Promise You

by Fabiola Francisco

She wants to be friends. I want more.

I’ve had my eyes set on her for months. The gorgeous brunette captured my attention when I first saw her and stole my heart when I met her.

Making it in the music industry has taken its toll on me, chipping away at my confidence and patience. The one thing that keeps me going is having Reese by my side. I’m determined to show her how good we can be together, even if she continues to pretend there’s nothing between us.

One night changes everything, risking the only thing I’d want more than a career in country music—her.

A friends-to-lovers Rebel Desire series spin-off - can be read as a STANDALONE

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Music, Romance

Published May 1, 2019

About the author

I am an indie author who writes contemporary romance and women's fiction. You'll often find southern gentleman in my books and a love for country music. Coffee fiend and star gazer.

Website | Facebook | Instagram| Reader Group

Reviews

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promise You by Fabiola Francisco is an emotional powerhouse of a story that is a rollercoaster of a ride which is full of feels, angst, twists, heat, drama and heart. Dex and Reese bring the sparks and the chemistry big time so buckle up and hang on tight! Fabiola has you hooked from the start- Dex and Reese's friends to lovers angsty read that is a deliciously tempting rollercoaster ride of emotions. Do they or don't they in this game of HEA ? Trust me, you'll be reading as fast as you can to find out to see which way Reese decides and how Dex really feels. Great ending!!



My Rating: 4.5 stars ******

[Fabiola Francisco]

Promise You is now live! Grab this funny, sexy, and full of heart romance at your favorite retailer!

“I love friends-to-lovers story lines and Promise You has two-stepped its way to the top of my list.” Alicia, Goodreads Review




Read it today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2N9E1ok
Nook: http://bit.ly/2NdXHry
iBooks: https://apple.co/2EfoMrr
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Gs8Nsg
Eden Books: http://bit.ly/2EdSahJ
VOTE for most anticipated romance of 2019! http://bit.ly/2ChkcY4

A spin-off of Rebel Desire and Memories of Us, comes a new country music romance standalone!

Reese has sworn off musicians. She knows they only lead to heartbreak, so when feelings for Dex start to surface, she tries her hardest to remain just friends. There’s only one flaw to her plan, Dex isn’t backing down when it comes to winning her heart.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 💖💖💖🌟s

A sweet romantic story, slow burn and beautiful characters.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

This was the perfect mix of funny, sweet, heart, and angst for me in this moment. We get to revisit some old characters that I LOVED and take this journey with Dex and Reese into a new section of the Nashville scene that Fabiola created for us. Dex is an upcoming country star that and Reese is the sister of a country band member, the two shouldn't be attracted or fall in love but they do. However, none of that happens before they become friends first. They both have dreams and internal issues that prevents them from crossing that line from friends to lovers sooner but when they do things get sexy.

This specific video review will be included in the May 2019 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Christy Pastore · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED LOVED LOVED!!

Promise You is sweet, funny, sassy, witty, and simply put → AMAZING! Downright amazing. It's the kind of friends-to-lovers romance that doesn't just tug at your heartstrings, it pulls you all the way in . . . and you find it difficult not to fall in love with both of these characters.

Dex and Reese's story will have you wrapped up in all the feels from beginning to end. It will make you laugh and swoon. Sprinkle in the perfect amount of drama and BAM → you have everything I love about a small-town romance.

Get your hands on this one, now! You will NOT regret the emotionally charged ride.

[Iluvbooks44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book!!!

I love Fabiola’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.

I love, love this book.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

[Anna Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promise You takes you on an emotional rollercoaster in which Reese tries to find faith in love once again.
Swoony and angsty friends-to-lovers romance that will have you flipping pages!

[Joy Novel Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Read. Loved it!! More to come after reading arc. :)

[samsbookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promise You is a heartwarmingly sweet friends to lovers romance, with a fun storyline that kept me smiling throughout.

Reese and Dex were such fun characters, with undeniable chemistry and addicting banter. It's clear from the very beginning that Dex absolutely adores her, but she's keeping him firmly in the friend zone. Until a push from his friends finally convinces him to go after the girl, but will he be able to convince her they are better together, or will he lose her friendship in the process?

I loved the pace of this book, the progression of the story never felt rushed, and (while I wasn't thrilled with how it played out) the drama was minimal. The "will they or won't they"aspect was perfectly done, and the supporting characters were all great additions.

This was my first book by Fabiola Francisco, and I can't wait to read more!

**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**

[Mariya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Bright and shining stars

I love Dex and Reese. They are such likable, sweet and loving characters. I love their chemistry, the way they communicated with each other and loved one another, I just fell in love with them.

Promise You is a light, fun and sexy romance. Characters from Rebel Desire make appearance in this book, which made the book that much more enjoyable.
Fabiola’s books are home to me. This book was no different. It was such feel good story. No unnecessary drama, everything fell into place just right.

“I promise”, he repeats. I want to believe his whisper, so when he pulls me in, I let him. When he kisses my forehead, I don’t pull away. When he repeats his promises, I allow myself to believe it. “

The ending of this book was swoon worthy.

[Crystal's Book World ~ Crystal Cordova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Promise You is my first read by Fabiola Francisco. I was glued to each page! This book has chemistry, amazing characters, and a story line that you want more of. I love the chase. But I adore when the characters finally give love a try. Promise You is a swoon worthy romance story that will keep you reading late into the night! I have a new author that I added to my go to list!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Sweet, Romantic Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

Reese and Dex are great friends; only he wants more. Reese is scared to open her heart to more. Can Dex convince Reese, how much he loves her, can he persuade her to give them a shot, or will Reese’s past be too much for either of them to move on from?

Fabiola Francisco has once again brought together, another beautiful, sweet, music themed story. One I could get lost in, time and time again. I love how she manages to bring the lyrics she writes to life, and how I find myself singing them in my head, with my own tune, that’s the beauty of her Rebel Desire series and this Spin-Off from the series, she gives you the chance to create your own music for the inspiring, sweet, beautiful lyrics, she writes.

Reese was a strong, kind, caring person. Although hurting and struggling to let her guard down, allowing her heart to have the possibility of more, she was still there for her friends and family, and always looking to enjoy life. The relationship she shared with Dex was strong from the start, and it was clear, how deep their true feelings for each other went. I loved that Dex didn’t back down easily, and although he wanted more, he didn’t rush her, and would take the friendship, over nothing at all.

This story is a friends to lovers romance, with angst, suspense and many a beautiful moment. If you have read the Rebel Desire series you won’t want to miss this Spin-Off from the series, and if you love contemporary romance, you will not only like Promise You, you will love it!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Fabiola Francisco has wrote an heartwarming romance with all the southern charm.

Dex is an inspiring singer and he's found the girl that he knows is the one but she's fighting against it because she's sworn off musicians. Reese is the sister of a Rebel Desire band member so we've seen her before but we don't know her story too well. This book will have you swooning for Dex, wanting to slap Reese and falling in love with both of them all at the same time!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*! I absolutely love Dex and Reese! This is my first book by this author and all I know is I now have to go and read all of her other books! Such a swoon-worthy romance with lots of laughs!
Thank you to the fabulous author for the arc! 💕

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Review by: Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

Promise You by Fabiola Francisco is a great, easy and fast read. Reese and Dex are very down to earth characters, they remind me of the people next door. The book is based in Nashville where Dex is an up and coming singer. Reese works for a marketing company but is very supportive of her brothers and friends who are musicians. That's where she meets Dex.

Dex has wanted Reese since the first time he saw her while he was playing a gig at Riot bar. When she keeps shutting down his advances he settles to be her friend with the full intent to win her over. When she finally agrees to a date months later, he is over the moon.

Reese has been burned before by a musician and doesn't trust her heart to fall again and it not end the same way. Her family and friends all tell her it's about damn time when she finally agrees to let her guard down and let him take her out.

Dex promises her that he is not like her dumb ex-boyfriend and will always make time for her, even when he is on the road touring.

Promise You alternates between Dex's and Reese's point of view, depending on the chapter. I enjoyed how fast you fall in love with the characters and their love for each other, even if they try and hide it. I've never had the chance to go to Nashville, but Fabiola Francisco makes it seem like its just another small town, which I love.

Now for the things that weren't my favorite about the book. I felt it dragged a lot and there wasn't enough action or suspense to it. I understand that not all books have a lot of action or suspense, but I felt that this one could use a bit. I felt that the ending was in the middle and it took a while to pick back up again.

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***

[~Misty~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved DeX and Reese! The author always has a way with words, gripping me from the first page and having you fall in love with the story. There are parts when I just wanted to hug them both, knock them on the back of the head, but also, swoon so much! Love it!

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Promise You by Fabiola Francisco. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book from this author, and I loved it. It was a sweet friends to lovers romance. It was filled with angst, love and gives you all the feels we all love to have when reading romance. This book will tug, at your heartstrings and you will fall in love with Dex and Reece. I am a big fan of friends to lover’s romance because they have a relationship built on something substantial.
Dex is a new country artist, and Reece is another band member’s sister. Dex and Reece have been friends long before anything else. These two should not want each other but they do. Dex will have you swooning from the very beginning and at times Reece will have you wanting to throat punch her. Just saying. Dex knows what he wants and has to try and persuade Reece that taking a chance on him is a good idea. He knows he wants her as more than a friend, but can Reece get over her rough past and take a chance on Dex. Can she trust herself with Dex, and can she trust Dex with her heart? I will not lie to you, I really wanted to hit Reece a few times, but I pushed thru and did not throw my kindle. I will say she did redeem herself to me by the end. I love Dex, he is my favorite book boyfriend at the moment. Who does not love a sexy country musician, who knows what he wants and goes after for it? I know I do.
Since this is my first book from Fabiola Francisco, I did not know what to expect from her writing going in, but I can tell you I was not disappointed at all. I loved the way she wrote the friends to lover’s troupe. She gave us drama, angst, steam and all the feels that we all love. I was so into this story I finished in a couple hours. I did not take a break at all. I needed to know what happened between Dex and Reece as if I was on the journey with them. For me that is what makes a good author, and Francisco has that. Now let’s talk about this cover. I did not get that this book was about a country music star from the cover, but I did get that these two had a deep connection. I think that was kind of the point with the cover, the focus is more on their connection that what they do . The cover did its job, it made me want to read the blurb. From the blurb I decided this was for sure a book I wanted to check out. I truly enjoyed it. If you love friends to lovers romance then this is a book you should check out.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.

I've had my eye on Fabiola Francisco's books for awhile now, but for some reason never made the leap. That all changed when I read the blurb for Promise You. While I might not be a rockstar romance girl, I love me some country music heroes. I was a total goner once I saw that cover and I knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Also, I kinda want to binge her backlist now, so I'm accepting recommendations.
 
I'm a sucker for a good friends to lovers book. It's one of my top fave tropes. And for some reason, I love it even more when it's the guy who is head over heels and relentless (but not creepy) in his pursuit of the woman. I thought I might be in for an angsty book, but Dex and Reese's story was fairly low on the angst scale as far as I was concerned. It was sweet, swoony and sexy and not without some drama and feels, but none of it was overwhelming. I enjoyed getting lost in their story and their chemistry and obvious feelings for each other.

Promise You sucked me in immediately and held on tight the whole time. I adored the characters and the way things progressed between them. It was such a sweet friends to lovers story between two very likable characters. (And with a host of great secondary characters as well.) I know this book is a spinoff of the Rebel Desire series and while I never felt like I should've read that series before diving into this one, I still want to go back and read it now. Several of the characters got under my skin a little and I'd like to see how they got to where they are now. Now for the real struggle: finding time to binge Fiona's backlist. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Favorite Quotes:

"I don't know who broke your heart, but I promise to hold the pieces with care until you're fully healed."

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise You is the story of Reese, a girl who swore she wouldn't ever fall for a musician, and Dex, the musician who wants everything with Reese. However, he settles being her friend, until he can change her mind, so will she find the strength to take a leap of faith for something amazing?! I know it seems like a short description, and it is, but see I find that going in blind to the amazingly talented Fabiola Francisco's stories blind is always so much better, and totally worthy it. She's got such an original way of telling a story that I don't want to ruin it with my simple words. These two are perfect for each other, but Reese definitely was the one who made everything difficult with her fears, and while I normally take the girls side (girl power & all) there are times when I want to shake them, and this was one of those times, though I loved her. Thankfully, I had the appearances of Rebel Desire show up, which totally made me so happy, and gave me a break from the push & pull. Now don't get me wrong, I can't get enough of the Ms. Francisco emotional writing that hurts so good, but you know, it tends to leave me drained, but totally worth the book hangover by the end! So, all I can say now is that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FANTASTICALLY AWESOME READ!

[Danette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the story of Dex and Reese. I loved the characters (Fabiola Francisco has a habit of bringing you wonderful main and secondary characters). I particularly liked the friends to lovers aspect and the speed at which it progressed to something more. I thought it was really cool that these characters got to know a lot about each other before becoming lovers. It is terrific, too, that Reese is a modern woman, attractive and confident. Dex is positively swoon worthy, with his good looks and just all around likeability.

Dex is a country singer who is (hopefully) on his way to stardom. He wants more than a friendship from Reese, but she has been hurt in the past. It takes Dex a while to break through her defenses, but the reader is rewarded big time when they finally become a couple.

There is some angst later in the book, but it only serves to confirm that these two belong together.

Give this book a read. You won't be sorry. It is filled with great humor, hot love scenes and good music. I highly recommend it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this a perfect 5-Country Music Lovin’-stars read, but bonus points for that adorable cover! SWOON! Perfect image for Dex and Reese, it’s like you get to see their chemistry before you even open the book.

I love getting to go back to this world, I know Fabiola will give me all the characters I love while adding in new ones to become obsessed with. Plus, she knows how to create the perfect country gentleman, with a dirty side that you can’t help but NEED, and Dex was all that and more. Then she adds in a one fun-humored, sassy gal in Reese and you want to do whatever it takes to become apart of their world. Each trial, each breakthrough, each tear and kiss will give you all the feels from the country music songs we all can’t get enough of.

If you are looking for a sweet, fun loving friends to lovers read, then Promise You is for you. Don’t miss that sneak peek as well, cause now I can’t wait to see where she takes me next.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book I read in this world makes me want to listen to more country music. I just can't get enough of these boys and their dames.
All it takes is one heartbreak to make you put up your guard and let you know exactly where you don't want be. But Dex isn't going to let what he and Reese have slip away because of it.
Promise You is a scorching hot (can I just say yowza?!) story about love and forgiveness. Its about taking chances and finding that balance that almost seems unattainable at times.
"You have patience, strength, and focus on what you know to be true to your heart."
While this is a short, sweet, and to the point novel, I felt every bit of their connection and the journey they faced to take it to the next level. This is a standalone, spinoff, friends to lovers you won't want to miss. It makes me want to go back to the beginning and start all over again.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Dreams & Hearts Stars!!



Having read Ms.Francisco's work before I've been looking so forward to picking this book up! I enjoyed Promise You! I really liked the music aspect of this story and the sweet moments warmed my heart.

When it came to Dex and Reese I connected with both of them in different ways. I loved how these two made me smile, blush, laugh, and feel so many emotions throughout! Their journey had many moments I didn't expect. I had to finish it in one sitting to see how it would all turn out!

Dreams and Hearts shine bright in Promise You! Ms.Francisco has created another great read! I can't wait to pick up what she comes up with next! (:






*I volunteered to review a Copy of this book from Bare Naked Words Promotions / the author*

[Books Laid Bare · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
A fabulously well-written friend to more read.
Dax wanted more than to be in the friend zone, but Reese seemed happy for them to stay the way they are…after all if it ain’t broke why try to fix it but this pair had a lot to learn, not only about each other but also themselves.
There wasn’t much they didn’t know about each other, being so close that life without each other would be impossible but that doesn’t stop Reese from believing that now that Dax’s life was ready to take off that he would leave her in the wings.
Little did she know that the last thing that Dax wants is to let her slip through his fingers, he wants more with her, the question is will they be able to get that far before their lives start to implode…could they get a happy ever after or would it all be whipped away?
I loved the chemistry between the pair of them, the way they were was magical, but sometimes you need a little more in order to survive, so the question is…Do they get a happy ever after?
Well you will need to read it to find out, you will not be disappointed

[Amber - TBR Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Dex... Although multiple times I was calling him Dax in my head. Maybe just too much Vanderpump Rules or too excited for Veronica Mars? Either way, I loved all 3!

I get Reece being scared and not wanting to be involved with a musician but I think Dex went above and beyond showing that he's not a regular, one night stand searching for rockstar. He might have been once but once he saw Reece and then got to know her, he was hooked.

I don't think I read the first book - not enough sleep, I can't remember, but I need to learn about Jason's story. I think that will help me truly appreciate this world of the Nashville stars they have going on.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, sexy and emotional! Reese is determined to keep Dex in the friend zone regardless of their sizzling chemistry and easy friendship. She's got issues with musicians from past experience that Dex is not going to let get in the way of what he wants and he wants Reese. How can she resist the hunky musician on the cusp of making it big? Dex is so patient with Reese almost to the point of looking a little desperate but I loved him anyway. Reese needs to get over the past and realize Dex is not the usual when it comes to all the things that comes with the music fam. They're so good together and the connection is amazing. Loved the family and friends that comes with the Rebel Desire group that now includes Dex and Reese. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

[Gwen Pendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read friends to lovers. A slow build heat. He wants more, she draws the line in the sand. Heartbroken once by a musician, Reese vows to never get involved with another one. Everyone around them can see the heat and chemistry between Reese and Dex, but she won't act on it. Once things start to become awkward and tense between these best friends, Dex decides to start wooing Reese at a slow pace. Reese starts to let her walls down, when Dex gets the big break he's been waiting for. Will their love survive a touring musician or will Reese run away!

As usual, Fab does not disappoint. I read this book in one day as I could not put it down!!!

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book. Reese and Dax are best friends. The kind of friend you call when you need a mouse taken care of. But Dax is hoping for so much more. But he is also a singer and about to have his life changed. Reese is afraid that his new life won't have space for her in it. These two have amazing chemistry. I absolutely love these two together and wanted to throw my kindle when something bad goes down between them. Will love overcome everything and these two will get their happy ever after? A well written gripping enjoyable book from beginning to end.

[Shelby (BookLoversHaveMoreFun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!!!

Promise You was a quick and sweet, friends to lovers romance that I enjoyed. Reese and Dex were entertaining, and I loooved being reunited with the characters from my favorite, All of You.

Since this was a friends to lovers romance, I do wish there was more time with Reese and Dex being just friends and then gradually becoming more. They kind of jumped into the romance and I would've really liked to have seen more of their friendship.

I'm looking forward to Knox's story next!!!

[Leila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional and angsty this friends-to-lovers romance is both heartwarming and sexy.

You will love Dex as he works hard to woo Reese. Their chemistry undeniable.

"One night changes everything, risking the only thing I'd want more than a career in country music–her."

Fabiola shows us the softer side of her writing with Promise You.

Whether you're new to Fabiola or a long time reader, I can assure you, Promise You is a swoon-worthy must read.