Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
432 Pages
Synopsis: Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact.
The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact. And most of its rules make sense. Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter…Never mention The Pact to anyone.
Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples. And then one of them breaks the rules. The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life. And The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule. For Jake and Alice, the marriage of their dreams is about to become their worst nightmare.
The Marriage Pact poses an interesting question. With so many marriages ending in divorce, how far would you go to guarantee that your own marriage stayed intact? I have to be upfront and say that there’s a certain amount of disbelief you have to suspend going into this book. I mean, who in their right mind would sign a contract to join a group that they really know nothing about? And, Jake and Alice don’t even read the contract, despite Alice being a lawyer herself. But they both have their own reasons why they’re drawn to this group, and much to my surprise, I found myself being a lot more understanding than I thought I would.
The story is told by Jake, and perhaps because of this I felt more connected to him than Alice. They’re both highly educated people, but because of their individual insecurities, they allow themselves to be sucked into this cult. Naturally, it’s not long before the newlyweds discover that The Pact is not the benevolent group of “…like-minded individuals intent on achieving a similar goal.” Far from being supportive of their members, there are consequences for breaking the rules listed in the Manual. At this point Jake and Alice want to leave, but no one ever leaves The Pact.
There are many twists and turns in this story, which kept me glued to its pages. For the majority of the book, I honestly had no idea where this was going to end up, and as the conclusion neared I found myself shocked at the way events unfolded. And the ending? Well, let’s just say you’re going to either love it, or you’re going to hate it.
The Marriage Pact had me hooked from the very beginning, and with its relentless pace, I finished it over the course of two nights. Yes, there are some moments that will leave you incredulous, but the book is so well written, that this doesn’t negatively impact the story. It’s a truly creepy tale that will leave you wondering “What if?”
Ooh, this one sounds super intriguing and mysterious. I’m so curious to know how this one takes a turn for the dark and creepy! Wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I honestly could not stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s awesome! I love it when I’m so hooked into a book. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you James!💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I have been divorced twice, and married for the third time, I think I had better keep quiet!
Best wishes, Pete. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha!😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked this one too Kim! I’m one that wanted more at the end but still loved it overall. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
At first I couldn’t believe she left things like that, but then I wound up liking the open ending.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wondered if it wasn’t a bit of leave it open enough that there could be another book if this did well…. or she just wanted to torture me. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh! I didn’t think of the potential for a sequel! How awesome would that be?! I think we should bombard her or Bantam with requests for one!😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Normally they don’t happen on this type of book but I can see it taking place here. There is still a lot that could be explored with The Pact so I’d definitely be at the front of the line if she decided to continue. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds really interesting! Definitely keen to add it to my TBR.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! I think you’ll enjoy it Sarah.😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been seeing this book around but this is the first review that I have read. The book sounds very interesting and I like the cultic vibe. I like how the writing was so good that you were able to overlook the not so realistic aspects of the story. This is definitely a book that I would enjoy. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana! I think this would definitely be your cup of tea!😊
LikeLike
You finished this in the course of two nights? Wow, this seriously means it’s a pageturner. Lately anime and movies have kept me from reading novels, but with an upcoming vacation, I plan to catch up in some reading 😊 Will be adding this one to my to my to read list. Great post 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a PERFECT vacation book Michel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like a cool premise for a book! I love books with twists, too, so I may have to check this out. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by Natalia! If you like suspense/thrillers with lots of twists, I highly recommend you try this!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like quite the page turner. Very creepy too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s one of my favorite suspense/thrillers so far this year Vinnie!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that’s high praise coming from you Kim. Oh and over the last few days, my naughty site has featured some very arresting posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just commented on your poem Vinnie. I think that’s the only post of yours I missed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were right, thanks for checking Kim. I’m getting back to normal tomorrow. Will be playing catch up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool! I just posted another book review too!💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve bookmarked it to read tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lawyers who don’t read contracts before signing them. Well.. That definitely would’ve made me flinch. Great review though, it really sounds like an amazing story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did cringe a bit at that. But once you’re past the idea of them both signing this contract, the story just takes over brilliantly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like a page turner! I’m so glad you enjoyed it Kim!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jen, It was awesome!💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like a really great page turner Kim! Fantastic Review and TBR pile for sure😎🤗😗📚🌈
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was quite twisty Dani.😊
LikeLike
I love twisty books!😉💖📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
*Fist Bump*
LikeLike