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Catalpa Creek #7
The Loner in my Marriage Pact
Marrying my best friend seemed like the best way to keep him in my life, but it might be the one thing that pushes him away for good.
The first time I saw Jared Reynolds, I wanted to lean into him and steal some of his warmth and laid back, easygoing nature. I also wanted to kiss him, but I tucked that away. Wanting anything too much has never worked out for me.
I’ll blame the wine until my dying day, but I was entirely sober when I agreed to Jared’s offer to marry me if I was still single in three years. He only offered because I’d been emotional and complaining about my perpetual single status. But I took him up on it anyway because I knew, even after just meeting him, that I never wanted to let him go.
In the past three years, Jared has become my very best friend. He probably doesn’t even remember our pact, but I’ll never forget. I might not deserve him, but one thing I know for sure about Jared is that he never breaks a promise. If I ask, he’ll marry me. And no matter what happens, he’ll remain loyal to those vows.
Except Jared’s not interested in settling for a loveless marriage and I’m afraid I’m not only at risk of losing the perfect husband, I might lose my best friend, too.
The first time I saw Jared Reynolds, I wanted to lean into him and steal some of his warmth and laid back, easygoing nature. I also wanted to kiss him, but I tucked that away. Wanting anything too much has never worked out for me.
I’ll blame the wine until my dying day, but I was entirely sober when I agreed to Jared’s offer to marry me if I was still single in three years. He only offered because I’d been emotional and complaining about my perpetual single status. But I took him up on it anyway because I knew, even after just meeting him, that I never wanted to let him go.
In the past three years, Jared has become my very best friend. He probably doesn’t even remember our pact, but I’ll never forget. I might not deserve him, but one thing I know for sure about Jared is that he never breaks a promise. If I ask, he’ll marry me. And no matter what happens, he’ll remain loyal to those vows.
Except Jared’s not interested in settling for a loveless marriage and I’m afraid I’m not only at risk of losing the perfect husband, I might lose my best friend, too.
- GenresContemporary
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2022
19 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Sadler
46 books115 followersKatharine Sadler lives with her husband in North Carolina. She’s been writing since she was ten and has wanted to be a writer even longer. When she’s not writing or otherwise gainfully occupied, she reads like it’s an addiction, exercises, skis whenever she gets the chance, and adds more books to her Amazon wish list.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 11, 2022
This. Was. Perfect.
I’ve read a couple of Sadler’s other books and in both cases, I liked the characters and the depth that they had, but it was always the reconciliation at the end that ended up falling flat for me. This, however, was wonderful from start to finish.
Jared is incredibly supportive of Brittany and it was wonderful to have such a devoted MMC. In fact, they were both really supportive of each other and their friendship really shone in the beginning, which I think set a great stage for their relationship to advance to a romantic one.
That being said, both Jared and Brittany have their hangups and flaws, and their struggle to overcome that was really well done here (even if I wanted to slap Britanny up the head once or twice). I will say, however, that this story relied a lot on miscommunications and assumptions, so if you’re one of those people that really dislike that in a plot, then perhaps this isn’t for you. I also tend not to like lots of miscommunication, but I was okay with it here because it actually matched the characters and didn’t seem like it was there just to create drama for the sake of the plot.
As for smut, there are a few detailed but not overly-explicit open-door sex scenes, and I should note that Brittany is a 31-year-old virgin.
I haven't read any of the other stories in this particular series but it definitely seemed like there were appearances from other couples, so long-time readers of Catalpa Creek will probably enjoy that. There was, however, a little cameo from one of the characters in another series that I did read, so I loved that little appearance.
Honestly, I am just so pleasantly surprised by this story and I swear, like half of the things in this book are things that I don’t normally like (e.g. focus on kids and family, nosey small-town characters, wanderlust, miscommunication) but this was just done so well that I can’t help but love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’ve read a couple of Sadler’s other books and in both cases, I liked the characters and the depth that they had, but it was always the reconciliation at the end that ended up falling flat for me. This, however, was wonderful from start to finish.
Jared is incredibly supportive of Brittany and it was wonderful to have such a devoted MMC. In fact, they were both really supportive of each other and their friendship really shone in the beginning, which I think set a great stage for their relationship to advance to a romantic one.
That being said, both Jared and Brittany have their hangups and flaws, and their struggle to overcome that was really well done here (even if I wanted to slap Britanny up the head once or twice). I will say, however, that this story relied a lot on miscommunications and assumptions, so if you’re one of those people that really dislike that in a plot, then perhaps this isn’t for you. I also tend not to like lots of miscommunication, but I was okay with it here because it actually matched the characters and didn’t seem like it was there just to create drama for the sake of the plot.
As for smut, there are a few detailed but not overly-explicit open-door sex scenes, and I should note that Brittany is a 31-year-old virgin.
I haven't read any of the other stories in this particular series but it definitely seemed like there were appearances from other couples, so long-time readers of Catalpa Creek will probably enjoy that. There was, however, a little cameo from one of the characters in another series that I did read, so I loved that little appearance.
Honestly, I am just so pleasantly surprised by this story and I swear, like half of the things in this book are things that I don’t normally like (e.g. focus on kids and family, nosey small-town characters, wanderlust, miscommunication) but this was just done so well that I can’t help but love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2022
This has been my favorite book in the series so far! I resonated with Brittany so much and Jared is just SO GOOD! Such a sweetheart and they were delightfully perfect for each other.
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September 12, 2022The Loner in my Marriage Pact is available now from Amazon!
September 13, 2022
This is the last book in the Catalapa Creek Series and I must say that I enjoyed each and every book in this series. Sadler has done a great build up to this ultimate book and done a wonderful job setting this up story in Book 6 The Hermit on the Hill. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, the appearances of Sam, Brittany's brother, and Jenna, Jared sister, along with their children will definitely help you understand the humor and the connection that Brittany and Jared's story uses. With that said, this book was more on the dramatic side than the previous 6 books. But I must admit that the storyline here along with Brittany and Jared's personalities merit a story that has a more subtle and heartfelt type of humor than the usual rancorous laughter that Cody and the others had and which Cody in particular brought to this book as a great mood lightener.
I would not miss this book because of the more subtle humor, because all the trademarks of Sadler's style are here and on full display... great dialogue, slow burn sexual tension leading to full on open door scorching scenes, the whole of the Reynold's clan is here for the HEA you can always count on and a whole passel of new family members connected with the Oakley Family are introduced throughout as well as the new vets in Jared's practice/office that leave me hoping that even though this chapter of the Reynold's family has closed they will as guests in new stories set in the great small town and community.
FINAL THOUGHT: It was a great to see that Sadler truly made each book in this series a unique story for each character-- even if that meant a different type of humor or humorous style. Some authors keep returning to the same type or style of humor for each book they write and after 4 or 5 books, especially when read in a row, a reader can almost predict what will be said or what the beat in the narrative will be. This is not the case for any of the books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would not miss this book because of the more subtle humor, because all the trademarks of Sadler's style are here and on full display... great dialogue, slow burn sexual tension leading to full on open door scorching scenes, the whole of the Reynold's clan is here for the HEA you can always count on and a whole passel of new family members connected with the Oakley Family are introduced throughout as well as the new vets in Jared's practice/office that leave me hoping that even though this chapter of the Reynold's family has closed they will as guests in new stories set in the great small town and community.
FINAL THOUGHT: It was a great to see that Sadler truly made each book in this series a unique story for each character-- even if that meant a different type of humor or humorous style. Some authors keep returning to the same type or style of humor for each book they write and after 4 or 5 books, especially when read in a row, a reader can almost predict what will be said or what the beat in the narrative will be. This is not the case for any of the books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2022
4.9 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this book. I do not usually go higher than a 4.8 ⭐️, but this one deserves it. I loved the dual POV so we knew what each character was thinking and feeling. As someone who was once in love with her best friend (& he no longer is my best friend due to me telling him I was in love with him and him not reciprocating), I totally understood how they were afraid to tell how they felt b/c they were afraid they’d lose their best friend. With it being an 800+ page book, I was afraid it would feel like it was dragging, too much unnecessary detail, etc, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I read it in a little over a day (granted, it’s the weekend & I’m recovering from surgery so was able to just read). I didn’t want to put the book down.
Although I got frustrated that it took them so long to share their feelings with each other, it did not feel like it dragged.
There was great chemistry between the MCs. They were total opposites, but balanced each other out. There was great banter & the supporting characters were fun & felt like actual characters instead of afterthoughts (as seems to happen in many books). I liked that the author used several names that were uncommon, as it set her apart from all the other stories that tend to use the same names that are “popular” right now. I was happy the MCs got a HEA & would love for there to be more books on the side characters where we see a glimpse into the HEA in the years to come.
The editing was fantastic and I greatly appreciate that as I get distracted by grammatical errors.
I would definitely recommend this book. It has all the elements of a great book: great character development, fun/laughter, angst, steam and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Although I got frustrated that it took them so long to share their feelings with each other, it did not feel like it dragged.
There was great chemistry between the MCs. They were total opposites, but balanced each other out. There was great banter & the supporting characters were fun & felt like actual characters instead of afterthoughts (as seems to happen in many books). I liked that the author used several names that were uncommon, as it set her apart from all the other stories that tend to use the same names that are “popular” right now. I was happy the MCs got a HEA & would love for there to be more books on the side characters where we see a glimpse into the HEA in the years to come.
The editing was fantastic and I greatly appreciate that as I get distracted by grammatical errors.
I would definitely recommend this book. It has all the elements of a great book: great character development, fun/laughter, angst, steam and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
Brittany and Jared are good friends who at some point spoke about marrying each other in case they can't find anyone else. When she returns to remind him about it he is half happy and half sad because he wants her but it seems like she only wants a marriage of convenience. She's traveled around a lot and finds it hard to settle down and commit to anyone because she's got huge abandonment issues. She was adopted and needs to work out her feelings for her birth parents before she can think of making a family of her own.
This story had its lovely moments and I liked the grand gesture in the end, but for much of the book, the constant hot-and-cold thing the characters have going on is a bit whiplash-inducing. If one of them takes a step closer the other one takes a step back, and both are very careful to always communicate badly. In my opinion they needed couples therapy but probably they'd rather solve things with sex.
Series status: Characters from other Catalpa Creek books make appearances but the story stands alone quite well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story had its lovely moments and I liked the grand gesture in the end, but for much of the book, the constant hot-and-cold thing the characters have going on is a bit whiplash-inducing. If one of them takes a step closer the other one takes a step back, and both are very careful to always communicate badly. In my opinion they needed couples therapy but probably they'd rather solve things with sex.
Series status: Characters from other Catalpa Creek books make appearances but the story stands alone quite well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and the premise of the story. Jared and Brittany were friends who relied on each other. These two had decided incase they were still single in three years they will get married . The story was captivating and beautifully written. It was emotional and with angst though at times a bit frustrating. The author has done a fantastic job with sketching both the characters that you understand where they are coming from. Brittany has abandonment issues where as Jared wants love and real relationship. They don’t want to loose the friendship or each other. It was definitely an interesting and emotional roller coaster before these two get their HEA . This is the first time I am reading this author, I liked the blurb and decided to give it a shot. I really enjoyed the author writing style. The book is in series but can be read as standalone. I haven’t read any of the previous books but still enjoyed this one . Can’t wait to read more books by this author.
September 15, 2022
Brittany always feared getting close to people. Somehow she always got left behind. Until she met Jared. She took a chance and gained a BFF. Little did he know she would cash in her chips on their pact. But his career keeps him so busy. And he doesn't want to hold her back. They waltz toward each other until they decide to tango.
Reading Jared and Brittany's coming together was a joy. I laughed (he's a bad flyer) and I cried (abandonment issues). Their families are crazy and fun - brotherly pranks, feuding sisters, new additions, piggies, and a skunk. I loved the ending. Catalpa Creek, VA is the place to be. I look forward to visiting again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reading Jared and Brittany's coming together was a joy. I laughed (he's a bad flyer) and I cried (abandonment issues). Their families are crazy and fun - brotherly pranks, feuding sisters, new additions, piggies, and a skunk. I loved the ending. Catalpa Creek, VA is the place to be. I look forward to visiting again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
Jared and Brittany . . .
** 3.5 Stars **
Jared Reynolds and Brittany Oakley had a strong friendship and could rely on each other. When she was upset at the likelihood of forever being single, Jared offered to marry her if they were both still single in 3 years. Jared wants a real marriage based on love. Brittany has issues of abandonment she needs to deal with before she can offer a proper basis for marriage. With miscommunication or lack of communication, things get messed up. Fear of losing friendship is also an issue that causes a delay. Will someone open up and start saying how they feel? If they can’t, perhaps they are truly not ready for a grown-up relationship.
** 3.5 Stars **
Jared Reynolds and Brittany Oakley had a strong friendship and could rely on each other. When she was upset at the likelihood of forever being single, Jared offered to marry her if they were both still single in 3 years. Jared wants a real marriage based on love. Brittany has issues of abandonment she needs to deal with before she can offer a proper basis for marriage. With miscommunication or lack of communication, things get messed up. Fear of losing friendship is also an issue that causes a delay. Will someone open up and start saying how they feel? If they can’t, perhaps they are truly not ready for a grown-up relationship.
September 12, 2022
Loved this cute book in this series.
You see the ups and downs of the characters and their struggles on making life choices and relationship choices. They met up at a wedding and said if they weren't married within three years they'd marry the other.
And in the three years, they became best friends.
But they were scared of the idea of marriage ruining what they had, and the freedom it could take from each other.
So what to do?
Such a good book and I enjoyed all the other characters from other books pop in and out.
You see the ups and downs of the characters and their struggles on making life choices and relationship choices. They met up at a wedding and said if they weren't married within three years they'd marry the other.
And in the three years, they became best friends.
But they were scared of the idea of marriage ruining what they had, and the freedom it could take from each other.
So what to do?
Such a good book and I enjoyed all the other characters from other books pop in and out.
September 12, 2022
I enjoyed reading the flame of romance ignited between Brit and Jared from the very start. The author depicts their story so well - it's a novel where there are lots of emotions between both characters. Ultimately it boils down to them both being afraid of the consequences if they step away from the friendship zone and into the husband/wife zone instead. I felt the ending was a bit drawn out unnecessarily but I do love a happy ending which the author did brilliantly. Thanks to Booksprout for allowing me the opportunity to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
This is the 7th book in this series, and this is Jared and Brittany’s story. These two have been BFF, and they made a pact, which Brittany intends to cash in on. This is a well written story which is humorous, and with witty banter, crazy antics, family, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and heartfelt page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2023
I love the characters and their story. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is the timeline inconsistencies! Between their story, her backstory, and in relation to the series, there are several issues that may seem minor but when added up, it made me want to scream! (Then again some people are so picky about grammar they get called grammar nazis…I’m that way about timelines.)
August 8, 2024
1. Jared and Brittany
2. Sam and Jenna
3. Noah and Aubrey
4. Alex and Jill
5. George and May
6. Cody and Carrie
7.* Oliver and Dilly
This series has been a pure joy to read. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every couples' story. I especially love the link to the 5 Wrston sisters in preparation for their sweet stories! Jared is a name I would have used if I'd had any more boys. :)
2. Sam and Jenna
3. Noah and Aubrey
4. Alex and Jill
5. George and May
6. Cody and Carrie
7.* Oliver and Dilly
This series has been a pure joy to read. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every couples' story. I especially love the link to the 5 Wrston sisters in preparation for their sweet stories! Jared is a name I would have used if I'd had any more boys. :)
August 22, 2022
A great book filled with lots of emotions and wonderful characters that I enjoyed reading about. Will definitely check out more books from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The story was well written, the characters though flawed were likeable. The book is well paced and will keep you entertained.
Definitely worth adding to your “read” pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Definitely worth adding to your “read” pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
Overall, this was a really good book. Jared and Brittany were perfect together, and I liked their story. Their HEA was very cute as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2022
I loved reading about Brit and Jared. Since reading the last book and getting a peek at their relationship I’ve been excited to see how it all worked out for them. Because obviously they had to be together! Friends to lovers is so hard for me because I know how each of them feels, but they hold their true feelings so close to the vest so as not to get hurt. This was a little different because of their reasons for not taking the next step- especially Brit. From their first meeting I was hooked and I love how it turned out.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews