Synopsis

In this relentlessly paced novel of psychological suspense, New York Times bestselling author Michelle Richmond crafts an intense and shocking tale that asks: How far would you go to protect your marriage?

Newlyweds Alice and Jake are a picture-perfect couple. Alice, once a singer in a well-known rock band, is now a successful lawyer. Jake is a partner in an up-and-coming psychology practice. Their life together holds endless possibilities. After receiving an enticing wedding gift from one of Alice’s prominent clients, they decide to join an exclusive and mysterious group known only as The Pact.

The goal of The Pact seems simple: to keep marriages happy and intact. And most of its rules make sense. Always answer the phone when your spouse calls. Exchange thoughtful gifts monthly. Plan a trip together once per quarter. . . . Never mention The Pact to anyone.

Alice and Jake are initially seduced by the glamorous parties, the sense of community, their widening social circle of like-minded couples. And then one of them breaks the rules. The young lovers are about to discover that for adherents to The Pact, membership, like marriage, is for life. And The Pact will go to any lengths to enforce that rule. For Jake and Alice, the marriage of their dreams is about to become their worst nightmare.

Review

I was able to get a copy of this early from Netgalley and WOW!

I have always known that marriage takes work between both parties, but The Pact is a bit extreme in its measures! Most of us might call The Pact a cult because of its rules and the punishments if you break the rules.

Alice & Jake might seem like an unlikely couple but they complement each other quite well and this induction into The Pact (TP) tests even their love for each other. Are the rules really there to help or are they there for some other nefarious reason?

This book had me on the edge at various times wondering if belonging to TP was a good or bad thing. Sometimes it seemed like a good thing but as they delve further into the organization it is not all it is cracked up to be but there is no way out. I wondered at times if Alice was being brainwashed or if she really was looking deeper into herself and her actions as part of a married couple.

There are some surprises near the end and after those are revealed I truly did not expect the ending. No spoilers but I wish there had been an epilogue to explain a little bit more of what happened. If nothing else, this book will make you think about how you view married life or being part of a couple.

We give this 4 paws up