The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I first started to read this book I went into it expecting a simple age gap romance but it truly is so much more. Filled with many twists and turns along the way and characters that will have you re-evaluating them constantly this really is an intriguing read.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the start, The Handshake Agreement is a page turner. If you enjoy romance and forbidden loves, this will keep your attention. I do not read many romance books because (in my opinion) they are almost always alike. This one took me by surprise and I got into it much more than I thought that I would. Declan comes from a world of money and power, and it is all in the palm of his hand…if he accepts his father’s deal. Marry the girl of his choosing, and it will all be his. Declan accepts the agreement, asking for 10 years to do what he pleases before the agreement is signed in stone. Eight years later, Declan is picking up his younger sister from school and is asked to take her new friend, Anne, home as well. In the car, their eyes meet in the mirror and he feels a spark, but is determined to ignore it. Anne felt the same spark and connection Declan did, but after her father’s death and her mother’s depression, she wants no part of love. Three years later, Declan and Anne find themselves crossing paths again. Anne agrees to one night with Declan, no strings attached. As you may have guessed, this is not the fate of the two, and end up falling for each other. Keeping the relationship a secret can only last so long, as Declan’s dad has not forgotten the handshake agreement, and still expects his heir to marry sensibly. Now it is time for him to cash in on his part of the arrangement, and marry his bride to be. What will Declan do? Will he choose love over money and expectations, or will he leave Anne and fulfill his prophecy of being the golden child his dad expects? What will become of Anne when Declan pushes her away to marry for money and power? Will they resolve the relationship or find a way to persevere? This age gap romance has a great storyline and was easy to follow and hard to put down. I will be searching out the other books from this author and giving romance another chance!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
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The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho follows the story of Annie and Declan. Though he has promised his father, through a handshake agreement, that he will marry the woman of his fathers choosing, all that changes when Declan meets Annie. Annie is a friend of Delcans younger sister and he will stop at nothing to make her his. This book contains many themes including a possessive, alpha male; stalking; and an age gap. I’d say this is a good book if you enjoy those themes. There’s definitely some major twists.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Declan wants the world at his feet, without taking care of any family related matter. But his father has ordered him to settle with the woman of his approval and if the son wants the power will accept, which Declan does.
Anne is a good English woman who has close her heart and mind to love, being 18 little has to do with it and life can be complicated enough.
Their lives will change in a destiny after noon, and both will have to choke on their words.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a new to me author and so glad I took a chance. This story was a pretty good love story. This book kept me reading and turning page after page. The main characters of Anne and Declan are victims of insta-love. One look and they were hooked. However, because of their beliefs (he’s her best friend’s older brother) and the situation (he is rising up through Dad’s company and keeping the family name at the top) neither actually believe their feelings.
I loved the way things worked out though. Such a twist! Looking forward to more from this author.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a powerful read this book was, it had me feeling so many different emotions, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to laugh or cry or yell at Declan, our main character as I saw the way he interacted with Anne. These characters have so much dimension to them, you feel like you understand everything about them, and then the author throws you a curve ball and introduces new characters who jumble up everything. When Anne and Declan met for the first time, I figured she would be a small character in the book, but boy was I way wrong! She will surprise you through every experience she goes through, and then some. Do not underestimate the power of this woman, because she really does give Declan a run for his money, and then some more besides.
This book was amazing, it has everything you could ever want in a romance book, from intriguing characters to characters that care nothing about anyone but themselves. Do not let the cover fool you, this is no ordinary romance novel, it’s got mystery, thrilling action, and family feuds to boot. I could not put this book down once I got started, there were several late nights of reading because just one more chapter…which continued to yet another, I couldn’t put it down.
@Brandy Rymer
07/2024
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212981201-the-handshake-agreement” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Handshake Agreement” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715055491l/212981201._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212981201-the-handshake-agreement”>The Handshake Agreement</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15266964.A_Akinosho”>A. Akinosho</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6659931388″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Declan and Anne put us through a ringer trying to figure out whether or not they would be together. Anne is his younger sisters friend and he tried his best to steer clear of them. When these two met though there was something about Anne that was different than all the others. Anne doesn’t believe in love so when their relationship goes from platonic to more intimate, she proposes that they have a no strings attached arrangement. It worked until she caught feelings. Left at the alter by Declan she is heartbroken but moves on. Several years later Declan needs to make good on the agreement he made with his father. He has the perfect bride in mind however she is engaged to another. He will stop at nothing to make sure he’s the one exchanging “I do” with Anne but will she take him back? This is the first book I have read by this author but I enjoyed her style. This story flowed nicely and kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured out I was thrown for a loop. I have some books by this author on my TBR list that I will now definitely need to get to.
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The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho was surprisingly a decent book. There were a few parts in the beginning where I found myself not enjoying it and feeling as if what was happening was a little cringy. I also found that there were a lot of grammar errors. And while I typically am okay with that, it did make parts difficult to read. I felt as though parts of the relationship between Anne and Declan were fast and awkward but I did find myself enjoying the story overall. Declan is known as a womanizer and one week and done with them type of guy. Anne is his younger sisters friend. She’s awkward and new to the country but she is bold and sticks up for herself. I quite enjoyed her character as she took no crap from anyone. Declan is a little pushy and controlling and at times felt like too much. But their attraction and desire was hot and heavy. There were a lot of things I was not expecting and that’s why I found myself really enjoying the story overall. The only thing I’d wish is that it not be as long and have been edited a bit better simply for ease of reading.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Two very different outlooks on what “love” is. Every time I read one of A. Akinosho’s books I am in a trance until I read The End. Dual perspectives Declan and Anne.
Declan had it all, or at least was ready to step into his “rightful” place to get it all. He had just graduated from college, top of his class and accepted the idea of an arranged marriage. He only had one rule, give him ten years to enjoy his life on his own. Eight years later and he knows big changes will be coming but he isn’t sure yet. Anne, Sara, Declan’s younger sister, is her only friend. Growing up in London she may have imitated some American things and loved watching movies with her friends but to be shipped off to American to live permanently was never on her to do list in life. Unfortunately, life had other plans for her. She has no time or need for love. Declan doesn’t even believe in the idea of love or that it’s even possible for him until the day their eyes met. The day before Sara’s eighteenth birthday there was a chance encounter when Declan picked Sara up from school and Anne was with her. When their eyes met in the rearview mirror, he didn’t even understand the sudden rush he felt but he was determined to “kill” it before it could inevitably fall apart. Years later and suddenly the agreement is a bigger problem than he ever could have imagined.
Is it possible to truly find love when you’re not looking for it? Will Declan and Anne find a way to overcome all and find a way to make it work? This world pulls you in the characters worm into your soul and holds you prisoner until you truly know their story. Declan stands up to his father and Anne accepts the beauty in finding someone. Pain is inevitable in life, but to love and be loved gives it true meaning. This love story is full of twists and turns that leave you rushing through in prayer for a happy ending they both deserve.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story, right from the start, is a rollercoaster, a page-turner that you will not be able to put down.
Delcon was the playboy type who made a deal with the devil. Never thinking he was the marrying type, he promised to allow his dad to choose his wife when the time came. Little did Delcon know that with one single look, he would fall head over heels in love with his baby sister´s new best friend. Anne moved from the UK and became best friends with Sara. Anne has heard all the stories about Sara´s much older brother Delcon, but it isn´t until their eyes lock that she realizes why all the girls swoon over him. However, the timing isn´t right; he can´t portray his little sister that way. A few years pass, and Delcon and Anne´s paths cross again. The older and wiser Anne is only willing to allow Delcon to hit it and move on. But the universe would not allow that. The two keep their relationship a secret and are madly in love. Delcon forgot about the deal he made with the devil (Delcon´s dad). Anne, Sara, and Delcon will never forgive each other, but Delcon has to break his promise to keep Anne alive. Even if it means breaking his own heart in the process.
Reviewed by @alape
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. The cover stole my attention and after reading the synopsis, I thought I’d give it a go. The first chapter pulled me in quite easily and before I knew it, I had read the entire book in one day! The author has such a unique way of crafting the story that makes you lose all sense of time, so I hope you have finished your errands before you pick it up. The chemistry is easily felt between the characters, and they definitely were thrown on an emotional rollercoaster of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I am a sucker for a possessive MMC, so Declan was right up my alley. I am absolutely looking forward to picking up many more books by this author. I highly recommend giving this one a chance if you enjoy age-gap, second-chance romances!
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It is full of twists and turns that keep you glued to the pages. One of those reads that is hard to put down. It follows main characters Anne and Declan in their love story. After abandoning her at the alter the two don’t see each other again for awhile. But then Declan is back and demanding another chance. Pick up the book to find out how their second chance at love goes!
The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
With just a look, Declan falls in love with his little sister’s friend, Anne. Declan is a bachelor and plays that role well. However, when he meets Anne, something changes in him. Declan is 10 years older than Anne so when they first meet he puts his unexplained feelings on hold for quite some time until he feels she is ready. As a college student, Declan now approaches Anne about the chemistry they have and wants to explore. The problem is Anne knows too much info about Delcan and doesn’t know how to always respond to his advances but promises to give it a shot. However, there is a lot of interference that is happening in the relationship. Will Declan stay true to his words and promise her a relationship she never wanted? Will he fight for her?
I enjoyed their story. There were a lot of twists and turns that occurred throughout their journey. At the beginning, I thought the relationship was weird and Declan was a little bit of an ass. However, the relationship they develop grew on me, as well as, the characters. The story moves pretty quickly along and becomes a quick read.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great story about finding love when you least expect it then fighting for that love through a lot of difficulties. It reminded me of the After series a little bit due to the main male character and his actions. It does bounce around a lot but it was a cute romance.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a second chance contemporary romance. It is full of emotions, turmoil, broken promises, family dynamics and finding and losing love.
Declan decided he doesn’t need or want to marry for love. He’s sees women as just things to use including his future wife. He doesn’t care about loving her as life my as she increases his status. That is until he meets Anne.
Finally he finds someone he could truly love but when a past agreement with his dad returns to haunt him he loses her.
Anne didn’t believe in love and fairytales. She doesn’t want to think about love until she meets Declan. He sweeps into her life and promises her the world but eventually he breaks her heart making her realise that love isn’t worth the pain.
Fast forward and Declan and Anne meet again. Declan wants her back and is prepared to do anything to get her but will Anne fall for him again.
This is a emotional rollercoaster of a read. This author always puts her characters through everything possible before they stand a chance at the HEA.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read work by this author before I just had to give this book a try. It has a couple of my favorite tropes in it like an age-gap, second-chance romance. Even though The age gap was on the younger side it was still a great read. Anne and Declan’s story was filled with twists and turns that you’d never see coming and with chemistry,alpha-type male mc drama, and spiciness. After reading this nonstop I was thrilled to see Anne and Declan got their HEA. Akinosho’s writing style is crisp and compelling, drawing readers into the amazing world she had built. I can wait to see more from this series and more from this author 🥰
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting read for me. Definitely an age gap with a possessive MMC, but knowing that ahead of time was not essential, though it helped me know what to expect from the story. The family dynamics were quite interesting with lots of layers for both Declan and for Anne. But I most appreciated the way that different cultures and languages were pulled into the story to really enhance the characters of Anne, her brother, and her roommate. Declan and Anne’s connection was interesting and I did like the way that there was a back and forth and up and down and all around from beginning to the end. I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt compared to how drawn out their relationship was, but overall, a decent book.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you want a book that has a lot of twists and turns that you don’t expect this one is for you. I picked this up thinking that it sounded like a good book by an author I had never read. It did not disappoint. I will be reading more from this author later.
It’s a little different than what I normally read and maybe that’s why I found it so appealing.
Declan’s sister Sara is always having friends over and they all try to hit on Declan since he is such a catch. Declan wants no part of it most of the time. He tries to stay away from them. One day his Mom asked him to pick up Sara for her and when he got there she asked him if he would give her friend Anne a ride. Just so happens while they are waiting on Anne to come to the car, Terry pushes Anne into the pool. She gets in Declan’s car and is soaking wet.
Check out the story, I don’t want to tell you too much of what happens because I don’t want to give anything away.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked this story of Declan and Anne. This is an age gap romance as Declan is about 10 years older than Anne. Declan works at his father’s company and is told that he needs to stop being a player and settle down. Declan says his dad can choose a wife because he doesn’t believe in love, but he wants 10 years. Anne moved to the US from the UK after her dad died and her mom had a breakdown. She is guarded and doesn’t really trust many people, but is one of Declan’s sister’s friends and when their eyes meet during a ride home, they both feel it. They meet one more time at a party and he’s hoping to get her out of his system with a kiss. A few years later he still thinks about Anne often. She is finished with college and they decide to meet up. The book follows their relationships over many years. He is sometimes demanding and overprotective and she is naive but also independent. I struggled a bit with some missing background. Declan often refers to his brothers, but he isn’t talking about his actual brother Julian, it is a group of friends that have known each other and worked together for years. He’s definitely written as an alpha, almost like the mafia or a motorcycle club but he doesn’t ride.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance
I overall enjoyed the book. Still confused about the timeline of the story and Anne’s reaction to something that happened.
Declan is an insufferable Alpha in every way but under that armor he wears is a guy with a huge heart and loves fiercely when it happens.
Anne has had her heart broken more times than most people could handle and I think those are what caused her to react the way she did to some of the situations.
Looking forward to see what Ms. Akinosho has in store for us.
The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance
by A Akinosho
Akinosho is a new author to me. This book was not my cup of tea.
However the book has been well written, the characters are likeable. I did find this book ran slow in some parts but ran smoothly in other parts.
If you like a book that has twists and turns, some suspense and heart break then I recommend that you read this book. While I have recommended this book to be read by some of you, it is definitely a book that needs to be read in order for you to make up your own mind. On the way the book is written I am rating this book a 4 star.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not a huge age gap fan, but this book was really really good. I absolutely wanted to throttle Declan at the start of the book when he promised Anna the world and then left her at the alter. The heartbreak that Anna went through, I just wanted to hug her and keep her from the world. When Declan came back into her life I wanted him to just leave and not come back. The ups and down put me through the wringer. When problems would arise and the communication broke down I got really frustrated. I really enjoyed reading this book, and the storyline was written really well and put together.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Declan and Anne …. An age-gap romance, Best Friends Older brother, Second Change, Contemporary Romance. This book falls into so many different categories yet all I can say is it is a really good story. I love Anne with all I have in me. She is a fantastic person and wow she has a heart of gold. This book will draw you in and take you along for all the twists and turns and heartbreak, then patch you up with a drama filled HEA. I loved this story and was rooting for Anne and Declan from the first look in the rear-view mirror.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
This book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the twists and turns Akinosho throws at you. I really enjoyed Anne and Declan’s story and everything they had to go through to eventually get their HEA. Their story has it all…suspense, heartbreak, second-chance, age-gap, alpha touch-her-and-die vibes, etc. I really loved the way Akinosho wrote these two…especially Anne. She isn’t your typically “needy” girl who just fawns over Declan because he’s her best friends older (and very hot) brother. In fact, she tries extremely hard to avoid him. Anne is just a very well-written character and I appreciate that. Declan is very much an alpha (in all the good ways) with an off standish attitude, but touch-my-girl-and-die outlook when it comes to Anne. I really love the dynamic between the two. The plot line is also very well written and flows nicely. You won’t regret picking up this read!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the description I knew I wanted to read Declan and Anne’s story. The author did a great job of pulling me into their world within just the first few pages. Declan is definitely a book boyfriend you won’t forget. And I instantly loved Anne’s character. Each of them definitely didn’t see the other coming and they go through the wringer but I love their story. The author does well with all the characters, I love when side characters pull me in just as much as the main ones. It’s got a nice pace and is well written. Five stars and highly recommended. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3 1/2 Stars
The Handshake Agreement is a second chance with age gap romance filled with drama, power, greed, romance with definite heat. This was a good story, but I was very torn how I felt about Declan…he was just a bit over the top…controlling…at times a bit much of the being possessive. Overall this was a good story with lots of ups and down, a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions.
Declan is looking for money and power…being on top after graduation his father sets his eyes on Declan becoming like him with the company empire that is built. All Declan wants is to become highly successful and being single not looking for love. When Declan meets one of his sister’s friends, Anne, there is instant spark that was undeniable. Anne is new to town and becomes best friends with Sara, Declan’s sister. Anne knows she is definitely not looking for love of any sort, but once she meets Declan, the spark is instant. The attraction between Declan and Anne is fierce.. very consuming…..to the point of minutes of being married…but when Declan’s dad calls an upon him on an agreement that is made long ago… Declan must break Anne’s heart that he promised he would not do. The agreement shakes Declan to the core, but leaving Anne was an ultimate betrayal.
When things start to come to the surface of greed and blackmail…will Declan win back Anne’s trust and love….
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Declan was not the type of person who looked to marry anyone. His dad said he would need to marry someone with the right background and work hard to keep their company in the top 1%. He feels that an arranged marriage would suit him fine and has no intention of being committed. He shakes hands with his dad as he takes over the business. Eight years later, Declan has to pick up his younger sister from school. Sara asks if he will give Anne a ride home, too. When he arrives, Sara tells him that Terry pushed Anne into the pool, and she is soaking wet. She tells him not to mention it because she doesn’t want Anne to feel embarrassed. He makes eye contact with Anne and feels a spark, but keeps the feeling to himself.
In the car with Sara and Declan, Anne felt a connection whenever she looked into his eyes. She didn’t want to fall in love because of what happened to her parents. Her parents loved each other, and her father’s death had caused a big life change. Their mother, too depressed to care for them after his death, sent her and her brother to the United States. That night, at Sara’s birthday party, Declan meets Anne in the garden. He shares a tender kiss with Anne before they part ways.
Three years have passed; Anne is now working at a lounge, and Declan has been following her closely. She hadn’t realized how much he wanted her since the night of his sister’s birthday party. After work, Anne takes the risk of spending a night without obligations to Declan. However, Declan has long-term plans in mind. Likewise, his father hasn’t forgotten their deal from twelve years ago. Anne does not fit into the deal.
This story follows a twisted plot as two people who never wanted to fall in love struggle to fight their feelings. Both viewpoints are clear when switching between Declan and Anne. Just when a happily ever after story seems likely, a sudden plot twist shatters any predictability for this romance novel. The man, who maintains a separate apartment for his flings away from his home, exhibits an obsession with Anne that verges on stalking. Anne’s boyfriends could never resist her first kiss. The suspense builds intensity as supporting characters make their feelings known. Add in a sinister power play, and this makes The Handshake Agreement my number one favorite. I wish I could give this amazing book a higher rating than 5 stars.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212981201-the-handshake-agreement” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Handshake Agreement” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715055491l/212981201._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212981201-the-handshake-agreement”>The Handshake Agreement</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15266964.A_Akinosho”>A. Akinosho</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6609423402″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A new author to me and one that I will certainly be reading more from.<br />This is a contemporary romance with a few twists, age gap, left at the alter and add in second chance and you have got the gist of the book.<br />The characters are both interesting in their own ways, <br />We meet Declan who is introduced as a player, does not believe in love and is the older brother to Sara and as a family they are the epitome of happy families, although all is not quite as it seems from the outside. <br />Anne is a friend of Sara and is a quiet calming personality; she intrigues Declan right from the start: although he falls for her he cannot continue the relationship, there is already a plan in place. <br />Emotional ups and downs lead us to a bride left at the altar only to have their wounds reopened in the future. Who will win the heart of Sara and eventually get their HEA,<br /> <br />
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The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anne was a cynic when it came to love…so imagine her surprise when she finds herself falling for a player like Declan. However, a single text shatters that belief she had in a happily ever after. Years later, Declan returns wanting a second chance…but Anne is engaged to someone else. How far is he willing to go for the one woman he truly loves? Will Anne give him a second chance?
There were more than a handful of times when I found myself frustrated with these characters. The author really put them through it. Anne is a strong lead character…but was definitely weak when it came to Declan (which is not always a bad thing). There were plot twists that kept me guessing what would happen next. And the ending made it all worth it in the end. I will definitely be reading future books from this author.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho is a contemporary romance book. After graduation, Declan makes a deal with his father to marry although he has no interest in marriage. After 8 years, he meets 18-year-old Anne and his feelings change. Declan soon chooses to leave Anne. This story is an age-gap, second-chance romance. The story has an interesting premise. There is a lot of possessiveness on Declan’s part. I got the feeling he was supposed to be an alpha-type. People who like age-gap and second-chance romance may want to give this a chance.
