Sullivan's Promise

Bitter Creek #12

by Joan Johnston

Two unforgiving lovers reunite for the sake of their child in this fiery contemporary romance from Joan Johnston, the New York Times bestselling author of Surrender.

Facing the unexpected consequences of a life-altering night of passion with a cowboy she met in a Jackson Hole bar, and with her life committed to protecting endangered species, Victoria Grayhawk does what she believes is the right thing. She hunts down the cowboy, seeking his agreement that their baby should be adopted by a loving family.

Montana rancher Ryan Sullivan has no intention of giving away his own flesh and blood, and takes their son to raise himself. When Vick realizes what a horrible mistake she’s made, and wants back into their child’s life, Rye remains inflexible—because once trust is lost there are no second chances—until an attack by one of the grizzlies Vick has spent her life protecting changes everything and Rye learns that sometimes love can heal all wounds.

The passionate Westerns in Joan Johnston’s Bitter Creek series can be enjoyed together or separately, in any order:
TEXAS BRIDE • WYOMING BRIDE • MONTANA BRIDE • SINFUL • SHAMELESS • BLACKTHORNE’S BRIDE • SULLIVAN’S PROMISE

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Westerns

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 30, 2019

About the author

Joan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.

Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.

Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.

Awards

* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride

Reviews

[Heather 123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series I've read, however I do believe that it can be read as a stand alone.

This is an odd review, because on one hand I absolutely loved the book. I loved reading about how Ryan took charge when Lexie didn't want the child they conceived during a one night stand. I loved watching Lexie try to redeem herself and watching Ryan finally come along. Loved the twist with Ryan's backstory and who he really was.

So now you're asking why the 3 star review.

It felt like the author added an entire second book into this book. Things were great for the first quarter and then suddenly several other characters are added that initially you think has nothing to do with Ryan and Lexie. I skipped over those chapters completely and still finished the book without missing anything. So this is what brought my review down to three stars. What could have happened in two chapters happened over at least 7-8 chapters which made me feel disconnected from the actual story.

Also...the ending just felt out of place.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot goin’ on in this book! Sullivan’s Promise is a standalone however characters from previous books (like the families of the hero and heroine) show up and I always like to know who they are. There is always room for more about them but this story is about Victoria Grayhawk (Vick) and Ryan Sullivan.

I won’t even try to talk about the plot because it is finely woven around three families. (You’ll meet the third family when you start to read.) It did sorta make me chuckle because who could think up the interactions of all of these people? Ms. Johnston did a great job laying out the story and it answered some questions that I had from previous books. Again, not a deal breaker if you haven’t read the previous books in the series.

I didn’t ever think that Vick got the short end of the stick with Ryan and their son. I was firmly in Ryan’s camp, although it seemed that no one else was. Vick certainly changed a lot over the course of the story (and before) but still, I’m not one to automatically give a break to the heroine just because. IMHO, she needed to work for it. And she does.

Ryan’s family also has some blows dealt to them and Ryan is left to work things out by himself…until Victoria helps guide him. They make a good team, if both can get past their own hurts, dreams, and trauma.

I enjoyed this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy from NetGalley. The opinions expressed, above, are honest and my own.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Grayhawk did what she believed was the right thing in approaching Ryan Sullivan about giving their baby up for adoption. Ryan has no intentions of giving away his own flesh and blood and takes their son to raise himself and when Vick realizes her mistake, he remains inflexible. When tragedy strikes and Ryan’s brother is hospitalized, Vick steps in to help and Ryan learns that sometimes love can heal all wounds.

‘Sullivan’s Promise is an emotionally gripping read that explores life realities and gives Ryan and Vick a second chance to get things right. The characters are strong, captivating and lots of sizzling chemistry that makes their life difficult during while they are trying to navigate their life choices. Their romance is quite emotional and the story actually has multiple couples’ stories happening that really shows all of life’s ups and downs and has readers experiencing a whole range of emotions right along with the characters.

The plot is steady to fast paced and keeps the suspense of this happily ever building throughout the story which a kind of complex tangle of family, friends and enemies. The connections between all these people and what their HEA’s depend on really engages readers as they want to get to know all of the characters and the whole dynamic of these interconnected families with some unexpected twists happening along the way.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fair warning: Joan Johnston books come with twenty years worth of family dynasties and side romances and torrid affairs that break up couples from prior series.

THAT BEING SAID, this was a fun second chance romance even if I wanted to hit Rye over the head for 60% of the book. I desperately also want Mike’s book now?

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read all of the books in this series and maybe I wouldn't have been so confused if I had(?). I'm just not sure. The story with what I thought was the two main characters was going along nicely and I was really enjoying it. The next day I started a new chapter and actually wondered if I had somehow opened up another book. I'm still not positive that I have all the connections down. I would need to go back and reread some to get it all 100%.
That said, the book was good. I was just a little confused some of the time. I loved that the two main characters were coming back together and were willing to work on the relationship after a long time of there being nothing but hostility and regret between them. I just wished it hadn't been so confusing!
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Tonya Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joan Johnston is and has always been one of my favorite authors.
Her Bittercreek Series I’ve read twice and have loved, loved it.
As I’m reading Sullivan’s Promise I reflect on all the different storylines and plots Ms. Johnston has weaved throughout every book. She is a masterful author in delivering surprising twist and she didn’t let me down with Sullivan’s Promise.
The huge twist in this one left me shouting and happy dancing in the middle of the book.
Kudos to Ms Johnston for writing a series that just keeps giving and giving. Never a boring moment in this series!!!!!

Netgalley provided my early copy for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this final entry in the King's Brats series, we finally get Vick and Ryan's story. Well actually you get their story plus a few other romances as well. This book is best read as part of the series simply because there are so many characters who are interwoven into this story that readers have become invested in their lives over the years. So this final book was a good wrap up/catch up for everyone in the family. However, even though Joan Johnston did a great job wrapping up this series, she also set up a perfect lead in, hopefully, for Ryan's brother Mike to get his own story.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and am very sorry to see the series end.

[Cherie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book lot of different characters, little hard to follow but really liked it.☆☆☆☆☆☆

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this trip back to Bitter Creek and all the amazing charters there... was a page-turning read that had me hooked from beginning to end and I was so happy to be along for the journey. A very heartwarming and entertaining reading experience.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sullivan's Promise is an outstanding western romance by Joan Johnston. Ms. Johnston has provided readers with a book that is well-written and populated it with a stellar cast of characters. Vick gave up her baby to his father. Six months later she was at Sullivan's door, admitting her mistake and wanting to see her son. Vick and Sullivan's story is packed with drama, bits of humor, action and spice. Sullivan's Promise hooked me from page one and kept me glued to my e-reader way past bedtime. I enjoyed every page. This story does have little glimpses of what's going on in other family members lives that may confuse new to this series readers, but for those that have been reading the series, it's a great visit with past characters. Sullivan's Promise is book 12 of the Bitter Creek Series, but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I just hope the next book is Mike's story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting a long time for this book, and it was worth it. Sullivan's Promise wraps up a long time series by Joan Johnston. This book answers a long of questions I had from reading previous books in the series. It is one again well researched, and gives some background on the behaviors of grizzly bears and humans. This book was set in Montana, Wyoming, and Texas. Family, love, love lost are all through this book and at the end it all comes together in a way that makes the reader very happy. Throughout this book, I laughed, cried, was angry, and ended being very very happy. I will miss the families in this series, but will be reading it again.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second time around reading JJ’s contemporary western romance and as I said before, I love reading her western stories, especially her historical western romances, and now I’m fast becoming a fan of her contemporary western romance.

I liked these characters a lot and the plot was well written, but because I am new to this series and have read only two books in it, this story was a bit confusing to me. Nevertheless, I did enjoy couple of romances that were within the main one.

Second chance at romance trope is one of my favorite, and this story had me cry, laugh and chuckle throughout.

Melanie for b2b

Gift ARC provided by the publisher

[Gail Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner by Joan Johnston! The natural first question a reader might have is whether “King’s Brats” and “Those Awful Flynn Boys” are at it again! It does not appear that that is the case, even though this book is the final installment in the King’s Brat books. Victoria “Vick/Lexie” Grayhawk and Ryan “Rye” Sullivan meet and have one magic night. Vick has abandonment issues, so she bolts before Rye wakes up the next morning. Rye feels a connection to “Lexie,” and can’t get that night out of his mind, no matter how hard he tries. Although “Lexie” would like to forget that night, she is pregnant and goes to face “Rye” so that the baby can be adopted. Rye will not give up his flesh and blood, so he raises their son the first 6 months of his life. Vick returns and faces Rye so that she might have a relationship with their son. Rye sees everything in terms of black and white and refuses to let “Lexie” have a moment more than the single weekend a month in their custody agreement. Vick fights 5 long, hard years to be the best mother she can, but Rye is steadfast in his resolve that she will not have one more minute than was agreed to when “Lexie” signed her rights for sole custody to Rye. Fate steps in when Rye’s brother Mike is mauled by a bear and faces a life and death fight. Since their mom Darcy wants to remain at the hospital with Mike until he is out of danger, which could take weeks or months, Rye is between a rock and a hard place. He has no one to watch their son while he runs the ranch on his own. Rye allows “Lexie” to move in and take care of their son. It is a bittersweet dream come true for Vick. She gets to spend everyday taking care of their son, but she didn’t count on still having feelings for Rye. Rye faces the same demon. He still has feelings for “Lexie.”

As the final book in the King’s Brat series, Ryan and Victoria are not the only characters with a story that needs to be told. We learn the fate of Leah Grayhawk and Aidan Flynn. Although married, they live apart and keep their marriage a secret from all but a select few. Their dreams are to each gain control of their own family ranch and unite the 2 ranches so that the longstanding feud between King Grayhawk and Angus Flynn is finally put to rest. Leah is up against King wanting to give his firstborn son, Matt, Kingdom Come. Their marriage suffers because Leah is bent on being deeded Kingdom Come. Will they each be deeded their family ranch and unite the 2 ranches into 1 family ranch? Time will tell.

The love story of Matt Grayhawk and his childhood sweetheart, Jenny is also pivotal to this book. Matt was to stay on the ranch for 365 days, and the ranch was to have been deeded to him. A few weeks shy of the date, Matt learns Jenny, who is a widow, has cancer and is all alone. Matt leaves Kingdom Come to take car of the love of his life. Jenny, however, is not so ready to pick up where they left off. She doesn’t know if she can forgive Matt for keeping their daughter away from her the first 20 years of Pippa’s life. Matt and Jenny were both told their daughter died. Matt found Pippa and left for Australia so Pippa would remain with him. He never found the right time to contact Jenny t let her know Pippa was alive. Matt is willing to give up Kingdom Come to be with the love of his life. Does King have other plans for his son?

What about Angus Flynn? He is definitely not out of the picture. We learn that Rye’s mother Darcy and Angus Flynn have a secret past of their own. That past could very well indicate that the fourth and final “King’s Brat” ends up with an “Awful Flynn Boy!” Is Rye Sullivan Darcy and Patrick Sullivan’s son? Or is there another unknown parent or set of parents out there somewhere?

You will race through the story so that you can find out if love triumphs again (in 4 separate, but joined storylines)! This reader has already read the book twice so she wouldn’t miss any revelations. This is another satisfying, well thought out novel, that leaves the reader with a satisfying resolution to four precarious relationships.

We are left with an inkling at the end that maybe Rye’s brother Mike, who believes he is a monster because of his grizzly attach wounds, may need some matchmaking help so he does not end up a hermit. This reader can’t wait for Mike’s story! Hopefully Joan will fulfill this reader’s wish.

Sullivan’s Promise is a definite must read!

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start to do justice to this story. I’ve read most of this author’s books especially all the series and books that are connected to these characters back to Captive and I have recommended these books to so many people I know so when I read this book it both warmed my heart and broke my heart. This is such a strong story with so many answers. All the many characters are so relatable that they just come to life. This book did the same.

Ryan Sullivan is so responsible that even his one night stand makes him take action. He doesn’t know he was with Victoria Grayhawk until later in the story. Victoria at the same time doesn’t know that her one night stand would so change her life. As both of them deal with the issue of Cody the story brings in so many other characters. This author has the unique way of going full circle, Ryan’s mom Darcie has unfinished business with Angus Flynn. Matt and Jennie and King Grayhawk’s outcome are some resolved. So may other open questions are resolved in this book. The overall story warmed my heart. The ending is good but saying goodbye to so many of these characters felt like I had attended a funeral. I feel like I lost friends. I feel like there might be further stories involving Ryan’s brother Mike and sister Amy Beth but I don’t know if any of the other characters will be in further stories. This is the one story I would have hated to have missed. It ties up so many other books and gives a updated picture where the characters are currently. As always I can’t wait to see what will come next.

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sullivan's Promise tells the story of Montana rancher Ryan Sullivan & the mother of his 5-yr old son, Victoria "Vick" Grayhawk, a conservation expert in the grizzly bear. This is the first book by Joan Johnson that I have read and I'm finding myself eager to go back and read the previous books in The Bitter Creek series about the battling Flynn and Grayhawk families.

Certain in her decision to avoid parenthood to the baby conceived during a chance encounter with a stranger, Vick gave up custody of her infant son to his father only to regret her impulsive decision. Now 5 yrs later, she has made the best of the one weekend a month visit Ryan must allow her according to the terms of the custody agreement. Ryan doesn't trust her.

These are 2 people who love each other and must learn to trust each other when a bear attack throws Ryan's carefully ordered world into chaos. I enjoyed Ryan and Vick's emotional Journey back to each other through revelation of decades old family secrets. Their part of the story was beautiful. It got a little bit confusing, however, when we got updates on two other of her siblings and there problematic love affairs with their significant others. Ryan & Vick's story got I interrupted for her brother Matt & his lady & for her sister Leah & her husband Aiden.  I felt that there were a few too many points of you for one story.

Despite that, I recommend  Sullivan's Promise and give it a solid 4-star rating.

Arc provided by Net Galley. 

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sullivan's Promise was the last book in Joan Johnston's Brat Series. Even though it is a stand alone I would highly recommend reading the other books in the series to get the full back story. Rye and Vick are the main characters in this book even though her sisters are featured. Vick gave up custody of their baby Cody to Rye and six months later regretted that decision and came back to start her monthly visists with him. That is the prologue. Fast forward six years and she has moved to Montana to be closer to Cody. Though Rye still insists she can only see him once a month. His brother is attacked and almost killed by a bear and while he is in the hospital Rye asks Vick to move into his house and help with Cody because his mother has decided to stay at the hospital to watch over his brother. Rye realizes his feelings for Vick have never changed but the two have a lot to overcome in the trust department. I like how Joan was able to weave the other sisters into the book and finish up their stories without taking anything away from the main characters. Sometimes when too many characters are in a book it is hard to follow all the stories. That wasn't the case with this book. I really enjoyed reading the epilogue but I won't give any of that away. If you have already ready read the other stories in this series you will be happy how and surprised how this book ended.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of Sullivan's Promise from Random House-Ballantine and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions expressed below are not solicited in any way.**

Sullivan's Promise by Joan Johnson encompasses several of the authors series of books and this is Ryan Sullivan and Victoria Grayhawk's story. I have not read any of the previous books so I am at a bit of a disadvantage not knowing the background of the blended families. For me there were several distracting moments but the book is very good and very good.

Ryan Sullivan had a one night stand with Vic Grayhawk that gave both of them a surprise with little Cody. With Victoria head to college and not wanting to raise a child Ryan manned up to become the dad he's always wanted to be. When Victoria completes her studies her once a month visitations with her son aren't enough. When an accident happens with Mike Ryan's brother he's faced with needing her assistance to care for Cody. Is there a possibly of both Ryan and Victoria discovering that they can fall in love and become a couple?

Victoria Grayhawk works tirelessly protecting the bears and wolves in the surrounding area. Even though she loves her time with her son she wants more. But when Ryan's brother is attacked and wounded by a Grizzly he asks her to help with taking care of Cody and the house while his mother stays with Mike. She starts to wonder if Ryan could be the person she's always loved is there a possibility of a forever after?

There are several stories being wrapped up with all of the families in the series but not having read those stories I don't want to ruin the story lines by being wrong.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Grayhawk had made the biggest mistake of her life when she gave almost complete custody of her son to his father, Ryan Sullivan. She regretted that mistake within six months and was glad that her lawyer had insisted on some limited visitation. Her son is now five years old and even though she has purchased a cabin near Rye’s ranch, the visitations are no longer enough for her. Vick works diligently with resources to protect bears and when Rye’s brother is attacked, she knows that the bear must be found and killed. Rye also wants the bear eliminated before someone else is attacked. His family situation has become so involved that Rye has asked Vick to move in to his home to care for their son. Can he ever completely forgive Vick and give them a chance to heal and become a family? Victoria’s sibling has become more involved in the ongoing feud between her father and her husband’s father. The entire Grayhawk and Flynn family have issues that need solving. Will the two families be able to finally put the feud to rest? This was a wonderful “mini wrap up” and update in some ways to the continuing characters of Ms. Johnston’s “Bitter Creek” series, but I have no doubt that we will be hearing more about these characters that we have grown to love. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC from one of my favorite romance authors through Netgalley. I have been a huge fan of the Bitter Creek novels. Sullivan’s Promise is high up on my favorites as the story of the family and those around them continue. I could not put this book down! Victoria Grayhawk and Ryan Sullivan share a son from a one-night stand. Victoria, scared, made a bad choice and has had to suffer the consequences of not being able to see her son as much as she’d like. Rye has not let her forget her bad choice either. Due to unforeseen circumstances they are thrown together, really close. Is Rye who he thought he was ‘it’s a small world’ is all I can say. I love Joan’s characters. Even when they make stupid decisions, somehow, I still like them, that is a gift that Joan has. There is so much going on in this book. I don’t think any of Joan’s books have just one love story…it’s like getting a bonus. You can read this as a stand alone but give yourself a gift and get the whole shebang…you won’t regret it! I hate to tell you how many times I have re-read some of these books, I might start over until the next book comes out! Mike Sullivan has GOT to have his story! PLEASE JOAN!

[Marie Beilfuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reviewing with book for a free ARC copy. This is the last book in the King’s Brats Series. Joan does a great job of telling us Vick’s story that has been woven through the other 3 books. We have been waiting for this final story to see Vick and Ryan’s story evolve and resolve. She also completed Leah’s story and Matt’s story that was woven through the other books. You are rooting for all the children of King and Angus to prevail and end the feud within the families. I enjoyed this book more than the last book (Surrender). This story is about trust, love, second chances and learning what it means to be a flawed human. You feel for Vick on the decisions she made as a 21 year old, you understand how Ryan feels about his decisions and parts of their history he is responsible for. This is a second chance romance that I really enjoyed (and I don’t typically like second chance romances).
You can read this standalone, but it truly will be better if you read all three previous books (Sinful, Shameless, and Surrender). Great read and great wrap-up to the series. (And here is hoping the next book is Mike’s story)

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!! I LOVED this novel! Sullivan's Promise is the last book in the King's Brat series. I recommend starting with the first King's Brat book, to thoroughly enjoy this series, but it can be read standalone. The Bitter Creek series is my all time favorite series of Joan Johnston's novels. In this last installment of King's Brats, we get Victoria Grayhawk and Ryan Sullivan's story. A one night stand that led to an unexpected pregnancy is what starts all the emotional turmoil. Vick wants the baby to be adopted by a loving family and Rye will have none of it. He is raising his son and to hell with Victoria Grayhawk. These 2 characters are the epitome of opposites attract, and second chance love. This novel takes you on an emotional journey of forgiveness and love. The push and pull between Vick and Rye gave me all the feelings you crave in a great romance novel. I absolutely loved the Epilogue and I hope Rye's brother Mike Sullivan will eventually get his own novel and Happily Ever After. Read the Bitter Creek Series! You won't be disappointed. No other author captures the authentic Western Romance like Joan Johnston!

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC*

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven’t read a Joan Johnston, you owe it to yourself to dive into one today. Sullivan's Promise would be a great start even though it is part of a series. It reads very well as a stand-alone even though both of the main characters have families who made appearances.

This is a story that I got completely lost in while reading, forgetting everything that was going on around me. I was so invested in the life of the child as well as the parents. I will also say it was easy to love Ryan Sullivan who made decisions based on the welfare of the child. Still he was harsh at times with Vick but then I think she did have to prove herself as one who will stick.

Like the last book I read by Joan Johnston, Sullivan’s Promise has all the right making for a riveting read; amazing writing, engrossing scenes, genuine characters involved in a complicated relationship, and a story that is emotionally charged. The best part - Love wins in the end. Wow, what a memorable story!

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a hookup with a man she met at a Jackson Hole bar, Victoria Grayhawk leaves with a souvenir, a pregnancy. A baby doesn’t fit into her life plan, as she is committed to her job of protecting endangered species. She reaches out to the baby daddy, rancher Ryan Sullivan, hoping that he will agree that adoption is their best option.

Rancher Ryan does not believe adoption is the answer and takes the baby to raise by himself. Vick has regrets and wants a second chance, but Ryan is not willing to give one. Then life happens and hearts change and the strongest of people need help and time to heal wounds.

This book is the 12th installment in the Bitter Creek series by Joan Johnston. I have not read the other novels, but I enjoyed this one enough to check out the rest of the series and maybe all of my questions about character connections will be answered. I can see myself reading this book again, mostly so I get some reader clarity. I liked the book, but it didn’t really stand alone for me. I encourage new readers to The Bitter Creek series to start from the beginning...

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Sullivan's Promise
Author: Joan Johnston
Publisher: Random House Publishing Groups - Ballantine
Series: Bitter Creek # 12
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Sullivan's Promise" by Joan Johnston

My Rationalization...

This was quite a gratifying story that was not only caught up in drama but also emotional, sexy, with unexpected twists and most of all a heartfelt read. Add in a little mystery with some suspense and you have one heck of a good read that will keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. Get ready for some interesting characters as the storyline is woven in from the families of the Sullivan's Grayhawks, and the Flynn throughout the read. Be ready for some romance that will put a smile on your face. I loved how this author was able to tie this series all together answering lots of questions and even though I know this is the last of the Bitter Creek Series it still would be good to see what happens with Ryan's brother Mike.

[Dolly Sickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan Johnston tempts us with the inflexible cowboy in SULLIVAN'S PROMISE, a contemporary story about a cowboy who raises the child from a one-night-stand by himself. Victoria Grayhawk is in Jackson Hole for her work on protecting endangered species when she meets Montana rancher Ryan Sullivan. They have a hot night together, followed by a not-so-hot discovery that she’s pregnant. When she suggests the baby be adopted, Ryan decides to keep and raise the child, Cody, by himself. Vick comes around and realizes she’s made a mistake, and fortunately the judge who worked with them had the forethought to write in visitation rights. When Ryan’s brother is mauled by a grizzly bear, he needs Vick to step in and help with Cody while he works the ranch. I wouldn’t really call this a second-chance love story because how much love can you expect from a one-night stand, but it is a good tale of redemption and second chances in life.

*Originally published at Frolic: https://frolic.media/mamas-dont-let-y...

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the twelfth book in the Bitter Creek Series. Ryan and Vick will capture your attention in this heartbreaking and heartwarming story. One night of passion between two strangers left them with a special surprise. When Vick confronts Ryan asking for permission to put the baby up for adoption he chooses to keep the baby and raise it as a single Dad. The plot has many twists and involves several families and some characters from previous books. But this book can be read as a standalone. Lots of drama and no shortage of emotion. Things get interesting months later when she realizes that she made a mistake giving up her rights to the baby. Lots of family dynamics and plenty of twists will have you page turning. I had not read any of the other books in the series and was able to keep up. But I would recommend reading the other books so you'll be up to date on all the interconnecting characters. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review this book.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. There are really several romances going on through the story with the main one between Rye and Vick. Rye and Vick had shared one night of passion and then Vick disappeared. She shows up later to tell Rye that she is pregnant and that she will give up all rights to their child. But, Vick changes her mind and Rye doesn't like it. He has to give her visitation, but he doesn't have to like it. Over the last 5 years, Vick has demonstrated that she can be a good mother, but Rye isn't giving her more visitation. After his brother is mauled by a bear, he needs Vick's help and she is so happy to spend more time with Cody. As she also spends more time with Rye, he is thinking he might have been wrong about her. Rye's mother has been harboring a secret for years and it is pretty devastating to Rye. Too much is happening and he needs Vick's support. Can Vick trust his about face or will he turn on her again?

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll lose yourself in this epic western romance!

At the heart of it, this book tells the story of the slow-building romance of Ryan (Rye) and Victoria (Vick/Lexie) as they figure out co-parenting after a fruitful one-night-stand. But as the latest in a long series, this story also deals with the generations-old feud between the Flynn and the Grayhawk families, connecting to the current romance with the revelation of a shocking secret.

Lexie has spent years trying to convince Rye that she's atoned for her youthful mistake, but it takes a near-tragedy to wake Rye up to the passion and chemistry that he's always known was there. Rye is slow to trust, slow to risk his heart, slow to take any chances with his son's future. But eventually he finds his heart melting when it comes to young Cody's mother.

This is epic storytelling at its finest, showing us the personal growth of the characters with a surprising depth of emotion. The addition of the extended families on both sides - all three, really - drives home the emotional impact of how romance is, at its core, the vehicle for building families generation after generation and its importance cannot be overstated. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One cool night in Montana, Rye Sullivan met a beautiful lady, Lexie, and ended up in bed with her. When Rye woke up the next morning, he was alone and bewildered! He thought he had met his soulmate! Time went by and he found out that one night of passion had turned into a baby! Unfortunately, Lexie didn’t want a child and she was willing to give up her rights and her child to Rye. Six months later, Lexie was back, full of remorse and sadness as she tried to explain to Rye that she had made a mistake and wanted to be part of her child’s life again. Rye is reluctant to take her into his son's life as he worried what danger he would chance with his own heart. I enjoyed this sweet story that shows a strong dad and a "flighty" mom and their fight to make the best life for their son and their family. Four strong stars for this contemporary romance.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for allowing me to read and review this book.