| Title | : | The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 348 |
| Publication | : | First published December 7, 2020 |
I haven't talked to her since the kiss.
So why am I on a plane, flying across the world to spend a week with her in Germany?
One word: Pops.
My life’s a mess.
My possible football career is hanging on by a thread.
I'm driving the roads of Germany in honor of Pops with the one girl I can never have.
And I’m sharing a bed with her, the girl I've measured everyone else up to, while desperately trying to not to touch her.
We made a pact growing up, never to get romantic with each other - never fall in love.
And I'm about to break that pact. For good.
The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football, #2) Reviews
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5+++ "POPS" Stars!
... I didn't like the book I treasured it.
Note: This is a friends-to-lovers sports romance.
This is a highly anticipated book of mine. Friends-to-lovers is my top favourite trope and this was the first and prioritized book I've read in the series.
The Romantic Pact is such a heartfelt, full of adventure and emotional roller-coaster romance. I deeply loved the story, the message and the love shown was admiring. I adored a grandpa like Pops and how he helped Crew and Hazel navigate and discover where their hearts truly belongs. The concept of the story is so good and the plot is great. This book is perfect in every sense.
Hazel was a 22 year old farm girl. She was a neighbor of Pops, Crew's grandfather. Crew was the same age as Hazel and he was a football player at California. Playing football and be drafted was his greatest goal in life. Hazel and Crew's friendship started at their childhood days when Crew visited his grandfather in Munich, New York. Every summer, Hazel and Crew's friendship blossomed that they even thought of agreeing to a pact.
“Hazel Allen and Crew Smith agree to never get romantically involved ever and swear to be best friends forever.”
Hazel and Crew's life have changed when Pops passed away and they were sent to Germany together (planned by Pops) to reacquaint and repair their halted friendship.
"I came into this trip depressed, unsure, and confused. In this short time, it almost feels as though you’ve opened my eyes and shown me exactly what I’ve been missing. And what I’ve been missing . . . is you.”
I loved every words. I loved that the setting was in Germany. I loved that Hazel and Crew were oblivious to each other feelings. I loved how hot the sex scenes. I loved that there were lots of road trip. I loved the epilogue and I so much loved the letters by Pops. Overall, I loved that every part of this book perfectly and exceedingly suited my expectations.
This book deserves a chance. I absolutely recommend this to y'all! If you're looking for a great romance book to read this Christmas days, this was definitely written for you!
“You make me happy. This farm makes me happy. This life we could create—the thought of it brings me joy. I like football, always have, always will, but my love for you, for this land, for these memories, it eclipses that any day."
Other books in the series:
Book 1:
The Revenge Pact
Book 2: The Romantic Pact
Book 3:
The Relationship Pact
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4 stars
“When you sow love, joy will grow.”
The Romantic Pact was a sweet friends to lovers romance that took place in Germany a Christmas and kept a smile on my face.
Crew Smith and Hazel Allen were best friends as children. Every summer Crew came to his Pop’s farm and would hang out with Hazel. Crew’s spent the last four years working to get into the NFL. He’s at his final year of college and his focus isn’t there anymore. After losing Pops, he just doesn’t have the heart for it.
As he goes home for Christmas break he realizes something extraordinary. His Pop’s has planned an elaborate trip to Germany with a traveling companion. And that companion happens to be Hazel.
I loved going on these adventures with Hazel and Crew. Watching them rekindle their friendship and watching that develop into more was a beautiful thing. I was anxious to see how it would all turn out in the end, but I was happy with the way it ended. I can’t wait to read more from the ‘Kings of Football’ series because Crew’s friends seemed so fun!
Audio book source: Audible (purchased)
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Kelsey Navarro and Tim Paige
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance (NA)
Length: 10 hours and 9 minutes -
THE ROMANTIC PACT is LIVE!
Get your copy now -->
https://amzn.to/33vaXkM
I’ve loved her my entire life, but was too stupid to do anything about it.
Now that I have another chance, I’m letting her slip through my fingers.
One open road, many unanswered questions. I’m terrified I’m going to lose her again.
✓ Road trip romance
✓ Friends to lovers
✓ STEAMY scenes
✓ Football star falls for the farm girl
✓ Romantic Comedy with undeniable chemistry
The Romantic Pact is available! -->
https://amzn.to/33vaXkM
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Looking for something to put you in the holiday mood? The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn is the perfect Christmas romance that will have readers intoxicated with all the feels faster than a cup of mulled wine!
“When you sow love, joy will grow.”
As one of the three kings of football at Braxton University, every decision Crew Smith has made over the past four years has been to achieve his goal and secure a spot in the NFL. But after losing his beloved grandfather and having an abysmal season, his life is a mess. And to make matters more crazy, he finds himself traveling with his childhood best friend on a trip organized by deceased Pops.“Looks like he knew I just needed a little Hazel in my life again?”
Hazel Allen found solace, stability and happiness working with Pops at the farm. Her livelihood and future is also up in the air after losing him but agrees to go on this trip to Germany hoping her travel companion was Crew, the guy who ran from her the summer he went to college. Can she get past the hurt he caused? Even if she does, they live on opposite sides of the country, their lives don’t naturally intersect, can they overcome these obstacles?
Crew and Hazel were incredible together right from the start. Their banter was fast, witty and addicting, and spoke of years of familiarity and a deep seated friendship. Her sass was the perfect antidote to his ego. And while it was easy for them to get their groove back, they still had face the reason they lost touch and some growing to do in order to figure out their lives together.“You get one life… Celebrate each breath you take. Wake up every morning knowing it’s the start of a new day.”
And that’s where their incredible adventure to Germany along with the life lessons and inspiration included in Pops’ touching letters to them.
I loved, LOVED the beautiful backdrop in which their romance unfolds. Quinn included vibrant descriptions and interesting facts of the places they visited which piqued my interest and gave strength to all the emotions induced by Hazel and Crew’s romance.
They say that reading is the cheapest way to travel, well I got to travel to Disney inspiring places with amazing history and beautiful scenery, I got to visit St. Mary’s Square occupied by the Christmas Market, make gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen), go wine tasting and experience The Romantic Road.
I loved this book about soul-searching, about “reconnecting, about finding your passion, about sitting back and reflecting on your lives and where you want to go from here.”
The Romantic Pact is a standalone Holiday Romance by Meghan Quinn. It’s book #2 of the Kings of Football series. It is told from both points of view, and has a happy ending. Sub-genres: Friends to lovers | College Football | Road Trip
Amazon ->
https://amzn.to/39FqVfX
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. * -
“Hazel Allen and Crew Smith agree to never get romantically involved ever and swear to be best friends forever.”
The Romantic Pact has been the first book I ever read by Meghan Quinn. As soon as I saw what it was about, I just needed to have it. To say I loved it is putting it mildly. I finished it yesterday and thinking about it still brings tears to my eyes. It's the perfect storm of a romantic story, an amazing backdrop, Christmas time and a grandfather who may be missing but is definitely not forgotten.
“My life has been missing you, too, Crew. My backbone, my strength, my courage. You carry the key to all of those.”
Crew is off in college having a good time with his friends and pursuing his dream of professional football. He's left everything else behind to pursue that dream, including the girl who was his best friend growing up, but his grandfather's death has him reassessing everything.
"Does she know that when she wakes up in the morning, she’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen, and when she walks into the room, I can’t help but smile?"
I adore Hazel. I love that she's the country girl, I love her attitude towards life. And even though she had it rough growing up, I love how she's still herself. She is quirky, she is smart-mouthed, she is upfront, and she has a heart of gold. I liked everything about her.
"You have a choice in life, this one life you get to live. You can follow expectations, check off the boxes, and accomplish what you or others believe is the path you need to choose. Or you can follow your passion."
Crew and Hazel are childhood best friends, and used to spend their Summers together at Crew's grandfather's farm. Life has pushed them away, with Crew off in California, part of a wealthy family, and Hazel staying at the farm as the working girl, but when Pops dies he makes they go together on a trip that was sure to be life-changing – just how much was up to them.
“Sometimes, easy isn’t the option, because you realize it’s the hard that will bring you joy and happiness.”
What follows is nothing sort of magical. Traveling together in the Romantic Road in Germany is sort of a metaphor for their relationship. It's the road they need to travel to realize how they really feel about each other, and to understand what really matters in this life and what's worth fighting for.
Pops is with them all the way in all the letters he left them, and in all the small details he added to their trip. Their shared memories of their childhood, and of Pops, got me smiling and crying at the same time. Their journey together was an emotional one, filled with special, magical moments.
"Don’t take for granted what’s right in front of you."
This is the lesson to be taken from this book. Both Crew and Hazel needed to realize what really mattered to them, and that sometimes home is not a place, but a person.
It's a truly magical book. -
Although I do enjoy the road trip to Germany with Crew and Hazel, i feel the story is flat. Miss Quinn changed her tune in The Romantic Pact. Instead of fun, hilarious tune she usually have on her book, The Romantic Pact is just flat.
The story is min of drama/ angst. The journey in Germany is more highlighted. I do like the vivid deacription of the venues in the book. And reading the letter on each destination, has some sweet and tender moment.
Overall an OK book for me.
3 stars -
*** 3.75 stars ***
Okay so first things, I didn't really like the starting because :
1. I'm not into friend's to lovers romance. I'm more of an enemies to lovers kind of reader.
2. I don't like the traveling/trips romances as well. I get immensely bored while H & h are enjoying the sceneries.
3. Majority of the book is based on what's in their heart which they're not saying to the other one. ( MISCOMMUNICATION).
I HATED THE MISCOMMUNICATION. Instead of feeling bad/hurt they could have of TALKED for God sake!!
So I skipped few pages where they're site seeing Germany.
The good parts are :
1. The writing style was pretty cool. I've read a couple of her other books as well. The way she writes is very easy going.
2. Characters were so so so so good❤️. I literally fell in love with Crew until he became ' Indecisive '.
Whereas Hazel is so strong that I felt her pain of being alone, not having anyone to lay her head on.
3. I LOVED the climax.... that was kinda unexpected.
4. Pops letters were EVERYTHING.
I have always believed that two kind of people always give the best advices and wisewords.
⚫An old person. Coz they've seen and experienced alot in their life.
⚫A dying man/woman coz they always have something really interesting to share.
And Pops was both of these.😭😭
I don't remember last time I've written any review this long. But I guess it took me few days to finish it off so that makes up for all my collected thoughts. -
A gorgeous love story with Crew and Hazel. So many feels and laughs plus the beautiful scenery off Christmas and Germany. An ultimate road trip love story!
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“It’s about reconnecting , about finding your passion, about sitting back and reflecting on your lives and where you want to go from here. This trip is to give you time for soul-searching, and the sights you’ll come across will be magnificent, unlike anything you’ve ever imagined”
This story literally melted my heart .
It was sweet , strong , and mind-blowing all at the same time.
A never ending rollercoaster of emotions .
A perfect romantic story that really brings out the purest Christmas spirit .
So funny , touching and inspiring .
Crew was one of the most sensitive and caring boy I’ve ever read about.
He is the perfect next door American boy ,with a supportive and kind family.
Football was his future , and to archive his dream he left behind some important people , like his granpa and his summer friend Hazel.
Then his Granpa died and everything changed . He started to question everything , he felt lost , he didn’t know how to forgive himself for waisting so much time preparing for football without visiting anymore his Granpa during summer.
And now his Grandpa left him a gift : a week trip across Germany to the discovery of magical cities . And it’s not all . He was supposed to meet there with his travel partner .
“Take a look at this bridge , how weathered and worn it is, and yet, it’s one of the most magnificent things I’ve ever seen.It may have its battles scars, but it’s sturdy , a strong foundation, and that’s something love should be built on”
Hazel was his summer friend , the girl no one could ever measure up to . She worked at his grandpa farm , she was the most caring , funny and strong girl he had ever meet .
And imagine his shock when he found out she was going to be his trip partner across Germany during one of the most romantic time of the year.
It was all about reconnecting with all the things you gave up or forget really mattered the most in life
Their journey wasn’t easy . Hazel held some resentment against him for how he stopped writing her back and visiting during summer, mostly for how they left each other the last time they were together at the farm.
“In this short time, it almost feels as though you’ve opened my eyes and shown me exactly what I’ve been missing . And what I’ve been missing…is you”
But surely Christmas is the period of forgiveness and second chances . So now is up to Crew to make up for the lost times and honoring his Grandpa’s memory .
The attraction for each other was palpable but also all those feelings .
They were meant to be , and with the help of the Christmas spirit , some good vine and a little faith it was all set for an explosive journey .
“When you sow love…joy will grow”
I’m not gonna spoiler anything , but if you loved the Revenge pact , you should definitely get ready for this one . IT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND IN ANY POSSIBLE WAY
I gave it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did.
ENJOY.
*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW * -
Open your eyes and see the bigger world through a wider lens.
I loved everything in this book!
"The Romantic Pact" is a second chance romance that takes place in Germany. The book begins with Crew and Hazel going to a trip that Crew´s grandfather, nicknamed Pops, organized for them before he died. Even though Crew and Hazel were best friends when they were childs, they haven´t seen each other in three years. The trip reunites them again, and the chemistry they have is explosive! They are fun, sassy and blunt, which is my favourite kind of couple. I laughed so much with their dialogues!
It´s writing in dual-POV, so you can see their insecurities and how much they like each other, but they don´t realize that both of them want something more than a friendship. It was cute and sweet, the kind of slow-burn that sucks you into the story.
But not only the characters and romance were amazing. I loved the idea of Pops leaving them letters to read in the trip, telling them things they have to see, but also offering advice and talking about memories. The letters were absolutely perfect, Pops is the kind of character is imposible not to love. He made the same trip with Gloria, his wife, before they get married. I wanted to cry so badly, not only because the letters were beautiful, but because my grandmother´s name was Gloria too, and it was such a beautiful coincidence.
I remember keeping a steady pace to keep up with her, and making sure I was always only two steps behind because I wanted her to know that even though she was mad at me, I was always there for her.
Last but not least, I really loved the scenery and the trip itself. You can search the places they visit, so it was almost like being there too. I´d love to visit Germany some day, and recreate the trip Pops and Gloria, and then Hazel and Crew made. It was magical.
You get one life. Don’t waste it on mindless, tedious fights, hurt feelings, or pride. Celebrate each breath you take. Wake up every morning knowing it’s the start of a new day. A new day where you can accomplish anything. And spend your life loving. -
“Hazel Allen and Crew Smith agree to never get romantically involved ever and swear to be best friends forever.”
The Romantic Pact is the perfect destination romance for those looking to escape to an epic location without leaving their couch. I really felt like I was transported to Germany, and now I'm dying to visit all of the places Crew and Hazel visited. The setting was EVERYTHING in this contemporary romance.
The relationship in The Romantic Pact felt more natural and fleshed out than the insta-love vibe I got from The Revenge Pact. This is a second-chance romance, so there's lots of history between Crew and Hazel, and you could really feel their connection as they traveled along Germany's picturesque Romantic Road, falling in love all over again. (Def adding their exact trip to my bucket list.)
I'd classify this as a holiday romance, but it was still such a joy getting lost in this story post-Christmas when I'm still riding the joyful holiday train (seriously, do we really need to take down the tree before February? 😉) I adored these characters immensely, and I loved how Hazel's fun-loving attitude and Crew's goal-oriented mindset contrasted just enough to feel their opposites-attract chemistry. (Also, Crew Smith gives River Tate a run for his money in the book boyfriend category 😍)
4.5/5 stars, best paired with Tis the Damn Season by Taylor Swift.
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I really enjoyed reading the first book in this year and I was looking forward to reading Romantic Pact by none other than Meghan Quinn.
By now, you know my love for Quinn’s books. I can always count on her to give me a book that is hilarious, heartfelt, emotional and sexy. Meghan Quinn delivers because The Romantic Pact is sweet, emotional and I really enjoyed reading Crew and Hazel’s story. -
FIVE ROMANTIC STARS for Hazel and Crew 💛🖤💛🖤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
AMAZING!
Meghan is known for writing irresistibly romantic and funny books, so this book was a real refreshment because, in addition to the typical funny situations, it also had parts that made me need tissues.
"The Romantic Pact" is a college sports romance with friends to lovers trope which you won't be able to stop reading until the very end.
Hazel is a female character who has an attitude and knows how to stand up for herself.
She is also very smart and funny.
Crew is a male character who has touched my heart since the first page because of his character and love for the people he cares about.
Hazel and Crew have known each other since childhood and their connection is strong, but over time that changes as they both embark on different life paths.
But thanks to Pops, their paths cross again and the former connection reawakens and slowly grows into something more.
If you're looking for an emotional romance and you also love Meghan's writing style, then this is the book for you!!!
Highly recommended!!! -
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG:
ABSTRACT BOOKS
“The Romantic Pact” is a standalone sports romance novel by the best selling author Meghan Quinn. Told in dual perspectives , get ready to go on the trp of your life with these amazing characters!
I have never had a lady crush this bad and this intense. Hazel is officially the best female character I have ever read and she is truly amazing! The re,plies that woman gave , My god! She had me clutching my stomach throughout the whole book with laughter. This is Crew and Hazel’s book.
For crew there is one thing that always stays on top and that is Football. There are a lot of opportunities that he has missed because of his priorities but nothing has been as big as losing his grandfather. Now he is back home and finds out his grandfather has a trip planned for him to Germany and that too with a secret companion. Respecticting his wishes he embarks on that journey. That is until he meets his companion.
Hazel has always Liked Crew. Since they were babies they have been best friends. That is until one night she messed it up by kissing him and he left and cut her out of his life. Now she is standing in front of him , ready to go on a trip with him and has no idea of what to say to him.
Hazel is the girl Crew has always compared every girl to. She is the quirky one who always tries to brush off her feelings by joking about them and He knows that he hurt her pretty bad when he cut her off but one look at her and he knows that he will do anything to get his best friend back in his life.
This book was full of sass. I was hooked right from the start and there was no way I was letting go of this book until I hit the very last page! The book is the very definition of perfection , humour and an amazing storyline! I always love Meghan’s books but this definitely has to be one of my favourites! A definite recommendation to all the contemporary romance lovers out there!!
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What a beautiful love story. They met as Children. Now his grandfather has past on. They haven't seen each other for a long time. A trip to Europe and a great adventure
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I'm smitten.
Crew Smith is divine and his love story with Hazel is the kind of story that bookworms dream about. I'm a sucker for a friends-to-lovers and I adored the second-chance kind of feel to it. The opposites-attract vibe was right up my alley. It feels like a warm blanket on a cold winter day.
This story was fresh, fun, and, above all, ROMANTIC!
It was the best way to spend a few hours couped up in the house. I'll be over here planning my trip to Germany now. -
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: THE ROMANTIC PACT.
GENRE:CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
AUTHOR:
Meghan Quinn
TYPE: STANDALONE...INTERCONNECTED IN THE WORLD OF KINGS OF FOOTBALL.
POV: FIRST PERSON: DUAL POV.
MY RATING: 5 " hilarious and madly in love" STARS.
An amazing Sports Romance world created by three bestselling authors
Meghan Quinn ,
Adriana Locke ,
Ilsa Madden-Mills....
Focusing on three players who are not doing fine on the filed but succeeding in finding love...
"The Romantic Field" by Meghan Quinn focuses on Crew and Hazel's story with childhood sweetheart, holiday, Friends to Lovers Romance.
Crew has invested so much of his time in football that he has disconnected from the other sides of the world...Didn't even knew about the illness of his grandfather "Pops"... And that will be his regret forever. His pops left him a ticket to a trip to Germany with a secret trip partner and when he came to know oh her identity...He was shocked to find Hazel after not seeing her for 3 years.
This trip made him see the missing pieces of his life and things he had to prioritize...
Hazel and Crew were the best of friends and when they felt more than friendship towards each other..they made a pact..."ROMANTIC PACT" to never let these feelings jeopardize their friendship no matter what. But when Hazel kissed him, all pacts were broken and Crew ran from it...
Maybe this trip will rejuvenate their friendship and even make space for love to grow between them.
Crew was my favourite...I mean it...Book boyfriend ever.... he was just so sweet, considering and NOT a manwhore.... The past between them adds glam to the story and gives it a second chance romantic feel but it was so much more...
Hazel and her comebacks...I was clutching my side from all the laughing I had with their banter...she was one of kind.
When you are reading MQ's books...one thing is certain... she is going to make you laugh a lot but also compensate for it by making you cry from the never-ending emotional ride.
And the holiday feel is spot on...the plane ride..the checking in the hotel...the tourist places...AND the romance brewing in the air...
DO YOUR DEAT BELTS...WE ARE GOING TO GERMANY!!!
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****AVAILABLE NOW - KINDLEUNLIMITED ****
5 STARS
Filled with laughter and love, the romantic pact is journey of reconnecting with family, finding happiness, and living with passion.
Most of all, Meghan Quinn exemplifies that love isn’t black and white. When you love someone, sacrifices and choices need to be made. When your heart is invested, you do anything and everything to be with that person, you live in the grey. Crew’s and Hazel’s characters and their relationship perfectly develop this theme throughout the novel.
The Romantic Pact truly gave me everything I need in a feel good romance. I laughed with them, envied their traveling, and I fell in love right along with them. It was friends to lovers goodness from beginning to end. -
I had such high hops for this book, but was completely let down. I truly loved Crew as a character in book 1. He is bffs with River from book 1, so we got a look into his personality & likability. His cocky fun nature was perfect. This book, his story was slow & each chapter just drug on forever it seems. There was a lot to take in, to read & I got bored so fast. I really had a hard time finishing. This book only focuses on Crew & his love interest/friend. The other guys were hardly in it & I felt let down by the whole book. I continued to read & it slowly got better. In the end I made it through, they got their hea. It was not what I had expected, but Hazel & Crew made a great couple.
Told in dual POV. -
***4 "Nothing changes, right?" stars***
AVAILABLE NOW
"Hazel Allen and Crew Smith agree to never get romantically involved ever and swear to be best friends forever."
As the title is saying... this was a very romantic story with a very interesting road trip on the more romantic road in Germany!
This was a story of reconnecting and forgiveness, a story of reinventing yourself and finding the true meaning of love....
This was a lovely story that a very clever man managed to plan until the last detail and hell, Pops is one of my favorite creatures in here, even though he was present only spiritual!!!
Yep, this was a very romantic reading that made me smile, laugh and tear up at some moments...
"Don't take for granted what's right in front of you."
As you already now, three amazing authors joined forces to bring us the "Kings of Football" series and this time it was Meghan Quinn's turn to introduce us Crew. The second boy of this tight group of friends!!! Of course, Crew's story was so different from River's story by Ilsa Madden-Mills, but it was equally beautiful, even though more sensitive and sentimental...
"Guys wanted to be them. Girls wanted their hearts."
Crew worked so hard to be on top, but this last season, he saw everything that he worked hard for to tumble down just like that. Now, all of his dreams are in jeoparty and a big part on this situation had played his beloved grandfather's death.
That unfortunate fact threw him out of his game and now, he is kind of lost...
What he doesn't now is that his life is going to change and the motive for that to happen, is a road trip on Germany. A vacation trip that his Pops had plan before he passed away...
And his companion on this trip will be a girl from his past!!!
"He wants you to get lost, experience life, and find yourself on this trip because it's where he found himself. It was important to him,and even though he couldn't go on the trip with you, he will be there in spirit."
Crew and Hazel are starting a road trip to unknown with only beacon of light Pops's letters for them...
And from that moment, a wonderful journey is starting full of new things, sights and feelings...
Hazel and Crew are trying to mend their broken friendship, but along with that, they are discovering that are existing some romantic feelings betwen them, but it is a good thing or a bad one???
What will happen with the two of them when they are forced to let go and enjoy life in a weird set up by a dead person that they both loved very much???
And what will happen after the ending of this magical trip???
"I think he wanted us to experience something together that we'd both never done. To create new memories with him as... as our guide."
I liked very much Crew and Hazel...
They were both such lovable persons!!!
Crew was lost, but Hazel brought back something from himself that he thought he had lost a long time ago...
This trip made him question everything... And he started realize that his feelings toward Hazel aren't only friendly. But can he do something about that when there are so many things that are standing in between them???
He has certain goals and Hazel couldn't be more different than him...
"Looks like Pops knew... Looks like he knew I just needed a little Hazel in my life again."
"Although it's easy to love Hazel, to want her forever, is it really possible? Or was that pact wise beyond our years?"
As for Hazel??? This girl was a breath of fresh air... She was goofy and hilarious, but at the same time, she had such a big heart. It was impossible to not fall for her!!! So i can totally understand Crew here!!!
Hazel is a country girl and she is seeing things as black and white. She is fierce and loyal and she can do anything for the ones she love....
But she is stubborn as hell and many times in here, she couldn't see the truth that was in front of her eyes....
"My soul begs for him, my heart craves him."
"My life has been missing you, too, Crew. My backbone, my strength, my courage. You carry the key to all of those."
Nobody can deny that these two were perfect for each other, even though it took them a while to figure out their shit... Their adventure was so beautiful and i loved that i witness it along them...
But honestly, I needed a little bit more infos and references to this said "romantic pact" cause i believe that it wasn't existing after all!!!
Also, I'd love for this story to be a little bit more fast paced cause at some points i was catching myself to get bored.
Overall, it was a lovely story, a little bit different from what I'm usually reading and with so much romance in it!!!
"Sometimes, easy isn't the option, because you realize it's the hard that will bring you joy and happiness."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review** -
Prior to Crew’s G’pa’s death, he had planned a trip for Crew and a surprise companion. The trip he planned was for Germany just like he and his wife had done, same for Crew's parents - the trip was prior to getting married.
G'pa was lowkey playing matchmaker for Crew & Hazel (childhood friend and helper at Crew's G'pa's farm). G'pa planned every little detail and each day Crew & Hazel had a letter to open that explained what they were going to experience that day. All Crew and Hazel had to do was to follow the itinerary.
THE ROMANTIC PACT
♦ Crew & Hazel
♦ childhood best friends
♦ G’pa planned trip for Crew & companion
♦ trip to Germany
♦ Christmas time
♦ dual pov’s
♦ sports romance
♦ standalone
I really enjoy the concept of 3 interconnected books written by 3 different authors. This is my first series like this but I hope to find more done in this format.Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Tim Paige & Kelsey Navarro
Length: 10H 09M -
4.5 Stars
‘We had so many great times together, and if there is one thing I’m thankful for in my life, it’s you.’
The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn was just as the title suggests, romantic to its very core! The story was a big beating heart set in a winter wonderland that had us swept up in wonderful picturesque scenery with a warm and joyous Christmas atmosphere. We fell in love with love and we fell in love with Crew and Hazel. But above all, we fell in love with Pops.
“When you left, I was never the same.”
We met Crew in The Revenge Pact and were excited to read his story. And what a story it was. The premise is incredibly emotional and inspiring, and its beauty is in the words and voice of Crew’s grandad, Pops, who sadly passed away. Meghan Quinn is quite the beautiful storyteller. We know this Author has a wonderful sense of humour in her stories, however, what we were in awe of was the depth of emotion in The Romantic Pact. Whilst we laughed, swooned, and revelled in the beauty of Christmas in Germany, we certainly shed quite a lot of tears as well. The adventure we went on with Crew and Hazel was breath-taking at times, it was passionate, intense, and incredibly angsty too.
“What’s not going to happen is you’re not going to push me away because you’re afraid of the unknown. You’re not going to push me away because you think it’s easier that way. And you’re not going to push me away because you think it’ll hurt less.”
Crew and Hazel have been friends since childhood, seeing each other every summer at Pops’ farm. The bond between them was one of strength, love, and friendship. Life happens though and whilst they may have spent three years apart, the history and bond they had with Pops remained strong and tied their lives together still. When he sends them on a road trip in Germany to experience what he himself went through, it brings forward intense soul searching, memories, regrets and longing, passion and above all fun filled love. Pops sent them on a trip to find peace within themselves and each other, find their own truth as well as closure to their grief. And to relearn love.
‘We laugh, and I can’t think of a moment where I’ve felt more carefree, looser, happier. I don’t think I’ve felt this way in a long time. Years. Probably since I last saw her.’
The Romance Pact was such a beautiful journey, we lost ourselves completely to the story, we lost our hearts to Hazel and Crew and we found inspiration in the words penned by Pops.
‘You have one life to live. Don’t waste it on expectations when you can live joyfully through your passion.’
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Another
Meghan Quinn story that brought me joy. Everything, including the title, was one romantic swoonfest! I fell in love with both Hazel & Crew the moment they laid eyes on each other on the plane. I love that Meghan chose to make their reunion smooth. No, the story was not all smooth sailing, it had its share of bumps and bruises, but these two come from a place already rooted in deep friendship and it was the right choice for them, imo.
I loved every aspect of their friendship and their openness to the possibility of more. I loved that they were adventurous and willing to take risks and not afraid of the unknown. I loved that their chemistry sparked just as hot with their friendship and with their sexual connection. It was written in the stars they were meant to be; they just needed a little push :) -
4.5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Another road trip to finding yourself and what your heart truly desires. Crew and Hazel also deal with their grief over the loss of someone special.
Video review available in Week 51: Dec 13 – Dec 19 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk. -
The Romantic Pact is the second book in the Kings of Football series that is written by THREE different authors. 3 friends that are football players and they've just had a really crappy season. What will their off season look like after the season they've had?
First was River's story and now we get Crew's. Crew's book is a very sweet (childhood) friends to lovers story that takes place during the December holidays in Germany.
Crew and Hazel were both super likable characters and they've had a long road to get to where their friendship is currently at. It's been a few years since Crew has been in touch with Hazel, but they've always had a connection right from the start. After losing Pops and not getting to see him before he passed away, Crew's life has been up in the air. He was close to Pops and it seems like Crew didn't know what to do after losing such a big part of his life. Maybe that was a huge reason he had such a bad football season. But Pops knew that all wasn't lost. He just needed a push in the right direction and he needed it with his childhood best friend. So before his death, Pops set up an elaborate trip to Germany for Hazel and Crew to reconnect and set their lives in motion. And he does it by leaving notes along the way on their trip.
I loved Pops! He may have been my favorite character. For a character that wasn't even physically there, I fell in love with Pops and his actions. He had a huge heart and he wanted to help those around him see the best in themselves. This is what made the story so special. I absolutely love when stories can have a wise older character that knows all.
'Please don't be so consumed with the black and white that you forget to learn to love in the gray.'
While Pops may have been my favorite character in this book, let's not take away from the camaraderie that Hazel and Crew had. I loved their friendship and I loved how open they were to the unknown. I loved their sense of adventure for going on this trip blindly and I totally loved Hazel. She is the one who kept their friendship alive and strong, even when they weren't in touch. Her sense of humor was great and I loved that they were so comfortable with one another. THAT is why it was a joy to watch their relationship blossom right before our eyes. And blossom it did! I definitely could see these things happening between friends that become more. It was a little bit painful, a little funny and awkward and a lot of friendship and understanding and so much love all around.
This is the book you need right now. It will take you on an adventure to Germany and it will be magical. The scenery, the characters and all the little stops they make will leave you with a smile on your face. The characters are likable and their chemistry is obvious. It gets a little bumpy, but we get to navigate those bumps with them. It will surely be a delight to watch their relationship grow and change. And for people who've read other Meghan Quinn books, you're getting a huge Easter egg in here and I know you're going to love it!
'You get one life. Don't waste it on mindless, tedious fights, hurt feelings, or pride. Celebrate each breath you take. Wake up every morning knowing it's the start to a new day. A new day where you can accomplish anything. And spend your life loving.' -
„When you sow love, joy will grow.”
Meghan Quinn delivered such a heartwarming and atmospheric story that I’m already in a Christmas mood! Crew and Hazel’s jorney (both figuratively and literally) was simply magical. It's a love story that’s touching, funny and inspiring. This is a soul-lifting tale that brings you incredible amounts of entertainment. Because this is exactly Meghan Quinn's talent- she can so skillfully combine emotional aspects with humor that her books are simply outstanding.
From the very beginning I fell completely in love with Hazel and Crew's easy friendship. You could instantly feel the unique bond between these two, even though they hadn’t seen each other in years. Their banter was hilarious. Vulnerable moments were touching and intense. And their passion? Scorching hot! But their story is not just an evolution from friends to lovers. It’s also an important lesson to stop for a moment and consider whether life is about meeting expectations or maybe it’s about following your heart and finding true happiness? Hazel and Crew needed a bit of guidance during their journey and they encountered some bumps in the road as well, but from the very beginning it was palpable that these two were made for each other.
I also have to mention Meghan's amazing job with the scenery in this book. Everything is described so wonderfully that during reading you feel like you are moving around German towns by yourself. I swear my imagination was running so high that I was able to imagine even the tastes and smells of the dishes. Magic!
The Romantic Pact is a beautifully written story, filled with fun, heartbreak, joy and many important lessons. It beautifully captures the Christmas atmosphere, making you feel cozy. And while Crew and Hazel broke my heart just as much as they made me laugh, their whole love story glued it back perfectly. I loved everything about this exceptional adventure and I swear that I’m gonna write all the Pop’s wisdoms on the wall in my house. So inspirational and enlightening! -
|| 2.5 stars ||
This book doesn't really offer anything special or noteworthy. To be honest, it was kind of boring and even frustrating at times. None of the characters are particularly likable and neither did I care much about their relationships with one another.
The two romantic leads, Hazel and Crew, have known each other since they were kids, and they were apparently very close, until Crew just randomly decided to not talk to her for four years. Does he have a good reason for this which will be revealed later? Nope. He just one day decided to 'ghost' her: His reasoning is that he just felt like he had better things to do. Oooookay, not a great start to a romantic love story if you ask me.
Which follows is a week in Germany in which these two apparently fall madly in love, ready to risk it all for each other. Lovely. Great. I don't care. Their trip was boring and I didn't see their connection. I feel like the only reason they even got together is because they are both freaking obsessed with Crew's grandfather. I swear to God, that man got on my damn nerves. He was incredibly manipulative. Therefore none of the many scenes regarding him resulted in an (undoubtedly intended) emotional reaction, if anything it just led to one of my far too frequent eye rolls.
Oh, and if my annoyance towards the grandfather wasn't enough, Hazel and Crew got on my nerves plenty of times as well. Their communication was so bad, and they, especially Hazel, were so goddamn insecure all the time. I wanted to scream: “Just talk to each other! Just be clear about what you want and have trust in each other. Stop with all the angst. Jeez.” Unfortunately, though, one cannot scream at fictional characters. Or well, you can try, but it's not going to do anything. So, of course, they did not get better at their communication, and a lot of insecurities and crying by our so called bad-ass female lead, Hazel, came out of it as a result. Ugh.
I am kind of disappointed with this author when it comes to this book. I expect humour from her. I expect lovable characters that I end up really rooting for. I expect my heart to flutter at an adorable and swoon-worthy romance. But nope, she apparently lost all of her usual writing skills this time around and produced something that makes me question if the amazing series I read by her before was a one-time thing and if maybe I shouldn't bother reading anything by her again. Because seriously, this was so bland. So incredibly bland.
'Kings of Football' series:
1.
The Revenge Pact - 4.0 stars
2. The Romantic Pact - 2.5 stars -
3 Crew and Hazel Stars
I enjoyed parts of this book, which is the second in the Kings Of Football series , but I didn't love it as I did
The Revenge Pact. This story is about Crew (Hollywood) and his childhood friend , Hazel.
After his Grandpa dies , Crew is hugely affected by his loss as they had been very close to each other. His Grandpa has arranged for him to spend the week between Christmas and New Year on a tour of Germany and the surprise is that his travel mate for the week is Hazel, his childhood friend.
There were things I really enjoyed. Hazel was a very endearing heroine and her story tugged my heartstrings. I like the childhood friends to lovers trope and I liked Crew's family. The Christmassy setting in Germany was very prettily written.
I did feel that the story dragged a little in places and I never felt as passionately about the characters as I did with the first book. Also, I would have liked more dialogue between the boys, River , Crew and Hollis. Their conversations bring a lightness , humour and something rather sweet to the books and it was missing a little from this one.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No -
For any fans of Meghan Quinn's the Mother Road out there this is a must read book. For me personally The Mother Road never quite hit the mark for me and I missed the connection between Marley and Porter the heroine and Hero respectively. However the Romantic Pact brings us Marley and Porter's son's story and it had everything I was missing, the romantic moments and the chemistry tugging on my heartstrings soothed my greedy soul.
Crew is the Hero here and after losing his Pops, a man he loved and respected massively, he is losing his way and his focus on getting picked for the draft to the NHL. When he finds out that Pops planned a road trip to Germany before he passed with a mystery travel companion he knows he needs to go. Hazel the heroine is Crew's mystery travel partner, as kids they spent their summer's together on Pops' farm and were inseparable until one kiss caused a 3 year rift in their friendship.
I loved the format of the novel, our Hero and heroine following letters from Pops to repair their friendship and maybe help Crew and Hazel to see that they could be more to each other. The backbone of the book is the idea of family in whatever format it takes, the sentimentality of the story was beautifully written. The romance begins to build as Hazel and Crew get to know each other again while exploring the quaint towns, foods and activities that Pops set up for them. Before you know it this book feels like a comfy holiday romance that you can nestle down under a blanket for a cosy read that warms your heart. Mixed into Hazel and Crew's story is humour, steam, a classic Meghan Quinn dry hump or two and of course some unique festive ornaments, everyone of us will want in our homes.
The romantic Pact for me told a story of two very likable characters that lost their way, but through an old friendship and a love of a great man they both respected and lost they help each other grieve and heal. When life comes crashing back to reality after the road trip I had a lump in my throat for several chapters feeling that aching despair that Hazel was feeling as she feels her life as she knows it is slipping away through her fingers, I truly felt her heartache as she fears everything that makes her who she is will be gone. An angsty build up culminates to a satisfying happy ending and another brilliant book to Meghan's repertoire. -
One of my favs from Meghan Quinn. This series is packing all the feels with non-typical sports heroes.
Crew was really close to his grandfather and with his passing has struggled to move on and make peace with his passing. His grandfather has left him a farewell gift of a trip to Germany. A trip he would have liked to be able to do with Crew himself.
In his place, he sends Hazel one of Crew's long time childhood friends. The pair had drifted apart and the trip was the perfect opportunity to reconnect. I loved the adventures the pair experienced and the way they developed.
I was surprised by the ending but loved it all the same. It really highlighted the importance or perspective and following your dreams. A sweet and yet sexy read.
