Promise Me This

Promise Me #1

by Sarah Ashley Jones

Welcome to the South - where the tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter. This Southern way of life is all Charlie has ever known. It’s not until she loses the only person who pushed her to break free of the Southern Belle mold that she starts living the life she needs and not the life her parents forced on her.

Jhett has lived on the edge for as long as he could remember - constantly teetering back and forth between being a rock star and living a normal life. His rebellious and sometimes arrogant attitude is known to get him into trouble, especially with the girls who hang on his every move.

Charlie never thought that a trip to pack up her brother’s apartment would leave her feeling even more unsettled about the grainy details of her brother’s death. Her quest for information leads her straight to his old hangout and into arms of Jhett, who suspiciously knows more about her situation than he ever should.

Only a few questions remain - Can you trust someone based on their word alone? And if you make a promise, how far will you go to keep it?

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Music, Ebooks, Drama

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2013

About the author

I'm Sarah! I'm a total goofball. This is pretty much the most important thing to know about me. Just kidding! I may be an adult but I have the heart of a child. I know when to be serious but I'm a hard worker with serious control issues, and maybe a splash of wit and a side of sassy. I'm addicted to Coca-Cola, obsessed with cupcakes, and also a Chapstick hoarder.

I'm a huge nerd, so please feel free to send me a friends request, email, or leave a comment. I will jump for joy any time of of those things happen. I am blessed beyond belief with all the love and support I have received this past year and I thank all of you for that!

Reviews

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Promise Me This Stars

”Did you really want to get to know me after you first saw me, or was it just the promise you made with Cameron that kept you around?”

”Love was a funny thing, especially when it came too fast. There was no doubt in my mind of my feelings for her, but I never wanted her to think that I took advantage of hers.”

This story wasn’t the most original plot I have read to date and there were a couple of typos scattered throughout the pages. But the story held my attention and the two main characters with their dual pov were extremely likable. I couldn’t get enough of them together. So kudos to Sarah Ashley Jones because she made me fall for Charlie and Jhett.

Charlie has flown out to California to pack up her twin brother’s apartment because he recently died in an accident. While packing up her brother’s belongings she struggles with her grief and the fact that he wanted her to join him to live free of their controlling parents and really live. Charlie finds a few items that lead her to Cameron’s friends and she falls for Jhett.

Jhett has made some promises to Cam where Charlie is concerned.

Jhett is a musician turned chef with a heart of gold who has never been in love and sports a pompadour. He had an extremely real feel to him.



”Stay a little longer. If it’s one thing Cameron didn’t stop talking about, it was how he wished that you came out here with him. Do you know he actually had plans to keep you out here this summer and show you what you were missing?

Charlie decides to spend the summer and live with no regrets while she gets closer and closer to Jhett.

”I don’t want to have to live with regrets like that. I want to start living for me, the way I should have been doing all along. No more trying to please everyone.”

Jhett and Charlie fall for one another and it was pretty swoon worthy. There are songs, bike rides and a restaurant to open. While these two got pretty hot and heavy and fall in love.

”As her lips crashed down onto mine, there were no words that had to be exchanged. I knew how she felt about me; I could feel it emanating off of her. I only hoped that I could live up to what she needed me to be.”

”Is this how you got all the girls to fall in love with you on tour? I motioned with my hands, following up and down the length of him. Jhett’s eyebrow raised just enough to match the smirk on his lips. “Why? Is that what’s happening to you?”

On the predictable route it seems that Jhett may have had something to do with Cameron’s accident and hasn’t told Charlie about his involvement. When the “truth” comes out things get pretty bad for Charlie.

The story will continue in a sequel but I’m comfortable with how the story ended for now. I will definitely be reading on to see what this author has up her sleeve.


”I’ve never meant anything more in my life. Those aren’t words I just throw around loosely,” I told her.

“Good. Because you’re the first guy to ever hear them from me.” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze.”

[Tessa Teevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic debut novel by Sarah Ashley Jones and I'm definitely looking forward to more of her work. When we first meet Charlie she's been sent to California to pack up her brother's belongings to bring back to Tennessee. Cameron wasn't only her brother, but her twin, so the pain of his death is nearly unbearable. Cameron was the independent twin. The twin that left their snooty small town and never looked back. He loved life and lived it to his fullest, regardless of what anyone else said. Charlie was the dutiful twin. She went to the college her parents wanted her to and chose the major that they wanted. She wasn't following her dreams, and Cameron constantly tried to get her to change her ways. To be true to herself, but she always resisted.

One night when visiting a nightclub that Cameron used to frequent, she meets his best friend, Jhett. She's thrown off because her brother never mentioned him, but Jhett makes it clear that he knows all about her and proves that he really did know Jhett. It's uncanny the things that Jhett knows, so it's obvious that Cameron loved to talk about his sister. Jhett and Charlie begin to spend more time together and soon she's agreeing to throw up the middle finger to her parents & everyone in Tennessee and decides to stay in California for the summer.

It's quickly obvious that Jhett and Charlie are burning for each other, and I loved their chemistry! They were so hot for each other and we didn't have to wait long for them to explode with lust. I was so glad that the author didn't take a long time having them dance around each other. Once they were not friends I loved watching their relationship grow. They were literally perfect for each other in every single way. And as a cherry on top, I loved that Charlie was able to be with someone who knew and loved Cameron as much as she did. There is very heartbreaking event that had me sobbing and clutching my Kindle to my chest, but in the end, I was left happy and satisfied.

Charlie was such a great female main character. I was afraid that she was going to be too timid with Jhett and what she wanted, but I couldn't have been more wrong. There must've been something in that California air, because when she wanted something, she went after it until she got it. She stood up for herself when necessary and told it like it is. And I loved every second of it. She's also a pretty damn funny drunk. I wouldn't mind splitting a twelve pack with her.

I've never seen you more beautiful than you are right now. You can do all those things, Charlie. I believe in you.

Sigh. Do you love Jhett already? I know I do!! He was awesome with Charlie, and just downright amazing in general. He pushed her to be herself, to let go of what everyone else wanted and go after what she wants. He's also an incredibly sexy, tatted up, former rocker who loves to cook. Ummm, does it get any better than that?!

All in all, I love Promise Me This. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I'm going to be Twitter stalking Sarah Ashley Jones until book 2 comes out. And no worries, there isn't really a cliff hanger. As the author says, it's a "hopeful-hanger" and she's not lying.


ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie has just lost her brother, her twin brother, to an accident. Cameron and Charlie was twin in every way, except that Cameron wasn’t afraid to leave home to get away from under their mother’s thumb and spread his wings. Charlie on the other hand, despite Cameron’s encouragement, stayed back home living the life that would make their mother happy rather than really follow in Cameron’s footsteps. But when Cameron’s death brings Charlie to San Diego, to pack up what’s left of her brother, she has to face more than she had expected to.

Charlie is a character that you can’t help but fall for immediately. Losing a twin is like losing one’s limb. To cope with that without any emotional support from her family and then to go ahead and make huge changes to her life, one has to be strong for that. And Charlie is a strong girl, stubborn, but strong. Jhett on the other hand is like a walking Adonis with Tattoos. He is the kind of guy every girl’s parents are wary of. He walks into Charlie’s life to set her free from all that had been stopping her from spreading her wings. Together they can set water on fire.

This book is an emotional bomb that can set anyone off. Characters are well developed and the storyline flows without the glitch. Somewhat predictable yet a heart-warming story of a couple of loveable protagonists. The author’s fluid writing style really compliments the plot of the story. Sarah has wisely chosen her genre and this is an awesome debut. I would love to keep track of her future works.

[Rashika (is tired) · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many novels out there that read along the same lines as Promise Me This so one cannot expect much except hope for the book to be a fun read, which it was.

I think I’ll start with things that didn’t work and then I’ll go onto the things that did.

I don’t expect much from tragedies in general (of course there are a few exceptions) and this one wasn’t that much different. This book doesn’t focus on the loss of a loved one in a way that satisfies me. It is more focused on the romance than it is on healing. There are a few mentions of Cameron but I feel like they are forced or they serve as a way as a reminder of the fact that the characters lost someone they loved.

The parents aren’t particularly great in this book. The father does become better but it doesn’t excuse the fact that he wasn’t a particularly good parent. The mother is awful. I hate it when parents are portrayed in such manner. I love supportive parents. I know not all parents are nice and supportive but the portrayal of Charlie’s parents rings false for me.

It isn’t only Charlie’s family that was awful; Jhett’s sister Gracie was equally horrendous. Her actions did not make sense to me. Not that there isn’t a reason given but you know he is your BROTHER. Doesn’t family mean anything to her? I also hate how she acts with Charlie. If you really loved Cameron you wouldn’t do that to his twin sister. I don’t feel the least bit sorry for Gracie. She wants us to feel sorry for her but really Charlie’s loss is greater than hers. Charlie knew Cameron her entire life but Gracie had only known him for 2 years. Now I am not saying that Gracie’s loss is insignificant but to lose someone you have known your entire life hurts a lot more.

There is this part in the book where Jhett says that Charlie isn’t like most girls. Now that sets off my alarms. What do you mean most girls? Most girls I know are actually pretty decent so I don’t know what ‘most girls’ refers to here unless it’s a stereotype (which I know it is); in that case I am offended.

I may or may not have also been bothered by the fact that almost everyone in this book is hot. I don’t understand the need to make characters hot in general. The fact they are hot doesn’t mean we will like them better. What I want is a good character; I’d like to know what they look, but for me it doesn’t matter whether they are hot or not. Personally I find that characters are more relateable if they aren’t model gorgeous.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was Jhett. I didn’t expect much from him when he was introduced because he was a walking stereotype complete with the tattoos, the fact that he played the guitar and also sang (secretly), but then he gave a ride home to Charlie on his bicycle. That’s right not his motorbike, his bicycle. That was gold. Jhett also happens to be a chef. Now I am sure some people won’t really be moved by that fact but for someone who loves food that appeals to me.

Charlie wasn’t that bad of a character either. She wasn’t completely naïve and she didn’t beat around the bush, she knew what she wanted and that was that.

Their relationship was well developed, yes Jhett was obviously keeping a secret because he was afraid to tell Charlie but aside from that they worked pretty well. I don’t get the insta-love(lust) vibes from their relationship either. Jhett may have been too easily fascinated by Charlie but since he knows so much about her already it makes sense. The highlight of their relationship was near the end, it was Charlie that made me proud during that moment.

This book was an entertaining read and I would recommend it for anyone looking to cool down or anyone who just wants something light.


This review has also been published on my Blog

[Anncleire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog Tour on my blog July 22Th Review + Giveaway + Except
http://pleaseanotherbook.tumblr.com/p...

QUESTO LIBRO è STUPENDO!



“Charlie, don’t get me wrong, you are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, especially in this vintage get-up. But tonight, I’m in awe that you would even go anywhere with me. In fact, I’m beginning to question whose birthday this really is, because I would love to unwrap you like a gift of my own right now.” He leaned in, painfully slow, before planting a soft and tender kiss on my cheek.

“Promise me this” è uno di quei libri che mi sono capitati davanti per caso, senza un reale motivo, ma che con la sua splendida copertina mi ha conquistata al primo colpo. E così quando ho avuto l’occasione di partecipare al Blog Tour organizzato da Tessa from My Pathway to Books non ho potuto proprio dire di no. E meno male perché altrimenti mi sarei persa un libro meraviglioso che mi ha conquistato a prima lettura.


Benvenuti nel Sud – dove il the è dolce e gli accenti anche più dolci. Questo modo di vivere del Sud è tutto quello che Charlie ha sempre conosciuto. E fino a quando non ha perso l’unica persona che l’ha sempre spinta a liberarsi della maschera di Bellezza del Sud che non ha iniziato a vivere la vita si cui ha bisogno e non quella che i suoi genitori le hanno costretto addosso.
Jhett ha vissuto al limite da quando ha memoria – costantemente andando avanti e indietro tra l’essere una rock star e vivere una vita normale. Il suo atteggiamento ribelle e qualche volta arrogante lo hanno reso famoso nel mettersi nei guai, specialmente quando le ragazze che stanno in attesa delle sue mosse.
Charlie non ha mai pensato che un viaggio per impacchettare l’appartamento del fratello avrebbe lasciato i suoi sentimenti molto più in bilico circa i dettagli oscuri della morte di Cameron. Il suo indagare per informazioni la conduce dritta verso il luogo di ritrovo del ragazzo e nelle braccia di Jhett, che conosce molto più della sua situazione di quello che dovrebbe.
Solo poche domande restano. Come può fidarsi di qualcuno solo basandosi sulle loro parole? E se fai una promessa, quanto lontano vai pur di mantenerla?


Due premesse: ho avuto le lacrime agli occhi per gli ultimi sei capitoli, ho girato l’ultima pagina con la scritta “To Be Continued” e ho urlato disperata “Cosa? No non è possibile!” (true story il cane è arrivato abbaiando).
Questo per dire che questo libro è assolutamente meraviglioso, uno di quelli che ti entrano nel cuore appena lo inizi a leggere e che non puoi dimenticare perché è assolutamente perfetto. Una contemporary romance, un New Adult, qualcosa di più. In un primo momento potrebbe pensare che è la fotocopia di tantissimi altri libri che si trovano in giro, ma vi posso assicurare che è uno dei più belli che abbia letto quest’anno. Scritto splendidamente, la trama è arrangiata in modo così stupefacente che il lettore deve leggere, non può smettere e si innamora immediatamente dei protagonisti. Sia Charlie che Jhett hanno qualcosa di speciale e la storia che li unisce è davvero magica.
Charlie è la classica brava ragazza, quella che cede sempre al compromesso, che nella sua volontà di accontentare tutti si ritrova a dover perdere pezzi di sé stessa, a rinunciare a quello che desidera per la propria vita. Quando arriva per la prima volta nell’appartamento del fratello è una ragazzina spaventata, incapace di prendere una decisione per sé stessa e che cede alle pressioni esercitate dalla madre, che cerca di controllare ogni aspetto della sua vita: dalla scelta del college alla cernita dei possedimenti di Cameron morto improvvisamente in un tragico incidente. Ma Charlie in fondo è una guerriera, una di quelle ragazze che sanno quello che vogliono, e sanno come ottenerlo. Non c’è modo di prevedere dove la porterà la vita ma nella sua smania di trovare la verità trova sé stessa, trova in qualche modo un’altra verità, totalmente inaspettata. Ecco quindi che questo romanzo non è solo una storia d’amore ma è anche e soprattutto un romanzo di formazione, uno di crescita e di scoperta, una storia che cambierà il vostro modo di vedere le cose. Ma è anche un romanzo che parla di elaborazione del lutto, della perdita di una delle persone più importanti della vita della protagonista e di come Charlie riesca a trovare alla fine modi sani per superare il dolore. Dolce, confusionaria, imbranata e totalmente innocente, non ha mai bevuto alcool in vita sua e ha un modo tutto suo di entrare nelle stanze non annunciata e sconvolgere la vita di chi la vede per la prima volta. Una protagonista incantevole.
E poi c’è Jhett, dall’aspetto che incute timore, ma che in realtà è un ragazzo da cuore d’oro che vi farà svenire ad ogni occasione. Un chitarrista eccezionale, un cuoco capace di trasformare un hamburger in cucina di alta classe, con uno spiccato senso di protezione, con la sindrome del shining white knight (il cavaliere sul cavallo bianco tanto per intenderci), con il corpo, e soprattutto le braccia ricoperte di tatuaggi ( la scena in cui ne spiega il significato è di una dolcezza straordinaria che vi farà piangere), Jhett è un ragazzo che entra e vi porta via il cuore. capace di concentrarsi su quello che vuole, motivato e intrigante, dai gesti dolcissimi e l’animo pieno di passione Jhett nasconde un segreto, capace di mettere a repentaglio tutta la sua relazione con Charlie. Di un romanticismo puro e incredibile, con una casa che farebbe l’invidia di qualunque hippie, Jhett mi ha fatto cadere ai suoi piedi da quando è apparso per la prima volta con il ciuffo alla Elvis e i vestiti anni cinquanta, ma mi ha catturata definitivamente nella scena della cipolla… *swoon*
I personaggi secondari sono favolosi e contribuiscono a rendere ancora più spettacolare questo libro, a partire da Danny un barista amico di Jhett che vi farà ridere, Hannah la best friend di Charlie, uno spirito libero capace di mettersi a ballare appena sente qualche nota che sarà di reale sostegno per la ragazza e il padre di Charlie capace di stupirmi e di entrare nel mio cuore. E come non citare Ginger la sorella di Jhett? Una peperina dai capelli rossi, capace di gesti dolcissimi e uscite imbarazzanti, con un dolore enorme che si porta nel cuore.
Ambientato a San Diego, California, molti sono i luoghi che accompagnano la narrazione, a partire proprio dalla casa di Jhett, ma quello che riveste l’importanza maggiore è la spiaggia. Infatti in riva all’Oceano Pacifico accadono tutti gli eventi più importanti, quelli che segnano le svolte più importanti nella trama e che sicuramente rimarranno impresse nella memoria, sia in positivo che in negativo, ma l’acqua riesce a sedare tutte le emozioni che albeggiano nei protagonisti.

Il particolare da non dimenticare? Una bicicletta…e un tovagliolino con un messaggio… perché? Leggete e scopritelo! XD

Narrato da entrambi i punti di vista di Charlie e Jhett questo libro è sicuramente un must have, uno di quelli che devono far parte della vostra collezione. Una storia d’amore dal sapore dolce/amaro che in qualche modo non è troppo sdolcinata e viene accompagnata dalla giusta dose di verosimiglianza e dallo stile della Jones che va dritto al punto e conquista il lettore con la sua evoluzione. Non solo quindi una romance con i fiocchi capace di intrattenere, ma una storia che si appella ad ogni livello dell’animo del lettore che si ritrova ad identificarsi con Charlie e ad adorare Jhett ad ogni capitolo un po’ di più. A me non resta che aspettare il nuovo libro, ne ho bisogno tipo… ieri. Ho talmente adorato questa storia che non riesco a smettere di pensarci.
Buona lettura guys!


Ringrazio immensamente Tessa per avermi concesso l’incredibile opportunità di leggere questo libro in anteprima e di partecipare al Blog Tour. Grazie!

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book. I liked it at times yet, it was also a bit slow too. It took about 1/2 way through the book for it to pick up and really draw me in to it.

Charlie and her twin brother, Cameron, are from a well to do, life controlling, family. He breaks the mold and heads out to California while she stays behind and plays it safe, always trying to follow the rules. Her mother sends her out to pack up Cameron's life after he passes away.

While she's at his apartment, she finds a piece of paper singed by a gal named "Ginger." On the paper it shows an event called Riot Night. She's curious as to who "Ginger" is, and what was Cameron doing at Riot Night? Her best friend from home gets her all the info she needs about this Riot Night and she makes her way to the place where it's held. When she walks in to this "club" it's like the world has transformed back in to the 1950's. There she meets the bartender and locks eyes with the guitarist on stage, Jhett. She gets emotional and has words with the bartender and runs away. Jhett chases her and this is when they meet.

It turns out Jhett is a hot guitarist, bad boy, with plenty of tattoo's, who rides a beach cruiser bicycle and just so happened to be Cameron's best friend. He takes an interest in Charlie and the rest goes from there. Little does she know Jhett has a deep secret he will do anything to keep from coming to light. He will do anything to finally have the beautiful Charlie at his side. She's the one thing that finally makes him happy.

These two flirt with friendship, feelings, to moving in together and finally deciding to become officially boyfriend and girlfriend. However, there are other forces at play that try to come between these two. Someone seems to be following Charlie and Ginger, as it would turn out, is Jhett's older sister, Gracie. Gracie and Cameron were in love with each other and now it appears that Gracie and her friends have their own agenda when it comes to Jhett and Charlie.

Some drama happens, an accident occurs and life will forever change for Jhett and Charlie....or should I say yet AGAIN.

This didn't end on a cliff hanger, it's more of a "to-be-continued'.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange of honest review

☆☆☆☆ 4 Promise Me This Stars ☆☆☆



They say don’t talk, just act. Don’t say, just show. And don’t promise, just prove. So in Promise Me This by Sarah Ashley Jones, promises are meant to be proved. In such a sweet and yet touching storyline, Ms. Jones takes us on journey of a young woman rediscovering her life and finding love. Promise Me This will make you fall in love, touch your heart, and take you on an emotional journey of what matters in life.

As the good Southern Belle, Charlotte “Charlie” Jenning was the obedient daughter. She is the girl who follows the expectations of her parents whereas her twin brother, Cameron rebels. He goes off to college out of state. Moves to sunny California in San Diego. Becomes independent and lives the life that he wants. His rules. His life. Cameron knows that Charlie wants the same thing but she doesn’t have the strength to disobey her parents yet. But that all changes when Cameron tragically dies in a car accident. Sent to California to retrieve and pack up Cameron’s belongings, Charlie meets Jhett Hudson, her brother’s best friend.

This tattooed musician awakens something in Charlie. He makes Charlie to step out of her comfort zone and to truly live as what Cameron wants her to do. Ms. Jones takes her readers on a tale of two people finding friendship, love and life together. The chemistry of Jhett and Charlie is raw, emotional, and sweet. Promise Me This takes a Southern good girl on journey where she discovers why California is called the sunshine state and most importantly shed some light to awaken her to find her way.



Sarah Ashley Jones

[Tee loves Kyle Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately I have had a great streak with reading some awesome books and this is just another one that I read. I have to say that right from the beginning I was hooked because I grew up between the north and the south really North Carolina and boy oh boy what a difference. I mean all year up here in the North where people don't say yes ma'am no ma'am yes sir no sir was a struggle because I would spend the entire summer down in North Carolina and it was shell shock the first week then I got into the swing of things. So when I started reading Promise Me This I was right at home.

Charlie and her brother Cameron are close sometimes closer than normal siblings because Charlie tells Cam everything and they even share some dreams together. Charlie is living the southern belle life going to Vanderbilt college and doing everything her parents say. She is sad when her brother Cam decides to move to California for some fun in the sun and the waves. But she visits him and they hang out and things are like the used to be. That is until one day they get the call that Cam is dead.

For Charlie her world is turned upside down and she is grieving hard. For her mother though she wants Charlie to do everything for her because she tells Charlie that Charlie knew what her brother liked and didn't. So hurting and alone Charlie returns to California to empty her brothers apartment and try and move on. But once she gets there she gets to see things differently and she wants answers and that leads her right into the arms of Jhett. Jhett knows more about Cam's death than he is letting on but one thing is clear he is starting to have feelings for Charlie. But will the secrets he holds end them even before they have begun? Will Charlie open up to Jhett and let him in? Will she find the answers she seeks?

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Beta Review***

O.M.F.G, Sarah....you are just as evil as Dara. How could you leave me hanging like that?!

It's been so long since I've had the pleasure of reading such a sweet romance without the dysfunction. Seriously, I don't know what's up with all these books that have fucked up relationships. This book will give you butterflies...the kind that will make you feel like you can soar.

I knew that there was a secret being held that could have the power to destroy their relationship. I just didn't want to believe it was going to happen. I sat there waiting for it to happen, hoping my world wouldn't crumble. I sit here now, after finishing this book, trying to put the pieces back together. I have such high hopes for the next book and I'm dying for it to be written. I need this whole in my chest to be filled again.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book soooo much more than I was anticipating. If it weren't for the damn cliffhanger, I would have definitely toyed with the idea of giving 5 stars.

This is Sarah Ashley Jones' first novel and that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. Girl's got talent. I am so incredibly excited to see how her writing progresses in future novels.

This book offered outstanding character development and a swoon worthy male lead. I actually really liked the heroin as well, which tends to be rare for me.

Small downside is that the story was a bit predictable but I still loved it.

Now where's the damn sequel?!

[Cassandra Giovanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cover: I really love this cover, and I fell in love with it even more as I watched Sarah's amazing YouTube video of it's creation. As a writer and photographer, I really enjoyed how she wanted the book to really showcase her characters as she saw them. The best part--I saw them the same way, too.
The Book: This novel puts you right into Charlie's world where she has learned that her brother has died, under not really mysterious circumstances. We are able to see some of those circumstances that are hinted at when we meet Jhett. I really enjoyed both of their characters, Charlie being the typical Southern Belle, and Jhett being a somewhat typical bad boy. What I mean by this is, I don't really see him as a bad boy in anyway except his tattoos. When we see him playing guitar in a 50's throwback, I just don't get that rocker bad boy feel. I never felt he was a bad boy--he was just too sweet to be, and his, while cute, bicycle basically instantly took away from the bad boy feel for me. This isn't a bad thing, for his character is still believable and loveable. The thing that struck me through out the book was the fact that it felt slightly like The Notebook, and even more so at the end of the book. I liked the tone of the book, and the characters were easy to fall in love with.
Things that Stuck Out To Me: First, these are my opinions and in no way am I saying this book wasn't good, because it was. These things just stuck out to me.
-Charlie talks about painting, but you never really see her painting or understand her love for it, besides fighting her parents over it. This could be the painter in me...
-I don't really know what kind of music Jhett played to make all his money, but it appears he made a boatload of it--and I don't really understand how, because it's never really said that he was famous, etc. Maybe my harping on this point has to do with my own insane obsession with music and being married to a musician who was once offered to be signed.
-Dueling POV happen in this book, and if you've read any of my other reviews you know I'm not a fan of this or 3rd POV in general. This novel is written from both Jhett and Charlie's perspectives, but while I loved Jhett--I felt like the sections in his POV took away from the suspense of the novel. I must admit that I had figured out Jhett's guilt trip at about 50% through the book. Being in his POV gave it away to me, but I felt like Sarah did a great job of showing Charlie noticing he seemed guilty. Thus, I could have done without his POV, especially because it was not prominent through out the book and Sarah did a great job showing it through Charlie's eyes.
Overall, I really did like this book. It did progress in a way that had me skimming over certain things, but I became very invested in the characters. I cared about their lives and what was happening to them. As for what lots are calling a cliff hanger ending--I didn't feel that way. I'd love to see more of Sarah's writing and these characters, but I didn't feel that with the way it ended I really needed it. I felt the Happily Ever After was there either way. I'm super excited to see what this author puts out next, and I look up to her!

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally posted at My Book Addiction

Charlie is a sweet girl who always played things safe, always complied with the demands of her controlling mother. She was afraid to take chances, to really let go and risk her comfortable life in Tennessee. Charlie was pissed that her mom sent her to California to pack up her brother's apartment - um, hello.. who wouldn't be? What parents would put such a task on their daughters shoulders? - but it ended up being the wake up call Charlie needed. She found something in Cameron's apartment that piqued her curiosity about what his life had been like there, which launched her right out of her comfort zone in the quest for answers. While she didn't find immediate clarity, she did stumble right into super hunk, Jhett Hudson, on stage, guitar in hand, with his well-fitting t-shirt, pants cuffed at the bottom, and his dark hair slicked into a pompadour.



Um, yeah...HUGE Elvis Presley fan right here, not to mention my rock-a-billy fetish. Jhett is officially my new book boyfriend.

Promise Me This is a sweet tale told from Charlie and Jhett's perspectives, though Charlie has the main stage. Simply put: This is an endearing story about a conflicted girl finding love, finding happiness, and most of all.. finding herself. It was an enjoyable, quick read, but it wasn't without its flaws.

The plot was somewhat predictable and the insta-love between Charlie and Jhett was a bit cliche. I also loathed Jhett's sister, Gracie. Not in the way she was intended to be disliked, either. Her character was a total disconnect for me. Her over-the-top behavior was off-putting. OK, I really just wanted someone to claw her eyes out. Is that so wrong?

The character I really connected with, was Hannah. She is Charlie's best friend from Tennessee, and she was a freaking blast to read about! She's all about having fun and has a wickedly sarcastic tongue, but also a heart of gold. A smart mouth and a loyal heart gets you pushed to the head of the friendship line as far as I'm concerned.

Overall Promise Me This was a light, fun debut novel that die-hard fans of contemporary romance will enjoy. I am interested to see what this author has in store for us in the future, especially after she ended the story the way she did! Sarah Ashley Jones may be as sweet as a cupcake, but she really knows how to leave a reader hanging!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy from this book from the author in exchange for an honest review as a beta reader.

Damnit Sarah, now you've made me cry all sorts of tears. Guess you're on my list of Authors who made me cry now. And you're the second person who wrote a book I dreamed about after reading it.

This is the story of 20-year old Charlie. After her brother died, she goes to his home in San Diego, far away from her home in Tennessee. There she meets Jhett. A friend of her brother. And then Charlie's life changes and her parents are not to fond of that.
I loved this story. A lot. I liked Charlie. In a way she reminded me of myself. (Except for the fact that I don't have rich parents.) She's pretty shy and has always lived the life her parents wanted her to live. Her brother never wanted that so he moved to San Diego and he wanted her to move there to, but she never took that step. Until she meets Jhett. More on him later. I loved seeing Charlie grow as a person. She can be pretty stubborn and I loved hearing that Tennessee accent in my head when she was angry.
Jhett. Oh my god.... He's yummy. I love him. He's awesome. I want him.

The writing is very good, which I had hoped because I didn't want to hate this story. Sarah is a friend of mine and I'm so glad that she did so well! Yeesh, she even made me cry. Really cry! That's hard to accomplish with me (over a book, that is... series or films, no problem.), so you can say that she is a real new upcoming talent! I felt everything Charlie and Jhett felt and I loved them so much. I loved the fact that there is actual character development in this book! They both grow because of each other. Awesome. But I hate Charlie's mom. God, she's an awful woman.

So yeah, I loved this book. I'm a beta reader for it, so maybe things will change in the editing process, but it's awesome nonetheless. Read it. It comes out next month and you can win a copy in the big giveaway I'm having at the end of June! (Or sooner.)

This review will be up on my blog, Istyria book blog, tomorrow morning!

[IC · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you Sarah for giving me this book for an honest review.

I really was not expecting this story to go down like it was. It starts off as Charlie a.k.a Charlotte is packing up her older brother's belongings in his apartment in San Diego. While she is going that she finds a note from a girl Ginger to her brother Cameron. She goes to the bar that says the name on the napkin and meets Jhett Hudson, her brother's best friend.

Mind you, her brother is dead and we don't exactly know why but it wasn't planned or anything. So the story is just Charlie hanging out with Jhett and meeting Ginger and finding out what happened to her brother.

This blew me away, I totally fell in love with the story and I get the bond over Cameron and Charlie, I love my brother's and sister's and I would be devastated if any of them died.

I will be reading the next book in this duet, series? However many I will read.

Thanks again Sarah!

[Felicia Tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy flipping wow! For a debut novel...I can't believe how amazingly good this book was!!! Charlie and Jhett are so romantic, real, and heartfelt. This story was so interesting and enthralling. I would have read it in one sitting had I not had other responsibilities to attend to.

I loved that Charlie was from TN and moved to Cali. I've never been there, but Jones made me feel like I was on the beach with Charlie and Jhett on multiple occasions. Her descriptions made me long to feel sand beneath my toes...even though I never have. That's good writing!

I have to say...the ending...ugh. I need more! Now!! Sarah Ashley Jones, I expect you to have the second book out ASAP! I'm dying to know what happens next.

[Shona Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK I have just finished Promise me this and I loved it!
Charlie and Jhett's relationship was great. From the very first moment they met I loved the way they interacted with each other, even when they weren't getting along...

There was so much emotion poured into this book that it was impossible to stay detached. I literally fell into this book and got carried away with its emotions, to the point there was crying; proper heart ache, throat hurts, voice hitching, tears falling, crying at several points.. And I wont tell you where because I hate spoilers.

This is Jones' first book and all I can say is wow!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know that I have words for this book. I'll try a few. PHENOMENAL. AMAZING. ENTHRALLING. I lied, I have lots of words for this book. I could NOT put it down. I loved every character in it, even Ginger ~cough witch cough~ and I absolutely adored the 50's feel of a lot of it. Jhett is the perfect boy, seriously. From the tattoos to the passion he puts into everything to being able to COOK. gosh, I loved it. This book made me wish I knew Cameron and the relationships he had with these people. For a character who never interacted with anyone, he was a favorite for me. gosh, 5 stars, BRAVO.

[Jennifer ♛Jenna♛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Sarah Ashley Jones, but it won't be the last.I really enjoyed reading this book. Charlie and Jhett where very likable characters.I can't wait for the next one!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the read. The cliffhanger just came out of no where. I usually will not read a book if I know it has a cliffhanger. I'll wait until all books are out because I don't like waiting. This cliffhanger was a some what happy one. Looks like it will only be a few months wait. Jhett is HOT, tattooed sweetheart who falls hard for the beautiful innocent Charlie. They make an amazing couple. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Paulina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ughhhh

[Jenny Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heart this book!!!! Can't wait for more!!!!

[Genna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would have loved to meet Cameron! This book was adorable but still had steamy parts. Loved their romance and th 1050's vibes!

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Also posted at Oops! I Read A Book Again*

Thank you so much for Tess of My Pathway to Books and Sarah Ashley Jones for the eARC! As always, this in now way affected my views of the novel.

Promise Me This first came into my radar when I helped with its cover reveal. It won't win any awards in its originality but the simplicity and the tangible feeling and sense of love it emanates caught me and got me interested in this novel. And hey, musicians in my novels are more than welcome. You could say that's one of my guilty pleasures. So of course, when the chance to read an ARC for its release day launch presented, I grabbed it!

Charlie is the epitome of a Southern belle. The familial daughter to her overbearing and overprotective parents, she stayed in Tennessee for college because of them. Her brother, Cameron, however, rebelled and flew out of town to San Diego to go to college and live his life for himself. That is until he got into a car accident and subsequently died. (Subsequently? Really, Dianne? Someone died and you use 'subsequently'? You can't be more clinical-sounding and unemotional than that?) Charlie comes to San Diego to pack Cameron's apartment up and she meets Jhett, Cameron's tattooed best friend and the guitarist to the band that plays at Cameron's hangout place. Charlie gets to know more about Cameron's life back in San Diego and ultimately, gets to know Jhett as well. (More than know, actually.)

The characters in here were such a delight! Charlie wants more than being stuck in Tennessee, but she isn't as courageous as Cameron to have defied their parents. But upon continual interference of her mother and upon knowing Cameron's imminent plans to get her to San Diego from Jhett, she starts to decide for herself and stays in San Diego for the summer. (Of course Jhett planted that idea but she made the decision all on her own and in memory of Cameron.) She even buys a banana-yellow Jeep to complete her rebellion. It's obvious that Charlie's more like Cameron in so many ways except for she didn't dare follow Cameron then. So the turnaround from the Southern belle that she is was truly believable. Hannah, Charlie's bestfriend is the best friend all girls need to have. She's supportive yet she pushes Hannah to do things she wants to do but is too afraid to go through. Jhett, you tattooed tall and lanky yet kinda broad-shouldered guy! Make no mistake and don't judge a guy by his ink but Jhett is an ultranice guy. He might have girls in and out of his life before but that's it, they're just hook-ups. He hasn't broken someone's heart by leading them on. He's a guitarist in a band that exploded when he was young, touring all around the country. After his stint at that, he studied and graduated in a CULINARY SCHOOL. Jhett is a chef. A heavily tattooed chef. Who still plays sometimes in a band. He's such an irony that I love him just for it. Another character would be Ginger. I wouldn't reveal who she is but I just didn't like her as much. Okay, I get why she's swearing people off and burning bridges with everyone but I also didn't like some of the deeds she did and some of her decisions and reasoning. But I do get where she's coming from so I don't hate her.

As for the romance, it was sort of fast-paced in my opinion. I completely understand it though. Jhett, being bestfriends with Cameron, knew Charlie before he even met her. Cameron kept on telling stories about Charlie that Jhett felt like he already know Charlie. On the other hand, Charlie didn't even know Cameron had a best friend in Jhett before she met him. So her falling in love with Jhett was kind of fast but once again, I get it because they bonded over Cameron's death. And Jhett is so lovable especially when he treats Charlie as if she invented bacon. And blueberry cheesecakes. And spicy spaghetti and tattoo. There's nothing that can make you closer than experiencing the same misery. So while their relationship pretty much goes from nil to explosions, it was still believable. This is a contemporary new adult romance guys so you know how the scenes just bare it all. Needless to say, Promise Me This had steamy scenes and sizzling ones as well and sweet-as-caramel ones too. That seashell necklace? I just about squealed in a restaurant while eating lunch. Jhett is just too sweet and he cares for Charlie so much. So so much. Some might feel like their relationship had no grounds, that maybe this isn't really love but more like commiseration or having just that person around when you were in a pit. Maybe so but still, the romance was still palpable.

As for the plot, Promise Me This is mostly a romance novel. But it also delved into death, guilt, promises, fighting for what you want, following your dreams and living the life you want and not just existing. But be warned that apparently, Promise Me This will have a sequel! Damn that cliffhanger, Sarah! I hate you but I love you more for writing this. Am a proud member of #JhettMafia. I am eagerly awaiting for the continuation of Charlie and Jhett's love story.

With a hot romance as spicy as Jhett's Kill Ya Spaghetti and Meatballs and a plot that will put you in a rollercoaster ride of emotions, Promise Me This is a more-than-promising first book in this series. Sarah Ashley Jones, don't make me strangle you and release the sequel asap! (Kidding, I will never strangle you. More like spam you on Twitter.)

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave Promise Me This 3 out of 5 Stars.
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
Charlie is a 20 year old young lady just trying to find her way. She endures a painful loss when her brother Cameron dies tragically in an accident which nobody seems to want to talk about. Charlie is from the South, a Southern Belle if you will. And the connection that her and Cameron have before his death is stellar, which only brings the pain to the surface even more. Cameron was a rebel of sorts, constantly trying to get Charlie to break free from her oh-so-stable roots back home. Which never happened, she never took his advice, never wandered beyond the safety net of home. Cameron’s death unfortunately, was the only thing that made her change.

Jhett is your average run of the mill Rockabilly, Rebellious, Musician with one thing that is not average. He has a heart of gold… Truly. Of course he’s beautiful, with full sleeve tattoos that run all the way down to his wrists (which I LOVE) a pretty face, and clothes that cling to him just right. PERFECT. Oh, he is also the best friend of our newly departed friend Cameron. Yep, Charlie’s brother. Does this sound like the beginnings of a problem? Yes? I guess time will tell…

So Charlie needs to fly to California to collect and pack her deceased brothers apartment. This in turn leads her to finding a note on a napkin which appears to be to Cameron from some chick named Ginger. Or Gracie as we soon find out. It reads: “Had a great time tonight. Sorry I had to leave this note… girlfriend emergency. Catch you next Riot Night. Love, the girl you dream about. Ginger” And this is the beginning of our dear Charlie’s journey into the world of the unknown. As she flips the napkin over she finds the words of the place that will change her life… “The Pointe, San Diego” The place she finds him, Jhett.

This story was really sweet, and had all of the components you want in characters. Hot, sweet, feisty, innocent, gentle, HOT etc… But was it sexy hot? NO. Not in the least. There were parts that kind of got you there, but then faded away faster than they came. So if you’re looking for a HOT STEAMY read, this is not for you. However, if you want a beautiful story about two people finding each other, and trying to trust each other, and going through all the lovely pitfalls of new love then I say go for it! I love a good sweet love story every now and again, and this was that. Sarah’s writing is what I will give her the most praise for. It was truly GREAT. With very thorough, thought out descriptions and easy flowing segways.

The story picks up a bit at the end, in the true fashion of a cliffhanger. But not to worry, the story continues…

Now for a few things that I just need to get out…

This girl Charlie is 20 years old right? Okay.

How in the world has a 20 year old young woman attending college at Vanderbilt University never tasted Carne Asada, seen sleeve tattoos, or learned to ride a bike? This BOGGLED my mind… Totally.

I mean the Carne Asada, I can understand some people are vegetarian right? But guess what? Charlie isn’t a vegetarian. I know!!! I just didn’t get it.

And the sleeve tattoo thing? You’re in college, and I’m sure you’ve seen a television in your 20 years of life…. How does this go unnoticed?

And the bike…. I’m at a loss.

Mind you, these things are most definitely not pertinent to the story, but I found them rather intriguing to say the least. And I find it a little unbelievable that someone of that age can be such a novice about some of the most basic things in life. That’s truly the only thing that I really didn’t like. It just really distracted my thought process while reading.

And on another note, this book has a 17+ rating. I found that a little harsh as well. There are some bad words, and the sexual situations are extremely mild but overall suitable for most audiences.

Here are a couple super sweet tidbits…

“Do you feel that? No one has ever made my heart race like that before. So don’t tell me we can go back to how things were before. I don’t want to. I want whatever we are now, right in this moment.” ~Charlie

“It’s amazing how good you look in my room” ~Jhett

[Jenn Book Ramblings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Promise me This (Promise Me #1)
Author: Sarah Ashley Jones
Release Date: June 17th, 2013

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Description:
Welcome to the South - where the tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter. This Southern way of life is all Charlie has ever known. It’s not until she loses the only person who pushed her to break free of the Southern Belle mold that she starts living the life she needs and not the life her parents forced on her.

Jhett has lived on the edge for as long as he could remember - constantly teetering back and forth between being a rock star and living a normal life. His rebellious and sometimes arrogant attitude is known to get him into trouble, especially with the girls who hang on his every move.

Charlie never thought that a trip to pack up her brother’s apartment would leave her feeling even more unsettled about the grainy details of her brother’s death. Her quest for information leads her straight to his old hangout and into arms of Jhett, who suspiciously knows more about her situation than he ever should.

Only a few questions remain - Can you trust someone based on their word alone? And if you make a promise, how far will you go to keep it?

Review:
Charlie is the daughter of overprotective parents. She had a brother named Cameron who rebelled and left Tennessee, deciding to move to San Diego and live his own life. Then a tragic accident happened. Charlie flew to San Diego to pack up her brother's things. That is all she was doing until she met Jhett, a friend of her brother who also happens to be a band-guitarist covered in tattoos. They explore and get to know each other more. Then once again Charlie's life changes and her parents are not going to let that happen.

“If you need to know one thing about me, Charlie, it’s that I’ll always be myself, no matter what others might want me to be.”

Charlie is pretty and shy and has appeared to always live her life the way her parents (specifically her mom) wanted her to. At first she doesn't seem to want to go to San Diego and disappoint her parents; however, as the story progresses we see that all Charlie craves is adventures and spontaneity. Throughout the story Charlie grows as a person. But you all better watch out because she can be stubborn and when she does her Tennessee accent comes out.

“The thing about Charlie was that she was passionate in everything she did. Whether she was happy, sad, mad, or excited; it didn’t matter…I knew how she felt about me; I could feel it emanating off of her.”

Jhett, with the tattooed body and wavering emotions, and the snarky attitude. This is what you will see at first glance but that is not all you get. Underneath all this bad boy image is a nice guy who has studied culinary in an actual school. Jhett is as hot as they come. He is as delicious as his cooking.

"I've never seen you more beautiful than you are right now. You can do all those things, Charlie. I believe in you."

The writing in this book is flawless and very easy to read. The events took place in a very well organized timeline which made me get even more into the story. Everything that happened between Charlie and Jhett, I felt and grew to love them as a couple so much. The author also did a very good job of showing character development for all involved. Sarah showed that not only are they pretty faces , they all have their flaws and the things that make them who they are. Overall this book is very simple. But, I think that is what makes the book so good. The plot lines are not that original but the way they were told and handled showed tremendous talent from the author.

This book overall was amazing. Promise me this is not just a romance novel, it is about fighting, taking what you want, living your life and following your dreams. It shows aspects of guilt and death and the things that come after such as living your life and not just existing. It was a great start to the series, so please Sarah, hurry up and give us the next one.

view more reviews at http://romanceobsessedbookblog.blogsp...

[Mallory Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I want to get this done in time for release day and I sincerely hope I do Sarah Ashley Jones and her novel Promise Me This, justice because I’ve sat here for twenty two minutes staring at a blank screen. I mean I even took notes. There are page numbers all over my hand…I flipping made my very first *fangirl* picture, in case you were unsure about how I was feeling. It was a really good book, Sarah Ashley Jones delivered so much more than I even expected, that I’m still struggling with the perfect words.
Jhett and Charlie’s backstory’s and mannerisms are complicated in multiple aspects, tangled throughout their worlds are Cameron, Ginger and Hannah. All of whom tie their own knots in the plot and leave their own signature on each of the main character’s lives. Besides being a cover whore (and PMT’s cover is gorgeous, that I actually had to message Sarah after I saw her reveal and tell her how much I Loved it, kind of like a *bookish creeper* moment)!
She broke my heart, piece by piece. Each page I turned, the deeper into their stories I read, the more enthralled with PMT I became. Sarah made the right decision alternating points of views between Jhett and Charlie. Both added a depth of their own to the characters they represented and by the end, every detail and insight given played a role in character development and the fluency of the plot. Charlie is an energetic, passionate, wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve kind of girl and her moments of shortcomings, regret and self-discovery we’re alive on the paper. I connected with Charlie immediately and connected with the story just as fast. Sarah doesn’t leave you waiting or giving you all the answers you think you want in the beginning. The lives they share are realistic and described with ease. I could not quit reading PMT. I had to know more.
“The thing about Charlie was that she was passionate in everything she did. Whether she was happy, sad, mad, or excited; it didn’t matter…I knew how she felt about me; I could feel it emanating off of her.”-Jhett
“If you need to know one thing about me, Charlie, it’s that I’ll always be myself, no matter what others might want me to be.”--Jhett
Jhett is difficult in the best of ways. Uh, he’s the guy you want to claim, and let’s be honest sometimes tame. But his points of view grow throughout the story and you see how Charlie sees him changing. All the while Jhett has to face his own demons while helping Charlie battle hers and those are some of my favorite quotes and moments in the entire book.
In quite a few spots you’ll wonder if they’re fighting in vain and where their relationship is going to end. I loved how Sarah portrayed Jhett and although he is strong, smart and a musician, but he’s not in the story to solely save Charlie. You really need to read it to understand the connections made. Now a swoon moment: “I only hoped that I could live up to what she needed me to be. I never wanted to be the reason for her to feel anything less than the way she did in that very moment.”
Sarah really drives the knife home, making Promise Me This remarkable with the last quarter of the book. So much happens, most of which I never saw coming. And the one spot I stood a chance of getting correct, I completely missed. I have no idea what I was thinking. The twists that show themselves later, to me are some of the most key elements, that I thought I should have seen coming! The ending to Promise Me This is a completely different ending then I ever could have imagined. It’s beautifully written, flawlessly executed and I enjoyed everything. With the way PMT ends, I’ll be hanging on the edge of my seat for book two.

[Karla Mae (Reads and Thoughts) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh! Why do I keep reading books that I thought was a stand-alone but ended up with a complete cliffy?! There, I said it already; a cliffy is definitely waiting for us at the end of this, but in a very rare and weird reason, I was happy and contented with the way it ended, yes it was a cliffy and it would’ve been nice if it didn’t end that way but it was a happy ending so whatever. But as I've told you with another story that I've read that also has a cliffy ending, don’t let that stop you from reading it for it was still worth the read!

When it came to a battle of originality, Promise Me This won’t make it any different from the others. The story somehow goes along this way:

Charlie is the daughter with an over protective parents.
Her brother Cameron rebelled flew out of Tennessee, move to San Diego and live his own free life.
Then an accident happened.
Charlie comes to San Diego to pack Cameron's place where she met Jhett.
Jhett, the tattooed, band-guitarist who is her brother's best friend.
They explore a series of firsts for each others, gets to know more about Cameron and each other.

Definitely not up to originality with its naive heroine and musician hero right? But the simplicity and tangibility of the story brings out the best of this book. The circumstances may not be any different from any other stories but the way it was all handled was greatly appreciated by me.

The characters are all more than the pretty faces and problematic teens. Yes, they have their flaws but they have their distinctive characteristics with them.
I see Charlie as more like her own brother. She craves spontaneous and adventurous events! I like that she finally decides to stay and just explore the place where her brother stayed.

Jhett with his hot and cold emotions, tattooed body and snarky attitude could be deceiving because under all that is a nice guy - a nice guy who has studied in a culinary school and could make you hungry with all his cooking. He could come as a very stereotype character but the thing that really makes his mark on me was when he gave Charlie a ride home with his Bicycle – not a motorcycle – on a bicycle! If motorcycles are hot, I consider Bicycle rides as the sweetest.

The romance was quite predictable and there is no doubt that this two will be together, but the highlight I guess would be the better end of it where one of them stands up to fight for their relationship.

The author's way of writing was flawless and easy to get into. The flow of events went smoothly so reading this has quite been a very easy experience for me. The only problem that I encounter here I guess is that lack of attention to the tragedy that became the root of this story which is Cameron's death. Yes, they’ve given him respect and all that but those few moments that he was mentioned it seems to force just to remind the readers that the characters lost someone important to them. It focused more on the romance rather than on the healing for the loss of someone they love.

Promise me this is more than just your romance novel, it's about living you life, fighting for what you really want , following your dreams, death and even guilt but despite it all LIVING and not simply existing. I'm excited to see more of Charlie and Jhett especially Jhett's Kill Ya Spaghetti. It was a very promising start on a series, so please please Sarah Ashley Jones, give us the next book ASAP. ;)

[Addy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally 3.5 stars


This book is intended for readers 17+ due to strong language and sexual situations.

From the occasional NA reads that I have read Promise Me This was a pretty good read and start to a series. The story revolves around Charlie and her trip to San Diego, where she is there to pack up her recently deceased brother’s things at his apartment. It is there that she meets Jett and finds out things that she never knew about her brother, Cam. Charlie is thrust into a journey of self-discovery, truths, and love.

I really liked Jones writing style. It easily flowed and thought that Charlie and Jhett’s character development grew the further the story progressed. I also liked the romance between the two. Charlie is this southern belle while Jhett is this hard, tattooed guy. There are extreme opposites, yet there is something there between them. The chemistry crackled and was really well done. The only thing that annoyed me and caused my inner grammar bee to cringe was the array of typos throughout the story. It’s easily fixed and didn’t take away from the interesting plot line, but it did bother me. Just a wee bit.

Although, the story was good, I particularly didn’t find myself enthralled by it. This in part, had to do with my detachment towards the characters. I didn’t relate to Charlie, though I did sympathized for her. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the story. Just that I didn’t love or fall head over heels with it. The story is interesting enough that I read through it with no qualms. Maybe it had to do with the romance. I’m kind of a sucker for romance.

Then there is Jhett who I really did like! He’s this bad boy musician turned chef with a kind heart. I liked his honesty and loyalty to Cam. He made some promises to Cam where Charlie is concerned and he tries to keep them as best he can. That to me, is an A+ in my book! As I’ve said before, their romance is really sweet and gradual. Charlie decides to stay the summer in San Diego where she grows closer to Jhett over dinner and nights out. It all is very swoon worthy. As the reader delves deeper into the story we find out that Jhett may have had something to do with Cam’s accident.

Dun. Dun. Dunnn.

As you’ve guessed it, things kind of go on a rough route for Charlie and Jhett.

Then,

it

ENDS.

Yep.

Sarah Ashley Jones is a tease.

Even though I just liked the book overall, I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. The ending gave me hope that things will work out between Jhett and Charlie even after the harsh truth. I theorize that things aren’t always what they seem and there is more to the mystery to be solved! Also, I just want some more romance between the two! Yeah. I’m greedy. All in all, I think you should check out this series! It wouldn’t hurt and if you’re a fan of romance this is definitely a book worth picking up as a leisure, fluffy read.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I had been dying to read this book and I was planning to read it until I saw a Blog Tour for it so I signed up and I was super happy when I got on it! The cover for this book initially drew me to it after I helped reveal it, and since then I had been desperate to read it! The plot of this book had quite a lot in it! It was full of emotion and pain and it was beautifully written! It was about two characters coming to terms with someone's death and about them letting go of their grief! There were some twists in the book that I didn't see coming at all! The twists added so much to the story and actually made me think about what was going to happen next! The plot of Promise Me This overall was very moving and it shows you that love can happen when you need it the most and the two main characters of this book definitely found love at the right time! The characters were amazing! Charlie was the main female character and I loved her! I felt at times that she was rebellious, but after I found out her story I realised why she was a bit rebellious and also maybe it was just a certain hot, tattooed guy that made her like that! I felt so sorry for her for what she had been through and the grief that she faced in this book, but she was amazingly strong and she powered on! I really admired her for that! Jhett was the love interest of Charlie and he had some secrets in this book, but in a way I could understand why he kept them a secret! He kept them to protect Charlie and I could really see how much he loved her and wanted to protect her! Jhett was hot! Tattoos, sexy and hot! I really couldn't have asked for a hotter guy lol! I loved how he and Charlie's relationship grew and they made such a cure couple! There were some other characters in this book and they all added so much to the story as well! I thought that this book was a standalone when I first discovered it so I was quite happy about that until I got to the end of this book! I quickly grabbed my phone and looked up to see when the next book would be released! I wasn't expecting quite a cliff-hanger-ish ending so I was left surprised, but also quite pleased that there is going to be not another one, but another two books to this series! I'm definitely going to be anticipating their releases! The cover for this book is so beautiful! It suits the characters and everything! I love it! Big thank you to Sarah for a copy of Promise Me This and to Tess from My Pathway to Books for having me on the Blog Tour!

[Jess at Such a Novel Idea · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more information, visit Such A Novel Idea!

Oh my gosh! I have to start off this review by saying that I didn’t realize I would love this book as much as I did. The first line of the synopsis “Welcome to the South – where the tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter.” along with the cover were what sold me on the book to begin with. Being from the South, I kind of understand that way of life, even if my family is nothing like Charlie’s.

So let’s talk about the writing. Jones is an excellent writer. I was intrigued by the synopsis, but I was hooked by the end of the first page. The characters are well developed and had personalities that practically lept off the page. I felt like Charlie was a much more developed character than Jhett, but I also think it worked with the story line. Even though we got chapters from Jhett’s point of view, he was this mystery that Charlie had to figure out. And he has all the secrets that he has to deal with. So in a sense, we the reader were learning about him just like Charlie was.

Charlie’s grief was real and raw — as was her personality change. I really felt her changing into what I like to call ‘California Charlie’ was authentic. I love the balance of strong Southern charm, along with the backbone she built up when she finally started to learn about herself.

This book was more about losing someone or falling in love. It was about learning who you are outside of others, especially your parents. As someone who has spent her entire adult life working with college students, this is something I try to instill in my students. You have to live your life for yourself, otherwise you will never truly be happy. It was also about learning to move on after someone close to you dies — and to accept those people for who they were when you weren’t in their lives. Charlie has to come to grips with Cameron when he lived apart from her, but she also had to see herself the way he saw her. It was heart-breakingly beautiful.

I cannot gush about how much I loved this book. There are so many new adult books that just sound like any other one. But THIS book stands out. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens to Charlie, Jhett, and all the others from Promise Me This.

My rating: Four point five out of five