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That’s a Promise (Promises, Promises #1)

Publications Date: December 10, 2013
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Synopsis:
This book is book one in a three part series, so not all matters are resolved at the end of the novel. It is also meant for ages 18+ due to yummy adult content 😉
Happily ever after doesn’t exist. Not just in the romantic sense, but in the sense that there will never be a point in life that will contain no more obstacles.
Josie Sommers is a nerdy twenty four year old, elementary school teacher who has always considered herself a strong person. But with the loss of a loved one and the return of someone she vowed to never see again, her strength starts to break.
When he betrayed her in the ultimate way, she never thought she would let him back into her life, let alone open herself up to falling back in love with him.
Plagued with resentment and the burden of her own dishonesty,
Josie has to decide if forgiving and coming clean is worth the risk of losing him again. With so many hurdles, we know that Josie’s story is no fairytale.
That’s a promise.

 

 

Review:  

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and comments are my own.*

That’s a Promise is a pretty powerful read. It deals with some heavy issues and reminded me slightly of Ten Tiny Breaths. I really enjoyed this book and completed it in one sitting. I am impressed that this is the author’s debut and extremely grateful to have been asked to read an ARC. I did have some issues with the editing, but that didn’t take away from the story as those were minor issues. I’m going to be as vague as possible because I do feel this is a great story with the potential to be a great series, but I don’t want to take away from the experience for anyone so I will give away as little as possible. 
Now, where do I begin? This is a book that consists of a lot of conflict. Honesty plays a vital role with many of the relationships forged as well as forgiveness. I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the direction the author took with the romance/love triangle…partially because I myself am confused. I’m not entirely sure who I want Josie to be with, but I am partial to one individual. Let me say, I did fall in love with both men BUT I am leaning towards one of the guys more so than the other and I’m not sure many readers would agree with me here. In fact, I’d really like some feedback after you guys read this one so shoot me an email or comment below. I’d love to know who you’re rooting for!
Josie is conflicted, confused and deeply scarred, but the more you get to know her, the more you understand her dilemma, the more you love her and want to see things turn out well for her. She’s young and yet her life experiences have aged her. Things are complicated and nothing comes easy or simply for Josie. She’s doing exactly what someone her age should be doing, she’s living, making mistakes, loving hard, experiencing loss and trying to figure shit out. She’s convinced that she’s found her soulmate yet her decisions make the reader question her certainty and as you learn more about each character involved in her life, you begin to peel back layers and learn much more than what’s on the surface. I have to reiterate the fact that I found this book deep. Perhaps I am a bit biased in having experienced some of the same loss Josie had but the story overall is one that just makes you relate to it in one aspect or another. Josie is a strong woman that has endured a lot of pain and by the end of this book you will be in awe of her resilience. There will be times when you are angry, sad, hurt or simply unsure of how to feel, but you will get emotional at one point or another as there are quite a few moments that may strike a chord for you as many things in this book are relatable. This book is real, raw and utterly addicting. 
By the end of the book matters are certainly not resolved, but I enjoyed the fact that this wasn’t the usual happily ever after and that things were more realistic, the protagonist is flawed as most of the characters are. This makes the them more realistic. You will fall in love with them and they will weave their way into your heart. Although the final book may have a happy ending, this book leads me to believe that journey definitely won’t be an easy one.
This book goes between present day and past/flashbacks. I enjoyed how the author tied everything together, but from the beginning you pretty much know something bad happened to Josie. It’s just a matter of time before you get the full story and even then things get crazier. There is a bit of a cliffhanger…eh not really a cliffhanger, but definitely an, “OMG I can’t wait to see what happens next” moment. I really enjoyed this read and I think you will too. I recommend this for new adult/contemporary romance fans.
The purchase and goodreads links are at the top of this post, an excerpt is below along with the author bio/contact info and of course an awesome giveaway!

 

Excerpt: 

“You are gorgeous, as always, Josie.” He turned me around and brought his lips to mine. He kissed me slowly, and I could feel myself getting heated. He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the bed. I was a little embarrassed when he started undressing us, unable to believe that I agreed to do something so risqué. He position me in a particular way, and went back to his cameras to make sure his shot was right and to set up timers on them.

“Okay, don’t think about the cameras,” he said, coming back to me.
He started sucking on my neck as his hands roamed my thighs, stomach, and then my chest. I tried to ignore the cameras and focused on his tongue and mouth on me. ClickHe brought one of my breasts into his mouth and sucked on my hard nipple. His tongue always knew how to make my body feel good. ClickI moved my hands into his shaggy sandy blonde hair, and arched my back, needing more of him. Click. Seth aligned his chest with mine, and went back to assault my neck as I moved my hands to rub his shoulders and arms.  Click. His other hand that wasn’t fondling my breast, moved its way in between my legs, and rubbed me. I gasped at the feeling of increased pressure on my clit. Click. His fingers really were magical. It didn’t take me long before both the pressure of his mouth on my neck and breasts and the rubbing of his fingers against me, made me come. Click. “So sexy,” he whispered, before putting on the condom he had ready on the bed. His eyes were hooded with desire. He positioned himself in front of me and moved my long hair in a way that covered my breasts. Click. He eased inside of me gently, and then pulled back out fast. Click. He teased me like that for a while, as I whimpered with need. I decided to sit up and grab onto his back, nearly clawing him to finally give me what I needed. I started to raise my hips to his at a better rhythm, loving the small whimper that came out of his mouth. Click. 

 

 

VK bio picAuthor Bio: 

Victoria Klahr (pronounced like “Claire”) lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her husband and daughter, Stephen and Alexis. She loves her chug (Pug/Chihuahua), Bandit, and three year old to pieces. She loves to stay home and take care of them, even if they do drive her insane at times. She is a huge and proud book nerd who looks at her bookshelf in admiration daily. She has her Associate’s degree in Business Administration, but her passion has always been the stories that talk to her in her head. One day she decided to take a chance and let the voices write her story. She has never felt more certain or comfortable about who she is than when she writes.

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Reborn (The Guardian Trilogy #3) Cover Reveal!!!

A Note from the Author: 
Happy Holidays Readers!  This year has been crazy-good in ways I’ve never imagined, mostly thanks to all of you, your support, and your love for James, Emma, and Dane.  I can’t wait to share this chapter of their story with you (and neither can they!); February 1st can’t get here
fast enough!
 
As a special gift to you, here’s an early look at the cover and synopsis of Reborn.  I hope you love it just as much as I do; Emma finally has a face, and she’s perfect.  Of course, I’ll be sharing more of Reborn in January; keep your eyes open for teasers and giveaways 😉  Until then, here’s wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 
Yours, Sara Mack

Reborn_ebook_final

Synopsis

You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

When Emma Donohue wakes to find her world turned upside down, she wants nothing more than to return to the life she knew.  To a life filled with a loving family, close friends, and college classes.  To a normal life that didn’t involve the supernatural, odd bracelets, or three strangers who refuse to leave her side.

Unsure of what truly happened during The Allegiant’s attack, Emma tries to reconcile her past with her growing feelings for James, Garrett, and Dane.  They remain steadfast in her protection, awaiting the arrival of the only people who hold the answers.

The Larvatus. 

When Madeline and Ash appear, the revelations they bring not only rock Emma’s world, but everyone she touches.  Her mind is twisted, caught up in new abilities and new desires.  Her old self forgotten, she has never been more scared.  She has never been more confused.

She has never been more empowered. 

You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.

 But, sometimes, the absence leaves space for something better. 

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 Reborn is slated for release February 1, 2014  

 

Profile PicAbout the Author 

Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.  

 

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Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Blog Tour

Allegiant Ebook Cover

Allegiant (The Guardian Trilogy, #2) Synopsis

Last summer, Emma discovered that true love never dies.
It can return.
It can give you hope.
It can pull you from darkness.

Until it’s ripped from you.
Again.

As her 22nd birthday approaches, Emma Donohue finds herself back at school and utterly alone. Hours away from family and friends, her solitary days are spent contemplating what never should have been. James should never have died, but he did. He should never have been assigned as her Guardian, but he was. And she should never have allowed Dane to get too close to her heart.

But she failed.

Desperate to fill her time, Emma is intrigued by her mysterious new neighbor, Garrett. She’s never met anyone quite like him before, and, curious, she attempts to discover his past. Little does she know his presence will pull her into a world she could never imagine. A world that follows an ancient doctrine. A world built on loyalty, yet plagued by secrets and lies.

A world that will threaten everything – and everyone – she loves.

Allegiant is the second story in The Guardian Trilogy.
The third novel, Reborn, is complete and due to be published in February 2014. 

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My Review

Well, I can’t say that I am surprised…Sara Mack is lucky I live in New York, otherwise I would’ve resorted to kicking and screaming for a copy of Reborn…full on tantrum! That’s right Sara…how could you do this to me again? How? LOL.

To say this book is amazing is an understatement. Sara Mack continues to draw the reader into this complex world of love, loyalty and confusion. The characters all experience their own trauma at one point or another but they are all conflicted and all connected in some way. I had a few jaw dropping moments and I must say this is a cleverly crafted book. I could not believe the connections, the decisions made and the turn this book takes! The ending will leave you in a state of shock, but definitely craving more.

I love, love, love this book and I cannot wait for the final installment. I already know it is bound to be great. This is a fantastic follow-up to Guardian. The author has managed to…painfullyleave me hangingagain….I will reiterate my earlier sentiments from my review of Guardian that Sara Mack is indeed evil…yeah I said it…again 😛

All jokes aside this is a phenomenal book. I seriously recommend this trilogy to any Paranormal Romance lover…it is one of the best paranormal series I’ve read to date. You will be kept in suspense. The concept is beyond anything I could’ve imagined. The characters are faced with some incredible obstacles and tough decisions. Emma has one hell of a choice to make and although the book ends in a way that leaves me wondering if this can possibly go in a different direction later, I absolutely have no clue. I am astonished that Sara Mack might actually surprise me. It isn’t often that an author can do that to me so I must give credit where it’s due. I love that I am so unsure of what the final outcome will be and shocked at what has already come to pass. 

What a story and boy do I love these characters…each and every one of them have managed to weasel their way into my heart and I am still torn between the love interests. This is a series that I can tell I have NO idea which way it will go and I can’t say I’d be angry with either outcome as all of these characters have been through hell and back. I just don’t know.

And now for some shouty capitals to express myself with a little oomph….THAT ENDING!!!! Brace yourselves!!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE GUARDIAN AND I’LL BE BOLD AND SAY I CANNOT WAIT TO READ REBORN!!!!!!! Sara…you’re still evil!

I didn’t want to give away too much from this book just know there will be plenty of James AND Dane in this book and a whole host of new wonderful characters (and some not so wonderful)!!! This is a series you truly have to experience to understand how great it is. 

*This book was provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

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Profile PicAbout the Author

Sara Mack is a Michigan native who grew up with her nose in books. She is a wife and a hockey mom on top of being trapped in a windowless office forty hours a week. Her spare time is spent one-clicking on Amazon and devouring books on her Kindle, cleaning up after her kids and two elderly cats, attempting to keep her flower garden alive, and, of course, writing. She has an unnatural affinity for dark chocolate, iced tea, and bacon. Guardian is her debut novel.

Connect with Sara:

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