The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

*** Review ***

Hoping for a fun, easy read after diving into some heavy topics, I eagerly picked up The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord. As promised, the book delivers a light-hearted narrative with a modern twist, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie set in the age of TikTok and Instagram. June Hart and Levi, childhood friends turned distant acquaintances, find themselves at the center of a social media storm after their respective break-ups go viral. In a bid to salvage their reputations and achieve personal goals, they embark on a fake dating scheme that turns their lives upside down.

Lord skillfully brings out the depth of her characters, particularly June, whose journey of self-discovery is both relatable and endearing. From running her beachside cafe, Tea Tide, to navigating the complexities of fake romance, June’s evolution is a highlight of the book. The descriptions of her cafe’s scones are as delightful as her character arc, adding a charming touch to the narrative.

The staged relationship between June and Levi leads to a series of entertaining dates and hilarious mishaps, keeping readers engaged throughout. However, the romantic aspect of their relationship feels somewhat immature, leaning heavily on the overused misunderstanding trope often found in middle school rom-coms. While their chemistry is undeniable, it lacks the depth and maturity expected from adult characters.

Despite its entertaining premise, The Break-Up Pact falls short in certain areas. The subplot involving June’s sister and her opposition to the fake relationship feels underdeveloped and unnecessary, detracting from the main storyline. Additionally, the prolonged narrative and occasional dragging moments hinder the overall pacing of the book, making it challenging to fully invest in the characters’ journey.

While the friends-to-lovers trope is present, it feels drawn out and needlessly complicated, hindering the progression of the narrative. June’s judgmental attitude from the outset makes it difficult to fully connect with her character, impacting the overall reading experience. However, amidst these shortcomings, there are still moments of sweetness and humor that make the book an enjoyable read.

In conclusion, The Break-Up Pact offers a cozy yet slightly wobbly journey through the world of fake romance and second chances. While it may not reach the heights of Lord’s previous works, it succeeds in delivering a light-hearted story with moments of charm and entertainment. If you’re in the mood for a beachy romance with a modern twist, this book might just be the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon read.