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The O'Malleys #4
Forbidden Promises
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert delivers the next book in her sizzling O'Malleys family series, hailed as "The Godfather meets Romeo & Juliet." FORBIDDEN PROMISES features Sloan O'Malley and her mysterious new next-door neighbor, Jude MacNamara.
Some lines should never be crossed . . . not even for love.
Sloan O'Malley just left her entire world behind-her family, her wealth, and even her real name. For the first time in her life, she's free. She can live the "normal" life she's always wanted. A life without fear. But there's nothing safe about her intensely sexy next-door neighbor.
Jude MacNamara has no room for innocence in his life. Only revenge. Still, he's never been able to walk away from the forbidden, and Sloan--who is every inch of pure, mouthwatering temptation--has forbidden written all over her. Only after it's way too late does he discover the real danger: claiming Sloan as his puts a target on her back. To protect her, Jude is willing risk everything . . . and to hell with the consequences.
Some lines should never be crossed . . . not even for love.
Sloan O'Malley just left her entire world behind-her family, her wealth, and even her real name. For the first time in her life, she's free. She can live the "normal" life she's always wanted. A life without fear. But there's nothing safe about her intensely sexy next-door neighbor.
Jude MacNamara has no room for innocence in his life. Only revenge. Still, he's never been able to walk away from the forbidden, and Sloan--who is every inch of pure, mouthwatering temptation--has forbidden written all over her. Only after it's way too late does he discover the real danger: claiming Sloan as his puts a target on her back. To protect her, Jude is willing risk everything . . . and to hell with the consequences.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2017
About the author
Katee Robert
138 books25.4k followersKatee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over two million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
June 4, 2017
NOW LIVE
Amazon * B&N * Kobo
If you've read the previous books in The O'Malley's series than you know that Sloan is the quiet one of the group that doesn't like to go against orders too often. After she's had enough of her family's constant battles, though, she leaves and sets out on her own, determined to not need anyone's help. But then she meets her neighbor, Jude, their attraction leads to a danger far greater than she's ever imagined.
Forbidden Promises had a different feel from the other books and it wasn't as involved in the Mafia world, but it really worked for these characters. Sloan was trying to stay out of her family drama when we were first introduced to her so I was really happy that her character stayed true to that now that we got the chance to read her story. There is definitely still Mafia dealings, which I loved the suspense of, they just weren't overly abundant in the story.
Honestly I think this story is going to be one of my favorites from the story. Sloan and Jude had an amazing chemistry that was undeniable from the beginning of their journey. There was a good amount of drama involved in their relationship too and it sucked me right into this book.
Overall, this is a must read. It could potentially be read as a standalone if you didn't mind not fully understanding what's going on with side characters, but I would recommend reading the previous books first.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon * B&N * Kobo
If you've read the previous books in The O'Malley's series than you know that Sloan is the quiet one of the group that doesn't like to go against orders too often. After she's had enough of her family's constant battles, though, she leaves and sets out on her own, determined to not need anyone's help. But then she meets her neighbor, Jude, their attraction leads to a danger far greater than she's ever imagined.
Forbidden Promises had a different feel from the other books and it wasn't as involved in the Mafia world, but it really worked for these characters. Sloan was trying to stay out of her family drama when we were first introduced to her so I was really happy that her character stayed true to that now that we got the chance to read her story. There is definitely still Mafia dealings, which I loved the suspense of, they just weren't overly abundant in the story.
Honestly I think this story is going to be one of my favorites from the story. Sloan and Jude had an amazing chemistry that was undeniable from the beginning of their journey. There was a good amount of drama involved in their relationship too and it sucked me right into this book.
Overall, this is a must read. It could potentially be read as a standalone if you didn't mind not fully understanding what's going on with side characters, but I would recommend reading the previous books first.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
5 Still Waters Run Deep Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Never assume the quiet woman in the background is all as she appears. It may seem she is quiet, dutiful, and would never rock the boat….But if that was your take on Sloan from the past books, then you would be wrong. In this entry, Forbidden Promises (The O'Malleys, #4), Sloan learns all about Sloan… and so do we.
Sloan saw the writing on the wall and knew she was to be the next sacrificed woman to wed in order for the Family to remain in a power position. The Irish Mafia made up of the three Families which have run Boston, now have another player encroaching in their territories...and they aren't Irish, they are The Russians.
With the help of one of her brothers and his wife...Sloan makes her escape to Washington State...to a small town to hunker down and start fresh. Here she is a clean slate...She may be educated but in many ways, she has so many things she has never done...
And working for a living is one of them. Sloan is a woman who is learning all about life as others know it. It is a crash course on blisters, fear of being fired, and the joy of being told "You Did Good Today" from a boss. All of this is happening because Sloan applied to a diner and got the try-out for the waitress position. It was the first step for her...and as exhausted as she was from those first days...She had never been happier.
She also had never been more curious about her handsome, mysterious neighbor, too. She lived in a borrowed cottage arranged by her brother. It belonged to an aunt and was on the water. There was another cottage not too far away and when Sloan first arrived... she went there, thinking it was her new home.
Well, that did not go over well...The man was mean, cold, and had no interest in hearing why she made the mistake. He was also the town's curiosity...He didn't mix with anyone...went to the store when no one would be around and the only thing anyone knew was that he said was a writer.
As Sloan walked home after surviving a whole week at the diner, she happened to look at the door of her neighbor's cottage...she was drawn like a magnet...
And there he stood...leaning up against the door jam, drinking his coffee, and looking straight at her...Sloan was mesmerized by this vision of Man...Broad Shoulders, Bare Chest, a perfect V to his hips all perfectly displayed with no shirt and loose...very loose cargo shorts slung low on his hips...
His eyes catching her flushed face...his man bun, cut cheeks, and chiseled jaw all looking straight at her. She was like a deer caught in headlights with the only thing breaking the connection was Him lifting his mug to her...then turning and closing the door.
What the Hell was that!
Jude MacNamara had no time or interest in an Innocent....and he knew that was what this woman was...Jude had a singular purpose for being here in this cottage, in this waterfront town. His whole life had to lead up to this...and no little Innocent was going to ruin his perfectly planned revenge...
For that was what had driven Jude his entire life. He was a product of love and then death. He learned from his mother's words to him what others did to his father and brothers...She didn't sing him lullaby's of little lambs...instead she sang of retribution in his ear...and it became his mantra. He was here to finally achieve his goal and the aunt was his target. He had waited over the years...he could wait a little longer...He would just have to fight the feelings he had for this woman...
Katee Robert created this dynamic saga of three Irish Mafia families who for generations have ruled the underworld of Boston and the East Coast. Each family has its own way of doing things...and the decedents have continued on the same path over the years. Now, though, things have shifted and families have merged through marriage. There are new factors to consider and segments of these families are either trying to move away from the criminal to the legal...and others are adjusting to new leadership thrust upon them due to family members being locked up.
And all of this has the additional element of The Russia Mob's emergence to power.
This is the setting Robert devised for these intricate love stories involving these characters. It is compelling, impossible to put down, and addictive as hell....and this latest entry is one of the best so far.
Sloan is a woman who is not silly or blind to what she grew up in...She is very aware of what her family is and does. She wanted no part of it and never felt she was confident or strong...But in reality, she is one of the strongest women in the family.
She takes the leap to leave everything behind....everyone she loves and cares for...She isolates herself and starts new with no real-world experience to fall back on...She forces herself to fight for a job she hasn't a clue how to do...but is willing to prove to the owner she can...
And when the situation presents itself to her...She is willing to be brave and go after a man she knows she has no future with...She is willing to push her boundaries and be brave... time and time again.
Jude watches this woman and although he knows he should stay clear of her...he cannot...and when he realizes how dangerous he is for her and she for him...He rises up and becomes a better man...one that would do anything for her. What is captivating about these two is both are equals...Sloan may have started out as seemingly innocent...yet with this clear idea of what is right, wrapped up in the understanding of her world...and then His world...She stands strong.
These two together are magnificent. Everything works...their times together...their fights and their commitment to each other.
This book has every element to keep you locked and loaded for the series. We have the continuing story of intrigue and power with the Families and Russians. We have specific characters who are important players ...brothers and sisters who cause more chaos... there are attractions between people which should never happen but we are thrilled that it does...All of this continues our devotion to follow this series.
I was one of the lucky ones who found this series very early... Katee Robert has not let me down...she has only made this series better and better with every entry. There seems to be only one more book left ... I will be front and center waiting on it... I can only imagine how amazing it is going to be.
This series is best read in order:
The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Wedding Pact (The O'Malleys, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
An Indecent Proposal (The O'Malleys, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Forbidden Promises (The O'Malleys, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Undercover Attraction (The O'Malleys, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Bastard's Bargain (The O'Malley's #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And The New Second Generation:
The Bastard's Betrayal (Scandalous Scions #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Katee Robert created this world and it lives on her pages. I cannot wait to see the next installment with Sloan...for the the tease I read was perfect:
Some lines should never be crossed . . . not even for love.
Sloan O'Malley just left her entire world behind-her family, her wealth, and even her real name. For the first time in her life, she's free. She can live the "normal" life she's always wanted. A life without fear. But there's nothing safe about her intensely sexy next-door neighbor.
Jude MacNamara has no room for innocence in his life. Only revenge. Still, he's never been able to walk away from the forbidden, and Sloan-who is every inch of pure, mouthwatering temptation-has forbidden written all over her. Only after it's way too late does he discover the real danger: claiming Sloan as his puts a target on her back. To protect her, Jude is willing risk everything . . . and to hell with the consequences.
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
Never assume the quiet woman in the background is all as she appears. It may seem she is quiet, dutiful, and would never rock the boat….But if that was your take on Sloan from the past books, then you would be wrong. In this entry, Forbidden Promises (The O'Malleys, #4), Sloan learns all about Sloan… and so do we.
Sloan saw the writing on the wall and knew she was to be the next sacrificed woman to wed in order for the Family to remain in a power position. The Irish Mafia made up of the three Families which have run Boston, now have another player encroaching in their territories...and they aren't Irish, they are The Russians.
With the help of one of her brothers and his wife...Sloan makes her escape to Washington State...to a small town to hunker down and start fresh. Here she is a clean slate...She may be educated but in many ways, she has so many things she has never done...
And working for a living is one of them. Sloan is a woman who is learning all about life as others know it. It is a crash course on blisters, fear of being fired, and the joy of being told "You Did Good Today" from a boss. All of this is happening because Sloan applied to a diner and got the try-out for the waitress position. It was the first step for her...and as exhausted as she was from those first days...She had never been happier.
She also had never been more curious about her handsome, mysterious neighbor, too. She lived in a borrowed cottage arranged by her brother. It belonged to an aunt and was on the water. There was another cottage not too far away and when Sloan first arrived... she went there, thinking it was her new home.
Well, that did not go over well...The man was mean, cold, and had no interest in hearing why she made the mistake. He was also the town's curiosity...He didn't mix with anyone...went to the store when no one would be around and the only thing anyone knew was that he said was a writer.
As Sloan walked home after surviving a whole week at the diner, she happened to look at the door of her neighbor's cottage...she was drawn like a magnet...
And there he stood...leaning up against the door jam, drinking his coffee, and looking straight at her...Sloan was mesmerized by this vision of Man...Broad Shoulders, Bare Chest, a perfect V to his hips all perfectly displayed with no shirt and loose...very loose cargo shorts slung low on his hips...
His eyes catching her flushed face...his man bun, cut cheeks, and chiseled jaw all looking straight at her. She was like a deer caught in headlights with the only thing breaking the connection was Him lifting his mug to her...then turning and closing the door.
What the Hell was that!
Jude MacNamara had no time or interest in an Innocent....and he knew that was what this woman was...Jude had a singular purpose for being here in this cottage, in this waterfront town. His whole life had to lead up to this...and no little Innocent was going to ruin his perfectly planned revenge...
For that was what had driven Jude his entire life. He was a product of love and then death. He learned from his mother's words to him what others did to his father and brothers...She didn't sing him lullaby's of little lambs...instead she sang of retribution in his ear...and it became his mantra. He was here to finally achieve his goal and the aunt was his target. He had waited over the years...he could wait a little longer...He would just have to fight the feelings he had for this woman...
Katee Robert created this dynamic saga of three Irish Mafia families who for generations have ruled the underworld of Boston and the East Coast. Each family has its own way of doing things...and the decedents have continued on the same path over the years. Now, though, things have shifted and families have merged through marriage. There are new factors to consider and segments of these families are either trying to move away from the criminal to the legal...and others are adjusting to new leadership thrust upon them due to family members being locked up.
And all of this has the additional element of The Russia Mob's emergence to power.
This is the setting Robert devised for these intricate love stories involving these characters. It is compelling, impossible to put down, and addictive as hell....and this latest entry is one of the best so far.
Sloan is a woman who is not silly or blind to what she grew up in...She is very aware of what her family is and does. She wanted no part of it and never felt she was confident or strong...But in reality, she is one of the strongest women in the family.
She takes the leap to leave everything behind....everyone she loves and cares for...She isolates herself and starts new with no real-world experience to fall back on...She forces herself to fight for a job she hasn't a clue how to do...but is willing to prove to the owner she can...
And when the situation presents itself to her...She is willing to be brave and go after a man she knows she has no future with...She is willing to push her boundaries and be brave... time and time again.
Jude watches this woman and although he knows he should stay clear of her...he cannot...and when he realizes how dangerous he is for her and she for him...He rises up and becomes a better man...one that would do anything for her. What is captivating about these two is both are equals...Sloan may have started out as seemingly innocent...yet with this clear idea of what is right, wrapped up in the understanding of her world...and then His world...She stands strong.
These two together are magnificent. Everything works...their times together...their fights and their commitment to each other.
This book has every element to keep you locked and loaded for the series. We have the continuing story of intrigue and power with the Families and Russians. We have specific characters who are important players ...brothers and sisters who cause more chaos... there are attractions between people which should never happen but we are thrilled that it does...All of this continues our devotion to follow this series.
I was one of the lucky ones who found this series very early... Katee Robert has not let me down...she has only made this series better and better with every entry. There seems to be only one more book left ... I will be front and center waiting on it... I can only imagine how amazing it is going to be.
This series is best read in order:
The Marriage Contract (The O'Malleys, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Wedding Pact (The O'Malleys, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
An Indecent Proposal (The O'Malleys, #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Forbidden Promises (The O'Malleys, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Undercover Attraction (The O'Malleys, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Bastard's Bargain (The O'Malley's #6) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And The New Second Generation:
The Bastard's Betrayal (Scandalous Scions #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Katee Robert created this world and it lives on her pages. I cannot wait to see the next installment with Sloan...for the the tease I read was perfect:
Some lines should never be crossed . . . not even for love.
Sloan O'Malley just left her entire world behind-her family, her wealth, and even her real name. For the first time in her life, she's free. She can live the "normal" life she's always wanted. A life without fear. But there's nothing safe about her intensely sexy next-door neighbor.
Jude MacNamara has no room for innocence in his life. Only revenge. Still, he's never been able to walk away from the forbidden, and Sloan-who is every inch of pure, mouthwatering temptation-has forbidden written all over her. Only after it's way too late does he discover the real danger: claiming Sloan as his puts a target on her back. To protect her, Jude is willing risk everything . . . and to hell with the consequences.
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 18, 2017
Just Another Book Bitch's SPOILER FREE REVIEW
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review
Can we just talk about that cover for a sec...
SEXY AS HELL RIGHT?!!! Not your typical random male torso... nope sexy "older guy" clothed looking all dark, mysterious, and definitely dangerous! Then I read the beginning of the blur Katee Robert delivers the next book in her sizzling O'Malleys family series, hailed as "The Godfather meets Romeo & Juliet."
That's it! I didn't know anything about the series (except that my sister has read them and really enjoyed them) I went in blind!
I can say that while this book is part of a series. It is truly a standalone. So well written that while I got glimpses into the other novels I didn't feel like my reading enjoyment was hindered at all because I hadn't read the other books. I will say that the author did her job superbly because while I read all I kept thinking was... I can't wait to go back and read the other books!!
We meet out H/h on the beach and you can feel the instant attraction. No corny insta-love or prolonged drawn out whiny WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT ALREADY!!!! NOPE! We get a glimpse into the characters, what's placed them there and then you are swooped away into a fast paced intense mafia romance full of suspense & twist that will make it impossible to put this book down!
Sloan and Jude .... what can I say...
The relationship between Sloan & Jude is so intense you can feel the heat coming off the pages. So much so that I had many moments where I caught myself looking around while I was reading because it felt so "naughty" and "intimate". Sloan is escaping her family, trying to build a life of her own when she meets the HOT DIRTY TALKING Jude. SERIOUSLY HOT HOT HOT!! He's a no-nonsense bad boy that I feel in love with instantly!
I would highly suggest this novel and can't wait to get caught up with the previous books in time for the next installment Undercover Attraction
This novel is a new release and available now so get to clicking and enjoy!! Let me know what you think!
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Goes live July 4th
Amazon UK
Find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @JustABookB
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review
Can we just talk about that cover for a sec...
SEXY AS HELL RIGHT?!!! Not your typical random male torso... nope sexy "older guy" clothed looking all dark, mysterious, and definitely dangerous! Then I read the beginning of the blur Katee Robert delivers the next book in her sizzling O'Malleys family series, hailed as "The Godfather meets Romeo & Juliet."
That's it! I didn't know anything about the series (except that my sister has read them and really enjoyed them) I went in blind!
I can say that while this book is part of a series. It is truly a standalone. So well written that while I got glimpses into the other novels I didn't feel like my reading enjoyment was hindered at all because I hadn't read the other books. I will say that the author did her job superbly because while I read all I kept thinking was... I can't wait to go back and read the other books!!
We meet out H/h on the beach and you can feel the instant attraction. No corny insta-love or prolonged drawn out whiny WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO DO IT ALREADY!!!! NOPE! We get a glimpse into the characters, what's placed them there and then you are swooped away into a fast paced intense mafia romance full of suspense & twist that will make it impossible to put this book down!
Sloan and Jude .... what can I say...
The relationship between Sloan & Jude is so intense you can feel the heat coming off the pages. So much so that I had many moments where I caught myself looking around while I was reading because it felt so "naughty" and "intimate". Sloan is escaping her family, trying to build a life of her own when she meets the HOT DIRTY TALKING Jude. SERIOUSLY HOT HOT HOT!! He's a no-nonsense bad boy that I feel in love with instantly!
I would highly suggest this novel and can't wait to get caught up with the previous books in time for the next installment Undercover Attraction
This novel is a new release and available now so get to clicking and enjoy!! Let me know what you think!
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Goes live July 4th
Amazon UK
Find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @JustABookB
May 28, 2017
Title: Forbidden Promises
Series: The O'Malleys
Author: Katee Roberts
Release date: May 30, 2017
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
“I’ll never cage you, sunshine. It’s not my way. I’d rather watch you learn to fly instead.”
While Forbidden Promises can be read as a standalone, I wouldn't go so far as to say easily read as one. As with any well developed Mafia Romance series, the MCs may change from book to book, but there is a continuing storyline with plenty of past events that you will need to be caught up to date on. While I was able to differentiate between the different members of each of the warring families, and their connections to each other, it took me some time to get there. Honestly, that did slow down my reading speed. Once I got situated, I was firmly entrenched with this forbidden love story and the surrounding hate-filled violent vendetta.
The O'Malley family members had taut expectations set on them from birth. Love matches weren't to be accepted, a union to bolster family power was the custom. Anybody who resisted what was considered to be their duty was shunned and exiled. Associating with "the enemy" was another unforgivable black mark against you, though her brother Teague's marriage to Callista Sheridan formed a new alliance with their previous adversaries.
Twenty-four-year old Sloan has always been the biddable and pliant sibling. She's not what you would view as a tough heroine in the beginning, but breaking off from her family's Boston empire and striking out into the unfamiliar world was the most courageous thing she could have possibly done. She's completely naive and inexperienced. Not only with men, but making her own decisions. With surviving on her own. She had no idea what kind of dangers already lurked in Callaway Rock, where she began this new, independent chapter of her life.
Living right next door to her was Jude MacNamera, the last remaining member of his family. After his father and brothers were murdered in cold blood by the Sheridans, his mother met a misfortunate and tragic death years later. Now, nothing will satisfy his fury except sending those responsible to their own untimely fates.
His honor had died with the rest of his family. Any chance he’d had of resurrecting it had died with his first mark when he was twenty-one.
Jude is not a knight in shining armor, in fact, quite the opposite. He may have standards about killing innocents, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he's a stone cold assassin. He's self-serving, because there's no one in his life to care about or make him weak. He's also a man of many skills, and as smart as a whip, but his people skills leave something to be desired. He doesn't regret the path his life has taken, because it aimed him directly towards the direction he sought. Nothing else was allowed to rule his heart or conscience. After having everything of value ripped away from him, he has nothing left to lose except the one thing that gives his life meaning. Revenge.
I was not Jude's biggest fan in the beginning of the book. He's not the most likable character, using the heroine towards his end goal . The heroine I wasn't crazy about either, as she seemed to take his treatment without much pause simply because he turned her on. There wasn't enough backbone for my taste, but I figured there was plenty of room for growth, and that thankfully ended up happening on both sides.
A quickly igniting passion led to an unexpected wrench in both of their plans for the future. And their break from the reality of their past was sadly, short lived. They were hunted, as several players in the game moved their chess pieces into position. These two fought to survive together by any means necessary, and their emotions made an unexpected entrance into the equation. She helped him see the possibility of a future free from the ties that have bound him for his entire life. And he doesn't know what to do with that.
“You’re a man, Jude. You have a more colorful past than most, but I mostly understand your reasoning for wanting Colm to pay. I just don’t think you should run around murdering people.”
“An eye for an eye.”
“Leaves the whole world blind.”
What started out as a purely physical relationship soon became much more. Personally, it seemed rushed in my opinion, considering the progression happened after sleeping together for about a week. Jude became very possessive and protective, which felt abrupt compared to his recent behavior. Not that his growing respect was unwelcome, but they seemed to be moving at light speed.
The odds where overwhelmingly stacked against these two. Dmitri Romanov, the head of the New York Russian empire was playing puppetmaster in the Sheridans' destruction. Jude was backed into a corner by the Russian, and forced to make the most difficult decision of his life. Love or Vengeance. Even if he chose the woman he was falling for, it could be his ultimate downfall. On the opposite side, Sloan's family was unpredictable and underhanded. She discovered that not everyone was to be trusted with her back turned. Because she could easily have a knife plunged in her back when she least expected.
This story was action-packed, and had an elaborate storyline that had me hooked the deeper I dove in. By the end of the book, though I felt somewhat detached from the two MCs, I did grow to respect and like them. I just didn't love them as I should have. I was fascinated by all of the interconnected story arcs, particularly Aiden and ex-cop Charlotte Finch's tease for the next addition to the series. I would definitely read their book Undercover Attraction in November. If you're already a fan of this series, this will be a must read. If not, you could start here as I did, but be prepared to have an adjustment period. Recommended for fans of mafia lovers, and redeemable heroes.
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October 5, 2017
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert
Book Four of the O'Malleys series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
All Sloan O’Malley ever wanted was a simple life—and now she’s finally got it. She’s left everything behind in Boston—her family, her money, even her name—and set herself up in a tiny seaside town in Oregon. What she doesn’t plan for? Her mysterious and painfully attractive neighbor, Jude.
Jude MacNamara has been many things in his life—pampered son of a prestigious family, only surviving heir to a lost legacy, hit man—but now he’s out for revenge on the man responsible for the death of his father and brothers—Colm Sheridan. He’s tracking Colm’s sister when he encounters Sloan living with her in her beach house. He’s a patient hunter and he’s willing to sit back and wait for his prey...he just doesn’t expect for this woman to give rise to emotions he hasn’t felt in years.
He doesn’t want to see Sloan hurt, but in order to protect her, he will have to turn his back on the one thing he’s spent his life pursuing—revenge. Even then, there’s no guarantee either one of them will make it out alive.
What I Liked:
From the start, I knew that this would be a very different book compared to the previous three. I loved The Marriage Contract, and enjoyed The Wedding Pact and An Indecent Proposal. The books have been incredibly engrossing, entertaining, and sexy. This book was all of those things, and yet it is distinct when compared to its predecessors. I loved Jude and Sloan's story - I think theirs is my second-favorite of the series now!
Sloan O'Malley, the fifth O'Malley child in a brood of seven, has finally gotten out. With the help of her older brother Teague, she has fled Boston and is neatly ensconced in a small seaside town in Oregon with an old woman - Sorcha Sheridan. Everything is new and interesting to her... especially her next-door neighbor. Little does she know, Jude MacNamara has been watching her new house. He has been tracking Colm Sheridan's sister for a long time, for revenge. And now he has found her, but he didn't expect Sloan O'Malley to appear. Sloan doesn't know at first who Jude really is, but it doesn't matter: one looks is all it takes. Jude and Sloan can't keep away from each other. But it's not long before the dangers of Boston catch up with Sloan, and Jude's own deals catch up with him. Jude will have to choose between his plans of revenge and his growing feelings for Sloan, and Sloan will have to decide if Jude is worth it.
This book had a bit of a different tone, compared to the others. Maybe because most of the book is far-removed from Boston, and all of the crime stuff in Boston? Not that the crime stuff doesn't come up - remember, Jude is very much involved in all of that (not that Sloan knows, at first). But the crime and the Russian mafia and all that aren't physically present in most of this book. Which makes the story a little more about our couple, especially in the first half.
I always felt bad for Sloan in the previous books, but I didn't love her, necessarily. She seemed a bit bland to me, and not outwardly strong as her older sister Carrigan, or her sister-in-law Callie. She isn't as stubborn and rebellious as her younger sister Keira. She's just Sloan. young and innocent and desperate to get out of the crime that surrounds her life. Right? Well. Sloan is much tougher than she outwardly appears, and she is her own brand of strong.
Jude is a rough, gruff, no-nonsense hardened man who is the last of a dynasty - the MacNamara's. He is bent on revenge and wants nothing in his way, so he isn't quite sure what to do with his instant attraction to Sloan, at first. But he is also a man of action, and he likes to have all of the control. Jude has made himself believe that he is a cold, merciless, heartless man who isn't worth more than his revenge, but that isn't true at all. This book is as much about Jude's self-worth as it is about Sloan's.
The two of them together are incredibly hot! The attraction and lust are there from the start. The sex starts off very early, which I don't always love, but I was fine with it in this book. The first half of the book is very focused on Jude and Sloan's physical attraction to each other, and there is a loooot of sex. The second half of the book deals more with their growing emotional connection, and the growing threat of Dmitri Romanov. But back to June and Sloan's chemistry - so hot. Jude is 100% alpha, and Sloan is... well, she isn't a meek and submissive innocent, but she is innocent and she likes it Jude being controlling and demanding, when it comes to sex. The two of them fit perfectly together and in so many ways.
So the physical attraction started off very quickly, but the emotional connection took longer. I liked seeing Jude and Sloan slowly trust each other and lean on each other. They don't know each other for very long before they have to make several decisions about Sloan's safety. But they begin to trust in their feelings for each other, which was sweet to see.
There is one trope that appears in this book that I usually hate - but I found that I did not mind it at all, in this book. The presence of this trope makes sense to me, and its purpose is something I understand. I love how the author switches up romances and relationships and keeps things original or at least on shuffle.
Don't think that this is purely a romance novel! It's dark romance, and the crime aspect of this series does not disappear at all, don't worry. The second half of the book really picks up speed with several crime-related plots, both back in Boston and in Oregon. The ending is pretty explosive! In terms of crime, and in terms of Jude and Sloan's relationship. Not in a bad way!
I love how we don't just get Jude and Sloan's POV. Occasionally (very rarely), we read from Aiden's, and Dmitri's. While Aiden has definitely grown on me, it is Dmitri who I have really gotten to like. I can't wait to read his and Keira's book (O'Malleys #6)! The snippets in this book between him and Keira are downright tantalizing.
I'm going to wrap this up and end with saying that I really enjoyed this book. It's my second-favorite, or possibly my favorite, tied with The Marriage Contract (I don't know that any of these books will touch Teague's - though maybe #6 will!). This book was different compared to the rest of the series, and so, so good.
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific that I can think of! Though this book is not getting a five-star rating.
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book, especially since it's one of my favorites of the series! I've not read a series like this one, but I can say with confidence that no one writes crime/dark romance like Katee Robert. In my opinion. I highly recommend this series in general!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I am looking forward to reading Undercover Attraction (Aiden and Charlie's story)! But more so, Dmitri and Keira's, which publishes in February 2018. This series is easily one of my favorite adult romance series of all time!
Pre-read squees:
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT.
:D
HIIIIIIIII JUDE!!!!!! Brood away with your broody self. :D
Forbidden Promises by Katee Robert
Book Four of the O'Malleys series
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: May 30, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Summary (from Goodreads):
All Sloan O’Malley ever wanted was a simple life—and now she’s finally got it. She’s left everything behind in Boston—her family, her money, even her name—and set herself up in a tiny seaside town in Oregon. What she doesn’t plan for? Her mysterious and painfully attractive neighbor, Jude.
Jude MacNamara has been many things in his life—pampered son of a prestigious family, only surviving heir to a lost legacy, hit man—but now he’s out for revenge on the man responsible for the death of his father and brothers—Colm Sheridan. He’s tracking Colm’s sister when he encounters Sloan living with her in her beach house. He’s a patient hunter and he’s willing to sit back and wait for his prey...he just doesn’t expect for this woman to give rise to emotions he hasn’t felt in years.
He doesn’t want to see Sloan hurt, but in order to protect her, he will have to turn his back on the one thing he’s spent his life pursuing—revenge. Even then, there’s no guarantee either one of them will make it out alive.
What I Liked:
From the start, I knew that this would be a very different book compared to the previous three. I loved The Marriage Contract, and enjoyed The Wedding Pact and An Indecent Proposal. The books have been incredibly engrossing, entertaining, and sexy. This book was all of those things, and yet it is distinct when compared to its predecessors. I loved Jude and Sloan's story - I think theirs is my second-favorite of the series now!
Sloan O'Malley, the fifth O'Malley child in a brood of seven, has finally gotten out. With the help of her older brother Teague, she has fled Boston and is neatly ensconced in a small seaside town in Oregon with an old woman - Sorcha Sheridan. Everything is new and interesting to her... especially her next-door neighbor. Little does she know, Jude MacNamara has been watching her new house. He has been tracking Colm Sheridan's sister for a long time, for revenge. And now he has found her, but he didn't expect Sloan O'Malley to appear. Sloan doesn't know at first who Jude really is, but it doesn't matter: one looks is all it takes. Jude and Sloan can't keep away from each other. But it's not long before the dangers of Boston catch up with Sloan, and Jude's own deals catch up with him. Jude will have to choose between his plans of revenge and his growing feelings for Sloan, and Sloan will have to decide if Jude is worth it.
This book had a bit of a different tone, compared to the others. Maybe because most of the book is far-removed from Boston, and all of the crime stuff in Boston? Not that the crime stuff doesn't come up - remember, Jude is very much involved in all of that (not that Sloan knows, at first). But the crime and the Russian mafia and all that aren't physically present in most of this book. Which makes the story a little more about our couple, especially in the first half.
I always felt bad for Sloan in the previous books, but I didn't love her, necessarily. She seemed a bit bland to me, and not outwardly strong as her older sister Carrigan, or her sister-in-law Callie. She isn't as stubborn and rebellious as her younger sister Keira. She's just Sloan. young and innocent and desperate to get out of the crime that surrounds her life. Right? Well. Sloan is much tougher than she outwardly appears, and she is her own brand of strong.
Jude is a rough, gruff, no-nonsense hardened man who is the last of a dynasty - the MacNamara's. He is bent on revenge and wants nothing in his way, so he isn't quite sure what to do with his instant attraction to Sloan, at first. But he is also a man of action, and he likes to have all of the control. Jude has made himself believe that he is a cold, merciless, heartless man who isn't worth more than his revenge, but that isn't true at all. This book is as much about Jude's self-worth as it is about Sloan's.
The two of them together are incredibly hot! The attraction and lust are there from the start. The sex starts off very early, which I don't always love, but I was fine with it in this book. The first half of the book is very focused on Jude and Sloan's physical attraction to each other, and there is a loooot of sex. The second half of the book deals more with their growing emotional connection, and the growing threat of Dmitri Romanov. But back to June and Sloan's chemistry - so hot. Jude is 100% alpha, and Sloan is... well, she isn't a meek and submissive innocent, but she is innocent and she likes it Jude being controlling and demanding, when it comes to sex. The two of them fit perfectly together and in so many ways.
So the physical attraction started off very quickly, but the emotional connection took longer. I liked seeing Jude and Sloan slowly trust each other and lean on each other. They don't know each other for very long before they have to make several decisions about Sloan's safety. But they begin to trust in their feelings for each other, which was sweet to see.
There is one trope that appears in this book that I usually hate - but I found that I did not mind it at all, in this book. The presence of this trope makes sense to me, and its purpose is something I understand. I love how the author switches up romances and relationships and keeps things original or at least on shuffle.
Don't think that this is purely a romance novel! It's dark romance, and the crime aspect of this series does not disappear at all, don't worry. The second half of the book really picks up speed with several crime-related plots, both back in Boston and in Oregon. The ending is pretty explosive! In terms of crime, and in terms of Jude and Sloan's relationship. Not in a bad way!
I love how we don't just get Jude and Sloan's POV. Occasionally (very rarely), we read from Aiden's, and Dmitri's. While Aiden has definitely grown on me, it is Dmitri who I have really gotten to like. I can't wait to read his and Keira's book (O'Malleys #6)! The snippets in this book between him and Keira are downright tantalizing.
I'm going to wrap this up and end with saying that I really enjoyed this book. It's my second-favorite, or possibly my favorite, tied with The Marriage Contract (I don't know that any of these books will touch Teague's - though maybe #6 will!). This book was different compared to the rest of the series, and so, so good.
What I Did Not Like:
Nothing specific that I can think of! Though this book is not getting a five-star rating.
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book, especially since it's one of my favorites of the series! I've not read a series like this one, but I can say with confidence that no one writes crime/dark romance like Katee Robert. In my opinion. I highly recommend this series in general!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars. I am looking forward to reading Undercover Attraction (Aiden and Charlie's story)! But more so, Dmitri and Keira's, which publishes in February 2018. This series is easily one of my favorite adult romance series of all time!
Pre-read squees:
WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT.
:D
HIIIIIIIII JUDE!!!!!! Brood away with your broody self. :D
May 30, 2017
Book Review For: FORBIDDEN PROMISES by Katee Robert 'FORBIDDEN PROMISES' by Katee Robert is book Four in "The O'Malleys" series. This is the story of Sloan O'Malley and Jude MacNamara. I have not yet read the other books in the series so for me this was a standalone book. Sloan has left her family in Boston to get away from their Mafia Drama and start a new life on her own. Only her brother and his wife knows where Sloan is staying. Sloan has lived a shelter life where she didn't have to work and they had servants so learning to be on her own is a new adventure. Sloan has just found her first job and looks forward to being more independent. But one thing Sloan is finding hard to do is stay away from the neighbor she has. Their first meeting we learned was the night she first came to the cottage but he seem to make it clear he didn't want anything to do with her. Jude is a hit man who is looking to get to the owner of the cottage. Jude knows that Sloan is just a innocent girl and he tries to make a stand to stay away from her but that isn't looking to easy. This story had a very exciting and hot alpha male character with just a sweet determined leading lady. Really enjoyed this story! I can't wait to go back and read the other books in this series!The O'Malleys Series:The Marriage Contract Book 1The Wedding Pact Book 2An Indecent Proposal Book 3Forbidden Promises Book 4Undercover Attraction Book 5"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H... http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/ https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
May 30, 2017
4 Stars
Forbidden Promises combines passion with intrigue and danger in a fast paced and entertaining story set in the Irish mob underworld. The addictive plot captivated me and I read this book almost in one sitting! It is well-written with great characterization and a perfect pace. The story starts off like a small town romance. The heroine, Sloan O’Malley, has chosen to leave her pampered life of Mafia princess behind. Against her father's wishes, she wants the freedom to make her own choices and has escaped her Boston mob family with the help of one of her brothers. She has relocated to a small town on the West Coast, and has started a new life, working at a local diner and trying to remain under the radar.
She is intrigued by her surly neighbor, Jude MacNamara. He is mysterious, overbearing, high handed, and yet Sloan is attracted to him. As it happens, Jude is the last surviving member of a rival mob family. He is a lone wolf, dangerous and cold, who falls for sweet and sassy Sloan. Their chemistry sets the pages on fire! Jude is not a protector, but rather a hit man with a hidden agenda. He has no idea how much his life will change after meeting Sloan, though. He is close to seeing his endgame realized, but he could lose her in the process, and it changes everything. He doesn’t want her to be a casualty in the war he has started to avenge his family. He knows they won’t be allowed to ride off in the sunset, their future is uncertain, but he is prepared to fight for Sloan and deal with mob politics.
The characters were the strength of this book for me. I loved how they both grew as the story unfolded. Not to mention that there was enough action and drama to keep me invested in this gripping mafia romance! The author surprised me at some point, mainly because I expected the story to progress in a different way, and I really liked that. Forbidden Promises is the fourth installment in the O’Malley series, but it can be read as a standalone, in my opinion. I will read the other books in the series, I want to know more about the intriguing O’Malley siblings. I’m definitely hooked!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.
Forbidden Promises combines passion with intrigue and danger in a fast paced and entertaining story set in the Irish mob underworld. The addictive plot captivated me and I read this book almost in one sitting! It is well-written with great characterization and a perfect pace. The story starts off like a small town romance. The heroine, Sloan O’Malley, has chosen to leave her pampered life of Mafia princess behind. Against her father's wishes, she wants the freedom to make her own choices and has escaped her Boston mob family with the help of one of her brothers. She has relocated to a small town on the West Coast, and has started a new life, working at a local diner and trying to remain under the radar.
She is intrigued by her surly neighbor, Jude MacNamara. He is mysterious, overbearing, high handed, and yet Sloan is attracted to him. As it happens, Jude is the last surviving member of a rival mob family. He is a lone wolf, dangerous and cold, who falls for sweet and sassy Sloan. Their chemistry sets the pages on fire! Jude is not a protector, but rather a hit man with a hidden agenda. He has no idea how much his life will change after meeting Sloan, though. He is close to seeing his endgame realized, but he could lose her in the process, and it changes everything. He doesn’t want her to be a casualty in the war he has started to avenge his family. He knows they won’t be allowed to ride off in the sunset, their future is uncertain, but he is prepared to fight for Sloan and deal with mob politics.
The characters were the strength of this book for me. I loved how they both grew as the story unfolded. Not to mention that there was enough action and drama to keep me invested in this gripping mafia romance! The author surprised me at some point, mainly because I expected the story to progress in a different way, and I really liked that. Forbidden Promises is the fourth installment in the O’Malley series, but it can be read as a standalone, in my opinion. I will read the other books in the series, I want to know more about the intriguing O’Malley siblings. I’m definitely hooked!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.
August 5, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Mafia Romance
Trope: Age Gap, Forbidden
Sloane O'Malley ran away from her family which is a prominent mafia family in Boston. She's living in a small town under a false identity. Next door to her is her very mysterious and attractive new neighbor, Jude MacNamara. Jude has a secret of his own and is dead set on revenge; getting involved with his very alluring neighbor is the last thing on his mind. However, their attraction for each other cannot be denied, their chemistry quite explosive. And once their real identities are revealed to one another, they will have to face a new set of challenges that will pose a threat to their relationship.
I can't be sure but I think there is a slight age gap between Sloane and Jude. Sloane is very innocent and sheltered whereas Jude is a lot more mature and hardened by tragedy. There is nothing taboo about their relationship but there is certainly a forbidden aspect to it which you will discover as you read the book.
I really like this book. It is very steamy and very intense. The plot is also very good and the thriller aspect kept me on my toes. I also like the main couple; each had relatable qualities in their own way.
I would suggest reading the previous books in the series. I didn't and was a bit lost when it mentions Sloan's past trauma. I was also intrigued by her brothers and curious what happened to make their relationship dynamics that way.
Trope: Age Gap, Forbidden
Sloane O'Malley ran away from her family which is a prominent mafia family in Boston. She's living in a small town under a false identity. Next door to her is her very mysterious and attractive new neighbor, Jude MacNamara. Jude has a secret of his own and is dead set on revenge; getting involved with his very alluring neighbor is the last thing on his mind. However, their attraction for each other cannot be denied, their chemistry quite explosive. And once their real identities are revealed to one another, they will have to face a new set of challenges that will pose a threat to their relationship.
I can't be sure but I think there is a slight age gap between Sloane and Jude. Sloane is very innocent and sheltered whereas Jude is a lot more mature and hardened by tragedy. There is nothing taboo about their relationship but there is certainly a forbidden aspect to it which you will discover as you read the book.
I really like this book. It is very steamy and very intense. The plot is also very good and the thriller aspect kept me on my toes. I also like the main couple; each had relatable qualities in their own way.
I would suggest reading the previous books in the series. I didn't and was a bit lost when it mentions Sloan's past trauma. I was also intrigued by her brothers and curious what happened to make their relationship dynamics that way.
May 1, 2017
ARC provided by Edelweiss and Publisher for an honest review.
This was an intense and engaging read with mystery and suspense thrown in.
Sloane, the heroine from our story, comes from an Irish family that is the most powerful Mafia (combination of three Irish families) in Boston. But word is out that the Russian Mafia might be encroaching on their territory.
Sloane is surrounded by strong siblings that are outspoken and major doer's who get things done and achieve what they want. Sloane is the more reserved and quite one that dose pretty much what she's told. And she's well aware she's the next to be married off. With the possibility of marriage on the horizon, Sloan with the help of one of her brothers and his wife, decides to escape. Sloane ends up in a small coastal town working incognito, as a waitress. She wants to start a new life with a clean slate and enjoy the small and big things in life that weren't doable in her old life.
Sloane's living arrangement is a cottage that is loaned to her through her brother. When she arrives at the there she finds she's at the wrong one and her's is actually next door. The actual occupant is a handsome, gruff and cold man who let's her know to stay away. Sloane was immediately intrigued and attracted to the stranger knowing it was going to be difficult to abide by his wishes.
Jude, Sloane's new neighbor, wants nothing to do with the innocent young woman. Even though he was attracted to her immediately, more like lusting after her immediately, he needs to stay away. He has a mission, a mission of revenge for his family and he's not going to be distracted by the beautiful and innocent neighbor. Jude's life was filled with a lot of heart ache, tragedy and killing. His life goal was in reach and the cottage next door was a key component to achieving his revenge.
Excellent read into the Mafia life and all it entails. Found the intense connection and passion between the two MC intriguing and passionate. The romance was key but the mystery, suspense and mafia life are equally as engaging. The characters had depth and grew as individuals as well as a couple. Lot's of chemistry and sexual tension too.
This was an intense and engaging read with mystery and suspense thrown in.
Sloane, the heroine from our story, comes from an Irish family that is the most powerful Mafia (combination of three Irish families) in Boston. But word is out that the Russian Mafia might be encroaching on their territory.
Sloane is surrounded by strong siblings that are outspoken and major doer's who get things done and achieve what they want. Sloane is the more reserved and quite one that dose pretty much what she's told. And she's well aware she's the next to be married off. With the possibility of marriage on the horizon, Sloan with the help of one of her brothers and his wife, decides to escape. Sloane ends up in a small coastal town working incognito, as a waitress. She wants to start a new life with a clean slate and enjoy the small and big things in life that weren't doable in her old life.
Sloane's living arrangement is a cottage that is loaned to her through her brother. When she arrives at the there she finds she's at the wrong one and her's is actually next door. The actual occupant is a handsome, gruff and cold man who let's her know to stay away. Sloane was immediately intrigued and attracted to the stranger knowing it was going to be difficult to abide by his wishes.
Jude, Sloane's new neighbor, wants nothing to do with the innocent young woman. Even though he was attracted to her immediately, more like lusting after her immediately, he needs to stay away. He has a mission, a mission of revenge for his family and he's not going to be distracted by the beautiful and innocent neighbor. Jude's life was filled with a lot of heart ache, tragedy and killing. His life goal was in reach and the cottage next door was a key component to achieving his revenge.
Excellent read into the Mafia life and all it entails. Found the intense connection and passion between the two MC intriguing and passionate. The romance was key but the mystery, suspense and mafia life are equally as engaging. The characters had depth and grew as individuals as well as a couple. Lot's of chemistry and sexual tension too.
June 7, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Forbidden Promises is the fourth installment in The O’Malley’s Series and while this book can be read as a standalone, I highly advise you to read the first three books since secondary characters play a crucial integral part of the story line. With that out of the way, now onto the review.
Sloan O’Malley has lived a very sheltered life even though her family is part of the Irish mafia. This life that she has now is not the life that she wants and so when the opportunity presents itself her to start over, she takes it. While she is adjusting to her newfound freedom and job, she meets a neighbor who intrigues and sparks her interest.
Jude McNamara knows that he should stay away from Sloan O’Malley. She drips with innocence and he just has no time to deal with that. Or does he? Jude only cares for revenge since he is the last surviving one of his family. In his quest for revenge, what happens when Sloan interrupts his life? And what happens when feelings and attraction collides with danger?
Forbidden Promises was indeed a real page turner. Robert’s did a terrific job blending the themes of family, romance, suspense, and revenge into the story line. She allowed readers to finally see the real Sloane come out of her shell. The once perceived little meek mouse does have a backbone and it was great to finally see that showcased in this installment. As I said earlier, yes this book can be read as a standalone but I highly urge you to read the previous books of this series to see how far the O’Malley family has come along.
Katee Robert
Forbidden Promises is the fourth installment in The O’Malley’s Series and while this book can be read as a standalone, I highly advise you to read the first three books since secondary characters play a crucial integral part of the story line. With that out of the way, now onto the review.
Sloan O’Malley has lived a very sheltered life even though her family is part of the Irish mafia. This life that she has now is not the life that she wants and so when the opportunity presents itself her to start over, she takes it. While she is adjusting to her newfound freedom and job, she meets a neighbor who intrigues and sparks her interest.
Jude McNamara knows that he should stay away from Sloan O’Malley. She drips with innocence and he just has no time to deal with that. Or does he? Jude only cares for revenge since he is the last surviving one of his family. In his quest for revenge, what happens when Sloan interrupts his life? And what happens when feelings and attraction collides with danger?
Forbidden Promises was indeed a real page turner. Robert’s did a terrific job blending the themes of family, romance, suspense, and revenge into the story line. She allowed readers to finally see the real Sloane come out of her shell. The once perceived little meek mouse does have a backbone and it was great to finally see that showcased in this installment. As I said earlier, yes this book can be read as a standalone but I highly urge you to read the previous books of this series to see how far the O’Malley family has come along.
Katee Robert
June 7, 2021
I have been reading a lot of Maia Romances lately, but it felt so good to go back to a series that I love so much and spend time with this crazy family.
Sloane was so sweet and just wanted to escape, only to fall under the eyes of Jude MacNemera, a contract killer who is the in the house next door.
Sexiness ensues and drama unfolds and it was all a treat for me.
4/5 stars
Sloane was so sweet and just wanted to escape, only to fall under the eyes of Jude MacNemera, a contract killer who is the in the house next door.
Sexiness ensues and drama unfolds and it was all a treat for me.
4/5 stars
April 23, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Forbbidden Promises is the fourth installment in the O Malley Family series. This is Sloane's book. And I have been wanting Sloane's book for quite a while, because I know that she is one of the siblings that is more secretive. I always knew that she is one of those characters we don't see who she is and now we do in this wonderful book. This sibling is the more reserved of them all, she is shy and quiet and does what is asked of her. But when her brother Teagan offers to give her freedom and peace away from Boston, she agrees and she finds herself in the small town on the coast of Oregon. She gets her first job at a diner, starts doing yoga on the beach and then she stumbles across her growly and formidable neighbor, Jude. Jude is part of the MacNamara family. The only last living one, when his family was killed and he wants revenge. But his revenge will compromise his relationship with Sloane. At first Sloane, wants Jude but he also makes her stronger and makes her realize her strengths, strengths she has hidden from even herself. She becomes very spirited and outspoken when she is around Jude. But now she is in danger from an enemy that is out to destroy the Boston families, and destroying them will destroy her family.
I had quite a fun time with this book, and it was slightly different than the others. I really liked both of these characters for the most part. The first half of the book, was pretty high in the sex scenes. In fact, I was skipping a bit more since it felt like overkill especially compared to the previous books. But once these two start to get to real issues and get the heart of the matter of what they feel for each other, is where the story really gets interesting. Especially when there is a surprise that both of them have to face, and the plot really increases with drama from her family and their enemy Dimitri. This story was intense, and suspenseful but I really enjoyed the dynamics between Sloane and Jude find a way together. Forbidden Promises is an intense ride of passion, danger and a fight for true love.
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Forbbidden Promises is the fourth installment in the O Malley Family series. This is Sloane's book. And I have been wanting Sloane's book for quite a while, because I know that she is one of the siblings that is more secretive. I always knew that she is one of those characters we don't see who she is and now we do in this wonderful book. This sibling is the more reserved of them all, she is shy and quiet and does what is asked of her. But when her brother Teagan offers to give her freedom and peace away from Boston, she agrees and she finds herself in the small town on the coast of Oregon. She gets her first job at a diner, starts doing yoga on the beach and then she stumbles across her growly and formidable neighbor, Jude. Jude is part of the MacNamara family. The only last living one, when his family was killed and he wants revenge. But his revenge will compromise his relationship with Sloane. At first Sloane, wants Jude but he also makes her stronger and makes her realize her strengths, strengths she has hidden from even herself. She becomes very spirited and outspoken when she is around Jude. But now she is in danger from an enemy that is out to destroy the Boston families, and destroying them will destroy her family.I had quite a fun time with this book, and it was slightly different than the others. I really liked both of these characters for the most part. The first half of the book, was pretty high in the sex scenes. In fact, I was skipping a bit more since it felt like overkill especially compared to the previous books. But once these two start to get to real issues and get the heart of the matter of what they feel for each other, is where the story really gets interesting. Especially when there is a surprise that both of them have to face, and the plot really increases with drama from her family and their enemy Dimitri. This story was intense, and suspenseful but I really enjoyed the dynamics between Sloane and Jude find a way together. Forbidden Promises is an intense ride of passion, danger and a fight for true love.
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January 8, 2019
I have a luke warm toward this series. The first 2 series, I like it OK. So I give it a try to read the 4th book.
Forbidden Promise is story about Sloan and Jude. Sloan who is an innocent girl and escaping her family. She sets her life in a secluded area. She even gets a job at diner to support herself. It just happens her next door occupant is a hitman, Jude. As the romance goes, Sloan and Jude falling for each other. Hard. Jude is a cocky alpha male. But his cockiness is very cheesy to my liking. And Sloan is bit confusing. She is timid at first but then when Jude pushes her, she finally push back.
The story and the plot is better on this book compares to the predecessor. So hence the 4 stars
Forbidden Promise is story about Sloan and Jude. Sloan who is an innocent girl and escaping her family. She sets her life in a secluded area. She even gets a job at diner to support herself. It just happens her next door occupant is a hitman, Jude. As the romance goes, Sloan and Jude falling for each other. Hard. Jude is a cocky alpha male. But his cockiness is very cheesy to my liking. And Sloan is bit confusing. She is timid at first but then when Jude pushes her, she finally push back.
The story and the plot is better on this book compares to the predecessor. So hence the 4 stars
May 23, 2017
4.5 Stars!
This series is intense, passionate, addictive and filled with so many twists and turns, you'll need a map and a guidebook to navigate it but you'll love every minute of the journey! Katee Robert has created an incredible world filled with drama, passion and suspense that you won't want to leave and FORBIDDEN PROMISES is definitely worth reading.
From all the previous books in this series, Sloan O'Malley was the mousy sibling, pretty much scared of her own shadow and to be honest, my impression of her was that she might need psychiatric help at some point, so color me surprised to see her make a bid for freedom at the end of the preceding book, and successfully too, I might add. But she can't seem to outrun the Boston underworld because she about to get ensnared in a revenge plot that will draw her back into her family's orbit, courtesy of her next door neighbor, who is not exactly who he claims to be.
Every choice Jude MacNamara had made in his life was made with one end goal: taking revenge on the man who cost him his entire family and if it means taking out his enemy's own family, well, an eye for an eye and all that. But his carefully laid plans are about to be torpedoed by the one person he never expected or planned for and he'll have to make a choice between happiness and revenge.
It's fun watching a strong woman wield her power, as Callie and Carrigan did, but it's also so much fun to see a timid woman grow into her power with the support of the right man and I loved that Sloan and Jude were that couple. They had really great chemistry and very little drama between them, but they also knew the world they came from as well as its limitations and didn't pretend to be anything different. Sloan found her confidence once she put some distance between herself and her family, but she really grew into herself with the help of Jude.
For Jude, relationships, family and a future had no place in his life but once Sloan came into it, he had to decide if he could give up his quest for vengeance for the happiness she could bring into his life. His career choice also means that he has made a lot of enemies who would not hesitate to use Sloan against him, but the future he can have with Sloan is worth more to him, so walking away from all of it may not be such a loss after all.
I enjoyed Jude and Sloan a lot but Carrigan has a special place in my heart and I loved that she and James made an appearance in this book and that she made her peace with Sloan.
This is one series I wish did not have so much time between installments because of how engrossing the stories are and also because a refresher is needed before starting every addition. At the heart of it are the three Boston crime families jousting for turf and trying to fend off the encroaching Russian mob from New York and the Feds, but with the families getting all tangled up in marriage and relationships, who's going to be the first to tell them that working together could be better for them?
Besides, with Dmitri Romanov unable to stay away from Keira O'Malley, what does the future hold? And who really is Aiden O'Malley? What does the O'Malley patriarch have to say about what's going on? So many questions that I can't wait to find answers to and if the hints dropped in this book are any indication, the next two books to come are going to be explosive and I cannot wait!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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This series is intense, passionate, addictive and filled with so many twists and turns, you'll need a map and a guidebook to navigate it but you'll love every minute of the journey! Katee Robert has created an incredible world filled with drama, passion and suspense that you won't want to leave and FORBIDDEN PROMISES is definitely worth reading.
From all the previous books in this series, Sloan O'Malley was the mousy sibling, pretty much scared of her own shadow and to be honest, my impression of her was that she might need psychiatric help at some point, so color me surprised to see her make a bid for freedom at the end of the preceding book, and successfully too, I might add. But she can't seem to outrun the Boston underworld because she about to get ensnared in a revenge plot that will draw her back into her family's orbit, courtesy of her next door neighbor, who is not exactly who he claims to be.
Every choice Jude MacNamara had made in his life was made with one end goal: taking revenge on the man who cost him his entire family and if it means taking out his enemy's own family, well, an eye for an eye and all that. But his carefully laid plans are about to be torpedoed by the one person he never expected or planned for and he'll have to make a choice between happiness and revenge.
It's fun watching a strong woman wield her power, as Callie and Carrigan did, but it's also so much fun to see a timid woman grow into her power with the support of the right man and I loved that Sloan and Jude were that couple. They had really great chemistry and very little drama between them, but they also knew the world they came from as well as its limitations and didn't pretend to be anything different. Sloan found her confidence once she put some distance between herself and her family, but she really grew into herself with the help of Jude.
For Jude, relationships, family and a future had no place in his life but once Sloan came into it, he had to decide if he could give up his quest for vengeance for the happiness she could bring into his life. His career choice also means that he has made a lot of enemies who would not hesitate to use Sloan against him, but the future he can have with Sloan is worth more to him, so walking away from all of it may not be such a loss after all.
I enjoyed Jude and Sloan a lot but Carrigan has a special place in my heart and I loved that she and James made an appearance in this book and that she made her peace with Sloan.
This is one series I wish did not have so much time between installments because of how engrossing the stories are and also because a refresher is needed before starting every addition. At the heart of it are the three Boston crime families jousting for turf and trying to fend off the encroaching Russian mob from New York and the Feds, but with the families getting all tangled up in marriage and relationships, who's going to be the first to tell them that working together could be better for them?
Besides, with Dmitri Romanov unable to stay away from Keira O'Malley, what does the future hold? And who really is Aiden O'Malley? What does the O'Malley patriarch have to say about what's going on? So many questions that I can't wait to find answers to and if the hints dropped in this book are any indication, the next two books to come are going to be explosive and I cannot wait!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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May 31, 2017
Reaction right after finishing it: I don't usually enjoy books with anything mob-ish related but this one was actually so good and the romance was *fire emoji*
Full review originally posted on Bookworm Wanders
First of all, guys…that cover…THAT COVER. This has to be one of my favourite covers so far this year. I’m not even kidding.
Katee Roberts’s books and I have an interest relationship because before I read this one, I had read two others by her, one I adored and one I didn’t adore so much, Forbidden Promises though definitely showed up to break the tie and made this author a “10/10 would recommend” for me.
I don’t reach for books revolving around the mafia often because I constantly have this feeling that no matter what, the main couple will never get a HEA so I was hesitant to read this one but one of my friends told me I NEEDED IT because the hero was very up my alley, meaning that he is alpha, broody but with a soft spot for his heroine and my friend said he kind of reminded her of a Tessa Bailey hero which was what ultimately sold me on this book and I have zero regrets.
Sloan gets away from her mafia family with the help of her brother and she is trying to do everything she can to get as far away as possible from all the baggage she has from her past, she moves to a small town and she is trying to learn how to be outside what she has known her entire life, mostly, she knows she has to stay out of trouble, so when she meets Jude, she sees absolutely nothing wrong with having a no string attached relationship with him because he is just some stranger but eventually she realises he is way more connected to her past than she thought.
I loved Sloan so much because she has spent her entire life trying to fit into what her family wanted her to be, so what she does by getting away and trying to restart her life is obviously not easy but I adore that we got to see her grow into her own person and stand up to her family when necessary and shed some ideas that had been ingrained in her for so long.
“Are you done?”
Just like that, she had a whole lot more to say. “Actually-“
“That was a rhetorical question, sunshine.”
Like Sloan, Jude also goes through a lot of changes in this book, he is the only member left alive from his family and he is set on getting revenge, however, meeting Sloan kind of gets in the way of his plans.
I really loved Sloan and Jude together, their chemistry was off the charts and every scene they had together was either setting my phone on fire or it was turning me into the heart eyes emoji. Their banter was adorable and I was definitely left wanting to see more and more of them at the end because I became so invested in their happiness.
Overall, this book was definitely a huge win for me, something I did notice was how the author really tried to set up the next books a little bit with different POVs thrown in and I’m not sure if I loved this or hated it because I am definitely super intrigued and interested on the next two couples but also, those pages could have been used for more Sloan and Jude cute times but okay, consider me officially hooked on Katee’s books, I’m very excited to see how all these stories come together at the end.
* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Full review originally posted on Bookworm Wanders
First of all, guys…that cover…THAT COVER. This has to be one of my favourite covers so far this year. I’m not even kidding.
Katee Roberts’s books and I have an interest relationship because before I read this one, I had read two others by her, one I adored and one I didn’t adore so much, Forbidden Promises though definitely showed up to break the tie and made this author a “10/10 would recommend” for me.
I don’t reach for books revolving around the mafia often because I constantly have this feeling that no matter what, the main couple will never get a HEA so I was hesitant to read this one but one of my friends told me I NEEDED IT because the hero was very up my alley, meaning that he is alpha, broody but with a soft spot for his heroine and my friend said he kind of reminded her of a Tessa Bailey hero which was what ultimately sold me on this book and I have zero regrets.
Sloan gets away from her mafia family with the help of her brother and she is trying to do everything she can to get as far away as possible from all the baggage she has from her past, she moves to a small town and she is trying to learn how to be outside what she has known her entire life, mostly, she knows she has to stay out of trouble, so when she meets Jude, she sees absolutely nothing wrong with having a no string attached relationship with him because he is just some stranger but eventually she realises he is way more connected to her past than she thought.
I loved Sloan so much because she has spent her entire life trying to fit into what her family wanted her to be, so what she does by getting away and trying to restart her life is obviously not easy but I adore that we got to see her grow into her own person and stand up to her family when necessary and shed some ideas that had been ingrained in her for so long.
“Are you done?”
Just like that, she had a whole lot more to say. “Actually-“
“That was a rhetorical question, sunshine.”
Like Sloan, Jude also goes through a lot of changes in this book, he is the only member left alive from his family and he is set on getting revenge, however, meeting Sloan kind of gets in the way of his plans.
I really loved Sloan and Jude together, their chemistry was off the charts and every scene they had together was either setting my phone on fire or it was turning me into the heart eyes emoji. Their banter was adorable and I was definitely left wanting to see more and more of them at the end because I became so invested in their happiness.
Overall, this book was definitely a huge win for me, something I did notice was how the author really tried to set up the next books a little bit with different POVs thrown in and I’m not sure if I loved this or hated it because I am definitely super intrigued and interested on the next two couples but also, those pages could have been used for more Sloan and Jude cute times but okay, consider me officially hooked on Katee’s books, I’m very excited to see how all these stories come together at the end.
* I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2017
Coffee dates with Forbidden Promise
First Date: Thanks to her brother's help Sloan O'Malley has gotten away from Boston and is hiding in a small rural town in Oregon. She staying at the home of a family friend and has taken a job at the dinner as a waitress. She is enjoying the quiet "normal" life but all that changes when she meets Jude MacNamara the sexy, dominate next door neighbor. Jude has spent his life revenging his family and all is going according to plan. That is until he lays eyes on his new neighbor. These two had wicked chemistry and the suspense angle came into play immediately. Jude is posing as a writer and immediately sets out to determine who Sloan is and that discovery opens up a door that cannot be closed even as he fights his attraction to her.
Second Date: Even though we are far from Boston and enjoying the developing romance, as we get to know both Sloan and Jude, we feel the tension growing. Jude has a job to do and soon Demitri is involved. Gads he is an arrogant bastard. ( I cannot wait for his story) I was really glad that Jude came clean to Sloan early on, and wow do we see Sloan bloom. In previous books, she has been an obedient follower and she transforms into a warrior. I appreciated how Robert developed Jude and defined him as more than a ruthless killer. The men in this series are fierce, all alpha and protective of their females, but each respects their woman. No longer safe, the two take off but more than one player has eyes on them. At this point, I am all in and found myself looking for excuses to listen. I may have dusted the house twice.
Third Date: The men in this series make me crazy. Sloan's brothers think they know best and are determined to retrieve her. At the same time, we have Demitri making a threat against Jude with outcomes that will never allow this couple peace. Instead of running Sloan and Jude head back to Boston and into the eye of the storm. OMG. Tempers, danger, and deals. This last date was intense and moments with the couple were touching. Sloan really shines and while Adian is ruthless, let me just say thank goodness he's also Sloan's brother because Teg is a serious control freak. Robert delivered twists, turns, and deals along with indicators about where this series is headed in a climatic ending that had me holding my breath.
Charlotte North continues to narrate this series and she enhances the emotions, characters, and tension in this nail-biting series. I love her lilt and her pacing is perfect as she moves between perspectives.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
First Date: Thanks to her brother's help Sloan O'Malley has gotten away from Boston and is hiding in a small rural town in Oregon. She staying at the home of a family friend and has taken a job at the dinner as a waitress. She is enjoying the quiet "normal" life but all that changes when she meets Jude MacNamara the sexy, dominate next door neighbor. Jude has spent his life revenging his family and all is going according to plan. That is until he lays eyes on his new neighbor. These two had wicked chemistry and the suspense angle came into play immediately. Jude is posing as a writer and immediately sets out to determine who Sloan is and that discovery opens up a door that cannot be closed even as he fights his attraction to her.
Second Date: Even though we are far from Boston and enjoying the developing romance, as we get to know both Sloan and Jude, we feel the tension growing. Jude has a job to do and soon Demitri is involved. Gads he is an arrogant bastard. ( I cannot wait for his story) I was really glad that Jude came clean to Sloan early on, and wow do we see Sloan bloom. In previous books, she has been an obedient follower and she transforms into a warrior. I appreciated how Robert developed Jude and defined him as more than a ruthless killer. The men in this series are fierce, all alpha and protective of their females, but each respects their woman. No longer safe, the two take off but more than one player has eyes on them. At this point, I am all in and found myself looking for excuses to listen. I may have dusted the house twice.
Third Date: The men in this series make me crazy. Sloan's brothers think they know best and are determined to retrieve her. At the same time, we have Demitri making a threat against Jude with outcomes that will never allow this couple peace. Instead of running Sloan and Jude head back to Boston and into the eye of the storm. OMG. Tempers, danger, and deals. This last date was intense and moments with the couple were touching. Sloan really shines and while Adian is ruthless, let me just say thank goodness he's also Sloan's brother because Teg is a serious control freak. Robert delivered twists, turns, and deals along with indicators about where this series is headed in a climatic ending that had me holding my breath.
Charlotte North continues to narrate this series and she enhances the emotions, characters, and tension in this nail-biting series. I love her lilt and her pacing is perfect as she moves between perspectives.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
June 5, 2017
4.5 stars....review to come.
July 21, 2019
The tangled web gets even more tangled…
The O’Malley siblings were back and things were heating up once again! This drama-filled series hasn’t stopped for breath once and Sloan’s story amped it up even higher….
Sloan had broken away from her family. She loved them but living with them wasn’t an option any longer. She couldn’t live with the fear, she was simply not made that way. Finding her own path was the only way to be free and even if she stumbled she would make it… Jude, on the other hand, had been alone forever. He had nothing and no one to stop him from finding the revenge he worked towards his whole life. Nothing until a beautiful woman stopped him cold in his tracks…
OMG! The twists and turns never stopped when Sloan and Jude make an unexpected connection. Lust, love, tenderness, protectiveness… If their situations weren’t already crazy, the odds of them making a go of it were zero to none. Of course, I wanted it to work out. And with Jude and Sloan at the helm…
Jude needed love as much as Sloan had it to give and when they finally got on the same page, anything was possible. If complicated family wasn’t bad enough try three or four of the deadliest around, and then try to make love work. Yeah, I had no idea how it was going to play out so it was a nail-biter all the way through. A wonderful, stomach-achey, head-pounding, nail-biter.
I loved this instalment and can’t wait to find out what is in store for Aiden and Keira. Though I have a feeling I know what to do with my time while I wait… This story had me dusting off the yoga mat in search of my own zen! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
The O’Malley siblings were back and things were heating up once again! This drama-filled series hasn’t stopped for breath once and Sloan’s story amped it up even higher….
Sloan had broken away from her family. She loved them but living with them wasn’t an option any longer. She couldn’t live with the fear, she was simply not made that way. Finding her own path was the only way to be free and even if she stumbled she would make it… Jude, on the other hand, had been alone forever. He had nothing and no one to stop him from finding the revenge he worked towards his whole life. Nothing until a beautiful woman stopped him cold in his tracks…
OMG! The twists and turns never stopped when Sloan and Jude make an unexpected connection. Lust, love, tenderness, protectiveness… If their situations weren’t already crazy, the odds of them making a go of it were zero to none. Of course, I wanted it to work out. And with Jude and Sloan at the helm…
Jude needed love as much as Sloan had it to give and when they finally got on the same page, anything was possible. If complicated family wasn’t bad enough try three or four of the deadliest around, and then try to make love work. Yeah, I had no idea how it was going to play out so it was a nail-biter all the way through. A wonderful, stomach-achey, head-pounding, nail-biter.
I loved this instalment and can’t wait to find out what is in store for Aiden and Keira. Though I have a feeling I know what to do with my time while I wait… This story had me dusting off the yoga mat in search of my own zen! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
October 30, 2021
2.25 stars
Again, the most intriguing part of the story was not the main couple, Sloan and Jude, but Dmitri and Keira 😂💀💀 whose two scenes together served more sexual tension than Sloan and Jude throughout the whole book 🔥🔥 and you know, that's ok, maybe it's a me thing and I'm unreasonably fixated on the dark, mysterious Russian but COME ON
He pointed the gun at him, pausing when the stranger leaned forward and clicked on the light.
Dmitri Romanov.
Jude didn’t holster his gun, but once he determined the other man didn’t have a weapon pointed at him, Jude let his arm fall to his side. “Very dramatic. How long did you sit in the dark, waiting for me?”
Dmitri gave a small smile. “Ah, but that would be telling. I have it on good authority that you’re in the neighborhood to see me.”
(...)
“I’m bored of your games.”
“Then stop playing.” Just like that, the amusement disappeared from Dmitri’s face and he straightened, his hands carefully set on the arms of the chair and away from his sides.
And the two scenes with Keira, where he follows her to the rave or to an underground, seedy club?
A flash of dark hair caught his attention, and he turned to find the very woman he was looking for staring at him, not ten feet away. Keira O’Malley had all the beauty of her oldest sister, but it was sharper, more likely to cut than seduce. She watched him with the jaded gaze of a woman who’d seen so much that nothing surprised her any longer. (...)
Dmitri waited, part of him curious to see how she’d react. Would she run? Attempt a poorly thought-out attack? But Keira gave him a look that only an idiot would mistake as anything other than a challenge.
And then she slipped into the pulsing crowd and disappeared.
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still over-the-top sometimes, and that scene where Dmitri waits for Jude in his dark apartment and uncovers himself by turning on the lamp is some 101 cartoonesque villain shit, but dammit it's working 😭😭😭 I just know Dmitri and Keira will just keep on playing their cat and mouse game on my feels until their own book, to the point where I can't even focus on the current couple, especially when said couple is drier than low-shelf toilet paper 😭
Anyway...back to the MCs of this story...what's-their-names...Sloan and Jude 💡
I have nothing against instant gratification, I even prefer it more often than not to be honest, especially when it comes with emotional slow burn. But here there's really no build-up, not in emotions and not in sexual tension.
Sloan meets Jude, Jude acts like a total asshole once or twice, then suddenly decides to get close to Sloan bc Reasons (to get information on someone else bla bla bla not relevant tbh since once Sloan finds out, she has zero emotional reaction to that revelation), they fuck. And that's like, first 80-90 pages of the story lol.
Peak comedy was achieved in a scene when Sloan and Jude are having sex, I swear it's like a week into their acquaintance, the condom breaks and what is Jude's reaction?
He rushes Sloan into the shower to, I quote, "get his motherfucking come out of her" 🤣🤣🤣
I swear I died and went to literary hell, what did I do to deserve this 😭😭
(just to make it clear, Jude is a grown-ass 35-year old experienced man, and Sloan has been a virgin -duh- up until a week earlier, but at least she has some common sense and is all like yeah dude, shower is good and all, but I better get some Plan B pill 💀💀💀)
And you know what, she does, within like 12-24 hours, and she gets pregnant anyway 💀😭 Which is of course possible, even if quite highly improbable, but how else could we get Jude from total emotional unavailability to "I will guard you and our child til my last breath" in five hot seconds, if not with pregnancy? Lazy AF!!!
Anyway, after that the plot became such a clusterfuck that I just decided to hold on tight and throw away all my WTFs, and take my pleasures where I could, aka the hot supposed villain.
Again, the most intriguing part of the story was not the main couple, Sloan and Jude, but Dmitri and Keira 😂💀💀 whose two scenes together served more sexual tension than Sloan and Jude throughout the whole book 🔥🔥 and you know, that's ok, maybe it's a me thing and I'm unreasonably fixated on the dark, mysterious Russian but COME ON
He pointed the gun at him, pausing when the stranger leaned forward and clicked on the light.
Dmitri Romanov.
Jude didn’t holster his gun, but once he determined the other man didn’t have a weapon pointed at him, Jude let his arm fall to his side. “Very dramatic. How long did you sit in the dark, waiting for me?”
Dmitri gave a small smile. “Ah, but that would be telling. I have it on good authority that you’re in the neighborhood to see me.”
(...)
“I’m bored of your games.”
“Then stop playing.” Just like that, the amusement disappeared from Dmitri’s face and he straightened, his hands carefully set on the arms of the chair and away from his sides.
And the two scenes with Keira, where he follows her to the rave or to an underground, seedy club?
A flash of dark hair caught his attention, and he turned to find the very woman he was looking for staring at him, not ten feet away. Keira O’Malley had all the beauty of her oldest sister, but it was sharper, more likely to cut than seduce. She watched him with the jaded gaze of a woman who’d seen so much that nothing surprised her any longer. (...)
Dmitri waited, part of him curious to see how she’d react. Would she run? Attempt a poorly thought-out attack? But Keira gave him a look that only an idiot would mistake as anything other than a challenge.
And then she slipped into the pulsing crowd and disappeared.
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still over-the-top sometimes, and that scene where Dmitri waits for Jude in his dark apartment and uncovers himself by turning on the lamp is some 101 cartoonesque villain shit, but dammit it's working 😭😭😭 I just know Dmitri and Keira will just keep on playing their cat and mouse game on my feels until their own book, to the point where I can't even focus on the current couple, especially when said couple is drier than low-shelf toilet paper 😭
Anyway...back to the MCs of this story...what's-their-names...Sloan and Jude 💡
I have nothing against instant gratification, I even prefer it more often than not to be honest, especially when it comes with emotional slow burn. But here there's really no build-up, not in emotions and not in sexual tension.
Sloan meets Jude, Jude acts like a total asshole once or twice, then suddenly decides to get close to Sloan bc Reasons (to get information on someone else bla bla bla not relevant tbh since once Sloan finds out, she has zero emotional reaction to that revelation), they fuck. And that's like, first 80-90 pages of the story lol.
Peak comedy was achieved in a scene when Sloan and Jude are having sex, I swear it's like a week into their acquaintance, the condom breaks and what is Jude's reaction?
He rushes Sloan into the shower to, I quote, "get his motherfucking come out of her" 🤣🤣🤣
I swear I died and went to literary hell, what did I do to deserve this 😭😭
(just to make it clear, Jude is a grown-ass 35-year old experienced man, and Sloan has been a virgin -duh- up until a week earlier, but at least she has some common sense and is all like yeah dude, shower is good and all, but I better get some Plan B pill 💀💀💀)
And you know what, she does, within like 12-24 hours, and she gets pregnant anyway 💀😭 Which is of course possible, even if quite highly improbable, but how else could we get Jude from total emotional unavailability to "I will guard you and our child til my last breath" in five hot seconds, if not with pregnancy? Lazy AF!!!
Anyway, after that the plot became such a clusterfuck that I just decided to hold on tight and throw away all my WTFs, and take my pleasures where I could, aka the hot supposed villain.
October 1, 2019
If you've read this series from the start, then it won't be news when I tell you that the O'Malleys are a crime family in Boston. However, unlike the rest of the series, the world doesn't figure predominantly in the story-line. It's more of a backdrop. The story of Sloan O'Malley moves away from the crime family element the series has been carrying and really focuses on her romantic journey and self-growth.
It's always the quiet ones .... Sloan O'Malley is one of my favorite fictional people. She was the quiet one. The rule follower. The one who never made a fuss. Until she wasn't ... Sloan knew the only way her life was ever going to be her own was if she ran far and fast. And so she did, right smack into Jude MacNamara :)
Jude MacNamara is the last in his family line. He's a man who's sole purpose in life is revenge. He lives and breaths it and nothing or no one is going to get in his way. Or are they? :)
You guys ... these two were explosive. I didn't see this story coming. I've known Sloan from the start and nothing prepared me for her story. It is captivating and passionate and just plain thrilling! It was a fight for love story. It was amazing!
Copy provided for blog tour review
It's always the quiet ones .... Sloan O'Malley is one of my favorite fictional people. She was the quiet one. The rule follower. The one who never made a fuss. Until she wasn't ... Sloan knew the only way her life was ever going to be her own was if she ran far and fast. And so she did, right smack into Jude MacNamara :)
Jude MacNamara is the last in his family line. He's a man who's sole purpose in life is revenge. He lives and breaths it and nothing or no one is going to get in his way. Or are they? :)
You guys ... these two were explosive. I didn't see this story coming. I've known Sloan from the start and nothing prepared me for her story. It is captivating and passionate and just plain thrilling! It was a fight for love story. It was amazing!
Copy provided for blog tour review
June 5, 2017
One of my tests of a good series is that when you get the next book, even if it is months or more later, you're immediately immersed in the action again, reconnecting with the characters and overarching plot. That's exactly what has happened with every book in this series for me and this one is no different in that respect. The series is concerned with the O'Malley mob family from Boston and the rival families.
This story focusses on Sloan O'Malley who has always seemed to be able to slip into the shadows and stay in the background in the earlier novels but this is more about her endeavouring to escape from the expectations and dangers inherent with her life as the daughter of a leading mob figure. Her father has little time for his daughters, mainly seeing them as potential marriage partners he can use to create political links with other families to boost his own spheres of influence, without any regard to their feelings or wishes. Sloan knows she's probably about to be told who she is to marry and has convinced her brother to help her escape only to unwittingly attract the attention of her new neighbour, Jude MacNamara. He's an assassin out to revenge the slaughter of most of his family by Colm Sheridan but he can't resist the sweet innocence of Sloan. When others come looking for her he's going to have to determine how he can protect her - or sell her to the highest bidder!
This is another fast paced, hot, action packed thriller with great characters and more details added to the overarching story. Both main characters are on journeys of self discovery, finding things out about themselves and each other, questioning and reevaluating their decisions and plans as the story progresses. There's plenty of intrigue, suspense and danger from start to finish and it is a real page turner that I have no hesitation in highly recommending. I know others have read this one as a standalone but I think you'll appreciate this one even more if you've read the earlier novels first.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and chose to read and review it.
This story focusses on Sloan O'Malley who has always seemed to be able to slip into the shadows and stay in the background in the earlier novels but this is more about her endeavouring to escape from the expectations and dangers inherent with her life as the daughter of a leading mob figure. Her father has little time for his daughters, mainly seeing them as potential marriage partners he can use to create political links with other families to boost his own spheres of influence, without any regard to their feelings or wishes. Sloan knows she's probably about to be told who she is to marry and has convinced her brother to help her escape only to unwittingly attract the attention of her new neighbour, Jude MacNamara. He's an assassin out to revenge the slaughter of most of his family by Colm Sheridan but he can't resist the sweet innocence of Sloan. When others come looking for her he's going to have to determine how he can protect her - or sell her to the highest bidder!
This is another fast paced, hot, action packed thriller with great characters and more details added to the overarching story. Both main characters are on journeys of self discovery, finding things out about themselves and each other, questioning and reevaluating their decisions and plans as the story progresses. There's plenty of intrigue, suspense and danger from start to finish and it is a real page turner that I have no hesitation in highly recommending. I know others have read this one as a standalone but I think you'll appreciate this one even more if you've read the earlier novels first.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and chose to read and review it.
November 23, 2022
In the fourth book of the O’Malley series, we get a very different setting from the other books. Sloan tries to break away from her family and is willing to leave everything and everyone behind to get out of Boston.
I really admired Sloan as the main character. She didn’t see herself as strong and capable as her sisters and Calli and I had a different feeling about her than about the others. But she was strong and clever in her own way. She was determined to make her new life work and not taking anything from anyone, not even from her brothers when her old life inevitable caught up with her.
With Jude as the main male character, we meet someone totally new, and I enjoyed reading about and him and finding out his backstory. We also get a closer look at some events from the past, that were only mentioned briefly in previous books, which I found highly entertaining.
The love story between these two characters wasn’t as strong as the previous ones, but I still liked it. In all these books the ending felt rushed, and it wasn’t any different in this one, especially with the ending Sloan and Jude got. I would have loved to read a little more about them.
I really admired Sloan as the main character. She didn’t see herself as strong and capable as her sisters and Calli and I had a different feeling about her than about the others. But she was strong and clever in her own way. She was determined to make her new life work and not taking anything from anyone, not even from her brothers when her old life inevitable caught up with her.
With Jude as the main male character, we meet someone totally new, and I enjoyed reading about and him and finding out his backstory. We also get a closer look at some events from the past, that were only mentioned briefly in previous books, which I found highly entertaining.
The love story between these two characters wasn’t as strong as the previous ones, but I still liked it. In all these books the ending felt rushed, and it wasn’t any different in this one, especially with the ending Sloan and Jude got. I would have loved to read a little more about them.
May 24, 2018
This is book 4 of the O'Malley series. A series that I thoroughly enjoyed when I binged the first 3 books 6 months ago. I wish I had made a better plan and was able to binge them all - so much more enjoyable that way, especially in a series like this that has so many people and storylines!! I waited 6 months in line at the library for this one and it was a doozy of a wait that pretty much killed the whole mojo I had going! OK, enough about me, how about this book?!?!
I truly love all things Mob, Mafia, Old crime NY, Boston, Chicago, whatever - the Italians, Russians, whoever - I love it all. (I'm still talking about me, LOL) And this series has everything. Multiple families after each other, a lot of action, some insta-love, etc. Forbidden promises has 2 strong characters in Jude and Sloan - who fall for each other instantly(a little too instantly) but OK, it was kind of believable! I still enjoyed the story....and again - all the players and storylines are going nutso. Since it had been 6 months since I read these books, I actually had to draw myself a family tree type graph to remember and keep it all straight(anal nerd alert) - there is that much going on and I am that anal about order in books. Between the 6 siblings of the O'malleys and all the extra families, cops, FBI - Crazytown. But I love it! I do not love that I will wait again for the next though!!
do not try and read these as a standalone - that would not be fun!!!
I truly love all things Mob, Mafia, Old crime NY, Boston, Chicago, whatever - the Italians, Russians, whoever - I love it all. (I'm still talking about me, LOL) And this series has everything. Multiple families after each other, a lot of action, some insta-love, etc. Forbidden promises has 2 strong characters in Jude and Sloan - who fall for each other instantly(a little too instantly) but OK, it was kind of believable! I still enjoyed the story....and again - all the players and storylines are going nutso. Since it had been 6 months since I read these books, I actually had to draw myself a family tree type graph to remember and keep it all straight(anal nerd alert) - there is that much going on and I am that anal about order in books. Between the 6 siblings of the O'malleys and all the extra families, cops, FBI - Crazytown. But I love it! I do not love that I will wait again for the next though!!
do not try and read these as a standalone - that would not be fun!!!
May 25, 2017
3.5 stars
Forbidden promises is the fourth book in the O'Malleys series by Katee Robert. I liked it more than the third book, but I still had a couple of problems with it.
It seems I was right and each O'Malley will marry a person from a rival family. Jude is the last MacNamara. If the name doesn't ring a bell, I will remind you how he is connected with the other families. The Sheridans aka Callie's family killed every single member of Jude's family and he is alive to live the tale because they didn't know his mother was pregnant with him. See? Our hero in this novel wants to kill the heroine of the first book. I cannot say that I don't understand why he wants to do that, but it wasn't the most pleasant situation for me to be in. I wanted him to get his revenge, but I love Callie. Speaking of rival families can you tell me how Dmitri will be redeemed? He is the biggest threat and not one of the nice guys, so I am wondering how much he can redeem himself in order to be with Kiera. I cannot believe I am rooting for them, but I do. They have a lot of chemistry and I don't like the idea of having to wait for their story. Aiden's story better be good.
I feel like the more we get into the lives of the O'Malleys the more we see them falling apart. They are a united family. Instead, they fight and give ultimatums that separate them more and forget what made them a family. I am hoping to see them unite again because it saddens me to see them like that.
Jude and Sloan are a nice couple. Their relationship doesn't involve a lot of drama which is nice and they are a good match. Honestly, with everything else that went on, my focus wasn't exactly on them. I liked seeing how Sloan was slowly coming out of her shell. She is no longer the sheltered girl we knew her and is trying to live her life hiding. I didn't like that her job and everything else was forgotten after they stopped being used as a plot device. The side characters at the dinner were completely forgotten.
June on the other hand, needs to let go his revenge if he wants to be with Sloan. The question is will he choose her or the revenge?
Forbidden promises is the fourth book in the O'Malleys series by Katee Robert. I liked it more than the third book, but I still had a couple of problems with it.
It seems I was right and each O'Malley will marry a person from a rival family. Jude is the last MacNamara. If the name doesn't ring a bell, I will remind you how he is connected with the other families. The Sheridans aka Callie's family killed every single member of Jude's family and he is alive to live the tale because they didn't know his mother was pregnant with him. See? Our hero in this novel wants to kill the heroine of the first book. I cannot say that I don't understand why he wants to do that, but it wasn't the most pleasant situation for me to be in. I wanted him to get his revenge, but I love Callie. Speaking of rival families can you tell me how Dmitri will be redeemed? He is the biggest threat and not one of the nice guys, so I am wondering how much he can redeem himself in order to be with Kiera. I cannot believe I am rooting for them, but I do. They have a lot of chemistry and I don't like the idea of having to wait for their story. Aiden's story better be good.
I feel like the more we get into the lives of the O'Malleys the more we see them falling apart. They are a united family. Instead, they fight and give ultimatums that separate them more and forget what made them a family. I am hoping to see them unite again because it saddens me to see them like that.
Jude and Sloan are a nice couple. Their relationship doesn't involve a lot of drama which is nice and they are a good match. Honestly, with everything else that went on, my focus wasn't exactly on them. I liked seeing how Sloan was slowly coming out of her shell. She is no longer the sheltered girl we knew her and is trying to live her life hiding. I didn't like that her job and everything else was forgotten after they stopped being used as a plot device. The side characters at the dinner were completely forgotten.
June on the other hand, needs to let go his revenge if he wants to be with Sloan. The question is will he choose her or the revenge?
May 31, 2017
Love this book. It's the trifecta of ingredients for me. Action, love, and alpha male/mob. This is a new author I'll add to my favorites and I cannot wait to read book 1-3.
Slone O'Malley has walked away from her mob family and is now finding out how sheltered she actually was. What she decides though is that she can now do what she wants.
Jude McNamara, the only living McNamara of his family, is a hit man and he is after the owner of the house next door. The house Sloan is currently living in. While he knows she isn't his target, getting to know her better and getting information from her is something he is ok with.
So while there is a lot that happens, I am scared I'm going to ruin some of it for you so just read it. I promise you'll like it if you like the genres I gave you earlier.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Slone O'Malley has walked away from her mob family and is now finding out how sheltered she actually was. What she decides though is that she can now do what she wants.
Jude McNamara, the only living McNamara of his family, is a hit man and he is after the owner of the house next door. The house Sloan is currently living in. While he knows she isn't his target, getting to know her better and getting information from her is something he is ok with.
So while there is a lot that happens, I am scared I'm going to ruin some of it for you so just read it. I promise you'll like it if you like the genres I gave you earlier.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2017
I enjoyed Forbidden Promises, I loved the dirty talking hero and the heroine who started as a timid caterpillar and evolved into a fierce butterfly. I also loved that it was not only action packed, filled with hot sex but that it also focused on the politics between the ruling families. I'm going to liken what went down to a game of chess because lots of pieces were moved back and fort on the board forming strategic alliances that changed the dynamics between the them so much so that it's anyone's guess what the endgame will be. I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.
I definitely recommend this book and series to not only lovers of mafia themed books but also to lovers of Contemporary romance that has a Romantic Suspense feel to it.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
I definitely recommend this book and series to not only lovers of mafia themed books but also to lovers of Contemporary romance that has a Romantic Suspense feel to it.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley in exchange for a honest review
September 24, 2023
THIS. THIS IS THE ONE!!!
Its crazy because this book had my least favorite trope ever but for some reason i LOVE this book?? I loved seeing the complexity of pass characters and how messy the family dynamic between the siblings truly is. It feels like we only got peeks the last few books but in this book we get to see how truly screwed up everything really is.
Next book is Adien who i wasn't a fan of until this book. i CANT wait to dive into his story.
4.5⭐️
Its crazy because this book had my least favorite trope ever but for some reason i LOVE this book?? I loved seeing the complexity of pass characters and how messy the family dynamic between the siblings truly is. It feels like we only got peeks the last few books but in this book we get to see how truly screwed up everything really is.
Next book is Adien who i wasn't a fan of until this book. i CANT wait to dive into his story.
4.5⭐️
May 30, 2017
I freaking love, love, LOVE this series! It's an elaborate and intense world filled with twists and turns. Seriously exciting! It's a tangled web of deceit, drama, love, and family. Excellent characters and details. This was so, so good. Loved every second of Jude and Sloan’s story.
Sloan and Jude were awesome. I loved their connection, their feistiness and sparing. That bit of animosity in the beginning that draws them together as well as the attraction was fantastic. I've always been curious about Sloan, this quiet seemingly naïve girl and I loved getting to really know her. I thought she had an amazing transformation. I loved watching her come into her own, find her place and and become such a force of strength. And Jude, talk about a changed man. He seemed to be breed for vengeance and then here comes Sloan, knocking him off his axes. It made it so much fun to read. I loved that Jude was commanding and sexy and oh my with the dirty talking mouth. They both of so many wonderful changes taking place as they grow and come together. I loved their journey.
Besides the love story, I loved the crime family drama that was happening, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Alliances, and backstabbing, and people thinking they know what's right and all these back door deals. Holy wow! The betrayal. The power dynamic between families and men and women. There was a lot going on but I love how it was presented. I’m seriously hooked. This is book four in the series so it was great to see how all the couples from past books and different connections associated to them have come into play. I love the continuing storylines.
I love the multiple POV’s and getting a glimpse into everyone's head to see where they're. I was excited to get more Aidan and get some foreshadowing for his love interest and getting more details on Dimitri Romanov too. This wicked man totally fascinates me and I loved getting to see a different side of him. I will be beside myself when it comes time for his story.
This story, just like the others in the series, is filled with emotion and heat, action packed moments, drama, an excellent love story and sexy times. It really has it all. The writing is excellent. Everything is just so well thought out and detailed. I loved the build and pace. It’s just all so exciting and awesome! A must read for sure!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Sloan and Jude were awesome. I loved their connection, their feistiness and sparing. That bit of animosity in the beginning that draws them together as well as the attraction was fantastic. I've always been curious about Sloan, this quiet seemingly naïve girl and I loved getting to really know her. I thought she had an amazing transformation. I loved watching her come into her own, find her place and and become such a force of strength. And Jude, talk about a changed man. He seemed to be breed for vengeance and then here comes Sloan, knocking him off his axes. It made it so much fun to read. I loved that Jude was commanding and sexy and oh my with the dirty talking mouth. They both of so many wonderful changes taking place as they grow and come together. I loved their journey.
Besides the love story, I loved the crime family drama that was happening, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Alliances, and backstabbing, and people thinking they know what's right and all these back door deals. Holy wow! The betrayal. The power dynamic between families and men and women. There was a lot going on but I love how it was presented. I’m seriously hooked. This is book four in the series so it was great to see how all the couples from past books and different connections associated to them have come into play. I love the continuing storylines.
I love the multiple POV’s and getting a glimpse into everyone's head to see where they're. I was excited to get more Aidan and get some foreshadowing for his love interest and getting more details on Dimitri Romanov too. This wicked man totally fascinates me and I loved getting to see a different side of him. I will be beside myself when it comes time for his story.
This story, just like the others in the series, is filled with emotion and heat, action packed moments, drama, an excellent love story and sexy times. It really has it all. The writing is excellent. Everything is just so well thought out and detailed. I loved the build and pace. It’s just all so exciting and awesome! A must read for sure!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
June 6, 2017
Title: Forbidden Promises
Author: Katee Robert
4 unexpected stars
Having read some of Katee Robert's novels in the past, some part of the O'Malley Family Saga, i was excited to catch up with them once again through Jude and Sloan's story. I'll admit, it's been quite some time since I've last read this series, so it took me some time to situate myself in the timeline, even remembering who and what all the players are, but once i did, i don't think i could have read this book any faster.
4 breath taking dreams
In true Katee Robert fashion, this book had it all - drama, suspense, romance and angst aplenty. I enjoyed reading Jude and Sloan's book to find out what i missed in the previous instalments and getting lost in this adventure that kept me guessing from start to finish. The O'Malleys are, and i have a feeling, always will be a family full of secrets and i know that i'll always want to read more from them. For certain, i'll be recommending this series in the future many times over!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Author: Katee Robert
4 unexpected stars
Having read some of Katee Robert's novels in the past, some part of the O'Malley Family Saga, i was excited to catch up with them once again through Jude and Sloan's story. I'll admit, it's been quite some time since I've last read this series, so it took me some time to situate myself in the timeline, even remembering who and what all the players are, but once i did, i don't think i could have read this book any faster.
4 breath taking dreams
In true Katee Robert fashion, this book had it all - drama, suspense, romance and angst aplenty. I enjoyed reading Jude and Sloan's book to find out what i missed in the previous instalments and getting lost in this adventure that kept me guessing from start to finish. The O'Malleys are, and i have a feeling, always will be a family full of secrets and i know that i'll always want to read more from them. For certain, i'll be recommending this series in the future many times over!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
June 6, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Author and the Publisher***
3.5 Stars
I struggled with this one a little bit, and it took me some time to figure out why. The other books in the series are in Boston, and they take place in the underground/Crime setting. This one, for obvious reasons, moves the action to another location, so the switch from Oregon to events in Boston seems a little jarring at times. I understand the reasoning for the way it was written, and overall it does work, but it took me a second to switch from Oregon to Boston as I was reading. It's possible this is just me, but I think the juxtaposition of Boston events and how hard Sloan was working to get away from Boston conflicted a bit for me, if that makes sense.
That said, I really enjoyed the parts that were Sloan and Jude, and I think we can all relate to wanting to make our own lives away from our families and on our own, although most of us don't have reasons that are as compelling as hers.
I liked the evolution not only of the story but of the attachment with Jude and Sloan, and I believed their reactions to the events that took place. Again, I have a book in which to totally discuss the events, I will have to spoil a plot point, so I am going to have to be vague and just say that I believed both of them, and their reactions.
I do recommend this book overall.
3.5 Stars
I struggled with this one a little bit, and it took me some time to figure out why. The other books in the series are in Boston, and they take place in the underground/Crime setting. This one, for obvious reasons, moves the action to another location, so the switch from Oregon to events in Boston seems a little jarring at times. I understand the reasoning for the way it was written, and overall it does work, but it took me a second to switch from Oregon to Boston as I was reading. It's possible this is just me, but I think the juxtaposition of Boston events and how hard Sloan was working to get away from Boston conflicted a bit for me, if that makes sense.
That said, I really enjoyed the parts that were Sloan and Jude, and I think we can all relate to wanting to make our own lives away from our families and on our own, although most of us don't have reasons that are as compelling as hers.
I liked the evolution not only of the story but of the attachment with Jude and Sloan, and I believed their reactions to the events that took place. Again, I have a book in which to totally discuss the events, I will have to spoil a plot point, so I am going to have to be vague and just say that I believed both of them, and their reactions.
I do recommend this book overall.
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