The Choice

The Promise #2

by Kate Benson

"What fate would you choose?"
Just when it seems she's finally moved on from one of the most difficult times in her life, devastation rocks Sophie Ryan's world again.
When long buried demons from her troubled past resurface, Sophie is forced to face her darkest fears, questioning everything she once thought was real.
Will she be able to return to the path she once traveled? Will she turn back on the promises she's made in the past? Or will she be confronted with the harsh truth that every decision, every choice, has a consequence?
When life thrusts a path in your direction, what fate will you choose?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, New Adult

371 pages, ebook

First published April 7, 2014

About the author

Kate Benson was raised in Texas and currently resides in central Florida with her husband and their furboy, Boomer. She learned to read at the age of four and has been hooked ever since.
She credits her passion for literature to her mother, her love of story-telling to her father and her unwavering faith in happily-ever-after’s to her husband, Sean.
Some of her favorite things include rainy days, loud music, superhero movies, hot tea and of course, lazy afternoons with a great book.
To find out more about Kate, her work or to just say hello, she loves hearing from her readers and can be found on social media.
Facebook: facebook.com/katebensonauthor/
Twitter: twitter.com/Katebensonauthr
Instagram: instagram.com/katebensonauthor/

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Kate Benson.
The love is of the scale between these two couples.
Great friends and lovers Sophie and Chase and Drake and Anna. Still lots and lots of sex and that ending has me hooked again.
Onto book Three.

[Charlotte Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Benson has totally blown me away with The Choice I didn't think she could after The Promise but o yes she did. This Kate's second book and a must.If you enjoyed reading The Promise you will be amazed with The Choice. The story carries on with Sophie and Chase and friends, with a few more added into the story. There is love, sex ( plenty of that) and anger with new friendships coming together. I couldn't put the book down once I started to read it, I laughed so much also cried a lot, I shouted at the characters ( that didn't help) you feel every bit of what Sophie and Chase are going through and think would you deal with it all. Kate's one of my favorite authors and look forward to book 3 coming and many more story's in the future. ************ beware this book is an emotional roller coster************ with a must read.

[Kimmy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Choice by Kate Benson

Holy shit stick....
Kate smashed it again im sat here speechless. I want to get on a plane and go to Kate shake her and ask her WHY!!!.I loved the promise, I love Chase I LOVED The Choice..
Chase is such a sweetheart and makes my heart melt.. I liked how in this book Sophie stuck up for herself and came out of her shell more than how she was in the promise. Drake and Ana i love even though Ana can be a brat. This book is about letting down walls that have been built up around a young girls heart that has been through alot and letting somebody new in and moving on from the past. And then....

well you got to go read it..

AMAZING 5 STARS

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG ! What a cliffhanger !!! Loved this book can't and I mean CANT wait for the 3 rd book to come out . Hope it's soon . Xxx

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless, really?? I didn't see it coming, desperately need to move onto the next one, where is this going to go now??
Highly addictive, a must read

[We like it big book blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

**My review has some spoilers!!
I’m just warning you… If you do not want to know certain things… Do not read this review!!…**

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This story picks up right where it left off in The Promise. Which was a major cliffhanger!!! Normally… I don’t read books with cliffhanger… Until all the books in the series are out. I hate to read a book & wait to see what happens months later! That just kills me! It’s actually one of my pet peeves.

I think that should be told in the Synopsis… Let potential readers know what they are getting themselves into right from the start.
With that being said. I also think that if there is going to be a whole love triangle thing going on….that should be disclosed too! I really like to know what I’m getting into before I read a book. And I think a synopsis should tell you everything that you would need to know… When deciding to read a book.

With all that being said…

I’m so glad I waited to read The Promise until I got the ARC of The Choice. Like I said before.. It picks right up from where it left off. But it also ends in another major cliffhanger too!!! Ughhh… That bugs me BIG TIME!!…
(Ok…Moving forward)

I know we really didn’t get a lot of Jack in The Promise… A lot of flash backs…but the author did a great job in making you feel a connection with Jack through those flashbacks…
I liked Chase… But I never felt he was the one. He felt more like a rebound to me.

But, I can’t help but feel that Sophie was alway never sure of herself. When it came to decisions with Chase. I know she was scared to let go of Jack… But, I always felt she did these things because she felt it was the next thing to do. Yes, I think she did love him… But, to me it was more lust than anything.
Everything felt to rushed to me. Everything with Chase felt like it was on fast forward.

I felt she was looking for what she had with Jack.

The moving in & proposal… Just felt like to much. Especially…the proposal! She kept having to tell him not yet.. Not right now!
I wanted to yell… She will let you know when she’s ready!!! Give her time!!!
I felt Chase had no consideration for her feelings at all with the whole proposal thing!

How can you compare 7 months to 4 1/2 yrs!!!

You can’t!!… He knows it too! He told her he understood.. That it was ok… But… It really wasn’t…
Trying to let go of your first love & letting go of your first love are two different things. She never let go of her 1st love… He was taken from her.
So… I feel Chase has to realize that!

And yes…I know Sophie said she loved him more than Jack… But…I’m still not sold….lol

The whole Lauren thing was sooo glossed over! That didn’t make sense to me at all.

I like sex in a book.. But, there was a lot of it in this book! I think it was a little overkill.
I get it… They like to have sex!!…lol

The ending… Ughhh…. I don’t want to give anything away… But, I know what team I’m on….& I know exactly who I would pick!!

I always have a love hate thing for these kind of books…
Because… For me.. I always root for the underdog!!..
& that always sets me up for disappointment. Because it always goes the other way!!…lol

I’m pretty sure I know who Sophie is going to pick…& my heart is going to be broken!!…lol

That’s why I like to know what I’m getting into before I read a book like this… I got to mentally prepare myself for the emotional roller coaster that it’s going to take me on!!!…lol

Would I read more books by this author…. YES…I would!!! I like her writing style…the book flows good… She’s a very talented writer!!

I’m ANXIOUSLY awaiting for book #3!!! With my box of tissue and a pint of my favorite ice cream!!!!…lol




-Michelle
**ARC provided for honest review**

[Sarah-Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly Chase is ok. Thank God! At the end of The Promise you heard about Chase being in a car accident because he drunk drove with Lauren. Did I mention I HATE Lauren! Chase wakes up to his girl by the side of his hospital bed and he couldn't be any happier. He has his girl back and a burning question on his mind.

Hearing the words 'Chase' & 'Accident' in the same sentence was Sophie's worst nightmare. She's already lost one man she loves she doesn't deserve to lose another. When Drake arrived on her doorstep that night to tell her of the accident she didn't want to believe it but it made her realise what it is she wants and that is Chase. No matter what happened between them she knows the photo was a lie and he would never cheat on her. Nomore protecting her heart she going all in.

Sophie gives her heart to Chase when she opens up completely to him about Jack, even going as far as asking him to read the final letter she received from Jack. The letter in which he tells her to move on and be happy. After Chase reads the letter Sophie feels all her stress leave, she feels there is nothing more for Chase to know about. He has all of her now. The good and the bad.

Sophie and Chase are pretty much living together by this point so its not often she gets to see Ana. Having planned a girls night now that Chase is back to being himself and fighting fit once again. The girls head out to a bar, but it wasn't easy going. Nothing ever is with these girls. The guys were happy with the way their girlfriends were dressed and demanded they change. Sophie being Sophie is being stubborn and comes out dressed even more seductive than she was the first time. This part made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes!
Finally the night gets going and Sophie' boss arrives along with some friends to see his girlfriend. One of his friends gets a little friendly with Sophie and actually threatens that if she doesn't leave with him he will hurt Ana. Sophie will never have Ana hurt so she hopes that Ana knows her well enough to know she would never cheat on Chase let alone leave the bar with a random man she just met.
Can Ana save the day?
Will they be able to save Sophie and get her away from this Creeper?

After this you think 'ahh great only a little left too read, maybe they will get the happily ever after now' NOT A CHANCE!! Sophie travels back home for TJ's birthday with Ana, Drake and Chase little does she know there will be more there than she ever bargained for!

Could this be the end for Chase & Sophie?
Will Sophie get the wish she always wished for?
Is it all just a dream?
How will Chase survive?

These were all question whirling through my mind as I read the final words in this book! I was gob smacked, I sat there with my mouth hanging open after having read that last page. How could Kate do this to her fans? What a complete bitch....

http://abbycook30.wix.com/abby-and-li...

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5 Astounding Stars***

~I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.~

I would give this a million more stars if it were possible. Kate Benson has written another phenomenal book. This will be a rather short review because I don’t want to include any spoilers because I don’t want to ruin for any other readers. The Choice picks up right from the cliffhanger in The Promise. However, this one is somewhat different from The Promise. The first book was about Sophie’s heartache over losing her love, Jack, and finding love again with the “oh so sexy” Chase. In The Choice, we get to see another side of Sophie. She has grown more into a strong, independent woman. She is actually pretty feisty, and I loved seeing that side of her. There is a ton of angst and turmoil, and my emotions were all over the place…I cried; I laughed. And yes, there was a lot of panty melting sex scenes, but there was much more. It’s a book about friendship, second chances at happiness, finding your soul mate, and cherishing those you love.

Kate Benson is one of those special writers that makes you feel everything she writes. One quote perfectly sums up the emotions Kate invokes in you as a reader when Sophie admits her feelings for Chase:

“I’ve fought so hard to protect the last little piece of my heart that I never realized it was no longer mine to protect. Chase isn’t waiting for it anymore. It’s already his. It’s been his all along. And just like that, the final wall shatters at my feet, and I’m free. Finally, the high dive my dad told me about all those years ago makes sense, and I know this is it. This is where I jump.”

That quote made me feel the depth of love Sophie has for Chase, but I also felt her fear of admitting that. In addition, I felt the all-consuming, sometimes crazy love Chase has for Sophie and the fear he has of losing her.

I must warn you though that this book contains the “mother of all cliffhangers.” I am still in shock. As I have written in other reviews, I don’t mind cliffhangers. In fact, I love them, and this one has to be on my list of all-time favorite cliffhangers. I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book! You really need to do yourself a favor and download this series and get to know and love Sophie, Chase, Ana, and Drake! You will not be sorry that you did!!! Thank you, Kate, for giving your readers another heartfelt and moving book that will not soon be forgotten!

[Jessica Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review

So I LOVED The Promise, book one, but I think book two was even better! So if I could give more than five *winks* I would. Now that the back story is out and we get into more of the character's development I found that this book was AMAZING!


Of course with how book one ended I am so glad I read it only days before The Choice was released because I would have been having withdrawals for months! If you haven't read The Promise you should. Although I do feel you can read this as a stand alone it is always best to follow characters from where they started.


I am so glad we got to see more of Ana and Drake in this book. I love Sophie and Chase but Ana and Drake have this pull to them that a reader can not simply ignore. As each couple continues their relationship they face a lot of rough patches. You will be thrown into some difficult situations that will have your screaming at the book, at the characters and wanting to strangle the author (In a "I love you" sort of way). You will read about some of our favorite people we love to hate from The Promise in The Choice as well so gear up for that *wink*!


And what wouldn't be a good read without some steam?! AND HOLY SWEET CHICKEN there are some steamy scenes! I love that Sophie is starting to show her freak side which makes Chase even hotter than before with his bedroom dominance!


There are a lot of key points in this book that make everything fall in place, but I will say the ending....OH MY GOSH...the ending! I NEED BOOK THREE, LIKE, YESTERDAY!

5 *WINK* READ

Book Flirts by Jessi
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[Heather Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off with Sophie finding out Chase her current love of her life is in a bad accident. She is struggling with possibly losing him. Then Chase comes out of surgery and they are repairing the relationship that was having issues before hand.
Also Analisa & Drake were broken up and their relationship has a bunch of bumps and bruises. Drake realizes that he loves Ana and doesn't want to live with out her.
Finally Chase is out of the hospital and back home. Sophie decides she wants to be with him and moves in with him . First Quote said by Ana which is one of my favorite was :
"Don't rip these; I like them."
Then Chase Responds " You Better get them off quick then; Baby because I'm not stopping."
That was a super hot. Why can't my husband say sexy stuff like that.
Both Sophie & Chase's love story has me swaddled like a baby in this story. And Then Drake and Ana love story is just the topping to a excellent Sunday!!
So Does Chase & Sophie get their Happily Ever After? Guess you will have to read the book to see! Fair Warning leaves with a cliff hanger. This books offers you Love, Romance, Drama, Tears, and super hot sizzling sexy scenes. This is a Must read!! Read book 1 first of course!! :)
Leaving you with my Final Favorite quote:
"I love you, Your eyes, your lips, your voice, your heart, your spirit... I love all of it, every single little piece of you. I'm so in love with you that it shatters me to the very depths of my soul."

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Choice is an awesome read that has left me anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the series, The Secret.

The Promise left us hanging on a cliff with Chase's accident. Sophie and Chase have had obstacles to face but Sophie's fear of people leaving her is the most difficult of all. We know that they are both in love with each other and have an amazing sex life to boot but can they work through the issues between them and find their HEA or will something pull them apart.

Ana and Drake are another couple that have been running into obstacles with their relationship. They are in love with each other and want to be together but will past promises keep them apart or will they find their HEA.

The Promise will keep you zoned into the book not waiting to out it down. You will be able to relate to the angst that the characters are going through. This book will have you on an emotional Rollercoaster ride as you laugh at their craziness, feel happiness when they do, feel the anger that arises and you will be crying when the are in pain.

I recommend you read this series. It is a great read. If you aren't a cliffhanger type of person then wait for the series to be fully published because again we are left on the edge of a cliff.

[Olfa Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a honest review by the author.

I was pretty damn excited when Kate send me a copy of this book because I've been waiting for it since I finished Book number one!
If you read "The Promise"> then you kind of know what to expect in the sequel... WRONG !
I was completely blown away... I was happy to read more of Sophie, Chase, Drake and Ana story. The changing POV again made the book interesting and you could easily relate to the characters.
Sophie was shattered in "The Promise", she thought to never find love again after Jack's death but she found strength thanks to Chase.
In "The Choice" you will follow their journey: their love, their insecurities, their fights. It was an awesome read, I laughed so hard, cried like a baby and melted like ice cream in my bed. Kate sure knows how to write sex scenes ! Be Ready people !

You will read the book and enjoy it, you will think that it's over but it will catch your breath until the very last page. It left me speechless, literally.

[Alicia Fortuin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops you did it again

Yes, I was so excited when I was given this ARC after reading The Promise#1, and my word the lady does not disappoint in her work. If I thought I knew what to expect from The Choice I was wrong, yes it is excellent. This romance has everything that you could wish for: it is original, fun, sexy, and with angst and drama aplenty.
My heart broke for Sophia in The Promise, but wow so glad I could be part of this journey with her, laughter, tears, snot and all the rest. Very emotional, and yes you are going to cry…. Shit that’s all part of a good story. Just when it seems she finally moved on her world gets turn upside down, and she has to face her fears and everything she thought was real.
It’s a fabulous book, and has become a go-too book for me. Once again, I am experiencing quite a book hangover.
This book is about letting go and rebuilding.

Excellent Kate

Alicia Fortuin
Cape Town

[Daphne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Chase & Sophie

Everything in this second book felt in line and cemented.....until.....

No really, it was a scorching page-turner filled with heartfelt love repaired. The passion play in this one was thru the roof hottt as well. I love it when Chase and Sophie play!! But the love written out between these guys is monumental and dare I say "One of a Kind". They have a connected chemistry even through fights, misunderstandings, attacks, and jealousy.
* But now they will no doubt face a huge mountain of shock and struggles*
Sophie will have to choose her past or her future.

I want to also add that I love this series so far (both) BUT.....the 2nd story is so much better (for me). There were so many times in this one that I was in hysterics laughing at the characters dialogue, while still being balanced with the steamy romance and drama. All these things make the perfect story for me. Well done Kate Benson!!!!!

5-Stars >Happy Reading

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit stick.... Kate smashed it again I'm sat here speechless. I want to get on a plane and go to Kate shake her and ask her WHY!!!.I loved the promise, I love Chase I LOVED The Choice. Chase is such a sweetheart and makes my heart melt.. I liked how in this book Sophie stuck up for herself and came out of her shell more than how she was in the promise. Drake and Ana I love even though Ana can be a brat. This book is about letting down walls that have been built up around a young girls heart that has been through a lot and letting somebody new in and moving on from the past. A story of Love, Passion and Trust that has quickly built up between them. A story of friends who will stick by each other even with some ups and downs. Will Sophie keep her promise from the past and make the choices she needs to make ?.... well you got to go read it..
AMAZING 5 STARS

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Wtf.....is this book even possible. So without spoilers.....which isn't hard because I am speechless, I read this book, same day as the promise. The first book was different, in a heart wrenching way. The choice was not a hard read, but frankly I didn't know wether I'm coming or going. Then the cliffhanger....to end all cliffhangers. I'm supposed to wait for book three? The book is well written, the drama was eyeballs deep, and never ending. Overall entertainment was four stars. Will definitely read the third....

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."


This book picks up right from the end of The Promise and continues to document the story of Chase and Sophie, along with Drake and Ana. The writing is definitely tighter, and some of the scenes are SO funny that I was in stitches. The ending however is one hell of a surprise and well ... I need to know when the next book is out, and feel that it better not be too long coming.

Having invested many hours in the story, the current state of affairs is .... Frustrating!!

[Blushingdivasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Blushing Stars!!!!!

WOW! I don't know where to start... Ok I'm going to keep thid short because I don't want to give anything away. This book picks up where The Promise ended... Sophie grows so much in this book! Chase has proven through everything he will ALWAYS be there for here and he has proven that! I love how they have grown into each other there's no denying the love they have for one another. We also get more Ana and Drake LOVE these characters too! I can't say a whole lot more or I would give too much h away! THIS IS IN MY TOP 5 MUST READ FOR 2014! The ending is jaw dropping! Unbelievable! This is the mother of all cliffhangers! What are you waiting for... get to reading you won't be disappointed!

[A.M. Guilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read this book. I was so excited when I received the ARC. From the beginning, I couldn't put the book down. I fell in love with all of the characters the more I read. I laughed, cried, and got mad with them. I love how Kate expressed the emotions within the book. I also loved that Sophie and Chase overcame everything that was thrown at them. Drake and Ana are also a big part of this story and I was so happy to read about where their relationship headed. The ending threw me for a big loop and I definetely didn't see that one coming.

The Choice is a must read! I'm still officially Team Chase and can't wait to read the third book in the series!!!

Great job Kate!!!!

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Crazy Cajun Book Addicts

5 star's




Omg!!! What can I say about this book other than it was fantastic. The Choice is book 2 in this series and they do need to be read in order. Sophie and Chase are officially a couple although there are still things from Sophie's past that are stopping her from committing fully to Chase and the life they could have together. Just as you think everything has fell into place for them finally something happens to throw a major spanner in the works. This book does end on a cliffehanger and is a major emotional ride but it is so worth it.




Hope book 3 is not to far away and this book definitely deserves more than 5 stars.

[Amanda Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

You already fell in love with Chase in The Promise, now you get to follow the ups and downs of a relationship shadowed by the grief of a lost love. Kate Benson takes you on an emotional journey with Sophie, Chase, Drake and Ana that will leave you laughing so hard your stomach hurts and crying enough you need tissues. The cliffhanger at the end is absolutly jaw dropping and will leave you on the edge of your seat and maybe even Facebook stalking the author! After you finish, there is The Promise Series Support Group on facebook... you will need it! Enjoy The Choice and get ready for book 3!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received this complimentary book by the author for an honest review***
KATE!!! I love this series! I love the foursome of Ana,Drake, Chase, and Sophie. I agree with what Randa said! I Would NOT mind being trapped between Chase and Drake! I love Chase's mom, dad , and sister! I was laughing for a good part of the book., it made you feel like you were one of them :) Sex was hot! Sex in a Hospital bed! HOLY HELL That lit my panties on fire! I can't wait for the 3rd installment! 5 stars from me! ~Chris

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a phenomenal book Kate! I'm not sure that I can put into words how wonderful this book was. My jaw may still be on the floor until the next book comes out. It was an absolutely beautiful book with so many heart wrenching emotions. But more so, it makes you wonder what you would do if there was someone who makes you feel complete when you never thought you could be. I can't say enough about how wonderful this series has been, and how totally excited I am for book 3. Thank you Kate!!

[Karrie Mellott Puskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chase and Sophia are back! As well as Drake and Ana! So happy that both of these couples are back! Chase is even hotter in this book! The Choice starts right off where The Promise left off! So very emotional and you can't help but cry! BUT all things just get better as you read more! I couldn't put this book down! The book is fantastic and hated to see it end! Such a great read and leaving you wanting more! Sorry I won't give anything away! It's a one click must!!!

[Maryanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two days trying to write a review, and still do not know exactly what to write, so I'll be brief. Basically, I'm totally shocked at the end of the story, frankly afraid to continue and I hope that the sequel will be released soon because all this does not make sense. It was only in the second part I began to enjoy the story, that hiding and uncertainty in the first part annoyed me. Frankly, I think the end is not the kind needed.

[Tiffany Lagrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Amazing! I really enjoyed The Choice. It had a little of everything that I like in it. It had the shock value, which is huge for me. It had comedy, angst, drama. It just had it all. It was well written and the storyline flowed smoothly. I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out and I would totally recommend This series to anyone. Thank you Kate Benson for letting me borrow it. :) you're awesome sauce and so are your books.

[Gemma Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the promise series and after leaving book 1 on a cliffhanger i was dying to see how this story continued..... Once again kate you delivered and my god did you leave me with yet another cliffhanger!!!!!! The story does not in any way get stale and for that i thank you..... Cant wait to see how it all ends in book 3 love you kate and thankyou for such a different story that i have felt a part of from the very first word

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg Kate does it again this book has totally shocked me I loved the characters in the promise and I didn't think it could get any better but this book has totally surpassed my expectations it is amazing and the ending I can't even explain I'm sitting here saying wow.if you haven't read this series I highly recommend you do they are brilliant.

[Tiffany Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this ! I bought this knowing damned well I was going to love it. I read The promise and was dying to read The Choice. This heart flopping series has turned a leaf and is more than ready to shock you to the gills, but don't that scare you away this is an amazing story with and awesome author ! If you haven't gotten your hands on this one, get on it and read it first hand !!

[Heather Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Kate has Done it again!! Always keeping me on the edge of my seat and constantly swooning over the love in her stories!! This was an Awesome follow up to The Promise!! Definitely a must read! Can't wait for more!!

And one more thing CMFM <3