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The Wedding Pact
'Original, funny and so, so romantic, The Wedding Pact is a breath of fresh air that you should add to your summer reading list immediately' CRESSIDA MCLAUGHLIN
Would you marry a stranger to live the life of your dreams?
August Anderson needs somewhere to live. Dumped by her boyfriend who would rather be alone than move in with her, she has almost given up on happiness. Until she notices that the beautiful Georgian townhouse she's long admired (ahem, *obsessed over*) is looking for a new tenant, and suddenly it seems like things might be looking up . . .
There's just one catch - the traditional, buttoned-up landlord is only willing to rent to a stable, married couple and August, quite frankly, is neither. Competition for the house is fierce and August knows she'll have to come up with a plan or risk losing her last shot at her happy ending.
Enter Flynn, the handsome, charming and somewhat unsuspecting gentleman who August accidentally spills her coffee over. Flynn is new to the area and is looking for somewhere to live, and August thinks she knows just the place, but only if he's willing to tell a little white lie . . .
The perfect feel-good summer read from reader favourite Lisa Dickenson, writing as Isla Gordon. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan and Anna Bell
Praise for ISLA GORDON:
'Heart-warming and full of hope. I loved it' HEIDI SWAIN
'The most beautiful, heart-warming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely book' HOLLY MARTIN
'Sunday afternoon bliss!' FABULOUS magazine
Would you marry a stranger to live the life of your dreams?
August Anderson needs somewhere to live. Dumped by her boyfriend who would rather be alone than move in with her, she has almost given up on happiness. Until she notices that the beautiful Georgian townhouse she's long admired (ahem, *obsessed over*) is looking for a new tenant, and suddenly it seems like things might be looking up . . .
There's just one catch - the traditional, buttoned-up landlord is only willing to rent to a stable, married couple and August, quite frankly, is neither. Competition for the house is fierce and August knows she'll have to come up with a plan or risk losing her last shot at her happy ending.
Enter Flynn, the handsome, charming and somewhat unsuspecting gentleman who August accidentally spills her coffee over. Flynn is new to the area and is looking for somewhere to live, and August thinks she knows just the place, but only if he's willing to tell a little white lie . . .
The perfect feel-good summer read from reader favourite Lisa Dickenson, writing as Isla Gordon. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan and Anna Bell
Praise for ISLA GORDON:
'Heart-warming and full of hope. I loved it' HEIDI SWAIN
'The most beautiful, heart-warming story. Gorgeously cosy, uplifting . . . utterly lovely book' HOLLY MARTIN
'Sunday afternoon bliss!' FABULOUS magazine
464 pages, ebook
Published August 19, 2021
18 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 8, 2022
I’m so bored oh my god
Thank god it’s over
The main character was way too “quirky” to be believable in any way like honestly
It wasn’t awful tho it was a good relaxing thing yk
Thank god it’s over
The main character was way too “quirky” to be believable in any way like honestly
It wasn’t awful tho it was a good relaxing thing yk
March 19, 2022
3.5⭐️ I read the first 80 pages of this and loved it, but went downhill ever so slightly from there. I immediately liked the characters and the concept was so fun, but then things got a bit repetitive and the miscommunication was frustrating. I didn’t really know who I was rooting for in the end, there was no villain to hate, and I felt bad for Abe. This is a proper British fluffy ‘chick lit’ and I did really enjoy it overall.
February 20, 2025
Het is voor mij de eerste keer dat ik een zoetsappige romcom boek lees. Maar wat was het heerlijk! Ik vond dit boek in een hostel en na het lezen van ‘A Little Life’ was dit precies wat ik nodig had. Nee dit boek was geen hoogstandje maar zeer vermakelijk. Iemand had in dit boek een boodschap achtergelaten die het precies goed samenvat: “it’s not really good but it’s fun”.
August 19, 2021
August Anderson is a young actress who have just moved back to Bath from London. Ever since she was a child she has been obsessed by a four-storey Georgian townhouse in Elizabeth Street, often sitting outside staring at the house as a way of relaxing. When she finds out that a flat in the house is available to rent she is ecstatic and asks her boyfriend James to move in with her to share the rent. Unfortunately James doesn't feel the same way - cue the end of that relationship!
Flynn Miyoshi has travelled from Japan to Bath to take up a new job in a law firm, he's got a flatshare lined up but it falls through when the couple he was going to rent from split up and need the spare room. After a long-haul flight, delays, a coach journey from London and a night in a noisy hotel things are looking bad, then a cute girl in a coffee shop bumps into him and spills coffee all over his one remaining clean shirt.
Flynn and August get to talking and visit the open day at Elizabeth Street together, but their hopes of sharing the flat are dashed when August overhears the flat's elderly owner tell her son that she would only let the flat to a married couple. So August concocts a ludicrous plan, pretend to be married to each other to secure the flat. Of course things aren't that easy, the townhouse isn't that big, their landlady lives in one of the flats, and they are being caught out by friends, colleagues, and housemates in small lies and the minutiae of married life.
All of this was good fun and enjoyable. But about midway through this book felt like it got flabby and lost its way. Flynn starts dating a girl he meets in a bar, August starts to have feelings for their landlady's son Abe and things got a bit confused. I feel that Isla Gordon was trying to make all the characters too likable and as a reader I was confused as to which suitor I was supposed to be rooting for. Also, by making both Abe and Flynn so likable it made August's flip-flopping between the two of them feel wrong and I didn't really 'see' that August truly loved the man she chose in the end.
In the end I felt that Isla Gordon tried so hard to make everyone a good guy, tie up all the loose ends, and give everyone a happy ending that the plot drifted away. I liked it and it was easy reading but in the end I wasn't invested in the characters enough.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Flynn Miyoshi has travelled from Japan to Bath to take up a new job in a law firm, he's got a flatshare lined up but it falls through when the couple he was going to rent from split up and need the spare room. After a long-haul flight, delays, a coach journey from London and a night in a noisy hotel things are looking bad, then a cute girl in a coffee shop bumps into him and spills coffee all over his one remaining clean shirt.
Flynn and August get to talking and visit the open day at Elizabeth Street together, but their hopes of sharing the flat are dashed when August overhears the flat's elderly owner tell her son that she would only let the flat to a married couple. So August concocts a ludicrous plan, pretend to be married to each other to secure the flat. Of course things aren't that easy, the townhouse isn't that big, their landlady lives in one of the flats, and they are being caught out by friends, colleagues, and housemates in small lies and the minutiae of married life.
All of this was good fun and enjoyable. But about midway through this book felt like it got flabby and lost its way. Flynn starts dating a girl he meets in a bar, August starts to have feelings for their landlady's son Abe and things got a bit confused. I feel that Isla Gordon was trying to make all the characters too likable and as a reader I was confused as to which suitor I was supposed to be rooting for. Also, by making both Abe and Flynn so likable it made August's flip-flopping between the two of them feel wrong and I didn't really 'see' that August truly loved the man she chose in the end.
In the end I felt that Isla Gordon tried so hard to make everyone a good guy, tie up all the loose ends, and give everyone a happy ending that the plot drifted away. I liked it and it was easy reading but in the end I wasn't invested in the characters enough.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
September 5, 2022
I always enjoy a "fake dating" trope, so one that involves a fake marriage in order to be able to rent a dream property between complete and utter strangers was definitely up my street.
And I loved August and Flynn and the dynamic between them from their first meeting, which may have involved spilt coffee, to everything that follows, they both very quickly had a place in my heart
Of course as you would expect from the trope, things don't seem quite as easy as it sounds, so while it seems like such a simple lie, the reality is far more complicated which makes for compelling reading.
This just just a pleasing, enjoyably entertaining rom com that I loved reading on holiday.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And I loved August and Flynn and the dynamic between them from their first meeting, which may have involved spilt coffee, to everything that follows, they both very quickly had a place in my heart
Of course as you would expect from the trope, things don't seem quite as easy as it sounds, so while it seems like such a simple lie, the reality is far more complicated which makes for compelling reading.
This just just a pleasing, enjoyably entertaining rom com that I loved reading on holiday.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 2, 2023
i cannot actually find any faults with it as a romance. i thought both main characters were lovely, and i loved all the side characters, especially callie <3
one of the reasons i loved it was because the characters were not given everything they wanted in the book. like some romances, everything the characters aspire for personally or professionally just happens to fall into their laps, but this does not happen here. the characters go through so much both together and apart.
it wasn’t insta-lovey, although the characters did end up feeling a little for each other almost immediately, but it was still a nice time-frame. i did feel bad for the other love interests, well only abe, because something about poppy just made my skin itch really.
it was a great book i totally recommend. however, the vibes were just not 5 stars. i loved this book but there are other romance books that i love more.
| favourite quote |
“august wrapped and laughing inside his jacket, he found himself imagining what it would be like if he was really marrying this girl today and in that moment, with tendrils of her hair catching the sun, his feet in the ocean, he couldn’t imagine being happier”
| favourite scene |
wedding pictures at the beach (specifically where august lost her knickers to the wind IYKYK)
one of the reasons i loved it was because the characters were not given everything they wanted in the book. like some romances, everything the characters aspire for personally or professionally just happens to fall into their laps, but this does not happen here. the characters go through so much both together and apart.
it wasn’t insta-lovey, although the characters did end up feeling a little for each other almost immediately, but it was still a nice time-frame. i did feel bad for the other love interests, well only abe, because something about poppy just made my skin itch really.
it was a great book i totally recommend. however, the vibes were just not 5 stars. i loved this book but there are other romance books that i love more.
| favourite quote |
“august wrapped and laughing inside his jacket, he found himself imagining what it would be like if he was really marrying this girl today and in that moment, with tendrils of her hair catching the sun, his feet in the ocean, he couldn’t imagine being happier”
| favourite scene |
wedding pictures at the beach (specifically where august lost her knickers to the wind IYKYK)
May 24, 2022
Light hearted, lovely characters. Set in Bath, one of my favourite cities, and I enjoyed the descriptions of both the city and the regency Jane Austen aspects.
August 3, 2021
Full review here: https://theresnoenjoymentlikereading....
October 15, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: Sadly for me this was 2.5 Stars. I purchased the audiobook of THE WEDDING PACT and I really thought (hoped) I would like it. While I enjoyed the setting and descriptions of Bath, and I (mostly) liked the MCs, I just couldn’t get into the long running scam that they perpetuated on their neighbors and landlord. The story caused me sadness rather than enjoyment. And since I read to be entertained or to cheer characters through dangerous situations, the confusion of emotions in THE WEDDING PACT just wasn’t for me. I actually stopped the audio numerous times, preferring to listen to something else, before finally (making myself) finish in book form.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= NOPE; THIS WASN’T FOR ME; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I liked it a lot & would read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again ((I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Bath, England ~
August Anderson 25+ has decided her life needs a reboot and she has the perfect plan. When she hears that a flat in the lovely old house she has admired since childhood has a new vacancy, August leaves London and prepares to move to Bath. Upon interviewing for the flat, she discovers that the owner is looking to rent to a married couple. In desperation, August pounces on a young gentleman she only met that morning and convinces him to apply for the flat with her - as her husband. When exhausted solicitor Flynn Nash, who arrived jet-lagged from Japan the previous evening, agrees to August’s impetuous ploy he has no idea what the weeks and months ahead will hold.
Comments with possible (?) Spoilers ~
1) THE WEDDING PACT was my first Isla Gordon book. It’s a standalone Romance, in the Comedy-Humor category. While there might have been humorous sections, overall I thought the story was rather sad which disappointed me.
2) I usually read Romance novels containing either suspense, adventure or mystery elements and I prefer humor. After reading the blurb and listening to the sampler, I thought THE WEDDING PACT would work for me but as the story unfolded, it really just didn’t. I mostly liked the 2 MCs (I liked Finn a lot more than August. I thought she was rather impulsive & self-absorbed). But I didn’t approve of their (chosen) behavior or the longterm game of deceit they played. It did bite them in the end.
3) Many Romance novels generate conflict between the MCs through the use of miscommunication &/or misunderstandings (one of my pet-peeves). WEDDING PACT had such issues with the 2 characters not really sharing their thoughts with each other plus the additional misunderstandings between them as a couple and pretty much everyone else in the book. Then all these misunderstandings just grew & grew. Rather than enjoying what I read, I kept waiting for the inevitable disaster. Ugh. I prefer the story’s conflict(s) to originate from outside the couple’s relationship, pulling the main characters together rather than ripping them apart. So. No. I didn’t really enjoy reading THE WEDDING PACT. It contained too much angst, missed possibilities, too much missed joy for my tastes in Romance. The ‘happy ending’ arrived too late and through a too tumultuous journey for me to enjoy it.
3) I both read and listened to the audiobook, the latter was very nicely performed by Anna Acton. I would absolutely purchased another book read by Acton. I might try another Isla Gordon novel but perhaps I’d pick it up through my library before purchasing.
4) Readers who do enjoy the following in their fiction might enjoy THE WEDDING PACT more than I:
> angst
> love ‘all the feels’
> support ‘all’s fair in love & war’
> impulsive, free-spirited characters
> miscommunication &/or misunderstandings between characters
> references to Jane Austen
> and aren’t put off by ‘innocent’ deception, etc.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - No.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Minimal. Slow Burn.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= NOPE; THIS WASN’T FOR ME; 3= This was okay/fairly good & might or might not read it again; 3.5= I enjoyed it & might read it again; 4= I liked it a lot & would read it again; 5= I Loved this; it was great! & most likely will read again ((I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
Bath, England ~
August Anderson 25+ has decided her life needs a reboot and she has the perfect plan. When she hears that a flat in the lovely old house she has admired since childhood has a new vacancy, August leaves London and prepares to move to Bath. Upon interviewing for the flat, she discovers that the owner is looking to rent to a married couple. In desperation, August pounces on a young gentleman she only met that morning and convinces him to apply for the flat with her - as her husband. When exhausted solicitor Flynn Nash, who arrived jet-lagged from Japan the previous evening, agrees to August’s impetuous ploy he has no idea what the weeks and months ahead will hold.
Comments with possible (?) Spoilers ~
1) THE WEDDING PACT was my first Isla Gordon book. It’s a standalone Romance, in the Comedy-Humor category. While there might have been humorous sections, overall I thought the story was rather sad which disappointed me.
2) I usually read Romance novels containing either suspense, adventure or mystery elements and I prefer humor. After reading the blurb and listening to the sampler, I thought THE WEDDING PACT would work for me but as the story unfolded, it really just didn’t. I mostly liked the 2 MCs (I liked Finn a lot more than August. I thought she was rather impulsive & self-absorbed). But I didn’t approve of their (chosen) behavior or the longterm game of deceit they played. It did bite them in the end.
3) Many Romance novels generate conflict between the MCs through the use of miscommunication &/or misunderstandings (one of my pet-peeves). WEDDING PACT had such issues with the 2 characters not really sharing their thoughts with each other plus the additional misunderstandings between them as a couple and pretty much everyone else in the book. Then all these misunderstandings just grew & grew. Rather than enjoying what I read, I kept waiting for the inevitable disaster. Ugh. I prefer the story’s conflict(s) to originate from outside the couple’s relationship, pulling the main characters together rather than ripping them apart. So. No. I didn’t really enjoy reading THE WEDDING PACT. It contained too much angst, missed possibilities, too much missed joy for my tastes in Romance. The ‘happy ending’ arrived too late and through a too tumultuous journey for me to enjoy it.
3) I both read and listened to the audiobook, the latter was very nicely performed by Anna Acton. I would absolutely purchased another book read by Acton. I might try another Isla Gordon novel but perhaps I’d pick it up through my library before purchasing.
4) Readers who do enjoy the following in their fiction might enjoy THE WEDDING PACT more than I:
> angst
> love ‘all the feels’
> support ‘all’s fair in love & war’
> impulsive, free-spirited characters
> miscommunication &/or misunderstandings between characters
> references to Jane Austen
> and aren’t put off by ‘innocent’ deception, etc.
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used occasionally.
VIOLENCE - No.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Minimal. Slow Burn.
August 15, 2021
The Wedding Pact is a a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read, full of warm characters and set against the beautiful back drop of Bath. It’s well written and easy to read and I became completely immersed in the pages. August Anderson and Flynn Miyoshi meet quite by chance in a coffee shop waiting for the open day of the house they both desperately want to rent. Upon finding out there are certain jurisdictions to renting the apartment August comes up with a ludicrous plan. In order to live in their dream home they tell a lie and soon find themselves facing the pitfalls and difficulties of maintaining this lie. It is not easy and it gets harder and harder to keep it up, especially with the owner living upstairs and the interruption of unexpected visitors. August and Flynn have an immediate rapport, both of them are a little lost, they have had recent relationship breakups and are looking at Elizabeth Street as a new beginning.
I loved the setting of Bath, the gorgeous Georgian townhouse and the coffee shops which are all beautifully described by the author. The characters are warmhearted and loveable. August is a voice actress, a quirky and fun-loving character whom you can’t help but like. Flynn is adorable, kind and caring, but is very career focused and works far too hard. They formed an easy friendship from the start and there is a lovely mix of humour and romance in the storyline. The romance is fabulous, they have a good connection and chemistry and brought out the best in each other, particularly their adventurous side. I really enjoyed the ‘pretending to be married’ trope. I felt the Abe and Poppy relationships, were unnecessary side stories. It felt wrong that Flynn and August were attracted to other people, while they were coming to terms with their own growing feelings and it didn’t sit right that August was feeling some of the same feelings for Abe that she shared for Flynn. I would have preferred the author to concentrate on the couple in hand and their growing feelings for one another.
I have read one other book by this author but I enjoyed this one so much more. The writing is wonderful and the storyline engaging and it is all neatly wrapped up in the Epilogue, including the side characters’ lives too. A very romantic and funny story that romance readers will love.
Thank you to the publisher for the proof for review.
TWISTED IN PAGES BLOG
I loved the setting of Bath, the gorgeous Georgian townhouse and the coffee shops which are all beautifully described by the author. The characters are warmhearted and loveable. August is a voice actress, a quirky and fun-loving character whom you can’t help but like. Flynn is adorable, kind and caring, but is very career focused and works far too hard. They formed an easy friendship from the start and there is a lovely mix of humour and romance in the storyline. The romance is fabulous, they have a good connection and chemistry and brought out the best in each other, particularly their adventurous side. I really enjoyed the ‘pretending to be married’ trope. I felt the Abe and Poppy relationships, were unnecessary side stories. It felt wrong that Flynn and August were attracted to other people, while they were coming to terms with their own growing feelings and it didn’t sit right that August was feeling some of the same feelings for Abe that she shared for Flynn. I would have preferred the author to concentrate on the couple in hand and their growing feelings for one another.
I have read one other book by this author but I enjoyed this one so much more. The writing is wonderful and the storyline engaging and it is all neatly wrapped up in the Epilogue, including the side characters’ lives too. A very romantic and funny story that romance readers will love.
Thank you to the publisher for the proof for review.
TWISTED IN PAGES BLOG
June 10, 2021
August has always longed to live in a beautiful Georgian townhouse in Bath that she has obsessed over since she was a little girl. Often sitting at the top of the hill eating an ice cream whilst looking at it with hearts in her eyes during her lunch break. So when one of its flat becomes available to rent she is over the moon. However, her boyfriend, James, doesn't think that now is the time to move in together. Breaking up she is left wondering if this means she'll lose out on her dream home.
Flynn has returned to the UK after living in Tokyo for the past few years. Recently split with his long term girlfriend he hopes that the distance and a new job will mean a fresh start for him. Finding out that his new flatshare has gone wrong as he arrives in Bath he is left in a substantial hotel searching for somewhere to live.
Bumping into each other (literally) in a coffee shop before the open house for the Georgian flat, August and Flynn strike up an immediate friendship. Something that comes in handy when the landlady of the flat is looking for a married couple with August convincing Flynn that they can pull it off. Landing them the flat but just as friends with a fake marriage.
With a few twists and turns to the storyline, I did think at several points that this was going to go a different way to how it ended.
Flynn has returned to the UK after living in Tokyo for the past few years. Recently split with his long term girlfriend he hopes that the distance and a new job will mean a fresh start for him. Finding out that his new flatshare has gone wrong as he arrives in Bath he is left in a substantial hotel searching for somewhere to live.
Bumping into each other (literally) in a coffee shop before the open house for the Georgian flat, August and Flynn strike up an immediate friendship. Something that comes in handy when the landlady of the flat is looking for a married couple with August convincing Flynn that they can pull it off. Landing them the flat but just as friends with a fake marriage.
With a few twists and turns to the storyline, I did think at several points that this was going to go a different way to how it ended.
July 26, 2021
I found this an easy reading, light read, set in the beautiful city of Bath.
The main character, August, is an actress who has moved to Bath from London and is obsessed with living in a particular house, even since she used to visit her grandmother who used to live in a house nearby. Then an apartment comes up for rent and she has to have it, even though there is lots of interest. But the elderly lady who owns the whole house wants a married couple to rent it. So August ropes in Flynn (recently arrived in Bath from Japan) who she has only just met, as he also needs a place to live, to pretend to be her husband, and they get the apartment.
But of course pretending to be married is never going to be easy, and it gets harder as time goes by as they get closer to their neighbours and hate lying to them, and of course even think about dating other people themselves, even though they are quite drawn to one another too, so it does turn into a bit of a tangled web.
I enjoyed the start of the book, but kind of lost a bit of interest towards the end as the relationships got a little bit confusing. But I did like all the characters and it had a nice happy ending.
The main character, August, is an actress who has moved to Bath from London and is obsessed with living in a particular house, even since she used to visit her grandmother who used to live in a house nearby. Then an apartment comes up for rent and she has to have it, even though there is lots of interest. But the elderly lady who owns the whole house wants a married couple to rent it. So August ropes in Flynn (recently arrived in Bath from Japan) who she has only just met, as he also needs a place to live, to pretend to be her husband, and they get the apartment.
But of course pretending to be married is never going to be easy, and it gets harder as time goes by as they get closer to their neighbours and hate lying to them, and of course even think about dating other people themselves, even though they are quite drawn to one another too, so it does turn into a bit of a tangled web.
I enjoyed the start of the book, but kind of lost a bit of interest towards the end as the relationships got a little bit confusing. But I did like all the characters and it had a nice happy ending.
July 26, 2021
I’ve enjoyed Lisa Dickenson/Isla Gordon’s books for many years now, and this one was no exception.
This story was so much fun. In order to live in a dream home, August and Flynn tell a lie. We then get to enjoy the tale of how they maintain this, with much hilarity, awkwardness, and some lovely, sweet moments.
I really liked Flynn, he seemed kind and caring, though rather overworked! I liked the easy relationship that August and Flynn had, right from the start (though it gets awkward later). I really enjoyed the humorous moments that are sprinkled throughout the story.
I read this book when I had a migraine, on the hottest day of the year, and it kept me entertained and interested. I think that speaks pretty highly of it!
The epilogue finished the story off really well, tying up not only August and Flynn’s plot, but the other characters too.
Overall, this book was a lovely mix of humour and heart. It is written with charm, and is just an excellent way to spend a few hours.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
This story was so much fun. In order to live in a dream home, August and Flynn tell a lie. We then get to enjoy the tale of how they maintain this, with much hilarity, awkwardness, and some lovely, sweet moments.
I really liked Flynn, he seemed kind and caring, though rather overworked! I liked the easy relationship that August and Flynn had, right from the start (though it gets awkward later). I really enjoyed the humorous moments that are sprinkled throughout the story.
I read this book when I had a migraine, on the hottest day of the year, and it kept me entertained and interested. I think that speaks pretty highly of it!
The epilogue finished the story off really well, tying up not only August and Flynn’s plot, but the other characters too.
Overall, this book was a lovely mix of humour and heart. It is written with charm, and is just an excellent way to spend a few hours.
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
September 27, 2023
It's actually a 2.5 star read.
About the book:
All I can say that this book is a meet-cute slash romcom turn slice of life story. In other words, exciting in the first quarter and begin to bring in whirlwind emotions in slow pace progress for the rest of the chapters.
From a woman having unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger, making a fake marriage to live in her dream house to understanding that life is more than living such dream.
From a man having to get into marriage of convenient to discovering the need for letting go and learning to be honest with own feeling to find happiness.
Personal thoughts:
What I appreciate about this writing is it reminded us that living based on lies will only grant us "a moment' of happiness. And mind you happiness it what we define them as. What much more important is a mind that is at peace where ever we are, neither dream house nor successful career equals to happiness guaranteed.
What disappoint me is that the story gives too much attention on supporting characters, and then abruptly concludes the relationship between the main characters.
In the end, my curiosity over the ending is the reason that keeps me going till the last page.
About the book:
All I can say that this book is a meet-cute slash romcom turn slice of life story. In other words, exciting in the first quarter and begin to bring in whirlwind emotions in slow pace progress for the rest of the chapters.
From a woman having unexpected encounter with a handsome stranger, making a fake marriage to live in her dream house to understanding that life is more than living such dream.
From a man having to get into marriage of convenient to discovering the need for letting go and learning to be honest with own feeling to find happiness.
Personal thoughts:
What I appreciate about this writing is it reminded us that living based on lies will only grant us "a moment' of happiness. And mind you happiness it what we define them as. What much more important is a mind that is at peace where ever we are, neither dream house nor successful career equals to happiness guaranteed.
What disappoint me is that the story gives too much attention on supporting characters, and then abruptly concludes the relationship between the main characters.
In the end, my curiosity over the ending is the reason that keeps me going till the last page.
August 29, 2021
A flat has become available in the house that August has dreamed of most of her life.
Flynn has just arrived in the UK and his living situation has just fallen through.
The landlady wants a married couple.
Flynn and August must pretend to be married so they can both resolve their living arrangements, but are the two able to keep separate business from pleasure?
This is a really light-hearted easy read, with both characters growing and learning from their past.
The description of their fake wedding, proposal and honeymoon had me smiling throughout. And 'bumping uglies' - even I knew what that meant and had to control my laughter as it was gone midnight and I was up reading in bed.
This was a novel I couldn't put down because I didn't have to think too hard to imagine what was happening.
I have read other novels by this author as she uses different aliases and I look forward to reading more from her.
Flynn has just arrived in the UK and his living situation has just fallen through.
The landlady wants a married couple.
Flynn and August must pretend to be married so they can both resolve their living arrangements, but are the two able to keep separate business from pleasure?
This is a really light-hearted easy read, with both characters growing and learning from their past.
The description of their fake wedding, proposal and honeymoon had me smiling throughout. And 'bumping uglies' - even I knew what that meant and had to control my laughter as it was gone midnight and I was up reading in bed.
This was a novel I couldn't put down because I didn't have to think too hard to imagine what was happening.
I have read other novels by this author as she uses different aliases and I look forward to reading more from her.
July 24, 2021
I liked the alternating pov’s for the leads August and Flynn. Both were a little lost and looking at the Elizabeth Street as a kickstart to new lives. They had nice chemistry and a good connection from the the start and I liked how easy and naturally their friendship formed even in the strange circumstances they found themselves in. I appreciated that both felt bad about their white lie as well. The book did slow down in the middle and I was not too keen on what the author did with Poppy and Abe. I would have preferred more time spent on both Flynn and August getting to grips with their changing relationship/ burgeoning feelings. Overall a sweet, charming book set in a gorgeous city. (3 ⭐️)
September 1, 2024
Grosse déception! J'avais adoré les romances de Noël d'Isla Gordon donc j'ai eu envie de lire ce livre-ci mais alors j'ai pas du tout le même avis que pour les autres malheureusement.
Ce n'était peut être pas le bon moment pour moi pour lire ce livre mais je me suis vraiment ennuyée. J'ai trouvé qu'il ne se passait rien de très intéressant, pas mal de moments m'ont paru asses répétitifs. Je pensais que l'arrivée de Poppy dans l'histoire allait apporter un peu d'action mais même pas, je n'ai d'ailleurs pas compris l'intérêt d'intégrer ce personnage. Le faux triangle amoureux avec Abe m'a fait levé les yeux au ciel. Bref, ça ne l'a pas fait pour moi.
Ce n'était peut être pas le bon moment pour moi pour lire ce livre mais je me suis vraiment ennuyée. J'ai trouvé qu'il ne se passait rien de très intéressant, pas mal de moments m'ont paru asses répétitifs. Je pensais que l'arrivée de Poppy dans l'histoire allait apporter un peu d'action mais même pas, je n'ai d'ailleurs pas compris l'intérêt d'intégrer ce personnage. Le faux triangle amoureux avec Abe m'a fait levé les yeux au ciel. Bref, ça ne l'a pas fait pour moi.
August 27, 2025
Fake dating romance trope- but to the extreme - fake married instead!
A easy going read based in one of my favourite UK cities, Bath (with some scenes in my hometown Weston-super-Mare!)
A funny story, about a guy and girl who both want the apartment that's available in Bath, but overhears the landlady saying she only wants a married couple.
What's the worst that could happen?
As lies weave, and emotions and relationships develop April and Flynn can't keep up this pretence any longer.
I have really enjoyed Isla Gordons books so far, this didn't disappoint.
A easy going read based in one of my favourite UK cities, Bath (with some scenes in my hometown Weston-super-Mare!)
A funny story, about a guy and girl who both want the apartment that's available in Bath, but overhears the landlady saying she only wants a married couple.
What's the worst that could happen?
As lies weave, and emotions and relationships develop April and Flynn can't keep up this pretence any longer.
I have really enjoyed Isla Gordons books so far, this didn't disappoint.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2021
Such a cute and heartwarming story! The characters are all lovable and the description of Bath makes me want to visit :-) I loved the description of the street and house where August wants to live, I could really feel her passion and wanted to move in as well..
This is the perfect book if you're looking for a cute love story, an easy and heartwarming read for the summer (or winter) or if you're in a reading slump.
This is the perfect book if you're looking for a cute love story, an easy and heartwarming read for the summer (or winter) or if you're in a reading slump.
December 21, 2021
Really simple plot and easy read. Cutesie story though frustrating because of the lack of communication with the main characters (typical) But I just don't understand why it was anyone's business whether the two main characters were really married or not. The reaction at the end from people who had found out that their marriage was fake was a but much like how does it affect you that they are not really married ???
June 21, 2022
The Wedding Pact is the story of August and Flynn who pretend to be married in order to secure a tenancy in a building August has long wanted to live in. Needing a place to stay, Flynn agrees.
I thought the premise of this story was really interesting and the characters were likeable too, however, my interest in the story began to wane after a while as situations became a bit repetitive. The setting for the book was lovely and it made for an easy read.
I thought the premise of this story was really interesting and the characters were likeable too, however, my interest in the story began to wane after a while as situations became a bit repetitive. The setting for the book was lovely and it made for an easy read.
April 10, 2023
Really loved this! I was a bit wary it would drag on a bit due to the length but wow I was impressed. The short chapters and swapping between 2 characters dialogues kept me hooked. I loved finding more out about their backgrounds and reading about their daily lives. I rate this highly at 4.5 the only thing that kept it from being a 5 was the fact nothing more exciting or unexpected happened which would of been a nice twist.
July 21, 2025
This started off interesting and engaging. It has a wonderful meet-cute and I was hooked very early. Then, it sort of stuttered to a crawl. There was too much humdrum. I am generally not a fan of the whole "I have feelings, but he/she doesn't" trope for too long, and this was far too long. This would have been close to a five star for me if the pace from the beginning had kept up, and the main characters had shown a little more nerve!
August 3, 2021
An absolutely wonderful read.
Romantic, touching and yet despite the unlikely in some ways story - very real. I found myself up until the small hours finishing the book - which I read in 24h.
Isla Gordon paints a wonderful picture of Bath as a place to live - and of August and Flynn.
Highly recommended - the perfect summer read!
Romantic, touching and yet despite the unlikely in some ways story - very real. I found myself up until the small hours finishing the book - which I read in 24h.
Isla Gordon paints a wonderful picture of Bath as a place to live - and of August and Flynn.
Highly recommended - the perfect summer read!
August 3, 2021
The Wedding Pact was a nice, easy read. I like the way that Isla switches between August and Flynn’s point of view, and all of the characters were lovable & warm. The plot on the back of the book really does cover off everything about this story, so from me, if you are after a heart warming, easy summer read, then this is absolutely for you!
October 21, 2021
A fun, refreshing read set in one of my favourite locations! Lovely, light hearted read!
Really enjoyable story about two strangers and their journey together after a chance meeting. Great storyline and so easy to read with the narrative naturally swapping between the two main characters. Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley
Really enjoyable story about two strangers and their journey together after a chance meeting. Great storyline and so easy to read with the narrative naturally swapping between the two main characters. Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley
February 15, 2022
When I bought this book, I didn’t realise that Isla Gordon was a pseudonym for Lisa Dickenson…once I realised, I knew this would be a great book. I just loved everything about this book. I loved August and Flynn and all of the other characters so much, I was really immersed in their world. I can’t fault this book at all, it was the perfect read for the Valentines period!
July 12, 2022
Started quite brightly then got lost in a rigmarole of deceptions. Didn’t come across as a well thought out plot & just rumbled along. A better editor might have done a decent job on this book but I was bored with it a third of the way through but kept going. It’s not even bad enough to recommend to insomniacs as it is not that boring just a dismal failure
September 4, 2021
I loved everything about this book, especially August and Flynn and how their lives became entwined in the most bizarre way. The short chapters which flitted between each of the main characters made it very easy to read.
An absolute delight of a book.
An absolute delight of a book.
January 2, 2022
Lovely book! The characters are all very likeable and relatable. The relationship between the two main characters is sweet and so refreshing to read.
The character development was also extremely pleasant and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
The character development was also extremely pleasant and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
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