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The Plus One Pact
What if your plus one could be the one...?
Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end.
But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone. So when she meets handsome, confident, Millsy on a night out she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he too has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course...?
A brand new romantic comedy from bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.
Praise for Portia MacIntosh:
'A hilarious, roaringly fun, feel good, sexy read. I LOVED it!' Holly Martin
'A feel good, funny and well written book. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed every second!' A.L. Michael
'This is a heartwarming fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland
'A perfect summer escape sort of a book, it transported me to San Valentino, to some excellent Italian food, a large number of porn star martinis, and some simply wonderful scenes. I enjoyed every last moment of this book.' Rachel Gilbey
Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end.
But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone. So when she meets handsome, confident, Millsy on a night out she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he too has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course...?
A brand new romantic comedy from bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.
Praise for Portia MacIntosh:
'A hilarious, roaringly fun, feel good, sexy read. I LOVED it!' Holly Martin
'A feel good, funny and well written book. I read it in 2 days and enjoyed every second!' A.L. Michael
'This is a heartwarming fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland
'A perfect summer escape sort of a book, it transported me to San Valentino, to some excellent Italian food, a large number of porn star martinis, and some simply wonderful scenes. I enjoyed every last moment of this book.' Rachel Gilbey
280 pages, ebook
First published May 21, 2020
2589 people are currently reading
2926 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
50 books2,086 followersPortia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.
Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.
Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 975 reviews
July 19, 2022
A really cute and fun book! I highly recommend it for a nice and easy audio listen.
Two people who meet and decide to be eachother's plus one for some upcoming family events. Cara, is sick of the dating apps and Millsy enters her life in a funny sort of way and just in time. This story is a FUN ROMP! Very well-written and the audio was very entertaining! An all 'round sweet, funny, and loving book.
This title is available to all Audible subscribers as a freebie until July 27, 2022
Two people who meet and decide to be eachother's plus one for some upcoming family events. Cara, is sick of the dating apps and Millsy enters her life in a funny sort of way and just in time. This story is a FUN ROMP! Very well-written and the audio was very entertaining! An all 'round sweet, funny, and loving book.
This title is available to all Audible subscribers as a freebie until July 27, 2022
July 27, 2022
Special shout-out to GR friend, Tina from Canada, for recommending this entertaining audio. And it’s a freebee until July 27th!
This is a rom-com story that is formula-driven story that is clever in the details. You will chuckle and cringe as the two main characters, Millsy and Cara, team up to avoid those uncomfortable social events in which they need a “plus one”. It’s relatable and silly.
As my GR friend Lisa says, “the perfect palate cleanser”.
This is a rom-com story that is formula-driven story that is clever in the details. You will chuckle and cringe as the two main characters, Millsy and Cara, team up to avoid those uncomfortable social events in which they need a “plus one”. It’s relatable and silly.
As my GR friend Lisa says, “the perfect palate cleanser”.
December 20, 2023
This was such a fun read! Cara and Millsy are witty and relatable. Their banter and mishaps kept the story entertaining throughout.
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
May 23, 2020
Witty and sweet. Portia MacIntosh has written such a fun lighthearted feel good book! The fake relationship trope is one of my favorites and this is one of the best I’ve read. Cara and Millsy meet one night at a bar when Millsy approaches Cara after she’s been stood up. Cara has gone on a recent string of bad dates and is convinced there is nobody that she matches with who is also geographically desirable and Millsy doesn’t do relationships. The two of them form an unlikely bond and soon decide that they are going to be one another’s plus one for the summer. Both of them have countless family obligations, including Cara’s bitchy cousin’s wedding where her ex-boyfriend is on the guest list. The story was not terribly unpredictable, but that did not matter at all because the journey was divine.
Cara and Millsy were both such tremendously likable characters and I cannot remember the last time I was so anxious for a couple to realize the feelings they have for one another. They also both had great families filled with fabulously colorful characters that I loved getting to know. I really just enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book and was sad to see it end. I would love to see a follow up to the story perhaps a book with Oliver, Cara’s feminist Brother. This book was definitely one of the best romcoms I’ve read this year.
This book in emojis 🧩 🍷 👰🏼 🛥 🎈 🐶
*** Big thank you to Boldwood for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Cara and Millsy were both such tremendously likable characters and I cannot remember the last time I was so anxious for a couple to realize the feelings they have for one another. They also both had great families filled with fabulously colorful characters that I loved getting to know. I really just enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book and was sad to see it end. I would love to see a follow up to the story perhaps a book with Oliver, Cara’s feminist Brother. This book was definitely one of the best romcoms I’ve read this year.
This book in emojis 🧩 🍷 👰🏼 🛥 🎈 🐶
*** Big thank you to Boldwood for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
April 21, 2020
DNF @ 24%
I was 5% through this book when I said, “This book could go two ways, be really cute and absolutely amazing or continue down the pathway of being completely stupid.”
I am currently 20% though when I said with a sigh “Yup its going down the stupid path”
I mean seriously! The character is supposedly absolutely gorgeous but she wears the wrong clothes, doesn’t have the right hair, and doesn’t look bright and cheery so this is the reason her love life absolutely sucks to the point of online dating apps, creepy men, and getting stud up. It totally wasn’t because she was looking in all the wrong places and is seemingly abysmal at flittering the good from the bad. (Can you feel my eyeroll through the screen yet?)
But don’t you worry a incredibly hot stranger, who doesn’t have any ulterior motivate, and isn’t gay (as he states both of these more than three times within a hour of meeting her) is here to save the day (or in this situation her love life) and give her complete make over. Oh, and don’t worry it will be completely free because he has all the connections any person could ever want. (At this point my eyes are actually starting to hurt form all the exercise they are getting.)
Now on to one of my bigger problems with this book so far. As someone who weirdly fits the description of this character, a 5’7”, curvy, blonde who wears size 8 shoe, I am slightly offended of how this book acts like she is ginormous and bigger than any one should be though she has grown to love herself, when she’s not that large in the first place! But if I matched this description or not, I would still be slightly offended if not at least off put by the way this book handles her size. And I would like to say a size eight shoe is the most average shoe size for a women! The author and/ or characters act like it’s the size of a mammoths!
And god do I have a problem with certain scenarios in this book where it’s trying to show that’s she’s bigger than the supposed average and has a lot of curves. One of them is with bridesmaids’ dresses for the upcoming wedding. They are reusing dresses form thirty years ago and won’t be doing any alterations to any of the dresses. The dress she has been assigned is the one her mom wear. Her mom is over half a foot shorter than her and described as extremely skinny with no curves at all and she was even skinnier thirty years ago! OF-FUCKING-COURSE she doesn’t fit in the dress! Even if she did lose an extreme amount of weight it would still never fit her (she’s 5’7” with boobs trying to get into a dress made for a 5’0” no boobed person) and it is a completely ridiculous suggestion that it ever could. Which our main character points out but everyone else in the book acts like she was being ridiculous for not wanting to wear a dress where her boobs are literally hanging out and dropping out of being a brides maid of a cousin she doesn’t really like, that doesn’t like her, and isn’t close with at all.
And don’t get me started on the fact that her mother invite her ex-boyfriend to stay not only in her childhood home but in her own bedroom, when she has made it very clear to everyone that she does not want to ever have to interact with him ever again. And the book just blows this off as a funny family conflict and that she doesn’t have any reason or right to be mad. Maybe it’s just me but if my mom did something like that I would be slightly infuriated with her and not just act like it was a slight annoyance.
So, at the 20% mark I am completely ready to put down this book and never pick it up again, but for some reason I feel the need to push on and see what comes of all this at least to the 50% mark. I will also be praying to whatever exist out there that it gets better but I’m not letting my hopes up.
It is a few minutest later and I am now 24% through this book and I am done. I completely regret saying I would try to power through this. It is just possibly the worst writing I have ever read (and that’s saying a lot). All I can ask my self right now is “Did a 13 year old write this?” It is just such bad writing in every aspect and so immature. I don’t see how this could even in the slightest get better. Don’t read it, just don’t waste your time.
I was given this ARC in exchange for a review but all thoughts and opinions are my own honest ones.
I was 5% through this book when I said, “This book could go two ways, be really cute and absolutely amazing or continue down the pathway of being completely stupid.”
I am currently 20% though when I said with a sigh “Yup its going down the stupid path”
I mean seriously! The character is supposedly absolutely gorgeous but she wears the wrong clothes, doesn’t have the right hair, and doesn’t look bright and cheery so this is the reason her love life absolutely sucks to the point of online dating apps, creepy men, and getting stud up. It totally wasn’t because she was looking in all the wrong places and is seemingly abysmal at flittering the good from the bad. (Can you feel my eyeroll through the screen yet?)
But don’t you worry a incredibly hot stranger, who doesn’t have any ulterior motivate, and isn’t gay (as he states both of these more than three times within a hour of meeting her) is here to save the day (or in this situation her love life) and give her complete make over. Oh, and don’t worry it will be completely free because he has all the connections any person could ever want. (At this point my eyes are actually starting to hurt form all the exercise they are getting.)
Now on to one of my bigger problems with this book so far. As someone who weirdly fits the description of this character, a 5’7”, curvy, blonde who wears size 8 shoe, I am slightly offended of how this book acts like she is ginormous and bigger than any one should be though she has grown to love herself, when she’s not that large in the first place! But if I matched this description or not, I would still be slightly offended if not at least off put by the way this book handles her size. And I would like to say a size eight shoe is the most average shoe size for a women! The author and/ or characters act like it’s the size of a mammoths!
And god do I have a problem with certain scenarios in this book where it’s trying to show that’s she’s bigger than the supposed average and has a lot of curves. One of them is with bridesmaids’ dresses for the upcoming wedding. They are reusing dresses form thirty years ago and won’t be doing any alterations to any of the dresses. The dress she has been assigned is the one her mom wear. Her mom is over half a foot shorter than her and described as extremely skinny with no curves at all and she was even skinnier thirty years ago! OF-FUCKING-COURSE she doesn’t fit in the dress! Even if she did lose an extreme amount of weight it would still never fit her (she’s 5’7” with boobs trying to get into a dress made for a 5’0” no boobed person) and it is a completely ridiculous suggestion that it ever could. Which our main character points out but everyone else in the book acts like she was being ridiculous for not wanting to wear a dress where her boobs are literally hanging out and dropping out of being a brides maid of a cousin she doesn’t really like, that doesn’t like her, and isn’t close with at all.
And don’t get me started on the fact that her mother invite her ex-boyfriend to stay not only in her childhood home but in her own bedroom, when she has made it very clear to everyone that she does not want to ever have to interact with him ever again. And the book just blows this off as a funny family conflict and that she doesn’t have any reason or right to be mad. Maybe it’s just me but if my mom did something like that I would be slightly infuriated with her and not just act like it was a slight annoyance.
So, at the 20% mark I am completely ready to put down this book and never pick it up again, but for some reason I feel the need to push on and see what comes of all this at least to the 50% mark. I will also be praying to whatever exist out there that it gets better but I’m not letting my hopes up.
It is a few minutest later and I am now 24% through this book and I am done. I completely regret saying I would try to power through this. It is just possibly the worst writing I have ever read (and that’s saying a lot). All I can ask my self right now is “Did a 13 year old write this?” It is just such bad writing in every aspect and so immature. I don’t see how this could even in the slightest get better. Don’t read it, just don’t waste your time.
I was given this ARC in exchange for a review but all thoughts and opinions are my own honest ones.
May 21, 2020
Portia MacIntosh's works are always a treat and this one is no different. The moment I read that dedication, I knew this is going straight to my favourite shelf. Yup! I was right. Fake date trope is one of my preferred plot devices and the author brings a breath of fresh air to this oft used theme.
What is so different then? For one, Cara and Millsy are not faking a relationship. They are just being friendly plus ones in each other's social gatherings. And there are a lot of events, making the story quite fast-paced. What is hilarious is that in each event there occurs some mishaps and the way they work in sync to cover the crime is definitely my favourite part. In each party, I found myself waiting for the about to happen havoc and it never disappoints.
Cara and Millsy are polar opposites from the outside, but they do have obvious chemistry and perfect balance found only in meant-to-be relationships. Having a feminist brother does have some influence on Cara's personality though she may never admit it. I love her confident personality and nerdy ways which comes in handy regularly. Her career choice of building escape rooms was also something new and that captivated me from the very beginning.
Millsy, on the other hand, is our typical playboy who comes to his senses when his best friend Ruby (you guessed right, its not a bloke's name) is about to get married. Throughout the story, we can see his kindness and caring nature. Added to this is the take life by the horns attitude and that brings the best out of his nature. It is only at the end of the book I came to know this was a standalone sequel to 'Truth or Date'. Well, that is something I definitely need to read now to know more about Ruby.
On the whole, a beautiful story that gives complete justice to that charming cover. Highly recommended!
What is so different then? For one, Cara and Millsy are not faking a relationship. They are just being friendly plus ones in each other's social gatherings. And there are a lot of events, making the story quite fast-paced. What is hilarious is that in each event there occurs some mishaps and the way they work in sync to cover the crime is definitely my favourite part. In each party, I found myself waiting for the about to happen havoc and it never disappoints.
Cara and Millsy are polar opposites from the outside, but they do have obvious chemistry and perfect balance found only in meant-to-be relationships. Having a feminist brother does have some influence on Cara's personality though she may never admit it. I love her confident personality and nerdy ways which comes in handy regularly. Her career choice of building escape rooms was also something new and that captivated me from the very beginning.
Millsy, on the other hand, is our typical playboy who comes to his senses when his best friend Ruby (you guessed right, its not a bloke's name) is about to get married. Throughout the story, we can see his kindness and caring nature. Added to this is the take life by the horns attitude and that brings the best out of his nature. It is only at the end of the book I came to know this was a standalone sequel to 'Truth or Date'. Well, that is something I definitely need to read now to know more about Ruby.
On the whole, a beautiful story that gives complete justice to that charming cover. Highly recommended!
September 13, 2022
The couple should've remained friends, they didn't had that romance that makes you ships a couple...
I was excited for this one but apart from the lead's job and the few funny situations at the start if the novel, nothing was that great.
I was excited for this one but apart from the lead's job and the few funny situations at the start if the novel, nothing was that great.
April 21, 2020
"You know the drill, swipe left or right on singles in your area, all the while hoping not to get connected with a murderer or, worse, someone who doesn't know what punctuation is"
There. You got me with that sentence (I've never felt more identified in my life. Actually, I would be more afraid of the punctuation thing). Right there on the first page I knew I was gonna enjoy The Plus One Pact enormously. It was the perfect read for these confinement days (well, for this day in fact, cause I just flew through the pages and read it in just a few hours).
Was it the most original premise? No, but Cara and Millsy were both so cute together that I didn't care the least you know how it's gonna end since their first meeting (nowadays I only want happy endings!)
I loved Cara's family but would have liked to see a bit more of Oliver (hopefully he'll get his own story).
Quick and easy read with several laugh out loud moments that will bright your day. Portia MacIntosh is fast becoming one of my to go authors when I'm in the mood for some light and uplifting stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
There. You got me with that sentence (I've never felt more identified in my life. Actually, I would be more afraid of the punctuation thing). Right there on the first page I knew I was gonna enjoy The Plus One Pact enormously. It was the perfect read for these confinement days (well, for this day in fact, cause I just flew through the pages and read it in just a few hours).
Was it the most original premise? No, but Cara and Millsy were both so cute together that I didn't care the least you know how it's gonna end since their first meeting (nowadays I only want happy endings!)
I loved Cara's family but would have liked to see a bit more of Oliver (hopefully he'll get his own story).
Quick and easy read with several laugh out loud moments that will bright your day. Portia MacIntosh is fast becoming one of my to go authors when I'm in the mood for some light and uplifting stories.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2021
Portia writes the sweetest, light romances. Funny, hijinks and no cringe scenes. If you want steam, you won't find it here. Just fun and flirty and sweet happily ever afters.
May 31, 2020
|ARC kindly provided by Boldwood Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you a lot!|
There was something so peaceful about this book that really took me by a bit out of my element and I didn’t know what to do with it when it happened.
I got used to the unnecessary drama and the complete meanness of it all that I forgot that contemporary romance can be also so chill and feel good.
This story came and went with a full ass smile on my face. It was all about feeling confident in your own skin and be confident enough to love and be loved. That’s it. And that was beautiful.
I really think the characters are a bit unrealistic (but maybe that’s just my cynical ass talking because I know there are truly good hearted people out there) but they are also so lovable and kind and funny in a completely British way that I thought I was not going to get (since I am not, well, British) but they really crossed cultural barrels and were so much fun!
Overall this is a very good sitting on your couch, a cup of tea a having a good heart warming laugh kind of book, and that’s just neat.
There was something so peaceful about this book that really took me by a bit out of my element and I didn’t know what to do with it when it happened.
I got used to the unnecessary drama and the complete meanness of it all that I forgot that contemporary romance can be also so chill and feel good.
This story came and went with a full ass smile on my face. It was all about feeling confident in your own skin and be confident enough to love and be loved. That’s it. And that was beautiful.
I really think the characters are a bit unrealistic (but maybe that’s just my cynical ass talking because I know there are truly good hearted people out there) but they are also so lovable and kind and funny in a completely British way that I thought I was not going to get (since I am not, well, British) but they really crossed cultural barrels and were so much fun!
Overall this is a very good sitting on your couch, a cup of tea a having a good heart warming laugh kind of book, and that’s just neat.
November 27, 2021
Cara needs a plus one to accompany her to family events including a wedding where her ex is inexplicably invited by her spiteful cousin. Problem is that she has had a dreadful time of finding a suitable match through the dating app. Enter Millsy who comes to her rescue after another failed date, offering nothing more than cheerful and friendly companionship and makeover advice. They eventually agree to be the other's plus one for the summer. They bounce from one disastrous event to another, getting into highly awkward situations and it takes their combined ingenuity to extricate themselves out of these. Somewhere along the way, the 'plus one' becomes 'the one'. Frankly, I'm not sure where along the way this happened, and how.
The sticky situations they found themselves in provided variable levels of amusement. My main problem with this book was there was absolutely no chemistry, no sparks flying between them beyond the easy platonic friendship. Cara especially did not show an ounce of feelings for Millsy. When they parted, she was mourning the loss of their shared accommodation and the fact that she was dateless more than the loss of Millsy in her life. She certainly was quick in transferring her attention to Jay, the improved ex, when she met him again. She them proceeded to make leaping assumptions about Millsy's feelings or presumed lack thereof. Furthermore, since the book was told purely from Cara's point of view, there was no indication of Millsy's growing attraction to Cara.
Overall, short and entertaining in part but nothing too memorable.
The sticky situations they found themselves in provided variable levels of amusement. My main problem with this book was there was absolutely no chemistry, no sparks flying between them beyond the easy platonic friendship. Cara especially did not show an ounce of feelings for Millsy. When they parted, she was mourning the loss of their shared accommodation and the fact that she was dateless more than the loss of Millsy in her life. She certainly was quick in transferring her attention to Jay, the improved ex, when she met him again. She them proceeded to make leaping assumptions about Millsy's feelings or presumed lack thereof. Furthermore, since the book was told purely from Cara's point of view, there was no indication of Millsy's growing attraction to Cara.
Overall, short and entertaining in part but nothing too memorable.
July 27, 2022
3.5 Stars
September 3, 2020
Well now...
This was wonderful. I was very intrigued by the story line and then I just couldn’t put it down! Such a great low key read that will keep you smiling!
This was wonderful. I was very intrigued by the story line and then I just couldn’t put it down! Such a great low key read that will keep you smiling!
February 28, 2021
זה היה כל כך כיף!! איזה ספר נהדר!! לא הפסקתי לחייך לכל אורך הקריאה ואף צחקתי בקול רם בכמה מקומות.
קארה מתקרבת לגיל שלושים, חיה לבדה בלידס ועובדת מהבית כמתכננת ומעצבת חדרי בריחה. נסיונותיה להכיר גברים דרך אפליקציית שידוכים לא זוכים להצלחה. כשהגבר האחרון שהאפליקציה הציעה לה מבריז לה מדייט, היא פוגשת את מילסי (ג'ו מילס) והם מתיידדים. למילסי יש כל מיני אירועים בקיץ שהוא צריך עבורם "פלוס אחד" שתגיע איתו, וגם לקארה יש כמה אירועים כאלו, אז הם מחליטים לעשות הסכם שהיא תבוא איתו לאירועים שלו והוא לאירועים שלה. תוך כדי הם עוברים כל מיני הרפתקאות משעשעות ביחד והופכים לחברים טובים. הסוף ברור :-)
הספר מאוד משעשע וכתוב ממש מצוין. כל הדמויות נהדרות. נהניתי מכל רגע וממש ממליצה.
הספר גם עשה לי חשק לבקר בלידס :-)
קארה מתקרבת לגיל שלושים, חיה לבדה בלידס ועובדת מהבית כמתכננת ומעצבת חדרי בריחה. נסיונותיה להכיר גברים דרך אפליקציית שידוכים לא זוכים להצלחה. כשהגבר האחרון שהאפליקציה הציעה לה מבריז לה מדייט, היא פוגשת את מילסי (ג'ו מילס) והם מתיידדים. למילסי יש כל מיני אירועים בקיץ שהוא צריך עבורם "פלוס אחד" שתגיע איתו, וגם לקארה יש כמה אירועים כאלו, אז הם מחליטים לעשות הסכם שהיא תבוא איתו לאירועים שלו והוא לאירועים שלה. תוך כדי הם עוברים כל מיני הרפתקאות משעשעות ביחד והופכים לחברים טובים. הסוף ברור :-)
הספר מאוד משעשע וכתוב ממש מצוין. כל הדמויות נהדרות. נהניתי מכל רגע וממש ממליצה.
הספר גם עשה לי חשק לבקר בלידס :-)
January 11, 2023
I loved this book! It is a classic romance novel as is friends to lovers storyline. I love reading roamnce novels with each authors twist on the friends to lovers story. This story is a lady needs to get out of her flat because its just to loud for her to work from home. She goes on dating apps but they are epic fails. As she is being stood up from a first time meeting she is approached by a very handsome man. He just happens to have his own place with a room for rent and theyre both in need of plus ones for upcoming weddings and different functions. While in the process of living together and attending functions they end up falling in love.
July 9, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis was so much better than the book. Cara's pov was just an inner monologue. 10% into the book and it started to annoy the hell out of me.
There was no chemistry between the main characters. None. They could be good friends,but romance is an impossibly big shot for them.
Cara has no personality. The only thing I know about her is that she wants a man. That's it. That's all I know.. This doesn't change even at the end. There is no development in Cara. She doesn't think once that maybe my life shouldn't just revolve around men. If she thinks unavailability of men in a dating app is a crisis, she needs to do something else in life. I'm also very uncomfortable about the fact that Cara's mom invited her ex to live in her bedroom at their house without asking her daughter first. The way the book cleared it out as a humorous situation, something they slightly disagreed about was very wrong.
Joe Mills was an extremely unrealistic character. I wouldn't expect such a character in a "wattpad book" let alone a published one (talking about "wattpad book" as a brand). He appears out of the blue when Cara needs someone the most, gives her entry to an exclusive club and free makeover the very next day they meet. They don't even know each other, but he's doing all this because he felt "pity".
This book is promoted as "a hilarious summer read". I didn't find anything hilarious in it. Maybe it was just me, or my expectations were too high, but the jokes weren't "hilarious". I'm rating this book one star.
The synopsis was so much better than the book. Cara's pov was just an inner monologue. 10% into the book and it started to annoy the hell out of me.
There was no chemistry between the main characters. None. They could be good friends,but romance is an impossibly big shot for them.
Cara has no personality. The only thing I know about her is that she wants a man. That's it. That's all I know.. This doesn't change even at the end. There is no development in Cara. She doesn't think once that maybe my life shouldn't just revolve around men. If she thinks unavailability of men in a dating app is a crisis, she needs to do something else in life. I'm also very uncomfortable about the fact that Cara's mom invited her ex to live in her bedroom at their house without asking her daughter first. The way the book cleared it out as a humorous situation, something they slightly disagreed about was very wrong.
Joe Mills was an extremely unrealistic character. I wouldn't expect such a character in a "wattpad book" let alone a published one (talking about "wattpad book" as a brand). He appears out of the blue when Cara needs someone the most, gives her entry to an exclusive club and free makeover the very next day they meet. They don't even know each other, but he's doing all this because he felt "pity".
This book is promoted as "a hilarious summer read". I didn't find anything hilarious in it. Maybe it was just me, or my expectations were too high, but the jokes weren't "hilarious". I'm rating this book one star.
April 14, 2021
I'm so conflicted about how I felt reading this book. On the one hand, it's a gorgeous fluff read (or what my sister calls a "popcorn book"). It doesn't take itself seriously, nor does it ask you to. It's a collection of silly mishaps and awkward situations that are both funny and engaging, and before you know it, you've breezed through the book.
On the other hand, one of the reasons you can breeze through it so fast is because there's very little substance to it. In fact, if you pick up this book, please be ready to suspend all beliefs around what normal friendships, relationships with the other sex, and family dynamics look like.
Nothing about Cara's or Millsy's lives sounded like real people living in the real world; maybe because very little time in the story was devoted to defining them as well rounded characters. Instead, all I got to see was their lives when they were around each other, and nothing of their careers, friendships or passions.
I would have enjoyed the book a lot more if Cara had shown any growth as a character, or Millsy had come across as less disingenuous. Aside from that, the series of events that took place did nothing to substantiate their chemistry or establish their relationship. What it did was throw a sizeable cast of half developed characters in their path and try to manufacture a romance from the fallout.
I did however, enjoy the laid back, unaffected pace of the book. It made for a wonderful stress read, and I do recommend it if your life is overwhelming, and you need a fun (but rather obvious) break from reality.
On the other hand, one of the reasons you can breeze through it so fast is because there's very little substance to it. In fact, if you pick up this book, please be ready to suspend all beliefs around what normal friendships, relationships with the other sex, and family dynamics look like.
Nothing about Cara's or Millsy's lives sounded like real people living in the real world; maybe because very little time in the story was devoted to defining them as well rounded characters. Instead, all I got to see was their lives when they were around each other, and nothing of their careers, friendships or passions.
I would have enjoyed the book a lot more if Cara had shown any growth as a character, or Millsy had come across as less disingenuous. Aside from that, the series of events that took place did nothing to substantiate their chemistry or establish their relationship. What it did was throw a sizeable cast of half developed characters in their path and try to manufacture a romance from the fallout.
I did however, enjoy the laid back, unaffected pace of the book. It made for a wonderful stress read, and I do recommend it if your life is overwhelming, and you need a fun (but rather obvious) break from reality.
May 17, 2020
This is your classic feel-good romance book. Girl meets boy. Girl falls in love. The couple finds their happily every after.
I had two major issues with this book. The first was that the whole story was told through Cara's POV. Her POV was just an inner dialogue of thoughts, like "that's a mood" or "he couldn't be serious, right?" Maybe I'm just not a fan of this style of writing, but it just seemed a bit too youth/pop-culture oriented for a modern romance book.
My other issue was that Cara is an incredibly static character. Her entire life revolves around dating men, and when she runs out of men on her app, she has a crisis. I'm not sure that this is incredibly realistic––women do have lives outside of men. I would've liked to see more personality from her throughout the book and a little bit of character development.
It's a sweet read, but I think it's one where you definitely need to like the narration style to enjoy the book.
I had two major issues with this book. The first was that the whole story was told through Cara's POV. Her POV was just an inner dialogue of thoughts, like "that's a mood" or "he couldn't be serious, right?" Maybe I'm just not a fan of this style of writing, but it just seemed a bit too youth/pop-culture oriented for a modern romance book.
My other issue was that Cara is an incredibly static character. Her entire life revolves around dating men, and when she runs out of men on her app, she has a crisis. I'm not sure that this is incredibly realistic––women do have lives outside of men. I would've liked to see more personality from her throughout the book and a little bit of character development.
It's a sweet read, but I think it's one where you definitely need to like the narration style to enjoy the book.
November 10, 2021
This book is perfect and I especially love how the characters compliment themselves so perfectly. Also, sign me up for in Millsy's fan club. An official trooper here!
July 23, 2025
This one wasn’t as engaging as some of Portia MacIntosh’s other books for me, though the premise had potential.
Clara is officially out of men—even her dating app agrees. With a full summer of events ahead, she’s in desperate need of a date. One night, she meets a man who’s her complete opposite, but he’s in the same predicament: he needs a plus one, too. They make a pact to accompany each other to their events over the summer—strictly as friends.
It’s a light, predictable rom-com setup and a quick and easy read for fans of the fake-dating trope.
Clara is officially out of men—even her dating app agrees. With a full summer of events ahead, she’s in desperate need of a date. One night, she meets a man who’s her complete opposite, but he’s in the same predicament: he needs a plus one, too. They make a pact to accompany each other to their events over the summer—strictly as friends.
It’s a light, predictable rom-com setup and a quick and easy read for fans of the fake-dating trope.
May 4, 2020
Funny, relatable, and uplifting.
The Plus One Pact is a witty and romantic story about two people connecting and balancing each other. Cara, the average girl next door, and Millsy, the epitome of beauty and charm.
Cara's social calendar was a blank page. She would come home every night for her cat, if not for the fact that she worked from home and did not have one.
The dating app kept matching her with all kinds of weirdos, and even they were standing her up.
Add to this mess, a resentful aunt, a vindictive cousin, and an obsessive ex-boyfriend.
But sometimes, what seems like the end is actually a new beginning.
By a stroke of luck, Cara met the gorgeous and friendly Millsy, a guy way out of her league, but willing to be her friend.
The book is well written and very amusing. Cara and Millsy are adorably clumsy, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments. I read it all in one day. I just could not stop myself.
I love how the story shows that different is good. That what we think we want in a partner is not necessarily what we need in one.
If you are in search of a feel-good, lighthearted romantic comedy, look no further. The Plus One Pact is perfect for you.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Plus One Pact is a witty and romantic story about two people connecting and balancing each other. Cara, the average girl next door, and Millsy, the epitome of beauty and charm.
Cara's social calendar was a blank page. She would come home every night for her cat, if not for the fact that she worked from home and did not have one.
The dating app kept matching her with all kinds of weirdos, and even they were standing her up.
Add to this mess, a resentful aunt, a vindictive cousin, and an obsessive ex-boyfriend.
But sometimes, what seems like the end is actually a new beginning.
By a stroke of luck, Cara met the gorgeous and friendly Millsy, a guy way out of her league, but willing to be her friend.
The book is well written and very amusing. Cara and Millsy are adorably clumsy, and there are some laugh-out-loud moments. I read it all in one day. I just could not stop myself.
I love how the story shows that different is good. That what we think we want in a partner is not necessarily what we need in one.
If you are in search of a feel-good, lighthearted romantic comedy, look no further. The Plus One Pact is perfect for you.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
This is a laugh out loud friends first romantic comedy that I thoroughly enjoyed from the first page right through to the last. It really did have me laughing out loud and definitely kept putting a huge smile on my face! If you’ve ever been single and in dire need of someone to attend various events with you, you’ll soon relate to both main characters in this fantastic story.
Cara has been trying to find her Mr Right but just keeps meeting different ones who really are Mr No Way – or, like this last one, fail to turn up at all. That’s when someone comes over to talk to her and she gets to meet the very handsome Joe Mills – or Millsy as most folk call him. Soon they have the idea of helping each other at events where they’d like someone to go with comes from – they’ll be each others plus one! As their friendship grows so does the number of hilarious calamities they experience and rescue each other from!
This is a great read, absolutely packed with humour, friendship, family members to love and others definitely not but sometimes you just need to discover things for yourself – and Millsy gives Cara the confidence to do just that. He’s a brilliant, supportive and handsome man with a surprising job (sorry, no spoilers allowed so you’ll have to read the story to discover what it is!) The story is mainly set in and around Leeds, and I recognised many familiar places, though I’d also like to visit his Gran’s home in Scotland!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so. It is another brilliant read from one of my favourite romcom authors – I can’t recommend her books highly enough and this is no exception. If you’re looking for a hilarious story to escape into, look no further and grab yourself a copy of this fantastic book!
Cara has been trying to find her Mr Right but just keeps meeting different ones who really are Mr No Way – or, like this last one, fail to turn up at all. That’s when someone comes over to talk to her and she gets to meet the very handsome Joe Mills – or Millsy as most folk call him. Soon they have the idea of helping each other at events where they’d like someone to go with comes from – they’ll be each others plus one! As their friendship grows so does the number of hilarious calamities they experience and rescue each other from!
This is a great read, absolutely packed with humour, friendship, family members to love and others definitely not but sometimes you just need to discover things for yourself – and Millsy gives Cara the confidence to do just that. He’s a brilliant, supportive and handsome man with a surprising job (sorry, no spoilers allowed so you’ll have to read the story to discover what it is!) The story is mainly set in and around Leeds, and I recognised many familiar places, though I’d also like to visit his Gran’s home in Scotland!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying doing so. It is another brilliant read from one of my favourite romcom authors – I can’t recommend her books highly enough and this is no exception. If you’re looking for a hilarious story to escape into, look no further and grab yourself a copy of this fantastic book!
April 11, 2020
Are you single, with a never ending series of family and friends events where you have been told you can bring a plus one? Ever get sick and tired of the expectation that you will have someone to drag to these events?
If so then you should be able to easily identify with both Cara and Millsy's situation and the pact they make as new friends to accompany each other to a whole host of gatherings.
I loved how they were both adamant they weren't even pretending to be fake dates, and just purely a respectable plus one for each other, and how a real friendship built up between them.
With each event this pair goes to, something appears to go wrong, and it was great fun seeing how they got themselves out of various situations. I also loved both Millsy and Cara's jobs - both quite different and in the case of Cara's especially not one I've come across in books before.
This is a really amusing story that entertained me greatly in my garden in lockdown. Another joyous read from the always enjoyable Portia MacIntosh.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
If so then you should be able to easily identify with both Cara and Millsy's situation and the pact they make as new friends to accompany each other to a whole host of gatherings.
I loved how they were both adamant they weren't even pretending to be fake dates, and just purely a respectable plus one for each other, and how a real friendship built up between them.
With each event this pair goes to, something appears to go wrong, and it was great fun seeing how they got themselves out of various situations. I also loved both Millsy and Cara's jobs - both quite different and in the case of Cara's especially not one I've come across in books before.
This is a really amusing story that entertained me greatly in my garden in lockdown. Another joyous read from the always enjoyable Portia MacIntosh.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 16, 2022
(rounded up.)
It's really nice to read a British Romcom - I end up reading so many American books, but having this set in places I recognised with British wry humour was a pleasure.
The set up is simple: Cara's ex-boyfriend is invited to her cousin's wedding, and she really wants to have a plus-one. Plus all the other events over the summer... but she has literally gone through all the eligible bachelors on her dating app. Surely it's not possible there is NO ONE for her? Enter Millsy - who meets her after she loses that last eligible bachelor (he's there to watch her be stood up, even though she refuses to accept it!). 'Millsy' (Joe Mills) is quite the lady's man, but he treats Cara as a friend - gets some of his friends to do a complete makeover on her, and it really works! She feels and and looks like a new person - her ex won't recognise her!
My two problems were: 1) it was incredibly predictable; and 2) the female lead had to undergo a physical transformation. MacIntosh talked a lot about how it was actually that Cara was more confident that made her more attractive - but she'd also had her hair dyed, styled and had huge hair extensions put in by pros; had a make-up artist teach her how to do her new 'look'; and bought a ton of new clothes. It was body positive in one way - Cara refuses to be a bridesmaid for her cousin because she's told she has to slim down to get into a dress - but blows it away with the other hand. Frustrating.
This isn't my usual genre, I have to admit. I do sometimes read contemporary romance but if I do it's always LGBTQIA+ and/or YA, so I was a bit nervous starting this. It was a recommendation from the lovely Alaina :)
You know what? It was okay! I wanted something fun and lighthearted and this delivered :) It has the 'fake dating' trope, which I'm not sure I've read before - it was a very obvious ending, but that was fine. It's the kind of book you cam read without much effort and just sort of relax into. The writing is fine (not terribly literary, but it's certainly not badly written) and although there are some unlikely moments, it's all just very pleasant. A nice read. (Sorry that I'm damning with faint praise!)
It's really nice to read a British Romcom - I end up reading so many American books, but having this set in places I recognised with British wry humour was a pleasure.
The set up is simple: Cara's ex-boyfriend is invited to her cousin's wedding, and she really wants to have a plus-one. Plus all the other events over the summer... but she has literally gone through all the eligible bachelors on her dating app. Surely it's not possible there is NO ONE for her? Enter Millsy - who meets her after she loses that last eligible bachelor (he's there to watch her be stood up, even though she refuses to accept it!). 'Millsy' (Joe Mills) is quite the lady's man, but he treats Cara as a friend - gets some of his friends to do a complete makeover on her, and it really works! She feels and and looks like a new person - her ex won't recognise her!
My two problems were: 1) it was incredibly predictable; and 2) the female lead had to undergo a physical transformation. MacIntosh talked a lot about how it was actually that Cara was more confident that made her more attractive - but she'd also had her hair dyed, styled and had huge hair extensions put in by pros; had a make-up artist teach her how to do her new 'look'; and bought a ton of new clothes. It was body positive in one way - Cara refuses to be a bridesmaid for her cousin because she's told she has to slim down to get into a dress - but blows it away with the other hand. Frustrating.
This isn't my usual genre, I have to admit. I do sometimes read contemporary romance but if I do it's always LGBTQIA+ and/or YA, so I was a bit nervous starting this. It was a recommendation from the lovely Alaina :)
You know what? It was okay! I wanted something fun and lighthearted and this delivered :) It has the 'fake dating' trope, which I'm not sure I've read before - it was a very obvious ending, but that was fine. It's the kind of book you cam read without much effort and just sort of relax into. The writing is fine (not terribly literary, but it's certainly not badly written) and although there are some unlikely moments, it's all just very pleasant. A nice read. (Sorry that I'm damning with faint praise!)
January 22, 2023
Omgeeeee i liked this even more than the last one! It was so good! I am so sad it is over!
Included “free” with kindle unlimited; this author is also on hoopla and I’m excited to have so many more books to choose from. I night exhaust her entire collection this week 😂 great rom com with a leading lady you want to be friends with.
I also liked that there were a few details in this book from the previous one. It didn’t matter to the story at all it felt like a sweet “inside joke” between me and the author. Fab narrator as always!
Recommend for fans of the Netflix movie holidate
SUMMARY: cara had been stood up by her recent “tinder” match. Another guy at the bar noticed and feels sorry for her so he comes over to chat. They end up striking up a friendship of sorts and soon they make a pact to be each others “plus one” for the next few months as both need to attend weddings etc and don’t want to show up alone. You know how this ends!
Note: I rather enjoy the unique and clever occupations the author gives her characters. It’s so nice to hear something… unusual as a vocation
Included “free” with kindle unlimited; this author is also on hoopla and I’m excited to have so many more books to choose from. I night exhaust her entire collection this week 😂 great rom com with a leading lady you want to be friends with.
I also liked that there were a few details in this book from the previous one. It didn’t matter to the story at all it felt like a sweet “inside joke” between me and the author. Fab narrator as always!
Recommend for fans of the Netflix movie holidate
SUMMARY: cara had been stood up by her recent “tinder” match. Another guy at the bar noticed and feels sorry for her so he comes over to chat. They end up striking up a friendship of sorts and soon they make a pact to be each others “plus one” for the next few months as both need to attend weddings etc and don’t want to show up alone. You know how this ends!
Note: I rather enjoy the unique and clever occupations the author gives her characters. It’s so nice to hear something… unusual as a vocation
July 24, 2022
4.5 stars
I really loved this book & it had me laughing out loud multiple times. Very cute & funny romcom with great characters & a sweet friends to lovers romance.
The audiobook was excellent and is free to listen to on audible plus but only for the next few days (until the 27th July 2022) so if it sounds like your thing get listening quick.
I’m definitely going to be reading more books by this author.
I really loved this book & it had me laughing out loud multiple times. Very cute & funny romcom with great characters & a sweet friends to lovers romance.
The audiobook was excellent and is free to listen to on audible plus but only for the next few days (until the 27th July 2022) so if it sounds like your thing get listening quick.
I’m definitely going to be reading more books by this author.
September 30, 2021
Cute! So good for a free audible plus book.
May 27, 2020
Girl meets boy, and she has body image/confidence issues. She uses a dating app but never finds The One.
The plot didn't really grab me, but the synopsis sounded better so that's why I requested it. Of the visuals, I thought the ones describing the nightclub, Hades, were the best in the book.
I found it hard to gauge the characters' ages, and there wasn't enough backstory and I found I wasn't invested in the story.
The language seemed too "teenagery" to make me excited about what was going on, another reason I wasn't as hooked as I had hoped to be. The makeup look and dress was mentioned twice but not detailed enough- for someone who loves shopping as much as the main character Cara does, I was hoping for great descriptions of those.
I did feel like I could identify with Cara's experiences of family gatherings and self confidence issues (in my case when I was much younger than she seems here). I also felt like fleshing them out more would have really made me feel more for her.
The jokes felt kind of flat and I felt a lot of the plot was predictable.
Cara's mum did seem to do what she could for the family and I liked that. Something else that was good was hearty food always abounds in the house (the roast beef sounded delicious).
Sadly, The Plus One Pact didn't grab me as I thought. It might interest those who prefer this style of writing, I just didn't find it as engaging as I had hoped.
Thanks to Portia MacIntosh and publisher for my ARC in exchange for a honest and voluntary review.
The plot didn't really grab me, but the synopsis sounded better so that's why I requested it. Of the visuals, I thought the ones describing the nightclub, Hades, were the best in the book.
I found it hard to gauge the characters' ages, and there wasn't enough backstory and I found I wasn't invested in the story.
The language seemed too "teenagery" to make me excited about what was going on, another reason I wasn't as hooked as I had hoped to be. The makeup look and dress was mentioned twice but not detailed enough- for someone who loves shopping as much as the main character Cara does, I was hoping for great descriptions of those.
I did feel like I could identify with Cara's experiences of family gatherings and self confidence issues (in my case when I was much younger than she seems here). I also felt like fleshing them out more would have really made me feel more for her.
The jokes felt kind of flat and I felt a lot of the plot was predictable.
Cara's mum did seem to do what she could for the family and I liked that. Something else that was good was hearty food always abounds in the house (the roast beef sounded delicious).
Sadly, The Plus One Pact didn't grab me as I thought. It might interest those who prefer this style of writing, I just didn't find it as engaging as I had hoped.
Thanks to Portia MacIntosh and publisher for my ARC in exchange for a honest and voluntary review.
May 20, 2020
3.5 Stars for a one-time rom-com !
A light read ! The plot is not very unique.. we've been there and done that with love stories starting out as fake dates and then becoming real. I won't say I didn't enjoy the book, I am genuine like that :) . some of the scenes were hilarious. But there is nothing I can brag about.. Predictable story, predictable characters.. Their family scenes were adorable. I especially enjoyed reading Oliver's views on feminism.
Though the main reason why I have given this story a 3 star is because of the way it began. The way Millsy became Cara's wingman in the dating pool was so spontaneous, that it was a little unbelievable for me. I mean, who does that ? Wouldn't we all like the wingman Millsy..setting up appointments with hi-fi saloons, giving makeovers and getting entries into elite clubs..
But other than that, I would give it a 4 star. So, I am negotiating with myself on behalf of the story and deciding to go with 3.5 stars.
A light read ! The plot is not very unique.. we've been there and done that with love stories starting out as fake dates and then becoming real. I won't say I didn't enjoy the book, I am genuine like that :) . some of the scenes were hilarious. But there is nothing I can brag about.. Predictable story, predictable characters.. Their family scenes were adorable. I especially enjoyed reading Oliver's views on feminism.
Though the main reason why I have given this story a 3 star is because of the way it began. The way Millsy became Cara's wingman in the dating pool was so spontaneous, that it was a little unbelievable for me. I mean, who does that ? Wouldn't we all like the wingman Millsy..setting up appointments with hi-fi saloons, giving makeovers and getting entries into elite clubs..
But other than that, I would give it a 4 star. So, I am negotiating with myself on behalf of the story and deciding to go with 3.5 stars.
May 18, 2020
A cute story which was amusing when Cara Millsy became each other plus one as settled by their Pact.
They got into quite a few problems in various events, and it was fun to see them come out of it. Both refused to admit they liked each other. Aww gosh...
Portia MacIntosh has written another sweet story filled with mad capers and delightful characters. This was an easy breezy readwhich for done in a couple of hours
They got into quite a few problems in various events, and it was fun to see them come out of it. Both refused to admit they liked each other. Aww gosh...
Portia MacIntosh has written another sweet story filled with mad capers and delightful characters. This was an easy breezy readwhich for done in a couple of hours
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