What do you think?
Rate this book
Promise Me #2
Promise Me Light
The epic conclusion of New York Times bestselling book Promise Me Darkness.
"I'm darkness, Maddie. Stay away from men like me. You'll only get hurt."
At one time my life was simple. Easy. But that was before the war. Now I was no longer an average college student. I was a survivor. A woman living in a ravaged world. My future was not bright and my life was far from perfect. The war had taken so much from me... but it wasn't finished yet. It wanted more.
It wanted my heart. My soul. The one person I couldn't live without.
It wanted Ryder Delaney. My best friend. The bad boy. The one person who could fight like no other and love me like no one else. He was the father of my baby. I watched him walk away one hot summer day and I prayed he would return. I needed him like I needed air to breathe and water to drink. Without him I was lost. A light without her darkness.
Until he returns, I'll wait for him. And I believe he will return because love is powerful...
And so is the light calling him home.
"I'm darkness, Maddie. Stay away from men like me. You'll only get hurt."
At one time my life was simple. Easy. But that was before the war. Now I was no longer an average college student. I was a survivor. A woman living in a ravaged world. My future was not bright and my life was far from perfect. The war had taken so much from me... but it wasn't finished yet. It wanted more.
It wanted my heart. My soul. The one person I couldn't live without.
It wanted Ryder Delaney. My best friend. The bad boy. The one person who could fight like no other and love me like no one else. He was the father of my baby. I watched him walk away one hot summer day and I prayed he would return. I needed him like I needed air to breathe and water to drink. Without him I was lost. A light without her darkness.
Until he returns, I'll wait for him. And I believe he will return because love is powerful...
And so is the light calling him home.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2013
81 people are currently reading
3295 people want to read
About the author
Paige Weaver
10 books1,182 followersPaige Weaver’s first passion has always been reading. Many hours of her childhood were spent getting lost between the pages of a book, disappearing into other worlds. That turned into a love for writing at a young age. Her first book, Promise Me Darkness, became an instant New York Times, two time USA Today bestseller, and international bestseller.
When she's not writing or reading, you can find her chasing her kids around and living her very own happily ever-after.
When she's not writing or reading, you can find her chasing her kids around and living her very own happily ever-after.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
October 19, 2013
2 It's The Apocalypse bitches and it's damn frustrating Stars
Love is difficult in contemporary times... Now, throw in a World War III, the end o civilization as we know it, foreign troops invading USA, a bloody cold Winter,a jealous alpha male with more vulnerabilities and hormonal up and downs than his pregnant girlfriend and you have the perfect mix for a tequila party!
What started as somewhat OK in the first book, dragged from here to hell in this one. Constant bickering, insecurities and too much time spent going over the same issues made rolling eyes almost a given. Seriously my left eye is still give me trouble!
Don't get me wrong. This a beautiful love story. Ryder and Maddie are true soul mates and belong together. But the premises of the story doesn't help for their star to properly shine. Protection somewhat overlaps with obsession and insanity is the rule. Angst and unnecessary drama soon follow...
Overall, it could be just me but I had higher expectations from this sequel. My emotions are all over the place to mirror the story that it was promising in the first but it didn't managed to deliver. Sorry but I do hope that next books will be better!
Love is difficult in contemporary times... Now, throw in a World War III, the end o civilization as we know it, foreign troops invading USA, a bloody cold Winter,a jealous alpha male with more vulnerabilities and hormonal up and downs than his pregnant girlfriend and you have the perfect mix for a tequila party!
What started as somewhat OK in the first book, dragged from here to hell in this one. Constant bickering, insecurities and too much time spent going over the same issues made rolling eyes almost a given. Seriously my left eye is still give me trouble!
Don't get me wrong. This a beautiful love story. Ryder and Maddie are true soul mates and belong together. But the premises of the story doesn't help for their star to properly shine. Protection somewhat overlaps with obsession and insanity is the rule. Angst and unnecessary drama soon follow...
Overall, it could be just me but I had higher expectations from this sequel. My emotions are all over the place to mirror the story that it was promising in the first but it didn't managed to deliver. Sorry but I do hope that next books will be better!
October 14, 2013
Nothing.
That is what I was.
Ryder was gone.
My world shattered like a piece of delicate glass dropped on a marble floor.
Tiny slivers of the life I once had lingered, but they were broken.
Useless.
Just fragments of what they once were. I had no hope. No prayers. No desire to go on.
I can't breathe without him...
Promise Me Light was the remarkable conclusion to Promise Me Darkness! I very rarely like the sequel of a novel more than the first installment, but for this one I made an exception. This book was so beautifully written that I cried through a good portion of it. It just had that something more than Promise Me Darkness ever did, and that's the only way I can think to describe it. I loved the flashbacks and the poetic writing style. Everything about it was so beautiful...
When me meet Maddie in Promise Me Light, she's not the same girl that she was before. She's broken. Lost. Without hope. Ryder is gone. He never returned from the search party that went to find her best friend Eva. She doesn't know how to live without Ryder, he's her best friend, true love, soul mate, father of her unborn baby, how does she go on without him?
In Promise Me Light, the end of the world is still in it's throes. In fact, things are worse. With Ryder gone, they also have other problems to get used to. They are running out of food, still without power, and tensions are running high in their group. People are starting to fight more, have shorter tempers, and understand less. Will they make it out alive? Will Ryder ever be found? Or is there no light to be found in the darkness?
Reading this story made me cry hoping that Maddie & Ryder would end up together,
it made me fan-girl at all of Ryder's fierce sexy alpha-maleness,
the epilogue was awesome, though I wish it were more concluded.
It was a beautiful, unforgettable story and it definitely earned itself a place on my favorites list. I won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.
I ask everyone to give this one a shot! Even if you weren't a big fan of the first installment, the sequel is so beautifully written, that I hope everyone sticks with the series.
***I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND THIS SERIES***
That is what I was.
Ryder was gone.
My world shattered like a piece of delicate glass dropped on a marble floor.
Tiny slivers of the life I once had lingered, but they were broken.
Useless.
Just fragments of what they once were. I had no hope. No prayers. No desire to go on.
I can't breathe without him...
"Someone might call me a fool for not facing reality, but if reality didn't include Ryder, I didn't want any part of it."
"Sunlight filtered in through the window, brightening the room, but only darkness surrounded me. The light in me was gone. Like a candle without it's flame, I sat alone and without purpose.
Promise Me Light was the remarkable conclusion to Promise Me Darkness! I very rarely like the sequel of a novel more than the first installment, but for this one I made an exception. This book was so beautifully written that I cried through a good portion of it. It just had that something more than Promise Me Darkness ever did, and that's the only way I can think to describe it. I loved the flashbacks and the poetic writing style. Everything about it was so beautiful...
When me meet Maddie in Promise Me Light, she's not the same girl that she was before. She's broken. Lost. Without hope. Ryder is gone. He never returned from the search party that went to find her best friend Eva. She doesn't know how to live without Ryder, he's her best friend, true love, soul mate, father of her unborn baby, how does she go on without him?
I felt as if a giant building collapsed on top of me, leaving me trapped and desperate for air. I waited for someone to rescue me and dig me out from under the constant pain, but no one ever came. Every day I tried crawling my out of of the rumble, cutting my hands and leaving a trail of despair behind. But I never could see daylight, only darkness.
In Promise Me Light, the end of the world is still in it's throes. In fact, things are worse. With Ryder gone, they also have other problems to get used to. They are running out of food, still without power, and tensions are running high in their group. People are starting to fight more, have shorter tempers, and understand less. Will they make it out alive? Will Ryder ever be found? Or is there no light to be found in the darkness?
"This was it. The truth. The reason we both lived and breathed. Some called it friendship. Others called it love. I just called it each other. We needed each other to survive.
"I love you Maddie. Remember that. I'll love you forever. Now let me go." ~Ryder
"Being with Ryder was like a roller coaster ride that never ended. There were sharp turns and up and downs. You never knew what was waiting for you around the corner. One moment you wanted to laugh, the next moment you wanted to scream. But through it all, it was exhilarating, and fast paced. The ride of your life. And I never wanted to get off.
"I'm darkness Maddie. Stay away from men like me. You'll only get hurt." ~Ryder
Reading this story made me cry hoping that Maddie & Ryder would end up together,
it made me fan-girl at all of Ryder's fierce sexy alpha-maleness,
the epilogue was awesome, though I wish it were more concluded.
It was a beautiful, unforgettable story and it definitely earned itself a place on my favorites list. I won't be forgetting this one anytime soon.
I ask everyone to give this one a shot! Even if you weren't a big fan of the first installment, the sequel is so beautifully written, that I hope everyone sticks with the series.
"I need you now," he said, grabbing my loose hair in a fist and tugging me closer. "A gunshot wound won't stop you?" I asked with a smile."Not with you baby."
***I WOULD 100% RECOMMEND THIS SERIES***
November 6, 2013
Well worth the wait!!! Fantastic ending!!! Love you Paige Weaver!!!!
September 27, 2013
I'm looking at all these 4 and 5 star reviews and wondering if I read the same thing?!!
Okay, so I will admit that I do like the author's style of writing, which is why this didn't go on my DNF shelf, but it almost did.
The characters drove me insane. They were whiny, stupid and annoying. Am I supposed to like them? I didn't. And if the characters are supposed to be flawed, develop them enough so I care whether or not they redeem themselves.
The heroine made a comment about her relationship with Ryder being like a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs and for once, I agreed with her. She needed to step the HELL off that ride and run. Why would someone keep going back to someone who keeps treating you badly, has a severe case of PTSD (which seemed to magically cure by the end) and was frankly, an ass. A huge example of this for me was when he did this sweet gesture of giving her his helping of soup and a minute later, she ends up wearing it because he goes off the dumb ass handle. Hello? Food shortage anyone? By the sounds of the dire situation, she should have been wringing that soup from her shirt and eating every last drop. Or, maybe Ryder should quit acting like the immature ass hat he is.
And how in the hell did he save Maddie when he has an infected gun shot wound and is delirious with fever?? He's standing on the porch with a gun?? I. don't. think. so.
But yet, can't be woken up from his nightmare where he is strangling the woman he supposedly loves???
The heroine was immature and stupid and the actions she took while pregnant were just dumb. I'm frankly amazed the pregnancy survived with the way she was running around, starving, being strangled, beat up and whatever else she endured.
I still like the premise of the war and how these people had to survive without electricity and trying to meet their basic needs. But I don't get how she could go from suffering from some pretty physical hardships to all of the sudden wanting to jump Ryder's bones just because he was in the vicinity. I mean, I get that people have needs, but she sure got hers at strange times.
Sorry, this one just wasn't for me :(
Okay, so I will admit that I do like the author's style of writing, which is why this didn't go on my DNF shelf, but it almost did.
The characters drove me insane. They were whiny, stupid and annoying. Am I supposed to like them? I didn't. And if the characters are supposed to be flawed, develop them enough so I care whether or not they redeem themselves.
The heroine made a comment about her relationship with Ryder being like a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs and for once, I agreed with her. She needed to step the HELL off that ride and run. Why would someone keep going back to someone who keeps treating you badly, has a severe case of PTSD (which seemed to magically cure by the end) and was frankly, an ass. A huge example of this for me was when he did this sweet gesture of giving her his helping of soup and a minute later, she ends up wearing it because he goes off the dumb ass handle. Hello? Food shortage anyone? By the sounds of the dire situation, she should have been wringing that soup from her shirt and eating every last drop. Or, maybe Ryder should quit acting like the immature ass hat he is.
And how in the hell did he save Maddie when he has an infected gun shot wound and is delirious with fever?? He's standing on the porch with a gun?? I. don't. think. so.
But yet, can't be woken up from his nightmare where he is strangling the woman he supposedly loves???
The heroine was immature and stupid and the actions she took while pregnant were just dumb. I'm frankly amazed the pregnancy survived with the way she was running around, starving, being strangled, beat up and whatever else she endured.
I still like the premise of the war and how these people had to survive without electricity and trying to meet their basic needs. But I don't get how she could go from suffering from some pretty physical hardships to all of the sudden wanting to jump Ryder's bones just because he was in the vicinity. I mean, I get that people have needs, but she sure got hers at strange times.
Sorry, this one just wasn't for me :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
4,5.
Necesito dar la explicación de porque no le doy las 5. Es porque me canse de sufrir. DOS LIBROS COMPLETOS DE SUFRIR Y SUFRIR Y SUFRIR MAAS me matan. Joder si claro que he leído libros que tienen para sufrir un rato pero suele haber cosas buenas que compensan el sufrimiento. Pero este libro me ha llevado por el camino de las lagrimas página si y página también. Me encantó, si, no puedo negarlo porque me sorprendió está historia. De hecho ahora estoy cagada de verme en la misma situación. Creo que el epílogo se ha quedado un poco soso para mi gusto, necesitaba algo más que me quitara el mal estar que tengo en el cuerpo con tanto dolor.
Amo a Ryder, lo amo con todo mi corazón aunque es un gilipollas bipolar a veces. Dios no sé si algún día podré leerme el siguiente libro, por ahora quiero descansar. Gracias por sorprenderme en todas y cada una de las maneras posibles. No me arrepiento de haberlo leído.
Necesito dar la explicación de porque no le doy las 5. Es porque me canse de sufrir. DOS LIBROS COMPLETOS DE SUFRIR Y SUFRIR Y SUFRIR MAAS me matan. Joder si claro que he leído libros que tienen para sufrir un rato pero suele haber cosas buenas que compensan el sufrimiento. Pero este libro me ha llevado por el camino de las lagrimas página si y página también. Me encantó, si, no puedo negarlo porque me sorprendió está historia. De hecho ahora estoy cagada de verme en la misma situación. Creo que el epílogo se ha quedado un poco soso para mi gusto, necesitaba algo más que me quitara el mal estar que tengo en el cuerpo con tanto dolor.
Amo a Ryder, lo amo con todo mi corazón aunque es un gilipollas bipolar a veces. Dios no sé si algún día podré leerme el siguiente libro, por ahora quiero descansar. Gracias por sorprenderme en todas y cada una de las maneras posibles. No me arrepiento de haberlo leído.
September 26, 2013
So, I read the first book of the Promise Me series and it wasn't that bad, for a dystopia/contemporary mash up book it wasn't mind numbing. So I thought might as well read the second one. On that note, I could list several things that I rather would have done than read this book... several. The entire time I was reading I was expecting some kind of climax, instead I got the same speeches over and over again just told in a different way. To say this book was predictable would be an understatement.
The lead characters seemed to have changed for me from the first book. They all seemed to had have some kind of personality transplant without me knowing. Ryder's bad boy personality in Promise Me Darkness was H-O-T and I-want-one-of-those and come-this-way-sexy but when I read this book his bad-boy personality was annoying and over done. And his constant, I mean CONSTANT, declaration of not being good enough for Maddie was highly irritating. Maddie was sappy, whinny, dramatic and well dramatic! I mean how many times and how many different ways can you say "I can't live without him", turns out there are various ways to say it. I guess I like reading books with strong female leads and kicking ass. I could talk about the other characters but they just didn't have a chance to develop, they were so two dimensional they might as well not have names, just refer to them as best-friend, older brother, prom date, best-friend's boyfriend, Ryder's dad and Ryder's mom.
So I did not enjoy reading this book. I was really disappointed, I was looking forward to reading it. The story line had no real depth or direction and plot building was lacking, the ideas were good but just poorly executed. Only reason I'm giving it 2 Stars is because I liked the first one, so I didn't want to be too harsh.
The lead characters seemed to have changed for me from the first book. They all seemed to had have some kind of personality transplant without me knowing. Ryder's bad boy personality in Promise Me Darkness was H-O-T and I-want-one-of-those and come-this-way-sexy but when I read this book his bad-boy personality was annoying and over done. And his constant, I mean CONSTANT, declaration of not being good enough for Maddie was highly irritating. Maddie was sappy, whinny, dramatic and well dramatic! I mean how many times and how many different ways can you say "I can't live without him", turns out there are various ways to say it. I guess I like reading books with strong female leads and kicking ass. I could talk about the other characters but they just didn't have a chance to develop, they were so two dimensional they might as well not have names, just refer to them as best-friend, older brother, prom date, best-friend's boyfriend, Ryder's dad and Ryder's mom.
So I did not enjoy reading this book. I was really disappointed, I was looking forward to reading it. The story line had no real depth or direction and plot building was lacking, the ideas were good but just poorly executed. Only reason I'm giving it 2 Stars is because I liked the first one, so I didn't want to be too harsh.
February 28, 2015
Oh so close! But the angst-fest continues!
This book picks up a couple of weeks after the ending of Promise Me Darkness. The US is still under the control of terrorists, and the country is without power, with dwindling food reserves and a rapidly approaching winter.
And in the middle of all of it, Maggie is trying to cope with a missing Ryder. She is broken and shattered without her best friend, soul mate and love of her life, and it was truly devastating watching her trying to cope with not only Ryder’s absence, but also the reality of trying to survive the horrific conditions, as well as all of the personal issues she is dealing with.
I found this book to be a lot more emotional than the first. And, with flashbacks to Maggie and Ryder together over the years, I was feeling their connection a lot more strongly.
“This was it. The truth. The reason we both lived and breathed. Some called it friendship. Others called it love. I just called it each other. We needed each other to survive.”
And then the big moment – Ryder’s return (this isn’t exactly a spoiler, because duh, it’s a romance book! Of course he was going to return!). My heart was pounding, and I had a massive smile on my face as I read. It is so beautifully written, I felt everything right along with Maggie. But their beautiful reunion is tainted by tragedy, as Ryder is gravely wounded, and not the same man that left all those months ago to rescue Eva.
I was loving this book through all of this turmoil. The blend of drama with romance against the background of their fight to survive, was really well done. There is a lot of character development, not only for Maggie, but we get to know Gavin and Cash a lot better, and I really liked that these guys got some more story time. And while Ryder may not be himself, he is back to his swoony, sexy best (hotness!!! *fans self*), and I was really involved in the story and enjoying where it was going.
And then it all hits the fan and Ryder becomes an ass of EPIC proportions! Oh my God! Seriously, I was past the 80% mark of the book, and wanted to put it down and just stop reading. What. An. Asshole! His insecurities and the whole 'I’m only going to hurt you' thing is alright for a little while, but it just kept going on and on, and his reactions are ridiculously melodramatic and, for me, it all just got to be too much. I really started to dislike him. I get that he’s tortured, and that he’s got issues, but come on! How moody and insecure can one guy be?
And rather than standing up to him and telling him he’s being a supreme jerk, Maggie, as always, stands by her man and forgives him everything…
“Being with Ryder was like a roller coaster ride that never ended. There were sharp turns and up and downs. You never knew what was waiting for you around the corner. The ride was bumpy and sometimes rough. One moment you wanted to laugh, the next moment you wanted to scream. But through it all, it was exhilarating and fast-paced. The ride of your life.
And I never wanted to get off.”
Well, Maddie, this just proves to me that you are an idiot and a glutton for punishment, and I have no sympathy for you at all! Although I did want to give her a cheer when she came out with this line:
“I want you. But I really want to punch you in the face right now”
YES! YES, YES YES!!!!
The one benefit of Ryder being a douche, is that Gavin gets a chance to shine, and I really came to like him as a character. Especially as he wasn’t afraid to give his brother shit.
“Don’t stare it in the eyes. It makes it angry,” he whispered, dramatically. “Out in the wild like this, it has been known to attack innocent bystanders for looking at it directly. We must be careful not to wake the beast.”
… The sides of Gavin’s mouth shot up in a grin. He glanced at Ryder with a challenge in his eyes, smirking.
Thankfully, the trantrum throwing doesn’t last for too long, and there is a fair bit of swooniness, but, to be honest, I was still too pissed at him to really enjoy it. Although I did recover enough to appreciate the gushy HEA, which left me with a huge smile on my face.
“I may be a sonofabitch but I’ll always love you,” he whispered against my lips. “You’re my everything.”
Overall, I have enjoyed these books. Yes, aspects of it left me supremely irritated, but the writing is really good, and I like the actual story, the setting, and the characters. There is a bit of a set up there for another book featuring Gavin and / or Cash, and if so, I’ll be all over that one! I’m just hoping that they have learned what NOT to do by witnessing Ryder’s epic meltdowns, and if we do get a book for them, it will be a whole lot less dramatic.
If you like a lot of angst with your romance, this book will probably really appeal to you, but it was just a bit too OTT for me.
3 stars.
This book picks up a couple of weeks after the ending of Promise Me Darkness. The US is still under the control of terrorists, and the country is without power, with dwindling food reserves and a rapidly approaching winter.
And in the middle of all of it, Maggie is trying to cope with a missing Ryder. She is broken and shattered without her best friend, soul mate and love of her life, and it was truly devastating watching her trying to cope with not only Ryder’s absence, but also the reality of trying to survive the horrific conditions, as well as all of the personal issues she is dealing with.
I found this book to be a lot more emotional than the first. And, with flashbacks to Maggie and Ryder together over the years, I was feeling their connection a lot more strongly.
“This was it. The truth. The reason we both lived and breathed. Some called it friendship. Others called it love. I just called it each other. We needed each other to survive.”
And then the big moment – Ryder’s return (this isn’t exactly a spoiler, because duh, it’s a romance book! Of course he was going to return!). My heart was pounding, and I had a massive smile on my face as I read. It is so beautifully written, I felt everything right along with Maggie. But their beautiful reunion is tainted by tragedy, as Ryder is gravely wounded, and not the same man that left all those months ago to rescue Eva.
I was loving this book through all of this turmoil. The blend of drama with romance against the background of their fight to survive, was really well done. There is a lot of character development, not only for Maggie, but we get to know Gavin and Cash a lot better, and I really liked that these guys got some more story time. And while Ryder may not be himself, he is back to his swoony, sexy best (hotness!!! *fans self*), and I was really involved in the story and enjoying where it was going.
And then it all hits the fan and Ryder becomes an ass of EPIC proportions! Oh my God! Seriously, I was past the 80% mark of the book, and wanted to put it down and just stop reading. What. An. Asshole! His insecurities and the whole 'I’m only going to hurt you' thing is alright for a little while, but it just kept going on and on, and his reactions are ridiculously melodramatic and, for me, it all just got to be too much. I really started to dislike him. I get that he’s tortured, and that he’s got issues, but come on! How moody and insecure can one guy be?
And rather than standing up to him and telling him he’s being a supreme jerk, Maggie, as always, stands by her man and forgives him everything…
“Being with Ryder was like a roller coaster ride that never ended. There were sharp turns and up and downs. You never knew what was waiting for you around the corner. The ride was bumpy and sometimes rough. One moment you wanted to laugh, the next moment you wanted to scream. But through it all, it was exhilarating and fast-paced. The ride of your life.
And I never wanted to get off.”
Well, Maddie, this just proves to me that you are an idiot and a glutton for punishment, and I have no sympathy for you at all! Although I did want to give her a cheer when she came out with this line:
“I want you. But I really want to punch you in the face right now”
YES! YES, YES YES!!!!
The one benefit of Ryder being a douche, is that Gavin gets a chance to shine, and I really came to like him as a character. Especially as he wasn’t afraid to give his brother shit.
“Don’t stare it in the eyes. It makes it angry,” he whispered, dramatically. “Out in the wild like this, it has been known to attack innocent bystanders for looking at it directly. We must be careful not to wake the beast.”
… The sides of Gavin’s mouth shot up in a grin. He glanced at Ryder with a challenge in his eyes, smirking.
Thankfully, the trantrum throwing doesn’t last for too long, and there is a fair bit of swooniness, but, to be honest, I was still too pissed at him to really enjoy it. Although I did recover enough to appreciate the gushy HEA, which left me with a huge smile on my face.
“I may be a sonofabitch but I’ll always love you,” he whispered against my lips. “You’re my everything.”
Overall, I have enjoyed these books. Yes, aspects of it left me supremely irritated, but the writing is really good, and I like the actual story, the setting, and the characters. There is a bit of a set up there for another book featuring Gavin and / or Cash, and if so, I’ll be all over that one! I’m just hoping that they have learned what NOT to do by witnessing Ryder’s epic meltdowns, and if we do get a book for them, it will be a whole lot less dramatic.
If you like a lot of angst with your romance, this book will probably really appeal to you, but it was just a bit too OTT for me.
3 stars.
February 9, 2015
This is for Gavin-stars!
Gavin made me..
Gavin was perfect!
And Gavin was too perfect to be alone. I hope I can crawl into the book and give him a hug. LOL
This book is the continue story of Maddie and Ryder. There were times when i hope Ryder better be death, or stay missing, whatever. LOL I'm such a evil here. But really, Ryder was the biggest asshole-douchebag-jerk of the world! I want to post all his jerk quotes but there are too many. And what annoy me so much was how Maddie always be fucking horny every single time she near him in an impossible timing. Hell, even only seeing him can make her grow some horn!
Totally random baby gif. Ha! I know.. I mean she's horny. lol I mean..how can she be thinking about having sex with him when they were fighting, and him accused her cheating with Gavin. I don't know how to put it into words. Gah! I wish my english was better! lmao
Some good thing about Ryder though.. it's his love to Maddie. Tbh, I admire it of him. And you will want a man to love you like he loving Maddie. But sometimes, the way him showing it that's not so right. ugh
Overall, the book is good. The story of their struggle how to keep alive with every thing limited around them. It was like watching some old Hollywood movie. :D
Gavin made me..
Gavin was perfect!
And Gavin was too perfect to be alone. I hope I can crawl into the book and give him a hug. LOL
This book is the continue story of Maddie and Ryder. There were times when i hope Ryder better be death, or stay missing, whatever. LOL I'm such a evil here. But really, Ryder was the biggest asshole-douchebag-jerk of the world! I want to post all his jerk quotes but there are too many. And what annoy me so much was how Maddie always be fucking horny every single time she near him in an impossible timing. Hell, even only seeing him can make her grow some horn!
Some good thing about Ryder though.. it's his love to Maddie. Tbh, I admire it of him. And you will want a man to love you like he loving Maddie. But sometimes, the way him showing it that's not so right. ugh
Overall, the book is good. The story of their struggle how to keep alive with every thing limited around them. It was like watching some old Hollywood movie. :D
September 30, 2013
This book was worth the wait!! I had emotions around ever turn of the page! I hope that if there is a book three we don't have to wait as long!!!
January 18, 2016
4.5 Stars
“Death. Violence. Grief and sadness. They had tried to conquer me and lost. Now, I faced another enemy, one that would torture before it killed. Hunger, an ugly creature that gnawed at a person’s stomach. A symptom of the starving.”
If you haven’t read book 1 this review will contain spoilers.
The story starts off just after Ryder, Gavin, Cash & Byron have gone to save Eva, it’s been 2 weeks and they still haven’t returned, Maddie is just about to run off to search for them when everyone returns except for Ryder. While saving Eva, Ryder is shot and taken by the enemy and no one knows if he is still alive or dead.
“Sunlight filtered in through the window, brightening the room, but only darkness surrounded me. The light in me was gone. Like a candle with its flame, I sat alone without purpose.” – Maddie
For months Maddie struggles to go on without Ryder, she tries to do everyday things but she has a huge hole in her heart and she keeps praying that he is alive and will come back to her. Maddie is a survivor through and through in this book, she really amazed me with her strength and her ability to keep trying when a lot of people would have given up.
“I forced my feet to move and my heart to beat. I told my lungs to breathe and my mind to think. Every day, I forced myself to go on, surrounded by people I loved but feeling more alone than I had ever felt before.” - Maddie
The memories Maddie had of her and Ryder broke my heart you got to read about their past as children, teenagers and memories from book 1. The writing in this book blew me away it was so much more beautifully written than book 1.
“Leave me. Run as fast as you can” “Never,” I whispered. “I’m not running unless it’s to you.” – Ryder and Maddie
“So many important days – some happy, some sad. But the day that changed my life forever was the day Ryder didn't return. That day, my world crumpled. Now all I had left were memories.” – Maddie
The ending was good. I got my closure . I think there is room for another book possibly about Cash or Gavin.
There is a lot more to this book but I don’t want to say too much ;)
This would have been 5 stars but there was still some confusing words and repetitiveness but again the beautiful writing and suspenseful plot was worth getting over that.
I would definitely recommend this series!
“Death. Violence. Grief and sadness. They had tried to conquer me and lost. Now, I faced another enemy, one that would torture before it killed. Hunger, an ugly creature that gnawed at a person’s stomach. A symptom of the starving.”
If you haven’t read book 1 this review will contain spoilers.
The story starts off just after Ryder, Gavin, Cash & Byron have gone to save Eva, it’s been 2 weeks and they still haven’t returned, Maddie is just about to run off to search for them when everyone returns except for Ryder. While saving Eva, Ryder is shot and taken by the enemy and no one knows if he is still alive or dead.
“Sunlight filtered in through the window, brightening the room, but only darkness surrounded me. The light in me was gone. Like a candle with its flame, I sat alone without purpose.” – Maddie
For months Maddie struggles to go on without Ryder, she tries to do everyday things but she has a huge hole in her heart and she keeps praying that he is alive and will come back to her. Maddie is a survivor through and through in this book, she really amazed me with her strength and her ability to keep trying when a lot of people would have given up.
“I forced my feet to move and my heart to beat. I told my lungs to breathe and my mind to think. Every day, I forced myself to go on, surrounded by people I loved but feeling more alone than I had ever felt before.” - Maddie
The memories Maddie had of her and Ryder broke my heart you got to read about their past as children, teenagers and memories from book 1. The writing in this book blew me away it was so much more beautifully written than book 1.
“Leave me. Run as fast as you can” “Never,” I whispered. “I’m not running unless it’s to you.” – Ryder and Maddie
“So many important days – some happy, some sad. But the day that changed my life forever was the day Ryder didn't return. That day, my world crumpled. Now all I had left were memories.” – Maddie
The ending was good. I got my closure . I think there is room for another book possibly about Cash or Gavin.
There is a lot more to this book but I don’t want to say too much ;)
This would have been 5 stars but there was still some confusing words and repetitiveness but again the beautiful writing and suspenseful plot was worth getting over that.
I would definitely recommend this series!
September 23, 2013
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 picks up fourteen days after Promise Me Darkness ends.
Maddie is still dealing with Ryder's absence. She misses him dearly and she's still keeping her secret.
Life is still hard without electricity and everyone is in survival mode.
Ryder's brother Gavin is trying to protect her. Same with Cash. I think Cash is my favorite character after Ryder.
I have a love-hate relationship with Ryder. He can be so obtuse and cold sometimes but you can feel the love he has for Maddie is real. He is battling with his own demons but he will do anything for her even when he is hurt.
This series scared me a little. I mean I had to ask my husband if he had a survival plan for something like this.
(Thankfully he does. LOL. I can see solar panels in my future).
Maddie was a survivor. She has lost so much but she keeps on going even trying to search for Ryder.
I know this story can't be done. I think Eva and Brody as well Cash need an HEA. Don't you??
One more thing- I love the Cover. Those eyes are like a magnet.
" I love you, Maddie. You're my past. My present. My future. You're my life. And I will always love you."
4/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot.com
Book 2 picks up fourteen days after Promise Me Darkness ends.
Maddie is still dealing with Ryder's absence. She misses him dearly and she's still keeping her secret.
Life is still hard without electricity and everyone is in survival mode.
Ryder's brother Gavin is trying to protect her. Same with Cash. I think Cash is my favorite character after Ryder.
I have a love-hate relationship with Ryder. He can be so obtuse and cold sometimes but you can feel the love he has for Maddie is real. He is battling with his own demons but he will do anything for her even when he is hurt.
This series scared me a little. I mean I had to ask my husband if he had a survival plan for something like this.
(Thankfully he does. LOL. I can see solar panels in my future).
Maddie was a survivor. She has lost so much but she keeps on going even trying to search for Ryder.
I know this story can't be done. I think Eva and Brody as well Cash need an HEA. Don't you??
One more thing- I love the Cover. Those eyes are like a magnet.
" I love you, Maddie. You're my past. My present. My future. You're my life. And I will always love you."
4/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot.com
Want to read
September 10, 2013 Oooh YAY! This is a 2-book series and this will be the final one which means I can start soon :)
The conclusion to Maddie and Ryder's love story will be released on September 24th.
The conclusion to Maddie and Ryder's love story will be released on September 24th.
September 25, 2013
Not as good as the first one, which I really liked but at least Weaver gives an explanation as to what happens to the characters. I look forward to more books from this author.
June 9, 2015
I ended up skipping through pages. The characters are too shallow especially the heroine doing things a sane person would not dare do given the situation and her condition.
I decided to give this book a try because of the reviews and ratings I've seen here, but gosh, It was just sooo disappointing. . The way the characters responded ridiculously in those serious and life-threatening situations was just way beyond stupid.
Sorry. I don't want to give this book a 1-star, but I couldn't give it a 2-star either. :(
I decided to give this book a try because of the reviews and ratings I've seen here, but gosh, It was just sooo disappointing. . The way the characters responded ridiculously in those serious and life-threatening situations was just way beyond stupid.
Sorry. I don't want to give this book a 1-star, but I couldn't give it a 2-star either. :(
April 6, 2020
not perfect read for times we are living in right now..but o a flipside, if you are looking for a NA dystopian novel this series, is it.. not good as a previous one..
October 31, 2013
Dark. Gritty. Intense. HOT. Loved it~full review to follow!!
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**We received a copy of this book from the author,
but that did not influence the review**
First Thoughts:
Celeste: 5 Stars Dark. Gritty. Intense. Raw. HOT. Loved it. *flails wildly*
Amy: 5 Stars! Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This series is fantastic! *flails with Celeste*
Jag: Oh ya baby! 5++++ stars. Page turning, intense, SEXY SEXY, did I mention SEXY, emotional roller coaster *grabs Celeste and Amy and group flails*
Plot, Setting, Pacing and Style:
Celeste: This story picks up nearly where Promise Me Darkness left off, and it took about 1 page for my heart to start pounding. The war changed everything so dramatically, and the outcome looked so dire. Ryder has gone off to help look for Maddie’s best friend, Eva, but the wait for him to return is nearly unbearable. I knew there had to be a HEA, but man oh man, getting there was a serious nail biter and I was sweating bullets. Sometimes the setting in a story is fairly irrelevant, but here, I could picture the entire thing. The war has created a sense of desperation, and people were sent back to times like the great depression. I could feel the coldness in my bones, the dirt on their clothes, their hunger….Ms. Weaver made me feel like I lived in the Delaney house right along with them. The pacing was spot on. I had to restrain myself from reading faster to find out what would happen next. When Maddie was waiting for the return of the men, I am pretty sure I felt the weeks that went by just as she did. Waiting for a fever to break….yep, those days felt like years to me as well and I didn’t know which way it was going to go. It was told from Maddie’s POV (except for one part :) ) and I could feel her pain and hopelessness…it was heartbreaking, yet I loved being in her head.
Amy: One of the reasons I love this series so much is because of the consistency that flows constantly and seamlessly within the entire storyline and also in the authors writing as well. In sequels, I’ve noticed a lot lately that the tone of the story noticeably shifts away from the first book, thus having a different impact on readers, rather than having that ability to catapult us right back into the same feel and excitement the first installment provided.. I’m stoked to say that Promise Me Light is every bit as full of the same awesomeness that Promise Me Darkness had! I am so very impressed with the vividness, boldness and creativity behind Paige’s words and just how well her writing translates to readers. It’s an awesome thing really. The plot is perfectly constructed and unpredictable in my opinion (which I loved), and the pace was fast, exciting and totally engaging. This book is packed with action, drama, sadness and struggles, and topped off with a knock-your-socks-off heaping dose of smokin’ hot romance.. doesn’t get much better than this!
Jag: I can’t lie, I was sooo nervous for this book. Sequels so rarely live up to the hype of the first book but this book absolutely blew my expectations out.of.the.water. The world and characters that Paige Weaver so vividly manages to create in Promise Me Darkness are that much better in Promise Me Light. I love how she is able to maintain the integrity of the characters in this book while keeping the intensity and emotional angst I loved so much in the first book. Promise Me Lightness sucked me in from page one, had me biting my nails, reaching for my tissue, swooning over Ryder and clutching my chest. The pacing was perfect, the story was never predictable and damn if I don’t absolutely adore all of these characters. I felt like I was back on my favourite emotional roller coaster with some old friends. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this would make a great HBO series, can someone make this happen lol :)
The Characters:
Celeste: To say that Maddie and Ryder have an intense love and need for each other is an understatement. They can’t exist without the other, and will do anything and go anywhere to make sure the other is happy and safe. Maddie finally knew she could not live without Ryder, but Ryder still didn’t feel that he deserved Maddie. I loved watching them learn that they just had to be together. Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva were fantastic secondary characters, and I really mean it. I love them so much that I wish Paige would write a book about each one of them. They all have some serious demons, and I want to know what they are!
Amy: It’s a pretty awesome thing when you’re reading a book and you’re just as obsessed with the secondary characters as you are the main ones, and that’s how I felt with this cast of characters. I will say though, whenever Ryder or Gavin for that matter, stepped into a scene, my heart raced a little faster, because they’re both friggin’ hot and I love them and want BOTH. OF. THEM. BAAAAAAAD. but I loved everyone in this book.. Eva, Cash, Brody and Maddie.. They all had such specific importance and held their own in the storyline.. it’s pure greatness I tell ya!
Jag: Needless to say I’m all about Maddie and Ryder but there were two standout characters for me in this book. First, I really loved Gavin and I was surprised to see where his story went here (no spoilers for you peeps) I didn’t see that coming. I really need to get a little more Gavin going forward. Second was Cash. Dayum I am intrigued by Cash, so much so that I plan on blowing up Paige’s twitter for a Cash book. Cash seems so mysterious to me, quiet, watchful, protective…there’s a story there and I want to find out what it is.
Romance /Chemistry:
Celeste: *smokes cigarette* oh, wait, what I am supposed to be discussing? That’s right, the sex chemistry. Yes, it is THAT HOT. Naughty, naughty, naughty Ryder and mama loved it. He certainly took control a lot more than I remembered and it was craaaaaazy delicious. What do I mean? Let’s just say he was pretty dominant and it was FREAKING SEXY AND HE HAD ME ON FIRE AND I WISH HE WERE REAL SO I COULD RUB HIS BEARD AND ALL OVER HIS ABS. Yep, prepare yourself, ladies.
Amy: Ryder, Ryder, Ryder.. For the love of all that is holy.. He can boss me around ANY DAY! No really, I’m serious. Ryder and all of his dominant goodness was epically hot. Maddie brings out the beast in her man without even trying and their chemistry literally explodes all over the pages. *fans self and steals Celeste’s cigarette* And not only that, but there’s also the more tender, intimate moments that they share as well and they’ll melt your heart, I swear it.
Jag: *fans self* What can I say about Maddie and Ryder…they are a sexy hot mess and the chemistry is beyond intense. Maddie’s known forever that she’s loved Ryder but always felt that she wasn’t what Ryder wanted. And Ryder, has always loved Maddie but never felt deserving of her. Their relationship is explosive, filled with the push and pull of two people who are destined to be together but just need to get out of their own way. Ryder in this book was all alpha male and that sh*t is hot, yep true it’s HOTT! On a serious note, Paige does an amazing job balancing the sexy hotness with the emotional intimacy and the result is heart pounding, stomach fluttering, swoons that you feel all the way to your toes.
Title/Cover:
Celeste: The title is beyond perfect on so many levels…..read it and you will agree! The cover is pretty hot! I probably picture Ryder a little bit scruffier and dirtier, but hey, hot is hot!! I also love the blue as opposed to the red in Promise Me Darkness. This is one gorgeous set of books.
Amy: The cover is indeed gorgeous and the title’s perfect.. But if I’m being completely honest, I wish Ryder would of been portrayed in a darker, more rough and rugged way.. just because that’s how I envision him in my head.
Jag: Look at it people, LOOK AT THAT COVER! It’s sexy and gritty and dark, just like Ryder, just like the book. I have to agree with Amy though, my Ryder was darker looking, darker hair, but I can still get on board with this Ryder ;) .
Ending:
Celeste: It can’t be over. It can’t. Yes, the epilogue gave me so much closure, so much light, but I STILL WANT MORE MORE MORE.
Amy: That epilogue? I died all over myself. The ending rounded the story off so well. I don’t want it to be over though!
Jag: *sobs* I read it too fast. I READ IT WAY TOO FAST! All I can say is the ending was the perfect closure for Ryder and Maddie, but I need more of these characters. I need to find out about Cash and Gavin and Brody and Eva, there are so many stories still left there.
Gripes/suggestions/things that irked:
Celeste: My biggest “gripe” is actually the flaws in a character, but understand this is not a gripe with the story telling. So no, it doesn’t change the fact that this story is a 5 star for me. Here it is: I wish Maddie had been a little less headstrong and had a stronger maternal instinct. I connected with her where her love for Ryder was concerned (no issues there lol), but her maternal instinct was kind of lacking; she seemed to love Ryder more than her baby. I guess I was disappointed in her for that. When she insisted to go with the men into town to look for Ryder, I cringed because it was pure foolishness. My other smaller issue (which can easily be fixed, Paige!): I felt a little “hungry” at the end regarding the other characters and would love to know how their lives played out…what’s my suggestion for this?—–> more books. ;)
Amy: My only gripe, and it’s really not even an actual gripe, more like a plead for more.. is being teased with all these awesome secondary characters and not knowing how their individual stories end! I MUST know what happens to everyone. Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books!
Jag: I have to agree with both Celeste and Amy. At times I wanted to smack Maddie in the head for some of her choices and decisions, but it’s who she is and it’s how she is. And like Amy said….Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books! AND talk to HBO!
Final Thoughts/Rec It?
Celeste: YES. Read this and then reread it. I am still stuck with a book hangover that doesn’t seem to have a cure. Maybe we can convince Paige to write stories about Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva (please).
Amy: OMG YES! Highly, highly recommend this series!
Jag: YES YES a thousand Ryders YES! I loved this series and can’t wait to revisit it on audio book again as soon as it comes out. #TEAMCash
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**We received a copy of this book from the author,
but that did not influence the review**
First Thoughts:
Celeste: 5 Stars Dark. Gritty. Intense. Raw. HOT. Loved it. *flails wildly*
Amy: 5 Stars! Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This series is fantastic! *flails with Celeste*
Jag: Oh ya baby! 5++++ stars. Page turning, intense, SEXY SEXY, did I mention SEXY, emotional roller coaster *grabs Celeste and Amy and group flails*
Plot, Setting, Pacing and Style:
Celeste: This story picks up nearly where Promise Me Darkness left off, and it took about 1 page for my heart to start pounding. The war changed everything so dramatically, and the outcome looked so dire. Ryder has gone off to help look for Maddie’s best friend, Eva, but the wait for him to return is nearly unbearable. I knew there had to be a HEA, but man oh man, getting there was a serious nail biter and I was sweating bullets. Sometimes the setting in a story is fairly irrelevant, but here, I could picture the entire thing. The war has created a sense of desperation, and people were sent back to times like the great depression. I could feel the coldness in my bones, the dirt on their clothes, their hunger….Ms. Weaver made me feel like I lived in the Delaney house right along with them. The pacing was spot on. I had to restrain myself from reading faster to find out what would happen next. When Maddie was waiting for the return of the men, I am pretty sure I felt the weeks that went by just as she did. Waiting for a fever to break….yep, those days felt like years to me as well and I didn’t know which way it was going to go. It was told from Maddie’s POV (except for one part :) ) and I could feel her pain and hopelessness…it was heartbreaking, yet I loved being in her head.
Amy: One of the reasons I love this series so much is because of the consistency that flows constantly and seamlessly within the entire storyline and also in the authors writing as well. In sequels, I’ve noticed a lot lately that the tone of the story noticeably shifts away from the first book, thus having a different impact on readers, rather than having that ability to catapult us right back into the same feel and excitement the first installment provided.. I’m stoked to say that Promise Me Light is every bit as full of the same awesomeness that Promise Me Darkness had! I am so very impressed with the vividness, boldness and creativity behind Paige’s words and just how well her writing translates to readers. It’s an awesome thing really. The plot is perfectly constructed and unpredictable in my opinion (which I loved), and the pace was fast, exciting and totally engaging. This book is packed with action, drama, sadness and struggles, and topped off with a knock-your-socks-off heaping dose of smokin’ hot romance.. doesn’t get much better than this!
Jag: I can’t lie, I was sooo nervous for this book. Sequels so rarely live up to the hype of the first book but this book absolutely blew my expectations out.of.the.water. The world and characters that Paige Weaver so vividly manages to create in Promise Me Darkness are that much better in Promise Me Light. I love how she is able to maintain the integrity of the characters in this book while keeping the intensity and emotional angst I loved so much in the first book. Promise Me Lightness sucked me in from page one, had me biting my nails, reaching for my tissue, swooning over Ryder and clutching my chest. The pacing was perfect, the story was never predictable and damn if I don’t absolutely adore all of these characters. I felt like I was back on my favourite emotional roller coaster with some old friends. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this would make a great HBO series, can someone make this happen lol :)
The Characters:
Celeste: To say that Maddie and Ryder have an intense love and need for each other is an understatement. They can’t exist without the other, and will do anything and go anywhere to make sure the other is happy and safe. Maddie finally knew she could not live without Ryder, but Ryder still didn’t feel that he deserved Maddie. I loved watching them learn that they just had to be together. Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva were fantastic secondary characters, and I really mean it. I love them so much that I wish Paige would write a book about each one of them. They all have some serious demons, and I want to know what they are!
Amy: It’s a pretty awesome thing when you’re reading a book and you’re just as obsessed with the secondary characters as you are the main ones, and that’s how I felt with this cast of characters. I will say though, whenever Ryder or Gavin for that matter, stepped into a scene, my heart raced a little faster, because they’re both friggin’ hot and I love them and want BOTH. OF. THEM. BAAAAAAAD. but I loved everyone in this book.. Eva, Cash, Brody and Maddie.. They all had such specific importance and held their own in the storyline.. it’s pure greatness I tell ya!
Jag: Needless to say I’m all about Maddie and Ryder but there were two standout characters for me in this book. First, I really loved Gavin and I was surprised to see where his story went here (no spoilers for you peeps) I didn’t see that coming. I really need to get a little more Gavin going forward. Second was Cash. Dayum I am intrigued by Cash, so much so that I plan on blowing up Paige’s twitter for a Cash book. Cash seems so mysterious to me, quiet, watchful, protective…there’s a story there and I want to find out what it is.
Romance /Chemistry:
Celeste: *smokes cigarette* oh, wait, what I am supposed to be discussing? That’s right, the sex chemistry. Yes, it is THAT HOT. Naughty, naughty, naughty Ryder and mama loved it. He certainly took control a lot more than I remembered and it was craaaaaazy delicious. What do I mean? Let’s just say he was pretty dominant and it was FREAKING SEXY AND HE HAD ME ON FIRE AND I WISH HE WERE REAL SO I COULD RUB HIS BEARD AND ALL OVER HIS ABS. Yep, prepare yourself, ladies.
Amy: Ryder, Ryder, Ryder.. For the love of all that is holy.. He can boss me around ANY DAY! No really, I’m serious. Ryder and all of his dominant goodness was epically hot. Maddie brings out the beast in her man without even trying and their chemistry literally explodes all over the pages. *fans self and steals Celeste’s cigarette* And not only that, but there’s also the more tender, intimate moments that they share as well and they’ll melt your heart, I swear it.
Jag: *fans self* What can I say about Maddie and Ryder…they are a sexy hot mess and the chemistry is beyond intense. Maddie’s known forever that she’s loved Ryder but always felt that she wasn’t what Ryder wanted. And Ryder, has always loved Maddie but never felt deserving of her. Their relationship is explosive, filled with the push and pull of two people who are destined to be together but just need to get out of their own way. Ryder in this book was all alpha male and that sh*t is hot, yep true it’s HOTT! On a serious note, Paige does an amazing job balancing the sexy hotness with the emotional intimacy and the result is heart pounding, stomach fluttering, swoons that you feel all the way to your toes.
Title/Cover:
Celeste: The title is beyond perfect on so many levels…..read it and you will agree! The cover is pretty hot! I probably picture Ryder a little bit scruffier and dirtier, but hey, hot is hot!! I also love the blue as opposed to the red in Promise Me Darkness. This is one gorgeous set of books.
Amy: The cover is indeed gorgeous and the title’s perfect.. But if I’m being completely honest, I wish Ryder would of been portrayed in a darker, more rough and rugged way.. just because that’s how I envision him in my head.
Jag: Look at it people, LOOK AT THAT COVER! It’s sexy and gritty and dark, just like Ryder, just like the book. I have to agree with Amy though, my Ryder was darker looking, darker hair, but I can still get on board with this Ryder ;) .
Ending:
Celeste: It can’t be over. It can’t. Yes, the epilogue gave me so much closure, so much light, but I STILL WANT MORE MORE MORE.
Amy: That epilogue? I died all over myself. The ending rounded the story off so well. I don’t want it to be over though!
Jag: *sobs* I read it too fast. I READ IT WAY TOO FAST! All I can say is the ending was the perfect closure for Ryder and Maddie, but I need more of these characters. I need to find out about Cash and Gavin and Brody and Eva, there are so many stories still left there.
Gripes/suggestions/things that irked:
Celeste: My biggest “gripe” is actually the flaws in a character, but understand this is not a gripe with the story telling. So no, it doesn’t change the fact that this story is a 5 star for me. Here it is: I wish Maddie had been a little less headstrong and had a stronger maternal instinct. I connected with her where her love for Ryder was concerned (no issues there lol), but her maternal instinct was kind of lacking; she seemed to love Ryder more than her baby. I guess I was disappointed in her for that. When she insisted to go with the men into town to look for Ryder, I cringed because it was pure foolishness. My other smaller issue (which can easily be fixed, Paige!): I felt a little “hungry” at the end regarding the other characters and would love to know how their lives played out…what’s my suggestion for this?—–> more books. ;)
Amy: My only gripe, and it’s really not even an actual gripe, more like a plead for more.. is being teased with all these awesome secondary characters and not knowing how their individual stories end! I MUST know what happens to everyone. Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books!
Jag: I have to agree with both Celeste and Amy. At times I wanted to smack Maddie in the head for some of her choices and decisions, but it’s who she is and it’s how she is. And like Amy said….Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books! AND talk to HBO!
Final Thoughts/Rec It?
Celeste: YES. Read this and then reread it. I am still stuck with a book hangover that doesn’t seem to have a cure. Maybe we can convince Paige to write stories about Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva (please).
Amy: OMG YES! Highly, highly recommend this series!
Jag: YES YES a thousand Ryders YES! I loved this series and can’t wait to revisit it on audio book again as soon as it comes out. #TEAMCash
September 24, 2013
“Somebody once said that when the darkness fell, we would be shown the light. I wasn’t sure that was true. Darkness had descended on my world and all I saw was despair.”
Wow. Pulse-pumping and action-packed. Promise Me Light is an incredible sequel that exceeded my expectations with stronger character development, more intensity and nicely tied-together plot lines. This cast of characters is in a dire situation. Amidst the imminent threat of terrorists, certain hunger with diminishing food supply and the approaching cold fronts of winter, their future is fearfully uncertain. At the beginning of Promise Me Light, Maddie is waiting for Ryder and her friends to return from their quest to save Eva. When she finally sees the group approach, her world turns dark…
“There are certain days that I will never forget. Days that changed my life forever. When my mom died. Meeting Ryder for the first time. The night I gave him my virginity. The moment when the EMP hit, taking electricity from the United States. The day my dad died. Finding out I was pregnant. Standing under the stars as Ryder asked me to marry him. So many important days. Each had a different impact on my life. Some happy. Some sad. But the day that changed my life forever was the day he didn’t return. That day, my world shattered.”
Without divulging too much, the situation that Ryder finds himself in is absolutely harrowing. And while Ryder is not there, Maddie simply falls apart. Facing a future without Ryder and thinking about the fate of her unborn child is simply too much for her. Her sadness is all-consuming and she’s lost in her grief.
“I forced my feet to move and my heart to beat. I told my lungs to breathe and my mind to think. Every day, I forced myself to go on, surrounded by people I loved but feelign more alone than I had ever felt before.”
The stress during this time is suffocating — everyone is on edge, tempers run high and each individual seems to be a changed person, a result of the things they’ve seen and experienced. Living under those tense conditions is enough for Maddie, because after so long and in traditional Maddie style, she is fiercely determined to get him back. They had gone through too much over the years for her to give up and succumb to the very likely possibility that Ryder was no longer alive.
“Death was trying to steal him away from me. But I didn’t plan on losing.”
Failed attempts to find Ryder are crushing and maddening and just when the hopelessness begins to take root, Ryder makes a surprising return. I won’t disclose what happens, but my heart broke during these chapters in the book. What he endured is awful and he has now been forever marred by his experiences. What was clearly evident, however, was that Ryder survived only through harnessing the strength of the love he shared with Maddie.
“Every day, I sat in that hellhole, beaten and barely holding on. Watching people die around me. But when I closed my eyes, thee was only you, Maddie. You made me survive. They couldn’t break me. They tried. Hell, they tried so damn hard, but they couldn’t take the memory of you away from me.”
The happiness of the reunion quickly vanishes as it all gets very real. A person can only take so much without permanent scarring — inside and out — and suddenly danger is all around them and amongst them. Truths are revealed, tempers explode and the emotionally-charged push-and-pull we saw in book 1, makes a hell of a comeback.
“Being with Ryder was like a roller coaster ride that never ended. There were sharp turns and up and downs. You never knew what was waiting for you around the corner. The ride ws bumpy and sometimes rough. One moment you wanted to laugh, the next moment you wanted to scream. But through it all, it was exhilarating and fast-paced. The ride of your life.”
It’s absolutely clear that Maddie and Ryder love each other, but there were times I felt so angry at Ryder for the things he said and did. Their relationship is the very definition of explosive and I felt so caught up in the emotional turbulence of these scenes. I completely understood Ryder’s flawed persona and fallacious logic, but my emotions definitely took the lead during this heart-wrenching part of the story.
“I’m darkness, Maddie. Stay away from men like me. You’ll only get hurt.”
Sooooo much happens. So much. You’ll have to read it to experience everything this book has to offer. Promise Me Light is the final installment in the series, and has a happy ending (thank goodness), but I assure you that you’ll be out-of-breath by the end! I honestly could’ve read more… she could’ve extended the Epilogue and I would’ve been hooked still. Highly recommend you check out this series!
“Let’s get a few things straight before we go, Maddie… Your body is mine and your heart is mine. I’ll fight for it and I’ll die for it. Never forget that.”
For more reviews, connect with me:
Vilma's Book Blog | Facebook | Twitter
April 21, 2015
Here's my review of Promise me Darkness and Promise me Light.
I came across these books by accident while looking for something else entirely. After reading the synopsis for Darkness, I was reluctant to read it. It seemed just another book about a tormented boy who falls in love with the perfect girl and so on. Boy, was I wrong.
There is a tormented boy and a perfect girl love story but also so much more.
Maggie and Ryder have been best friends since they were small children. Growing up, Ryder turned into a trouble maker by drinking, fighting and sleeping around but Maggie had always been there to bail him out and patch him up. Over the time, their feelings for each other changed. They never aknowledged these new fellings, him thinking that she deserves better and her fearing she'll lose her best friend.
He is darkness to her light and they can't live without each other.
But a war is about to erupt and Ryder decides to join the army.Before that he wants to spend some time with Maggie and have fun.
Some things happened after they arrive at Maggie's appartment and Ryder decides to tell her exactly how he feels about her.They end up sleeping together and, even if they don't want it, things change.
Then, one night, the war begins.
There's no more electricity, no phones, no computers,no cars. The fight for survival begins. These books made me take a step back and think. We depend too much on technology and we take for granted what we have.
What if some day we're cut off from everything and to survive we have to return to the old ways? What will we do then?
Our heroes find out the hard way that no matter how strong we think we are,when push comes to shove, we're uncapable of taking care of ourselves.
After what was supposed to be a six hours drive home turns into a struggle to survive, Maggie,Ryder and their families have to find a way to stay alive in a world that will never be the same.
Struggling with the feelings they have for each other,Maggie won't give up on Ryder but she doesn't know how much longer she can take his mood swings and crappy attitude.He's there for her in times of need but a second later he's back at ingnoring and pushing her away.
I don't want to say too much and ruin the book for you.Those who want to know if Maggie and Ryder overcome their differences and find happiness together in a world that has gone mad just pick up the books and start reading. Believe me, you won't be disappointed. And if you are one of those persons who thinks the author had exagerated in creating this scenario and nothing like this could ever happend, think again.
4.5 stars from me. Great job, Paige. I cannot wait for Cash's book which will be released in 2014.
Happy reading,
Mikky.
I came across these books by accident while looking for something else entirely. After reading the synopsis for Darkness, I was reluctant to read it. It seemed just another book about a tormented boy who falls in love with the perfect girl and so on. Boy, was I wrong.
There is a tormented boy and a perfect girl love story but also so much more.
Maggie and Ryder have been best friends since they were small children. Growing up, Ryder turned into a trouble maker by drinking, fighting and sleeping around but Maggie had always been there to bail him out and patch him up. Over the time, their feelings for each other changed. They never aknowledged these new fellings, him thinking that she deserves better and her fearing she'll lose her best friend.
He is darkness to her light and they can't live without each other.
But a war is about to erupt and Ryder decides to join the army.Before that he wants to spend some time with Maggie and have fun.
Some things happened after they arrive at Maggie's appartment and Ryder decides to tell her exactly how he feels about her.They end up sleeping together and, even if they don't want it, things change.
Then, one night, the war begins.
There's no more electricity, no phones, no computers,no cars. The fight for survival begins. These books made me take a step back and think. We depend too much on technology and we take for granted what we have.
What if some day we're cut off from everything and to survive we have to return to the old ways? What will we do then?
Our heroes find out the hard way that no matter how strong we think we are,when push comes to shove, we're uncapable of taking care of ourselves.
After what was supposed to be a six hours drive home turns into a struggle to survive, Maggie,Ryder and their families have to find a way to stay alive in a world that will never be the same.
Struggling with the feelings they have for each other,Maggie won't give up on Ryder but she doesn't know how much longer she can take his mood swings and crappy attitude.He's there for her in times of need but a second later he's back at ingnoring and pushing her away.
I don't want to say too much and ruin the book for you.Those who want to know if Maggie and Ryder overcome their differences and find happiness together in a world that has gone mad just pick up the books and start reading. Believe me, you won't be disappointed. And if you are one of those persons who thinks the author had exagerated in creating this scenario and nothing like this could ever happend, think again.
4.5 stars from me. Great job, Paige. I cannot wait for Cash's book which will be released in 2014.
Happy reading,
Mikky.
January 5, 2014
5 Light a Candle Stars
WARNING...this is the sequel to Promise Me Darkness. Do not read this review or this book until you have read the first one. Just sayin'
I loved the first book in this series so stinking much. It was so different, quirky, and sucked you in. The second book is just as good. I love the characters. I love their dynamic. I love the way they have to learn to adapt, but really hate that they have to adapt. They are human. They whine about it sometimes. I would too. How long do you think I would last if I couldn't recharge my Kindle. Not long, I'm telling you.
Last Warning...this is going to be a spoiler if you have not read the first book.
Maddie and her make-shift family are dealing with the aftermath of an invasion of the US. Yes...Like Red Dawn. There has been an EMP that took out all the electricity in the US. Like that bomb thing in Oceans Eleven. But bigger. Much bigger. Now she and Ryder and their family are trying to stay warm, hide from the invaders, and find enough food to eat.
Anger rose in me like never before. I was mad at this new world we lived in. Mad at Ryder...Mad at myself....Pissed at Fate for taking so much from me.
Ryder and the other guys make dangerous enemies. And bring danger back to their little oasis. An oasis where they have to boil creek water and are just above the starvation line. But it could always be worse. At least Maddie and Ryder have each other.
Our lives were as close to prefect as possible considering that a war was raging around us. But the perfection was only an illusion.
Ryder can't stop being Ryder. And while that is mostly sexy...it is also frustrating. Maddie, Ryder and the rest are not only battling enemy invaders but also their own insecurities, lack of health care, an overwhelming need to protect each other at all costs. And it could cost them ALL. It's dangerous times people. Nothing is easy anymore.
Definitely read this book. AFTER you have read Promise Me Darkness. You will Lights Out Love It.
WARNING...this is the sequel to Promise Me Darkness. Do not read this review or this book until you have read the first one. Just sayin'
I loved the first book in this series so stinking much. It was so different, quirky, and sucked you in. The second book is just as good. I love the characters. I love their dynamic. I love the way they have to learn to adapt, but really hate that they have to adapt. They are human. They whine about it sometimes. I would too. How long do you think I would last if I couldn't recharge my Kindle. Not long, I'm telling you.
Last Warning...this is going to be a spoiler if you have not read the first book.
Maddie and her make-shift family are dealing with the aftermath of an invasion of the US. Yes...Like Red Dawn. There has been an EMP that took out all the electricity in the US. Like that bomb thing in Oceans Eleven. But bigger. Much bigger. Now she and Ryder and their family are trying to stay warm, hide from the invaders, and find enough food to eat.
Anger rose in me like never before. I was mad at this new world we lived in. Mad at Ryder...Mad at myself....Pissed at Fate for taking so much from me.
Ryder and the other guys make dangerous enemies. And bring danger back to their little oasis. An oasis where they have to boil creek water and are just above the starvation line. But it could always be worse. At least Maddie and Ryder have each other.
Our lives were as close to prefect as possible considering that a war was raging around us. But the perfection was only an illusion.
Ryder can't stop being Ryder. And while that is mostly sexy...it is also frustrating. Maddie, Ryder and the rest are not only battling enemy invaders but also their own insecurities, lack of health care, an overwhelming need to protect each other at all costs. And it could cost them ALL. It's dangerous times people. Nothing is easy anymore.
Definitely read this book. AFTER you have read Promise Me Darkness. You will Lights Out Love It.
October 1, 2013
PROMISE ME LIGHT continues the story of a United States torn apart after a terrorist group sets off an EMP that disables the entire country. Ryder has been captured and we find Maddie, Ryder's family and their friends struggling to live each day. But more importantly, a pregnant Maddie struggles to hold onto her hope that Ryder will come back to her...despite what everyone else might think. She's determined to be strong and make Ryder proud while helping her family stay alive. But poor Maddie had her moments of weakness, where she secretly lost hope and longed for the days before the EMP went off. Add to the mix the fact that her best friend, who was rescued when Ryder was captured, is having difficulties dealing with what she endured during captivity, Ryder's brother running hot and cold with her and her own insecurities about whether Ryder is truly coming back to her, you get a very gritty, dark and emotional story.
But Ryder keeps his promise to Maddie and finds his way back to her. But the Ryder that returns is a much different Ryder than who left. He's endured unspeakable things and he's both physically and emotionally scarred. While his love for Maddie is clear, he has a hard time dealing with his injuries, his emotional state and his feelings for Maddie. Ryder lashes out and pushes people away as he tries to come to terms with everything and keep them safe. But even with all that, he always stayed faithful in his belief that his family can make it through this and his love for Maddie.
I loved this story. The relationship between Maddie and Ryder was as complex, frustrating and hotter than in Promise Me Dark. It's a testament to their character and love for each other that they were able to work through the issues they had and remain together. Paige Weaver masterfully created a story that brings a plausible and terrifying possibility into a gritty romance of the bad boy loving the girl next door like no one else could. She is now one of my must watch authors.
But Ryder keeps his promise to Maddie and finds his way back to her. But the Ryder that returns is a much different Ryder than who left. He's endured unspeakable things and he's both physically and emotionally scarred. While his love for Maddie is clear, he has a hard time dealing with his injuries, his emotional state and his feelings for Maddie. Ryder lashes out and pushes people away as he tries to come to terms with everything and keep them safe. But even with all that, he always stayed faithful in his belief that his family can make it through this and his love for Maddie.
I loved this story. The relationship between Maddie and Ryder was as complex, frustrating and hotter than in Promise Me Dark. It's a testament to their character and love for each other that they were able to work through the issues they had and remain together. Paige Weaver masterfully created a story that brings a plausible and terrifying possibility into a gritty romance of the bad boy loving the girl next door like no one else could. She is now one of my must watch authors.
April 28, 2015
Be still my heart. What an emotional, action packed nail-biter of a book! Maddie's pain of missing Ryder had my eyes welling with tears.
"The light in me was gone. Like a candle without its flame, I sat alone without purpose."
She, along with everyone else is struggling to cope in a new America. One that they never saw coming. And all I could think about was, where is Ryder?!?! It was killing me!
The trials they both had to go through are ones I wouldn't wish on anyone! And in this book we learn more about Grant and Cash, and their determination to make life as easy as possible.
I can not say much about some OTHER characters without giving major things away, but just know that this was a wonderful conclusion to this part of the series. The creativity and uniqueness of this entire story line is amazing. I have never read anything like it. Sequels usually have a hard time living up to the hype of the first book, but this epic love story did just fine. Now...give me more Cash with a side of Grant, please!! ~ Krissy, 4 stars
"The light in me was gone. Like a candle without its flame, I sat alone without purpose."
She, along with everyone else is struggling to cope in a new America. One that they never saw coming. And all I could think about was, where is Ryder?!?! It was killing me!
The trials they both had to go through are ones I wouldn't wish on anyone! And in this book we learn more about Grant and Cash, and their determination to make life as easy as possible.
I can not say much about some OTHER characters without giving major things away, but just know that this was a wonderful conclusion to this part of the series. The creativity and uniqueness of this entire story line is amazing. I have never read anything like it. Sequels usually have a hard time living up to the hype of the first book, but this epic love story did just fine. Now...give me more Cash with a side of Grant, please!! ~ Krissy, 4 stars
October 1, 2013
Does anyone know a release date yet?!?!?!
Read
July 20, 2013I loved the first one!!! I can't wait for the 2nd one! Hopefully we won't have to wait long haha
September 23, 2013
Check out our full review at The Book Hookup!
First Thoughts:
Celeste: 5 Stars Dark. Gritty. Intense. Raw. HOT. Loved it. *flails wildly*
Amy: 5 Stars! Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This series is fantastic! *flails with Celeste*
Jag: Oh ya baby! 5++++ stars. Page turning, intense, SEXY SEXY, did I mention SEXY, emotional roller coaster *grabs Celeste and Amy and group flails*
Plot, Setting, Pacing and Style:
Celeste: This story picks up nearly where Promise Me Darkness left off, and it took about 1 page for my heart to start pounding. The war changed everything so dramatically, and the outcome looked so dire. Ryder has gone off to help look for Maddie���s best friend, Eva, but the wait for him to return is nearly unbearable. I knew there had to be a HEA, but man oh man, getting there was a serious nail biter and I was sweating bullets. Sometimes the setting in a story is fairly irrelevant, but here, I could picture the entire thing. The war has created a sense of desperation, and people were sent back to times like the great depression. I could feel the coldness in my bones, the dirt on their clothes, their hunger….Ms. Weaver made me feel like I lived in the Delaney house right along with them. The pacing was spot on. I had to restrain myself from reading faster to find out what would happen next. When Maddie was waiting for the return of the men, I am pretty sure I felt the weeks that went by just as she did. Waiting for a fever to break….yep, those days felt like years to me as well and I didn’t know which way it was going to go. It was told from Maddie’s POV (except for one part :) ) and I could feel her pain and hopelessness…it was heartbreaking, yet I loved being in her head.
Amy: One of the reasons I love this series so much is because of the consistency that flows constantly and seamlessly within the entire storyline and also in the authors writing as well. In sequels, I’ve noticed a lot lately that the tone of the story noticeably shifts away from the first book, thus having a different impact on readers, rather than having that ability to catapult us right back into the same feel and excitement the first installment provided.. I’m stoked to say that Promise Me Light is every bit as full of the same awesomeness that Promise Me Darkness had! I am so very impressed with the vividness, boldness and creativity behind Paige’s words and just how well her writing translates to readers. It’s an awesome thing really. The plot is perfectly constructed and unpredictable in my opinion (which I loved), and the pace was fast, exciting and totally engaging. This book is packed with action, drama, sadness and struggles, and topped off with a knock-your-socks-off heaping dose of smokin’ hot romance.. doesn’t get much better than this!
Jag: I can’t lie, I was sooo nervous for this book. Sequels so rarely live up to the hype of the first book but this book absolutely blew my expectations out.of.the.water. The world and characters that Paige Weaver so vividly manages to create in Promise Me Darkness are that much better in Promise Me Light. I love how she is able to maintain the integrity of the characters in this book while keeping the intensity and emotional angst I loved so much in the first book. Promise Me Lightness sucked me in from page one, had me biting my nails, reaching for my tissue, swooning over Ryder and clutching my chest. The pacing was perfect, the story was never predictable and damn if I don’t absolutely adore all of these characters. I felt like I was back on my favourite emotional roller coaster with some old friends. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this would make a great HBO series, can someone make this happen lol :)
The Characters:
Celeste: To say that Maddie and Ryder have an intense love and need for each other is an understatement. They can’t exist without the other, and will do anything and go anywhere to make sure the other is happy and safe. Maddie finally knew she could not live without Ryder, but Ryder still didn’t feel that he deserved Maddie. I loved watching them learn that they just had to be together. Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva were fantastic secondary characters, and I really mean it. I love them so much that I wish Paige would write a book about each one of them. They all have some serious demons, and I want to know what they are!
Amy: It’s a pretty awesome thing when you’re reading a book and you’re just as obsessed with the secondary characters as you are the main ones, and that’s how I felt with this cast of characters. I will say though, whenever Ryder or Gavin for that matter, stepped into a scene, my heart raced a little faster, because they’re both friggin’ hot and I love them and want BOTH. OF. THEM. BAAAAAAAD. but I loved everyone in this book.. Eva, Cash, Brody and Maddie.. They all had such specific importance and held their own in the storyline.. it’s pure greatness I tell ya!
Jag: Needless to say I’m all about Maddie and Ryder but there were two standout characters for me in this book. First, I really loved Gavin and I was surprised to see where his story went here (no spoilers for you peeps) I didn’t see that coming. I really need to get a little more Gavin going forward. Second was Cash. Dayum I am intrigued by Cash, so much so that I plan on blowing up Paige’s twitter for a Cash book. Cash seems so mysterious to me, quiet, watchful, protective…there’s a story there and I want to find out what it is.
Romance /Chemistry:
Celeste: *smokes cigarette* oh, wait, what I am supposed to be discussing? That’s right, the sex chemistry. Yes, it is THAT HOT. Naughty, naughty, naughty Ryder and mama loved it. He certainly took control a lot more than I remembered and it was craaaaaazy delicious. What do I mean? Let’s just say he was pretty dominant and it was FREAKING SEXY AND HE HAD ME ON FIRE AND I WISH HE WERE REAL SO I COULD RUB HIS BEARD AND ALL OVER HIS ABS. Yep, prepare yourself, ladies.
Amy: Ryder, Ryder, Ryder.. For the love of all that is holy.. He can boss me around ANY DAY! No really, I’m serious. Ryder and all of his dominant goodness was epically hot. Maddie brings out the beast in her man without even trying and their chemistry literally explodes all over the pages. *fans self and steals Celeste’s cigarette* And not only that, but there’s also the more tender, intimate moments that they share as well and they’ll melt your heart, I swear it.
Jag: *fans self* What can I say about Maddie and Ryder…they are a sexy hot mess and the chemistry is beyond intense. Maddie’s known forever that she’s loved Ryder but always felt that she wasn’t what Ryder wanted. And Ryder, has always loved Maddie but never felt deserving of her. Their relationship is explosive, filled with the push and pull of two people who are destined to be together but just need to get out of their own way. Ryder in this book was all alpha male and that sh*t is hot, yep true it’s HOTT! On a serious note, Paige does an amazing job balancing the sexy hotness with the emotional intimacy and the result is heart pounding, stomach fluttering, swoons that you feel all the way to your toes.
Title/Cover:
Celeste: The title is beyond perfect on so many levels…..read it and you will agree! The cover is pretty hot! I probably picture Ryder a little bit scruffier and dirtier, but hey, hot is hot!! I also love the blue as opposed to the red in Promise Me Darkness. This is one gorgeous set of books.
Amy: The cover is indeed gorgeous and the title’s perfect.. But if I’m being completely honest, I wish Ryder would of been portrayed in a darker, more rough and rugged way.. just because that’s how I envision him in my head.
Jag: Look at it people, LOOK AT THAT COVER! It’s sexy and gritty and dark, just like Ryder, just like the book. I have to agree with Amy though, my Ryder was darker looking, darker hair, but I can still get on board with this Ryder ;) .
Ending:
Celeste: It can’t be over. It can’t. Yes, the epilogue gave me so much closure, so much light, but I STILL WANT MORE MORE MORE.
Amy: That epilogue? I died all over myself. The ending rounded the story off so well. I don’t want it to be over though!
Jag: *sobs* I read it too fast. I READ IT WAY TOO FAST! All I can say is the ending was the perfect closure for Ryder and Maddie, but I need more of these characters. I need to find out about Cash and Gavin and Brody and Eva, there are so many stories still left there.
Gripes/suggestions/things that irked:
Celeste: My biggest “gripe” is actually the flaws in a character, but understand this is not a gripe with the story telling. So no, it doesn’t change the fact that this story is a 5 star for me. Here it is: I wish Maddie had been a little less headstrong and had a stronger maternal instinct. I connected with her where her love for Ryder was concerned (no issues there lol), but her maternal instinct was kind of lacking; she seemed to love Ryder more than her baby. I guess I was disappointed in her for that. When she insisted to go with the men into town to look for Ryder, I cringed because it was pure foolishness. My other smaller issue (which can easily be fixed, Paige!): I felt a little “hungry” at the end regarding the other characters and would love to know how their lives played out…what’s my suggestion for this?—–> more books. ;)
Amy: My only gripe, and it’s really not even an actual gripe, more like a plead for more.. is being teased with all these awesome secondary characters and not knowing how their individual stories end! I MUST know what happens to everyone. Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books!
Jag: I have to agree with both Celeste and Amy. At times I wanted to smack Maddie in the head for some of her choices and decisions, but it’s who she is and it’s how she is. And like Amy said….Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books! AND talk to HBO!
Final Thoughts/Rec It?
Celeste: YES. Read this and then reread it. I am still stuck with a book hangover that doesn’t seem to have a cure. Maybe we can convince Paige to write stories about Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva (please).
Amy: OMG YES! Highly, highly recommend this series!
Jag: YES YES a thousand Ryders YES! I loved this series and can’t wait to revisit it on audio book again as soon as it comes out. #TEAMCash
First Thoughts:
Celeste: 5 Stars Dark. Gritty. Intense. Raw. HOT. Loved it. *flails wildly*
Amy: 5 Stars! Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This series is fantastic! *flails with Celeste*
Jag: Oh ya baby! 5++++ stars. Page turning, intense, SEXY SEXY, did I mention SEXY, emotional roller coaster *grabs Celeste and Amy and group flails*
Plot, Setting, Pacing and Style:
Celeste: This story picks up nearly where Promise Me Darkness left off, and it took about 1 page for my heart to start pounding. The war changed everything so dramatically, and the outcome looked so dire. Ryder has gone off to help look for Maddie���s best friend, Eva, but the wait for him to return is nearly unbearable. I knew there had to be a HEA, but man oh man, getting there was a serious nail biter and I was sweating bullets. Sometimes the setting in a story is fairly irrelevant, but here, I could picture the entire thing. The war has created a sense of desperation, and people were sent back to times like the great depression. I could feel the coldness in my bones, the dirt on their clothes, their hunger….Ms. Weaver made me feel like I lived in the Delaney house right along with them. The pacing was spot on. I had to restrain myself from reading faster to find out what would happen next. When Maddie was waiting for the return of the men, I am pretty sure I felt the weeks that went by just as she did. Waiting for a fever to break….yep, those days felt like years to me as well and I didn’t know which way it was going to go. It was told from Maddie’s POV (except for one part :) ) and I could feel her pain and hopelessness…it was heartbreaking, yet I loved being in her head.
Amy: One of the reasons I love this series so much is because of the consistency that flows constantly and seamlessly within the entire storyline and also in the authors writing as well. In sequels, I’ve noticed a lot lately that the tone of the story noticeably shifts away from the first book, thus having a different impact on readers, rather than having that ability to catapult us right back into the same feel and excitement the first installment provided.. I’m stoked to say that Promise Me Light is every bit as full of the same awesomeness that Promise Me Darkness had! I am so very impressed with the vividness, boldness and creativity behind Paige’s words and just how well her writing translates to readers. It’s an awesome thing really. The plot is perfectly constructed and unpredictable in my opinion (which I loved), and the pace was fast, exciting and totally engaging. This book is packed with action, drama, sadness and struggles, and topped off with a knock-your-socks-off heaping dose of smokin’ hot romance.. doesn’t get much better than this!
Jag: I can’t lie, I was sooo nervous for this book. Sequels so rarely live up to the hype of the first book but this book absolutely blew my expectations out.of.the.water. The world and characters that Paige Weaver so vividly manages to create in Promise Me Darkness are that much better in Promise Me Light. I love how she is able to maintain the integrity of the characters in this book while keeping the intensity and emotional angst I loved so much in the first book. Promise Me Lightness sucked me in from page one, had me biting my nails, reaching for my tissue, swooning over Ryder and clutching my chest. The pacing was perfect, the story was never predictable and damn if I don’t absolutely adore all of these characters. I felt like I was back on my favourite emotional roller coaster with some old friends. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, this would make a great HBO series, can someone make this happen lol :)
The Characters:
Celeste: To say that Maddie and Ryder have an intense love and need for each other is an understatement. They can’t exist without the other, and will do anything and go anywhere to make sure the other is happy and safe. Maddie finally knew she could not live without Ryder, but Ryder still didn’t feel that he deserved Maddie. I loved watching them learn that they just had to be together. Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva were fantastic secondary characters, and I really mean it. I love them so much that I wish Paige would write a book about each one of them. They all have some serious demons, and I want to know what they are!
Amy: It’s a pretty awesome thing when you’re reading a book and you’re just as obsessed with the secondary characters as you are the main ones, and that’s how I felt with this cast of characters. I will say though, whenever Ryder or Gavin for that matter, stepped into a scene, my heart raced a little faster, because they’re both friggin’ hot and I love them and want BOTH. OF. THEM. BAAAAAAAD. but I loved everyone in this book.. Eva, Cash, Brody and Maddie.. They all had such specific importance and held their own in the storyline.. it’s pure greatness I tell ya!
Jag: Needless to say I’m all about Maddie and Ryder but there were two standout characters for me in this book. First, I really loved Gavin and I was surprised to see where his story went here (no spoilers for you peeps) I didn’t see that coming. I really need to get a little more Gavin going forward. Second was Cash. Dayum I am intrigued by Cash, so much so that I plan on blowing up Paige’s twitter for a Cash book. Cash seems so mysterious to me, quiet, watchful, protective…there’s a story there and I want to find out what it is.
Romance /Chemistry:
Celeste: *smokes cigarette* oh, wait, what I am supposed to be discussing? That’s right, the sex chemistry. Yes, it is THAT HOT. Naughty, naughty, naughty Ryder and mama loved it. He certainly took control a lot more than I remembered and it was craaaaaazy delicious. What do I mean? Let’s just say he was pretty dominant and it was FREAKING SEXY AND HE HAD ME ON FIRE AND I WISH HE WERE REAL SO I COULD RUB HIS BEARD AND ALL OVER HIS ABS. Yep, prepare yourself, ladies.
Amy: Ryder, Ryder, Ryder.. For the love of all that is holy.. He can boss me around ANY DAY! No really, I’m serious. Ryder and all of his dominant goodness was epically hot. Maddie brings out the beast in her man without even trying and their chemistry literally explodes all over the pages. *fans self and steals Celeste’s cigarette* And not only that, but there’s also the more tender, intimate moments that they share as well and they’ll melt your heart, I swear it.
Jag: *fans self* What can I say about Maddie and Ryder…they are a sexy hot mess and the chemistry is beyond intense. Maddie’s known forever that she’s loved Ryder but always felt that she wasn’t what Ryder wanted. And Ryder, has always loved Maddie but never felt deserving of her. Their relationship is explosive, filled with the push and pull of two people who are destined to be together but just need to get out of their own way. Ryder in this book was all alpha male and that sh*t is hot, yep true it’s HOTT! On a serious note, Paige does an amazing job balancing the sexy hotness with the emotional intimacy and the result is heart pounding, stomach fluttering, swoons that you feel all the way to your toes.
Title/Cover:
Celeste: The title is beyond perfect on so many levels…..read it and you will agree! The cover is pretty hot! I probably picture Ryder a little bit scruffier and dirtier, but hey, hot is hot!! I also love the blue as opposed to the red in Promise Me Darkness. This is one gorgeous set of books.
Amy: The cover is indeed gorgeous and the title’s perfect.. But if I’m being completely honest, I wish Ryder would of been portrayed in a darker, more rough and rugged way.. just because that’s how I envision him in my head.
Jag: Look at it people, LOOK AT THAT COVER! It’s sexy and gritty and dark, just like Ryder, just like the book. I have to agree with Amy though, my Ryder was darker looking, darker hair, but I can still get on board with this Ryder ;) .
Ending:
Celeste: It can’t be over. It can’t. Yes, the epilogue gave me so much closure, so much light, but I STILL WANT MORE MORE MORE.
Amy: That epilogue? I died all over myself. The ending rounded the story off so well. I don’t want it to be over though!
Jag: *sobs* I read it too fast. I READ IT WAY TOO FAST! All I can say is the ending was the perfect closure for Ryder and Maddie, but I need more of these characters. I need to find out about Cash and Gavin and Brody and Eva, there are so many stories still left there.
Gripes/suggestions/things that irked:
Celeste: My biggest “gripe” is actually the flaws in a character, but understand this is not a gripe with the story telling. So no, it doesn’t change the fact that this story is a 5 star for me. Here it is: I wish Maddie had been a little less headstrong and had a stronger maternal instinct. I connected with her where her love for Ryder was concerned (no issues there lol), but her maternal instinct was kind of lacking; she seemed to love Ryder more than her baby. I guess I was disappointed in her for that. When she insisted to go with the men into town to look for Ryder, I cringed because it was pure foolishness. My other smaller issue (which can easily be fixed, Paige!): I felt a little “hungry” at the end regarding the other characters and would love to know how their lives played out…what’s my suggestion for this?—–> more books. ;)
Amy: My only gripe, and it’s really not even an actual gripe, more like a plead for more.. is being teased with all these awesome secondary characters and not knowing how their individual stories end! I MUST know what happens to everyone. Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books!
Jag: I have to agree with both Celeste and Amy. At times I wanted to smack Maddie in the head for some of her choices and decisions, but it’s who she is and it’s how she is. And like Amy said….Please Paige! Pleeeeaaassseee write more books! AND talk to HBO!
Final Thoughts/Rec It?
Celeste: YES. Read this and then reread it. I am still stuck with a book hangover that doesn’t seem to have a cure. Maybe we can convince Paige to write stories about Gavin, Cash, Brody and Eva (please).
Amy: OMG YES! Highly, highly recommend this series!
Jag: YES YES a thousand Ryders YES! I loved this series and can’t wait to revisit it on audio book again as soon as it comes out. #TEAMCash
March 1, 2016
I knew this would be predictable and lame but when I start a story I like to finish it. This... wow. This was something unbelievable. In a bad way.
We start out with the return of Eva and the "death" of Ryder. Let's begin with the invasion. I didn't mention this on the first book review but it just kept bothering me... why would terrorists invade Texas? A countryside city of Texas? Yes, war means everywhere, anywhere but really? I might not be the brightest about war but I don't think you invade someplace you get nothing out of. It needs to have some kind of strategy advantage or else you're just sitting ducks waiting for an army to destroy you. Even if you have numbers, take over a city that offers nothing of advantage doesn't mean anything. But hey... whatever, this is a book. Terrorists can take over anywhere they want.
The fact that the family is there for the most part with no problems, with very little people trying to trespass and/or steal from them... wasn't this a "every man for himself" situation? Yes, stick together, you are safer but still. There are 8 people on the house and the whole drama is only Ryder and Maddie. I know this is told by Maddie's POV but come on, put a little more depth to people... show me something of theirs.
Then, there are flashbacks that were just wrong. First because it was all misplaced. I needed to see this before, on the first book, to get to know their story and fall in love along with the, but no. We got it on the second book which adds nothing to the story, it just fill pages. The worse? The flashbacks were not even good ones. It didn't show how he fell in love with her or how she fell in love with him, or why. Yes, he is a different person when he is with her but all (all 5! wow, so many... not) flashbacks, besides the one where they are children, refers to him being drunk and/or in bed with some girl... so, I don't get the appeal and the flashbacks suddenly stops.
Do you need to keep reminding me all the time her hair is long and dark? And that you are using sterilizes creek water? I understood the first time, stop repeating yourself it's stupid.
More than all these little things... what's up with Ryder? I mean the hot and cold behavior was getting on my last nerve, seriously. What the hell!! He came back because of her and when his brother says he kissed her, Ryder leaves her? Leaves her pregnant? Because of a kiss? Really? Oh my God... leave this guy forever, don't be stupid.
Both books were bad. It could've been great if it had a stronger story with better characters. The hero and heroin are just two stupid kids that has no excuse for any of their behavior towards each other. Oh he was adopted, so what? He already was a douche before, I don't get it. Maddie is a moron that pretends is all cute and wonderful and all men wants her... oh give me a break!
The book was finished in a hurry it seems. Out of the blue everything is ok. I so did not like this book. The first you can even kind of go through, this one... the sex scenes? I skimmed the pages, because they were boring and completely unnecessary besides being one more reason why Maddie is an idiot.
We start out with the return of Eva and the "death" of Ryder. Let's begin with the invasion. I didn't mention this on the first book review but it just kept bothering me... why would terrorists invade Texas? A countryside city of Texas? Yes, war means everywhere, anywhere but really? I might not be the brightest about war but I don't think you invade someplace you get nothing out of. It needs to have some kind of strategy advantage or else you're just sitting ducks waiting for an army to destroy you. Even if you have numbers, take over a city that offers nothing of advantage doesn't mean anything. But hey... whatever, this is a book. Terrorists can take over anywhere they want.
The fact that the family is there for the most part with no problems, with very little people trying to trespass and/or steal from them... wasn't this a "every man for himself" situation? Yes, stick together, you are safer but still. There are 8 people on the house and the whole drama is only Ryder and Maddie. I know this is told by Maddie's POV but come on, put a little more depth to people... show me something of theirs.
Then, there are flashbacks that were just wrong. First because it was all misplaced. I needed to see this before, on the first book, to get to know their story and fall in love along with the, but no. We got it on the second book which adds nothing to the story, it just fill pages. The worse? The flashbacks were not even good ones. It didn't show how he fell in love with her or how she fell in love with him, or why. Yes, he is a different person when he is with her but all (all 5! wow, so many... not) flashbacks, besides the one where they are children, refers to him being drunk and/or in bed with some girl... so, I don't get the appeal and the flashbacks suddenly stops.
Do you need to keep reminding me all the time her hair is long and dark? And that you are using sterilizes creek water? I understood the first time, stop repeating yourself it's stupid.
More than all these little things... what's up with Ryder? I mean the hot and cold behavior was getting on my last nerve, seriously. What the hell!! He came back because of her and when his brother says he kissed her, Ryder leaves her? Leaves her pregnant? Because of a kiss? Really? Oh my God... leave this guy forever, don't be stupid.
Both books were bad. It could've been great if it had a stronger story with better characters. The hero and heroin are just two stupid kids that has no excuse for any of their behavior towards each other. Oh he was adopted, so what? He already was a douche before, I don't get it. Maddie is a moron that pretends is all cute and wonderful and all men wants her... oh give me a break!
The book was finished in a hurry it seems. Out of the blue everything is ok. I so did not like this book. The first you can even kind of go through, this one... the sex scenes? I skimmed the pages, because they were boring and completely unnecessary besides being one more reason why Maddie is an idiot.
September 16, 2015
PPFF Rating: 5/5 Stars
Best friends. In love. Forever.
I had some issues with the first book - it certainly wasn't what I expected. But I enjoyed it, surprisingly, which was maybe because I had read Promise Me Darkness after watching World War Z so I was still pretty much in the mood for something apocalyptic. ;)
I'm so glad that I gave it a chance because it led me to this incredible love story between two best friends turned lovers who would go to hell and back just to keep each other safe and alive. What they felt for each other was so heartfelt and so passionate that I swooned each time.
Yes, the devastating effects of war are ever present but Promise Me Light is most definitely a romantic story. Give this two-part series a chance and you'll surely fall in love with Ryder, the HOT and OVERPROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE and the very STUBBORN Maddie.
***Check out my blog: Press Pause, Fast Forward
Best friends. In love. Forever.
“I’ll always want you around, Ryder.”
“And I’ll always be there,” he said, his voice lower. “Wanting to be around you. Never needing anything else.”
I had some issues with the first book - it certainly wasn't what I expected. But I enjoyed it, surprisingly, which was maybe because I had read Promise Me Darkness after watching World War Z so I was still pretty much in the mood for something apocalyptic. ;)
"Leave me. Run as fast as you can.”
“Never,” I whispered. “I’m not running unless it’s to you.
I'm so glad that I gave it a chance because it led me to this incredible love story between two best friends turned lovers who would go to hell and back just to keep each other safe and alive. What they felt for each other was so heartfelt and so passionate that I swooned each time.
“When you’re hurt and angry, I’ll be here. When you need the person that knows you like no one else, I’ll be standing here waiting for you. You may give up on me but I’ll never give up on you. I’ll always love you but I’m letting you go.”
Yes, the devastating effects of war are ever present but Promise Me Light is most definitely a romantic story. Give this two-part series a chance and you'll surely fall in love with Ryder, the HOT and OVERPROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE and the very STUBBORN Maddie.
"You said it was over,” he whispered against my skin, sending a tingle through me. “But we’re never over.”
***Check out my blog: Press Pause, Fast Forward
September 25, 2013
This book is a lot about the war that is going on. Maddie is such a strong determined woman who never let her issues stand in the way of fighting...if anything it made her stronger. She never whined or complained or used her pregnancy as an excuse for anything. Ryder went thru he'll and til the end was battling his emotions on weather to be with Maddie or not. I hated Gavin a little in this book...thought it was kinda dirty the way he acted towards Maddie. I loved Cash and Eva. Brody I liked a lot but found it kinda bad when everyone went off to look for Ryder and Brody stayed back w Eva...especially since it was Brody who went to Ryder in the first place to try to find Eva. I could definitely see a 3rd Book..maybe more about Cash or Gavin...hopefully Cash...but continuing pretty much the same storyline since parts of the story never really finished up. Overall the love and tension between Ryder n Maddie was beautiful. Yes Ryder was an ass but he loved Maddie with every fiber of his being. The last chapter of this book was probably one of the best n most romantic last chapters I've ever read. It was simple yet beautiful n real n full of raw emotion. The Epilogue was good to and like I said, left an opening for another book. This is definitely not your typical love story, the situation with the war was first in this book. It shows how people can and will do anything to survive. It shows that e end thru some of the darkest timed you can still love n be happy...life can continue.
February 8, 2014
I loved Maddie and Ryder so much! The love they had for one another even as kids was breathtaking. Their connection was apparent from their first scene together in Promise Me Darkness. While they were very frustrating in their (mainly Ryder's) attempts to remain just friends, it kept me turning the pages and not wanting to stop. I knew they were fated to end up together--they were soul mates. Paige Weaver's writing was excellent. She captured my attention from page 1 and had me fully immersed in Maddie and Ryder's world. I know there were a lot of bad reviews because of the heavy romance in such dire circumstances. However, I knew from the get-go that the relationship was the main plot and war-torn America was secondary. I loved every minute of these books. Ryder and Maddie are now right next to Kellan and Kiera on my list--which is a high honor. Can't wait to read more from this outstanding author!
December 27, 2014
This book is a MUST READ people !!!
I enjoyed it a lot even more than the first one , not that I didn't love promise me darkness I mean I enjoyed the suspense and staying on the edge of my seat during the entire book but this one really touched me you get to experience the struggle through the everyday life aaand wondering where the hell Ryder is half the book really kept my pulse high !! Maddie is just the sherry on the top, she's like a sweet little southern bell who kicks ass when she has too , but on the flip side I looooved how vulnerable she was around Ryder to me that's as real as it gets he's the love of her life.
Ryder reminded me a little of Christian Grey (- the red room of pain), they're personalities are both very mercurial and they're very possessive which I luuuv I mean who doesn't ! and the ending was just perfect so this book needs to be read !!
I enjoyed it a lot even more than the first one , not that I didn't love promise me darkness I mean I enjoyed the suspense and staying on the edge of my seat during the entire book but this one really touched me you get to experience the struggle through the everyday life aaand wondering where the hell Ryder is half the book really kept my pulse high !! Maddie is just the sherry on the top, she's like a sweet little southern bell who kicks ass when she has too , but on the flip side I looooved how vulnerable she was around Ryder to me that's as real as it gets he's the love of her life.
Ryder reminded me a little of Christian Grey (- the red room of pain), they're personalities are both very mercurial and they're very possessive which I luuuv I mean who doesn't ! and the ending was just perfect so this book needs to be read !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews