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Promises, Promises #1
That's a Promise
Pain isn’t new to me.
I’ve been to hell only to find it never really leaves when you get back. It haunts me through nightmares, unrequited love, lies, broken hearts, and now death.
A monster almost took my life.
My best friend carries half my soul a world away.
My boyfriend broke my heart but refuses to let me go.
And my father is dead.
I don’t believe in fate and I don’t believe in happily-ever-afters, but for some reason, I still hope.
Live, even with a tainted spirit.
Long for my other half to come back to me.
Risk another broken heart, just to feel loved again.
And refuse to let another horror break me.
In the face of my most recent tragedy, I have to decide whether forgiveness is something I can give. But even if that’s an option, can I be forgiven?
(That's a Promise is book 1 in a 3 part series, and the new/ updated version will be available 10-10-2014)
I’ve been to hell only to find it never really leaves when you get back. It haunts me through nightmares, unrequited love, lies, broken hearts, and now death.
A monster almost took my life.
My best friend carries half my soul a world away.
My boyfriend broke my heart but refuses to let me go.
And my father is dead.
I don’t believe in fate and I don’t believe in happily-ever-afters, but for some reason, I still hope.
Live, even with a tainted spirit.
Long for my other half to come back to me.
Risk another broken heart, just to feel loved again.
And refuse to let another horror break me.
In the face of my most recent tragedy, I have to decide whether forgiveness is something I can give. But even if that’s an option, can I be forgiven?
(That's a Promise is book 1 in a 3 part series, and the new/ updated version will be available 10-10-2014)
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2013
107 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Klahr
3 books176 followersVictoria Klahr lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her dreamy husband of four years and their two beautiful daughters. She is a self-proclaimed book-nerd who likes to sniff books before she reads them and fantasizes about book boyfriends. She is the author of the Promises, Promises series, including That’s a Promise, That’s a Lie, and That’s a Relief. She writes happily-ever-afters one heartache and tragedy at a time, and won’t apologize for making you cry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
January 27, 2018
2 stars!
Stopped at 73%, but I did skim the rest to find out the ending.
First off, thanks to Victoria Klahr for providing me with a copy. I write my book reviews with the readers in mind, not the authors. It's nothing personal. I'm not being mean or rude. So I would apologize in advance for offending any family member for what I'm about to say. It's not my intention to go out "rip a brand new author's work." My intention is to be honest and have the readers make a choice.
Now let's get down to business, shall we?
Josie life was turned upside down when Her best friend Seth helped her pick up the pieces. While in college, she met a new Blake. There's instant connection between Blake and Josie. They're hot for each other until one painful secret was revealed that changed the lives of Josie, Blake and Seth.
Warning! There's sort of a love triangle going on here. I say sort of because it wasn't really the center of the whole story. It was just sort of in periphery in this book. Although, that could change as the series progress but for now, the triangle wasn't that bad.
What I liked...
One, I liked that Josie was written as having Filipino blood. I like stories with POC heroines.
Two, I liked that Josie has two Dads. I don't read that much in romance novels that much so I'm glad that the author wrote the characters of Josie's fathers, Will and Tony.
Now onto what I didn't like...
Josie. Her character just fell flat. Her being half Filipino and raised by gay parents didn't add any dimension to her character. Those character devices were underutilized.
I also didn't hear any distinction between the characters of Josie, Blake and Seth. They all sounded scarily alike. Blake and Seth sounded like whiny little gurlz in the throes of their period. Despite being described as manwhores, these two were primed for making grandiose declarations of love for Josie. It wasn't really believable.
But the main reason why this book sucked for me was the writing. The writing did not work for me at all.
Why, you ask?
The jarring, overly purple prose is not my cuppa. Had the author chose a more straightforward approach, I would have enjoyed the book more. Some sentences, paragraphs made me pause because they felt off and weird.
Another pet peeve of mine that's ever present in this book is repetitiveness. Case in point...
The repetitiveness and the garbled use of the figures of speech left me confuse. My puny brain can't take it.
I was still trying to figure out what "most imperfect perfection" means and she hit me with crooked tooth. I was thinking maybe the author meant crooked smile or something but who knows? I mean, crooked tooth can be cute too. I guess.
The whole book is filled confusing metaphors and similes being used at a drop of a hat. The endless use of modifiers upon modifiers, adjective upon adjective made this book hard to read. I do not like to be told what to see or what to feel. I wanted to be shown. Let me draw my own conclusion.
Every adjective/noun is modified again and again. His eyes just can't be brown, it has to also soft, sexy, beautiful, intense, hot, etc. The word beautiful isn't enough. It has to be preceded by a superlative or another modifier. On and on and on. It ended up not being believable.
*sigh*
It's a shame since this book has promising plot but it was poorly executed. I also had a lot of issues with the editing. It really pays to have your work proofed and edited before hitting the publish button. Really. Self-publishing has come a long way since its inception. It cannot be used as an excuse anymore.
Will I recommend this book? Maybe. If you're a fan of Katy Evans's style of writing, you might enjoy this book. As for me, I don't really enjoy this type of writing.
Copy gifted by Victoria Klahr in exchange for an honest review.
Stopped at 73%, but I did skim the rest to find out the ending.
First off, thanks to Victoria Klahr for providing me with a copy. I write my book reviews with the readers in mind, not the authors. It's nothing personal. I'm not being mean or rude. So I would apologize in advance for offending any family member for what I'm about to say. It's not my intention to go out "rip a brand new author's work." My intention is to be honest and have the readers make a choice.
Now let's get down to business, shall we?
Josie life was turned upside down when Her best friend Seth helped her pick up the pieces. While in college, she met a new Blake. There's instant connection between Blake and Josie. They're hot for each other until one painful secret was revealed that changed the lives of Josie, Blake and Seth.
Warning! There's sort of a love triangle going on here. I say sort of because it wasn't really the center of the whole story. It was just sort of in periphery in this book. Although, that could change as the series progress but for now, the triangle wasn't that bad.
What I liked...
One, I liked that Josie was written as having Filipino blood. I like stories with POC heroines.
Two, I liked that Josie has two Dads. I don't read that much in romance novels that much so I'm glad that the author wrote the characters of Josie's fathers, Will and Tony.
Now onto what I didn't like...
Josie. Her character just fell flat. Her being half Filipino and raised by gay parents didn't add any dimension to her character. Those character devices were underutilized.
I also didn't hear any distinction between the characters of Josie, Blake and Seth. They all sounded scarily alike. Blake and Seth sounded like whiny little gurlz in the throes of their period. Despite being described as manwhores, these two were primed for making grandiose declarations of love for Josie. It wasn't really believable.
But the main reason why this book sucked for me was the writing. The writing did not work for me at all.
Why, you ask?
The jarring, overly purple prose is not my cuppa. Had the author chose a more straightforward approach, I would have enjoyed the book more. Some sentences, paragraphs made me pause because they felt off and weird.
I glared at the girl who knocked into me. She seemed to be waiting for the stranger who kept witnessing my clumsy hands. I glared some bad karma in her direction while I stared at her.
I swallowed the excess salivation that was pooling in my mouth, and I made a big gulping sound while I did it, adding to my humiliation.
It made me feel a little better to see his reluctance to put himself all over the girl who knocked into me apathetically.
Another pet peeve of mine that's ever present in this book is repetitiveness. Case in point...
I pictured the smile and handsome face of the stranger who kept witnessing my clumsiness. That smile. Looking up to see his face, and catching that smile. I couldn’t get it out of my head, and with my heart fluttering like it was at the memory of that smile being directed at me, I didn’t think it would be leaving my consciousness for a while.
He looked in my eyes again, and I was glad to have that moment to take in the depth that his eyes held. They were so brown, but not in a sinister way. There was so much depth in them.
The repetitiveness and the garbled use of the figures of speech left me confuse. My puny brain can't take it.
“Hmm… Blue is my favorite color, but not just any blue. I love a dark, kind of royal looking blue."
I was relieved that he tasted so good, because it would have really sucked if he didn’t.
That damn smile wouldn’t leave my brain. It was the most imperfect perfection I had ever seen, and I wanted to see it more. Why did he have to make a crooked tooth look so damn cute?*Cocks head to one side and scratches head.*
I was still trying to figure out what "most imperfect perfection" means and she hit me with crooked tooth. I was thinking maybe the author meant crooked smile or something but who knows? I mean, crooked tooth can be cute too. I guess.
The whole book is filled confusing metaphors and similes being used at a drop of a hat. The endless use of modifiers upon modifiers, adjective upon adjective made this book hard to read. I do not like to be told what to see or what to feel. I wanted to be shown. Let me draw my own conclusion.
He had broad shoulders in a dominant and confident kind of way...
We moved together and there were no other words for our dancing than hot. It was sexy and intimate...
He was very handsome, in a little brother kind of way.
His laugh was so sexy; it made me want to laugh with him.
We pulled up to a building that looked kind of like a night club, but a classy one.
His tongue and mine seem to clash perfectly in a battle to show each other our desires.
Every adjective/noun is modified again and again. His eyes just can't be brown, it has to also soft, sexy, beautiful, intense, hot, etc. The word beautiful isn't enough. It has to be preceded by a superlative or another modifier. On and on and on. It ended up not being believable.
*sigh*
It's a shame since this book has promising plot but it was poorly executed. I also had a lot of issues with the editing. It really pays to have your work proofed and edited before hitting the publish button. Really. Self-publishing has come a long way since its inception. It cannot be used as an excuse anymore.
Will I recommend this book? Maybe. If you're a fan of Katy Evans's style of writing, you might enjoy this book. As for me, I don't really enjoy this type of writing.
Copy gifted by Victoria Klahr in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2013
"Life is all about CHOICES."
Thank you for the advance reader copy of That's A Promise, this is the 1st book of Ms.Victoria Klahr. I love to discover new authors and their works because they bring new excitement to the readers.
The story is about Josie Sommers who loves to read and study so she is like a nerdy heroine. She has a very strong personality and a little hot tempered a good friend and a daughter. Seems life for her is perfect, but destiny has a different plan for her. With the loss of a loved one and the return of someone she vowed to never see again, her strength starts to break...
The story tackles a very sensitive subject that most women experience nowadays, the scar that it will leave is not just on the outside but on the inside, it will crush you and your soul. But Josie is strong enough to surpass the obstacle with the help of her parents, her best friend Seth, and the love of her life, Blake.
Blake for me is the good guy, easily to fall in love with but I love Seth more he is mysterious, much appealing persona, tough on the outside soft in the inside. And on the other hand you will love and hate Josie's character because of the choices she made, but it makes her more human because the emotions are raw and authentic.
The story is well written, just some typo errors on the names. The challenge for me is the past and present scenarios I'm not really a fan of it. Maybe it would be better if the story is narrated from the past going to the present instead of bouncing back and forth so the story will flow smoothly. And it is very predictable I knew from the start what Blake’s secret hold is. But I enjoy reading the story; it shows the reality of life. The essence of loving someone and the importance of acceptance. Sometimes the choices that we made will ruin or save us. And real life situation is not a fairytale.
I'm TEAM SETH by the way if you are curious why, add this to your TBR list (^o^)
Congrats on your 1st book! Kudos!
Thank you for the advance reader copy of That's A Promise, this is the 1st book of Ms.Victoria Klahr. I love to discover new authors and their works because they bring new excitement to the readers.
The story is about Josie Sommers who loves to read and study so she is like a nerdy heroine. She has a very strong personality and a little hot tempered a good friend and a daughter. Seems life for her is perfect, but destiny has a different plan for her. With the loss of a loved one and the return of someone she vowed to never see again, her strength starts to break...
The story tackles a very sensitive subject that most women experience nowadays, the scar that it will leave is not just on the outside but on the inside, it will crush you and your soul. But Josie is strong enough to surpass the obstacle with the help of her parents, her best friend Seth, and the love of her life, Blake.
Blake for me is the good guy, easily to fall in love with but I love Seth more he is mysterious, much appealing persona, tough on the outside soft in the inside. And on the other hand you will love and hate Josie's character because of the choices she made, but it makes her more human because the emotions are raw and authentic.
The story is well written, just some typo errors on the names. The challenge for me is the past and present scenarios I'm not really a fan of it. Maybe it would be better if the story is narrated from the past going to the present instead of bouncing back and forth so the story will flow smoothly. And it is very predictable I knew from the start what Blake’s secret hold is. But I enjoy reading the story; it shows the reality of life. The essence of loving someone and the importance of acceptance. Sometimes the choices that we made will ruin or save us. And real life situation is not a fairytale.
I'm TEAM SETH by the way if you are curious why, add this to your TBR list (^o^)
Congrats on your 1st book! Kudos!
October 22, 2014
** DEBBIE'S 4.5 STAR REVIEW **
What a ride! If you are looking for an original plot that takes you on a ride of your life THIS IS THE BOOK!!!! I can not even put into words how much I loved this book!
This book is about Josie Sommers and I had a love/hate relationship with her. She went through some pretty traumatic stuff in her life but she also was pretty selfish and never really took the time to think about her actions. Josie has two pretty important and let me add HOT men in her life, Blake and Seth. Seth was her best friend since childhood and he has helped her through some serious problems. Then you have Blake. They meet in college and start seeing each other. Blake and Josie share a past they are not aware of at first.
“Seth had been my best friend since we were six years old, when we met on the playground during recess.”
“I hadn’t believed I could move on from what I had with Seth, but the more time I spent with Blake Porter, the more I wondered if it wasn’t a possibility.”
The book jumps from present day and past. You get to see exactly how everything that happens unfolds. I loved both Seth and Blake and felt really bad for both of them because even though Josie had a horrible thing happen to her, I think she wanted her cake and eat it too. She needed to put her big girl panties on and make some tough decisions but instead she ignored things and I think she took advantage of both Seth and Blake.
“Seth couldn’t return the same affection and love I felt for him, so there was no meaning behind it other that a really good friendship. There was more of a possible future with Blake than there was with Seth. Seth never loved me, and Blake always did.”
“I can’t…we can’t do this, Seth. What the hell are we thinking? I’m in love with Blake.”Right? Yes. I loved Blake. Blake was romantic and charming and affectionate. Blake was the one I needed.”
All though I felt Josie should of handled things differently with the men in her life I did love her spunk.
“You need to leave and never come back around her or me again. I can barely even look at you without wanting to punch you in your stupid face!”
There are some seriously hot and steamy parts in this book. The chemistry between all three of them is fantastic!!!! I devoured this book and let me tell you I was not happy when I went to click for the next page on my kindle and it wouldn’t turn and I realized I finished the book!!!!
One of my favorite quotes from the book. “Life isn’t meant to be easy. It’s about the choices we make to shape us—about making our own happiness. So I choose to live and move on….That’s a f******* promise.”
I need the next book now!!! I need to see how things play out. You are left with many questions that need answers!!!!
What a ride! If you are looking for an original plot that takes you on a ride of your life THIS IS THE BOOK!!!! I can not even put into words how much I loved this book!
This book is about Josie Sommers and I had a love/hate relationship with her. She went through some pretty traumatic stuff in her life but she also was pretty selfish and never really took the time to think about her actions. Josie has two pretty important and let me add HOT men in her life, Blake and Seth. Seth was her best friend since childhood and he has helped her through some serious problems. Then you have Blake. They meet in college and start seeing each other. Blake and Josie share a past they are not aware of at first.
“Seth had been my best friend since we were six years old, when we met on the playground during recess.”
“I hadn’t believed I could move on from what I had with Seth, but the more time I spent with Blake Porter, the more I wondered if it wasn’t a possibility.”
The book jumps from present day and past. You get to see exactly how everything that happens unfolds. I loved both Seth and Blake and felt really bad for both of them because even though Josie had a horrible thing happen to her, I think she wanted her cake and eat it too. She needed to put her big girl panties on and make some tough decisions but instead she ignored things and I think she took advantage of both Seth and Blake.
“Seth couldn’t return the same affection and love I felt for him, so there was no meaning behind it other that a really good friendship. There was more of a possible future with Blake than there was with Seth. Seth never loved me, and Blake always did.”
“I can’t…we can’t do this, Seth. What the hell are we thinking? I’m in love with Blake.”Right? Yes. I loved Blake. Blake was romantic and charming and affectionate. Blake was the one I needed.”
All though I felt Josie should of handled things differently with the men in her life I did love her spunk.
“You need to leave and never come back around her or me again. I can barely even look at you without wanting to punch you in your stupid face!”
There are some seriously hot and steamy parts in this book. The chemistry between all three of them is fantastic!!!! I devoured this book and let me tell you I was not happy when I went to click for the next page on my kindle and it wouldn’t turn and I realized I finished the book!!!!
One of my favorite quotes from the book. “Life isn’t meant to be easy. It’s about the choices we make to shape us—about making our own happiness. So I choose to live and move on….That’s a f******* promise.”
I need the next book now!!! I need to see how things play out. You are left with many questions that need answers!!!!
December 10, 2013
First of all I want to give a BIG thank you to Victoria Klahr for giving me the opportunity to read her debut novel! Kudos to you on your fantastic debut <3
"I choose to live and move on... That's a fucking promise."
WOW. That quote right there, says it all. After taking some time to heal from a traumatic heartbreaking experience Josie is now moving on with her life. Starting anew, she transfers colleges with her best friend Seth. There she meets Blake. *sigh* Blake Blake Blake. I loved him. I wanted to slap him. I love him...
"He looks at you like he can't live without you. Like it would be taking away his very breath if you were away. He breathes you in with every hug and kiss."
Josie's story spans 6 years fading from past to present. Seth has been there for Josie through some of her darkest hours. He carries an enormous amount of guilt for what happened to her and would(and DID)do anything to help her heal. I love Blake, but I freaking ADORED Seth. The interaction between Josie and Seth made my heart break for him. I just knew what he was thinking and feeling. TORE MY HEART TO SHREDS.
From past to present this story takes you on a journey that will leave you wondering where this story will lead with each turn of the page. The main twist in the story (which is really freaking crazy)is fairly easy to piece together. It's a slow building train wreck that you know is coming but still gives you THE FEELS. The final twists in the story will break your heart again and leaving you aching for the rest of story.
That's A Promise is the first book in the That's A Promise Series. It does have cliff hanger. Cliff Scale 7. So no HEA yet..... There is NO cheating. Steamy scenes? CHECK! Hot swoon worthy guys? You get TWO hotties, DOUBLE CHECK! My rating? 4.5 Stars <3
"I choose to live and move on... That's a fucking promise."
WOW. That quote right there, says it all. After taking some time to heal from a traumatic heartbreaking experience Josie is now moving on with her life. Starting anew, she transfers colleges with her best friend Seth. There she meets Blake. *sigh* Blake Blake Blake. I loved him. I wanted to slap him. I love him...
"He looks at you like he can't live without you. Like it would be taking away his very breath if you were away. He breathes you in with every hug and kiss."
Josie's story spans 6 years fading from past to present. Seth has been there for Josie through some of her darkest hours. He carries an enormous amount of guilt for what happened to her and would(and DID)do anything to help her heal. I love Blake, but I freaking ADORED Seth. The interaction between Josie and Seth made my heart break for him. I just knew what he was thinking and feeling. TORE MY HEART TO SHREDS.
From past to present this story takes you on a journey that will leave you wondering where this story will lead with each turn of the page. The main twist in the story (which is really freaking crazy)is fairly easy to piece together. It's a slow building train wreck that you know is coming but still gives you THE FEELS. The final twists in the story will break your heart again and leaving you aching for the rest of story.
That's A Promise is the first book in the That's A Promise Series. It does have cliff hanger. Cliff Scale 7. So no HEA yet..... There is NO cheating. Steamy scenes? CHECK! Hot swoon worthy guys? You get TWO hotties, DOUBLE CHECK! My rating? 4.5 Stars <3
March 10, 2014
This was a great story, but I found it complicated at times. The story goes from Present to Past throughout the whole book. You really need to pay attention to that so you can follow the details easier.
There is a lot going on in this story. It's an emotional roller coaster of a read. How much heartache can one person handle? Once you think you have it all figured out BAM she throws in another shocker.
Lots of sex! Almost too much. *gasp* I know, lol. I love to read erotic books but the reason I say there was too much is because the story wasn't based off of a sex scene(s) such as a BDSM based novel. Yes, I know college peeps love to get their freak on, but still. Make it more about the actual story and what will happen between the characters and the trials and tribulations they will go through not just about the sex. Maybe it's just me, but I wanted to know what was happening next! I knew they'd be getting it on, but it felt like it was every other chapter.
Don't expect your fairytale happily ever after.
This is the first of a series and I am very interested to see what happens in the 2nd and 3rd books.
There is a lot going on in this story. It's an emotional roller coaster of a read. How much heartache can one person handle? Once you think you have it all figured out BAM she throws in another shocker.
Lots of sex! Almost too much. *gasp* I know, lol. I love to read erotic books but the reason I say there was too much is because the story wasn't based off of a sex scene(s) such as a BDSM based novel. Yes, I know college peeps love to get their freak on, but still. Make it more about the actual story and what will happen between the characters and the trials and tribulations they will go through not just about the sex. Maybe it's just me, but I wanted to know what was happening next! I knew they'd be getting it on, but it felt like it was every other chapter.
Don't expect your fairytale happily ever after.
This is the first of a series and I am very interested to see what happens in the 2nd and 3rd books.
Want to read
September 24, 2020🎁Books 1 & 2 in the Promises Series (3 book series) are FREE on Amazon today (9/24/2020)! 🎁
October 9, 2014
Josie has been to Hell and back in the past several years. She has had a horrible and traumatic thing done to her, she has slowly lost her best friend, and she lost her boyfriend due to too many lies - on both their parts. And now? Now, she must also learn how to live without her Daddy, as he, too, was taken from her.
There were definitely a lot of ups and downs in this book. There were many things that I liked, but Josie, herself, was very difficult for me to like. I really liked that Josie did not come from a traditional household. I liked that she actually responded appropriately to what was done to her at one point, and I liked how funny and feisty she could be with Seth, her best friend.
Everything else about her, however, really confused me. If you are looking for a book that makes you want to throw something at the main character for being so stubborn and clueless, then this is your book. I know we all like to punish ourselves with a stubborn, blind character, at times, but Josie might be the leading lady for that. She grows up with Seth, this tall, blonde, tatted up artistic type dude, and she loves him. She knows that she loves him, but she doesn't ever tell him. She doesn't tell him, and she doesn't give him an opportunity to tell her, either, so she meets and begins to date Blake.
To be honest, by the end of the first book, I felt really bad for Blake. Josie went into her relationship with him, knowing that she loved someone else. She basically tried to convince herself over and over again that she should love Blake. Then, when she finally does, it's one thing after another that keeps the two of them apart, including Seth's dislike for Blake. However, Blake is not all innocent. He knows things about Josie's past that he chooses not to talk to her about. Instead, he pretty consistently just tries to shower her with attention, leave fun notes and quotes around for her, and steam up the bedroom with her. Doesn't sound too bad, but his secret is definitely a tough one. When all the secrets are finally out, Blake and Josie may not be able to make it. However, when she needs him most, Josie may have pushed Seth away one too many times.
I will say this, though...Victoria sure knows how to write some steamy scenes.
There were definitely a lot of ups and downs in this book. There were many things that I liked, but Josie, herself, was very difficult for me to like. I really liked that Josie did not come from a traditional household. I liked that she actually responded appropriately to what was done to her at one point, and I liked how funny and feisty she could be with Seth, her best friend.
Everything else about her, however, really confused me. If you are looking for a book that makes you want to throw something at the main character for being so stubborn and clueless, then this is your book. I know we all like to punish ourselves with a stubborn, blind character, at times, but Josie might be the leading lady for that. She grows up with Seth, this tall, blonde, tatted up artistic type dude, and she loves him. She knows that she loves him, but she doesn't ever tell him. She doesn't tell him, and she doesn't give him an opportunity to tell her, either, so she meets and begins to date Blake.
To be honest, by the end of the first book, I felt really bad for Blake. Josie went into her relationship with him, knowing that she loved someone else. She basically tried to convince herself over and over again that she should love Blake. Then, when she finally does, it's one thing after another that keeps the two of them apart, including Seth's dislike for Blake. However, Blake is not all innocent. He knows things about Josie's past that he chooses not to talk to her about. Instead, he pretty consistently just tries to shower her with attention, leave fun notes and quotes around for her, and steam up the bedroom with her. Doesn't sound too bad, but his secret is definitely a tough one. When all the secrets are finally out, Blake and Josie may not be able to make it. However, when she needs him most, Josie may have pushed Seth away one too many times.
I will say this, though...Victoria sure knows how to write some steamy scenes.
January 6, 2014
5 stars
★★★★★
*deep breath*
Ok, let me get this off my chest, first... SETH IS MINE! Back off, witches! ;)
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's take a little look at what I think of "That's a Promise" by Victoria Klahr.
There is so much I loved about this book, it's hard to know where to start. Victoria Klahr tackles some very serious subject matters and paints amazing pictures of where the characters grow and develop over a 6 year span of time. The main character, Josie, is a girl who has gone through things no one should have to go through. She has a best friend, Seth, who is her rock, and has been there for her no matter what, and also been a love interest of hers. In comes Blake, who brings her feelings she never thought she'd feel for someone... they all have shocking secrets, that when they start unravelling bring complete changes to each relationship and the book takes these dynamic twists and turns throughout. There's flashbacks and changes to let you know why things are the way they are at this time and to help you develop a better bond with them throughout. The characters are multi-dimensional, and keep you wanting more. Sometimes the next thing to happen is predictable, but more often than not, it really isn't. There were twists and turns that kept me so intrigued and made it where I did NOT want to put this book down, and when it was over, I wanted MORE and I want(ed) it NOW!!
I had so many emotions through this book -- I laughed, I cried, I was pissed off... and the ending -- OH.EM.GEE!!
This novel is seriously PHENOMENAL! I can't stop raving about the depth of the overall story, and I have to say I am VERY impressed with it as a debut novel, especially. It doesn't lack in substance, in the slightest, and approaches things that aren't already in every book out there. I am ready to kidnap Victoria and make her spit out the second book so I know what happens next, because I am NOT sure where it will go at all and I can't wait to find out!
★★★★★
*deep breath*
Ok, let me get this off my chest, first... SETH IS MINE! Back off, witches! ;)
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's take a little look at what I think of "That's a Promise" by Victoria Klahr.
There is so much I loved about this book, it's hard to know where to start. Victoria Klahr tackles some very serious subject matters and paints amazing pictures of where the characters grow and develop over a 6 year span of time. The main character, Josie, is a girl who has gone through things no one should have to go through. She has a best friend, Seth, who is her rock, and has been there for her no matter what, and also been a love interest of hers. In comes Blake, who brings her feelings she never thought she'd feel for someone... they all have shocking secrets, that when they start unravelling bring complete changes to each relationship and the book takes these dynamic twists and turns throughout. There's flashbacks and changes to let you know why things are the way they are at this time and to help you develop a better bond with them throughout. The characters are multi-dimensional, and keep you wanting more. Sometimes the next thing to happen is predictable, but more often than not, it really isn't. There were twists and turns that kept me so intrigued and made it where I did NOT want to put this book down, and when it was over, I wanted MORE and I want(ed) it NOW!!
I had so many emotions through this book -- I laughed, I cried, I was pissed off... and the ending -- OH.EM.GEE!!
This novel is seriously PHENOMENAL! I can't stop raving about the depth of the overall story, and I have to say I am VERY impressed with it as a debut novel, especially. It doesn't lack in substance, in the slightest, and approaches things that aren't already in every book out there. I am ready to kidnap Victoria and make her spit out the second book so I know what happens next, because I am NOT sure where it will go at all and I can't wait to find out!
October 17, 2014
** I received a copy of this book for a blog tour in exchange for my honest review. This does not influence my review in any way**
Emotional roller-coaster, love triangle. drama and romance. This book had it all and it was brilliant!!!
Wow this book sucked me in so badly that I couldn't put it down I was so drawn into the story that when it was revealed as to why Blake suddenly went cold on her I was taken aback - but having said that once I finished I realized that it was kind of obvious but not when you were reading the story.
Lets back up a bit....I am going to try be as spoiler free as I can but Its really hard as I would love to just dive right in and tell you everything!
Josie is a strong character who doesn't pull her punches, her best friend Seth and Brooke all attend the same school.
Seth and Jo have an almost friends with benefits relationship that resulted in both of developing feelings for each other but neither of them admitting it so when they all go to a party one night Jo meets Blake and that is when the story really starts.
There were times when Jo and Seth annoyed the hell out of me and I wanted to just shake them! And when she was with Blake she was "alive", but when he turns cold and pushes away it left me feeling that he was a bit of an arse for doing that to her despite everything that had happened to her. But come the end I can see why he did what he did...
This book is a roller-coaster - the format is a back and forth timeline which works great for this story line it gives you tidbits making you read more and more to get the bottom of the story.
The ending,..... wow....it left me wanting more, more, more! I must buy book 2 asap to find out what happens.
Emotional roller-coaster, love triangle. drama and romance. This book had it all and it was brilliant!!!
Wow this book sucked me in so badly that I couldn't put it down I was so drawn into the story that when it was revealed as to why Blake suddenly went cold on her I was taken aback - but having said that once I finished I realized that it was kind of obvious but not when you were reading the story.
Lets back up a bit....I am going to try be as spoiler free as I can but Its really hard as I would love to just dive right in and tell you everything!
Josie is a strong character who doesn't pull her punches, her best friend Seth and Brooke all attend the same school.
Seth and Jo have an almost friends with benefits relationship that resulted in both of developing feelings for each other but neither of them admitting it so when they all go to a party one night Jo meets Blake and that is when the story really starts.
There were times when Jo and Seth annoyed the hell out of me and I wanted to just shake them! And when she was with Blake she was "alive", but when he turns cold and pushes away it left me feeling that he was a bit of an arse for doing that to her despite everything that had happened to her. But come the end I can see why he did what he did...
This book is a roller-coaster - the format is a back and forth timeline which works great for this story line it gives you tidbits making you read more and more to get the bottom of the story.
The ending,..... wow....it left me wanting more, more, more! I must buy book 2 asap to find out what happens.
December 28, 2013
THIS BOOK! THIS is the next book that will make you stare at the pages with your mouth hanging open. This is the book that will leave you both excited and mad at the author for the cliffhanger of an ending. This is the book you must read!
There is nothing better in a book, to me, than a love triangle and mystery. This book was exactly that.
Josie has a hard life. She has secrets in her closet that make her suspicious, cold, and scared. Blake has a secret too - one that he finds out after his heart already belongs to Josie. Seth, Josie's best friend and rock, also has a secret that no matter how much he ties to get out in the open, he always keeps hidden.
Josie is so strong yet so stupid sometimes. I wanted to both hug her and strangle her throughout the book! How someone can go through what she goes through in this story and still be whole, it's just admirable.
The boys. Oh, the boys. This is one of those books where you have to pick a team (lol). And I'll tell ya, I'm all for team Seth!
There isn't much more I can say without giving anything away. There are so many moments that will have you literally saying OH MY GOD out loud.
Keep in mind, this is the first of a series so you are NOT left with closure at the end. Instead, you are left excited and counting the days until book two comes out!
And just as a side note. I had my top 15 books of 2013 all ready to post...until I finished this one. Now I have to redo it because this is totally on my top 10!
There is nothing better in a book, to me, than a love triangle and mystery. This book was exactly that.
Josie has a hard life. She has secrets in her closet that make her suspicious, cold, and scared. Blake has a secret too - one that he finds out after his heart already belongs to Josie. Seth, Josie's best friend and rock, also has a secret that no matter how much he ties to get out in the open, he always keeps hidden.
Josie is so strong yet so stupid sometimes. I wanted to both hug her and strangle her throughout the book! How someone can go through what she goes through in this story and still be whole, it's just admirable.
The boys. Oh, the boys. This is one of those books where you have to pick a team (lol). And I'll tell ya, I'm all for team Seth!
There isn't much more I can say without giving anything away. There are so many moments that will have you literally saying OH MY GOD out loud.
Keep in mind, this is the first of a series so you are NOT left with closure at the end. Instead, you are left excited and counting the days until book two comes out!
And just as a side note. I had my top 15 books of 2013 all ready to post...until I finished this one. Now I have to redo it because this is totally on my top 10!
November 25, 2013
Blake he's an okay guy I mean you can tell he really cares for Josie, "let me come help you for the day. We can catch up and I can help you with things. Today is tough as it is, let me help." We go back and forth between past and present which at times kinda gave me whiplash but you just have to pay close attention to keep up with everything that's going on. Josie I liked her spirit she had when her and Blake first met, "that sounds like fun. But it has to be close by and it has to be a place where there are people, but not too many that I could get lost in the crowd. Those are my rules, if you don't like it, then you can ask someone else out." Blake he's like a damn animal when it comes to Josie, "I hear him growl lightly before he licks the side of my neck and trails his tongue back to my ear where he pulls it into his mouth." Blake I thought he just needed to open up more to Josie and then maybe things wouldn't be the way they are now, "to think another man touched you, when it should only be me, is effing torture. You are supposed to be mine, Josie. Not someone else's." Maybe you should pull your head out of your a** and work sh** out then. The book was predictable, well one secret was but not the other, and I'm just ready for the next book which leaves me with one question, Team Seth or Team Blake?
November 26, 2014
Rising up from tragedy is one thing , but working so hard to put it all behind you only to discover the worst to come is bad enough. Josie Summers was raped and almost killed one night while out with her friends at a club, until her best friend Seth stepped in and saved her life. Over the next few years, he built back up her confidence. Now the pair of them are off to College and that's where Josie meets Blake - the hot guy and the one guy that she has started to give her heart too. Only though to have it broken and betrayed as it turns out she has more than a connection to Blake that just a romantic one . The novel then jumps forward to present time and one of Josie's dads have passed away and Blake turns up at the funeral and we also discover that she has lost friendship with Seth, something we never expected.
This novel follows the same formula as many other New Adult novels , but jumps back and forth between the present time and the past two-three years she was in College.
If you are in the mood for an Edgy New Adult novel , then check out the first Book #1 in Victoria Klahr's series "Promises, Promises". One of the hardest things in the world beside trust to keep.
This novel follows the same formula as many other New Adult novels , but jumps back and forth between the present time and the past two-three years she was in College.
If you are in the mood for an Edgy New Adult novel , then check out the first Book #1 in Victoria Klahr's series "Promises, Promises". One of the hardest things in the world beside trust to keep.
December 17, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
First off, WOAH! This book is full of drama and secrets from the main characters. Just when you think you know, you're given another secret in the last few pages.
Start with Josie, who has issues with men and being touched. She meets Blake and falls in love with him. Blake is completely charming and does all the right things.... Until one day, when their relationship takes a turn for the worst. It's a complete train wreck, but you can't help but hold on and hope for the best. At one point I thought I knew exactly what Blake's secret was and for the most part I did. It's Josie who shocked me the most!
This book is so hard to review 'spoiler free'. So I'm just going to leave you with this.... Read this book! The ending will have you wondering what the heck just happened!
First off, WOAH! This book is full of drama and secrets from the main characters. Just when you think you know, you're given another secret in the last few pages.
Start with Josie, who has issues with men and being touched. She meets Blake and falls in love with him. Blake is completely charming and does all the right things.... Until one day, when their relationship takes a turn for the worst. It's a complete train wreck, but you can't help but hold on and hope for the best. At one point I thought I knew exactly what Blake's secret was and for the most part I did. It's Josie who shocked me the most!
This book is so hard to review 'spoiler free'. So I'm just going to leave you with this.... Read this book! The ending will have you wondering what the heck just happened!
February 15, 2014
WOW! I have a feeling I'll be having a huge book hangover from this one for a while. Seth's gallery night left me reeling and all out of sorts. I mean I figured out his issue but that whole night just left me fucked up in the head. Then stupid Alice obviously playing games and Blake's defending her like she's some amazing friend. Josie's crazy ass secret, (which I guessed, but hoped I was wrong) broke my heart. And that damn last 2 lines of the book. I can't even begin to imagine what the next book will contain.
This was just an insanely emotional story that kept me looking to see how far along I was in hopes of getting some resolution to something... anything. I hope the next book comes out soon because I need some answers!
This was just an insanely emotional story that kept me looking to see how far along I was in hopes of getting some resolution to something... anything. I hope the next book comes out soon because I need some answers!
November 26, 2013
This book was amazing! Just enough steam, intrigue, and suspense to keep me reading until I finished it. I am waiting with bated breath for the next book in the series. You won't be able to help but fall in love with Josie, Blake, AND Seth! It's definitely going to be difficult to choose a side! Everyone should read it and when you do, rate and review it, then tell me whose team YOU are on!!!
March 7, 2014
i want to read 2nd one
January 3, 2014
My Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
First, I’d like to thank the author, the lovely Victoria Klahr, for providing me a copy of That’s A Promise in exchange for an honest review.
Second, I’d like to offer a round of applause for Ms. Klahr. That’s A Promise is her debut novel, the first book in a three-part series, and overall, it was exceptional. I will mention that – because this wouldn’t be an honest review if I didn’t – there were times when I found myself frustrated or slightly irritated while reading, because certain parts and certain things were very repetitive. Synonyms are always helpful, especially if you want to reiterate a certain point. Mix it up a bit. Don’t use the same descriptive words all the time. I found that the repetition took away from the story, and I would hear myself muttering that a certain point has already been established. There were certain parts of the book that would have, in my opinion, benefitted from being edited a bit more.
BUT! Overall, I absolutely adored this book. I am not trying to offend anyone by saying what I just did, but as it’s an honest review, I will be 100% honest. I can also blame my tendencies to find errors on being an extremely picky reader and writer- everything I write I go over meticulously, and I tend to do the same while reading.
Now let’s get to the story:
That’s A Promise is like a roller coaster with so many twists, turns, and loops- only you’re in the dark on the roller coaster. You don’t know what’s coming next, and all of a sudden it comes at you out of nowhere. Just when you feel the light bulb pop up over your head, and you’re about to embrace that ‘AHA!’ moment, you’re thrown another curveball. And you’re right back to the starting point, trying to figure out what’s next. Kudos to Ms. Klahr for being able to keep up the suspense in the book, and to keep the readers guessing as to what is coming next. I find a lot of books can be predictable, but this one- Never. Had. A. Clue.
Meet Josie Sommers- a girl with enough personal demons to probably gain Sam and Dean Winchester’s attention (mind you, I know I wouldn’t mind gaining their attention). The one thing I love about Josie is that she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She doesn’t take crap from people, and she’ll sooner stand up to someone for bullying than to sit there and just let it happen. I admired her for that- the willingness to take control of a situation, albeit occasionally throwing a punch or two (in someone’s face). That’s my kind of gal. Mainly because I can relate to that on a personal level. I also admire her for her strength. For someone to go through the things that Josie has gone through, and still come out with their head held high, is just… wow. I wish I had the same strength and tenacity that she does, that’s for sure.
“I choose to live and move on…. That’s a fucking promise.”
Then there’s Blake. Blake is the total package- charming, sweet, chivalrous. He knows all the right things to say and do, and he’s the only one who seems to be able to break down Josie’s walls. Admittedly, there were times when I absolutely wanted to strangle Blake, or pull a Josie and just rear back and slug him in the jaw, but there were also times when I just melted into a puddle on the floor with the things he would say. Blake seems like the perfect guy. And he is… but even good guys have their demons, and secrets of their own.
Oh, Seth. Seth, Seth, Seth. If there was ever a character I absolutely adored, it would be Seth. He is Josie’s best friend from childhood. They have a bond and a friendship that is almost unbreakable. Seth has been there for Josie through some of her most trying and difficult times. He was her light when everything seemed dark, and her rock when she needed one most. Seth is the kind of guy who would, and does, do anything and everything for Josie. The relationship between Josie and Seth made me ache for him. I felt that I knew what and how Seth was thinking and feeling on a personal level, and at times, it made my heart feel like it was shrivelling up like a raisin inside of my chest. I. Love. Seth. Did I mention that?
Josie’s story takes place from present to past, jumping back and forth, over a six-year time period. Normally I find books that jump between past and present annoying, as it can be hard to follow, but Victoria Klahr did a fantastic job keeping my attention the whole time. I was able to follow the story, and I found myself wanting, aching, needing to know what happens next. Page by page, “That’s A Promise” will leave you wondering, waiting to see what could possibly happen next, and what kind of a twist is coming around the corner. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion- you think you know what’s coming, and then your jaw just drops, you yell ‘oh my god!’, and then you feel a surge of emotions that leave you gasping. You want more, more, more. That’s A Promise will break your heart again and again, breaking off little pieces, bit by bit. And then you’ll be left with an empty ache that yearns for the rest of the story.
Victoria Klahr introduces us to some very entrancing characters. Each of them have their faults, and they have their strengths; but they’re so well-rounded that they are extremely believable as characters, to the point where you can easily relate to them. Ending with one hell of a cliff-hanger, two yummy, yummy boys, lots of steamy scenes, and enough angst to drive you borderline crazy, That’s A Promise is one book that you will definitely want to get your hands on.
That’s a promise.
First, I’d like to thank the author, the lovely Victoria Klahr, for providing me a copy of That’s A Promise in exchange for an honest review.
Second, I’d like to offer a round of applause for Ms. Klahr. That’s A Promise is her debut novel, the first book in a three-part series, and overall, it was exceptional. I will mention that – because this wouldn’t be an honest review if I didn’t – there were times when I found myself frustrated or slightly irritated while reading, because certain parts and certain things were very repetitive. Synonyms are always helpful, especially if you want to reiterate a certain point. Mix it up a bit. Don’t use the same descriptive words all the time. I found that the repetition took away from the story, and I would hear myself muttering that a certain point has already been established. There were certain parts of the book that would have, in my opinion, benefitted from being edited a bit more.
BUT! Overall, I absolutely adored this book. I am not trying to offend anyone by saying what I just did, but as it’s an honest review, I will be 100% honest. I can also blame my tendencies to find errors on being an extremely picky reader and writer- everything I write I go over meticulously, and I tend to do the same while reading.
Now let’s get to the story:
That’s A Promise is like a roller coaster with so many twists, turns, and loops- only you’re in the dark on the roller coaster. You don’t know what’s coming next, and all of a sudden it comes at you out of nowhere. Just when you feel the light bulb pop up over your head, and you’re about to embrace that ‘AHA!’ moment, you’re thrown another curveball. And you’re right back to the starting point, trying to figure out what’s next. Kudos to Ms. Klahr for being able to keep up the suspense in the book, and to keep the readers guessing as to what is coming next. I find a lot of books can be predictable, but this one- Never. Had. A. Clue.
Meet Josie Sommers- a girl with enough personal demons to probably gain Sam and Dean Winchester’s attention (mind you, I know I wouldn’t mind gaining their attention). The one thing I love about Josie is that she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She doesn’t take crap from people, and she’ll sooner stand up to someone for bullying than to sit there and just let it happen. I admired her for that- the willingness to take control of a situation, albeit occasionally throwing a punch or two (in someone’s face). That’s my kind of gal. Mainly because I can relate to that on a personal level. I also admire her for her strength. For someone to go through the things that Josie has gone through, and still come out with their head held high, is just… wow. I wish I had the same strength and tenacity that she does, that’s for sure.
“I choose to live and move on…. That’s a fucking promise.”
Then there’s Blake. Blake is the total package- charming, sweet, chivalrous. He knows all the right things to say and do, and he’s the only one who seems to be able to break down Josie’s walls. Admittedly, there were times when I absolutely wanted to strangle Blake, or pull a Josie and just rear back and slug him in the jaw, but there were also times when I just melted into a puddle on the floor with the things he would say. Blake seems like the perfect guy. And he is… but even good guys have their demons, and secrets of their own.
Oh, Seth. Seth, Seth, Seth. If there was ever a character I absolutely adored, it would be Seth. He is Josie’s best friend from childhood. They have a bond and a friendship that is almost unbreakable. Seth has been there for Josie through some of her most trying and difficult times. He was her light when everything seemed dark, and her rock when she needed one most. Seth is the kind of guy who would, and does, do anything and everything for Josie. The relationship between Josie and Seth made me ache for him. I felt that I knew what and how Seth was thinking and feeling on a personal level, and at times, it made my heart feel like it was shrivelling up like a raisin inside of my chest. I. Love. Seth. Did I mention that?
Josie’s story takes place from present to past, jumping back and forth, over a six-year time period. Normally I find books that jump between past and present annoying, as it can be hard to follow, but Victoria Klahr did a fantastic job keeping my attention the whole time. I was able to follow the story, and I found myself wanting, aching, needing to know what happens next. Page by page, “That’s A Promise” will leave you wondering, waiting to see what could possibly happen next, and what kind of a twist is coming around the corner. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion- you think you know what’s coming, and then your jaw just drops, you yell ‘oh my god!’, and then you feel a surge of emotions that leave you gasping. You want more, more, more. That’s A Promise will break your heart again and again, breaking off little pieces, bit by bit. And then you’ll be left with an empty ache that yearns for the rest of the story.
Victoria Klahr introduces us to some very entrancing characters. Each of them have their faults, and they have their strengths; but they’re so well-rounded that they are extremely believable as characters, to the point where you can easily relate to them. Ending with one hell of a cliff-hanger, two yummy, yummy boys, lots of steamy scenes, and enough angst to drive you borderline crazy, That’s A Promise is one book that you will definitely want to get your hands on.
That’s a promise.
August 27, 2016
*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
4.5 stars
That's a Promise is a pretty powerful read. It deals with some heavy issues and reminded me slightly of Ten Tiny Breaths. I really enjoyed this book and completed it in one sitting. I am impressed that this is the author's debut and extremely grateful to have been asked to read an ARC. I'm going to be as vague as possible because I do feel this is a great story with the potential to be a great series, but I don't want to take away from the experience for anyone.
Now, where do I begin? This is a book that consists of a lot of conflict. Honesty plays a vital role with many of the relationships forged as well as forgiveness. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the direction the author took with the romance/love triangle...partially because I myself am confused. I'm not entirely sure who I want Josie to be with, but I am partial to one individual. Let me say, I did fall in love with both men, BUT I am leaning towards one of the guys more so than the other. I'm not sure many readers would agree with me here. In fact, I'd really like some feedback after you guys read this one. I'd love to know who you're rooting for!
Josie is conflicted, confused and deeply scarred, but the more you get to know her, the more you understand her dilemma, the more you love her and want to see things turn out well for her. She's young and yet her life experiences have aged her. Things are complicated and nothing comes easy or simply for Josie. She's doing exactly what someone her age should be doing, she's living, making mistakes, loving hard, experiencing loss and trying to figure shit out. She's convinced that she's found her soulmate yet her decisions make the reader question her certainty and as you learn more about each character involved in her life, you begin to peel back layers and learn much more than what's on the surface. I have to reiterate the fact that I found this book deep. Perhaps I am a bit biased in having experienced some of the same loss Josie had but the story overall is one that just makes you relate to it in one aspect or another. Josie is a strong woman that has endured a lot of pain and by the end of this book you will be in awe of her resilience. There will be times when you are angry, sad, hurt or simply unsure of how to feel, but you will get emotional at one point or another as there are quite a few moments that may strike a chord for you as many things in this book are relatable. This book is real, raw and utterly addicting.
By the end of the book matters are certainly not resolved, but I enjoyed the fact that this wasn't the usual happily ever after and that things were more realistic. The protagonist is flawed as most of the characters are, which only makes them more realistic and their stories more powerful. You will fall in love with the characters and they will weave their way into your heart. Although the final book may have a happy ending, this book leads me to believe that journey definitely won't be an easy one.
This book goes between present day and past/flashbacks. I enjoyed how the author tied everything together, but from the beginning you pretty much know something bad happened to Josie. It's just a matter of time before you get the full story and even then things get crazier. There is a bit of a cliffhanger...eh not really a cliffhanger, but definitely an, "OMG I can't wait to see what happens next" moment. I really enjoyed this read and I think you will too. I recommend this for new adult/contemporary romance fans.
4.5 stars
That's a Promise is a pretty powerful read. It deals with some heavy issues and reminded me slightly of Ten Tiny Breaths. I really enjoyed this book and completed it in one sitting. I am impressed that this is the author's debut and extremely grateful to have been asked to read an ARC. I'm going to be as vague as possible because I do feel this is a great story with the potential to be a great series, but I don't want to take away from the experience for anyone.
Now, where do I begin? This is a book that consists of a lot of conflict. Honesty plays a vital role with many of the relationships forged as well as forgiveness. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about the direction the author took with the romance/love triangle...partially because I myself am confused. I'm not entirely sure who I want Josie to be with, but I am partial to one individual. Let me say, I did fall in love with both men, BUT I am leaning towards one of the guys more so than the other. I'm not sure many readers would agree with me here. In fact, I'd really like some feedback after you guys read this one. I'd love to know who you're rooting for!
Josie is conflicted, confused and deeply scarred, but the more you get to know her, the more you understand her dilemma, the more you love her and want to see things turn out well for her. She's young and yet her life experiences have aged her. Things are complicated and nothing comes easy or simply for Josie. She's doing exactly what someone her age should be doing, she's living, making mistakes, loving hard, experiencing loss and trying to figure shit out. She's convinced that she's found her soulmate yet her decisions make the reader question her certainty and as you learn more about each character involved in her life, you begin to peel back layers and learn much more than what's on the surface. I have to reiterate the fact that I found this book deep. Perhaps I am a bit biased in having experienced some of the same loss Josie had but the story overall is one that just makes you relate to it in one aspect or another. Josie is a strong woman that has endured a lot of pain and by the end of this book you will be in awe of her resilience. There will be times when you are angry, sad, hurt or simply unsure of how to feel, but you will get emotional at one point or another as there are quite a few moments that may strike a chord for you as many things in this book are relatable. This book is real, raw and utterly addicting.
By the end of the book matters are certainly not resolved, but I enjoyed the fact that this wasn't the usual happily ever after and that things were more realistic. The protagonist is flawed as most of the characters are, which only makes them more realistic and their stories more powerful. You will fall in love with the characters and they will weave their way into your heart. Although the final book may have a happy ending, this book leads me to believe that journey definitely won't be an easy one.
This book goes between present day and past/flashbacks. I enjoyed how the author tied everything together, but from the beginning you pretty much know something bad happened to Josie. It's just a matter of time before you get the full story and even then things get crazier. There is a bit of a cliffhanger...eh not really a cliffhanger, but definitely an, "OMG I can't wait to see what happens next" moment. I really enjoyed this read and I think you will too. I recommend this for new adult/contemporary romance fans.
January 4, 2014
I love when a novel exceeds my expectations! I kind of went into That's A Promise blind. We received an ARC from the Author, and we didn't go to Amazon or Goodreads to see what it was about. Anytime you receive an ARC you are always nervous that you might not like the book...thank goodness that was not the case in That's A Promise.
Josie had me jumping through hoops trying to understand what the hell she was going to do next. She goes off to college and meets Blake and from the start they are almost inseparable. But she also has a best friend Seth, who she has crossed the friendship line with on more than one occasion. And you think the problem is going to be her picking between Blake and Seth. If only things were that simple...she has no clue that Seth even likes her on that level, which of course makes you feel bad for Seth. But I loved Blake so I couldn't stay in my feelings about Seth for too long.
I love books that are not your normal typical read. This book has a great supporting cast of friends and family. Josie was raised by her two dads, Will and Tony, and the love expressed from their relationship was powerful. Sharing their relationship and their love had to be a favorite for me throughout the book. Her best friend Brooke ROCKED, she was total opposite Josie with her crazy ideas and free spirit.
My "Oh No She Didn't" Moment...when Josie and Seth hook up and she lets him take pictures of them. The way Victoria Klahr displays this private yet oh so erotic moment is indescribable. 'Click. He brought one of my breasts into his mouth and sucked on my hard nipple. His tongue always knew how to make my body feel good. Click. I moved my hands into his shaggy sandy blonde hair, and arched my back, needing more of him. Click. Seth aligned his chest with mine and went back to assault my neck as I moved my hands to rub his shoulders and arms. Click.' You have to read this moment yourself...this small insert of it does not do it justice.
When the cat is out the bag...I kind of thought I knew where Victoria Klahr was going...but then I said she can't be that devious she wouldn't do that...but then when it dropped it was like someone sucked all the air out of the room. I was hurting for them both, but I was crying for Blake. And you cheer him on as he fights to win her back. Then she is decides to release her secret...and the whole time I am saying don't do it Josie, don't you do it...and then she drops it and I am like Whhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! LOL!
Sorry it's a Cliffhanger...well not really but kind of...Josie has become estranged with Seth after their last encounter and the book ends with a contact from Seth. It left thinking Oh Lawd here we go again with this. I am dying to read the next book in this series and I hope Victoria Klahr does not leave us hanging too long.
Sorry I couldn't give you a lot of insight , but I didn't want to ruin the review with spoilers! But 1-click the book you will not be disappointed - I promise!
~ Tiffany (556 Book Chicks)
Josie had me jumping through hoops trying to understand what the hell she was going to do next. She goes off to college and meets Blake and from the start they are almost inseparable. But she also has a best friend Seth, who she has crossed the friendship line with on more than one occasion. And you think the problem is going to be her picking between Blake and Seth. If only things were that simple...she has no clue that Seth even likes her on that level, which of course makes you feel bad for Seth. But I loved Blake so I couldn't stay in my feelings about Seth for too long.
I love books that are not your normal typical read. This book has a great supporting cast of friends and family. Josie was raised by her two dads, Will and Tony, and the love expressed from their relationship was powerful. Sharing their relationship and their love had to be a favorite for me throughout the book. Her best friend Brooke ROCKED, she was total opposite Josie with her crazy ideas and free spirit.
My "Oh No She Didn't" Moment...when Josie and Seth hook up and she lets him take pictures of them. The way Victoria Klahr displays this private yet oh so erotic moment is indescribable. 'Click. He brought one of my breasts into his mouth and sucked on my hard nipple. His tongue always knew how to make my body feel good. Click. I moved my hands into his shaggy sandy blonde hair, and arched my back, needing more of him. Click. Seth aligned his chest with mine and went back to assault my neck as I moved my hands to rub his shoulders and arms. Click.' You have to read this moment yourself...this small insert of it does not do it justice.
When the cat is out the bag...I kind of thought I knew where Victoria Klahr was going...but then I said she can't be that devious she wouldn't do that...but then when it dropped it was like someone sucked all the air out of the room. I was hurting for them both, but I was crying for Blake. And you cheer him on as he fights to win her back. Then she is decides to release her secret...and the whole time I am saying don't do it Josie, don't you do it...and then she drops it and I am like Whhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! LOL!
Sorry it's a Cliffhanger...well not really but kind of...Josie has become estranged with Seth after their last encounter and the book ends with a contact from Seth. It left thinking Oh Lawd here we go again with this. I am dying to read the next book in this series and I hope Victoria Klahr does not leave us hanging too long.
Sorry I couldn't give you a lot of insight , but I didn't want to ruin the review with spoilers! But 1-click the book you will not be disappointed - I promise!
~ Tiffany (556 Book Chicks)
August 22, 2016
4. 5 Stars
Debut novel.
This is a debut novel.
I’ve said those words to myself at least fifteen times. I’ve tried to convince myself of each syllable every time they’ve passed my lips.
I still don’t believe them.
This book reads like it’s been penned by a seasoned author, someone who has worked years to perfect their craft. We’re talking novels worth of words. Victoria Klahr is a writer, and if you don’t know who she is, you should. You will. I’m making sure of that.
If you’re like me, angsty books are like crack or coffee or maybe Pringles. The ache in your chest. The beat of your heart as it cracks and splinters. Pleading with the characters as they make choice after choice that make you want to inflict bodily harm. (I may nor may not have threatened to remove baby making appendages.) The yearning for resolution…
The feels. All. The. Feels. That's what makes a book for me.
That’s what That’s a Promise is. It’s one giant ball of angsty love triangle goodness.
Josie is in love with Seth, but trying not to be. She meets Blake, and he fills a void. He soothes an ache. He does his best to fit the Seth sized hole in her heart. And for the most part, he does. Kind of. When you’ve been through the things Josie has – with Seth by her side – putting her trust, her heart, in the hands of another man is scary, to say the least.
Lies are told.
People are hurt.
Lives are torn apart.
Then stitched back together before ultimately being torn apart again.
That’s a Promise is raw. It’s hard. It hurts. But most of all, it’s real. The author doesn’t wrap this love story in flowers and tie it with a bow. She leaves us hanging and wanting and longing for more, flip flopping between the past and the present. It’s poetic almost.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Josie was raised by two men. She’s the product of two very loving, very gay men. I myself am the daughter of a gay man and fell in love with Victoria a little harder because of the way she portrayed the love between not only father and daughter, but father and father. She showed us just how capable two men are of loving a child, helping her grow, and allowing her to feel her way through life.
If you haven’t already read Victoria’s work, I implore you to pick this book up. Spend a few dollars to see life through Josie’s eyes.
You can read this and other reviews at Inked in Chapters
Debut novel.
This is a debut novel.
I’ve said those words to myself at least fifteen times. I’ve tried to convince myself of each syllable every time they’ve passed my lips.
I still don’t believe them.
This book reads like it’s been penned by a seasoned author, someone who has worked years to perfect their craft. We’re talking novels worth of words. Victoria Klahr is a writer, and if you don’t know who she is, you should. You will. I’m making sure of that.
If you’re like me, angsty books are like crack or coffee or maybe Pringles. The ache in your chest. The beat of your heart as it cracks and splinters. Pleading with the characters as they make choice after choice that make you want to inflict bodily harm. (I may nor may not have threatened to remove baby making appendages.) The yearning for resolution…
The feels. All. The. Feels. That's what makes a book for me.
Life isn’t meant to be easy. It’s about the choices we make to shape us – about making our own happiness.
So I choose to live and move on… That’s a fucking promise.
That’s what That’s a Promise is. It’s one giant ball of angsty love triangle goodness.
Josie is in love with Seth, but trying not to be. She meets Blake, and he fills a void. He soothes an ache. He does his best to fit the Seth sized hole in her heart. And for the most part, he does. Kind of. When you’ve been through the things Josie has – with Seth by her side – putting her trust, her heart, in the hands of another man is scary, to say the least.
Lies are told.
People are hurt.
Lives are torn apart.
Then stitched back together before ultimately being torn apart again.
That’s a Promise is raw. It’s hard. It hurts. But most of all, it’s real. The author doesn’t wrap this love story in flowers and tie it with a bow. She leaves us hanging and wanting and longing for more, flip flopping between the past and the present. It’s poetic almost.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Josie was raised by two men. She’s the product of two very loving, very gay men. I myself am the daughter of a gay man and fell in love with Victoria a little harder because of the way she portrayed the love between not only father and daughter, but father and father. She showed us just how capable two men are of loving a child, helping her grow, and allowing her to feel her way through life.
If you haven’t already read Victoria’s work, I implore you to pick this book up. Spend a few dollars to see life through Josie’s eyes.
You can read this and other reviews at Inked in Chapters
December 8, 2013
First off, I would like to thank Victoria Klahr for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It is so exciting for me to find new authors and watch their stories unfold.
Josie Sommers is a nerdy twenty four year old, elementary school teacher who has always considered herself a strong person. But with the loss of a loved one and the return of someone she vowed to never see again, her strength starts to break. You see, Josie experienced a life-changing event that left her both physically and emotionally scarred. She spends the first 2 years after the even staying at home to go to the local community college. When she finally feels that she can be herself and not panic constantly, she goes away to school to meet up with her best friend Seth. She also meets Blake, and that’s when her life starts to get better.
From the very first scene I fell head over heels for Blake. He is the boy next door with the good looks and charming personality. I love the way he treated Josie from the beginning. The chemistry and sexual tension between the two of them was off the charts. The sex scenes were smoking; you could almost feel the passion between them. Blake was just perfect…. and then, he wasn’t.
After going home to meet Blake’s family, Blake learns of a secret that threatens to destroy the relationship he has with Josie. So instead of coming clean, he pushes her away…right to the arms of her best friend, Seth.
Seth I loved too, but not in the same way I loved Blake. He is a playboy, with the bad boy vibe. You know the ones…covered in tattoos with a new chick every day. His loyalty and his determination to keep Josie happy and safe was what I was attracted to with him. He was always there for her when she needed him most.
So, we get to the end of the story and im hoping a praying that I get what I want. Blake’s secret is out and all seems right with the world and then BAM! I mean, what?!?! How did that happen? Don’t get me wrong…its not a throw your kindle against the wall kind of cliff hanger but I sure wasn’t expecting it!
So, Are you gonna be Team Seth or Team Blake? You will just have to read the book and find out.
Josie Sommers is a nerdy twenty four year old, elementary school teacher who has always considered herself a strong person. But with the loss of a loved one and the return of someone she vowed to never see again, her strength starts to break. You see, Josie experienced a life-changing event that left her both physically and emotionally scarred. She spends the first 2 years after the even staying at home to go to the local community college. When she finally feels that she can be herself and not panic constantly, she goes away to school to meet up with her best friend Seth. She also meets Blake, and that’s when her life starts to get better.
From the very first scene I fell head over heels for Blake. He is the boy next door with the good looks and charming personality. I love the way he treated Josie from the beginning. The chemistry and sexual tension between the two of them was off the charts. The sex scenes were smoking; you could almost feel the passion between them. Blake was just perfect…. and then, he wasn’t.
After going home to meet Blake’s family, Blake learns of a secret that threatens to destroy the relationship he has with Josie. So instead of coming clean, he pushes her away…right to the arms of her best friend, Seth.
Seth I loved too, but not in the same way I loved Blake. He is a playboy, with the bad boy vibe. You know the ones…covered in tattoos with a new chick every day. His loyalty and his determination to keep Josie happy and safe was what I was attracted to with him. He was always there for her when she needed him most.
So, we get to the end of the story and im hoping a praying that I get what I want. Blake’s secret is out and all seems right with the world and then BAM! I mean, what?!?! How did that happen? Don’t get me wrong…its not a throw your kindle against the wall kind of cliff hanger but I sure wasn’t expecting it!
So, Are you gonna be Team Seth or Team Blake? You will just have to read the book and find out.
December 12, 2013
That’s A Promise -- 3.5 Delightfully Smiling Stars
I want to thank the author, Victoria Klahr, for sending us at Snarky Bloggers a copy of this book to read and review for an honest opinion.
*****
Josie is a broken gal, really broken - over and over - physically, mentally, and emotionally. By strangers. By friends. By those she loved and trusted.
Seth is Josie’s best friend, her guardian angel and her rock. He teaches her there is love in the world.
Blake is tall handsome man, a stranger who stole her heart as she stole his. But he has a secret.
They all have secrets.
In this debut novel, by Victoria Klahr, we meet these well-developed characters. We fall in love with each one of them and at some points want to smack them upside the head and ask what the hell are they doing?! The story line is great. The characters interacted well. I did, however, find the flipping back-and-forth in time was a bit confusing at some points.
The story made me smile. It is a good read. I would have liked to see the adjectives mixed up a bit more as some were continuously said, for example his “big hard cock” was used just about every time she referred to his package. And also, to clean up some of the repetitiveness though out the book as there were many times she would think/explain what was going on and then say it in conversation as well.
The story line was a bit predictable at times, but still delightful. The sex in the book was mild but tastefully written. The last several chapters are what ensured I will be waiting to read the second novel of this series. We are left wondering what will happen next. Victoria leaves us trying to pick sides, team Seth or team Blake. Both are great guys who love Josie with all their heart, but which one Josie will pick is definitely up in the air at this point as there is so much more left to be figured out.
I want to thank the author, Victoria Klahr, for sending us at Snarky Bloggers a copy of this book to read and review for an honest opinion.
*****
Josie is a broken gal, really broken - over and over - physically, mentally, and emotionally. By strangers. By friends. By those she loved and trusted.
Seth is Josie’s best friend, her guardian angel and her rock. He teaches her there is love in the world.
Blake is tall handsome man, a stranger who stole her heart as she stole his. But he has a secret.
They all have secrets.
In this debut novel, by Victoria Klahr, we meet these well-developed characters. We fall in love with each one of them and at some points want to smack them upside the head and ask what the hell are they doing?! The story line is great. The characters interacted well. I did, however, find the flipping back-and-forth in time was a bit confusing at some points.
The story made me smile. It is a good read. I would have liked to see the adjectives mixed up a bit more as some were continuously said, for example his “big hard cock” was used just about every time she referred to his package. And also, to clean up some of the repetitiveness though out the book as there were many times she would think/explain what was going on and then say it in conversation as well.
The story line was a bit predictable at times, but still delightful. The sex in the book was mild but tastefully written. The last several chapters are what ensured I will be waiting to read the second novel of this series. We are left wondering what will happen next. Victoria leaves us trying to pick sides, team Seth or team Blake. Both are great guys who love Josie with all their heart, but which one Josie will pick is definitely up in the air at this point as there is so much more left to be figured out.
September 12, 2016
I received an ARC for an Honest review. I've rated it 4 solid stars.
First off let me reiterate that I never read previews. I prefer to go into a book knowing as little as possible about it! That's A Promise was a little difficult for me to get into at first. I'm not a big fan of the back and forth, past to present. It's OK if you want to sneak a chapter in here and there, but almost every other major change in the story had you switching gears. From now to high school to now to college to now...It was a little too much for me because I like a story to be smooth. It's a time for me to sit and relax and not really think. So I had to pay a little more attention than I usually do. After a couple of chapters things pick up ( and I had most of it figured out pretty quickly, especially his big secret and her big secret), but wow once she meets Blake things get steamy~ but Oh with Seth, and the sexy pictures...yummmmm...
He looked up abruptly when he heard the door swing open and bump the wall with a loud thud. "You Love me!" I breathed out. "You love me, Blake," I said again insistently, holding up the book. "Yes Jo. I still love you. I can't stop," he said. He moved his hand to he back of my head, and gripped some of my hair when he pulled me to his lips....It was intense. It was passionate. It was us.
That's where I'll stop for this review, don't want it to get too hot. Let me say that I am most definitely Team SETH! So intriguing and such a bad boy in a good way! Did I mention the hot sexy pictures?
I love the end where Jo decides to take her life back...I choose to live and move on...That's a fucking promise.
All in all I ended up enjoying this book and I believe it was a really good debut novel. I can't wait for book 2. Hopefully we'll see a lot more of SETH!
For a more in depth (HOTTER) review. check out www.boundbybooksbookreview.com
First off let me reiterate that I never read previews. I prefer to go into a book knowing as little as possible about it! That's A Promise was a little difficult for me to get into at first. I'm not a big fan of the back and forth, past to present. It's OK if you want to sneak a chapter in here and there, but almost every other major change in the story had you switching gears. From now to high school to now to college to now...It was a little too much for me because I like a story to be smooth. It's a time for me to sit and relax and not really think. So I had to pay a little more attention than I usually do. After a couple of chapters things pick up ( and I had most of it figured out pretty quickly, especially his big secret and her big secret), but wow once she meets Blake things get steamy~ but Oh with Seth, and the sexy pictures...yummmmm...
He looked up abruptly when he heard the door swing open and bump the wall with a loud thud. "You Love me!" I breathed out. "You love me, Blake," I said again insistently, holding up the book. "Yes Jo. I still love you. I can't stop," he said. He moved his hand to he back of my head, and gripped some of my hair when he pulled me to his lips....It was intense. It was passionate. It was us.
That's where I'll stop for this review, don't want it to get too hot. Let me say that I am most definitely Team SETH! So intriguing and such a bad boy in a good way! Did I mention the hot sexy pictures?
I love the end where Jo decides to take her life back...I choose to live and move on...That's a fucking promise.
All in all I ended up enjoying this book and I believe it was a really good debut novel. I can't wait for book 2. Hopefully we'll see a lot more of SETH!
For a more in depth (HOTTER) review. check out www.boundbybooksbookreview.com
January 31, 2014
Firstly I want to thank the author Victoria Klahr for providing me a copy.
Ok where to start? I found Victoria while rummaging through social media wasting time, and I'm so glad that I did. This book will take you on a journey of ups and downs make you feel hurt, sad, happy, love, trying to decide if you can forgive the characters for there lies and misplaced obstacles and you know you can because you can't help but love them.
We start with meeting Josie she loves to read and is pretty much a nerd, she is a little firecracker not afraid to get up in your face and proceed to punch you in said face which is what I loved about her, she hasn't had an easy life things have happened that you wish couldn't happen to anyone. After some healing and with the help of her best friend Seth she overcomes but doesn't forget about what happened.
They go off to college where she meets Blake Porter, and oh my swoon!!! For the record I am Team Blake all the way never faulted he is gorgeous, caring, understanding everything you want in a man in my opinion.
The story goes back and forth from the past to present, so you can get the back story of what is going on in the now, which I liked but sometimes I just wanted to keep reading about what was going on in the present. Throughout you knew something was going to happen and you guess which some of the time came true and others through you for a loop which made me want to keep going there is a sort of love triangle between Josie, Blake and her best friend Seth but it wasn't the focal point of the book which was great.
I'm kinda scared where Victoria is going to take this story the ending was fantastic and that freaking epilogue left me hanging off a god damn cliff and I want the second book like right now :) as I said I'm Team Blake but you should defiently read this book and see who's team your on you won't regret it THAT'S A PROMISE!!!
Ok where to start? I found Victoria while rummaging through social media wasting time, and I'm so glad that I did. This book will take you on a journey of ups and downs make you feel hurt, sad, happy, love, trying to decide if you can forgive the characters for there lies and misplaced obstacles and you know you can because you can't help but love them.
We start with meeting Josie she loves to read and is pretty much a nerd, she is a little firecracker not afraid to get up in your face and proceed to punch you in said face which is what I loved about her, she hasn't had an easy life things have happened that you wish couldn't happen to anyone. After some healing and with the help of her best friend Seth she overcomes but doesn't forget about what happened.
They go off to college where she meets Blake Porter, and oh my swoon!!! For the record I am Team Blake all the way never faulted he is gorgeous, caring, understanding everything you want in a man in my opinion.
The story goes back and forth from the past to present, so you can get the back story of what is going on in the now, which I liked but sometimes I just wanted to keep reading about what was going on in the present. Throughout you knew something was going to happen and you guess which some of the time came true and others through you for a loop which made me want to keep going there is a sort of love triangle between Josie, Blake and her best friend Seth but it wasn't the focal point of the book which was great.
I'm kinda scared where Victoria is going to take this story the ending was fantastic and that freaking epilogue left me hanging off a god damn cliff and I want the second book like right now :) as I said I'm Team Blake but you should defiently read this book and see who's team your on you won't regret it THAT'S A PROMISE!!!
October 10, 2014
Love, secrets and lies... how can a love survive all of theses when you are the one that is doing most of the hiding let alone being on the receiving end of said offenses.
Painfully, that is how you survive. By lying to your self. That is what this beautiful yet sad story is about. Josie has suffered the most heinous act a woman can survive. How does she do it by the hand of her best friend Seth. The man that she has fallen in love with but has had to deny because she feels the feeling are not reciprocated. So she loves him in secret, until she meets Blake.
Blake is loving and open. He shows her how much he cars for her even though he feels that their is something with her bestie Seth. Denial is all he gets from Josie on the topic so he accepts, knowing that he has a secret that he is hiding from her. A secret that could destroy everything they have. So begin the lies. Can a love survive with all of the mess they have each brought to the table?
I loved this incredibly loving yet complicated story of love. If the y would only be honest to each other!!!! But then we wouldn't have such a powerful story to not only read but inhale into our souls. The back story of why they each with hold from each other are so powerful that it will keep you turning each page wanting to get the full impact of what it is that they feel for one another. The best part??? Is that we can pick up right where this book leaves off in books 2 That's a Lie.
I cried, I got pissed, I yelled at all of them Seth, Josie and Blake, but in the end I was so happy to have read such a beautiful story with such a powerful message behind it all. Be open and honest to yourself and to the one you love no matter the cost or pain. In the end the honesty will be the thing that heals all, if only we are honest from the beginning. (as a tear rolls down my cheek)
Painfully, that is how you survive. By lying to your self. That is what this beautiful yet sad story is about. Josie has suffered the most heinous act a woman can survive. How does she do it by the hand of her best friend Seth. The man that she has fallen in love with but has had to deny because she feels the feeling are not reciprocated. So she loves him in secret, until she meets Blake.
Blake is loving and open. He shows her how much he cars for her even though he feels that their is something with her bestie Seth. Denial is all he gets from Josie on the topic so he accepts, knowing that he has a secret that he is hiding from her. A secret that could destroy everything they have. So begin the lies. Can a love survive with all of the mess they have each brought to the table?
I loved this incredibly loving yet complicated story of love. If the y would only be honest to each other!!!! But then we wouldn't have such a powerful story to not only read but inhale into our souls. The back story of why they each with hold from each other are so powerful that it will keep you turning each page wanting to get the full impact of what it is that they feel for one another. The best part??? Is that we can pick up right where this book leaves off in books 2 That's a Lie.
I cried, I got pissed, I yelled at all of them Seth, Josie and Blake, but in the end I was so happy to have read such a beautiful story with such a powerful message behind it all. Be open and honest to yourself and to the one you love no matter the cost or pain. In the end the honesty will be the thing that heals all, if only we are honest from the beginning. (as a tear rolls down my cheek)
October 21, 2014
We start this book off on a very sad note. Yes, Mrs. Klahr at the very beginning of the book makes you tear up. The heartache and loss was so moving. I was a little confused and really just wondering where this all could be going as we just kind of jump into the middle of the story at the beginning of the book. But I kept reading...
Josie has something terrible happen to her and some people are not the same after something like that. But she is a strong young woman, with a great support system to conquer the world. She's got her best friend Seth, her 2 dads (yes, I said 2 dads) and then her boyfriend Blake to help her move on and teach her that intimacy isn't something to feared but treasured. Promises are made, mistakes are made and lies are told. Can the web of deceit be stopped before someone is irrevocably hurt? I loved this story and characters in this book. I haven't made up my mind on the ending yet as to whether or not I hated it or loved it. It was shocking and felt like it ended abruptly but this is just book 1 in the series so I'm hoping that the 2nd book will pick up right where it left off.
I'm not a big fan of time jumping in books, meaning 1 chapter is of the future, the next one is of the past and the chapter after the present (or vice versa). Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. In That's a Promise it just kind of worked. It bothered me somewhat but the story was so good I tried to ignore it. This was the first book by Victoria Klahr that I've had the privilege of reading and I was not disappointed. Her depth of story telling and character presentation is just fabulous. I will definitely read the 2nd book in the Promises, Promises series.
Josie has something terrible happen to her and some people are not the same after something like that. But she is a strong young woman, with a great support system to conquer the world. She's got her best friend Seth, her 2 dads (yes, I said 2 dads) and then her boyfriend Blake to help her move on and teach her that intimacy isn't something to feared but treasured. Promises are made, mistakes are made and lies are told. Can the web of deceit be stopped before someone is irrevocably hurt? I loved this story and characters in this book. I haven't made up my mind on the ending yet as to whether or not I hated it or loved it. It was shocking and felt like it ended abruptly but this is just book 1 in the series so I'm hoping that the 2nd book will pick up right where it left off.
I'm not a big fan of time jumping in books, meaning 1 chapter is of the future, the next one is of the past and the chapter after the present (or vice versa). Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. In That's a Promise it just kind of worked. It bothered me somewhat but the story was so good I tried to ignore it. This was the first book by Victoria Klahr that I've had the privilege of reading and I was not disappointed. Her depth of story telling and character presentation is just fabulous. I will definitely read the 2nd book in the Promises, Promises series.
August 5, 2014
The problem I had with this novel is it's suspense is in the form of the narrator keeping secrets from the reader. The narrator hints at things that have happened in the past, and this is what's supposed to keep the reader reading.
It reminds me of vague-posting on Facebook. This is where instead of posting something like "I'm so glad my mom's biopsy came out negative", the vague-poster writes "I'm so relieved!" This is a way to get attention, with hopes most of of her 200 Facebook friends will ask why.
A little bit of vague-posting is okay, but when it happens too often...it gets old.
The same goes for narrators keeping secrets from the reader. It doesn't hurt to have it once-in-awhile. But with this book, I felt it happened way too frequently.
Keep reading if you want to know who in my family has died! Keep reading if you want to know the exciting revelation about my parents! Keep reading if you want to know about the bad thing that happened to me! Keep reading if you want to know the secret my lover was keeping from me (even though I already know it...not telling you yet! Keep reading and you can find out!) Keep reading if you want to know the secret I'm keeping from my lover! Keep reading if you want to know why my best friend and I aren't friends anymore.
On top of that, I felt a lot of these so-called mysteries were highly predictable.
One positive thing I'll say for the book is I really liked one scene (fight) between the narrator and her best friend...regarding their friends-with-benefits situation. I actually was more interested in this relationship than the relationship between the narrator and her lover.
It reminds me of vague-posting on Facebook. This is where instead of posting something like "I'm so glad my mom's biopsy came out negative", the vague-poster writes "I'm so relieved!" This is a way to get attention, with hopes most of of her 200 Facebook friends will ask why.
A little bit of vague-posting is okay, but when it happens too often...it gets old.
The same goes for narrators keeping secrets from the reader. It doesn't hurt to have it once-in-awhile. But with this book, I felt it happened way too frequently.
Keep reading if you want to know who in my family has died! Keep reading if you want to know the exciting revelation about my parents! Keep reading if you want to know about the bad thing that happened to me! Keep reading if you want to know the secret my lover was keeping from me (even though I already know it...not telling you yet! Keep reading and you can find out!) Keep reading if you want to know the secret I'm keeping from my lover! Keep reading if you want to know why my best friend and I aren't friends anymore.
On top of that, I felt a lot of these so-called mysteries were highly predictable.
One positive thing I'll say for the book is I really liked one scene (fight) between the narrator and her best friend...regarding their friends-with-benefits situation. I actually was more interested in this relationship than the relationship between the narrator and her lover.
October 11, 2014
Can you say yo yo? What a ride this was.. I felt like I was riding The Time Machine but it was an interesting ride none the less. Here goes...
Josie is a beautiful and broken young woman going to college, studying education. She's a child of two dads and has lived a very loving open minded life til things go south fast. In this book Josie truly goes through some of the hardest situations ANYONE can go through but still works hard to be an independent and hard working woman. I really enjoyed reading about her character and her triumphs but her hardships truly brought tears to my eyes.
Seth is Josie's best friend and a sexy man whore. They have been friends since they were little and are truly inseparable. People are always mistaking them for being boyfriend and girlfriend but they are only friends. They have never dated but harbor feelings that they refuse to admit to each other. Seth loves Josie and would do ANYTHING for her no matter what even if it will change their lives forever.
Blake is the sexy, loving, tattooed and the SAFE choice. He has been nothing but great to Josie and she sucks it all up. They are great together but gosh they are always having bumps in the road that. Their bumps truly makes you want there road to fork somewhere so the drama will stop. Blake and Seth are always giving each other the stink eye over Josie but will true feelings ever come out?
Seriously Victoria did an amazing job on the book. I'm on the edge of my seat and what the next one to come out. AHHH!!! Although there is not a big cliffhanger it will keep you wanting more. Five emo stars have been granted :)
Josie is a beautiful and broken young woman going to college, studying education. She's a child of two dads and has lived a very loving open minded life til things go south fast. In this book Josie truly goes through some of the hardest situations ANYONE can go through but still works hard to be an independent and hard working woman. I really enjoyed reading about her character and her triumphs but her hardships truly brought tears to my eyes.
Seth is Josie's best friend and a sexy man whore. They have been friends since they were little and are truly inseparable. People are always mistaking them for being boyfriend and girlfriend but they are only friends. They have never dated but harbor feelings that they refuse to admit to each other. Seth loves Josie and would do ANYTHING for her no matter what even if it will change their lives forever.
Blake is the sexy, loving, tattooed and the SAFE choice. He has been nothing but great to Josie and she sucks it all up. They are great together but gosh they are always having bumps in the road that. Their bumps truly makes you want there road to fork somewhere so the drama will stop. Blake and Seth are always giving each other the stink eye over Josie but will true feelings ever come out?
Seriously Victoria did an amazing job on the book. I'm on the edge of my seat and what the next one to come out. AHHH!!! Although there is not a big cliffhanger it will keep you wanting more. Five emo stars have been granted :)
March 24, 2014
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
This book is about a girl, Josie and her struggle to over come her past to find love with this a boy, Blake. Josie had something horrible happen to her. She was viciously rapped at the end of high school. Her friend Seth saved her life. A year later he was finally able to start to help her live again. Their friendship changed due to the way he helped her. Josie does her first two years of college at a local community college and then transfers to the college Seth attends. There she rooms with Brooke who she becomes great friends with. Seth tells Josie that they can’t be more than friends. So when she transfers she meets Blake and instantly feels something for him. Their relationship blooms. But, can it survive the secrets, lies, and outside influences. The love each other immensely, but is it enough.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters pulled you in right away. This horrible thing has happened to her. It is not just one thing either. It seems as though she can never catch a break. Just when she is finally happy something or someone comes along to mess with it so she is unhappy again. I love Josie so much and just want her to finally be able to be happy and get everything or everyone she wants. I love Blake and Seth too. Their connections and feeling for Josie are amazing. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series to find out more about what happens with all the different characters.
This book is about a girl, Josie and her struggle to over come her past to find love with this a boy, Blake. Josie had something horrible happen to her. She was viciously rapped at the end of high school. Her friend Seth saved her life. A year later he was finally able to start to help her live again. Their friendship changed due to the way he helped her. Josie does her first two years of college at a local community college and then transfers to the college Seth attends. There she rooms with Brooke who she becomes great friends with. Seth tells Josie that they can’t be more than friends. So when she transfers she meets Blake and instantly feels something for him. Their relationship blooms. But, can it survive the secrets, lies, and outside influences. The love each other immensely, but is it enough.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The characters pulled you in right away. This horrible thing has happened to her. It is not just one thing either. It seems as though she can never catch a break. Just when she is finally happy something or someone comes along to mess with it so she is unhappy again. I love Josie so much and just want her to finally be able to be happy and get everything or everyone she wants. I love Blake and Seth too. Their connections and feeling for Josie are amazing. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series to find out more about what happens with all the different characters.
September 12, 2016
Oh dear heavens - I feel like I've just gotten off the craziest roller coaster. My hair is a mess, my mind is spinning, and I am exhausted after finishing the book.
Josie is a lovable nerdy girl who has been through so much. After a traumatic event after her high school graduation, she finds solace from her best friend Seth and she relies on him to be there when she needs him. A few years later, she transfers schools to become a school teacher where she meets Blake.
Blake and Josie have an instant connection that is undeniable. The sexual tension and the chemistry between the two is definitely off the charts, but Blake has secrets that test his relationship with Josie. Josie has her secrets.
Is the love between Jake and Josie enough to get them through their secrets? And who will be there for Josie when it's all said and done?
I loved how the author used the flashbacks. It wasn't confusing or hard to track, which is a great merit to her writing style. The flashbacks were little reminders of the past, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but would enhance the emotions of Josie and Blake during current time.
I was kept on the edge of my seat with the secrets. What were they? When were they going to be revealed? Although I may have had an inkling as to what they were, the how/when/who was enough to keep the story fresh and very entertaining.
I definitely cannot wait until book #2!!!
Josie is a lovable nerdy girl who has been through so much. After a traumatic event after her high school graduation, she finds solace from her best friend Seth and she relies on him to be there when she needs him. A few years later, she transfers schools to become a school teacher where she meets Blake.
Blake and Josie have an instant connection that is undeniable. The sexual tension and the chemistry between the two is definitely off the charts, but Blake has secrets that test his relationship with Josie. Josie has her secrets.
Is the love between Jake and Josie enough to get them through their secrets? And who will be there for Josie when it's all said and done?
I loved how the author used the flashbacks. It wasn't confusing or hard to track, which is a great merit to her writing style. The flashbacks were little reminders of the past, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but would enhance the emotions of Josie and Blake during current time.
I was kept on the edge of my seat with the secrets. What were they? When were they going to be revealed? Although I may have had an inkling as to what they were, the how/when/who was enough to keep the story fresh and very entertaining.
I definitely cannot wait until book #2!!!
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