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Promises #5
Promises Decide
New York Times bestselling author Sarah McCarty returns to her Promise series with this next western historical romance.
As Jackson Montgomery heads across the last mountain range toward home after collecting on a particularly difficult bounty, he isn't looking forward to anything but a good meal, a stiff drink and maybe some female companionship. But as he passes the Bentley place, he can't resist taking a gander at who'd been fool enough to buy the disaster Bentley had created. He expects to see a tenderfoot for sure, because only a tenderfoot would buy a place as poorly placed and poorly built as Bentley's Folly.
He's not far off.
Mimi Banfield thought she was done for when she fell into the well filled with rattlers. Her rescuer has all the survival skills she's missing, and he's exactly the man needed to fix up her new place. As the newly minted guardian for three orphaned children, she could certainly use a hand. Jackson is equally intrigued by Mimi as he is by Mimi's offer of a job. He agrees to stay on, not knowing that she has a deadly secret. By the time she confesses, it may just be too late for salvation.
As Jackson Montgomery heads across the last mountain range toward home after collecting on a particularly difficult bounty, he isn't looking forward to anything but a good meal, a stiff drink and maybe some female companionship. But as he passes the Bentley place, he can't resist taking a gander at who'd been fool enough to buy the disaster Bentley had created. He expects to see a tenderfoot for sure, because only a tenderfoot would buy a place as poorly placed and poorly built as Bentley's Folly.
He's not far off.
Mimi Banfield thought she was done for when she fell into the well filled with rattlers. Her rescuer has all the survival skills she's missing, and he's exactly the man needed to fix up her new place. As the newly minted guardian for three orphaned children, she could certainly use a hand. Jackson is equally intrigued by Mimi as he is by Mimi's offer of a job. He agrees to stay on, not knowing that she has a deadly secret. By the time she confesses, it may just be too late for salvation.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 4, 2018
61 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Sarah McCarty
56 books1,064 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author
Sarah has traveled extensively throughout her life, living in other cultures, sometimes in areas where electricity was a concept awaiting fruition and a book was an extreme luxury. While she could easily adjust to the lack of electricity, living without the comfort of a good book was intolerable. To fill the void, she bought pencil and paper and sketched out her own story. In the process, Sarah discovered the joy of writing.
Sarah writes what she loves to read; fast paced stories with vivid dialogue, intense emotion and well developed characters. Her attention to detail in her stories has earned her multiple awards and a reserved spot on Keeper shelves everywhere.
Sarah writes for Ellora's Cave, Harlequin HQN, Harlequin SPICE, Berkley HEAT and Berkley SENSATION.
(1)romance author
Sarah has traveled extensively throughout her life, living in other cultures, sometimes in areas where electricity was a concept awaiting fruition and a book was an extreme luxury. While she could easily adjust to the lack of electricity, living without the comfort of a good book was intolerable. To fill the void, she bought pencil and paper and sketched out her own story. In the process, Sarah discovered the joy of writing.
Sarah writes what she loves to read; fast paced stories with vivid dialogue, intense emotion and well developed characters. Her attention to detail in her stories has earned her multiple awards and a reserved spot on Keeper shelves everywhere.
Sarah writes for Ellora's Cave, Harlequin HQN, Harlequin SPICE, Berkley HEAT and Berkley SENSATION.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 7, 2018
A heartwarming new addition to an old favourite…
A stubborn heroine, feisty children and a hero who is as deadly as he is beautiful made for an entertaining and completely satisfying read! This is historical western at its best as snappy dialogue meets danger and old-fashioned ways…
Mimi and the kids are on the run, young and ill-prepared for the harsh struggles of life in the West. When Jackson saves Mimi, she is there to see he is nursed back to health. And what happens after she makes sure he recovers? He rescues her right back…
The children are at the heart of this story as Tony, Kevin and Melinda Sue bind Mimi and Jackson together. They are running from evil with only right on their side and little else. Jackson recognizes bravery and honesty and can’t help but put himself and his own squarely on their side. A bit of sarcasm and a lot of heart, bolster this most unorthodox courtship…
This author knows how to spin an intriguing tale and add humour and emotion into any story she writes. While I felt the ending of Promises Decide was a bit quick I can’t be faulted for wishing for more of these characters and the ones we were reunited with. A few hints have been dropped and I know the kids have to grow up… Let’s hope the next story will be soon (hopefully without the snakes!)… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
A stubborn heroine, feisty children and a hero who is as deadly as he is beautiful made for an entertaining and completely satisfying read! This is historical western at its best as snappy dialogue meets danger and old-fashioned ways…
Mimi and the kids are on the run, young and ill-prepared for the harsh struggles of life in the West. When Jackson saves Mimi, she is there to see he is nursed back to health. And what happens after she makes sure he recovers? He rescues her right back…
The children are at the heart of this story as Tony, Kevin and Melinda Sue bind Mimi and Jackson together. They are running from evil with only right on their side and little else. Jackson recognizes bravery and honesty and can’t help but put himself and his own squarely on their side. A bit of sarcasm and a lot of heart, bolster this most unorthodox courtship…
This author knows how to spin an intriguing tale and add humour and emotion into any story she writes. While I felt the ending of Promises Decide was a bit quick I can’t be faulted for wishing for more of these characters and the ones we were reunited with. A few hints have been dropped and I know the kids have to grow up… Let’s hope the next story will be soon (hopefully without the snakes!)… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
July 19, 2018
ARC received for review
3.5 stars
I read the first four books in this series many, many years ago, so I was excited to see another one.
Great western novel with bad guys, an amazing group of friends, and a romance too. This one lacked the heat of the first four books. The sexy times were very few and far between. Absolutely loved seeing all the old gang again. Is Mara ever gonna have that baby?
Now will there be one more book and will Ms. McCarty make us wait another ten years for it?
Forgot something....Job didn't kill a thousand men with the jaw bone of a donkey...it was Samson
3.5 stars
I read the first four books in this series many, many years ago, so I was excited to see another one.
Great western novel with bad guys, an amazing group of friends, and a romance too. This one lacked the heat of the first four books. The sexy times were very few and far between. Absolutely loved seeing all the old gang again. Is Mara ever gonna have that baby?
Now will there be one more book and will Ms. McCarty make us wait another ten years for it?
Forgot something....Job didn't kill a thousand men with the jaw bone of a donkey...it was Samson
September 3, 2018
Sarah McCarty has a way of sending me back in time when I read one of her western historical romances and I feel I’m a part of it. Promises Decide is the 5th story in the Promises series and another great addition to the group of men of Cattle Crossing, Wyoming. Jackson Montgomery is on his way home and notices that someone has occupied Bentley’s place. Wondering who was fool enough to buy that place he encounters a group of tenderfoots and wonders if they are in over their heads. Mimi Banfield is on the run and hiding from a very dangerous man. Having Jackson literally save her from danger, she is hoping that he’ll want to help around even more.
Mimi Banfield is a young, strong woman trying to stay one step ahead of danger while being a mother to Tony, Kevin and Melinda Sue. I liked her spunk and the feisty banter she delivered with Jackson which made for some fun and humor. She kept her secrets close to her vest and slowly realized how sheltered she really was after meeting more of Jackson’s friend’s wives, and felt what she’s been missing. Mimi showed her strength, spunk and vulnerabilities which made her a very likeable character to root for.
Jackson Montgomery was what a hero should be in a western novel; handsome, strong and honorable. He couldn’t leave Mimi and the children on their own without the proper provisions and shelter with winter coming soon. He also felt that Mimi was hiding something and waited for her trust him with her secrets, and do what he can to get her and her children working together better. Along with his friends, Jackson was able to exact his form of justice when evil tried to harm one of the children, which had me cheering for the good guys.
Sarah McCarty is one of my favorite authors because she does a wonderful job of balancing a captivating plot, developing her complicated characters and creating steaming love scenes. She also brings us up to date on the latest with the other couples from the previous stories in this series and it’s good to see them still so much in love. Promises Decide was a quick read and held my attention from beginning to end. Mimi and Jackson may have fought their attraction but they clicked so well together and can definitely keep the other one on their toes. Sarah McCarty’s one of the best authors in the western historical romance genre and highly recommend this story for romance fans.
September 24, 2018
I wasn't aware this was part of series when I chose it but it was easy to get caught up. I'm now adding this series to my TBR list, it was that good.
Ms. McCarty reeled me in from the beginning and I was lost in the wild west with sexy cowboys rescuing damsels in distress.
I wasn't ready for this book to end and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank First to Read for the opportunity to read and review this book. I don't think I would have chosen a western, the last western I read was Lonesome Dove, but this is about to change.
Ms. McCarty reeled me in from the beginning and I was lost in the wild west with sexy cowboys rescuing damsels in distress.
I wasn't ready for this book to end and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank First to Read for the opportunity to read and review this book. I don't think I would have chosen a western, the last western I read was Lonesome Dove, but this is about to change.
August 20, 2018
COPY RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW
This book is from a series from many years ago. I read the other books in the series and loved them. I jumped on the opportunity to read this ARC. I believe this can be read as a standalone. The other books were good so I recommend reading them as well. If you have read the other books, you will get to visit a little with your favorites from before. The book is filled with fun dialogue and fun characters. Not only will you fall in love with Jackson and Mimi, you will love her band of orphans. Jackson is on his way home when curiosity captures his interest. What he finds set him on a path to a new family and a new love. Mimi has secrets. Jackson will have to gain her trust and learn her secrets before her past catches up with her. Quick read with insta love.
This book is from a series from many years ago. I read the other books in the series and loved them. I jumped on the opportunity to read this ARC. I believe this can be read as a standalone. The other books were good so I recommend reading them as well. If you have read the other books, you will get to visit a little with your favorites from before. The book is filled with fun dialogue and fun characters. Not only will you fall in love with Jackson and Mimi, you will love her band of orphans. Jackson is on his way home when curiosity captures his interest. What he finds set him on a path to a new family and a new love. Mimi has secrets. Jackson will have to gain her trust and learn her secrets before her past catches up with her. Quick read with insta love.
August 11, 2018
Promises Decide is my first read by Sarah McCarty. This novel is part of a series but works well as a standalone. Mimi and Jackson are excellent leading characters and are surrounded by an interesting supporting cast. Mimi’s little family is adorable. This is a success on all fronts. It’s a western historical romance mystery with a lot of humor thrown in for good measure. I definitely plan to read the rest of the series. I was chosen to read an advance copy of this book as part of Penguin's First to Read program. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
September 4, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I feel like I've been waiting ages to read the next book in the Promises series. When I checked, although it hadn't quite been an age I have finished the previous book (the the first time!) way back in 2011. So, was the almost 7 year gap worth the wait? Honestly, probably not. There's very little I would wait 7 years for. However, that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy Promises Decide because I did. Just not quite as much as I would have liked.
Promises Decide was a little difference from the previous books in that they firmly stood on the 'erotic' side of the romance line. Promises Decide is a lot tamer and is inclined more towards the sweet end of the scale. This seems to be a trend with McCarty, her most recent release in the Hell's Eight series a formerly smoking hot erotic western romance, was also lacking a noticeable amount of fire. And I miss the heat. It didn't seem right being back with my sexy cowboys and not have some kinky (normally anal) games going on.
But, although this book was missing out on the erotic, I did have fun. We got to revisit the previous couples: Cougar and Mara, Clint and Jenna, the Rev and Elizabeth as well as the memorable secondary characters that have made up the Promises series. It was was one of my favourite aspects of this book. That and seeing Jackson Montgomery, the seemingly easy going cowboy, meet his lady love.
However, maybe it was the lose of the red hot chemistry I associate with McCarty, but I found the romance between Mimi and Jackson a little lack lustre. It was cute and sweet, especially as there were 3 small children involved as well. And of course Jackson was amazingly adorable with them. But Jackson and Mimi seemed to fade into the background.
I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series or if there are more to come. All the adults in the Promises series have now coupled up. However, there are still their kids! Fast forward a decade or two and maybe we can have the next generation's romance. That is definitely a series I would read, as although this book wasn't my favourite I have still really liked this series over all.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
September 4, 2018
I read the other books in the Promises series ages ago. I was a bit worried that I would forget the other couples. I am glad to say most of it came back to me. It was fun to catch up with the other couples as we got Jackson and Mimi's story.
Jackson comes upon Mimi and the children she cares for as he is riding home. Mimi is trapped in a well with a bunch of rattlers. He saves her but is bit by a snake on his way out. They nurse him back to health. Despite Mimi's protest Jackson feels protective and wants to help them.
I loved, loved the kids in the story. Especially little Melinda Sue. The story was a bit too fast paced for me. They fell in in love fast and the bad guy was taken out. It just felt wrapped up too quick. I would have loved a big epilogue to give us more. Overall, I really liked the book and I hope we get more. I hope that the author can get to writing some more stories quicker. I really want to have stories for the kids, especially Gray.
Copy provided in exchange for a voluntary review
Jackson comes upon Mimi and the children she cares for as he is riding home. Mimi is trapped in a well with a bunch of rattlers. He saves her but is bit by a snake on his way out. They nurse him back to health. Despite Mimi's protest Jackson feels protective and wants to help them.
I loved, loved the kids in the story. Especially little Melinda Sue. The story was a bit too fast paced for me. They fell in in love fast and the bad guy was taken out. It just felt wrapped up too quick. I would have loved a big epilogue to give us more. Overall, I really liked the book and I hope we get more. I hope that the author can get to writing some more stories quicker. I really want to have stories for the kids, especially Gray.
Copy provided in exchange for a voluntary review
July 3, 2018
It was a surprise to find this historical western series. It has been awhile since I read an old western. This was a great choice.
I like my cowboys old school, not Tweeting on the back of a horse, so I was very interested in an offered copy of Sarah McCarty's upcoming release. This is the fifth book in the series, but a simple reading of the premise of the other four books left me ready for all the other characters that I met.
In Promises Decide, Jackson Montgomery is a bounty hunter on his way home after turning over his most recent bounty. As he passes the Bentley place, he sees smoke rising from the chimney. The old Bentley place is a disaster of a house with crooked floors, land too rocky to grow anything, a dry well and it was built in the middle of a flash flood plain. There is no way Bentley is living there anymore so he must have found some greenhorn to sell it to.
Since he is curious by nature, and everyone likes interesting news to share in town, Jackson decides to swing by and meet the suckers who purchased the house. What he finds is a couple of kids surrounding the (probably) dry well. It looks like their Ma fell in, which is bad enough, by a dry well also attracts rattlesnakes. Jackson is not only curious, but he is chivelrous and there is no way he will leave this greenhorn woman and her kids to their fate.
But Jackson is hurt going down that well to rescue the pretty young woman, a woman too young to have mothered the three kids standing outside the well, all of whom look nothing alike. Jackson ends up staying with them awhile to recover. He knows they need some protection, even if it just from their own foolishness, and he also stays because that curious nature of his is demanding he find out just what is going on.
Jackson isn't a fool and he can tell that Mimi and the children are city people and are on the run from something or someone. Jackson can't help falling for Mimi and her three young charges, and even though they haven't yet come to trust him, he will protect them all with his life.
While the love seems to come a bit quickly, Jackson was thinking as he was riding home that it is about time he starts thinking about settling down and returning to the family ranch permanently. It might have something to do with the fact that four of his friends have found love and are settled down. Then he meets Mimi and likes what he sees. Not only is she pretty, but she has spirit and just needs someone to teach her and the children about survival in the old west.
In a world where it takes three hours to ride into the closest town, talk about a rough commute, I lost a little respect for Mimi that in the year she has been on the run with the children she didn't even pick up a book on farming or quiz people they met as they traveled out west or offer to work on a homestead to learn. She was trying to avoid being caught by staying away from towns, but spent all of their money buying a property that would have killed them and even if it didn't, they had no understanding of farming or hunting or anything else to survive in the wilderness. She didn't run away a week ago. They have been running for a year. What was she doing all that time?
This was a quick read and I was suprised to find out it was 320 pages. This wasn't a convaluted story. Just a simply romance set in a simpler time.
I liked the family of characters that we met from the prior stories and really want to take some time to read them. Unfortunately, there are no audiobooks for this series which I like to use for playing catch up. I do want to know more about Jenna and Cougar and the Rev. and I am simplying going to have to find some time to squeeze them in.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
I like my cowboys old school, not Tweeting on the back of a horse, so I was very interested in an offered copy of Sarah McCarty's upcoming release. This is the fifth book in the series, but a simple reading of the premise of the other four books left me ready for all the other characters that I met.
In Promises Decide, Jackson Montgomery is a bounty hunter on his way home after turning over his most recent bounty. As he passes the Bentley place, he sees smoke rising from the chimney. The old Bentley place is a disaster of a house with crooked floors, land too rocky to grow anything, a dry well and it was built in the middle of a flash flood plain. There is no way Bentley is living there anymore so he must have found some greenhorn to sell it to.
Since he is curious by nature, and everyone likes interesting news to share in town, Jackson decides to swing by and meet the suckers who purchased the house. What he finds is a couple of kids surrounding the (probably) dry well. It looks like their Ma fell in, which is bad enough, by a dry well also attracts rattlesnakes. Jackson is not only curious, but he is chivelrous and there is no way he will leave this greenhorn woman and her kids to their fate.
But Jackson is hurt going down that well to rescue the pretty young woman, a woman too young to have mothered the three kids standing outside the well, all of whom look nothing alike. Jackson ends up staying with them awhile to recover. He knows they need some protection, even if it just from their own foolishness, and he also stays because that curious nature of his is demanding he find out just what is going on.
Jackson isn't a fool and he can tell that Mimi and the children are city people and are on the run from something or someone. Jackson can't help falling for Mimi and her three young charges, and even though they haven't yet come to trust him, he will protect them all with his life.
While the love seems to come a bit quickly, Jackson was thinking as he was riding home that it is about time he starts thinking about settling down and returning to the family ranch permanently. It might have something to do with the fact that four of his friends have found love and are settled down. Then he meets Mimi and likes what he sees. Not only is she pretty, but she has spirit and just needs someone to teach her and the children about survival in the old west.
In a world where it takes three hours to ride into the closest town, talk about a rough commute, I lost a little respect for Mimi that in the year she has been on the run with the children she didn't even pick up a book on farming or quiz people they met as they traveled out west or offer to work on a homestead to learn. She was trying to avoid being caught by staying away from towns, but spent all of their money buying a property that would have killed them and even if it didn't, they had no understanding of farming or hunting or anything else to survive in the wilderness. She didn't run away a week ago. They have been running for a year. What was she doing all that time?
This was a quick read and I was suprised to find out it was 320 pages. This wasn't a convaluted story. Just a simply romance set in a simpler time.
I liked the family of characters that we met from the prior stories and really want to take some time to read them. Unfortunately, there are no audiobooks for this series which I like to use for playing catch up. I do want to know more about Jenna and Cougar and the Rev. and I am simplying going to have to find some time to squeeze them in.
Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more at EBookObsessed.com
August 17, 2018
The Promises series by Sarah McCarty is one that I fell across accidentally with the 3rd book in the series, Promises Prevail. It was such a good book that it led me to read the rest of the series and get into her other series as well. Promises Decide is the fifth book in this series and just as good as all of the other books and lives up to the over arching story that is unfailing support from this group of rebel friends.
Jackson appears in all of the other stories, coming in as support during the ultimate conflict. So previous followers of this series, have met him before. Finally with a story of his own, I loved that his curiosity leads him to finding this make-shift family in crisis. His arrival means that they have a chance at a future but their history leads to some interesting times between them all. There was a bit of abruptness between them on the farmstead and all of a sudden enmeshed in Jackson's circle of friends, but it did make logical sense so wasn't too bad.
Mimi and the children's history is pretty incredible but also a little tamer than some of the previous heroines on the Promises series so it fit in well. Mimi's attempts to make them a family while struggling with her doubt in her own abilities was a great addition to the angst of the whole story. A great weekend read!
Jackson appears in all of the other stories, coming in as support during the ultimate conflict. So previous followers of this series, have met him before. Finally with a story of his own, I loved that his curiosity leads him to finding this make-shift family in crisis. His arrival means that they have a chance at a future but their history leads to some interesting times between them all. There was a bit of abruptness between them on the farmstead and all of a sudden enmeshed in Jackson's circle of friends, but it did make logical sense so wasn't too bad.
Mimi and the children's history is pretty incredible but also a little tamer than some of the previous heroines on the Promises series so it fit in well. Mimi's attempts to make them a family while struggling with her doubt in her own abilities was a great addition to the angst of the whole story. A great weekend read!
April 20, 2020
Good book that sucked me in from the first chapter and didn't let go until the end. We have a determined and sassy heroine, a gorgeous but deadly hero, and three feisty children brought together by fate.
Jackson is a part-time bounty hunter on the way home after a challenging pursuit and capture. He's looking forward to some rest and relaxation, as well as some time contemplating his future. He gets sidetracked by the signs of life at a property known for its lousy construction and is curious to see who was foolish enough to buy it. He expected to find a tenderfoot, but what he found exceeded even his expectations.
Mimi and her three orphans have been on the run for a year. She bought the property, hoping that they were far enough and remote enough not to be found. Unfortunately, one of her first actions ends up with her falling into a dry well with half a dozen rattlers in it. She figures that she's done for until a man with the face of an angel shows up to save her.
I loved the first meeting between Mimi and Jackson. His curiosity morphs into protectiveness as soon as he sees the problem. I loved his calm demeanor as he entered the well despite his feelings about snakes (a la Indiana Jones' "Snakes. It had to be snakes."). Mimi is relieved to see him, and though bowled over by his beauty, retains her natural sassiness. I loved the banter between the two as Jackson carries out his rescue. However, he doesn't make it through unscathed and is bitten by one of the rattlers on the way out of the well. Now it is Mimi's turn for a rescue, as she nurses him back to health in another scene that highlights how unprepared she is. Once he recovers, there's no way Jackson can leave the little family to manage on their own.
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Mimi and Jackson. She is wary and determined to muddle through on her own, though she can't deny the temptation to lean on Jackson. Jackson is attracted and intrigued. He senses that Mimi is on the run from something or someone and is determined to protect her. I liked seeing Jackson become a part of her life so quickly, from sparring with Mimi to taking the boys in hand and falling under Melinda Sue's spell. Jackson's first hint of the seriousness of Mimi's situation came during a scene with Tony, the oldest of the children. My heart broke for Tony and what he'd been through and cheered for Jackson and his reaction. I loved seeing Jackson and Mimi grow closer, and ached for Mimi and her fear of her past catching up with her.
The story intensified when that past did reappear most horrendously. Mimi's fear, not just for herself but also for the children, leaped off the page. I was on the edge of my seat as Jackson and his friends made good on their promise to protect them. The final confrontation was intense as the bad guys finally got what was coming to them. All that was left was for Jackson to convince Mimi that they belonged together. Despite some well-meaning interference from their friends, Jackson's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and exactly what Mimi needed.
Though I haven't read the other books in the series yet, they will definitely go on my wishlist. All of Jackson's friends seem to have interesting backstories, and I'd like to know more. I also thoroughly enjoyed the women and the way they treated Mimi as one of their own. My favorite of the secondary characters were the three children. Each one had their own personality and way of looking at the world. I would love to see stories for them later on, especially Melinda Sue.
Jackson is a part-time bounty hunter on the way home after a challenging pursuit and capture. He's looking forward to some rest and relaxation, as well as some time contemplating his future. He gets sidetracked by the signs of life at a property known for its lousy construction and is curious to see who was foolish enough to buy it. He expected to find a tenderfoot, but what he found exceeded even his expectations.
Mimi and her three orphans have been on the run for a year. She bought the property, hoping that they were far enough and remote enough not to be found. Unfortunately, one of her first actions ends up with her falling into a dry well with half a dozen rattlers in it. She figures that she's done for until a man with the face of an angel shows up to save her.
I loved the first meeting between Mimi and Jackson. His curiosity morphs into protectiveness as soon as he sees the problem. I loved his calm demeanor as he entered the well despite his feelings about snakes (a la Indiana Jones' "Snakes. It had to be snakes."). Mimi is relieved to see him, and though bowled over by his beauty, retains her natural sassiness. I loved the banter between the two as Jackson carries out his rescue. However, he doesn't make it through unscathed and is bitten by one of the rattlers on the way out of the well. Now it is Mimi's turn for a rescue, as she nurses him back to health in another scene that highlights how unprepared she is. Once he recovers, there's no way Jackson can leave the little family to manage on their own.
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Mimi and Jackson. She is wary and determined to muddle through on her own, though she can't deny the temptation to lean on Jackson. Jackson is attracted and intrigued. He senses that Mimi is on the run from something or someone and is determined to protect her. I liked seeing Jackson become a part of her life so quickly, from sparring with Mimi to taking the boys in hand and falling under Melinda Sue's spell. Jackson's first hint of the seriousness of Mimi's situation came during a scene with Tony, the oldest of the children. My heart broke for Tony and what he'd been through and cheered for Jackson and his reaction. I loved seeing Jackson and Mimi grow closer, and ached for Mimi and her fear of her past catching up with her.
The story intensified when that past did reappear most horrendously. Mimi's fear, not just for herself but also for the children, leaped off the page. I was on the edge of my seat as Jackson and his friends made good on their promise to protect them. The final confrontation was intense as the bad guys finally got what was coming to them. All that was left was for Jackson to convince Mimi that they belonged together. Despite some well-meaning interference from their friends, Jackson's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and exactly what Mimi needed.
Though I haven't read the other books in the series yet, they will definitely go on my wishlist. All of Jackson's friends seem to have interesting backstories, and I'd like to know more. I also thoroughly enjoyed the women and the way they treated Mimi as one of their own. My favorite of the secondary characters were the three children. Each one had their own personality and way of looking at the world. I would love to see stories for them later on, especially Melinda Sue.
June 12, 2020
DNF
Have I been a grumpy reader lately? Or have I just been finding the wrong books?
First impressions are important since it sets the tone. The problem with listing the heroine’s many faults upfront is that anything she does seems unbelievable, even if you try to prop her up by saying she’s strong.
If she has no wilderness training and the more competent hero says he’ll die of a rattlesnake bite, why should we believe that the heroine can save him (let alone without instruction)? If she was thinking of survival and she’s so smart, what gave her the idea to buy a dead-end ranch she cant manage let alone drag kids there? Did you ever read about a heroine so TSTL you wonder why she was written about in the first place? This was just the first three chapters.
Promises Decide is an underwhelming addition to a series 14 years after the first. Promises Linger has one of my favorite heroes in all of Western Romance and I’m almost disappointed in myself for daring to hope this would repeat that magic (especially since none of the other novels in the series came close).
Have I been a grumpy reader lately? Or have I just been finding the wrong books?
First impressions are important since it sets the tone. The problem with listing the heroine’s many faults upfront is that anything she does seems unbelievable, even if you try to prop her up by saying she’s strong.
If she has no wilderness training and the more competent hero says he’ll die of a rattlesnake bite, why should we believe that the heroine can save him (let alone without instruction)? If she was thinking of survival and she’s so smart, what gave her the idea to buy a dead-end ranch she cant manage let alone drag kids there? Did you ever read about a heroine so TSTL you wonder why she was written about in the first place? This was just the first three chapters.
Promises Decide is an underwhelming addition to a series 14 years after the first. Promises Linger has one of my favorite heroes in all of Western Romance and I’m almost disappointed in myself for daring to hope this would repeat that magic (especially since none of the other novels in the series came close).
September 10, 2018
Received free from Penguin First to Read, my thoughts are my own.
For the most part, this is a pretty standard Western romance. The male lead is more pretty than the usual rugged manly man, but he's still very much a stubborn cowboy type. The woman is nurturing and in really big trouble.
There are shoot outs, and horses, snakes, and a dangerous but beautiful landscape. Bad people, people who will kill to protect, and rambunctious children. It leans pretty heavily on stereotypes, and there are some moments that felt jarringly anachronistic to character development and setting. But it's overall exactly what it promises to be, a romance in a western setting, with plenty of conflict and chemistry. (Some other reviewers said this one was less sexy than the author's usual, but there are sex scenes in here.)
For the most part, this is a pretty standard Western romance. The male lead is more pretty than the usual rugged manly man, but he's still very much a stubborn cowboy type. The woman is nurturing and in really big trouble.
There are shoot outs, and horses, snakes, and a dangerous but beautiful landscape. Bad people, people who will kill to protect, and rambunctious children. It leans pretty heavily on stereotypes, and there are some moments that felt jarringly anachronistic to character development and setting. But it's overall exactly what it promises to be, a romance in a western setting, with plenty of conflict and chemistry. (Some other reviewers said this one was less sexy than the author's usual, but there are sex scenes in here.)
August 12, 2018
When Jackson Montgomery stumbles across Mimi Banfield and the brood of three children she's caring for, he definitely gets more than he bargained for. After rescuing Mimi from the bottom of a snake-infested well, and getting a poisonous bite in the process, he finds himself under the care of her and the children. They manage to nurse him back to health despite the fact that they can barely take care of themselves. Jackson quickly learns Mimi is not cut out for country life, having fled the life of a city girl with a deadly threat on her heels. Jackson admires Mimi's strength and determination, and is determine himself to protect her and the children from the danger that is certain to appear on their doorstep. What they didn't plan for was danger coming so soon...
Thoughts: I'm not usually a fan of historical romances but this one won me over in the first chapter! Jackson is the perfect "hero" -- realistically sized (she even makes fun of his height a bit), incredibly good-looking, and is the right amount of cocky and humble at the same time. Mimi is very likable, as well, with her strength, intelligence, stubbornness, and sass. Their interactions with one another and with the children, especially how Jackson is patient and fatherly with them from the get-go, truly makes the story. Honestly, though, what I think I appreciated the most was how Jackson was intrigued by and attracted to Mimi before he even sees her beauty, thanks to a dark well and her ever-present sarcasm and spunk. Sometimes romance novels have a great story with characters who are individually likable even if they don't necessarily have great chemistry together. This is not one of those novels! The chemistry between the two, the interactions between all of the characters, and the quick-moving storyline are sure to make historical romance readers very happy.
Thoughts: I'm not usually a fan of historical romances but this one won me over in the first chapter! Jackson is the perfect "hero" -- realistically sized (she even makes fun of his height a bit), incredibly good-looking, and is the right amount of cocky and humble at the same time. Mimi is very likable, as well, with her strength, intelligence, stubbornness, and sass. Their interactions with one another and with the children, especially how Jackson is patient and fatherly with them from the get-go, truly makes the story. Honestly, though, what I think I appreciated the most was how Jackson was intrigued by and attracted to Mimi before he even sees her beauty, thanks to a dark well and her ever-present sarcasm and spunk. Sometimes romance novels have a great story with characters who are individually likable even if they don't necessarily have great chemistry together. This is not one of those novels! The chemistry between the two, the interactions between all of the characters, and the quick-moving storyline are sure to make historical romance readers very happy.
August 28, 2018
Jackson Montgomery is a rancher who likes to be a bounty hunter. He is coming home from one of those bounties and finds that his neighbor has sold his rickety run down house to some unsuspecting person. He snoops on the property to find 3 kids awfully close to a well and find out that there is another person (Mimi Banfield) in the well that happens to be filled with Rattle snakes.
There are several adventures in this book. The first one being getting Mimi out of the well and a few dealing with the past and present of Mimi and the children. Good quick read.
I received this book for free from First to read in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
There are several adventures in this book. The first one being getting Mimi out of the well and a few dealing with the past and present of Mimi and the children. Good quick read.
I received this book for free from First to read in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.
August 27, 2018
I do love cute kids, happy endings, and sass. This book had all of the above! There was so much sass, in fact, that some of it spilled over into a horse's characterization. Galley received via First to Read.
August 8, 2018
I received this from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed
I enjoyed this one. I have not read the other books in the series but it is a standalone. I was looking for a historical romance and I have not read a western in a while. Jackson is wonderful in this story. Mimi has arrived in town with some children and Jackson goes to see the new people. He ends up having to rescue Mimi from danger right from the beginning. This book had suspense, adventure, and romance. Mimi and the children are running from something and she is afraid Jackson will get caught in the middle of it. Jackson is trying to find out the truth of why they are in the town.
I loved this line "When Jackson came down into that well, and lit that match, I thought for a second that God had sent me one of his archangels to my rescue. But then Jackson opened his mouth."
I enjoyed this one. I have not read the other books in the series but it is a standalone. I was looking for a historical romance and I have not read a western in a while. Jackson is wonderful in this story. Mimi has arrived in town with some children and Jackson goes to see the new people. He ends up having to rescue Mimi from danger right from the beginning. This book had suspense, adventure, and romance. Mimi and the children are running from something and she is afraid Jackson will get caught in the middle of it. Jackson is trying to find out the truth of why they are in the town.
I loved this line "When Jackson came down into that well, and lit that match, I thought for a second that God had sent me one of his archangels to my rescue. But then Jackson opened his mouth."
July 30, 2018
Sarah McCarty is one of my favorite authors and this book is exactly why. Even though it was not as steamy as some of her other historicals, Promises Decide gives the reader everything they could want: a scrappy, sensible heroine, a hot alpha hero and plenty of cameos by beloved characters of the previous books in this series.
Normally I shy away from romances with children in them because they tend to detract from the actual romance. I didn't have that problem with this book. Toby, Kevin and Melinda Sue were integral parts of Mimi's history and they were not an overpowering part of the story. I thought Jackson was perfect for Mimi and I liked that there was no drama between the two of them.
Normally I shy away from romances with children in them because they tend to detract from the actual romance. I didn't have that problem with this book. Toby, Kevin and Melinda Sue were integral parts of Mimi's history and they were not an overpowering part of the story. I thought Jackson was perfect for Mimi and I liked that there was no drama between the two of them.
July 21, 2018
This series takes place in the 1800's Wyoming Territory. Alpha men who met their match in frontier women. This author writes beautiful descriptions of the wild west and a realistic view of how tough it was living in those days. She has a knack of making you feel like your right in the scene with the characters. The opening scene in the well surrounded by rattlesnakes was intense.
I cannot believe its been 10 years since the last book in this series. The writing was still outstanding but from the earlier books the heat level was luke warm. That didn't bother me at all because the story along with getting reacquainted with all the previous couples made for a very enjoyable read.
I cannot believe its been 10 years since the last book in this series. The writing was still outstanding but from the earlier books the heat level was luke warm. That didn't bother me at all because the story along with getting reacquainted with all the previous couples made for a very enjoyable read.
April 15, 2025
This book had a really good start, with all the main character’s introduction and presenting us with the couple’s first meeting. Then we head off to their first days together. I love the domesticity while Jackson was injured. It all felt so quaint with the children looking up to him and him being a very competent man for this small mismatched family. Completely like a father figure to the boys and a good gentleman figure for Melinda. Plus we get to see Mimi trying so hard to hold their small family together.
But then, very early on here comes all these characters in the series or previous books. The author just keeps bringing and bringing them all into the story which I did not love at all. They were there to talk and talk and talk. To offer a whole chapter of advices and teasing and making sure we got the summary of all their lives and love stories. To me, this just takes away from the main couple, main plot and the development of the story. It is all just too much. This is the first book I read from this author so it was a bit of an information overload. This guy is with this lady and this kid is with this couple and all that. This book is just trying too hard to make me care for all this other people.
What I wanted was more development of the couple’s relationship— like not only flirting and bantering plus a couple of scenes talking about their life story here and there. I wanted more. I want a story of their love.
I also wanted to see how Mimi cope up to her insecurities about being a competent mother. Plus, her being a seamstress etc.
I want to see the kids giving Mimi a heart to heart talk about them being so grateful to her. Maybe wanting Mimi and Jackson to adopt them.
I want to see them getting more and more settled. Maybe with the kids calling Jackson “pa” or something.
But this book disappoints.
This felt like a “characters meeting all together” special edition. With long drawn out conversations that I didn’t care enough. Honestly, I just got tired.
But then, very early on here comes all these characters in the series or previous books. The author just keeps bringing and bringing them all into the story which I did not love at all. They were there to talk and talk and talk. To offer a whole chapter of advices and teasing and making sure we got the summary of all their lives and love stories. To me, this just takes away from the main couple, main plot and the development of the story. It is all just too much. This is the first book I read from this author so it was a bit of an information overload. This guy is with this lady and this kid is with this couple and all that. This book is just trying too hard to make me care for all this other people.
What I wanted was more development of the couple’s relationship— like not only flirting and bantering plus a couple of scenes talking about their life story here and there. I wanted more. I want a story of their love.
I also wanted to see how Mimi cope up to her insecurities about being a competent mother. Plus, her being a seamstress etc.
I want to see the kids giving Mimi a heart to heart talk about them being so grateful to her. Maybe wanting Mimi and Jackson to adopt them.
I want to see them getting more and more settled. Maybe with the kids calling Jackson “pa” or something.
But this book disappoints.
This felt like a “characters meeting all together” special edition. With long drawn out conversations that I didn’t care enough. Honestly, I just got tired.
September 21, 2018
I found Promises Decide by Sarah McCarty to be a captivating read which I could not put down once I began. While the story is not complex, the characters of Jackson and Mimi and are engaging and I adored the distinct personalities of each of the children: Tony, Keven, and Melinda Sue. Overall, it is a fun and light read that I completed in one sitting containing some laughs and romance.
While this is the fourth book in the Promise Series, it does stand alone. I had read and enjoyed McCarty’s previous books in the promise series which I read more than 10 years ago. I did not remember a lot of details from those books, so it was nice to be reintroduced to some of those characters. I did feel at times some of the tidbits of information about these characters, while interesting didn’t serve to move the plot of the book itself along but was simply to update previous readers on the characters life since the last book.
Overall, while the book kept me hooked while I was reading, it was a bit predictable in its western romance tropes and lacked some of the character depth of the previous novels in the series. That is not necessarily bad as it does deliver the romance story it promises but it is not a story I would feel compelled to re-read. I recommend this book to any lover of western romances or lover of stories with cute children.
I received this book as a free ARC from the Penguin First to Read program.
While this is the fourth book in the Promise Series, it does stand alone. I had read and enjoyed McCarty’s previous books in the promise series which I read more than 10 years ago. I did not remember a lot of details from those books, so it was nice to be reintroduced to some of those characters. I did feel at times some of the tidbits of information about these characters, while interesting didn’t serve to move the plot of the book itself along but was simply to update previous readers on the characters life since the last book.
Overall, while the book kept me hooked while I was reading, it was a bit predictable in its western romance tropes and lacked some of the character depth of the previous novels in the series. That is not necessarily bad as it does deliver the romance story it promises but it is not a story I would feel compelled to re-read. I recommend this book to any lover of western romances or lover of stories with cute children.
I received this book as a free ARC from the Penguin First to Read program.
September 7, 2018
Honestly, this book was a disappointment for me. It was long - well over 200 pages - but had almost zero meaningful content. The only characters I felt like I knew were ones from the previous books in the series, minus Jackson. There was little interaction or connection between Jackson and Mimi - the main characters - and the children were weirdly one-dimensional. I think this was such a letdown for me because the previous books in the series are some of my favorites.
I'd thought this was supposed to be the last book in the Promises series, and would wrap up all the loose ends from the series. In the end, it didn't wrap anything up, and gave no closure for the series. It actually raised more questions for me than anything.
I don't know if this is the last book in this series, or if another will be released in ten years or so. Either way, it's the last book in this series that I'll read.
I'd thought this was supposed to be the last book in the Promises series, and would wrap up all the loose ends from the series. In the end, it didn't wrap anything up, and gave no closure for the series. It actually raised more questions for me than anything.
I don't know if this is the last book in this series, or if another will be released in ten years or so. Either way, it's the last book in this series that I'll read.
September 5, 2018
3.5 Stars
I've been waiting for what seems like forever for Jackson's story. And its a good story, in the way of an old-fashioned romance in a western setting. The plot is a good one, the characters all likeable and substantive, and the tie-ins to the earlier books are there. The measure of this man is quite in keeping with the men of the preceding books, there is an underlying strength to the female lead and entertaining scenarios in the life they are making together.
Its missing a bit of the heat of the earlier books, and in and of itself, thats not a bad thing. But there was a level of expectation not met. Its not a disappointment in any way, just not what I was expecting...and thats tough to rate.
I do hope Elijah gets his book now. Its always the quiet ones...
I've been waiting for what seems like forever for Jackson's story. And its a good story, in the way of an old-fashioned romance in a western setting. The plot is a good one, the characters all likeable and substantive, and the tie-ins to the earlier books are there. The measure of this man is quite in keeping with the men of the preceding books, there is an underlying strength to the female lead and entertaining scenarios in the life they are making together.
Its missing a bit of the heat of the earlier books, and in and of itself, thats not a bad thing. But there was a level of expectation not met. Its not a disappointment in any way, just not what I was expecting...and thats tough to rate.
I do hope Elijah gets his book now. Its always the quiet ones...
August 18, 2018
A sassy heroine, a sexy, rugged hero, three orphaned children, a passel of bad guys…oh yeah and rattle snakes! What more could you want in a good book. You’ll laugh at the dialogue, you’ll swoon at the love scenes, and you’ll dab your eyes when it comes to the children. You’ll also enjoy catching up in the lives of the other people from Sarah McCarty’s ‘Promise’ series.
I highly recommend this book. New readers and those familiar with the series will get caught up with the action and root for the good guys while booing the bad guys. Justice is well served when the men of ‘Promise’ get together.
I highly recommend this book. New readers and those familiar with the series will get caught up with the action and root for the good guys while booing the bad guys. Justice is well served when the men of ‘Promise’ get together.
September 12, 2018
I am never disappointed when I pick up a book by Sarah McCarty. I love her writing. Her men are always so witty and sexy. Her women are just as tough as the men if not more so , and they always wrap them around their fingers. I couldn't wait to see what kind of woman snagged Jackson. MiMi and her made up family was not what I expected, but were perfect. This already made family had me laughing out loud. The banter between the friends was great, and when they came together to defend Jackson and MiMi and their family it was as great adventure as usual. I love this series. I just wonder now what Sarah McCarty has in story for us.
September 15, 2018
Penguin First to Read ARC.
Mimi is trying to keep everyone safe from Mac by running as far away as possible. But she finds herself in a world of trouble, down a well full of rattlesnakes. Who can save her? Jackson doesn't expect to find three young children on the derelict farm and another down the well. Boy is he surprised by who he finds. They all have secrets, but Mimi could get them all killed. Can Jackson and his friends save the day? Can Mimi and the children find a family to belong to?
Mimi is trying to keep everyone safe from Mac by running as far away as possible. But she finds herself in a world of trouble, down a well full of rattlesnakes. Who can save her? Jackson doesn't expect to find three young children on the derelict farm and another down the well. Boy is he surprised by who he finds. They all have secrets, but Mimi could get them all killed. Can Jackson and his friends save the day? Can Mimi and the children find a family to belong to?
October 5, 2018
Honestly I really tried. I liked all of her previous books in the series, the last one I got through by the skin of my teeth. But this one I gave up 65% in and DNF. From the start the story didn’t catch me but I get chugging along thinking maybe it would get better.....it didn’t. I found the heroine lacking and frankly so was the hero. I’ll try to give it another chance another time but I gave it 2 stars this time out of my love for the author.
October 12, 2018
I really got excited when I saw that this series has a new book. The writing is as superb, I liked visiting old characters like Asa, the Rev etc., but in essence this book felt like it was missing the intensity and depth of love between the characters like in her previous books. It is hardly disappointing and I will continue to patronize her novels. That extra star is just for me own personal box of things that makes me giggle =)
December 1, 2018
Sarah McCarty’s Promises series was one of the first western romances series I read when I started reviewing over 18 years ago. Each one was better than the one before and there are still parts of the earlier books I remember…like Cougar’s story. I still have my original ebooks from this series. McCarty outdoes herself in PROMISES DECIDE. There are some differences in her style that are indicative of an author honing her craft.
September 20, 2019
Another great installment in the series. The most tame of the 5, but very good. Again, as I said in my review of book #4, making references to things that happened in previous books that are not the same or changed in a way, seemed odd to me. But, all in all, I enjoyed the books and would continue to read the series if she decided to add to them! Hoping for more of the fire that was evident in books 1-3 for sure!
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