Series: The Brides of Bliss County #1
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The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! See how it all begins in this enthralling new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author 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!
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.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Cyn
Hmm, sounds like a cute read. I love romance series that surrounds friendships. I don’t read a lot of small town romances, but I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Leanna
I loved this book and I cannot believe we have to wait six months for the Marriage Charm.
Michelle
I think I’m more interested in finding out why Tripp interrupted the wedding more than anything. Seems like an interesting read!
PurpleBook
Sounds like a cute romance book, maybe too cute for my devious mind, LOL. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hear you. I mix my romances up from sweet to naughty. LOL
Jenea
It’s good that even though you weren’t engages with the characters, you were still able to enjoy it. Says a lot of about Miller’s writing. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
It does, and I liked the girls and town. I think I needed more build up and moments to feel their connection.
Angela Adams
I’ve been waiting all week for this post! Thanks so much!!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I am a Miller fan too Angela 🙂
Christy
I like the whole marriage pact thing with the friends. And I’m kind of dying to know what he did or said to stop her from marrying the 1st guy. I bet he was a cheater and Tripp had proof. Am I right? lol
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo we are not playing this game again..*shakes head* These lips are sealed. The pact was my favorite aspect, I would have liked more time with the girls, but love that each book focuses on one of them.
Dre
I really like books with strong friendships. It shows that the mc isn’t alone and has a good set of friends that support each other. This one sounds like a good book, because of slow-building romance. Woot!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and the ladies were close with fun little traditions and I enjoyed their interactions. Thanks Dre!
blodeuedd
Hm…yes it sounds good even with all of it there
kimbacaffeinate
agreed, thanks Linda. Have a great weekend
Melissa (Books and Things)
I swear I’m going to have to find this author and get her to give me directions to these ranches! The ranches around here aren’t like that! 🙂 I’m glad it was entertaining and more importantly… has a good HEA. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
hehe. I keep looking for you Melissa!
Heidi
Hmm this one seems like a middle of the road read. Nothing bad but nothing to scream from the rooftops about, so I don’t think I am up for it. Hope you have a fab weekend, and yes I will remember to stop in and read your review of Sixth Grave.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Heidi, and since this is the first book in series, it built the town, and relationships but usually I swoon a little more..but all in all a good start.
Candace
I like the sound of the small town life and stuff but it sounds like it didn’t quite wow you, which is too bad. Still sounds like a decent read though!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, it was a solid read, and I finished it easily enough just missing a little something for me 🙂
Lisa
I’m not a big fan of the cover, and it doesn’t really seem like something I would enjoy. I’m glad to see you did find some redeeming qualities and overall enjoyed it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lisa, I like weaving these small-town romances in between mysteries and heavier romances.
Grace
I love reading small-town romances with sweet tension. Great review, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Grace, I love the small-towns she creates.
aurian
Nice review Kimba, sounds like a cute contemporary romance. Glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
I did Aurian, it was a nice read between some darker ones 🙂
kindlemom1
This sounds adorable. I love the friends to lovers theme it is by far my favorite in any genre.
kimbacaffeinate
I like it too Ali, and liked the small-town and tender moments 🙂
Katherine
I love a series that is set around a group of friends as well as the friends to more story line. I haven’t read any Miller either but as usual I’ll be adding this one to my TBR. Thanks Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I love the small-town settings, and how she weaves several characters in Katherine.
Mary
Ah, friends-to-lovers. AND little sister? A double-shot! Nice! Sadly, LLM isn’t always a hit for me (too slow, too “nice” many times). Still, I try!
kimbacaffeinate
Her romances build slowly, and the tales have a lot of side stories, but I enjoy mixing them in 🙂
brandileigh2003
Well you know the elements that appeal to me… the small town feel and slow building romance, because there are not enough of those these days
kimbacaffeinate
I like mixing in these slow-building, small-town romances.
Jennifer Bielman
Hmm, seems like kind of a boring book with a boring cover. At least you liked some of it.
kimbacaffeinate
I did, and the small town and ranch were delightful 🙂
Franny
I’m glad you overall enjoyed it, Kimberly! I’m not sure this book is for me, though, as it reminds me of a similar book I read many many years ago and didn’t enjoy that much.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Franny, I love the small-towns she creates.