How far is too far when it comes to protecting your marriage? Find out in this relentlessly paced novel of psychological suspense for anyone who loved The Couple Next Door.“Ranks with The Stepford Wives and Gone Girl as a terrifying look at what it really means to say ‘I do.’”—Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of The Switch Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. … Switch
Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact.
The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact. And most of its rules make sense. Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter. . . .
Never mention The Pact to anyone.
Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples.
And then one of them breaks the rules.
The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life. And The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule.
For Jake and Alice, the marriage of their dreams is about to become their worst nightmare.
Praise for The Marriage Pact
“This fast-paced nail-biter goes in unpredictable directions. . . . It also raises thoughtful questions about individual agency and marital commitment. With strong writing, intriguing characters, and a compelling conceit, this psychological thriller seems destined for the top of summer reading lists. Recommended as a fresh voice for readers of Gillian Flynn or Ruth Ware.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“Creepy and engrossing . . . [The Marriage Pact takes] readers deep into the heart of a marriage and exposes some of the darker drives, such as possession and control, that can lurk within even the most harmonious of unions.”—Booklist
“Gripping, thought-provoking, and irresistible.”—Dean Koontz
“Riveting psychological suspense! This book will keep you up all night, while making you second-guess everything you know and everyone you’ve ever loved.”—Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Right Behind You
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The whole premise was unbelievable but I managed to keep reading. When I was finished l felt it was a unique read but I couldn’t recommend it unless I explained it was weird.
An entertaining yet disturbing book. Never sign anything in haste!
Loved it! Couldn’t put it down. Think it would make a great movie as well.
Very original and entertaining. Enjoyed the story and the fast pace!
This book was extremely good because it was different and very entertaining.
I really recommend this book for a good read.
Just when I thought I had it, it gave me some other very nuanced attitude to think about.Very thought- provoking
A promising start that sunk into a completely unbelievable plot with an absurd ending. Ugh. Why did I even finish this?
A must read for reader’s who enjoy psychological thrillers!!!!!
Just Awful. So far removed from reality. Don’t waste your time. If I could give it a minus one star, I would.
The Marriage Pact started out with a reasonable premise and then segued into something twisted. By the end I felt like this might be real. Scary thought!
Loved this book. Original plotline full of just enough twists to keep me interested, but not weigh down the storyline. Will definitely check out more of this author’s work.
I really enjoyed this page-turner, read it in 2 days. This is an original concept and I was hooked! I will be looking for more of her books.
The story line kept my interest all throughout the book.
this is the best book ever. everyone who reads this i think you should read this book.
I was super excited to read The Marriage Pact after hearing nothing but great things about it and reading the intriguing blurb. After reading the book, I am left with mixed feelings.
The idea of The Marriage Pact and its characters were original and intriguing. Plus, I really liked Jake as a narrator. Most narrators are female, so reading an entire book from a male perspective was a nice change. At times Jake’s thoughts could end up on a tangent that I felt was unnecessary and didn’t really add to the plot. If his thoughts had been a bit more controlled, I feel like the book would have been paced better. The story was slow to start and even after it picked up Jake’s tangents could cause what felt like a lull. Overall, I enjoyed the book and once I was about a third of the way through, I couldn’t put it down.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the first 90 percent of this story. The ending feels rushed and leaves you feeling cheated. The buildup is wonderful but the pay off just isn’t there.
Hated the ending!!!!!!!!!
Now, this was a strange one, interesting but a bit wacky in its concept.
The marriage pact by Michelle Richmond was surprisingly good, The author has found a unique idea and evolved it from there.
With some surprising twists and turns that I didn’t see coming this was a refreshing contribution to the psychological genre and I only had minor issues and niggles that pulled this down slightly for me.
So the marriage Pact involves newlywed’s Jake and Alice who receive an enticing gift from one of Alice’s Clients at the law firm she works at.
“The Pact”
It is designed to keep couples happy and fulfilled in their marriages, the rules seem to make sense and The Pact seems harmless in its intentions.
Initially impressed Alice and Jake start to realise there is more at stake than they realise as their dreams start to evolve into nightmares.
And no one leaves “THE PACT” ever.
So let me break this down for you first three-quarters of The Marriage Pact I loved, the story flowed, it was well written and my only minor criticism would be sometimes Jake could waffle on a tad too much with his inner monologue and I found this a touch irritating and longwinded.
Then came the last quarter, not sure what happened here but I really was not feeling it, the whole visit Orla at her home seemed unnecessary and a bit boring to me.
I would have really preferred another direction to be taken and a bit more of a pro-active stance applied here rather than talking.
Then came the ending, this is where my main issue lies, it was just so anti-climatic and blah and after all Jake’s moralistic stances he just walks away, leaving the corruption behind for someone else to deal with.
I’m not saying he’s wrong to do this, I just find it mildly surprising after listening to Jakes Inner moral compass throughout The Marriage Pact that he just abandons all his principles and jumps ship.
I would also have liked to see inside Alice’s head as well, she was such a diverse character with so much to offer and I felt we didn’t get to know her properly in her entirety.
So this was such a page-turner and even with the issues I’ve described, I have to give this a Four star as It was such compelling reading.
This was such an interestingly unique story that I would definitely recommend Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the Author Michelle Richmond for providing me with an Arc of The Marriage Pact, this is my own honest unbiased opinion.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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What a strange and somewhat scary read! Newlyweds Alice and Jake have entered into a contract with “The Pact”, and the rules, commitments, consequences, and punishments for not adhering to this contract are incredible. The ending is a surprise! Loved this book!
Entertaining read; not the best ending. Far fetched in general but enjoyable.