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Promises #1
Promise to Marry
This is not your cookie-cutter childhood best friend love story.
We were best friends since as early as I could remember. We grew up together. We were next door neighbors. We shared each other's deepest secrets. When I was thirteen, we made a pact: if we were still single by the time we were 30, we'd marry each other.
Today was my thirtieth birthday. I was single. I knew he was single too.
But we were no longer best friends, and a part of me knew that he hated me.
This is book one of a three book series. Books two and three will be full-length novels.
Book Two: Promise to Keep
Book Three: Promise of Forever
***New Adult Contemporary Romance **Mature Content** Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations.***
We were best friends since as early as I could remember. We grew up together. We were next door neighbors. We shared each other's deepest secrets. When I was thirteen, we made a pact: if we were still single by the time we were 30, we'd marry each other.
Today was my thirtieth birthday. I was single. I knew he was single too.
But we were no longer best friends, and a part of me knew that he hated me.
This is book one of a three book series. Books two and three will be full-length novels.
Book Two: Promise to Keep
Book Three: Promise of Forever
***New Adult Contemporary Romance **Mature Content** Recommended for 17+ due to mature language and adult situations.***
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2015
1071 people are currently reading
4855 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Wood
61 books886 followersIf you wish to be notified of upcoming book releases and news from Jessica Wood, you can sign up for her mailing list: http://jessicawoodauthor.com/mailing-....
Jessica Wood writes contemporary romance.
While she has lived in countless cities throughout the U.S., her heart belongs to San Francisco. To her, there’s something seductively romantic about the Golden Gate Bridge, the steep rolling hills of the city streets, the cable cars, and the Victorian-style architecture.
She loves a strong, masculine man with a witty personality. While she is headstrong and extremely independent, she can’t resist a man who takes control of the relationship, both outside and inside of the bedroom.
She loves to travel internationally, and tries to plan a yearly trip abroad. She also loves to cook and bake, and—to the benefit of her friends—she loves to share. She also enjoys ceramics and being creative with her hands. She has a weakness for good (maybe bad) TV shows; she’s up-to-date on over 25 current shows, and no, that wasn’t a joke.
And it goes without saying, she loves books—they’re like old and dear friends who have always been there to make her laugh and make her cry.
The one thing she wished she had more of is time.
Jessica Wood writes contemporary romance.
While she has lived in countless cities throughout the U.S., her heart belongs to San Francisco. To her, there’s something seductively romantic about the Golden Gate Bridge, the steep rolling hills of the city streets, the cable cars, and the Victorian-style architecture.
She loves a strong, masculine man with a witty personality. While she is headstrong and extremely independent, she can’t resist a man who takes control of the relationship, both outside and inside of the bedroom.
She loves to travel internationally, and tries to plan a yearly trip abroad. She also loves to cook and bake, and—to the benefit of her friends—she loves to share. She also enjoys ceramics and being creative with her hands. She has a weakness for good (maybe bad) TV shows; she’s up-to-date on over 25 current shows, and no, that wasn’t a joke.
And it goes without saying, she loves books—they’re like old and dear friends who have always been there to make her laugh and make her cry.
The one thing she wished she had more of is time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 398 reviews
March 23, 2016
The blurb sounds great, right? I thought so too, so I one-clicked, without checking the price. And then I did check it... Ouch! The 111 kindle pages story starts at 5% and ends at 79%, which gives us about 82 pages for 2,99$, not cool. Well, I thought it must be spectacular then... I couldn't be more wrong.
It's a second chance romance, and those story lines always have so much potential, but this one here was just not what I expected. Jax and Chloe met when they were seven years old and were best friends since then. When they were thirteen, they made a pact to marry each other if they are still single when turning thirty. The book starts with Chloe's thirtieth birthday, she lives in LA, without Jax in her life, he apparently hates her now, we just don't know why yet, but we'll get to that. And seriously, she must be the dumbest heroine I have met.
Next, we have huge part of the book showing their childhood days and friendship. This part was actually pretty decent, I must say. If only it stayed that way. After that memory lane, we go back to present, when they meet at their friend's wedding, Jax still hates Chloe, she asks him for forgiveness and for another chance at friendship, he gives her a cold shoulder, no wonder, duh! I was still curious at that point, what could make him hate her so much. I gotta say, man, when I found out what she did, I would never look at that bitch again if I were him.
Oh lawd, please just give me some patience and save me from books like this one. Though I'm curious as hell how the heroine wants to redeem herself, I won't be continuing with this series. I will just say that Jax will be the dumbest hero ever if he even thought about taking her back.
It's a second chance romance, and those story lines always have so much potential, but this one here was just not what I expected. Jax and Chloe met when they were seven years old and were best friends since then. When they were thirteen, they made a pact to marry each other if they are still single when turning thirty. The book starts with Chloe's thirtieth birthday, she lives in LA, without Jax in her life, he apparently hates her now, we just don't know why yet, but we'll get to that. And seriously, she must be the dumbest heroine I have met.
Next, we have huge part of the book showing their childhood days and friendship. This part was actually pretty decent, I must say. If only it stayed that way. After that memory lane, we go back to present, when they meet at their friend's wedding, Jax still hates Chloe, she asks him for forgiveness and for another chance at friendship, he gives her a cold shoulder, no wonder, duh! I was still curious at that point, what could make him hate her so much. I gotta say, man, when I found out what she did, I would never look at that bitch again if I were him.
Oh lawd, please just give me some patience and save me from books like this one. Though I'm curious as hell how the heroine wants to redeem herself, I won't be continuing with this series. I will just say that Jax will be the dumbest hero ever if he even thought about taking her back.
January 14, 2015
1 Give Me My Fucking Money Back Star
If you are one of those people who subscribe to the "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" school of thought...
...and stop reading right now.
Otherwise, please join me in my declaring this as, quite possibly, one of the worst books of all time.
Seriously.
The writing was atrocious, the dialogue was awkward and "storytelling" in fashion, and the characters were walking stereotypes acting out cliched soap opera scenarios. And don't even get me started on that ending.
In fact, this thing was SO bad, it would almost be funny...if the damned thing hadn't cost me $2.99 AKA potentially 3 other books actually worth the whispernet effort.
I don't even want to get into the specifics of how much this thing blew chunks because I don't want to waste any more time on this shit show.
Sorry if that seems harsh.
Actually that's a lie, but then again, so was this book premise.
If you are one of those people who subscribe to the "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" school of thought...
...and stop reading right now.
Otherwise, please join me in my declaring this as, quite possibly, one of the worst books of all time.
Seriously.
The writing was atrocious, the dialogue was awkward and "storytelling" in fashion, and the characters were walking stereotypes acting out cliched soap opera scenarios. And don't even get me started on that ending.
In fact, this thing was SO bad, it would almost be funny...if the damned thing hadn't cost me $2.99 AKA potentially 3 other books actually worth the whispernet effort.
I don't even want to get into the specifics of how much this thing blew chunks because I don't want to waste any more time on this shit show.
Sorry if that seems harsh.
Actually that's a lie, but then again, so was this book premise.
January 15, 2015
2 Promised Stars.
I could be very sweet and say that my relationship with this book was entirely my problem. Well, it wasn’t.
I feel like I’ve been wronged and after talking with a few people about this I realized I’m not the only one. So let’s be quick about this.
I will tell you what parts were my fault. First I thought this would be a stand-alone and it will be a trilogy. (I should have checked that before.) And second this was short as hell. I was expecting a full novel. (I should also have checked that.)
I thought I was going in for a sweet romance story, with the mandatory drama and the expected HEA. And that part wasn’t my fault: Everyone that reads the synopsis will get to same conclusion as me.
What I got was a short story, with basically no romance at all, unnecessary angst and TOO MANY chapters from when they were kids. Yes, I get that they were there to explain how they end up making the pact, but still. I don’t want to read a romance where about half of it, the heroes are kids. Do you think that’s appealing?
There was basically no interaction between the main couple, no character development, no story development. Nothing. It was frustrating.
Not only that, but until the VERY end (seriously, it was like the last paragraph) we still had no idea why Jax hated her. It basically dragged until that point. My two stars are for two reasons only: One star for the writing, it was good. Another star for the end, for someone who didn’t care that much for the rest of the story, if definitely grabbed me by my imaginary balls and made me want to read the next installment.
Which I will do, because I’m pretty curious about what will happen next. Just do me a favor, Ms. Wood… more romance, more steam and more scenes in the present, okay?
I could be very sweet and say that my relationship with this book was entirely my problem. Well, it wasn’t.
I feel like I’ve been wronged and after talking with a few people about this I realized I’m not the only one. So let’s be quick about this.
I will tell you what parts were my fault. First I thought this would be a stand-alone and it will be a trilogy. (I should have checked that before.) And second this was short as hell. I was expecting a full novel. (I should also have checked that.)
I thought I was going in for a sweet romance story, with the mandatory drama and the expected HEA. And that part wasn’t my fault: Everyone that reads the synopsis will get to same conclusion as me.
What I got was a short story, with basically no romance at all, unnecessary angst and TOO MANY chapters from when they were kids. Yes, I get that they were there to explain how they end up making the pact, but still. I don’t want to read a romance where about half of it, the heroes are kids. Do you think that’s appealing?
There was basically no interaction between the main couple, no character development, no story development. Nothing. It was frustrating.
Not only that, but until the VERY end (seriously, it was like the last paragraph) we still had no idea why Jax hated her. It basically dragged until that point. My two stars are for two reasons only: One star for the writing, it was good. Another star for the end, for someone who didn’t care that much for the rest of the story, if definitely grabbed me by my imaginary balls and made me want to read the next installment.
Which I will do, because I’m pretty curious about what will happen next. Just do me a favor, Ms. Wood… more romance, more steam and more scenes in the present, okay?
Want to read
August 12, 2016I'm intrigued!! -- "We were best friends since I could remember. We grew up together. We shared each other's deepest secrets. When I was thirteen, we made a pact: if we were still single by the time we were thirty, we'd marry each other... Today was my thirtieth birthday. I was single. I knew he was single too. But we were no longer best friends, and a part of me knew that he hated me."
First in a series.
First in a series.
January 13, 2015
2.5 STARS
This was short, much shorter than I expected! Friends to lovers? I'm there, every time. But this was not exactly friends to lovers. Though I'm hoping the second part to this 2 or 3--not sure--book series takes care of that problem. The weird thing is on kindle its claimed to be a two-part series but on GR's it's a trilogy? Anyways...This was more of a build up, a background of Jackson's and Chloe's life; how they met, how the feelings developed etc.
there was a good chunk devoted to their friendship between ages 7-13. That's ok I guess, but I found myself skimming the last part of those 'past' moments, had they been sprinkled throughout the story it would have worked better. Also, as 7 year olds, Jackson and Chloe spoke like much older children. That wasn't very believable.
There was some suspense around what Chloe did to make Jackson hate her so much and when you find out its a doozy!! A bit of a far-fetched, stupid doozy, in all honesty. It didn't make a whole hell of sense why she would be in that position and it could have been explained better. Then again, Chloe was a bit of an idiot at times. Obviously that's where the cliffhanger reared its ugly head!
Anyways, the second book releases February 9/15. So an okay start, maybe boggled down with too much past where not much happens, but I'm anxious to see an HEA between Jackson and Chloe. I'm also anxious for some answers. And because this is more of a novella, don't expect loads of character development--or plot development for that matter--take it for what it is. I've read much better friends to lovers, and because it's almost like watching a car wreck where you just can't look away, I'm planning to read book 2. On a side note, it's a little pricey for a novella!
This was short, much shorter than I expected! Friends to lovers? I'm there, every time. But this was not exactly friends to lovers. Though I'm hoping the second part to this 2 or 3--not sure--book series takes care of that problem. The weird thing is on kindle its claimed to be a two-part series but on GR's it's a trilogy? Anyways...This was more of a build up, a background of Jackson's and Chloe's life; how they met, how the feelings developed etc.
there was a good chunk devoted to their friendship between ages 7-13. That's ok I guess, but I found myself skimming the last part of those 'past' moments, had they been sprinkled throughout the story it would have worked better. Also, as 7 year olds, Jackson and Chloe spoke like much older children. That wasn't very believable.
There was some suspense around what Chloe did to make Jackson hate her so much and when you find out its a doozy!! A bit of a far-fetched, stupid doozy, in all honesty. It didn't make a whole hell of sense why she would be in that position and it could have been explained better. Then again, Chloe was a bit of an idiot at times. Obviously that's where the cliffhanger reared its ugly head!
Anyways, the second book releases February 9/15. So an okay start, maybe boggled down with too much past where not much happens, but I'm anxious to see an HEA between Jackson and Chloe. I'm also anxious for some answers. And because this is more of a novella, don't expect loads of character development--or plot development for that matter--take it for what it is. I've read much better friends to lovers, and because it's almost like watching a car wreck where you just can't look away, I'm planning to read book 2. On a side note, it's a little pricey for a novella!
March 22, 2015
SPOILER
So I wrote a review for this right after I read it, but the more I think about this book the more grossed out I become. Let's be honest we all know there is going to be a happily ever after, but I just don't see how. I have so many issue with this book. First you don't fuck around with people for money and wear a blindfold while it's happening. God only knows who actually came into your apartment. Second, you don't have sex with your best friend's father for money. How sick do you have to be to do that? Third, Jax's father knew he was in love with Chole and watched her grow up since she was 7, what kind of sick fuck do you have to be to sleep with and pay a girl you watched grow up that your son is in love with? There is no coming back from that. You can't apologize for fucking your best friend's dad for money. I preordered this in September waited through four different release dates to be given a perverted story that is suppose to be some cute love story. If you want to read a book about a pact that is at least good go read The Pact!
So I wrote a review for this right after I read it, but the more I think about this book the more grossed out I become. Let's be honest we all know there is going to be a happily ever after, but I just don't see how. I have so many issue with this book. First you don't fuck around with people for money and wear a blindfold while it's happening. God only knows who actually came into your apartment. Second, you don't have sex with your best friend's father for money. How sick do you have to be to do that? Third, Jax's father knew he was in love with Chole and watched her grow up since she was 7, what kind of sick fuck do you have to be to sleep with and pay a girl you watched grow up that your son is in love with? There is no coming back from that. You can't apologize for fucking your best friend's dad for money. I preordered this in September waited through four different release dates to be given a perverted story that is suppose to be some cute love story. If you want to read a book about a pact that is at least good go read The Pact!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2015
WHAT THE FLYING FUCK WAS THAT?
January 15, 2015
Wait..what? huh?
The whole thing is a kinda sweet story about young love then BAM !
The whole thing is a kinda sweet story about young love then BAM !
January 12, 2015
Seriously????
First of all, this book was so short, I read it in under one hour.
Secondly, about a third of the said short book was about friendship between two seven years old kids.
Thirdly, the heroine, Chloe, as an adult is so childish in some ways, or just plain moronic. She became an escort while in college because of her financial needs.
***spoilers ahead****
Continue to read at your peril. Anywho, despite her relationship with Jackson, one of her clients was his dad. There was this one time she thought she was having sex with Jackson's dad but it was Jackson himself. Even though she was blindfolded she did not distinguish between the voices? Then his father came in for his paid time with her, and father and son came face to face in her bedroom. Then that was the end. In fact the book is baffling at best.
Finally by 79% the book ended , on a cliffhanger no less. At $3, that was a ripoff. Maximally it should be 99 cents.
Not cool at all.
First of all, this book was so short, I read it in under one hour.
Secondly, about a third of the said short book was about friendship between two seven years old kids.
Thirdly, the heroine, Chloe, as an adult is so childish in some ways, or just plain moronic. She became an escort while in college because of her financial needs.
***spoilers ahead****
Continue to read at your peril. Anywho, despite her relationship with Jackson, one of her clients was his dad. There was this one time she thought she was having sex with Jackson's dad but it was Jackson himself. Even though she was blindfolded she did not distinguish between the voices? Then his father came in for his paid time with her, and father and son came face to face in her bedroom. Then that was the end. In fact the book is baffling at best.
Finally by 79% the book ended , on a cliffhanger no less. At $3, that was a ripoff. Maximally it should be 99 cents.
Not cool at all.
June 6, 2015
NO WAY. THIS IS SO F****** RIDICULOUS!!
I mean damn Chloe, don't you hear that the voice sounds familiar? That the guy is your lifelong friend Jackson (is this his name?), not one of your client? COME ON.
I mean damn Chloe, don't you hear that the voice sounds familiar? That the guy is your lifelong friend Jackson (is this his name?), not one of your client? COME ON.
January 12, 2015
SPOILER ALERT!!!! Read and YOUR Own Risk!!!
_____________
I'm so disappointing. Synopsis totally misleading. Really??? She can not found a decent job to paid the bills her only option was to became a fancy prostitute????
_____________
Promise to Marry / Page: 73
I had a secret.
It was a secret that no one I cared about knew of.
It was a secret that would change the way those I loved would look at me.
It was a secret that would break Jackson’s heart.
So that was why it was the one secret I would take to my grave.
Shortly after I started my freshman year at University of Pennsylvania, because I needed a lot of money, and fast, I was forced to join an elite escort service for men. It wasn’t the typical escort service. In addition to the services a typical escort service would provide, this escort service catered to men who wanted to unleash their wildest fantasies while also maintaining a long term relationship with the girls they hired. These men wanted the long-term all-inclusive fantasy—the fantasy that they had a hot, young girlfriend or mistress who was willing to fulfill all of their needs, whenever and wherever they wanted.
I had a total of five repeat clients through the service I work for. For all new clients—those I’d only had regular sessions with for less than twelve months—we spend our evenings at either their place or hotels. But for my regulars, the clients that treated me like their long-term girlfriends, they also received the added benefit of spending their evenings in the privacy of my condo, which added to the fantasy that I was their girlfriend. Of my five clients, two of them were considered regular clients.
_____________
Promise to Marry / Page:77
“This is incredible! Especially that thing you did at the very end. How come you’ve never done that before?”
Suddenly, he stopped moving.
“What’s wrong?”
“Before? What are you talking about?”
Suddenly, I felt all the blood drain my face when I recognized that voice. It wasn’t my client.
I pulled off my blindfold and my heart stopped at who I saw.
It was Jackson.
“Who did you think I was?” Jackson asked, realizing by my surprise that I didn’t know it was him I was having sex with.
But before I could explain, my client walked through my bedroom door.
“Sorry I’m late, baby. My viagra kicked in half an hour ago and my cock is so hard for you, I’ll need to pay for a double session tonight.”
I watched in horror as their eyes met.
Jackson’s face went white as anger evaded his eyes. “Dad?”
_____________
I'm so disappointing. Synopsis totally misleading. Really??? She can not found a decent job to paid the bills her only option was to became a fancy prostitute????
_____________
Promise to Marry / Page: 73
I had a secret.
It was a secret that no one I cared about knew of.
It was a secret that would change the way those I loved would look at me.
It was a secret that would break Jackson’s heart.
So that was why it was the one secret I would take to my grave.
Shortly after I started my freshman year at University of Pennsylvania, because I needed a lot of money, and fast, I was forced to join an elite escort service for men. It wasn’t the typical escort service. In addition to the services a typical escort service would provide, this escort service catered to men who wanted to unleash their wildest fantasies while also maintaining a long term relationship with the girls they hired. These men wanted the long-term all-inclusive fantasy—the fantasy that they had a hot, young girlfriend or mistress who was willing to fulfill all of their needs, whenever and wherever they wanted.
I had a total of five repeat clients through the service I work for. For all new clients—those I’d only had regular sessions with for less than twelve months—we spend our evenings at either their place or hotels. But for my regulars, the clients that treated me like their long-term girlfriends, they also received the added benefit of spending their evenings in the privacy of my condo, which added to the fantasy that I was their girlfriend. Of my five clients, two of them were considered regular clients.
_____________
Promise to Marry / Page:77
“This is incredible! Especially that thing you did at the very end. How come you’ve never done that before?”
Suddenly, he stopped moving.
“What’s wrong?”
“Before? What are you talking about?”
Suddenly, I felt all the blood drain my face when I recognized that voice. It wasn’t my client.
I pulled off my blindfold and my heart stopped at who I saw.
It was Jackson.
“Who did you think I was?” Jackson asked, realizing by my surprise that I didn’t know it was him I was having sex with.
But before I could explain, my client walked through my bedroom door.
“Sorry I’m late, baby. My viagra kicked in half an hour ago and my cock is so hard for you, I’ll need to pay for a double session tonight.”
I watched in horror as their eyes met.
Jackson’s face went white as anger evaded his eyes. “Dad?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2015
A R E . Y O U . K I D D I N G . M E ?
Okay, I have my faults:
1) I didn't notice it was a short story.
2) I didn't notice that the story wasn't a stand-alone like most of this book-series.
3) I now have to wait February to see how is it going to end. If I still want to know.
4) I had so many high expectations for this book.
5) I'm an idiot.
But the book has its faults too:
1) Okay, it's a short story, but WHY only 49 pages?? 49 PAGES!!!
2) It's like the blurb is longer than the story itself.
3) They should've met earlier (in the present).
4) THAT END. It's an awful CLIFFHANGER.
I . H A T E . C L I F F H A N G E R . W H E N . I . D O N ' T . H A V E . T H E . S E Q U E L . R E A D Y.
August 11, 2016
O my God. O my God. O MY GOD!!!
WOW.
No words honestly. What a cliffhanger!!
I need the second book right away!!
WOW.
No words honestly. What a cliffhanger!!
I need the second book right away!!
January 13, 2015
1 star
I kept wondering if this book was a joke. It's not but should be. I love friend to lovers but this book is just bad. Bad writing. Bad plot. Bad characters. Don't waste your money.
I kept wondering if this book was a joke. It's not but should be. I love friend to lovers but this book is just bad. Bad writing. Bad plot. Bad characters. Don't waste your money.
January 14, 2015
First, I have to say how disappointed I was to start reading this book and find that I was flying through it, only to realize that it was all of like 100 pages and we have to wait another month for the rest of the book. I do not mind reading these shorter stories that come out every month. I have actually enjoyed several series that are like that, however; I knew that's what I was reading when I started and I've never felt like that fact was hidden from me. I looked back through the author's Facebook posts and she never mentioned even once about this being a shorter novella type book and that it would be a series....until release day, then suddenly she makes 2 posts addressing it. Seems pretty shady to me and I'm not impressed.
When the reason why Jax hates Chloe is revealed, (and it is not revealed until literally the last couple of pages. Oh and did I mention that this book ends at 79%!?) it was enough to make me want to take it down to a 1-star. It was just too much! I love a good "second chance, childhood friends grow up and get married kinda story," and I especially love a good shocker, but honestly, that big reveal.....I don't think there's any way that I can root for these 2 characters to be together. NO WAY! Chloe is a complete idiot and I will leave it at that.
Also, almost 40% of this book is spent on the building of their relationship from age 7-13. When compared with a full length novel, I suppose that it really wouldn't have been that much, however; it was the fact that it was 40% straight of their childhood in this one book that made it seem too long. There wasn't a break in it. I enjoy reading tidbits of a childhood in these kinds of stories, obviously it can really add to it, but I think it works better when you alternate more often between past and present. I found myself getting bored and skimming the pages to get back to the present.
I had really high hopes for this book. I pre-ordered it months ago and couldn't wait for it to come out. This story had so much potential and unfortunately I don't think it was executed as well as it could've been. I would've loved to have read more of their budding romance in college. Their entire relationship during that time was summed up and then ruined in a matter of like 3 pages.
Some of the writing seemed robotic at times and did not flow well, and I honestly don't want Jax to be with Chloe. I am very disappointed in the author for not being forthcoming about this book being so short and that it would have a huge cliffhanger as well as being a 2 (and some websites say 3) book series.
I will probably read the next books because I am a sucker for a cliffhanger and I HAVE to know what happens and where the author will take the story, even if I don't really care for it in general. I'm just a sucker like that. :)
When the reason why Jax hates Chloe is revealed, (and it is not revealed until literally the last couple of pages. Oh and did I mention that this book ends at 79%!?) it was enough to make me want to take it down to a 1-star. It was just too much! I love a good "second chance, childhood friends grow up and get married kinda story," and I especially love a good shocker, but honestly, that big reveal.....I don't think there's any way that I can root for these 2 characters to be together. NO WAY! Chloe is a complete idiot and I will leave it at that.
Also, almost 40% of this book is spent on the building of their relationship from age 7-13. When compared with a full length novel, I suppose that it really wouldn't have been that much, however; it was the fact that it was 40% straight of their childhood in this one book that made it seem too long. There wasn't a break in it. I enjoy reading tidbits of a childhood in these kinds of stories, obviously it can really add to it, but I think it works better when you alternate more often between past and present. I found myself getting bored and skimming the pages to get back to the present.
I had really high hopes for this book. I pre-ordered it months ago and couldn't wait for it to come out. This story had so much potential and unfortunately I don't think it was executed as well as it could've been. I would've loved to have read more of their budding romance in college. Their entire relationship during that time was summed up and then ruined in a matter of like 3 pages.
Some of the writing seemed robotic at times and did not flow well, and I honestly don't want Jax to be with Chloe. I am very disappointed in the author for not being forthcoming about this book being so short and that it would have a huge cliffhanger as well as being a 2 (and some websites say 3) book series.
I will probably read the next books because I am a sucker for a cliffhanger and I HAVE to know what happens and where the author will take the story, even if I don't really care for it in general. I'm just a sucker like that. :)
January 14, 2015
Oh I so wish I hadn't bothered with this book. I don't like to give bad reviews, and I rarely end with such distaste for a book. But this one... well, I really liked the sound of it. It's very short as it turns out, and really just part one of a story, not complete in any way.
I loved the idea of best friends, an issue, and reuniting. However, this book (which starts at 5% and finishes at 80%) fell completely flat. And then in to very disturbed nature. It's very rare that I finish a book, and honestly wish I could scrape it from my memory. But this is one such book.
The bits of the past, when they were kids, was cute enough in a retelling a story way, rather than seeing it happen. But Chloe was unlikable from the start and when at the end, you finally are told why Jax hates her, well, let's just say I'm totally on his side!!! Except, with this kind of tale, you know it's all going to work out in end, and I can only gape open mouthed and wonder how. There is no explanation given for Chloe's behaviour and actions, and I have no desire to discover how the author intends to make this one work. The ending just grossed me out completely, and that's where it finished. Not worth the time and while I appreciate the author put work in to this, it is, 100%, not for me. If you like twisted relationships then give it a go. But if you don't, then avoid this one. Because twisted is putting it lightly.
I loved the idea of best friends, an issue, and reuniting. However, this book (which starts at 5% and finishes at 80%) fell completely flat. And then in to very disturbed nature. It's very rare that I finish a book, and honestly wish I could scrape it from my memory. But this is one such book.
The bits of the past, when they were kids, was cute enough in a retelling a story way, rather than seeing it happen. But Chloe was unlikable from the start and when at the end, you finally are told why Jax hates her, well, let's just say I'm totally on his side!!! Except, with this kind of tale, you know it's all going to work out in end, and I can only gape open mouthed and wonder how. There is no explanation given for Chloe's behaviour and actions, and I have no desire to discover how the author intends to make this one work. The ending just grossed me out completely, and that's where it finished. Not worth the time and while I appreciate the author put work in to this, it is, 100%, not for me. If you like twisted relationships then give it a go. But if you don't, then avoid this one. Because twisted is putting it lightly.
January 15, 2015
So bad, I sent it back for a refund.
I had waited for this one for a while. The "My Best Friend's Wedding" premise sold me. I wanted so bad for this to be great but unfortunately it was a dud. I don't take many chances on indie authors and this time I didn't find a keeper. The writing isn't that great and the story, talk about a doozy of a story! Is there really that one unforgivable act? Yes there is and it's this storyline.
This is told in a fractured timeline, some present day some in the past. The problem is we don't get to see how she feels about any of it since it isn't told as a memory. Very bare body especially with the showing part. A lot of this was just dialogue. No reactions, no feelings, just a lot of the author having to tell us what was going on instead of having the ability to show us.
A lot of the back story seems like it is there only for filler, as if the author had stretched all she could just to get out what was already on the page so she had to fill it with the story of 7 year olds who were not like any seven year olds I have ever met. Her characters as children were unconvincing and two dimensional, just like they are as adults. The problem, the big deal, the thing that kept them apart for the last 9 years? Chloe doesn't deserve Jax and he was right to let her go. By the way, this is where the book cuts out. You learn the big bad secret just enough to realize Chloe deserves the crappy life she has and end scene!
This is a short serial, though I missed where it might have said that's what it was. It was short and not a full book. It held a fraction of the story with its next part not out. I never would have chanced it if I had known this wasn't a full book. For the amount of pages, this is severely overpriced. $2.99 for this is highway robbery.
I had waited for this one for a while. The "My Best Friend's Wedding" premise sold me. I wanted so bad for this to be great but unfortunately it was a dud. I don't take many chances on indie authors and this time I didn't find a keeper. The writing isn't that great and the story, talk about a doozy of a story! Is there really that one unforgivable act? Yes there is and it's this storyline.
This is told in a fractured timeline, some present day some in the past. The problem is we don't get to see how she feels about any of it since it isn't told as a memory. Very bare body especially with the showing part. A lot of this was just dialogue. No reactions, no feelings, just a lot of the author having to tell us what was going on instead of having the ability to show us.
A lot of the back story seems like it is there only for filler, as if the author had stretched all she could just to get out what was already on the page so she had to fill it with the story of 7 year olds who were not like any seven year olds I have ever met. Her characters as children were unconvincing and two dimensional, just like they are as adults. The problem, the big deal, the thing that kept them apart for the last 9 years? Chloe doesn't deserve Jax and he was right to let her go. By the way, this is where the book cuts out. You learn the big bad secret just enough to realize Chloe deserves the crappy life she has and end scene!
This is a short serial, though I missed where it might have said that's what it was. It was short and not a full book. It held a fraction of the story with its next part not out. I never would have chanced it if I had known this wasn't a full book. For the amount of pages, this is severely overpriced. $2.99 for this is highway robbery.
January 14, 2015
So, I've been on goodreads for over 2 years now and read tons of books. And, though I spend a large chunk of time reading and on Goodreads, I have never written a review. It's just not my thing.
BUT...this book was so terrible, I had to say SOMETHING. I feel kind of bad, because I mean the author did put work into this, but it's just such a rediculous mess of a story! I love friends to lovers storylines and second chance romance. But that ending was the worst. It's like she thought of all the random drama she could and threw it all in at the end.
I mean, even I felt the h should not be forgiven. That's the first time that's happened, where I felt absolutely no redeemable quality was left for the woman. And we know the author is going to give them a happy ending, and I just can't believe it because with the stupid drama and circumstances left at the end, it would be completely unrealistic for her to be forgiven and them to work it out!
And it was such a short book that was cut off at the end just for the sole reason to build more drama (like it needed anymore) and to charge us for another book (that I won't be buying), when the story could of easily been developed and finished in one book.
All of it was just a waste. Save yourself the frustration.
BUT...this book was so terrible, I had to say SOMETHING. I feel kind of bad, because I mean the author did put work into this, but it's just such a rediculous mess of a story! I love friends to lovers storylines and second chance romance. But that ending was the worst. It's like she thought of all the random drama she could and threw it all in at the end.
I mean, even I felt the h should not be forgiven. That's the first time that's happened, where I felt absolutely no redeemable quality was left for the woman. And we know the author is going to give them a happy ending, and I just can't believe it because with the stupid drama and circumstances left at the end, it would be completely unrealistic for her to be forgiven and them to work it out!
And it was such a short book that was cut off at the end just for the sole reason to build more drama (like it needed anymore) and to charge us for another book (that I won't be buying), when the story could of easily been developed and finished in one book.
All of it was just a waste. Save yourself the frustration.
January 16, 2015
I read this is 40 mins, it is my fault for not checking the page count etc but when you are paying £1.97 you expect it to be more than a 100 pages. I have to admit, I enjoyed the story, even though the ending was extremely far fetched. I did feel that this could have been one book if the second book is the same length as the first. This book centred too much around them as 7 year olds, I would have liked more of the teen/adult years. I understand the point of the flashbacks but for me there were just too many of them.
As much as it pains me to say it though, I will probably read the next one because I want to see what happens. I know, I know...
As much as it pains me to say it though, I will probably read the next one because I want to see what happens. I know, I know...
January 27, 2015
DNF 33%
Despite the fact that it's a very short novel I could not go through with it. Maybe I wasn't in the mood but the main female character was so whiny, swimming in self pity and living in the past that I just had to put a stop to my misery...
So No...I would not really recommend this book if you're not in the mood for a pity party and a stroll down memory lane...
Despite the fact that it's a very short novel I could not go through with it. Maybe I wasn't in the mood but the main female character was so whiny, swimming in self pity and living in the past that I just had to put a stop to my misery...
So No...I would not really recommend this book if you're not in the mood for a pity party and a stroll down memory lane...
January 13, 2015
3.5 Stars for the Book, but 4 Stars for the jaw dropping reveal!
Review by Lisa Kane
Promise to Marry is the first installment of a three part series. Chloe and Jackson were best friends all through their childhoods. Her mother turned custody of her over to her aunt and uncle because she couldn't care for her. She needed to get her addictions under control. But all Chloe knew was that her mommy was sick for a long time and she could only see her once in a while. Jackson's family lived next to Chloe's Aunt Betty and and Uncle Tom. Their first encounter was a memorable one for her. She remembers he called her Pippi Longstocking, because of the braids in her hair. She swore not to give this kid a chance. But she has a rough rode ahead of her at her new school. She doesn't dress like the other girls and quickly becomes a target for their jokes. But guess who comes to her aid?
The two slowly become good friends; best friends and make a pact that they will always have each other's backs. When they get old, like really old-say 30, if they aren't married to anyone else they will marry each other. Just so they won't be alone. They remained best friends up until their early twenties.
Fast forward nine years later. It's Chloe's 30th birthday and she wakes up from a dream about Jackson. And them being together. But she wakes up to the sad reality that they haven't talked in 9 years and it's her fault. She's depressed about it, but she tells herself her boyfriend and their relationship works and she has a good life. She may not love her boring job, but she has a great best friend, Carly, and things are good.
Happy birthday to Chloe! By the end of the day, she has lost just about everything. She starts to stalk Jackson on the internet, trying to catch up on the details of his life. She finds out one of their friends from high school is getting married back home. Her aunt and uncle expect her to fly out from California to Pennsylvania for the wedding, and the bonus-Jackson is supposed to be there.
Oh she sees him alright when she arrives back in her hometown, but this is where the angst really comes in to play. Their conversations and her big reveal of why they are no longer friends, KILLED me (insert big bug eyes at this point!)
It ends on a huge cliffy and if I were Jackson, nine years would not be nearly enough for me to have gone without speaking to her! Jessica Wood has her work cut out for her in making this reader feel any kind of empathy for Chloe. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books, but this was one had one of my biggest WTF moments at that reveal that I have ever read.
Review by Lisa Kane
Promise to Marry is the first installment of a three part series. Chloe and Jackson were best friends all through their childhoods. Her mother turned custody of her over to her aunt and uncle because she couldn't care for her. She needed to get her addictions under control. But all Chloe knew was that her mommy was sick for a long time and she could only see her once in a while. Jackson's family lived next to Chloe's Aunt Betty and and Uncle Tom. Their first encounter was a memorable one for her. She remembers he called her Pippi Longstocking, because of the braids in her hair. She swore not to give this kid a chance. But she has a rough rode ahead of her at her new school. She doesn't dress like the other girls and quickly becomes a target for their jokes. But guess who comes to her aid?
The two slowly become good friends; best friends and make a pact that they will always have each other's backs. When they get old, like really old-say 30, if they aren't married to anyone else they will marry each other. Just so they won't be alone. They remained best friends up until their early twenties.
Fast forward nine years later. It's Chloe's 30th birthday and she wakes up from a dream about Jackson. And them being together. But she wakes up to the sad reality that they haven't talked in 9 years and it's her fault. She's depressed about it, but she tells herself her boyfriend and their relationship works and she has a good life. She may not love her boring job, but she has a great best friend, Carly, and things are good.
Happy birthday to Chloe! By the end of the day, she has lost just about everything. She starts to stalk Jackson on the internet, trying to catch up on the details of his life. She finds out one of their friends from high school is getting married back home. Her aunt and uncle expect her to fly out from California to Pennsylvania for the wedding, and the bonus-Jackson is supposed to be there.
Oh she sees him alright when she arrives back in her hometown, but this is where the angst really comes in to play. Their conversations and her big reveal of why they are no longer friends, KILLED me (insert big bug eyes at this point!)
It ends on a huge cliffy and if I were Jackson, nine years would not be nearly enough for me to have gone without speaking to her! Jessica Wood has her work cut out for her in making this reader feel any kind of empathy for Chloe. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books, but this was one had one of my biggest WTF moments at that reveal that I have ever read.
January 12, 2015
Wow
I read this in under an hour which wouldn't have been a problem if the story would have been half way decent. I want a refund, but unfortunately since I preordered this I don't think that's possible. Sick of these novellas coming off as part one of a book, but paying full price ($2.99 for 40+ pages?!). No, this was just a few chapters thrown together. Honestly this heroine is the worst, there is no coming back from that.
I read this in under an hour which wouldn't have been a problem if the story would have been half way decent. I want a refund, but unfortunately since I preordered this I don't think that's possible. Sick of these novellas coming off as part one of a book, but paying full price ($2.99 for 40+ pages?!). No, this was just a few chapters thrown together. Honestly this heroine is the worst, there is no coming back from that.
Read
January 14, 2015What the FRENCH???
Correct me if I'm wrong (I have NOT READ THIS BOOK), however, I've read book reviews that the lead female character SLEEPS WITH THE FATHER OF the main dude?
Update:
Oh snap she's an escort too? Rumors are she didn't know he was the main dude's dad. Hmmm.
Correct me if I'm wrong (I have NOT READ THIS BOOK), however, I've read book reviews that the lead female character SLEEPS WITH THE FATHER OF the main dude?
Update:
Oh snap she's an escort too? Rumors are she didn't know he was the main dude's dad. Hmmm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2015
a novella with a cliffhanger
Skipped through most of this book as I felt like I was re-reading the same parts over and over. I'm disappointed I spent money on this.
Skipped through most of this book as I felt like I was re-reading the same parts over and over. I'm disappointed I spent money on this.
February 26, 2016
I don't understand how this book has so many bad reviews. It's a great book!!! Yes, it's a quick read and short (12 chapters) but it's packed with tons of events and a lot happens.
I get that some people might be upset about a certain event in the book, I do, but there is a second and third book; I would hope the readers would have an open mind to continue reading to find out the back story.
I get that some people might be upset about a certain event in the book, I do, but there is a second and third book; I would hope the readers would have an open mind to continue reading to find out the back story.
March 10, 2020
I thought that this book was good
August 7, 2022
Chronicles of demolishing my backlogged TBR #142:
This was as bad as a predicted it to be.
This was as bad as a predicted it to be.
January 13, 2015
I am so very sad to have to give this book a one star review, particularly since it is the first book I am reading of Jessica's, but I am just very disappointed in it! I saw so much hype for this book floating all over Facebook that I instantly one-clicked a preorder for it. Then the date kept changing for the release. It finally downloaded to my Kindle last night so I started it this afternoon. I'm a very slow reader so I was completely shocked that I finished this book in just a few hours! When I pulled this up and started reading the first thing I noticed is the paragraphs appear to be double spaced, not single spaced as most books are that I read.
I liked the premise of the story, that two life long friends made a pact to get married if they are both still single when they are 30 but almost from beginning we learn that the hero, Jackson apparently hates the heroine, Chloe. It takes the entire story, all the way to the vary last chapters of the book, to actually find out why he hates her. Honestly, when I read those last few chapters and discover why he hates her, it was the most unrealistic thing I've ever read. I won't explain as I don't like to reveal spoilers, everyone needs to make their own decision on whether to read a book or not.
I guess I wasn't paying attention to the percentage I had read because this book spends a large amount of time in the past, with the majority of the chapters when Chloe is 7 years old, then 9, then 13. So with the book flowing at this pace I was expecting to get much more content in the present day. But the next thing I know....the big secret of why Jackson hates her is revealed, I'm shaking my head at the total unrealistic absurdity I just read...this major cliffhanger happens...and BAM!! the book is finished at 79%
I feel so sad to rate this book so low but the story just fell really flat for me. There are also quite a large amount of grammar and editing errors that kept distracting me from the story. Thoughts of someone should "invade" your mind, not "evade" your mind. It is very likely I won't order book 2, even though my OCD tendencies will want me to find out what happens and if Chloe and Jackson work through their issues. But to spend $2.99 on another book when the first book shouldn't have been priced at more than $.99 will most likely deter me from continuing this story.
I liked the premise of the story, that two life long friends made a pact to get married if they are both still single when they are 30 but almost from beginning we learn that the hero, Jackson apparently hates the heroine, Chloe. It takes the entire story, all the way to the vary last chapters of the book, to actually find out why he hates her. Honestly, when I read those last few chapters and discover why he hates her, it was the most unrealistic thing I've ever read. I won't explain as I don't like to reveal spoilers, everyone needs to make their own decision on whether to read a book or not.
I guess I wasn't paying attention to the percentage I had read because this book spends a large amount of time in the past, with the majority of the chapters when Chloe is 7 years old, then 9, then 13. So with the book flowing at this pace I was expecting to get much more content in the present day. But the next thing I know....the big secret of why Jackson hates her is revealed, I'm shaking my head at the total unrealistic absurdity I just read...this major cliffhanger happens...and BAM!! the book is finished at 79%
I feel so sad to rate this book so low but the story just fell really flat for me. There are also quite a large amount of grammar and editing errors that kept distracting me from the story. Thoughts of someone should "invade" your mind, not "evade" your mind. It is very likely I won't order book 2, even though my OCD tendencies will want me to find out what happens and if Chloe and Jackson work through their issues. But to spend $2.99 on another book when the first book shouldn't have been priced at more than $.99 will most likely deter me from continuing this story.
January 12, 2015
This is another amazing book by Jessica Wood! I have been so excited for months waiting to read Promise to Marry, and it was well worth the wait. This book has everything! Drama, sadness, pain, love, humor and hot sex!
Chloe and Jackson were childhood best friends. I loved reading about their close friendship and bond that seemed to be unbreakable. They even made a pact that if either one was single when they were old, thirty, then they would marry each other.
Chloe does the unthinkable when she is 19 and causes her one true friend to hate her. Now she finds herself 30 and alone. She hates herself for what she did to Jackson all those years ago. Will coming home for a friends wedding be what Chloe needs to put her feelings out there and let Jackson know how sorry she is, or will it just be too little too late?
This book ends in one heck of a cliffhanger! It will leave you beyond speechless!!! I'm so ready for book two!!
Chloe and Jackson were childhood best friends. I loved reading about their close friendship and bond that seemed to be unbreakable. They even made a pact that if either one was single when they were old, thirty, then they would marry each other.
Chloe does the unthinkable when she is 19 and causes her one true friend to hate her. Now she finds herself 30 and alone. She hates herself for what she did to Jackson all those years ago. Will coming home for a friends wedding be what Chloe needs to put her feelings out there and let Jackson know how sorry she is, or will it just be too little too late?
This book ends in one heck of a cliffhanger! It will leave you beyond speechless!!! I'm so ready for book two!!
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