The Promise (The 'Burg Series Book 5)

I know that this author does not do grovel very well but I was expecting at least some level of the H and his family attempting to make amends for treating the h so horribly for seven years. I actually went back and reread the start of the book to make sure that I didn't loose any apology/grovel. This book was so hypocritical I could not finish it. I was so annoyed at the numerous times that the H stated that he didn't want "easy" when that was exactly what this h was. After a few half-heart protests she was all in with the H after being the target of hatred for seven years.

***Some Spoilers***
Then the h backs out because of her pathetic sense of self worth. The H ignores all her attempts to still be in his life. Ok...lets put this in perspective, the only thing wrong that this h has done is not accept a romantic relationship with someone who treated her like poop for seven years. After very little apology, completely disproportionate to the wrong done to her, she is offering this guy friendship and he rejects that? What a (insert colorful adj here)!!! So because the H did not get what he wanted from the h then SHE ends up groveling to HIM for 5 months? Again, is this really working for it for someone that you have royally s-over for seven years? That does not scream I will make whatever amends I need to make up because I have wronged you terribly. The H encourages the h to distance herself from her family twho have wronged her but demands that she forgive his family that has treated her like garbage for seven years. He argues for her to separate herself from friends that have been there for her during the seven years during the time that the H and his family were making the h's life miserable but the H has no problem expecting the h to just forgive who he deem acceptable to forgive, mainly himself and his family.

My severe dislike for this book is mostly due to the h's doormat nature. I hated how she was treated and how instantaneous every relationship was mended. Even when one of the characters attempts to apologize she doesn't allow it. The book became more of a sad story about a weak female who had such little self worth that she doesn't believe she deserve better than to be treated by the world. I suppose I just find that pathetic and not the least bit romantic. Her inability to hold people accountable for her treatment of her was very frustrating to say the least. The H eludes to this behavior as mature but if anything, this showed a lack of maturity in a h. Although I agree that forgiveness is a necessary virtue, one can forgive individuals actions without setting oneself to be the doormat. To me, THAT is the high road and the actions of a strong, mature female. I forgive you, I wish you no ill will but trust is something that takes time and effort to rebuild through deeds and words, something that this plot was sorely lacking. His family not only did not forgive her when they believed they were the injured party, but they purposely said and did malicious things to her. Again, why would you want to involve yourself so instantly with people that would be so cruel? As with the other readers, I have enjoyed previous books by this author but I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Yep- that's exactly how I would describe this book- 500 pages of pure nonsense! Kristen Ashley clearly thinks her readers are these dumb people who will read these stories which have these repetitive dialogues in every book and no decent storyline over and over again just with different names to them. I had told myself that I was done with the last book but I caved in and bought this one anyway because Frank is an old character from the Burg Series that I have enjoyed in the past and hoped she would do justice to it. What a joke because it does not even have a decent plot. Oh and incase you were wondering, it has the same cheesy nonsense written in the last ten books- "Stop bein' nice, Come here, Frankie, Pure Frankie, Pure Benny,' and not to forget the crude language that she thinks is so manly but is a complete turnoff. Read her Rock Chick series if you like a decent story with some truly memorable characters. The men in those probably spoke like this too but the women balanced it out perfectly and the story felt like it was moving. Save your money and avoid this one!

Kristen Ashley does it again. She never disappoints. This book definitely deserves way more than 5 stars. It's definitely one of my favorites of The Burg Series. Loved me some Benito Bianchi. Loved how Luke Stark and Lee Nightengale from the Rock Chick Series made an appearance in this story as well as Tanner Layne from Golden Trail. Also loved the scenes with Joe and Violet. This was just a great story and like all of the other Kristen Ashley books I've read, I'm so sad that it had to end.

Kristen Ashley writes stand-alone romances with a bit of mystery that do not have cliff-hanger endings. The epilogues cover several years of happily ever afters. Believable characters, dialogue and story line. One of great parts of this story is showing how Francesca "Frankie" is helped by "Benito" Benny to extricate herself from her toxic, drama-filled dysfunctional family.

I will re- red this story and always look forward to more from this author.

I LOVE THE BURG SERIES!!! And this book just became my favorite of it. It blew away all my spectations, the word brilliant is simply not enough. How the story develops and the way Benny is with Frankie. It teaches you to appreciate so many things that usually you either take for granted or just don't even notice they are there. I'm completely in love with this book; and I want so bad to find my Benny!! ;)

Benny and Frankie have wasted enough time. After a tragedy, Benny is ready to move forward and Frankie runs scared. Benny shows her beauty and the promise of each other is even better than they imagined. This book is beautiful, full of hope and romance. You see more of Cal and Vi from At Peace. You also run into lee nightingale and Luke Stark from Rock Chick. I've ready every book KA has available at least three times. I can hardly wait to start this one over again. Don't wait - get this book!

another KA book that I will 're read for years to come. it has the Kahn factor but seemed richer and smoother. I was not sure how Frankie was going to embrace the bianchi clan but it was done very well. Benny is another alpha male but more like Dom from rock chick he was smooth about his alpha crazy behavior. loved this book can't wait for Merrill s story

loved this story. Don't understand the lesser reviews, this had it all.....laughter, tears and some great catching up with characters from previous stories. No spoilers but if you loved her other "Burg books this will not disappoint. Do not miss!

This was a little different from the other books in this series. I can't explain it but still KA knocked it out of the park. I loved the scenes with Cal and Vi from At Peace, my favorite book in the series. she just has a way of making you emotionally invested in these characters. Frankie was such a great character and with Benny they were amazing! A+ read!!

I just LOVED this book!!!!! Kristen Ashley sure does know how to write the best stories and series ever. She continues to prove this to be true with this book. This book being called The Promise is perfect. It fulfills any and all promises that you anticipate when reading a KA book!! MUST READ!!!!!!

I love travelling back to the Burg and The Promise was no exception. Strong characters, the guaranteed angst-how could you go wrong! I did think Frankie was a little too quick in forgiving the Bianchis but that was her way. Loved how some out of town friends showed up towards the end!

The best alpha males are to be found in Kristen Ashley's books!! I loved this one! So excited when Lee Nightingale and Luke Stark made an appearance. Roxy's parents showed as well and cracked me up. Loved Benny and Frankie's story. I can't get enough of Kristen Ashley's books.

Kristen Ashley delivers another bucket full of imperfect, sometimes damaged, characters struggling towards love and family and the good life. And what a delivery. There's so much bad behavior and passion and forgiveness and bad decisions and forgiveness and love and forgiveness. The theme was clear, and in KA's sometimes quirky voice, was a rip roaring road map to an amazing HEA. I loved this book hard the first time through & like all her others, I'm sure I'll love it more with each re-read.

Kristen lives up to her promise and delivers another amazing book. Benny and Frankie's story made me laugh and made me cry, but more than anything it made me glad that I found this talented author who continues to impress me with the stories that she weaves.

Our Goddess Queen has done it again! I so love Benny and Frankie' s story. I laughed, cried and cheered for them. One click all of Kristen Ashley's books. The way she tells a story is absolute perfection.

I love how Kristen stories always come together. One of my best parts is when she brings in characters from her other books. Lee Nightangle is my favorite! I recommend this book to anyone but you will have to read the entire series to know all the characters. Suggest you right on that. Kristen your books are a part of my life a lot love!

Another hit for my number one author. I loved Benny's family. Kristen writes dialogue between characters as if you're a part of the conversation. So real. I miust say I really miss my rock chicks. Just saying!

Kristen Ashley is my favorite! When I buy one of her books, I know it will be great.
Ben and Frankie's story was no exception.
I was happy to see Cal and Vi's story reach its end as well as all the Bianchi's with HEA. I can't wait to read Cheryl's story next!!

Are there words for a book that gives you Benny, a touch of JOE, a smidge of LUKE and a whisper of LEE!!!! Read it love it and then read it again and then bust out the Rock Chick books and reread the Burg!!! And Cheryl and Merry? Ya for some Layne boy love!

Again KA can do no wrong! Don't know what else there is to say, but read it, you won't be disappointed. Would only suggest that you read the others books in this series and the other series if you want to get a full grasp on all characters.

Another great read. I love reading the dialogue between the H & h. Looking forward to the next one in the series. Where do I sign up for the next one. Looking forward to the next fantastical one too

I have read most of Kristen Ashley's books in almost all of her different series and I must say that I think this is truly one of my very favorites. I love the fact that we got to go back with some of our other favorite characters, and meet some great new ones also. I definitely loved the epilogue in this book as it continued to carry on Frankie and Benny's story. Just one of those that you want to keep going on...... A true 5 star book!

I was hooked from the start. I love Benny and Frankie. I love Kristen Ashley's way of connecting characters from past books with new ones. This story will be with me awhile. So wonderful. Absolutely love everything about it. Hope you enjoy as well.

I have to say, The Promise is now one of my very favorites EVER! Kristen Ashley did Frankie and Benny's story beautifully from start to finish. The ending...oh...my...gosh!!! Beauty. I will read and reread this book many times. The story was excellent and not what I expected which was even more amazing. Loved Frankie's attitude and her soft side too. Ben was determined and kept his 'eye on the prize' couldn't be any better!! Definitely a huge winner for me!!

Ok so some people were pretty harsh in their reviews, but I liked it, Frankie and Benny were really sweet and likable. Having said that, I LOVED joe and violet's story but this one didn't seem to have as fleashed out story line, not enough drama. It was just good where her other books are freaking awesome. Really hope there is more depth in Cheryl's story, and for lack of a better word excitement, which sadly seemed to be lacking from the promise. Still any Kristen Ashley is ten times better than like any other romance novel, ever.

You would have to have a heart made of stone not to enjoy Frankie and Benny's story. While it didn't go the way I had originally envisioned it would, the way it went was far more emotionally satisfying.

I am a huge fan of Kristen Ashley. The Promise is a delightful addition to this splendid series.
I seldom take the time to write a review but I found her insights into human nature very insightful.
The cast if characters is heartwarming and frustrating....just like most families. She takes time to impart some very valuable lessons about setting boundaries and deciding "who owns the problem.".

Forgiveness and the redemptive power of love are beautifully illustrated by both Benny and Frankie. The business aspect of doing the right thing is something we all need to see.

I have reread most of her books and look forward to the next installment.

A true love story from start to finish. I loved the whole book but if you haven't read "Joe and Vi's story (title?), read it first. I am still looking for my "Benny." I also like that the author makes the characters- mature adults with a history and family drama (as is real life.) I can't wait for the conclusion of the Burg (with Merry's story); anyone have a release date?

It kills me to do this, but I hated this book, so boring and the first Kristen Ashley leading lady I think needed some help, as in who in the right mind forgives a whole family and the hero right away for shitting on her for 7 years ! Definitely not a Kristen Ashley leading lady, a kick ass, take no shit woman we all want to be one day. Her heroes are always to swoon for and Ben fit the mold but this book I just did not feel it. Frankie was so disappointing I wanted to throw my kindle at the wall. The only reason I give 3 stars is because I love Kristen Ashley and her books, just upset I did not get the Kristen Ashley fix with this.

I'm a huge fan of KA and couldn't wait for this book. I was not disappointed. Loved "seeing" Luke again plus Roxies parents. I gave it 4 stars because I am very stingy with 5's. Definitely recommend this book.

Kristen Ashley strikes again and reminds me why she's my favorite author. Her stories come alive and pull me so deep I would swear I'm really friends with these characters. Frankie and Benny are beautiful! This epilogue was seriously awesome!

I have read all of Kristen Ashley's books, and this was a major disappointment . I actually skimmed a great deal of this story because it was dull. Also, Benny 's family treats her like trash for seven years, and she just forgives them? Who does that? Skip this read. Maybe the author will get her grove back in the next book.

I've been waiting for this book to come out since I read Cal's book and it didn't disappoint. This was another amazing read by Ms. Ashley. I give it five stars, although I wish there was a bit more angst with Frankie. In the first book, she seemed so strong, fierce and determined, I was expecting some spunk I didn't get. But still, click the buy button! :)

Ok so it must be said that I am a Kristen Ashley fan. I have read all most everything that she has written and this is probably one of my favorites!! Love how Frankie and Benny interact with each other and the other characters .... Loved it!!!!! It is a must read for any Kristen Ashley fan !!!

Kristen Ashley writes about love, family and overcoming obstacles. She makes me laugh, cry and wish her books would never end. This book is entertaining from beginning to end. Great story, one I will read more than once.

Ms Ashley continues the amazing series set in "the 'Burg", allows readers to hang with old friends,visit a favorite diner & neighborhood bar, while introducing a delicious new storyline set in Chicago. The beautifully crafted characters, witty dialogue, and a sizzling hot guy with talent for making...pizza combine to warm hearts, and get the blood (& other parts) pumping. This author never disappoints.

The 'burg series continues with the story of Frankie and Benny. As with all Kristen' s books there is love, laughter and a happy ending. Never one to leave us hanging with a cliffhanger, we always get the whole story. Love her for that. Great read.

I have read and reread Kristen ashley books. I used to count down the months until her new book got released. But this is just sad- this book was so boring. I've been waiting so long for Benny and Frankie's story and I'm so disappointed. There was no angst, no tension- nothing happened. I skimmed most of it it was so boring. Please please please- get back to writing with the emotion and the tension and make me feel something!!! Big let down by one of my favorite authors.

Ashley has a way of making a HEA story sky rocket into awesomeness! Her stories are wonderful by themselves, but when you read them together they are epic. I can't help but state the obvious, I need her next book NOW!!!

You just can't go wrong when you buy a Kristen Ashley book. They all have humor, great loveable characters, and hot steamy sex. I recommend this and all her books to anyone looking for a hot alpha male romance novel.

I don't know why I am continually amazed with her books, but Kristen Ashley has done it again. Thank you. Thank you so very much for a wonderful story. I could not put this book down once it hit my shelf for download!

Sorry, you guys but I'm bummed. My expectations for Frankie and Benny's story were sky-high, and that's on me. I'm very disappointed.

I wanted to like this book. I really do. And had this been any other KA book, I would have given this a four but this was Frankie and Benny! I've been waiting for their story ever since At Peace. I thought their story was going to be epic, so I was disheartened when I actually started skimming around 48%.

***The Story***

After taking the blame for the death of their son and Frankie's boyfriend, Vinnie Jr., Frankie decided she has had enough of the Bianchi family and planned to move to Indiana. For seven long years, the Bianchi family treated her horribly and as penance, Frankie went as far as to take a bullet meant for one of their own. The situation gets even more complicated with the lingering attraction that Frankie felt towards Vinnie's brother Benny.

Benny, along with the rest of his family, hated Frankie. They thought she was the reason why Vinnie went to work for his mob boss uncle, Sal. They had cut her out and wanted nothing to do with her. They were downright cruel to her. This was especially hurtful because they were the only normal family that Frankie has ever known. Frankie's own biological family are a bunch of selfish people who were out for themselves. So when the Bianchi family cut her out, she was devastated.

***My Thoughts***
Before I picked up the book, I re-read parts of At Peace where it was explained why the Bianchi's hated Frankie. That was very clear in At Peace. In fact, Benny called her a bitch to her face in that book. He even thought of her as a 'greedy slut.' The names he called her were horrible. So I was looking forward to how that part was going to be dealt with.

Umm, well, it wasn't really dealt with at all. I may have read some 'I'm sorry' in there but after that, nada. Seven years of Frankie taking all those hate from the Bianchi's and not even 20% into the book all are forgiven? Benny basically railroaded her into forgiving him and his family. And Frankie just rolled over and let them walk all over her. Again.

She did this with Benny's family and with her own family. The girl has no backbone whatsoever. I felt sorry for her. I wasn't mad at her, I just felt sorry for her. Basically, the whole book was about Frankie bending over backwards to accommodate these people in her life. I'm sorry but I don't want to read about a heroine like that. She was a totally different person from the one we met in At Peace. The only people who really stood up for her were Sal and Gina, and even then she had to let them go because Frankie having a relationship with them would upset Benny and his family.

Another part which I didn't like about this book was the long distance thing they had going. It was boring. I could have understood if this part happened before they got together and Benny was doing everything in his power to make her his. But nope. Instead, I have to read about them doing the long distance thing 70% of the book. The thought behind it was great but again, it was boring to read.

Benny was okay. I kinda expected him to be like any other KA alpha male.He had his sweet moments but because he didn't really had a chance to fight for Frankie his declarations sounded woefully insincere and inadequate to me.

I did like the glimpses we have of Joe, Vi and the girls along with Luke Stark!! I enjoyed that. Safe to say, I enjoyed the cameos more than the story itself, which pretty much says it all.

So I'm really disappointed. I had such high expectations that Frankie and Benny's story will be epic but I was wrong. There was nothing epic about this. Just lots of filler drama and same old dialogue. Sad.

I think it might be over. The last few KA books have not been that great, with the exception of The Will, but even that had one of the most annoying heroines I've ever read in it. It's gotten to the point where I can make a checklist of KA book prerequisites and I've said this in previous reviews for her books, it gets old reading the same thing over and over again. I was really looking forward to reading Frankie and Bennys book but I was beyond bored. I don't have a problem with her long books in fact in the past I haven't wanted her books to end, but this book was a complete snoozefest. There was no real angst or excitement. Although I really enjoyed seeing Luke Stark, in fact I think it's the highlight of the book.

I discovered KA when I bought my first kindle 2.5 years ago, I've purchased all of her books since then.
I absolutely love her, but, I don't know what has changed since jagged but it's not the same author that I read till then.
these latest books are not in the same caliber as her others ones.
Unfortunately I could not finished the promise, it was boring without any of that special something that this author usually grabs with. I hope she gets it back.

I wish I had not preordered this book. Like many others, I was so bored. I was more interested in the secondary characters than in Frankie and Bennie. Frankie was a doormat. I couldn't believe how she was forgiving people left and right who had treated her like garbage for years. I also thought it was icky that Frankie has only been with Bennie and his brother. The Rock Chick series is my favorite of her books. This one was a disappointment.

Kristen Ashley has written many great romance novels (Rock Chick Series, Dream Man Series, The Gamble and The Golden Dynasty) where the reader is swept into an exciting story that is impossible to put down. A number of the stories are over the top, but are written in such an exciting way that the reader willingly suspends disbelief to enter Ashley`s world. She has long been on my "automatic buy" list.

This is the reason that the The Promise was such a shock. At Peace, the novel leading up to The Promise was a fantastic book with fabulous characters. Ironically, the best parts of The Promise are when Vi and Cal from At Peace are featured. There are many problems with The Promise that are difficult to ignore.

1. Too Much Talk and Too Little Plot:

At least half the book is taken up with conversations between Frankie and Benny. The conversations center on why Benny is so great, how screwed up Frankie`s family is, and why Frankie doesn`t feel she deserves Benny. VERY few of these conversations advance the plot and end up being tedious when the same point is belabored. Ashley must have been aware of this as she was writing it, because even the characters say things like "He`s my dead boyfriends`s brother," I said for the millionth time in less than two days."

One phone call with her sister takes up seven pages of dialogue. Two pages are devoted to whether she should wear a jacket in a garage and there is a one page discussion on whether she should be allowed to have a drink while taking medication. Sigh....

There are many examples of conversations that involve "No, I`m not. Yes, you are." "Am not. Absolutely Are." There are also a dozen instances where Frankie learns to come (not the good kind) and to sit and stay. "Come here, he ordered. I`m good here, I said. Frankie, come here, he repeated. This goes back and forth twenty times in ONE conversation.

2. Characters That Are Difficult to Understand and Like:

Vi and Cal from At Peace are two of Ashley`s most interesting lead characters. Both have fascinating back stories, their relationship is complicated in a believable way, and as a reader I spent the whole book cheering for them to get together. There is a lot missing from the background stories of Frankie and Benny.

How did Frankie have the ability to become such a fantastic sales person that she would be in charge of all the sales reps for a pharmaceutical company for the eastern half of the United States? How does Benny, growing up in the restaurant business, become a gun slinging action figure?

It is hard to dismiss the ugly side of Benny that we are introduced to in At Peace. Reread Chapter 20 in that book. There is nothing remotely attractive about how he talks to the woman he is in bed with when Frankie shows up at his door. There is something schizophrenic in the way Ashley portrays Benny. We are supposed to believe that the man who has hated Frankie for seven years following the death of his brother has also kept tabs on her during all this time while having sex with hundreds of women.

When Frankie arrives at hisdoor, Benny`s first reaction is to shove the b@tch down the stairs." "Say what you gotta say, b.. and get the f.. outta my space." He refers to her as a "stupid, greedy sl.t." "Not going to give you the chance to wrap your golden c.nt around my c.ck.." I get that Benny and his family are angry, but we are supposed to believe that Benny`s epiphany happens twelve hours later when she is shot and within a week (with no intervening conversations between Benny and Frankie) he is madly in love with her and taking her to his home.

In order to resolve the issue that Benny may not be so likable, we have ten pages at the beginning of At Peace describing how HOT Benny is and then he morphs into "let me give you everything in the world" Benny.

Frankie spends most of her conversations snarling at Benny while he is being his fabulous self and complaining while he is doing nice things for her. This is the "bust his chops" relationship that he has been longing for. I get a man not wanting someone to be a pushover, but other than Frankie looks great in a tight dress and instantly forgives his family for seven years of undeserved hatred, I don`t understand the attraction.

3. A Writing Style that Features One Word REPEATEDLY in the SAME Paragraph:

Ashley`s heroes often talk in a wordy, convaluted way. It is something that the reader gets used to. In The Promise, there is a new quirk.

"I loved it there. I loved the Wrigley Building, I loved the Sears Tower. I loved Marshal Field`s. I loved the lakefront, I loved the Berghoff... followed by four more loved sentences.

"Old Lady Zambino lived across the street. Old lady Zambino was Italian. Old lady Zambino was nosy. And if she knew anyone referred to her as "old lady Zambino," she would hire a hit on them."

4. Lack of Storyline:

There is nothing resembling a plot until half way into the book. Unfortunately it is not a storyline worth waiting for. There is a totally artificial feeling to how Frankie`s twinges that something seems odd or that her boss is a d.ck leads to a major scenario. I am willing to suspend my disbelief with the best of them, but could`t buy into this part of the plot. I`m not sure if it was Ms. Ashley or her editor who decided that Luke Stark should be thrown into the story late in the book to add some much needed interest. It`s kind of like putting a picture on a wall to hide the hole underneath it.

5. Sal the Mafia Kingpin:

Frankie met Sal when her boyfriend, Vinnie Jr. became a made man. When Benny and his family threw Frankie under the bus, she maintained this relationship. It`s a bit of a stretch that when your boyfriend is murdered, you would still be friendly with his mobster boss, but I was willing to go along with that. What is not believable is what happens in the last ten percent of the book. I know people love Kristen`s epilogues, but the Sal element makes the HEA much less believable.

I`m not of Italian heritage, but wonder if the Italian Defamation League (which protested Jersey Shore) would be up in arms at the portrayal of the characters in this book. Stereotypes abound. I am sure some people will recognize their Italian families in these characters, but wonder if the book was written about a different minority group whether it would be so acceptable.

It gives me no joy to write a negative review. I thought a lot about the distinction between two and three stars, but since I have no desire to ever read this book again, it is worth two stars in my opinion. People who love Kristen Ashley (like me) will probably buy the book anyway.

I`m disappointed that Ms. Ashley put out a book with one of the weakest storylines she has ever produced and can`t believe that an editor didn`t help cut out at least a hundred pages of filler.

I`m glad that some people loved the book. For those readers who have felt uneasy with some Ashley books (Jagged, Fantasyland), then maybe it would be worthwhile to look at all the reviews before automatically purchasing this book or future books.

I don't usually write reviews, but because I am a Kristen Ashley addict (usually), I just had to say something: This is NOTHING like your usual KA, I stopped reading at 25%, maybe I'll finish it someday and my opinion would change (but probably not from reading other reviews), but it is KA, and normally I'd be hooked from page 1.
Frankie, the h, is a complete doormat. The Bianchis treated her like crap for 7 (!!!) years and she doesn't stand up for herself once, does not even let them apologize, but is grinning and smiling at them immediately, I am all for forgiveness, but this is too much. I don't know nobody who'd be hurt and treated that way and just let it go that easily. And she whines ALL the time, not believing herself good enough for Benny. And Benny...geez, don't get me started on him. He was a grade A a******* in At Peace (a fantastic KA book by the way) and now he just got over it and never even cringes at his own behavior. Plus, I didn't feel the chemistry between them.
On a side note, I am half Italian, and I was kind of insulted by the stereotyping she did there.
All together very disappointing (even worse than Kaleidoscope). Still, I am looking forward to Deacon's book and the finale to the three series, but I might not be pre-ordering them like I used to do with KA. Hope they'll be better!

I feel like I'm reading about the same character in all her books just a different story line and different names. All her male characters say the same things and don't forget they all give the women a stupid pet name. FYI KA, all African American people do not talk slang or in the third person that you portray in most of your books. Do some research and stop stereotyping. I'm so disappointed. I had high hopes for Benny and Frankie. What a waste of time and money. I found myself just wanting to get finished because I paid for the book.

“You were mine, even when you were his.”

Kristen Ashley truly has one of the most recognisable and inimitable voices of today, and while her books carry her signature prose in every single sentence, each one of her series has a different kind of ‘feel’, a different type of ‘undercurrent’ tying the stories together, and creating a unique, addictive reality to immerse and lose ourselves in for as long as we can. I have adored every book I have ever read by this author, but this series gets to me like no other because of its inspiring themes, because of the way it focuses on families, old and new, on what constitutes a family, and on what people are willing to do for the ones they love. A story of second chances, of forgiveness, of seizing the opportunity to correct past mistakes and ‘make it right’, of having the courage to capture one’s happy ending even when you don’t believe you deserve one—this is a story that stole my heart from the get-go and made me incapable of walking away from these characters for weeks after I first read it.

“Benny Bianchi was always going to be a promise at the same time Benny Bianchi was the prize at the end of a crazy life.”

We met Frankie and Benny at the end of At Peace, and have been anxiously waiting for their story to be told ever since. Once the girlfriend of Benny’s late brother Vinnie, Frankie has been shunned by the Bianchi family for seven long years. Wrongly blamed for all of Vinnie’s mistakes shortly before and leading to his death, she has endured and carried her penance in silence, punishing herself for something that was never her fault. She has missed the Bianchis every single day, needed and longed for their love and acceptance since her own family is one she could never depend on, but it is Benny Bianchi’s loathing that has stung the most. Frankie has had a soft spot for the younger Bianchi brother ever since they were kids, but after years of being ignored and hated by him and his family, she has had enough. Once her penance is paid, Frankie is ready to start over, far away from her memories, far away from everyone who has ever made her feel inadequate and unworthy, but that is the very moment when Benny finally realises what has been in front of him all along and what he stands to lose if he lets her go.

“We’re talkin’. You don’t like that, I don’t give a f***. Seven years I’ve been f***ing up. Right now, that s*** ends.”

Benny is not a man accustomed to women not being receptive to his advances, having successfully ‘played the field’ ever since he was a teenager. But he has also never wanted a woman the way he wants Frankie, nor has he been willing to fight for one the same way. Frankie is unlike any woman Benny has ever met or bedded, her feistiness making her irresistible in his eyes, but the beauty of her heart making her impossible to walk away from. Determined to heal the breach and give her everything she has ever wished for in life, he pursues her relentlessly but patiently.

“Honest to Christ, Frankie, you think I’d wait since high school to get my shot at makin’ you mine and then I’d let a four-hour drive and a f***in’ year lease beat me?”

However, as desperately as she’s always wanted the kind of life Benny is now offering her, she is terrified even more of losing him and his family once again. Her feelings for him grow stronger every day, and yet she keeps succumbing to her fears and pushing him away, convinced that she would only end up being a source of heartbreak for the man she always cared for, even if letting him go would mean breaking her own heart.

“Benny should have a good woman. Which meant he had no business being with me.”

Aware of all of Frankie’s misplaced hang-ups due to her family’s emotional fickleness, Benny’s patience has no limits as he remains confident that with the right kind of love and nurturing she would eventually see herself as everyone around her sees her. The unmistakeable pace of the story allows us to get the full effect of Benny’s gentle persistence, the best kind of example of a man in love who is willing to give the woman of his dreams all the time her mind needs to catch up with what her heart has known all along. Their chemistry is explosive, making our skin tingle every time they exchange a simple touch, but it is the everlasting nature of their feelings for another that have our own hearts clenching and bursting at the seams. There are scenes that literally have our pulses racing and our knees weakening from the way they are so deliciously erotic and heart-warmingly sweet all at once. Sometimes it’s an entire scene, sometimes all it takes is a simple word, but even the simplest of moments between the characters can be so emotionally charged, we are constantly fighting to catch a breath.

“Never loved another woman. Not in my life. Waited until I got it right. I got it right.”

The love and support of a good man can be all it takes to erase a lifetime of self-doubts, and Benny and Frankie’s story shows us how much true love can empower a person. And how much beauty can be found when one loves patiently but persistently. By the end of this book, I felt like I knew every facet of these characters’ complex personalities, they felt real to me, familiar. It’s a story that warms your heart from the inside out, and leaves you with a deep sigh of contentment. I kept flipping back the pages, hoping to make that feeling last as long as I could, hopelessly addicted to a high that only a Kristen Ashley book has ever been able to give me. And I’m still flipping’…

“Minute by minute, honey.”
“Minute by minute, baby.”

I love Kristen Ashley books. I literally go through withdrawals when I have not read one of her books in a while. I go back into my library and read an "oldie but goodie". I love the long books because I really get to know the characters. Going back to the neighborhood and reading about Joe and Vi was the best treat and I love Cheryl. I cannot wait to read about her.
Benny and Frankie were so cute together. I loved their chemistry. I have to agree with some reviews about Frankie. I wish Ms. Ashley could have given her as little more spunk. I pictured big hair, flashy clothes and attitude. I wanted attitude. Ashley made Frankie too forgiving.
My other point and I have had this issue for a while. I am begging you Ms. Ashley. Please stop portraying African American women in your books with this stereotyped language and character. I do not have any African American friends who speak that way. There is nothing different between the way African American women speak than Vi or Frankie or anyone other character. I am African American and you have a great following but this is the one thing that could loose me as a fan. I cannot take it anymore. I give the book 4 stars for those two issues.

I have read “At Peace” four times and finally, I thought I was ready to read Frankie and Benny’s story. It was always on my mind but there have been such mixed reviews.

At Peace is one of my favourite stories so I was happy to be able to see so much of these Cal, Vi & the girls in this story. It probably made me forgive the pace and how this story was just too long.

I would have loved for her recuperation and mending fences with Benny’s family to be more in-depth and less of her living away from Benny, it really felt dragged.

The endless drama with Frankie’s family drove me nuts and I admit by the end I skimmed over their conversations as I was like I am over this drama.

Now I did enjoy this story however it did not rock my socks and I felt the ending was rushed. Then we were shown the wonderful life of Frankie and Benny, I would have loved to have less of their time apart and more of their life after.

A favorite character for me was Sal and how he slowly breaks down the barriers and mends fences. He really loved Frankie like and daughter and I loved that for her.

Benny did not disappoint in his alpha protectiveness.

Look I think because this series has two of my favourite books being At Peace and Games of the Heart that I had really high hopes for The Promise. Happy I read but will not be in my KA books that I reread endlessly.

First let me say that this is just my opinion. I love K.A. books and this series but this book was a miss for me. When we first got introduced to this couple I wanted to learn more about this complicated love story but this story took a wrong turn. Nothing happens. This is not what I am used to getting from this author. This book was slow and incredibly boring. I ordered this book via pre-order and wished I would have waited to at least read a sample. Frankie is very immature and needs to let go. Benny isnt the typical K.A. alpha male which is disappointing. We do get to catch up with Joe & Vi and the ending is nice because we get to see all the kids grown up. I enjoyed K.A. when she was an indie author now that she is published it's like she has lost her spark. I can't recommend this book its just words not even a story.

Let me start by saying that I LOVE Kristen Ashley. I'm a Rock Chick addict and she writes the alpha male like no other...but this was a total miss. It was super slow and nothing really happened. I felt like this was written by someone else if I'm being completely honest. I have never....and I mean NEVER...had to skim a KA book and I did with this one. Where was the action? Disappointing for sure. Sorry KA.

I have read so many of Kristen Ashley's books and spent many hours of pleasure doing so. However, like others I so looked forward to reading about Benny and Frankie's story. But alas, this was a huge disappointment drawn out by repetitive dialog to the point of frustration. I absolutely disliked this book I'm sad to say. The pages were filled with meaningless words seemingly written to simply fill up the pages. What a huge waste of time! I disliked the constant absurd drama from Frankie and her family. Benny needed to walk away from that baggage and in reality a normal man would have. Perhaps it's just me, but I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Wow, I am at about 40%, but so far, this story is so disappointing! I love Kristen Ashley's books, and I have been looking forward to Benny and Frankie's story for ages (I love when the guy is in the wrong and has to make it up to the gal, without her being a witch about it, but also not letting him off the hook too easily), but as of now, it is so boring! I keep looking at the other five star reviews in disbelief! I had to stop at this point to give a review, because I am not sure I can finish the whole thing. Frankie used to go with Benny's brother, things didn't go so well, then Benny and his family turned their backs on Frankie. They treated her like crap, but we don't get to see any of that behavior in flashbacks or anything; the readers are just told that she was treated badly. For me, this means that I can't even empathize with Frankie, or feel bad or hurt with her, since I didn't "see" what happened! Then Frankie is sooo forgiving, without making anyone work for it! In life, I know it is great to be forgiving, and that it is more for the one who forgives, rather than the one who is being forgiven- but reading about someone like that kinda' puts me to sleep. Frankie doesn't even say, "I was really hurt by how you treated me, I thought we were family, blah blah blah..." Oh no, Miss Goody Two Shoes barely gives anyone a chance to even apologize or anything before she is grinning and smiling at them and everything is hunky dory.

Then, I didn't really feel that much chemistry between Benny and Frankie. He wants to make it up to her, he feels bad about how he treated her, she feels weird about having been with his brother, plus she has childhood issues to work through. But I don't feel as if there was much conflict between them, which, again, makes for an uninteresting read (not that I am into too much 'angsty' crap- balance, KA, balance!) Maybe if she made him work for it, and was not always giving in to him, or always 'seeing his point', it would have been better. And no, a kidnapping or anything like that would not help.

The best part of the book so far was the visit with Joe, Vi, and the girls, all of whom I love! Their story (At Peace, also from The 'Burg Series) was great, so I recommend that you pick their book up and get to reading! There was conflict in that story, and great, non-wimpy characters in that one. Or read one of KA's other great books (Fantasyland Series; some of the Colorado Mountain Series, especially The Gamble and Sweet Dreams; the Dream Man Series, especially Motorcycle Man; the Rock Chick Series; the Unfinished Hero Series, especially Knight and Raid; the Chaos Series; Three Wishes; and Heaven and Hell and Play It Safe, two standalone books; and even the first book in KA's new series, Magdalene, called The Will, with that strange-speaking heroine, Josephine- cuz I loved Jake and his fam in that one, and at least he and Josephine had chemistry!). Or pick up a Johanna Wylde book (yowza!- The Reapers series, if I recall correctly..... better than many of these corny MC books that have been coming out lately) or a Madeline Sheehan book.

But anyway, back to this book..... if I can drag myself to read the rest, and it ends up better later on, I will gladly and happily eat crow and will come back and update my review and rating (but don't hold your breath.... I kinda, sorta skimmed ahead, something I rarely do, and only for corny books, and it still seems boring, except for some type of mystery at Frankie's workplace, I believe). Sigh...........

I’ve been waiting to have the last book in this series by Kristen Ashley because I wanted to read the last two books together. So, first I started (obviously) with The Promise. As always, no exception, this was fantastic! KA is my queen!

This is the story of Benny Bianchi (the smokin' Italian owner of the family’s pizzeria) and Francesca “Frankie” Concetti (the woman who protected Vi Callahan from being shot at, and the last girlfriend of Benny’s dead brother).

“Baby,” he called, and I again focused on his eyes. “That picture.”
I dropped my chin and pressed my forehead to his chest, saying, “Don’t.”
“You were mine, even when you were his.”

Of course, the topic of this book is little bit taboo but not so much LOL I think Benny and Frankie are the cutest together. At the beggining, it is difficult for them (especially for her) to understand their feelings for each other but when they finally get together, it is beautiful! Their chemistry is off-the-charts, how could it not be with this amazing Italian man? ;)

Another thing that I really like about KA’s books is her secondary characters. I loved Benny’s family, all the other couples in the Burg series and even Sal! Moreover, as you may know, this series have more suspense than any other of KA’s books. So, again, I love how everyone gets together and support the others when things are difficult.

“Never loved another woman. Not in my life,” he said quietly, and my breath went funny. “Waited until I got it right,” he went on. His hand squeezed mine, he moved so the tip of his nose skimmed mine, and he finished, “I got it right.”
God.
Benny.
“Honey,” I whispered.
“Love you, Frankie,” he whispered back.
“Love you too, Benny.”
I watched his eyes smile, then this time, he kissed me.

So, my rating is 4.5 STARS because this was fabulous, as always Kristen Ashley gives me everything that I want in a book! Still, it is not my 5/6 stars rating (as I had with Games of the Heart) because the fourth book and its characters stole my heart! However, I highly highly recommend this!

Readers who love Kristen Ashley will know exactly what I mean when I say that we LOVE LOVE LOVE old school KA. The Promise is old school. It's all the reasons we fell in love with this Rock Chick and her writing in the first place. It's everything we've come to expect in our favorite Kristen Ashley books, and a whole lot of awesome she's never given us before. It's officially in the books as one of my favorite Kristen Ashley books EVER. To say I feel honored to be writing this review for an advanced reader copy of The Promise is a ginormous understatement. I might be a bit bias. Kristen Ashley is the holy grail, the mecca, the queen... she's the author that I could read day after day for the rest of my life and never get bored. But whether you're a huge fangirl of her's or not... this book does not disappoint.

Ok, with that said... sally forth and read on...

The Promise kicks off where At Peace left off. Do you have to read At Peace first to understand what's transpiring in this book? No. Kristen Ashley consistently delivers a complete standalone without a cliffhanger in every single book. In The Promise, you're given the complete back story to know exactly who these characters are, what's gone down, and where they're headed. Should you read At Peace. Um... duh. You should read every single one of her books and you should do it yesterday. (Just saying...)

Benny Bianchi and Francesca Concetti have history. Benny and his parents have held a serious grudge against Frankie for years... since Benny's brother, who happened to be Frankie's man, was killed. In true KA alpha male style, Benny is over his grudge and he wants Frankie. Also in true KA female mc style, Frankie is not entertaining that fact. Tumultuous romance ensues. Sounds like typical KA formula, right? Yes. No. Maybe. This story and these characters are all the great things we've come to expect from KA, but so much more. Benny is not a PI, or a commando, or a cop, or a biker. The dude makes pizza. And he somehow still makes that completely hot, completely badass, completely alpha. Frankie is no pushover either. She's stunningly gorgeous and funny, as all the Burg ladies are, but she's career oriented and despite whatever THIS is happening with Benny, she isn't going to let that deter her from moving to the Burg for her new job.

As with every book in The Burg series, there's an element of crime, of mystery, of secrets and lies... a shooting, a kidnapping, a psycho serial killer, what have you. I thought that element had been divulged in At Peace, Frankie taking a bullet while trying to rescue a fellow sister from a madman. That entire plot is what kicks off the story in The Promise, and I assumed that Frankie had been through enough, that the criminal component of Frankie and Benny's story was done. Nope. There's more. And Kristen Ashley does such a phenomenal job in this story of crafting that story line in such a way that it is anything but predictable, anything but redundant.

This book made me laugh... laugh out loud belly laugh a LOT. It also made me cry. I'm not typically a crier when I read. I can't recall having cried before in any other books by this author. This book squeezed my heart more than once. It was funny. It was sad. It was beautiful. It's absolutely a story of love, love growing in a place that that it probably shouldn't... a brother falling for his dead brother's lady. It's so much more than that. There's a strong message in this book about savoring what's important... memories, both good and bad; family, blood or not. It's about healing and forgiveness, love and a promise of good things to come.

"You were mine, even when you were his."

I finished this book with happy tears in my eyes and the most content feeling you can imagine. It was pure Vintage KA awesomeness. Frankie & Benny's story truly delivered everything I'd hoped for and more!

Before anything, please note that you must read At Peace at some point before this book. You don't have to re-read it per se but The Promise starts about a week after At Peace ends and is strongly tied in with that storyline so you do have to be aware of what happened in that book in order to fully appreciate the events in this one. I will say though that I hadn't read At Peace since 2012 (!!) and it really speaks volumes for KA's writing skill that she made me emotional to the point of tears in the scenes that tied in with At Peace even though it had been 2.5 years since I'd read it. Now that is freaking fantastic writing!!!

I can also say in all honesty that At Peace was one of the very best books I've ever read but interestingly, I'd always felt like it was a complete story (and I'm referring to the Joe/Vi storyline) but after having read The Promise, I realize that now it's complete. The sheer beauty of the additional Joe/Vi scenes in this book was breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking.

Ok... I should really start talking about Frankie and Benny now ;)

You can always count on a KA book to have you laughing and feeling with all your heart right from the start and this book took off with a bang with Frankie just getting out of the hospital after a gunshot wound. It was a messy situation and I don't want to explain it in too much depth because it's best to just experience it for yourself but I'll just say that seven years ago, Frankie's boyfriend was shot and killed. This was after he'd joined the Mafia. His brother Benny had loved Frankie from afar for years though and even though his family had blamed her in some ways for his brother's demise, he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of showing her how really he felt about her. This was his chance, and he was taking it.

Trouble was, Frankie was having none of it. Sure, he made her heart race but to her, he was off limits in so many ways. She felt he deserved better than her and Benny had a long road ahead of him to convince her of how much she meant to him.

"I get you're scared and I know why... I haven't earned it, baby. I don't even deserve it. But I gotta ask you to trust me anyways."

Benny was the kind of guy who was open, honest, and in control. No games, no BS, no holding back. He didn't complicate anything, didn't beat around the bush, but was patient, kind, and strongly protective.

I will say though that so many of their scenes with them butting head-to-head had me laughing out loud ;)

"I'm not takin' you home. I'm takin' you to MY home," he clarified...
"So, what you're saying is, you actually HAVE kidnapped me."
"You wanna look at it that way, go ahead."

Teehee!!

See, Frankie was self described as "hotheaded, impatient, dramatic, and crazy-stubborn" and she had no problem seeing her own flaws. But what she needed to learn was that in Benny's eyes, she was perfect just as she was. In his words, she was "Sweet and spicy. What more could a man want."

This book embodies everything we love most from KA's writing. It's smart, sassy, emotional, witty, deep, and written in that delightful KA writing style that makes all her fans' hearts' race. I think she just has this way of highlighting these little things that give the story this added depth and weight that is so special and powerful.

I loved how realistically-paced their relationship was. They had a history to be sure, a messy one at that, but it was also filled with a lot of goodness. Despite their history, I loved that they didn't just rush into anything. By the time they became a couple, you really believed in it and in them.

"What makes you happy? What do you want outta life?"
"I... Why do you ask?"
"`Cause I wanna know if it's in me to give it to you."

Family love, relationship love, friend love - this book had everything. It was beautiful, powerful and heartfelt. There were moments of quiet (where you were just experiencing life along with the characters you loved), moments of action (where my heart would race as the crazy plot began to unfold), and so many gorgeous moments of romance that showed the true depth of Frankie and Benny's love for each other.

This was about so much more than just a romance too. It was about letting go of the past in order to build a better future, about embracing each other with their pasts and accepting that they'd live in the now and stop allowing their pasts to dictate their future. The message about never giving up on love, never letting go of family, and following your heart came through so strongly.

Oh gosh and there was this one scene in the middle of the book that was SO beautiful that tears were just pouring down my face from happiness. The sheer beauty of what was said in those two pages will stay with me forever. Just WOW.

The story is told in dual POV but it's done in a way where the heroine's side is in first person, but the hero's side is third person so we definitely get to see both sides of the story. I love the way KA shows us the issues from both perspectives. Yes, stupid stuff does come up but the truth is that real people do sometimes make bad choices. But I love that we're shown the reason behind these choices so that even if you can't empathize, then you can at least sympathize and hopefully feel invested enough in the characters to want to see them work through the issues that led to those problems in the first place. It's a beautiful process.

I also loved that this book retained the exact same "feeling" as the first books in this series. It totally matched up to them but at the same time, it delivered something new and unique.

I'm being asked 2 questions a lot, so I'm going to answer them here:

1) Do I have to read the whole series before I read this book? -- Technically, no. The only one that you have to read first is At Peace. However, all the characters from those books do play some sort of role in this one and also the actual crime-solving part of the story is an issue that ties in with some of the other books so my personal recommendation is to read all the books in this series in order. I loved them all and you'll get a much deeper understanding of the story that way.

2) Should I re-read the other books right before starting this? -- It's up to you. I didn't have time to and just jumped in and I was fine so I think it's just a matter of personal preference. You won't be lost if you don't re-read though because you're reminded of the important stuff as you read.

Oh.... and by the way, the epilogue is gorgeous !!!!!! :)

The stories in Kristen Ashley's books reach right into your heart and soul. These powerful stories of love and family are the kind that stay with you forever. Every single romance reader owes it to themselves to experience a KA novel at some point and this would be a wonderful series to start with.

Rating: 5 stars!

“You were mine, even when you were his.”

Ugh. I struggled with this one. I mean, its KA! I love KA! But I did not love this one. I had high hopes for this book. We waited forever!!! And then… meh.

“Every day is a new promise, Ben,” I told him sharply. “Every night I go to sleep knowin’ it’s a promise, every day I wake knowin’ in some way it’s gonna be fulfilled. And repeat. For…hopefully…ever.”

I really didn’t understand the 180 from At Peace to The Promise. They were spewing venom at each other in At Peace and then they were so easy and forgiving in this one. I can dig a girl who can forgive, I really can. Life is short and letting go of anger is a good way to ensure you enjoy more of what life has to offer, but this was a bit much. It happened a bit too quickly for me. I tried to rationalize it by putting myself in Frankie’s shoes and saying that she loved that family and they were the only family she really knew. That she was never angry with them for the way they treated her because she knew they needed an outlet for their pain… blah, blah, blah. In the end, I just couldn’t make it fit.

Frankie was not my favorite KA heroine. She was OK. But as I went back and forth with trying to understand her decisions I found myself seeing her as either a martyr or a victim and then just a PIA. She had redeeming qualities, for sure, but they were over shadowed by my confusion as to what happened after she was shot.
I loved Benny. I really did. Let’s face it, Kit writes a great alpha male. He was sexy and strong and sweet in all the right places. But alas, that did not carry the story for me.

“Now go to sleep with the promise of me, and tomorrow I'll make certain I do somethin' to fulfill it.”

Running with the theme of the series, there was excellent action and excitement that took place, but I was bored more often than excited while reading. I hate that I felt this way, but I can’t help it. I just didn’t connect with the book or Frankie and Benny. Not like I usually do.

But we do get some Joe and Luke… and that made the entire book worth reading. 
“I have a question.” Stark looked to me. “Can you kick Chuck Norris’s ass?”
Luke Stark smiled, white and lazy.
My heart thumped.
“I strive to be Chuck Norris,” he replied.”

The ‘Burg is my favorite of all the Kristen Ashley series and I was super sad to find that this one was not doing it for me. It may just be too. There are a lot of great reviews for this book. Maybe I’ll come back to this one and love it after a reread. Who knows?

2.5 Stars and hoping to love the next one! Pair it with your favorite red wine and some mostaccioli.

ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.

Frankie and Benny! I have been amped up to read this book since it was first announced. At Peace is one of my all time favorite KA books, and we were introduced to this couple there. This story picks up almost immediately after At Peace ends…

Frankie has been through a lot in the last 7 years. 7 years of heartache, pain and losing not only her man, but the only real family she’s ever known. After putting herself out there big time and risking her life, her ‘family’ has finally realized the error of their ways. They want back into Frankie's life, want her forgiveness.

Frankie’s had feelings for Benny for a while, but being her dead boyfriends brother, she never thought she could go there. Now Benny is insistent on taking care of her. And he’s showing her a whole different side than he’s been showing her.

Benny is willing to do whatever it takes to show Frankie that he’s serious. He wants to take care of her, get her back to normal, then he wants her. He’s wanted her a while, but it’s taken him a while to get to a place where he could accept that an move on from there. Even though Frankie was with Benny’s brother for a while, she was always his girl. He’s just gotta get her to see that too.

I am a total Kristen Ashley fan girl. I can’t help it. I’m addicted to her stuff. So for me to give this 4 stars… ugh. It hurts. But really, the first half was slow for me. There were moments I was really nervous if it would turn around and pick up the pace. Thankfully, for me it did. The thing about Kristen Ashley books is that they’re long, but most of the time they’re so damn good, they don’t feel long. The first half of this felt loonnnngggg. It dragged some for me. That’s the main reason this one wasn’t a 5 star read. For me, the last 30% was 5 star material, but the bulk of the book was more of a 3.5-4. I did like a lot of things in the beginning/middle, I just wish it wouldn’t have dragged for me.

The best part of this story for me, hands down was Benny Binachi.

Benny put himself out there from the very beginning and made his intentions known. Benny might not be a cop, or a commando, or a PI, biker or anything like that, but he was still your traditional KA alpha in the sense that he was a badass, he had that possessive/protective streak, and he was crazy hot. I actually loved that he was a family man and worked in the pizzeria. It didn't take away from his 'alphaness' at all.

Now to Frankie… I didn’t love her all the time, but she grew on me. By the end of the story, I loved Frankie. I loved Frankie and Benny together.

In every KA book, we got a ton of fabulous secondary characters. This was no exception. I loved the old lady neighbor and I was shocked with how much I loved Sal. I’m embarrassed to say there was a scene with him that actually brought me to tears. Lots of Benny’s family (including JOE CAL). I love how KA always incorporates these fun side characters in her books. And there is a really awesome cameo I was not expecting towards the end!!! <3

Emotional, sexy and funny. The perfect Kristen Ashley formula. It seemed to lack some of the drama that the other Burg books had, but there was still some relationship conflict and a little side story about Frankie’s work. The epilogue was the s***. One thing I especially loved is that we didn’t just get Frankie and Benny’s story, we also got more of a conclusion to Vi and Joe’s story. At Peace is one of my favorite books, so I was happy to see so much of these secondary characters. Although the Burg books can mostly be read as standalones, you really should read At Peace before this. I’m excited that the ‘Burg series will have one more book! Bring on Merry and Cheryl’s story!!!

This was easily my least favorite in this series, but it was KA so it was still ok. It just seemed way too long and had tons of slow times where things of no great importance happened. I found myself bored with this one multiple times. So here is my breakdown:

Pros:
* I absolutely adored both Frankie and Benny
* once the sex started, it was beyond hot - KA is the master when it comes to scenes of passion
* It was nice getting a follow up on Cal and Vi (and a little on previous characters from this series)

Cons:
* It was a slow moving plot - in other words this was a long book where not a whole lot happened - I was never on the edge of my seat or holding my breath in anticipation.
* This story was drawn out over a period of time - I found myself growing frustrated that it just kept going on and on but nothing of great
significance seemed to occur.
* The long distance relationship thing sucks in a book. Its back and forth, and became quite tiring
*Once there was a dilemma it was so beyond lame - Frankie turns from salesman to investigator at work to break a case. It just so cliché it had me shaking my throughout the whole scene
* Awesome-awesome-awesome-awesome - Ugh I go so sick of this and other overly repetitive terms

Overall, this book was pretty disappointing. There was never a moment I felt the storyline to be intense. I'm not sure if I will continue this series or not. This one kind of burned me out and I'm not sure I ever care to see how things in "The Burg" play out. Not one I'd recommend but it won't deter from buying more KA books in the future.

I have been looking forward to Benny and Frankie’s story since I met them in “At Peace”. The beginning was spectacular! I love every second of Benny trying to convince Frankie to stay with him. There is a lot of back story with Frankie and Benny and I feel like it might have been good if I read “At Peace” again before reading this.

There were actually two books in between “At Peace” where we meet Frankie and Benny and their book but the book takes place right after “At Peace” ended where Frankie is shot. Benny comes to the hospital and Frankie pretends to be asleep every time he is there. I cannot blame her with the way the Bianchi’s treated Frankie after Vinnie was killed. I actually feel like she lets them all off the hook too easily but that probably says more about my poor character huh?

The ‘Burg series is supposed to be more about crime and (although I haven’t finished #4, I am having a hard time getting into a heroine with the name of Dusty) the rest are about serial killers and the mob and a human trafficking ring. What is going on in this book is not nearly on the same level as the other books and in fact Frankie isn’t involved or actually ever in any imminent danger. Which brings me to my next point. When we meet Benny I felt like he was a typical Kristen Ashley hero (meaning: alpha, macho, tough guy, etc) but I didn’t get that feeling from Benny in this book. In fact when one of the Hot Bunch (I won’t tell but it spurred me to read his book again) makes an appearance it is abundantly clear that they are not on the same level.

The best part of the book was that Frankie got her happily ever after. But when I read a Rock Chick book or a ‘Burg book I want action, danger, kidnappings, near misses, and angst. The angst was present at the beginning of the book, but that is all I can say. I was disappointed for how long I had been looking forward to their story.

For more Kristen Ashley reviews, visit my blog at: http://bibliobibulireviews.blogspot.com/

With Kristen Ashley, you assume it's a five star perfect read. This one wasn't, and I'll explain why:
Frankie was annoying. Her emotional revelations and "growth" fell flat. Benny seemed like her therapist, not her lover.
Benny was too perfect. Really, how did he balance it all and do it all right?
We get told over and over that Benny loves Frankie for her fire. We see that in the first bit of the book, but then she just turns into a big pile of "okay, baby" "yes-man" goo.
This story doesn't really fit in the 'burg. It's 'burg adjacent. I mean, Benny owns a pizzeria. (One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just isn't the same.)
The big dangerous climax was lame. It just was.

But! This made me feel lots of emotions, it had lots of family, Benny is a god, and it was a good read.

Benny’s brother died in a hail of bullets several years ago, but his memory is still holds a bitterness in Benny’s heart. Benny and his family hold his former girlfriend, Francesca Concetti responsible for his death. For years she’s walked around with this on her conscience, even though she had nothing to do with her former flame’s demise. Regardless though, she always felt tied with Benny’s family. When unforeseen events force Frankie back into the lives of Benny’s family, Benny and his family find themselves realizing things aren’t always what they seem and forgiveness is long overdue.
We the readers first meet Frankie and Benny in one of my favorite Ashley novels, At Peace. Taking us back to Chicago, Kristen Ashley writes an absolutely unputdownable romance between these two hardheaded, irresistible characters. Even while spending a majority of the novel living in different cities, Ashley is able to keep the sexual tension at a premium.
Full of sexy times, with great characters, fantastic secondaries, and a fast paced but sweet story, this is classic Ashley at her finest. While reading the other books in the series is helpful, its not necessary. Another winner and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

There is a reason why I love Kristen Ashley and it is because she writes books like this. We finally get to read Benny and Frankie’s story and I loved every bit of it.

So in order not to give anything away since the book is so new, I am just going to list out what I loved about this book. Let the list begin:

1.) What I found surprise is that there was more to this plot than just passion and danger; this book was filled with truth, forgiveness, friendship, family, and love.

2.) Talk about alpha male at your finest! Benny was in charge this entire book, he never took crap, and it was hot.

3.) Benny’s love for Frankie.

4.) Frankie’s love for Benny.

5.) Benny and Frankie’s love is not always easy. There are bumps.

6.) We got to read more about Cal (Joe) and Vi and their family!!!! Score! I absolutely loved their story and love their comeback in this book. In this book, their story wraps up!

I am sad to hear that the next ‘Burg book will be the last of the series. I don’t want this to end just like I didn’t want the series Rock Chicks to end but I feel like KA will keep on bringing us amazing stories with wonderful women and sexy men.

~MC

I have been a HUGE KA fan. I've waited for this book for months...so so so disappointed!! This is the first kindle purchase I've looked into returning. I easily buy 6 to 10 books a month and have been for more than six years and have NEVER looked into returning one. This book was so boring and uninteresting I'm kind of shocked KA wrote it. It isn't like any of her other books, which I've read and reread several times. I'm not sure what's going on with her but she needs to go back to her earlier writing.

I need to let you know I only made it 30%ish in before I gave up! I couldn't see it going anywhere. And really expected Franky to hold her own and stick up for herself, she was such a pushover (when she seemed bad@ss when rescuing Violet in the last book) what the heck happened to her? All this internal dialog but it all comes to nothing. I'm sorry, if you want to waste ur time reading this book it's on you! I've ignored so many reviews and was glad I did in the past, but WOW I should of listened. Trust me when I say DO NOT BUY!!! Save you money and your time it's horribly boring and you'll find yourself skimming most of it.. KA please come back to the amazing author I could stand my husbands wrath, for buying more books than we're in the budget!

That epilogue was AMAZING!!! I mean literally the best thing I've read in the longest..!! Frankie and Benny's story was sweet. A lot of heartache and wounds that needed to be healed prior to them getting together but the journey to love was slow & sweet. This book was so great too because we get to hear about beloved characters from previous books. Love Vi & Cal and it was so fun getting to see them in this! Even Sal!! I will say what made this book so great was all the other books leading up to it. You've just grown to love these characters so much you can't help but want to get to know EVERYONE better. Great story! I don't want this series to end!!

I really love Kristen's style of writing and enjoying this whole series. This book is set in Chicago and the suburb of Indianapolis mafia ties and drug companies. Benny Bianchi runs the family pizzeria he lost his brother 7 yrs ago when he was a made man. Frankie Concetti was part of the Bianchi family for a long time until her boyfriend Vinny was killed 7 yrs ago the Bianchi family turned on her blaming her for his death. Frankie has to get out of Chicago and start a new life until she is shot and the Bianchi family has found their way back into her life especially Benny. Still a bit of mystery and suspense little different than the first 4 books. Still Amazing Read.

This the FIRST time, I put aside Kristen Ashley book not being able to proceed. I feel like crying out loud- this is how upset I am!!! What is going on???? It is like hit and miss lately... She missed it with last 2 book of Colorado mountain, but nailed it with ' Broken Dove' and ' The Will'.
This is another total miss. I read first two preview chapters and was thrilled that this book will be as good as ' At Peace' but I am in the 5th chapter and cannot believe what I am reading. I put such a high expectations, it could have been such a good book. Better then KA would have waited for another year to get the right inspiration. Maybe she has some kind of writer' s block??? or is this the fault of this awful dreadful publicist/editor??? Good question- is this book supposed to be in print? if yes- then I think that' s the problem.
Dear Kristen, can you rewrite this book for online version, please please please? I do like your books, they are unique and amazing, but not this one :( ehh.. again waste of my money.! I have serious concerns about next books.

This book lacked focus. It was a chronicle of the minutiae of life, when someone sat on a chair, when they smiled, when they returned a look, and so on. I think KA's gift is writing from the heart, and that was lost in the absolute nothing that that happened in this book. It was not just repetitive but also the most boring read in a long long time. I generally take KA at face value and don't analyze her world too much, but in this case it was as if everything happened in slow motion, for no reason. Also unecessary was the past relationship with vinnie the old brother of the current Hero, it added a level of discomfort to the story as the heroine did truly love the brother. Weird and unecessary for this story.

Magic. Like always. Pure KA magic. The essence of The Promise wraps itself around family. All Kristen Ashley books remind readers of this importance, this one especially gives us a bird’s eye view into a fractured family – a fracture they forgot they felt until the sacrifice of an outsider, who was once an insider, reminds them of the pure joy of having a family you respect, trust, and admire. A promise of family who fiercely make mistakes, love, forgive, and accept each other.

The story picks up where At Peace left off, and the absence of that kind of beautiful, Kristen Ashley created family feeds this story injected with humor, drama, action, and passion – the usual KA winning elements.

The Promise wasn’t at all what I expected but finishing the book and being in love with these two characters – I can’t even remember what I expected in the first place. Frankie and Benny’s story revolves around the redemption of each other through each other. It’s a fight of trust, a battle of wills between two “crazy-beautiful” people who grow together, uncover truths together, face life together, and share a fiery passion all romance readers will enjoy. It’s the promise of each other. It’s simply amazing.

Frankie’s quite the heroine. She’s dramatic, quick tempered, and more insecure than I thought. Her upbringing lends itself to instability. But her drama, the challenge she presents, her high maintenance flair – those traits became what I adored in her personality, even though a few times I wanted to shake her, Frankie makes a lasting impact making it easy to become enamored. Benny feeds off of her feistiness, her instigating his feisty side, and it’s enthralling to read. Her strength, her instinct to fight for what she believes her innate nature to care for her loved ones all mold her into a great KA woman.

The hero of the story, Benny Bianchi – TO DIE FOR. Seriously. Benny Bianchi is hot. Benny Bianchi is sweet. Benny Bianchi rivals Frankie in feistiness. He’s honest even when the truth hurts endearing him to us even more. He’s funny, challenging, and a total instigator. Picking at Frankie proved to be one of his favorite things to do in turn making it one my favorite things to read. He reminds her of who she is and the love she’s capable of while still maintaining the spark that ignites her flair. Benny’s not only amazing with her, but also with his family, his community, his friends, his life. He’s a typical KA alpha that knows he sees what he wants he fights for it; his alpha personality out in full force attaining it. That it happens to be her, Frankie, his Frankie. The chase is freaking awesome.

And honest to goodness, if Benny Bianchi could muscle me up against a wall whilst telling me to “pull up my skirt” just because the mere sight of me makes him feral – I mean come on – panties TOTALLY melted.

The secondary cast of characters, many whom we’ve met before, returns giving us the support of KA family we adore in each of her stories. We catch up with the Bianchi’s, the Callahan’s, the girls and boys of The ‘Burg, and Salvatore Giglia – who will make your heart absolutely melt. There are so many relationships formed, healed, and nurtured in this book you feel for the entire cast.

If you love Kristen Ashley you’ll love this book, no question. It’s pure contemporary romance greatness. There’s also an EPIC KA epilogue – my new favorite – it’s like Kristen Ashley reaches into the minds of her readers and knows exactly what we need. I always say it and I’m saying it again here: Kristen Ashley takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.

The Promise promises us Frankie and Benny’s love for each other, for their families. To me, it’s also a promise from Kristen Ashley – a promise to keep making magic with words and casting her spells on us very willing readers.

And just in case nothing else caught your eye, two words: Joe Callahan. Ok maybe three words: Joe Freaking Callahan. His appearances in this book will melt you (heart and panties). She packed so much Joe and Vi goodness, no Joe and Vi perfection, into The Promise you will fall in love with them all over again with the added bonus of falling in love with Frankie and Benny too.

Read this story, this entire series, and let Kristen Ashley work her magic. I promise it’s worth every word.

The first book I read by Kristen Ashley was 'For You' and I was instantly hooked, it was a romance, my preferred genre but it was so much more, so much detail and the characters were fantastic, I was hooked. After this I read 'At Peace' which is one of my all time favourites, I've lost count of how many times I've actually read it, and Joe, don't get me started on Joe.
Kristen soon became one of my favourite authors and with books like 'Motorcycle Man,' 'Golden Dynasty' and 'Until the Sun Falls from the Sky' she could do no wrong, or so it seemed but then her new books seemed to be missing something. I'd been waiting for Shy and Tabby's story but when it came out it wasn't what I'd expected, I put this down partly to the fact that the characters were younger than Kristen normally writes about, but then 'Fire Inside' was released and again I was disappointed, Hop was basically Tack and Lanie blew so hot and cold she drove me crazy. Since my first Kristen book was a 'burg book I have a soft for them and I loved Mike in 'At Peace' but I have to say not as much in 'Games of the Heart' but I did fall in love with Finn and Reesee although the worst thing about this book was 'little dusty' I was sick to death if hearing about 'little dusty' Fantastical just wasn't for me, I've read it twice but it's the weak book in this series but then 'Golden Dynasty' was so good it's a hard book to follow, 'Broken Dove' again disappointed and I have to admit I stopped looking for Kristen's new books and I never even considered reading 'Jagged' 'Kaleidoscope' or 'The Will'
This brings me to this book 'The Promise' I couldn't let this one pass I mean it's Frankie and Benny, this one I had to read not only do we get Frankie and Benny but we get loads of Joe, Vi and the girls plus loads of other favourites.
If ever a couple were meant to be together it's Frankie and Benny but they have one major stumbling block and that's the fact that seven years ago Frankie was dating and in love with Benny's brother Vinnie, now while this is generally a no-no for me it's easier in this case since we've no actual relationship with Vinnie in fact the only information we have on him is through other peoples comments and memories, so while I'm still not totally happy with the brother thing it's not as bad as it could have been. I love Frankie and Benny, Sal and Mrs Zambino plus the rest of this huge cast of characters, they made me laugh and Gary made me cry, a couple of times so what was the problem with this book, well for me it was boring, simply boring I mean everything was set for a fantastic book, we'd all the characters, hot fiery Italians with so much past baggage, but where was all the tension the fight and well plot that made Kristen's early books so good. I mean I loved Frankie, who wouldn't and Benny...wow...Benny what can I say apart from I love Benny, I feel gutted I can't understand what went wrong.
I struggle with rating Kristen's books because even a bad book for her is generally still a good book and it doesn't seem fair to give this only 3 stars, the past characters alone, I mean Joe and Vi.....but I just can't bring myself to give 4 so I'm settling for 3.5 stars.

*******SPOILERS********

##############
When picking names it seemed odd to have so many 'B's' yes we've got Benny, no one's going to mistake him but in Frankie's office we have Bierman, Berger and Barrow....why?

When Frankie is asking Tandy for all the information they've got she says no until Frankie says she's got a guy watching out for Peter, that's it no proof at all she could be saying anything to get what she wants and yes suddenly everything is handed over.

Roxie and Hanks wedding colours this is the answer needed to prove someone's who they say they are, I mean with a little bit of technical knowledge and Facebook how difficult is it to get someone's wedding picture.

While I'm moaning why did Frankie forgive everyone instantly, I know she's a great person with a big heart but seriously seven years of shit!!!

I had been so looking forward to this book and I was super excited once it hit my kindle. But as I started to read, I realised it starts off soon after where 'At Peace' left off (which is Book #3). That's okay, it just meant that the characters in books 4 & 5 either wouldn't be mentioned or if they were, none of the events that happened in those books, wouldn't have happened in this book. Sound complicated? Not really. But once I got my head around it, I was fine.
Loved how Cal, Vi and their girls were part of this story. Loved it. Even the 'drama' that Frankie stumbles on to didn't bother me, although it seemed to be more tame than other books.
But what I didn't like was Frankie's instant forgiveness. After the way that family treated her and blamed her for what happened to Vinnie Jr, you'd think the way things were put right again would be a big part of the first half of the book.
But it wasn't.
Nope. Frankie glossed over the fact that she'd been hurt by the very people who were supposed to love her and have her back, didn't let them apologise in person (which they were all fine with), and was instantly back to laughing and joking around with them like the last seven years didn't happen.
Gotta say, that pissed me off.
Another thing that bothered me in the first part of the book was Benny. I get that he was young and stupid, but I personally didn't like reading about him being a manwh**e which is why he didn't pursue Frankie in the first place. It wouldn't have bothered me if Frankie had had some fun in her younger days too, but because she didn't, Benny's past bothered me. I know. It's ridiculous, but c'est la vie. By 40% I wasn't feeling the love for this book, but because it was KA, I figured it had to get better so I kept reading. And boy am I glad I did.
The second half of the book saved this story. By 50% I was loving Benny and how he was with Frankie. Loved how he was with her. Loved reading about how their relationship developed slowly over time and he stood by her and did everything he could to let her still be her while loving her the way he did. It was awesome.
And I have to mention when one particular character (from a previous book) was introduced, I flat out grinned. Huge! Love me some Commando hotness! :)
All in all, this wasn't her best, but I ended up smiling by the end. And I can't wait for Book #6.
I recommend this book to all die-hard Kit fans, but for those who aren't, I'd probably skip this one and read Motorcycle Man, Sweet Dreams or Games of the Heart instead (my favourites!).
3.5 - 4 stars because of the second half of the book :)

Like another reviewer, I have read each of KA's books several times. She is, by far, my favorite author, my guilty pleasure. But this book was awful. It was as if she wrote it to fulfill a contract obligation, lots of filler. It went no where. Worse, it was insulting to us KA fans who wait not so patiently for her new books to come out. OK, she has gone big time. It had to happen because she is so talented, but did she have to sell out her talent and offer us drivel which simply repeats the same thing over and over. Frankie offered so much promise in AT Peace. Where did she go?

Felt like I've waited FOREVER for Frankie & Benny’s story since “At Peace” (another MUST read) where Frankie got shot while trying to save Vi (Violet) who belongs to Joe Callahan, Benny’s cousin. After the reality of almost losing Frankie, Benny is done holding back and lets his true feelings go and starts to make things right between him and Frankie. Which of course in the true Alpha world means he takes over and doesn't take no for an answer which of course starts the fireworks because Frankie has other plans. YES!! Cameo appearance by Luke Stark (Rock chicks Revenge) and the voice of Lee Nightingale (Rock Chicks) YAY!! Absolutely a MUST read. Anxiously awaiting Jessica & Slade’s story.

Anymore, when I read Kristen Ashley, I feel like all her main characters are carbon copies of each other with a few minor personality changes. It's very disappointing to say the least. This book felt rushed to me. Like most of her stories, there is a crime at the center of this story, but it's just not that interesting. It takes a backseat to the unfortunately boring, telling of Ben and Frankie's mundane day to day struggle to just give in to their feelings. Frankie's reasons to holdout, if you will, seem very lame. I was disappointed with this book. The lingo between the main characters also needs some freshening up. I feel like all the main men speak exactly the same. Definitely not up to par with some of her earlier publications.

BORING!! I loved the Burg series and waited very very patiently for Frankie and Benny's story! At Peace, my ALL TIME FAVORITE KA book, introduced both of the main characters in The Promise. The story had so much potential but it fell flat. Anyone that's a true KA fan could not possibly give this more than 2 stars. No way! The book lacked creativity, drama and suspense. I kept waiting for something to happen, ANYTHING! This is not the KA of old. She turns out novels at a very quick pace so maybe others are helping her write her books. If this is the case, she needs to slow down, fire the other writers and go back to her roots. I wish she could just "redo" this book. It really was awful! So awful, I found myself just skimming the sex scenes!! Those are usually the best parts!
Sadly, most of her recent novels have been big disappointments.
Colorado Mountain Series was awesome until the last 2 books which were flat, especially Jagged.
The Unfinished Hero series, TERRIBLE!
The Will, mediocre.
Her writing has gone downhill quickly. Whatever you are doing KA, PLEASE STOP!
If this is about your publishers, get out! Leave!! Quickly!
I won't read another book until she makes a change. It's too frustrating!

So here is a book that I started reading the minute it was released. I'm talking about coming through my iBooks and downloading on July 7 at 8:30pm thanks to the beauty of pre-ordering, even though it wasn't live until July 8.

So it took me a total of 5 days to get through this book. Not because it was horrible and I couldn't stand it. But because it was beautiful and amazing and everything that Kristen Ashley could offer us.

I mean, my goodness! Benito Alessandro Bianchi is just, how do I explain everything that he is? I hate that it took him 7 years to rightfully claim what should have been his from the very beginning... But when he finally did, WOW doesn't even begin to describe it. He was all sorts of overprotective, like you could expect from a KA male. And we can't forget the sexy part...

Then there is Francesca Angelica Concetti.. She was a total babe! How else can you explain her?

Together, they were perfection. I love that they were able to make their relationship work. They had their ups and downs. But were able to work through their (more like Frankie's) problems. It just goes to show, that The Promise of everything that Benny is, was definitely worth for Frankie!

“You open yourself up, you could find it’ll be the best you ever had.”

As in many series I have picked up and read a book in the middle. The Promise is the fifth book in the ‘Burg series, I found that it didn’t make any difference in the story. I love the book all on it’s own. Will definitely go back to the beginning and read the rest of the series.

In the Promise Kristen Ashley weaves a beautiful, funny, sometime painful romance between Frankie and Benny as they deal with each other, their past, their present and the hope of their future.
I fell in love with the characters of the ‘Burg wanting more.

Really enjoyed this one! I remember hoping these two got together when I read At Peace and this story didn't disappoint! I liked that there was a bit of a hiccup between Frankie and Bennie at the beginning because I totally understood her hesitation. I loved that she went on to Indianapolis to work and they did the long distance thing because it really showed how committed they both were and showed respect for Frankie's individuality and career goals. Hands down the best epilogue ever. Just adored reading it!

And the Vi/Joe storyline and sweet little Gus were just icing on the cake!

Like all KA fans, I couldn't wait for Frankie & Benny's story, definitely worth the wait!

If you're new to Kristen Ashley, she has a talent for writing her stories in a way that you can read this as a standalone or get hooked on her series.

It was awesome that she included Cal & Vi's family (At Peace/Burg Series) as well as cameo appearances by characters from her other series (Rock Chicks Series). But if you haven't read her prior work, she writes in a way that you don't feel like you're missing info. And it's like bonus scenes if you have.

I've always been a fan of this author's work. Having read the reviews for this book I wasn't sure but decided to give it a go. I liked the characters they were interesting and well fleshed out. I wish I could say the same for the plot. Slow and boring is my opinion of this. It's rambles on going absolutely nowhere. Such a disappointment.

This is not my favorite series of Kristen Ashley's, in fact I have been very critical of this series in the past because it is the most dry of her books. In the other series she writes it feels as if she is more excited about the characters and location. Indiana is just sort of humdrum. That being said, this was probably the best book in the series in my opinion. I like Joe & Vi's story, but this one was a bit better.

Frankie is a headcase. No joke. I have never seen any woman who is more twisted up than this girl. She has a messed up family and a really tragic past. We start this story with her being in the hospital after she was shot, be sure to read Joe & Vi's story to see this. Her head is a mess and quite frankly, the fact that Benny would even want in there is staggering to me. Frankie wasn't my favorite character, but there were things about her I really appreciated. She is career driven and I totally dug that about her. Also, once she gets out of her own head, she is actually a really good person who gets walked on a lot by others, namely her family.

Benny is almost too sweet. He has a bit of an edge, but it isn't really explored. I don't know, I guess I like my KA men to be awesome with a devil may care attitude. That is not Benny. This guy screams commitment, family, & love. He is one of the quiet KA heroes. Not sure I love that, but it worked when pairing it with Frankie's craziness! All in all, they made a great pair.

Now I love Kristen Ashley. I always have. But I felt this book, and this series, was just a slower, older, and a bit boring version of the Colorado Mountain Series. I have decided that Indiana men are just not for me. =) But Colorado men.....

The book is sweet, gentle, and truth be told, a bit bland. But like I have said, this is par for the course in the 'Burg. A few bright spots, Mrs. Zambino is a riot & Gus is adorable! The epilogue was amazing, as is the KA way, but not sure I will be diving into Merry & Cheryl's story. It is going to be the last in the series so who knows.

I give this 3.5 lipsticks.

~B~

I loved the Burg series and I loved each character KA writes about. This story of Ben and Frankie is hot and sweet and funny. My only gripe is that the first half of the book kinda dragged for me. I found myself taking more breaks than I usually do with a KA book. The second half picks up with suspense and danger and the epilogue is simply perfect.

A beautiful tale once again, sweet and spicy, full of sass and drama, well in a word ITALIAN!! :)

Have to say, I had my moment where I want to take Frankie and shake her hard to make her realize all she has and all she lost by being stubborn and paranoid. Along the read, we understand more about where she actually comes from with all this and can only love her more for being herself.

But thanks God Benny finally enters her life for good because without him, there would be nothing. Hot Italian pizzeria owner and amazing cook, building his own house for the woman he love, protective both physically and emotionally... sigh... in a word PERFECT!!

Them getting together is not the problem. Staying together and making it work is. Hopefully, once Frankie finally wakes up, they are determined to be together despite all the obstacles, one being Frankie's tendency of attracting Troubles!!

Won't say anything more on that, just, prepared to be surprised, totally swoon at Benny's lines, he is just a Master and end this book wishing you were part of their crazy family!!

This was not what I expected but it was very sweet and I didn't want it to end. Less time was spent in this one with the heroine in peril and more time on the Frankie and Benny's relationship. I stopped after the first couple of chapters and went back to Cal and Vi's story to get a refresher on the backstory of these two, which helped. All in all another really satisfying KA read.

I know this is horrible and I'm going to get some haters for saying this but I just couldn't like this book.

I had been waiting and anticipating the release of Frankie and Benny's book for so long that maybe I just built them up in my head so high that no matter what was written I wouldn't be satisfied.

So far I have read every book by Kristen Ashley and loved each and every one but for some reason this book just didn't set well with me. I thought it was just to easy for them to get together and just to much of the same arguments over and over again.

I love her writing style and everything about her books but unfortunately this just wasn't one of the greatest.

On another note I still can't wait for her next release and I will always be a fan of her work.

Another awesome KA novel I devoured about 4 times now. I love reading anything by this author and this one is no exception. The downside is that this one isn't her best, but it is still pretty dang amazing!

The ‘Burg Series by Kristen Ashley is my favorite. The quality and time spent on developing the relationships between the characters is such an enjoyment to read. The Promise did not disappoint in that respect. Frankie and Benny have quite a few obstacles to overcome before they find themselves. Some real heady stuff. Frankie has been on her own for quite some time and opening herself up to a man and a family that shunned her for over seven years can be rather scary. The Promise begins directly after Frankie was shot in the woods by Daniel Hart. You know, the psycho that was going after Vi in AT PEACE. That was a huge wake up call to Benny and I loved his passion as he strived to take care of Frankie and make her believe in the promise of him.

“You got nothin’ but good comin’ your way, Frankie, I can promise you that.”

Frankie never really had anyone in her life to show her how beautiful she truly is, inside and out. She is the big sister, the one that everyone leans on. She has a rather large family and they are, well, screwed up. Everyone has their problems, and the Concetti family definitely has their fair share. Frankie just rolls with the punches, while secretly punishing herself by not allowing Benny in. He just wants IN, to take care of her, to love her. He knows that he has a rough road ahead of him, with Frankie putting up road blocks that he doesn’t understand, but they make a promise to each other:

“Minute by minute, honey,” I whispered.
“Minute by minute, baby.”

When Frankie breaks this promise, it nearly kills the idea of THEM. Benny waits though and boy is it worth it. In true Kristen Ashley fashion, they find themselves and the sparks fly, and that is it. They work hard at their relationship by showing each other the promises they want to keep for each other.

“This was because Benny Bianchi was always going to be a promise at the same time Benny Bianchi was the prize at the end of a crazy life.”

“Every day is a new promise, Ben,” I told him sharply. “Every night I go to sleep knowin’ it’s a promise, every day I wake knowin’ in some way it’s gonna be fulfilled. And repeat. For..hopefully…ever.”

The other aspect of the ‘Burg Series that I absolutely love is the criminal element. There is a sense of mystery and danger that thrills me to the bones! In this story, Frankie works for a pharmaceutical company and the mystery and intrigue surrounding a co-workers murder, and a launch of a new drug sends her right into the arms of one of our most favorite Private Detectives. EEEK. You Kristen Ashley fans are going to be so thrilled! Of course this gets wrapped up, because the best is on the case and Frankie and Benny can live happily ever after.

“There I was. Safe. At home. With my man and my family. A moment that was the beginning of the rest of my life. It was full of promise.”

Oh and, one of the more cry-inducing moments was with Joe. Yes, Cal and his family make quite a few appearances in this one. For the lovers of this series, you will be ecstatic, and experience over the top swoon-worthiness! I loved Frankie and Benny’s story. It was sweet, and real, and sexy as hell. I finished the day with what I like to call a KA headache; this is because I read the epilogue through a fog of tears and had to blow my nose twice and get myself together in order to finish the book. To me, she is the queen of epilogues. This one does NOT disappoint.

5 ENORMOUS SMOOCHES
Nicole
Red Cheeks Reads Bloggerette

bookshelves: amazing-epilogue, amazing-secondary-characters, blew-my-freaking-mind, blubbering-crying-mess, devoured, easy-and-sweet, favorite-authors, favorites-of-all-times, hea, perfect-alpha-never-wavers, read-july-2014, sweet-but-sexy-hero, very-low-or-no-angst
Read from July 07 to 10, 2014

My shelves should tell you what I felt. I loved that it was low on the angst and high on the romance. I adored Benny and Frankie was just feisty enough to make me smile. Kristen Ashley always gives me what I want. I adore this lady.

I did like the book once I cottoned onto the time frame. It runs along side and behind At Peace, but if you read At Peace, you don't see that. Putting it as fifth in the 'Burg Series kinda screws with how new readers get it. In my opinion, this should have been the third book in the series.

I love KA books and have read almost her entire collection. I was hesitant to try this story since I was slightly creeped out by the fact Frankie was hooking up with her dead BF's brother. I thought the entire conflict around her work was forced and added nothing to the story. It just dragged on and on! I still like her books but haven't read one in awhile that I liked as much as Lady Luck.

When I thought about how the story of Benny and Frankie would play out, it wasn't totally what "The Promise" delivered, Thankfully, it was way better, and that's why K.A. "rocks" as an author, and I just sit back and do the reading.

I try to think about why I love K.A.'s writing style so much, why her stories just grab me, keep hold of me, and stay with me for a long time - then make me read them all over again. We all know she writes the absolute best "Alpha Male" characters ever - no doubt about that. People magazine should do a spread of KA's hot Alpha men - now that would be a total sellout!! But, I think it's the total sum of all that's in her stories, that pulls me in. The way she incorporates family, whether is blood family, or friends who have become like family - into the heart of the story. It may not be the main theme, but their importance is no less relevant. Then of course there is the love story, that is the heart of the book. It's not always easy, has a lot of baggage, but it's strong and survives and I swear I can feel the love and passion coming from the words I'm reading on my kindle.

Benny and Frankie's story will not disappoint you - you will love it. You will get to experience the past with them, what's happening now as they try to figure out their relationship, and definitely "The Promise" of the what the future will hold for them. Your gut will twist, tears will fall, and your heart will smile. I have to say though, that my favorite part was getting another dose of Joe and Violet. Their rehearsal dinner, and the speech that was given will stay with me for a long time - it was that beautiful. Don't even give it a second thought as to whether you should read this book, it's a definite MUST read - and for me, a re-read! You'll never go wrong with a Kristen Ashley book!

Kristen Ashley sure knows how to write a killer story. With this fifth book in The 'Berg series, the greatness that is KA just shines through. Such a wonderfully written, amazingly detailed book. I started this book at 8am in the morning when I woke and the next time I looked at the clock it was 12:15pm and I had finished - it just gripped me and I could not put it down until finished!
Frankie and Bennie, who we met in At Peace - really have a must-read story and I do recommend people read At Peace first, as this one does follow on from there through these different characters.
No-one writes alpha men and fiesty women like KA, during the whole book you can find no faults in the creation of this story - or even the series.
It was also a wonderful to see characters from other series pop in, which also seems to be a KA trait - you never know what supporting characters you might see.
KA is definitely my fave author, and I have a auto buy clause with her for any books in any series! Just adore everything that Kristen does - in my eyes she can do no wrong, and this books just goes to show how right things can go when KA is at the helm!

for more reviews please visit www.sizzlingpages.com
http://angelas-sizzling-pages.blogspo...

Arc received from author in exchange for an honest review - SPOILER FREE

Five glorious stars for The Promise, another poignant love story from the imagination of Kristen Ashley. A magnificently written tale of passion, healing, hope and the importance of family. So moving, it lured me in, forming an instant bond with all the characters. I have to say, this may be my favorite book in the ‘Burg Series! KA earned all five stars and more. Her brilliant story telling talents, the attention to detail, plot twists, character development and trademark epilogue made this read EPIC. Benito Alessandro Bianchi is one sexy Alpha - Strong, powerful, determined and dominating. He is my dream man.

We first meet Frankie and Benny in “At Peace”, which I would recommend reading before The Promise. But don’t fret if you haven’t. KA does an amazing job explaining their background and events from the past.

“You made me happy, tesorina.”

I fell desperately in love with Benny and all his passionate, Italian macho Alpha hotness. He is tender and sweet, yet a man of great strength. And whenever he calles Frankie “Tesorina”, it bought happy tears to my eyes. Italian for little treasure, the meaning behind that endearing sentiment means so much more. It signifies what a man like him values most and holds dear to his heart. Francesca is his treasure. And within its bounty holds the promise of love, happiness, the fulfillment of dreams and desires…sharing a life together. It pulled on my heartstrings. The way Benny unearthes the treasure he found in Frankie was truly beautiful.

“Every day is a new promise, Ben, … Every night I go to sleep knowin’ it’s a promise, every day I wake knowin’ in some way it’s gonna be fulfilled. And repeat. For…hopefully…ever.”

I adored Frankie’s persona. She is a woman who sacrifices all for those she loves. My heart ached for her, seeing all the sorrow she experiences. Her incredible character transformation touched my soul. Her determination and compassion was an inspiration. She’s also sassy, feisty and takes no one’s bull. Frankie may not be a full-blooded Italian, but she certainly inherited the hotheaded gene, and I loved it. Frankie was one spicy chick.

And the best part…the passion they share. Benny fuels Frankie’s desire with blinding hot sex, he had me swooning and gushing with all his sexy dirty talk and dominating ways. Benny is a sensual man who knows how to take control in the bedroom – it was deliciously titillating. That alone made Benny one of my favorite Alpha heroes.

“Could fall asleep buried inside you.”

Family and Food…Why The Promise touched me so deeply

There is an intimate relationship between a writer and reader. When I enter a world created by Kristen Ashley, I embark on a wondrous journey meeting new characters and seeing their lives. But the attachments I formed with the Bianchi’s was greater than any I have ever encountered. The family dynamics, the bonds of affection shared between parents, children, and friends were all too familiar. This family mirrored my own. From holiday gatherings to Sunday dinners, KA’s depiction of the Italian – American lifestyle was remarkably beautiful. Theresa, the matriarch who is the glue that holds them all together. Vinnie Senior, a man who guides his children and loves them despite their faults – a man of virtue and honor. My feelings for them were so strong, as they embodied characteristics of my own parents. Needless to say, this story ran the gamut of deep emotions for me.

And of course there’s the food. KA has the gift of making me extremely hungry and horny all at the same time. She has the knack of evoking some pretty powerful urges ;)

The Promise was a magnificently written, moving love story that left me blissfully happy. Discovering new characters, visiting some old friends and an attention grabbing storyline made it a fantastic experience that I never wanted to end. I hope you enjoy The Promise as much as I have. Another great heart warming, arousing romance from the amazing Kristen Ashley. Bravo e Grazie Bellisma!

The Promise is the fifth book in The Burg series from Kristen Ashely. However, it can be read as a stand alone. When I was asked to join this tour though I went and read the entire series and I'm so thankful I did because The Burg is now one of my favorite series of all time.

In this book, we meet Frankie and Benny. We first meet them in the book At Peace but in this book they are the focus. I must be honest that Cal and Vi are my favorite from this series for many reason but Frankie and Benny are a very close second. I just knew that their story would be awesome and it totally was!

Frankie is healing from being shot in the stomach and Benny is there to help her, despite the fact that she doesn't want his help. See Frankie use to go out with Benny's late brother and she was blamed for a lot of crap that she didn't do so she's not so thrilled that she's stuck in Ben's house. He's family had treated really badly and she's hurt by their rejection. So to be with Benny means having to face them and she doesn't want to forgive them because she's so scared she'll lose them again.

However, it doesn't take Benny long to convince Frankie to give him and his family a second chance. Now, there is some drama but this story is really about how Frankie falls in love with Benny and how he gets her to admit she scared of her feelings for him.

The are so good together and funny. I laughed and cried with this book but mostly I was swooning over how awesome Benny was. You will love this book.

Kristen Ashley writes alpha like no other! She is like the QUEEN of alpha males. She's my go to author when I'm in a rut or just need a little pick me up. Each book she writes immediately pulls me into the story and I tend to be grouchy from a lack of sleep whenever I start one of her books. The Promise is just another example of how awesome she is!

Pick up this book you won't be disappointed!

This author rocks. Each and every one of her books totally ROCK!!! Highly recommend anything written by this author. All of her books are sexy, fun, and totally enjoyable. Each series is well worth the read!!!

Our reviews (Jenna & Lea - aka Click Chicks Book Blog):

JENNA’S REVIEW -
A story about losing everything you hold dear, only to get it all back even better than you imagined it could ever be.

Francesca ‘Frankie’ Concetti loved one man in her life, Vinnie Bianchi, or so she thought. That was until she lost him to the mob and his family who she considered her own, blamed her for it. One night she made a mistake she would never forgive herself for. She came on to her lost love’s younger brother, Benny and her already crumbling world turned upside down when she realized these feelings she carried for him were far from fleeting.

Benito ‘Benny’ Bianchi hasn’t forgotten about Frankie either, even after seven years of trying. When she enters into his life again during an intense family situation, he saves her life and swears he isn’t going to let her get away again.

But her past with Vinnie isn’t something Frankie is ready to let go of. Even though he’s been gone seven years, she still can’t forgive herself for leaving him to walk his deadly path and refuses to accept the love and forgiveness the Bianchi’s are offering her. Including, and most importantly, from Benny.

“Because, for some fool reason, you’re denyin’ yourself somethin’ you want.” He shook his head. “No, somethin’ you need. Somethin’ I’m handin’ you and you refuse to reach out and take it.”

~~~

Kristen Ashley has once again dragged me along on her bumpy ride, full of emotion and drama, romance and passion, laughter and a lot of tears.
The story was one I, once again with Ashley, couldn’t put down.

I fell in love with Benny the instant I met him in an earlier novel from The ‘Burg series called “At Peace”. He’s a badass, possessive Italian guy from Chicago who took over his father’s Italian restaurant, making divine pizza pies and breaking the hearts of women who want him as he goes. A good man who wants more in life than the one he’s been living. He’s ready to settle down and he knows exactly WHO he wants to do this with. His dead brother’s girl, Frankie Concetti. However, trying to convince Frankie of this plan of his proved quite the struggle. It wasn’t that she didn’t want him. She actually couldn’t remember a time when she didn’t love Benny, but he was and always would be Vinnie’s younger brother and she couldn’t accept acting out on that betrayal.

Throughout the book, Frankie learns to accept the overwhelming amount of love and protection Benny offers her and finally realizes leaving the past in the past is the best thing for everyone involved.

I loved the journey I took with Frankie and Benny through this process. At times I wanted to strangle her for fighting what was obviously the best thing she could have hoped for, but, without that struggle, I wouldn’t have enjoyed the final outcome as much. I’m sure Frankie and Benny would agree.

The entire series was a fabulous read and, although THE PROMISE could be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning.

With so MANY great characters from the books I wouldn’t want you to miss out on a single one of them!

LEA’S REVIEW -
The Promise starts off immediately with Frankie Concetti having been shot. Kristen immediately paints a picture of the Francesca that’s everyone’s initially familiar with. A woman who feels she need nor deserve anyone’s pity and attention. Her feeling this way is shown in how she reacts to the Bianchi family visiting her in the hospital. She fights their attentive and caring displays of affection by pretending she doesn’t see it happening.

This isn’t lost on Benny Bianchi. Throughout the book, it is Benny who seems to know Frankie more than she knows herself. It is Benny who has a clue about her. The extreme patience he displays is impressive. With Frankie he gives her time to heal and time to sort things out in her head after the ordeal she went through running through the forest, getting shot, and saving Violet.

The pace in the first third of the book was slow, but understandably so. Frankie is recovering from a gun shot wound to the stomach. Benny had no part of her life for seven years after Vinnie, Jr,’s passing. Benny needed time as well to realize that he and his family shunned Frankie when she didn’t deserve it. Having said that, it’s understandable why the Bianchis needed to be a presence in the first third of this book and that the pace needed to catch up with seven years of the Bianchis out of Frankie’s life.

Now, Frankie may have started off still afraid of loving and feeling she deserved love. All her life, she was the one who took care of her family. She was afraid of loving so much only having to lose it all, so she does not allow herself to have love from Benny in the beginning.

However, the one thing throughout the whole book that was consistent about Frankie was two dominating traits and that was the goodness in her and her ability to forgive without conditions or grudges. Her forgiveness towards the Bianchi family, after them shunning her and making her feel that Vinnie’s death was her fault is nothing short of pure goodness. This is what I love about Frankie the most.

Even through Frankie’s insecurities to let herself fall in love with Benny, Benny sticks through it all. Talk about the ultimate an alpha, hot, sexy, possessive male and top that off with him being patient. I did admire that he was truthful in sharing that he had limits and expectations, thus not being such a softie when it came to Frankie. Proof that these two balanced each other out. He gave her time and time is what she needed. I admired him for that.

What I also enjoyed was the sense of family throughout this novel. Kristen reinforced that sense with Frankie and Bianchi family making amends. She also reinforced it with Frankie and her sister Cat and Benny played a huge role in that as well.

The last half of the book picks up pace. I loved the added tension between Benny and Frankie. Frankie’s reluctance and her fear. Benny’s persistence through patience and a certain scene where “the birds had a Merry Christmas” was classic. I live for tense moments like that from a book. Also, the development of their relationship is so finely tuned, detailed, and supported through events and situations such as the back and forth driving from one city to another, the fact that Frankie is a “drama magnet” for trouble, and the fact that a mob boss and his family care a heck of a lot about Frankie and treat her like family.

Hence, there’s a dominating theme occurring and that it family. Family is who is there and sticks by you and your mistakes, big and small. It’s about forgiveness within the family and embracing the growth of families as people come and go and new ones are born into it. It isn’t just about a blood connection. It’s also about relationships outside of family and embracing those people into the family as well. It’s also about realizing that there is only so much you can do to help care for certain member of the family who are lost and who need to find their own way out of being lost. It’s also about passing something of value on to the next generation.

In the heart of it all are Benny and Frankie. The love that wasn’t immediate, but slowly cultivated through tension, drama, push and pull is a love that is so heartfelt. Kristen does a splendid job describing Benny and Frankie’s affection towards each other whether it be a hand at the back of a neck, or a forehead dipping to lean on a chest. These are the details in Kristen’s writing that truly make her unique in capturing a simple act, a simple gesture or moment in time and making it meaningful. These details are throughout the whole books proving that it’s the intimate actions of characters that truly display their personalities to us and not so much what they say in dialogue.

I have to add a quote that pretty much sums up the genuineness and awesomeness that is Benny and Frankie and how far Frankie has come from the darkness of her past:

“Every day is a new promise, Ben,” I told him sharply. “Every night I go to sleep knowin’ it’s a promise, every day I wake knowin’ in some way it’s gonna be fulfilled. And repeat. For…hopefully…ever.”

Before I share my review...

I have to thank my fellow escapism reading friends on Goodreads who introduced me to the world of Kristen Ashley's stories. If I could hug you, I would, and some of you I have. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! From the bottom of my heart... I can't imagine not having the beauty of Kristen Ashley's stories in my life.

My review...

If you're like me and love to read, and you wake up in the morning looking forward to the stolen moments throughout the day you'll be able to get lost in a story, you know exactly what I mean when I say that when you're in a reading slump, it's almost painful to get out of bed some days.

Do. Not. Judge me - yes, I said painful - and sadly, that's where I've often found myself lately. So when I heard my iPad `ding' with a `you've got mail' notification and I saw that my blog had been approved for an ARC of The Promise, I nearly wept with joy because reading a Kristen Ashley story is one of the most exciting, comforting, beautiful things I can think of.

And The Promise has given me exactly that. Excitement, comfort, and beauty. Start to finish, first word to the last, I fell in love with Frankie and Benny.

An added benefit, as if any Kristen Ashley book needs something more to make it shine, spending time with Joe, Vi, and the girls... the icing on top of the icing on this already scrumptious cake!

Blithely Bookish Reviews was given an eARC of The Promise, and in return I'm giving the author an honest review... honestly, it is wonderful!

Been re-reading KA books for the last few weeks waiting for this one to come out. It did not disappoint. Kristen has this amazing ability to suck you in to her characters lives'. I haven't found another author that consistently delivers a slam dunk, that keeps me wondering what the characters are up to long after the last page. I love that we get to revisit the deliciousness of former characters in new stories, it's like a family reunion.

Kristen Ashley is one of three authors I 1- click without previewing. She delivers every time.

I'm just wondering how long she has before some of these are made into TV shows. Now that's something I could get into.

Loved, loved, loved Frankie & Benny!! Kristin never disappoints, I can buy her books with my eyes closed and know I am getting a great read. It was fun catching up with old friends from The 'Burg and I can't wait to read Cheryl n Merry's story.......

I didnt hate it, I didnt love it......it was a a let down. I've loved and reread every other Burg series book but id be perfectly fine never seeing this one again. It felt like things were thrown in just because they're usually in a KA book even if they didn't work in this book. I didn't feel that Ben and Frankie had all that much chemistry. Wish I'd checked it out from the library.

I am heartbroken over the turn this story took. WHY KRISTEN?!?!?! You had such fantastic characters laid out in AT Peace and you chose to turn them into this?!?!?!? It's almost like you thought "All my readers want Frankie and Benny's story to go a certain way so let me write the opposite of that!!" I DID NOT LIKE IT (stomping my foot like a 2 year old)

Benito Bianchi is the man and Frankie can Totally sit there with Indy and Ally as a Rock Chick. I dont know what some of these others are reading but MY QUEEN KA can do no wrong and boy did she get it right with these two!!! 5 stars, 2 thumbs up and a whole lota Benny Love!!!!!

I wanted so badly to like this book.

I had been waiting such a long time. I read the sample chapters and adored them. I reread the Benny and Frankie parts in At Peace and I one-clicked the moment it came on sale. I'm a loyal Kristen Ashley reader. Every single book. Multiple times.

This has become my 2nd ever Kristen Ashley DNF (the other was Golden Trail) it was just so BORING. I got to 70% after two days when I found myself skipping pages and looking at the percentage I had read wondering why this book just wouldn't end!!!

I have high standards for Kristen Ashley. Because the woman can freaking WRITE. When she's on her game we get, in my opinion, modern masterpieces of the genre- like Sweet Dreams and Motorcycle Man. Books with characters that stay with you. Heroines you'd love to be friends with, heroes who make you swoon, amazing secondary characters you totally get and plots that keep you turning pages because that crack is like no other.

But this?

I liked Frankie a lot. I liked Benny a lot. He was a fab hero, hot and so sweet too. Sweeter than many other KA heroes. But honestly this book could have ended at about 20% because after that NOTHING HAPPENED. No tension, no drama, no plot. Just nothing. 500+ pages of nothing.

What a disappointment.

I DNF at 70% then read the predictable epilogue. There's just no plot here.

I never ever leave a review but I just had to for this. I DNF and RT the book which I some thing I rarely do. I love KA and most of her books but for me to wait so impatiently for a book and the h is a doormat is unreal especially in a KA book one of the reason I love her is because she usually has the perfect blend of fiesty and sweet. Not this book.I repeat i'm a huge fan but I'm a little hesitant to buy the next book if its going to be filled with fillers and weak women

I was eager to read this, couldn't WAIT to get another KA read under my belt. But this was disappointing. Very boring and wayyyyyy too long. I found myself falling asleep and skipping chapters. KA is an awesome author, but this one just didn't cut it for me.

I agree with other reviews, this was not a great KA book. I love all of her books, but this one was so hard to read. I read about 60% of it and then skipped to the end. I had pre-ordered it. I was excited to read it, but I just could finish it.