“The Break-Up Pact” by Emma Lord
Review by Amy Atzert, collection development librarian
June and Levi had a very strong bond when they were teenagers. Friends sure, but for June it felt like more. Then all of a sudden their relationship just fizzled out. Levi left for New York City, while June stayed in Benson Beach to run their family teashop. Running the shop had become almost impossible, not enough customers to keep the business in the black. The tea shop had been her sister’s dream and she couldn’t just give up on it, especially after losing her sister both suddenly and tragically. Even with the support of her family and friends she hadn’t found a way to make the money she needed to save the store. When the landlord shows up and gives her an ultimatum she knows she may have to do something drastic to keep the doors open.
When Levi comes back into town after a horrible and public break up from his celebrity girlfriend, June is intrigued. After all she suffered her own miserable break up that was spread across TikTok for all the world to see. When Levi begins to visit the teashop the two slowly reconnect and the community begins to stand up and take notice. They like what they see. What would happen if they actually became a couple? Could the same media attention that loved their individual misery help them get back what they lost? For June, more customers interested in what she is doing means more tea shop business and for Levi, all the focus on his new relationship could make the girlfriend want him back. So their playful ruse begins and the break-up pact is hatched. Will it work is the question? You will need to read this witty, feel-good romantic comedy to find out.