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Promise Me #1
Safe and Sound
16 year-old, Hailey Perish, knows her life can’t get much worse. Since her dad split a few years ago, Hailey’s mother has spiraled hard and fast, careening toward rock bottom and threatening to take her daughter down with her. Hailey now marks time by evictions, her mother’s poker games, and Saturday School where she voluntarily shows up for weekend detentions to secure her one promised meal of the week. She has no room for relationships, especially with someone like her childhood love and junior class golden boy, Carson Hart. Hailey trusted him once and Carson failed her. She’s determined not to let herself be hurt again.
When Hailey’s mom does the unthinkable and bets her own daughter in a high stakes poker game, Mitch, the loan shark, is all too eager and determined to collect on his debt. To him, Hailey is nothing but property. His property. And he’ll do anything to recover it. On the run from a fate that promises a much worse life than she already knows, there’s only one person in the world Hailey can call for help.
Will Carson be there for her in her darkest hour and deliver her from harm’s way safe and sound? Or will he abandon Hailey—just like he’s always done—just like they all do?
Alli Hope’s debut novel delivers an unforgettable story about love & surviving in the dark places. Safe & Sound contains mature situations and content.
When Hailey’s mom does the unthinkable and bets her own daughter in a high stakes poker game, Mitch, the loan shark, is all too eager and determined to collect on his debt. To him, Hailey is nothing but property. His property. And he’ll do anything to recover it. On the run from a fate that promises a much worse life than she already knows, there’s only one person in the world Hailey can call for help.
Will Carson be there for her in her darkest hour and deliver her from harm’s way safe and sound? Or will he abandon Hailey—just like he’s always done—just like they all do?
Alli Hope’s debut novel delivers an unforgettable story about love & surviving in the dark places. Safe & Sound contains mature situations and content.
- GenresYoung Adult
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2017
23 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 24, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an eGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review. And so that Alli could stalk my Goodreads updates.
This book does come with a content warning. It's not the darkest book, but it does have a few scenes that depict human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Writing: This book is great! Every scene felt important and the characters were so real. I was on the edge of my seat, even after the big major stuff happened.
Location: I liked that the story started in a small town. It shows that trafficking doesn't just happen in major cities.
Hailey and Carson go on a bit of a road trip to find her dad and even though it was a bit of a wild goose chase, it showed us a lot in regards to their relationship.
I'm not a big fan of the nick names. There! I said it! (I'm not a pet name person. Sue me.)
All in all, well written, well paced, etc etc etc. Now finish the next book, ALLI!!!
This book does come with a content warning. It's not the darkest book, but it does have a few scenes that depict human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Writing: This book is great! Every scene felt important and the characters were so real. I was on the edge of my seat, even after the big major stuff happened.
Location: I liked that the story started in a small town. It shows that trafficking doesn't just happen in major cities.
Hailey and Carson go on a bit of a road trip to find her dad and even though it was a bit of a wild goose chase, it showed us a lot in regards to their relationship.
I'm not a big fan of the nick names. There! I said it! (I'm not a pet name person. Sue me.)
All in all, well written, well paced, etc etc etc. Now finish the next book, ALLI!!!
February 13, 2017
4 stars
Safe and Sound is the opposite of what is going in Hailey's life. Since her father left 6 years ago everything has been spirialling down until she finally hits rock bottom and there is only one person left who she can call to help her.
Carson has his own secrets. He is a football player who has started getting into fights off the field. Even though Carson has a girlfriend he is in love with a girl who doesn't know he exists any more.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. There are some trigger warnings for Child Abuse and Rape and there were times where I was so ingrossed in the story it felt as though I was there watching what was going on and I really wanted to punch some of the characters.
I will be interested to know how the series will work as I felt as though the story wrapped up enough. If it is apart of a companion series I think it will work well.
Non Spoiler Book talk coming on my channel
Safe and Sound is the opposite of what is going in Hailey's life. Since her father left 6 years ago everything has been spirialling down until she finally hits rock bottom and there is only one person left who she can call to help her.
Carson has his own secrets. He is a football player who has started getting into fights off the field. Even though Carson has a girlfriend he is in love with a girl who doesn't know he exists any more.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. There are some trigger warnings for Child Abuse and Rape and there were times where I was so ingrossed in the story it felt as though I was there watching what was going on and I really wanted to punch some of the characters.
I will be interested to know how the series will work as I felt as though the story wrapped up enough. If it is apart of a companion series I think it will work well.
Non Spoiler Book talk coming on my channel
February 24, 2017
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
There are so many words that I want to put into this review, but alas if I did that, I'd give away the whole book. What I can tell you is that you will have all the feels. I am going to tell you right now that there are situations in this book that are for adults. There are scary situations and situations that make a 16 year old grow up super quick. I gave this book 5 stars becuse the writing is amazing. I dont know how Alli wrote this book and kept her wits about her. I give her mad props for writing a difficult subject.
Safe and Sound is a beautiful book. I would like to think that this book is about second chances. Because everyone deserves a second chance. This book, in my opinion, is an amazing book. Yes the subject in the book is very much in todays news, but I believe that Alli has tackled it well. I think you need to give this book a chance. I am glad that I did!
There are so many words that I want to put into this review, but alas if I did that, I'd give away the whole book. What I can tell you is that you will have all the feels. I am going to tell you right now that there are situations in this book that are for adults. There are scary situations and situations that make a 16 year old grow up super quick. I gave this book 5 stars becuse the writing is amazing. I dont know how Alli wrote this book and kept her wits about her. I give her mad props for writing a difficult subject.
Safe and Sound is a beautiful book. I would like to think that this book is about second chances. Because everyone deserves a second chance. This book, in my opinion, is an amazing book. Yes the subject in the book is very much in todays news, but I believe that Alli has tackled it well. I think you need to give this book a chance. I am glad that I did!
February 22, 2017
Wow, wow, wow!!! Incredible story!! I voluntarily agreed to read this book for my honest review and holy crap it was amazing! Everything 16 year Hailey goes through at such a young age is just unbelievable! And to have to do it alone, though its understandable how she doesn't want to confide in anybody about her port excuse of a life. Its just sad that she only had herself to rely on. Until Carson comes back in to her life then things change. This story is so captivating you won't want to put this book down! I know I didn't! I loved every minute of it! And I am so happy that Hailey had got her happily ever after, because she deserves it. Even though she will have some demons and nightmares to face. But in the end it all worked out for the better for her! Alli Hope you are amazing! And I can't wait to read more of your books!
March 1, 2017
A heartbreaking story with beautiful writing.
Hailey's character faces challenges (and that's putting it very mildly) that most of us don't even want to imagine a sixteen-year-old facing. That doesn't mean their stories don't need to be told. Her relationship with Carson is sweet and safe in a world that is very dangerous for them both.
Be sure to read all the way through Alli's end notes. She has put her whole heart into doing right by this story, and it shows.
Hailey's character faces challenges (and that's putting it very mildly) that most of us don't even want to imagine a sixteen-year-old facing. That doesn't mean their stories don't need to be told. Her relationship with Carson is sweet and safe in a world that is very dangerous for them both.
Be sure to read all the way through Alli's end notes. She has put her whole heart into doing right by this story, and it shows.
February 21, 2017
I read an early version of this a couple years ago and it was amazing. So while I haven't read it in its final state, I know it'll be even better.
February 10, 2017
Safe and Sound is a total irony of Hailey Perish's life, she is in a problem spot, and no hope. Her dad bailed on the family, while her mother escaped into drugs, no one else is looking after the sixteen year old. Trouble starts when her mom losses a bet, where she was the stake. Now Hailey has to figure out what to do with herself, before things get worse than they are.
This story is dark, border lining the YA genre with its background story. While author tries to make light of things with romance and friendship, Hailey still have to face reality. The story is fast paced, and the characters are generally acceptable. The main character Hailey and her beau Carson are probably more fleshed out, but the story wins the day.
This story is dark, border lining the YA genre with its background story. While author tries to make light of things with romance and friendship, Hailey still have to face reality. The story is fast paced, and the characters are generally acceptable. The main character Hailey and her beau Carson are probably more fleshed out, but the story wins the day.
February 18, 2017
I receive a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hailey's life went downhill when her father left their family 6 years ago and matters got worse with her mother's drug and gambling addiction. One day, her mother did the unthinkable and Hailey had no choice but to run and she desperately needed help.
Safe & Sound is an enjoyable book which I finished reading within 2 days. Although there are dark themes like rape and drugs in this book which would made me cringe whenever I read those scenes, there are also some lessons for the readers as well.
This book is all about betrayal and how to go about dealing with betrayal, especially the more serious ones. Below is a list of what I've gathered from the book:
- Do not gamble. You'll end up losing everything you have.
- Say no to drugs. You'll get addicted and do stupid things.
- Help your loved ones if they have the 2 problems mentioned above by seeking professional help. Don't wait until it is too late.
- Check the background of the professionals before you engage them.
As this book contains some mature theme, I would recommend to only those who aree 18 and above, or those mature enough to handle reading them.
Hailey's life went downhill when her father left their family 6 years ago and matters got worse with her mother's drug and gambling addiction. One day, her mother did the unthinkable and Hailey had no choice but to run and she desperately needed help.
Safe & Sound is an enjoyable book which I finished reading within 2 days. Although there are dark themes like rape and drugs in this book which would made me cringe whenever I read those scenes, there are also some lessons for the readers as well.
This book is all about betrayal and how to go about dealing with betrayal, especially the more serious ones. Below is a list of what I've gathered from the book:
- Do not gamble. You'll end up losing everything you have.
- Say no to drugs. You'll get addicted and do stupid things.
- Help your loved ones if they have the 2 problems mentioned above by seeking professional help. Don't wait until it is too late.
- Check the background of the professionals before you engage them.
As this book contains some mature theme, I would recommend to only those who aree 18 and above, or those mature enough to handle reading them.
April 8, 2017
I'm not a fast reader: it can take me months or even years to finish a book. But you could almost say I devoured this one.
From the calmest to the most exciting (or disgusting) chapters, I wanted to keep going. And I'm glad I did.
(Full Disclosure: Alli and I are good friends and fellow Slytherins. But this truly is a great book! Check it out!)
From the calmest to the most exciting (or disgusting) chapters, I wanted to keep going. And I'm glad I did.
(Full Disclosure: Alli and I are good friends and fellow Slytherins. But this truly is a great book! Check it out!)
March 20, 2017
Even if I weren't friends with Alli I would still be giving this book 5 stars.
The characters are well developed. The story never lagged. I was enthralled and traumatized. I even took a break to tell her that I did not like her for the next 5 seconds due to the distress her story was causing me. This is a very gripping book that refuses to let the reader go.
Extremely well done!
The characters are well developed. The story never lagged. I was enthralled and traumatized. I even took a break to tell her that I did not like her for the next 5 seconds due to the distress her story was causing me. This is a very gripping book that refuses to let the reader go.
Extremely well done!
February 24, 2017
I had not heard of or read any books by Alli Hope before and, despite having 6 books on my to read list, I decided to give Safe & Sound a try.
This is not the sort of story line that I usually read and the cover looks a bit scary for my tastes but, once I picked it up, yesterday, I just couldn't put it down!
You hear about this sort of thing happening and you just never think that it can happen to you, well, Hails sure finds out that not only can it happen....it does!
I loved the writing style and the details were amazing.
It all tied together and there was no dropped storylines.
I can definitely recommend this book. It may be a bit confrontational and make you feel sad, happy, mad, in fact, the whole range of emotions passes through but, I did love it and, I will certainly be reading more from Alli Hope.
This is not the sort of story line that I usually read and the cover looks a bit scary for my tastes but, once I picked it up, yesterday, I just couldn't put it down!
You hear about this sort of thing happening and you just never think that it can happen to you, well, Hails sure finds out that not only can it happen....it does!
I loved the writing style and the details were amazing.
It all tied together and there was no dropped storylines.
I can definitely recommend this book. It may be a bit confrontational and make you feel sad, happy, mad, in fact, the whole range of emotions passes through but, I did love it and, I will certainly be reading more from Alli Hope.
February 22, 2017
I have received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have really enjoyed this story. It's full of emotions and enough mystery to pull the reader straight away. It's definitely a book that can be finished within one sitting.
In here we meet Hailey whose life is nothing like the title. After her dad's death it was getting worse and worse. Until she hit the bottom and she knew there is only one person who can help her.
Carson. A football player who has his own secret. But even though he is there for Hailey.
This book is enough dark and has some triggers (abuse etc) that will make it an interesting read.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
I have really enjoyed this story. It's full of emotions and enough mystery to pull the reader straight away. It's definitely a book that can be finished within one sitting.
In here we meet Hailey whose life is nothing like the title. After her dad's death it was getting worse and worse. Until she hit the bottom and she knew there is only one person who can help her.
Carson. A football player who has his own secret. But even though he is there for Hailey.
This book is enough dark and has some triggers (abuse etc) that will make it an interesting read.
Highly recommended.
5 stars.
February 26, 2017
'Safe & Sound' is a gritty look into the lives we try to hide from others and even ourselves. It's about love and all of its forms, of surviving the worst life can throw at you, and the inner strength we're capable of. This isn't my usual type of novel - especially due to the sexual abuse issues. I definitely suggest readers heed the warning before beginning this book as some of the content is jarring and disturbing.
The story is written from two different perspectives - that of our main character, Hailey, and her love interest and friend, Carson. Both are told from the first person perspective, which I think is a perfect choice for this book. I'm a huge advocate for this writing style because the reader gets to know the character on a very personal level - and that's exactly what happens here. Hailey's story is the heart of the story and it's her pain and struggles we experience through her eyes. She's very realistic and I easily empathized with her throughout the book. Hailey's been through hell and it seems as if she can't catch a break. I'm not going to go through the plot as it's pretty intense (just read the description). I did have a bit of a problem identifying with Hailey and Carson though. I definitely sympathized for each of them, but their lives and character traits are so different from my own that I just couldn't connect on the right level that I believe this book calls for. That's completely on me and has nothing to do with the writing or the novel itself. I'm sure other readers won't have the same issues as I did. It's simply a personal problem on my side. Another thing that contributed to my reading was the material. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't normally read books like this or in this genre - especially if they have sexual abuse. Again, this is a personal issue on my end and has nothing to do with the novel or writing. I recommend this for fans of realistic YA fiction, contemporary, romance, and readers looking for a gritty novel with a heartfelt and hopeful silver lining.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is written from two different perspectives - that of our main character, Hailey, and her love interest and friend, Carson. Both are told from the first person perspective, which I think is a perfect choice for this book. I'm a huge advocate for this writing style because the reader gets to know the character on a very personal level - and that's exactly what happens here. Hailey's story is the heart of the story and it's her pain and struggles we experience through her eyes. She's very realistic and I easily empathized with her throughout the book. Hailey's been through hell and it seems as if she can't catch a break. I'm not going to go through the plot as it's pretty intense (just read the description). I did have a bit of a problem identifying with Hailey and Carson though. I definitely sympathized for each of them, but their lives and character traits are so different from my own that I just couldn't connect on the right level that I believe this book calls for. That's completely on me and has nothing to do with the writing or the novel itself. I'm sure other readers won't have the same issues as I did. It's simply a personal problem on my side. Another thing that contributed to my reading was the material. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't normally read books like this or in this genre - especially if they have sexual abuse. Again, this is a personal issue on my end and has nothing to do with the novel or writing. I recommend this for fans of realistic YA fiction, contemporary, romance, and readers looking for a gritty novel with a heartfelt and hopeful silver lining.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2017
When I first heard about Alli Hope's Safe & Sound, it was through author Heather Hildenbrand, an author I strongly admire and who's work I adore. Safe & Sound stood out to me for it's powerful and unique premise, one I positively could not wait to explore. I couldn't wait to see if everything would work out for the heroine and if her mother's misdeed would catch up with her, or if her childhood crush would find a way to keep her away from it all.
I devoured Safe & Sound in one solid sitting - it was that addictive! The title was strong in nature, featuring some scenes that truly brought the gripping realism to the situation Hailey was facing, and the presence of gambling, drugs, and betrayal painted an even more dire situation than I could have imagined simply from reading the premise. I absolutely adored Hailey and Carson together, and rooted for the duo from beginning to end. Safe & Sound, although focusing strongly on betrayal of a loved one and several other painful realities, it also focuses on the strength of friendship, love, and the depth of one's trust - I loved it!
Readers with a hankering for your non-stereotypical YA title are highly recommended Safe & Sound by Alli Hope.
I devoured Safe & Sound in one solid sitting - it was that addictive! The title was strong in nature, featuring some scenes that truly brought the gripping realism to the situation Hailey was facing, and the presence of gambling, drugs, and betrayal painted an even more dire situation than I could have imagined simply from reading the premise. I absolutely adored Hailey and Carson together, and rooted for the duo from beginning to end. Safe & Sound, although focusing strongly on betrayal of a loved one and several other painful realities, it also focuses on the strength of friendship, love, and the depth of one's trust - I loved it!
Readers with a hankering for your non-stereotypical YA title are highly recommended Safe & Sound by Alli Hope.
September 25, 2017
This book had me reading in stunned, frozen silence. The graphic reality of the society's underbelly was sickening, but very realistic. Monsters disguised as humans were especially frightening, no conscience, just money and power. The warning was fully justified, but the graphic scenes were necessary to include it in order to fully present the victims plight. Very intense. The ray of hope was Carson and Hailey's relationship, which was strengthening through their journey. Some scenes between them were very sweet, even their arguments helped them to build their bond. I was impressed by Carson's devotion and maturity, and his determination to protect Hailey, regardless of the danger to his own life. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2017
“Hails,” I insist, “you don’t owe me anything. It wasn’t a loan, and love isn’t a debt you have to pay back.”
Amen, Carson.
Alli, your writing is lovely! I was really impressed by your characters, as well. You went deep, and while it was painful to watch, the beauty is what stays with you. I gasped and cried and smiled and sighed right along with Hails Bells and Beats. ❤ I mean, I truly love those 2!
This book was packed full of ugly situations that most people don't want to address. Bringing topics like human trafficking into the spotlight gets people taking about it, and some even find themselves fighting the good fight.
Amen, Carson.
Alli, your writing is lovely! I was really impressed by your characters, as well. You went deep, and while it was painful to watch, the beauty is what stays with you. I gasped and cried and smiled and sighed right along with Hails Bells and Beats. ❤ I mean, I truly love those 2!
This book was packed full of ugly situations that most people don't want to address. Bringing topics like human trafficking into the spotlight gets people taking about it, and some even find themselves fighting the good fight.
September 13, 2017
Not for the faint of heart, but pretty gripping and a story that will feel too close to home for some teens. It features two gutsy teens and a mother who belongs in the top ten worst literary mothers ever. While the language and some subject matter might make some libraries shy away, I feel it's a good one for most public and some school libraries to consider because it looks at a subject that's real, but all too often gets swept under the rug.
July 17, 2017
I didn't absolutely adore this book, I found the choices of the characters to be frustrating at times and often wanted to chuck my Nook because of it. However, the story was raw and gritty and when they weren't making terrible choices, Hailey and Carson were a pretty good team.
By the way, I love the cover of this book. It's the reason I was initially drawn to this book.
By the way, I love the cover of this book. It's the reason I was initially drawn to this book.
December 11, 2017
3.5 stars. This book was a bit too boring for me and I didn’t emotionally connect with the characters at all. This book also says it contains mature content but I think there should be a little bit more of a warning that it contains detailed sexual abuse. I was not expecting that at all.
February 22, 2017
I must admit it was the cover that drew me in to start, it just grabbed my attention straight away and made me read the blurb to see what the story was about.
From the first page I was drawn in. I found that this book had it's intense & happy moments and definitely brought out the emotions. We get to hear from both of the main characters, Hailey & Will. I just adored them so much, especially Hailey.
I think Alli Hope did an amazing job and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Would I recommend? Yes, I most definitely do but be warned, there is some scenes that can be tough to read. But in the end completely worth it.
From the first page I was drawn in. I found that this book had it's intense & happy moments and definitely brought out the emotions. We get to hear from both of the main characters, Hailey & Will. I just adored them so much, especially Hailey.
I think Alli Hope did an amazing job and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Would I recommend? Yes, I most definitely do but be warned, there is some scenes that can be tough to read. But in the end completely worth it.
April 8, 2017
Safe and Sound by Alli Hope is a heart wrenching story that follows Hailey on a mission to find her father after her mother loses a bet that lands her in the hands of human traffickers. Backed into an impossible situation, Hailey turned to the one person she knows she can always count on, Carson. The childhood best friends have drifted apart over the last six years, but they have never forgotten each other. When rumors bound around school about Hailey, Carson is always there to punch someone out…literally.
Alli Hope writes Hailey’s relationship with her mother in a way that completely shattered my heart. She loves her mother so much and does nothing by try to protect her even though her mother literally gambles away Hailey’s life. And the way she thinks of her father, as if this man who abandoned her years ago is going to show up and be this shining star in her life is absolutely heartbreaking. It shattered me so much that I had to put the book down for a little bit and then get back story when I had taped it back together a little bit.
The journey itself in the story isn’t about the road trip, not really, instead it’s about Hailey trying to figure out what she deserves in life. After years of watching over her mother, being harassed by one of her mom’s many boyfriends, working her butt off to make sure they always have a home to live in she sets out on this journey where she has to come to terms with the fact that she is important to.
I really truly feel like this journey of self-discovery and reliance is the true journey of this book. Yes, Caron has his own narration too, but it all comes together and revolves around Hailey.
Another thing that Alli Hope shows in this novel is human trafficking. This is a horrific thing that is so widespread and happens every single day, every single hour and moment, but doesn’t have the well-known attention that it deserves. What’s scary is that Mitch is able to control people with money so easily. This is how this can all occur in real life. One of the most lucrative trades throughout time is the buying and selling of human beings. Money can buy you a lot of things and it can also buy you obedience and silence. This book only gives just a tiny miniscule glimpse into the underground world of human trafficking, but it was enough to leave an impact.
If you’re looking for a gritty contemporary with a tiny bit of romance flung in then this book is for you!
Alli Hope writes Hailey’s relationship with her mother in a way that completely shattered my heart. She loves her mother so much and does nothing by try to protect her even though her mother literally gambles away Hailey’s life. And the way she thinks of her father, as if this man who abandoned her years ago is going to show up and be this shining star in her life is absolutely heartbreaking. It shattered me so much that I had to put the book down for a little bit and then get back story when I had taped it back together a little bit.
The journey itself in the story isn’t about the road trip, not really, instead it’s about Hailey trying to figure out what she deserves in life. After years of watching over her mother, being harassed by one of her mom’s many boyfriends, working her butt off to make sure they always have a home to live in she sets out on this journey where she has to come to terms with the fact that she is important to.
I really truly feel like this journey of self-discovery and reliance is the true journey of this book. Yes, Caron has his own narration too, but it all comes together and revolves around Hailey.
Another thing that Alli Hope shows in this novel is human trafficking. This is a horrific thing that is so widespread and happens every single day, every single hour and moment, but doesn’t have the well-known attention that it deserves. What’s scary is that Mitch is able to control people with money so easily. This is how this can all occur in real life. One of the most lucrative trades throughout time is the buying and selling of human beings. Money can buy you a lot of things and it can also buy you obedience and silence. This book only gives just a tiny miniscule glimpse into the underground world of human trafficking, but it was enough to leave an impact.
If you’re looking for a gritty contemporary with a tiny bit of romance flung in then this book is for you!
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January 4, 2018 I think this part is an important look at human trafficking open a young adult Mark for a great trigger warnings but overall it was a fantastic book and get the suspense I want a little romance I have a recommend it if a heartbreaking look inside of this world I prop care of all of the main character when her mom gamble away her work she’ll give it a foreign a half stars
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