The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller

The Marriage Pact (Brides of Bliss County, #1)

by Linda Lael Miller

"Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying "I do," when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she's recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp's interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. She doesn't expect Tripp to meddle with her new plan to find Mr. Right--or to discover that she's more attracted to him than ever! Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father's ranch. He's not looking for another wife--certainly not his best friend's little sister. But he's never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won't be walking away!" --

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

3 of 5 stars

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The Marriage Pact is the first in the Brides of Bliss County by Linda Lael Miller. She introduces us to three friends who form a pact to watch out for and aid each other in finding their one true love.

The Marriage Pact introduces us to the folks of Bliss County. She shares a friends to lovers, little sister trope that will leave readers with a smile. Miller brings this small town to life from the local dinner to ranch life. I can just see Hadleigh’s quilt shop and the local feed store.

Hadleigh Stevens almost made the biggest mistake of her life when Tripp Galloway her older brother’s best friend swooped in and stopped her. Ten years have gone by, and Hadleigh has grown up. Along with her friends she looking for Mr. Right when Tripp returns to town. In this tale, Hadleigh needs to address her own feelings towards Tripp. She needs to overcome loss and address her fears. With the help of her friends, she just might find her happy. I enjoyed the dynamics of the three friends and their get-togethers. Their friendship and dreams felt genuine.

Tripp left the big city to return to his roots, help his ailing father and find peace. After a failed marriage that left him feeling scorned he is not looking for a wife. Only problem is.. When had Hadleigh grown into a woman? Tripp is confident, smart, and a good son but when it comes to interacting with Hadleigh, he is a tongue-tied teen again. I enjoyed watching them interact and giggled at his awkwardness.

The Marriage Pact shares small town dynamics, close-knit friends and ranch life with a slow-building romance. The story delivered sweet tension as Miller moves us towards our HEA. I enjoyed the story although Hadleigh and Trip did not engage me as much as her previous characters. I am curious about Hadleigh’s friends, and Miller has hinted at things to come. The Marriage Pact was a solid read that entertained me. The next two books will feature her friends and more of Bliss county.

Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 15 May, 2014: Finished reading
  • 15 May, 2014: Reviewed