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Kings of Football #1
The Revenge Pact
River Tate is a god on campus.
The king of football.
A tattooed bad boy with gunmetal eyes that see right through you.
The only chink in his armor is her, the girl he pretends doesn’t exist, the forbidden one with the shy smile and lavender hair.
Anastasia Bailey is a nobody.
The queen of nothing.
An outsider with the face of an angel and a body made for sin.
The only chink in her armor is him, her boyfriend’s frat brother, the football player who hates her.
But when Anastasia’s life comes crashing down, River’s the one who sweeps in and picks up the pieces.
Torn between loyalty, lies, and secrets, he battles the temptation to take everything from her when they make their revenge pact.
He can’t tell her no.
Because revenge (or love) is, sweet, and once you get a taste, the craving never ends.
The Revenge Pact is first in a series about three college football players.
The king of football.
A tattooed bad boy with gunmetal eyes that see right through you.
The only chink in his armor is her, the girl he pretends doesn’t exist, the forbidden one with the shy smile and lavender hair.
Anastasia Bailey is a nobody.
The queen of nothing.
An outsider with the face of an angel and a body made for sin.
The only chink in her armor is him, her boyfriend’s frat brother, the football player who hates her.
But when Anastasia’s life comes crashing down, River’s the one who sweeps in and picks up the pieces.
Torn between loyalty, lies, and secrets, he battles the temptation to take everything from her when they make their revenge pact.
He can’t tell her no.
Because revenge (or love) is, sweet, and once you get a taste, the craving never ends.
The Revenge Pact is first in a series about three college football players.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2020
About the author
Ilsa Madden-Mills
40 books16.1k followers#1 Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills pens angsty new adult and contemporary romances.
A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.
She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺
★ Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways
★ You can stalk her/sign up on the contact page: ilsamaddenmills.com
★ Facebook: Author Ilsa Madden-Mills
★ Join her private reader group on FB: Unicorn Girls
★ Instagram @Ilsamaddenmills
New Book News:
Dear Ava is live!
Not My Romeo is live!
I Promise You drops October 12/20
Not My Match drops January 19/21 (pre-order on Amazon)
A former high school English teacher and librarian, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.
She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online. ☺
★ Sign up for her newsletter and receive insider info about new releases and exclusive giveaways
★ You can stalk her/sign up on the contact page: ilsamaddenmills.com
★ Facebook: Author Ilsa Madden-Mills
★ Join her private reader group on FB: Unicorn Girls
★ Instagram @Ilsamaddenmills
New Book News:
Dear Ava is live!
Not My Romeo is live!
I Promise You drops October 12/20
Not My Match drops January 19/21 (pre-order on Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,101 reviews
December 9, 2020
A sports romance with a great Hero!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🥸😯😎☺️🥰
The setting: Braxton University
The heroine: Anastasia Bailey - Transferred to Braxton in order to get into Law School. Her first day there she was in the library and got a note from one of the guys at the table next to her. She ended up dating him. His name is Donovan and is the Vice President of the Kappa’s.
The Hero: River Tate - Big man on Campus and star of the football team, though the team did not fare well this year. River is the President of Kappa and does his best to stay far away from Anastasia since she is dating Donovan. Though he is attracted to Anastasia and has to remind himself that he can’t have her. He has a trio of learning disabilities and family issues.
The Love Story: Anastasia thinks River is perfect looking, but a bit of a douche. She also thinks he hates her.
River has wanted Anastasia since the first time he saw her and she wanted him also, but then started dating his friend. River is a great friend and loyal to his friends. So he doesn’t want to get involved with Ana and ruin his frat brothers relationship with her. However, he can’t get her out of his mind.
For some reason I really like it when the guy is more into the girl than she is him. I also really have been loving it lately when the Hero or heroine has some sort of flaw (whether it be mental health issues, learning disabilities, or something else). It is a great contrast that River is so perfect looking, 6’4” tall and has a body like a greek god, but also has ADHD and Dyslexia. His struggles are what make this book great In addition to the fact that Ana is so supportive.
Ilsa Madden-Mills is wonderful at character development and world building. The supporting characters such as the room-mates, Benji – the little brother from the fraternity, Crazy Carl and June the homeless woman are all large parts of the story and help to show what kind of people River and Anastasia are.
As for the romance, the sexual tension was through the roof and though this was a bit of a slow burn, I just couldn’t wait until River and Ana got together and when they did it was super steamy. This book just made my Christmas season. Plus I just love books that have cute animals!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💋💋💋💋💋
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 👏👏👏👏👏
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🥸😯😎☺️🥰
The setting: Braxton University
The heroine: Anastasia Bailey - Transferred to Braxton in order to get into Law School. Her first day there she was in the library and got a note from one of the guys at the table next to her. She ended up dating him. His name is Donovan and is the Vice President of the Kappa’s.
The Hero: River Tate - Big man on Campus and star of the football team, though the team did not fare well this year. River is the President of Kappa and does his best to stay far away from Anastasia since she is dating Donovan. Though he is attracted to Anastasia and has to remind himself that he can’t have her. He has a trio of learning disabilities and family issues.
The Love Story: Anastasia thinks River is perfect looking, but a bit of a douche. She also thinks he hates her.
River has wanted Anastasia since the first time he saw her and she wanted him also, but then started dating his friend. River is a great friend and loyal to his friends. So he doesn’t want to get involved with Ana and ruin his frat brothers relationship with her. However, he can’t get her out of his mind.
For some reason I really like it when the guy is more into the girl than she is him. I also really have been loving it lately when the Hero or heroine has some sort of flaw (whether it be mental health issues, learning disabilities, or something else). It is a great contrast that River is so perfect looking, 6’4” tall and has a body like a greek god, but also has ADHD and Dyslexia. His struggles are what make this book great In addition to the fact that Ana is so supportive.
Ilsa Madden-Mills is wonderful at character development and world building. The supporting characters such as the room-mates, Benji – the little brother from the fraternity, Crazy Carl and June the homeless woman are all large parts of the story and help to show what kind of people River and Anastasia are.
As for the romance, the sexual tension was through the roof and though this was a bit of a slow burn, I just couldn’t wait until River and Ana got together and when they did it was super steamy. This book just made my Christmas season. Plus I just love books that have cute animals!
I voluntarily read & reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
April 12, 2022
3 - 3.5 Stars
After reading and enjoying THIS book so much, I decided to stay tuned to the Ilsa Madden-Mills show for one more episode. I'm not sure if that was a plus or minus for my reading experience here, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as Baller, which is a shame.
This had so much potential to be amazing, but just fell a little short for me. Mostly, it took a really long time to get going. I felt like we were dancing around accomplishing nothing for about the first 50% of the book.
To be fair, I might have liked this more if I hadn’t already read so much similar, better executed (in my opinion, or perhaps merely because I read them first) stuff over the years...one can never know.
Anyway, a decent read, but not nearly as good as I expected.
But as I said, I’ve read a lot of books with a mix of similar tropes (football, frats, revenge pacts, etc.) and might just be jaded. Also, I personally don't like when Division I NCAA athlete characters are also heavily involved in frats/sororities. I have a review somewhere where I go into more depth about that...I'll link it if I can find it.
***Future Val Edit: HERE it is. Shout out to Dutch Girl for remembering for me!
Anyway. Take this review lightly as I feel like a lot of this was just me.
After reading and enjoying THIS book so much, I decided to stay tuned to the Ilsa Madden-Mills show for one more episode. I'm not sure if that was a plus or minus for my reading experience here, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as Baller, which is a shame.
This had so much potential to be amazing, but just fell a little short for me. Mostly, it took a really long time to get going. I felt like we were dancing around accomplishing nothing for about the first 50% of the book.
To be fair, I might have liked this more if I hadn’t already read so much similar, better executed (in my opinion, or perhaps merely because I read them first) stuff over the years...one can never know.
Anyway, a decent read, but not nearly as good as I expected.
But as I said, I’ve read a lot of books with a mix of similar tropes (football, frats, revenge pacts, etc.) and might just be jaded. Also, I personally don't like when Division I NCAA athlete characters are also heavily involved in frats/sororities. I have a review somewhere where I go into more depth about that...I'll link it if I can find it.
***Future Val Edit: HERE it is. Shout out to Dutch Girl for remembering for me!
Anyway. Take this review lightly as I feel like a lot of this was just me.
December 12, 2020
'THE REVENGE PACT:' is the first full length romance book in the series 'Kings of Football', by Ilsa Madden-Mills. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'
Their story started with a note..
I'd just read 'On the rebound, by L.A. Cotton,' and another reader mentioned to give this one a shot, so wanting to stick to the sports theme I one clicked without question and I am so freaking glad I took that leap, this was so good. Straight away I fell under River's spell, he embodied everything I seek in a hero and it wasn't long before I was swooning, pegging him one of the most perfect book-boyfriends us girls love to lay claim to, the way he loved, his use of words, his inner musings, he just had me melting all over the place. He was just so raw, real and it was refreshing encountering a male character with life like issues.
3 best friends:
'River Tate' the popular frat boy
'Crew Smith' the protective one
and 'Hollis Hudson' the mysterious tight end who keeps everything locked down deep.
3 books, guys wanted to be them, girls wanted to be screwed by them.
This is River Tate's book, the popular senior frat boy attending Braxton College a prestigious school which has one of the best football programs in the country, he was supposed to go far being a superstar wide receiver but this year he dropped more balls than he'd caught thus meaning he'd missed out on a prospective NFL career. River's late father played for the New York Pythons before blowing out his knee ending his career before it had taken off. So River is striving to prove that he's just as good if not better than his father was.
If that didn't put enough pressure on River his grades are plummeting due to his learning issues and his mother is sick, he's like a domino ready to fall over with the slightest push.
Anastasia Bailey and River's relationship wasn't without a few road blocks in the way, she's dating one of his closest friends and even though he pretends he dislikes her she pretends he's invisible to her, but neither of them can deny that little spark that sizzles between them.
Anastasia is the girl with lavender hair, she's quirky, bright and is pegged to become a lawyer, pushing her well out of River's league.
This was so easy to fall into and be swept away for a few hours with life outside my walls ceasing to exist. I literally inhaled every single word as though I needed a crack fix, it just pulled me in so effortlessly, making it especially easy to connect to the characters and their journey, there wasn't anything I would change about this book, it flowed perfectly, the characters were well rounded, making the storyline real and life like.
This was an easy 5 star read for me 👍👍👍👍👍Highly recommend!!
December 7, 2020
Safety:
- both not celibate after meeting each other
- he has been celibate for months after she caught him fucking other woman!!!! Romance is not dead friends
- she has been celibate for a few weeks
- he heard she having sex with her boyfriend at least he had that good thing
- she took four months to sleep with her boyfriend and he was a player
- she only slept with two guys and again he is a player and had a six month relationship with a girl who cheated on him
*** after the book started they are not intimate with others even though she still had her boyfriend. But we get flashbacks
~ They both had been in love with other people before. She felt for her boyfriend after meeting him but then suddenly they always wanted each other and one week after her break up they are in love and all that shit I was like “girl are you okay, everything good with your head? He is hot I get it but come the fuck on where the fuck are your feelings coming from?”
Would have been better if he was the one watching her mid fuck your know author since she is the one dating someone while he claims to be waiting for her
What a group of strange people, they are all so fucking weird like people don’t talk or act like that in real life you know.
They started being friends and the way she talked about sex and he told her about his first time how he lasted five seconds but then did it again and again pissed me the fuck off but I cringed.
Why couldn’t she have fucked a few guys after her first broke up. Like she was eighteen and met her new boyfriend when she was twenty. Two years of him being a player and she being alone ughhhhhhh give the girl more experience
They met each other one year ago, he set her up with his friend and she started dating him and felt in love. He says he waited for her for a year. I call BULLSHIT.
I don’t know if authors truly know the meaning of waiting but FUCKING OTHER GIRLS IS NOT WAITING. He is the one who basically delivered her in a silver plate to his friend while being “in love” and adoring her so baby boy keep your fucking dick I’m your pant.
I didn’t like how their romance was built, the pace felt odd. I don’t know, what a strange story and it had potential. Her boyfriend is a fucking loser, coward cheater I hate him with his ex, I wish it was on page when she kick him out of her life for good.
Thanks to god she was having sex with her boyfriend. Although after the summer (they are at the end of the semester) she avoided sex and has been weeks since she had it. I assume it has been like a month but even avoiding and recoiling from intimate she still had it after summer because she says weeks without it and not months. He, on the other hand, has fucked a girl at the beginning at the semester and she caught them (ahhhhhh I wouldn’t be able to forget that so I wouldn’t be able to be with him and would never trust his “waiting for you” bullshit). He says he hasn’t been with the Andrey (ow he fucked and she watched their climax) in months since she caught them so I assumed he has been celibate ever since, well I fucking hope so.
Not some quotes that explain my dislikes because I will not bother writing more when the book was ruined the moment is said she saw him with another girl. Cmon Ilsa move on from this bullshit, is old, it’s disgusting and is not romantic.
Heroine caught him having sex with with ow
“He’s hooked up with her. I walked in on them upstairs in a bathroom at the Kappa house at the start of the semester. It was a campus-wide mixer, and the line to the bathroom was long, so I slipped up to the top floor where it was quieter. I opened the door, and he had her bent over the vanity, her hair clenched in his fist as he took her from behind—fully clothed with his pants unzipped and hanging around his hips.
Our eyes met in the mirror as he fucked her. 🤢 Still as a statue, I stood there entirely too long as our eyes clung. I can recall every nuance of that incident, her yes, yes, yes, the loud roar in my head, the wash of heat that flashed over me. With my chest rising rapidly, I was transfixed as he orgasmed, his eyes low and heavy on my face.
Then he had the audacity to smile. 🤬🤬 Yeah. I’ve seen River Tate’s O-face. He bites his bottom lip. I shove the unwanted image out of my head.”
Player hero. Sex being just sex for him
“I arch a brow. Both of us are notorious for our brief relationships. Easy come, easy go. No one gets their heart trampled and we all move on. My longest relationship (six months) was with Blair. We met at freshman orientation and I fell hard. We were exclusive—until she screwed Dex”
“Hold up. First, quantity doesn’t mean quality. I don’t recommend following in my footsteps. It’s empty and doesn’t make you happy. Sex is better when it’s with someone you have feelings for.”
“You had feelings for all those sorority girls you banged at the Kappa house?”
“No, but it’s because I’m…” “What?” “I can’t have the one I want.” He Is WaInTiNg fOr Her 🧐 where??
She not being as experienced as him. Sex only after feeling because double standards are everywhere and she asking for sex tips. The conversation was so fucking strange I wish I could forget it
“I’ve only been with two guys, Bryson and Donovan. Truth? I dated Donovan for four months before we went all the way. We were friends long before we became lovers. So—I need assistance, and you said you’d help. I think tips should be involved in that.”
Him about being caught having sex with ow
“I haven’t been with her in months…” My words taper off. I don’t want to talk about that. Would she want to know that when I fucked, she was the one in my head? Probably not. The night she opened the door and saw me, shame washed over me, deep and thick, which was crazy because I had every right to fuck whoever I wanted.
She had Donovan! But she… Her eyes. Her face.
I can’t be with anyone like that again. She’s gotten her phone out and gasps.”
> well motherfucker you set your friend up with her, you lust after her and you claim to be waiting for her and if it can’t get worse later you advised her boyfriend to break up with her (he is the coward weak cheating asshole but you got my point) so you should have zipped it if you claim to be waiting.
Now a little refresh
“Oh, I heard their fun from his room last year. After several nights of hearing him call her name out during sex or whatever, I asked for a different floor and found someone who’d switch rooms with me. Then, I quit sleeping here altogether after seeing them together at the house, the soft look on her face when she gazed at him.”
PS: her father was cheating on her mother and the only closure we have is the hero saying they are fine, this is after she finds out and they argued a lot but her father hasn’t moved out. What the fuck is that??? When a woman is cheated on by her husband the only way she can be fine is if she is now separated so author please what the fuck happened? Pretty please let her be single and free of that disloyal asshole
- both not celibate after meeting each other
- he has been celibate for months after she caught him fucking other woman!!!! Romance is not dead friends
- she has been celibate for a few weeks
- he heard she having sex with her boyfriend at least he had that good thing
- she took four months to sleep with her boyfriend and he was a player
- she only slept with two guys and again he is a player and had a six month relationship with a girl who cheated on him
*** after the book started they are not intimate with others even though she still had her boyfriend. But we get flashbacks
~ They both had been in love with other people before. She felt for her boyfriend after meeting him but then suddenly they always wanted each other and one week after her break up they are in love and all that shit I was like “girl are you okay, everything good with your head? He is hot I get it but come the fuck on where the fuck are your feelings coming from?”
Would have been better if he was the one watching her mid fuck your know author since she is the one dating someone while he claims to be waiting for her
What a group of strange people, they are all so fucking weird like people don’t talk or act like that in real life you know.
They started being friends and the way she talked about sex and he told her about his first time how he lasted five seconds but then did it again and again pissed me the fuck off but I cringed.
Why couldn’t she have fucked a few guys after her first broke up. Like she was eighteen and met her new boyfriend when she was twenty. Two years of him being a player and she being alone ughhhhhhh give the girl more experience
They met each other one year ago, he set her up with his friend and she started dating him and felt in love. He says he waited for her for a year. I call BULLSHIT.
I don’t know if authors truly know the meaning of waiting but FUCKING OTHER GIRLS IS NOT WAITING. He is the one who basically delivered her in a silver plate to his friend while being “in love” and adoring her so baby boy keep your fucking dick I’m your pant.
I didn’t like how their romance was built, the pace felt odd. I don’t know, what a strange story and it had potential. Her boyfriend is a fucking loser, coward cheater I hate him with his ex, I wish it was on page when she kick him out of her life for good.
Thanks to god she was having sex with her boyfriend. Although after the summer (they are at the end of the semester) she avoided sex and has been weeks since she had it. I assume it has been like a month but even avoiding and recoiling from intimate she still had it after summer because she says weeks without it and not months. He, on the other hand, has fucked a girl at the beginning at the semester and she caught them (ahhhhhh I wouldn’t be able to forget that so I wouldn’t be able to be with him and would never trust his “waiting for you” bullshit). He says he hasn’t been with the Andrey (ow he fucked and she watched their climax) in months since she caught them so I assumed he has been celibate ever since, well I fucking hope so.
Not some quotes that explain my dislikes because I will not bother writing more when the book was ruined the moment is said she saw him with another girl. Cmon Ilsa move on from this bullshit, is old, it’s disgusting and is not romantic.
Heroine caught him having sex with with ow
“He’s hooked up with her. I walked in on them upstairs in a bathroom at the Kappa house at the start of the semester. It was a campus-wide mixer, and the line to the bathroom was long, so I slipped up to the top floor where it was quieter. I opened the door, and he had her bent over the vanity, her hair clenched in his fist as he took her from behind—fully clothed with his pants unzipped and hanging around his hips.
Our eyes met in the mirror as he fucked her. 🤢 Still as a statue, I stood there entirely too long as our eyes clung. I can recall every nuance of that incident, her yes, yes, yes, the loud roar in my head, the wash of heat that flashed over me. With my chest rising rapidly, I was transfixed as he orgasmed, his eyes low and heavy on my face.
Then he had the audacity to smile. 🤬🤬 Yeah. I’ve seen River Tate’s O-face. He bites his bottom lip. I shove the unwanted image out of my head.”
Player hero. Sex being just sex for him
“I arch a brow. Both of us are notorious for our brief relationships. Easy come, easy go. No one gets their heart trampled and we all move on. My longest relationship (six months) was with Blair. We met at freshman orientation and I fell hard. We were exclusive—until she screwed Dex”
“Hold up. First, quantity doesn’t mean quality. I don’t recommend following in my footsteps. It’s empty and doesn’t make you happy. Sex is better when it’s with someone you have feelings for.”
“You had feelings for all those sorority girls you banged at the Kappa house?”
“No, but it’s because I’m…” “What?” “I can’t have the one I want.” He Is WaInTiNg fOr Her 🧐 where??
She not being as experienced as him. Sex only after feeling because double standards are everywhere and she asking for sex tips. The conversation was so fucking strange I wish I could forget it
“I’ve only been with two guys, Bryson and Donovan. Truth? I dated Donovan for four months before we went all the way. We were friends long before we became lovers. So—I need assistance, and you said you’d help. I think tips should be involved in that.”
Him about being caught having sex with ow
“I haven’t been with her in months…” My words taper off. I don’t want to talk about that. Would she want to know that when I fucked, she was the one in my head? Probably not. The night she opened the door and saw me, shame washed over me, deep and thick, which was crazy because I had every right to fuck whoever I wanted.
She had Donovan! But she… Her eyes. Her face.
I can’t be with anyone like that again. She’s gotten her phone out and gasps.”
> well motherfucker you set your friend up with her, you lust after her and you claim to be waiting for her and if it can’t get worse later you advised her boyfriend to break up with her (he is the coward weak cheating asshole but you got my point) so you should have zipped it if you claim to be waiting.
Now a little refresh
“Oh, I heard their fun from his room last year. After several nights of hearing him call her name out during sex or whatever, I asked for a different floor and found someone who’d switch rooms with me. Then, I quit sleeping here altogether after seeing them together at the house, the soft look on her face when she gazed at him.”
PS: her father was cheating on her mother and the only closure we have is the hero saying they are fine, this is after she finds out and they argued a lot but her father hasn’t moved out. What the fuck is that??? When a woman is cheated on by her husband the only way she can be fine is if she is now separated so author please what the fuck happened? Pretty please let her be single and free of that disloyal asshole
November 29, 2020
5 STARS
When I tell you that this book owned me. When I tell you that this story was absolutely EVERYTHING. When I tell you that River Tate is the ultimate book boyfriend that you will never be able to move on from. When I tell you this was easily my favorite book I've read from this author. When I tell you that this book is an absolute must read. BELIEVE. ME.
The second I started reading this story, I knew it would be different. River and Anastasia are going down as one of my favorite New Adult romance couples. It was THAT good.
I'm a sucker for a strong female and a tortured male plot, but this was so much more than that. It was all things forbidden, angsty and packed with enough emotion to make you turn each page with bated breath.
Anastasia and River's relationship is tumultuous to say the least. He pretends that he hates her and she pretends like his presence doesn't effect her. She also happens to be dating his frat brother. But if you're thinking this is a love triangle or cheating book, think again.
River is a god on campus but he's so much more than his image. This is a man with so many layers, you feel like every chapter offers more depth. He's such a beautiful soul that I couldn't help but fall for him immediately. His perseverance and honor make him one of the most beloved people on campus. He's always there for his brothers and teammates. So it doesn't matter how much he wants Ana, he can never go there.
Ana is a bit of a black sheep with lavender hair. She's beautiful and smart, but her family is anything but conventional. She struggles to find a place for herself in the midst of the expectations from those around her. And when everything comes crashing down on her, the one person there for her is the last one that she expects.
This was an incredibly emotional and poignant slow burn romance. I fell so hard for both of these characters. Their imperfections and strengths, their pain and happiness. All of it was blended together so flawlessly that I couldn't set the book down for even a second. You know when you read a book and you just have this feeling, like this power punch of emotion that goes through you like electricity? I had that the entire time reading this. These characters were so incredibly memorable and their romance was so incredibly powerful, that I felt a sense of loss when I finished because I couldn't part with them.
If you're looking for a new adult romance that's packed with feels and a book boyfriend that will own your heart from the very first page, you need this book in your life!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
There’s something real between us… The question is, what am I willing to do about it?
When I tell you that this book owned me. When I tell you that this story was absolutely EVERYTHING. When I tell you that River Tate is the ultimate book boyfriend that you will never be able to move on from. When I tell you this was easily my favorite book I've read from this author. When I tell you that this book is an absolute must read. BELIEVE. ME.
The second I started reading this story, I knew it would be different. River and Anastasia are going down as one of my favorite New Adult romance couples. It was THAT good.
I'm a sucker for a strong female and a tortured male plot, but this was so much more than that. It was all things forbidden, angsty and packed with enough emotion to make you turn each page with bated breath.
Anastasia and River's relationship is tumultuous to say the least. He pretends that he hates her and she pretends like his presence doesn't effect her. She also happens to be dating his frat brother. But if you're thinking this is a love triangle or cheating book, think again.
River is a god on campus but he's so much more than his image. This is a man with so many layers, you feel like every chapter offers more depth. He's such a beautiful soul that I couldn't help but fall for him immediately. His perseverance and honor make him one of the most beloved people on campus. He's always there for his brothers and teammates. So it doesn't matter how much he wants Ana, he can never go there.
Ana is a bit of a black sheep with lavender hair. She's beautiful and smart, but her family is anything but conventional. She struggles to find a place for herself in the midst of the expectations from those around her. And when everything comes crashing down on her, the one person there for her is the last one that she expects.
This was an incredibly emotional and poignant slow burn romance. I fell so hard for both of these characters. Their imperfections and strengths, their pain and happiness. All of it was blended together so flawlessly that I couldn't set the book down for even a second. You know when you read a book and you just have this feeling, like this power punch of emotion that goes through you like electricity? I had that the entire time reading this. These characters were so incredibly memorable and their romance was so incredibly powerful, that I felt a sense of loss when I finished because I couldn't part with them.
If you're looking for a new adult romance that's packed with feels and a book boyfriend that will own your heart from the very first page, you need this book in your life!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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April 6, 2021
this one started out with so much promise, but it kind of let me down at the end.
i think releasing the tension in a romance is a really tricky thing to do and sadly in this circumstance i think it felt rushed. the lead up to the characters getting together was really nice but there wasn't an amazing climax to them finally being together. it felt kinda lackluster. and i feel like the story structure just generally speaking was weaker than this author's better novel (Dear Ava). i had a really good time reading this so i'm not entirely disappointed but i had just hoped for a strong finish.
i think releasing the tension in a romance is a really tricky thing to do and sadly in this circumstance i think it felt rushed. the lead up to the characters getting together was really nice but there wasn't an amazing climax to them finally being together. it felt kinda lackluster. and i feel like the story structure just generally speaking was weaker than this author's better novel (Dear Ava). i had a really good time reading this so i'm not entirely disappointed but i had just hoped for a strong finish.
December 20, 2020
It's simultaneously enjoyable and forgettable.
January 28, 2021
This was an amazing new adult, sports romance and an excellent example of why I keep going back for more Ilsa Maddem-Mills novels.
Anastasia Bailey transferred to Braxton in order to become a lawyer in order to help those who can’t fight for themselves. She met her besties who she lives with and a really nice guy in a movie like meet cute who she’s been dating for a year. And then there’s her boyfriend’s fraternity brother and Kappy president. They guy who barely tolerates her, can’t stand to be near her and yet rides the elevator with her every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to their shared lit class where their tension could be cut with a knife.
River Tate is one of the three kings of Braxton football. Even with a trifecta of learning disabilities and family issues, he maintains himself a loyal friend, in tune with his emotions, incredibly creative. His soul is as beautiful as his exterior and for the past year he’s stayed away from the girl he wants but can’t have. Until he needs her help. Until her relationship with his frat brother seems to be hanging by a thread. Can he do the right thing for his friendship and keep Anastasia at arm’s length or will he take a chance without regrets?
I’ve read a ton of college football romance novels, but this unputdownable new adult romance with incredibly charismatic characters (both main and supporting) who were inspiring and beautiful inside and out had me flipping pages from start to finish. I devoured River and Anastasia’s story.
Yes, River didn’t come off as the poet and heart of gold guy we know by the end, but the rapport between him and Anastasia is wonderful and heated. I LOVED getting to know him and was absolutely head over heels in love with him once the layers coming off and we got to see just how much he saw her.
And even though Anastasia describes herself as veering towards meek, she’s smart, sassy, and strong. I loved how much she cared about people, how she wasn’t afraid to be different, how she looked beneath the surface.
It had been a long time since I stayed up all night reading a book. But I just couldn’t help it. I loved the plot, the character development (all of them including Spike the bearded dragon River got for his little frat brother!), the pace, the inspiration quotes, the angst, the longing, the sweetness, the sexual tension which was off the charts! I’m waxing poetic but I don’t care, this was a 5++ star read.
The Revenge pact is a standalone college football romance by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It’s book #1 of the Kings of Football series. It is told from both points of view, and has a happy ending. Sub-genres: Enemies to lovers | Love triangle
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/39v1Qo4
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
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Anastasia Bailey transferred to Braxton in order to become a lawyer in order to help those who can’t fight for themselves. She met her besties who she lives with and a really nice guy in a movie like meet cute who she’s been dating for a year. And then there’s her boyfriend’s fraternity brother and Kappy president. They guy who barely tolerates her, can’t stand to be near her and yet rides the elevator with her every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to their shared lit class where their tension could be cut with a knife.
River Tate is one of the three kings of Braxton football. Even with a trifecta of learning disabilities and family issues, he maintains himself a loyal friend, in tune with his emotions, incredibly creative. His soul is as beautiful as his exterior and for the past year he’s stayed away from the girl he wants but can’t have. Until he needs her help. Until her relationship with his frat brother seems to be hanging by a thread. Can he do the right thing for his friendship and keep Anastasia at arm’s length or will he take a chance without regrets?
"She’s sunshine and light.
Angel.
Mine, the dark side of me insists.”
I’ve read a ton of college football romance novels, but this unputdownable new adult romance with incredibly charismatic characters (both main and supporting) who were inspiring and beautiful inside and out had me flipping pages from start to finish. I devoured River and Anastasia’s story.
"What you feel, you attract.
What you imagine, you create.” ~ Buddha
Yes, River didn’t come off as the poet and heart of gold guy we know by the end, but the rapport between him and Anastasia is wonderful and heated. I LOVED getting to know him and was absolutely head over heels in love with him once the layers coming off and we got to see just how much he saw her.
"You took me to sunrise. I bring you the stars.” ~ River to Anastasia
And even though Anastasia describes herself as veering towards meek, she’s smart, sassy, and strong. I loved how much she cared about people, how she wasn’t afraid to be different, how she looked beneath the surface.
"You’re too beautiful for words, River, and again, I don’t mean how you look.” ~ Anastasia to River
It had been a long time since I stayed up all night reading a book. But I just couldn’t help it. I loved the plot, the character development (all of them including Spike the bearded dragon River got for his little frat brother!), the pace, the inspiration quotes, the angst, the longing, the sweetness, the sexual tension which was off the charts! I’m waxing poetic but I don’t care, this was a 5++ star read.
"And yet morning will come,” I say to myself. “And you will watch the sunrise.”
The Revenge pact is a standalone college football romance by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It’s book #1 of the Kings of Football series. It is told from both points of view, and has a happy ending. Sub-genres: Enemies to lovers | Love triangle
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/39v1Qo4
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
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December 3, 2020I really don't know how I feel about this??? Review to come when I figure out my feelings. 🙃
arc provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2020
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
River Tate is a tattooed bad boy from Vermont whose dream is to play in the NFL. He's a senior in college and the star wide receiver for the Braxton Badgers. He's the president of his fraternity and the popular guy on campus. From the outside he appears to have it all. River and his two best friends Crew and Hollis are known as the kings of football. The only thing he wants that he can't have is HER. The smart, beautiful girl with lavender hair he pretends doesn't exist. She's under his skin, but can't be his. She's off limits, but that doesn't mean the temptation isn't real.
Anastasia Bailey is studying to be a lawyer at Braxton College in Walker, Georgia. She has a boyfriend, friends, but often feels like an outsider. She has her plans laid out for the future, but then everything comes crashing down around her. The one who shows her kindness shocks her. River is the gorgeous boy she thought couldn't stand her. He intrigues her, and she hates to admit she lives for their brief interactions. They have an undeniable spark, and a connection she can't explain. When she keeps uncovering new layers to him will she begin to crave more than friendship?
-Rainbow... I feel everything.
-"Being with you, this feeling, it's like nothing I've ever had."
The Revenge Pact (Kings Of Football #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, college sports romance full of humor, fabulous banter, angst, and beautiful connections. It's a unique, emotional, forbidden love story that will completely capture your heart. Ilsa continues to be one of my top favorite authors. Her books consume me from start to finish. River Tate was just everything I love in a book boyfriend. He's alpha, vulnerable, loyal, and has a heart of gold. To me this book is about finding your person. Finding the one that truly see's you. It may not be easy, the timing might not be perfect, but your person is worth the wait!
The Revenge Pact is first in a series about three college football players.
🏈 THE KINGS OF FOOTBALL SERIES 🏈
Book 1-The Revenge Pact by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Book 2-The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn
Releases December 10
Add to GR: https://bit.ly/3kD1hue
Book 3-The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke
Releases December 17
Add to GR: https://bit.ly/3f5GvlE
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/39AjAOV
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR)
River Tate is a tattooed bad boy from Vermont whose dream is to play in the NFL. He's a senior in college and the star wide receiver for the Braxton Badgers. He's the president of his fraternity and the popular guy on campus. From the outside he appears to have it all. River and his two best friends Crew and Hollis are known as the kings of football. The only thing he wants that he can't have is HER. The smart, beautiful girl with lavender hair he pretends doesn't exist. She's under his skin, but can't be his. She's off limits, but that doesn't mean the temptation isn't real.
Anastasia Bailey is studying to be a lawyer at Braxton College in Walker, Georgia. She has a boyfriend, friends, but often feels like an outsider. She has her plans laid out for the future, but then everything comes crashing down around her. The one who shows her kindness shocks her. River is the gorgeous boy she thought couldn't stand her. He intrigues her, and she hates to admit she lives for their brief interactions. They have an undeniable spark, and a connection she can't explain. When she keeps uncovering new layers to him will she begin to crave more than friendship?
-Rainbow... I feel everything.
-"Being with you, this feeling, it's like nothing I've ever had."
The Revenge Pact (Kings Of Football #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, college sports romance full of humor, fabulous banter, angst, and beautiful connections. It's a unique, emotional, forbidden love story that will completely capture your heart. Ilsa continues to be one of my top favorite authors. Her books consume me from start to finish. River Tate was just everything I love in a book boyfriend. He's alpha, vulnerable, loyal, and has a heart of gold. To me this book is about finding your person. Finding the one that truly see's you. It may not be easy, the timing might not be perfect, but your person is worth the wait!
The Revenge Pact is first in a series about three college football players.
🏈 THE KINGS OF FOOTBALL SERIES 🏈
Book 1-The Revenge Pact by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Book 2-The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn
Releases December 10
Add to GR: https://bit.ly/3kD1hue
Book 3-The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke
Releases December 17
Add to GR: https://bit.ly/3f5GvlE
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/39AjAOV
May 15, 2021
4.5 stars
I spent way too much time waiting but other than that, this book was wonderful. River was the swooniest and even though he seemed like this big, bad, football player, he was so soft. I also loved Anastasia and her heart. Both of these main characters were great, and I also really loved River’s friend Benji.
I definitely read these books out of order (oops) and read the second book first, but I’m so happy I have the final book in the series to look forward to! If you’re looking for a sports romance that will give you the feels and has a nearly perfect hero, you need to pick this one up!
“Sometimes big moments happen in a heartbeat”I’ve been in the mood for a new adult/sports romance and this one really hit the spot. The Revenge Pact was fun, sweet, and had just the right amount of angst and emotion. My favorite part of this book was River, our hero. He’s had a rough year. Between a crappy football season, his mom being sick, and his frat brother dating the girl of his dreams, things are not going his way. But when Anastasia’s life changes, River’s does too.
I spent way too much time waiting but other than that, this book was wonderful. River was the swooniest and even though he seemed like this big, bad, football player, he was so soft. I also loved Anastasia and her heart. Both of these main characters were great, and I also really loved River’s friend Benji.
I definitely read these books out of order (oops) and read the second book first, but I’m so happy I have the final book in the series to look forward to! If you’re looking for a sports romance that will give you the feels and has a nearly perfect hero, you need to pick this one up!
Audio book source: Audible (purchased)
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrators: CJ Bloom and Lee Samuels
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: New Adult/Sports Contemporary Romance
Length: 10 hours and 49 minutes
December 4, 2020
A romance that is filled with angst and true fate in your one and only, with the idea that River and Anna are meant to be...
At this point I know what to expect from my queen Ilsa Madden-Mills, but to say the least that I was not expecting this much angst from this novel is an under statement. Seriously, Ilsa surprised me with the best of ways because I feel like I needed this angsty romance more then ever right now. That true chemistry between River and Anastasia was just pure and wow did I love it so much! It's the power of believing in your one true mate that makes this romance novel totally worth the read. The loyalty that River believes in is powerful in itself as well, loving him even more;
Though River does keep to himself, he also knows that what is best emotionally for him. Whether it's risking it all by being with Anna or trying to find his own path, his own future. He understands the options and the ways to move forward will hurt him emotionally if he does have to pick the latter instead of being with Anna. This story does get very emotional like most of Ilsa's book, but what makes this one special is the presence in the vulnerability that River has about his ADHD. I find the fact that he opens up with Anna so easily about it very attractive and unique as a character.
And because Anna is such a powerful young lady, experiencing things in life, during her love life that makes her more perspective of what she wants. And all she wants for sure is River. Nothing else. And River knows that there is no other like her, nothing more powerful that can break him down and bring him back up;
With that being said, Ilsa has out done herself with this majestic novel. I can tell who the other characters will be in this multi author series. Looking forward to reading the others for sure!
ARC kindly provided by SBPR, in exchange for an honest review...
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At this point I know what to expect from my queen Ilsa Madden-Mills, but to say the least that I was not expecting this much angst from this novel is an under statement. Seriously, Ilsa surprised me with the best of ways because I feel like I needed this angsty romance more then ever right now. That true chemistry between River and Anastasia was just pure and wow did I love it so much! It's the power of believing in your one true mate that makes this romance novel totally worth the read. The loyalty that River believes in is powerful in itself as well, loving him even more;
What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create. A jug fills drop by drop..."
Though River does keep to himself, he also knows that what is best emotionally for him. Whether it's risking it all by being with Anna or trying to find his own path, his own future. He understands the options and the ways to move forward will hurt him emotionally if he does have to pick the latter instead of being with Anna. This story does get very emotional like most of Ilsa's book, but what makes this one special is the presence in the vulnerability that River has about his ADHD. I find the fact that he opens up with Anna so easily about it very attractive and unique as a character.
And because Anna is such a powerful young lady, experiencing things in life, during her love life that makes her more perspective of what she wants. And all she wants for sure is River. Nothing else. And River knows that there is no other like her, nothing more powerful that can break him down and bring him back up;
"She's the center of a hurricane, a calm that lulls you, then makes your world fucking amazing..."
With that being said, Ilsa has out done herself with this majestic novel. I can tell who the other characters will be in this multi author series. Looking forward to reading the others for sure!
ARC kindly provided by SBPR, in exchange for an honest review...
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January 22, 2021
3.5 STARS!
The first half felt like a cobbled-together mess of random new adult clichés. And if I hadn't wanted to read the entire series, I would have thrown in the towel at about 20%.
But somehow, SOMEHOW, in the second half, Ms. Madden-Mills handed me my ass and all the clichés started to coalesce into a miraculous, heartfelt story about two lonely people who loved each other. 🥺🥺
I'm going to have to read more by this author!
"I'd take one day with you over a million days with anyone else."So this happened:
0-50% ===> DNFDoes it seem as far-fetched to you as it did to me? But I swear it's my version of the truth . . .
51-100% ==> 5 STARS
The first half felt like a cobbled-together mess of random new adult clichés. And if I hadn't wanted to read the entire series, I would have thrown in the towel at about 20%.
But somehow, SOMEHOW, in the second half, Ms. Madden-Mills handed me my ass and all the clichés started to coalesce into a miraculous, heartfelt story about two lonely people who loved each other. 🥺🥺
She smiles, then fidgets. "You're staring."The second half had me feeling all kinds of love for Anastasia and River. And that ending? It kicked ass.
Because you believe in me.
Because you're beautiful.
I'm going to have to read more by this author!
November 28, 2020
“Sometimes it only takes one sunrise to know someone”
I don’t even know where to begin.
I’m still riding that rollercoaster of emotion that this amazing story gave me.
I just loved it.
If you’re a fan of Ilsa’s books you’ll understand what I’ll tell you now:
River Tate is definitely Knox’s lost brother , I’m sure of it.
He will bring you to your knees with is loyalty , kindness and passion towards what he believes in .
He is the one everyone goes to for advices of any kind. But this time a simple plan to help a frat brother turned into something more. That day he met his match , there was no doubt about it. And if you believe in destiny and all the woo woo things you won’t believe what happened . It surely was written in the stars . Anyway since that day he tried anything to avoid her . He couldn’t have her , so he pretended to hate her , until he couldn’t anymore.
“Sometimes big moments happen in a heartbeat”
Anastasia was something else. With her lavender hair her fixation for anything that was random and out of the ordinary and her passion for literature , she was an outsider with a boyfriend , a rich frat boy, who was her complete opposite . She was kind and caring with everyone but him : River Tate . He hated her , for no reason apparently , but he was the one she couldn’t shake off his mind , the one who light a strange fire in her every time he was around.
“You act all I’m a bad boy when you’re deflecting your emotions. You’re not fooling me. There’s depth to you”
They had a connection , an invisible bond/ tension since their first meeting , and they tried to ignore it until it was to late.
When Anastasia’s life crushed , River is the one who came running for her like a knight in shining armor. He brought joy and hope in her life. He made her see the other face of the medal . Somehow they understood each other , they just clicked .
” She needs a man with a soul (…) A man who cares for others. A man who walks in the room and other men look up to him. A man who looks at her and the whole world stops spinning. The more nuanced a man’s soul , the deeper he loves. It’s a forever kind of thing, the kind that’s written in the stars”
And after a yers of repressing his feelings River finally made his move . And then there was no way back. Once he had a taste he was a goner . Anastasia was gonna be his , no matter what . Because some times all is fair in love and war , and now was the time to take what was supposed to be his since the beginning.
“Fate has a way of bringing people together , and baby girl, we’re meant to be”
I’m not gonna spoiler anything but I’m gonna tell you three things :
1_ River Tate is gonna blow your mind
2_ After this you’ll have no other option other than believing in fate
3_ You’ll gonna have a MAJOR book’s hangover
I gave it 436784 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hope you’ll love it like I did
ENJOY!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
I don’t even know where to begin.
I’m still riding that rollercoaster of emotion that this amazing story gave me.
I just loved it.
If you’re a fan of Ilsa’s books you’ll understand what I’ll tell you now:
River Tate is definitely Knox’s lost brother , I’m sure of it.
He will bring you to your knees with is loyalty , kindness and passion towards what he believes in .
He is the one everyone goes to for advices of any kind. But this time a simple plan to help a frat brother turned into something more. That day he met his match , there was no doubt about it. And if you believe in destiny and all the woo woo things you won’t believe what happened . It surely was written in the stars . Anyway since that day he tried anything to avoid her . He couldn’t have her , so he pretended to hate her , until he couldn’t anymore.
“Sometimes big moments happen in a heartbeat”
Anastasia was something else. With her lavender hair her fixation for anything that was random and out of the ordinary and her passion for literature , she was an outsider with a boyfriend , a rich frat boy, who was her complete opposite . She was kind and caring with everyone but him : River Tate . He hated her , for no reason apparently , but he was the one she couldn’t shake off his mind , the one who light a strange fire in her every time he was around.
“You act all I’m a bad boy when you’re deflecting your emotions. You’re not fooling me. There’s depth to you”
They had a connection , an invisible bond/ tension since their first meeting , and they tried to ignore it until it was to late.
When Anastasia’s life crushed , River is the one who came running for her like a knight in shining armor. He brought joy and hope in her life. He made her see the other face of the medal . Somehow they understood each other , they just clicked .
” She needs a man with a soul (…) A man who cares for others. A man who walks in the room and other men look up to him. A man who looks at her and the whole world stops spinning. The more nuanced a man’s soul , the deeper he loves. It’s a forever kind of thing, the kind that’s written in the stars”
And after a yers of repressing his feelings River finally made his move . And then there was no way back. Once he had a taste he was a goner . Anastasia was gonna be his , no matter what . Because some times all is fair in love and war , and now was the time to take what was supposed to be his since the beginning.
“Fate has a way of bringing people together , and baby girl, we’re meant to be”
I’m not gonna spoiler anything but I’m gonna tell you three things :
1_ River Tate is gonna blow your mind
2_ After this you’ll have no other option other than believing in fate
3_ You’ll gonna have a MAJOR book’s hangover
I gave it 436784 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hope you’ll love it like I did
ENJOY!
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
December 5, 2020
Oh my my my...
There's a few things in this book that usually doesn't work for me, and somehow here, they fit perfectly well, and I love it!
There's a love triangle... but not really, since you're already rotting for the right guy from the first chapter!
It's a slow burn, but it couldn't be any different, since Anastasia is in a relationship with River's friend and frat's brother, during a large part of the book.
River is everything, and he's probably one of my favorites book boyfriends this year!
Who doesn't love a hot, sweet and loyal football player, that's actually a totally a broken boy inside? His struggles squeezed my heart, and I just want to hug him.
Their story is amazing and isn't forced at any moment. River really tried to keep his distance from Anastasia, but their pull were to strong to deny it.
They start to really know each other as friends, and things only start to change, after the end of her relationship.
There's no cheating in this book, Rebekah!
It's totally safe, girl. 😂😂
Their chemistry is out of charts, and I felt so much pain and love for them both, but mostly for River...
He loved her even before he met her.
He loved the idea of her for years.
He loved her when she was in love with another man.
And he waited.
And my heart broke for him a few times, but it was so worth the waiting...
They're soulmates! Two lonely souls searching for each other in the dark.
They're perfect fit each other.
Kismet, Fate, Destiny, Moo moo, you can call the way you want... They're perfect!
I have to talk about their friends!
I'm obsessed with Ilsa's side characters!
Both group of friends were amazing! Hers and his! But Benji stole my heart with his sweet player antics and big heart!
I cannot wait to read about his homie's friends!
The end was perfect!
It was real and emotional and everything that this love story deserved!
Another must read from Ilsa Madden-Mills.
ARC Reviewer
December 3, 2020
He’s under my skin, always has been, and I don’t know what to do about it.
Fated mates, but make it human. So I’m going to be honest and say that for some reason I struggled with the first couple of chapters. I think it honestly boils down to meeting new characters in a sort of new world and sussing them out. Well, once I hit the third chapter all my hesitations flew away. Ilsa 100% sold me with this story and these characters. Over the course of this books I truly fell in love with River, Anastasia, and their respective crews. Both of them are just so unique and very much their own person, but together they just fit. Like their souls were just made for each other, and yeah. They just have this instant attraction, understanding, and acceptance of one another. No matter how hard they both try to ignore it.
TRP does have a sort of love triangle, and the amount of angsty push and pull that comes with one, because Anastasia is not single for a portion of this story. She’s actually dating River’s fraternity brother, Donovan. I will honestly say that I am not a fan of triangles, but this one is written in a way where you’re rooting for one outcome so hard that it doesn’t even feel like a true triangle. You’ll have to read it to understand, but yeah.
TRP is just a good read. It’s relatively slow burn considering the characters current relationship situation, BUT you can see these two falling in love and building a bond even though they are trying hard not to. The mains along with some of the side characters will make you laugh, will make you cry, and will just leave you feeling that feel good vibe.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
Fated mates, but make it human. So I’m going to be honest and say that for some reason I struggled with the first couple of chapters. I think it honestly boils down to meeting new characters in a sort of new world and sussing them out. Well, once I hit the third chapter all my hesitations flew away. Ilsa 100% sold me with this story and these characters. Over the course of this books I truly fell in love with River, Anastasia, and their respective crews. Both of them are just so unique and very much their own person, but together they just fit. Like their souls were just made for each other, and yeah. They just have this instant attraction, understanding, and acceptance of one another. No matter how hard they both try to ignore it.
TRP does have a sort of love triangle, and the amount of angsty push and pull that comes with one, because Anastasia is not single for a portion of this story. She’s actually dating River’s fraternity brother, Donovan. I will honestly say that I am not a fan of triangles, but this one is written in a way where you’re rooting for one outcome so hard that it doesn’t even feel like a true triangle. You’ll have to read it to understand, but yeah.
TRP is just a good read. It’s relatively slow burn considering the characters current relationship situation, BUT you can see these two falling in love and building a bond even though they are trying hard not to. The mains along with some of the side characters will make you laugh, will make you cry, and will just leave you feeling that feel good vibe.
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
December 5, 2020
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a great surprise! It’s not a secret that I’m a sucker for college athlete romances. While this didn’t really focus on football, I still enjoyed it! I loved their connection and I appreciated both of their inner kindness and how they cared for others. I really liked that the H had learning disabilities and we experience his struggles. I’m a sucker for mcs with disabilities too! This checked most of my boxes and my two reasons it’s not a higher rating is because it was too slow burn and when they do finally get together it was a little too mushy for my liking. But don’t get me wrong! It was still really enjoyable and I’d recommend!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Anastasia and River’s story. They meet at college when River’s frat brother and friend asks for some advice on how to pursue Anastasia and then starts dating her. They butt heads but have a lingering attraction and connection all through her relationship with his friend. There are some events that push them together, there is some drama, some funny moments, and a few sexy times...and they end with a HEA.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Anastasia and River’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I did feel like the ending was rushed once they’re together, but I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: Maybe, but they don’t act on it and it’s not the typical instalove that I find annoying
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. River. I really liked him. I appreciated his “three things,” his compassion for others, and his struggles with his learning disabilities.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Anastasia. I really liked her. I appreciated her kindness and how she didn’t judge and cared for others.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and a few scenes -- it is not so much it takes away from the story and takes place super late in the book (88%) making it a slow burn.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No, but mentions of scenes
Cheating: Not with mcs IMO
Separation: Yes, but only physically
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with pretty good closure but I still had some unanswered questions. The author did offer an extended epilogue with signing up for a newsletter. While I hate that (admittedly effective) tactic, I still signed up so I can get it and have yet to read it — so hopefully some of those questions get answered. I’d call it a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was a great surprise! It’s not a secret that I’m a sucker for college athlete romances. While this didn’t really focus on football, I still enjoyed it! I loved their connection and I appreciated both of their inner kindness and how they cared for others. I really liked that the H had learning disabilities and we experience his struggles. I’m a sucker for mcs with disabilities too! This checked most of my boxes and my two reasons it’s not a higher rating is because it was too slow burn and when they do finally get together it was a little too mushy for my liking. But don’t get me wrong! It was still really enjoyable and I’d recommend!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Anastasia and River’s story. They meet at college when River’s frat brother and friend asks for some advice on how to pursue Anastasia and then starts dating her. They butt heads but have a lingering attraction and connection all through her relationship with his friend. There are some events that push them together, there is some drama, some funny moments, and a few sexy times...and they end with a HEA.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Anastasia and River’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I did feel like the ending was rushed once they’re together, but I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: Maybe, but they don’t act on it and it’s not the typical instalove that I find annoying
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. River. I really liked him. I appreciated his “three things,” his compassion for others, and his struggles with his learning disabilities.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Anastasia. I really liked her. I appreciated her kindness and how she didn’t judge and cared for others.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and a few scenes -- it is not so much it takes away from the story and takes place super late in the book (88%) making it a slow burn.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No, but mentions of scenes
Cheating: Not with mcs IMO
Separation: Yes, but only physically
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with pretty good closure but I still had some unanswered questions. The author did offer an extended epilogue with signing up for a newsletter. While I hate that (admittedly effective) tactic, I still signed up so I can get it and have yet to read it — so hopefully some of those questions get answered. I’d call it a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers
Read
December 3, 2020Are you ready for some revenge/love? THE REVENGE PACT IS LIVE!
🖤 angsty
🖤 new adult
🖤 college football romance
🖤 emotional
🖤 twisty
🖤 fake hate to love
🖤 love in an elevator...yasss
Read today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/32SW1MS
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/RevengePact
Add The Revenge Pact to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/35CdX01
🖤 angsty
🖤 new adult
🖤 college football romance
🖤 emotional
🖤 twisty
🖤 fake hate to love
🖤 love in an elevator...yasss
Read today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/32SW1MS
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/RevengePact
Add The Revenge Pact to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/35CdX01
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 4, 2020UPDATE: dnf at 5% hahaha.
count on Ilsa Madden-Mills to get me to skim-read a book before hitting the 10% mark. The next time i'm tempted to pick up her college romance please call me out, aight.
Question: is Ilsa actually a college/uni student?¿ i noticed most of her famous books are HS/college romance. i wouldn’t be surprised if she is bc her writing kinda tells soooo...
--------
can someone come at me right now bc i had sworn not to pick up anything by Ilsa anymore and look at what i’m doing right now. this dumbass istg-
*3% in and i’m already cringing at the writing fuuuck. i knEW. IT. i can’t believe i’m doing this just bc it’s another college romance i h8 MYSELF
count on Ilsa Madden-Mills to get me to skim-read a book before hitting the 10% mark. The next time i'm tempted to pick up her college romance please call me out, aight.
Question: is Ilsa actually a college/uni student?¿ i noticed most of her famous books are HS/college romance. i wouldn’t be surprised if she is bc her writing kinda tells soooo...
--------
can someone come at me right now bc i had sworn not to pick up anything by Ilsa anymore and look at what i’m doing right now. this dumbass istg-
*3% in and i’m already cringing at the writing fuuuck. i knEW. IT. i can’t believe i’m doing this just bc it’s another college romance i h8 MYSELF
November 27, 2020
Meant To Be
This enemies-to-lovers sports romance was emotional and super-charged with sexual tension. So much chemistry, even bro code couldn’t keep them apart. River and Anastasia were fated.
River has been avoiding her since they spoke for the first time in the library a year ago. He was there laying the ground work for his buddy to make a move, he just never expected her to be perfect. Perfect for him, even though his friend saw her first. When they are in the same room together sparks fly. Too bad she’s been dating his frat brother. However, it doesn’t stop the way he feels.
Anastasia doesn’t understand River’s animosity toward her. She considers the frat guys her friends, even if her relationship with her boyfriend is crumbling. She’s just a girl who appreciates the simple things in life and her boyfriend is the total opposite.
When her life starts to implode, River is the one that steps up when she needs it. When her past is broadcast for public fodder by her ex-boyfriend, she wants revenge. She’s determined to get herself a rebound so that her ex can see exactly what he gave up. River needs a favor from her, so she’s going to get a favor in return.
The perfect plan so they both get what they need, until the only thing they want or need becomes each other.
Wonderful characters with off-the-charts attraction. Yet it was more...so much more. She’s led a nomadic lifestyle, but all she’s ever wanted was a real home. He’s struggling with loss from his past and the fear of losing his one remaining parent. He wants to make his parents proud but still follow his own dream.
Timing is everything. Both of them will learn that you need to make your own timing because happiness shouldn’t be put on hold. Life and love are precious. Grab every bit of happy while you can. I loved this story. River brought the swoon factor to a whole new level. And it was a reminder that each day is a new beginning and we all can find three things to be grateful for.
This enemies-to-lovers sports romance was emotional and super-charged with sexual tension. So much chemistry, even bro code couldn’t keep them apart. River and Anastasia were fated.
River has been avoiding her since they spoke for the first time in the library a year ago. He was there laying the ground work for his buddy to make a move, he just never expected her to be perfect. Perfect for him, even though his friend saw her first. When they are in the same room together sparks fly. Too bad she’s been dating his frat brother. However, it doesn’t stop the way he feels.
Anastasia doesn’t understand River’s animosity toward her. She considers the frat guys her friends, even if her relationship with her boyfriend is crumbling. She’s just a girl who appreciates the simple things in life and her boyfriend is the total opposite.
When her life starts to implode, River is the one that steps up when she needs it. When her past is broadcast for public fodder by her ex-boyfriend, she wants revenge. She’s determined to get herself a rebound so that her ex can see exactly what he gave up. River needs a favor from her, so she’s going to get a favor in return.
The perfect plan so they both get what they need, until the only thing they want or need becomes each other.
Wonderful characters with off-the-charts attraction. Yet it was more...so much more. She’s led a nomadic lifestyle, but all she’s ever wanted was a real home. He’s struggling with loss from his past and the fear of losing his one remaining parent. He wants to make his parents proud but still follow his own dream.
Timing is everything. Both of them will learn that you need to make your own timing because happiness shouldn’t be put on hold. Life and love are precious. Grab every bit of happy while you can. I loved this story. River brought the swoon factor to a whole new level. And it was a reminder that each day is a new beginning and we all can find three things to be grateful for.
December 6, 2020
The only chink in River's armor might be Anastasia, but he's the chink in mine.
HOLY COW, y'all!
This book is why I love romance. Period. End of story.
Madden-Mills delivers perfection in THE REVENGE PACT. All the feels, all the steam, all of the humor—it's all packaged up with a totally hot cover.
This one tops my Best Reads of 2020 List for a reason—it's phenomenal and a must read.
This is the stuff book dreams are made of.
HOLY COW, y'all!
This book is why I love romance. Period. End of story.
Madden-Mills delivers perfection in THE REVENGE PACT. All the feels, all the steam, all of the humor—it's all packaged up with a totally hot cover.
This one tops my Best Reads of 2020 List for a reason—it's phenomenal and a must read.
This is the stuff book dreams are made of.
December 4, 2020
I know it says 3 STARS but that's not how I feel.
Goodreads wouldn't let me tell you why I didn't finish unless I gave it a rating.
I didn't finish because the character dialogue was unrealistic. The chapters for the male POV was not how men talk. I need to connect with a story but this wasn't it.
Ilsa Madden-Mills is a brilliant writer and I look forward to reading a different series of hers in the future. This series, I will sit out.
Goodreads wouldn't let me tell you why I didn't finish unless I gave it a rating.
I didn't finish because the character dialogue was unrealistic. The chapters for the male POV was not how men talk. I need to connect with a story but this wasn't it.
Ilsa Madden-Mills is a brilliant writer and I look forward to reading a different series of hers in the future. This series, I will sit out.
Shelved as 'nope-nope-nope'
December 3, 2020Why does the heroine have to see him have sex with someone? I just dont understand this plot point and why it is in every single romance book? And I bet not one ARC reviewer has mentioned this!
December 21, 2020
Adding them all 🎉
River and Anastasia were 😍
I know I say that I enjoy dual POVs and this book has made me fall in love with it more. I don’t think I would have loved this book more than I do now if it wasn’t for the dual POV. It gave me a deeper insight into the characters mind especially River.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED River Tate so much. This tortuned boy ruined me, you guys. His vulnerability made me love him more. I felt so protective of him and this protectiveness wasn’t one of pity but one where I was just awed by his perseverance. He was honestly “too beautiful for words”. Underneath his ‘God amongst men’ persona on campus, River Tate is guy with a pure soul.
Anastasia is the River-whisperer. This lavender hair girl stole me heart.
Revenge Pact was a slow burn romance with a well written representation of mental disorder. I can honestly count on Ilsa Madden-Mills to always write a more-than-enjoyable book and she delivers it with the Revenge Pact.
May 26, 2023
i have no idea why sports romance authors insist on their books being 400 pages but i think it does such a disservice to them because the book ends up getting boring halfway through. anyways i do this this was a good book, once i got past the cringy stuff i mean, which for me it was quite a lot but it was still fun. i just ended up getting bored
December 12, 2020
4.5 Yummy Delicious Stars
* * * * 1/2
November 22, 2020
Lookie, Lookie At this Terrific Cover And All The Other Ones...December Hurry Up!
November 2, 2020
Ilsa Madden-Mills has done something terrific and fun. So has Meghan Quinn and Adrianna Locke. They have come together to write an interconnecting group of novels all-around a PACT.
First Up Is The Revenge Pact, Book 1 of the Kings of Football Series, and here is what I have right now...
A Smoking-Hot Wide Receiver Named River Tate saying:
Somehow Something Happened...
Causing Them To Make...
The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football, #1)- December 3, 2020
After This, The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn and Then The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke.
So Ready For These Upcoming Books!
The Revenge Pact(Kings of Football, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Relationship Pact (Kings of Football, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2
November 22, 2020
Lookie, Lookie At this Terrific Cover And All The Other Ones...December Hurry Up!
November 2, 2020
Ilsa Madden-Mills has done something terrific and fun. So has Meghan Quinn and Adrianna Locke. They have come together to write an interconnecting group of novels all-around a PACT.
First Up Is The Revenge Pact, Book 1 of the Kings of Football Series, and here is what I have right now...
A Smoking-Hot Wide Receiver Named River Tate saying:
"She's Looking For Revenge,
And He Wants A Taste.
Just One Taste."
Somehow Something Happened...
Causing Them To Make...
The Revenge Pact (Kings of Football, #1)- December 3, 2020
After This, The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn and Then The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke.
So Ready For These Upcoming Books!
The Revenge Pact(Kings of Football, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Relationship Pact (Kings of Football, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 3, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Revenge Pact is the start to the multi-author series, Kings of Football. Isla Madden-Mills starts us off with an energetic hero and a free spirited heroine that may act like they hate each other but as they say, there's a thin line between love and hate.
River and Anastasia had a slow to start romance but the connection they shared was clear from the beginning. The sexual tension was practically sizzling off the pages with every interaction they had and it captivated me. I loved that their story kind of made you work for it, there was no easy relationship that was developed in the first few chapters. Instead you had to read on and find out about River and Anastasia as separate characters before them as a couple. Which usually I'm not a fan of slow building romances but with this book it worked so well for these characters and had me loving them.
I also really enjoyed that it was the hero that was more into the heroine and that it was mostly from his POV that we got to see their relationship moving forward. Overall, this was a really fun book to read, it kept me intrigued from the moment I saw River and Tate together, and their was so much sweetness through all the sexual tension I couldn't help but smile.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Revenge Pact is the start to the multi-author series, Kings of Football. Isla Madden-Mills starts us off with an energetic hero and a free spirited heroine that may act like they hate each other but as they say, there's a thin line between love and hate.
River and Anastasia had a slow to start romance but the connection they shared was clear from the beginning. The sexual tension was practically sizzling off the pages with every interaction they had and it captivated me. I loved that their story kind of made you work for it, there was no easy relationship that was developed in the first few chapters. Instead you had to read on and find out about River and Anastasia as separate characters before them as a couple. Which usually I'm not a fan of slow building romances but with this book it worked so well for these characters and had me loving them.
I also really enjoyed that it was the hero that was more into the heroine and that it was mostly from his POV that we got to see their relationship moving forward. Overall, this was a really fun book to read, it kept me intrigued from the moment I saw River and Tate together, and their was so much sweetness through all the sexual tension I couldn't help but smile.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2020
AHHH! Ilsa Madden Mills has done it again! The Revenge Pact was a brilliant introduction to the standalone Kings of Football series and I could not be happier. River and Anastasia were AMAZING!! This story was riveting, powerful and full of amazing gut punches that made my life!!
I loved everything about this phenomenal couple. River was the epitome of walking wounded. His heart and his thoughts just exploded off the pages and caused nothing but swoons and butterflies. Ana, similarly was all sass and vulnerable emotions. They were both at a crossroads in their life and the way they faced their decisions was both admirable and thought-provoking.
I loved everything about this story and seriously would give it more stars if I could. This novel was superbly written. The chemistry was incendiary and the banter was on fire! What a phenomenal start to the series! ~ 5 stars! ~Ratula
I loved everything about this phenomenal couple. River was the epitome of walking wounded. His heart and his thoughts just exploded off the pages and caused nothing but swoons and butterflies. Ana, similarly was all sass and vulnerable emotions. They were both at a crossroads in their life and the way they faced their decisions was both admirable and thought-provoking.
I loved everything about this story and seriously would give it more stars if I could. This novel was superbly written. The chemistry was incendiary and the banter was on fire! What a phenomenal start to the series! ~ 5 stars! ~Ratula
December 10, 2020
Wonderful read!! Review to come
September 4, 2022
Beyond 5 River and Anastasia Golden Stars
I haven't read a College romance for a little while but I liked the sound of the blurb for 'The Revenge Pact' , so once it released I took a peek at the first page , just to get a feel for the story. Three hours later I was completely immersed , absorbed , hooked and unable to put it down. This is the first in the Kings of Football series and each book is written by a different author , each focusing on one of the three friends who are All-American players who were a sure thing for NFL greatness post College...until they aren't. Their season tanks and this book picks up where their team is out of contention for any acclaims or awards.
River Tate is the popular Kappa Frat President and the College football team's Wide Receiver who is adored by all.....except for Anastasia Bailey. Ana is the quirky girl who is not quite so popular. She has been going out with Donovan for a year and during that time has got to know lots of his Frat brothers and they all think she is sweet, kind and lovely. But River Tate? River Tate presses all her buttons.He is trying everything to ignore his pull to her. There is a simmering energy between them. She may be unsure of River but she's not blind to his attractiveness.
The outline of his patrician nose, the straight bridge, the slight bump at the top where he might have broken it, the shape of his dark brows, then I'm back to his lips.
"Well played, God." I whisper.
He is cool towards her , smirks, irritates and clearly is aware that he winds her up. She holds her ground against him. Despite that , these two are like magnets , helplessly drawn to each other. But River is doing all he can to not think about Anastasia. She's his friend's girl and he cannot break the loyalty that they live by. Except things with Ana and Donovan are not going well and things are changing. I have to say that I did NOT consider this to be a love triangle. The story is so well written and from the very start it's clear that Ana and Donovan are on the outs and that the spark between her and River is something that cannot be ignored. The crafting of this love story is beautifully done and as a reader you are completely invested from the start. Donovan is a nice guy in a lot of ways but he is pretty spineless at times and he was never going to be good enough for our heroine. Donovan behaved stupidly. She could do so much better and watching her and River navigate their path to each other made for heady reading. They are simply meant to be.
She isn't beautiful in a cookie cutter way like some of the made up sorority girls who hang at our house; no, she's frighteningly pretty in an ethereal , natural way. Like a wild angel.
It's rare to read a book where you adore the Hero and heroine equally but River and Ana are both very loveable and both have strengths, vulnerabilities , challenges and something uniquely special about them. River battles with his ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia and is very private about it. He adores his family and there are difficulties there too which are pretty heart breaking. I loved his relationship with his Mum. Ana is so alone in the world. She is clearly very loved by her parents but they have a very nomadic lifestyle and that means she has never felt like she belonged anywhere. Ana cares deeply about people and she shows that in her actions. I teared up at a couple of scenes involving June, an older lady that she helps, a surrogate Granny in a way.
As sweet as she is, Anastasia absolutely holds her ground against the mean girls that resent her.
On her way out, Harper's face is flat as she sniffs at my pink knee socks, black velvet mini skirt and Eiffel Tower cropped sweater. I push up my glasses in defiance. Try me , sorority girl.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is funny, sassy, it will tug your heartstrings, it's endearing , it makes you want to scream at the top of your voice in support of the underdog and the lonely and it will make you think long and hard about destiny and what is meant to be. The relationships between different characters are well written and entertaining. But , ultimately it is a love story that captured my heart completely.
Fate has a way of bringing people together, and , baby girl, we're meant to be.
HEA? Yes.
Cheating? No
Be aware - Loss of a parent (Father) / Parent with cancer (Mother).
Without doubt one of the very best books I have read.
AUGUST 2022 - I re read via audible. I fell in love with Ana and River all over again. Excellent narration by CJ Bloom and Lee Samuels.
The second book in the series is The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn and is about Crew Smith (the Protective One) . The third is The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke and is about Hollis Hudson (the mysterious One).
I haven't read a College romance for a little while but I liked the sound of the blurb for 'The Revenge Pact' , so once it released I took a peek at the first page , just to get a feel for the story. Three hours later I was completely immersed , absorbed , hooked and unable to put it down. This is the first in the Kings of Football series and each book is written by a different author , each focusing on one of the three friends who are All-American players who were a sure thing for NFL greatness post College...until they aren't. Their season tanks and this book picks up where their team is out of contention for any acclaims or awards.
River Tate is the popular Kappa Frat President and the College football team's Wide Receiver who is adored by all.....except for Anastasia Bailey. Ana is the quirky girl who is not quite so popular. She has been going out with Donovan for a year and during that time has got to know lots of his Frat brothers and they all think she is sweet, kind and lovely. But River Tate? River Tate presses all her buttons.He is trying everything to ignore his pull to her. There is a simmering energy between them. She may be unsure of River but she's not blind to his attractiveness.
The outline of his patrician nose, the straight bridge, the slight bump at the top where he might have broken it, the shape of his dark brows, then I'm back to his lips.
"Well played, God." I whisper.
He is cool towards her , smirks, irritates and clearly is aware that he winds her up. She holds her ground against him. Despite that , these two are like magnets , helplessly drawn to each other. But River is doing all he can to not think about Anastasia. She's his friend's girl and he cannot break the loyalty that they live by. Except things with Ana and Donovan are not going well and things are changing. I have to say that I did NOT consider this to be a love triangle. The story is so well written and from the very start it's clear that Ana and Donovan are on the outs and that the spark between her and River is something that cannot be ignored. The crafting of this love story is beautifully done and as a reader you are completely invested from the start. Donovan is a nice guy in a lot of ways but he is pretty spineless at times and he was never going to be good enough for our heroine. Donovan behaved stupidly. She could do so much better and watching her and River navigate their path to each other made for heady reading. They are simply meant to be.
She isn't beautiful in a cookie cutter way like some of the made up sorority girls who hang at our house; no, she's frighteningly pretty in an ethereal , natural way. Like a wild angel.
It's rare to read a book where you adore the Hero and heroine equally but River and Ana are both very loveable and both have strengths, vulnerabilities , challenges and something uniquely special about them. River battles with his ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia and is very private about it. He adores his family and there are difficulties there too which are pretty heart breaking. I loved his relationship with his Mum. Ana is so alone in the world. She is clearly very loved by her parents but they have a very nomadic lifestyle and that means she has never felt like she belonged anywhere. Ana cares deeply about people and she shows that in her actions. I teared up at a couple of scenes involving June, an older lady that she helps, a surrogate Granny in a way.
As sweet as she is, Anastasia absolutely holds her ground against the mean girls that resent her.
On her way out, Harper's face is flat as she sniffs at my pink knee socks, black velvet mini skirt and Eiffel Tower cropped sweater. I push up my glasses in defiance. Try me , sorority girl.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is funny, sassy, it will tug your heartstrings, it's endearing , it makes you want to scream at the top of your voice in support of the underdog and the lonely and it will make you think long and hard about destiny and what is meant to be. The relationships between different characters are well written and entertaining. But , ultimately it is a love story that captured my heart completely.
Fate has a way of bringing people together, and , baby girl, we're meant to be.
HEA? Yes.
Cheating? No
Be aware - Loss of a parent (Father) / Parent with cancer (Mother).
Without doubt one of the very best books I have read.
AUGUST 2022 - I re read via audible. I fell in love with Ana and River all over again. Excellent narration by CJ Bloom and Lee Samuels.
The second book in the series is The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn and is about Crew Smith (the Protective One) . The third is The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke and is about Hollis Hudson (the mysterious One).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,101 reviews