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The Bachelor Pact #1
Marry Me, Maddie
The Show Must Go On
Maddie Summers is tired of waiting. To force her fiance into making a decision, she takes him on a talk show and gives him a choice: Marry me, or move on. The line he gives makes her realize it is time to star in her own life.
But stealing the show will require a script change worthy of a Tony. Her supporting cast is composed of two loving but overprotective brothers, her blue-blood ex-boyfriend, and her brothers' best friend: sexy bad-boy Chase Holloway -- the only one who seems to recognize that a certain knock-kneed kid sister has grown up to be a knockout lady.
And Chase doesn't seem to know how to bow out, even when the competition for her hand heats up. Instead, he promises to perform a song and dance, even ad-lib if necessary to demonstrate he is her true leading man.
Maddie Summers is tired of waiting. To force her fiance into making a decision, she takes him on a talk show and gives him a choice: Marry me, or move on. The line he gives makes her realize it is time to star in her own life.
But stealing the show will require a script change worthy of a Tony. Her supporting cast is composed of two loving but overprotective brothers, her blue-blood ex-boyfriend, and her brothers' best friend: sexy bad-boy Chase Holloway -- the only one who seems to recognize that a certain knock-kneed kid sister has grown up to be a knockout lady.
And Chase doesn't seem to know how to bow out, even when the competition for her hand heats up. Instead, he promises to perform a song and dance, even ad-lib if necessary to demonstrate he is her true leading man.
363 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2001
48 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
322 books943 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 15, 2012
I've been striking out on the books I'm reading lately. It's so disappointing. I don't know why I feel like I have to finish books that I don't like but I do every time. This book bothered me because Maddie's brothers were treating her like a juvenile when she was a 26 yr old. They were hypocrites and sexist. It was ok for them to go and flirt and flaunt themselves and then have sexual relations with several women, but Maddie had to be the angel, the pure one. If she flirted or acted anyway sexual towards another male they would go ballistic on her. It was ridiculous!
Another thing that bothered me was how fixated all the characters were on having sex. Everything was making them horny toads. I like stories with more character and depth to the story. I don't need to have so much romance that that's all that the author wants to focus on and talk about. I'm not going to read another one of her books again.
Another thing that bothered me was how fixated all the characters were on having sex. Everything was making them horny toads. I like stories with more character and depth to the story. I don't need to have so much romance that that's all that the author wants to focus on and talk about. I'm not going to read another one of her books again.
June 24, 2012
Maddie is desperate to get married - so desperate she tries to trick her current boyfriend into an engagement. Naturally this backfires - and Maddie is sent on a silly journey of reevaluating herself and what she wants in a lifelong mate. Maddie does a lot of growing up in this book, but never quite reaches the maturity level that I feel she should. It seems that the author went looking for easy solutions and a few laughs over character development and story line. Errors, that are easily fixed, interfered for me as well.
April 5, 2012
Somewhere a mist all the sex there was a cute story but it was almost porn. The part that was laughable was the virgin having sex in every room the all night long. Can't recommend this unless you like porn.
August 4, 2013
This book was such an enjoyable and fun read!
I really liked Maddie. At the beginning of the story, when she tricks her boyfriend of 4 years to take part in a TV show and asks him to marry her or move on, she looked a little insecure. But as she finally breaks free from the life her family had in mind for her, we get to discover the real Maddie, the strong, independent and career-focused woman she always wanted to be. And once she's free from all the schemes, she finally understands what being in love and attracted to a man means.
Enters Chase, the hero. He's super hot and sweet, although he's always been considered a bad boy, because his father is in jail and his mother abandoned him when he was a kid. He's been Maddie's brothers' best friend since they were kids and although Maddie had a big crush on him when she was a teenager, he always considered her like a kid sister.
But now she's twenty-six, beautiful and successful. And free. But still off-limits to Chase because of her overly-protective brothers, who are a little old-fashioned but still very much fun to read.
This is a funny, sexy (a little hot at times) story with a little bit of suspense throughout the story (with a mystery about Maddie's parents that keeps you wondering all through the book until it's finally solved).
As a bonus, the author included the 1st chapter of the next book, featuring Sophie (Maddie's best friend) and Lance (Maddie's brother) and I definitely want to read it. I'm sure it's going to be great fun too.
I really liked Maddie. At the beginning of the story, when she tricks her boyfriend of 4 years to take part in a TV show and asks him to marry her or move on, she looked a little insecure. But as she finally breaks free from the life her family had in mind for her, we get to discover the real Maddie, the strong, independent and career-focused woman she always wanted to be. And once she's free from all the schemes, she finally understands what being in love and attracted to a man means.
Enters Chase, the hero. He's super hot and sweet, although he's always been considered a bad boy, because his father is in jail and his mother abandoned him when he was a kid. He's been Maddie's brothers' best friend since they were kids and although Maddie had a big crush on him when she was a teenager, he always considered her like a kid sister.
But now she's twenty-six, beautiful and successful. And free. But still off-limits to Chase because of her overly-protective brothers, who are a little old-fashioned but still very much fun to read.
This is a funny, sexy (a little hot at times) story with a little bit of suspense throughout the story (with a mystery about Maddie's parents that keeps you wondering all through the book until it's finally solved).
As a bonus, the author included the 1st chapter of the next book, featuring Sophie (Maddie's best friend) and Lance (Maddie's brother) and I definitely want to read it. I'm sure it's going to be great fun too.
August 24, 2009
Pretty good... nice and quick. Loved how it started with the TV show proposal. She wasn't meant to be with that guy anyway and her next infatuation was much nicer. I did LOL a few times with some of the senarios she got into while dating. Cute read.
December 9, 2017
I can't push myself to finish this book...its soooo boring
December 24, 2017
This was a re-read for me but I really enjoyed it for the second time. I rarely re-read but this author's pacing is so fast that it doesn't take long and it's very enjoyable. I now have to see if I still have the other 2 in the series. The brothers are a bit overboard in this one trying to protect their adult sister but still a cute read.
June 5, 2017
Smut. Complete over use of sex rather than develop what could have been a decent storyline.
April 26, 2018
Really cute, I've enjoyed these books!
August 14, 2024
Shallow.
January 25, 2021
Tiresome, long winded romance
1 star
I was so excited to read this story as I adore the storyline where a woman falls in love with her brother's best friend. It didn't take me long to realise that my anticipation was misplaced.
Maddie is a young and supposedly smart woman yet she is constantly bullied and undermined by her older brothers who apparently have her best interests at heart. They waited for her when she went on a night out, told her what she could and couldn't do and decided that she shouldn't have a career as she wasn't smart enough. I don't mind strong men but these guys were unbelievable.
I quite liked, or at least didn't actively dislike, Chase although he was a little bit weak when it came to his reasons for not being with Maddie. If he didn't like her then that would have been fine but it was all just a bit pointless as conflict, to be honest.
The book was the length of a regular novel at about 363 pages and I felt every single one of them. Each chapter seemed to be each character going over the same emotions, same problems and same dramas but in a different setting each time - I hate to say that I was genuinely bored. To add to that, we kept hearing about the unlikeable brothers and some 'mystery' regarding their parents. When it all came to a conclusion the result was farcical and far from funny which I'm assuming was the intention.
The inclusion of secondary characters was obviously to set up their own, future stories. I for one will not be purchasing them and definitely can't recommend this book, I'm sorry to say. 1 star.
July 18, 2012
Synopsis
A down home Southern romance between a fiery redhead and a reformed bad boy; both pursuing their careers, neither looking for what they found.
Chase, Lance and Reid are blood brothers who made a pact to remain bachelors forever. Chase, the only not literal brother, takes this very seriously as he considers Lance and Reid his only family. Maddie, their sister, he remembers at the knobby-kneed girl with pigtails that used to follow them around everywhere. Boy, has she grown up.
After a public break-up with longtime boyfriend Jeff, Maddie is back on the market, and looking for some fun. Can Chase keep his hands off her when all he wants to do is the opposite?
(Wow. Did that synopsis just come out entirely from his POV?
Yup. The book is written from both Chase & Maddie's - but he is the more interesting, and quality character).
Musings
Ick. I won’t give it a terrible rating, since it’s not bad for what it is, but I don’t think I will pursue many others by this author. The plot lines don’t twist, there is no depth or mystery, and the characters seem to fall into silly situations. So if you are looking for a quick, flirty, summer read – this book is for you.
I didn’t like the split attention between two possible couples, and the depth could have easily been there with a little more attention (the mystery of Maddie’s parents, the sabotage, and Chase’s history). The author just needed to dig a little deeper and quit repeating the same thing over and over…
It started out strong, but quickly got weak and stayed there. The sex wasn’t even that riveting (or believable). I had to force myself to finish the book.
A down home Southern romance between a fiery redhead and a reformed bad boy; both pursuing their careers, neither looking for what they found.
Chase, Lance and Reid are blood brothers who made a pact to remain bachelors forever. Chase, the only not literal brother, takes this very seriously as he considers Lance and Reid his only family. Maddie, their sister, he remembers at the knobby-kneed girl with pigtails that used to follow them around everywhere. Boy, has she grown up.
After a public break-up with longtime boyfriend Jeff, Maddie is back on the market, and looking for some fun. Can Chase keep his hands off her when all he wants to do is the opposite?
(Wow. Did that synopsis just come out entirely from his POV?
Yup. The book is written from both Chase & Maddie's - but he is the more interesting, and quality character).
Musings
Ick. I won’t give it a terrible rating, since it’s not bad for what it is, but I don’t think I will pursue many others by this author. The plot lines don’t twist, there is no depth or mystery, and the characters seem to fall into silly situations. So if you are looking for a quick, flirty, summer read – this book is for you.
I didn’t like the split attention between two possible couples, and the depth could have easily been there with a little more attention (the mystery of Maddie’s parents, the sabotage, and Chase’s history). The author just needed to dig a little deeper and quit repeating the same thing over and over…
It started out strong, but quickly got weak and stayed there. The sex wasn’t even that riveting (or believable). I had to force myself to finish the book.
February 9, 2016
This was a light read. Started and finished in one afternoon. Overall, I think it was an interesting story idea, but... It was hard to get past the characters.
I was a bit irritated by the overbearing, sexist, rather annoying machismo that made up the brothers and Chase (who was so down on himself that you almost wanted to smack him out of it), but I'm hoping that was intended, so decided to overlook it. I was also irritated how every sexual lifestyle choice that didn't happen to be straight up vanilla was viewed as perverse. Seemed a little judgmental, but again I overlooked it as I assume an author has to cater to a wider audience and god forbid s/he might offend anyone. (Although I admit that I was a little offended. I'm as boring as it gets, but I have friends who are into some of those things and I certainly don't consider them to be perverts. Way to encourage open-mindedness there. I'm glad this was from an author I wasn't familiar with so that I don't have to be disappointed.)
Other than that it was, as I said, a light read. Cute, but inconsequential.
I was a bit irritated by the overbearing, sexist, rather annoying machismo that made up the brothers and Chase (who was so down on himself that you almost wanted to smack him out of it), but I'm hoping that was intended, so decided to overlook it. I was also irritated how every sexual lifestyle choice that didn't happen to be straight up vanilla was viewed as perverse. Seemed a little judgmental, but again I overlooked it as I assume an author has to cater to a wider audience and god forbid s/he might offend anyone. (Although I admit that I was a little offended. I'm as boring as it gets, but I have friends who are into some of those things and I certainly don't consider them to be perverts. Way to encourage open-mindedness there. I'm glad this was from an author I wasn't familiar with so that I don't have to be disappointed.)
Other than that it was, as I said, a light read. Cute, but inconsequential.
November 22, 2012
This is your typical chic lit romance.
Maddie the main character gives her boyfriend an ultimatum and doesn't get the response she wants so she dumps him. Her brothers are overbearing and treat her like a teenager who can't be trusted to make her own decisions and leave their best friend Chase to "babysit" her. They end up falling in love.
The story is predicatable but it's funny. I did laugh out loud a few times reading this It's well written but slightly repetative and I felt that the writter could have been more adventurous with her descriptive words, particularly when refering to certain body parts.
It's the kind of book that's perfect for reading on holiday. It's an easy read & I wouldn't hesitate to read more by this author.
Maddie the main character gives her boyfriend an ultimatum and doesn't get the response she wants so she dumps him. Her brothers are overbearing and treat her like a teenager who can't be trusted to make her own decisions and leave their best friend Chase to "babysit" her. They end up falling in love.
The story is predicatable but it's funny. I did laugh out loud a few times reading this It's well written but slightly repetative and I felt that the writter could have been more adventurous with her descriptive words, particularly when refering to certain body parts.
It's the kind of book that's perfect for reading on holiday. It's an easy read & I wouldn't hesitate to read more by this author.
September 13, 2013
I really liked this book. It's a fun story with a sassy heroine who needs to beat her over protective brothers over the head! I really hope the author does a spinoff for some of the other characters!
The characters are all very well developed and mostly likeable however; it felt as some if the information was a tad bit repetitive. I understand authors have strong points to make but really if the reader hasn't gotten that the lead male who is an orphan has never trusted or been loved by the 30th time you have reminded them, well they really will never get it and the rest of us will continue to be annoyed waiting for the rest of the class to catch up!
Overall super cute story with lots of humor and some super hot moments and an accidental family trip to a nudist colony!
The characters are all very well developed and mostly likeable however; it felt as some if the information was a tad bit repetitive. I understand authors have strong points to make but really if the reader hasn't gotten that the lead male who is an orphan has never trusted or been loved by the 30th time you have reminded them, well they really will never get it and the rest of us will continue to be annoyed waiting for the rest of the class to catch up!
Overall super cute story with lots of humor and some super hot moments and an accidental family trip to a nudist colony!
March 22, 2012
I loved this book-because it's funny, and full of twists and the characters aren't the same when you're done reading.
First Maddie breaks up with her long time boyfriend Jeff on TV, and then her brothers Lance and Reid decide to teach him a lesson-but she sets on the path of finding Mr. Right-and in the process falls in love with her childhood friend who's more like a brother Chase.
It's a good read-and there were a few spelling mistakes, but not as much as most of the ebooks I have read-so that's okay.
You wouldn't want meddlesome brothers like Maddie's brothers-but the story itself is good and funny-you can read this while traveling because it'd keep you turning the pages.
First Maddie breaks up with her long time boyfriend Jeff on TV, and then her brothers Lance and Reid decide to teach him a lesson-but she sets on the path of finding Mr. Right-and in the process falls in love with her childhood friend who's more like a brother Chase.
It's a good read-and there were a few spelling mistakes, but not as much as most of the ebooks I have read-so that's okay.
You wouldn't want meddlesome brothers like Maddie's brothers-but the story itself is good and funny-you can read this while traveling because it'd keep you turning the pages.
May 19, 2013
VERY FUNNY BOOK, WOULD MAKE A GREAT MOVIE! IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE MADDIE'S BROTHERS WERE THAT OVER THE TOP PROTECTIVE. HER BROTHERS ARE REALLY KINDA CUTE WITH IT, I KNOW SHE DIDN'T THINK SO, IT WAS FUNNY THOUGH. WITHOUT SECRETS (EVERYONE IN THE BOOK HAD ONE) I GUESS THE BOOK WOULDN'T HAVE MUCH OF A STORYLINE. IF YOU LIKE LIGHT ROMANTIC COMEDY THIS BOOK WILL BE PERFECT. PRETTY GOOD LOVE SCENES TOO, EVEN THAT WAS LOL FUNNY. THIS IS A STAND ALONE BOOK IF YOU WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT SOPHIE & LANCE READ "SLEEPLESS IN SAVANNAH" WHICH I'M GOING TO DO RIGHT NOW.
August 30, 2013
I read this book many years ago and remembered that I liked it. Since I just finished a dark and thrilling trilogy I thought I would give my brain a rest and read what I like to call a “ fluff” story. The kind of book that follows the romantic comedy formula and takes very little concentration to read.
This was a good quick little romance . Fun well written characters, sexy witty banter and of course a happily ever after. It was a little heavy on the brooding and “will they or wont they”. I personally prefer action to thinking in my romance , but this was an entertaining read.
This was a good quick little romance . Fun well written characters, sexy witty banter and of course a happily ever after. It was a little heavy on the brooding and “will they or wont they”. I personally prefer action to thinking in my romance , but this was an entertaining read.
April 2, 2008
Animated characters, funny situations. The brother's controling nature was a bit too much for me, and there was a side story between one of the brothers and the heroine's girl friend that had too much random information that was not quite enough. Perhaps it was the author's way of hooking us to the next book, if this is of a series.
I may look to see if the library has other's by this author.
I may look to see if the library has other's by this author.
March 31, 2012
3.5 stars. It was cute. I liked the ending, and the build-up of the tension along the way. There was an underlying plot that made no sense to me at all. (I understood what was going on, but didn't understand WHY it was even in the book). All in all, very cute, and would recommend it as a light, fluffy read.
April 13, 2014
I couldn't finish this book because I'm not sure who annoyed me more Maddie or her brothers. I don't understand why Maddie had to go on a talk show just for her boyfriend to marry her & to find out her boyfriend doesn't want to get married. Maddie seems very desperate. Then Maddie's brothers I understand they want to protect their sister but I think they are over protective.
March 25, 2012
Quick read. Had a few laugh out loud moments. There were times I wanted to hit Chase because he thought he wasn't good enough for Maddie. Maddie's brothers took their responsibilities a little too much but she held her own. Can't wait to read the brothers stories
April 30, 2012
I quite enjoyed this light read. This book had fairly predictable characters and story line, yet the humour and predictability were done tastefully and with familial old fashioned consistency.
I always enjoy reading about a strong woman character who rises to a challenge and eventually succeeds.
I always enjoy reading about a strong woman character who rises to a challenge and eventually succeeds.
May 18, 2013
Well I did like it, but I didn't LOVE it. The brothers were WAY over the top. Anything not 'Vanilla' sex related was 'perverted'. I wanted to smack Chase upside the head for ALWAYS being so down on himself.
The storyline was good, however I would have been unimpressed if I had paid for this.
The storyline was good, however I would have been unimpressed if I had paid for this.
June 24, 2013
This is the first book in The Bachelor Pact series. Although, I read the second book first, I was eager to read Maddie & Chase's story! As with Book 2, I found myself laughing out loud at times and unable to put it down!! I loved it!
September 8, 2013
Cute lite romance set in Georgia which I just love reading about the south. I loved that it was a close family and Maddie falls in love with her brother's best friend who she grew up with. You just wanted the happy ending. Quick read think I will be looking for more from Rita Herron.
July 15, 2016
A different plot than normal romance book!
The story has twists and turns that are feasible. I can guess the plot for second book, but I would read it anyway. Light hearted read to get your mind off the reality of life.
The story has twists and turns that are feasible. I can guess the plot for second book, but I would read it anyway. Light hearted read to get your mind off the reality of life.
January 25, 2011
Cute and fluffy. Definitely a quick read that qualifies as brain candy. I loved the sweetness of it.
February 22, 2010
Couldn't help but love this book! And ofcourse you had to root for Chace! Wasn't expecting some of the scenes but i still loved it!
April 1, 2012
Meh... It wasn't terrible, but it just dragged on and on, and I didn't always buy the chemistry between Chase and Maddie. *shrugs*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews