Tomorrow's Promise

Romance #4

by Radclyffe

Adrienne Pierce, buffeted by fate and abandoned by love, seeks refuge from her past as well as her uncertain future on Whitley Point, a secluded island off the coast of Maine. Tanner Whitley―young, wild, restless―and heir to a dynasty, desperately tries to escape both her destiny and the memories of a tragic loss with casual sex and wild nights, a dangerous course that may ultimately destroy her. One timeless summer, these two very different women discover the power of passion to heal―and the promise of hope that only love can bestow.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Fiction, Lesbian Romance, Fiction, Drama

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Radclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.

She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”

Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.

Reviews

[Harrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Did you ever feel like there was something you wanted, but you didn’t know what it was?”

The whole book is filled with beautiful and pensive quotes. Now I get why everyone loves Radclyffe. I picked it for romance but I got much more. Of course the romance was great but it was their conversations that got to me. I have been feeling rudderless lately and it was like Tanner put my feelings into words. The book had such a melancholic atmosphere and a scene that made me cry my eyes out. Adrienne's self sacrificial attitude could be frustrating at times. Thank God, it was a happy ending.

[Arn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always have trouble connecting with characters in Radclyffe books. Her stories seem to be more about lust rather than love. She does really well with descriptions of physical attraction but fails to properly develop emotional connection. It's an afterthought. There's a lot of telling, they love each other or so the author writes but I'm not feeling it. All I know is that they want to fuck each time they see each other and most of the time they do. I value emotion more than physical attraction so I can't give this more than 2.4 stars.

Author describes hooking up with a new girl each night as "making love". Physical pleasure=/=love. I've read erotica books that are emotionally deeper, not to mention having far better sex scenes.

Can't recommend this one.

[Joc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the book I hoped would be uplifting as a good, easy-to-read romance. Adrienne and Tanner have appeared in the Honor Series so there was never any doubt as to the HEA but it wasn't an easy journey. Tanner is out of control and indulging in alcohol, drugs and women to fill the constant emptiness she feels. Adrienne hires a house on Whitley Island, Tanner's family's island, for six months as an escape from her life. She wants to be alone but Tanner's recklessness draws her in.

Tomorrow's Promise has the Radclyffe hallmarks of passion, desire and a couple who are meant for each other but they were miserable, it climaxed too soon and left nothing for the ending.

I don't know why, but the whole book felt cold, windy and rainy and weirdly, it was set in summer.

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we are talking - Radclyffe back to her best - what she does so well - tell an excellent story with believable characters and reactions - no messing with her! Good to have the real Radclyffe back (after Shadowland.)

[Les Rêveur · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Synopsis

Adrienne Pierce has had her life turned upside down. She wants a break from the craziness of the past year and decides to make her way to Whitley Point for the summer.

Tanner Whitley is the heir to the Whitley dynasty. She’s a ladies Woman that is reckless with her life with drugs and alcohol to forget the tragic death of her hero, her father. Getting lost on each other was never the plan but what happens when he summer ends?


My Review

I actually loved this book. It is why Radclyffe is one of my favourite Lesfic Romance Authors. She has a way of making you feel your part of the story.

The attraction between Adrienne and Tanner is so thick you can see it. I love the way Tanner is with life but when it comes to Adrienne she’s only reckless with her heart. She loves her openly and freely. She tells Adrienne how she feels straight away which I wasn’t expecting. I thought it would be Adrienne who would be this way and Tanner be more protective of her feeling but it was a nice change of pace.

The sex scenes where extremely hot and I liked the added insecurities it brought to the surface especially for Adrienne.

I found myself being swept up in the novel and haven’t quite come back from it yet.

Loved it. 4.5 stars

Check out my blog: https://lesreveur.com/2016/10/08/tomo...

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a romance novel. All the head butting, but I want her, lust and can't have her, but still want her formula. Radclyffe writes it well and I really like Adrienne and Tanner and enjoy the picture Radclyffe paints of the two so well. But it is a formula following romance novel. It's not bad and makes a nice read. Enjoy.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again!

This is a spin off from the Honor series where Radclyffe lets you get to know her characters more. Intimately. Tanner is Blair's school friend who she turns to in desperate situation. But learning about Tanner is really nice as it gives you some background giving the characters more depth. It is a great story and it's funny, serious and captivating. I loved the book. Worth reading especially if you've read the Honor series.

[Dide · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short entertaining read for me but also dissapointed by some of the delivery. For instance Adrienne's revelation was shallow compared to the mounted suspense, then there's Adrienne ogling Tanner at the verge of death that was not an imagination i wanted to reflect on. Also the romance seemed sensible but it lacked substance in that deep romantic way I anticipate from a Radclyffe novel.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typically great Radclyffe story.

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure how Radclyffe does it from a short story to a full book she is always keeping at the edge. I love the way her characters interact between them, their chemistry, their love scenes. I am so huge fan of her books. I am looking forward to read more of her books.

[Tina Taylor]

I liked this story. I really liked Adrianne and Tanner together. As with most of Radclyffe's books they have great chemistry, the story is well written, a very good read.

[Brooklyn Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not certain why I waited so long to read this book. I had always admired Tanner Whitley from the Honor Series, and although her relationship with Adrienne had not really been touched on there, this novel did not disappoint on that score. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Tanner's character, the development of her deep moods and reckless behavior so typical of Radclyffe in her writing. It was disturbing at times, infuriating as well, especially after the introduction of Adrienne into the mix. Adrienne's character troubled me a bit, perhaps because of the introduction of a breast cancer survivor and all the emotional baggage that usually entails. The way that all unfolded was refreshing and even enjoyable as the author explored a few of the sparse sexual encounters put forth in the book. It wasn't the typical Radclyffe erotica, with sex being the pervading theme throughout; rather it was a well thought out romance with brief interludes of intimacy. Refreshing. Of course there was the somewhat formulaic separation of the two mains, which resulted in each of them wanting the other that much more.
All in all it was a very enjoyable read, one I would highly recommend. If I ever read the Honor Series again, and I may just, with the next installment arriving out in the fall, I will think more fondly of Tanner and Adrienne for having read this book.

[Miriam Cortez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished another amazing book by Radclyffe.! And the most amazing part about it was that when i first bought it i didn't look thru the pages but when i started reading i found the most amazing thing in it. Not only was it an amazing book but it was also signed by the Radclyffe her self. Even if it wasn't dedicated to me its amazing to know i have a signed book by her.!! It was well told and had an amazing way pf connecting two people who would have never thought were attracted to one another. I like how Tanner calms down after finding Adriana, how a navy solder helps her see that theirs more to life then living on the edge and living dangerous. That there is always a bigger meaning to life then what we see when where alone. I cant compare it to Fated Love because there two differnt books but both are amazing and i love them.!! Amazing book in all

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I ever read by Rad and I still love everything about this book. Tanner and Adrienne made such a sweet couple and I really enjoy how different the two were. Tanner was kind of this spoiled rich kid who just couldn't get herself together and she falls in love with a Navy officer who is trying to figure out how to cope and overcome something devastating that happened to her.

The best thing about Rad if that her books are never focused on coming out stories or anything of the cliche LGBT+ tropes. Its always about two strong, capable and usually highly successful women coming together and finding love despite whatever craziness life is throwing at them. And I just love it. She shows that love stories about two women can be just that, love stories. Of course, she's also adept at writing some pretty steamy sex scenes and who doesn't love that.

[P. CLIFFORD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

Have been reading a number of Radclyffe's books. Have enjoyed most of them. She does wounded characters well. Dealing with the after effects of breast cancer is brave and timely. Love her characters. Some have accused her of being formulaic, but so are most romance writers. At least she does it well! I read to escape and when I can immerse myself into a good story, I consider the author's done his job. Always with Radclyffe. This is what I want to read as a lesbian!

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional read with real people with real problems. The read hooked me because of how the characters were described (their internal struggle) and the beauty of the island. Adrienne Pierce serious illness as well as relationship issues. Tanner Whitley, heir to the Whitley fortune with emotional issues as well as who am I and who do I want to be issues. Much sexual energy and will she or will she not commit.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another oldie but goodie. Beautiful book. I love Adrienne and Tanner. Both are broken, Tanner from the fight and loss of her father and Adrienne from the betrayal of her body and the losses the cancer brought. The passion and love they end up finding in each other helps to heal those hurt and broken places inside them.

I also love the little updates we get on Tanner and Adrienne in the Honor series. It’s so great to see them still deeply in love, healthy, thriving, and married.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent standalone love story, and if you have read Radclyffe's Honor series you will recognise the main characters, Tanner Whitley and Adrienne Pearce. They play only a small part in the Honor books to date, but Tomorrow's Promise shows how they met and fell in love.

[BrutallyHonest · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly should be tagged all smut, no plot.


Also tired of authors confusing ~unhealthy coping mechanisms and insecurities~ for passion. No. Passion does not need to come from a dark, deep broken place.

[Mayra Luria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Radclyffe

If you have never read this authors work then you have been missing some of the best lesbian fiction written. This is a beautiful romance, with engaging and complex characters, and as with all her books, I couldn’t put it down.

[Katerina Patrou · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a great love story. With many turns and twists loved it.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this couple. They were a small but amazing part of the Honor Series and I am glad I finally got to read their story.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love Tanner

[Lee-Anne Coetzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scoring Criteria - Chemistry (3.5) – Story (3) – Characters (3.5) – Entertainment (3) – Scene (3). Steaminess level 2. Overall rating 3.6*

This is book no.4 of Radclyffe’s Romance series. I am a bit bias when it comes to Radclyffe because I adore her books and her characters. But I will try to stay impartial. (FYI this book gives background to characters present in Radclyffe’s Honor series.)

Tanner Whitley comes from old money and has no interest in working in her family’s company. She turns to drugs, parties, and sex to fill the void of losing her father and succumbing under the pressures of being the last Whitley heir. While on summer holiday on Whitley Island she is awakened from a drunken stupor on the beach by Adrienne Pierce.

Adrienne Pierce came to the island to run away from her life. She is a Navy Commander on medical leave. All she wants to do this summer is read, exercise and be close to the beach. The ocean is the only place she feels at peace. Meeting Tanner brings conflicting emotions of her unresolved passed and her undetermined future.

Both characters have very real and raw stories. It is beautiful and sad how we experience trauma in life and how that can change us. Will Tanner and Adrienne add to their trauma or will they help each other to heal?

Follow me @les.bi.ann.read.it

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I was surprised to read about that a main character had breast cancer; This is the first book that I have read that has addressed this subject, and I thought it was handled well. I did, however, find myself frustrated with Adrienne's actions on a few occasions. I hated that she kept pulling away from Tanner. (Her logic is explained to the reader, but not to Tanner.) I also felt like Tanner let her off the hook too easily toward the end of the book. I was also left a little confused regarding how Adrienne's other relationship ended, as it wasn't addressed. That being said, this was a good read. I always like it when love wins in the end. Radclyffe did a great job describing Whitley Point! Would be a great island to get away to.

[Nyki Mancera · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much angst…

It was truly a great read. Tanner at times seemed more mature about love, never having been in love than her older lover Adrienne. They were both due a lovely, deep and longing sort of love that only Radclyffe can seem to write. She has an amazing way of describing the things that are hard to articulate like love, emotions, feelings and etc. The love scenes are quite tangible and I am always looking forward to reading about that expression of love.

[Dalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartache-ly beautiful. I can’t quite forgive the end, but...gah!

[Rey Hawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

not my favorite. 3.5

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

i will never get tired of reading radclyffe’s books. this was another incredible story that i’ll be thinking about for months.

[Kayla Brahm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, emotional romance that stays with you. Tomorrow’s Promise is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant love story that showcases the author’s talent for blending heartfelt romance with deep, character-driven storytelling. From the very first page, the connection between the leads feels genuine and compelling, drawing you into their world with an intimacy that’s both tender and intense.
Intelligent dialogue, strong yet vulnerable characters, and emotional nuance is on full display here. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their personal journeys are layered with internal conflict, healing, and growth. The military backdrop adds depth and realism without overpowering the central love story. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about second chances, finding courage, and allowing yourself to hope again.