Savage Promise

Shotgun Mafia #2

by Sky Coppola

Destiny isn’t just a name . Sometimes it’s fate … and worlds colliding.

Ten years ago, it began.

Passion. Lies. Betrayal.

At eighteen, Destiny Hart has her life planned, and her dreams of becoming a veterinarian set.
But life is full of obstacles, and when she’s saved by Carter, a Wyoming rancher’s son, from the terrifying advances of a group of guys intent on bringing Destiny down, a series of events are in motion…

Carter Caldwell is falling for Destiny. But when tragedy strikes at home, he makes a decision––one that rips his and Destiny's world apart and brings heartache to them both.

Book Two is where Carter and Destiny’s epic story begins. Fans of After and Yellowstone will fall for this fresh spin on a coming-of-age, cowboy romance filled with love, drama, and raw emotion.

Sometimes love will burn your world down…

Scroll up and one click to read this coming-of-age, cowboy romance today!

Genres: Westerns

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2023

Reviews

[meka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars!!

As great as I think this is, it felt like it was a completely different story from the first book. It’s more of a retelling/ revisit from the very beginning Carter & Destiny’s story, kinda like a .5 novella. I loved that we got to see their love develop and blossom but the vibe is so different from what I thought the characters were in the first book (granted it’s meant to be set 10yrs ago). Destiny seemed even more naive and the way the relationship was formed is just not what I was expecting.

If this was first, it would’ve made it more compelling but I feel like we ended up with more questions then answers. Personally, it would been cool to have it go back and forth from past to present because the cliffhanger on the first one was soo good and enough to keep me guessing for the next. I was a bit disappointed to know that even THIS one ended on a cliffhanger instead of knowing the full story. I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next one.

Overall, I was a huge fan of this book but it feels like it didn’t fully fit/ something doesn’t add up with the first if that makes sense. I received a copy of this book and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily <3

[D. L. Foley | My Last Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️.5

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to Book Sirens and the author.

Read in order?: That's an interesting question. Book 2 comes chronologically before book 1. So like, book 1 is the second chance love story (meeting again 10 years later), and book 1 is the meet-cute (if you can count it as such, given all the other stuff going on) 10 years prior. But yes, I'd say it's best read in order.

Short summary: In this book, we meet Carter and Destiny at 18 when they meet in college. Destiny is in a crappy relationship with a guy named Jarod, who is all kinds of abusive and narcissistic and shady af. And then she meets Carter. There's instant attraction (seemingly on both ends), but they don't act on it right away. After all, Destiny is already in a relationship. But sometimes you just know or do you? There's also some dark criminal underpinnings. (Also check your triggers.)

General Thoughts: There is A LOT going on!!! The author has done a great job building up interesting characters, a very intriguing plot line, and good writing to back it up. I hope in the next set of books we start getting more answers. There is definitely enough intrigue and now I'm ready for some answers. Both books so far have been relatively short, which is good because two books in, two different timelines, and I'm left with a lot of questions.

Just okay, wow! I thought there was a lot going on in book 1. Holy crap! There's a lot going on here!!! Is the author going to keep doing the dual timeline thing? Because this book left a lot of unanswered questions. Like the timelines do not merge at the end of this one; it's not tied in a pretty bow ready to transport you to the storyline 10 years in the future. I imagine the author must be going to switch back and forth for at least one more round. Because yeah, there's a lot here! I'm still confused as to whether this is going to be magical realism or realistic fiction.

Despite the cover, this one is set in a mostly urban setting (especially compared to the first one). So far as far as I can tell, this one doesn't have a mafia connection yet but maybe a gang one?!?

Okay now that I've expressed my confusion. (Not a bad thing at all, provided the next books start delivering answers instead of creating questions.) I enjoyed this one. I like Carter and Destiny. Given the intensity of their relationship in book 2 (like the effect this relationship had on them), I would have expected a bit more here, but I enjoyed getting to know more about Carter and Destiny. Carter felt like the same character; Destiny in book 1 felt very different to me than she did in book 2. So I'm curious how the author will bridge that. (Note: it's single POV until chapter 16 and 52% of the book when it becomes dual POV.)

It's a 3.5, but my rating of this book feels so dependent on what happens next in ways my reviews typically aren't because this book was a set-up novel full of building you up and leaving you at a cliff as the author says she will. So she better deliver in the next ones.

If you like your books full of suspense, intrigue, romance, cowboys, mafia, and one that creates a lot of questions in you, this is your series.

Steam Meter: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 Steamy and for over 18 but not the most frequent or detailed.

Romantic Tropes
-dual POV for half; single pOV for half
-first love
-college romance
-suspense/intrigue
-contemporary romance

You can read more of my reviews at mylastromance.com. You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the "Shotgun Mafia" series introduced us to how Carter Caldwell and Destiny Hart first met in Texas and began dating. When Destiny's moved to Texas for college, she was extremely lonely knowing no one so she joined a dating app meeting Jarod. He was a rich guy that always wanted to call all the shots even had his little minion followers. Her boss at the Cafe needed her to work a double shift one day to close, he wanted her to take the day off to be with him. He called, texted her phone, called the Cafe, and even came by trying to get to come with him. That night she was met in the back alley by three men dressed in black with ski mask and voice changers that attacted her, toying with her, like a cat and mouse game, chasing her across the city into another alley finally throwing in trash dumpster where she hit her head knocking herself unconscious. The next time, she was do return to work upon arrival there were fire trucks and police. Her boss informed her someone had vandalized the inside including the gaslines which would cause them to be closed for about a month for repairs. Her instincts were telling her that Jarod and his friends were behind this, but she needed evidence so she called him to pick her up. He wanted to take her to the family lake house for the week. After their arrival, he asked if she minded if he asked his friends which meant he had already asked them. In addition to Jarod and Destiny, his three friends showed up along with one of them's girlfriend, Ella which was a total goth girl, and Carter a new addition to Jarod's group, after he discovered that Destiny knew him from a chance meeting at the Cafe. The girls roomed together more or less for protection as Jarod and his normal group did hard drugs most of the week while the other three stayed close together. Jarod attempted to rape Destiny on the last night, but Carter and Ella got to her just in time. They immediately packed up heading home leaving the rest behind. Shortly, after classes start with Carter and Destiny having a class together, but Jarod was still giving Destiny problems. Ella soon moved into the apartment next to Destiny, and she told a sinister story of why she was with Zach so she could revenge her bestfriend's death. These guys were bad news from way back. Carter and Destiny were worried about Ella as they had not seen her for a few days. Everything was great with them except for the broken condom that they did not know what to do about so they were going to the park for a picnic and asked Ella to go with them. They were confronted by Jarod and Zach in the park, and as Ella was coming across to meet them Jarod and Zack intercepted her taking her out of sight behind some trees when an explosion occurred. The news reported no deaths, but no one had heard from Ella only Zack had been seen. Then Carter got the terrible call from his father that his mother had killed by a drunk driver. He only took time to leave Destiny a note before hitting the road to Montana. Not only do we still have the cliffhanger from the last book still hanging, but we are left again. Maybe book three will be the enlightenment. Still hang on for the ride with these two as for two people that seem to mind their own business, seem to be pretty much low key, straight laced home bodies trouble just finds them. Highly recommend reading but you could read this book before the first one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Savage Promise was not what I expected. I thought it was going to be a continuation of the first book. It is not. It is a prequel. I always tell myself I am going to start reading the book summaries but I never do. Savage Promise is the story of how Carter and Destiny got together. Everything about this book was an unexpected surprise.

Destiny Hart is going to college in Texas to be a veterinarian. She has only been in town a few months and her boyfriend Jarod Jonson is rich and a bit of a control freak. Despite knowing she has to work, he is always insisting that she come over and doesn't have to work. He'll take care of her. One night when closing the coffee shop, Carter Caldwell walks through the door. Destiny's life was never the same.

Carter notices Destiny immediately and finds out quickly that both are from Wyoming. They also have some classes together and when Jarod meets him, he decides to include him in their circle of friends. Everything seems to be going good until the weekend at Jarod's cabin. Destiny does meet her best friend, Ella, at the cabin. She is dating another one of Jarod's friends. The booze and the drugs flow freely and Destiny and Carter are coming up with ways to spend time together though they know it is a bad idea

Will Destiny finally leave Jarod? Will she finally realize that she doesn't really like him but was lonely in a new town? I now understand Carter's protective vibe over Destiny. Protecting what is his is ingrained in his soul and Destiny is his. This book is sweet and will give readers the background to understand exactly what happened before Carter left. I really can't even imagine what the next book will be about. I am definitely here for all things Destiny and Carter.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of Shotgun Mafia series picking up where book one left off with more danger so hang on and double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love (ALL THINGS TO EXPECT FROM THE MAFIA WORLD). By the time you’ve figured out who is who and what is what, you’re already hooked, and you may as well give up the fight and prepare yourself for an all-nighter! CAN’T SAY YOU WEREN’T WARNED!!!!!. This starts ten years after their meeting we would be getting an insight into Destiny and Carter’s past and all that they went through because of that jerk, the friends, the family that they lost due to the horrible group. The attraction that was intense, the magnetic pull that couldn’t be ignored and the growing chemistry between them that grew into something so special this is their story every little detail. It is emotional, you will laugh, you will cry a tear or two and you will find yourself angry for all the right and wrong reasons. But that fateful day that changed everything between them, a promise broken, leaving both hearts shattered and hopes trampled due to one horrific incident and a lack communication but where are they headed, will he protect his girl this time around, do we find out what happened to Ella, and where are they headed……I HATE CLIFFHANGERS ….AT LAST, WE ARE WAITING ☹!

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sky Coppola delivers huge with Savage Promise! This second installment in the series is powerful, riveting, and masterfully told. I could not put this book down!

This fantastic, dual point of view novel takes us 10 years into the past, and we embark on the journey of how Carter and Destiny meet. The insight into the history of these two is fascinating and brings clarity to some of the finer points touched on in Savage Abandon (the first novel in the series; if you haven’t read it yet then you absolutely should bump it to the top of your list!).

Savage Abandon was the best book I’ve read all year, until I read Savage Promise. Now I can safely say that they are tied for the best books I’ve read all year.

The main characters have incredible chemistry, and their slow burn romance is heart-wrenching in so many ways. The supporting characters are complex, the storylines compelling, and the world building is just amazing. Do not start this book at bedtime—you will not be able to put it down either!

Sky Coppola has definitely earned a place on my top 5 favorite authors list. I cannot wait for the next installment in this incredible series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading and realized we would be getting an insight into Destiny and Carter’s past I was so excited. It’s a great story with more drama than we usually find in a contemporary college romance. As a reader, it’s nice to get a true feeling for the original relationship in a second chance romance and this one does that so well. I truly feel that Destiny and Carter were in love and fated to be together. I also have a deeper understanding to why Carter left and that is appreciated as it was described in book one but it really hits in this one.
I did truly enjoy this book but I kept waiting to flash forward to where we left off in book one. I found myself getting distracted and wanting to rush through some parts and I feel that took away a little from the experience of reading this book. That being said though, I am more invested in the overall story now and will be waiting on pins and needles for book three. I just don’t know what I want to know more, what happens next after book one or this one!!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had expected this book to carry on from the cliffhanger of the first book. Instead, this book starts ten years before the events of the first book and gives a more complete history of Destiny and Carter’s relationship. Their first meeting, her rather harrowing relationship at the time, and the growing chemistry and attraction between them that evolves into something truly special is all detailed. It is an emotional, and rather intense story and takes readers right up until the fateful day that changed everything between them. A promise broken, hearts shattered and hopes trampled due to one horrific incident.

This book was every bit as riveting as the first, and once I put aside the disappointment that it did not give any clues on what happened next for Destiny and Carter after the cliffhanger of the first book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Knowing their history gives a much better insight into Carter and Destiny’s dynamics and behaviour in the previous book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Savage Promise’ is the second book in the series and is a prequel that tells Destiny and Carter’s backstory. She had a boyfriend when she met him, but was having trouble with his possessive and aggressive behavior. Carter rescues her from a SA and their relationship flourishes. The connection and attraction between them grows stronger each day. Carter is patient, attentive, and so sexy that Destiny finds herself happy, passionate, and loving him.

Sky Coppola has written a story with strong characters, emotional situations, and some tensely dangerous scenes that could be triggering. The narrative and dialogue convey the feelings each character experiences and details the effects on their lives. Carter and Destiny’s journey starts out scary, seems to be inevitable, and ends on a cliffhanger. I’m ready for the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is adorable and I love the slow burn between Carter and Destiny. It was a great origin story, taking us back to when they met. I am thrown by the fact that it doesn’t answer any questions about the first cliffhanger, while still adding so many new ones. I kept expecting Destiny to wake up where the first book ended. I’m super excited to read the next book and find out where the story goes.

This book alone is worth five stars, but because it is book two and didn’t really answer many questions about the first book, I’m giving it 4 stars. Excellent writing, storytelling, pacing. Just so many unanswered questions. But enough to keep me invested in the series!

[Cathryn Tipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of how Destiny and Carter first met. This is set ten years before Savage Abandon so it could be read before reading the first book. We are seeing how Destiny found what true connection and love feels like and Carter is learning what he is willing to do for love. Both are coming from very similar but also different backgrounds and together they find what they have been missing. This book does end on a cliffhanger but Savage Abandon does fill in some of the gaps in this story. I would highly recommend this story to someone who likes love at first sight, friends to lovers, he falls first, virgin main characters tropes.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Savage Promise' was disappointing. Its 3.5-star plot was filled with Destiny and Carter's backstory from the series by the author. I had expected this entry to begin where Destiny and Atlas were going over a cliff (at the end of 'Savage Abandon.') However, it was good to see how the relationship between Destiny and Carter developed; additionally, the reader was introduced to Ella, another character also known as the Goth girl.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
by

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

After that ending from book 1 I couldn’t wait for book 2, not realizing it wouldn’t pick up from book 1. Book 2 takes us back to Destiny and Carter’s very beginning and we see more into their relationship and what transpired. I was a little disappointed that now we’re stuck waiting even longer to find out what happens. I appreciate the backstory to their relationship, but to do an entire book on it when book 1 took place in the present, I was disappointed. But regardless I’m so invested in their story and can’t wait for the next book. Hopefully we don’t have a long wait for book 3!

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the crazy cliffhanger in the first book, I was expecting the story to pick up where it left off. This book was more like a prequel, taking us back to how Carter and Destiny met and their slow burn relationship. It's not quite what I expected, definitely not as much action as the first book, but I still enjoyed learning more about their past as I eagerly anticipate the next book. And I'm still hanging on the first cliffhanger!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lirio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storytelling and lots of ínstense spicy scenes, but I was hoping for a continuation of Savage Abandon instead of a complete history recap. Fun to have all the details and better if some of the book would have continued the original story instead of backtracking ten years. Now the nuggets and facts that do pop up make for understanding the strange turns the first book took much better and fortunately leave you with enough anticipation and intrigue to continue reading the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series and it deals with the initial meeting of Destiny and Carter. I enjoyed the first book as it is more present day and this book goes back ten years to their first meeting. I was surprised at the short amount of time they spent together before he left due to his mother’s death. The first book I got the impression they had had a longer relationship. If these books were in reverse order, I think I would have liked it better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[SaDonna Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the beginning of Destiny and Carter's story. It gives us the backstory of Destiny before Carter and how Destiny and Carter started. Also, talks about the news Carter received to make him leave without speaking to Destiny first. There are a few things left open that I hope will be addressed in another book. But, I really think this book should have been book 1 and not book 2. Looking forward to book 3.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting a full backtrack from the first book, I felt if this particular story was going to be told it should have been first. I don't normally read college romance stories, but I had no choice but to read it to keep up with the series. Having said all that, it was interesting to see how Destiny and Carter meet. Destiny was definitely a different person to what we saw in Savage Abandoned. Ella was an intriguing character, but there are a lot of unanswered questions with the book ending in not one, but two cliffhangers. It will be Interesting once again to see where book three takes us.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Promise by Sky Coppola is a good, and enjoyable dark western mafia romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. This book does ends with a hard cliffhanger. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining slow burn romance read between Carter and Destiny. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series but it goes back into the past. This is the beginning of Carter and Destiny's story until the time that fateful phone call changes everything for the pair.

While I enjoyed the backstory, I would have appreciated better if it had gone in order of events and there is still the cliffhanger from the first book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

OMG! Wow, this book was definitely exciting, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Destiny and Carter, Destiny loved animals and living on a farm she had learnt enough for her to know she wants to be a vet. Carter had a crush on Destiny but she was going out with someone else. Carter was excited and they grow hotter and closer.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destiny is in a relationship when she meets Carter. Her boyfriend is possessive and aggressive. Carter rescues her from assault. It is then their relationship grows . The connection and attraction grows stronger each day. Carter is perfect for Destiny as he is patient and shows her his love. Destiny has fallen in love with Carter.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this gives us the backstory of Destinity and Carter. It is set 10 year before the events of Savage Abandon, book 1. This is a slow burn romance that really illustrates the connection between them. It is a sweet and emotional read. I like that this answered/ filled in some gaps that I had in book 1. I am very much looking forward to reading book 3.

[Kaye · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are you freaking kidding me! The cliffhanger from book 1 was not addressed at all in book 2. As the saying goes once bitten twice shy - I persevered with book 1 even though I hate cliffhangers I got book 2 to find out what happened after book 1 only for it not to be addressed at all. YOU’VE LOST ME IM NOT CONTINUING THIS SERIES!

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the second book in the Shotgun Mafia series. I have read the first book in this series. This book takes place ten years before the first book. I really loved that we got how they met and their first love story. This was a cute and fun book to read. This is not a Mafia Romance or dark romance.

[Chelle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 4.5 ⭐️ 4 🌶
This is book two in the series and is the start of the Destiny and Carter adventure. Young college kids who fall head over heels for each other. I want to go into some many details, but I do not want to spoil the book.
If you want to learn about young Destiny and Carter, this is the book for it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the chemistry and attraction between them. I thought their story was a slow burn. Carter and Destiny are opening up more and more about how they met and got together. This is a continuation where we ended in the previous part. Great series and look forward to the next part.

I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kellie Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Please beware there are triggers in this book.

At first I kinda was against it. Andrea was with a douche and she said she didn't want to be with him, but wasn't making a big effort to leave. But after awhile, it turned out really good.

Carter, was very kind and understanding of a lot of things.

Then ending, is OMG, you won't expect it.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes us back to where Destiny and Carter met and justbwhat happened between them, the story is engaging, well paced and leaves you with many questions for book 3!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this emotionally thrilling, steamy and suspenseful adventure filled with interesting and engaging charters, witty dialog and heart racing twists. Highly entertaining and exciting journey from beginning to end.