together in the past, so when Tae and Riggs face some tough choices and ghosts from the past they’re there for each other for support and a listening ear. Soon, the attraction simmering between them is too much to pass up! They’re passionate together, their romance full of chemistry even before they got physical, however they have to sort out what exactly this means for their future.
I was a little miffed at Tae’s mom, April, for her secrets and for meddling in Tae’s romantic life, but it did come from a place of love, so it was easy to forgive. Especially since April saw the error of her ways.
The secondary characters were quirky and fun, full of heart. I love how Jill Shalvis brought the beautiful mountain setting of Lake Tahoe to life, making me feel like I was visiting right along with the characters!
A copy was kindly provided by William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.
Working together unearths buried feelings, instant sexual tension brewing between them. They had a playful relationship with Tae throwing barbs, and Riggs catching them flirtatiously. They want to keep things as friends only, thus their “friendship pact” but as this is a romance I knew their resolve wouldn’t last. They get along so well, which is how they ended up together in the past, so when Tae and Riggs face some tough choices and ghosts from the past they’re there for each other for support and a listening ear. Soon, the attraction simmering between them is too much to pass up! They’re passionate together, their romance full of chemistry even before they got physical, however they have to sort out what exactly this means for their future.
I was a little miffed at Tae’s mom, April, for her secrets and for meddling in Tae’s romantic life, but it did come from a place of love, so it was easy to forgive. Especially since April saw the error of her ways.
The secondary characters were quirky and fun, full of heart. I love how Jill Shalvis brought the beautiful mountain setting of Lake Tahoe to life, making me feel like I was visiting right along with the characters!
A copy was kindly provided by William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
This is the second book in the Sunrise Cove series. I did not read the first, but had no issues feeling lost or not understanding what was going on. This was an enjoyable romance book with great characters, and character development.
Tae, who was raised by her teen mom April. She wants to know about her real father, but April is keeping it tight lipped. When Tae gets a new job working for company that deals with athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors. There, she reconnects with Riggs Copeland, a former marine, whom she had a quick fling with in high school. Both Tae and Riggs had troubled pasts and put up walls to keep themselves emotionally "safe". But as Riggs wants to help Tae out with finding out about her father, they develop feelings for eachother. Will they choose love, or will they decide to just stay friends? You gotta pick this up to find out, and I recommend you do. I thought this was a feel good book, perfect for summer!
Thank you to the publisher, author and getred pr books for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
Tae, who was raised by her teen mom April. She wants to know about her real father, but April is keeping it tight lipped. When Tae gets a new job working for company that deals with athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors. There, she reconnects with Riggs Copeland, a former marine, whom she had a quick fling with in high school. Both Tae and Riggs had troubled pasts and put up walls to keep themselves emotionally "safe". But as Riggs wants to help Tae out with finding out about her father, they develop feelings for eachother. Will they choose love, or will they decide to just stay friends? You gotta pick this up to find out, and I recommend you do. I thought this was a feel good book, perfect for summer!
Thank you to the publisher, author and getred pr books for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
June 14, 2022
While I liked the multitude of characters and the varied relationships-sibling, parent, friends, old loves, etc.- I loved the interactions between Jake and Riggs best! Unfortunately, April and Tae’s uber codependent relationship drove me a little bonkers. Now Tae and Riggs’s somewhat rocky relationship took the cake on challenging! These two took stubborn to a new level and while they checked a lot of boxes for me, their personal baggage also had me reading in spurts to avoid becoming overly frustrated with the pacing. I’ll say this book was a nice read, just not one I’d reread.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2022
The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis is the second book of the Sunrise Cove series, but as with her other series books, this can be read entirely as a standalone since it is based on location and not characters. The story is told mainly from 2 viewpoints, Tae and Riggs, although we get Tae's mom April every once in a while as well. I liked the different POVs, but I probably enjoyed Tae's the most and could have done without April's in all honesty. For some reason, I have had a bit of an issue connecting to this series as much as Shalvis's others, but this is still a solid romance with some great family drama thrown in. I loved the Lake Tahoe setting and I especially love the way Shalvis can make the environments of her books feel as alive as her characters.
I was a little bummed about the audiobook, as I am used to having Erin Mallon narrate this author's books (she also narrated The Family You Make), but The Friendship Pact is narrated by Andi Arndt. Her voice wasn't my favorite for Tae, and I didn't love the way she narrated the guy's voices either. If I could do this all over again, I would probably read it as opposed to the audiobook, but I would still give it a try since she wasn't a bad narrator. I actually listened to her narrate in One of Us Is Dead and LOVED her narration, so in this case, I really think it is a case of her not being the right fit for the book and characters for me. There are a lot of different elements to the story that makes this a perfect read for not only romance readers but women's fiction lovers as well. I loved the humor spread throughout the story, and the end was especially lovely, so I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publishers and Get Red PR for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I was a little bummed about the audiobook, as I am used to having Erin Mallon narrate this author's books (she also narrated The Family You Make), but The Friendship Pact is narrated by Andi Arndt. Her voice wasn't my favorite for Tae, and I didn't love the way she narrated the guy's voices either. If I could do this all over again, I would probably read it as opposed to the audiobook, but I would still give it a try since she wasn't a bad narrator. I actually listened to her narrate in One of Us Is Dead and LOVED her narration, so in this case, I really think it is a case of her not being the right fit for the book and characters for me. There are a lot of different elements to the story that makes this a perfect read for not only romance readers but women's fiction lovers as well. I loved the humor spread throughout the story, and the end was especially lovely, so I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publishers and Get Red PR for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
March 9, 2022
Shalvis continues her Sunrise Cove series with The Friendship Pact. It's summer in Tahoe and Tae, working as an event planner, and her mom April, working as a receptionist for an adventure business for wounded vets and at-risk youth are working on a day of fun for the company. But Tae meets someone who puts doubt in her mind about the story she's been told about her father. Now she's trying to find the truth while also confronting someone from her past.
Uuuuggggg. Y'all this wasn't good. It took me ages to finish. I mostly thought it was boring. April felt simultaneously old and young. She's only in her early 40s, but sometimes she felt so much older. Tae felt younger than she was. She's in her late 20s, but she read like she was in her early 20s. The story was also flat. There wasn't really a whole lot to it. I just...really didn't dig this one.
Uuuuggggg. Y'all this wasn't good. It took me ages to finish. I mostly thought it was boring. April felt simultaneously old and young. She's only in her early 40s, but sometimes she felt so much older. Tae felt younger than she was. She's in her late 20s, but she read like she was in her early 20s. The story was also flat. There wasn't really a whole lot to it. I just...really didn't dig this one.
March 13, 2022
*I received a free review copy of The Friendship Pact. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
The Friendship Pact was such a wonderful romance, with the prickly Tae and the stoic Riggs in the main roles. The other important characters were also very well fleshed out, and it was great to get to know them all.
Full review to come.
The Friendship Pact was such a wonderful romance, with the prickly Tae and the stoic Riggs in the main roles. The other important characters were also very well fleshed out, and it was great to get to know them all.
Full review to come.
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June 18, 2022I was so happy to return to Sunrise Cove. Jill Shalvis has created a lane of her own when it comes to small town/romcom/women’s fic and I love that.
I don’t know what I want to rate this book quite yet. It had all the makings of a quintessential Jill Shalvis but I finally experienced what I’ve yet to experience with her…it was a bit of a slog at times to finish. I went into the book thinking definite five stars and it had those moments where I felt that’s what it was going to be but there was something a little off. Jill puts her characters through the wringer for sure but she’s able to do so with her classic twist of humor and I think that’s what was mostly missing for me with this one.
I think if you’re a Jill Shalvis fan and don’t mind her books minus the comedy you’ll be fine and love it but I love that signature piece to her storytelling…I needed that.
I don’t know what I want to rate this book quite yet. It had all the makings of a quintessential Jill Shalvis but I finally experienced what I’ve yet to experience with her…it was a bit of a slog at times to finish. I went into the book thinking definite five stars and it had those moments where I felt that’s what it was going to be but there was something a little off. Jill puts her characters through the wringer for sure but she’s able to do so with her classic twist of humor and I think that’s what was mostly missing for me with this one.
I think if you’re a Jill Shalvis fan and don’t mind her books minus the comedy you’ll be fine and love it but I love that signature piece to her storytelling…I needed that.
July 7, 2022
The Friendship Pact was a good timely escape from my preferred genre of fictional history with WWII emphasis. I enjoyed this multigenerational family saga featuring parents, friends and some romance, as well.
As I’m not usually a ‘chic-lit’ fan, I’ll pass this sweet book onto my 52 year old daughter .. perfect for her female book club! Brava, another great book by Jill Shalvis!
As I’m not usually a ‘chic-lit’ fan, I’ll pass this sweet book onto my 52 year old daughter .. perfect for her female book club! Brava, another great book by Jill Shalvis!
June 4, 2022
The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis is her second book in her popular Sunrise Cove series, set in Lake Tahoe, California, but this can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I enjoyed this emotional, second-chance romance.
Tae Holmes and her mother April have relied on each other for Tae’s entire life. April was only fifteen years old when she gave birth to Tae, and they practically raised each other. Tae is an event coordinator in Tahoe and lives right next door to her mother, April, she’s recently received a contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities, Adrenaline HQ, and she has high hopes this contract will help her and her company grow.
Riggs is the silent partner for Adrenaline HQ and has just returned from working overseas as a Marine. He remembers Tae from High School, where they had a brief fling, and never spoke again. When they meet again at the fundraiser that Tae has organized for Adrenaline HQ, sparks start to fly, but neither Riggs nor Tae want a relationship, and Riggs is only home for the summer until he starts his new job in Washington, D.C.
I was immersed in the story immediately and enjoyed following Tae, Riggs, and April throughout the book. I did enjoy the relationship between Tae and her mother, April. While not the perfect mother-daughter relationship, they did love each other and cared for each other very much.
The Friendship Pact was an emotional book about two broken people, who need each other as much as they don’t believe they need each other. Riggs came from a tough home life and then lived as a Marine for years, and Tae, grew up taking care of her mother more than her mother took care of her. Also, she grew up without a father. I loved that when Tae and Riggs came together, they found ways to validate and help heal each other as well as themselves.
I recommend The Friendship Pact to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Tae Holmes and her mother April have relied on each other for Tae’s entire life. April was only fifteen years old when she gave birth to Tae, and they practically raised each other. Tae is an event coordinator in Tahoe and lives right next door to her mother, April, she’s recently received a contract with an adventure company for athletes with disabilities, Adrenaline HQ, and she has high hopes this contract will help her and her company grow.
Riggs is the silent partner for Adrenaline HQ and has just returned from working overseas as a Marine. He remembers Tae from High School, where they had a brief fling, and never spoke again. When they meet again at the fundraiser that Tae has organized for Adrenaline HQ, sparks start to fly, but neither Riggs nor Tae want a relationship, and Riggs is only home for the summer until he starts his new job in Washington, D.C.
I was immersed in the story immediately and enjoyed following Tae, Riggs, and April throughout the book. I did enjoy the relationship between Tae and her mother, April. While not the perfect mother-daughter relationship, they did love each other and cared for each other very much.
The Friendship Pact was an emotional book about two broken people, who need each other as much as they don’t believe they need each other. Riggs came from a tough home life and then lived as a Marine for years, and Tae, grew up taking care of her mother more than her mother took care of her. Also, she grew up without a father. I loved that when Tae and Riggs came together, they found ways to validate and help heal each other as well as themselves.
I recommend The Friendship Pact to anyone who enjoys Women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 20, 2022
The story is set in Lake Tahoe, California, where we meet Tae Holmes and her mother April. April raised Tae alone and the two are close. In fact, they bought a duplex together and are now neighbors. Tae is an event planner and works from home. She is determined to support both herself and her mother, so money has been tight. When we meet her, she is handling her first event for an adventure company for athletes with disabilities and wounded warriors.
An awkward encounter involving her most recent blind date has Tae leaving the event in search of ice cream when she bumps into former Marine Riggs Copeland. Tae and Riggs were high school friends before having a brief fling. I loved the chemistry between them immediately. Tae is all bristly and Riggs acts all laid-back and assured.
Through Shalvis’s story we get to know Riggs and Tae as she weaves side stories involving Riggs and his brother, Tae’s father and a terrible secret. All set against the backdrop of the adventure company. I loved the events, secondary characters and the slobbering dog. I laughed aloud, groaned, and read into the wee hours. Shalvis delivers characters you want to root for and befriend.
Fans of small-town romances will love this summer read. While this is the second novel in the Sunrise Cove series, it will work as a standalone. Each has its own story and romance to enjoy. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
An awkward encounter involving her most recent blind date has Tae leaving the event in search of ice cream when she bumps into former Marine Riggs Copeland. Tae and Riggs were high school friends before having a brief fling. I loved the chemistry between them immediately. Tae is all bristly and Riggs acts all laid-back and assured.
Through Shalvis’s story we get to know Riggs and Tae as she weaves side stories involving Riggs and his brother, Tae’s father and a terrible secret. All set against the backdrop of the adventure company. I loved the events, secondary characters and the slobbering dog. I laughed aloud, groaned, and read into the wee hours. Shalvis delivers characters you want to root for and befriend.
Fans of small-town romances will love this summer read. While this is the second novel in the Sunrise Cove series, it will work as a standalone. Each has its own story and romance to enjoy. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 8, 2022
Being a Jill Shalvis fan, I was pleased when Netgalley gave me the opportunity to read and review The Friendship Pact. But it was a letdown for me.
After reading a few chapters, I found it difficult to stay interested. I did not have a connection to any of the characters. Tae was too snarky and the chip on her shoulder was overdone. Riggs was just blah. And April's story of being a 15-year-old mom on her own was mentioned over and over and over. The story was too predictable. It was apparent after the first few chapters how it would end. I never felt the romance between Tae and Riggs. There was no real passion.
The only pleasant surprise was getting a glimpse of Jake's life.
The Friendship Pact just did not do it for me.
After reading a few chapters, I found it difficult to stay interested. I did not have a connection to any of the characters. Tae was too snarky and the chip on her shoulder was overdone. Riggs was just blah. And April's story of being a 15-year-old mom on her own was mentioned over and over and over. The story was too predictable. It was apparent after the first few chapters how it would end. I never felt the romance between Tae and Riggs. There was no real passion.
The only pleasant surprise was getting a glimpse of Jake's life.
The Friendship Pact just did not do it for me.
September 9, 2022
This series is so good. I'm just a girl at heart in my old age. I love a happy ending. Shalvis is so good at helping me escape reality. I love her romances. I recommend this series. They both read as standalones, but I am glad I read them both. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
May 27, 2022
5 - "Admit it... I'm growing on you." Stars!
The Friendship Pact is a cracking addition to the Sunrise Cove series. I loved Tae and Riggs, both people with their own demons, that they essentially use as a shield to protect them from emotional entanglements in their adult lives.
"Keep your eyes and hear open..."
Problem is both of them see something in the other that makes them want to lower those shields to see what could come of actually letting someone in on a deeper level. Someone who for both of them seems to see past the devil-may-care attitudes to the real person underneath.
"I get tired of hiding myself..."
"Even when you do your best to hide, I always see you... Always will."
Filled with Shalvis's usual heart, humor and likeable characters, The Friendship Pact delivers on every level, and I cannot wait to return to Sunrise Cove in early 2023 with The Inn at Sunrise Cove next up for our reading delectation!
"You're the best choice I've ever made."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
The Friendship Pact is a cracking addition to the Sunrise Cove series. I loved Tae and Riggs, both people with their own demons, that they essentially use as a shield to protect them from emotional entanglements in their adult lives.
"Keep your eyes and hear open..."
Problem is both of them see something in the other that makes them want to lower those shields to see what could come of actually letting someone in on a deeper level. Someone who for both of them seems to see past the devil-may-care attitudes to the real person underneath.
"I get tired of hiding myself..."
"Even when you do your best to hide, I always see you... Always will."
Filled with Shalvis's usual heart, humor and likeable characters, The Friendship Pact delivers on every level, and I cannot wait to return to Sunrise Cove in early 2023 with The Inn at Sunrise Cove next up for our reading delectation!
"You're the best choice I've ever made."
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 14, 2022
(free review copy) I’ll definitely keep reading the series and I love Shalvis, but this one just didn’t do it for me.
June 20, 2022
It's okay. I am, obviously, in the minority but it didn't hit me like her books usually do.
July 19, 2022
this one started so well that I thought it would be a five-star read but the conflict and everything that happens just ruined it for me
2.5🌟
2.5🌟
June 27, 2022
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 🎧︎The Friendship Pact, the latest novel by Jill Shalvis, transports the reader back to Sunrise Cove. This time around, the reader gets the chance to take an emotional roller coaster ride with a new set of character. 🎧︎The Friendship Pact introduces characters who will win your heart and have you craving a visit to the Cove.
In this installment of the Sunrise Cove series the reader meets Tae Holmes and her mom April. April was a teenage mother who chose to raise Tae on her own. Since then it was them against the world. Tae had a hard life growing up, but now she’s an event planner and is determined to support her mom and herself. Growing up without a father affected her poorly, and she closed off her heart and refused to get close to anyone. Things seem to be looking up when she got the contract with an adventure company, Adrenaline HQ, to plan events for wounded soldiers and athletes with disabilities.
Riggs Copeland a silent partner for Adrenaline HQ, came to Sunset Cove at his brother’s request to assist with the summer program at Adrenaline HQ. He has no plans to stay, as he has a job in DC waiting for him. He and Tae had a fling in high school, but things ended on a sour note. Since then they haven't spoken to each other. When their paths crossed once again, sparks flew, but being the broken persons, they were a relationship was out of the question. The best thing would be to remain friends. Will they be able to keep their pact of friendship, or will they give into their desire for each other?
I had a wonderful with 🎧︎The Friendship Pact. There were so many things happening. Romance, drama, and secrets flowed through the pages of the story.
I loved the relationship Tae shared with her mother. It may not have been perfect, but the love between them shined throughout the story. As I mentioned, it was far from perfect, which in of itself is fine. However, what had me all riled up was April’s decision to lie to Tae under the guise of protecting her.
Like Tae, Riggs didn’t have the best life growing up, which was what drew them together years ago. Now, as adults, the baggage of the past weighed heavily on their present. I enjoyed seeing how they eventually came to terms with their past and, in doing so, paved the way for healing, forgiveness, and love.
The secondary characters added depth to the story, with my favourite being Riggs's brother. I admired how he didn’t allow his disability to hold him back.
This was my first experience with narrator Andi Ardnt. She did a great job with the characters. I enjoyed her male voices, despite her not sounding like a guy. Her performance in this regard was done with ease. Her variation in tone reflected the gender of the characters. She gave the story life and made it a pleasurable listening experience.
Once again Shalvis created a story aimed at captivating readers. A story to put some joy in your heart and a smile on your face. 🎧︎The Friendship Pact is perfect for fans of women's fiction with a mix of romance, drama, comedy and sass.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
In this installment of the Sunrise Cove series the reader meets Tae Holmes and her mom April. April was a teenage mother who chose to raise Tae on her own. Since then it was them against the world. Tae had a hard life growing up, but now she’s an event planner and is determined to support her mom and herself. Growing up without a father affected her poorly, and she closed off her heart and refused to get close to anyone. Things seem to be looking up when she got the contract with an adventure company, Adrenaline HQ, to plan events for wounded soldiers and athletes with disabilities.
Riggs Copeland a silent partner for Adrenaline HQ, came to Sunset Cove at his brother’s request to assist with the summer program at Adrenaline HQ. He has no plans to stay, as he has a job in DC waiting for him. He and Tae had a fling in high school, but things ended on a sour note. Since then they haven't spoken to each other. When their paths crossed once again, sparks flew, but being the broken persons, they were a relationship was out of the question. The best thing would be to remain friends. Will they be able to keep their pact of friendship, or will they give into their desire for each other?
I had a wonderful with 🎧︎The Friendship Pact. There were so many things happening. Romance, drama, and secrets flowed through the pages of the story.
I loved the relationship Tae shared with her mother. It may not have been perfect, but the love between them shined throughout the story. As I mentioned, it was far from perfect, which in of itself is fine. However, what had me all riled up was April’s decision to lie to Tae under the guise of protecting her.
Like Tae, Riggs didn’t have the best life growing up, which was what drew them together years ago. Now, as adults, the baggage of the past weighed heavily on their present. I enjoyed seeing how they eventually came to terms with their past and, in doing so, paved the way for healing, forgiveness, and love.
The secondary characters added depth to the story, with my favourite being Riggs's brother. I admired how he didn’t allow his disability to hold him back.
This was my first experience with narrator Andi Ardnt. She did a great job with the characters. I enjoyed her male voices, despite her not sounding like a guy. Her performance in this regard was done with ease. Her variation in tone reflected the gender of the characters. She gave the story life and made it a pleasurable listening experience.
Once again Shalvis created a story aimed at captivating readers. A story to put some joy in your heart and a smile on your face. 🎧︎The Friendship Pact is perfect for fans of women's fiction with a mix of romance, drama, comedy and sass.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
July 22, 2022
I can always count on her books to make me feel good. There are always undercurrents of family (blood or otherwise) and deep personal connections. All of the ones I have read contained furbabies too, which I love.
The Friendship Pact is exactly what I expect (and need) from Jill Shalvis. Tae and her mom April have been a force to be reckoned with. Their bond is so tight, largely due to their only 15 year age difference.
Now that Tae is 28, all April wants is for her daughter to find love. April starts to play matchmaker, but when one of Tae's high school crushes returns from the marines, Tae can't focus on anyone or anything else. Well, except her quest to find out more about her father.
This is the 2nd book in the Sunrise Cove series and is completely standalone. The only thing in common is the location, no character overlap.
The Friendship Pact is exactly what I expect (and need) from Jill Shalvis. Tae and her mom April have been a force to be reckoned with. Their bond is so tight, largely due to their only 15 year age difference.
Now that Tae is 28, all April wants is for her daughter to find love. April starts to play matchmaker, but when one of Tae's high school crushes returns from the marines, Tae can't focus on anyone or anything else. Well, except her quest to find out more about her father.
This is the 2nd book in the Sunrise Cove series and is completely standalone. The only thing in common is the location, no character overlap.
June 16, 2022
Blog tour
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce30N_zLbVa/
I love the author’s stories. They always make me smile and knowing that I’ll be finishing with a heart full of love and emotions, I’m always up for whatever she will publish next.
The friendship pact is the second instalment in her Sunrise Cove series and can be read as a standalone with no issues. I will always recommend reading the first book as some characters are making appearances and being a new series, gives you an insight into this new world.
Living her life wondering who’s her father is and trying to make a living and find her foot in this adult life, Tae is a great character that I really enjoyed reading about. Her relationship with her mother is not always straightforward, but it feels very real and interesting. How April had Tae despite her predicament was really heartbreaking, but also showed how much she loved Tae.
Tae is on the brink of bankruptcy and her dreams are taking a big turn when she takes a new contract on her job that will change her personal life in more ways than expected.
While she still wants to keep her past buried but she can’t deny the chemistry and attraction towards Riggs. He just stole my heart! Such a great male character and supportive, caring and loving. Even when he actually finds out who her father is, he is all about protecting her and making sure she’s safe and won’t get hurt, not even emotionally.
Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart to the brim.
🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher Headline for my review copy
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce30N_zLbVa/
I love the author’s stories. They always make me smile and knowing that I’ll be finishing with a heart full of love and emotions, I’m always up for whatever she will publish next.
The friendship pact is the second instalment in her Sunrise Cove series and can be read as a standalone with no issues. I will always recommend reading the first book as some characters are making appearances and being a new series, gives you an insight into this new world.
Living her life wondering who’s her father is and trying to make a living and find her foot in this adult life, Tae is a great character that I really enjoyed reading about. Her relationship with her mother is not always straightforward, but it feels very real and interesting. How April had Tae despite her predicament was really heartbreaking, but also showed how much she loved Tae.
Tae is on the brink of bankruptcy and her dreams are taking a big turn when she takes a new contract on her job that will change her personal life in more ways than expected.
While she still wants to keep her past buried but she can’t deny the chemistry and attraction towards Riggs. He just stole my heart! Such a great male character and supportive, caring and loving. Even when he actually finds out who her father is, he is all about protecting her and making sure she’s safe and won’t get hurt, not even emotionally.
Beautiful romance story that will fill your heart to the brim.
🆓📖Very grateful to the publisher Headline for my review copy
June 29, 2022
Im so excited to share with you my excitement with unboxing a Jill Shalvis novel that just made me smile. Reading Jill Shalvis novels always puts me in a great mood and takes me to a nice escape read.
TITLE: THE FRIENDSHIP PACT
SERIES: The Sunrise Cove Book 2
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUB DATE: 06.14.2022 Now Available
I loved The Family You Make and though THE FRIENDSHIP PACT is part of the Sunrise Cove series, each book may be read as a stand alone. The Friendship Pact is a beautiful story about Tae, an event planner from the Tahoe area and Riggs, a Marine. Tae is going through some difficulties financially and in a series of mishaps, she connects with childhood friend Riggs.
I enjoyed this story about second chance at love, and a complex family dynamic with Tae’s mom April and her search for her father. The writing of the characters are phenomenal, you get to know them at a deeper level and find yourself immersed and invested into their lives. I just loved this series so much and I cannot wait for Book 3!
TITLE: THE FRIENDSHIP PACT
SERIES: The Sunrise Cove Book 2
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUB DATE: 06.14.2022 Now Available
I loved The Family You Make and though THE FRIENDSHIP PACT is part of the Sunrise Cove series, each book may be read as a stand alone. The Friendship Pact is a beautiful story about Tae, an event planner from the Tahoe area and Riggs, a Marine. Tae is going through some difficulties financially and in a series of mishaps, she connects with childhood friend Riggs.
I enjoyed this story about second chance at love, and a complex family dynamic with Tae’s mom April and her search for her father. The writing of the characters are phenomenal, you get to know them at a deeper level and find yourself immersed and invested into their lives. I just loved this series so much and I cannot wait for Book 3!
June 14, 2022
Two words: Unicorn! Onesie! That’s it, that’s the review.
Ok, no, I have more to say. Like how much I love Tae, who is fierce in her love for her mom and determined to make her life better than it was. She is so good, so giving, so strong, and I love that she is someone who can see beyond the pain and heartache that life has given her.
Riggs….I just want to hug him. And shove him when he’s being hard headed. But mostly hug him. He is so lost and hurt and damaged, but also so giving and loving.
I loved this book! I loved the depth of the characters, their heart and struggles and joy. And even the pain…it’s real and heartbreaking, but understandable. Jill Shalvis is brilliant. Also, now I want a unicorn onesie.
Ok, no, I have more to say. Like how much I love Tae, who is fierce in her love for her mom and determined to make her life better than it was. She is so good, so giving, so strong, and I love that she is someone who can see beyond the pain and heartache that life has given her.
Riggs….I just want to hug him. And shove him when he’s being hard headed. But mostly hug him. He is so lost and hurt and damaged, but also so giving and loving.
I loved this book! I loved the depth of the characters, their heart and struggles and joy. And even the pain…it’s real and heartbreaking, but understandable. Jill Shalvis is brilliant. Also, now I want a unicorn onesie.
April 12, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
The Friendship Pact is a feel good read. It makes you feel what they are feeling and growing through. So far I enjoyed most of Jill Shavis books. 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
The Friendship Pact is a feel good read. It makes you feel what they are feeling and growing through. So far I enjoyed most of Jill Shavis books. 4 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
April 3, 2022
A heartwarming story that centers on family, friendship and forgiveness. I enjoyed the characters and the relationship between Tae and her Mom.
Secrets have been kept and when they come to light ....well, I recommend you read this one.
Secrets have been kept and when they come to light ....well, I recommend you read this one.
June 12, 2022
Wouldn't say this is one of Jill Shavis' best - if this had been my first-ever read from her, she would not have become an auto-buy, let's just put it this way. It's a nice enough story, but the Shalvis magic just wasn't there for me. It felt disjointed at times, and at 25%, nothing much from the blurb had happened, which made me wonder when this book would pick up or if it would be one of those that had just the resolution missing from the blurb...
It's not a bad one - it reads easily enough. But Jill Shalvis has done much, much better with previous books, and this one just felt a tad blah despite being readable
**ARC copy obtained with thanks from Netgalley & the publisher**
It's not a bad one - it reads easily enough. But Jill Shalvis has done much, much better with previous books, and this one just felt a tad blah despite being readable
**ARC copy obtained with thanks from Netgalley & the publisher**
June 10, 2022
4.5 stars
At one point, I may have to stop my inner doubt about Jill Shalvis' writing as she moves to the "less traditional romance" to more of Women Fiction in my opinion (you know, less heat, more secondary/tertiary characters highlight as well). Because The Friendship Pact, the second book set in Sunrise Cove, totally grips my heart, makes it hurt (in a good way), and manages to make me shed tears (not tears of sadness, believe me). I get weepy easily if the moment is so touching, and that moment in this book when I start crying IS SO TOUCHING!
The main characters of this book are Tae Holmes, the only daughter of teenage Mom (Tae's mother had her when she was only fifteen years old!), now 28 years of herself - and Riggs Copeland, once Tae's somewhat high school friend slash secret boyfriend, who has left town to join the Marine, and now back in town.
Riggs' return runs rather havoc to Tae's mind and heart balance, as she also discovers that her mother, April, has been keeping the biggest secret, ever (Tae's father may still be alive!). As for Riggs' part, seeing Tae again, all grown up, may also be ruining his plan of leaving town again.
I LOVED these two characters. Yes, the whole push and pull from both sides may be a little tiring at times (I want to knock Riggs' stubborn head!), but I couldn't help feeling all gooey whenever Riggs told Tae that he cared, or whenever Tae realized that (Tae didn't have a lot of supporter in her life, growing up, aside from her own mother).
I LOVED their conversations. I loved the tenderness they shared. Individually, I think I loved Tae a bit more than I loved Riggs though... since Riggs is the one running away from feelings, while Tae is willing to face her life's obstacle head on.
The secondary plot involves Tae's mother -- and I adored April too. I know that she made the decision she thought was best for herself and her daughter, and I was happy that she found her own happiness. Not in a man... but in a thing that made April realized her own self worth: a recognition for her talent.
This book has a lot - heartbreak, secrets, sibling's emotional conversation, forgiveness, acceptance... but in the core of it all, LOVE. Yes, LOVE. The love of a mother, the love of a daughter, the love of a father, the love of siblings, and the love between a man and a woman. It's as good if not better than the first book, The Family You Make, in my humble opinion.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
At one point, I may have to stop my inner doubt about Jill Shalvis' writing as she moves to the "less traditional romance" to more of Women Fiction in my opinion (you know, less heat, more secondary/tertiary characters highlight as well). Because The Friendship Pact, the second book set in Sunrise Cove, totally grips my heart, makes it hurt (in a good way), and manages to make me shed tears (not tears of sadness, believe me). I get weepy easily if the moment is so touching, and that moment in this book when I start crying IS SO TOUCHING!
The main characters of this book are Tae Holmes, the only daughter of teenage Mom (Tae's mother had her when she was only fifteen years old!), now 28 years of herself - and Riggs Copeland, once Tae's somewhat high school friend slash secret boyfriend, who has left town to join the Marine, and now back in town.
Riggs' return runs rather havoc to Tae's mind and heart balance, as she also discovers that her mother, April, has been keeping the biggest secret, ever (Tae's father may still be alive!). As for Riggs' part, seeing Tae again, all grown up, may also be ruining his plan of leaving town again.
I LOVED these two characters. Yes, the whole push and pull from both sides may be a little tiring at times (I want to knock Riggs' stubborn head!), but I couldn't help feeling all gooey whenever Riggs told Tae that he cared, or whenever Tae realized that (Tae didn't have a lot of supporter in her life, growing up, aside from her own mother).
I LOVED their conversations. I loved the tenderness they shared. Individually, I think I loved Tae a bit more than I loved Riggs though... since Riggs is the one running away from feelings, while Tae is willing to face her life's obstacle head on.
The secondary plot involves Tae's mother -- and I adored April too. I know that she made the decision she thought was best for herself and her daughter, and I was happy that she found her own happiness. Not in a man... but in a thing that made April realized her own self worth: a recognition for her talent.
This book has a lot - heartbreak, secrets, sibling's emotional conversation, forgiveness, acceptance... but in the core of it all, LOVE. Yes, LOVE. The love of a mother, the love of a daughter, the love of a father, the love of siblings, and the love between a man and a woman. It's as good if not better than the first book, The Family You Make, in my humble opinion.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
June 2, 2022
Perfectly written and a wonderful addition to any summer beach bag! The Friendship Pact by Jill Shalvis is filled with everything I love about romance. This is truly one of my favorite reads of 2022. It has everything I want in a book. Emotional upheaval, overcoming trauma, learning to trust your instincts, and discovering that we’re not infallible. Love is for all of us, no matter who you are or the mistakes you've made.
~Tanja
*Thank you to @WillianMorrow @AvonBooks @HarperCollins @JillShalvis #TheFriendshipPact #JillShalvis #AvonBooks #WilliamMorrow
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~Tanja
*Thank you to @WillianMorrow @AvonBooks @HarperCollins @JillShalvis #TheFriendshipPact #JillShalvis #AvonBooks #WilliamMorrow
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August 4, 2025
The Friendship Pact
3✨
3✨
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