I was sixteen when I vowed I would never marry him. We shook on it. Pinky swore. Even put it in writing and all but signed our names in blood. It was the one and only thing we ever agreed on. To the world, he’s Prince Ian, Duke of Montcroix, second in line to the Chamont throne. Panty-melting accent. Royal charm. Hypnotic presence. Blindingly gorgeous. Laundry list of women all over the world who … women all over the world who would give their first born for the chance to marry him. Most eligible bachelor in the free world …
But to me, he’s nothing more than the son of my father’s best friend—the pesky blue-eyed boy who made it his mission to annoy the ever-loving hell out of me summer after summer as our families vacationed together, our parents oblivious to our mutual disdain as they joked about our “betrothal.”
He was also my first kiss.
And my first taste of heartbreak so cataclysmic it almost broke me.
I meant it with every fiber of my soul when I swore I’d never marry him.
But on the eve of my 24th birthday, His Royal Highness has the audacity to show up at my door after years of silence and make a demand that will forever change the trajectory of our lives: “We have to break our pact.”
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Emelie and Prince Julian have know each other since they were just kids. Their fathers were best friends and every summer they ended up together, for it was a tradition. Suddenly the summer Emelie was 16, things between them changed and became intense. But something happened and what was starting to be beautiful turned into HATE…and they never spent any time together again. Fast forward to now and Prince Julian is back needing a favor that’ll change everything….
This book is a 2nd chance at love/royal romance/enemies to lovers romance read. It is emotional and in places, can be a tear-jerker. You will want to scream at the main characters, shake the main characters, hug the main characters and just ahhh at the main characters because of the feels that are coming your way. Winter Renshaw is masterful in her writing style, how she works her pen and writes stories that have readers hooked from the start and keep them glued all the way through the end. The twists and turns written will have you wondering if Emelie and Prince Julian will get their HEA. Great romance read!
My Rating: 4.5 stars ******
Winter has done it again with this whimsical romantic tale. A bit different from other Princey tales that I have read.
Julian needs a bride & his childhood friend Emelie comes to mind. These two have history, one they both really don’t want to revisit but must do if he can go through with his plan. However they made a marriage pact, not to marry the other. By reading the story you will find out the why. But there are two sides to their animosity to the other. When the truth is revealed it puts another spin on their arrangement.
Just when things have turned around, the reason for the marriage is no longer valid, so that’s when it all takes a turn for the worst. What’s Julian to do follow his heart or the mistruths he’s established. Add in a princess ex, one he also has history with & his former friend Liam then you’re in for a wild ride. I’ll let you decide what you’d like to do to Liam!
Again another great story from this author, one I devoured.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 4.5*
A story that pulls you in with the way it is worded. A classic royalty romance story, but with the way Winter has the story written is timeless. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a timeless type of romance that can enrapture any reader. The twist and turns within the story definitely keeps you on the edge wondering how it come out in the end for the HEA!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved this second chance romance!
Emelie and Julian made a pact when they were teenagers that they would never get married. Eight years later Julian goes to Emelie and tells her that they must break their pact and they need to get married. This is a great read, I enjoyed the story and the characters are truly wonderful. Definitely a must read and I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beautiful storyline about childhood friends who made a pact and who’s Dad’s also happen to best friends. Can that pact be revoked now that they’re adults? One night after 8 long years, Emelie gets a knock on the door from none other than Julian, aka Prince Julian. Loved every word but, then again I have loved everything Winter writes.
What a great setup. For the opening of the book, that is. The two main characters had quite the history. And not all of it good.
When HRH showed back up, even when he laid out his “request” I still felt like he was holding some things back. Turns out he was but you will just have to read the book and find out just like I did. Still it kept things interesting.
I liked Emelie and the fact that she wasn’t so easy to maneuver as most women. She’s as real as you can get and that made Julian wince a time or two. But, hey he also deserved it. He was used to women melting at his feet. Not happening here.
The story has plenty of attractions to each other and misunderstandings too. For both of them trust is a delicate commodity. There were also some good secondary people and situations in the story as well.
The ending of the story comes with several HUGE twists that I didn’t see coming at all!!
What a good surprise after the story is over to find the who’s-who of people that the author would cast as her dream choices for a movie. That was fun!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Enjoyable and really refreshing
That was one of the books I read in one sitting but that’s nothing new if it comes from Winter Renshaw. I adore her writing style and there hasn’t been no book of hers that I wouldn’t like, yet.
This one is on the lighter side with angst and drama then her usual stories, however has it’s specific twists and turns that really made it interesting. Loved how the story line was provided with fresh angle and different view on the royal romance trope. It’s not quite Cinderella kind of story and there’s not really Prince Charming but the feels and world surrounding hero and heroine kept me in the royal like feels.
What I enjoyed most was characters development and this one huge event from the past that changed lives of many people. Almost decade later when everything is finally out in the open the story make its turn and main protagonists are forced to face the truth.
This read gave me feels, made me laugh, I shed some tears and spent really good time with the characters. It was hard to say goodbye to them. Wish there would be more…
Modern day fairytale with a price who is willing to leave it all behind in order to keep the woman he loves.
The story was light with a bit of drama, funny and swoony in all the right places. Their past was full of hurt and “misunderstanding” if we can call it that. I hated the fact what broke them apart. But when all was revealed the sorry started to develop into one beautiful package. This is definitely a perfect summer read.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Emelie had her heart broken by Julian eight years ago, when she was 16. They have a fascinating history together, and their current day situation puts some context into what summers must have been like for Julian, fictional Duke of Montcroix. The emenies-to-lovers story is told through dual points of view, and there is a wonderful unlayering of the past which culminates in a new understanding. There were surprising, heart-breaking moments in here. What would you do if you got a second chance with the love of your life, even if they’d ripped your heart out in the past? I loved all the feels in this one, the characters, the HEA.
Just when Emelie thought things could not get any worse, she answers the door and comes face-to-face with her past…all six foot of his “hunk of burnin’ love” self arrives with an offer. Actually, it is an opportunity for change, but it is risky because it will require her trust. The last time she trusted him, it shattered both of them. Yes, the opportunity for a new beginning was available, but it would come with a price.
The story is complicated and filled with secrets, surprises, and twists you will not see coming, but it is a wonderful journey filled with possibility.
I received a copy of the book and am posting a voluntary, honest review by choice. When I finished, I also bought a copy.
4.5 Stars
Julian and Emelie have a falling out when they were young. After eight years of no communication, Emilie was surprised to see Julian and asking her for a favor. Will she do it or not?
I really enjoyed this book. I expected it to be a typical, light-hearted romance, but it exceeded my expectations. This story has it all: romance, mystery, and second chances. The moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I’m immediately wrapped up in the characters. I have read several books by this author before, and she didn’t disappoint. This was a quick and full of feel-good emotions. I recommend this book.
This was a pretty sweet and a little bit steamy read.
“I don’t know what it is about first loves, but even the briefest ones leave their marks and the tiniest, most microscopic part of you can’t un-love them, even if you can’t stand them.”
Emelie and Julian have known one another since they were kids. They were never the best of friends until the summer Emelie was sixteen, when Julian suddenly shows an interest in her. However, by the end of the summer, Emelie is broken-hearted and they don’t see each other again for eight years, when Julian unexpectedly turns up on her doorstep to break their marriage pact – much to her hate-filled horror!
“It’s all about Emelie. Then again, hasn’t it always been? She’s both the most wonderful thing that happened to me – and the worst.”
He proposes an arrangement that would be beneficial to them both. When truths start to emerge about the past, what starts out as a marriage of convenience quickly develops into something much, much more, but the path to forever happiness is strewn with obstacles.
Emelie and Julian have a strong connection and their relationship moved quickly from one status to another. I felt sad for the years they lost but loved how quickly they put things aside to move forward. However, I must say that as the story moved to its conclusion, I was frustrated by Emelie’s reaction and behaviour and, honestly, the ending was not what I actually expected because of who Julian was and all that his birthright entails.
Overall, I enjoyed this story – it was a fairly light, easy read.
I loved everything about this book. It will keep you on the edge with what will happen next. It’s a second chance marriage of convinence. Buy this book today you will not be disappointed.
A romantic second chance romance. Julian and Emelie has a past filled with young love and heartache. Their pact was to never get married to each other. Now Julian has a royal problem. We follow them on their journey the get to know each other again, but also to unravel details of their shared past they never knew. Overall this story had the potential, but I didn’t connect with the characters and the story the way I usually do. This author is one of my favorites, but this book was not one of her best.
Her Perfectly Imperfect Prince
Julian needs to take over as king before his father ruins the entire country. However, tradition stipulates that to be King, you must be wed.
Julian and Emelie grew up together. Their parents were friends, so summers were spent together. What started out as two kids who tormented one another, turned into teenagers who caught feelings even though. Then their short foray into young love came to an abrupt halt.
It’s been eight long years since they have seen one another, but Julian needs the favor of a lifetime and the only person he wants by his side is Emelie.
Julian is royalty and he is used to making decisions to serve himself and the greater good. He knows that getting Emelie on board with his plan will be a challenge, but failure is not an option. Julian has his own agenda.
It wouldn’t be a royal family without secrets and lies. Emelie and Julian have a past. A past with hurts and feelings of betrayal. Often what we perceive is not necessarily the truth. The two will have to be willing to let go of their past or they won’t have a future.
There was chemistry and love. Deceit and good intentions. The road will be rough and their Happily Ever After won’t be what you expect. Enjoy this second chance love story.
Overall Rating: 1/2
Winter Renshaw has done it again with The Marriage Pact. This is a second chance, frenemies-to-lovers type of romance. It is the tale of two people, Prince Julian and Emelie, finding each other again after much discord and misunderstanding. It is a beautiful lesson in moving beyond pain to find an enduring lifetime of love. It is also a reminder to be one’s self each day, no matter the circumstances and expectations. These two are lovely and dreamy, even in their pain.
Prince Julian and Emelie are childhood friends, now adults. At 16, Emelie gives her virginity to Julian, only to be met with silence and disdain the day after. After a childhood of taunting, giving her virginity and love to Julian is a huge step. His rejection of her creates so much pain that she makes an oath to never marry him. The pain he inflicts on her is too much.
Eight years later, Prince Julian comes to her door asking to marry her as a way to save his kingdom. After much reticence, Emelie agrees with the agreement that she can end the marriage after five years. What Emelie doesn’t know is that Julian is interested in more. Much of their story is a misunderstanding on both sides. Will they find love, or will their marriage end when the five years has passed?
“I don’t know what it is about first loves, but even the briefest ones leave their marks and the tiniest, most microscopic part of you can’t un-love them, even if you can’t stand them.”
What Winter Renshaw does well is angst. She has this way of telling stories that infuse a bit of humor, but her true calling is making you feel. As I was reading Julian and Emelie’s story, my stomach was knitted into knots because Emelie’s pain is palpable. I kept waiting for the awful moment to happen when Julian would readily take advantage of her again. And it’s this reticent anticipation that keeps Renshaw’s story in its grasp. I began this in the late evening before going to bed, while I am on vacation, and I could not put it down. I simply had to know if Julian and Emelie could survive the lead up to their marriage. Would they make it through the hurt of the past? It’s this driving force that keeps you reading this story until the very last word.
Prince Julian and Emelie are likeable characters, even the prince. Given what we find out about his treatment of Emelie, you expect to detest him. However, Renshaw lets us into his thoughts quickly, and we realize that he has another side of this story, an important side of it. Therefore, there is never a time to dislike him. He is also simply a survivor of pain. “The mark she left on my heart that summer has never faded, and now here we are. It’s funny how things work out sometimes. And this will work out. It has to…”
Together, Julian and Emelie’s souls are interwoven into a story of love over time even in the midst of pain. It’s also about Julian learning who he is outside of his role as prince. Emelie’s love for him helps him transcend the shackles of his kingdom to find a peace in their love. The epilogue is one of my favorite parts as it illustrates the power of freedom and self-love. “I live for these moments with him, the ordinary and beautiful ones…”
If I had one criticism of the story, I’d have to note Emelie’s character. Emelie is a classic over-thinker, and it creates some of the drama of the story. I connect with her in that way, but as a reader, it had moments when it was too much for the story. For the most part, I loved her, but I also felt she found problems where they didn’t truly exist. This is also the genius of Renshaw’s character construction; she generally makes you both love and hate her main characters.
There is always something beautiful about the stories Winter Renshaw tells so well. And The Marriage Pact is no different. Its beauty comes from its painful truths, and the way in which Renshaw weaves it with the love of its two main characters. As I stated before, I could not put this book down. I finished it in the line for Westminster Abbey in my first trip to London, and the beauty of Prince Julian and Emelie’s romance colored the edges of the beauty of that place.
A beautiful second chance love the story between Emelie and Julian. Love all the twist and turns and how they each try to make best of their situation. Love how Julian is a romantic at heart.
Favorite quote: Emelie ~ “I don’t know what it is about first loves, but even the briefest ones leave their marks and the tiniest, most microscopic part of you can’t un-love them, even if you can’t stand them.”
This was a read that I wanted to like more than I did. I thought that the description sounded fun and emotional, so I was intrigued. However, what I expected and what I got differed. I liked Emelie but I hated Julian. There was an overabundance of OTT, you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me drama that left me shaking my head and just trying to push through the book. In the end This was a swing and a miss for me.
The Marriage Pact by Winter Renshaw a five-star read that will wow you to vow you. This was such a great story; you could feel hearts braking and passion rising. Prince Julian was a character that I dint always like, there was something about him that rubbed me up the wrong way at first, but after a while I really did adore him. He shows us his true royal side and it’s a side that shows us loyalty and passion, that alone makes Emelie a very lucky lady. This has everything you need to make a great story and its one that you will enjoy from start t finish.
Some pacts are made to be broken. When Emelie and Julian were young, they swore they’d never marry each other. And when hearts are damaged this seems like an easy promise to keep….until Julian returns after eight years of no contact with a shocking request.
I was expecting some twists going into this story but I was about as surprised by one in particular as the main characters. Some people may not enjoy how The Marriage Pact ended and it’s definitely a Happy-For-Now. But really a true story is never done at Happily-Ever-After with a kiss in front of a blazing sunset followed by The End. This story concludes knowing their story continues and it’s left to the reader to imagine all the moments to come, happy and otherwise, for Emelie and Julian.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.