One word to describe this. ANGST. Oh so much angst in first half of this book. And yet again later on in the story, it was quite frustrating at times because I wanted the story to go one way & it just wasn't. But at the same time, brilliant job on Karina's part for eliciting such emotions from me with her writing. Of course, she finally gave me what I wanted, only to change again & keep me on my toes. I couldn't put this book down. I wanted to finish it & have her give me exactly what I wanted at the end.

The characters were just wonderful. I really loved Stephanie & Linden. I mean who wouldn't, they were both great characters. And Linden, oh man what a hunk. Add him to the book boyfriend list. Stephanie is a very strong female character & it was such a pleasure going through this story with her. I really did like James & I thought his character was just what the story needed. I absolutely adored Penny, I thought she was just perfect for the story. That being said, as I'm sure it's not a surprise, I really hated Nadine. But I think that was the point of her character, she was just never shown as a likable character, but then again the story needed her too. Without each of these characters, the story wouldn't be complete.

I was hooked from the synopsis because I always like stories where best friends take a chance on something more for whatever reason. I always think those are the best relationships because they have the most to lose so you're willing to fight even harder for the relationship. This is the first book that I've read by Karina, although I have plenty on my to-read list, and this did not disappoint. I definitely look forward to reading her other books.

Halle does a great job in doling out the narrative in alternating perspectives. I really enjoyed the characters and story, but I listened to the audiobook and neither of the performers could manage a decent Scottish accent. Most of the time, Linden sounded Irish, and maybe that wouldn't bother some listeners who can't distinguish between the two, but I found it really distracting.

2.5-2.75 Stars
The story wasn't convincing enough. Just because they have sexual chemistry, it doesn't mean love. Also not much was happening plot wise and what was there was predictable.
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't amazing either.

Overall, an average read.

Holy fucking shit...it's 6:30 am and I just finished reading this and I LOVED It!! Linden & Stephanie gave me life and I would personally love to thank Karina Halle for creating such amazing characters. This story has so much depth and realness with the right amount of humor and sexiness. The tumultuous relationships in the book gave me freaking whiplash and had me begging for more and that is exactly what I got. This was my first Karina Halle book and it will not be my last!!

P.S. Karina I am not opposed to a sequel.

One of those novels I enjoyed but just couldn't quite buy all the way into. Like, and I have no delusions that 4 days in the country makes me an expert but Linden's use of Scottish slang words was off ("when I was a wee lass"...pretty sure only girls can be lassies) and it was definitely sporadic...but now I've started with the nitpickiest bit of critique.

I connected with the characters fairly well, but couldn't stand the little dramatic run up to the conclusion. I get that every syory needs some dramatic tension and lots of romance novels do this but if you're going to do a breakup and get back together either make it convincing or use that stupid reason/miscommunication/etc, at least make it a little messier on the get together. Because if one party isn't getting that they are good enough for the relationship, that they "don't deserve" the other person, there are serious issues in the relationship to work out. But it is such a common trope and plot device and I am only a month into my latest romance binge and I have seen enough of it already.

Loved this book! James, Linden, and Steph were such interesting people. I enjoyed seeing their relationships change & grow. Wanted to knock James upside the head several times during the story, but was happy to see him get things figured out in the end. Cowboy and Baby Blue...where to begin. The evolution of their romance was so much fun to follow. I really appreciated the fact that they each went out and did their own thing, while remaining close friends. I loved that their romance was a "slow burn" up to the point that they became lovers. Excellent story telling, terrific characters, and a hot romance! One of my favorite books of the year!

The Pact was a swoony read, with really high intense highs and some really frustrating people, I mean parts. that made ke want to scream. Overall, a book I would recommend for those who love a good friends-to-lovers story.

How can this book have so many high ratings? Stupid, stupid book. Huge cheese-fest.

I liked it but it felt slow. Also, it didn't feel like it had been edited. There were words missing or tenses weren't quite right... It distracted me. Still love Karina Halle and her writing though.

Pros:
+ Writing was good
+ loved the comments on how Steph's body changes over time. As well as life in general
Cons:
+ Why is everyone in love with Steph? She has no personality at all.
+ Why is anyone friends with James?
+ For my taste, the plot would have worked better if it started at a shotgun wedding, and had some flashbacks to the past 5 years.